The Involvement of Cell-to-Cell Signals in the Development of a Bacterial Biofilm
David G. Davies,
Matthew R. Parsek,
James
P. Pearson,
Barbara H. Iglewski,
J. W. Costerton,
E. P. Greenberg
*
Bacteria in nature often exist as sessile communities called
biofilms. These communities develop structures that are morphologically and physiologically differentiated from free-living bacteria. A
cell-to-cell signal is involved in the development of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. A specific signaling mutant, a
lasI mutant, forms flat, undifferentiated biofilms that
unlike wild-type biofilms are sensitive to the biocide sodium dodecyl
sulfate. Mutant biofilms appeared normal when grown in the presence of
a synthetic signal molecule. The involvement of an intercellular signal
molecule in the development of P. aeruginosa biofilms
suggests possible targets to control biofilm growth on catheters, in
cystic fibrosis, and in other environments where P. aeruginosa biofilms are a persistent problem.
D. G. Davies and J. W. Costerton, Center for Biofilm
Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3980, USA.
M. R. Parsek and E. P. Greenberg, Department of Microbiology,
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
J. P. Pearson and B. H. Iglewski, Department of Microbiology
and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
*
To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
epgreen{at}blue.weeg.uiowa.edu
