Function of Small basic protein (Sbp) in Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm matrix assembly: molecular mechanisms and spatio-temporal patterning.

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Holger Rohde
• Subject Area: Medical Microbiology and Mycology, Hygiene, Molecular Infection Biology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 503904498

The formation of multicellular S. epidermidis biofilms is driven by the production of an extracellular matrix, which plays a crucial role in promoting cell-cell adhesion and the development of a three-dimensional bacterial structure. Matrix assembly is believed to create the physical conditions necessary to support and regulate S. epidermidis multicellularity. Sbp, a biofilm matrix component, functions during both the early and late stages of multicellular organization. Its specific spatial distribution within living biofilms suggests that Sbp serves as a key communal resource, providing a structural scaffold essential for the formation of a multicellular biofilm consortium, and also fosters maintenance of homoeostasis. Building on and further extending novel evidence from the first funding period, this project will focus on three primary objectives. 1. Visualize Sbp assembly and structure of Sbp containing biofilm matrices at single molecule resolution. 2. Validate and characterize the Sbp interactome during biofilm development and decipher its functional role during biofilm formation. 3. Analyze the importance of Sbp for maintaining within-biofilm homeostasis and protection from reactive oxygen species.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 2389: Emergent Functions of Bacterial Multicellularity