Interspecies communication in bacteria.

TitleInterspecies communication in bacteria.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2003
AuthorsFederle, MJ, Bassler, BL
JournalJ Clin Invest
Volume112
Issue9
Pagination1291-9
Date Published2003 Nov
ISSN0021-9738
Keywords4-Butyrolactone, Bacterial Physiological Phenomena, Biofilms, Homoserine, Lactones, Signal Transduction
Abstract

<p>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.</p>

DOI10.1172/JCI20195
Alternate JournalJ Clin Invest
PubMed ID14597753
PubMed Central IDPMC228483
Grant ListR00 GM080539 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States