DNA microarray-based identification of genes controlled by autoinducer 2-stimulated quorum sensing in Escherichia coli

Bacterial cell-to-cell communication facilitates coordinated expression of specific genes in a growth rate-II and cell density- dependent manner, a process known as quorum sensing. While the discovery of a diffusible Escherichia coli signaling pheromone, termed autoinducer 2 (AI-2), has been made along with several quorum sensing genes, the overall number and coordination of genes controlled by quorum sensing through the AI-2 signal has not been studied systematically. We investigated global changes in mRNA abundance elicited by the AI-2 signaling molecule through the use of a luxS mutant that was unable to synthesize AI-2. Remarkably, 242 genes, comprising ca. 5.6% of the E. coli genome, exhibited significant transcriptional changes (either induction or repression) in response to a 300-fold AI-2 signaling differential, with many of the identified genes displaying high induction levels (more than fivefold). Significant induction of ygeV, a putative sigma (54)-dependent transcriptional activator, and yhbH, a sigma (54) modulating protein, suggests sigma (54) may be involved in E. coli quorum sensing.