Regulatory role of PA3299.1 small RNA in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation via modulation of algU and mucA expression.

Small RNAs (sRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of transcriptional factors and components within regulatory networks that govern bacterial biofilm formation. This study aimed to explore the regulatory role of the PA3299.1 sRNA in controlling biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. Results showed that PA3299.1 expression was significantly elevated in both substratum-attached and colony biofilms compared to planktonic growth. Further investigation revealed that strains overexpressing PA3299.1 exhibited enhanced biofilm formation, while its deletion resulted in a substantial reduction in biofilm development. PA3299.1 was found to regulate the expression of AlgU and MucA, the sigma and anti-sigma factors, integral to the biofilm developmental network. In summary, this research identifies PA3299.1 as a critical regulator of biofilm formation and potentially a contributor to the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa, that could help to develop new therapeutic strategies to manage biofilm-associated infections.