Adhesins

Adhesins are protein molecules found on the surface of bacteria that allow them to stick to surfaces, such as human tissue. They play an important role in bacterial pathogenesis by allowing bacteria to colonize and cause infections. Adhesins also allow bacteria to form biofilms, which are communities of bacteria surrounded by a protective layer of extracellular DNA and proteins. Adhesins can be used to study bacterial attachment to surfaces, such as medical implants. By understanding how bacteria attach to surfaces, scientists can better design medical implants or pharmaceuticals to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.