The F-pilus biomechanical adaptability accelerates conjugative dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation

Jonasz B. Patkowski, Tobias Dahlberg, Himani Amin, Dharmender K. Gahlot, Sukhithasri Vijayrajratnam, Joseph P. Vogel, Matthew S. Francis, Joseph L. Baker (), Magnus Andersson () and Tiago R. D. Costa ()
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Jonasz B. Patkowski: Imperial College
Tobias Dahlberg: Umeå University
Himani Amin: Imperial College
Dharmender K. Gahlot: Umeå University
Sukhithasri Vijayrajratnam: Washington University School of Medicine
Joseph P. Vogel: Washington University School of Medicine
Matthew S. Francis: Umeå University
Joseph L. Baker: The College of New Jersey
Magnus Andersson: Umeå University
Tiago R. D. Costa: Imperial College

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Conjugation is used by bacteria to propagate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. Central to this process are widespread conjugative F-pili that establish the connection between donor and recipient cells, thereby facilitating the spread of IncF plasmids among enteropathogenic bacteria. Here, we show that the F-pilus is highly flexible but robust at the same time, properties that increase its resistance to thermochemical and mechanical stresses. By a combination of biophysical and molecular dynamics methods, we establish that the presence of phosphatidylglycerol molecules in the F-pilus contributes to the structural stability of the polymer. Moreover, this structural stability is important for successful delivery of DNA during conjugation and facilitates rapid formation of biofilms in harsh environmental conditions. Thus, our work highlights the importance of F-pilus structural adaptations for the efficient spread of AMR genes in a bacterial population and for the formation of biofilms that protect against the action of antibiotics.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37600-y

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