A class of secreted retropepsin-like enzymes is required for osmotic stress tolerance, antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Proteases regulate important biological functions. Here we present the structural and functional characterization of three previously uncharacterized aspartic proteases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We show that these proteases have structural hallmarks of retropepsin peptidases and play redundant roles for cell survival under hypoosmotic stress conditions. Consequently, we named them retropepsin-like osmotic stress tolerance peptidases (Rlo). Our research shows that while Rlo proteases are homologous to RimB, an aspartic peptidase involved in rhizosphere colonization and plant infection, they contain N-terminal signal peptides and perform distinct biological functions. Mutants lacking all three secreted Rlo peptidases show defects in antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and cell morphology. These defects are rescued by mutations in the inactive transglutaminase transmembrane protein RloB and the cytoplasmic ATP-grasp protein RloC, two previously uncharacterized genes in the same operon as one of the Rlo proteases. These studies identify Rlo proteases and rlo operon products as critical factors in clinically relevant processes, making them appealing targets for therapeutic strategies against Pseudomonas infections. IMPORTANCEBacterial infections have become harder to treat due to the ability of pathogens to adapt to different environments and the rise of antimicrobial resistance. This has led to longer illnesses, increased medical costs, and higher mortality rates. The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is particularly problematic because of its inherent resistance to many antibiotics and its capacity to form biofilms, structures that allow bacteria to withstand hostile conditions. Our study uncovers a new class of retropepsin-like proteases in P. aeruginosa that are required for biofilm formation and bacterial survival upon stress conditions, including antibiotic exposure. By identifying critical factors that determine bacterial fitness and adaptability, our research lays the foundation for developing new therapeutic strategies against bacterial infections.