title: Mycobacterium biofilms: factors involved in development, dispersal, and therapeutic strategies against biofilm-relevant pathogens.
abstract: Many bacteria can develop biofilm (BF), a multicellular structure largely combining bacteria and their extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The formation of biofilm results in an alternative existence in which microbes ensure their survival in adverse environments. Biofilm-relevant infections are more persistent, resistant to most antibiotics, and more recalcitrant to host immunity. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, can develop biofilm, though whether M. tuberculosis can form biofilm within tuberculosis patients has yet to be determined. Here, we summarize the factors involved in the development and dispersal of mycobacterial biofilms, as well as underlying regulatory factors and inhibitors against biofilm to deepen our understanding of their development and to elucidate potential novel modes of action for future antibiotics. Key factors in biofilm formation identified as drug targets represent a novel and promising avenue for developing better antibiotics.
authors: Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, State Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Scien.
authors: Xiaohong
authors: X
authors: Xiang
authors: Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Enviroment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China.
authors: Wanyan
authors: W
authors: Deng
authors: Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, State Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Scien.
authors: Minqiang
authors: M
authors: Liu
authors: Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Enviroment and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, China.
authors: Jianping
authors: J
authors: Xie
mesh_terms: D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion / Q000502:physiology*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development*; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000378:metabolism; D006020:Glycopeptides / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D006020:Glycopeptides