Elucidate the function of AI-2 sensing in E. coli

Elucidate the precise biological function of autoinducer-2 (AI-2) sensing mediated by the lsr operon in Escherichia coli, clarifying how AI-2 signaling influences cellular behaviors and community dynamics.

Background

AI-2 is a widely conserved quorum-sensing molecule produced by LuxS and sensed in E. coli via the lsr operon. Although AI-2 signaling has been linked to diverse phenotypes (drug resistance, defense, motility, stress), its definitive role in commensal E. coli—particularly within multicellular contexts—remains unresolved.