Analyzing Transcriptomes in Myxococcus xanthus During Predation on Diverse Prey

Myxococcus xanthus, a gram-negative predatory bacterium commonly found in soil, showcases a versatile predation capability targeting a spectrum of microorganisms, encompassing diverse bacterial and fungal species. Its crucial role as a predator plays a significant part in maintaining soil diversity within the ecosystem. This study aims to unravel the mechanisms by which Myxococcus xanthus eliminates various prey. To achieve this, we sequenced the transcriptome of Myxococcus xanthus during interactions with distinct prey, specifically Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Caulobacter crescentus.In addition, we launched a carefully designed evolutionary experiment aimed at enhancing predatory capabilities in the Myxococcus DZ2 laboratory strain. This focused endeavor led to the emergence of a hyper-predatory strain, designated M1 (C20E9), as well as an intermediate strain named C10E9. To gain a deeper understanding of the underlying molecular changes, we sequenced the transcriptomes of both evolved strains and compared them with the ancestral WT strain.