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Nakawaki T, Watanabe S, Hosokawa T. The burrower bug Macroscytus japonensis (Hemiptera: Cydnidae) acquires obligate symbiotic bacteria from the environment. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2024; 10:15. [PMID: 39095847 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-024-00238-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Many plant-feeding stinkbugs belonging to the infraorder Pentatomomorpha possess a specialized symbiotic organ at the posterior end of the midgut, in which mutualistic bacterial symbionts are harbored extracellularly. In species of the superfamily Pentatomoidea, these symbionts typically are verticallytransmitted from host mothers to offspring, whereas in species of the superfamilies Coreoidea and Lygaeoidea they are acquired from the environment. In the pentatomoid family Cydnidae, vertical symbiont transmission has been reported in several species. Here, we report the first case of environmental symbiont acquisition in Cydnidae, observed in the burrower bug Macroscytus japonensis. A comprehensive survey of 72 insect samples from 23 sites across the Japanese archipelago revealed that (1) symbionts exhibit remarkably high diversity, forming six distinct phylogenetic groups within the Enterobacteriaceae of the γ-Proteobacteria, (2) most symbionts are cultivable and closely related to free-living Pantoea-allied bacteria, and (3) symbiont phylogenetic groups do not reflect the host phylogeny. Microbial inspection of eggs revealed the absence of bacteria on the egg surface. These results strongly suggest that symbionts are acquired from the environment, not vertical transmission. Rearing experiments confirmed environmental symbiont acquisition. When environmental symbiont sources were experimentally withheld, nymphs became aposymbiotic and died before molting to the second instar, indicating that nymphs environmentally acquire symbionts during the first-instar stage and that symbionts are essential for nymphal growth and survival. This study highlights Cydnidae as the only pentatomoid family that includes species that environmentally acquire symbionts and those that vertically transmit symbionts, providing an ideal platform for comparative studies of the ecological and environmental factors that influence the evolution of symbiont transmission modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Nakawaki
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Shuto Watanabe
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
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2
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Kitchen SA, Naragon TH, Brückner A, Ladinsky MS, Quinodoz SA, Badroos JM, Viliunas JW, Kishi Y, Wagner JM, Miller DR, Yousefelahiyeh M, Antoshechkin IA, Eldredge KT, Pirro S, Guttman M, Davis SR, Aardema ML, Parker J. The genomic and cellular basis of biosynthetic innovation in rove beetles. Cell 2024; 187:3563-3584.e26. [PMID: 38889727 PMCID: PMC11246231 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.012] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
How evolution at the cellular level potentiates macroevolutionary change is central to understanding biological diversification. The >66,000 rove beetle species (Staphylinidae) form the largest metazoan family. Combining genomic and cell type transcriptomic insights spanning the largest clade, Aleocharinae, we retrace evolution of two cell types comprising a defensive gland-a putative catalyst behind staphylinid megadiversity. We identify molecular evolutionary steps leading to benzoquinone production by one cell type via a mechanism convergent with plant toxin release systems, and synthesis by the second cell type of a solvent that weaponizes the total secretion. This cooperative system has been conserved since the Early Cretaceous as Aleocharinae radiated into tens of thousands of lineages. Reprogramming each cell type yielded biochemical novelties enabling ecological specialization-most dramatically in symbionts that infiltrate social insect colonies via host-manipulating secretions. Our findings uncover cell type evolutionary processes underlying the origin and evolvability of a beetle chemical innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila A Kitchen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Thomas H Naragon
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Adrian Brückner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Mark S Ladinsky
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Sofia A Quinodoz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Jean M Badroos
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Joani W Viliunas
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Yuriko Kishi
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Julian M Wagner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - David R Miller
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Mina Yousefelahiyeh
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Igor A Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - K Taro Eldredge
- Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stacy Pirro
- Iridian Genomes, 613 Quaint Acres Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA
| | - Mitchell Guttman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Steven R Davis
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, USA
| | - Matthew L Aardema
- Department of Biology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
| | - Joseph Parker
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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3
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Łukasik P, Kolasa MR. With a little help from my friends: the roles of microbial symbionts in insect populations and communities. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230122. [PMID: 38705185 PMCID: PMC11070262 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
To understand insect abundance, distribution and dynamics, we need to understand the relevant drivers of their populations and communities. While microbial symbionts are known to strongly affect many aspects of insect biology, we lack data on their effects on populations or community processes, or on insects' evolutionary responses at different timescales. How these effects change as the anthropogenic effects on ecosystems intensify is an area of intense research. Recent developments in sequencing and bioinformatics permit cost-effective microbial diversity surveys, tracking symbiont transmission, and identification of functions across insect populations and multi-species communities. In this review, we explore how different functional categories of symbionts can influence insect life-history traits, how these effects could affect insect populations and their interactions with other species, and how they may affect processes and patterns at the level of entire communities. We argue that insect-associated microbes should be considered important drivers of insect response and adaptation to environmental challenges and opportunities. We also outline the emerging approaches for surveying and characterizing insect-associated microbiota at population and community scales. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Łukasik
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał R. Kolasa
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
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4
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Parmentier T, Molero-Baltanás R, Valdivia C, Gaju-Ricart M, Boeckx P, Łukasik P, Wybouw N. Co-habiting ants and silverfish display a converging feeding ecology. BMC Biol 2024; 22:123. [PMID: 38807209 PMCID: PMC11134936 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01914-0] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various animal taxa have specialized to living with social hosts. Depending on their level of specialization, these symbiotic animals are characterized by distinct behavioural, chemical, and morphological traits that enable close heterospecific interactions. Despite its functional importance, our understanding of the feeding ecology of animals living with social hosts remains limited. We examined how host specialization of silverfish co-habiting with ants affects several components of their feeding ecology. We combined stable isotope profiling, feeding assays, phylogenetic reconstruction, and microbial community characterization of the Neoasterolepisma silverfish genus and a wider nicoletiid and lepismatid silverfish panel where divergent myrmecophilous lifestyles are observed. RESULTS Stable isotope profiling (δ13C and δ15N) showed that the isotopic niches of granivorous Messor ants and Messor-specialized Neoasterolepisma exhibit a remarkable overlap within an ant nest. Trophic experiments and gut dissections further supported that these specialized Neoasterolepisma silverfish transitioned to a diet that includes plant seeds. In contrast, the isotopic niches of generalist Neoasterolepisma silverfish and generalist nicoletiid silverfish were clearly different from their ant hosts within the shared nest environment. The impact of the myrmecophilous lifestyle on feeding ecology was also evident in the internal silverfish microbiome. Compared to generalists, Messor-specialists exhibited a higher bacterial density and a higher proportion of heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria. Moreover, the nest environment explained the infection profile (or the 16S rRNA genotypes) of Weissella bacteria in Messor-specialized silverfish and the ant hosts. CONCLUSIONS Together, we show that social hosts are important determinants for the feeding ecology of symbiotic animals and can induce diet convergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Parmentier
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | | | - Catalina Valdivia
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Miquel Gaju-Ricart
- Depto. de Biología Animal (Zoología), University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pascal Boeckx
- Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Piotr Łukasik
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Nicky Wybouw
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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5
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Oguchi K, Harumoto T, Katsuno T, Matsuura Y, Chiyoda S, Fukatsu T. Intracellularity, extracellularity, and squeezing in the symbiotic organ underpin nurturing and functioning of bacterial symbiont in leaf beetles. iScience 2024; 27:109731. [PMID: 38689638 PMCID: PMC11059521 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cassidine leaf beetles are associated with genome-reduced symbiotic bacteria Stammera involved in pectin digestion. Stammera cells appear to be harbored in paired symbiotic organs located at the foregut-midgut junction either intracellularly or extracellularly, whereas the symbiont is extracellular in the ovary-accessory glands of adult females and during caplet transmission in eggs. However, using fluorescence and electron microscopy, an intracellular symbiotic configuration of Stammera was observed in Notosacantha species. Detailed inspection of other cassidine species revealed fragmented cell membrane and cytoplasm of the symbiotic organs, wherein Stammera cells are in an intermediate status between intracellularity and extracellularity. We also identified a mitochondria-rich region adjacent to the symbiont-filled region and well-developed muscle fibers surrounding the whole symbiotic organ. Based on these observations, we discuss why the Stammera genome has been reduced so drastically and how symbiont-derived pectinases are produced and supplied to the host's alimentary tract for plant cell wall digestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Oguchi
- Bioproducion Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
- Misaki Marine Biological Station (MMBS), School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Harumoto
- Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Katsuno
- Center for Anatomical Studies, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- KOKORO-Biology Group, Laboratories for Integrated Biology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yu Matsuura
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Soma Chiyoda
- Misaki Marine Biological Station (MMBS), School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Japan
| | - Takema Fukatsu
- Bioproducion Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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6
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García-Lozano M, Henzler C, Porras MÁG, Pons I, Berasategui A, Lanz C, Budde H, Oguchi K, Matsuura Y, Pauchet Y, Goffredi S, Fukatsu T, Windsor D, Salem H. Paleocene origin of a streamlined digestive symbiosis in leaf beetles. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1621-1634.e9. [PMID: 38377997 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Timing the acquisition of a beneficial microbe relative to the evolutionary history of its host can shed light on the adaptive impact of a partnership. Here, we investigated the onset and molecular evolution of an obligate symbiosis between Cassidinae leaf beetles and Candidatus Stammera capleta, a γ-proteobacterium. Residing extracellularly within foregut symbiotic organs, Stammera upgrades the digestive physiology of its host by supplementing plant cell wall-degrading enzymes. We observe that Stammera is a shared symbiont across tortoise and hispine beetles that collectively comprise the Cassidinae subfamily, despite differences in their folivorous habits. In contrast to its transcriptional profile during vertical transmission, Stammera elevates the expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes while in the foregut symbiotic organs, matching the nutritional requirements of its host. Despite the widespread distribution of Stammera across Cassidinae beetles, symbiont acquisition during the Paleocene (∼62 mya) did not coincide with the origin of the subfamily. Early diverging lineages lack the symbiont and the specialized organs that house it. Reconstructing the ancestral state of host-beneficial factors revealed that Stammera encoded three digestive enzymes at the onset of symbiosis, including polygalacturonase-a pectinase that is universally shared. Although non-symbiotic cassidines encode polygalacturonase endogenously, their repertoire of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes is more limited compared with symbiotic beetles supplemented with digestive enzymes from Stammera. Highlighting the potential impact of a symbiotic condition and an upgraded metabolic potential, Stammera-harboring beetles exploit a greater variety of plants and are more speciose compared with non-symbiotic members of the Cassidinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleny García-Lozano
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Christine Henzler
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | | | - Inès Pons
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Aileen Berasategui
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany; Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam 1081 HV, the Netherlands
| | - Christa Lanz
- Genome Center, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Heike Budde
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Kohei Oguchi
- National Institute for Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan; Misaki Marine Biological Station, The University of Tokyo, Miura 238-0225, Japan
| | - Yu Matsuura
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Yannick Pauchet
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Shana Goffredi
- Department of Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA
| | - Takema Fukatsu
- National Institute for Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan
| | - Donald Windsor
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City 0843-03092, Panama
| | - Hassan Salem
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City 0843-03092, Panama.
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7
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Parker J. Symbiosis: Did bacteria bias the beetle big bang? Curr Biol 2024; 34:R323-R325. [PMID: 38653201 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The massive species richness of certain taxonomic groups has long enchanted evolutionary biologists, but even within such groups there are biases in cladogenesis. A study of Metazoa's greatest radiation - the beetles - points to metabolic symbioses with bacteria as a possible driver of enhanced diversification in herbivorous clades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Parker
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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8
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Garber AI, Garcia de la Filia Molina A, Vea IM, Mongue AJ, Ross L, McCutcheon JP. Retention of an Endosymbiont for the Production of a Single Molecule. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae075. [PMID: 38577764 PMCID: PMC11032189 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sap-feeding insects often maintain two or more nutritional endosymbionts that act in concert to produce compounds essential for insect survival. Many mealybugs have endosymbionts in a nested configuration: one or two bacterial species reside within the cytoplasm of another bacterium, and together, these bacteria have genomes that encode interdependent sets of genes needed to produce key nutritional molecules. Here, we show that the mealybug Pseudococcus viburni has three endosymbionts, one of which contributes only two unique genes that produce the host nutrition-related molecule chorismate. All three bacterial endosymbionts have tiny genomes, suggesting that they have been coevolving inside their insect host for millions of years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiy I Garber
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | | | - Isabelle M Vea
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew J Mongue
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Laura Ross
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - John P McCutcheon
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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9
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Baños-Quintana AP, Gershenzon J, Kaltenpoth M. The Eurasian spruce bark beetle Ips typographus shapes the microbial communities of its offspring and the gallery environment. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1367127. [PMID: 38435688 PMCID: PMC10904642 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1367127] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The Eurasian spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) is currently the most economically relevant pest of Norway spruce (Picea abies). Ips typographus associates with filamentous fungi that may help it overcome the tree's chemical defenses. However, the involvement of other microbial partners in this pest's ecological success is unclear. To understand the dynamics of the bark beetle-associated microbiota, we characterized the bacterial and fungal communities of wild-collected and lab-reared beetles throughout their development by culture-dependent approaches, meta-barcoding, and quantitative PCR. Gammaproteobacteria dominated the bacterial communities, while the fungal communities were mainly composed of yeasts of the Saccharomycetales order. A stable core of microbes is shared by all life stages, and is distinct from those associated with the surrounding bark, indicating that Ips typographus influences the microbial communities of its environment and offspring. These findings coupled with our observations of maternal behavior, suggest that Ips typographus transfers part of its microbiota to eggs via deposition of an egg plug treated with maternal secretions, and by inducing an increase in abundance of a subset of taxa from the adjacent bark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Patricia Baños-Quintana
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of Biochemistry, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
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10
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Sylvester T, Adams R, Hunter WB, Li X, Rivera-Marchand B, Shen R, Shin NR, McKenna DD. The genome of the invasive and broadly polyphagous Diaprepes root weevil, Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera), reveals an arsenal of putative polysaccharide-degrading enzymes. J Hered 2024; 115:94-102. [PMID: 37878740 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esad064] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Diaprepes root weevil (DRW), Diaprepes abbreviatus, is a broadly polyphagous invasive pest of agriculture in the southern United States and the Caribbean. Its genome was sequenced, assembled, and annotated to study genomic correlates of specialized plant-feeding and invasiveness and to facilitate the development of new methods for DRW control. The 1.69 Gb D. abbreviatus genome assembly was distributed across 653 contigs, with an N50 of 7.8 Mb and the largest contig of 62 Mb. Most of the genome was comprised of repetitive sequences, with 66.17% in transposable elements, 5.75% in macrosatellites, and 2.06% in microsatellites. Most expected orthologous genes were present and fully assembled, with 99.5% of BUSCO genes present and 1.5% duplicated. One hundred and nine contigs (27.19 Mb) were identified as putative fragments of the X and Y sex chromosomes, and homology assessment with other beetle X chromosomes indicated a possible sex chromosome turnover event. Genome annotation identified 18,412 genes, including 43 putative horizontally transferred (HT) loci. Notably, 258 genes were identified from gene families known to encode plant cell wall degrading enzymes and invertases, including carbohydrate esterases, polysaccharide lyases, and glycoside hydrolases (GH). GH genes were unusually numerous, with 239 putative genes representing 19 GH families. Interestingly, several other beetle species with large numbers of GH genes are (like D. abbreviatus) successful invasive pests of agriculture or forestry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrence Sylvester
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
- Center for Biodiversity Research, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
| | - Richard Adams
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
- Agricultural Statistics Laboratory, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Wayne B Hunter
- USDA, ARS, U. S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL 34945, United States
| | - Xuankun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
- Center for Biodiversity Research, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Bert Rivera-Marchand
- Office of Academic Affairs, Polk State College, Lakeland Campus, Lakeland, FL, 33803, United States
| | - Rongrong Shen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
- Center for Biodiversity Research, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
| | - Na Ra Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
- Center for Biodiversity Research, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
| | - Duane D McKenna
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
- Center for Biodiversity Research, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
