Synthesis and biological research of the pseudomonas aeruginosa signaling compounds PQS and N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone

In order to obtain a better understanding of the complex host-pathogen interactions involved in chronic infections, the Pseudomonas aeruginosa signaling molecules 3-oxo-C12-homoserine lactone and Pseudomonas quinolone signal were synthesized so that the mammalian cellular responses to their presence via an infection could be studied. It was hypothesized that differing combinations of the signaling molecules would result in the up regulation of host cytokines that are involved in the disease process. Previous studies have not taken into consideration the combined effect of the major signal molecules that would be present in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Cultured human A549 lung epithelial cells were taken as a model for the study of an invitro cystic fibrosis type infection, where the change in genetic transcription could be easily determined. The presence of cytokines produced during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections was established based upon reverse transcriptase PCR followed by the amplification of cytokine cDNA and analysis by gel electrophoresis.