1
|
Liu BQ, Bao XY, Yan JY, Zhang D, Sun X, Li CQ, Chen ZB, Luan JB. Rickettsia symbionts spread via mixed mode transmission, increasing female fecundity and sex ratio shift by host hormone modulating. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2406788121. [PMID: 38865267 PMCID: PMC11194588 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2406788121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Heritable symbionts are common among animals in nature, but the molecular mechanisms underpinning symbiont invasions of host populations have been elusive. In this study, we demonstrate the spread of Rickettsia in an invasive agricultural pest, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED), across northeastern China from 2018 to 2023. Here, we show that the beneficial symbiont Rickettsia spreads by manipulating host hormone signals. Our analyses suggest that Rickettsia have been horizontally acquired by B. tabaci MED from another invasive whitefly B. tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 during periods of coexistence. Rickettsia is transmitted maternally and horizontally from female B. tabaci MED individuals. Rickettsia infection enhances fecundity and results in female bias among whiteflies. Our findings reveal that Rickettsia infection stimulates juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis, in turn enhancing fecundity, copulation events, and the female ratio of the offspring. Consequently, Rickettsia infection results in increased whitefly fecundity and female bias by modulating the JH pathway. More female progeny facilitates the transmission of Rickettsia. This study illustrates that the spread of Rickettsia among invasive whiteflies in northeastern China is propelled by host hormone regulation. Such symbiont invasions lead to rapid physiological and molecular evolution in the host, influencing the biology and ecology of an invasive species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Qi Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang110866, China
| | - Xi-Yu Bao
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang110866, China
| | - Jin-Yang Yan
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang110866, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Liaoning Agricultural Development Service Center, Shenyang110034, China
| | - Xiang Sun
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang110866, China
| | - Chu-Qiao Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang110866, China
| | - Zhan-Bo Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang110866, China
| | - Jun-Bo Luan
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang110866, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Béziat NS, Duperron S, Gros O. Environmental Transmission of Symbionts in the Mangrove Crabs Aratus pisonii and Minuca rapax: Acquisition of the Bacterial Community through Larval Development to Juvenile Stage. Microorganisms 2024; 12:652. [PMID: 38674597 PMCID: PMC11052079 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aratus pisonii and Minuca rapax are two brachyuran crabs living with bacterial ectosymbionts located on gill lamellae. One previous study has shown that several rod-shaped bacterial morphotypes are present and the community is dominated by Alphaproteobacteria and Bacteroidota. This study aims to identify the mode of transmission of the symbionts to the new host generations and to identify the bacterial community colonizing the gills of juveniles. We tested for the presence of bacteria using PCR with universal primers targeting the 16S rRNA encoding gene from gonads, eggs, and different larval stages either obtained in laboratory conditions or from the field. The presence of bacteria on juvenile gills was also characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and subsequently identified by metabarcoding analysis. Gonads, eggs, and larvae were negative to PCR tests, suggesting that bacteria are not present at these stages in significant densities. On the other hand, juveniles of both species display three rod-shaped bacterial morphotypes on gill lamellae, and sequencing revealed that the community is dominated by Bacteroidota and Alphaproteobacteria on A. pisonii juveniles, and by Alphaprotobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Acidimicrobia on M. rapax juveniles. Despite the fact that juveniles of both species co-occur in the same biotope, no shared bacterial phylotype was identified. However, some of the most abundant bacteria present in adults are also present in juveniles of the same species, suggesting that juvenile-associated communities resemble those of adults. Because some of these bacteria were also found in crab burrow water, we hypothesize that the bacterial community is established gradually during the life of the crab starting from the megalopa stage and involves epibiosis-competent bacteria that occur in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naëma Schanendra Béziat
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Campus de Fouillole, 97110 Pointe-à-Pitre, France;
- Caribaea Initiative, Université des Antilles, 97110 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Sébastien Duperron
- Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, UMR 7245, CNRS, 57 Rue Cuvier (CP54), 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Olivier Gros
- Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité (ISYEB), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université des Antilles, Campus de Fouillole, 97110 Pointe-à-Pitre, France;
