A natural antisense transcript regulates mucD gene expression and biofilm biosynthesis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are naturally widespread and have very important functions in regulating expression of their target genes. In this report, we identified a novel NAT, designated mucD-AS, transcribed from the opposite strand ofmucD gene locus, which has a pivotal function in regulating the biosynthesis of alginate. For the biotechnological and medical significance in the study of alginate biosynthesis, we investigated the effect ofmucD-AS on mucD expression and alginate biosynthesis, and confirmed mucD-AS can induce biofilm formation ofP. aeruginosa significantly. Since alginate has a key function in the infection process and acts as virulence factor of P. aeruginosa, we speculate mucD-AS may have a regulatory function in this process.