A network of networks: quorum-sensing gene regulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Int J Med Microbiol. 2006 Apr;296(2-3):73-81. doi: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2006.01.036. Epub 2006 Feb 14.

Abstract

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa possesses two N-acyl-homoserine lactone quorum-sensing systems that regulate large, overlapping sets of genes. Recent global transcriptome and proteome analyses provided a wealth of information about the identity of the regulated genes, N-acyl-homoserine lactone signal specificity, timing of induction, and environmental effects on gene expression. Quorum-sensing gene expression in P. aeruginosa is also embedded in a highly interconnected network of other regulatory systems with a high potential for integrating and responding to multiple environmental signals. Such epigenetic complexity may constitute the basis for the exceptional adaptability of P. aeruginosa to diverse environments.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 4-Butyrolactone / analogs & derivatives
  • 4-Butyrolactone / physiology
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / genetics
  • Cell Communication / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / genetics*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • homoserine lactone
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases
  • N-acyl homoserine lactonase
  • 4-Butyrolactone