Bacillus subtilis: a shocking message from a probiotic.
How probiotics such as Bacillus subtilis exert a protective effect has been much debated. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Fujiya et al. reveal that a B. subtilis quorum-sensing signal molecule, the competence- and sporulation-stimulating factor (CSF), is internalized via the mammalian oligopeptide transporter OCTN2, where it induces the heat shock protein Hsp27, which protects intestinal cells against oxidant-mediated tissue damage and loss of barrier function.
Williams
Paul
P
Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. paul.williams@nottingham.ac.uk
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001412:Bacillus subtilis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000502:physiology; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000502:physiology; D019936:Probiotics / Q000494:pharmacology; D053038:Quorum Sensing / Q000502:physiology*; D013171:Spores, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000502:physiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents