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Quorum-sensing in Gram-negative bacteria
N A Whitehead1, A M Barnard, H Slater
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Building O, Downing Site, CB2 1QW, Cambridge, UK.
FEMS Microbiology Reviews
|August 29, 2001
Summary
Bacteria communicate using chemical signals for adaptation. This review focuses on N-acyl homoserine lactone (acyl HSL) quorum-sensing systems in Gram-negative bacteria and related non-acyl HSL systems.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Communication
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Bacteria are colonial organisms that use intercellular communication for adaptation.
- Chemical signals mediate physiological changes and regulate diverse phenotypes.
- N-acyl homoserine lactones (acyl HSLs) are common signaling molecules in Gram-negative bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on acyl HSL-mediated quorum-sensing.
- To describe non-acyl HSL-based quorum-sensing systems.
- To highlight bacterial cell density-dependent signaling.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of quorum-sensing mechanisms.
- Analysis of acyl HSL and non-acyl HSL signaling pathways.
- Focus on phytopathogens Ralstonia solanacearum and Xanthomonas campestris.
Main Results:
- Acyl HSLs regulate bacterial phenotypes in a cell density-dependent manner.
- Quorum-sensing allows bacteria to monitor population density.
- Two non-acyl HSL systems in specific phytopathogens are described.
Conclusions:
- Quorum-sensing is a critical bacterial adaptation strategy.
- Acyl HSLs are key mediators of bacterial communication.
- Understanding these systems is vital for controlling bacterial pathogens.