Atomic-scale interactions between quorum sensing autoinducer molecules and the mucoid P. aeruginosa exopolysaccharide matrix.

ABSTRACT: Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a prevalent cystic fibrosis (CF) lung coloniser whose chronicity is associated with the formation of cation cross-linked exopolysaccharide (EPS) matrices, which form a biofilm that acts as a diffusion barrier, sequestering cationic and neutral antimicrobials, and making it extremely resistant to pharmacological challenge. Biofilm chronicity and virulence of the colony is regulated by quorum sensing autoinducers (QSAIs), small signalling metabolites that pass between bacteria, through the biofilm matrix, regulating genetic responses on a population-wide scale. The nature of how these molecules interact with the EPS is poorly understood, despite the fact that they must pass through EPS matrix to reach neighbouring bacteria. Interactions at the atomic-scale be

SUBMITTER: Hills OJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9095684 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature