Cell-cell communication in Gram-negative bacteria.
Over the last decade or so, a wealth of research has established that bacteria communicate with one another using small molecules. These signals enable the individuals in a population to coordinate their behaviour. In the case of pathogens, this behaviour may include decisions such as when to attack a host organism or form a biofilm. Consequently, such signalling systems are excellent targets for the development of new antibacterial therapies. In this review, we assess how Gram-negative bacteria use small molecules for cell-cell communication, and discuss the main approaches that have been developed to interfere with it.
Welch
Martin
M
Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Mikkelsen
Helga
H
Swatton
Jane E
JE
Smith
Debra
D
Thomas
Gemma L
GL
Glansdorp
Freija G
FG
Spring
David R
DR
D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*; D014774:Virulence