51
|
Jones AG, Mason CJ, Felton GW, Hoover K. Host plant and population source drive diversity of microbial gut communities in two polyphagous insects. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2792. [PMID: 30808905 PMCID: PMC6391413 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Symbioses between insects and microbes are ubiquitous, but vary greatly in terms of function, transmission mechanism, and location in the insect. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are one of the largest and most economically important insect orders; yet, in many cases, the ecology and functions of their gut microbiomes are unresolved. We used high-throughput sequencing to determine factors that influence gut microbiomes of field-collected fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea). Fall armyworm midgut bacterial communities differed from those of corn earworm collected from the same host plant species at the same site. However, corn earworm bacterial communities differed between collection sites. Subsequent experiments using fall armyworm evaluating the influence of egg source and diet indicated that that host plant had a greater impact on gut communities. We also observed differences between regurgitant (foregut) and midgut bacterial communities of the same insect host, suggesting differential colonization. Our findings indicate that host plant is a major driver shaping gut microbiota, but differences in insect physiology, gut region, and local factors can also contribute to variation in microbiomes. Additional studies are needed to assess the mechanisms that affect variation in insect microbiomes, as well as the ecological implications of this variability in caterpillars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asher G Jones
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Charles J Mason
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Gary W Felton
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Kelli Hoover
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Mason CJ, Campbell AM, Scully ED, Hoover K. Bacterial and Fungal Midgut Community Dynamics and Transfer Between Mother and Brood in the Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), an Invasive Xylophage. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2019; 77:230-242. [PMID: 29948017 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-018-1205-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Microbial symbionts play pivotal roles in the ecology and physiology of insects feeding in woody plants. Both eukaryotic and bacterial members occur in these systems where they facilitate digestive and nutrient provisioning. The larval gut of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is associated with a microbial consortium that fulfills these metabolic roles. While members of the community vary in presence and abundance among individuals from different hosts, A. glabripennis is consistently associated with a fungus in the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC). We used amplicon sequencing, taxon-specific PCR, culturing, and imaging to determine how bacterial and fungal communities differ between life stages and possible modes of symbiont transfer. The bacterial and fungal communities of adult guts were more diverse than those from larvae and eggs. The communities of larvae and eggs were more similar to those from oviposition sites than from adult female guts. FSSC isolates were not detected in the reproductive tissues of adult females, but were consistently detected on egg surfaces after oviposition and in frass. These results demonstrate that frass can serve as a vehicle of transmission of a subset for the beetle gut microbiota. Vertically transmitted symbionts are often beneficial to their host, warranting subsequent functional studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Mason
- Department of Entomology and Center for Chemical Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16823, USA.
| | - Alexander M Campbell
- Department of Entomology and Center for Chemical Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16823, USA
| | - Erin D Scully
- Stored Product Insect and Engineering Research Unit, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS, 66502, USA
| | - Kelli Hoover
- Department of Entomology and Center for Chemical Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16823, USA
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
van Schooten B, Godoy-Vitorino F, McMillan WO, Papa R. Conserved microbiota among young Heliconius butterfly species. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5502. [PMID: 30310733 PMCID: PMC6173163 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insects are the most diverse group of animals which have established intricate evolutionary interactions with bacteria. However, the importance of these interactions is still poorly understood. Few studies have focused on a closely related group of insect species, to test the similarities and differences between their microbiota. Heliconius butterflies are a charismatic recent insect radiation that evolved the unique ability to use pollen as a protein source, which affected life history traits and resulted in an elevated speciation rates. We hypothesize that different Heliconius butterflies sharing a similar trophic pollen niche, harbor a similar gut flora within species, population and sexes. Methods To test our hypothesis, we characterized the microbiota of 38 adult male and female butterflies representing six species of Heliconius butterflies and 2 populations of the same species. We sequenced the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene with the Roche 454 system and analyzed the data with standard tools for microbiome analysis. Results Overall, we found a low microbial diversity with only 10 OTUs dominating across all individuals, mostly Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, which accounted for 99.5% of the bacterial reads. When rare reads were considered, we identified a total of 406 OTUs across our samples. We identified reads within Phyla Chlamydiae, found in 5 butterflies of four species. Interestingly, only three OTUs were shared among all 38 individuals (Bacillus, Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae). Altogether, the high individual variation overshadowed species and sex differences. Thus, bacterial communities were not structured randomly with 13% of beta-diversity explained by species, and 40 rare OTUs being