FIGURE 1: A schematic picture of the acetate signaling network in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis.
Genes or proteins involved in acetate metabolism (Pdh, Pta, AckA, and AcsA), transport (ywcB-ywcA), and sensing (ywbGHI, ysbBA-lytTS, and yxaCKD) are described. Secreted acetate can act as either a volatile signal or a canonical quorum-sensing-like signal in solution.