scholarly journals Bacterial LomR Induces the Vibriophage VP882 VqmA-Directed Quorum-Sensing Lysogeny-Lysis Transition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S Sun ◽  
Ameya A Mashruwala ◽  
Chenyi Fei ◽  
Bonnie Bassler
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Communication Process ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Dna Encoding ◽  
Insertion Element ◽  
Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Extracellular Signal

The bacterial cell-cell communication process called quorum sensing enables groups of bacteria to synchronously alter behavior in response to changes in cell population density. Quorum sensing relies on the production, release, accumulation, and detection of extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers. Here, we investigate a mechanism employed by a vibriophage to surveil host quorum sensing and tune its lysogeny-lysis decision to host cell density. The phage possesses a gene called vqmAPhage encoding a quorum-sensing receptor homologous to vibrio VqmA. Both VqmA receptors can detect the host bacteria-produced autoinducer called DPO. DPO-bound VqmAPhage launches the phage lysis process. We discover that the bacterial host produces an inducer of the VqmAPhage-directed quorum-sensing lysogeny-lysis transition. Production of the inducer appears to be widespread among bacteria. A screen of the Escherichia coli Keio collection for mutants impaired for inducer production revealed lomR, located in a prophage, and encoding a poorly understood protein. In the E. coli screening strain, lomR is interrupted by DNA encoding an insertion element. The 3’ domain of this LomR protein is sufficient to induce VqmAPhage-directed lysis. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis showed that substitution at either of two key residues abrogates inducer activity. Full-length LomR is similar to the outer membrane porin OmpX in E. coli and Vibrio parahaemolyticus O3:K6, and OmpT in Vibrio cholerae C6706, and indeed, OmpX and OmpT can induce VqmAPhage-directed activity. Possibly, development of the LomR, OmpX, or OmpT proteins as tools to direct phage lysis of host cells could be used to control bacteria in medical or industrial settings.

scholarly journals Saccharomyces cerevisiae Requires CFF1 To Produce 4-Hydroxy-5-Methylfuran-3(2H)-One, a Mimic of the Bacterial Quorum-Sensing Autoinducer AI-2

mBio ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie S. Valastyan ◽  
Christina M. Kraml ◽  
Istvan Pelczer ◽  
Thomas Ferrante ◽  
Bonnie L. Bassler
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Communication Process ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Catalytic Residue ◽  
Interspecies Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extracellular Signal

ABSTRACT Quorum sensing is a process of cell-to-cell communication that bacteria use to orchestrate collective behaviors. Quorum sensing depends on the production, release, and detection of extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers (AIs) that accumulate with increasing cell density. While most AIs are species specific, the AI called AI-2 is produced and detected by diverse bacterial species, and it mediates interspecies communication. We recently reported that mammalian cells produce an AI-2 mimic that can be detected by bacteria through the AI-2 receptor LuxP, potentially expanding the role of the AI-2 system to interdomain communication. Here, we describe a second molecule capable of interdomain signaling through LuxP, 4-hydroxy-5-methylfuran-3(2H)-one (MHF), that is produced by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Screening the S. cerevisiae deletion collection revealed Cff1p, a protein with no known role, to be required for MHF production. Cff1p is proposed to be an enzyme, with structural similarity to sugar isomerases and epimerases, and substitution at the putative catalytic residue eliminated MHF production in S. cerevisiae. Sequence analysis uncovered Cff1p homologs in many species, primarily bacterial and fungal, but also viral, archaeal, and higher eukaryotic. Cff1p homologs from organisms from all domains can complement a cff1Δ S. cerevisiae mutant and restore MHF production. In all cases tested, the identified catalytic residue is conserved and required for MHF to be produced. These findings increase the scope of possibilities for interdomain interactions via AI-2 and AI-2 mimics, highlighting the breadth of molecules and organisms that could participate in quorum sensing. IMPORTANCE Quorum sensing is a cell-to-cell communication process that bacteria use to monitor local population density. Quorum sensing relies on extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers (AIs). One AI called AI-2 is broadly made by bacteria and used for interspecies communication. Here, we describe a eukaryotic AI-2 mimic, 4-hydroxy-5-methylfuran-3(2H)-one, (MHF), that is made by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and we identify the Cff1p protein as essential for MHF production. Hundreds of viral, archaeal, bacterial, and eukaryotic organisms possess Cff1p homologs. This finding, combined with our results showing that homologs from all domains can replace S. cerevisiae Cff1p, suggests that like AI-2, MHF is widely produced. Our results expand the breadth of organisms that may participate in quorum-sensing-mediated interactions.

