Homogentisic acid γ-lactone suppresses the virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by quenching its quorum sensing signal molecules

• Published in: Chinese chemical letters Vol. 29; no. 2; pp. 313 - 316
• Main Authors: Li, Shuihong, Leung, Polly H.M., Xu, Xinya, Wu, Chunhui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.02.2018
• Subjects: Biofilm; Homogentisic acid γ-lactone; Pseudomonas;信号分子;毒力;治安;内酯;压制;熄灭;CLSM; Pyocyanin; Quorum sensing; Homogentisic acid γ-lactone; Biofilm; Quorum sensing; Pyocyanin
• ISSN: 1001-8417; 1878-5964
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2017.09.052

Bacterial quorum sensing（QS） molecules are involved in the coordination of certain behaviors such as biofilm formation, virulence and antibiotic resistance. QS molecules（autoinducers） and their corresponding receptors have been recognized as important therapeutic targets for drug-resistant infections and biofilm-associated infections（BAI）. This study assessed the multiple biological effects of homogentisic acid y-lactone（HgAL）, a furanone derivative. The anti-QS and anti-biofilm effects of HgAL against PAO1 strain were evaluated using CLSM, SEM, HPLC and other biochemical methods The results showed that HgAL could effectively inhibit the production of pyocyanin and extracellular matrix, as well as reduce the adherence ability and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Inhibition of virulence is attributed to the suppressive effect of HgAL on biosynthesis of 3-oxo-C12-HSLand C4-HSL（two kinds of QS signaling molecules in P. aeruginosa）. Our results support HgAL as a potential agent for prevention of BAI in the healthcare settings.