Genomic Characterization of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Pathogenicity
Summary
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an adaptable Gram-negative pathogen whose pathogenicity is underpinned by a highly versatile genome combining a conserved core with a dynamic accessory component. The core genome encodes essential metabolic pathways, regulatory networks and structural features, while the accessory genome encompasses genomic islands, integrative conjugative elements and plasmids that frequently carry virulence determinants, antibiotic resistance genes and secretion systems. Comparative genomics across clinical, environmental and laboratory strains has revealed clonal lineages defined by distinct repertoires of toxin production, adhesion factors and biofilm-forming capabilities, reflecting niche adaptation. Regulatory mechanisms such as quorum sensing and nucleotide-based signalling coordinate expression of extracellular proteases, siderophores and efflux pumps in response to population density and stress. Pan-genome analyses have mapped the distribution of high-risk sequence types and uncovered novel pathogenicity islands, informing the design of antivirulence therapeutics. Global genomic surveillance advances our understanding of transmission dynamics, outbreak sources and emerging resistance, while functional characterisation of accessory loci offers new targets for precision antimicrobials and vaccine development.
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Genomic Characterization of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Pathogenicity publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in genomic characterization of pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenicity across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Accessory genome: Variable genomic regions, often acquired by horizontal transfer, that encode virulence and antibiotic resistance traits.
Genomic island: Clustered set of genes integrated into the chromosome, typically introduced by mobile elements and encoding adaptations such as toxin or secretion systems.
Quorum sensing: Density-dependent chemical communication system controlling collective behaviours, including biofilm formation and virulence factor expression.
Nucleotide signalling (Ap4A): Intracellular alarmone comprising diadenosine tetraphosphate that regulates stress responses and pathogenicity traits.
References
- The diadenosine tetraphosphate hydrolase ApaH contributes to Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenicity. PLOS Pathogens (2024).
- A VirB4 ATPase of the mobile accessory genome orchestrates core genome-encoded features of physiology, metabolism, and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa TBCF10839. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (2023).
- Comparative Genomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated from Different Ecological Niches. Antibiotics (2023).
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