A crucial role for spatial distribution in bacterial quorum sensing

• DOI: 10.1038/srep34695
• Publication Date: 2016-10-04T11:51:00Z
• Authors: Meng Gao; Huizhen Zheng; Ying Ren; Ruyun Lou; Fan Wu; Weiting Yu; Xiudong Liu; Xiaojun Ma
• Keywords: Autoinducer; Vibrio harveyi

Abstract Quorum sensing (QS) is a process that enables bacteria to communicate using secreted signaling molecules, and then makes population of regulate gene expression collectively control behavior on community-wide scale. Theoretical studies efficiency have suggested both mass-transfer performance in the local environment spatial distribution cells are key factors affecting QS. Here, an experimental model based hydrogel microcapsules with three-dimensional structure was established investigate influence bacterial Vibrio harveyi formed different distributions microcapsules, i.e., they cell aggregates structures sizes. The displayed stronger QS than did unaggregated even when equal numbers were present. Large (LA) cells, size approximately 25 μm, restricted many more autoinducers (AIs) small (SA), 10 thus demonstrating aggregate significantly affects These findings provide powerful demonstration fact plays crucial role