A previously uncharacterized gene, yjfO (bsmA), influences Escherichia coli biofilm formation and stress response

• DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.031468-0
• Publication Date: 2009-11-03T22:52:21Z
• Authors: Mary M. Weber; Christa L. French; Mary B. Barnes; Deborah A. Siegele; Robert J. C. McLean
• Keywords: Strain (injury); Chemostat; rpoS

Bacteria growing as surface-adherent biofilms are better able to withstand chemical and physical stresses than their unattached, planktonic counterparts. Using transcriptional profiling quantitative PCR, we observed a previously uncharacterized gene, yjfO be upregulated during Escherichia coli MG1655 biofilm growth in chemostat on serine-limited defined medium. A mutant, developed through targeted-insertion mutagenesis, -complemented strain, were obtained for further characterization. While bacterial surface colonization levels (c.f.u. cm −2 ) similar all three strains, the mutant strain exhibited reduced microcolony formation when flow cells, greatly enhanced flagellar motility soft (0.3 %) agar. Complementation of restored wild-type levels. Cell hydrophobicity twitching unaffected by presence or absence . In contrast parent from less resist acid peroxide stresses. had no significant effect E. susceptibility alkali heat stress. Planktonic cultures strains showed responses these Regardless , withstood stress populations. viability following exposure stress, but did not restore resistance. Based its influence maturation response, effects motility, propose renaming bsmA ( b iofilm s tress m otility).