The proposal focuses on the investigation of the molecular basis of Myxococcus xanthus A-motility, using genetic and fluorescence microscopy techniques

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The coordinated movement of single cells is a prerequisite for social behavior patterns within the life cycle of the soil bacterium Myxococcus xanthus. Gliding movement on solid surfaces is mediated by social S-motility and adventurous A-motility. A-motility is likely powered by protein complexes that are distributed along the cell body. As a component of the A-motility complex, a molecular motor might exert force to a cellular structure, possibly the cytoskeleton, to push the cell forward. The proposed research project aims to gain further insight on the molecular mechanism of A-motility. Experiments focus on the identification and characterization of homologues to the Tol-Pal/TonB-systems that are involved in M. xanthus A motility. Mutational analysis as well as fluorescence microscopy, to determine the intracellular distribution of the proteins under various conditions, will be used to address their function. Moreover, the role of the cytoskeleton as a potential structure for attachment of a molecular motor will be investigated. For that purpose, fluorescence microscopy experiments will concentrate on the dynamics and rotation of cytoskeletal elements.