Surface-Shaving Proteomics of Mycobacterium marinum Identifies Biofilm Subtype-Specific Changes Affecting Virulence, Tolerance, and Persistence
Kirsi Savijoki, Henna Myllymäki, Hanna Luukinen, Lauri Paulamäki, Leena-Maija Vanha-aho, Aleksandra Svorjova, Ilkka Miettinen, Adyary Fallarero, Teemu O. Ihalainen, Jari Yli‐Kauhaluoma, Tuula A. Nyman, Mataleena Parikka
Abstract
Mycobacteria are naturally resilient, and mycobacterial infections are notoriously difficult to treat with antibiotics, with biofilm formation being the main factor complicating the successful treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The present study shows that nontuberculous Mycobacterium marinum ATCC 927 forms submerged- and pellicle-type biofilms with lichen- and ribbon-like structures, respectively, as well as persister cells under the same conditions. We show that both biofilm subtypes differ in terms of virulence-, tolerance-, and persistence-conferring activities, highlighting the fact that both subtypes should be targeted to maximize the power of antimycobacterial treatment therapies.