Project Details
Projekt
Genetic and molecular determinants of specialized metabolite functions mediating gut microbial interactions in Fusobacterium nucleatum
Applicants
Professorin Dr. Franziska Faber; Professor Dr. Christian Hertweck; Professor Dr. Jörg Vogel
Subject Area
Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 564359880
Our human body is colonized by complex microbial communities (microbiota) that form intricate networks of microbe-microbe interactions. While the microbiota generally has beneficial effects on our physiology, problems can arise when individual species colonize new niches generated by diseases such as cancer. The recent discovery of the oral commensal Fusobacterium nucleatum as a colon cancer-promoting microbe is such an example. Due to the evolutionary distance of F. nucleatum to other bacteria, and a lack of genetic tools, we face a large knowledge gap regarding the molecular determinants that facilitate its colonization of the intestinal tract. In order to interact with their host, to colonize specialized niches, or to compete with members of the microbiota, bacteria produce specialized metabolites, that can have a variety of functions, including metallophores or antibiotics. Our analyses have identified a large biosynthetic potential of fusobacteria to produce such specialized metabolites. To begin to understand their functional impact on F. nucleatum physiology in the intestinal environment, we will characterize their roles in mediating gut microbial interactions, elucidate their chemical structures and biological activities, and characterize the physiological signals and molecular factors that regulate specialized metabolite production in F. nucleatum. This is a highly collaborative project that is only possible due to our complementary expertise in fusobacterial genetics, intestinal microbiota interactions and infection biology, and natural product research. The newly gained information will define the role of fusobacterial specialized metabolites in microbial gut communities and contribute to a better understanding of fusobacterial gene functions.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
