Role of Proteus mirabilis flagella in biofilm formation. 2023

Paola Scavone, and Victoria Iribarnegaray, and María José González, and Nicolás Navarro, and Nicole Caneles-Huerta, and Jorge Jara-Wilde, and Steffen Härtel, and Pablo Zunino
Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo, Uruguay.

Proteus mirabilis(P. mirabilis) is a common etiological agent of urinary tract infections, particularly those associated with catheterization. P. mirabilis efficiently forms biofilms on different surfaces and shows a multicellular behavior called 'swarming', mediated by flagella. To date, the role of flagella in P. mirabilis biofilm formation has been under debate. In this study, we assessed the role of P. mirabilis flagella in biofilm formation using an isogenic allelic replacement mutant unable to express flagellin. Different approaches were used, such as the evaluation of cell surface hydrophobicity, bacterial motility and migration across catheter sections, measurements of biofilm biomass and biofilm dynamics by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy in static and flow models. Our findings indicate that P. mirabilis flagella play a role in biofilm formation, although their lack does not completely avoid biofilm generation. Our data suggest that impairment of flagellar function can contribute to biofilm prevention in the context of strategies focused on particular bacterial targets.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D011513 Proteus mirabilis A species of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria that is frequently isolated from clinical specimens. Its most common site of infection is the urinary tract.
D005407 Flagella A whiplike motility appendage present on the surface cells. Prokaryote flagella are composed of a protein called FLAGELLIN. Bacteria can have a single flagellum, a tuft at one pole, or multiple flagella covering the entire surface. In eukaryotes, flagella are threadlike protoplasmic extensions used to propel flagellates and sperm. Flagella have the same basic structure as CILIA but are longer in proportion to the cell bearing them and present in much smaller numbers. (From King & Stansfield, A Dictionary of Genetics, 4th ed) Flagellum
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D014552 Urinary Tract Infections Inflammatory responses of the epithelium of the URINARY TRACT to microbial invasions. They are often bacterial infections with associated BACTERIURIA and PYURIA. Infection, Urinary Tract,Infections, Urinary Tract,Tract Infection, Urinary,Tract Infections, Urinary,Urinary Tract Infection
D018441 Biofilms Encrustations formed from microbes (bacteria, algae, fungi, plankton, or protozoa) embedded in an EXTRACELLULAR POLYMERIC SUBSTANCE MATRIX that is secreted by the microbes. They occur on body surfaces such as teeth (DENTAL DEPOSITS); inanimate objects, and bodies of water. Biofilms are prevented from forming by treating surfaces with DENTIFRICES; DISINFECTANTS; ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS; and anti-fouling agents. Biofilm

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