arXiv subjects

Berenike Maier

Publications and source records attributed to Berenike Maier.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Non-equilibrium dynamics of bacterial colonies -- growth, active fluctuations, segregation, adhesion, and invasion

Colonies of bacteria endowed with a pili-based self-propulsion machinery are ideal models for investigating the structure and dynamics of active many-particle systems. We study Neisseria gonorrhoeae colonies with a molecular-dynamics-based approach. A generic, adaptable simulation method for particle systems with fluctuating bond-like interactions is devised. The simulations are employed to investigate growth of bacterial colonies and the dependence of the colony structure on cell-cell interactions. In colonies, pilus retraction enhances local ordering. For colonies consisting of different types of cells, the simulations show a segregation depending on the pili-mediated interactions among different cells. These results agree with experimental observations. Next, we quantify the power-spectral density of colony-shape fluctuations in silico. Simulations predict a strong violation of the equilibrium fluctuation-response relation. Furthermore, we show that active force generation enables colonies to spread on surfaces and to invade narrow channels. The methodology can serve as a foundation for future studies of active many-particle systems at boundaries with complex shape.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2020

Adaptive evolution of hybrid bacteria by horizontal gene transfer

Horizontal gene transfer is an important factor in bacterial evolution that can act across species boundaries. Yet, we know little about rate and genomic targets of cross-lineage gene transfer, and about its effects on the recipient organism's physiology and fitness. Here, we address these questions in a parallel evolution experiment with two Bacillus subtilis lineages of 7% sequence divergence. We observe rapid evolution of hybrid organisms: gene transfer swaps ~12% of the core genome in just 200 generations, and 60% of core genes are replaced in at least one population. By genomics, transcriptomics, fitness assays, and statistical modeling, we show that transfer generates adaptive evolution and functional alterations in hybrids. Specifically, our experiments reveal a strong, repeatable fitness increase of evolved populations in the stationary growth phase. By genomic analysis of the transfer statistics across replicate populations, we infer that selection on HGT has a broad genetic basis: 40% of the observed transfers are adaptive. At the level of functional gene networks, we find signatures of negative and positive selection, consistent with hybrid incompatibilities and adaptive evolution of network functions. Our results suggest that gene transfer navigates a complex cross-lineage fitness landscape, bridging epistatic barriers along multiple high-fitness paths.

q-bio.PE↗

arXiv2019

Molecular motors govern liquid-like ordering and fusion dynamics of bacterial colonies

Bacteria can adjust the structure of colonies and biofilms to enhance their survival rate under external stress. Here, we explore the link between bacterial interaction forces and colony structure. We show that the activity of extracellular pilus motors enhances local ordering and accelerates fusion dynamics of bacterial colonies. The radial distribution function of mature colonies shows local fluid-like order. The degree and dynamics of ordering are dependent on motor activity. At a larger scale, the fusion dynamics of two colonies shows liquid-like behavior whereby motor activity strongly affects tension and viscosity.

cond-mat.soft↗