Diverse quorum sensing systems regulate microbial communication and biogeochemical processes in deep-sea cold seeps.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Quorum sensing is a fundamental chemical communication mechanism that enables microorganisms to coordinate behavior and adapt to environmental conditions. However, its contribution in deep-sea cold seep ecosystems, where diverse microbial communities and frequent communication occur, remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the occurrence and potential ecological roles of quorum sensing in cold seeps.

Results

We analyzed 170 metagenomes and 33 metatranscriptomes from 17 global cold seep sites, identifying 299,355 quorum sensing genes from the cold seep non-redundant gene catalog. These genes represent 34 types across six quorum sensing systems, with distribution patterns influenced by sediment depth and seep type. A total of 32,500 quorum se

SUBMITTER: Peng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12781772 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature