Bacterial sensing and signaling

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Over the last fifteen years, it has become clear that bacteria are complex and social organisms, rather than simple and solitary. Research shows that bacteria constantly sense their environments and modify both their surroundings and behaviors to survive. Direct communication between bacteria is common, leading to coordinated responses that form sophisticated microbial communities. They manage threats to survival, such as nutrient deprivation and eukaryotic host defenses, through intricate sensory and communication systems. This volume updates current knowledge in the field of bacterial sensing and signaling, showcasing significant aspects through twelve articles by respected international experts. Topics covered include quorum sensing, secondary messengers, chemotaxis, magnetoaerotaxis, two-component phosphotransferase systems, bacterial virulence mechanisms, and thermoregulation. The final chapter uniquely describes tools for manipulating the sensing and signaling systems discussed. This work is essential for students, scientists, and clinicians interested in microbiology, immunology, ecology, biotechnology, and related disciplines.