Quorum sensing in Serratia.
Many bacteria use cell-cell communication to monitor their population density, synchronize their behaviour and socially interact. This communication results in a coordinated gene regulation and is generally called quorum sensing. In gram-negative bacteria, the most common quorum signal molecules are acylated homoserine lactones (AHLs), although other low-molecular-mass signalling molecules have been described such as Autoinducer-2 (AI-2). The phenotypes that are regulated in Serratia species by means of AHLs are remarkably diverse and of profound biological and ecological significance, and often interconnected with other global regulators. Furthermore, AHL- and AI-2-mediated systems (less profoundly studied) are continuously being discovered and explored in Serratia spp., many having interesting twists on the basic theme. Therefore, this review will highlight the current known quorum sensing systems in Serratia spp., including the important nosocomial pathogen Serratia marcescens.
Van Houdt
Rob
R
Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Health, Environment and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK x CEN, Mol, Belgium. rob.van.houdt@sckcen.be
Givskov
Michael
M
Michiels
Chris W
CW
D015107:4-Butyrolactone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D006714:Homoserine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000378:metabolism; D053038:Quorum Sensing; D012705:Serratia / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D012706:Serratia marcescens / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D007783:Lactones; C091088:N-octanoylhomoserine lactone; C088386:homoserine lactone; D006714:Homoserine; D015107:4-Butyrolactone