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The Peculiar Functions of the Bacterial Extracellular Matrix

2017; Elsevier BV; Volume: 25; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.tim.2016.12.010

1878-4380

Anna Dragoš, Ákos T. Kovács,

Oral microbiology and periodontitis research

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a mixture of secreted high-molecular-weight polymers produced by nearly all types of cell. In bacteria, it consists of three major components: polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA. These components serve as key structural elements in multicellular assemblies called biofilms, in which cells stick to each other and are shielded by the ECM. The bacterial ECM is mostly studied as a biofilm building material. Nevertheless, the ECM compounds may serve several alternative functions. The ECM can protect free-living cells, prevent biofilm formation, serve as signals, promote migration or genetic exchange, or serve as ion reservoirs. Much like the structural role of the ECM in biofilms, alternative functions of the ECM can either be shared within populations or privatized by the producing cells. A biofilm is a common life form where bacterial cells crowd together surrounded by an extracellular matrix (ECM). Traditionally, the ECM is considered as a structural material that glues and shields the biofilm cells. Here we describe alternative functions of the ECM, highlighting how it benefits microbes beyond the biofilms. Next to protecting free-living cells, the ECM participates in signaling, migration, and genetic exchange either being freely shared with other species or being exclusive to siblings. Considering the structural and recently discovered functions of the ECM, we also attempt to revise its role in sociomicrobiology. In the light of recent findings, the canonical view on ECM as a passive structural material of biofilms should be revisited. A biofilm is a common life form where bacterial cells crowd together surrounded by an extracellular matrix (ECM). Traditionally, the ECM is considered as a structural material that glues and shields the biofilm cells. Here we describe alternative functions of the ECM, highlighting how it benefits microbes beyond the biofilms. Next to protecting free-living cells, the ECM participates in signaling, migration, and genetic exchange either being freely shared with other species or being exclusive to siblings. Considering the structural and recently discovered functions of the ECM, we also attempt to revise its role in sociomicrobiology. In the light of recent findings, the canonical view on ECM as a passive structural material of biofilms should be revisited.