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Shedding light on bioluminescence regulation in Vibrio fischeri
Author(s) -
Miyashiro Tim,
Ruby Edward G.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2012.08065.x
Subject(s) - bioluminescence , biology , vibrio , quorum sensing , population , microbiology and biotechnology , bacteria , genetics , ecology , biofilm , demography , sociology
Summary The bioluminescence emitted by the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri is a particularly striking result of individual microbial cells co‐ordinating a group behaviour. The genes responsible for light production are principally regulated by the LuxR–LuxI quorum‐sensing system. In addition to LuxR–LuxI, numerous other genetic elements and environmental conditions control bioluminescence production. Efforts to mathematically model the LuxR–LuxI system are providing insight into the dynamics of this autoinduction behaviour. The Hawaiian squid Euprymna scolopes forms a natural symbiosis with V. fischeri , and utilizes the symbiont‐derived bioluminescence for certain nocturnal behaviours, such as counterillumination. Recent work suggests that the tissue with which V. fischeri associates not only can detect bioluminescence but may also use this light to monitor the V. fischeri population.