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University of Hawaii
Bacteria living symbiotically within the Hawaiian bobtail squid can direct the host squid to change its normal gene expression schedule to create a more inviting home, according to a study published in PLoS Biology by researchers at the University of Hawaii at the Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST).
Almost every organism and environment hosts a collection of symbiotic microbes, a microbiome, which are an integral component of ecological and human health. In bacteria, small RNA (sRNA) is a key element affecting gene expression in microscopic organisms, however, there has been little evidence that beneficial bacteria use these molecules to communicate with their animal hosts.
In the new study, lead author Silvia Moriano-Gutierrez, postdoctoral fellow at the Pacific Biosciences Research Center at SOEST, and co-authors, found a specific bacterial sRNA that is typically responsible for quality control of protein production in the bacterium plays an essential role in the symbiosis between Vibrio fischeri and the squid.
Communicate a vital message
The Hawaiian squid recruits V. fischeri to inhabit the squid’s luminous organ, as these bacteria are luminescent and camouflage the squid during its night hunt.
Through RNA sequencing, scientists found in squid blood sRNA sequences that were produced by bacteria inhabiting the light organ and found a high concentration of a specific sRNA within the host cells that coat the crypts where bacteria live.
“The presence of this particular sRNA results in ‘calming’ the squid’s immune reaction, which will increase the ability for bacteria to persistently colonize host tissue and deliver their beneficial effects,” Moriano-Gutierrez said. “This work reveals the potential for a bacterial symbiont’s sRNAs to not only control its own activities, but also to trigger critical responses that foster a peaceful partnership with its host.”
The researchers, including co-author and UH Mānoa graduate student Leo Wu, determined that the bacteria load sRNA into their outer membrane vesicles, which are transported to the cells surrounding the symbiont population in the light organ, reducing activities squid antimicrobials right on the right side. Position.
For more information, see the SOEST website.
– From Marcie Grabowski
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