Quantify internal communication during extension

Quantify the extent of internal cell-to-cell communication mediated by diffusible molecules within the inner cavity during the multicellular extension phase of Escherichia coli self-organization, and characterize its temporal dynamics across the eight generations from 4 to ~1,000 cells.

Background

E. coli rosette formation creates an inner cavity that is maintained during extension by fimbriae and curli, potentially enabling internal signaling via diffusion. While the geometry supports communication, the degree to which such signaling actually occurs during chain extension is unknown, motivating quantitative and temporal analyses of signaling within the cavity.