Dynamic regulation of quorum sensing signaling molecules in Bacillus spp. biofilm formation

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-1524.20250397

Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis ›› 2026, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (7): 1507-1516.DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-1524.20250397

• Review • Previous Articles

Dynamic regulation of quorum sensing signaling molecules in Bacillus spp. biofilm formation

LI Wenbing^a(), LI Shihao^b, LI Xinyi^a, CAO Yue^a, LIU Bingqian^a, WANG Meng^a, LI Xiaoyan^a^,^*()

^a College of Life Science,Northeast Forestry University,Harbin 150040,China
^b College of Landscape Architecture,Northeast Forestry University,Harbin 150040,China

Received:2025-05-23 Online:2026-07-25 Published:2026-08-20

Abstract

Abstract:

Bacillus spp. are important biocontrol agents that suppress plant pathogens through ecological niche competition, antibacterial metabolites (such as lipopeptides and polyketides), and induced systemic resistance. Their biocontrol efficacy is correlated with biofilm formation capability. Biofilms, structured by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), enhance bacterial adhesion to plant surfaces and tolerance to environmental stress, thereby prolonging the duration of biocontrol. Recent studies revealed that biofilm formation of Bacillus spp. was regulated by the quorum sensing (QS) system. This system coordinated population behaviors through density-dependent signaling molecules (e.g., lipopeptides, autoinducer-2, or acyl-homoserine lactones). The QS system not only influences the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances by regulating key transcription factors such as degU and sinR, thereby affecting the structure and stability of biofilms, it also coordinates the secretion of related substances by microbial communities to promote plant growth, enhance environmental stress responses, and antagonize pathogenic bacteria. Current research on the QS system in Bacillus spp. still faces numerous challenges and limitations in genetic manipulation and microecology. Future studies can continue to develop suitable chromosomal integration expression systems, analyze in situ metabolism and interaction networks, and explore key regulatory genes to provide a theoretical basis for optimizing Bacillus spp. colonization capacity and improving their biocontrol efficiency.

Key words: Bacillus spp., biofilm, quorum sensing system, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, biological control

CLC Number:

LI Wenbing, LI Shihao, LI Xinyi, CAO Yue, LIU Bingqian, WANG Meng, LI Xiaoyan. Dynamic regulation of quorum sensing signaling molecules in Bacillus spp. biofilm formation[J]. Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis, 2026, 38(7): 1507-1516.

Figures/Tables 3

References 60

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Dynamic regulation of quorum sensing signaling molecules in Bacillus spp. biofilm formation

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