Cross talk between a conjugative plasmid and its Bacillus subtilis host cell during stress adaptation (E02*)

• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 192445154

Conjugative plasmid pLS20 affects many cellular processes and changes the transcription of about 5% of the genes of its host, and confers considerable stress resistance during active conjugation. Conversely, the host cell affects the timing of conjugation, which is centrally regulated by a plasmid-encoded repressor controlled by a quorum-sensing Rap/Phr system. We will analyse how the cross talk between plasmid and chromosome occurs on a molecular genetic and biochemical level and how the plasmid/host systems adapt to different stress conditions.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 987: Microbial Diversity in Environmental Signal Response
• Applicant Institution: Philipps-Universität Marburg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Peter Graumann