Two Genetic Loci Produce Distinct Carbohydrate-Rich Structural Components of thePseudomonas aeruginosaBiofilm Matrix

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Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosaforms biofilms, which are cellular aggregates encased in an extracellular matrix. Molecular genetics studies of three common autoaggregative phenotypes, namely wrinkled colonies, pellicles, and solid-surface-associated biofilms, led to the identification of two loci,pelandpsl, that are involved in the production of carbohydrate-rich components of the biofilm matrix. Thepelgene cluster is involved in the production of a glucose-rich matrix material inP. aeruginosastrain PA14 (L. Friedman and R. Kolter, Mol. Microbiol.51:675-690, 2004). Here we investigate the role of thepelgene cluster inP. aeruginosastrain ZK2870 and identify a second genetic locus, termedpsl, involved in the production of a mannose-rich matrix material. The 11 predicted protein products of thepslgenes are homologous to proteins involved in carbohydrate processing.P. aeruginosais thus able to produce two distinct carbohydrate-rich matrix materials. Either carbohydrate-rich matrix component appears to be sufficient for mature biofilm formation, and at least one of them is required for mature biofilm formation inP. aeruginosastrains PA14 and ZK2870.