- C3MAG, UFR des Sciences Exactes et Naturelles, Université des Antilles, 97110 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Luan JB. Insect Bacteriocytes: Adaptation, Development, and Evolution. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 69:81-98. [PMID: 38270981 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-010323-124159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriocytes are host cells specialized to harbor symbionts in certain insect taxa. The adaptation, development, and evolution of bacteriocytes underlie insect symbiosis maintenance. Bacteriocytes carry enriched host genes of insect and bacterial origin whose transcription can be regulated by microRNAs, which are involved in host-symbiont metabolic interactions. Recognition proteins of peptidoglycan, the bacterial cell wall component, and autophagy regulate symbiont abundance in bacteriocytes. Horizontally transferred genes expressed in bacteriocytes influence the metabolism of symbiont peptidoglycan, which may affect the bacteriocyte immune response against symbionts. Bacteriocytes release or transport symbionts into ovaries for symbiont vertical transmission. Bacteriocyte development and death, regulated by transcriptional factors, are variable in different insect species. The evolutionary origin of insect bacteriocytes remains unclear. Future research should elucidate bacteriocyte cell biology, the molecular interplay between bacteriocyte metabolic and immune functions, the genetic basis of bacteriocyte origin, and the coordination between bacteriocyte function and host biology in diverse symbioses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Bo Luan
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chang X, Xue S, Li R, Zhang Y. Episyrphus balteatus symbiont variation across developmental stages, living states, two sexes, and potential horizontal transmission from prey or environment. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1308393. [PMID: 38249471 PMCID: PMC10797133 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1308393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Episyrphus balteatus is one representative Syrphidae insect which can provide extensive pollination and pest control services. To date, the symbiont composition and potential acquisition approaches in Syrphidae remain unclear. Methods Herein, we investigated microbiota dynamics across developmental stages, different living states, and two sexes in E. balteatus via full-length 16S rRNA genes sequencing, followed by an attempt to explore the possibility of symbiont transmission from prey Megoura crassicauda to the hoverfly. Results Overall, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant bacteria phyla with fluctuating relative abundances across the life stage. Cosenzaea myxofaciens is dominant in adulthood, while Enterococcus silesiacus and Morganella morganii dominate in larvae and pupae of E. balteatus, respectively. Unexpectedly, Serratia symbiotica, one facultative endosymbiont commonly harbored in aphids, was one of the predominant bacteria in larvae of E. balteatus, just behind Enterococcus silesiacus. In addition, S. symbiotica was also surprisingly most dominated in M. crassicauda aphids (92.1% relative abundance), which are significantly higher than Buchnera aphidicola (4.7% relative abundance), the primary obligate symbiont of most aphid species. Approximately 25% mortality was observed among newly emerged adults, of which microbiota was also disordered, similar to normally dying individuals. Sexually biased symbionts and 41 bacteria species with pairwise co-occurrence in E. balteatus and 23 biomarker species for each group were identified eventually. Functional prediction showed symbionts of hoverflies and aphids, both mainly focusing on metabolic pathways. In brief, we comprehensively explored the microbiome in one Syrphidae hoverfly using E. balteatus reared indoors on M. morganii as the model, revealed its dominated symbiont species, identified sexually biased symbionts, and found an aphid facultative endosymbiont inhabited in the hoverfly. We also found that the dominated symbiotic bacteria in M. crassicauda are S. symbiotica other than Buchnera aphidicola. Discussion Taken together, this study provides new valuable resources about symbionts in hoverflies and prey aphids jointly, which will benefit further exploring the potential roles of microbiota in E. balteatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chang
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-Breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Anyang, Henan, China
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang, China
- Research Base, Anyang Institute of Technology, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Inte-grated Utilization, Anyang, Henan, China
- Taihang Mountain Forest Pests Observation and Research Station of Henan Province, Linzhou, China
| | - Shuang Xue
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang, China
- Research Base, Anyang Institute of Technology, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Inte-grated Utilization, Anyang, Henan, China
- Taihang Mountain Forest Pests Observation and Research Station of Henan Province, Linzhou, China
| | - Ruimin Li
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang, China
- Research Base, Anyang Institute of Technology, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Inte-grated Utilization, Anyang, Henan, China
- Taihang Mountain Forest Pests Observation and Research Station of Henan Province, Linzhou, China
| | - Yuanchen Zhang
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang, China
- Research Base, Anyang Institute of Technology, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Inte-grated Utilization, Anyang, Henan, China
