A linear pentapeptide is a quorum-sensing factor required for mazEF-mediated cell death in Escherichia coli.

Kolodkin-Gal, Ilana; Hazan, Ronen; Gaathon, Ariel; Carmeli, Shmuel; Engelberg-Kulka, Hanna · Science · 2007

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

mazEF is a toxin-antitoxin module located on many bacterial chromosomes, including those of pathogens. Here, we report that Escherichia coli mazEF-mediated cell death is a population phenomenon requiring a quorum-sensing molecule that we call the extracellular death factor (EDF). Structural analysis revealed that EDF is a linear pentapeptide, Asn-Asn-Trp-Asn-Asn. Each of the five amino acids of EDF is important for its activity.

Medical subject headings