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Quorum-sensing-directed protein expression in Serratia proteamaculans B5a
Allan B Christensen1, Kathrin Riedel2, Leo Eberl2
1Section of Molecular Microbiology, BioCentrum-DTU, Building 301, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|March 8, 2003
Summary
Quorum sensing controls food spoilage by Serratia proteamaculans. This bacterial communication system regulates enzymes that degrade food, impacting quality and causing spoilage, particularly in milk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serratia species producing N-acyl-L-homoserine lactones are common in spoiled foods.
- Quorum sensing's role in bacterial food spoilage is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the quorum sensing system in Serratia proteamaculans strain B5a.
- Determine the impact of quorum sensing on food-spoiling activities.
Main Methods:
- Identified luxR/luxI homologous genes in S. proteamaculans B5a.
- Performed proteome analysis to identify quorum sensing-affected proteins.
- Assessed the role of the lipB secretion system and chitinolytic activity.
Main Results:
- A quorum sensing system, including SprI and SprR, was identified in S. proteamaculans B5a.
- Quorum sensing indirectly controlled extracellular lipolytic and proteolytic activities via the lipB system.
- Chitinolytic activity was directly controlled by quorum sensing.
- Strain B5a demonstrated quorum sensing-controlled milk spoilage.
Conclusions:
- Quorum sensing significantly influences the production of exoenzymes relevant to food deterioration.
- The identified quorum sensing system directly and indirectly regulates bacterial activities impacting food quality.