Bacterial autoaggregation

Thomas Trunk; Hawzeen S. Khalil; Jack C. Leo; Thomas Trunk; Hawzeen S. Khalil; Jack C. Leo

doi:10.3934/microbiol.2018.1.140

AIMS Microbiology

2018, Volume 4, Issue 1: 140-164. doi: 10.3934/microbiol.2018.1.140

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Review Special Issues

Bacterial autoaggregation

Bacterial Cell Surface Group, Section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

Received: 10 January 2018 Accepted: 22 February 2018 Published: 01 March 2018

Many bacteria, both environmental and pathogenic, exhibit the property of autoaggregation. In autoaggregation (sometimes also called autoagglutination or flocculation), bacteria of the same type form multicellular clumps that eventually settle at the bottom of culture tubes. Autoaggregation is generally mediated by self-recognising surface structures, such as proteins and exopolysaccharides, which we term collectively as autoagglutinins. Although a widespread phenomenon, in most cases the function of autoaggregation is poorly understood, though there is evidence to show that aggregating bacteria are protected from environmental stresses or host responses. Autoaggregation is also often among the first steps in forming biofilms. Here, we review the current knowledge on autoaggregation, the role of autoaggregation in biofilm formation and pathogenesis, and molecular mechanisms leading to aggregation using specific examples.
- autoaggregation,
- autoagglutination,
- bacterial stress responses,
- biofilm,
- flocculation,
- microcolony formation,
- self-recognition
Citation: Thomas Trunk, Hawzeen S. Khalil, Jack C. Leo. Bacterial autoaggregation[J]. AIMS Microbiology, 2018, 4(1): 140-164. doi: 10.3934/microbiol.2018.1.140

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Abstract

Many bacteria, both environmental and pathogenic, exhibit the property of autoaggregation. In autoaggregation (sometimes also called autoagglutination or flocculation), bacteria of the same type form multicellular clumps that eventually settle at the bottom of culture tubes. Autoaggregation is generally mediated by self-recognising surface structures, such as proteins and exopolysaccharides, which we term collectively as autoagglutinins. Although a widespread phenomenon, in most cases the function of autoaggregation is poorly understood, though there is evidence to show that aggregating bacteria are protected from environmental stresses or host responses. Autoaggregation is also often among the first steps in forming biofilms. Here, we review the current knowledge on autoaggregation, the role of autoaggregation in biofilm formation and pathogenesis, and molecular mechanisms leading to aggregation using specific examples.

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