New rfp- and pES213-derived tools for analyzing symbiotic Vibrio fischeri reveal patterns of infection and lux expression in situ.

ABSTRACT: Genetically altered or tagged Vibrio fischeri strains can be observed in association with their mutualistic host Euprymna scolopes, providing powerful experimental approaches for studying this symbiosis. Two limitations to such in situ analyses are the lack of suitably stable plasmids and the need for a fluorescent tag that can be used in tandem with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Vectors previously used in V. fischeri contain the p15A replication origin; however, we found that this replicon is not stable during growth in the host and is retained by fewer than 20% of symbionts within a day after infection. In contrast, derivatives of V. fischeri plasmid pES213 were retained by approximately 99% of symbionts even 3 days after infection. We therefore constructed pES213-derived shuttle vect

SUBMITTER: Dunn AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1352280 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature