The TonB_m-PocAB System Is Required for Maintenance of Membrane Integrity and Polar Position of Flagella in Pseudomonas putida

Abstract

The ubiquitous Pseudomonas species are well adapted to survive in a wide variety of environments. Their success relies on their versatile metabolic, signaling, and transport ability but also on their high intrinsic tolerance to various stress factors. This is why the study of the stress-surviving mechanisms of Pseudomonas species is of utmost importance. The stress tolerance of Pseudomonads is mainly achieved through the high barrier property of their membranes. Here, we present evidence that the TonB-ExbBD-like TonB m -PocAB system is involved in maintaining the membrane homeostasis of Pseudomonas putida , and its deficiency leads to lowered stress tolerance and conditional cell lysis.