A matter of density, not quantity
A team led by Rustem F. Ismagilov demonstrates that the density of bacteria, not their absolute number, drives quorum sensing, a process previously thought to require large groups of cells.
Bacterial Signaling
Articles tagged with Bacterial Signaling
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New insight into an old reaction: Adenylylation regulates cell signaling
Researchers discover adenylylation, a unique post-translational modification, regulates cell signaling by inactivating key proteins. This discovery opens new avenues for exploring bacterial pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
When intestinal bacteria go surfing
Researchers at HZI have identified a molecular signal pathway that enables E. coli bacteria to adhere to host cells and form pedestals, allowing them to reproduce on the cell surface without being flushed from the intestine. The discovery sheds light on how pathogenic bacteria develop complex processes in the host.
UT Southwestern researchers probe mechanisms of infection
UT Southwestern researchers have identified a new receptor in E coli that senses stress cues from its host, triggering the release of toxins and causing disease. The discovery provides insight into how bacteria respond to stress and could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as sepsis.
Can cannibalism fight infections?
Researchers found that exposing bacterial colonies to the same chemical signals they use to fend off competition causes them to kill each other, reducing their population. This strategy is unlikely to develop resistance and may offer a new hope for fighting bacterial infections.
Findings turn events in early TB infection on their head, may lead to new therapy
Researchers found TB bacteria send signals that encourage granuloma formation, which actually helps the bacteria expand and spread. This new understanding suggests a potential new therapy avenue for treating drug-resistant TB.
Small molecule triggers bacterial community
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a natural product, surfactin, that causes bacteria to form social networks. Biofilm formation is triggered by potassium leakage and subsequent gene activity, leading to the creation of complex communities.
Scripps research scientists identify blood component that turns bacteria virulent
Researchers have identified a key chemical, bicarbonate, that signals Bacillus anthracis to become lethal, offering a potential target for new antibacterial treatments. The study builds on earlier observations of the bacterium's response to host conditions, confirming bicarbonate as the essential component for virulence gene expression.
Researchers find new chemical key that could unlock hundreds of new antibiotics
Scientists at the University of Warwick have found a novel signalling molecule that could stimulate hundreds of new antibiotic pathways in up to 50% of Streptomyces bacteria. The discovery was made using NMR technology and genome mining, and has potential to unlock new antibiotics to combat growing bacterial resistance.
Don't stress! Bacterial crisis command center revealed
Researchers at Imperial College London have discovered a bacteria cell's 'stressosome', a large molecule that responds to external stress and danger. The stressosomes trigger a cascade of signals within the cell, producing over 150 proteins that enable the cell to adapt and survive.
Cancer-causing gut bacteria exposed
A team of scientists has discovered that a molecule produced by a common gut bacterium activates signaling pathways associated with cancer cells. The research, published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, sheds light on the way gut bacteria can cause colon cancer.
UT Southwestern researchers uncover molecule that keeps pathogens like salmonella in check
Researchers found molecule LED209 interferes with biochemical signals causing bacteria to release toxins, allowing pathogen to grow but not become virulent. The study showed potential new way to combat illness and develop novel antimicrobial compounds targeting bacterial pathogens.
MIT researchers unravel bacteria communication pathways
MIT researchers deciphered bacterial communication pathways, identifying specific amino acids that govern signaling specificity. This breakthrough enables engineering of bacteria as biosensors for detecting chemical pollutants.
The not-so-digital future of digital signal processing
Researchers explore alternative materials for digital signal processing, including fungi, bacteria, and DNA, which can enhance images and compress data without electrical currents. The field holds promise for improved algorithms and applications in disease detection and data storage.
Finely tuned WspRs help bacteria beat body by building biofilm
Researchers have identified a finely tuned control system in Pseudomonas bacteria that enables them to form biofilms, which contribute to chronic infections. The WspR enzyme plays a crucial role in this process, and its regulation helps balance the production of c-di-GMP.
Why recovery from flu may increase odds of bacterial infection
Recovery from flu leaves lungs vulnerable to pneumonia-causing bacteria due to immune system suppression. This 'protection mechanism' may also affect response to environmental allergens.
