Biocontrol of Biofilm Formation: Jamming of Sessile-Associated Rhizobial Communication by Rhodococcal Quorum-Quenching

Biofilms are complex structures formed by a community of microbes adhering to a surface and/or to each other through the secretion of an adhesive and protective matrix. The establishment of these structures requires a coordination of action between microorganisms through powerful communication syste...

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Published in:International journal of molecular sciences 2021-08, Vol.22 (15), p.8241
Main Authors: Bourigault, Yvann, Rodrigues, Sophie, Crépin, Alexandre, Chane, Andrea, Taupin, Laure, Bouteiller, Mathilde, Dupont, Charly, Merieau, Annabelle, Konto-Ghiorghi, Yoan, Boukerb, Amine M., Turner, Marie, Hamon, Céline, Dufour, Alain, Barbey, Corinne, Latour, Xavier
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria
Biofilms
Biological control
Biosensors
Cell division
Communication
Communications systems
Confocal microscopy
Enzymes
Fluorescence
Gene expression
Hairy root
Homoserine lactones
Jamming
Lactones
Life Sciences
Lifestyles
Mass spectrometry
Microorganisms
Plant diseases
Retention
Rhodococcus
Scanning microscopy
Scientific imaging
Visual signals
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Summary:Biofilms are complex structures formed by a community of microbes adhering to a surface and/or to each other through the secretion of an adhesive and protective matrix. The establishment of these structures requires a coordination of action between microorganisms through powerful communication systems such as quorum-sensing. Therefore, auxiliary bacteria capable of interfering with these means of communication could be used to prevent biofilm formation and development. The phytopathogen Rhizobium rhizogenes, which causes hairy root disease and forms large biofilms in hydroponic crops, and the biocontrol agent Rhodococcus erythropolis R138 were used for this study. Changes in biofilm biovolume and structure, as well as interactions between rhizobia and rhodococci, were monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy with appropriate fluorescent biosensors. We obtained direct visual evidence of an exchange of signals between rhizobia and the jamming of this communication by Rhodococcus within the biofilm. Signaling molecules were characterized as long chain (C14) N-acyl-homoserine lactones. The role of the Qsd quorum-quenching pathway in biofilm alteration was confirmed with an R. erythropolis mutant unable to produce the QsdA lactonase, and by expression of the qsdA gene in a heterologous host, Escherichia coli. Finally, Rhizobium biofilm formation was similarly inhibited by a purified extract of QsdA enzyme.
ISSN:1422-0067
1661-6596
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms22158241