Stereochemical diversity of AI-2 analogs modulates quorum sensing in Vibrio harveyi and Escherichia coli.

Bacteria coordinate population-dependent behaviors such as virulence by intra- and inter-species communication (quorum sensing). Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) regulates inter-species quorum sensing. AI-2 derives from the spontaneous cyclisation of linear (S)-4,5-dihydroxypentanedione (DPD) into two isomeric forms in dynamic equilibrium. Different species of bacteria have different classes of AI-2 receptors (LsrB and LuxP) which bind to different cyclic forms. In the present work, DPD analogs with a new stereocenter at C-5 (4,5-dihydroxyhexanediones (DHDs)) have been synthesized and their biological activity tested in two bacteria. (4S,5R)-DHD is a synergistic agonist in Escherichia coli (which contains the LsrB receptor), while it is an agonist in Vibrio harveyi (LuxP), displaying the strongest agonistic activity reported so far (EC(50)=0.65µM) in this organism. Thus, modification at C-5 opens the way to novel methods to manipulate quorum sensing as a method for controlling bacteria.

Algal pheromone biosynthesis: stereochemical analysis and mechanistic implications in gametes of Ectocarpus siliculosus.

During sexual reproduction, female gametes or eggs of brown algae release pheromones to attract their male mating partners. The biologically active compounds comprise linear or alicyclic unsaturated hydrocarbons derived from the aliphatic terminus of C(20) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by oxidative cleavage. The current study addresses the stereochemical course of the pheromone biosynthesis using female gametes of the marine brown alga E. siliculosus and chiral deuterium-labeled arachidonic acids. The biosynthetic sequence is likely to proceed via an intermediary 9-hydroperoxyarachidonic acid, which is cleaved with loss of the C(16)-H(R) into the C(11)-hydrocarbon dictyopterene C and 9-oxonona-(5Z,7E)-dienoic acid.