Phenotypic heterogeneity of microbial populations under nutrient limitation

Ana Gasperotti; Sophie Brameyer; Florian Fabiani; Kirsten Jung

doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2019.09.016

Phenotypic heterogeneity of microbial populations under nutrient limitation

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2020 Apr:62:160-167. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.09.016. Epub 2019 Nov 5.

Authors

Ana Gasperotti¹, Sophie Brameyer¹, Florian Fabiani¹, Kirsten Jung²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Microbiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
² Department of Microbiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Martinsried, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 31698311
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2019.09.016

Abstract

Phenotypic heterogeneity is a phenomenon in which genetically identical individuals have different characteristics. This behavior can also be found in bacteria, even if they grow as monospecies in well-mixed environments such as bioreactors. Here it is discussed how phenotypic heterogeneity is generated by internal factors and how it is promoted under nutrient-limited growth conditions. A better understanding of the molecular levels that control phenotypic heterogeneity could improve biotechnological production processes.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Bacteria* / genetics
Bioreactors*
Biotechnology
Humans
Nutrients
Phenotype