Inhibition of PQS signaling by the Pf bacteriophage protein PfsE enhances viral replication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

ABSTRACT: Quorum sensing, a bacterial signaling system that coordinates group behaviors as a function of cell density, plays an important role in regulating viral (phage) defense mechanisms in bacteria. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a model system for the study of quorum sensing. P. aeruginosa is also frequently infected by Pf prophages that integrate into the host chromosome. Upon induction, Pf phages suppress host quorum sensing systems; however, the physiological relevance and mechanism of suppression are unknown. Here, we identify the Pf phage protein PfsE as an inhibitor of Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) quorum sensing. PfsE binds to the host protein PqsA, which is essential for the biosynthesis of the PQS signaling molecule. Inhibition of PqsA in

SUBMITTER: Schwartzkopf CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10473763 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature