The type VI secretion systems of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bacteria use sophisticated molecular machineries to interact with other cells and take up nutrients. One such machinery is the type VI secretion system (T6SS). It is found in a variety of Gram-negative bacteria including the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite a remarkable understanding of the T6SS structure and molecular biology in P. aeruginosa reference strains, less is known about its biodiversity and role during disease. We combine genomics with wet-lab experiments to better understand how and why P. aeruginosa bacteria use their T6SS.