Competitive signaling molecules control bacterial growth and behavior

bacteria are considered true survival experts. They adapt quickly to changing environmental conditions, mainly based on two competing signal molecules. Researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland say that as a "competitive" molecule controlled by metabolism determines the lifestyle of bacteria.
whether they are pathogens, deep-sea microorganisms or organisms living in soil, survival must be able to adapt rapidly to changes in their environment, including the depletion of nutrients.
Urs Jenal and Tilman Schirmer, professors at the University of Basel's Centre for Biology, have now found that bacteria use two chemical signaling molecules to change their lifestyles to accommodate current living conditions. The researchers published their findings in the November 10 issue of Nature Microbiology. These two molecules embody the opposite forces that control bacterial growth and metabolism.
researchers studied the antagonists of two signaling molecules in the cell, ppGpp and c-di-GMP, using crescent-shaped bacillus as a model organism. The bacteria can play two different roles: unable to divide free movement and the reproductive state attached to the surface.
lifestyle and environmental conditions affect the concentration of both signal molecules. Signaling molecules ppGpp and c-di-GMP compete for the combination of the total switch. "In bacteria that carry high levels of ppGpp, the protein is turned on and the bacteria are active." "In this state, glucose consumption is at its peak," Jenal said. At the same time, the harmful oxygen freelances produced are effectively mealed. "This ensures that the metabolic response is suitable for the high energy needs of motor swimming cells and avoids cell damage.
in good living conditions, adequate nutrition, c-di-GMP levels will rise, forcing bacteria to develop into a handleless form. "In this case, c-di-GMP replaces the ppGpp, changes its structure and shuts it down." "This changes the metabolic response, allowing bacteria to settle, grow and reproduce," Jenal said. Using
main molecular switch, scientists have discovered a link between two regulatory networks that have long been thought to operate independently. The researchers say that while Bacillus is a harmless environmental bacterium, the newly discovered mechanism may also play an important role in pathogens.
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