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LuxR-family 'solos': bachelor sensors/regulators of signalling molecules

International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

ABSTRACT

N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum sensing signalling is the best understood chemical language in proteobacteria. In the last 15 years a large amount of research in several bacterial species revealed in detail the genetic, molecular and biochemical mechanisms behind AHL signalling. These studies revealed the role played by protein pairs of the AHL synthase belonging to the LuxI-family and cognate LuxR-family AHL sensor/regulator. Proteobacteria however commonly possess a quorum sensing LuxR-family protein for which there is no obvious cognate LuxI synthase; these proteins are found in bacteria which possess a complete AHL quorum sensing system(s) as well as in bacteria that do not. Scientists are beginning to address the task played by these proteins and it is emerging that they could allow bacteria to respond to endogenous and exogenous signals produced by their neighbours. AHL quorum sensing research thus far has mainly focused on a cell-density response involving laboratory monoculture studies. The role played by the un-paired LuxR family proteins urges that we need to address bacterial behaviour and response to signals in mixed communities. Here we highlight the progress made in recent years with respect to these LuxR proteins which we propose to call LuxR 'solos' since they act on their own without the need of a cognate signal generator. Interestingly initial investigations revealed that LuxR solos have diverse roles in bacterial interspecies and interkingdom communication.

¹ E-mail: venturi{at}icgeb.org