Guillaume Balleux, Monica Höfte, Anthony Arguelles-Arias, Magali Deleu, Marc Ongena
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Microbial natural products are widely explored for their therapeutic potential. Understanding the underlying evolutionary and adaptive forces driving their production remains a fundamental question in biology. Amphiphilic cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs), a prominent category of bacterial specialized metabolites, show strong antimicrobial activity, particularly against phytopathogens. It is thus assumed that these compounds are deployed by soil- or rhizosphere-dwelling bacteria as microbial weapons in competitive natural environments. Here, we challenge this reductionist perspective and present evidence that Bacillus CLPs are prominent chemical mediators of ecological interactions. They help Bacillus to communicate, compete, defend against predators, or cooperate and establish mutualistic relationships with other (micro)organisms. Additional parallel examples are highlighted in other genera, such as Pseudomonas. This broader perspective underscores the need for further investigation into the role of CLPs in shaping the adaptive strategies of key rhizobacterial species.
期刊介绍:
Trends in Microbiology serves as a comprehensive, multidisciplinary forum for discussing various aspects of microbiology, spanning cell biology, immunology, genetics, evolution, virology, bacteriology, protozoology, and mycology. In the rapidly evolving field of microbiology, technological advancements, especially in genome sequencing, impact prokaryote biology from pathogens to extremophiles, influencing developments in drugs, vaccines, and industrial enzyme research.