| A biofilm is a structural community of bacteria adherent to a surface and enclosed in a self-produced exopolysaccharide matrix. Bacteria in biofilms have a unique multicellular architecture and increased resistance to host defenses and antimicrobials. The transition from a planktonic existence to a biofilm involves changes in gene expression.; An IVET (in vivo expression technology) approach was used to study gene expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. An AraC transcriptional regulator homologue, PA3782, and a GMC oxidoreductase homologue, PA3710, were found to be upregulated in biofilm bacteria and important to biofilm formation. PA5065, a ubiB homologue, was found to be upregulated in biofilm bacteria and essential for survival regardless of the mode of growth.; In conclusion, gene expression in P. aeruginosa biofilms seems to reflect responses to physiochemical environmental stimuli. The genes identified in this study appear to be involved in adaptation to increased omsmolarity and to oxygen and nutrient limitations. |
