# Quorum sensing regulation of bacterial development

> **NIH NIH R35** · TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $36,250

## Abstract

Project summary
 Quorum sensing is a method of cell-cell communication used by bacteria to detect and
respond to changes in population density and control behaviors that benefit the group for
adaption and survival in their environment (e.g., symbiosis and pathogenesis). My research
program is focused on how bacteria use quorum sensing signaling to control expression of
virulence genes. Toward this goal, we study quorum sensing gene regulation in Vibrio species,
both as relevant pathogens and as established quorum sensing model systems. We focus on
the master Vibrio quorum sensing transcription factor LuxR, which is conserved in all Vibrio
species and is the core regulator of hundreds of genes. My research group uses microbial
genetics to dissect the LuxR regulatory networks of Vibrio species that influence gene
expression for virulence. My lab has established phenotypic experiments for each of these
pathways, including type III secretion, protease production, biofilm formation, bioluminescence,
osmotic stress response, and natural transformation. These experiments are the foundational
components of my research program.
 I am requesting funds to purchase a BioTek Synergy H1 Hybrid Multi-Mode
Monochromator Fluorescence Microplate Reader. This microplate reader measures
absorbance, fluorescence, and bioluminescence with tunable precision across a wide range of
wavelengths with both adjustable temperature incubation and shaking parameters. We routinely
perform assays for growth, bioluminescence production, fluorescence and lacZ reporters for
measuring gene expression, phenotypic assays, enzyme kinetics, and quantitation
measurements of nucleic acids and proteins. For each of these assays, we heavily rely on the
high-throughput nature of the microplate reader to conduct experiments in 96-well or 384-well
plates with readings at frequent intervals for 24 hours. We are currently using a BioTek
Cytation3 that is used constantly by my lab and three other neighboring labs. The 24-hour
growth/bioluminescence assays that we perform are severely limiting our time to perform
additional assays. The purchase of the Synergy H1 microplate reader will enable my lab to
increase experimental output and dedicate this plate reader solely to our lab and prioritize to 24-
hour growth/fluorescence assays.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10382753
- **Project number:** 3R35GM124698-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Julia C. van Kessel
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $36,250
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2017-09-18 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10382753

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10382753, Quorum sensing regulation of bacterial development (3R35GM124698-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10382753. Licensed CC0.

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