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Speed and robustness: c-di-GMP signaling in bacterial surface colonization and virulence

Research Project
 | 
01.04.2019
 - 31.03.2022

When pathogenic or non-pathogenic bacteria colonize surfaces or host tissues they rapidly change their behavior and develop surface-based motility, express virulence traits and eventually mature into multi-cellular communities, called biofilms. Biofilms are difficult to eradicate in the host as they feature in-creased drug resistance and persister rates and provide tolerance against phagocytic clearance. In the past years, c-di-GMP (cdG) was identified as a key regulator of bacterial surface colonization and biofilm for-mation. This provides an opportunity for pharmacological intervention with clinically problematic forms of bacterial growth. Here we analyze the role of cdG signaling in the initial steps of surface colonization and biofilm formation in several bacterial model organisms. We address how bacteria perceive mechani-cal stimuli and how such cues are transmitted into rapid and robust changes in cell behavior including surface-based motility, attachment and expression of virulence factors.

Collaborations & Cooperations

2022 - Participation or Organization of Collaborations on a national level
Ackermann, Martin, Prof., Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETHZ, Research cooperation
2022 - Participation or Organization of Collaborations on a national level
Hilbi, Hubert, Prof., University of Zürich, Research cooperation
2022 - Participation or Organization of Collaborations on a national level
Vorholt, Julia, Prof., Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zürich, Research cooperation
2022 - Participation or Organization of Collaborations on an international level
Buttner, Mark J., Prof., John Innnes Centre, Norwich, Research cooperation
2022 - Participation or Organization of Collaborations on an international level
Elliot, Marie, Prof., McMaster University, Research cooperation
2022 - Participation or Organization of Collaborations on an international level
Engel, Joanne, Prof., Department of Medicine, UCSF, Research cooperation

Funding

Speed and robustness: c-di-GMP signaling in bacterial surface colonization and virulence

SNF Projekt (GrantsTool), 04.2019-03.2022 (36)
PI : Jenal, Urs.

Members (1)

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Urs Jenal

Principal Investigator