Host- and microbial-mediated mucin degradation differentially shape Pseudomonas aeruginosa physiology and gene expression.

ABSTRACT: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a hallmark pathogen of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway infections, capable of reaching high cell densities despite its limited ability to directly utilize mucin glycoproteins as a nutrient source. In the CF lung, however, P. aeruginosa may access preferred carbon sources (e.g., amino acids and short-chain fatty acids) through metabolic cross-feeding with co-colonizing mucin-degrading microbes. Although host-derived enzymes such as neutrophil elastase can also degrade mucins, the extent to which host-mediated mucin breakdown supports P. aeruginosa growth remains unclear. Thus, here we compared the nutritional impact of microbial versus host mucolytic activity on P. aeruginosa physiology. Analyses of CF sputum revealed patient-specific variability in mucin integrity tha

SUBMITTER: Arif SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12503327 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature