A tactile response in Staphylococcus aureus.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
It is well established that bacteria are able to respond to temporal gradients (e.g., by chemotaxis). However, it is widely held that prokaryotes are too small to sense spatial gradients. This contradicts the common observation that the vast majority of bacteria live on the surface of a solid substrate (e.g., as a biofilm). Herein we report direct experimental evidence that the nonmotile bacterium Staphylococcus aureus possesses a tactile response, or primitive sense of touch, that allows it to respond to spatial gradients. Attached cells recognize their substrate interface and localize adhesins toward that region. Braille-like avidity maps reflect a cell's biochemical sensory response and reveal ultrastructural regions defined by the actual binding activity of specific proteins.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Lower, SK; Yongsunthon, R; Casillas-Ituarte, NN; Taylor, ES; DiBartola, AC; Lower, BH; Beveridge, TJ; Buck, AW; Fowler, VG
Published Date
- November 3, 2010
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 99 / 9
Start / End Page
- 2803 - 2811
PubMed ID
- 21044577
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC2965947
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1542-0086
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.08.063
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States