Bangalore

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In Vibrio fischeri, when the population density (and hence the concentration of autoinducer) crosses a certain threshold, the expression of a set of genes that is required for bioluminescence is turned on. The production of the autoinducer is under the control of a gene, the expression of which involves positive feedback. The following figure shows the various components of this system (Ref. 1).
In Vibrio fischeri, when the population density (and hence the concentration of autoinducer) crosses a certain threshold, the expression of a set of genes that is required for bioluminescence is turned on. The production of the autoinducer is under the control of a gene, the expression of which involves positive feedback. The following figure shows the various components of this system (Ref. 1).
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[[Image:vibrio_qs.jpg]]
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[[Image:vibrio_qs.jpg|thumb|200px|Fig. 1:  Quorum sensing in Vibrio fischeri - a LuxI-R signalling circuit. Red triangles indicate the autoinducer that is produced by LuxI. OM, outer membrane; IM, inner membrane.]]

Revision as of 09:18, 29 May 2007

NCBS-Logo.jpg

The Company

  • Mukund: Chief Mentor, Consultant and The Godfather
  • Sugat: Right-hand Man and Manager of Operations
  • Nilesh: The Man for all Seasons
  • Vivek: Chief Troubleshooter, often his role is confused with one of a Troublemaker
  • Krishna: The Sharpshooter
  • Senthil: The Wikiman, also fondly referred to as the "Bio Info God"
  • Varun: The Voice of Reason and Anti-Reason
  • K12Z1: The Workhorse

The Mission

To investigate multistability and hysteresis in combinatorially constructed synthetic Vibrio quorum sensing circuits

The Target - Vibrio Quorum Sensing System

Quorum sensing is a phenomenon by which bacteria sense a critical cell density before turning on the expression of certain genes. It involves the gradual build-up of a chemical termed the 'autoinducer' in the cell. The autoinducer freely diffuses across the cell membrane and hence, its concentration is population density dependent. When the concentration crosses a threshold, the bacteria switch to a different physiological state such as bioluminescence, virulent gene expression, and bio-film formation.

In Vibrio fischeri, when the population density (and hence the concentration of autoinducer) crosses a certain threshold, the expression of a set of genes that is required for bioluminescence is turned on. The production of the autoinducer is under the control of a gene, the expression of which involves positive feedback. The following figure shows the various components of this system (Ref. 1).

Fig. 1: Quorum sensing in Vibrio fischeri - a LuxI-R signalling circuit. Red triangles indicate the autoinducer that is produced by LuxI. OM, outer membrane; IM, inner membrane.