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Pseudomonas aeruginosa Trent and zinc homeostasis
Corey B Davies1, Mark D Harrison1, Flavia Huygens1
1Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative pathogen and the major cause of mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis. The mechanisms that P. aeruginosa strains use to regulate intracellular zinc have an effect on infection, antibiotic resistance and the propensity to form biofilms. However, zinc homeostasis in P. aeruginosa strains of variable infectivity has not been compared. In this study, zinc homeostasis in P. aeruginosa Trent, a highly infectious clinical strain, was compared to that of a laboratory P. aeruginosa strain, ATCC27853. Trent was able to tolerate higher concentrations of additional zinc in rich media than ATCC27853. Further, pre-adaptation to additional zinc enhanced the growth of Trent at non-inhibitory concentrations but the impact of pre-adaption on the growth of ATCC27853 under the same conditions was minimal. The results establish clear differences in zinc-induced responses in Trent and ATCC27853, and how zinc homeostasis can be a promising target for the development of novel antimicrobial strategies for P. aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis patients.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains show different abilities to manage zinc. This difference in zinc homeostasis may lead to new ways to fight infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of mortality in cystic fibrosis patients.
- Zinc regulation mechanisms in P. aeruginosa impact infection, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation.
- Zinc homeostasis differences in P. aeruginosa strains of variable infectivity are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare zinc homeostasis in a highly infectious clinical strain (P. aeruginosa Trent) versus a laboratory strain (P. aeruginosa ATCC27853).
- To investigate the role of zinc tolerance and pre-adaptation on bacterial growth.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of zinc tolerance in P. aeruginosa Trent and ATCC27853 in rich media.
- Assessment of growth enhancement following pre-adaptation to zinc.
Main Results:
- P. aeruginosa Trent tolerated higher concentrations of supplemental zinc compared to ATCC27853.
- Pre-adaptation to zinc enhanced Trent's growth at non-inhibitory concentrations, with minimal effect on ATCC27853.
- Significant differences in zinc-induced responses were observed between the two strains.
Conclusions:
- Zinc homeostasis mechanisms differ significantly between P. aeruginosa Trent and ATCC27853.
- Targeting zinc homeostasis presents a potential strategy for novel antimicrobial therapies against P. aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis.
- Understanding strain-specific zinc regulation is crucial for developing effective treatments.