research groups
Structure and Physiology of Microbial Biofilms Lab
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Email:
- Cordisco, Estefania
- Obando, Mayra
- Valentinis Rossi, Franco
- Buralli, Bautista
- Tarquini, Fausto
RESEARCH LINES
Spatial patterns and mechanisms of antibiotic tolerance in bacterial biofilms
Due to their structural complexity, biofilms exhibit highly heterogeneous internal microenvironments shaped by gradients of nutrients, metabolic products and signalling compounds. Here, bacterial cells essentially adjust their physiology according to the local conditions, which ultimately causes the stratification of the biofilms into physiologically distinct regions. Our work suggests that this physiological stratification not only represents a division of labor, where cell subpopulations locally specialize in fulfilling specific tasks, such as for example the production of extracellular matrix, but it also endows cell subpopulations with different capacities to cope with stresses as it is the case of antibiotic treatments. Our group is interested in characterizing this physiological stratification in biofilms of commensal and pathogenic E. coli strains and in understanding how this physiological heterogeneity influences the chances of cells to survive antibiotic treatments depending on their location within the biofilm. In particular, we seek to clarify how heterogeneity in the production of extracellular matrix components (amyloid curli and pEtN-cellulose), in stress responses, and in metabolism/growth among cell subpopulations influence antibiotic tolerance in E. coli biofilms. Knowledge of these aspects is crucial to design therapies that can target all cell subpopulations that coexist within these communities, irrespective of their physiological state and spatial location.
Identification and mechanisms of action of anti-biofilm compounds
Recognizing the need for solutions to combat biofilm-based infections, we are also interested in discovering anti-biofilm compounds and characterizing their molecular mechanisms of action. In particular, we search for compounds that can interfere with the production of amyloid curli and pEtN-cellulose, the major extracellular matrix components, essential for the structural development of E. coli biofilms. As a platform for the search of inhibitors we are exploring microbial interactions in biofilms. While antagonistic interactions among microorganisms have been intensely exploited in the search for antibiotics, i.e., compounds that directly kill or inhibit bacterial growth, these interactions have been overlooked regarding their potential as sources for compounds that, rather than killing the bacteria, modulate or interfere with other bacterial behaviours such as the formation of biofilms. The use of anti-biofilm compounds is crucial in the fight to eradicate biofilm-based infections as they can considerably increase the effectiveness of antibiotics in combined therapies or enhance the efficacy of clearance by the host immune system.
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