Abstract:
The formation and maintenance of microbial biofilms is shown to be dependent on signaling pathways mediated by cyclic di-GMP. In the absence of such signaling, microbes detach from a biofilm, and thereby become more readily treatable with conventional antibiotics. Chemical or biological means that interfere with cyclic-di-GMP signaling induce biofilm dissolution, providing for a new class of antibiotics. In one embodiment of the invention, the biofilm inhibitor is an analog of cyclic-di-GMP, which competitively or non-competitively blocks signaling. In another embodiment of the invention, the biofilm inhibitor is a genetic sequence that interferes with cyclic-di-GMP synthesis or signaling.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods are provided that relate to the bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes, particularly the bioremediation of vinyl chloride by Dehalococcoides-like organisms. An isolated strain of bacteria, Dehalococcoides sp. strain VS, that metabolizes vinyl chloride is provided; the genetic sequence of the enzyme responsible for vinyl chloride dehalogenation; methods of assessing the capability of endogenous organisms at an environmental site to metabolize vinyl chloride; and a method of using the strains of the invention for bioremediation.
Abstract:
The formation and maintenance of microbial biofilms is shown to be dependent on signaling pathways mediated by cyclic di-GMP. In the absence of such signaling, microbes detach from a biofilm, and thereby become more readily treatable with conventional antibiotics. Chemical or biological means that interfere with cyclic-di-GMP signaling induce biofilm dissolution, providing for a new class of antibiotics. In one embodiment of the invention, the biofilm inhibitor is an analog of cyclic-di-GMP, which competitively or non-competitively blocks signaling. In another embodiment of the invention, the biofilm inhibitor is a genetic sequence that interferes with cyclic-di-GMP synthesis or signaling.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods are provided that relate to the bioremediation of chlorinated ethenes, particularly the bioremediation of vinyl chloride by Dehalococcoides -like organisms. An isolated strain of bacteria, Dehalococcoides sp. strain VS, that metabolizes vinyl chloride is provided; the genetic sequence of the enzyme responsible for vinyl chloride dehalogenation; methods of assessing the capability of endogenous organisms at an environmental site to metabolize vinyl chloride; and a method of using the strains of the invention for bioremediation.