Parallel quorum sensing systems converge to regulate virulence in Vibrio cholerae.

Publication Year
2002

Type

Journal Article
Abstract

The marine bacterium Vibrio harveyi possesses two quorum sensing systems (System 1 and System 2) that regulate bioluminescence. Although the Vibrio cholerae genome sequence reveals that a V. harveyi-like System 2 exists, it does not predict the existence of a V. harveyi-like System 1 or any obvious quorum sensing-controlled target genes. In this report we identify and characterize the genes encoding an additional V. cholerae autoinducer synthase and its cognate sensor. Analysis of double mutants indicates that a third as yet unidentified sensory circuit exists in V. cholerae. This quorum sensing apparatus is unusually complex, as it is composed of at least three parallel signaling channels. We show that in V. cholerae these communication systems converge to control virulence.

Journal
Cell
Volume
110
Issue
3
Pages
303-14
Date Published
2002 Aug 09
ISSN Number
0092-8674
Alternate Journal
Cell
PMID
12176318