Thu Aug 21 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, written for August 21, 2025:

**Summary:**

A new study reveals that the bacterium *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, a deadly opportunistic pathogen known for its antibiotic resistance, exhibits “bistability” in the expression of the *glpD* gene. This means that even genetically identical *P. aeruginosa* cells can have vastly different levels of *glpD* gene expression. Researchers found that high expression of *glpD* is linked to increased pathogenicity and infectivity. This variation, even within small groups of bacteria, could be a key factor in *P. aeruginosa*’s success as a pathogen, potentially opening new avenues for targeted drug development.

**News Article:**

**Deadly Bacteria’s Gene Expression Secrets Revealed, Offering Hope for New Treatments**

*The Hindu, August 21, 2025, 05:30 am IST*

CHENNAI – Scientists have uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle behind the virulence of *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, a bacterium notorious for its antibiotic resistance and deadly infections, particularly in burn victims and hospital settings. A new study published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences* reveals that *P. aeruginosa* exhibits bistability in the expression of the *glpD* gene – meaning that even genetically identical cells can display dramatically different levels of gene activity.

Researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Germany discovered that the level of *glpD* gene expression directly correlates with the bacterium’s ability to cause disease. By manipulating the *glpD* gene, they demonstrated that high expression makes the bacterium more infectious and deadly.

“This variability in gene expression, even within small clusters of bacteria, could be a key strategy for *P. aeruginosa* to establish infections,” explained D.P. Kasbekar, a retired scientist commenting on the study. “A small group of cells with high *glpD* expression may be all it takes to initiate a full-blown infection.”

The findings offer a promising new target for drug development. By focusing on disrupting this variability in *glpD* expression, researchers believe it might be possible to weaken or even prevent *P. aeruginosa* infections, offering a critical new approach to combatting this dangerous and increasingly drug-resistant pathogen. The research team hopes their discovery will pave the way for novel therapies that can effectively combat this persistent threat in healthcare settings.

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