AI-2 does not function as a quorum sensing molecule in Campylobacter jejuni during exponential growth in vitro.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Campylobacter jejuni contains a homologue of the luxS gene shown to be responsible for the production of the signalling molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2) in Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio cholerae. The aim of this study was to determine whether AI-2 acted as a diffusible quorum sensing signal controlling C. jejuni gene expression when it is produced at high levels during mid exponential growth phase.

Results

AI-2 activity was produced by the parental strain NCTC 11168 when grown in rich Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB) as expected, but interestingly was not present in defined Modified Eagles Medium (MEM-alpha). Consistent with previous studies, the luxS mutant showed comparable growth rates to the parental strain and exhibited decreased motility halos in both MEM-alpha and MHB.

SUBMITTER: Holmes K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2772989 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature