Mar 06, 2020

Gene regulatory factors enable bacteria to kill rivals and establish symbiosis

Two factors that control the expression of a key gene required by luminescent bacteria to kill competing bacterial cells have been identified. The finding, by researchers at Penn State, sheds light on the molecular mechanisms that enable different strains of bacteria to compete and establish symbiosis in the Hawaiian bobtail squid.

Hawaiian bobtail squid. Two genetic factors that control the expression of a key gene required by the luminescent bacteria that inhabit the squid’s light organs to kill competing bacterial cells have been identified. IMAGE: NATE FOLLMER, PENN STATE