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Juszczuk-Kubiak E. Molecular Aspects of the Functioning of Pathogenic Bacteria Biofilm Based on Quorum Sensing (QS) Signal-Response System and Innovative Non-Antibiotic Strategies for Their Elimination. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2655. [PMID: 38473900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the key mechanisms enabling bacterial cells to create biofilms and regulate crucial life functions in a global and highly synchronized way is a bacterial communication system called quorum sensing (QS). QS is a bacterial cell-to-cell communication process that depends on the bacterial population density and is mediated by small signalling molecules called autoinducers (AIs). In bacteria, QS controls the biofilm formation through the global regulation of gene expression involved in the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) synthesis, virulence factor production, stress tolerance and metabolic adaptation. Forming biofilm is one of the crucial mechanisms of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A common feature of human pathogens is the ability to form biofilm, which poses a serious medical issue due to their high susceptibility to traditional antibiotics. Because QS is associated with virulence and biofilm formation, there is a belief that inhibition of QS activity called quorum quenching (QQ) may provide alternative therapeutic methods for treating microbial infections. This review summarises recent progress in biofilm research, focusing on the mechanisms by which biofilms, especially those formed by pathogenic bacteria, become resistant to antibiotic treatment. Subsequently, a potential alternative approach to QS inhibition highlighting innovative non-antibiotic strategies to control AMR and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Juszczuk-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology-State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
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Lucero CT, Lorda GS, Halliday N, Ambrosino ML, Cámara M, Taurian T. Impact of quorum sensing from native peanut phosphate solubilizing Serratia sp. S119 strain on interactions with agronomically important crops. Symbiosis 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-022-00893-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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An alternative strategy to detect bacterial contamination in milk and water: a newly designed electrochemical biosensor. Eur Food Res Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00217-020-03491-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Lin SR, Chen YH, Tseng FJ, Weng CF. The production and bioactivity of prodigiosin: quo vadis? Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:828-836. [PMID: 32251776 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prodigiosin (PG), a red tripyrrole pigment, belongs to a member of the prodiginine family and is normally secreted by various sources including Serratia marcescens and other Gram-negative bacteria. The studies of PG have received innovative devotion as a result of reported antimicrobial, larvicidal and anti-nematoid immunomodulation and antitumor properties, owing to its antibiotic and cytotoxic activities. This review provides a comprehensive summary of research undertaken toward the isolation and structural elucidation of the prodiginine family of natural products. Additionally, the current evidence-based understanding of the biological activities and medicinal potential of PG is employed to determine the efficacy, with some reports of information related to pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shian-Ren Lin
- Graduated Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11041, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsin Chen
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung 94450, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Jen Tseng
- Department of Orthopedics, Hualien Armed Force General Hospital, Hualien 97144, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Feng Weng
- The Center of Translational Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, Fujian, China; Institute of Respiratory Disease, Department of Basic Medical Science, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, Fujian, China.
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SprI/SprR Quorum Sensing System of Serratia proteamaculans 94. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3865780. [PMID: 31915691 PMCID: PMC6930789 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3865780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the quorum sensing (QS) regulatory system of the psychrotrophic strain Serratia proteamaculans 94 isolated from spoiled refrigerated meat. The strain produced several N-acyl-L-homoserine-lactone (AHL) QS signal molecules, with N-(3-oxo-hexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone and N-(3-hydroxy-hexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone as two main types. The sprI and sprR genes encoding an AHL synthase and a receptor regulatory protein, respectively, were cloned and sequenced. Analysis of their nucleotide sequence showed that these genes were transcribed convergently and that their reading frames partly overlapped by 23 bp in the terminal regions. The genes were highly similar to the luxI/luxR-type QS genes of other Gram-negative bacteria. An spr-box (analog of the lux-box) was identified upstream of the sprR gene and found to be overlapped with the sequence of -10 sequence site in the promoter region of this gene. Inactivation of the sprI gene led to the absence of AHL synthesis, chitinolytic activity, and swimming motility; decrease of extracellular proteolytic activity; affected the cellular fatty acid composition; and reduced suppression of the fungal plant pathogen mycelium growth by volatile compounds emitted by strain S. proteamaculans 94. The data obtained demonstrated the important role of the QS system in the regulation of cellular processes in S. proteamaculans 94.
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Sakuraoka R, Suzuki T, Morohoshi T. Distribution and Genetic Diversity of Genes Involved in Quorum Sensing and Prodigiosin Biosynthesis in the Complete Genome Sequences of Serratia marcescens. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:931-936. [PMID: 30840067 PMCID: PMC6433178 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing is a cell density-dependent regulation of gene expression. N-acyl-l-homoserine lactone (AHL) is a major quorum-sensing signaling molecule in gram-negative bacteria and synthesized by the LuxI family protein. The genus Serratia is known as a producer of the red pigment, prodigiosin, whose biosynthesis is dependent on the pig gene cluster. Some Serratia strains regulate prodigiosin production via AHL-mediated quorum sensing, whereas there is red-pigmented Serratia strains without quorum-sensing system. In addition, nonpigmented Serratia marcescens, which does not produce prodigiosin, has also been isolated from natural and clinical environments. In this study, we aim to reveal the distribution and genetic diversity of quorum-sensing genes and pig gene cluster in the complete genome sequences of S. marcescens. We previously demonstrated that S. marcescens AS-1 regulates the production of prodigiosin via AHL-mediated quorum sensing. We sequenced the genomes of AS-1 and compared with the complete genomes of AS-1 and the other 34 strains of S. marcescens. The luxI homolog was present on 25 complete genome sequences. The deduced amino acid sequences of the luxI homolog were divided into three phylogenetic classes. In contrast, the pig gene cluster was present in the genome of seven S. marcescens strains and only two strains, AS-1 and N4-5 contained both the luxI homolog and pig gene cluster in their genome. It is therefore assumed that prodigiosin production and its regulation by quorum sensing are not essential for the life cycle of S. marcescens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Sakuraoka
- Department of Innovation Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Suzuki
- Center for Bioscience Research and Education, Utsunomiya University, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Morohoshi
- Department of Material and Environmental Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Japan
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Haque S, Yadav DK, Bisht SC, Yadav N, Singh V, Dubey KK, Jawed A, Wahid M, Dar SA. Quorum sensing pathways in Gram-positive and -negative bacteria: potential of their interruption in abating drug resistance. J Chemother 2019; 31:161-187. [DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2019.1599175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Dinesh K. Yadav
- Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shekhar C. Bisht
- Department of Biotechnology, H.N.B Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Neelam Yadav
- Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Microbiology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kashyap Kumar Dubey
- Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory, University Institute of Engineering and Technology, M.D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Arshad Jawed
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Wahid
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajad Ahmad Dar
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Departments of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences (University of Delhi), Delhi, India
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Takayama Y, Kato N. In vitro analysis of essential binding sites on the promoter of the Serratia marcescens spn operon with the quorum-sensing receptor SpnR. Biotechnol Bioeng 2016; 113:2513-7. [PMID: 27217017 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) receptor SpnR is a LuxR family protein that acts as a negative regulator of AHL-dependent quorum sensing (QS). SpnR binds to DNA in Serratia marcescens AS-1 via the spn box; however, the binding affinity of SpnR with the nucleotides on the spn box has not yet been investigated. In this study, we used an spn-box-modified sensor electrode, and quartz crystal microbalance analysis demonstrated a drastic reduction of the uptake of SpnR. The nucleotides G5 and C16 at the AHL-receptor complex-binding site are conserved in Gram-negative bacteria, including the lux box in Vibrio fischeri, the tra box in Agrobacterium tumefaciens, and the spn box in S. marcescens. Indeed, the affinity of SpnR to DNA was reduced to 8% by G5C substitution of the spn box. The affinity of SpnR tagged with maltose-binding protein to the immobilized gene promoter was reduced in the order of C16G and G5C substitutions, which corresponded with previous reports on the lux box. These results suggest that formation of hydrogen bonds at amino acid residues containing guanine at position 5 on a lux-box-like promoter universally contributes to the stability of the receptor complex, whose interaction initiates a sequential QS process in the LuxR family. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2513-2517. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriko Takayama
- Department of Innovation Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan.,CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 7-1-2 Yoto, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 321-8585, Japan
| | - Norihiro Kato
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 7-1-2 Yoto, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 321-8585, Japan. .,Department of Material and Environmental Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, 7-1-2 Yoto, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, 321-8585, Japan.
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The dependence of quorum sensing in Serratia marcescens JG on the transcription of luxS gene. Arch Microbiol 2015; 197:715-21. [PMID: 25731898 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-015-1099-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria communicate with one another using chemical signal molecules. This phenomenon termed quorum sensing enables the bacteria to monitor the environment for other bacteria and to alter behavior on a population-wide scale in response to cell density. Serratia marcescens JG, a quorum sensing bacterium, can secrete a furanosyl borate diester autoinducer (AI-2) in the exponential phase of growth. In this study, to further investigate the regulation of AI-2 production in S. marcescens JG, the pfs and luxS promoter fusions to an operon luxCDABE reporter were constructed in a low-copy-number vector pBR322K, which allows an examination of transcription of the genes in the pathway for signal synthesis. The results show that the luxS expression is constitutive, and the transcription of luxS is tightly correlated with AI-2 production in S. marcescens JG because the peaks of AI-2 production and transcriptional level of luxS appear at the same time point. The close relation of the profiles of luxS transcription and AI-2 production was also confirmed with real-time PCR technology. These results support the hypothesis that the quorum sensing in S. marcescens JG is luxS dependent.
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Kalia VC, Wood TK, Kumar P. Evolution of resistance to quorum-sensing inhibitors. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2014; 68:13-23. [PMID: 24194099 PMCID: PMC4012018 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-013-0316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The major cause of mortality and morbidity in human beings is bacterial infection. Bacteria have developed resistance to most of the antibiotics primarily due to large-scale and "indiscriminate" usage. The need is to develop novel mechanisms to treat bacterial infections. The expression of pathogenicity during bacterial infections is mediated by a cell density-dependent phenomenon known as quorum sensing (QS). A wide array of QS systems (QSS) is operative in expressing the virulent behavior of bacterial pathogens. Each QSS may be mediated largely by a few major signals along with others produced in minuscule quantities. Efforts to target signal molecules and their receptors have proved effective in alleviating the virulent behavior of such pathogenic bacteria. These QS inhibitors (QSIs) have been reported to be effective in influencing the pathogenicity without affecting bacterial growth. However, evidence is accumulating that bacteria may develop resistance to QSIs. The big question is whether QSIs will meet the same fate as antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin C Kalia
- Microbial Biotechnology and Genomics, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi University Campus, Mall Road, Delhi, 110007, India,
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Manzano-Marín A, Latorre A. Settling down: the genome of Serratia symbiotica from the aphid Cinara tujafilina zooms in on the process of accommodation to a cooperative intracellular life. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:1683-98. [PMID: 24951564 PMCID: PMC4122931 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Particularly interesting cases of mutualistic endosymbioses come from the establishment of co-obligate associations of more than one species of endosymbiotic bacteria. Throughout symbiotic accommodation from a free-living bacterium, passing through a facultative stage and ending as an obligate intracellular one, the symbiont experiences massive genomic losses and phenotypic adjustments. Here, we scrutinized the changes in the coevolution of Serratia symbiotica and Buchnera aphidicola endosymbionts in aphids, paying particular attention to the transformations undergone by S. symbiotica to become an obligate endosymbiont. Although it is already known that S. symbiotica is facultative in Acyrthosiphon pisum, in Cinara cedri it has established a co-obligate endosymbiotic consortium along with B. aphidicola to fulfill the aphid’s nutritional requirements. The state of this association in C. tujafilina, an aphid belonging to the same subfamily (Lachninae) that C. cedri, remained unknown. Here, we report the genome of S. symbiotica strain SCt-VLC from the aphid C. tujafilina. While being phylogenetically and genomically very closely related to the facultative endosymbiont S. symbiotica from the aphid A. pisum, it shows a variety of metabolic, genetic, and architectural features, which point toward this endosymbiont being one step closer to an obligate intracellular one. We also describe in depth the process of genome rearrangements suffered by S. symbiotica and the role mobile elements play in gene inactivations. Finally, we postulate the supply to the host of the essential riboflavin (vitamin B2) as key to the establishment of S. symbiotica as a co-obligate endosymbiont in the aphids belonging to the subfamily Lachninane.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amparo Latorre
- Institut Cavanilles de Biodiversitat i Biologia Evolutiva, Universitat de València, SpainUnidad Mixta de Investigación en Genómica y Salud, Centro Superior de Investigación en Salud Pública, Valencia, Spain
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Zaitseva YV, Popova AA, Khmel IA. Quorum sensing regulation in bacteria of the family enterobacteriaceae. RUSS J GENET+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795414030120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Identification and characterization of a second quorum-sensing system in Agrobacterium tumefaciens A6. J Bacteriol 2014; 196:1403-11. [PMID: 24464459 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01351-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a widespread mechanism of bacterial communication in which individual cells produce and respond to small chemical signals. In Agrobacterium tumefaciens, an acylhomoserine lactone-dependent QS mechanism is known to regulate the replication and conjugation of the tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid. Most of the QS regulatory proteins are encoded within the Ti plasmid. Among them, TraI is the LuxI-type enzyme synthesizing the QS signal N-3-oxooctanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3OC8HSL), TraR is the LuxR-type transcriptional factor that recognizes 3OC8HSL, and TraM is an antiactivator that antagonizes TraR. Recently, we identified a TraM homolog encoded by the traM2 gene in the chromosomal background of A. tumefaciens A6. In this study, we further identified additional homologs (TraI2 and TraR2) of TraI and TraR in this strain. We showed that similar to TraI, TraI2 could predominantly synthesize the QS signal 3OC8HSL. We also showed that TraR2 could recognize 3OC8HSL and activate the tra box-containing promoters as efficiently as TraR. Further analysis showed that traM2, traI2, and traR2 are physically linked on a mobile genetic element that is not related to the Ti plasmid. These findings indicate that A. tumefaciens A6 carries a second QS system that may play a redundant role in the regulation of the replication and conjugation of the Ti plasmid.
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Garg N, Manchanda G, Kumar A. Bacterial quorum sensing: circuits and applications. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2013; 105:289-305. [DOI: 10.1007/s10482-013-0082-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Gan HM, Hudson AO, Rahman AYA, Chan KG, Savka MA. Comparative genomic analysis of six bacteria belonging to the genus Novosphingobium: insights into marine adaptation, cell-cell signaling and bioremediation. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:431. [PMID: 23809012 PMCID: PMC3704786 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacteria belonging to the genus Novosphingobium are known to be metabolically versatile and occupy different ecological niches. In the absence of genomic data and/or analysis, knowledge of the bacteria that belong to this genus is currently limited to biochemical characteristics. In this study, we analyzed the whole genome sequencing data of six bacteria in the Novosphingobium genus and provide evidence to show the presence of genes that are associated with salt tolerance, cell-cell signaling and aromatic compound biodegradation phenotypes. Additionally, we show the taxonomic relationship between the sequenced bacteria based on phylogenomic analysis, average amino acid identity (AAI) and genomic signatures. Results The taxonomic clustering of Novosphingobium strains is generally influenced by their isolation source. AAI and genomic signature provide strong support the classification of Novosphingobium sp. PP1Y as Novosphingobium pentaromaticivorans PP1Y. The identification and subsequent functional annotation of the unique core genome in the marine Novosphingobium bacteria show that ectoine synthesis may be the main contributing factor in salt water adaptation. Genes coding for the synthesis and receptor of the cell-cell signaling molecules, of the N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) class are identified. Notably, a solo luxR homolog was found in strain PP1Y that may have been recently acquired via horizontal gene transfer as evident by the presence of multiple mobile elements upstream of the gene. Additionally, phylogenetic tree analysis and sequence comparison with functionally validated aromatic ring hydroxylating dioxygenases (ARDO) revealed the presence of several ARDOs (oxygenase) in Novosphingobium bacteria with the majority of them belonging to the Groups II and III of the enzyme. Conclusions The combination of prior knowledge on the distinctive phenotypes of Novosphingobium strains and meta-analysis of their whole genomes enables the identification of several genes that are relevant in industrial applications and bioremediation. The results from such targeted but comprehensive comparative genomics analysis have the potential to contribute to the understanding of adaptation, cell-cell communication and bioremediation properties of bacteria belonging to the genus Novosphingobium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Ming Gan
- Science Vision SB, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
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Chang CY, Koh CL, Sam CK, Chan XY, Yin WF, Chan KG. Unusual long-chain N-acyl homoserine lactone production by and presence of quorum quenching activity in bacterial isolates from diseased tilapia fish. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44034. [PMID: 22952864 PMCID: PMC3430623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth-dependent cell-cell communication termed quorum sensing is a key regulatory system in bacteria for controlling gene expression including virulence factors. In this study five potential bacterial pathogens including Bacillus sp. W2.2, Klebsiella sp. W4.2, Pseudomonas sp. W3 and W3.1 and Serratia sp. W2.3 were isolated from diseased Tilapia fish in Malaysia, supplied by the leading global fish supplier. Proteolytic activity assays confirmed that with the exception of Klebsiella sp. W4.2, all isolates showed distinct proteolytic activity. Furthermore Bacillus sp. W2.2 and Pseudomonas sp. strains W3 and W3.1 also displayed haemolytic activity. By using high resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, we revealed the presence of unusually long-chain N-(3-oxohexadecanoyl)-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C16-HSL) from Pseudomonas sp. W3.1 and N-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone (C12-HSL) from Serratia sp. W2.3, respectively. Interestingly, Pseudomonas sp. W3.1 also produced a wide range of Pseudomonas quinolone signalling (PQS) molecules. Pseudomonas sp. W3 did not show any quorum sensing properties but possessed quorum quenching activity that inactivated AHLs. This study is the first documentation that shows unusual long-chain AHLs production in Serratia sp. and Pseudomonas sp. isolated from diseased fish and the latter also produce a wide range of PQS molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yi Chang
