The Myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus Can Sense and Respond to the Quorum Signals Secreted by Potential Prey Organisms.

摘要: The myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus is a predatory member of the soil microfauna, able to consume bacteria (Gram-negative, Gram-positive), archaea and fungi. Many potential prey M. communicate amongst themselves using acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) as quorum signals. cannot itself produce AHLs, but could potentially benefit by responding exogenous AHLs produced during signalling between proximal prey. Four different side chain length were tested all found delay sporulation vegetative cells, stimulate germination myxospores, increasing proportion cells in population. activity expansion rates colonies also be stimulated AHLs. Thermally inactivated had no effect on response depended (non-linearly) AHL chain, suggesting that was mediated specific within xanthus, rather than being consequence chemical or physical properties Therefore, it seems presence xenic molecules enhances xanthus. increase population capable predation, motility cells. We therefore propose wild, uses markers nearby prey, eavesdropping conversations organisms.