Detection of Quorum Sensing Signal Molecules, Particularly N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones, 2-Alky-4-Quinolones, and Diketopiperazines, in Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated From Insect Vector of Leishmaniasis
Authors: Vivero-Gomez Rafael Jose , Mesa Gustavo Bedoya , Higuita-Castro Jorge , Robledo Sara M. , Moreno-Herrera Claudia X. , Cadavid-Restrepo Gloria 
Published: December 2021

Gram-negative bacteria are known to use a quorum sensing system to facilitate and stimulate cell to cell communication, mediatedviaregulation of specific genes. This system is further involved in the modulation of cell density and metabolic and physiological processes that putatively either affect the survival of insect vectors or the establishment of pathogens transmitted by them. The process of quorum sensing generally involves N-acyl homoserine lactones and 2-alkyl-4-quinolones signaling molecules. The present study aimed to detect and identify quorum sensing signaling molecules of AHLs and AHQs type that are secreted by intestinal bacteria, and link their production to their extracellular milieu and intracellular content. Isolates for assessment were obtained from the intestinal tract ofPintomyia evansi(Leishmaniainsect vector). AHLs and AHQs molecules were detected using chromatography (TLC) assays, with the aid of specific and sensitive biosensors. For identity confirmation, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used. TLC assays detected quorum sensing molecules (QSM) in the supernatant of the bacterial isolates and intracellular content. Interestingly,Pseudomonas otitidis,Enterobacter aerogenes,Enterobacter cloacae, andPantoea ananatisisolates showed a migration pattern similar to the synthetic molecule 3-oxo-C6-HSL (OHHL), which was used as a control.Enterobacter cancerogenussecreted C6-HSL, a related molecules to N-hexanoyl homoserine lactone (HHL), whileAcinetobacter gyllenbergiiexhibited a migration pattern similar to 2-heptyl-4-quinolone (HHQ) molecules. In comparison to this, 3-oxo-C12-HSL (OdDHL) type molecules were produced byLysobacter soli,Pseudomonas putida,A. gyllenbergii,Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, andPseudomonas aeruginosa, whileEnterobacter cloacaeproduced molecules similar to 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS). ForPseudomonas putida,Enterobacter aerogenes,P. ananatis, andPseudomonas otitidisextracts, peak chromatograms with distinct retention times and areas, consistent with the molecules described in case of TLC, were obtained using HPLC. Importantly,P. ananatisproduced a greater variety of high QSM concentration, and thus served as a reference for confirmation and identification by UHPLC-MRM-MS/MS. The molecules that were identified included N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone [HHL, C10H18NO3, (M + H)], N-(3-oxohexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone [OHHL, C10H16NO4, (M + H)], N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone [OdDHL, C16H28NO4, (M + H)], and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone [PQS, C16H22NO2, (M + H)]. Besides this, the detection of diketopiperazines, namely L-Pro-L-Tyr and ΔAla-L-Val cyclopeptides was reported forP. ananatis.These molecules might be potentially associated with the regulation of QSM system, and might represent another small molecule-mediated bacterial sensing system. This study presents the first report regarding the detection and identification of QSM and diketopiperazines in the gut sand fly bacteria. The possible effect of QSM on the establishment ofLeishmaniamust be explored to determine its role in the modulation of intestinal microbiome and the life cycle ofPi. evansi.