# Quorum sensing regulation of bacterial development

> **NIH NIH R35** · TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $70,059

## 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 biochemical,
biophysical, molecular biology, and physiological assays to dissect the LuxR mechanisms of
regulation in multiple Vibrio species. These experiments are the foundational components of my
research program. We routinely perform assays that require a standard refrigerated superspeed
centrifuge: DNA isolation, cell washing, competent cell preparations, protein purification, and
protein concentration.
 I am requesting funds to purchase a Sorvall Lynx 6000 superspeed refrigerated
centrifuge and rotors. Purchase of the Sorvall Lynx will expand my lab’s repertoire of assays,
increase our productivity, replace old and failing equipment, and eliminate costs for repairs of
our current under-performing tabletop centrifuge. We will improve our current biochemical
assays with increased throughput by expanding our ability to pellet cells in larger volumes and
at higher speeds. A new, reliable centrifuge with larger capacity will ensure that our lab can
continue its high level of productivity without the frequent repairs and down-time of our existing
centrifuge.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11035281
- **Project number:** 3R35GM124698-08S1
- **Recipient organization:** TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Julia C. van Kessel
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $70,059
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2017-09-18 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11035281

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11035281, Quorum sensing regulation of bacterial development (3R35GM124698-08S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11035281. Licensed CC0.

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