The Role of the Quorum Sensing Signaling Pathway in Clinical Drug Resistance of Escherichia coli: A Review and Outlook

© 2025 by the Authors. Licensee Whioce Publishing, Singapore. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )

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Abstract

Quorum sensing (QS) represents a mechanism through which bacteria engage in communication via chemical signals, a phenomenon prevalent across diverse bacterial species. Recent investigations have elucidated that QS signaling pathways are pivotal in governing bacterial physiological processes, collective behaviors, and the emergence of drug resistance. Escherichia coli (E. coli), a prominent pathogenic bacterium, is increasingly exhibiting severe drug resistance issues, posing substantial hurdles for clinical interventions. Presently, a burgeoning body of research is exploring the connection between QS signaling pathways and the drug resistance mechanisms in E. coli, unveiling the coordinating function of QS within bacterial communities and its influence on antibiotic resistance. Despite some research advancements, the precise mechanisms underlying the QS signaling pathway remain ambiguous, and its potential applications are somewhat constrained. This article endeavors to systematically review the research progress concerning the QS signaling pathway in the context of clinical drug resistance mechanisms in E. coli, delving into its potential clinical applications and future research avenues, with the aim of offering novel insights and strategies to counteract drug resistance.

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