Transcriptional profiling of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ∆lasR in mono- and co-culture with wild type.

ABSTRACT: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a troublesome opportunistic pathogen isolated from diverse environmental sources. An arsenal of degrading enzymes and antagonistic factors contribute to P. aeruginosa persistence and damage of a susceptible host. Largely through density-dependent regulation referred to as quorum sensing, the LasR, RhlR, and PqsR transcription factors collectively modulate hundreds of genes, including the expression of several virulence factors, in response to diffusible signals called autoinducers. LasR loss-of-function (LasR-) strains are commonly isolated from clinical samples and produce fewer toxins in monoculture, yet these strains are associated with worse clinical outcomes. We show that in co-culture with P. aeruginosa wild type where LasR loss-of-function strains are often found in vivo, ∆lasR hyperproduces RhlR/I dependent antagonistic factors. Specifically, we present a cyclic model of interaction between wild type and ∆lasR wherein the iron-scavenging siderophore pyochelin produced by the lasR mutant induces citrate release and cross-feeding from the wild type to ∆lasR to stimulate production of antagonistic factors with native functions involved in iron acquisition. Co-culture specific behaviors mediated by altered metabolite secretion and metabolism may explain complications associated with LasR loss-of-function strains. More broadly, this report illustrates how heterogenous behaviors within a mono-species community can promote antagonism associated with carbon and metal assimilation.

ORGANISM(S): Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PROVIDER: GSE149385 | GEO | 2020/04/28

REPOSITORIES: GEO