Quorum Sensing in Gram Negative Bacteria: Signals, Role and Networking
Zulma R. Suárez-Moreno, Juan F. González, Giulia Devescovi and Vittorio Venturi
from: Bacterial Regulatory Networks (Edited by: Alain A.M. Filloux). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2012)
Abstract
Bacteria regulate gene expression in a population dependent manner using a sophisticated mechanism based on the production and sensing of chemical signals, known as quorum sensing. Such synchronized response in bacterial populations constitutes a form of multicellularity and enables adaption and survival in challenging environments. Although current evidence shows that the predominant signaling molecules produced by Gram-negative bacteria are N-acyl derivatives of homoserine lactones (AHLs), bacteria use a wide variety of signals. In this chapter we provide an overview of quorum sensing in Gram-negative bacteria, and discuss current and future trends in this field of research read more ...
