The Progress of Quorum Sensing System in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract:

Quorum-sensing system is the gene regulation system depending on the population concentrations. A number of different types of QS systems have been discovered. However, a unifying theme is the synthesis of a small signal molecule, often called an autoinducer or pheromone. These systems regulate the expression of a number of genes synchronously across the bacterial population. When an autoinducer accumulates to the threshold concentration in a population density manner, the expression triggers induction or repression of certain sets of genes that co-ordinate the behavior of the bacterial population, including the expression of virulence factors. In addition, the expression of quorum sensing system is influenced by environmental factors. Quorum sensing in P. aeruginosa consists of a complex network. Based on the facts that QS regulates such an array of P. aeruginosa factors and that deletion of QS regulators attenuates P. aeruginosa virulence, it is conceivable that QS would be an ideal target for the inhibition of Pseudomonas infections. Therefore, alternative mechanisms for targeting P. aeruginosa have been the focus of much research. In this review, the roles and the regulation mechanisms of quorum sensing in P. aeruginosa has been disscussed based on the author’s own research and the latest literatures.