The biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Recognition and Specificity in a Squid/Luminous Bacteria Symbiosis.
Abstract
The symbiosis between the Hawaiian sepiolid squid Euprymna scolopes and its marine luminous bacterial partner Vibrio fischeri was developed as a model system by which to study the process of recognition and specificity in the establishment of animal-bacterial associations. These early studies on this system revealed that complex, redundant systems ensure the fidelity of the relationship between these two partners. Using routine techniques of cell biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, we determined that specific receptor-ligand interactions are required during colonization, and that proteins thus far only associated with pathogenic associations are recruited into the function of modulating this cooperative symbiosis. In addition, comparative studies with different host and symbionts species, obtained from various locations around the globe, demonstrated that the squid-vibrio relationships have coevolved, and determined that the host symbiont specificity is determined during the early recognition phases of the association.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA361711
Entities
People
- Margaret Mcfall-ngai
Organizations
- University of Hawaiʻi System