- Taihang Mountain Forest Pests Observation and Research Station of Henan Province, Linzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang C, Yu B, Meng X, Xia D, Pei B, Tang X, Zhang G, Wei J, Long M, Chen J, Bao J, Li C, Pan G, Zhou Z, Li T. Microsporidian Nosema bombycis hijacks host vitellogenin and restructures ovariole cells for transovarial transmission. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011859. [PMID: 38060601 PMCID: PMC10729982 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular parasites that infect almost all animals, causing serious human diseases and major economic losses to the farming industry. Nosema bombycis is a typical microsporidium that infects multiple lepidopteran insects via fecal-oral and transovarial transmission (TOT); however, the underlying TOT processes and mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we characterized the TOT process and identified key factors enabling N. bombycis to invade the ovariole and oocyte of silkworm Bombyx mori. We found that the parasites commenced with TOT at the early pupal stage when ovarioles penetrated the ovary wall and were exposed to the hemolymph. Subsequently, the parasites in hemolymph and hemolymph cells firstly infiltrated the ovariole sheath, from where they invaded the oocyte via two routes: (I) infecting follicular cells, thereby penetrating oocytes after proliferation, and (II) infecting nurse cells, thus entering oocytes following replication. In follicle and nurse cells, the parasites restructured and built large vacuoles to deliver themselves into the oocyte. In the whole process, the parasites were coated with B. mori vitellogenin (BmVg) on their surfaces. To investigate the BmVg effects on TOT, we suppressed its expression and found a dramatic decrease of pathogen load in both ovarioles and eggs, suggesting that BmVg plays a crucial role in the TOT. Thereby, we identified the BmVg domains and parasite spore wall proteins (SWPs) mediating the interaction, and demonstrated that the von Willebrand domain (VWD) interacted with SWP12, SWP26 and SWP30, and the unknown function domain (DUF1943) bound with the SWP30. When disrupting these interactions, we found significant reductions of the pathogen load in both ovarioles and eggs, suggesting that the interplays between BmVg and SWPs were vital for the TOT. In conclusion, our study has elucidated key aspects about the microsporidian TOT and revealed the key factors for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianzhi Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Boyan Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangyou Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guizheng Zhang
- Guangxi Institute of Sericulture Science, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junhong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengxian Long
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Peng X, Wang H, Yang Z. Differences in Male-Killing Rickettsia Bacteria between Lineages of the Invasive Gall-Causing Pest Leptocybe invasa. INSECTS 2023; 14:757. [PMID: 37754725 PMCID: PMC10532318 DOI: 10.3390/insects14090757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Leptocybe invasa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a global invasive pest that seriously damages eucalyptus plants and has caused serious harm to forestry production in many countries. Two genotypically distinct lineages of L. invasa have been detected outside of Australia, namely, lineage A and lineage B. However, the composition and abundance of endosymbiotic bacteria in L. invasa are still unclear between lineages. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the bacterial communities in female adults of L. invasa of different lineages distributed in the same domain; (2) Methods: The PacBio Sequel II platform was used to compare bacterial community composition between lineages of L. invasa by sequencing the V1-V9 region of the 16S rRNA gene, and fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to compare the relative expression of Rickettsia between lineages of L. invasa; (3) Results: A total of 437 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained. These OTUs were subdivided into 20 phyla, 32 classes, 77 orders, 129 families, and 217 genera. At the genus level, the dominant bacteria in lineage A and lineage B were Rickettsia and Bacteroides, respectively. There were differences in the bacterial community of L. invasa between lineages, and the abundance and relative expression of Rickettsia in lineage A were significantly higher than those in lineage B; (4) Conclusions: There were differences in the bacterial community of L. invasa between lineages, and the abundance and relative expression of Rickettsia in lineage A were significantly higher than those in lineage B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhende Yang
