LuxS and Quorum-Sensing in Campylobacter

Abstract

<p>Several intercellular bacterial communication mechanisms have been identified in a broad range of bacterial species. These systems, collectively termed quorum-sensing systems, have been demonstrated to play significant roles in a variety of bacterial processes including motility, biofilm formation, expression of virulence genes, and animal colonization. <em>Campylobacter jejuni</em> is known to possess a LuxS/ autoinducer-2 (AI-2) mediated system that have been partially characterized over the last decade. AI-2 is formed as a byproduct of the activated methyl recycling pathway, specifically by the LuxS enzyme. Previous work in our laboratory and that of others has demonstrated that this gene is involved in a variety of physiologic pathways of <em>C. jejuni</em> including motility, autoagglutination, cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) expression, flagellar expression, oxidative stress, and animal colonization. This review article will summarize the current research associated with LuxS in <em>C. jejuni</em> and will provide insights into the role of this system in the metabolism and intercellular communication of this organism. Additionally, the evidence for other quorum-sensing pathways in <em>Campylobacter</em> will be discussed.</p>