LuxU connects quorum sensing to biofilm formation in Vibrio fischeri Journal Article

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Authors: Ray, V. A.; Visick, K. L.
Article Title: LuxU connects quorum sensing to biofilm formation in Vibrio fischeri
Abstract: Biofilm formation by Vibrio fischeri is a complex process involving multiple regulators, including the sensor kinase (SK) RscS and the response regulator (RR) SypG, which control the symbiosis polysaccharide (syp) locus. To identify other regulators of biofilm formation in V. fischeri, we screened a transposon library for mutants defective in wrinkled colony formation. We identified LuxQ as a positive regulator of syp-dependent biofilm formation. LuxQ is a member of the Lux phosphorelay and is predicted to control bioluminescence in concert with the SK AinR, the phosphotransferase LuxU and the RR LuxO. Of these, LuxU was the only other regulator that exerted a substantial impact on biofilm formation. We propose a model in which the Lux pathway branches at LuxU to control both bioluminescence and biofilm formation. Furthermore, our evidence suggests that LuxU functions to regulate syp transcription, likely by controlling SypG activity. Finally, we found that, in contrast to its predicted function, the SK AinR has little impact on bioluminescence under our conditions. Thus, this study reveals a novel connection between the Lux and Syp pathways in V. fischeri, and furthers our understanding of how the Lux pathway regulates bioluminescence in this organism.
Journal Title: Molecular microbiology
Volume: 86
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1365-2958; 0950-382X
Publisher: Wiley Periodicals, Inc  
Journal Place: England
Date Published: 2012
Start Page: 954
End Page: 970
Language: eng
DOI/URL:

10.1111/mmi.12035

10.1111/mmi.12035
Notes: CI: (c) 2012; GR: R01 GM059690/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States; JID: 8712028; NIHMS407367; OID: NLM: NIHMS407367 [Available on 11/01/13]; OID: NLM: PMC3566283 [Available on 11/01/13]; PMCR: 2013/11/01 00:00; 2012/09/06 [accepted]; 2012/10/05 [aheadofprint]; ppublish