DNABII Family of Bacterial DNA-Binding Proteins (DNABII)

The DNABII family consists mainly of IHF and HU—highly conserved nucleoid-associated proteins essential for both intracellular chromosome organization and extracellular stabilization of pathogenic bacterial biofilms. Their unique role makes them prime targets for novel anti-biofilm therapies with broad-spectrum potential against diverse bacteria. DNABII proteins are universally conserved among eubacteria but have no known homologs in mammalian species. Even when primary sequence homology varies between species, their secondary structure—and thus function—remains highly conserved. This makes them attractive targets for broad-spectrum anti-biofilm strategies.

Other names

Integration Host Factor (IHF)Histone-like protein (HU)

Disruption of biofilm structure by destabilizing the eDNA lattice.