Induction of Native c-di-GMP Phosphodiesterases Leads to Dispersal of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms

Abstract

A decade of research has shown that the molecule c-di-GMP functions as a central second messenger in many bacteria. A high level of c-di-GMP is associated with biofilm formation whereas a low level of c-di-GMP is associated with a planktonic single-cell bacterial lifestyle. C-di-GMP is formed by diguanylate cyclases and is degraded by specific phosphodiesterases. We have previously presented evidence that ectopic expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa of the Escherichia coli phosphodiesterase YhjH results in biofilm dispersal. More recently, however, evidence has been presented that induction of native c-di-GMP phosphodiesterases does not lead to dispersal of P. aeruginosa biofilms. The latter result may discourage attempts to use c-di-GMP signaling as a target for development of anti-biofilm drugs. However, here we demonstrate that induction of the P. aeruginosa c-di-GMP phosphodiesterases PA2133 and BifA indeed does result in dispersal of P. aeruginosa biofilms in both a microtiter tray biofilm assay and in a flow-cell biofilm system.