Understanding how beneficial bacteria help the Hawaiian bobtail squid stay healthy
Official title: Molecular determinants of bacterial interactions and maintenance in the Vibrio fischeri-Euprymna scolopes symbiosis
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11021000 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the friendly bacteria living in the Hawaiian bobtail squid help keep it healthy, exploring how they compete with each other and communicate, with the hope of finding new ways to boost health using good bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $353,921 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152259-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021000 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the role of symbiotic bacteria in health and disease, particularly those with conditions related to bacterial imbalances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any interest in or relevance to bacterial symbiosis or those without conditions influenced by bacterial interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and the beneficial bacteria Vibrio fischeri that live in its body. It aims to uncover how these bacteria help the squid maintain its health and fitness, focusing on factors like competition among bacteria, the role of sulfur metabolism, and the evolution of communication systems in these bacteria. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to new ways of enhancing host health through beneficial bacterial manipulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing health by utilizing beneficial bacteria in various organisms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial symbiosis in various organisms, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miyashiro, Timothy — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Miyashiro, Timothy
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.