Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Microbial Biology for FY-2000

Whistler, Cheryl A, Corvallis OR

Investigators

Abstract

This action funds an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Microbial Biology for 2000. The research and training plan is in the area of Animal Developmental Mechanisms and is entitled "The role of the GacA/S Sensory System of the Marine Bacterium Vibrio fischeri During Symbiotic Association of the Bacterium with its Animal Host, the Hawaiian Bobtail Squid". This research explores how the symbiotic bacterium, V. fischeri, regulates association with its squid host, Euprymna scolopes. A sensory system, GacA/S which is involved in the virulence of pathogens, is experimentally mutated and the resulting symbiotic traits of the bacterium are assessed. The mutant bacterium is evaluated for its ability to associate with and influence normal development of the squid.