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Function(s) and Biological Relevance

Bap1 (Biofilm-Associated protein 1) is an extracellular matrix protein from the bacterium Vibrio cholerae that aids in biofilm architecture and adhesion affinity to living surfaces. Bap1 is also responsible for the biofilm resistance to aqueous environments, acid conditions, antibiotics and the human immune system making the V. cholerae biofilm very versatile and difficult to eradicate. Vibrio cholerae biofilms are made up of Vibrio polysaccharides, nucleic acids and matrix proteins RBmA, RbmC, and Bap1. V. cholerae biofilms are linked to increased transmission, virulence and resistance to various environments, which resulted in pandemic cholera. The biofilm resistance and adhesion affinity promote survival in a multitude of environments including mammalian stomachs. The increased resistance and adhesion affinity increase the virulence of the bacterium resulting in a greater probability of contraction, infection and disease.

Broader Implications

It is important for medical professionals and scientists alike to understand how Vibrio cholerae interact with the host they are infecting. According to the CDC, “Cholera is a disease spread by drinking water or eating food contaminated with cholera bacteria.” The main implication cholera causes in humans is dehydration from loose stools. Pushing fluids to maintain hydration will lower your risk of death below 1%. The main implication of treating cholera is breaking down the V. cholerae biofilms which are resistant to antibiotics, stomach acid and antibiotics. Understanding how to break down this resistant biofilm could help many 3rd world countries and travelers avoid illness.

Structural highlights and structure-function relationships

Energy Transformation

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