Stress response and Bioeffectivity
Bacteria are characterised by a high degree of adaptability and flexibility, which guarantees them a high degree of persistence and survival in very different natural and technical environments. Anthropogenically induced stress conditions such as nutrient deprivation, exposure to stressors such as antibiotics, biocides and other pharmaceuticals, therefore lead to a general or specific adaptation to the new conditions.
Crucial for these changes are different mechanisms in the regulatory network through signal transduction. Extracellular stimuli trigger a sequence of specific mechanisms and thereby have a direct influence on the metabolism, gene expression and phenotypic characteristics of the bacteria. The degree of impact that the individual substances have on the bacteria is also summarised under the term bioeffectiveness.
Stress responses of bacteria in eukaryotic systems (e.g. in the intestinal microbiome) caused by environmental chemicals can have direct or indirect effects on the vitality and health of the host organism. To this end, the department also specifically investigates the gene expression of intestinal bacteria.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Schwartz
Microbiology / Molecularbiology
phone:+49721608-26802
E-mail: thomas schwartz ∂ kit edu