<i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> exhibits defensive multicellularity in response to a <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> quorum sensing molecule.

ABSTRACT: Microorganisms commonly exist in polymicrobial communities, where they can respond to interspecies secreted molecules by altering behaviors and physiology, however, the underlying mechanisms remain underexplored. Here we investigated interactions between Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, co-infecting opportunistic pathogens found in pneumonia and chronic lung infections, including in cystic fibrosis. We found that S. maltophilia forms robust protective multicellular aggregates upon exposure to P. aeruginosa secreted factors. Experimental evolution for lack of aggregation selected for fimbrial mutations and we found that fimbriae are required on both interacting S. maltophilia cells for aggregation. Untargeted metabolomics and target

SUBMITTER: Katharios-Lanwermeyer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12190822 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature