Yin and Yang: Two signaling molecules control growth and behavior in bacteria

Yin and Yang: two competing signaling molecules control Caulobacter lifestyle. Pink: Swarmer cell with high ppGpp level; blue: sessile form with high c-di-GMP level. (Illustration: University of Basel, Biozentrum) - Bacteria are considered to be true experts in survival. Their rapid adaptive response to changing environmental conditions is based, among other things, on two competing signaling molecules. As the "Yin and Yang" of metabolic control they decide on the lifestyle of bacteria, as reported by researchers from the University of Basel. The new findings also play a role in the context of bacterial infections. Whether they are pathogens, deep-sea microbes or soil-dwelling organisms, in order to survive, microorganisms must be able to adapt rapidly to diverse changes in their environment, including nutrient depletion.