WARF TECHNOLOGIES

Quorum sensing is a process used by some bacteria to coordinate behavior based on local population density. To communicate, bacteria release signaling molecules into the environment. When a certain number of signaling molecules accumulates and the population reaches a sufficient density, the bacteria change their behavior to work together for a common goal. For example, they may adapt to the nutrients that are currently available, defend against other microorganisms or protect themselves from toxic compounds.

Agents that interfere with quorum sensing may reduce the virulence of certain types of pathogenic bacteria. When bacteria cannot work together to coordinate their attack, the likelihood of infection decreases.

This technology describes large genomic fragments cloned from Alaskan soil bacterial isolates that affect quorum sensing. A team of UW-Madison researchers collected bacterial isolates from non-permafrost soil in the floodplain of the Tanana River—an extremely cold and mineral poor environment near Fairbanks, Alaska. Large amounts of microbial DNA were isolated directly from the soil and then screened using a high throughput quorum sensing assay.

• Provides a potentially valuable source of novel antibiotics

For More Information About the Inventors

• Jo Handelsman

Tech Fields

• Research Tools : Genomics & proteomics
• Research Tools : Microbial technologies