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Research Description The symbiosis between luminescent Vibrio fischeri bacteria and the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, is species-specific as other bacteria are unable to colonize the light organ of the squid. Squid hatchlings are born without their symbiotic partners and acquire V. fischeri from the environment during each host generation. The specificity of the interaction thus provides a remarkable system in which to study how the correct symbionts are acquired while inappropriate bacteria are excluded. The molecular mechanisms governing the establishment and evolution of bacterial host range are also accessible by studying a natural system that is amenable to laboratory experimentation. My interests lie in utilizing bacterial genetics and genomics to discern the processes that are acting to establish this strong and specific symbiosis de novo in each host generation. |
