The quorum sensing molecule C12-HSL promotes biofilm formation and increases adrA expression in Salmonella Enteritidis under anaerobic conditions

Abstract

Acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) are quorum-sensing signaling molecules in Gram-negative bacteria and positively regulate biofilm formation in Salmonella under specific conditions. In this study, biofilm formation in Salmonella enterica was evaluated at 28 and 37 °C, under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Additionally, the influence of the N-dodecanoyl-DL-homoserine lactone (C12-HSL) on biofilm formation and the expression of genes related to the synthesis of structural components, regulation, and quorum sensing was assessed under anaerobiosis at 28 and 37 °C. Biofilm formation was found not to be influenced by the atmospheric conditions at 28 °C. However, it was reduced at 37 °C under anaerobiosis. C12-HSL enhanced biofilm formation at 37 °C under anaerobiosis and increased the expression of the adrA and luxS genes, suggesting an increase in c-di-GMP, a second messenger that controls essential physiological functions in bacteria. These results provide new insights into the regulation of biofilm formation in Salmonella under anaerobic conditions.