The HmrABCX pathway regulates the transition between motile and sessile lifestyles in Caulobacter crescentus by a HfiA-independent mechanism.

motile cells, the transition to the sessile lifestyle is irreversible, and this decision is regulated at several levels. In this work, we describe a putative phosphorelay that promotes the motile lifestyle and inhibits biofilm formation, providing new insights into the control of adhesin production that leads to the formation of biofilms.