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11
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Schott J, Rakei J, Remus-Emsermann M, Johnston P, Mbedi S, Sparmann S, Hilker M, Paniagua Voirol LR. Microbial associates of the elm leaf beetle: uncovering the absence of resident bacteria and the influence of fungi on insect performance. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0105723. [PMID: 38179921 PMCID: PMC10807431 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01057-23] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial symbionts play crucial roles in the biology of many insects. While bacteria have been the primary focus of research on insect-microbe symbiosis, recent studies suggest that fungal symbionts may be just as important. The elm leaf beetle (ELB, Xanthogaleruca luteola) is a serious pest species of field elm (Ulmus minor). Using culture-dependent and independent methods, we investigated the abundance and species richness of bacteria and fungi throughout various ELB life stages and generations, while concurrently analyzing microbial communities on elm leaves. No persistent bacterial community was found to be associated with the ELB or elm leaves. By contrast, fungi were persistently present in the beetle's feeding life stages and on elm leaves. Fungal community sequencing revealed a predominance of the genera Penicillium and Aspergillus in insects and on leaves. Culture-dependent surveys showed a high prevalence of two fungal colony morphotypes closely related to Penicillium lanosocoeruleum and Aspergillus flavus. Among these, the Penicillium morphotype was significantly more abundant on feeding-damaged compared with intact leaves, suggesting that the fungus thrives in the presence of the ELB. We assessed whether the detected prevalent fungal morphotypes influenced ELB's performance by rearing insects on (i) surface-sterilized leaves, (ii) leaves inoculated with Penicillium spores, and (iii) leaves inoculated with Aspergillus spores. Insects feeding on Penicillium-inoculated leaves gained more biomass and tended to lay larger egg clutches than those consuming surface-sterilized leaves or Aspergillus-inoculated leaves. Our results demonstrate that the ELB does not harbor resident bacteria and that it might benefit from associating with Penicillium fungi.IMPORTANCEOur study provides insights into the still understudied role of microbial symbionts in the biology of the elm leaf beetle (ELB), a major pest of elms. Contrary to expectations, we found no persistent bacterial symbionts associated with the ELB or elm leaves. Our research thus contributes to the growing body of knowledge that not all insects rely on bacterial symbionts. While no persistent bacterial symbionts were detectable in the ELB and elm leaf samples, our analyses revealed the persistent presence of fungi, particularly Penicillium and Aspergillus on both elm leaves and in the feeding ELB stages. Moreover, when ELB were fed with fungus-treated elm leaves, we detected a potentially beneficial effect of Penicillium on the ELB's development and fecundity. Our results highlight the significance of fungal symbionts in the biology of this insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Schott
- Applied Zoology/Animal Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliette Rakei
- Applied Zoology/Animal Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Paul Johnston
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research (BeGenDiv), Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susan Mbedi
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research (BeGenDiv), Berlin, Germany
- Museum für Naturkunde Leibniz-Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Sparmann
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research (BeGenDiv), Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Hilker
- Applied Zoology/Animal Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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12
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Wierz JC, Gimmel ML, Huthmacher S, Engl T, Kaltenpoth M. Evolutionary history of tyrosine-supplementing endosymbionts in pollen-feeding beetles. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrae080. [PMID: 38861456 PMCID: PMC11191362 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Many insects feeding on nutritionally challenging diets like plant sap, leaves, or wood engage in ancient associations with bacterial symbionts that supplement limiting nutrients or produce digestive or detoxifying enzymes. However, the distribution, function, and evolutionary dynamics of microbial symbionts in insects exploiting other plant tissues or relying on a predacious diet remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the evolutionary history and function of the intracellular gamma-proteobacterial symbiont "Candidatus Dasytiphilus stammeri" in soft-winged flower beetles (Coleoptera, Melyridae, Dasytinae) that transition from saprophagy or carnivory to palynivory (pollen-feeding) between larval and adult stage. Reconstructing the distribution of the symbiont within the Dasytinae phylogeny unraveled not only a long-term coevolution, originating from a single acquisition event with subsequent host-symbiont codiversification, but also several independent symbiont losses. The analysis of 20 different symbiont genomes revealed that their genomes are severely eroded. However, the universally retained shikimate pathway indicates that the core metabolic contribution to their hosts is the provisioning of tyrosine for cuticle sclerotization and melanization. Despite the high degree of similarity in gene content and order across symbiont strains, the capacity to synthesize additional essential amino acids and vitamins and to recycle urea is retained in some but not all symbionts, suggesting ecological differences among host lineages. This report of tyrosine-provisioning symbionts in insects with saprophagous or carnivorous larvae and pollen-feeding adults expands our understanding of tyrosine supplementation as an important symbiont-provided benefit across a broad range of insects with diverse feeding ecologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Wierz
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthew L Gimmel
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
| | - Selina Huthmacher
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tobias Engl
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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González Porras MÁ, Pons I, García-Lozano M, Jagdale S, Emmerich C, Weiss B, Salem H. Extracellular symbiont colonizes insect during embryo development. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae005. [PMID: 38439943 PMCID: PMC10910848 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Insects typically acquire their beneficial microbes early in development. Endosymbionts housed intracellularly are commonly integrated during oogenesis or embryogenesis, whereas extracellular microbes are only known to be acquired after hatching by immature instars such as larvae or nymphs. Here, however, we report on an extracellular symbiont that colonizes its host during embryo development. Tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) host their digestive bacterial symbiont Stammera extracellularly within foregut symbiotic organs and in ovary-associated glands to ensure its vertical transmission. We outline the initial stages of symbiont colonization and observe that although the foregut symbiotic organs develop 3 days prior to larval emergence, they remain empty until the final 24 h of embryo development. Infection by Stammera occurs during that timeframe and prior to hatching. By experimentally manipulating symbiont availability to embryos in the egg, we describe a 12-h developmental window governing colonization by Stammera. Symbiotic organs form normally in aposymbiotic larvae, demonstrating that these Stammera-bearing structures develop autonomously. In adults, the foregut symbiotic organs are already colonized following metamorphosis and host a stable Stammera population to facilitate folivory. The ovary-associated glands, however, initially lack Stammera. Symbiont abundance subsequently increases within these transmission organs, thereby ensuring sufficient titers at the onset of oviposition ~29 days following metamorphosis. Collectively, our findings reveal that Stammera colonization precedes larval emergence, where its proliferation is eventually decoupled in adult beetles to match the nutritional and reproductive requirements of its host.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inès Pons
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Marleny García-Lozano
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Shounak Jagdale
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Christiane Emmerich
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Benjamin Weiss
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany
| | - Hassan Salem
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City 0843-03092, Republic of Panama
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Gu Y, Ge S, Li J, Ren L, Wang C, Luo Y. Composition and Diversity of the Endobacteria and Ectobacteria of the Invasive Bark Beetle Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Newly Colonized Areas. INSECTS 2023; 15:12. [PMID: 38249018 PMCID: PMC10815997 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a new invasive pest beetle in China, which colonized the Shandong province, causing devastating damage. Originating in Europe, it has spread to Oceania, Asia, North and South America. Bacterial associates have been frequently reported to play a vital role in strengthening the ecological adaptations of bark and ambrosia beetles. The environmental adaptability of H. ligniperda may be supported by their associated bacteria. Bacterial communities colonizing different body parts of insects may have different functions. However, little is known about the bacteria associated with H. ligniperda and their potential involvement in facilitating the adaptation and invasion of the beetles into new environments. In this study, we employed high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the bacterial communities associated with male and female adults of H. ligniperda by comparing those colonizing the elytra, prothorax, and gut. Results showed that the bacterial communities of male and female adults were similar, and the elytra samples had the highest bacterial diversity and richness, followed by the gut, while the prothorax had the lowest. The dominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteriota, while the dominant genera were Serratia, Lactococcus, Rhodococcus, unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, and Gordonia. Among these, Rhodococcus and Gordonia were the specific genera of endobacteria and ectobacteria, respectively. Differences in the distribution of associated bacteria may suggest that they have different ecological functions for H. ligniperda. The results of functional prediction showed that bacteria were enriched in terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, degradation of aromatic compounds, limonene and pinene degradation, neomycin, kanamycin and gentamicin biosynthesis, indicating that they may assist their beetles in synthesizing pheromones, degrading toxic secondary metabolites of host trees, and antagonizing pathogenic fungi. These results help us understand the interaction between H. ligniperda and bacteria and highlight possible contributions to the invasion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Sixun Ge
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Jiale Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.G.); (S.G.)
