Quorum sensing provides a molecular mechanism for evolution to tune and maintain investment in cooperation

Bruger, Eric L.; Snyder, Donald R.; Cooper, Vaughn S.; Waters, Christopher M.

doi:10.1038/s41396-020-00847-0

Cited by 23 publications

(31 citation statements)

References 81 publications

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“…In agreement with previous work [ 16 , 35 ], we find that in the absence of alternate sources of nutrition (λ 0 = 0), QS reduces the probability of cheater fixation for a wide range of starting population compositions ( Fig 2 ). We calculate the probability of cheaters fixing ( Eq 9 ) in a small population with starting compositions satisfying 0 < n , 0 < m , and n + m ≤ 100.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 92%

Cheater suppression and stochastic clearance through quorum sensing

et al. 2022

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The evolutionary consequences of quorum sensing in regulating bacterial cooperation are not fully understood. In this study, we reveal unexpected effects of regulating public good production through quorum sensing on bacterial population dynamics, showing that quorum sensing can be a collectively harmful alternative to unregulated production. We analyze a birth-death model of bacterial population dynamics accounting for public good production and the presence of non-producing cheaters. Our model demonstrates that when demographic noise is a factor, the consequences of controlling public good production according to quorum sensing depend on the cost of public good production and the growth rate of populations in the absence of public goods. When public good production is inexpensive, quorum sensing is a destructive alternative to unconditional production, in terms of the mean population extinction time. When costs are higher, quorum sensing becomes a constructive strategy for the producing strain, both stabilizing cooperation and decreasing the risk of population extinction.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 92%

Cheater suppression and stochastic clearance through quorum sensing

et al. 2022

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“…In agreement with previous work [14, 25], we find that in the absence of alternate sources of nutrition (λ 0 = 0), QS reduces the probability of cheater fixation for a wide range of starting population compositions (Fig. 2).…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 92%

Destructive and constructive cheater suppression through quorum sensing

Moffett

Thomas

Hinczewski

et al. 2021

Preprint

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The evolutionary consequences of quorum sensing in regulating bacterial cooperation are not fully understood. In this study, we reveal unexpected consequences of regulating public good production through quorum sensing on bacterial population dynamics, showing that quorum sensing can be a "spiteful" alternative to unregulated production. We analyze a birth-death model of bacterial population dynamics accounting for public good production and the presence of non-producing cheaters. Our model demonstrates that when demographic noise is a factor, the consequences of controlling public good production according to quorum sensing depend on the cost of public good production and the presence of alternative sources of the fitness benefits provided by public goods. When public good production is inexpensive, quorum sensing is a spiteful alternative to unconditional production, in terms of the mean population extinction time. When costs are higher, quorum sensing becomes a selfish strategy for the producing strain, both stabilizing cooperation and decreasing the risk of population extinction.

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“…Our results demonstrate that PAEs may similarly stimulate biofilm formation, although an etiological connection to their endocrine disruption potential seems tenuous. Moreover, although upregulation of QS genes has been reported in response to chemical stress, further research is needed to determine whether the observed upregulation (Figure ) was a response to PAE-related stress that is conducive to biofilm formation as a defense mechanism.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Phthalate Esters Released from Plastics Promote Biofilm Formation and Chlorine Resistance

Wang

Schwarz

et al. 2022

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Phthalate esters (PAEs) are commonly released from plastic pipes in some water distribution systems. Here, we show that exposure to a low concentration (1–10 μg/L) of three PAEs (dimethyl phthalate (DMP), di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) promotes Pseudomonas biofilm formation and resistance to free chlorine. At PAE concentrations ranging from 1 to 5 μg/L, genes coding for quorum sensing, extracellular polymeric substances excretion, and oxidative stress resistance were upregulated by 2.7- to 16.8-fold, 2.1- to 18.9-fold, and 1.6- to 9.9-fold, respectively. Accordingly, more biofilm matrix was produced and the polysaccharide and eDNA contents increased by 30.3–82.3 and 10.3–39.3%, respectively, relative to the unexposed controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that PAE exposure stimulated biofilm densification (volumetric fraction increased from 27.1 to 38.0–50.6%), which would hinder disinfectant diffusion. Biofilm densification was verified by atomic force microscopy, which measured an increase of elastic modulus by 2.0- to 3.2-fold. PAE exposure also stimulated the antioxidative system, with cell-normalized superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione activities increasing by 1.8- to 3.0-fold, 1.0- to 2.0-fold, and 1.2- to 1.6-fold, respectively. This likely protected cells against oxidative damage by chlorine. Overall, we demonstrate that biofilm exposure to environmentally relevant levels of PAEs can upregulate molecular processes and physiologic changes that promote biofilm densification and antioxidative system expression, which enhance biofilm resistance to disinfectants.

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Quorum sensing provides a molecular mechanism for evolution to tune and maintain investment in cooperation

Abstract: for helpful suggestions and careful review of the manuscript.

Cited by 23 publications

References 81 publications

Cheater suppression and stochastic clearance through quorum sensing

Cheater suppression and stochastic clearance through quorum sensing

Destructive and constructive cheater suppression through quorum sensing

Phthalate Esters Released from Plastics Promote Biofilm Formation and Chlorine Resistance

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