Book Description

Background Bacteria use quorum sensing (QS) circuits to coordinate various activities (among which biofilm formation and the expression of virulence factors) based on the presence of signaling molecules. Different families of signal molecules have been identified in Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria (e.g. autoinducer peptides and acyl homoserine lactones). Similarly, different quorum sensing antagonists interfering with these system have been found in nature, promoting a new and promising field of research, quorum sensing interference. One of the most intensively studied applications of quorum sensing interference is its use as an alternative or synergycally with antibiotics to fight (antibiotic-resistant) bacterial pathogens. Many studies have been published claiming quorum sensing inhibitory activity of natural and synthetic compounds. However, after decades of research, several questions regarding the suitability of this approach to fight bacterial pathogens remain unanswered, including the risk that pathogens will develop resistance against quorum quenching. Meanwhile, the interest in quorum sensing has increased considerably, and this has broadened the fields where it can find biotechnological, environmental and industrial applications, such as anti biofouling, steering fermentations, bioremediation and wastewater treatment. Goal and scope The goal of this Research Topic is to broaden the knowledge of the phenotypes regulated by quorum sensing and the advances in quorum sensing interference. Deciphering microorganism language and the different phenotypes regulated by microbial signalling systems is a frontier for the development of new tools for the management of microorganisms to fulfil human needs with a broad application in different areas such as medicine, environmental sciences and industry.