Symbiotic and pathogenic interactions
Overview
The SPI group studies diverse topics related to molecular mechanisms of host infection and survival of the symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacterium Rhizobium etli and the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Prior to and during invasion, both symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria need to migrate across surfaces to reach their host and to withstand diverse biotic and abiotic stresses, often for prolonged periods of time. Upon sensing specific signals from their host, they differentiate to symbiotic or virulent forms leading to symbiotic nitrogen fixation at the benefit of both partners or to pathogenesis. We analyze fundamental processes contributing to symbiosis, pathogenesis or both. To this end, a combination of molecular genetic, high-throughput genomic and microscopic techniques are used. With these results, we aim at contributing to the improvement of the symbiotic interaction between rhizobia and legumes and to the discovery of novel antibacterials.
Research topics
- Adaptation of rhizobia to non-growing conditions
- Effect of peptide uptake on rhizobial stress resistance and symbiosis
- Swarming behavior of Rhizobium etli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Persistence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli
- Bacterial protein secretion in the bean - Rhizobium etli symbiosis
- Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in climbing beans
More information
For more information, visit the CMPG-SPI mini-site.
