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Updated: May 17, 2026

Recording Multicellular Behavior in Myxococcus xanthus Biofilms using Time-lapse Microcinematography
Published on: August 6, 2010
Chemosensory signaling controls motility and subcellular polarity in Myxococcus xanthus
Christine Kaimer1, James E Berleman, David R Zusman
1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
Abstract:
Myxococcus xanthus is a model system for the study of dynamic protein localization and cell polarity in bacteria. M. xanthus cells are motile on solid surfaces enabled by two forms of motility. Motility is controlled by the Che-like Frz pathway, which is essential for fruiting body formation and differentiation. The Frz signal is mediated by a GTPase/GAP protein pair that establishes cell polarity and directs the motility systems. Pilus driven motility at the leading pole of the cell requires dynamic localization of two ATPases and the coordinated production of EPS synthesis. Gliding motility requires dynamic movement of large protein complexes, but the mechanism by which this system generates propulsive force is still an active area of investigation.
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