Acilhomoserine

Acilhomoserine refers to a class of molecules that are lactones derived from homoserine, an amino acid. Specifically, acilhomoserines are formed when a fatty acid is attached to the amino group of homoserine, followed by the cyclization of the carboxyl group to form a lactone ring. These compounds are biologically significant, particularly as quorum sensing molecules in various bacteria.

In many Gram-negative bacteria, acilhomoserine lactones (AHLs) act as signaling molecules. Bacteria produce and release AHLs into their environment. As the bacterial population density increases, the concentration of AHLs also rises. When the AHL concentration reaches a certain threshold, it binds to specific receptor proteins within the bacteria. This binding event triggers a cascade of gene expression changes, leading to the coordinated regulation of group behaviors. These behaviors can include biofilm formation, virulence factor production, bioluminescence, and swarming motility.

The structure of the acyl chain attached to the homoserine lactone ring can vary in length and saturation, which influences the specificity of the AHL signal. Different bacterial species often produce and respond to distinct types of AHLs, allowing for species-specific or interspecies communication. The study of acilhomoserines and their role in quorum sensing is crucial for understanding bacterial communication and developing strategies to control bacterial behavior, particularly in pathogenic organisms.