| Title | Quorum Sensing and Quorum-Quenching Enzymes |
|---|---|
| Author | Yi-Hu Dong1 and Lian-Hui Zhang1,2,* |
| Address | 1Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, 2Department of Biological Sciences, The National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, 119260, Singapore |
| Bibliography | Journal of Microbiology, 43(1),101-109, 2005, |
| DOI | |
| Key Words | quorum sensing, quorum quenching enzymes, AHL-lactonase, AHL-acylase, paraoxonase, signal interference |
| Abstract | To gain maximal benefit in a competitive environment, single-celled bacteria have adopted a community genetic regulatory mechanism, known as quorum sensing (QS). Many bacteria use QS signaling systems to synchronize target gene expression and coordinate biological activities among a local population. N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) are one family of the well-characterized QS signals in Gram-negative bacteria, which regulate a range of important biological functions, including virulence and biofilm formation. Several groups of AHL-degradation enzymes have recently been identified in a range of living organisms, including bacteria and eukaryotes. Expression of these enzymes in AHL-dependent pathogens and transgenic plants efficiently quenches the microbial QS signaling and blocks pathogenic infections. Discovery of these novel quorum quenching enzymes has not only provided a promising means to control bacterial infections, but also presents new challenges to investigate their roles in host organisms and their potential impacts on ecosystems. |
| Download PDF | p[1].101-109.pdf |