scholarly journals ThePseudomonas aeruginosaLasR quorum-sensing receptor balances ligand selectivity and sensitivity

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia R. McCready ◽  
Jon E. Paczkowski ◽  
Brad R. Henke ◽  
Bonnie L. Bassler
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Ligand Binding ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Communication Process ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Ligand Selectivity ◽  
Existing Structures ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Sensitivity And Selectivity

AbstractQuorum sensing is a cell-cell communication process that bacteria use to orchestrate group behaviors. Quorum sensing is mediated by extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers. Autoinducers are often structurally similar, raising questions concerning how bacteria distinguish among them. Here, we use thePseudomonas aeruginosaLasR quorum-sensing receptor to explore receptor sensitivity and selectivity. Alteration of LasR amino acid S129 increases ligand selectivity and decreases ligand sensitivity. Conversely, the L130F mutation enhances LasR sensitivity while reducing selectivity. We solve crystal structures of LasR ligand binding domains complexed with non-cognate autoinducers. Comparison to existing structures reveals that ligand selectivity/sensitivity is mediated by a flexible loop adjacent to the ligand binding site. We show thatP. aeruginosaharboring LasR variants with modified selectivity or sensitivity exhibit altered quorum-sensing responses. We suggest that an evolutionary trade-off between ligand selectivity and sensitivity enables LasR to optimally regulate quorum-sensing traits.

scholarly journals Saccharomyces cerevisiae Requires CFF1 to Produce 4-hydroxy-5-methylfuran-3(2H)-one, a Mimic of the Bacterial Quorum-Sensing Autoinducer AI-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie S. Valastyan ◽  
Christina M. Kraml ◽  
Istvan Pelczer ◽  
Thomas Ferrante ◽  
Bonnie L. Bassler
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Communication Process ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Catalytic Residue ◽  
Extracellular Signal

AbstractQuorum sensing is a process of cell-to-cell communication that bacteria use to orchestrate collective behaviors. Quorum sensing depends on the production, release, and detection of extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers (AIs) that accumulate with increasing cell density. While most AIs are species-specific, the AI called AI-2 is produced and detected by diverse bacterial species and it mediates inter-species communication. We recently reported that mammalian cells produce an AI-2 mimic that can be detected by bacteria through the AI-2 receptor, LuxP, potentially expanding the role of the AI-2 system to inter-domain communication. Here, we describe a second molecule capable of inter-domain signaling through LuxP, 4-hydroxy-5-methylfuran-3(2H)-one (MHF) that is produced by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Screening the S. cerevisiae deletion collection revealed Cff1p, a protein with no known role, to be required for MHF production. Cff1p is proposed to be an enzyme, possibly an epimerase or isomerase, and substitution at the putative catalytic residue eliminated MHF production in S. cerevisiae. Sequence analysis uncovered Cff1p homologs in many species, primarily bacterial and fungal, but also viral, archaeal, and higher eukaryotic. Cff1p homologs from organisms from all domains can complement a S. cerevisiae cff1Δ mutant and restore MHF production. In all test cases, the identified catalytic residue is conserved and required for MHF to be produced. These findings increase the scope of possibilities for inter-domain interactions via AI-2 and AI-2 mimics, highlighting the breadth of molecules and organisms that could participate in quorum sensing.ImportanceQuorum sensing is a cell-to-cell communication process that bacteria use to monitor local population density. Quorum sensing relies on extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers (AIs). One AI, called AI-2, is broadly made by bacteria and used for inter-species communication. Here, we describe a eukaryotic AI-2 mimic, 5-methylfuran-3(2H)-one, (MHF), that is made by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and we identify the Cff1p protein as essential for MHF production. Hundreds of viral, archaeal, bacterial, and eukaryotic organisms possess Cff1p homologs. This finding, combined with our results showing that homologs from all domains can replace S. cerevisiae Cff1p, suggests that like AI-2, MHF is widely produced. Our results expand the breadth of organisms that may participate in quorum-sensing-mediated interactions.

scholarly journals Quorum sensing and social networking in the microbial world

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (40) ◽  
pp. 959-978 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Atkinson ◽  
Paul Williams
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Communication Networks ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Microbial World ◽  
Rich Diversity ◽  
Intercellular Signalling

For many years, bacterial cells were considered primarily as selfish individuals, but, in recent years, it has become evident that, far from operating in isolation, they coordinate collective behaviour in response to environmental challenges using sophisticated intercellular communication networks. Cell-to-cell communication between bacteria is mediated by small diffusible signal molecules that trigger changes in gene expression in response to fluctuations in population density. This process, generally referred to as quorum sensing (QS), controls diverse phenotypes in numerous Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Recent advances have revealed that bacteria are not limited to communication within their own species but are capable of ‘listening in’ and ‘broadcasting to’ unrelated species to intercept messages and coerce cohabitants into behavioural modifications, either for the good of the population or for the benefit of one species over another. It is also evident that QS is not limited to the bacterial kingdom. The study of two-way intercellular signalling networks between bacteria and both uni- and multicellular eukaryotes as well as between eukaryotes is just beginning to unveil a rich diversity of communication pathways.

scholarly journals Novel Reporter for Identification of Interference with Acyl Homoserine Lactone and Autoinducer-2 Quorum Sensing

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 1477-1489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Weiland-Bräuer ◽  
Nicole Pinnow ◽  
Ruth A. Schmitz
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Vibrio Fischeri ◽  
Quorum Quenching ◽  
Homoserine Lactone ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Lethal Gene ◽  
Reporter Strain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Autoinducer 2

ABSTRACTTwo reporter strains were established to identify novel biomolecules interfering with bacterial communication (quorum sensing [QS]). The basic design of theseEscherichia coli-based systems comprises a gene encoding a lethal protein fused to promoters induced in the presence of QS signal molecules. Consequently, theseE. colistrains are unable to grow in the presence of the respective QS signal molecules unless a nontoxic QS-interfering compound is present. The first reporter strain designed to detect autoinducer-2 (AI-2)-interfering activities (AI2-QQ.1) contained theE. coliccdBlethal gene under the control of theE. colilsrApromoter. The second reporter strain (AI1-QQ.1) contained theVibrio fischeriluxIpromoter fused to theccdBgene to detect interference with acyl-homoserine lactones. Bacteria isolated from the surfaces of several marine eukarya were screened for quorum-quenching (QQ) activities using the established reporter systems AI1-QQ.1 and AI2-QQ.1. Out of 34 isolates, two interfered with acylated homoserine lactone (AHL) signaling, five interfered with AI-2 QS signaling, and 10 were demonstrated to interfere with both signal molecules. Open reading frames (ORFs) conferring QQ activity were identified for three selected isolates (Photobacteriumsp.,Pseudoalteromonassp., andVibrio parahaemolyticus). Evaluation of the respective heterologously expressed and purified QQ proteins confirmed their ability to interfere with the AHL and AI-2 signaling processes.

scholarly journals Quorum sensing controls thePseudomonas aeruginosaCRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system

2016 ◽  
Vol 114 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina M. Høyland-Kroghsbo ◽  
Jon Paczkowski ◽  
Sampriti Mukherjee ◽  
Jenny Broniewski ◽  
Edze Westra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Adaptive Immune System ◽  
Communication Process ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Bacterial Populations ◽  
Adaptive Immune ◽  
Quorum Sensing Inhibitors ◽  
Adaptive Immune Systems

CRISPR-Cas are prokaryotic adaptive immune systems that provide protection against bacteriophage (phage) and other parasites. Little is known about how CRISPR-Cas systems are regulated, preventing prediction of phage dynamics in nature and manipulation of phage resistance in clinical settings. Here, we show that the bacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosaPA14 uses the cell–cell communication process, called quorum sensing, to activatecasgene expression, to increase CRISPR-Cas targeting of foreign DNA, and to promote CRISPR adaptation, all at high cell density. This regulatory mechanism ensures maximum CRISPR-Cas function when bacterial populations are at highest risk for phage infection. We demonstrate that CRISPR-Cas activity and acquisition of resistance can be modulated by administration of pro- and antiquorum-sensing compounds. We propose that quorum-sensing inhibitors could be used to suppress the CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system to enhance medical applications, including phage therapies.

scholarly journals Look who's talking: communication and quorum sensing in the bacterial world

2007 ◽  
Vol 362 (1483) ◽  
pp. 1119-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Williams ◽  
Klaus Winzer ◽  
Weng C Chan ◽  
Miguel Cámara
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Bacterial Population ◽  
Response Regulator ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Threshold Concentration ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Environmental Threats ◽  
Generic Term

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.

scholarly journals The PqsE-RhlR Interaction Regulates RhlR DNA Binding to Control Virulence Factor Production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayla A. Simanek ◽  
Isabelle R. Taylor ◽  
Erica K. Richael ◽  
Erica Lasek-Nesselquist ◽  
Bonnie L. Bassler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Dna Binding ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Virulence Factor ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Communication Process ◽  
Collective Behaviors ◽  
Factor Production ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Virulence Factor Production

Bacteria use a cell-cell communication process called quorum sensing (QS) to orchestrate collective behaviors. QS relies on the group-wide detection of molecules called autoinducers (AI).

Microfluidic static droplet array for analyzing microbial communication on a population gradient

Lab on a Chip ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 889-899 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heon-Ho Jeong ◽  
Si Hyung Jin ◽  
Byung Jin Lee ◽  
Taesung Kim ◽  
Chang-Soo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Population Density ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Microbial Communication ◽  
Droplet Array ◽  
Cell Cell

Quorum sensing (QS) is a type of cell–cell communication using signal molecules that are released and detected by cells, which respond to changes in their population density.

Quorum Sensing Regulation as a Target for Antimicrobial Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterine Henríquez Ruiz ◽  
Estefanie Osorio-Llanes ◽  
Mayra Hernández Trespalacios ◽  
Evelyn Mendoza-Torres ◽  
Wendy Rosales ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Bacterial Resistance ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Structural Evolution ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Bacterial Survival

: Some bacterial species use a cell-to-cell communication mechanism called Quorum Sensing (QS). Bacteria release small diffusible molecules, usually termed signals which allow the activation of beneficial phenotypes that guarantee bacterial survival and the expression of a diversity of virulence genes in response to an increase in population density. The study of the molecular mechanisms that relate signal molecules with bacterial pathogenesis is an area of growing interest due to its use as a possible therapeutic alternative through the development of synthetic analogues of autoinducers as a strategy to regulate bacterial communication as well as the study of bacterial resistance phenomena, the study of these relationships is based on the structural diversity of natural or synthetic autoinducers and their ability to inhibit bacterial QS, which can be approached with a molecular perspective from the following topics: i) Molecular signals and their role in QS regulation; ii) Strategies in the modulation of Quorum Sensing; iii) Analysis of Bacterial QS circuit regulation strategies; iv) Structural evolution of natural and synthetic autoinducers as QS regulators. This mini-review allows a molecular view of the QS systems, showing a perspective on the importance of the molecular diversity of autoinducer analogs as a strategy for the design of new antimicrobial agents.

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