| | - Lili Ren
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.G.); (S.G.)
- Sino-France Joint Laboratory for Invasive Forest Pests in Eurasia, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chuanzhen Wang
- Yantai Forest Resources Monitoring and Protection Service Center, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Youqing Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (Y.G.); (S.G.)
- Sino-France Joint Laboratory for Invasive Forest Pests in Eurasia, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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15
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Liu HP, Yang QY, Liu JX, Haq IU, Li Y, Zhang QY, Attia KA, Abushady AM, Liu CZ, Lv N. Host plant-mediated effects on Buchnera symbiont: implications for biological characteristics and nutritional metabolism of pea aphids ( Acyrthosiphon pisum). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1288997. [PMID: 38126022 PMCID: PMC10731267 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1288997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, is a typical sap-feeding insect and an important worldwide pest. There is a primary symbiont-Buchnera aphidicola, which can synthesize and provide some essential nutrients for its host. At the same time, the hosts also can actively adjust the density of bacterial symbiosis to cope with the changes in environmental and physiological factors. However, it is still unclear how symbionts mediate the interaction between herbivorous insects' nutrient metabolism and host plants. Methods The current study has studied the effects of different host plants on the biological characteristics, Buchnera titer, and nutritional metabolism of pea aphids. This study investigated the influence of different host plants on biological characteristics, Buchnera titer, and nutritional metabolism of pea aphids. Results and discussion The titer of Buchnera was significantly higher on T. Pretense and M. officinalis, and the relative expression levels were 1.966±0.104 and 1.621±0.167, respectively. The content of soluble sugar (53.46±1.97µg/mg), glycogen (1.12±0.07µg/mg) and total energy (1341.51±39.37µg/mg) of the pea aphid on V. faba were significantly higher and showed high fecundity (143.86±11.31) and weight (10.46±0.77µg/mg). The content of total lipids was higher on P. sativum and T. pretense, which were 2.82±0.03µg/mg and 2.92±0.07µg/mg, respectively. Correlation analysis found that the difference in Buchnera titer was positively correlated with the protein content in M. officinalis and the content of total energy in T. pratense (P < 0.05). This study confirmed that host plants not only affected the biological characteristics and nutritional metabolism of pea aphids but also regulated the symbiotic density, thus interfering with the nutritional function of Buchnera. The results can provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the influence of different host plants on the development of pea aphids and other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-ping Liu
- Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiao-yan Yang
- Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing-xing Liu
- Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Inzamam Ul Haq
- Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiang-yan Zhang
- Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kotb A. Attia
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asmaa M. Abushady
- Biotechnology School, Nile University, 26th of July Corridor, Sheikh Zayed City, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Genetics, Agriculture College, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Chang-zhong Liu
- Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ning Lv
- Biocontrol Engineering Laboratory of Crop Diseases and Pests of Gansu Province, College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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16
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Ren Y, Wang Y, Chen J, Fu S, Bu W, Xue H. Integrated analysis of miRNA profiles and gut bacterial changes in Altica viridicyanea following antibiotic treatment. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10660. [PMID: 37915809 PMCID: PMC10616750 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut bacteria involves in insect homeostasis by playing essential roles in host physiology, metabolism, innate immunity, and so forth. microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally regulate gene expression to affect immune or metabolic processes in insects. For several non-model insects, the available knowledge on the relationship between changes in the gut bacteria and miRNA profiles is limited. In this study, we investigated the gut bacterial diversity, composition, and function from Altica viridicyanea feeding on normal- and antibiotic-treated host plants using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing; antibiotics have been shown to affect the body weight and development time in A. viridicyanea, suggesting that the gut bacteria of the normal sample were more diverse and abundant than those of the antibiotic-fed group, and most of them were involved in various physical functions by enrichment analysis. Furthermore, we executed small RNA transcriptome sequencing using the two experimental groups to obtain numerous sRNAs, such as piRNAs, siRNAs, and known and novel miRNAs, by data mapping and quality control, and furthermore, a total of 224 miRNAs were identified as significantly differentially expressed miRNAs, of which some DEMs and their target genes participated in immune- and metabolism-related pathways based on GO and KEGG annotation. Besides, regarding the regulatory roles of miRNA and target genes, a interaction network of DEM-target gene pairs from eight immune- or metabolism-related signaling pathways were constructed. Finally, we discovered that DEMs from above pathways were significantly positively or negatively correlated with gut bacterial alterations following antibiotic treatment. Collectively, the observations of this study expand our understanding of how the disturbance of gut bacteria affects miRNA profiles in A. viridicyanea and provide new valuable resources from extreme ranges for future studies on the adaptive evolution in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Ren
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Yuan Wang
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Juhong Chen
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Siying Fu
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Wenjun Bu
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Huaijun Xue
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life SciencesNankai UniversityTianjinChina
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17
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Qin M, Jiang L, Qiao G, Chen J. Phylosymbiosis: The Eco-Evolutionary Pattern of Insect-Symbiont Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15836. [PMID: 37958817 PMCID: PMC10650905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115836] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects harbor diverse assemblages of bacterial and fungal symbionts, which play crucial roles in host life history. Insects and their various symbionts represent a good model for studying host-microbe interactions. Phylosymbiosis is used to describe an eco-evolutionary pattern, providing a new cross-system trend in the research of host-associated microbiota. The phylosymbiosis pattern is characterized by a significant positive correlation between the host phylogeny and microbial community dissimilarities. Although host-symbiont interactions have been demonstrated in many insect groups, our knowledge of the prevalence and mechanisms of phylosymbiosis in insects is still limited. Here, we provide an order-by-order summary of the phylosymbiosis patterns in insects, including Blattodea, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera. Then, we highlight the potential contributions of stochastic effects, evolutionary processes, and ecological filtering in shaping phylosymbiotic microbiota. Phylosymbiosis in insects can arise from a combination of stochastic and deterministic mechanisms, such as the dispersal limitations of microbes, codiversification between symbionts and hosts, and the filtering of phylogenetically conserved host traits (incl., host immune system, diet, and physiological characteristics).
