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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
08:52
RNA Isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Colonizing the Murine Gastrointestinal Tract
Published on: September 28, 2011
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A Surface-Induced Asymmetric Program Promotes Tissue Colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Benoît-Joseph Laventie1, Matteo Sangermani1, Fabienne Estermann1
1Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Cell Host & Microbe
|December 25, 2018
Summary
Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses surface contact to trigger pili assembly and asymmetric cell division. This "Touch-Seed-and-Go" program enhances bacterial colonization and infection spread.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes host tissues using pili.
- Surface sensing is crucial for bacterial virulence and colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the surface-specific mechanisms P. aeruginosa employs for enhanced host colonization.
- To elucidate the role of cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) and asymmetric cell division in P. aeruginosa virulence.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring of c-di-GMP levels upon surface encounter.
- Analysis of pili assembly and bacterial cell division.
- Infection experiments in host models.
Main Results:
- Surface contact rapidly increases intracellular c-di-GMP levels in P. aeruginosa.
- c-di-GMP activates pili assembly via FimW, promoting surface adherence.
- Asymmetric cell division generates distinct progeny: piliated 'strikers' and flagellated 'spreaders'.
- A phosphodiesterase asymmetrically localizes, reducing c-di-GMP in motile offspring.
- This cellular asymmetry significantly enhances infection spread and tissue damage.
Conclusions:
- P. aeruginosa utilizes a surface-induced, asymmetric virulence program ('Touch-Seed-and-Go') for efficient colonization and transmission.
- The program involves rapid c-di-GMP signaling, pili-mediated adherence, and differentiated cell fates.
- Asymmetric division is a key strategy for spreading infection and causing tissue damage.
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