Zinc Exposure Promotes Commensal-to-Pathogen Transition in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Leading to Mucosal Inflammation and Illness in Mice.

ABSTRACT: The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is associated gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation and illness; however, factors motivating commensal-to-pathogen transition are unclear. Excessive zinc intake from supplements is common in humans. Due to the fact that zinc exposure enhances P. aeruginosa colonization in vitro, we hypothesized zinc exposure broadly activates virulence mechanisms, leading to inflammation and illness. P. aeruginosa was treated with excess zinc and growth, expression and secretion of key virulence factors, and biofilm production were determined. Effects on invasion, barrier function, and cytotoxicity were evaluated in Caco-2 cells co-cultured with P. aeruginosa pre-treated with zinc. Effects on colonization, mucosal pathology, inflammation, and i

SUBMITTER: Wu T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8705841 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature