Studying pattern formation in Escherichia coli by engineering new modes of cell-cell communication

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The differentiation process in higher organisms involves the development of multicellular patterns and structures. How cells coordinate their behavior in this process still remains a fundamental question in biology. In this research project, I propose an engineering approach to understand and specific control pattern formation using a synthetic developmental system based on cell-cell communication. This approach combines key features of biological pattern formation, such as (i) the use of positional information encoded within gradients of extracellular signals, (ii) intercellular communication, and (iii) feedback and signal processing. I will design and characterize molecular components for implementing each of these core functionalities and will then modularly combine those elements into increasingly complex pattern-forming systems. In particular, I will develop a set of cell-cell communication systems beyond those found in nature. The experimental work will be done in the model organism Escherichia coli. Since E. coli does not form its own patterns, it is a blank slate where any observed pattern can be attributed to the synthetic developmental program.This project will significantly advance the current state of the art in engineering living systems with artificial behaviors. This has broad applications in science, medicine, and biotechnology such as tissue engineering or mixed-species fermentation.