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Peptide-based quorum sensing systems in Paenibacillus polymyxa
Maya Voichek1, Sandra Maaß2, Tobias Kroniger2
1Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
Life Science Alliance
|August 9, 2020
Summary
This study reveals that Paenibacillus polymyxa utilizes at least 16 peptide-based quorum sensing systems for communication. These systems are widespread in the Paenibacillaceae family, impacting bacterial interactions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Communication
- Genomics
Background:
- Paenibacillus polymyxa is a key agricultural plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium.
- Complex bacterial interactions in Paenibacillus species suggest the need for quorum sensing.
- No quorum sensing systems were previously identified in Paenibacillus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and nature of quorum sensing systems in Paenibacillus polymyxa.
- To characterize the peptide-based communication mechanisms.
- To assess the conservation and prevalence of these systems within the Paenibacillaceae family.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify peptide-based communication systems.
- Experimental validation of peptide secretion and receptor function.
- Transcriptional profiling in response to synthetic peptides.
Main Results:
- Paenibacillus polymyxa ATCC 842 encodes a minimum of 16 peptide-based quorum sensing systems.
- Each system involves a secreted pro-peptide and an intracellular RRNPP family receptor.
- External addition of communication peptides altered the transcriptional response.
- These systems are conserved across hundreds of Paenibacillaceae species, with some having over 25 pairs.
Conclusions:
- Paenibacillus harbors a significant number of peptide-based quorum sensing systems, a previously unrecognized feature.
- These systems play a crucial role in bacterial communication and interactions within the Paenibacillaceae family.
- The high number of systems suggests complex regulatory networks governed by cell-to-cell communication.
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