Bacterial Secretions Link to Cell Explosion

 

 A multinational research team has discovered an explosive cell lysis mechanism of bacteria controlled by a phage-related enzyme that releases cell-derived public goods and is activated by stress. The researchers found that explosive cell lysis also contributed to membrane vesicle formation, which helps determine bacterial virulence. These findings further help understanding of how bacteria control their environment and interact as communities. This could aid the development of growth inhibition techniques. Researchers have been unclear on how bacteria form and release certain extracellular components involved in cell adhesion and multicellular structures that also contribute to antibiotic resistance. However, a recent study from a multinational team of researchers identified a previously unknown phenomenon, explosive cell lysis, as crucial in the production of membrane vesicles and biofilm formation. Bacteria cells change from a rod-like to spherical shape before exploding controlled by the Lys enzyme. Cell membrane fragments curl up to form vesicles and extracellular DNA are released, which can interact with other cells.

This article is absolutely amazing. This study will help to better membrane vesicle formation which in turn will lead to earlier virulence determination in certain bacteria. If we could determine specific bacterial influences before they even happen we could better prepare for outbreaks and help to develop cures and remedies earlier on. This would better our bacterial impact and help to lessen symptoms in a larger population than ever before thanks to these studies. All in all I believe this was a very well written article and it shines a light on the extensiveness of this study and how revolutionary this research could truly be.