Suicide and fratricide in bacterial biofilms.
Bacterial autolysis has recently been identified as a key mechanism that regulates different phases of biofilm development including microcolony formation and dispersal. However such autolytic measures are limited to a subfraction of cells within the entire biofilm population. Here we speculate on the role biofilm heterogeneity plays in limiting autolysis within biofilms and further describe the molecular regulation of suicidal and fratricidal mechanisms in biofilm development of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis.
Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA.
Vinai Chittezham
VC
Thomas
Lynn E
LE
Hancock
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D001433:Bacteriolysis; D018441:Biofilms; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000378:metabolism; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009238:N-Acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine Amidase / Q000378:metabolism; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D009238:N-Acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine Amidase