Predataxis behavior inMyxococcus xanthus

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Abstract
Spatial organization of cells is important for both multicellular development and tactic responses to a changing environment. We find that the social bacterium,Myxococcus xanthusutilizes a chemotaxis (Che)-like pathway to regulate multicellular rippling during predation of other microbial species. Tracking of GFP-labeled cells indicates directed movement ofM. xanthuscells during the formation of rippling wave structures. Quantitative analysis of rippling indicates that ripple wavelength is adaptable and dependent on prey cell availability. Methylation of the receptor, FrzCD is required for this adaptation: afrzFmethyltransferase mutant is unable to construct ripples, whereas afrzGmethylesterase mutant forms numerous, tightly packed ripples. Both thefrzFandfrzGmutant strains are defective in directing cell movement through prey colonies. These data indicate that the transition to an organized multicellular state during predation inM. xanthusrelies on the tactic behavior of individual cells, mediated by a Che-like signal transduction pathway.

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