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Anti-virulent Disruption of Pathogenic Biofilms using Engineered Quorum-quenching Lactonases
Published on: January 1, 2016
Microbial quorum sensing: a tool or a target for antimicrobial therapy?
Sheetal Raina1, Daniela De Vizio, Mark Odell
1Cell Communication Research Group, Department of Molecular and Applied Biosciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6UW, U.K.
Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
|July 15, 2009
Summary
Quorum sensing, a cell communication system, uses chemical signals for microbial coordination. This review explores quorum sensing
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism.
- It relies on secreted signaling molecules to regulate gene expression based on population density.
- QS systems are found in bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review known quorum sensing systems.
- To explore the role of QS in microbial physiology and pathogenesis.
- To highlight signaling molecules and their therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of quorum sensing research.
- Analysis of signaling molecules and their mechanisms.
- Exploration of QS inhibitors and therapeutic applications.
Main Results:
- QS systems vary across microbial species, utilizing diverse signal molecules.
- QS plays a crucial role in microbial virulence and biofilm formation.
- Natural and synthetic QS inhibitors show promise in combating infections.
Conclusions:
- Quorum sensing is a vital process in microbial communities.
- Targeting QS pathways offers a novel strategy for antimicrobial therapy.
- Further research into QS signaling molecules can lead to new treatments.
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