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Quorum Sensing: An Under-Explored Phenomenon in the Phylum Actinobacteria
Ashish V Polkade1, Shailesh S Mantri1, Umera J Patwekar1
1Microbial Culture Collection, National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus Pune, India.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|February 24, 2016
Summary
Quorum sensing regulates key functions in Actinobacteria, but is under-explored. Recent advances in screening methods promise to uncover more signaling molecules and their potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Communication
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Quorum sensing (QS) is a critical regulatory mechanism in Actinobacteria, influencing secondary metabolite production, antibiotic synthesis, and morphogenesis.
- Despite its importance, QS is reported in only 25 of 342 Actinobacteria genera, with experimental evidence limited to nine.
- Existing knowledge relies heavily on bioinformatic analysis, indicating a significant gap in understanding QS within this phylum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review known quorum sensing systems in Actinobacteria.
- To identify limitations in current screening strategies for QS molecules.
- To highlight recent improvements and future potential for QS discovery in Actinobacteria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing existing quorum sensing systems and screening methodologies.
- Analysis of bioinformatic and experimental data on quorum sensing in Actinobacteria.
- Discussion of limitations in detecting signaling molecules and advancements in screening techniques.
Main Results:
- The γ-butyrolactone system is nearly exclusive to Actinobacteria.
- Other signaling molecules like methylenomycin furans and AI-2 are also found in Actinobacteria.
- Limited screening capabilities have hindered the discovery of QS molecules, but recent improvements show promise.
Conclusions:
- Quorum sensing in Actinobacteria is significantly underexplored, with vast potential yet to be realized.
- Advancements in screening strategies are expected to accelerate the discovery of novel QS molecules.
- Exploiting quorum quenching mechanisms in Actinobacteria offers potential for controlling pathogens.
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