Advances in cellular and molecular predatory biology of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus six decades after discovery

• Published in: Frontiers in microbiology Vol. 14; p. 1168709
• Main Authors: Lai, Ting F, Ford, Rhian M, Huwiler, Simona G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 15.05.2023
• Subjects: antimicrobial resistance; Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus; history; methods; Microbiology; molecular mechanisms; predatory bacteria; molecular mechanisms; antimicrobial resistance; predatory bacteria; methods; predatory life cycle; cryo-electron tomography; history; Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
• ISSN: 1664-302X; 1664-302X
• DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1168709

Since its discovery six decades ago, the predatory bacterium has sparked recent interest as a potential remedy to the antibiotic resistance crisis. Here we give a comprehensive historical overview from discovery to progressive developments in microscopy and molecular mechanisms. Research on has moved from curiosity to a new model organism, revealing over time more details on its physiology and fascinating predatory life cycle with the help of a variety of methods. Based on recent findings in cryo-electron tomography, we recapitulate on the intricate molecular details known in the predatory life cycle including how this predator searches for its prey bacterium, to how it attaches, grows, and divides all from within the prey cell. Finally, the newly developed progeny leave the prey cell remnants in the exit phase. While we end with some unanswered questions remaining in the field, new imaging technologies and quantitative, systematic advances will likely help to unravel them in the next decades.