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory for Cultivation and Utilization of Subtropical Forest Plantation, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; (X.P.); (H.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Merlin BL, Moraes GJ, Cônsoli FL. The Microbiota of a Mite Prey-Predator System on Different Host Plants Are Characterized by Dysbiosis and Potential Functional Redundancy. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 85:1590-1607. [PMID: 35543735 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02032-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Microbiota has diverse roles in the life cycles of their hosts, affecting their growth, development, behavior, and reproduction. Changes in physiological conditions of the host can also impact the assemblage of host-associated microorganisms. However, little is known of the effects of host plant-prey-predatory mite interactions on mite microbiota. We compared the microbial communities of eggs and adult females of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), and of adult females of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on four different host plants (cotton, maize, pinto bean, and tomato) by metabarcoding sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA), using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Only the egg microbiota of T. urticae was affected by the host plant. The microbiota of the predatory mite N. californicus was very different from that of its prey, and the predator microbiota was unaffected by the different host plant-prey systems tested. Only the microbiota of the eggs of T. urticae carried Serratia as a high fidelity-biomarker, but their low abundance in T. urticae adult females suggests that the association between Serratia and T. urticae is accidental. Biomarker bacteria were also detected in the microbiota of adult females of T. urticae and N. californicus, with different biomarkers in each host plant species. The microbiota associated with eggs and adult females of T. urticae and adult females of N. californicus differed in their functional potential contributions to the host mite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Laís Merlin
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, College of Agriculture Luiz de Queiroz, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
| | - Gilberto J Moraes
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, College of Agriculture Luiz de Queiroz, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
- CNPq, Federal District, Brazil
| | - Fernando L Cônsoli
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, College of Agriculture Luiz de Queiroz, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lv N, Peng J, He ZQ, Wen Q, Su ZQ, Ali S, Liu CZ, Qiu BL. The Dynamic Distribution of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in AsiaII1 Bemisia tabaci. INSECTS 2023; 14:401. [PMID: 37103216 PMCID: PMC10144568 DOI: 10.3390/insects14040401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Wolbachia and Rickettsia are bacterial endosymbionts that can induce a number of reproductive abnormalities in their arthropod hosts. We screened and established the co-infection of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in Bemisia tabaci and compared the spatial and temporal distribution of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in eggs (3-120 h after spawning), nymphs, and adults of B. tabaci by qPCR quantification and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The results show that the titer of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in the 3-120 h old eggs showed a "w" patterned fluctuation, while the titers of Wolbachia and Rickettsia had a "descending-ascending descending-ascending" change process. The titers of Rickettsia and Wolbachia nymphal and the adult life stages of Asia II1 B. tabaci generally increased with the development of whiteflies. However, the location of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in the egg changed from egg stalk to egg base, and then from egg base to egg posterior, and finally back to the middle of the egg. These results will provide basic information on the quantity and localization of Wolbachia and Rickettsia within different life stages of B. tabaci. These findings help to understand the dynamics of the vertical transmission of symbiotic bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Lv
- Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zi-Qi He
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qin Wen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zheng-Qin Su
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shaukat Ali
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chang-Zhong Liu
- Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Bao-Li Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Engineering Research Center of Biocontrol, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu Y, He ZQ, Wen Q, Peng J, Zhou YT, Mandour N, McKenzie CL, Ahmed MZ, Qiu BL. Parasitoid-mediated horizontal transmission of Rickettsia between whiteflies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:1077494. [PMID: 36683703 PMCID: PMC9846228 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1077494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular bacterial endosymbionts of arthropods are mainly transmitted vertically from mother to offspring, but phylogenetically distant insect hosts often harbor identical endosymbionts, indicating that horizontal transmission from one species to another occurs in nature. Here, we investigated the parasitoid Encarsia formosa-mediated horizontal transmission of the endosymbiont Rickettsia between different populations of whitefly Bemisia tabaci MEAM1. Rickettsia was successfully transmitted from the positive MEAM1 nymphs (R +) into E. formosa and retained at least for 48 h in E. formosa adults. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) visualization results revealed that the ovipositors, mouthparts, and digestive tract of parasitoid adults get contaminated with Rickettsia. Random non-lethal probing of Rickettisia-negative (R- ) MEAM1 nymphs by these Rickettsia-carrying E. formosa resulted in newly infected MEAM1 nymphs, and the vertical transmission of Rickettsia within the recipient females can remain at least up to F3 generation. Further phylogenetic analyses revealed that Rickettsia had high fidelity during the horizontal transmission in whiteflies and parasitoids. Our findings may help to explain why Rickettsia bacteria are so abundant in arthropods and suggest that, in some insect species that shared the same parasitoids, Rickettsia may be maintained in populations by horizontal transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi-Qi He