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Qin
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (M.Q.); (L.J.)
| | - Liyun Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (M.Q.); (L.J.)
| | - Gexia Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (M.Q.); (L.J.)
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (M.Q.); (L.J.)
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Oishi S, Moriyama M, Mizutani M, Futahashi R, Fukatsu T. Regulation and remodeling of microbial symbiosis in insect metamorphosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304879120. [PMID: 37769258 PMCID: PMC10556603 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304879120] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Many insects are dependent on microbial mutualists, which are often harbored in specialized symbiotic organs. Upon metamorphosis, insect organs are drastically reorganized. What mechanism regulates the remodeling of the symbiotic organ upon metamorphosis? How does it affect the microbial symbiont therein? Here, we addressed these fundamental issues of symbiosis by experimentally manipulating insect metamorphosis. The stinkbug Plautia stali possesses a midgut symbiotic organ wherein an essential bacterial symbiont resides. By RNAi of master regulator genes for metamorphosis, Kr-h1 over nymphal traits and E93 over adult traits, we generated precocious adults and supernumerary nymphs of P. stali, thereby disentangling the effects of metamorphosis, growth level, developmental stage, and other factors on the symbiotic system. Upon metamorphosis, the symbiotic organ of P. stali was transformed from nymph type to adult type. The supernumerary nymphs and the precocious adults, respectively, developed nymph-type and adult-type symbiotic organs not only morphologically but also transcriptomically, uncovering that metamorphic remodeling of the symbiotic organ is under the control of the MEKRE93 pathway. Transcriptomic, cytological, and biochemical analyses unveiled that the structural and transcriptomic remodeling of the symbiotic organ toward adult emergence underpins its functional extension to food digestion in addition to the original role of symbiont retention for essential nutrient production. Notably, we found that the symbiotic bacteria in the adult-type symbiotic organ up-regulated genes for production of sulfur-containing essential amino acids, methionine and cysteine, that are rich in eggs and sperm, uncovering adult-specific symbiont functioning for host reproduction and highlighting intricate host-symbiont interactions associated with insect metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayumi Oishi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 113-0033Tokyo, Japan
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 305-8566Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Minoru Moriyama
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 305-8566Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masaki Mizutani
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 305-8566Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryo Futahashi
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 305-8566Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takema Fukatsu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 113-0033Tokyo, Japan
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 305-8566Tsukuba, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 305-8572Tsukuba, Japan
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Bi S, Wang X, Tang Y, Lei K, Guo J, Yang N, Wan F, Lü Z, Liu W. Bacterial Communities of the Internal Reproductive and Digestive Tracts of Virgin and Mated Tuta absoluta. INSECTS 2023; 14:779. [PMID: 37887791 PMCID: PMC10606990 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms can affect host reproduction, defense, and immunity through sexual or opportunistic transmission; however, there are few studies on insect reproductive organs and intestinal bacterial communities and their effects on mating. Tuta absoluta is a worldwide quarantine pest that seriously threatens the production of Solanaceae crops, and the microbial community within tomato leafminers remains unclear. In this study, 16s rRNA sequencing was used to analyze bacterial communities related to the reproductive organs and intestinal tracts of tomato leafminers (the sample accession numbers are from CNS0856533 to CNS0856577). Different bacterial communities were found in the reproductive organs and intestinal tracts of females and males. Community ecological analysis revealed three potential signs of bacterial sexual transmission: (1) Mating increased the similarity between male and female sex organs and intestinal communities. (2) The bacteria carried by mated individuals were found in unmated individuals of the opposite sex but not in unmated individuals of the same sex. (3) The bacteria carried by unmated individuals were lost after mating. In addition, the abundances of bacterial communities carried by eggs were significantly higher than those of adult worms. Our results confirm that mating leads to the transfer of bacterial communities in the reproductive organs and gut of tomato leafminers, and suggest that this community strongly influences the reproductive process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyan Bi
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaodi Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanhong Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kexin Lei
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianyang Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Nianwan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Institute of Western Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji 831100, China
| | - Fanghao Wan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhichuang Lü
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wanxue Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Manzano-Marín A, Kvist S, Oceguera-Figueroa A. Evolution of an Alternative Genetic Code in the Providencia Symbiont of the Hematophagous Leech Haementeria acuecueyetzin. Genome Biol Evol 2023; 15:evad164. [PMID: 37690114 PMCID: PMC10540940 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evad164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Strict blood-feeding animals are confronted with a strong B-vitamin deficiency. Blood-feeding leeches from the Glossiphoniidae family, similarly to hematophagous insects, have evolved specialized organs called bacteriomes to harbor symbiotic bacteria. Leeches of the Haementeria genus have two pairs of globular bacteriomes attached to the esophagus which house intracellular "Candidatus Providencia siddallii" bacteria. Previous work analyzing a draft genome of the Providencia symbiont of the Mexican leech Haementeria officinalis showed that, in this species, the bacteria hold a reduced genome capable of synthesizing B vitamins. In this work, we aimed to expand our knowledge on the diversity and evolution of Providencia symbionts of Haementeria. For this purpose, we sequenced the symbiont genomes of three selected leech species. We found that all genomes are highly syntenic and have kept a stable genetic repertoire, mirroring ancient insect endosymbionts. Additionally, we found B-vitamin pathways to be conserved among these symbionts, pointing to a conserved symbiotic role. Lastly and most notably, we found that the symbiont of H. acuecueyetzin has evolved an alternative genetic code, affecting a portion of its proteome and showing evidence of a lineage-specific and likely intermediate stage of genetic code reassignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Manzano-Marín
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Kvist
- Department of Natural History, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Present address: Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alejandro Oceguera-Figueroa
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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21
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Mason CJ, Auth J, Geib SM. Gut bacterial population and community dynamics following adult emergence in pest tephritid fruit flies. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13723. [PMID: 37607978 PMCID: PMC10444893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40562-2] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota are important contributors to insect success. Host-microbe interactions are dynamic and can change as hosts age and/or encounter different environments. A turning point in these relationships the transition from immature to adult life stages, particularly for holometabolous insects where there is radical restructuring of the gut. Improved knowledge of population and community dynamics of gut microbiomes upon adult emergence inform drivers of community assembly and physiological aspects of host-microbe interactions. Here, we evaluated the bacterial communities of the pest tephritid species melon fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae) and Medditeranean fruit fly (medfly, Ceratitis capitata) associated with the pupae life stage and timepoints immediately following adult eclosion. We used a combination of culturing to determine cultivatable bacterial titers, qPCR to determine 16S-rRNA SSU copy numbers, and 16S V4 sequencing to determine changes in communities. Both culturing and qPCR revealed that fly bacterial populations declined upon adult emergence by 10 to 100-fold followed by recovery within 24 h following eclosion. Titers reached ~ 107 CFUs (~ 108 16S rRNA copies) within a week post-emergence. We also observed concurrent changes in amplicon sequence variance (ASVs), where the ASV composition differed overtime for both melon fly and medfly adults at different timepoints. Medfly, in particular, had different microbiome compositions at each timepoint, indicating greater levels of variation before stabilization. These results demonstrate that tephritid microbiomes experience a period of flux following adult emergence, where both biomass and the makeup of the community undergoes dramatic shifts. The host-microbe dynamics we document suggest plasticity in the community and that there may be specific periods where the tephritid gut microbiome may be pliable to introduce and establish new microbial strains in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Mason
- Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Daniel K Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 64 Nowelo Street, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA.
