Quorum sensing | Cell communication | Bacteteria | virulence | AHL | Ligand | Basic Science Series
Channel: Basic Science Series
Date: 2020-04-01

0:00 Introduction
0:13 Quorum Sensing
0:32 Acyl Homoserine Lactone  Molecules
1:09  Mechanism
1:46 Importance
1:55 Structure of AHL
2:17  Controls
2:40 Conclusion

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The quorum sensing communication system plays an important role in bacterial growth, biofilm formation, motility, and virulence. This video covers a brief introduction to this important system.

Gram-negative bacteria produce N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHL) as their signaling molecule.

ram-positive bacteria use autoinducing peptide (AIP) as their autoinducers.

For the bacteria to use quorum sensing constitutively, they must possess three characteristics: to secrete a signaling molecule, an autoinducer, to detect the change in concentration of signaling molecules, and to regulate gene transcription as a response

Definition: Quorum sensing is a process by which bacteria detect and respond to the concentration of signaling molecules, known as autoinducers, that are released by themselves or other nearby bacteria into their environment.

Cell-to-cell communication: Quorum sensing enables bacteria to communicate and coordinate their activities based on the local population density. It allows individual bacteria to sense the presence and number of neighboring bacteria, providing a means of assessing the overall population size.

Autoinducers: Autoinducers are small, diffusible signaling molecules produced by bacteria. They are released into the surrounding environment and can accumulate as the bacterial population grows. Different bacterial species use different types of autoinducers for quorum sensing.

Receptor-mediated signaling: Bacteria possess specific receptors on their cell surfaces that can bind to the autoinducers. When the concentration of autoinducers reaches a certain threshold, they bind to their corresponding receptors, initiating a signaling cascade within the bacterial cells.

Gene expression regulation: Once the autoinducer-receptor complex is formed, it triggers changes in gene expression patterns in the bacteria. This leads to the activation or repression of specific sets of genes involved in various cellular processes.

Group behavior regulation: The changes in gene expression resulting from quorum sensing can control a variety of group behaviors in bacteria. These behaviors may include the production of virulence factors, biofilm formation, bioluminescence, sporulation, antibiotic resistance, and the coordination of bacterial swarming or motility.

Importance in microbial communities: Quorum sensing allows bacteria to coordinate their activities in a population-dependent manner, promoting collective behavior that enhances survival and competitiveness within microbial communities. It enables bacteria to act as a multicellular organism rather than individual cells.

Therapeutic implications: Quorum sensing has been targeted as a potential mechanism for controlling bacterial infections. By interfering with the quorum sensing process, it may be possible to disrupt bacterial communication and inhibit the expression of virulence factors, potentially reducing the pathogenicity of certain bacteria.

Beyond bacteria: Quorum sensing is not limited to bacteria; it has also been observed in other microorganisms such as fungi, algae, and some higher organisms like insects. In these organisms, quorum sensing plays a crucial role in regulating population dynamics and group behaviors.

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