Objective The term quorum sensing (QS) describes the ability of a population of unicellular bacteria to act as a single multicellular organism in a cell-density-dependent manner. Bacteria achieve this feat by the use of small diffusible molecules to exchange information among themselves. Examples of QS-controlled behaviors are bioluminescence, virulence factor expression and biofilm formation. These processes are advantageous to a bacterial population only when they are carried out simultaneously by its members. In recent years, a surprising new role has been found for several QS molecules diverse eukaryotes have been found to react strongly to the presence of these compounds. My aim is to examine the hypothesis that diverse eukaryotic species have developed mechanisms to react to the presence of specific bacterial QS molecules in a receptor-mediated fashion. Specifically, we aim to identify receptors that are highly specific for the Pseudomonas aeruginosa QSM 3-oxo-C12-AHL, as no receptor has been identified yet. This is a significant challenge, that we will address developing an innovative platform of chemical, biochemical and microbiological investigations. Identification of specific QSM receptors in eukaryotes will allow us to further understand the complex mechanisms of coexistence and evolution of coexistence between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The insight obtained from these experiments could lead to: a) an increased understanding of important principles that guide the evolution of symbiotic relationships between competing species; b) new approaches in the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections, as well as to potential new drugs for the treatment of autoimmune diseases; c) the development of an integrated platform that will enable the discovery of unknown receptors for small hydrophobic bioactive compounds. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologyautoimmune diseases Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE5 - ERC Starting Grant - Materials and Synthesis Call for proposal ERC-2009-StG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV EU contribution € 1 312 000,00 Address . 84105 Beer Sheva Israel See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Daphna Tripto (Mrs.) Principal investigator Michael Meijler (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (4) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY OF THE NEGEV Israel EU contribution € 1 312 000,00 Address . 84105 Beer Sheva See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Daphna Tripto (Mrs.) Principal investigator Michael Meijler (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data ACADEMISCH ZIEKENHUIS GRONINGEN Participation ended Netherlands EU contribution € 38 381,76 Address HANZEPLEIN 1 9713 GZ Groningen See on map Region Noord-Nederland Groningen Overig Groningen Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Bastiaan Philip Krom (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data VERENIGING VOOR CHRISTELIJK HOGER ONDERWIJS WETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK EN PATIENTENZORG Participation ended Netherlands EU contribution No data Address De Boelelaan 1105 1081 HV Amsterdam See on map Region West-Nederland Noord-Holland Groot-Amsterdam Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Kasper De Vries (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data STICHTING VU Netherlands EU contribution € 41 618,24 Address DE BOELELAAN 1105 1081 HV Amsterdam See on map Region West-Nederland Noord-Holland Groot-Amsterdam Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Paul Lunenburg (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data