Quorum Sensing and the Gut Microbiome

doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-814905-8.00006-X

Quorum Sensing

Molecular Mechanism and Biotechnological Application

2019, Pages 151-169

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814905-8.00006-X Get rights and content

Abstract

The GI tract is a complex environment heavily affected by both host and microbial processes. The microbiota plays essential functions in maintaining human health by providing the host with nutrients, promoting maturation of the immune system, and preventing enteric infections. These activities depend on effective communication from the host, the microbiota, and between them. This exchange of information among bacteria and between bacteria and the host is known as quorum sensing, interspecies and interkingdom signaling, respectively. This communication relies on host- and microbiota-produced chemicals that range from nutrients to signaling molecules. Insults that disturb the stability of these interactions by altering the structure of the microbiota or silencing this chemical communication have been implicated in various diseased states. In this article, we explore relevant classes of molecules produced or altered by the host, the microbiota, or enteric pathogens that cause transcriptional changes important for the colonization of the gut environment.

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Cited by (12)

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Citation Excerpt :
However, the exact receptors of the associated signaling cascade in the host gut remain unheeded [21]. This broadens the definition of quorum sensing to include multidirectional communication pathways like interspecies communication and interkingdom signaling [22,23]. Interestingly, even some of the host receptors can spy on QS bacterial communication.
Human gut is in permanent contact with microorganisms that play an important role in many physiological processes including metabolism and immunologic activity. These microorganisms communicate and manage themself by the quorum sensing system (QS) that helps to coordinate optimal growth and subsistence by activating signaling pathways that regulate bacterial gene expression. Diverse QS molecules produced by pathogenic as well as resident microbiota have been found throughout the human gut. However, even a host can by affected by these molecules. Intestinal and immune cells possess a range of molecular targets for QS. Our present knowledge on bacteria-cell communication encompasses G-protein-coupled receptors, nuclear receptors and receptors for bacterial cell-wall components. The QS of commensal bacteria has been approved as a protective factor with favourable effects on intestinal homeostasis and immunity. Signaling molecules of QS interacting with above-mentioned receptors thus parcipitate on maintaining of barrier functions, control of inflammation processes and increase of resistance to pathogen colonization in host organisms. Pathogens QS molecules can have a dual function. Host cells are able to detect the ongoing infection by monitoring the presence and changes in concentrations of QS molecules. Such information can help to set the most effective immune defence to prevent or overcome the infection. Contrary, pathogens QS signals can target the host receptors to deceive the immune system to get the best conditions for growth. However, our knowledge about communication mediated by QS is still limited and detailed understanding of molecular mechanisms of QS signaling is desired.
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Citation Excerpt :
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Chapter 6 - Quorum Sensing and the Gut Microbiome

Abstract