Transcriptomic analysis of L-arabinose treatment on E. coli biofilm and planktonic cells
Location
Science Center: Bent Corridor
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
4-26-2024 12:00 PM
End Date
4-26-2024 2:00 PM
Research Program
The Research Corporation for Scientific Advancement
National Science Foundation
Abstract
In nature, bacteria dynamically shift between a stationary (biofilm) state and a mobile (planktonic) state to maintain an ecological advantage. Within the biofilm, sedentary microorganisms are embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), a protective barrier of self-produced macromolecules, leading to heightened antibiotic resistance. Biofilm formation and composition are heavily impacted by the nutrient sources available in the environment. We aim to understand how the transcriptome of PHL628 Escherichia coli is remodeled when exposed to L-arabinose and how that remodeling influences biofilm formation and composition. Through the examination of these modifications, affected signaling and metabolic pathways are identified that can promote or eradicate biofilms. To investigate these changes, we employ quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA-seq to assess the expression of genes related to arabinose metabolism, acid stress, and biofilm formation. Notably, araE, a proton symport permease that facilitates the primary mechanism of arabinose import across the bacterial membrane, is highly upregulated in both planktonic and biofilm populations. We are also investigating the modulation of csgA and fimA, both of which encode proteins that play a role in the formation of extracellular structures that enhance bacterial adhesion to surfaces, in response to arabinose treatment at 28 ºC. Additionally, we are exploring genes involved in acid stress response in planktonic populations at 28 and 37 ºC. These findings characterize how L-arabinose remodels the bacterial transcriptome and provide insight into how the metabolism of this sugar intersects with the growth and composition of biofilm.
Keywords:
E.coli, Biofilm, Antibiotic resistance, Transcriptome
Recommended Citation
Austin, Katie and Moppel, Isabella, "Transcriptomic analysis of L-arabinose treatment on E. coli biofilm and planktonic cells" (2024). Research Symposium. 10.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/researchsymp/2024/posters/10
Major
Biochemistry and Chemistry
Project Mentor(s)
Lisa Ryno, Chemistry and Biochemistry
2024
Transcriptomic analysis of L-arabinose treatment on E. coli biofilm and planktonic cells
Science Center: Bent Corridor
In nature, bacteria dynamically shift between a stationary (biofilm) state and a mobile (planktonic) state to maintain an ecological advantage. Within the biofilm, sedentary microorganisms are embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), a protective barrier of self-produced macromolecules, leading to heightened antibiotic resistance. Biofilm formation and composition are heavily impacted by the nutrient sources available in the environment. We aim to understand how the transcriptome of PHL628 Escherichia coli is remodeled when exposed to L-arabinose and how that remodeling influences biofilm formation and composition. Through the examination of these modifications, affected signaling and metabolic pathways are identified that can promote or eradicate biofilms. To investigate these changes, we employ quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA-seq to assess the expression of genes related to arabinose metabolism, acid stress, and biofilm formation. Notably, araE, a proton symport permease that facilitates the primary mechanism of arabinose import across the bacterial membrane, is highly upregulated in both planktonic and biofilm populations. We are also investigating the modulation of csgA and fimA, both of which encode proteins that play a role in the formation of extracellular structures that enhance bacterial adhesion to surfaces, in response to arabinose treatment at 28 ºC. Additionally, we are exploring genes involved in acid stress response in planktonic populations at 28 and 37 ºC. These findings characterize how L-arabinose remodels the bacterial transcriptome and provide insight into how the metabolism of this sugar intersects with the growth and composition of biofilm.
