Course Description
Bacterial interactions with plants and animals, particularly mutualistic associations. Emphasis on insights yielded by modern molecular, genetic, and genomic experimental approaches.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to write a 10-12 page integrated review of primary research that is applied toward a topic of the student's choosing. Graduate students will also be expected to demonstrate a higher level of understanding as evaluated by their performance on exams, which will include problem solving and essay type questions.
Athena Title
Bacterial Symbioses
Prerequisite
MIBO 3500 or MIBO 3500E or MIBO 3000-3000L
Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite
GENE 3200-3200D or GENE 3200H or MIBO(POPH)(IDIS) 4450/6450-4450L/6450L
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be evaluated, through written exams, on their comprehension of the bacterial symbioses, experimental techniques and scientific concepts presented. Each week (usually Wed) smaller groups within the class will discuss papers from the primary literature, following a guiding series of questions regarding each paper. Students are expected to develop skills in critically reading and evaluating the primary literature.
Topical Outline
Students will be introduced to a variety of bacterial symbioses with plants and animals. Emphasis will be on mutualistic interactions; however, commensal and pathogenic interactions will be included, as will comparisons of these outcomes and the sometimes arbitrary nature of assigning such categories. Overviews of particular systems as well as overarching themes in microbial symbioses will be presented. The class will draw on examples from the primary literature to illustrate how modern molecular genetic approaches are being applied to understanding bacterial symbioses. Students will be tested both on their knowledge of the particular systems and papers described in class and on their comprehension and ability to theoretically apply the experimental approaches discussed. Introduction: Class Policies/ Overview/Historical Context Symbiotic outcomes • definitions • classification difficulties Evolution of symbiosis • natural history • endosymbionts as Eukaryotic organelles • bacterial-host (co)evolution Experimental hurdles • unculturable symbionts • complex systems Overarching themes: Establishing associations/transmission of symbionts Gene regulation • monitoring gene expression in symbioses • applied genomics Mutant analyses Quorum sensing Type III secretion Mammalian Microbiota: Oral • community development Gastrointestinal • Bacteroides • Changes in host gene expression • Host anatomy and benefits for partners Ruminal Differences in microbiota between individuals and species Plant symbioses: Rhizosphere communities • secondary metabolite production and PGPRs • host contributions Rhizobium-legume interactions • initiation • development of bacteroids • nitrogen fixation Phyllosphere bacteria • Pseudomonas syringae Insect symbioses: Wolbachia Nutritional compensation for restrictive diets • termites • aphids • weevils Xenorhabdus symbiosis of entomopathogenic nematodes Marine symbioses: Hydrothermal vent symbioses Sulfate-reducing, sulfur-oxidizing symbionts Vibrio fischeri light organ symbioses
Syllabus