Adaptation to copper stress influences biofilm formation in Alteromonas macleodii. Issue 6 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cusick, Kathleen D.; Dale, Jason R.; Fitzgerald, Lisa A.; Little, Brenda J.; Biffinger, Justin C.
• Is Part Of: Biofouling. Volume 33:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 505
• Page End: 519
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Alteromonas -- biofilm -- copper tolerance -- diguanylate cyclases; Marine fouling organisms -- Periodicals; Materials -- Biodeterioration -- Periodicals; Fouling -- Periodicals; Biodegradation -- Periodicals; Environmental Microbiology -- Periodicals; Water Microbiology -- Periodicals; 576.165
• DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2017.1329423
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-7014

Abstract

Abstract: An Alteromonas macleodii strain was isolated from copper-containing coupons incubated in surface seawater (Key West, FL, USA). In addition to the original isolate, a copper-adapted mutant was created and maintained with 0.78 mM Cu 2+ . Biofilm formation was compared between the two strains under copper-amended and low-nutrient conditions. Biofilm formation was significantly increased in the original isolate under copper amendment, while biofilm formation was significantly higher in the mutant under low-nutrient conditions. Biofilm expression profiles of diguanylate cyclase (DGC) genes, as well as genes involved in secretion, differed between the strains. Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated that both strains possessed a large number of gene attachment harboring cyclic di-GMP synthesis and/or degradation domains. One of the DGC genes, induced at very high levels in the mutant, possessed a degradation domain in the original isolate that was lacking in the mutant. The genetic and transcriptional mechanisms contributing to biofilm formation are discussed.