- School of Molecular Medical Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chong-Lek Koh
- Natural Sciences and Science Education AG, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choon-Kook Sam
- Natural Sciences and Science Education AG, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xin-Yue Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Malaysia
| | - Wai Fong Yin
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Malaysia
| | - Kok Gan Chan
- Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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Annapoorani A, Parameswari R, Pandian SK, Ravi AV. Methods to determine antipathogenic potential of phenolic and flavonoid compounds against urinary pathogen Serratia marcescens. J Microbiol Methods 2012; 91:208-11. [PMID: 22759832 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This study revealed the antipathogenic potential of natural compounds present in the edible fruits against urinary pathogen Serratia marcescens by using quorum sensing inhibition (QSI). The serum resistance assay was adopted to examine the immunomodulatory effects of QSI compounds to fight against bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angusamy Annapoorani
- Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi-630 003, Tamil Nadu, India
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Quorum quenching revisited--from signal decays to signalling confusion. SENSORS 2012; 12:4661-96. [PMID: 22666051 PMCID: PMC3355433 DOI: 10.3390/s120404661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In a polymicrobial community, while some bacteria are communicating with neighboring cells (quorum sensing), others are interrupting the communication (quorum quenching), thus creating a constant arms race between intercellular communication. In the past decade, numerous quorum quenching enzymes have been found and initially thought to inactivate the signalling molecules. Though this is widely accepted, the actual roles of these quorum quenching enzymes are now being uncovered. Recent evidence extends the role of quorum quenching to detoxification or metabolism of signalling molecules as food and energy source; this includes “signalling confusion”, a term coined in this paper to refer to the phenomenon of non-destructive modification of signalling molecules. While quorum quenching has been explored as a novel anti-infective therapy targeting, quorum sensing evidence begins to show the development of resistance against quorum quenching.
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Tsai CS, Winans SC. LuxR-type quorum-sensing regulators that are detached from common scents. Mol Microbiol 2011; 77:1072-82. [PMID: 20624221 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2010.07279.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The ability of LuxR-type proteins to regulate transcription is controlled by bacterial pheromones, N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). Most LuxR-family proteins require their cognate AHLs for activity, and at least some of them require AHLs for folding and protease resistance. However, a few members of this family are able to fold, dimerize, bind DNA, and regulate transcription in the absence of AHLs; moreover, these proteins are antagonized by their cognate AHLs. Complexes between some of these proteins and their DNA binding sites are disrupted by AHLs in vitro. All such proteins are fairly closely related within the larger LuxR family, indicating that they share a relatively recent common ancestor. The 3' ends of the genes encoding these receptors invariably overlap with the 3' ends of the cognate AHL synthase genes, suggesting additional antagonism at the level of mRNA synthesis, stability or translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Sung Tsai
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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20
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Kalia VC, Purohit HJ. Quenching the quorum sensing system: potential antibacterial drug targets. Crit Rev Microbiol 2011; 37:121-40. [PMID: 21271798 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2010.532479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Emergence of antibiotic and multi-drug resistant pathogenic bacteria has created the need for new drugs and drug targets. During pathogenesis bacteria release signals which regulate virulence and pathogenicity related genes. Such bacteria co-ordinate their virulent behaviour in a cell density dependent phenomenon termed as quorum sensing (QS). In contrast, microbes interfere with QS system by quenching the signals, termed quorum quenching (QQ). As a consequence of disrupted QS, pathogens become susceptible to antibiotics and drugs. In this article, the biodiversity of organisms with potential to quench QS signals and the use of QQ molecules as antibacterial drugs have been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Chandra Kalia
- Microbial Biotechnology and Genomics, Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), CSIR, Delhi University Campus, Mall Road, Delhi-110007, India.
