Genetic analysis of surface sensing inVibrio parahaemolyticus

Growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus on the surfaces of solid media induces formation of a specialized bacterium called the swarmer cell. Differentiation to this cell is controlled by an information transduction mechanism which couples perception of signals specific for life on a surface to expression of genes encoding the swarmer cell phenotype. A variety of genetic tools used to analyze surface sensing in V. parahaemolyticus are described. A summary is given of what has been learned about the signals and sensors controlling differentiation and other possible genetic mechanisms for adaptation to growth on a surface or biofilm habitat are discussed.