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Content archived on 2024-06-18

Cyclic-di-GMP: New Concepts in Second Messenger Signaling and Bacterial Biofilm Formation

Objective

Biofilms represent a multicellular lifestyle of bacteria that causes serious biomedical and technological problems. Biofilm developmental involves an inhibition of motility and an induction of adhesins at the cell surface and culminates in complex structures, in which bacteria are embedded in an extracellular matrix, which renders them resistant against antibiotics and host immune systems. The overall objective of the proposed project is to clarify nature and nurture in bacterial biofilm formation, i.e. to reveal the underlying genetic control network and its integration with environmentally responsive pathways that influence biofilm composition and architecture. The major working hypothesis of this proposal is that the ubiquitously biofilm-stimulating second messenger c-di-GMP and the many proteins associated with its synthesis, degradation and action are mainly responsible for this integration (i) by providing the molecular switches that establish the metastable states characteristic for biofilm development, and (ii) by integrating many of the environmental signals that modulate biofilm composition and architecture. Even in single species, c-di-GMP is produced and degraded by multiple diguanylate cyclases (GGDEF domain proteins) and phosphodiesterases (EAL domain proteins), respectively. This project will elucidate the regulation, function, cooperation and targets of all 29 GGDEF/EAL domain proteins during the entire series of molecular events that generates a biofilm of the model organism Escherichia coli, which includes commensals as well as important pathogens. As c-di-GMP is used by virtually all bacteria, understanding its production and mode of action will open new and general perspectives for interference with bacterial biofilm formation.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

ERC-2009-AdG
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant

Host institution

HUMBOLDT-UNIVERSITAET ZU BERLIN
EU contribution
€ 1 038 016,03
Address
UNTER DEN LINDEN 6
10117 Berlin
Germany

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Region
Berlin Berlin Berlin
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Beneficiaries (2)

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