铜绿假单胞菌中乙酰化褐藻胶的生物合成和功能研究进展

铜绿假单胞菌(Pseudomonas aeruginosa)是临床上三大机会致病菌之一,可导致多种急慢性感染。铜绿假单胞菌感染人体后,往往会转变成过量产生乙酰化褐藻胶的粘液型细菌,并形成生物被膜(biofilm)。一旦形成生物被膜,细菌将具有极强的抗生素耐药性和逃避机体免疫系统攻击的能力,造成临床上难治性、持续性感染。乙酰化褐藻胶是P. aeruginosa 生物被膜的主要成分,决定了生物被膜的结构与功能。因此,本文从乙酰化褐藻胶的生物合成途径及调控机制、在细菌中的生物学功能及作为抗菌药物开发靶点等几个方面进行了综述。

Research progress on the pathway of biosynthesis and function of acetylated alginate in P. aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen that can cause severe acute and chronic infections. The non-mucoid P. aeruginosa could convert into mucoid phenotype through alginate-overproducing and form biofilms, which are resistant to antibiotic treatments and host immune clearance. Acetylated alginate is the main component of biofilm formed by P. aeruginosa and plays an important role in protection of bacteria from host immune defenses and antibiotic attacks. This article reviews recent advances in our understanding of the biosynthesis pathway, regulation mechanisms, function and drug target potential of acetylated alginate in P. aeruginosa.