Mechanisms and regulation of biofilm formation — ASN Events

Mechanisms and regulation of biofilm formation (#2)

Fitnat Yildiz 1
  1. University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Biofilms, surface attached microbial communities composed of microorganisms and the extra-polymeric substances they produce, enhance growth and survival of microorganisms in natural settings. Biofilms contribute to dissemination, environmental survival, and transmission of human pathogens. All aspects of biofilm formation, i.e. cell-surface interactions, biofilm matrix production, biofilm maturation and dispersal, are exquisitely controlled by diverse regulatory circuitries.  The nucleotide based intracellular signaling molecule cyclic di-guanosinemonophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a central component of biofilm regulatory circuitries in bacteria. In this presentation, I will describe mechanisms of surface attachment and biofilm formation in Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the disease cholera. Additionally, I will describe how c-di-GMP governs motile-to-biofilm life transition and biofilm matrix production.

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