Pel is a cationic exopolysaccharide that cross-links extracellular DNA in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm matrix
University of Washington · Université du littoral côte d'opale · +5 more institutions
Abstract
Biofilm formation is a complex, ordered process. In the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Psl and Pel exopolysaccharides and extracellular DNA (eDNA) serve as structural components of the biofilm matrix. Despite intensive study, Pel's chemical structure and spatial localization within mature biofilms remain unknown. Using specialized carbohydrate chemical analyses, we unexpectedly found that Pel is a positively charged exopolysaccharide composed of partially acetylated 1→4 glycosidic linkages of N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine. Guided by the knowledge of Pel's sugar composition, we developed a tool for the direct visualization of Pel in biofilms by combining Pel-specific Wisteria…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 17.32
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 40
Authors
13Topics & keywords
- Biofilm
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Glycosidic bond
- Extracellular matrix
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Cationic polymerization
- Polysaccharide