Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms are composed of exopolysaccharides (EPS), exogenous DNA, and proteins that hold these communities together. P. aeruginosa produces lectins LecA and LecB, which possess affinities towards sugars found in matrix EPS and mediate adherence of P. aeruginosa to target host cells. Here, we demonstrate that LecB binds to Psl, a key matrix EPS, and this leads to increased retention of both cells and EPS in a growing biofilm. This interaction is predicted to occur between the lectin and the branched side chains present on Psl. Finally, we show that LecB coordinates Psl localization in the biofilm. This constitutes a unique function for LecB and identifies it as a matrix protein that contributes to biofilm structure through EPS interactions.
Highlights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms are composed of exopolysaccharides (EPS), exogenous DNA, and proteins that hold these communities together
This study identifies LecB as a P. aeruginosa biofilm matrix protein that binds to Psl and promotes cell retention
Pel and Psl are biofilm matrix EPS that are crucial for P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and structural integrity[5]
Summary
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms are composed of exopolysaccharides (EPS), exogenous DNA, and proteins that hold these communities together. Psl is composed of a neutral pentasaccharide subunit that contains mannose, rhamnose, and glucose in a 3:1:1 ratio[4,7] The levels of these polysaccharides within the matrix and their relevance for aggregate structural stability varies across P. aeruginosa strains[5]. It was shown that LecA is involved in host cell invasion and cytotoxicity, while LecB reduces ciliary beating of airway epithelium[14,15,16] Both lectins are linked to biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces, the underlying mechanism behind these observations are unknown[13,17]. This discovery led to the development of putative therapeutic approaches using glycomimetics that disrupt LecB-sugar interactions[15,20,21,22,23]
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