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Stochastic pulsing of gene expression enables the generation of spatial patterns in Bacillus subtilis biofilms

Author

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  • Eugene Nadezhdin

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Niall Murphy

    (University of Cambridge
    Microsoft Research)

  • Neil Dalchau

    (Microsoft Research)

  • Andrew Phillips

    (Microsoft Research)

  • James C. W. Locke

    (University of Cambridge
    Microsoft Research
    University of Cambridge)

Abstract

Stochastic pulsing of gene expression can generate phenotypic diversity in a genetically identical population of cells, but it is unclear whether it has a role in the development of multicellular systems. Here, we show how stochastic pulsing of gene expression enables spatial patterns to form in a model multicellular system, Bacillus subtilis bacterial biofilms. We use quantitative microscopy and time-lapse imaging to observe pulses in the activity of the general stress response sigma factor σB in individual cells during biofilm development. Both σB and sporulation activity increase in a gradient, peaking at the top of the biofilm, even though σB represses sporulation. As predicted by a simple mathematical model, increasing σB expression shifts the peak of sporulation to the middle of the biofilm. Our results demonstrate how stochastic pulsing of gene expression can play a key role in pattern formation during biofilm development.

Suggested Citation

  • Eugene Nadezhdin & Niall Murphy & Neil Dalchau & Andrew Phillips & James C. W. Locke, 2020. "Stochastic pulsing of gene expression enables the generation of spatial patterns in Bacillus subtilis biofilms," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-14431-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14431-9
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