Abstract
Small molecules help intestinal pathogens navigate the complex human gastrointestinal tract to exploit favorable microhabitats. These small molecules provide spatial landmarks for pathogens to regulate synthesis of virulence caches and are derived from the host, ingested plant and animal material, and the microbiota. Their concentrations and fluxes vary along the length of the gut and provide molecular signatures that are beginning to be explored through metabolomics and genetics. However, while many small molecules have been identified and are reviewed here, there are undoubtedly others that may also profoundly affect how enteric pathogens infect their hosts.
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli / genetics*
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Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli / metabolism*
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Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli / pathogenicity
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Epinephrine / metabolism
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Escherichia coli Infections / microbiology
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Escherichia coli Proteins / genetics
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Escherichia coli Proteins / metabolism
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Ethanolamine / metabolism
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Gastrointestinal Tract / microbiology*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
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Host-Pathogen Interactions* / physiology
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Humans
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Mice
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Microbiota / physiology
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Mucins / metabolism
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Oxygen / metabolism
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Type III Secretion Systems / genetics
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Type III Secretion Systems / metabolism
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Virulence
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Virulence Factors
Substances
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Escherichia coli Proteins
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Mucins
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Type III Secretion Systems
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Virulence Factors
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Ethanolamine
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Oxygen
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Epinephrine