Interspecies communication in bacteria.

Publication Year
2003

Type

Journal Article
Abstract

Until recently, bacteria were considered to live rather asocial, reclusive lives. New research shows that, in fact, bacteria have elaborate chemical signaling systems that enable them to communicate within and between species. One signal, termed AI-2, appears to be universal and facilitates interspecies communication. Many processes, including virulence factor production, biofilm formation, and motility, are controlled by AI-2. Strategies that interfere with communication in bacteria are being explored in the biotechnology industry with the aim of developing novel antimicrobials. AI-2 is a particularly attractive candidate for such studies because of its widespread use in the microbial kingdom.

Journal
J Clin Invest
Volume
112
Issue
9
Pages
1291-9
Date Published
2003 Nov
ISSN Number
0021-9738
Alternate Journal
J Clin Invest
PMCID
PMC228483
PMID
14597753