Project C07

Complex Ecological Phenomena Arising from Enzymatic Modification of Chemical Effectors

Identification of common patterns across different microbial communities can lead to powerful fundamental insights. Enzymatic modification of chemical effectors is a common theme among several ChemBioSys projects. Complex temporal and spatial dynamics may be observed in such interactions, especially when more than two partners are involved.

Project C07 involves a collaboration between the Allen and Schuster groups to use theoretical modelling and population dynamics experiments to look for common features that emerge when a secreted enzyme modifies a chemical effector. The ecological outcome is determined by the dynamics of the effector. Using deterministic and stochastic mathematical models, we investigate what factors affect this outcome. We will also consider more complex scenarios, including the case where the enzyme is inhibited by another effector, originating either from the same organism as the one secreting the effector (counter-counter defence) or from a third organism, and the case where a mixture of slightly different effectors are produced, some of which might inhibit the enzyme. Our model predictions will be tested experimentally, tracking population sizes and chemical concentrations in time for example systems, in collaboration with ChemBioSys partners. By seeking common insights across different complex microbial communities we hope to capitalize on, and contribute to, the joint approach embodied by ChemBioSys.