Differential gene expression in bacterial symbionts from loliginid squids demonstrates variation between mutualistic and environmental niches.

Luminescent bacteria (gamma-Proteobacteria: Vibrionaceae) are found in complex bilobed light organs of both sepiolid and loliginid squids (Mollusca: Cephalopoda). Despite the existence of multiple strain colonization between Vibrio bacteria and loliginid squids, specificity at the genus level still exists and may influence interactions between symbiotic and free-living stages of the symbiont. The environmentally transmitted behaviour of Vibrio symbionts bestows a certain degree of recognition that exists prior and subsequent to the colonization process. Therefore, we identified bacterial genes required for successful colonization of loliginid light organs by examining transcripts solely expressed in either the light organ or free-living stages. Selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) was used to differentiate genes expressed by the same bacterium when thriving in two different environments (i.e. loliginid light organs and seawater). Genes specific for squid light organs included vulnibactin synthetase, outer membrane protein W and dihydroxy dehydratase, which have been associated with the maintenance of bacterial host associations in other systems. In contrast, genes that were solely expressed in the free-living condition consisted of transcripts recognized as important factors for bacterial survival in the environment. These transcripts included genes for methyl accepting chemotaxis proteins, arginine decarboxylase and chitinase. These results provide valuable information regarding mechanisms determining specificity, establishment, and maintenance of bacteria-squid associations.