Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
Spring 5-8-2020
Department
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
First Advisor
Dr. Karin Sauer
Second Advisor
Dr. Cláudia Marques
Third Advisor
Dr. Susan Bane
Series
Science and Mathematics
Subject Heading(s)
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; Proteins; Biofilms; Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Abstract
The SagS protein is a two-component regulatory system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that works to independently regulate biofilm formation and antibiotic tolerance. Previous work found that these two pathways are controlled by two distinct sets of amino acids within the sensory domain of SagS that are thought to be potential ligand binding sites. Despite the extensive research done on the structure and function of SagS, the signals that activate this protein have yet to be identified. In this study we aimed to identify ligands that stimulate SagS-dependent biofilm formation. To do this we utilized ΔsagS mutants, one harboring wild-type sagS under the control of its native promoter and the other harboring the empty vector, attachment assays and COMSTAT analysis. Initially, we found that Mn2+ stimulates SagS-dependent attachment, but not SagS-dependent biofilm formation. While we ultimately identified D-glucose-6-phosphate as a ligand that enhances SagS-dependent biofilm formation. These findings provide a better understanding of how SagS works to control biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa and points to potential new method for treating P. aeruginosa infections.
Recommended Citation
Gowett, Madison, "D-Glucose-6-phosphate stimulates SagS-dependent biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa" (2020). Undergraduate Honors Theses. 2.
https://orb.binghamton.edu/undergrad_honors_theses/2