The Ability of Microorganisms to Inhibit Microbial Activity
The ability of these microorganisms to have properties that inhibit microbial activity is one of the obstacles to efficient treatment of bacterial infections. In particular, non-typeable Hemophilus Influenza (NTHI) has a biofilm that increases the pathogenicity, chronicity, and likelihood of recurrence of respiratory illnesses such otitis media and rhinosinusitis in addition to facilitating the organisms' resistance to therapies. Additionally, the biofilm causes conditions like cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive lung disease to worsen. Evidently, the presence of extracellular DNA and associated DNABII proteins promotes the development of the biofilm. Together these two components facilitate the structural integrity and protective function of the biofilm in the NTHI bacteria (Jurciseka, Brockmana and Novotnya 6632).Process of Extracellular DNA and Protein Release
According to the authors, two ways in which the intracellular DNA and proteins are released to the extracellular space is through cell lysis or extrusion via a vesicle. Either way, the movement of these materials into the extracellular environment is what leads to their incorporation into the matrix of the biofilm. As such, the hypothesis involves the movement of both DNA and associated proteins from the cytoplasm of the bacteria to the periplasm by the help of inner-membrane pore complexes. The complex leaves the bacteria through a pore in a process that doesn't rely on cell lysis. The study conclusively indicates that the formation of inner membrane complexes is what facilitates the transmission of DNA and associated proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm to the periplasm where they take part in establishing the structural support of the biofilm (Jurciseka, Brockmana and Novotnya 6640).Questions
1. Is Biofilm Formation the Best Approach to Target Microorganisms?
Is biofilm formation process the best or most convenient approach of targeting the micro-organisms or is it possible to develop therapies that target the already formed biofilm?2. Biofilm Stabilization and Targeted Therapies
The mechanism of biofilm stabilization is the key to targeted therapies and preventive strategies, what other options are available especially in cases where the bacterial cells have fully developed biofilms?Works Cited
Jurciseka, Joseph A., et al. “Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae releases DNA and DNABII proteins via a T4SS-like complex and ComE of the type IV pilus machinery.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017): 6632-6641. doi:10. 1073/pnas.1705508114.
