Biofilm formation and sporulation in Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

Biofilms are architecturally complex communities of microorganisms in which the cells are held together by
an extracellular matrix, typically containing exopolysaccharides (EPSs), proteins and some nucleic acids.
Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in biofilm formation has increased tremendously
in recent years. However, information about biofilm formation and sporulation is still limited. EPS is
hallmark for biofilm formation and is linked with sporulation through the Spo0A signaling pathway. An
attractive test organism in which to identify, and investigate the link between biofilm formation and
endospore development is Bacillus subtilis. Phosphorylated form of the master transcriptional regulator
Spo0A (Spo0A~P) regulates both processes in this organism. Its low availability results in delayed
expression of sporulation specific gene in matrix mutants. This is due to the presence of KinD, a
component of Spo0A~P, which plays a significant role in it’s control and regulation. It’s deletion enable the
bacteria to sense matrix production, causing defect in sporulation while overproduction results in delayed
sporulation. In summary, understanding the governing linkages between biofilm formation and sporulation
is necessary to discover new antagonists for combating biofilm associated infections in a variety of
environmental and medical settings and is exhaustively discussed.