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Wen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Tong Zhou
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nasser Mandour
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Cindy L. McKenzie
- Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, Unite States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Fort Pierce, FL, United States
| | - Muhammad Z. Ahmed
- Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, Unite States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Fort Pierce, FL, United States
| | - Bao-Li Qiu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Bao-Li Qiu,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sun X, Liu BQ, Li CQ, Chen ZB, Xu XR, Luan JB. A novel microRNA regulates cooperation between symbiont and a laterally acquired gene in the regulation of pantothenate biosynthesis within Bemisia tabaci whiteflies. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:2611-2624. [PMID: 35243711 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Horizontally transferred genes (HTGs) play a key role in animal symbiosis, and some horizontally transferred genes or proteins are highly expressed in specialized host cells (bacteriocytes). However, it is not clear how HTGs are regulated, but miRNAs are prime candidates given their previously demonstrated roles in symbiosis and impacts on the expression of host genes. A horizontally acquired PanBC that is highly expressed in whitefly bacteriocytes can cooperate with an obligate symbiont Portiera for pantothenate production, facilitating whitefly performance and Portiera titer. Here, we found that a whitefly miRNA novel-m0780-5p was up-regulated and its target panBC was down-regulated in Portiera-eliminated whiteflies. This miRNA was located to the cytoplasmic region of whitefly bacteriocytes. A novel-m0780-5p agomir injection reduced the expression of PanBC in whitefly bacteriocytes, while a novel-m0780-5p antagomir injection enhanced PanBC expression. Agomir injection also reduced the pantothenate level, Portiera titer and whitefly performance. Supplementation with pantothenate restored Portiera titer and the fitness of agomir-injected whiteflies. Thus, we demonstrated that a whitefly miRNA regulates panBC-mediated host-symbiont collaboration required for pantothenate synthesis, benefiting the whitefly-Portiera symbiosis. Both panBC and novel-m0780-5p are present in the genomes of six B. tabaci species. The expression of a novel miRNA in multiple B. tabaci species suggests that the miRNA evolved after panBC acquisition, and allowed this gene to be more tightly regulated. Our discovery provides the first account of a HTG being regulated by a miRNA from the host genome, and suggests key roles for interactions between miRNAs and HTGs in the functioning of symbiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Sun
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Bing-Qi Liu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Chu-Qiao Li
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Zhan-Bo Chen
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Xiao-Rui Xu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Jun-Bo Luan
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li NN, Jiang S, Lu KY, Hong JS, Wang YB, Yan JY, Luan JB. Bacteriocyte development is sexually differentiated in Bemesia tabaci. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110455. [PMID: 35235797 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Some symbiotic microbes are restricted to specialized host cells called bacteriocytes. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of bacteriocytes are largely obscure. We find that maternally inherited bacteriocytes proliferate in adult females but degenerate in adult males of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Single-cell transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry reveal that cell division only occurs in the bacteriocytes of adult females, whereas autophagy and apoptosis are induced in the bacteriocytes of adult males. A transcription factor, Adf-1, enriched in bacteriocytes, is highly expressed in female bacteriocytes relative to male bacteriocytes. Silencing Adf-1 reduces the bacteriocyte number and Portiera titer and activates autophagy and apoptosis in females. The differential dynamics of both cell division and death in bacteriocytes and distinct expression of Adf-1 in bacteriocytes between whitefly sexes underlie the sexual differentiation of bacteriocyte development. Our study reveals that insect sex affects the development of bacteriocytes by cellular and molecular remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na-Na Li
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Kun-Yu Lu
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ji-Sheng Hong
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Yan-Bin Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Jin-Yang Yan
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Jun-Bo Luan
