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E nterococcus faecalis pCF 10‐encoded surface proteins PrgA , PrgB (aggregation substance) and PrgC contribute to plasmid transfer, biofilm formation and virulence
Author(s) -
Bhatty Minny,
Cruz Melissa R.,
Frank Kristi L.,
Laverde Gomez Jenny A.,
Andrade Fernando,
Garsin Danielle A.,
Dunny Gary M.,
Kaplan Heidi B.,
Christie Peter J.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1111/mmi.12893
Subject(s) - biofilm , plasmid , biology , operon , virulence , microbiology and biotechnology , secretion , quorum sensing , escherichia coli , bacteria , dna , gene , genetics , biochemistry
Summary E nterococcus faecalis pCF 10 transfers at high frequencies upon pheromone induction of the prg Q transfer operon. This operon codes for three cell wall‐anchored proteins – PrgA , PrgB (aggregation substance) and PrgC – and a type IV secretion system through which the plasmid is delivered to recipient cells. Here, we defined the contributions of the Prg surface proteins to plasmid transfer, biofilm formation and virulence using the C aenorhabditis elegans infection model. We report that a combination of PrgB and extracellular DNA ( eDNA ), but not PrgA or PrgC , was required for extensive cellular aggregation and pCF 10 transfer at wild‐type frequencies. In addition to PrgB and eDNA , production of PrgA was necessary for extensive binding of enterococci to abiotic surfaces and development of robust biofilms. However, although PrgB is a known virulence factor in mammalian infection models, we determined that PrgA and PrgC , but not PrgB , were required for efficient killing in the worm infection model. We propose that the pheromone‐responsive, conjugative plasmids of E . faecalis have retained P rg‐like surface functions over evolutionary time for attachment, colonization and robust biofilm development. In natural settings, these biofilms are polymicrobial in composition and constitute optimal environments for signal exchange, mating pair formation and widespread lateral gene transfer.