What is Quorum sensing?

 The ability of a bacteria to communicate with

other bacteria is called QUORUM SENSING
 Instead of a language, bacteria use signaling
molecules to communicate
 These signaling molecules are released into
the environment
 Bacteria also measure the number of
signaling molecules
BACTERIAL
TALK
The biological definition of QUORUM SENSING
 The phenomenon whereby the accumulation
of signaling molecules enable a single cell to
sense the number of bacteria
 These bacteria use various different types of
signaling molecules
 QUORUM SENSING is intensively studied in
different organisms e.g Marine bacteria and
several pathogenic bacteria
Why do bacteria talk to each
other?
 QUORUM SENSING enables bacteria to
co-ordinate with each other
 To respond quickly in order to survive the
environmental changes
 Responses include:
 Adaptation to availability of nutrients
 Biofilm formation (defense)
 Avoidance of toxic compounds
Types of signaling molecules

 Oligopeptides in gram-positive bacteria

 N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones in gram-
negative bacteria
 Family of auto-inducers in both gram-positive
and gram-negative
Diseases associated with biofilm
include:
 Chronic bacterial prostatitis
 Chronic rhinosinusitis
 Cystic fibrosis pneumonia
Mechanism:

 QS bacteria secrete signaling molecules and

has receptors that detect the signaling
molecules
 Inducer + Receptor —› Trancription of certain
genes(inducer
synthesis)
Mechanism
Signaling molecules secreted

Detected by surrounding bacteria

Activation of receptor only when inducer

conc. Passes a threshold

Up-regulation if specific genes

Transcription in all cells at same time

Cell – Cell communication

E.g
Bioluminescence in V.fischeri
History of Auto-inducers

 Marine bioluminescence bacteria -V.fischeri

cultured in liquid medium
 Shows bioluminescence in high conc.
 Conclusion:
 Inhibitor in the media removed by high cell
density
 Scientists – Kempner & Hamson worked(1968)
 Other Scientists: Nealson & Eberhard
detected the presence of (activator
molecules) AUTO-INDUCERS instead of
inhibitors in the media
 Molecule produced in V.fischeri was 1st
isolated and characterized by Eberhard (1981)
 Identified as N-(3-oxohexanoyl)-homoserine
lactone (3-oxo-C6-HSL).
V.fischeri

 Marine bacterium
 Free-living or in symbiotic association with
fish /squid
 Colonises in specialised light organs causing
bioluminescence
 Help the squid Euprymna scolopes to attract
prey and camoflage.
 No bioluminescence in free-living state
V.fischeri
Quorum sensing in V.fischeri

 At low cell densities, the luxICDABE genes

(luxCDABE genes are responsible for
bioluminescence) are transcribed at a low level and
the small amounts of 3-oxo-C6-HSL produced
diffuse out of the cell
 At high cell densities, 3-oxo-C6-HSL accumulates in
the local environment and therefore also inside the
cell.
 Transcription of luxICDABE appears to be increased
by a complex of the LuxR protein and 3-oxo-C6-HSL
binding to a region of DNA called the lux box. In this
way the 3-oxo-C6-HSL autoinduces its own synthesis
and hence amplifies the quorum sensing signal.
Quorum sensing in V.fischeri
V.harveyi

 Rod-shaped,gram-negative,
bioluminescent,marine
 No growth at 4 ̊C and above 35 ̊C
 found free-swimming in tropical marine
waters
 commensally in the gut microflora
of marine animals, and as both a primary
and opportunistic pathogen of marine
animals
 Milky seas effect
The cellular structure of V. harveyi, whose polar flagella help to facilitate quorum sensing by allowing it to move rapidly towards an attractant (other V. harveyi cells) and establish hi

V.harveyi
Quorum sensing in V.harveyi
Applications

 Degrade the signaling molecules preventing

bacteria to communicate called QUORUM
QUENCHING
 Prevent bacteria to become pathogenic thus
finally prevent cell inflamation,damage and
toxicity