Cell-lysis sensing drives biofilm formation in Vibrio cholerae

Jojo A. Prentice, Robert Weerd and Andrew A. Bridges ()
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Jojo A. Prentice: Carnegie Mellon University
Robert Weerd: Carnegie Mellon University
Andrew A. Bridges: Carnegie Mellon University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Matrix-encapsulated communities of bacteria, called biofilms, are ubiquitous in the environment and are notoriously difficult to eliminate in clinical and industrial settings. Biofilm formation likely evolved as a mechanism to protect resident cells from environmental challenges, yet how bacteria undergo threat assessment to inform biofilm development remains unclear. Here we find that population-level cell lysis events induce the formation of biofilms by surviving Vibrio cholerae cells. Survivors detect threats by sensing a cellular component released through cell lysis, which we identify as norspermidine. Lysis sensing occurs via the MbaA receptor with genus-level specificity, and responsive biofilm cells are shielded from phage infection and attacks from other bacteria. Thus, our work uncovers a connection between bacterial lysis and biofilm formation that may be broadly conserved among microorganisms.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46399-1

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