Molecular Characterization of Mycobacterium chelonae biofilms

Download Statistics

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Vega Dominguez, Perla Jazmin (2020). Molecular Characterization of Mycobacterium chelonae biofilms. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

VegaDominguez2020PhD.pdf
Text - Accepted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (9MB) | Preview

Abstract

Mycobacterium chelonae is a non-tuberculous mycobacteria that is ubiquitously found in the environment. It can cause infections in humans, and it is regarded as one of the most drug-resistant mycobacteria, attribute partially explained due to the poor permeability of its cell wall. Because M. chelonae causes infections and persists in the environment as a biofilm, we studied pellicular biofilms, aiming to elucidate its molecular components and structure. Using scanning electron microscopy, we detected the presence of an extracellular matrix coating the bacilli residing in a pellicle, and also detected the presence of pores. With fluorescent microscopy, biochemical analysis, and Raman spectroscopy, we characterized the components of the extracellular matrix, identifying proteins and lipids as the principal components. We also identified an accumulation of free mycolic acids and phosphatidylglycerol in M. chelonae pellicles. After analyzing the trasncriptomes ofM. chelonae pellicles, we identified dow regulation of transporters, and upregulation of genes belonging to the REDOX metabolism, and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. The characterization of M. chelonae pellicles in this thesis will contribute to the understanding of biofilm formation in this pathogen for the development of anti-biofilm strategies.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):