Autoinducer molecule

Abstract

Autoinducer molecules, e.g., N-(3-oxododecanoyl)homoserine lactone, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa are described. The molecules regulate gene expression in the bacterium. Therapeutic compositions and therapeutic methods involving analogs and/or inhibitors of the autoinducer molecules also are described. The molecules are useful for treating or preventing infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

1 . (canceled)  
   
   
       2 . An autoinducer molecule comprising a molecule of the formula:  
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein n is 2 or 3; Y is O, S, or NH; X is O, S, or NH; and R is a C 11 -C 14  acyl moiety that may be substituted or a moiety having at least seven members containing a ring structure that may be substituted; the molecule being able to regulate the activity of the LasR protein of  Pseudomonas aeruginosa.    
   
   
       3 - 4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 . The autoinducer molecule of claims  2  wherein R is a C 12  acyl moiety.  
   
   
       6 - 7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . The autoinducer molecule of  claim 2  wherein R contains a heterocyclic ring structure.  
   
   
       9 . The autoinducer molecule of  claim 8  wherein the heterocyclic ring structure has five to seven ring members.  
   
   
       10 . The autoinducer molecule of  claim 9  wherein the heterocyclic ring structure contains oxygen.  
   
   
       11 . The autoinducer molecule of  claim 2  wherein R contains a carbocyclic ring structure.  
   
   
       12 . The autoinducer of  claim 11  wherein the carbocyclic ring structure is a fused ring system.  
   
   
       13 . The autoinducer molecule of  claim 2  wherein the molecule is purified from the native source.  
   
   
       14 . The autoinducer molecule of  claim 13  wherein the native source is the culture media of  Pseudomonas aeruginosa.    
   
   
       15 . The autoinducer molecule of  claim 2  wherein the molecule is synthesized by chemical means.  
   
   
       16 . The autoinducer molecule of  claim 2  wherein the molecule is an optically active isomer.  
   
   
       17 . The autoinducer molecule of  claim 16  wherein the isomer is the L-isomer.  
   
   
       18 . The autoinducer molecule of  claim 16  wherein the isomer is the D-isomer.  
   
   
       19 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . An analog of an autoinducer molecule comprising a molecule of the formula  
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein n is 2 or 3; Y is O, S, or NH; X is O, S, or NH; and R is a C 11 -C 14  acyl moiety that may be substituted or a moiety having at least seven members containing a ring structure that may be substituted; that affects the activity of the LasR protein.  
   
   
       22 . The analog of  claim 21  wherein the analog inhibits the autoinducer activity of the N-(3-oxododecanoyl)homoserine lactone.  
   
   
       23 . The analog of  claim 21  wherein the analog synergistically enhances the autoinducer activity of N-(3-oxododecanoyl)homoserine lactone.  
   
   
       24 . The analog of  claim 21 , wherein the analog is an agonist of the LasR protein of  Pseudomonas aeruginosa.    
   
   
       25 . The analog of  claim 21 , wherein the analog is an antagonist of the LasR protein of  Pseudomonas aeruginosa.    
   
   
       26 - 43 . (canceled)  
   
   
       44 . A composition comprising an autoinducer molecule of the formula:  
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     wherein n is 2 or 3; Y is O, S, or NH; X is O, S, or NH; and R is a C 11 -C 14  acyl moiety that may be substituted or a moiety having at least seven members containing a ring structure that may be substituted; the molecule being able to regulate the activity of the LasR protein of  Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.