Project Details
Projekt
Molecular principles of quorum sensing-mediated phage defense in Vibrio cholerae
Applicant
Professor Dr. Kai Papenfort
Subject Area
Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
Term
since 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 464459808
The field of phage biology is awash with examples of how fundamental science can drive conceptual advances in molecular biology, genetics and microbiology with a strong impact on biotechnology and biomedicine. This is also true for virulent microorganisms such as the major human pathogen Vibrio cholerae, whose pathogenic potential and epidemic proliferation largely depends on the interaction with environmental phages. This project aims to characterize the interaction of V. cholerae with lytic and lysogenic phages, as well as role of intercellular communication (a.k.a. quorum sensing) in this process. Our preliminary data show that quorum sensing can protect V. cholerae from lytic phages, whereas certain lysogenic phages repurpose quorum sensing signals to control their lytic lifecycle. To better understand the molecular principles underlying these processes, we will combine biochemical, genetic, and microscopy approaches to pinpoint the factors that drive phage-microbe interaction with a strong emphasis on the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes. Specifically, we will harness the power of synthetic regulatory RNAs to expose new mechanisms of phage defense. At the most general level, the proposed work will provide insights into phage-microbe interactions, intercellular communication, and the molecular principles underlying phage resistance. At a more specific level, the research will advance our understanding of phage replication processes and how phage infection is perceived and defended by the bacterial host. At a practical level, our research could expose new strategies for controlling phage infections, with possible applications in biotechnology and the food industry.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
