The Bacillus subtilis Quorum-Sensing Molecule CSF Contributes to Intestinal Homeostasis via OCTN2, a Host Cell Membrane Transporter

Mikihiro Fujiya, Mark W. Musch, Yasushi Nakagawa, Shien Hu, John Alverdy, Yutaka Kohgo, Olaf Schneewind, Bana Jabri, Eugene B. Chang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

214 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bacteria use quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs) to communicate within as well as across species. However, the effects of QSMs on eukaryotic host cells have received limited attention. We report that the quorum-sensing pentapeptide, competence and sporulation factor (CSF), of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis activates key survival pathways, including p38 MAP kinase and protein kinase B (Akt), in intestinal epithelial cells. CSF also induces cytoprotective heat shock proteins (Hsps), which prevent oxidant-induced intestinal epithelial cell injury and loss of barrier function. These effects of CSF depend on its uptake by an apical membrane organic cation transporter-2 (OCTN2). Thus, OCTN2-mediated CSF transport serves as an example of a host-bacterial interaction that allows the host to monitor and respond to changes in the behavior or composition of colonic flora.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)299-308
Number of pages10
JournalCell Host and Microbe
Volume1
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 14 Jun 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • MICROBIO

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