AHL-based QS signalling promotes uropathogenic Escherichia coli settlement through the de-repression of biofilm formation by SdiA.

ABSTRACT: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are among the first pathogens to colonise in catheter and non-catheter-associated urinary tract infections. However, these infections are often polymicrobial, resulting in multi-species infections that persist by forming biofilms. Living within these highly antimicrobial tolerant communities, bacteria can establish intra- and inter-specific interactions, including quorum sensing (QS)-mediated signalling mechanisms, which play a key role in biofilm establishment and maturation. Although E. coli does not produce N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), it possesses an orphan LuxR-type receptor, SdiA, which can bind these QS signals released by other Gram-negative bacteria, modulating several virulence-associated phenotypes including biofilm formation. Despite b

SUBMITTER: Mayer C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12419603 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature