Methylerythritol cyclodiphosphate is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids in plants and bacteria, and acts as a stress signal in plants. Here, Guo et al. show that, in addition, the metabolite can inhibit biofilm formation in Escherichia coli by modulating the activity of the DNA-binding protein H-NS, thus downregulating the production of adhesive fimbriae.
- Jingzhe Guo
- Wilhelmina T Van De Ven
- Katayoon Dehesh