Small Signaling Molecules (SSMs) are used by bacteria to access information about both intracellular physiological status and extracellular environment, and are critical in controlling bacterial complex processes including morphological differentiation, multicellularity, biofilm formation, and virulence. For example, <i>N</i>-acyl homoserine lactones are well-known quorum sensing signaling molecules which regulate the expression of a broad range of genes including those related to virulence. Traditionally signaling molecules are difficult to be identified due to the limited screening methods (unlike antibiotics for instance), and the restricted culture conditions and timing for production.  In order to block the bacterial communication leading to pathogenesis, it is important to unveil the identity and function of hidden SSMs in pathogenic bacteria. The characterization of enzymatic mechanisms for biosynthesis of SSMs will also promote identifying new anti-bacterial drug targets. This presentation will discuss our research efforts in identification and characterization of hidden SSMs from pathogenic bacteria using the targeted genome mining and chemical biology approaches.

Unveiling hidden signaling small molecules in pathogenic bacteria

2019 Spring National Meeting

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