Li YH, Tian X, et al.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland). Date of publication 2012 Jan 1;volume 12(3):2519-38.
1. Sensors (Basel). 2012;12(3):2519-38. doi: 10.3390/s120302519. Epub 2012 Feb 23.
Quorum sensing and bacterial social interactions in biofilms.
Li YH(1), Tian X.
Author information:
(1)Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS,
Canada. yung-hua.li@dal.ca
Many bacteria are known to regulate their cooperative activities and
physiological processes through a mechanism called quorum sensing (QS), in which
bacterial cells communicate with each other by releasing, sensing and responding
to small diffusible signal molecules. The ability of bacteria to communicate and
behave as a group for social interactions like a multi-cellular organism has
provided significant benefits to bacteria in host colonization, formation of
biofilms, defense against competitors, and adaptation to changing environments.
Importantly, many QS-controlled activities have been involved in the virulence
and pathogenic potential of bacteria. Therefore, understanding the molecular
details of quorum sensing mechanisms and their controlled social activities may
open a new avenue for controlling bacterial infections.
DOI: 10.3390/s120302519
PMCID: PMC3376616
PMID: 22736963 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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