N-(3-Oxooctanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C8-HSL) plays a pivotal role in regulating biofilm formation through its function as a quorum-sensing signal in bacterial communication. This regulation is mediated by the activation of the LasR receptor protein by 3-oxo-C8-HSL. Once activated, LasR binds to specific promoter regions of target genes and activates the expression of key genes within the alginate biosynthetic operon (alg) and the poly-β-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (PGA) operon. The alg operon, responsible for the synthesis of alginate, is upregulated as a response to the presence of this quorum-sensing molecule, promoting the production of alginate, which contributes to the extracellular matrix of the biofilm. Concurrently, the PGA operon facilitates the production of poly-β-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, another crucial component of biofilm architecture. As 3-oxo-C8-HSL accumulates and activates LasR, it triggers a regulatory cascade that enhances the expression of both operons, leading to increased biofilm integrity and stability. This dual regulation not only promotes the aggregation of microbial cells within the biofilm but also enhances their resistance to environmental stresses and antimicrobial agents, underscoring the importance of quorum sensing in microbial community dynamics and biofilm formation.

Quorum sensing: N-(3-Oxooctanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone Biofilm Regulation References