significantly different across species. Finally, 13 OTUs, including the intercellular symbiont Spiroplasma, varied significantly in relative abundance between males and females. Discussion The Heliconius microbial communities in these 38 individuals show a low diversity with few differences in the rare microbes between females, males, species or populations. Indeed, Heliconius butterflies, similarly to other insects, are dominated by few OTUs, mainly from Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. The overall low microbial diversity observed contrasts with the high intra-species variation in microbiome composition. This could indicate that much of the microbiome maybe acquired from their surroundings. The significant differences between species and sexes were restricted to rare taxa, which could be important for microbial community stability under changing conditions as seen in other host-microbiome systems. The presence of symbionts like Spiroplasma or Chlamydiae, identified in this study for the first time in Heliconius, could play a vital role in their behavior and evolution by vertical transmission. Altogether, our study represents a step forward into the description of the microbial diversity in a charismatic group of closely related butterflies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bas van Schooten
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Filipa Godoy-Vitorino
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Riccardo Papa
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá, Panama.,University of Puerto Rico, Molecular Sciences and Research Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Kaczmarczyk A, Kucharczyk H, Kucharczyk M, Kapusta P, Sell J, Zielińska S. First insight into microbiome profile of fungivorous thrips Hoplothrips carpathicus (Insecta: Thysanoptera) at different developmental stages: molecular evidence of Wolbachia endosymbiosis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14376. [PMID: 30258200 PMCID: PMC6158184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects' exoskeleton, gut, hemocoel, and cells are colonized by various microorganisms that often play important roles in their host life. Moreover, insects are frequently infected by vertically transmitted symbionts that can manipulate their reproduction. The aims of this study were the characterization of bacterial communities of four developmental stages of the fungivorous species Hoplothrips carpathicus (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), verification of the presence of Wolbachia, in silico prediction of metabolic potentials of the microorganisms, and sequencing its mitochondrial COI barcode. Taxonomy-based analysis indicated that the bacterial community of H. carpathicus contained 21 bacterial phyla. The most abundant phyla were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacterioidetes and Firmicutes, and the most abundant classes were Alphaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria, with different proportions in the total share. For pupa and imago (adult) the most abundant genus was Wolbachia, which comprised 69.95% and 56.11% of total bacterial population respectively. Moreover, similarity analysis of bacterial communities showed that changes in microbiome composition are congruent with the successive stages of H. carpathicus development. PICRUSt analysis predicted that each bacterial community should be rich in genes involved in membrane transport, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, replication and repair processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk
- Department of Genetics and Biosystematics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Halina Kucharczyk
- Department of Zoology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Kucharczyk
- Department of Nature Protection, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Przemysław Kapusta
- Center for Medical Genomics - OMICRON, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika 7c, 31-034, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jerzy Sell
- Department of Genetics and Biosystematics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sylwia Zielińska
- Department of Bacterial Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
- Phage Consultants, Partyzantow 10/18, 80-254, Gdansk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Gut-Associated Bacteria of Helicoverpa zea Indirectly Trigger Plant Defenses in Maize. J Chem Ecol 2018; 44:690-699. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-0970-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
56
|
Abstract
Insect pests are responsible for substantial crop losses worldwide through direct damage and transmission of plant diseases, and novel approaches that complement or replace broad-spectrum chemical insecticides will facilitate the sustainable intensification of food production in the coming decades. Multiple strategies for improved crop resistance to insect pests, especially strategies relating to plant secondary metabolism and immunity and microbiome science, are becoming available. Recent advances in metabolic engineering of plant secondary chemistry offer the promise of specific toxicity or deterrence to insect pests; improved understanding of plant immunity against insects provides routes to optimize plant defenses against insects; and the microbiomes of insect pests can be exploited, either as a target or as a vehicle for delivery of insecticidal agents. Implementation of these advances will be facilitated by ongoing advances in plant breeding and genetic technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela E Douglas
- Department of Entomology and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
57
|
