General description
L-Homoserine lactone (HSL), also called acyl-HSL, comprises a homoserine lactone ring and a fatty acyl side. The levels of acyl-HSL in bacteria is dictated by the availability of the substrates and acyl-homoserine lactones synthase.
Application
L-Homoserine lactone hydrochloride has been used as an inhibitor for arterial smooth muscle contraction.
Biochem/physiol Actions
L-Homoserine lactone inhibition reduces virulence factors and halts inflammation and tissue damage. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa it controls virulence factor production and biofilm formation. In Agrobacterium tumefaciens, it is essential for conjugal transfer.
Acylated L-Homoserine lactone(s) are used to study bacterial quorum-sensing signaling mechanisms.