Autoinducer

US5593827A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The University of Nottingham · GB

Inventors

• Barrie Walsham Bycroft · Nottingham, GB
• Paul Williams · Cardiff, GB
• Gordon Stewart · San Francisco, US
• Siri R. Chhabra · Loughborough, GB
• Paul Stead · Broadstone, GB
• Michael K. Winson · Nottingham, GB
• Philip J. Hill · Nottingham, GB
• Catherine E. D. Rees · Nottingham, GB
• Nigel J. Bainton · Nottingham, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 18, 1993
• Grant date: Jan 14, 1997
• Expiry date: Oct 18, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Q1/04
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The compound N-(.beta.-ketocaproyl)L-homoserine lactone is shown to be an autoinducer that enhances gene expression in a wide variety of microorganisms. Use can be made of this property for diagnostic purposes, e.g., when gene expression causes bioluminescence or antibiotic production, or to promote bacterial growth. The invention claims use for these purposes of the compound and analogs of formula (I) where n is 2 or 3, each of X and Y is O, S or NH, and R is optionally-substituted C1-C12 alkyl or acyl. Some of these are also claimed as new compounds.