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bao XY, Yan JY, Yao YL, Wang YB, Visendi P, Seal S, Luan JB. Lysine provisioning by horizontally acquired genes promotes mutual dependence between whitefly and two intracellular symbionts. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010120. [PMID: 34843593 PMCID: PMC8659303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer is widespread in insects bearing intracellular symbionts. Horizontally transferred genes (HTGs) are presumably involved in amino acid synthesis in sternorrhynchan insects. However, their role in insect-symbiont interactions remains largely unknown. We found symbionts Portiera, Hamiltonella and Rickettsia possess most genes involved in lysine synthesis in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 although their genomes are reduced. Hamiltonella maintains a nearly complete lysine synthesis pathway. In contrast, Portiera and Rickettsia require the complementation of whitefly HTGs for lysine synthesis and have lysE, encoding a lysine exporter. Furthermore, each horizontally transferred lysine gene of ten B. tabaci cryptic species shares an evolutionary origin. We demonstrated that Hamiltonella did not alter the titers of Portiera and Rickettsia or lysine gene expression of Portiera, Rickettsia and whiteflies. Hamiltonella also did not impact on lysine levels or protein localization in bacteriocytes harboring Portiera and ovaries infected with Rickettsia. Complementation with whitefly lysine synthesis HTGs rescued E. coli lysine gene knockout mutants. Silencing whitefly lysA in whiteflies harboring Hamiltonella reduced lysine levels, adult fecundity and titers of Portiera and Rickettsia without influencing the expression of Hamiltonella lysA. Furthermore, silencing whitefly lysA in whiteflies lacking Hamiltonella reduced lysine levels, adult fecundity and titers of Portiera and Rickettsia in ovarioles. Therefore, we, for the first time, demonstrated an essential amino acid lysine synthesized through HTGs is important for whitefly reproduction and fitness of both obligate and facultative symbionts, and it illustrates the mutual dependence between whitefly and its two symbionts. Collectively, this study reveals that acquisition of horizontally transferred lysine genes contributes to coadaptation and coevolution between B. tabaci and its symbionts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Yu Bao
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jin-Yang Yan
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ya-Lin Yao
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan-Bin Wang
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Paul Visendi
- Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, Institute for Future Environments, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susan Seal
- Agriculture, Health and Environment Department, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Jun-Bo Luan
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Nutritional symbionts are restricted to specialized host cells called bacteriocytes in various insect orders. These symbionts can provide essential nutrients to the host. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the regulation of these insect-symbiont metabolic associations remain largely unclear. The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MEAM1, hosts Portiera and Hamiltonella bacteria in the same bacteriocyte. In this study, the induction of autophagy by chemical treatment and gene silencing decreased symbiont titers, and essential amino acid (EAA) and B vitamin contents. In contrast, the repression of autophagy in bacteriocytes via Atg8 silencing increased symbiont titers, and amino acid and B vitamin contents. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with non-EAAs or B vitamins alleviated autophagy in whitefly bacteriocytes, elevated TOR (target of rapamycin) expression and increased symbiont titers. TOR silencing restored symbiont titers in whiteflies after dietary supplementation with B vitamins. These data suggest that Portiera and Hamiltonella evade autophagy of the whitefly bacteriocytes by activating the TOR pathway via providing essential nutrients. Taken together, we demonstrated that autophagy plays a critical role in regulating the metabolic interactions between the whitefly and two intracellular symbionts. Therefore, this study reveals that autophagy is an important cellular basis for bacteriocyte evolution and symbiosis persistence in whiteflies. The whitefly symbiosis unravels the interactions between cellular and metabolic functions of bacteriocytes. Importance Nutritional symbionts, which are restricted to specialized host cells called bacteriocytes, can provide essential nutrients for many hosts. However, the cellular mechanisms of regulation of animal-symbiont metabolic associations have been largely unexplored. Here, using the whitefly-Portiera/Hamiltonella endosymbiosis, we demonstrate autophagy regulates the symbiont titers, and thereby alters the essential amino acid and B vitamin contents. For persistence in the whitefly bacteriocytes, Portiera and Hamiltonella alleviate autophagy by activating the TOR (target of rapamycin) pathway through providing essential nutrients. Therefore, we demonstrate that autophagy plays a critical role in regulating the metabolic interactions between the whitefly and two intracellular symbionts. This study also provides insight into the cellular basis of bacteriocyte evolution and symbiosis persistence in the whitefly. The mechanisms underlying the role of autophagy in whitefly symbiosis could be widespread in many insect nutritional symbioses. These findings provide new avenue for whitefly control via regulating autophagy in the future.