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.