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How mathematical modelling elucidates signalling in Bacillus subtilis
Author(s) -
Liebal Ulf W.,
Millat Thomas,
De Jong Imke G.,
Kuipers Oscar P.,
Völker Uwe,
Wolkenhauer Olaf
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2010.07283.x
Subject(s) - biology , bacillus subtilis , signalling , chemotaxis , computational biology , signalling pathways , competence (human resources) , operon , systems biology , signal transduction , biochemical engineering , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , bacteria , gene , engineering , mutant , psychology , social psychology , receptor
Summary Appropriate stimulus perception, signal processing and transduction ensure optimal adaptation of bacteria to environmental challenges. In the Gram‐positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis signalling networks and molecular interactions therein are well‐studied, making this species a suitable candidate for the application of mathematical modelling. Here, we review systems biology approaches, focusing on chemotaxis, sporulation, σ B ‐dependent general stress response and competence. Processes like chemotaxis and Z‐ring assembly depend critically on the subcellular localization of proteins. Environmental response strategies, including sporulation and competence, are characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity in isogenic cultures. The examples of mathematical modelling also include investigations that have demonstrated how operon structure and signalling dynamics are intricately interwoven to establish optimal responses. Our review illustrates that these interdisciplinary approaches offer new insights into the response of B. subtilis to environmental challenges. These case studies reveal modelling as a tool to increase the understanding of complex systems, to help formulating hypotheses and to guide the design of more directed experiments that test predictions.