Friend or foe? A review of the mechanisms that drive Serratia towards diverse lifestyles
Abstract
Found widespread around the globe, Serratia are Gram-negative bacteria capable of thriving in a diverse number of environments that include water, soil, and the digestive tracts of various animals. Known for their ability to produce a myriad of extracellular enzymes, these bacteria also produce various secondary metabolites that directly contribute to their survival. While the effects Serratia species have on other organisms range from parasitic to symbiotic, what these bacteria have in common is their ability to resist attack, respond appropriately to environmental conditions, and outcompete other microorganisms when colonizing their respective niche. This review highlights the mechanisms utilized by Serratia species that drive their ubiquitous nature, with emphasis on the latest findings. Also discussed is how secreted compounds drive these bacteria towards pathogenic, mutualistic, and antagonistic associations.
Department
Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences
Publication Date
8-12-2013
Journal Title
Canadian Journal of Microbiology
Publisher
NRC Research Press (Canadian Science Publishing)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Petersen, L. and L.S. Tisa. 2013. Friend or foe? A review of the mechanisms that drive Serratia toward diverse lifestyles. Can. J. Microbiol. 59:627-640.