sRNA chaperone Hfq controls bioluminescence and other phenotypes through Qrr1-dependent and-independent mechanisms in Vibrio fischeri

Colonization of the squid Euprymna scolopes by the bacterium Vibrio fischeri depends on bacterial biofilm formation, motility, and bioluminescence. Previous work has demonstrated an inhibitory role for the small RNA (sRNA) Qrr1 in quorum-induced bioluminescence of V. fischeri, but the contribution of the corresponding sRNA chaperone, Hfq, was not examined. We thus hypothesized that V. fischeri Hfq similarly functions to inhibit bacterial bioluminescence as well as regulate other key steps of symbiosis, including bacterial biofilm formation and motility. Surprisingly, deletion of hfq increased luminescence of V. fischeri beyond what was observed for the loss of qrr1 sRNA. Epistasis experiments revealed that, while Hfq contributes to the Qrr1-dependent regulation of light production, it also functions independently of Qrr1 and its downstream target, LitR. This Hfq-dependent, Qrr1-independent regulation of bioluminescence is also independent of the major repressor of light production in V. fischeri, ArcA. We further determined that Hfq is required for full motility of V. fischeri in a mechanism that partially depends on the Qrr1/LitR regulators. Finally, Hfq also appears to function in the control of biofilm formation: loss of Hfq delayed the timing and diminished the extent of wrinkled colony development, but did not eliminate the production of SYP-polysaccharide-dependent cohesive colonies. Furthermore, loss of Hfq enhanced production of cellulose and resulted in increased Congo red binding. Together, these findings point to Hfq as an important regulator of multiple phenotypes relevant to symbiosis between V. fischeri and its squid host.

Automated summary

The study reveals that Hfq plays a crucial regulatory role in various phenotypes relevant to the symbiosis between V. fischeri and its squid host, including bioluminescence, motility, and biofilm formation. The deletion of Hfq not only increased luminescence production in V. fischeri but also affected motility and biofilm formation, independent of the known regulatory pathways. Hfq is thus identified as an important regulator of multiple facets of symbiosis in this system.