Interdependency of Respiratory Metabolism and Phenazine-Associated Physiology in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14

Abstract

The clinically relevant pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses diverse organic compounds as electron donors and possesses multiple enzymes that transfer electrons from central metabolism to O 2 . These pathways support a balanced intracellular redox state and produce cellular energy. P. aeruginosa also reduces secondary metabolites called phenazines to promote redox homeostasis and virulence. In this study, we examined the reciprocal relationship between these primary and secondary routes of electron flow. We found that phenazines affect respiratory function and that the complement of phenazines produced is strongly affected by growth in assemblages called biofilms. These results provide a more nuanced understanding of P. aeruginosa redox metabolism and may inform strategies for treating persistent infections caused by this bacterium.