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ot Dn thé dio, V. 2009. Jamming bacterial communi- mposition of a cation: New ap

ID: 197956 • Letter: O

Question

ot Dn thé dio, V. 2009. Jamming bacterial communi- mposition of a cation: New approaches for the treatment of infectious diseases. EMBO Mol. Med quorum sens- 1(4): 201-210 sion of genes pacteria invade tem detection the causative and an addi- ducer to acti bacterial e production aeruginosa, the t often affects late gene expression are summarized in Asad, S. 2. Regulation of bacterial gene expres- sion by autoinducer molecules involves several different mechanisms. Describe these mechanisms and how each could be used as a target for the control of The mechanisms by which autoinducers regu quorum sens- and Opal, S.M. 2008. Bench-to-bedside of elastase, review: Quorum sensing and the role of e respiratory cell-to-cell communication during inva ciliary func- sive bacterial infection. Critical Care 12: n h toinducers to 236-247. 3. Quorum sensing systems are also ca- ost defenses

Explanation / Answer

Bacteria have very specific regulatory molecules that controls the gene expression. These molecules usually act by binding to the DNA near the gene. The blocking and helping of the transcription enzyme called as RNA polymerase is also performed by these regulatory molecules.

Autoinducers are the small molecules that diffuse freely across the cell membrane or sometimes transported out of the cell. Quorum sensing is an efficient mechanism that regulate the expression of the specific genes for communal behavior in bacteria.

Quorum sensing is the process of cell to cell communication. This process is used by the bacteria to detect and produce the extracellular chemicals called as autoinducers. These autoinducers help in monitoring the cell population density. The bacterial phenotypes which, are essential for the establishment of pathogenic activity, biofilm formation, and toxin production are controlled by the quorum sensing.

The coordinated gene expression is usually done by the production nd detection of the small signal molecules called as autoinducers. The autoinducer activates the transcriptional regulatory protein specifically. The interaction of activated regulators occur with the target DNA sequence to enhance or block the transcription of the quorum-sensing-regulated genes. This result in the synchronous activation of the specific phenotypes in the bacterial population.

Quorum sensing is the communication system of bacteria. This plays an important role during the process of infection. There are several compounds present in the nature that can override the bacterial signaling. A quorum sensing system called as N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) is widespread among the Gram-negative bacteria. The competitive inhibitor of native AHL for binding the LuxR-type receptor can help in blocking the bacterial communication. The prevention of the bacterial communication by attacking the quorum sensing will ultimately help in avoiding the several bacterial infections.