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Alterations in the cell envelope composition of Proteus mirabilis during the development of swarmer cells
Abstract:
Long, swarming cells of Proteus mirabilis had different proportions of some lipopolysaccharide components when compared to short cells, either agar grown or broth grown. Fluorescence spectrophotometry of antibody binding, and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that the change was in the proportion of lipopolysaccharide with long O-antigenic sidechains, swarmer lipopolysaccharide relative to short sidechain lipopolysaccharide than the non-swarming cells. The proteins and phospholipids of the envelop remained the same during swarmer development. The results are discussed in relation to the increase in flagella synthesis and permeability to some antibacterial agents during swarmer development.
Insights
Proteus mirabilis swarming cells show altered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) composition, specifically more long O-antigenic sidechains. This change may influence flagella synthesis and bacterial permeability.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis exhibits swarming motility, a complex multicellular behavior.
- Cellular morphology changes during swarming, with cells elongating significantly.
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a crucial outer membrane component involved in bacterial structure and interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) composition during the swarmer development of Proteus mirabilis.
- To compare LPS from swarming (long) cells with non-swarming (short) cells.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from long swarming cells and short non-swarming cells.
- Utilized fluorescence spectrophotometry for antibody binding assays.
- Employed sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) for LPS component analysis.
Main Results:
- Swarming Proteus mirabilis cells displayed a higher proportion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with long O-antigenic sidechains compared to short cells.
- The relative proportion of swarmer LPS to short sidechain LPS was significantly different in long cells.
- Bacterial envelope proteins and phospholipids remained consistent during swarmer development.
Conclusions:
- The O-antigenic sidechain length of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is dynamically regulated during Proteus mirabilis swarming.
- These LPS alterations may contribute to increased flagella synthesis and enhanced permeability observed in swarmer cells.
- Understanding LPS changes is vital for comprehending swarming behavior and potential antimicrobial strategies.