Acquisition and role of molybdate in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

In microaerophilic or anaerobic environments, Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes nitrate reduction for energy production, a process dependent on availability of the oxyanionic form of molybdenum, molybdate (MoO4 (2-)). Here we show that molybdate acquisition in P. aeruginosa occurs via a high affinity ATP-binding cassette permease (ModABC). ModA is a Cluster D-III solute binding protein capable of interacting with molybdate or tungstate oxyanions. Deletion of the modA gene reduces cellular molybdate concentrations and results in inhibition of anaerobic growth and nitrate reduction. Further, we show that conditions that permit nitrate reduction, also cause inhibition of biofilm formation and an alteration in fatty acid composition of P. aeruginosa. Collectively, these data highlight the importance of molybdate for anaerobic growth of P. aeruginosa, and reveal novel consequences of nitrate reduction on biofilm formation and cell membrane composition.