Evolution of Quorum Sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Can Occur via Loss of Function and Regulon Modulation.

ABSTRACT: Pseudomonas aeruginosa populations evolving in cystic fibrosis lungs, animal hosts, natural environments and in vitro undergo extensive genetic adaption and diversification. A common mutational target is the quorum sensing (QS) system, a three-unit regulatory system that controls the expression of virulence factors and secreted public goods. Three evolutionary scenarios have been advocated to explain selection for QS mutants: (i) disuse of the regulon, (ii) cheating through the exploitation of public goods, or (ii) modulation of the QS regulon. Here, we examine these scenarios by studying a set of 61 QS mutants from an experimental evolution study. We observed nonsynonymous mutations in all three QS systems: Las, Rhl, and Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS). The majority of the Las mutants

SUBMITTER: Jayakumar P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9600717 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature