Cited by 1,059Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensingBacterial Genetics and BiotechnologyEscherichia coli research studies

Indole as an intercellular signal in microbial communities

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Lee, Jin-Hyung, Lee, Jintae·2010·FEMS Microbiology Reviews

Abstract

Bacteria can utilize signal molecules to coordinate their behavior to survive in dynamic multispecies communities. Indole is widespread in the natural environment, as a variety of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (to date, 85 species) produce large quantities of indole. Although it has been known for over 100 years that many bacteria produce indole, the real biological roles of this molecule are only now beginning to be unveiled. As an intercellular signal molecule, indole controls diverse aspects of bacterial physiology, such as spore formation, plasmid stability, drug resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence in indole-producing bacteria. In contrast, many non-indole-producing bacteria, plants and animals produce diverse oxygenases which may interfere with indole signaling. It appears indole plays an important role in bacterial physiology, ecological balance, and possibly human health. Here we discuss our current knowledge and perspectives on indole signaling.

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Crossref · 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2009.00204.x

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  1. Pittard AJ (1996) Biosynthesis of the aromatic amino acids: the tryptophan pathway. Escherichia coli and Salmonella: Cellular and Molecular Biology (Neidhardt FC, ed), pp. 458-484. ASM Press, Washington, DC.

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Authors
Lee, J.-H., & Lee, J.
Affiliations
Yeungnam University (KR)
Corresponding author
Lee, Jintae
Venue
FEMS Microbiology Reviews
Published
2010-07
Volume
34
Issue
4
Pages
426-444
ISSN
  • 0168-6445 (ISSN-L)
  • 1574-6976
OpenAlex
W2049821596
Cited by
1,059
References
174
Citations by year
2026: 82 · 2025: 113 · 2024: 94 · 2023: 115 · 2022: 112 · 2021: 99 · 2020: 89 · 2019: 62 · 2018: 61 · 2017: 42 · 2016: 36 · 2015: 44 · 2014: 42 · 2013: 27 · 2012: 17
FWCI
1.02
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • FEMS Microbiology Reviews (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
  • Yeungnam University
  • Directorate for Education and Human Resources
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Endocrinology › Escherichia coli research studies
Keywords
intercellular communication, bacterial quorum sensing, microbial communities, sporulation, plasmid stability, drug resistance, biofilm formation, virulence, Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria
MeSH terms
Bacteria, Indoles, Plasmids, Virulence, Signal Transduction, Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial, Bacterial Physiological Phenomena, Biofilms, Drug Resistance, Bacterial, Quorum Sensing

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