Quorum Sensing in a Dissimilatory Metal Reducing Bacterium
EMSL Project ID
19603
Abstract
Quorum sensing is a versatile regulatory mechanism exhibited by several members of Bacteria. Even though this area of research is a rapidly growing field with clear environmental applications, it has received little attention from geoscientists. Shewanella oneidensis, one of the most widely studied geo-relevant bacteria, has the ability to produce the quorum sensing autoinducer molecules AI-1 and AI-2 of Vibrio harveyi. However, very little is known concerning the geochemical or biochemical nature, or specific underlying physiological functions of quorum sensing in this organism. The intent of this proposal is to continue collaborations between Dr. Lower (PNNL) and Dr. Hochella (Virginia Tech) who recently received three years of funding from the DOE OBES Geosciences Program to support the project titled: "Frontiers In Biogeochemistry And Nanomineralogy: Studies In Quorum Sensing And Nanosulfide Dissolution Rates". It is the next chapter in our continuing efforts to understand in molecular detail the nanoscale space occurring at the mineral-microbe interface and the geochemical processes that these interactions affect. The long-term goal of this research is to understand the function of the quorum sensing network in this bacterium. In doing so we will identify the biogeochemical processes that are controlled by quorum sensing; the signals to which they respond; and the molecular mechanism by which incoming information is received, processed, and acted upon. By examining the role that quorum sensing plays in a "geo-relevant" bacterium, like S. oneidensis, we will gain a greater understating of physiological role(s) that this versatile regulatory mechanism plays in microorganisms and how this in turn controls the processes affecting the geochemistry of the environment.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2006-07-26
End Date
2009-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members
Related Publications
Brian H. Lower, Roberto D. Lins, Tjerk P. Straatsma, Michael F. Hochella Jr., and Steven K. Lower (2007). "In vitro evolution of a peptide with a hematite binding motif," Nano Lett.: In review.
Deric R. Learman, Haakrho J. Yi, Steven D. Brown, Stanton L. Martin, Gill G. Geesey, Ann M. Stevens, and Michael F. Hochella, Jr. (2008). Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 LuxS involvement in biofilm development and sulfur metabolism. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. (in review).
Learman DR, H Yi, SD Brown, SL Martin, GG Geesey, AM Stevens, and MF Hochella. 2009. "Involvement of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 LuxS in Biofilm Development and Sulfur Metabolism." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 75(5):1301-1307. doi:10.1128/AEM.01393-08
Lower B.H., Lins R.D., Oestreicher Z., Straatsma T.P., Hochella M.F., Jr., Shi L., and Lower S.K. (2008) In vitro evolution of a peptide with a hematite binding motif that may constitute a natural metal-oxide binding archetype. Environmental Science and Technology 42, 3821-3827.
Saumyaditya Bose, Michael F. Hochella Jr., Yuri A. Gorby, David W. Kennedy, David E. McCready, Andrew S. Madden, and Brian H. Lower (2009). Bioreduction of Hematite Nanoparticles by the Dissimilatory Iron Reducing Bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta (in press).