Functional characterization of pilus and secretion system biogenesis in Vibrio parahaemolyticus

副溶血性弧菌（Vp）是一种常见于海洋河口环境的嗜盐细菌。Vp附着在多种贝类上，特别是牡蛎和螃蟹，因此，当食用未煮熟或生的海鲜时，Vp污染的贝类对人类健康构成重大威胁。因此，需要了解Vp如何附着在贝类上以及Vp在感染过程中如何分泌毒素。Vp通过菌毛结合并附着在贝类上，菌毛被最好地描述为在细菌表面发现的细毛状延伸物。菌毛形成网状结构，通常允许细菌聚集，然后结合到海洋环境中的几丁质表面，如牡蛎和龙虾壳。一旦结合成团，副溶血性弧菌就会形成生物膜，这是细菌细胞的密集群落，在表面形成粘稠的覆盖物。我们的研究计划描述了实验目标，以调查和探索Vp如何在几丁质表面产生生物膜。我们计划用现代和创新的方法来解决影响海洋环境的关键问题。我们的研究也将有助于海产品安全倡议，并将使水产养殖业受益。理想情况下，更好地了解细菌生物膜将有助于水产养殖业采取操作措施，限制受弧菌污染的海鲜产品。

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp) is a halophilic bacterium commonly found in marine estuarine environments. Vp attaches to a variety of shellfish, especially oysters and crabs, and as a result, Vp contaminated shellfish poses a significant threat to human health when poorly cooked or raw seafood is consumed. For this reason, advanced knowledge of how Vp adheres to shellfish and how Vp secretes toxins during infection is required.Vp binds and adheres to shellfish using pili, which are best described as thin hair-like extensions found on the surface of the bacteria. Pili form a mesh work, often allowing the bacteria to clump and then bind to chitin surfaces in the marine environment such as oyster and lobster shells. Once bound in clumps, Vp bacteria form biofilms which are dense communities of bacterial cells that form a slimy covering on surfaces.Our research program describes experimental objectives to investigate and explore how Vp generates biofilms on chitin surfaces. We plan to use modern and innovative approaches to address key questions that will impact on the marine environment. Our research will also contribute to seafood safety initiatives and will benefit the aquaculture industry. Ideally a better understanding of bacterial biofilms will aid the aquaculture industry in operational measures to limit Vibrio contaminated seafood products.