TY - JOUR
T1 - Interspecies communication in bacteria
AU - Federle, Michael J.
AU - Bassler, Bonnie Lynn
PY - 2003/11
Y1 - 2003/11
N2 - Until recently, bacteria were considered to live rather asocial, reclusive lives. New research shows that, in fact, bacteria have elaborate chemical signaling systems that enable them to communicate within and between species. One signal, termed AI-2, appears to be universal and facilitates interspecies communication. Many processes, including virulence factor production, biofilm formation, and motility, are controlled by AI-2. Strategies that interfere with communication in bacteria are being explored in the biotechnology industry with the aim of developing novel antimicrobials. AI-2 is a particularly attractive candidate for such studies because of its widespread use in the microbial kingdom.
AB - Until recently, bacteria were considered to live rather asocial, reclusive lives. New research shows that, in fact, bacteria have elaborate chemical signaling systems that enable them to communicate within and between species. One signal, termed AI-2, appears to be universal and facilitates interspecies communication. Many processes, including virulence factor production, biofilm formation, and motility, are controlled by AI-2. Strategies that interfere with communication in bacteria are being explored in the biotechnology industry with the aim of developing novel antimicrobials. AI-2 is a particularly attractive candidate for such studies because of its widespread use in the microbial kingdom.
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U2 - 10.1172/JCI20195
DO - 10.1172/JCI20195
M3 - Review article
C2 - 14597753
AN - SCOPUS:0346690403
SN - 0021-9738
VL - 112
SP - 1291
EP - 1299
JO - Journal of Clinical Investigation
JF - Journal of Clinical Investigation
IS - 9
ER -