Paniagua Voirol LR, Frago E, Kaltenpoth M, Hilker M, Fatouros NE. Bacterial Symbionts in Lepidoptera: Their Diversity, Transmission, and Impact on the Host. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:556. [PMID: 29636736 PMCID: PMC5881003 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The insect’s microbiota is well acknowledged as a “hidden” player influencing essential insect traits. The gut microbiome of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) has been shown to be highly variable between and within species, resulting in a controversy on the functional relevance of gut microbes in this insect order. Here, we aim to (i) review current knowledge on the composition of gut microbial communities across Lepidoptera and (ii) elucidate the drivers of the variability in the lepidopteran gut microbiome and provide an overview on (iii) routes of transfer and (iv) the putative functions of microbes in Lepidoptera. To find out whether Lepidopterans possess a core gut microbiome, we compared studies of the microbiome from 30 lepidopteran species. Gut bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae families were the most widespread across species, with Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, and Enterococcus being the most common genera. Several studies indicate that habitat, food plant, and age of the host insect can greatly impact the gut microbiome, which contributes to digestion, detoxification, or defense against natural enemies. We mainly focus on the gut microbiome, but we also include some examples of intracellular endosymbionts. These symbionts are present across a broad range of insect taxa and are known to exert different effects on their host, mostly including nutrition and reproductive manipulation. Only two intracellular bacteria genera (Wolbachia and Spiroplasma) have been reported to colonize reproductive tissues of Lepidoptera, affecting their host’s reproduction. We explore routes of transmission of both gut microbiota and intracellular symbionts and have found that these microbes may be horizontally transmitted through the host plant, but also vertically via the egg stage. More detailed knowledge about the functions and plasticity of the microbiome in Lepidoptera may provide novel leads for the control of lepidopteran pest species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Enric Frago
- Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Unité Mixte de Recherche Peuplements Végétaux et Bioagresseurs en Milieu Tropical, Saint-Pierre, La Réunion
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Department for Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Monika Hilker
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina E Fatouros
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Mereghetti V, Chouaia B, Montagna M. New Insights into the Microbiota of Moth Pests. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112450. [PMID: 29156569 PMCID: PMC5713417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have helped to improve our understanding of the bacterial communities associated with insects, shedding light on their wide taxonomic and functional diversity. To date, little is known about the microbiota of lepidopterans, which includes some of the most damaging agricultural and forest pests worldwide. Studying their microbiota could help us better understand their ecology and offer insights into developing new pest control strategies. In this paper, we review the literature pertaining to the microbiota of lepidopterans with a focus on pests, and highlight potential recurrent patterns regarding microbiota structure and composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Mereghetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Bessem Chouaia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Matteo Montagna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Mason CJ, Long DC, McCarthy EM, Nagachar N, Rosa C, Scully ED, Tien M, Hoover K. Within gut physicochemical variation does not correspond to distinct resident fungal and bacterial communities in the tree-killing xylophage, Anoplophora glabripennis. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 102:27-35. [PMID: 28823530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Insect guts harbor diverse microbial assemblages that can be influenced by multiple factors, including gut physiology and interactions by the host with its environment. The Asian longhorned beetle (A. glabripennis; Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) is an invasive tree-killing insect that harbors a diverse consortium of fungal and bacterial gut associates that provision nutrients and facilitate lignocellulose digestion. The physicochemical conditions of the A. glabripennis gut and how these conditions may influence the microbial composition across gut regions are unknown. In this study, we used microsensors to measure in situ oxygen concentrations, pH, and redox potential along the length of the A. glabripennis larval gut from two North American populations. We then analyzed and compared bacterial and fungal gut communities of A. glabripennis within individual hosts along the length of the gut using 16S and ITS1 amplicon sequencing. The A. glabripennis midgut lumen was relatively anoxic (<0.01kPa) with a pH gradient from 5.5 to 9, moving anterior to posterior. Redox potential was higher in the anterior midgut relative to posterior regions. No differences in physicochemistry were measured between the two populations of the beetle, but the two populations harbored different communities of bacteria and fungi. However, microbial composition of the A. glabripennis gut microbiota did not differ among gut regions despite physicochemical differences. Unlike other insect systems that have distinct gut compartmentalization and corresponding microbial assemblages, the A. glabripennis gut lacks dramatic morphological modifications, which may explain why discrete microbial community structures were not found along the digestive system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Mason
- Department of Entomology and Center for Chemical Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - David C Long
- Department of Entomology and Center for Chemical Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Elizabeth M McCarthy
- Department of Entomology and Center for Chemical Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Nivedita Nagachar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Cristina Rosa
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Erin D Scully
- Stored Product Insect and Engineering Research Unit, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Ming Tien
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Kelli Hoover
