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Updated: Apr 11, 2026
11:31
Establishment of a High-throughput Setup for Screening Small Molecules That Modulate c-di-GMP Signaling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Published on: June 30, 2016
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Network-level divergence in cyclic di-GMP signalling drives ecological versatility in Acinetobacter baumannii
Rubén de Dios1,2, Valerie S Forsyth3, Lyuboslava G Harkova1,2
1Antimicrobial Innovations Centre, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University of London, Uxbridge, UK.
NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes
|April 9, 2026
Summary
This study reveals cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) signalling is crucial for Acinetobacter baumannii virulence. The enzyme PdeD is identified as a key regulator in prevalent strains, offering a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Second messenger signalling pathways regulate bacterial physiology and adaptation.
- The role of cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) signalling in Acinetobacter baumannii remains largely uncharacterized.
- Acinetobacter baumannii is a priority pathogen known for its recalcitrant infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively explore c-di-GMP signalling in A. baumannii clinical isolates.
- To elucidate the c-di-GMP regulon and its impact on virulence-associated behaviours.
- To identify key enzymes regulating c-di-GMP levels and their association with specific bacterial clones.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of c-di-GMP signalling pathways across multiple A. baumannii clinical isolates.
- Elucidation of the c-di-GMP regulon.
- Characterization of enzyme function in virulence models (biofilm formation, host colonisation).
- Association of specific enzymes with international clones.
Main Results:
- The c-di-GMP second messenger's regulon and role in biofilm formation were elucidated.
- Specific enzymes controlling c-di-GMP levels were linked to distinct international clones.
- PdeD was identified as the primary phosphodiesterase in the prevalent International Clone I.
- PdeD regulates host colonisation in a murine model and environmental persistence.
Conclusions:
- c-di-GMP signalling plays a core regulatory role in A. baumannii pathobiology.
- PdeD is a key regulatory node contributing to the global dissemination of A. baumannii.
- PdeD represents a potential novel therapeutic target for combating A. baumannii infections.
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