AlgU mediates hyperosmotic tolerance in Pseudomonas protegens SN15-2 by regulating membrane stability, ROS scavenging, and osmolyte synthesis.

Pseudomonas protegens can serve as an agricultural biocontrol agent. P. protegens often encounters hyperosmotic stress during industrial production and fi eld application. The ability of P. protegens to withstand hyperosmotic stress is important for its application as a biocontrol agent. AlgU is a global regulator responsible for stress response and biocontrol ability. However, the specific regulatory role of AlgU in the hyperosmotic adaptation of P. protegens is poorly understood. In this study, we found that the AlgU mutation disrupted the hyperosmotic tolerance of P. protegens. Many genes and metabolites related to cell envelope formation were significantly downregulated in ΔalgU compared with that in the wild-type (WT) strain under hyperosmotic conditions, and we found that the algU mutation caused membrane integrity to be compromised and increased membrane permeability. Further experiments revealed that the cell envelope integrity protein TolA, which is regulated by AlgU, contributes to cell membrane stability and osmotic tolerance in P. protegens. In addition, several genes related to oxidative stress response were significantly downregulated in ΔalgU, and higher levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species were found in ΔalgU. Furthermore, we found that the synthesis of N-acetyl glutaminyl glutamine amide is directly regulated by AlgU and contributes to the hyperosmotic adaptation of P. protegens. This study revealed the mechanisms of AlgU's participation in osmotic tolerance in P. protegens, and it provides potential molecular targets for research on the hyperosmotic adaptation of P. protegens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]