Modulation of bacterial multicellularity via spatio-specific polysaccharide secretion
Open Access
- 9 June 2020
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Public Library of Science (PLoS) in PLoS Biology
- Vol. 18 (6), e3000728
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3000728
Abstract
The development of multicellularity is a key evolutionary transition allowing for differentiation of physiological functions across a cell population that confers survival benefits; among unicellular bacteria, this can lead to complex developmental behaviors and the formation of higher-order community structures. Herein, we demonstrate that in the social δ-proteobacterium Myxococcus xanthus, the secretion of a novel biosurfactant polysaccharide (BPS) is spatially modulated within communities, mediating swarm migration as well as the formation of multicellular swarm biofilms and fruiting bodies. BPS is a type IV pilus (T4P)-inhibited acidic polymer built of randomly acetylated β-linked tetrasaccharide repeats. Both BPS and exopolysaccharide (EPS) are produced by dedicated Wzx/Wzy-dependent polysaccharide-assembly pathways distinct from that responsible for spore-coat assembly. While EPS is preferentially produced at the lower-density swarm periphery, BPS production is favored in the higher-density swarm interior; this is consistent with the former being known to stimulate T4P retraction needed for community expansion and a function for the latter in promoting initial cell dispersal. Together, these data reveal the central role of secreted polysaccharides in the intricate behaviors coordinating bacterial multicellularity.Funding Information
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (321028)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (RGPIN-2016-06637)
- Banting Research Foundation (2018-1400)
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR-14-CE11‐0023‐01)
- National Science Foundation (IOS135462)
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR-15-CE13-0006 BACTOCOMPASS)
- Proteo
- Aix-Marseille Université (AMIDEX)
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
- Aix-Marseille Université
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique
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