根瘤菌群体感应系统研究进展*

群体感应是指细菌中依赖于细胞密度的基因表达调控过程，参与这种调节的系统被称为群体感应系统。N-酰基高丝氨酸内酯是大多数革兰氏阴性细菌群体感应系统的信号分子。这种系统调节细菌各种生理学反应和某些特定功能。在根瘤菌与宿主豆科植物成功建立共生关系的过程中，起着重要作用。详细的综述了根瘤菌中已发现的群体感应系统，并阐述了这种系统的调节功能和对实际应用的指导意义。

Advancement of Quorum Sensing in Rhizobia

Quorum sensing is defined as the cell density-dependent regulation of gene expression, and the involved system is the quorum sensing system, in which N-acyl homoserine lactone is known as the signal molecules of most gram-negative organisms. It can regulate diverse physiological functions. This paper reviewed the quorum sensing systems and the recent advances which play a major role in the formation of the symbiosis between the rhizobia and their host plants.