The logo for the Pseduomonas
2011 conference was
designed by Stephanie
Rajalingam, a graduate of the
UTS Faculty of Design,
Architecture & Building.

• Scientists review research progress a decade after the first pseudomonas genome was first sequenced
• Genome sequencing advances are now enabling hundreds of genomes to be sequenced , revealing new insights into pathogen evolution and disease mechanisms
• New biochemical signalling pathways have shed new light on pathogenicity mechanisms and new targets for novel therapeutics

Leading researchers from across the globe gathered in Sydney this week to facilitate the advancement of research into the study of the Pseudomonas bacteria. The understanding of these bacteria has important implications as the organisms are wide spread in nature, and are important in plant, animal and human health. For example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common infection in hospitalized patients (nosocomial infections) and is a key pathogen in cystic fibrosis patients.

The 13th International Conference on Pseudomonas was held in Sydney on the 4th – 7th September 2011and showcased cutting edge fundamental, applied and clinical research. It is the first meeting of the Conference in the Asia-Pacific region and attracted strong turnout by Pseudomonas researchers from this region and around the world. The Conference was hosted by The University of Technology (UTS) and the sponsorship included the ithree institute and the Microbial Imaging Facility at UTS.

“Hairy Pseudomonas” Pseudomonas
aeruginosa cells stained with antisera to
type IV pili were imaged with the OMX
3D-structured illumination microscope at the
UTS Microbial Imaging Facility.

The Conference, being held 11 years after the publication of the first DNA sequence of a pseudomonas genome was sequenced (Complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, an opportunistic pathogen, Stover CK, et al., Nature 2000, 406:959-964.) covered a range of areas, including: genomics; metagenomics; host-pathogen interactions; environmental-bacterial interactions; bacterial physiology; biofilm development; bacterial virulence; industrial use of bacteria in bioremediation and bioproduction; and global gene regulation. Novel approaches to understanding how the genus Pseudomonas interacts with humans, other animals, plants and the environment was presented.

“The conference has highlighted the impact of next-generation approaches to solving biological problems – including the next-gen DNA sequencers and next-gen imaging” said Associate Professor Cynthia Whitchurch, NHMRC Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Microbial Imaging Facility at UTS.

UTS is at the forefront of this field and has invested several million AU$ to establish a world-class Microbial Imaging Facility equipped with state-of-the-art microscopes including an OMX 3D-structured illumination microscope for super-resolution imaging of micro-organisms and their interactions with host cells. Using these facilities the team at the ithree institute is gaining exciting new insights into how pseudomonas cells assemble complex protein structures, how they form biofilms that migrate across surfaces and how they are able to tolerate antibiotic treatments. The latest data obtained with next-gen imaging techniques was presented by a number of ithree students and scientists at the conference.

“In many ways, getting the DNA sequence for a pathogens genome is just the beginning – we are now seeing the impact of this approach in terms of new molecular targets that open up novel and exciting therapeutic opportunities” said Professor Ian Charles, Director of the ithree institute.

The conference also provided an opportunity for young scientists, such as students and postdoctoral fellows, to promote their work, establish networks and pursue future career avenues.