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21
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Murata M, Uchida T, Yang Y, Lezhava A, Kinashi H. A large inversion in the linear chromosome of Streptomyces griseus caused by replicative transposition of a new Tn3 family transposon. Arch Microbiol 2011; 193:299-306. [PMID: 21234748 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-010-0674-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Revised: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We have comprehensively analyzed the linear chromosomes of Streptomyces griseus mutants constructed and kept in our laboratory. During this study, macrorestriction analysis of AseI and DraI fragments of mutant 402-2 suggested a large chromosomal inversion. The junctions of chromosomal inversion were cloned and sequenced and compared with the corresponding target sequences in the parent strain 2247. Consequently, a transposon-involved mechanism was revealed. Namely, a transposon originally located at the left target site was replicatively transposed to the right target site in an inverted direction, which generated a second copy and at the same time caused a 2.5-Mb chromosomal inversion. The involved transposon named TnSGR was grouped into a new subfamily of the resolvase-encoding Tn3 family transposons based on its gene organization. At the end, terminal diversity of S. griseus chromosomes is discussed by comparing the sequences of strains 2247 and IFO13350.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Murata
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Graduate School of Advanced Sciences of Matter, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8530, Japan
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22
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Construction of self-transmissible green fluorescent protein-based biosensor plasmids and their use for identification of N-acyl homoserine-producing bacteria in lake sediments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2010; 76:6119-27. [PMID: 20675456 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00677-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacteria utilize quorum sensing (QS) systems to communicate with each other by means of the production, release, and response to signal molecules. N-Acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-based QS systems are particularly widespread among the Proteobacteria, in which they regulate various functions. It has become evident that AHLs can also serve as signals for interspecies communication. However, knowledge on the impact of AHLs for the ecology of bacteria in their natural habitat is scarce, due mainly to the lack of tools that allow the study of QS in bacterial communities in situ. Here, we describe the construction of self-mobilizable green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based AHL sensors that utilize the conjugation and replication properties of the broad-host-range plasmid RP4. We show that these novel AHL sensor plasmids can be easily transferred to different bacterial species by biparental mating and that they give rise to green fluorescent cells in case the recipient is an AHL producer. We also demonstrate that these sensor plasmids are capable of self-spreading within mixed biofilms and are a suitable tool for the identification of AHL-producing bacteria in lake sediment.
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Satpute SK, Bhuyan SS, Pardesi KR, Mujumdar SS, Dhakephalkar PK, Shete AM, Chopade BA. Molecular Genetics of Biosurfactant Synthesis in Microorganisms. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 672:14-41. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-5979-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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25
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Veselova MA, Klein S, Bass IA, Lipasova VA, Metlitskaya AZ, Ovadis MI, Chernin LS, Khmel IA. Quorum sensing systems of regulation, synthesis of phenazine antibiotics, and antifungal activity in rhizospheric bacterium pseudomonas chlororaphis 449. RUSS J GENET+ 2009. [DOI: 10.1134/s102279540812003x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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26
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Valiente E, Bruhn JB, Nielsen KF, Larsen JL, Roig FJ, Gram L, Amaro C. Vibrio vulnificus produces quorum sensing signals of the AHL-class. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2009; 69:16-26. [PMID: 19453744 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2009.00691.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibrio vulnificus is an aquatic pathogenic bacterium that can cause vibriosis in humans and fish. The species is subdivided into three biotypes with the fish-virulent strains belonging to biotype 2. The quorum sensing (QS) phenomenon mediated by furanosyl borate diester or autoinducer 2 (AI-2) has been described in human strains of biotype 1, and here we show that the luxS gene which encodes AI-2 is present in all strains of V. vulnificus regardless of origin, biotype or serovar. In this study, we also demonstrate that V. vulnificus produces QS signals of the acylated homoserine lactone (AHL) class (AI-1). AHLs were detected in strains of biotype 1 and 2 from water, fish and human wound infections but not in strains isolated from human septicaemic cases. The AHL compound was identified as N-butanoyl-homoserine-lactone (C(4)-HL) by both reporter strains and by HPLC-high-resolution MS. C(4)-HL was detected when AHL-positive strains were grown in low-nutrient medium [modified sea water yeast extract (MSWYE)] but not in rich media (tryptic soy broth or brain-heart infusion) and its production was enhanced when blood factors were added to MSWYE. C(4)-HL was detected in vivo, in eels infected with AHL-positive biotype 2 strains. No known AHL-related gene was detected by PCR or Southern blot suggesting that AHL-related genes in V. vulnificus are different from those found in other Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmeralda Valiente
