Nature to the natural rescue: Silencing microbial chats

Chem Biol Interact. 2018 Jan 25:280:86-98. doi: 10.1016/j.cbi.2017.12.018. Epub 2017 Dec 14.

Abstract

Communication is the sole means by which effective networking and co-existence is accomplished amongst living beings. Microbes have their own chit-chats. Science has overheard these microbial gossips and have concluded that these aren't just informal communications, but carefully coordinated signals that plan their effective strategies. Tracking one such signal molecule, N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL), led to a fundamental understanding to microbial quorum sensing (QS). Furtherance of research sought for ways to cut off communication between these virulent forms, so as to hinder their combinatorial attacks through quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). A clear understanding of the inhibitors of these microbial communication systems is vital to destroy their networking and co-working. The current review, consolidates the solutions for QSIs offered from natural sources against these micro components, that are capable of slaughtering even nature's most fit entity-man. The applications of effective out sourcing of this QSI technologies and the need for development are discussed. The importance of silencing this microbial chatter to various aspects of human life and their implications are discussed and elaborated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 4-Butyrolactone / analogs & derivatives*
  • 4-Butyrolactone / metabolism
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Biological Products / pharmacology
  • Furans / chemistry
  • Furans / pharmacology
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / metabolism
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / metabolism
  • Plants / chemistry
  • Plants / metabolism
  • Quorum Sensing / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Furans
  • homoserine lactone
  • 4-Butyrolactone