Exploring aggregation genes in a <i>P. aeruginosa</i> chronic infection model

This study identifies genes essential for the formation of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (Pa) aggregates in cystic fibrosis (CF) sputum, filling a critical gap in understanding their specific biology. Using a synthetic CF sputum model (SCFM2) and RNA sequencing, 13 key genes were identified, whose disruption led to distinct spatial phenotypes observed through high-resolution microscopy. The addition of wild-type cells either rescued the mutant phenotype or increased spatial heterogeneity, suggesting cooperative interactions are involved in aggregate formation. This research advances our knowledge of <i>Pa</i> aggregate biology, particularly the unique genes and pathways involved in CF-like environments, offering valuable insights for developing targeted therapeutic strategies against aggregate-specific pathways.