Vibrio fischeri
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Vibrio fischeri
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Vibrionales; Vibrionaceae; Vibrio; Vibrio fischeri
Species
Vibrio fischeri
Description and significance
Vibrio fischeri, a species of bioluminescent bacterium, is frequently found in symbiotic relationships with marine animals like the bobtail squid.
Genome structure
The genome of Vibrio fischeri strain ES114 consists of 4,284,050 bp. Approximately 61.6% of the genome is AT rich and its coding density is 86.2% (1129 bp/gene). It contains two chromosomes both of which are circular. Chromosome 1 is 2,906,179 bp and chromosome 2 is 1,332,022 bp. This strain of bacteria is characterized by a 45.8 kbp plasmid (cir) called pES100. The pES100 plasmid encodes a putative type IV secretion system. The carriage of a plasmid that is similar to the pES100 plasmid is common among symbiotic strains of Vibrio fischeri, but is not required for host association.
Cell structure and metabolism
Vibrio fischeri is a gram negative bacteria composed of a cell wall that consists of an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, a periplasmic space with a peptidoglycan layer, and an inner, cytoplasmic membrane.
Ecology
Luminescent bacteria are found in free-living, symbiotic, saprophytic or parasitic relationships. The symbiotic relationship between the squid and Vibrio fischeri provides an example of specific cooperativity during the development and growth of both organisms. For instance, once the squid becomes infected with Vibrio fischeri, maturation of the light organs begin. Vibrio fischeri are helpful to the squid, a nocturnal forager, by erasing the shadow that would normally be seen as the moon's rays strike the squid, protecting the squid from its predators. The squid, in turn, provide the bacteria with shelter and a stable source of nutrients.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?
Current Research
Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required
References
Hallin PF, Ussery DW (2004). "CBS Genome Atlas Database: A dynamic storage for bioinformatic results and sequence data." Bioinformatics. 2004 Dec 12;20(18):3682-6. Epub 2004 Jul 15.
Ruby, E.G., Urbanowski, M., Campbell, J., Dunn, A., Faini, M., Gunsalus, R., Lostroh, P., Lupp, C., McCann, J., Millikan, D., chaefer, A., Stabb, E., Stevens, A., Visick, K., Whistler, C., and Greenberg, E.P. "Complete genome sequence of Vibrio fischeri: A symbiotic bacterium with pathogenic congeners." Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. In press (2005), published online 9 February 2005.
Stevens AM, Greenberg EP. “Quorum sensing in Vibrio fischeri: essential elements for activation of the luminescence genes.” J Bacteriol. 1997 Jan;179(2):557-62.
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen
