Induction of entry into the stationary growth phase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by N-acylhomoserine lactone.

N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHSL, autoinducer) is capable of regulating a set of genes by sensing cell density and developing an intercellular communication in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Addition of AHSL in the exponential growth phase, regardless of cell density, induces a repression of cell growth of P. aeruginosa, an expression of stationary phase specific factor sigma 8 in vivo and a morphological change into smaller spherical shape indistinguishable from that in the stationary phase. It is demonstrated that AHSL can trigger an entry of bacteria into stationary phase as a growth controlling signal.