14 research outputs found
Transcriptional Profiling Suggests that Multiple Metabolic Adaptations are Required for Effective Proliferation of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> in Jet Fuel
Fuel
is a harsh environment for microbial growth. However, some
bacteria can grow well due to their adaptive mechanisms. Our goal
was to characterize the adaptations required for Pseudomonas
aeruginosa proliferation in fuel. We have used DNA-microarrays
and RT-PCR to characterize the transcriptional response of P. aeruginosa to fuel. Transcriptomics revealed that
genes essential for medium- and long-chain <i>n</i>-alkane
degradation including <i>alkB1</i> and <i>alkB2</i> were transcriptionally induced. Gas chromatography confirmed that P. aeruginosa possesses pathways to degrade different
length <i>n</i>-alkanes, favoring the use of <i>n</i>-C<sub>11–18</sub>. Furthermore, a gamut of synergistic metabolic
pathways, including porins, efflux pumps, biofilm formation, and iron
transport, were transcriptionally regulated. Bioassays confirmed that
efflux pumps and biofilm formation were required for growth in jet
fuel. Furthermore, cell homeostasis appeared to be carefully maintained
by the regulation of porins and efflux pumps. The Mex RND efflux pumps
were required for fuel tolerance; blockage of these pumps precluded
growth in fuel. This study provides a global understanding of the
multiple metabolic adaptations required by bacteria for survival and
proliferation in fuel-containing environments. This information can
be applied to improve the fuel bioremediation properties of bacteria