| | - Jean Auth
- Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Daniel K Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 64 Nowelo Street, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
| | - Scott M Geib
- Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Daniel K Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 64 Nowelo Street, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA
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22
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Abstract
As vectors of numerous plant pathogens, herbivorous insects play a key role in the epidemiology of plant disease. But how phytopathogens impact the metabolism, physiology, and fitness of their insect vectors is often unexplored within these tripartite interactions. Here, we examine the diverse symbioses forged between insects and members of the ascomycete fungal genus Fusarium. While Fusarium features numerous plant pathogens that are causal to diseases such as wilts and rots, many of these microbes also engage in stable mutualisms across several insect clades. Matching a diversity in symbiont localization and transmission routes, we highlight the various roles fusaria fulfill towards their insect hosts, from upgrading their nutritional physiology to providing defense against natural enemies. But as the insect partner is consistently herbivorous, we emphasize the convergent benefit Fusarium derives in exchange: propagation to a novel host plant. Collectively, we point to the synergy arising between a phytopathogen and its insect vector, and the consequences inflicted on their shared plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Berasategui
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence "Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections", University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shounak Jagdale
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hassan Salem
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany
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23
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Cornwallis CK, van 't Padje A, Ellers J, Klein M, Jackson R, Kiers ET, West SA, Henry LM. Symbioses shape feeding niches and diversification across insects. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:1022-1044. [PMID: 37202501 PMCID: PMC10333129 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
For over 300 million years, insects have relied on symbiotic microbes for nutrition and defence. However, it is unclear whether specific ecological conditions have repeatedly favoured the evolution of symbioses, and how this has influenced insect diversification. Here, using data on 1,850 microbe-insect symbioses across 402 insect families, we found that symbionts have allowed insects to specialize on a range of nutrient-imbalanced diets, including phloem, blood and wood. Across diets, the only limiting nutrient consistently associated with the evolution of obligate symbiosis was B vitamins. The shift to new diets, facilitated by symbionts, had mixed consequences for insect diversification. In some cases, such as herbivory, it resulted in spectacular species proliferation. In other niches, such as strict blood feeding, diversification has been severely constrained. Symbioses therefore appear to solve widespread nutrient deficiencies for insects, but the consequences for insect diversification depend on the feeding niche that is invaded.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anouk van 't Padje
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, section Ecology and Evolution, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, section Ecology and Evolution, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Malin Klein
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, section Ecology and Evolution, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Raphaella Jackson
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - E Toby Kiers
- Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, section Ecology and Evolution, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stuart A West
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lee M Henry
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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24
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Kitchen SA, Naragon TH, Brückner A, Ladinsky MS, Quinodoz SA, Badroos JM, Viliunas JW, Wagner JM, Miller DR, Yousefelahiyeh M, Antoshechkin IA, Eldredge KT, Pirro S, Guttman M, Davis SR, Aardema ML, Parker J. The genomic and cellular basis of biosynthetic innovation in rove beetles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.29.542378. [PMID: 37398185 PMCID: PMC10312436 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.29.542378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
How evolution at the cellular level potentiates change at the macroevolutionary level is a major question in evolutionary biology. With >66,000 described species, rove beetles (Staphylinidae) comprise the largest metazoan family. Their exceptional radiation has been coupled to pervasive biosynthetic innovation whereby numerous lineages bear defensive glands with diverse chemistries. Here, we combine comparative genomic and single-cell transcriptomic data from across the largest rove beetle clade, Aleocharinae. We retrace the functional evolution of two novel secretory cell types that together comprise the tergal gland-a putative catalyst behind Aleocharinae's megadiversity. We identify key genomic contingencies that were critical to the assembly of each cell type and their organ-level partnership in manufacturing the beetle's defensive secretion. This process hinged on evolving a mechanism for regulated production of noxious benzoquinones that appears convergent with plant toxin release systems, and synthesis of an effective benzoquinone solvent that weaponized the total secretion. We show that this cooperative biosynthetic system arose at the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary, and that following its establishment, both cell types underwent ∼150 million years of stasis, their chemistry and core molecular architecture maintained almost clade-wide as Aleocharinae radiated globally into tens of thousands of lineages. Despite this deep conservation, we show that the two cell types have acted as substrates for the emergence of adaptive, biochemical novelties-most dramatically in symbiotic lineages that have infiltrated social insect colonies and produce host behavior-manipulating secretions. Our findings uncover genomic and cell type evolutionary processes underlying the origin, functional conservation and evolvability of a chemical innovation in beetles.
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25
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Li H, Kang X, Yang M, Kasseney BD, Zhou X, Liang S, Zhang X, Wen JL, Yu B, Liu N, Zhao Y, Mo J, Currie CR, Ralph J, Yelle DJ. Molecular insights into the evolution of woody plant decay in the gut of termites. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg1258. [PMID: 37224258 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Plant cell walls represent the most abundant pool of organic carbon in terrestrial ecosystems but are highly recalcitrant to utilization by microbes and herbivores owing to the physical and chemical barrier provided by lignin biopolymers. Termites are a paradigmatic example of an organism's having evolved the ability to substantially degrade lignified woody plants, yet atomic-scale characterization of lignin depolymerization by termites remains elusive. We report that the phylogenetically derived termite Nasutitermes sp. efficiently degrades lignin via substantial depletion of major interunit linkages and methoxyls by combining isotope-labeled feeding experiments and solution-state and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Exploring the evolutionary origin of lignin depolymerization in termites, we reveal that the early-diverging woodroach Cryptocercus darwini has limited capability in degrading lignocellulose, leaving most polysaccharides intact. Conversely, the phylogenetically basal lineages of "lower" termites are able to disrupt the lignin-polysaccharide inter- and intramolecular bonding while leaving lignin largely intact. These findings advance knowledge on the elusive but efficient delignification in natural systems with implications for next-generation ligninolytic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Li
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MARA and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xue Kang
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengyi Yang
- Xiaoshan Management Center of Termite Control, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Housing Security and Real Estate Management Service Center, Hangzhou 311200, China
| | - Boris Dodji Kasseney
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, 1BP1515 Lomé, Togo
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Shiyou Liang
- Agricultural Information Center of Pingyang, Renmin Road 71, Wenzhou 325400, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Quzhou Management Center of Termite Control, Quzhou Housing Security and Real Estate Management Service Center, Quzhou 311200, China
| | - Jia-Long Wen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35 Tsinghua East Road, Beijing, Haidian District 100083, China
| | - Baoting Yu
- National Termite Control Center of China, Moganshan Road 695, Hangzhou 310011, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Institute of Virology and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yufen Zhao
- Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianchu Mo
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agricultural and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cameron R Currie
- Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53706, USA
- David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Ralph
- Department of Energy Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53706, USA
| | - Daniel J Yelle
- US Forest Products Laboratory, Forest Service, Madison, WI 53726, USA
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26
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Hilker M, Salem H, Fatouros NE. Adaptive Plasticity of Insect Eggs in Response to Environmental Challenges. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 68:451-469. [PMID: 36266253 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-120120-100746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Insect eggs are exposed to a plethora of abiotic and biotic threats. Their survival depends on both an innate developmental program and genetically determined protective traits provided by the parents. In addition, there is increasing evidence that (a) parents adjust the egg phenotype to the actual needs, (b) eggs themselves respond to environmental challenges, and (c) egg-associated microbes actively shape the egg phenotype. This review focuses on the phenotypic plasticity of insect eggs and their capability to adjust themselves to their environment. We outline the ways in which the interaction between egg and environment is two-way, with the environment shaping the egg phenotype but also with insect eggs affecting their environment. Specifically, insect eggs affect plant defenses, host biology (in the case of parasitoid eggs), and insect oviposition behavior. We aim to emphasize that the insect egg, although it is a sessile life stage, actively responds to and interacts with its environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Hilker
