L-Rhamnose Globally Changes the Transcriptome of Planktonic and Biofilm Escherichia coli Cells and Modulates Biofilm Growth

Abstract

L-rhamnose, a naturally abundant sugar, plays diverse biological roles in bacteria, influencing biofilm formation and pathogenesis. This study investigates the global impact of L-rhamnose on the transcriptome and biofilm formation of PHL628 E. coli under various experimental conditions. We compared growth in planktonic and biofilm states in rich (LB) and minimal (M9) media at 28 degrees C and 37 degrees C, with varying concentrations of L-rhamnose or D-glucose as a control. Our results reveal that L-rhamnose significantly affects growth kinetics and biofilm formation, particularly reducing biofilm growth in rich media at 37 degrees C. Transcriptomic analysis through RNA-seq showed that L-rhamnose modulates gene expression differently depending on the temperature and media conditions, promoting a planktonic state by upregulating genes involved in rhamnose transport and metabolism and downregulating genes related to adhesion and biofilm formation. These findings highlight the nuanced role of L-rhamnose in bacterial adaptation and survival, providing insight into potential applications in controlling biofilm-associated infections and industrial biofilm management.

Publisher

MDPI

Publication Date

9-19-2024

Publication Title

Microorganisms

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091911

Notes

Special Issue: Advances in Microbial Biofilm Formation

Keywords

Biofilm, Carbohydrate metabolism, L-rhamnose, RNA-seq, Extracellular polymeric substances

Language

English

Format

text

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