Mechanismen zur Ausbildung von Zellpolarität im Choleraerreger

• Antragstellerin: Dr. Andrea Möll
• Fachliche Zuordnung: Parasitologie und Biologie der Erreger tropischer Infektionskrankheiten ; Stoffwechselphysiologie, Biochemie und Genetik der Mikroorganismen
• Förderung: Förderung von 2013 bis 2014
• Projektkennung: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 238936694

Cell polarity is vital for many cellular processes in rod shaped bacteria. However, outside of a few model organisms, there is scant knowledge of the factors and mechanisms that underlie the formation, recognition, and perpetuation of polar domains. In Vibrio cholerae, the gram negative rod that causes cholera, proteins anchored to the cell pole facilitate chromosome partitioning as well as the placement of the flagellum and chemotaxis signaling clusters at one of the cell poles. We have recently identified HubP, a polar transmembrane protein, which is required for the proper polar localization of the molecular machinery for chromosome partitioning and chemotaxis in V. cholerae. Notably, HubP has no similarity to any previously identified polar bacterial markers or determinants. Here, we plan to further define the pathways and processes underlying polar organization in V. cholerae, both by HubP and pathways that likely operate in parallel. In particular, we will (1) identify the factors that determine HubP localization, (2) identify and characterize novel HubP interaction partners, (3) identify and characterize novel polar constituents, and (4) investigate the impact of polarity defects on V. cholerae virulence. These experiments should yield insight into fundamental aspects of the biology of this important pathogen, reveal connections between establishment of polarity and its pathogenicity, and suggest approaches for development of novel therapeutics.

• DFG-Verfahren: Forschungsstipendien
• Internationaler Bezug: USA
• Gastgeber: Professor Dr. Matthew K. Waldor