Abstract
Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is an essential enzyme for all living organisms since is the responsible for the last step in the synthesis of the four deoxyribonucleotides (dNTPs) necessary for DNA replication and repair. In this work, we have investigated the expression of the three-RNR classes (Ia, Ib and III) during Escherichia coli biofilm formation. We show the temporal and spatial importance of class Ib and III RNRs during this process in two different E. coli wild-type strains, the commensal MG1655 and the enteropathogenic and virulent E2348/69, the prototype for the enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). We have established that class Ib RNR, so far considered cryptic, play and important role during biofilm formation. The implication of this RNR class under the specific growth conditions of biofilm formation is discussed.
Highlights
Escherichia coli biofilm development is a complex molecular process that involves a large number of genetic factors and genes
Biofilm formation is underlying catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), and the various types of diarrhea caused by enterohemorrhagic, enteroinvasive and enteroaggregative E. coli
In this work we have used two different E. coli wild-type strains: the commensal MG1655 [16] and the enteropathogenic (EPEC) and virulent E2348/69 [17], this latter being the prototype for the enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) E. coli strains involved in human disease and that still remains as the leading cause of infantile diarrhea in developing countries
Summary
Escherichia coli biofilm development is a complex molecular process that involves a large number of genetic factors and genes. E. coli class Ib (nrdE) and class III (nrdD) RNR genes are key enzymes in biofilm formation
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