Phage-Encoded LuxR-Type Receptors Responsive to Host-Produced Bacterial Quorum-Sensing Autoinducers
Abstract
Bacteria communicate with chemical signal molecules to regulate group behaviors in a process called quorum sensing (QS). In this report, we find that genes encoding receptors for Gram-negative bacterial QS communication molecules are present on genomes of viruses that infect these bacteria. These viruses are called phages. We show that two phage-encoded receptors, like their bacterial counterparts, bind to the communication molecule produced by the host bacterium, suggesting that phages can “listen in” on their bacterial hosts. Interfering with bacterial QS and using phages to kill pathogenic bacteria represent attractive possibilities for development of new antimicrobials to combat pathogens that are resistant to traditional antibiotics. Our findings of interactions between phages and QS bacteria need consideration as new antimicrobial therapies are developed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1128/mbio.00638-19
Entities
People
- Bonnie L. Bassler
- Justin E Silpe
Organizations
- Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
- Princeton University
- United States Department of Defense