The enzyme hydrolyzes N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs) molecules
secreted by Gram-negative bacteria, such as Erwinia
mallotivora. AHLs have been determined to be the principle
signalling molecule involved in quorum sensing (cell-to-cell
communication) in Gram-negative bacteria and are essential for
survival and regulation of virulence genes. Bacteria lacking AHLs
are non-pathogenic.
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