A quorum-sensing-induced bacteriophage defense mechanism.

ABSTRACT: One of the key determinants of the size, composition, structure, and development of a microbial community is the predation pressure by bacteriophages. Accordingly, bacteria have evolved a battery of antiphage defense strategies. Since maintaining constantly elevated defenses is costly, we hypothesize that some bacteria have additionally evolved the abilities to estimate the risk of phage infection and to adjust their strategies accordingly. One risk parameter is the density of the bacterial population. Hence, quorum sensing, i.e., the ability to regulate gene expression according to population density, may be an important determinant of phage-host interactions. This hypothesis was investigated in the model system of Escherichia coli and phage λ. We found that, indeed, quorum sensing consti

SUBMITTER: Hoyland-Kroghsbo NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3624510 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature