Uncovering and controlling the cellular decision-making mechanism that operates in dormant bacterial spores
Abstract
Bacterial spores represent the most extreme state of cellular dormancy, capable of surviving the harshest of environments. It remains unclear whether such physiologically "dead" spores can monitor their environment during their dormancy to decide on whether, or not to return to growth. We aim to uncover how physiologically inactive spores can execute an energy-requiring cell fate decision. In other words, we will determine the conceptual principle and molecular mechanism of the cellular decision-making process that operates during dormancy. Successful execution of this research will not only reveal a unique cellular decision-making process capable of operating in dormant bacteria, but also identify novel approaches to control spores that constitute a major bio-contamination threat to military personnel and equipment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 14, 2022
- Source ID
- W911NF2210107
Entities
People
- Gürol M Süel
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of California, San Diego