Silyl-lipid N-acyl L-homoserine Lactones (AHLs) as Quorum Sensing Molecules (for Biofilms)

Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a potential therapeutic strategy aiming at disrupting intercellular communication of pathogens using quorum sensing molecules and silicon-based pharmacophores.

Full Description

Quorum sensing is a process of microbial communication that involves releasing and detecting signaling molecules known as autoinducers. Many pathogens rely on quorum sensing to coordinate their virulence and colonize their hosts. Therefore, targeting quorum sensing stands as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent or treat infections. Silicon-based pharmacophores are identified as potential candidates to interact with these signaling molecules, providing a new approach in the field of drug design.

Applications

• Potentially applicable in the treatment of bacterial infections. 
• Could pave the way for novel drug design in pharmaceutical industry. 
• Possible use in research to further understand microbial communication and its implications in host-pathogen interactions.

Features/Benefits

• Targeting quorum sensing can effectively disrupt the coordinated effort of pathogens. 
• Silicon-based pharmacophores are stable under physiological conditions and have great potential to enhance the efficacy of the therapeutic strategy. 
• Can potentially reduce toxicity through alteration of metabolic fate when silicon is incorporated. 
• Addresses the need for novel therapeutic strategies against infections resulting from pathogenic colonization. 
• Solves the issue of limited diversity in pharmacophores by introducing silicon-based pharmacophores.

Patent Status

Additional Patent Pending