Quorum sensing in the Burkholderia cepacia complex: biosynthesis, functions, and signaling pathways

ABSTRACT Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-cell communication mechanism widely employed by bacteria to control group behaviors in a cell density-dependent manner. QS plays a critical role in the regulation of physiological processes in the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), which consists of at least 28 closely related species. To date, several different QS systems have been identified in the Bcc, including the well-characterized N -acyl-L-homoserine lactone-type QS systems and diffusible signaling factor-type QS systems. Here, we review the research progress on QS in the Bcc, including biosynthesis, biological functions, and regulatory mechanisms. We compare the biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms of these QS signals, which reveal their specificity and universality. We also review recent antibacterial research, which focuses on targeting these QS signaling systems, and the application prospects of this strategy.