Biofilm Matrix Proteins

Microbiol Spectr. 2015 Apr;3(2):10.1128/microbiolspec.MB-0004-2014. doi: 10.1128/microbiolspec.MB-0004-2014.

Abstract

Proteinaceous components of the biofilm matrix include secreted extracellular proteins, cell surface adhesins, and protein subunits of cell appendages such as flagella and pili. Biofilm matrix proteins play diverse roles in biofilm formation and dissolution. They are involved in attaching cells to surfaces, stabilizing the biofilm matrix via interactions with exopolysaccharide and nucleic acid components, developing three-dimensional biofilm architectures, and dissolving biofilm matrix via enzymatic degradation of polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids. In this article, we will review functions of matrix proteins in a selected set of microorganisms, studies of the matrix proteomes of Vibrio cholerae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and roles of outer membrane vesicles and of nucleoid-binding proteins in biofilm formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / analysis*
  • Biofilms*
  • Extracellular Matrix / chemistry*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / chemistry
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / cytology
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / physiology*
  • Secretory Vesicles / metabolism
  • Vibrio cholerae / chemistry
  • Vibrio cholerae / cytology
  • Vibrio cholerae / physiology*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins