Molecules Autoinducer 2 and cjA and Their Impact on Gene Expression in <b><i>Campylobacter jejuni</i></b>

Abstract

Quorum sensing is a widespread form of cell-to-cell communication, which is based on the production of signaling molecules known as autoinducers (AIs). The first group contains highly species-specific N-acyl homoserine lactones (N-AHLs), generally known as AI-1, which are produced by AHL synthase. The second group, possessing the characteristic structure of a furanone ring, are known as AI-2. The enzyme responsible for their production is S-ribosylhomocysteine lyase (LuxS). In Campylobacter jejuni, AI-2 and LuxS play a role in many important processes, including biofilm formation, stress response, motility, expression of virulence factors, and colonization. However, neither the receptor protein nor the exact structure of the AI-2 molecule have been identified to date. Similarly, little is known about the possible existence of AHL-synthase producing AI-1 and its impact on gene expression. Recently, an analogue of homoserine lactone, called cjA, was isolated from a cell-free supernatant of C. jejuni strain 81–176 and from the food isolate c11. The molecule cjA particularly impacted the expression of virulence factors and biofilm formation. This review summarizes the role of AI-2 and cjA in the context of biofilm formation, motility, stress responses, and expression of virulence factors.

Regulation of biofilm formation in Zymomonas mobilis to enhance stress tolerance by heterologous expression of pfs and luxS

“…Many studies regarding AI-2-mediated quorum sensing have confirmed its role in motility, which includes swimming motility and swarming motility ( Teren et al, 2018 ; Wang et al, 2018 ). The test of cell motility using static cultivation in tubes reveals the relationship between quorum sensing and the motility of ZM4.…”

Rhodiola rosea Reduces Intercellular Signaling in Campylobacter jejuni

“…QS represents an important mechanism for modulating C. jejuni behavior within its population [ 40 ]. In the present study, ethanolic extracts of cultivated plant material, i.e., “Mattmark” and “Rosavine”, were prepared and fractionated by optimized protocols in order to obtain five fractions rich in salidroside, rosavins, PACs, and/or flavonoids.…”

Bridging the Gap: A Role for Campylobacter jejuni Biofilms

“…This can be further seen in changes to O-linked glycosylation of the flagellin proteins where mutant strains defective in flagellin glycosylation demonstrate a decrease in autoagglutination and a reduced biofilm formation potential whilst their motility appears unaffected [29]. A number of regulatory genes impact both motility and biofilm formation, particularly regulators involved in community growth and quorum sensing [30][31][32]. Interestingly, many of the motility-associated genes have also been shown to be critical to the infectivity of C. jejuni, which raises the possibility that there may be pathogenic and biofilm-forming states of this organism that are distinctly regulated.…”