The objective of this research is to investigate the molecular mechanisms bacteria use to specifically interact with eukaryotic hosts. By taking advantage of the natural symbiosis between the Hawaiian squid Euprymna scolopes and its bacterial symbiont Vibrio fischeri, the proposed experiments will explore the role of bacterial motility during host colonization by a beneficial microbe. This natural host-bacteria system is amenable to modern genetic tools and in vivo analysis with confocal fluorescence microscopy.
The specific aims of this research application are: 1) to characterize each type of flagellin during initial colonization of the squid light organ;and, 2) to identify the bacterial determinants, including those involved in motility, that govern the long-term persistence of V. fischeri in E. scolopes. In addition to elucidating the role of bacterial motility in colonization and persistence, the results of the proposed experiments will shed light on the link between motility and the expression of virulence genes found in many pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, insight into the interactions between eukaryotic hosts and their natural symbiotic microbes will help us understand the impact that microbes have on our own health.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM084620-02
Application #
7642300
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F13-P (20))
Program Officer
Gindhart, Joseph G
Project Start
2008-06-01
Project End
2011-05-31
Budget Start
2009-06-01
Budget End
2010-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$47,210
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Cao, Xiaodan; Studer, Sarah V; Wassarman, Karen et al. (2012) The novel sigma factor-like regulator RpoQ controls luminescence, chitinase activity, and motility in Vibrio fischeri. MBio 3:
Miyashiro, Tim; Klein, Will; Oehlert, Dane et al. (2011) The N-acetyl-D-glucosamine repressor NagC of Vibrio fischeri facilitates colonization of Euprymna scolopes. Mol Microbiol 82:894-903
Miyashiro, Tim; Wollenberg, Michael S; Cao, Xiaodan et al. (2010) A single qrr gene is necessary and sufficient for LuxO-mediated regulation in Vibrio fischeri. Mol Microbiol 77:1556-67