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Abstract Bacteria utilize a cell density‐dependent communication system called quorum sensing (QS) to coordinate group behaviors. In Gram‐positive bacteria, QS involves the production of and response to auto‐inducing peptide (AIP) signaling molecules to modulate group phenotypes, including pathogenicity. As such, this bacterial communication system has been identified as a potential therapeutic target against bacterial infections. More specifically, developing synthetic modulators derived from the native peptide signal paves a new way to selectively block the pathogenic behaviors associated with this signaling system. Moreover, rational design and development of potent synthetic peptide modulators allows in depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive QS circuits in diverse bacterial species. Overall, studies aimed at understanding the role of QS in microbial social behavior could result in the accumulation of significant knowledge of microbial interactions, and consequently lead to the development of alternative therapeutic agents to treat bacterial infectivity. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the development of peptide‐based modulators to target QS systems in Gram‐positive pathogens, with a focus on evaluating the therapeutic potential associated with these bacterial signaling pathways.
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Quorum Sensing Communication: Molecularly Connecting Cells, Their Neighbors, and Even Devices
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.
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- PAR ID:
- 10166014
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Volume:
- 11
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 1947-5438
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 447 to 468
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101519-124728
