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Kinetic Visualization of Single-Cell Interspecies Bacterial Interactions
Published on: August 5, 2020
Interspecies interactions in dual-species biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans: Phenotypic
Jing Dong1, Lin Zhu1, Xin Tian1
1College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, 306 Zhaowuda Road, Saihan District, Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia Province, China.
Abstract:
In the dairy processing and clinical medical environments, Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus can coexist on the surfaces of equipment or medical devices, forming difficult-to-eradicate dual-species biofilms that exacerbate dairy spoilage and clinical co-infections. However, the interaction mechanism between these two microorganisms are still unclear. This study employed a combined approach of phenotypic analysis (crystal violet staining, colony counting, XTT reduction assay, extracellular polymer (EPS) quantification, and optical microscopy) coupled with dual transcriptomics and RT-qPCR validation to systematically analyze the interaction mechanism of the co-culture of the two species. The results revealed that there is an antagonistic effect between C. albicans and S. aureus. This is mainly manifested as: compared with the single-species biofilm, the dual-species biofilm exhibited significantly reduced biomass, cell counts, metabolic activity, and EPS content, along with a notably looser biofilm structure. RNA-seq analysis further demonstrated that in S. aureus, pathways related to quorum sensing, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism were suppressed, whereas in C. albicans, the MAPK signaling pathway, autophagy regulation, and energy metabolism were significantly downregulated. This study provides a molecular theoretical basis for the development of anti-biofilm agents in food co-colonization environments and for the intervention of clinical co-infections.
Insights
Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus form weaker dual-species biofilms with reduced biomass and activity. This antagonism, involving suppressed quorum sensing and metabolic pathways, offers targets for anti-biofilm strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biofilm formation
- Medical mycology and bacteriology
Background:
- Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus coexist in dairy and clinical settings.
- Dual-species biofilms are difficult to eradicate, causing spoilage and co-infections.
- The interaction mechanisms between these species remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically analyze the interaction mechanism of co-cultured C. albicans and S. aureus.
- To investigate the impact of co-culture on biofilm formation and microbial physiology.
- To identify molecular targets for anti-biofilm interventions.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic analyses including crystal violet staining, colony counting, XTT reduction assay, EPS quantification, and optical microscopy.
- Dual transcriptomics (RNA-seq) to analyze gene expression changes in both species.
- RT-qPCR validation of RNA-seq findings.
Main Results:
- An antagonistic interaction was observed between C. albicans and S. aureus.
- Dual-species biofilms showed significantly reduced biomass, cell counts, metabolic activity, and EPS content compared to single-species biofilms.
- Transcriptomic analysis revealed suppressed quorum sensing and metabolic pathways in S. aureus, and downregulated MAPK signaling, autophagy, and energy metabolism in C. albicans.
Conclusions:
- The co-culture of C. albicans and S. aureus results in an antagonistic interaction, leading to weaker biofilms.
- Specific molecular pathways are differentially regulated in each species during co-culture.
- Findings provide a molecular basis for developing anti-biofilm agents for food and clinical applications.
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