Perception and degradation of N-Acyl homoserine lactone quorum sensing signals by mammalian and plant cells

A study was conducted to examine perception and degradation of N-Acyl homoserine lactone quorum sensing signals by mammalian and plant cells. The mammalian microbiome is integral to the healthy physiology of the host. Plants are constantly exposed to bacteria, especially in the rhizosphere, the area immediately surrounding the roots, where plant exudates provide a food source for bacteria and where bacteria colonize the root surface. In the rhizosphere, AHL concentration is affected by adsorption to soil particles, opening of the lactone ring via photocatalyzed oxidation, or alkaline pH of the surrounding soil, as well as breakdown by plant and bacterial enzymes. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbes that are a part of normal microbiota associated with plants and some animals can break down AHLs and their degradation products. So far, there is no report of identification of AHL-degrading microbes directly isolated from the commensal microbiota associated with mammals.