The Oxylipin Dependent Quorum Sensing System enhances Pseudomonas aeruginosa dissemination during burn-associated infection.

ABSTRACT: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of life-threatening infections in burn patients, yet the molecular cues driving its hypervirulence remain poorly understood. Here, we identify the Oxylipin Dependent Quorum Sensing (ODS) system as a key regulator of P. aeruginosa pathogenicity in the burn wound environment. Using a murine burn model, we show that thermal injury significantly increases free oleic acid levels in skin, which P. aeruginosa converts into oxylipin autoinducers (10-HOME and 7,10-DiHOME) via OdsA and OdsB. These molecules activate the ODS regulon, promoting bacterial invasion of burned tissue and dissemination to internal organs. ODS-deficient mutants exhibited markedly reduced skin colonization, impaired translocation across endothelial barriers, and attenuated mortality

SUBMITTER: Martinez E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12844534 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature