Function (biology)

Cell biology

Biofilm

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bacteria

Biology

Chromatography

Biochemistry

Matrix (chemical analysis)

Genetics

Mathematics

Microbiology

Geometry

Chemistry

Lectin

Nature Communications

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms are composed of exopolysaccharides (EPS), exogenous DNA, and proteins that hold these communities together. P. aeruginosa produces lectins LecA and LecB, which possess affinities towards sugars found in matrix EPS and mediate adherence of P. aeruginosa to target host cells. Here, we demonstrate that LecB binds to Psl, a key matrix EPS, and this leads to increased retention of both cells and EPS in a growing biofilm. This interaction is predicted to occur between the lectin and the branched side chains present on Psl. Finally, we show that LecB coordinates Psl localization in the biofilm. This constitutes a unique function for LecB and identifies it as a matrix protein that contributes to biofilm structure through EPS interactions.

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecB binds to the exopolysaccharide Psl and stabilizes the biofilm matrix