Sub-Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of Rhubarb Water Extracts Inhibit Streptococcus suis Biofilm Formation
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
Published on: July 1, 2018
Wen-Ya Ding1,2, Yan-Hua Li2, He Lian1
1Department of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical UniversityShenyang, China.
Abstract:
Streptococcus suis is one of the most important swine pathogens, which can cause persistent infection by forming biofilms. In this study, sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) of rhubarb water extracts were found to inhibit biofilm formation. Two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs), transcriptional regulators, and DNA binding proteins were compared under two conditions: (1) cells treated with sub-MIC rhubarb water extracts and (2) untreated cells. Using an isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) strategy, we found that TCSs constituent proteins of histidine kinase and response regulator were significantly down-regulated. This down-regulation can affect the transfer of information during biofilm formation. The transcriptional regulators and DNA binding proteins that can interact with TCSs and interrupt gene transcription were also significantly altered. For these reasons, the levels of protein expressions varied in different parts of the treated vs. untreated cells. In summary, rhubarb water extracts might serve as potential inhibitor for the control of S. suis biofilm formation. The change in TCSs, transcriptional regulators, and DNA binding proteins may be important factors in S. suis biofilm inhibition.
Insights
Sub-minimum concentrations of rhubarb extract inhibit Streptococcus suis biofilm formation by altering key proteins involved in cell communication and gene regulation. This suggests rhubarb as a potential natural agent against persistent swine infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- *Streptococcus suis* is a significant swine pathogen.
- *S. suis* infections can persist due to biofilm formation.
- Biofilms contribute to the recalcitrance of *S. suis* infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of rhubarb water extracts on *S. suis* biofilm formation.
- To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying rhubarb's anti-biofilm activity.
- To explore the potential of rhubarb as a natural inhibitor for *S. suis* biofilms.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of *S. suis* with sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) of rhubarb water extract.
- Proteomic analysis using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ).
- Comparison of protein expression profiles between treated and untreated *S. suis* cells.
Main Results:
- Sub-MIC rhubarb extract significantly inhibited *S. suis* biofilm formation.
- Key proteins in two-component signal transduction systems (TCSs), including histidine kinase and response regulator, were down-regulated.
- Alterations were observed in transcriptional regulators and DNA binding proteins, impacting gene transcription.
Conclusions:
- Rhubarb water extracts show potential as natural inhibitors of *S. suis* biofilm formation.
- The down-regulation of TCSs and alterations in transcriptional regulators/DNA binding proteins are crucial mechanisms for rhubarb's anti-biofilm effect.
- Targeting these molecular pathways could offer novel strategies for controlling *S. suis* persistence.
More Related Videos
10:17Methodologies for Studying B. subtilis Biofilms as a Model for Characterizing Small Molecule Biofilm Inhibitors
Published on: October 9, 2016
08:20Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries
Published on: March 31, 2021
