Transmission of a signal that synchronizes cell movements in swarms of Myxococcus xanthus.

We offer evidence for a signal that synchronizes the behavior of hundreds of Myxococcus xanthus cells in a growing swarm. Swarms are driven to expand by the periodic reversing of direction by members. By using time-lapse photomicroscopy, two organized multicellular elements of the swarm were analyzed: single-layered, rectangular rafts and round, multilayered mounds.

The optical trapping dumbbell assay for nonprocessive motors or motors that turn around filaments.

In vitro motility assays enabled the analysis of coupling between ATP hydrolysis and movement of myosin along actin filaments or kinesin along microtubules. Single-molecule assays using laser trapping have been used to obtain more detailed information about kinesins, myosins, and processive DNA enzymes. The combination of in vitro motility assays with laser-trap measurements has revealed detailed dynamic structural changes associated with the ATPase cycle.

Attachment of anti-GFP antibodies to microspheres for optical trapping experiments.

In vitro motility assays enabled the analysis of coupling between ATP hydrolysis and movement of myosin along actin filaments or kinesin along microtubules. Single-molecule assays using laser trapping have been used to obtain more detailed information about kinesins, myosins, and processive DNA enzymes. The combination of in vitro motility assays with laser-trap measurements has revealed detailed dynamic structural changes associated with the ATPase cycle.

Optical traps to study properties of molecular motors.

In vitro motility assays enabled the analysis of coupling between ATP hydrolysis and movement of myosin along actin filaments or kinesin along microtubules. Single-molecule assays using laser trapping have been used to obtain more detailed information about kinesins, myosins, and processive DNA enzymes. The combination of in vitro motility assays with laser-trap measurements has revealed detailed dynamic structural changes associated with the ATPase cycle.

Myxococcus xanthus swarms are driven by growth and regulated by a pacemaker.

The principal social activity of Myxococcus xanthus is to organize a dynamic multicellular structure, known as a swarm. Although its cell density is high, the swarm can grow and expand rapidly. Within the swarm, the individual rod-shaped cells are constantly moving, transiently interacting with one another, and independently reversing their gliding direction.