Biosensing systems for the detection of bacterial quorum signaling molecules.
Bacterial quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication phenomenon that allows bacteria to control the expression of certain specialized genes depending on their cell population size. Signaling molecules such N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) mediate the communication, and their concentration reflects the bacterial population density. Quorum sensing regulates several processes including bacterial pathogenicity. We developed a method for the rapid, sensitive, and quantitative detection of AHLs in biological samples such as saliva and stools. The method is based on whole-cell sensing systems that employ QS regulatory systems as recognition elements and the luxCDABE gene cassette as a reporter. The method proved to be reproducible when applied to real samples and was able to detect low analyte concentrations down to 1 x 10(-9) M without requiring extensive sample preparation. We envision that this novel biosensing system could be employed in the diagnosis and management of various bacteria-related disorders, thus supporting the use of quorum sensing molecules as potential biomarkers of disease. Due to cost-effectiveness and high throughput, these biosensing systems could be successfully employed as a new tool for the screening of novel drugs that target quorum sensing mechanisms.
Kumari
Anjali
A
Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, USA.
Pasini
Patrizia
P
Deo
Sapna K
SK
Flomenhoft
Deborah
D
Shashidhar
Harohalli
H
Daunert
Sylvia
S
D001419:Bacteria / Q000737:chemistry*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D002265:Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D006714:Homoserine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D010088:Oxidoreductases; D010957:Plasmids; D053038:Quorum Sensing / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D015415:Biomarkers; D006714:Homoserine; D010088:Oxidoreductases; C055198:LuxC protein, Bacteria; D002265:Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; C432003:N-acyl homoserine lactonase