Transcriptional profiling of Legionella pneumophila biofilm cells and the influence of iron on biofilm formation

• DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.2007/008698-0
• Publication Date: 2008-01-03T04:48:13Z
• Authors: Thomas Hindré; Holger Brüggemann; Carmen Buchrieser; Yann Héchard
• Keywords: Legionella

In aquatic environments, biofilms constitute an ecological niche where Legionella pneumophila persists as sessile cells. However, very little information on the mode of life L. is currently available. We report here development a model biofilm strain Lens and first transcriptome analysis Global gene expression cells compared to two distinct populations planktonic revealed that substantial proportion genes differentially expressed, 2.3 % 2932 predicted exhibited at least twofold change in expression. Comparison with previous results defining profile replicative- transmissive-phase suggests resemble bacteria replicative phase. Further most strongly regulated identified induced clusters. One contains encode alkyl hydroperoxide reductases known act against oxidative stress. The second encodes proteins similar PvcA PvcB are involved siderophore biosynthesis Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Since iron has been reported modify formation other species, we further focused control formation. Among showing greatest differences between biofilm, only pvcA pvcB were by concentration. A ΔpvcA mutant showed no changes wild-type, suggesting product not mandatory for wild-type was clearly inhibited iron-rich conditions.