Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes the skin and mucosal surfaces of mammals. Persistent staphylococcal infections often involve surface-associated communities called biofilms. Here we report the discovery of a novel extracellular fibril structure that promotes S. aureus biofilm integrity. Biochemical and genetic analysis has revealed that these fibers have amyloid-like properties and consist of small peptides called phenol soluble modulins (PSMs). Mutants unable to produce PSMs were susceptible to biofilm disassembly by matrix degrading enzymes and mechanical stress. Previous work has associated PSMs with biofilm disassembly, and we present data showing that soluble PSM peptides disperse biofilms while polymerized peptides do not. This work suggests the PSMs' aggregation into amyloid fibers modulates their biological activity and role in biofilms.
Highlights
Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent of numerous diseases ranging from relatively benign skin conditions to fatal systemic infections
We demonstrate that S. aureus produces extracellular fibers in multicellular biofilm communities, and that these fibers help the bacterial community to withstand physical stresses
These fibers consist of small peptides called phenol soluble modulins (PSMs) that have previously been implicated in biofilm disassembly and virulence
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent of numerous diseases ranging from relatively benign skin conditions to fatal systemic infections. Formation of bacterial biofilms on host tissues and implanted materials contributes to chronic S. aureus infections, as biofilms are exceptionally resistant to host immune response and chemotherapies [1]. We examined how growth media affects the composition of the biofilm matrix. This led to the discovery of an extracellular fibril structure in S. aureus biofilms grown in a nonstandard rich media. These fibers share morphological and biophysical characteristics with functional bacterial amyloids such as curli in Escherichia coli biofilms, TasA of Bacillus subtilis, and the Fap fimbriae in Pseudomonas aeruginosa [13,14,15,16]. Mutants incapable of producing PSMs formed biofilms that were susceptible to disassembly by enzymatic degradation and mechanical stress
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
