Project description:Bacterial strains within a species can differ in traits that shape host–microbe interactions. Using the squid–vibrio symbiosis, we examined how strain-level variation influences host responses. Strains from squid and fish light organs were compared for their effects on Euprymna scolopes gene expression and development. Non-native strains showed reduced colonization success and delayed host phenotypes. Transcriptomic responses were most similar with native isolates and most divergent with a fish-derived strain. These findings demonstrate that fine-scale strain differences shape host compatibility and underscore the importance of strain-level diversity in the establishment of beneficial symbioses.
Project description:We used RNAseq to quantify trascript expression from three populations of Conyza sumatrensis before and 5 hours after treatment with 2,4-D. This study investigates different responses between a 2,4-D resistant biotype compared to a 2,4-D sensitive biotype.
Project description:We used the bioluminescent squid symbiont, Vibrio fischeri, to identify essential regulatory factors that control expression and function of a strain-specific T6SS encoded within a genomic island. Random transposon mutagenesis revealed that three genes located on the T6SS2-encoding genomic island are necessary to activate expression of a T6SS reporter. We used a proteomics approach to identify proteins that were differentially abundant in mutant strains compared to the wild type when cells were grown in a high-viscosity media.
