Cell-Cell Signaling in Bacteria

This volume presents the first comprehensive review of the bacterial quorum sensing, the signaling processes involved in control of multicellular activities of microbes. It reflects the explosion of knowledge in this area, and the realization that work being done in each of the signaling systems being studied may have important implications for other organisms not closely related by phylogeny or ecological niche.

The authors, chosen for their contributions to the field, cover the salient features of most of the quorum sensing systems that have been subjected to significant experimental analysis. The major topics covered for each system include the nature of the signaling molecule, its molecular mode of action, the genetic determinants involved, and how the sensing system relates to biology of the microorganism.

Organized according to the nature of the biological phenomenon affected by signaling, Cell-Cell Signaling in Bacteria covers symbioses, genetic transfer and microbial development, and production of antimicrobial compounds. The arrangement will help readers gain a higher level of appreciation for the scope of microbial biology that is controlled by intercellular communication. Concluding chapters provide perspective on where the field has been and where it may be going.