RssAB Signaling Coordinates Early Development of Surface Multicellularity in Serratia marcescens
2011

RssAB Signaling in Serratia marcescens

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Tsai Yu-Huan, Wei Jun-Rong, Lin Chuan-Sheng, Chen Po-Han, Huang Stella, Lin Yu-Ching, Wei Chia-Fong, Lu Chia-Chen, Lai Hsin-Chih

Primary Institution: National Taiwan University College of Medicine

Hypothesis

How does RssAB signaling coordinate the development of surface multicellularity in Serratia marcescens?

Conclusion

RssAB signaling is activated during the early stages of swarming and biofilm formation, affecting the duration of the lag period before surface migration and the integrity of biofilms.

Supporting Evidence

  • RssAB signaling is specifically activated before surface migration in swarming development.
  • Deletion of rssBA reduces the lag phase in swarming without affecting migration velocity.
  • RssAB signaling affects the structural integrity of biofilms during early development.

Takeaway

Bacteria use a special signaling system called RssAB to decide when to move and form clusters on surfaces, which helps them survive better.

Methodology

The study involved monitoring RssAB signaling in single cells using a translational fusion protein and analyzing the effects of RssAB deletion on swarming and biofilm formation.

Limitations

The study does not explore the full range of environmental conditions affecting RssAB signaling.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024154

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