Quorum sensing and quorum-quenching enzymes.
To gain maximal benefit in a competitive environment, single-celled bacteria have adopted a community genetic regulatory mechanism, known as quorum sensing (QS). Many bacteria use QS signaling systems to synchronize target gene expression and coordinate biological activities among a local population. N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) are one family of the well-characterized QS signals in Gram-negative bacteria, which regulate a range of important biological functions, including virulence and biofilm formation. Several groups of AHL-degradation enzymes have recently been identified in a range of living organisms, including bacteria and eukaryotes. Expression of these enzymes in AHL-dependent pathogens and transgenic plants efficiently quenches the microbial QS signaling and blocks pathogenic infections. Discovery of these novel quorum quenching enzymes has not only provided a promising means to control bacterial infections, but also presents new challenges to investigate their roles in host organisms and their potential impacts on ecosystems.
Dong
Yi-Hu
YH
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673.
Zhang
Lian-Hui
LH
D015107:4-Butyrolactone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000378:metabolism*; D000619:Aminohydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000254:growth & development; D002265:Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism*; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000502:physiology; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction
C088386:homoserine lactone; D002265:Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; C432003:N-acyl homoserine lactonase; D000619:Aminohydrolases; D015107:4-Butyrolactone