The role of small RNAs in quorum sensing

Curr Opin Microbiol. 2007 Apr;10(2):189-98. doi: 10.1016/j.mib.2007.03.009. Epub 2007 Mar 26.

Abstract

Quorum sensing is a form of cell-cell signaling in bacteria that provides information regarding population density, species composition, and environmental and metabolic signals. It enables community-wide coordination of gene expression, and presumably benefits group behaviors. Multiple regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) act centrally in quorum sensing, integrating signals with other environmental stimuli, to produce an appropriate output.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
  • Quorum Sensing / genetics*
  • RNA, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • RNA, Untranslated / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • RNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Untranslated