Genomic Research Laboratory
Group of Prof. J. Schrenzel
Service of Infectious Diseases
Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)
CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland

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Analysis of the Genetic Basis of S. aureus Biofilms

by Adrien Fischer and Ludwig Stenz


Microbial biofilms represent an important determinant of human chronic infections. Bacterial biofilms involve a genetically-coordinated sequence of events, including initial surface attachment, microcolony formation and community expansion. This leads to a complex and structured architecture protecting bacteria from host-defense mechanisms and killing by antimicrobials. Among the most clinically significant bacterial pathogens is S. aureus, a leading cause of bone and foreign body infections. Despite high incidence and significant morbidity, the molecular pathogenesis of chronic staphylococcal infections and contribution of biofilm production remain largely unknown.


Green Fluorescent Protein expressing S. aureus strain shown by 3-D reconstruction of a confocal image after several hours of biofilm growth (courtesy of Dr S. Clement).
 

Our research focuses on the genetic regulation of biofilm development using genome-wide S. aureus microarray profiling that has been recently implemented in our laboratory.

To fulfil our goals, we are currently:

  1. performing a morphological analysis of biofilm development using confocal microscopy of fluorescently-labeled S.aureus,
  2. correlating morphologic stages with defined patterns of gene expression,
  3. confirming the role of candidate genes essential for biofilm formation by genetic screening of a random insertional inactivation library,
  4. genetically validating the most promising targets by standard inactivation and complementation strategies.

Improved knowledge of the genetic basis of bacterial biofilms should lead to novel screening assays, identification of new drug targets, and development of advanced biomedical devices to prevent biofilm formation.


Phenotypic Identification and Characterization of S. aureus Biofilm

Most S. aureus clinical isolates show the capacity to adhere to abiotic surfaces and to develop biofilms. Since S. aureus growing in biofilm is highly refractory to treatment, inhibition of biofilm formation represents a major therapeutic objective.

S. aureus biofilm formation implies adhesion to a surface visible through fluorescent microscopy which, combined with live/dead staining, allows counting proportion of live and dead S. aureus bacteria and comparing different strains and/or different surfaces.

 
Live/dead staining;
dead bacteria are red and living bacteria are green

The biofilm is associated with the production of an extracellular matrix. The main constituent of the sugar-based matrix of S. aureus biofilm is called the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA), indirectly visible through immuno-fluorescent microscopy with a labeled antibody directed against the alpha-PIA. The PIA is produced after the induction of the ica operon.

Immuno-fluorescent microscopy.
 

Crystal violet staining allows quantifying the production of biofilm and comparing different strains and/or different conditions.

 
Crystal violet staining revealing different biofilm aspects

Plating bacterial spots onto a Congo red agar plate allows the genetic screening of biofilm phenotypes, according to the spot appearance.

S. aureus S30 collection (partial) screened on Congo red agar plate
 

   
     
           
   
           
       
   
Research Projects
 
  qMRSA: Detection of MRSA
  MagRSA: Automated Diagnosis of MRSA
  S. aureus biofilms
  S. aureus Intracellular Survival
  S. aureus Proteomics
  NRP-49 Projects: Antimicrobial Resistance
  GESNOMA: Noma disease
  MLVA: S. aureus Genotyping
  MIF Knock-Out Mouse Macrophages
  Patho-adaptation of S. aureus
  ZeptoCHIP
 
Technology
  Microarray
  Phylogenetic Microarray
  High Throughput Sequencing
   
     
           

Revised Mar 05, 2008 - © 2003-2023 Genomic Research Laboratory, Geneva