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Flo11p, drug efflux pumps, and the extracellular matrix cooperate to form biofilm yeast colonies

Publication at Faculty of Science |
2011

Abstract

The molecular mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal development and environmental resistance of biofilms and colonies remain largely unknown. We show that a biofilm yeast colony is a finely tuned, complex multicellular organism, in which specialized cells jointly execute multiple protection strategies.

These include a Pdr1p-regulated mechanism whereby multidrug-resistance transporters Pdr5p and Snq2p expel external compounds solely within the surface cell layers, as well as developmentally regulated production by internal cells of a selectively permeable extracellular matrix. The two mechanisms act in concert during colony development, allowing growth of new cell generations in a well protected, internal cavity of the colony.

Colony architecture is strengthened by intercellular fiber connections.