Identification of novel microbial signaling compounds using novel screening techniques that are based on metabolite stimulation.

• Applicant: Dr. Stephan Saum
• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: from 2009 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 119665853

In recent years it became more and more evident that microbes should not be regarded as single cells living solitary in a given habitat but rather should be considered as multicellular and socially behaving communities. For this purpose, cells synthesize and excrete small organic molecules that effectively influence the physiology of adjacent cells. To understand the nature and the physiology of the multicellular lifestyle it is essential to know the nature and the signaling pathways of these signaling molecules. This is of special interest, because among these molecules potential bactericides like the antibiotics already could be identified. In times of increasing antibiotic resistance of human pathogens it is important to seek for new variants of therapeutically active agents for which no resistance has established, yet. However, not only bactericides are of pharmaceutical relevance but also signaling molecules involved in biofilm formation, a microbial lifestyle in which cells are less susceptible to medical treatment. As a first step in identifying novel signaling compounds, their structure, regulation and physiological role, the main objective in the proposed work is the establishment of novel screening methods that are based on the idea that a whole variety of bacterial compounds is only produced in the presence of (a) limiting conditions (b) in the presence of pure signaling compounds or cocultivated bacteria. The experiments are planned to be done with natural microbial isolates and genome-sequenced bacteria.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Roberto Kolter, Ph.D.