QS-type bacterial signal molecules of nonpeptide origin

• Published in: Microbiology (New York) Vol. 78; no. 2; pp. 133 - 143
• Main Author: Shpakov, A. O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Dordrecht : SP MAIK Nauka/Interperiodica 01-04-2009; SP MAIK Nauka/Interperiodica
• Subjects: Bacteria; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Life Sciences; Medical Microbiology; Microbiology; Review Paper; bacterium; autoinducer; quorum sensing; histidine kinase; quinoline; signal system; 2-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxy tetrahydrofuran; acyl homoserine lactone
• ISSN: 0026-2617; 1608-3237
• DOI: 10.1134/S0026261709020015

This review classifies and analyzes the literature data on bacterial autoinducers (AI), the signal molecules produced and secreted by bacterial cells and responsible for intercellular communication (quorum sensing, QS). The most important families of nonpeptide AI are discussed, including N-acyl homoserine lactones, derivatives of 2-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxy tetrahydrofuran, indole and quinoline derivatives, and adrenalinerelated compounds. The data is provided on the intracellular and membrane receptors specifically binding to AI, as well as on the effector systems that are activated by AI and mediate their regulatory effects. The possible role of some vertebrate hormones (adrenergic agonists, serotonin, etc.) as AI and their effect on bacterial activity are discussed. The data are presented suggesting a high efficiency of AI-based antibacterial preparations, which selectively disrupt the bacterial information network and thus suppress bacterial infections.