Aggregation-mediated microcolony shields bacteria from contact-dependent competition and maintains phenotypic heterogeneity
Margot Marie Dessartine, Julien F. Giraud, Artémis Kosta, Guoliang Qian, Eric Cascalès, Jean‐Philippe Côté
This study shows that type 1 fimbriae and adhesins promote microcolony formation, shielding bacteria from short-range contact-dependent weapons and maintaining phenotypic heterogeneity.
bioRxiv · Mar 27, 2026 · PreprintMicrobiology