Acyl-HSL Signal Decay: Intrinsic to Bacterial Cell–Cell Communications

Abstract

The structure of the signaling molecule of Vibrio fischeri, N-3-(oxohexanoyl) homoserine lactone (3OC6HSL), was determined and was the first representative of a large family of molecules, the acylhomoserine lactones (acyl-HSLs). For microbes that degrade acyl-HSL signals but are not responsible for accumulation of acyl-HSLs or have quorum-sensing systems, acyl-HSL degradation could provide a means to compete with acyl-HSL-producing, quorum-sensing neighbors in the environment. Acyl-HSL quorum signal degradation is important if the presence and concentration of these signaling molecules are important for several microbial group behaviors. Acyl-HSL-degrading microbes that use acyl-HSLs as either a sole carbon source or carbon and nitrogen source could gain an additional advantage in soil environments where nutrients are limited. The possibility that acyl-HSL-mediated quorum sensing is widespread suggests that it may be seeing tip of the iceberg in terms of microbes and organisms with acyl-HSL-degrading potential.

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