Biofilm Formation in Vibrio Cholerae Pathogenesis

Vibrio cholerae, the agent of cholera, forms biofilms that embed bacterial cells in a self-produced matrix of exopolysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA. In aquatic reservoirs biofilm formation enhances survival by conferring resistance to environmental stresses and predation. Within the human host, biofilm-like aggregates facilitate colonisation of the intestinal mucosa, promote persistence against host defences and reduce susceptibility to antimicrobials. Biofilm development follows a regulated lifecycle: initial attachment via surface structures such as MSHA pili and modular adhesins; matrix synthesis driven by Vibrio exopolysaccharide (VPS) and matrix proteins including RbmA, Bap1 and RbmC; and maturation into three-dimensional architectures. Central signalling molecules such as the second messenger c-di-GMP orchestrate the motile-to-sessile transition by modulating adhesin expression, pilus dynamics and matrix production. Coordination between quorum sensing circuits and environmental cues ensures that biofilm formation is tuned to population density and nutrient availability. Dispersal of cells from mature biofilms enables dissemination and transmission, completing both the environmental and pathogenic lifecycles of V. cholerae.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have unveiled how modular adhesins underpin substrate-specific attachment within V. cholerae biofilms. It was shown that two biofilm-specific adhesins function via shared matrix-binding domains but possess distinct environment-facing modules: one binds to abiotic and lipid surfaces, the other targets host tissues, illustrating specialised roles in environmental persistence and intestinal colonisation. Foundational work has also elucidated the physicochemical basis of biofilm expansion. Matrix synthesis generates an osmotic pressure differential that physically swells the biofilm, enhancing nutrient uptake and excluding non-matrix-producing ‘cheater’ cells. This mechanistic insight emphasises how intrinsic material properties of the biofilm matrix drive community robustness and competitive advantage.

Biofilm Formation in Vibrio Cholerae Pathogenesis publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biofilm formation in vibrio cholerae pathogenesis across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Biofilm: A surface-attached microbial community embedded in a self-secreted extracellular matrix.

Vibrio exopolysaccharide (VPS): The polysaccharide component of the V. cholerae biofilm matrix that provides structural stability.

c-di-GMP: A bacterial second messenger that regulates the switch between motile and sessile lifestyles.

Adhesin: A surface protein that mediates attachment to biotic or abiotic surfaces.

Extracellular vesicle (EV): Membrane-bound particles released by bacteria that transport proteins and signalling molecules.

References

1. Vibrio cholerae biofilms use modular adhesins with glycan-targeting and nonspecific surface binding domains for colonization. Nature Communications (2023).
2. The activity of the quorum sensing regulator HapR is modulated by the bacterial extracellular vesicle (BEV)‐associated protein ObfA of Vibrio cholerae. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles (2024).
3. Vibrio cholerae Biofilms and Cholera Pathogenesis. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (2016).
4. Extracellular-matrix-mediated osmotic pressure drives Vibrio cholerae biofilm expansion and cheater exclusion. Nature Communications (2017).
5. C-di-GMP Regulates Motile to Sessile Transition by Modulating MshA Pili Biogenesis and Near-Surface Motility Behavior in Vibrio cholerae. PLOS Pathogens (2015).