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HOME > J. Microbiol > Volume 56(2); 2018 > Article
Journal Article
A common evolutionary pathway for maintaining quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Bai-min Lai 1, Hui-cong Yan 1, Mei-zhen Wang 1,2, Na Li 1,2, Dong-sheng Shen 1,2
Journal of Microbiology 2018;56(2):83-89.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-018-7286-1
Published online: February 2, 2018
1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China, 2Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China1School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China, 2Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Solid Waste Treatment and Recycling, Hangzhou 310018, P. R. China
Corresponding author:  Mei-zhen Wang , Tel: +86-571-87397126, 
Received: 17 July 2017   • Revised: 11 December 2017   • Accepted: 12 December 2017
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Abstract

In the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the synthesis and secretion of extracellular protease is a typical cooperative behavior regulated by quorum sensing. However, this type of cooperative behavior is easily exploited by other individuals who do not synthesize public goods, which is known as the “tragedy of the commons”. Here P. aeruginosa was inoculated into casein media with different nitrogen salts added. In casein broth, protease (a type of public good) is necessary for bacterial growth. After 30 days of sequential transfer, some groups propagated stably and avoided “tragedy of the commons”. The evolved cooperators who continued to synthesize protease were isolated from these stable groups. By comparing the characteristics of quorum sensing in these cooperators, an identical evolutionary pattern was found. A variety of cooperative behaviors regulated by quorum sensing, such as the synthesis and secretion of protease and signals, were significantly reduced during the process of evolution. Such reductions improved the efficiency of cooperation, helping to prevent cheating. In addition, the production of pyocyanin, which is regulated by the RhlIR system, increased during the process of evolution, possibly due to its role in stabilizing the cooperation. This study contributes towards our understanding of the evolution of quorum sensing of P. aeruginosa.

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    A common evolutionary pathway for maintaining quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    J. Microbiol. 2018;56(2):83-89.   Published online February 2, 2018
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-018-7286-1
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