Genetic and biochemical analyses of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Psl exopolysaccharide reveal overlapping roles for polysaccharide synthesis enzymes in Psl and LPS production.

ABSTRACT: Exopolysaccharides contribute significantly to attachment and biofilm formation in the opportunisitc pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Psl polysaccharide, which is synthesized by the polysaccharide synthesis locus (psl), is required for biofilm formation in non-mucoid strains that do not rely on alginate as the principal biofilm polysaccharide. In-frame deletion and complementation studies of individual psl genes revealed that 11 psl genes, pslACDEFGHIJKL, are required for Psl production and surface attachment. We also present the first structural analysis of the psl-dependent polysaccharide, which consists of a repeating pentasaccharide containing d-mannose, d-glucose and l-rhamnose: [See text]. In addition, we identified the sugar nucleotide precursors involved in Psl generation and d

SUBMITTER: Byrd MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4409829 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature