A pathogen branched-chain amino acid catabolic pathway subverts host survival by impairing energy metabolism and the mitochondrial UPR

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR(mt)) is a stress-activated pathway promoting mitochondrial recovery and defense against infection. In C. elegans, the UPR(mt) is activated during infection with the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa—but only transiently. As this may reflect a pathogenic strategy to target a pathway required for host survival, we conducted a P. aeruginosa genetic screen to uncover mechanisms associated with this temporary activation. Here, we find that loss of the P. aeruginosa acyl-CoA dehydrogenase FadE2 prolongs UPR(mt) activity and extends host survival. FadE2 shows substrate preferences for the coenzyme A intermediates produced during the breakdown of the branched-chain amino acids valine and leucine. Our data suggests that during infection, FadE2 restricts the supply of these catabolites to the host hindering host energy metabolism in addition to the UPR(mt). Thus, a metabolic pathway in P. aeruginosa contributes to pathogenesis during infection through manipulation of host energy status and mitochondrial stress signaling potential.