Communication between Bacteria and Their Hosts. (8th December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Freestone, Primrose
• Other Names: Blazquez J. R. Academic Editor.; Sintim H. O. Academic Editor.; Soultanas P. Academic Editor.; Yamashita Y. Academic Editor.; Zhang L. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Scientifica. Volume 2013(2013)
• Publication Date: 2013-12-08
• Subjects: Life sciences -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Biological Science Disciplines; Medicine; Biology; Life sciences; Medicine; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1155/2013/361073
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-908X

Abstract

Abstract : It is clear that a dialogue is occurring between microbes and their hosts and that chemical signals are the language of this interkingdom communication. Microbial endocrinology shows that, through their long coexistence with animals and plants, microorganisms have evolved sensors for detecting eukaryotic hormones, which the microbe uses to determine that they are within proximity of a suitable host and to optimally time the expression of genes needed for host colonisation. It has also been shown that some prokaryotic chemical communication signals are recognized by eukaryotes. Deciphering what is being said during the cross-talk between microbe and host is therefore important, as it could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating bacterial infections.