2018 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report
Visualization of metabolic dynamics during pattern formation in bacteria
| Project/Area Number |
16K07333
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| Research Institution | Tohoku University |
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Principal Investigator |
Robert Martin 東北大学, 高度教養教育・学生支援機構, 准教授 (90365487)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
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| Keywords | gene expression / time-lapse fluorescence / biofilm / fluorescent reporter / pattern formation / fusion protein / cyclic di-nucleotides |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
During this final, we were able to analyze the dynamics of gene expression of multiple metabolic enzymes and regulators within macro-colonies of E. coli. This was done for multiple genes under various nutritional conditions (rich or minimal medium of varying agar concentration).
Using GFP-reporter fluorescent strains we were able to characterize the variation in the level, dynamics, and localization of gene expression in complex macro-colony and biofilm structures. Overall, our results reveal the spacio-temporal complexity of gene expression within large bacterial collectives and biofilms that reflect local environmental conditions. These findings reveal some functional differentiation within clonal populations of bacteria and suggests such structures can also mimic developmental processes.
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