Key Finding
Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism enabling the bacterium Bacillus cereus to form biofilms.
Mechanism Details
The mechanism involves three proteins: TasA, CalY, and CapP. CapP acts as a regulator, controlling the assembly of filamentous structures on the bacterial surface. This organized assembly forms a protective matrix that isolates the bacteria from environmental stresses, including antibiotics.
Adaptive Capacity
The study found that if this biofilm formation system fails, B. cereus can activate alternative protective mechanisms, such as extracellular DNA production or changes in mobility. This plasticity contributes to the difficulty of eradicating biofilms.
Publication
The research was published in Science Advances and conducted by the BacBio group at the University of Malaga and IHSM, in collaboration with the University of Bordeaux and CNRS. It is part of Ana Álvarez-Mena's doctoral thesis.