Quorum Sensing Communication: Molecularly Connecting Cells, Their Neighbors, and Even Devices
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a molecular signaling modality that mediates molecular-based cell–cell communication. Prevalent in nature, QS networks provide bacteria with a method to gather information from the environment and make decisions based on the intel. With its ability to autonomously facilitate both inter- and intraspecies gene regulation, this process can be rewired to enable autonomously actuated, but molecularly programmed, genetic control. On the one hand, novel QS-based genetic circuits endow cells with smart functions that can be used in many fields of engineering, and on the other, repurposed QS circuitry promotes communication and aids in the development of synthetic microbial consortia. Furthermore, engineered QS systems can probe and intervene in interkingdom signaling between bacteria and their hosts. Lastly, QS is demonstrated to establish conversation with abiotic materials, especially by taking advantage of biological and even electronically induced assembly processes; such QS-incorporated biohybrid devices offer innovative ways to program cell behavior and biological function.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jun 08, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101519-124728
Entities
People
- Gregory F Payne
- Sally Wang
- William E. Bentley
Organizations
- University of Maryland