Eavesdropping on Bacterial Chatter

Bacteria constantly "talk" to each other using chemical signals in response to environmental changes, leading to behavior modification. Our research focuses on understanding cell-to-cell communication and gene regulation in bacteria. We use microbiology and molecular genetics tools to explore this process using Myxobacteria as the model system.  

Myxobacteria are a group of gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria found in soil that travel in “wolf-packs”, devouring prey bacteria, yeast, and other organic detritus. The bacteria do this by lysing targeted prey cells to obtain cellular components as nutrients needed to sustain growth. The detection of prey cells requires extensive and well-regulated intra- and interspecies interactions. When starved of needed nutrients, myxobacteria form fruiting bodies—compact structures within which rod-shaped cells transform into spherical dormant spores that germinate when favorable conditions return. 

Myxobacterial Predation against Escherichia coli

In our research group, we work to solve fundamental questions in cell-signaling and developmental gene regulation. Myxobacteria compete with other microbial species by producing a slew of metabolites to inhibit their growth and influence their behavior in a myriad of ways. Their genomes demonstrate the presence of a mutiplicity of signal sensing genes, thus making them excellent models to study cell differentiation and to investigate the mechanisms by which microbial communities sense and respond to environmental and cell-to-cell signals. 

"Myxo Gliders"

Current Lab Gliders

Undergrads: Basirat Olorunlambe, Juan Vasquez, Gavin Treadaway, Mia Jones, Josh Lummus, Kiana Mata, Jon Levesque.

Graduate Students: Kayla Stevens, Margot Aldana.

Masked and Unmasked...

Former Lab Gliders

Maya Maarouf, Tiajah Sherman, Sarah Beauvais, Kara Kelley, Chirag Patel, Latifat Giwa, Yendami Alexander, Lily Bell, Jasmine Anderson, Britany Murphy, Kameron Downs, Nayeli Maya, Sheltzie Flores, Rooman Karmacharya, Valencia Scales, Daniella Krakue, Simone Dakare.

Ready to roll...

 

 Former Research students who have continued in the STEM field

• Maya Maarouf is enrolled in a Translational Biomedical Sciences PhD program at Georgia State University.

• Kara Kelley has obtained a position at Takeda Pharmaceutical as Quality Control Microbiology Analyst. More info can be found here at QuickStart.

• Tiajah Sherman is currently working as Medical Assistant/Scribe at Thomas Eye Group and is applying to medical school.

• Sarah Beauvais served as our short-term lab technician and mentor to the research students.