A Bacterial Inflammation Sensor Regulates c-di-GMP Signaling, Adhesion, and Biofilm Formation
Arden Perkins, Dan Tudorica, Raphael Dias Teixeira, Tilman Schirmer, Lindsay Zumwalt, O. Maduka Ogba, C. Keith Cassidy, Phillip J. Stansfeld, Karen Guillemin
Abstract
Immune cells are well equipped to eliminate invading bacteria, and one of their primary tools is the synthesis of bleach, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the same chemical used as a household disinfectant. In this work, we present findings showing that many host-associated bacteria possess a bleach-sensing protein that allows them to adapt to the presence of this chemical in their environment. We find that the bacterium Escherichia coli responds to bleach by hunkering down and producing a sticky matrix known as biofilm, which helps it aggregate and adhere to surfaces. This behavior may play an important role in pathogenicity for E. coli and other bacteria, as it allows the bacteria to detect and adapt to the weapons of the host immune system.