Discovered first in Gram-negatives, cell-density-dependent gene regulation, or quorum-sensing is now believed to occur in virtually all bacteria. In Gram-positive pathogens, there is increasing evidence that it has a major role in the regulation of virulence. In an effort to overcome the dependence on antibiotics in the treatment of these frequently antibiotic-resistant bacteria, quorum-sensing in Gram-positive pathogens is therefore often proposed as a promising target for anti-virulence therapeutic strategies. However, quorum-sensing systems have only been explored in depth in a small number of key Gram-positive pathogens, while our knowledge in many others remains limited. Furthermore, there are still many gaps in our understanding of the contribution of quorum-sensing to in vivo virulence and the efficacy of quorum-sensing blocking agents, particularly as established in animal models of infection.
In this Research Topic, we aim to assemble a compendium of the wealth of efforts that are being undertaken to understand the role of quorum-sensing in Gram-positive pathogens and its potential application to control infection. We hope that this collection will foster communication between scientists from different angles of quorum-sensing research, ranging from those involved in in vitro investigation of mechanisms of quorum-sensing control and its socio-microbiological roles to scientists interested in translational approaches to use quorum-sensing as a therapeutic target.
We welcome manuscripts related to all aspects of quorum-sensing control in Gram-positive bacteria, including, but not limited to:
• Mechanisms of quorum-sensing circuits and target control
• Identification of quorum-sensing targets including omics approaches
• Socio-microbiological models related to quorum-sensing
• Role of quorum-sensing systems and their regulated effectors in virulence or colonization
• Identification, development, and efficacy analysis of quorum-sensing blocking agents and therapies
• Inter-species communication via quorum-sensing and its potential for therapeutic or probiotic approaches
Discovered first in Gram-negatives, cell-density-dependent gene regulation, or quorum-sensing is now believed to occur in virtually all bacteria. In Gram-positive pathogens, there is increasing evidence that it has a major role in the regulation of virulence. In an effort to overcome the dependence on antibiotics in the treatment of these frequently antibiotic-resistant bacteria, quorum-sensing in Gram-positive pathogens is therefore often proposed as a promising target for anti-virulence therapeutic strategies. However, quorum-sensing systems have only been explored in depth in a small number of key Gram-positive pathogens, while our knowledge in many others remains limited. Furthermore, there are still many gaps in our understanding of the contribution of quorum-sensing to in vivo virulence and the efficacy of quorum-sensing blocking agents, particularly as established in animal models of infection.
In this Research Topic, we aim to assemble a compendium of the wealth of efforts that are being undertaken to understand the role of quorum-sensing in Gram-positive pathogens and its potential application to control infection. We hope that this collection will foster communication between scientists from different angles of quorum-sensing research, ranging from those involved in in vitro investigation of mechanisms of quorum-sensing control and its socio-microbiological roles to scientists interested in translational approaches to use quorum-sensing as a therapeutic target.
We welcome manuscripts related to all aspects of quorum-sensing control in Gram-positive bacteria, including, but not limited to:
• Mechanisms of quorum-sensing circuits and target control
• Identification of quorum-sensing targets including omics approaches
• Socio-microbiological models related to quorum-sensing
• Role of quorum-sensing systems and their regulated effectors in virulence or colonization
• Identification, development, and efficacy analysis of quorum-sensing blocking agents and therapies
• Inter-species communication via quorum-sensing and its potential for therapeutic or probiotic approaches