Quorum sensing in Gram-negative bacteria

Abstract

Bacteria can communicate with each other by means of signal molecules to coordinate the behavior of the entire community, and the mechanism is referred to as quorum sensing (QS). Signal systems enable bacteria to sense the size of their densities by monitoring the concentration of the signal molecules. Among Gram-negative bacteria N-acyl-L-homoserine lactone (acyl-HSL)-dependent quorum sensing systems are particularly widespread. These systems are used to coordinate expression of phenotypes that are fundamental to the interaction of bacteria with each other and with their environment and particularly higher organisms, covering a variety of functions ranging from pathogenic to symbiotic interactions. The detailed knowledge of these bacterial communication systems has opened completely new perspectives for controlling undesired microbial activities.