Genome-wide screen for genes involved in eDNA release during biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus

Significance The human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus forms biofilms in which cells are held together in clusters by an electrostatic net of extracellular DNA (eDNA). How eDNA is released from cells to form this net is unknown. We report the development of a genetic approach to identifying genes involved in eDNA release. This approach should be generally amenable to identifying genes involved in eDNA release by other biofilm-forming bacteria that aggregate in a DNA-containing matrix. The genes we identified in S. aureus provide fresh insights into how eDNA is released and provide potential therapeutic targets for drug development.