Evidence that the <i>algI</i> / <i>algJ</i> Gene Cassette, Required for O Acetylation of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> Alginate, Evolved by Lateral Gene Transfer

Abstract excerpt

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, isolated from chronically infected patients with cystic fibrosis, produce the O-acetylated extracellular polysaccharide, alginate, giving these strains a mucoid phenotype. O acetylation of alginate plays an important role in the ability of mucoid P. aeruginosa to form biofilms and to resist complement-mediated phagocytosis. The O-acetylation process is complex, requiring a protein...