Environmental Adaptability and Quorum Sensing: Iron Uptake Regulation during Biofilm Formation by Paracoccus denitrificans
Abstract
Paracoccus denitrificans is a valuable model organism due to its versatile respiration capability and bioenergetic flexibility, both of which are critical to its survival in different environments. Quorum sensing (QS) plays a crucial role in the regulation of many cell functions; however, whether QS systems play a role in P. denitrificans is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that iron uptake systems in P. denitrificans were directly regulated by a newly identified QS system. Genes coding for TonB-dependent systems, which transport chelated iron, were transcribed at higher levels in the QS-defective mutants. In contrast, genes coding for the Fbp system, which is TonB independent and transports unchelated ferric iron, were downregulated in the mutants. In brief, QS in P. denitrificans triggers a switch in iron uptake from TonB-dependent to TonB-independent transport during biofilm formation as higher concentrations of iron accumulate in the exopolysaccharide (EPS). Switching from TonB-dependent iron uptake systems to TonB-independent systems not only prevents cells from absorbing excess iron but also conserves energy. Our data suggest that iron uptake strategies are directly regulated by QS in Paracoccus denitrificans to su...Continue Reading
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