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, University of Valencia, Burjasot 46100, Spain
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27
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Sifri C. Healthcare Epidemiology: Quorum Sensing: Bacteria Talk Sense. Clin Infect Dis 2008; 47:1070-6. [DOI: 10.1086/592072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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A novel quorum sensing system co-regulated by chromosome- and plasmid-encoded genes in Serratia marcescens H30. Mol Cell Biochem 2008; 319:87-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-008-9880-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2008] [Accepted: 07/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Williams P. Quorum sensing, communication and cross-kingdom signalling in the bacterial world. Microbiology (Reading) 2007; 153:3923-3938. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.2007/012856-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 500] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Williams
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Williams P, Winzer K, Chan WC, Cámara M. Look who's talking: communication and quorum sensing in the bacterial world. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2007; 362:1119-34. [PMID: 17360280 PMCID: PMC2435577 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2007.2039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 494] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
For many years bacteria were considered primarily as autonomous unicellular organisms with little capacity for collective behaviour. However, we now appreciate that bacterial cells are in fact, highly communicative. The generic term 'quorum sensing' has been adopted to describe the bacterial cell-to-cell communication mechanisms which co-ordinate gene expression usually, but not always, when the population has reached a high cell density. Quorum sensing depends on the synthesis of small molecules (often referred to as pheromones or autoinducers) that diffuse in and out of bacterial cells. As the bacterial population density increases, so does the synthesis of quorum sensing signal molecules, and consequently, their concentration in the external environment rises. Once a critical threshold concentration has been reached, a target sensor kinase or response regulator is activated (or repressed) so facilitating the expression of quorum sensing-dependent genes. Quorum sensing enables a bacterial population to mount a co-operative response that improves access to nutrients or specific environmental niches, promotes collective defence against other competitor prokaryotes or eukaryotic defence mechanisms and facilitates survival through differentiation into morphological forms better able to combat environmental threats. Quorum sensing also crosses the prokaryotic-eukaryotic boundary since quorum sensing-dependent signalling can be exploited or inactivated by both plants and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Williams
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Molecular Medical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
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Liu X, Bimerew M, Ma Y, Müller H, Ovadis M, Eberl L, Berg G, Chernin L. Quorum-sensing signaling is required for production of the antibiotic pyrrolnitrin in a rhizospheric biocontrol strain ofSerratia plymuthica. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2007; 270:299-305. [PMID: 17355597 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2007.00681.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
One mechanism that bacteria have adopted to regulate the production of antimicrobial compounds is population-density-dependent LuxRI-type quorum sensing (QS), exploiting the production of N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) autoinducer signals. In biocontrol bacteria, most known cases involve the AHL control of phenazine antibiotics production by rhizospheric pseudomonads. This work is the first to demonstrate that phenazines are not the only group of biocontrol-related antibiotics whose production is regulated by QS systems. Strain HRO-C48 of Serratia plymuthica isolated from the rhizosphere of oilseed rape and described as a chitinolytic bacterium, which protects crops against Verticillium wilt, was also shown to produce wide-range antibiotic pyrrolnitrin and several AHLs, including N-butanoyl-HSL, N-hexanoyl-HSL and N-3-oxo-hexanoyl-HSL (OHHL). The genes splI and splR, which are analogues of luxI and luxR genes from other Gram-negative bacteria, were cloned and sequenced. The mutant AHL-4 (splI::miniTn5) was simultaneously deficient in the production of AHLs and pyrrolnitrin, as well as in its ability to suppress the growth of several fungal plant pathogens in vitro. However, pyrrolnitrin production could be restored in this mutant by introduction of the splIR genes cloned into a plasmid or by addition of the conditioned medium from strain C48 or OHHL standard to the growth medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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32
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Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Van Houdt
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Health, Environment and Safety, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK x CEN, Mol, Belgium.
