Abstract
Biofilms are multicellular aggregates of sessile bacteria encased by an extracellular matrix and are important medically as a source of drug-resistant microbes. In Bacillus subtilis, we found that an operon required for biofilm matrix biosynthesis also encoded an inhibitor of motility, EpsE. EpsE arrested flagellar rotation in a manner similar to that of a clutch, by disengaging motor force-generating elements in cells embedded in the biofilm matrix. The clutch is a simple, rapid, and potentially reversible form of motility control.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Bacillus subtilis / genetics
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Bacillus subtilis / physiology*
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Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
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Bacterial Proteins / genetics
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Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
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Bacterial Proteins / physiology*
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Biofilms / growth & development*
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Flagella / physiology*
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Genes, Bacterial
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Molecular Motor Proteins / genetics
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Molecular Motor Proteins / physiology*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Movement
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Mutation
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Operon
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
Substances
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Bacterial Proteins
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Molecular Motor Proteins
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MotA protein, Bacteria
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Recombinant Fusion Proteins
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FlaD protein, Bacteria