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Updated: May 17, 2026
12:24
Mimicking the Function of Signaling Proteins: Toward Artificial Signal Transduction Therapy
Published on: September 29, 2016
A novel widespread interkingdom signaling circuit
Juan F González1, Vittorio Venturi
1International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Padriciano 99, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
Trends in Plant Science
|October 24, 2012
Summary
Plant bacteria communicate using unique
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Plant Science
- Bacterial Communication
Background:
- Interkingdom signaling facilitates communication between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
- Plant-associated bacteria utilize quorum-sensing (QS) LuxR-family proteins to interact with plants.
- Some bacterial LuxR proteins are 'solo' or 'orphan' as they lack a cognate N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) signal synthase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the novel interkingdom signaling circuit involving 'solo' LuxR proteins in plant-associated bacteria.
- To highlight the widespread nature of this signaling pathway in both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of research on bacterial LuxR-family proteins and interkingdom signaling.
- Analysis of the role of 'solo' LuxR proteins in plant-bacteria interactions.
- Focus on signaling mechanisms in rhizobia, xanthomonads, and pseudomonads.
Main Results:
- Many plant-associated bacteria possess 'solo' LuxR proteins that respond to plant compounds.
- These proteins regulate crucial plant-bacteria interactions.
- The signaling circuit is prevalent across diverse bacterial species interacting with plants.
Conclusions:
- A widespread interkingdom signaling pathway mediated by 'solo' LuxR proteins is crucial for plant-bacteria interactions.
- Understanding this circuit offers insights into bacterial pathogenicity and beneficial plant associations.
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