Our laboratory studies the genes needed to establish an interaction between two fascinating and beautiful organisms: the small Hawaiian squid Euprymna scolopes and its luminescent symbiont, the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri.
   V. fischeri is the only bacterium that can colonize juvenile E. scolopes. The association of these two organisms triggers developmental changes in both partners, leading to the establishment of a dense and essentially pure culture of bacteria within the squid's special light organ. While foraging in the shallow waters of Hawaiian bays, these nocturnal squid direct the light downward, apparently using it to mimic moonlight and avoid casting a shadow that might be detected by predators.

     We are interested in determining the genetic and molecular requirements for this intimate, specific, symbiotic association. As we learn more about this intriguing system, we hope that our results will also shed light on interactions between animals and their normal flora. The squid-Vibrio symbiosis model may also provide insight into the "dark side" of symbiosis: pathogenesis.