- Department of Entomology and Center for Chemical Ecology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Hammer TJ, Janzen DH, Hallwachs W, Jaffe SP, Fierer N. Caterpillars lack a resident gut microbiome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:9641-9646. [PMID: 28830993 PMCID: PMC5594680 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1707186114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many animals are inhabited by microbial symbionts that influence their hosts' development, physiology, ecological interactions, and evolutionary diversification. However, firm evidence for the existence and functional importance of resident microbiomes in larval Lepidoptera (caterpillars) is lacking, despite the fact that these insects are enormously diverse, major agricultural pests, and dominant herbivores in many ecosystems. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR, we characterized the gut microbiomes of wild leaf-feeding caterpillars in the United States and Costa Rica, representing 124 species from 15 families. Compared with other insects and vertebrates assayed using the same methods, the microbes that we detected in caterpillar guts were unusually low-density and variable among individuals. Furthermore, the abundance and composition of leaf-associated microbes were reflected in the feces of caterpillars consuming the same plants. Thus, microbes ingested with food are present (although possibly dead or dormant) in the caterpillar gut, but host-specific, resident symbionts are largely absent. To test whether transient microbes might still contribute to feeding and development, we conducted an experiment on field-collected caterpillars of the model species Manduca sexta Antibiotic suppression of gut bacterial activity did not significantly affect caterpillar weight gain, development, or survival. The high pH, simple gut structure, and fast transit times that typify caterpillar digestive physiology may prevent microbial colonization. Moreover, host-encoded digestive and detoxification mechanisms likely render microbes unnecessary for caterpillar herbivory. Caterpillars illustrate the potential ecological and evolutionary benefits of independence from symbionts, a lifestyle that may be widespread among animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobin J Hammer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309;
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309
| | - Daniel H Janzen
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Winnie Hallwachs
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | | | - Noah Fierer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Wang Y, Rozen DE. Gut Microbiota Colonization and Transmission in the Burying Beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides throughout Development. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:e03250-16. [PMID: 28213538 PMCID: PMC5394326 DOI: 10.1128/aem.03250-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Carrion beetles in the genus Nicrophorus rear their offspring on decomposing carcasses where larvae are exposed to a diverse community of decomposer bacteria. Parents coat the carcass with antimicrobial secretions prior to egg hatch (defined as prehatch care) and also feed regurgitated food, and potentially bacteria, to larvae throughout development (defined as full care). Here, we partition the roles of prehatch and posthatch parental care in the transmission and persistence of culturable symbiotic bacteria to larvae. Using three treatment groups (full care, prehatch care only, and no care), we found that larvae receiving full care are predominantly colonized by bacteria resident in the maternal gut while larvae receiving no care are colonized with bacteria from the carcass. More importantly, larvae receiving only prehatch care were also predominantly colonized by maternal bacteria; this result indicates that parental treatment of the carcass, including application of bacteria to the carcass surface, is sufficient to ensure symbiont transfer even in the absence of direct larval feeding. Later in development, we found striking evidence that pupae undergo an aposymbiotic stage, after which they are recolonized at eclosion with bacteria similar to those found on the molted larval cuticle and on the wall of the pupal chamber. Our results clarify the importance of prehatch parental care for symbiont transmission in Nicrophorus vespilloides and suggest that these bacteria successfully outcompete decomposer bacteria during larval and pupal gut colonization.IMPORTANCE Here, we examine the origin and persistence of the culturable gut microbiota of larvae in the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides This insect is particularly interesting for this study because larvae are reared on decomposing vertebrate carcasses, where they are exposed to high densities of carrion-decomposing microbes. Larvae also receive extensive parental care in the form of carcass preservation and direct larval feeding. We find that parents transmit their gut bacteria to larvae both directly, through regurgitation, and indirectly via their effects on the carcass. In addition, we find that larvae become aposymbiotic during pupation but are recolonized apparently from bacteria shed onto the insect cuticle before adult eclosion. Our results highlight the diverse interactions between insect behavior and development on microbiota composition. They further suggest that competitive interactions mediate the bacterial composition of Nicrophorus larvae together with or apart from the influence of beetle immunity, suggesting that the bacterial communities of these insects may be highly coevolved with those of their host species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Wang
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel E Rozen
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Xia X, Gurr GM, Vasseur L, Zheng D, Zhong H, Qin B, Lin J, Wang Y, Song F, Li Y, Lin H, You M. Metagenomic Sequencing of Diamondback Moth Gut Microbiome Unveils Key Holobiont Adaptations for Herbivory. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:663. [PMID: 28491055 PMCID: PMC5405146 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbivore specialists adapt to feed on a specific group of host plants by evolving various mechanisms to respond to plant defenses. Insects also possess complex gut microbiotas but their potential role in adaptation is poorly understood. Our previous study of the genome of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, revealed an intrinsic capacity to detoxify plant defense compounds, which is an important factor in its success as a pest. Here we expand on that work with a complete taxonomic and functional profile of the P. xylostella gut microbiota obtained by metagenomic sequencing. Gene enrichment in the metagenome, accompanied by functional identification, revealed an important role of specific gut bacteria in the breakdown of plant cell walls, detoxification of plant phenolics, and synthesis of amino acids. Microbes participating in these pathways mainly belonged to three highly abundant bacteria: Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter asburiae, and Carnobacterium maltaromaticum. Results show that while the gut microbial community may be complex, a small number of functionally active species can be disproportionally important. The presence of specific enzymes in the microbiota community, such as supporting amino acid synthesis, digestion and detoxification functions, demonstrates the beneficial interactions between P. xylostella and its gut microbiota. These interactions can be potential targets for manipulation to provide novel pest management approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of AgricultureFuzhou, China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - Geoff M. Gurr
