Description
Acetyl-L-homoserine lactone belongs to the family of N-acylated homoserine lactones (HSLs) and has an acyl chain length of two carbons. HSLs perform a role in quorum sensing; however, unlike other HSLs, acetyl-L-homoserine lactone does not elicit a response in bacteria. In an assay of carbapenem antibiotic biosynthesis, acetyl-L-homoserine lactone does not induce a response in
E. carotovora. In a fluorescence assay using
E. coli containing a reporter plasmid of GFP expression in response to exogenous HSLs, acetyl-L-homoserine does not elicit GFP production.
Uses
Acetyl-L-homoserine lactone is the shortest alkyl homologue and most polar of a family of mediators of cel- t- cell interactions in bacterial biofilms. Acylhomoserine lactones have been detected in hundreds of bacterial species and, while the homologues vary between species and strains, the homoserine lactones are the major chemical modulators of within and between cell communication and regulation. Acetyl-L-homoserine lactone is not found in nature and can serve as a polar negative control for quorum sensing events.
