Open AccessThe Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS), and its precursor HHQ, modulate interspecies and interkingdom behaviour
Author(s) -
Reen F. Jerry,
Mooij Marlies J.,
Holcombe Lucy J.,
McSweeney Christina M.,
McGlacken Gerard P.,
Morrissey John P.,
O'Gara Fergal
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
fems microbiology ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.377
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1574-6941
pISSN - 0168-6496
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2011.01121.x
Subject(s) - biology , virulence , microbiology and biotechnology , pseudomonas aeruginosa , bacteria , biofilm , quinolone , candida albicans , pseudomonas , quorum sensing , pathogen , pathogenic bacteria , yeast , biochemistry , genetics , gene , antibiotics
The Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS), and its precursor 2‐heptyl‐4‐quinolone (HHQ), play a key role in coordinating virulence in the important cystic fibrosis pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The discovery of HHQ analogues in Burkholderia and other microorganisms led us to investigate the possiblity that these compounds can influence interspecies behaviour. We found that surface‐associated phenotypes were repressed in Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria as well as in pathogenic yeast in response to PQS and HHQ. Motility was repressed in a broad range of bacteria, while biofilm formation in Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans was repressed in the presence of HHQ, though initial adhesion was unaffected. Furthermore, HHQ exhibited potent bacteriostatic activity against several Gram‐negative bacteria, including pathogenic Vibrio vulnificus . Structure–function analysis using synthetic analogues provided an insght into the molecular properties that underpin the ability of these compounds to influence microbial behaviour, revealing the alkyl chain to be fundamental. Defining the influence of these molecules on microbial–eukaryotic‐host interactions will facilitate future therapeutic strategies which seek to combat microorganisms that are recalcitrant to conventional antimicrobial agents.