New peptide communication factor enabling bacteria to 'talk to each other' discovered
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discover a new communication factor that enables bacterial communities to 'talk to each other' and die under stressful conditions. This discovery could lead to the development of a new class of antibiotics targeting Escherichia coli and other pathogenic bacteria.
Immunity in social amoeba suggests ancient beginnings
The discovery of an immune system in a social amoeba suggests that multicellularity may have originated from ancient signaling mechanisms. The study identifies a 'sentinel' cell that circulates within the slug, eliminating bacteria and toxins through a Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor domain protein pathway.
Counting heads or measuring space?
Scientists discovered a new strategy for bacterial communication called efficiency sensing, which combines existing theories of quorum sensing and diffusion sensing. This approach takes into account the spatial distribution of bacteria, addressing the limitations of traditional models.
Researchers identify molecular basis of inflammatory bowel disease
A study by European Molecular Biology Laboratory researchers identifies NF-kB as a crucial signaling molecule in the development of chronic intestinal inflammation. The findings provide a new paradigm for understanding inflammatory bowel disease and may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches.
Sheffield scientists light up bacteria
Researchers create polymer-based sensor that detects bacterial contamination with fluorescent signals, reducing detection time from days to hours. The new technology has immediate applications in healthcare and battlefield conditions.
News tips from ACS Chemical Biology
The American Chemical Society journal ACS Chemical Biology explores the latest research in cellular function from both chemical and biological perspectives. Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for cancer by linking proteins to activate the immune system. Additionally, scientists have found that certain bacteria can in...
'Conversation stoppers' fight deadly bacterial infections
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created 'conversation stoppers' that can block bacterial communication signals, offering a new approach to combat deadly bacterial infections. These small organic molecules can be combined with antibiotics to deliver a powerful one-two punch and minimize resistance development.
Researcher hits bulls-eye for antibiotic target
A Purdue University researcher has determined the structure of a protein that controls starvation response in E. coli, which can be targeted to combat bacterial infections. The protein is found in numerous harmful bacteria and is an excellent antibiotic target due to its high processivity.
Structure of key enzyme in plague bacterium found
Researchers at NIST determined the three-dimensional shape of class IV adenylyl cyclase, an enzyme found in plague bacteria Yersinia pestis. The unusual configuration may play a role in disrupting cell processes in infected hosts, highlighting the importance of molecular data for developing defenses against plague and other pathogens.
Bacteria, beware: New finding about E coli could block infections, lead to better treatments
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified the QseC receptor used by a diarrhea-causing strain of E coli to initiate infection. By using phentolamine, an alpha blocker drug, they successfully impeded signaling to the receptor, blocking bacterial infections.
Oregon researchers show how resident bacteria shape gut development
Oregon researchers used germ-free zebrafish to study how gut bacteria influence development. They found that specific bacterial components can restore normal enzyme levels and regulate sugar expression on intestinal cells. These findings could lead to better treatments for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers discover how bacteria sense their environments
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered how bacteria sense their environments through a cooperative lattice of receptors on the surface of bacterial cells. This sensitivity allows bacteria to detect even slight changes in nutrient concentration, enabling them to respond to stimuli such as pollutants or explosives.
Probiotics ease gut problems caused by long term stress
Researchers found that probiotic bacteria can prevent the 'leakiness' of the gut wall and reduce bacterial adherence to cells, alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Probiotics offer a promising approach to managing intestinal problems caused by chronic stress.
Drug resistance may travel same path as quorum sensing
Researchers discovered that bacteria can export molecules similar to communication signals, blocking the effectiveness of drugs. This process, called quorum sensing, allows bacteria to evade treatment and develop resistance to multiple drugs, making infections harder to treat.
Infection-fighting protein could be key to autoimmune disease, say U-M scientists
Researchers found that cryopyrin is activated by bacterial RNA and essential for the immune response against bacteria. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and potentially develop new treatments.
Reagent under study as cancer vaccine may also help protect tumors
Researchers found that a cancer vaccine candidate, CpG-ODNs, triggers an alarm response in the immune system but also activates a mechanism that can help tumors hide from the immune system. This raises questions about the potential benefits and risks of this approach in cancer treatment.
Say what? Bacterial conversation stoppers
Researchers have discovered that bacteria share a universal molecular vernacular called AI-2, which enables them to communicate and interfere with each other's behavior. This study shows that AI-2 can be used as a mechanism for one type of bacteria to block another from counting its neighbors and controlling its behavior.
