Regulatory and antimicrobial dual functions of the pvf cluster in biocontrol strain Pseudomonas sp. MUP55

ABSTRACT: Bacterial antimicrobial compounds and global regulatory networks are typically studied as separate systems, limiting our understanding of how these functions might be integrated. Here we reveal a dual-function system in the biocontrol strain Pseudomonas sp. MUP55, where the pvf cluster simultaneously functions as a global regulator of specialized metabolism and produces direct antimicrobial compounds. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of a ∆pvfC mutant showed extensive global change of the regulation of metabolites and gene expression, with effects on specialized metabolites. Remarkably, pvfC differentially regulates dual siderophore systems and uncouples typically co-regulated small regulatory RNAs in the Gac/Rsm cascade. Heterologous expression confirmed the pvf cluster produces compounds with direct antimicrobial activity independent of its regulatory functions. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the MUP55 pvf cluster contains a rare additional pvfE gene found in only 3.4% of identified pvf clusters. This evolutionary integration of regulatory and defensive functions within a single genetic system provides an efficient strategy for bacterial competitive fitness and resource allocation, expanding our understanding of how beneficial microbes coordinate cellular processes while maintaining environmental competitiveness

ORGANISM(S): Pseudomonas sp. MUP55

PROVIDER: GSE306187 | GEO | 2025/08/22

REPOSITORIES: GEO