Ecology of a Distinct Bdellovibrio Genotype in the Chesapeake Bay and other estuaries

在先前的美国国家科学基金会项目(OCE 0084265)中，研究人员发现了一种独特的(D)嗜盐(H)蜈蚣弧菌科(Bd)基因，似乎是切萨皮克湾河口所独有的。这是首次报告了一种似乎局限于特定生态系统的独特的Bd种群。虽然在海湾发现了一些海洋分离株，但似乎独特的海湾基因型是一种独特的菌株，已经适应了河口环境。目前的项目将通过解决以下问题作为这一发现的后续行动：1)从切萨皮克湾恢复的独特基因型是该机构独有的，还是大西洋沿岸其他河口普遍存在的；2)海湾基因型主要出现在海湾本身还是更小、更受保护的海湾次河口；3)切萨皮克湾及其子河口和其他河口的细菌是否选择独特的Bd基因型；4)是否可以使用非培养方法在海湾检测到其他不同的Bd基因型？研究人员将通过实施空间和时间采样计划，检查Bd对细菌的捕食模式，并使用分子方法检查Bd类型的基因，来解决这些问题。这项活动的更广泛影响是，它将把研究纳入教育，特别是将寻求扩大代表性不足群体的参与。在该项目的三年时间里，调查人员预计将培训不少于15名学生和教师。根据以往的经验，一半以上将是任职人数不足的群体的成员。该研究项目将涉及使用基本微生物学和最先进的分子技术进行测序、克隆、使用聚合酶链式反应进行扩增和使用实时聚合酶链式反应进行定量，并将为参与的学生和教师提供宝贵的现代微生物技术培训。这些活动将暴露和鼓励更多的人从事科学事业，从而有助于满足国家对训练有素的技术劳动力的需求。

In a previous NSF project (OCE 0084265) the investigators discovered a distinct (d) halophilic (H) Bdellovibrionaceae (Bd) genotype that appears to be exclusive to the Chesapeake Bay estuary. This is the first time a distinct population of Bd that appears to be restricted to a particular ecosystem has been reported. Although some ocean isolates were found in the Bay, it appears that the unique Bay genotype is a distinct strain that has adapted to the estuarine environment. The current project will follow-up on this finding by addressing the following questions: 1) are the unique genotypes recovered from the Chesapeake Bay exclusive to that body or are they common to other estuaries along the Atlantic coast; 2) do Bay genotypes occur primarily in the Bay proper or in the smaller more protected sub estuaries of the Bay; 3) do the bacteria in the Chesapeake Bay and its sub estuaries and other estuaries select for the unique Bd genotypes; 4) can other distinct genotypes of Bd be detected in the Bay using non-culture methods? The investigators will address these questions by conducting a spatial and temporal sampling program, examining predation patterns by Bd on bacteria, and using molecular methods to examine genotypes of Bd forms. The broader impacts of this activity are that it will integrate the research into education and, in particular, will seek to broaden the participation of underrepresented groups. During the three years of the project the investigators expect to train no less than 15 students and teachers. Based on previous experience more than half will be members of underrepresented groups. The research project will involve the use of basic microbiology and state of the art molecular techniques sequencing, cloning, amplification using PCR and quantification using real time PCR and will provide valuable training in modern microbial techniques to participating students and teachers. These activities will expose and encourage more individuals to pursue careers in sciences and thereby contribute to meeting the nations need for a highly trained technical workforce.