A quorum-sensing molecule from <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> induces defensive multicellularity in a coinfecting pathogen.

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, coinfecting opportunistic pathogens found in pneumonia and chronic lung infections, such as in cystic fibrosis. We found that S. maltophilia forms large 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

SUBMITTER: Katharios-Lanwermeyer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12834488 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature