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Abstract
Many pathogenic bacteria use cell–cell signaling systems involving the synthesis and perception of diffusible signal molecules to control virulence as a response to cell density or confinement to niches. Bacteria produce signals of diverse structural classes. Signal molecules of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family are cis-2-unsaturated fatty acids. The paradigm is cis-11-methyl-2-dodecenoic acid from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), which controls virulence in this plant pathogen. Although DSF synthesis was thought to be restricted to the xanthomonads, it is now known that structurally related molecules are produced by the unrelated bacteria Burkholderia cenocepacia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, signaling involving these DSF family members contributes to bacterial virulence, formation of biofilms and antibiotic tolerance in these important human pathogens. Here we review the recent advances in understanding DSF signaling and its regulatory role in different bacteria. These advances include the description of the pathway/mechanism of DSF biosynthesis, identification of novel DSF synthases and new members of the DSF family, the demonstration of a diversity of DSF sensors to include proteins with a Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain and the description of some of the signal transduction mechanisms that impinge on virulence factor expression. In addition, we address the role of DSF family signals in interspecies signaling that modulates the behavior of other microorganisms. Finally, we consider a number of recently reported approaches for the control of bacterial virulence through the modulation of DSF signaling.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e1004986 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | PLoS Pathogens |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 16 Jul 2015 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
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Dive into the research topics of 'The DSF family of cell–cell signals: an expanding class of bacterial virulence regulators'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Cystic Fibrosis Microbiome-Determined Antibiotic Therapy Trial in Exacerbations Results Stratified CFMATTERS (Joint with 11 Other Partners)
Ryan, R. (Investigator)
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
1/10/13 → 30/09/16
Project: Research
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Molecular Characterisation of Bacterial Interspecies Signalling in Polymicrobial Chronic Lung Infection: A Potential Target for Therapeutic Intervention (Senior Research Fellowship)
Palmer, T. (Investigator) & Ryan, R. (Investigator)
1/03/13 → 28/02/18
Project: Research