Intra- and Inter-Species Communication in the Marine Environment

Abstract

Abstract : The long-term goal of this research is to explore the molecular mechanisms that marine bacteria use for intra-species and inter-species cell-cell communication. To do this we will investigate the functions controlled by the two quorum sensing signalling pathways of the model luminous bacterium Vibrio harveyi. We have shown that V. harveyi uses Signalling System 1 for intra-species communication and Signalling System 2 for inter-species cell-cell communication. We will identify target genes that are regulated exclusively by System I and System 2, and those target genes that are jointly controlled by both Systems. Our analysis of this regulatory network will lead to a molecular understanding of how bacteria integrate, process and transduce sensory information to control gene expression in response to inter-cellular communication.