Abstract

Bacteria have evolved complex systems to maintain consistent cell morphologies. Nevertheless, in certain circumstances, bacteria alter this highly regulated process to transform into filamentous organisms. Accumulating evidence attributes important biological roles to filamentation in stressful environments, including, but not limited to, sites of interaction between pathogenic bacteria and their hosts. Filamentation could represent an intended response to specific environmental cues that promote survival amidst the threats of consumption and killing.

Author affiliations

1. Sheryl S. Justice is at the Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA.
2. David A. Hunstad, Lynette Cegelski and Scott J. Hultgren are at the Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
3. David A. Hunstad is also at the Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.

Correspondence to: Scott J. Hultgren² Email: sheryl.justice@nationwidechildrens.org

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