Utilizing LESA to characterize cell-to-cell communication through the secreted metabolomes of microbial communities
EMSL Project ID
50408
Abstract
Inter-cellular communication is a complex process that plays a pivotal role in the microbiome and is essential for our understanding of microbial dynamics and functional roles. Teasing apart individual contributions to the immense network of interactions within a microbial community is hindered by our inability to assign molecular signals to a single participant. Here, we aim to validate and optimize liquid extraction surface analysis mass spectrometry (LESA-MS) on custom-built 3D printed micro-well plates in effort to study cell-to-cell communication within the microbiome. This will allow us to record the small molecules that a microorganism makes in response to other organisms and signals within its environment. Using this information, we plan to develop methods to infer the context-specific language of microbial communication for a panel of environmentally relevant microorganisms. The goal of this proposal is to characterize our methodology and platform, and to develop preliminary data that will serve as the basis for future grant proposals.
Project Details
Start Date
2018-06-01
End Date
2020-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members