A3: Akinetes: Resistant cells of filamentous cyanobacteria
Group Leader
PD Dr. Iris Maldener
Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine (IMIT)
Department of Microbiology/Organismic Interactions
Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen
Auf der Morgenstelle 28
72076 Tübingen
Phone: +49-7071 29-78847
Fax: +49-7071 29-5843
Email: iris.maldener(at)uni-tuebingen.de
Iris Maldener´s working group Website
PhD Student
Ritu Garg
Phone: +49-7071 29-74632
Email: ritu.garg@uni-tuebingen.de
Summary
The filamentous cyanobacteria Nostoc punctiforme and Anabaena variabilis are able to differentiate dormant akinetes from vegetative cells. These are transient spore like cells enabling these bacteria to withstand harsh environmental conditions, like nutrient starvation, low light and cold. When conditions improve, the akinetes can germinate forming small filaments released from the spore envelope. We studied the changes in morphology and metabolism during the differentiation and germination process in these two model organisms.
In this project we will investigate:
- the mechanisms of ultra-structural and metabolic changes of akinetes by functional and expression studies.
- the influence of the known cyanobacterial regulators NtcA, PII and HetR.
- cell-cell communication between cells of the filaments which are induced for akinete formation by FRAP studies.