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

在以前的NSF项目（OCE 0084265）中，研究人员发现了一种独特的（d）嗜盐（H）蛭弧菌科（Bd）基因型，似乎是切萨皮克湾河口所独有的。这是第一次报道一个似乎仅限于特定生态系统的独特的Bd种群。虽然在海湾中发现了一些海洋分离株，但似乎独特的海湾基因型是一种适应河口环境的独特菌株。 目前的项目将通过解决以下问题对这一发现进行后续研究：1）从切萨皮克湾发现的独特基因型是该水体独有的，还是大西洋沿岸沿着其他河口共有的; 2）海湾基因型主要发生在海湾本身还是海湾更小更受保护的子河口; 3）切萨皮克湾及其次级河口和其他河口中的细菌是否选择独特的Bd基因型; 4）使用非培养方法能否在该湾中检测到其他不同的Bd基因型？ 研究人员将通过进行空间和时间采样程序来解决这些问题，检查Bd对细菌的捕食模式，并使用分子方法来检查Bd形式的基因型。 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。在该项目的三年期间，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，半数以上的人将属于代表性不足的群体。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测序、克隆、使用聚合酶链反应进行扩增和使用真实的时间聚合酶链反应进行定量，并将为参与的学生和教师提供现代微生物技术方面的宝贵培训。 这些活动将暴露并鼓励更多人从事科学事业，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.