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Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Siderophore Production from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
05:09

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Siderophore Production from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Published on: March 15, 2024

Burkholderia spp. alter Pseudomonas aeruginosa physiology through iron sequestration

Valerie B Weaver1, Roberto Kolter

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

Journal of Bacteriology
|April 3, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Pseudomonas aeruginosa gene expression is altered by Burkholderia species. Ornibactin, a siderophore from Burkholderia, triggers a specific P. aeruginosa gene response during co-colonization.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacterial Interactions
  • Gene Regulation

Background:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria frequently co-occur in environments like soil and cystic fibrosis patient lungs.
  • Understanding interspecies interactions is crucial for managing polymicrobial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify Pseudomonas aeruginosa genes induced by the presence of Burkholderia species.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of P. aeruginosa response to Burkholderia co-colonization.

Main Methods:

  • Construction of a random P. aeruginosa PA14 gene-lacZ fusion library.
  • Screening of fusion strains for induction by Burkholderia species using a cross-streak assay.
  • Biochemical and genetic analysis to identify the inducing molecule and its target gene.

Main Results:

  • Three P. aeruginosa gene fusions were specifically induced by Burkholderia species, all linked to iron-regulated genes.
  • Transposon insertion in gene PA4467 identified as responsive to Burkholderia.
  • Ornibactin, a Burkholderia siderophore, was confirmed to induce P. aeruginosa PA4467 expression.

Conclusions:

  • Ornibactin produced by Burkholderia cepacia directly induces the P. aeruginosa PA4467 gene.
  • This interaction demonstrates that P. aeruginosa can detect and respond to Burkholderia-derived siderophores during co-colonization.
  • The findings provide insight into the physiological adaptations during polymicrobial infections involving these species.

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