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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
10:05
Bile Salt-induced Biofilm Formation in Enteric Pathogens: Techniques for Identification and Quantification
Published on: May 6, 2018
Biofilm dispersion in Enterococcus faecalis is mediated by nutrient step-change and intra-species signaling
Nermin Mohamed1, David M Lam1, Marian Abdikarin1
1Binghamton Biofilm Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, Binghamton University, SUNY, Binghamton NY 13902 USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|June 4, 2026
Summary
Enterococcus faecalis dispersion, a key stage in biofilm life cycle, is triggered by nutrient changes and regulated by EpaOX. Dispersed cells regain antibiotic sensitivity, offering new treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Biofilm Formation
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen causing significant human infections.
- Biofilms enhance bacterial survival and tolerance to antibiotics.
- Biofilm dispersion mechanisms in E. faecalis remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the triggers and regulation of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm dispersion.
- To characterize the role of EpaOX in biofilm dispersion and cell adhesion.
- To assess the antibiotic sensitivity of dispersed E. faecalis cells.
Main Methods:
- Induction of biofilm dispersion using nutrient step-change and cell-free supernatant (CFS).
- Characterization of the glycosyltransferase epaOX and its role in dispersion.
- Assessment of dispersed cell adherence and antibiotic sensitivity.
- Analysis of CFS composition and functional restoration with specific sugars.
Main Results:
- Nutrient availability changes and CFS trigger rapid E. faecalis dispersion.
- The glycosyltransferase epaOX is essential for nutrient- and CFS-induced dispersion.
- Dispersed cells exhibit restored antibiotic sensitivity and high adherence.
- Galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine supplementation restore CFS-induced dispersion in epaOX mutants.
Conclusions:
- E. faecalis biofilm dispersion is a rapid process regulated by nutrient availability and specific bacterial factors.
- EpaOX plays a critical role in biofilm dispersion and the adhesive properties of dispersed cells.
- Targeting dispersion mechanisms could enhance antibiotic efficacy against E. faecalis infections.
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