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang D, Huang Z, Billen J, Zhang G, He H, Wei C. Structural diversity of symbionts and related cellular mechanisms underlying vertical symbiont transmission in cicadas. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:6603-6621. [PMID: 34390615 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many insects depend on symbiont(s) for survival. This is particularly the case for sap-feeding hemipteran insects. In this study, we revealed that symbionts harbored in cicadas are diverse and complex, and the yeast-like fungal symbionts (YLS) are present in most cicada species but Hodgkinia is absent. During vertical transmission, Sulcia became swollen with the outer membrane drastically changed, while Hodgkinia became shrunken and changed from irregular to roughly spherical. Sulcia and/or Hodgkinia were exocytosed from the bacteriocytes to the intercellular space of bacteriomes, where they gathered together and were extruded to hemolymph. YLS and associated facultative symbiont(s) in the fat bodies were released to the hemolymph based on bacteriocyte disintegration. The obligate symbiont(s) were endocytosed and exocytosed successively by the epithelial cells of the terminal oocyte, while associated facultative symbiont(s), and possibly also YLS, may take a 'free ride' on the transmission of obligate symbiont(s) to gain entry into the oocyte. Then, the intermixed symbionts formed a characteristic 'symbiont ball' in the oocyte. Our results suggest that YLS in cicadas represent a new example of a relatively early stage of symbiogenesis in insects, and contribute to a better understanding of the diversity and transmission mechanisms of symbionts in insects. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Control of Forest Biological Disasters in Western China, College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Johan Billen
- Zoological Institute, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guoyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong He
- Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration for Control of Forest Biological Disasters in Western China, College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management of Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The Gut Microbiota of the Insect Infraorder Pentatomomorpha (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) for the Light of Ecology and Evolution. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020464. [PMID: 33672230 PMCID: PMC7926433 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The stinkbugs of the infraorder Pentatomomorpha are a group of important plant sap-feeding insects, which host diverse microorganisms. Some are located in their complex morphological midgut compartments, while some within the specialized bacteriomes of insect hosts. This perpetuation of symbioses through host generations is reinforced via the diverse routes of vertical transmission or environmental acquisition of the symbionts. These symbiotic partners, reside either through the extracellular associations in midgut or intracellular associations in specialized cells, not only have contributed nutritional benefits to the insect hosts but also shaped their ecological and evolutionary basis. The stinkbugs and gut microbe symbioses present a valuable model that provides insights into symbiotic interactions between agricultural insects and microorganisms and may become potential agents for insect pest management.
Collapse
|
16
|
Thongprem P, Evison SEF, Hurst GDD, Otti O. Transmission, Tropism, and Biological Impacts of Torix Rickettsia in the Common Bed Bug Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Front Microbiol 2020; 11:608763. [PMID: 33424811 PMCID: PMC7785988 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.608763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The torix group of Rickettsia have been recorded from a wide assemblage of invertebrates, but details of transmission and biological impacts on the host have rarely been established. The common bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a hemipteran insect which lives as an obligatory hematophagous pest of humans and is host to a primary Wolbachia symbiont and two facultative symbionts, a BEV-like symbiont, and a torix group Rickettsia. In this study, we first note the presence of a single Rickettsia strain in multiple laboratory bed bug isolates derived from Europe and Africa. Importantly, we discovered that the Rickettsia has segregated in two laboratory strains, providing infected and uninfected isogenic lines for study. Crosses with these lines established transmission was purely maternal. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization analysis indicates Rickettsia infection in oocytes, bacteriomes, and other somatic tissues. We found no evidence that Rickettsia infection was associated with sex ratio distortion activity, but Rickettsia infected individuals developed from first instar to adult more slowly. The impact of Rickettsia on fecundity and fertility resulted in infected females producing fewer fertile eggs. However, we could not find any evidence for cytoplasmic incompatibility associated with Rickettsia presence. These data imply the existence of an unknown benefit to C. lectularius carrying Rickettsia that awaits further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panupong Thongprem
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie E. F. Evison
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory D. D. Hurst
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Otti
- Animal Population Ecology, Animal Ecology I, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| |
Collapse
|