Metallophores as Mediators for Metal Cycling: Profiling and Ecological Evaluation of Ligands Involved in the Microbial Cycling of Iron in Complex Systems (C04)

• Subject Area: Microbial Ecology and Applied Microbiology ; Analytical Chemistry ; Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: since 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239748522

Iron in complexed form is central to the microbial iron cycle. In this project, we identify and characterize metallophores formed and excreted by bacteria and compare them with the diverse compounds found in nature. The goal is to elucidate the chemical communication of bacteria that use iron in very different forms for energy production. Co-cultivations have shown that biofilm formation plays a key role in the interaction. We want to clarify whether synchronization of lifestyles drives these interactions.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1127: Chemical Mediators in Complex Biosystems (ChemBioSys)
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Kirsten Küsel; Dr. Carl-Eric Wegner