Structure of SinR bound to DNA. SinR inhibits the formation of the molecular glue that holds a biofilm together by binding
to specific targets on DNA. These targets are spaced so that the DNA forms a loop around the protein. (Credit: Image
courtesy of Newcastle University)Apr. 12, 2013 � Newcastle University scientists have revealed the mechanism that
causes a slime to form, making bacteria hard to shift and resistant to antibiotics.
When under threat, some bacteria can shield themselves in a slimy protective layer, known as a biofilm. It is made up of
communities of bacteria held together to protect themselves from attack.
Biofilms cause dental plaque and sinusitis; in healthcare, biofilms can lead to life threatening and difficult to treat
infections, particularly on medical implants such as catheters, heart valves, artificial hips and even breast implants. They
also they coat the outside of ships and boats polluting the water.
Publishing in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the team reveal how a molecular switch regulates biofilm formation.
This new understanding could help identify a new target for antibiotics and prevent other biofilms from forming.
In order to thwart them from causing disease and biopollution, a Newcastle University team have been studying at the
molecular level how bacteria form biofilms in the first instance.
They reveal how the master regulator of biofilm formation, a protein called SinR, acts in the model bacterium, Bacillus
subtilis.
Richard Lewis, Professor of Structural Biology in the Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences who led the research
said: "SinR is a bit like a rocker switch, a domestic light switch for instance. In the "down" position, when SinR is bound
to DNA, the proteins required to make a biofilm are turned off and the bacteria are free to move. In the "up" position,
SinR is no longer bound to DNA and instead interacts with other proteins, and the biofilms genes are turned on."
SinR is a DNA-binding protein that acts to inhibit the expression of proteins required for the synthesis of the molecular
glue that holds the biofilm together. The ability of SinR to bind to DNA is carefully controlled by a network of interactions
with three other proteins. By the application of X-ray crystallography, the team have determined precisely how SinR
interacts with very specific feature of its DNA target.
By understanding how the proteins interact with each other, and with DNA, scientists can look to develop molecules that
interfere with these essential processes as a means to sto
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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Newcastle University.
Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.
J. A. Newman, C. Rodrigues, R. J. Lewis. Molecular Basis of the Activity of SinR Protein, the Master Regulator of Biofilm Formation in Bacillus subtilis. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2013; 288 (15): 10766 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M113.455592 Need to cite this story in your essay, paper, or report? Use one of the following formats:
MLA Newcastle University (2013, April 12). Secrets of bacterial slime revealed. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 15, 2013, from http://www.sciencedaily.com� /releases/2013/04/130412132413.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fhealth_medicine+%28ScienceDaily%3A+Health+%26+Medicine+News%29
Posts: 789 | From CT, | Registered: Jun 2006
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Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
I've read also that some herbs can inhibit biofilm formation...
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4166 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
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annxyzz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20404
posted
Enzymes can penetrate and serra peptase feels like it does the job ( ultra herx ) . I read studies that proved colloidal silver penetrated candida biofilm, so possibly it does w/ lyme. I am def herxing with a minscule amount , and have read about many people feeling better with it after having no luck with ABX and drugs for years. I am hopeful !
-------------------- annxyzz Posts: 1178 | From East Texas | Registered: May 2009
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