The ability of bacteria to communicate with each other using diffusible chemical signals is required for a variety of functions, including virulence and biofilm formation. Our lab is studying cell-to-cell signaling using Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis as model systems. In both organisms, their studies involve: (i) purification and structural characterization of extracellular signaling molecules, (ii) identification of genes involved in signal response, (iii) identification of genes involved in signal production, and (iv) the use of microarrays to identify genes activated/repressed by extracellular signals. We are especially interested in the role of cell to cell signaling in P. mirabilis in biofilm formation, which is critical for the colonization of urinary tract catheters.

[prather@emory.edu]