How bacteria recognize themselves and others to form multicellular structures
Self-nonself recognition and multicellularity in myxobacteria
This study looks at how bacteria called Myxococcus xanthus recognize and work together with their own kind, especially when facing tough situations like not having enough food, to help us understand how cells communicate and cooperate, which could also relate to how more complex organisms, including humans, function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wyoming NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Laramie, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11057627 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how individual cells in a multicellular organism, specifically the bacterium Myxococcus xanthus, recognize each other as self to work together effectively. By studying this model organism, the research aims to understand the mechanisms behind cell communication and cooperation, particularly in response to environmental challenges like starvation. The approach involves examining specific cell surface receptors that facilitate interactions between similar cells, leading to either cooperation or antagonism. The findings could shed light on fundamental biological processes that are relevant to more complex organisms, including humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would include individuals with conditions related to cellular behavior and communication, such as certain cancers or degenerative diseases.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cellular interactions or multicellularity may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cellular interactions, potentially leading to advancements in treating diseases related to cell communication and multicellularity.
How similar studies have performed: While this research explores a relatively novel area of cell recognition and multicellularity, similar studies in other organisms have shown promising results in understanding cellular interactions.
Where this research is happening
Laramie, United States
- University of Wyoming — Laramie, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wall, Daniel — University of Wyoming
- Study coordinator: Wall, Daniel
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.