Gene Regulation in Biofilm-Forming Pseudomonas Species

Pseudomonas species deploy sophisticated regulatory networks to orchestrate the transition from free‐living planktonic cells to structured, surface‐associated biofilms. Central to this switch is the intracellular second messenger cyclic di‐GMP (c-di-GMP), whose concentration is fine-tuned by diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases. At high c-di-GMP levels, transcriptional regulators such as FleQ and AmrZ undergo conformational changes that redirect gene expression away from motility towards production of extracellular matrix components, including polysaccharides, adhesins and amyloid fibres. Further layers of control arise from two‐component systems, small regulatory RNAs and quorum sensing circuits that integrate environmental cues such as nutrient availability, surface contact and stress signals. These inputs converge on master regulators to regulate operons encoding matrix biosynthetic enzymes, secretion systems and surface structures. The resulting biofilm confers enhanced tolerance to antimicrobials and host defences, underpinning the ecological success and clinical persistence of Pseudomonas. Recent advances in structural biology, transcriptomics and genome‐wide mutagenesis have deepened our understanding of the dynamic interplay between second messengers and transcription factors, revealing targets for novel anti‐biofilm strategies with potential applications in medicine, agriculture and industry.

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Gene Regulation in Biofilm-Forming Pseudomonas Species publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in gene regulation in biofilm-forming pseudomonas species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

c-di-GMP: A cyclic nucleotide second messenger that governs the switch between motility and biofilm lifestyles in bacteria.

FleQ: A bacterial enhancer binding protein that, depending on its c-di-GMP-bound state, regulates flagellar and biofilm gene expression.

AmrZ: A transcription factor that modulates extracellular matrix component genes and influences c-di-GMP synthesis.

Extracellular matrix (ECM): The network of polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids that embed biofilm cells and confer structural integrity.

Diguanylate cyclase (DGC): An enzyme that synthesises c-di-GMP from two GTP molecules.

Phosphodiesterase (PDE): An enzyme that degrades c-di-GMP, lowering its intracellular concentration and promoting motility.

References

1. Structures of the P. aeruginosa FleQ-FleN master regulators reveal large-scale conformational switching in motility and biofilm control. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (2023).
2. Role of extracellular matrix components in biofilm formation and adaptation of Pseudomonas ogarae F113 to the rhizosphere environment. Frontiers in Microbiology (2024).
3. Nutrient Sensing and Biofilm Modulation: The Example of L-arginine in Pseudomonas. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2022).