Interbacterial signaling via Burkholderia contact-dependent growth inhibition proteins
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: In prokaryotes and eukaryotes, cell-cell communication and recognition of self are critical to coordinate multicellular functions. While kin and kind discrimination are increasingly appreciated to shape naturally occurring microbe populations, the underlying mechanisms that govern these interbacterial interactions are insufficiently understood. Here we identify a mechanism of interbacterial signal transduction that is mediated by contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) system proteins. CDI systems have been characterized by their ability to deliver a polymorphic protein toxin into the cytoplasm of a neighboring bacterium, resulting in growth inhibition or death unless the recipient bacterium produces a corresponding immunity protein. Using the model organism Burkholderia thailandensis, we show that delivery of a catalytically active CDI system toxin to immune (self) bacteria results in gene expression and phenotypic changes within the recipient cells. Termed contact-dependent signaling (CDS), this response promotes biofilm formation and other community-associated behaviors.
ORGANISM(S): Burkholderia thailandensis
PROVIDER: GSE83143 | GEO | 2016/08/09
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA325122
REPOSITORIES: GEO
ACCESS DATA