Multicellular Dynamics
Regulation of the bacterial lifestyle switch
Dr Fernando Govantes
Principal Investigator
Summary
Research in our laboratory is focused on the study of the bacterial lifestyle switch. We are interested in the regulatory phenomena involved in the transitions between the planktonic and biofilm lifestyles and vice versa and in the process that shape both lifestyles. More information in our web page
1. REGULATION OF BACTERIAL BIOFILM DEVELOPMENT
In this line we investigate the mechanisms of physiological and genetic regulation of biofilm development in the plant growth-promoting bacterium Pseudomonas putida and the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Our work has made a decisive contribution to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in biofilm formation and dispersal in response to nutritional stress in P. putida and has allowed us to identify some factors necessary for biofilm formation in P. syringae.
2. REGULATION AND ASSEMBLY OF THE FLAGELLAR SYSTEM AND BACTERIAL POLARITY
In this line we investigate the mechanisms of regulation of the synthesis of flagellar components, as well as the temporal, spatial and numerical regulation of flagella and other polarly localized components in bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas. Our work has allowed us to fully elucidate the transcriptional cascade responsible for the expression of flagellar and chemotaxis genes in Pseudomonas putida and many of the elements responsible for the polar localization of the flagellar and chemotaxis systems.
3. MODELING AND COMPUTATIONAL SIMULATION OF BIOFILM DEVELOPMENT
In this line we established a close collaboration with the group of Alejandro Cuetos (Universidad Pablo de Olavide) to establish computational models of various aspects of bacterial biofilm development. Our work has allowed us to establish the parameters that govern the internal organization of surface-associated colonies and the role of parameters such as diffusion and growth rates and local nutrient concentrations in these processes.
Five relevant publications
Lab members & Collaborators
Lab members
Group leader:
Dr. Fernando Govantes, +34 954349386
Senior researcher:
Dr. Aroa López Sánchez, +34 954977877
PhD students:
Marta Pulido Sánchez, +34 9544977878
María Zapata Cruz, +34 954977878
Elisa Montero Beltrán, +34 954977878
Masters student:
Gonzalo Ariza Ruiz, +34 9544977878
Undergraduate students:
Macarena Heredia Azarova, +34 9544977878
Julia Pineda Plasencia, +34 9544977878
Collaborators
Dr. Alejandro Cuetos (Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla)
Dr. María Trinidad Gallegos (EEZ-CSIC, Granada)
Dr. Felipe Cava (University of Umeå, Sweden)
Dr. Carmen Beuzón (IHSM La Mayora-UMA)
Dr. Javier Ruiz Albert (IHSM La Mayora-UMA)
Dr. Isabel Usón (IBMB-CSIC, Barcelona)