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Flagellum density regulates Proteus mirabilis swarmer cell motility in viscous environments

Hannah H Tuson1, Matthew F Copeland, Sonia Carey

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.

Journal of Bacteriology
|November 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Increased flagella density in Proteus mirabilis allows rapid movement in viscous fluids, aiding adaptation during urinary tract infections. This enhanced motility is crucial for pathogen survival and colonization.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pathogenesis
  • Bacterial Motility

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis is an opportunistic pathogen causing urinary tract infections.
  • During swarming, P. mirabilis exhibits increased cell length and flagellar density.
  • The adaptive advantage of these morphological changes in P. mirabilis during pathogenesis is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of increased flagellar density and cell length in P. mirabilis motility.
  • To determine how these morphological adaptations contribute to P. mirabilis's ability to navigate viscous environments.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of flagellar density and cell length between vegetative and swarming P. mirabilis cells.
  • Assessing motility of P. mirabilis in fluids of varying viscosity.
  • Overexpression of the flagellar master regulator FlhD(4)C(2) in vegetative cells to manipulate flagellar density.

Main Results:

  • Swarming P. mirabilis cells exhibited approximately 5 times higher flagellar surface density compared to vegetative cells.
  • Increased flagellar density significantly enhanced P. mirabilis motility in high-viscosity fluids.
  • Cell length showed a minimal impact on motility, while flagellar density strongly correlated with increased cell velocity.

Conclusions:

  • Higher flagellar density is a key adaptation enabling P. mirabilis to achieve rapid motility in viscous environments.
  • This enhanced motility is likely crucial for P. mirabilis colonization and survival during urinary tract infections and catheter-associated infections.

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