Establishing a Role for Bacterial Cellulose in Environmental Interactions: Lessons Learned from Diverse Biofilm-Producing Proteobacteria

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) serves as a molecular glue to facilitate intra- and inter-domain interactions in nature. Biosynthesis of BC-containing biofilms occurs in a variety of Proteobacteria that inhabit diverse ecological niches. The enzymatic and regulatory systems responsible for the polymerization, exportation, and regulation of BC are equally as diverse. Though the magnitude and environmental consequences of BC production are species-specific, the common role of BC-containing biofilms is to establish close contact with a preferred host to facilitate efficient host–bacteria interactions. Universally, BC aids in attachment, adherence, and subsequent colonization of a substrate. Bi-directional interactions influence host physiology, bacterial physiology, and regulation of BC biosynthesis, primarily through modulation of intracellular bis-(3′→5′)-cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) levels. Depending on the circumstance, BC producers exhibit a pathogenic or symbiotic relationship with plant, animal, or fungal hosts. Rhizobiaceae species colonize plant roots, Pseudomonadaceae inhabit the phyllosphere, Acetobacteriaceae associate with sugar-loving insects and inhabit the carposphere, Enterobacteriaceae use fresh produce as vehicles to infect animal hosts, and Vibrionaceae, particularly Aliivibrio fischeri, colonize the light organ of squid. This review will highlight the diversity of the biosynthesis and regulation of BC in nature by discussing various examples of Proteobacteria that use BC-containing biofilms to facilitate host–bacteria interactions. Through discussion of current data we will establish new directions for the elucidation of BC biosynthesis, its regulation and its ecophysiological roles.

CytR Homolog of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum Controls Air-Liquid Biofilm Formation by Regulating Multiple Genes Involved in Cellulose Production, c-di-GMP Signaling, Motility, and Type III Secretion System in Response to Nutritional and Environmental Signals

“…The study showed that the ability of mutants, i.e., Δ cytR , Δ fliC, flhD ::Tn5, and Δ motA to adhere themselves to plant tissues was significantly lower than the wild type ( Figure 7 ). It has been reported that cellulose synthesized by pathogens and symbionts is essential for host colonization and survival in stress conditions (Augimeri et al, 2015). We have previously reported that bacteria-associated with pellicle/AL biofilm except for aerobically grown logarithmic- and stationary-phase cells of the D. dadantii 3937 are more resistant to survival in acidic pH (4.0), oxidative stress and high osmolarity (Haque et al, 2012).…”

Pantoea ananatis: genomic insights into a versatile pathogen

“…Pantoea ananatis can also promote plant growth through the production of cellulose (Megías et al ., 2016) and indole acetic acid (IAA) (Kim et al ., ; Megías et al ., 2016). The production of bacterial cellulose aids in inter‐domain attachments and biofilm formation, allowing growth‐promoting bacteria to effectively deliver growth‐promoting agents to their host plant (Augimeri et al ., ). IAA is a phytohormone that can have both beneficial and deleterious effects on the host plant (Spaepen et al ., ).…”

Sources and contamination routes of microbial pathogens to fresh produce during field cultivation: A review

“…The ability of pathogenic bacteria to colonize a plant may also be influenced by their interactions with other microorganisms either positively or negatively (Deering et al, 2012). If other microorganisms supply carbon sources (via degradation of cell wall polymers or induced secretion of sugars), or sequester antimicrobials, this can enhance pathogen colonization (Bais et al, 2006;Warriner et al, 2009;Augimeri et al, 2015). Alternatively, plant pathogens that wound or destroy living tissue may create a microenvironment that is suitable for the survival and/replication of human pathogens (Rashid et al, 2016).…”