# Signaling networks linking bacterial chemotaxis and the general stress response

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Tennessee Knoxville (TN) · $969,275

## Abstract

Designing synthetic, beneficial microbes and microbial communities to inoculate into soil, and manipulation of the microbes around plant roots (the rhizosphere microbiome) to promote plant growth and productivity are current strategies to ensure food security with sustainable agricultural practices. These strategies rely on understanding how bacteria sense and respond to plant hosts. Bacterial signaling networks detect signals, process information, and drive behaviors like movement toward plant roots.  These networks allow the bacteria to monitor and adapt to their surroundings with responses such as colonizing a plant surface, exerting beneficial effects on a colonized host plant, or implementing stress responses if conditions worsen. These systems tend to be studied in isolation, a practice needed to understand basic function, but this approach limits the development of effective predictive models and can lead to unexpected challenges for improving bacterial performance in biotechnological applications. This project will investigate a strategy by which beneficial soil bacteria integrate sensing and responses from distinct signaling networks to mediate colonization of plant roots and exert beneficial effects on plant growth. The project will evaluate the implications of its findings for biotechnology by consulting with industry partners. The project will also contribute to workforce development by engaging and training college students and junior scientists in research relevant to biotechnological applications. 

This project will elucidate molecular mechanisms linking bacterial chemotaxis signaling, flagellum structure and function and general stress responses in a beneficial soil bacterium, Azospirillum brasilense, used as a commercial bio-inoculant. The project will define the general stress response signaling network in this model soil bacterium, elucidate how the general stress response network alters the structure-function of the bacterium’s polar flagellum

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2537644
- **Awardee organization:** University of Tennessee Knoxville (TN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FN2YCS2YAUW3
- **PI:** Gladys M Alexandre
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Biotechnology, REU SUPP-Res Exp for Ugrd Supp
- **Estimated total:** $969,275
- **Funds obligated:** $969,275
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2026 → 05/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2537644

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2537644, Signaling networks linking bacterial chemotaxis and the general stress response. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2537644. Licensed CC0.

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