Identification of signaling pathways, matrix-digestion enzymes, and motility components controlling <i>Vibrio cholerae</i> biofilm dispersal
Andrew A. Bridges, Chenyi Fei, Bonnie L. Bassler
Abstract
Significance The global pathogen Vibrio cholerae alternates between free swimming and existing in sessile multicellular communities known as biofilms. Transitioning between these lifestyles is key for disease transmission. V. cholerae biofilm formation is well studied; however, almost nothing is known about how V. cholerae cells disperse from biofilms, precluding our understanding of a central pathogenicity step. Here, we conducted an imaging screen for V. cholerae mutants that failed to disperse. Our screen revealed three classes of components required for dispersal: signal transduction, matrix degradation, and motility factors. We characterized these components to reveal the sequence of molecular events that choreograph V. cholerae biofilm dispersal. Our report provides a framework for developing strategies to modulate biofilm dispersal to prevent or treat disease.