Cell-cell communication in Gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract:: Over the last decade or so, a wealth of research has established that bacteria communicate with one another using small molecules. These signals enable the individuals in a population to coordinate their behaviour. In the case of pathogens, this behaviour may include decisions such as when to attack a host organism or form a biofilm. Consequently, such signalling systems are excellent targets for the development of new antibacterial therapies. In this review, we assess how Gram-negative bacteria use small molecules for cell-cell communication, and discuss the main approaches that have been developed to interfere with it.

Authors:: M Welch, H Mikkelsen, JE Swatton, D Smith, GL Thomas, FG Glansdorp, DR Spring

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