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Title:	Novel insights in Pseudomonas aeruginosa metabolism and pathogenesis by low fluid-shear culturing
Author(s):	Crabbé, Aurélie Cornelis, Pierre Van Houdt, Rob
Keywords:	microgravity shear cystic fibrosis pseudomonas virulence
Issue Date:	Dec-2009
Publication type:	Promoted work
Citation:	Crabbé A. - Novel insights in Pseudomonas aeruginosa metabolism and pathogenesis by low fluid-shear culturing - to be implemented.
Abstract:	The aim of the present dissertation was to gain novel insights in the metabolism and pathogenesis of the opportunistic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Earth and in the frame of spaceflight missions, by studying the influence of low fluid-shear in absence and presence of host cells. P. aeruginosa PAO1 was assessed in low fluid-shear (microgravity-like) at a temperature relevant for the International Space Station. Microarray analysis revealed the induction of 134 genes in response to low shear, concomitant with increased heat- and oxidative stress resistance, production of the exopolysaccharide alginate and microaerophilic/anaerobic metabolism. The alternative sigma factor AlgU and the small RNA binding protein Hfq were put forward as the major regulators in the P. aeruginosa response to low shear microgravity. Next, the behavior of P. aeruginosa in low shear was compared to a higher shear condition at a physiologically relevant temperature. In the low fluid-shear, P. aeruginosa PAO1 developed a self-aggregating biofilm phenotype, increased rhamnolipid production and enhanced the transcription of its rhl quorum sensing system and the psl genes. Finally, host-pathogen interactions were investigated in the RWV. Therefore, an advanced three-dimensional tissue model was engineered, which comprised of alveolar lung epithelium and mononuclear phagocytic cells.
Persistent URL:	http://hdl.handle.net/10038/1306
ISBN:	978-90-5487-679-3

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