Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and a major risk factor for the immunocompromised patients and those with cystic fibrosis. The primary challenges faced in combating the versatile bacterium are the rapidly developing antibiotic resistance and formation of durable detergent-resistant biofilms on diverse surfaces, including those in medical institutions and facilities. Stability and heterogeneity of the biofilms are mediated by the complex composition of the matrix, where the extensively crosslinked exopolysaccharides (EPS) serve to embed cells and provide attachment sites for secreted enzymes. Despite the biomedical importance of P. aeruginosa EPS secretion systems and a substantial demand for the EPS synthesis in biotechnological applications, the molecular mechanisms of EPS secretion in bacteria are barely understood. Thus, we set out to elucidate the coupled synthesis and translocation pathway of the EPS on the molecular scale, by using a broad methodology toolbox.
We are looking forward many challenges and discoveries in coming months and years!