- Applied Zoology/Animal Ecology, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany;
| | - Hassan Salem
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany;
| | - Nina E Fatouros
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands;
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27
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Niu R, Zhu X, Wang L, Zhang K, Li D, Ji J, Niu L, Gao X, Luo J, Cui J. Evaluation of Hamiltonella on Aphis gossypii fitness based on life table parameters and RNA sequencing. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:306-314. [PMID: 36151951 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect endosymbionts are widespread in nature and known to play key roles in regulating host biology. As a secondary endosymbiont, bacteria in the genus Hamiltonella help cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) defend against parasitism by parasitoid wasps, however, the potential negative impacts of these bacteria on cotton aphid biology remain largely unclear. RESULTS This study aims to evaluate the potential impacts of Hamiltonella on the growth and development of cotton aphids based on life table parameters and RNA sequencing. The results showed that infection with Hamiltonella resulted in smaller body type and lower body weight in aphids. Compared to the control group, there were significant differences in the finite and intrinsic rates of increase and mean generation time. Furthermore, the RNA sequencing data revealed that the genes related to energy synthesis and nutrient metabolism pathways were significantly downregulated and genes related to molting and nervous system pathways were significantly upregulated in the Hamiltonella population. CONCLUSION Our results confirm that Hamiltonella retarded the growth and development of cotton aphids accompanied by the downregulation of genes related to energy synthesis and nutrient metabolism, which provides new insights into aphid-symbiont interactions and may support the development of improved aphid management strategies. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruichang Niu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Xiangzhen Zhu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Li Wang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Jichao Ji
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Lin Niu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Xueke Gao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Jinjie Cui
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
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28
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Zheng R, Cheng L, Peng J, Li Q, Yang F, Yang D, Xia Y, Tang Q. Comparative analysis of gut microbiota and immune genes linked with the immune system of wild and captive Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 138:104530. [PMID: 36084754 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is one of the most highly polyphagous invasive pests causing serious damage to maize crops in China. However, little is known about the gut immune responses to the environment, particularly along the migration routes in Jianghuai, China, throughout the autumn and winter. In this study, high-throughput sequencing and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were employed to examine the variations in immune genes and gut microbiome communities between captive and wild fall armyworm populations. Results showed that the diversity and community of the gut's microbes were higher in wild populations, and the average weighted UniFrac distance between bacterial taxa varied. A wide variety of immune genes were more abundant in the wild populations than in others. Results indicated that diets and different survival conditions impacted the gut microbiota and immune system of S. frugiperda, which was crucial for environmental adaptation. These differences in gut microbiota and immune responses between wild and captive Fall armyworms are critical for comprehending the symbiotic relationship between microbes, immune genes, and hosts. They also highlight the need for increased focus on developing more effective and environmentally friendly pest control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renwen Zheng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Luoling Cheng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Dehua Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yuxian Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Qingfeng Tang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
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29
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Detection, Detrimental Effects, and Transmission Pathways of the Pathogenic Bacterium Acaricomes phytoseiuli in Commercial Predatory Mites. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0265422. [PMID: 36321911 PMCID: PMC9769712 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02654-22] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod pathogens and other microorganisms have been documented from mass production systems aimed at producing natural enemies for pest control. If losses due to pathogens are encountered in such systems, they could lead to uneconomical production of natural enemies and/or a loss of predator quality for effective field control of target pests. Here, we identify and describe the laboratory transmission of a bacterial pathogen, Acaricomes phytoseiuli, in a Chinese strain of the local predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus following contact with Phytoseiulus persimilis, a predatory mite imported for the control of small sap-sucking pests in greenhouses. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences of A. phytoseiuli isolated from the Chinese strain of N. californicus showed 99.6 and 99.78% similarity, respectively, to the pathogen isolated from a European population (DSM14247 strain). This is the first report of P. persimilis infected with A. phytoseiuli outside Europe and transmitting to a local predatory mite species. A. phytoseiuli severely damaged local N. californicus, leading to a dorso-ventrally flattened body and reduced prey consumption and reproduction as well as early death. Through fluorescence in situ hybridization, A. phytoseiuli was shown to accumulate in the digestive tract of mites and in the oviductal bulb of adult females. Infected males had no obvious symptoms, but they still were able to pass on the infection to healthy females through contact and mating. The pathogen was transmitted vertically to offspring by either infected parent through adherence to eggshells. A. phytoseiuli could also persist in other herbivorous arthropods from the same habitat, suggesting wider potential risks. Our study highlights pathogen risk to predators in local biocontrol industries through pathogen spread from imported material. IMPORTANCE Predatory mites are important natural enemies for biological control of pests, but mass rearing of the mites can be affected by pathogens. In particular, the mite pathogen Acaricomes phytoseiuli may pose a threat to predatory mite production, and we have now detected this pathogen in China. We explored the pathogen's transmission within species, its ability to transfer to a locally important predatory mite species, and symptoms following transfer. The detection of A. phytoseiuli and its ability to transfer to a local predator where it reduces performance highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and hygiene in the predatory mite industry.
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30
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Lack of host phylogenetic structure in the gut bacterial communities of New Zealand cicadas and their interspecific hybrids. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20559. [PMID: 36446872 PMCID: PMC9709078 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24723-3] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Host-microbe interactions are intimately linked to eukaryotic evolution, particularly in sap-sucking insects that often rely on obligate microbial symbionts for nutrient provisioning. Cicadas (Cicadidae: Auchenorrhyncha) specialize on xylem fluid and derive many essential amino acids and vitamins from intracellular bacteria or fungi (Hodgkinia, Sulcia, and Ophiocordyceps) that are propagated via transmission from mothers to offspring. Despite the beneficial role of these non-gut symbionts in nutrient provisioning, the role of beneficial microbiota within the gut remains unclear. Here, we investigate the relative abundance and impact of host phylogeny and ecology on gut microbial diversity in cicadas using 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing data from 197 wild-collected cicadas and new mitochondrial genomes across 38 New Zealand cicada species, including natural hybrids between one pair of two species. We find low abundance and a lack of phylogenetic structure and hybrid effects but a significant role of elevation in explaining variation in gut microbiota.
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31
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Berasategui A, Breitenbach N, García-Lozano M, Pons I, Sailer B, Lanz C, Rodríguez V, Hipp K, Ziemert N, Windsor D, Salem H. The leaf beetle Chelymorpha alternans propagates a plant pathogen in exchange for pupal protection. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4114-4127.e6. [PMID: 35987210 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.07.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Many insects rely on microbial protection in the early stages of their development. However, in contrast to symbiont-mediated defense of eggs and young instars, the role of microbes in safeguarding pupae remains relatively unexplored, despite the susceptibility of the immobile stage to antagonistic challenges. Here, we outline the importance of symbiosis in ensuring pupal protection by describing a mutualistic partnership between the ascomycete Fusarium oxysporum and Chelymorpha alternans, a leaf beetle. The symbiont rapidly proliferates at the onset of pupation, extensively and conspicuously coating C. alternans during metamorphosis. The fungus confers defense against predation as symbiont elimination results in reduced pupal survivorship. In exchange, eclosing beetles vector F. oxysporum to their host plants, resulting in a systemic infection. By causing wilt disease, the fungus retained its phytopathogenic capacity in light of its symbiosis with C. alternans. Despite possessing a relatively reduced genome, F. oxysporum encodes metabolic pathways that reflect its dual lifestyle as a plant pathogen and a defensive insect symbiont. These include virulence factors underlying plant colonization, along with mycotoxins that may contribute to the defensive biochemistry of the insect host. Collectively, our findings shed light on a mutualism predicated on pupal protection of an herbivorous beetle in exchange for symbiont dissemination and propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Berasategui
- Max Planck Institute for Biology, Mutualisms Research Group, Max-Planck-Ring 5, Tübingen 72076, Germany; University of Tübingen, Cluster of Excellence 'Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections', Auf der Morgenstelle 28, Tübingen 72076, Germany.
