Abstract
SummaryHere, we review the multiple mechanisms that the Gram‐positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis uses to allow it to communicate between cells and establish community structures. The modes of action that are used are highly varied and include routes that sense pheromone levels during quorum sensing and control gene regulation, the intimate coupling of cells via nanotubes to share cytoplasmic contents, and long‐range electrical signalling to couple metabolic processes both within and between biofilms. We explore the ability of B. subtilis to detect ‘kin’ (and ‘cheater cells’) by looking at the mechanisms used to potentially ensure beneficial sharing (or limit exploitation) of extracellular ‘public goods’. Finally, reflecting on the array of methods that a single bacterium has at its disposal to ensure maximal benefit for its progeny, we highlight that a large future challenge will be integrating how these systems interact in mixed‐species communities.
Highlights
SummaryWe review the multiple mechanisms that the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis uses to allow it to communicate between cells and establish community structures
Prokaryotes are widely viewed as single-celled organisms, many forms of multicellularity are prevalent in the bacterial world
We explore the ability of B. subtilis to detect ‘kin’ by looking at the mechanisms used to potentially ensure beneficial sharing of extracellular ‘public goods’
Summary
We review the multiple mechanisms that the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis uses to allow it to communicate between cells and establish community structures. The modes of action that are used are highly varied and include routes that sense pheromone levels during quorum sensing and control gene regulation, the intimate coupling of cells via nanotubes to share cytoplasmic contents, and longrange electrical signalling to couple metabolic processes both within and between biofilms. We explore the ability of B. subtilis to detect ‘kin’ (and ‘cheater cells’) by looking at the mechanisms used to potentially ensure beneficial sharing (or limit exploitation) of extracellular ‘public goods’. Reflecting on the array of methods that a single bacterium has at its disposal to ensure maximal benefit for its progeny, we highlight that a large future challenge will be integrating how these systems interact in mixedspecies communities
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