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of AgricultureFuzhou, China
- Graham Centre, Charles Sturt UniversityOrange, NSW, Australia
| | - Liette Vasseur
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of AgricultureFuzhou, China
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock UniversitySt. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Dandan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of AgricultureFuzhou, China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | | | | | - Junhan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of AgricultureFuzhou, China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of AgricultureFuzhou, China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - FengQin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of AgricultureFuzhou, China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - Yong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of AgricultureFuzhou, China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - Hailan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of AgricultureFuzhou, China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of AgricultureFuzhou, China
- Fujian-Taiwan Joint Innovation Centre for Ecological Control of Crop Pests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry UniversityFuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Adam N, Erler T, Kallenbach M, Kaltenpoth M, Kunert G, Baldwin IT, Schuman MC. Sex ratio of mirid populations shifts in response to hostplant co-infestation or altered cytokinin signaling . JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 59:44-59. [PMID: 27862998 PMCID: PMC5234700 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Herbivore species sharing a host plant often compete. In this study, we show that host plant-mediated interaction between two insect herbivores - a generalist and a specialist - results in a sex ratio shift of the specialist's offspring. We studied demographic parameters of the specialist Tupiocoris notatus (Hemiptera: Miridae) when co-infesting the host plant Nicotiana attenuata (Solanaceae) with the generalist leafhopper Empoasca sp. (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). We show that the usually female-biased sex ratio of T. notatus shifts toward a higher male proportion in the offspring on plants co-infested by Empoasca sp. This sex ratio change did not occur after oviposition, nor is it due differential mortality of female and male nymphs. Based on pyrosequencing and PCR of bacterial 16S rRNA amplicons, we concluded that sex ratio shifts were unlikely to be due to infection with Wolbachia or other known sex ratio-distorting endosymbionts. Finally, we used transgenic lines of N. attenuata to evaluate if the sex ratio shift could be mediated by changes in general or specialized host plant metabolites. We found that the sex ratio shift occurred on plants deficient in two cytokinin receptors (irCHK2/3). Thus, cytokinin-regulated traits can alter the offspring sex ratio of the specialist T. notatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Adam
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Theresa Erler
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mario Kallenbach
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Max Planck Research Group Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Grit Kunert
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ian T. Baldwin
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Meredith C. Schuman
- Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Whitaker MRL, Salzman S, Sanders J, Kaltenpoth M, Pierce NE. Microbial Communities of Lycaenid Butterflies Do Not Correlate with Larval Diet. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1920. [PMID: 27965647 PMCID: PMC5129467 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbivores possess many counteradaptations to plant defenses, and a growing body of research describes the role of symbiotic gut bacteria in mediating herbivorous diets among insects. However, persistent bacterial symbioses have not been found in Lepidoptera, despite the fact that perhaps 99% of the species in this order are herbivorous. We surveyed bacterial communities in the guts of larvae from 31 species of lycaenid butterflies whose caterpillars had diets ranging from obligate carnivory to strict herbivory. Contrary to our expectations, we found that the bacterial communities of carnivorous and herbivorous caterpillars do not differ in richness, diversity, or composition. Many of the observed bacterial genera are commonly found in soil and plant surfaces, and we detected known homopteran endosymbionts in the guts of homopterophagous species, suggesting that larvae acquire gut bacteria from their food and environment. These results indicate that lycaenid butterflies do not rely on specific bacterial symbioses to mediate their diverse diets, and provide further evidence of taxonomically depauperate bacterial communities among Lepidoptera.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R L Whitaker
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, CambridgeMA, USA; Insect Symbiosis Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJena, Germany
| | - Shayla Salzman
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA
| | - Jon Sanders
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA, USA
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Insect Symbiosis Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJena, Germany; Department for Evolutionary Ecology, Johannes Gutenberg UniversityMainz, Germany
| | - Naomi E Pierce
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|