GRK 1708: Molecular Principles of Bacterial Survival Strategies

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Guiding theme of this research training group (RTG) are molecular principles of bacterial survival strategies. In an ideal environment, bacterial populations grow exponentially. However, at most natural settings conditions prevail that supress growth, damage cells, or prevent the colonization of habitats through competing organisms or host defence-systems. This selective pressure, which drove bacterial evolution, resulted in highly efficient strategies that enable bacteria to endure or overcome unfavourable conditions. These survival strategies are essential to form ecological niches and to colonize new habitats and hosts. Therefore, this topic is of greatest relevance for bacterial ecology and physiology, for the spread of bacterial pathogens, and for the development of antibacterial compounds and, hence, it is a central area of microbiological research. During the first funding period, research built on this central topic and was conducted utilizing newly evolving methods of the post-genome era, leading to outstanding results. In the forthcoming funding period, this research concept will further be pursued systematically. Thereby, we will focus on two major mechanisms of bacterial survival strategies: project area A addresses survival strategies that are based on intracellular reactions, mainly specific adaptations of bacterial metabolism. Project area B focuses on survival strategies, which are based on the synthesis of bioactive compounds, enabling survival in the environment. The research program will be accompanied by a qualification program, which builds on established structures of the previous period and which will be further improved. A major goal is to promote a scientific spirit that exceeds narrow borders of specific disciplines. Interaction and cooperation between the RTG members are ensured by a weekly core-seminar. Moreover, we will provide an attractive qualification program for both, specialized knowledge as well as interdisciplinary skills, aiming to support self-responsibility, creativity and initiative of a new generation of microbiologists.