# Heterogeneity in bacterial quorum sensing during infection

> **NIH NIH R01** · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE · 2022 · $70,588

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Animals harbor bacterial symbionts that express specific traits that promote host fitness. How hosts select
for bacteria with those traits remains poorly understood. A particularly useful model system to examine host-
microbe symbioses is the symbiosis established between the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes and
the bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri. The host harbors population of V. fischeri within a specialized
light organ. In exchange for bioluminescence, the host provides the bacterial symbionts with nutrients that
promote their growth. The overall goal of this proposal is to increase understanding of how squid select for
bioluminescent symbionts. Previous work has shown that mutants that lack the light-producing enzyme
luciferase are able to colonize the light organ but become attenuated. Research efforts with mutants that lack
key factors that enable resistance to oxidative stress will be examined in colonization experiments. A screen to
identify systems of nutrient import that is linked to the generation of oxidative stress will also be performed.
Together, these results will determine the physiological changes that affect nonluminous strains, which will
increase understanding of how hosts select for functional symbionts. The candidate will receive training in
microbiology research and opportunities for professional development, which will prepare the candidate for a
career in microbiology research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10625753
- **Project number:** 3R01GM129133-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE
- **Principal Investigator:** Timothy Miyashiro
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $70,588
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2018-08-01 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10625753

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10625753, Heterogeneity in bacterial quorum sensing during infection (3R01GM129133-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10625753. Licensed CC0.

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