Collective Space-Sensing Coordinates Pattern Scaling in Engineered Bacteria.

ABSTRACT: Scale invariance refers to the maintenance of a constant ratio of developing organ size to body size. Although common, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we examined scaling in engineered Escherichia coli that can form self-organized core-ring patterns in colonies. We found that the ring width exhibits perfect scale invariance to the colony size. Our analysis revealed a collective space-sensing mechanism, which entails sequential actions of an integral feedback loop and an incoherent feedforward loop. The integral feedback is implemented by the accumulation of a diffusive chemical produced by a colony. This accumulation, combined with nutrient consumption, sets the timing for ring initiation. The incoherent feedforward is implemented by the opposing effects of the do

SUBMITTER: Cao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4841918 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature