Research Projects

Abstract

The project focuses on studying the intricate mechanisms of cell interactions and gene transfer in the bacterium B. subtilis, which we isolated from the banks of the Sava River in Slovenia. The purpose of the project is to investigate how bacterial interactions influence the dynamics of gene transfer and the evolution of the bacterium B. subtilis. We anticipate that the highest gene transfer will be observed among closely related strains within species and that it will decrease with genetic diversity among strains. At the same time, we expect to discover a correlation between phylogeny and patterns of presence/absence of additional genes, and that cell interactions promote gene transfer and the emergence of new types of genetic diversity. Our goals include testing hypotheses about sexual isolation and horizontal gene transfer among different strains of B. subtilis, using comparative genomics to identify genes associated with DNA transfer, and experimental evolution to simulate the emergence of new types of genetic diversity and transfer pathways. The results of this project will significantly contribute to our understanding of bacterial interactions and gene transfer, which can impact the development and use of bacterial biotechnologies, agricultural practices, and the management of microbial populations in various environments

Researchers

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The phases of the project and their realization

The project will consist of 4 scientific work packages (WP) to address the specified objectives and one work package dedicated to dissemination, application of results, and data management. The main objectives of the work packages include optimizing methods, studying the impact of sexual isolation on DNA transfer, assembling genomes and comparing and analyzing the evolution and horizontal gene transfer in the bacterium B. subtilis, aiming to expand understanding of gene flow and evolution of this bacterium and related species.

WP1 will focus on studying the impact of sexual isolation on DNA transfer in liquid and solid media, examining different levels of similarity between donor and recipient DNA. In WP2, the genomes of the bacterium B. subtilis will be sequenced, and comparative genomics will be performed to explore evolutionary patterns and identify new genes involved in kin differentiation. In WP3, in vitro evolutionary experiments will be conducted to test hypotheses about the role of stress and horizontal gene transfer in the development of new phenotypes. Finally, in WP4, bioinformatics tools will be used to analyze the sequenced genomes of evolved strains. The project is designed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of gene flow and evolution of the bacterium B. subtilis and explore potential applications in medicine and biotechnology

Citations for bibliographic records

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