Identification of novel microbial signaling compounds using original screening techniques

In recent years it has become increasingly evident that microbes should not be regarded as single cells living a solitary existence but rather should be considered as multicellular and socially interacting communities. For this purpose, cells synthesize and secrete small organic molecules that effectively influence the physiology of adjacent cells. To understand the physiology of the multicellular lifestyle it is essential to know the nature of these molecules and the signaling pathways in which they participate. This is particularly interesting because some of these molecules may have potential as therapeutically active agents, ideally leading to the development of novel antibiotics to treat recalcitrant infections. My current work is focused on the development of novel screening techniques that will allow us to identify these molecules, as a first step to pursuing a deeper understanding of bacterial communication.