Discovery that bacterium is phosphate gourmet key clue to what makes it most social of bacteria
Myxococcus xanthus uses all three known phosphate signalling pathways and a partial fourth pathway in combination to detect and utilize phosphates. The bacterium's complex system enables it to find phosphates in different states or conditions, exploiting them for energy.
Bacteria recognize antimicrobials, respond with counter-defenses
Scientists have discovered a molecular mechanism by which bacteria can recognize and respond to tiny antimicrobial peptide molecules, making them more virulent. This finding may lead to new ways to overcome bacterial resistance and improve treatment options for diseases caused by Salmonella typhimurium.
Immune system's distress signal tells bacteria when to strike back
Pseudomonas bacteria can detect interferon-gamma, a chemical messenger that triggers the immune system's response. Once detected, the bacteria activate genes that transform them from harmless passengers into deadly invaders.
To control germs, scientists deploy tiny agents provocateurs
Researchers aim to control biofilm formation by manipulating quorum sensing in bacteria. They are designing new compounds that mimic natural molecules to disrupt bacterial signaling, potentially preventing hospital infections.
Plants respond similarly to signals from friends, enemies
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that plants respond similarly to signals from both beneficial rhizobia and parasitic root-knot nematodes. This response involves rapid changes in the distribution of the plant's cytoskeleton, leading to growth changes such as nodules or galls.
UF scientists have bionanotechnology recipe to find elusive bacteria
Researchers at the University of Florida have created a new method for detecting bacteria using bioconjugated nanoparticles, which can identify single E. coli bacteria in less than 20 minutes. This technology has significant implications for food safety and bioterrorism detection.
Enzyme reins in runaway inflammation; may prove potent drug target
A20, an enzyme that regulates the immune system's response to bacterial infections, prevents over-reactions of the immune system to blood infections known as sepsis. The research shows A20 also controls the immune reaction that can cause inflammatory bowel disease.
Scripps research scientist wins 2004 Koch Prize
Beutler's work uses forward genetics to study human genes used by the innate immune system. He identified a protein called Trif, which helps the body respond to viruses and bacteria.
Scientists seek cause for what makes good cell go bad
Researchers analyzed E. coli's chemotaxis system to understand signal transduction networks, a universal design principle in nature. They found that individual variability can be regulated and carried important information about molecular mechanisms.
Rochester, N.Y., chemist wins national award for inventing new tactics to build molecules
Kende has won the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award for his work on rearrangement reactions, including discovering how dioxins relate to their toxic effects. He also recreated autoinducers, chemical signals that activate bacteria's growth or attack on the body.
Social mobility: Study shows bacteria seek each other out
Researchers found that bacteria in mazes congregate in small rooms and dead-end pathways, suggesting a survival mechanism. This active seeking behavior could lead to new drugs disrupting the congregating behavior of harmful bacteria.
Cross talk between bacteria, host leads to E. coli infection
Researchers discovered that friendly bacteria and human hormones send cellular signals alerting E. coli to its location, leading to colonization and toxin release. Beta blockers may be developed to block this signaling system, preventing the bacteria from reaching the intestine.
Researchers find a new way to potentially thwart anthrax
NYU researchers identify a gene, luxS, necessary for robust growth of the bacterium in test tubes. This discovery opens up new avenues for developing antagonists or inhibitors to control anthrax, a highly lethal bacterial infection.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases (TLID)
Quorum sensing allows bacteria to coordinate unified attacks on hosts through the production of virulence factors. Disrupting quorum sensing might be used to control infection. Other reviews discuss athogenesis of coagulase-negative staphylococci, Q fever in children, and testosterone therapy in HIV wasting syndrome.
Roll call: Study shows how bacteria signal a quorum
Researchers at Princeton University have identified a key signaling molecule, AI2, that allows certain bacteria to perform functions only when part of a sufficiently dense population. The molecule contains boron and has significant implications for the development of new antibiotics.
Study suggests way to short-circuit microbe communication
Researchers have found that bacteria use an analogous integrated communications system to sense chemical signals. The discovery may lead to new vaccine strategies and the creation of surfaces that naturally repel pathogenic microbes.