Friedman, LisaKolter, Roberto2019-10-052004Friedman, L., and R. Kolter. 2004. “Two Genetic Loci Produce Distinct Carbohydrate-Rich Structural Components of the Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilm Matrix.” Journal of Bacteriology 186 (14): 4457–65. https://doi.org/10.1128/jb.186.14.4457-4465.2004.0021-91931067-88321098-5530http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:41483182Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms biofilms, which are cellular aggregates encased in an extracellular matrix. Molecular genetics studies of three common autoaggregative phenotypes, namely wrinkled colonies, pellicles, and solid-surface-associated biofilms, led to the identification of two loci, pel and psl, that are involved in the production of carbohydrate-rich components of the biofilm matrix. The pel gene cluster is involved in the production of a glucose-rich matrix material in P. aeruginosa strain PA14 (L. Friedman and R. Kolter, Mol. Microbiol. 51:675-690, 2004). Here we investigate the role of the pel gene cluster in P. aeruginosa strain ZK2870 and identify a second genetic locus, termed psl, involved in the production of a mannose-rich matrix material. The 11 predicted protein products of the psl genes are homologous to proteins involved in carbohydrate processing. P. aeruginosa is thus able to produce two distinct carbohydrate-rich matrix materials. Either carbohydrate-rich matrix component appears to be sufficient for mature biofilm formation, and at least one of them is required for mature biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa strains PA14 and ZK2870.en-USJournal Article2019-10-0510.1128/JB.186.14.4457-4465.2004