Surface Properties of Parabacteroides distasonis and Impacts of Stress-Induced Molecules on Its Surface Adhesion and Biofilm Formation Capacities

Abstract

The gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic ecosystem whose balance and homeostasis are essential to the host’s well-being and whose composition can be critically affected by various factors, including host stress. Parabacteroides distasonis causes well-known beneficial roles for its host, but is negatively impacted by stress. However, the mechanisms explaining its maintenance in the gut have not yet been explored, in particular its capacities to adhere onto (bio)surfaces, form biofilms and the way its physicochemical surface properties are affected by stressing conditions. In this paper, we reported adhesion and biofilm formation capacities of 14 unrelated strains of P. distasonis using a steam-based washing procedure, and the electrokinetic features of its surface. Results evidenced an important inter-strain variability for all experiments including the response to stress hormones. In fact, stress-induced molecules significantly impact P. distasonis adhesion and biofilm formation capacities in 35% and 23% of assays, respectively. This study not only provides basic data on the adhesion and biofilm formation capacities of P. distasonis to abiotic substrates but also paves the way for further research on how stress-molecules could be implicated in P. distasonis maintenance within the gut microbiota, which is a prerequisite for designing efficient solutions to optimize its survival within gut environment.

In Silico Study of Cell Surface Structures of Parabacteroides distasonis Involved in Its Maintenance within the Gut Microbiota

“…Concerning P. distasonis maintenance within the GM, the presence of such external proteinaceous structures could explain its ability to adhere and persist in this complex and competitive environment. These results are consistent with our previous study that illustrates the adhesion and biofilm formation capacity of the 13 P. distasonis [ 25 ]. Although all the strains were able to adhere, an inter-strain variation was observable.…”

“…Many studies have highlighted these abilities to promote P. distasonis as a new potential biotherapeutic product [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. In our previous work, we explored P. distasonis capacities related to its maintenance within the digestive tract and the electrokinetic properties of its cell peripheral regions to provide a first qualitative picture of its surface structure [ 25 ]. This work evidenced a strain-dependent ability to adhere and to form a biofilm related to the putative presence of cell surface structures such as CPS, fimbriae, pili or capsule.…”

The Alternative Sigma Factor SigL Influences Clostridioides difficile Toxin Production, Sporulation, and Cell Surface Properties

“…Altered surface properties can influence the ability to form biofilms; in C. difficile, this can impact pathogen persistence in the gut (Pantaléon et al, 2015;Fernández Ramírez et al, 2018;Chamarande et al, 2021;Janež et al, 2021;Kumari and Kaur, 2021). Disruption of SigL had no discernable impact on the ability of BI-1 strains to form biofilms (Figure 6A).…”

The Alternative Sigma Factor SigL Influences Clostridioides difficile Toxin Production, Sporulation, and Cell Surface Properties

“…Altered surface properties can influence the ability to form biofilms; in C. difficile , this can impact pathogen persistence in the gut (Pantaléon et al, 2015 ; Fernández Ramírez et al, 2018 ; Chamarande et al, 2021 ; JaneŽ et al, 2021 ; Kumari and Kaur, 2021 ). Disruption of SigL had no discernable impact on the ability of BI-1 strains to form biofilms grown in liquid culture on polystyrene plates ( Figure 6A ).…”