Collective Dynamics of Model Pili-Based Twitcher-Mode Bacilliforms

Sci Rep. 2020 Jul 1;10(1):10747. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-67212-1.

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, like many bacilliforms, are not limited only to swimming motility but rather possess many motility strategies. In particular, twitching-mode motility employs hair-like pili to transverse moist surfaces with a jittery irregular crawl. Twitching motility plays a critical role in redistributing cells on surfaces prior to and during colony formation. We combine molecular dynamics and rule-based simulations to study twitching-mode motility of model bacilliforms and show that there is a critical surface coverage fraction at which collective effects arise. Our simulations demonstrate dynamic clustering of twitcher-type bacteria with polydomains of local alignment that exhibit spontaneous correlated motions, similar to rafts in many bacterial communities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Bacterial Proteins / physiology
  • Biofilms
  • Fimbriae Proteins / physiology
  • Fimbriae, Bacterial / physiology*
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation
  • Movement*
  • Normal Distribution
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / physiology*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Fimbriae Proteins