A bacterial population quenched by bacterial enzymes

Bacteria produce sticky biofilms to wrap and protect themselves, making them less susceptible to antimicrobials and chemical cleaning products
.
Biofilms have an impact on health and a variety of industries, as they can lead to contamination, corrosion, and bacterial contamination
.

Now, scientists have created an enzyme that can efficiently break down the signaling molecules
that bacteria tell each other to produce the biofilm needed to surround their communities.

The enzyme stems from a 2016 discovery by KAUST researchers when they identified 7 "population quenching" genes
from bacteria extracted from Red Sea sediments.
These genes encode enzymes that break down the quorum-sensing molecules
that bacteria use to communicate with each other.

In the current study, an interdisciplinary team of scientists used 3D protein modeling to predict the structure
of enzymes encoded by seven genes.
Based on their analysis, the team modified one of the genes to produce an enzyme they called LrsL, named
after the Red Sea (rs).
Enzymatic activity
of Labrenzia (L) bacteria and their lacterases (L).
LrsL specializes in breaking down a class of quorum-sensing molecules
known as acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs).

Structural and functional analyses have shown that the enzyme is effective in inhibiting the formation of biofilm Pseudomonas aeruginosa is well known to cause hospital-acquired infections
.
Molecular biophysicist Stefan Arold said: "In fact, the catalytic activity of LrsL is the highest
of all population quenching enzymes reported to date.
" This abnormal activity may be due to an unusual pocket in the enzyme that allows LrsL to bind
strongly to a wide range of AHL molecules.

In addition, although LrsL loses its structure and function when heated above 50 degrees Celsius, it recovers both structures and functions
after cooling, even after long-term heat treatment at 120 degrees Celsius.
This property makes this enzyme a promising candidate for clinical and industrial applications
.

Biotechnologist Afaque Momin said: "Current chemical antifouling and biofilm treatments are either toxic to the environment or involve the use of antibiotics, which can lead to antimicrobial resistance
.
" "Population quenching enzymes show promise
to overcome these challenges.
LrsL's extraordinary efficacy, stability, and powerful effect on biofilms make it an effective choice
against biofilm formation in a variety of environments.
”

Further research is needed to confirm these results
before considering LrsL for commercial applications.
In the meantime, the team will continue to test their Red Sea sediment samples to look for faster, more stable population quenching enzymes
.