Open AccessQuorum-Sensing Regulation of the Biofilm Matrix Genes ( pel ) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Author(s) -
Yumiko Sakuragi,
Roberto Kolter
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.652
H-Index - 246
eISSN - 1067-8832
pISSN - 0021-9193
DOI - 10.1128/jb.00137-07
Subject(s) - biofilm , quorum sensing , pseudomonas aeruginosa , biology , operon , complementation , mutant , transcription (linguistics) , homoserine , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , transcription factor , genetics , bacteria , linguistics , philosophy
Quorum sensing (QS) has been previously shown to play an important role in the development ofPseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms (D. G. Davies et al., Science 280:295-298, 1998). Although QS regulation of swarming and DNA release has been shown to play important roles in biofilm development, regulation of genes directly involved in biosynthesis of biofilm matrix has not been described. Here, transcription of thepel operon, essential for the production of a glucose-rich matrix exopolysaccharide, is shown to be greatly reduced inlasI andrhlI mutants. Chemical complementation of thelasI mutant with 3-oxo-dodecanoyl homoserine lactone restorespel transcription to the wild-type level and biofilm formation ability. These findings thus connect QS signaling and transcription of genes responsible for biofilm matrix biosynthesis.