Research

In nature, bacteria typically live in complex communities of multiple species. Within these communities individual bacteria exert their influence through an array of chemical signals, creating interactions of cooperative or competitive nature. The survival of each species within its ecosystem depends on an aggressive “chemical warfare”, efficient utilization of resources and accurate signaling systems for communicating within and between species. Our research objectives are to elucidate the cellular strategies whereby microbial communities react to various environmental signals produced by their neighbors. Elucidation and characterization of these interactions could reveal valuable information regarding growth-inducing and inhibiting signals, and provide tools for efficient utilization of beneficial microorganisms as well as for the eradication of harmful ones.