群体感应信号分子AI-2研究进展

群体感应(QS)是细菌根据种群密度的变化调控基因表达,协调群体行为的机制。除具有种特异性的信号分子AI-1外,近年来发现一类新的信号分子AI-2在调控细菌基因表达中起重要作用。AI-2的结构和生物合成途径已被确定,其产生依赖于一种称为LuxS的蛋白。目前认为AI-2在细菌种间交流中起通用信号分子(universalsignal)的作用。了解细菌的QS调控过程以及种间细胞交流的新机制,有助于对细菌病害进行防治。

Advances on Quorum Sensing AI-2 Signal Molecular

Quorum sensing is the regulation of gene expression in response to fluctuations in cell-population density and allows populations of bacteria to synchronize group behavior. Besides species-specific signaling molecules, a recently discovered bacteria signaling molecule called AI-2 has been proposed to play important roles in controlling gene expression and serve as a universal signal molecular for interspecies communications. The structure of AI-2 has recently been elucidated and its biosynthesis depends on LuxS protein. Further studies of bacterial quorum sensing systems will give new insights into novel mechanisms of interspecies cellular communications, with the possibility of finding new ways of attempting to defend bacterial diseases.