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INVITED SEMINAR March 7, 2014 12h15-15h30
UNIL, Biophore, AuditoriumSUMMARY We have previously identified a novel type of bacterial communication mediated by tubular extensions (nanotubes) that bridge neighboring cells [1]. Using Bacillus subtilis as a model organism, we monitored the transfer of cytoplasmic fluorescent molecules, antibiotic resistance proteins and non-conjugative plasmids among adjacent cells [1]. Remarkably, at low cell density nanotubes were frequently found to extend over a distance of a few micrometers, far beyond the cell length, and exist both as intercellular connecting tubes and as scavenging tubes surrounding the cells in a "root-like" fashion. Visualizing nanotube growth and dynamics in living cells revealed that the structures are formed in the course of minutes, and exhibit striking movement on a scale of msec. Furthermore, we revealed that nanotubes are composed of chains of vesicles arrayed in "necklace-like" structures. Following biochemical purification of nanotubes, we identified proteins that are required for nanotube development as well as for intercellular molecular trade. Finally, I will describe the involvement of nanotubes in construction of multicellular colonies. 1. G. P. Dubey, S. Ben-Yehuda, Cell 144, 590 (2011).
AFTERNOON ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSION Friday March 7th, 14h30-16h00 Location: Biophore, Bio 2917.2 Organizer: Prof. Sigal Ben-Yehuda
1) Presentation and discussion of students' projects Round-table presentation of student’s projects (no power-point presentations needed) and discussion with /feedback from the organizer and from other participants.
2) General discussion (examples) To discuss projects in general, science as such, how to choose subjects to work on and by which criteria, career and mentoring, women role models, etc. |
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