Genomic and Biochemical Characterization of a Teal-Pigmented Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis
Category: Research Poster
Author(s): Ella Wise
Presenter(s): Ella Wise
Mentors(s): Traci Kinkel
Many bacteria produce pigments that give them distinct colors and may help them survive in different environments. In this project, we isolated a teal-pigmented bacterium and identified it as Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis, a bacterium first found in a coal gasification site. While species within the Pseudomonas genus are known for producing diverse pigments, teal pigmentation has not been widely described for this species, suggesting the presence of a potentially novel pigment. The goal of this project is to characterize both the genetic basis and environmental conditions that regulate pigment production in this isolate. Whole-genome sequencing is being performed to identify genes potentially responsible for pigment synthesis. At the same time, laboratory experiments are being conducted to evaluate how environmental factors influence pigment expression and provide insight into the biochemical properties of this compound. This research will improve our understanding of pigment production in environmental bacteria and may provide insight into the potential ecological roles or applications of microbial pigments as natural products.