Comparative transcriptome analyses of <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</it>

• Main Authors: Balasubramanian Deepak, Mathee Kalai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-07-01
• Series: Human Genomics
• Subjects: alginate; bacteria; biofilm; comparative transcriptome; copper; iron limitation; microarray; osmotic stress; oxidative stress; pathogenesis; PCP; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; sulphate; quorum sensing
• Online Access: http://www.humgenomics.com/content/3/4/349

<p>Abstract</p> <p>One of the hallmarks of bacterial survival is their ability to adapt rapidly to changing environmental conditions. Niche adaptation is a response to the signals received that are relayed, often to regulators that modulate gene expression. In the post-genomic era, DNA microarrays are used to study the dynamics of gene expression on a global scale. Numerous studies have used <it>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</it>--a Gram-negative environmental and opportunistic human pathogenic bacterium--as the model organism in whole-genome transcriptome analysis. This paper reviews the transcriptome studies that have led to immense advances in our understanding of the biology of this intractable human pathogen. Comparative analysis of 23 <it>P. aeruginosa </it>transcriptome studies has led to the identification of a unique set of genes that are signal specific and a core set that is differentially regulated. The 303 genes in the core set are involved in bacterial homeostasis, making them attractive therapeutic targets.</p>