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Wang H, Cai T, Weng M, Zhou J, Cao H, Zhong Z, Zhu J. Conditional production of acyl-homoserine lactone-type quorum-sensing signals in clinical isolates of enterobacteria. J Med Microbiol 2006; 55:1751-1753. [PMID: 17108283 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.46756-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Microbiology, MOA Key Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering of the Agricultural Environment, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Cai
- Department of Microbiology, MOA Key Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering of the Agricultural Environment, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengwei Weng
- Department of Clinic Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, MOA Key Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering of the Agricultural Environment, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huijuan Cao
- Department of Microbiology, MOA Key Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering of the Agricultural Environment, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zengtao Zhong
- Department of Microbiology, MOA Key Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering of the Agricultural Environment, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
- Department of Microbiology, MOA Key Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering of the Agricultural Environment, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Williamson NR, Fineran PC, Leeper FJ, Salmond GPC. The biosynthesis and regulation of bacterial prodiginines. Nat Rev Microbiol 2006; 4:887-99. [PMID: 17109029 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro1531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 359] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The red-pigmented prodiginines are bioactive secondary metabolites produced by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Recently, these tripyrrole molecules have received renewed attention owing to reported immunosuppressive and anticancer properties. The enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathways for the production of two of these molecules, prodigiosin and undecylprodigiosin, are now known. However, the biochemistry of some of the reactions is still poorly understood. The physiology and regulation of prodiginine production in Serratia and Streptomyces are now well understood, although the biological role of these pigments in the producer organisms remains unclear. However, research into the biology of pigment production will stimulate interest in the bioengineering of strains to synthesize useful prodiginine derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil R Williamson
- Department of Biochemistry, Tennis Court Road, University of Cambridge, UK
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35
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Wei JR, Soo PC, Horng YT, Hsieh SC, Tsai YH, Swift S, Withers H, Williams P, Lai HC. Regulatory roles of spnT, a novel gene located within transposon TnTIR. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 348:1038-46. [PMID: 16899219 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.07.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 07/25/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The transposon TnTIR contains spnIR quorum-sensing system regulating sliding motility and the production of nuclease, biosurfactant, and prodigiosin in Serratia marcescens. Within TnTIR, a gene named spnT is upstream of and co-transcribed with spnI. SpnT is a cytoplasmic protein and its level peaks during early stationary phase. spnT over-expression resulted in inhibition of sliding motility and synthesis of prodigiosin, and biosurfactant similar to spnR. spnT but not spnR over-expression induced cell elongation and aberrant DNA replication in S. marcescens and Escherichia coli strains. In comparison with wild-type E. coli strain, over-expression of spnT in an E. coli priA and dnaC double-mutant strain did not lead to the aberrant cell morphology phenotypes, suggesting SpnT may act through the recombination-dependent DNA replication system. As spnT over-expression inhibited swarming but not swimming motility, SpnT may indirectly function as a negative regulator of surface-dependent migration and secondary metabolite production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Rong Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Wei JR, Lai HC. N-Acylhomoserine lactone-dependent cell-to-cell communication and social behavior in the genus Serratia. Int J Med Microbiol 2006; 296:117-24. [PMID: 16483841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2006.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Serratia are increasingly responsible for nosocomial infections, the treatment of which may be complicated by the appearance of multi-antibiotic-resistant strains. Some but not all Serratia strains and species produce N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), and possess luxR and luxI homologous genes. Phylogenetic comparisons have provided evidence for the lateral transfer of these quorum-sensing systems, and in at least one strain of S. marcescens, transfer via a complex transposon has been experimentally demonstrated. AHL-dependent quorum sensing in Serratia controls population surface migration, biofilm development, the biosynthesis of a carbapenem antibiotic and production of the red pigment, prodigiosin. Serratia also possesses LuxS and produces autoinducer-2 (AI-2) which appears to function as a second quorum-sensing system controlling many of the same phenotypes as the LuxR/AHL systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Rong Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, No.1. Chang-Der Street, Taipei 100, Taiwan, ROC
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