'Cradle to the grave' life histories of every bacterium link individual metabolic activity to population activity

2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K18368
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: UTADA ANDREW 筑波大学, 生命環境系, 准教授 (90776626)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): McGlynn Shawn・E. 東京工業大学, 地球生命研究所, 准教授 (10751084)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-06-30 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: heterogeneity / metabolism / NanoSIMS

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

In the past year, we have started by finding an appropriate research scientist. We have begun to identify a set of bacteria to use that are genetically tractable and widely applicable. This list currently includes Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We have focused on developing the two major thrusts of our targeted work: single cell tracking in confined conditions and the nano secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS) process. We have already begun to optimized our cell tracking using publicly available machine learning algorithms combined with custom designed microfluidic chambers.

Simultaneously, we have developed microfabrication methods to use with hard glass substrates. We plan to combine these results soon to use with the local nanoSIMS facility.

Current Status of Research Progress

3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.

Reason

We are slightly delayed due to the slow start of the postdoc and the lengthy trainings needed to use the necessary equipment in local nano-platoform clean rooms. We expect to accelerate our testing in the coming months.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

Our future work will be to combine our custom chambers, where we can track cells as they develop into colonies with protocols that are compatible with the nanoSIMS facilities. These facilities have stringent rules that require precise alignment. We are currently conducting some initial stable isotope tests, which we will be able to "fix" and analyze when we are able to secure time using the nanoSIMS equipment.

Causes of Carryover

We have the need to carry over some of the funding due to unavoidable delays in the start of our work. We are accelerating our pace and will be on track this fiscal year, we estimate.