Conversion to mucoidy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract

Chronic respiratory complications in cystic fibrosis, compounded by recurring infections with mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the associated inflammation, are the primary cause of high mortality in this inheritable disease. Since the conversion of P. aeruginosa into the exopolysaccharide alginate overproducing strains plays a critical role in the establishment of chronic infection, studies are directed towards understanding the processes underlying this phenomenon. The genes (algU, mucA, and mucB) and genetic alterations responsible for conversion to mucoidy have been recently characterized. The mutations leading to the emergence of mucoid strains are superimposed on a regulatory system with elements that resemble those controlling other aspects of bacterial developmental physiology.

• Authors: V Deretic, D W Martin, M J Schurr, M H Mudd, N S Hibler, R Curcic, J C Boucher
• Journal: Bio/technology (Nature Publishing Company) (Biotechnology (N Y)) Vol. 11 Issue 10 Pg. 1133-6 (Oct 1993) ISSN: 0733-222X [Print] United States
• PMID: 7764093 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Alginates
• Hexuronic Acids
• Polysaccharides, Bacterial
• exopolysaccharide, Pseudomonas
• Glucuronic Acid

Topics

• Alginates
• Cystic Fibrosis (complications, microbiology)
• Glucuronic Acid
• Hexuronic Acids
• Humans
• Mucus
• Polysaccharides, Bacterial (biosynthesis, genetics)
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa (genetics, physiology)
• Respiratory Tract Infections (microbiology)