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The F-pilus biomechanical adaptability accelerates conjugative dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm

Jonasz B Patkowski1, Tobias Dahlberg2, Himani Amin1

  • 1MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.

Nature Communications
|April 5, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial F-pili are flexible yet robust, aided by phosphatidylglycerol, which enhances antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene spread and biofilm formation in harsh environments.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Structural Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Conjugation is a primary mechanism for bacteria to spread antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • Conjugative F-pili are essential for establishing cell-to-cell contact and transferring IncF plasmids, particularly in enteropathogenic bacteria.
  • Understanding F-pilus structure and function is crucial for combating AMR spread.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the structural properties of F-pili and their role in bacterial conjugation.
  • To determine how F-pilus structure contributes to its robustness and function under environmental stress.
  • To elucidate the contribution of phosphatidylglycerol to F-pilus stability and its impact on AMR dissemination.

Main Methods:

  • Biophysical techniques were employed to assess F-pilus flexibility and robustness.
  • Molecular dynamics simulations were used to model F-pilus structure and interactions.
  • The role of phosphatidylglycerol in F-pilus stability was investigated.

Main Results:

  • F-pili exhibit a unique combination of flexibility and robustness, enhancing resistance to stress.
  • Phosphatidylglycerol molecules are integral to the structural stability of the F-pilus polymer.
  • This structural stability is critical for efficient DNA transfer during conjugation and rapid biofilm formation.

Conclusions:

  • F-pilus structural adaptations, particularly the role of phosphatidylglycerol, are vital for the efficient spread of AMR genes.
  • The robust nature of F-pili supports biofilm formation, which confers protection against antibiotics.
  • Targeting F-pilus structure could be a strategy to inhibit AMR transmission and enhance antibiotic efficacy.

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