The Bacillus subtilis quorum-sensing molecule CSF contributes to intestinal homeostasis via OCTN2, a host cell membrane transporter.
Bacteria use quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs) to communicate within as well as across species. However, the effects of QSMs on eukaryotic host cells have received limited attention. We report that the quorum-sensing pentapeptide, competence and sporulation factor (CSF), of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis activates key survival pathways, including p38 MAP kinase and protein kinase B (Akt), in intestinal epithelial cells. CSF also induces cytoprotective heat shock proteins (Hsps), which prevent oxidant-induced intestinal epithelial cell injury and loss of barrier function. These effects of CSF depend on its uptake by an apical membrane organic cation transporter-2 (OCTN2). Thus, OCTN2-mediated CSF transport serves as an example of a host-bacterial interaction that allows the host to monitor and respond to changes in the behavior or composition of colonic flora.
Fujiya
Mikihiro
M
Martin Boyer Laboratories, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Musch
Mark W
MW
Nakagawa
Yasushi
Y
Hu
Shien
S
Alverdy
John
J
Kohgo
Yutaka
Y
Schneewind
Olaf
O
Jabri
Bana
B
Chang
Eugene B
EB
D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D018938:Caco-2 Cells; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003106:Colon / Q000382:microbiology; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000382:microbiology; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D027701:Organic Cation Transport Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D053038:Quorum Sensing / Q000502:physiology*; D000074058:Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 5; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000502:physiology
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins; D027701:Organic Cation Transport Proteins; C492020:SLC22A5 protein, human; D000074058:Solute Carrier Family 22 Member 5