Bacillus subtilis shows phenotypic variability in the stationary growth phase. In particular, a well-defined fraction of isogenic cells differentiates into the state of competence for transformation. Various regulators controlling this fraction have been identified. Here we address the question whether this type of behaviour is optimal to speed up adaptation while minimizing the cost of competence development.
Competent (green) cells of Bacillus subtilis coexist with non-competent cells at high cell density.
References:
- List of publications (B. Maier)
Contact details:
Prof. Dr. Berenike Maier
University of Cologne
Department of Physics
Zülpicher Str. 77
50937 Köln
Tel.: +49-(0)221-480-8046
berenike.maier(at)uni-koeln.de
Homepage Link
Co-workers:
- Funded from SPP 1617: Melih Yüksel
- Funded from other sources: Jan Ribbe, Katja Henseler (technician)
References:
Maier
Maier, B. (2011) Competence and Transformation. In Bacillus: Cellular and Molecular BiologyCaister University Press, 2nd edition.
Leisner, M., Kuhr, J.-T., Rädler, J. O., Frey, E. and Maier, B. (2009) Kinetics of genetic switching into the state of bacterial competence. Biophys. J., 96, 1178-1188.
Leisner, M., Stingl, K., Frey, E. and Maier, B. (2008) Stochastic switching to competence. Curr. Opin. Microbiol., 11, 553-559.
Leisner, M., Stingl, K., Rädler, J. O. and Maier, B. (2007) Basal expression rate of comK sets a 'switching-window' into the K-state of Bacillus subtilis. Mol. Microbiol., 63, 1806-1816.
Hahn, J., Maier, B., Haijema, B. J., Sheetz, M. and Dubnau, D. (2005) Transformation proteins and DNA uptake localize to the cell poles in Bacillus subtilis. Cell, 122, 59-71.
Maier, B., Chen, I., Dubnau, D. and Sheetz, M. P. (2004) DNA transport into Bacillus subtilis requires proton motive force to generate large molecular forces. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol., 11, 643-649.