| | - Noa Breitenbach
- Max Planck Institute for Biology, Mutualisms Research Group, Max-Planck-Ring 5, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Marleny García-Lozano
- Max Planck Institute for Biology, Mutualisms Research Group, Max-Planck-Ring 5, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Inès Pons
- Max Planck Institute for Biology, Mutualisms Research Group, Max-Planck-Ring 5, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Brigitte Sailer
- Max Planck Institute for Biology, Electron Microscopy Facility, Max-Planck-Ring 5, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Christa Lanz
- Max Planck Institute for Biology, Genome Center, Max-Planck-Ring 5, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Viterbo Rodríguez
- Centro Regional Universitario de Veraguas, Centro de Capacitación, Investigación y Monitoreo de la Biodiversidad en Coiba, Calle Décima, vía San Francisco, Santiago 08001, Republic of Panama
| | - Katharina Hipp
- Max Planck Institute for Biology, Electron Microscopy Facility, Max-Planck-Ring 5, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Nadine Ziemert
- University of Tübingen, Cluster of Excellence 'Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections', Auf der Morgenstelle 28, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Donald Windsor
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Luis Clement Avenue, Bldg. 401 Tupper, Panama City 0843-03092, Republic of Panama
| | - Hassan Salem
- Max Planck Institute for Biology, Mutualisms Research Group, Max-Planck-Ring 5, Tübingen 72076, Germany.
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Song SL, Yong HS, Chua KO, Eamsobhana P, Lim PE, Chan KG. Core members and differential abundance of chrysomelid microbiota in the life stages of Podontiaaffinis (Galerucinae) and adult Silanafarinosa(Cassidinae, Coleoptera). Biodivers Data J 2022; 10:e87459. [PMID: 36761655 PMCID: PMC9836631 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e87459] [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: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The chrysomelid beetlesPodontiaaffinis and Silanafarinosa are members of the subfamilies Galerucinae and Cassidinae, respectively. This study, based on 16S rRNA gene-targeted metagenomics sequencing, reports the core members and differential abundance of bacterial communities in the larvae and adult beetles of P.affinis and the adult S.farinosa. Cyanobacteria/Melainabacteria group was the predominant phylum in the larvae of P.affinis, while Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum in adult P.affinis and S.farinosa. The number of Order, Family, Genus and Species OTUs in the adult stage of P.affinis was higher than that in the larval stage. The bacterial species richness of adult P.affinis was significantly higher than that of adult S.farinosa. Betaproteobacteria was the predominant class in adult P.affinis, Cyanobacteria in the larvae of P.affinis and Gammaproteobacteria in S.farinosa. The larvae and adult beetles of P.affinis and adult S.farinosahad a low number of unique and shared bacterial OTUs (> 5% relative abundance). The differences in the microbiota indicate possible differences in nutrient assimilation, host taxonomy and other stochastic processes. These findings provide new information to our understanding of the bacteria associated with specialist phytophagous chrysomelid beetles and beetles in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze-Looi Song
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaInstitute for Advanced Studies, Universiti MalayaKuala LumpurMalaysia,Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaInstitute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti MalayaKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Hoi-Sen Yong
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaInstitute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti MalayaKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Kah-Ooi Chua
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaCentre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, Universiti MalayaKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Praphathip Eamsobhana
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandDepartment of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Phaik-Eem Lim
- Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaInstitute of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Universiti MalayaKuala LumpurMalaysia
| | - Kok-Gan Chan
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaInstitute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti MalayaKuala LumpurMalaysia
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Metabolic novelty originating from horizontal gene transfer is essential for leaf beetle survival. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2205857119. [PMID: 36161953 PMCID: PMC9546569 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2205857119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) provides an evolutionary shortcut for recipient organisms to gain novel functions. Although reports of HGT in higher eukaryotes are rapidly accumulating, in most cases the evolutionary trajectory, metabolic integration, and ecological relevance of acquired genes remain unclear. Plant cell wall degradation by HGT-derived enzymes is widespread in herbivorous insect lineages. Pectin is an abundant polysaccharide in the walls of growing parts of plants. We investigated the significance of horizontally acquired pectin-digesting polygalacturonases (PGs) of the leaf beetle Phaedon cochleariae. Using a CRISPR/Cas9-guided gene knockout approach, we generated a triple knockout and a quadruple PG-null mutant in order to investigate the enzymatic, biological, and ecological effects. We found that pectin-digestion 1) is exclusively linked to the horizontally acquired PGs from fungi, 2) became fixed in the host genome by gene duplication leading to functional redundancy, 3) compensates for nutrient-poor diet by making the nutritious cell contents more accessible, and 4) facilitates the beetles development and survival. Our analysis highlights the selective advantage PGs provide to herbivorous insects and demonstrate the impact of HGT on the evolutionary success of leaf-feeding beetles, major contributors to species diversity.
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Coolen S, van der Molen MR, Welte CU. The secret life of insect-associated microbes and how they shape insect-plant interactions. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2022; 98:6643329. [PMID: 35830517 PMCID: PMC9409087 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects are associated with a plethora of different microbes of which we are only starting to understand their role in shaping insect–plant interactions. Besides directly benefitting from symbiotic microbial metabolism, insects obtain and transmit microbes within their environment, making them ideal vectors and potential beneficiaries of plant diseases and microbes that alter plant defenses. To prevent damage, plants elicit stress-specific defenses to ward off insects and their microbiota. However, both insects and microbes harbor a wealth of adaptations that allow them to circumvent effective plant defense activation. In the past decades, it has become apparent that the enormous diversity and metabolic potential of insect-associated microbes may play a far more important role in shaping insect–plant interactions than previously anticipated. The latter may have implications for the development of sustainable pest control strategies. Therefore, this review sheds light on the current knowledge on multitrophic insect–microbe–plant interactions in a rapidly expanding field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Coolen
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Magda Rogowska- van der Molen
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelia U Welte
- Department of Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Fronk DC, Sachs JL. Symbiotic organs: the nexus of host-microbe evolution. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:599-610. [PMID: 35393155 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diverse plants and animals have evolved specialized structures to filter and house beneficial microbes. These symbiotic organs form crucial points of exchange between host and symbiont, are often shaped by both partners, and exhibit features that facilitate a suite of microbial services. While symbiotic organs exhibit varied function, morphology, and developmental plasticity, they share core features linked to the evolutionary maintenance of beneficial symbiosis. Moreover, these organs can have a significant role in altering the demographic forces that shape microbial genomes, driving population bottlenecks and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). To advance our understanding of these 'joint phenotypes' across varied systems, future research must consider the emergent forces that can shape symbiotic organs, including fitness feedbacks and conflicts between interacting genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Fronk
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Joel L Sachs
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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36
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Abstract
Gut microbiota can have diverse impacts on hosts, the nature of which often depend on the circumstances. For insect gut microbes, the quality and nature of host diets can be a significant force in swinging the pendulum from inconsequential to functionally important. In our study, we addressed whether beneficial microbes in one species impart similar functions to related species under identical conditions. Using fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua), and other noctuid hosts, we implemented an axenic rearing strategy and manipulated gut bacterial populations and dietary conditions. Our results revealed that some gut Enterococcus and Enterobacter isolates can facilitate utilization of a poor diet substrate by fall armyworm, but this was not the case for other more optimized diets. While Enterococcus provided benefits to fall armyworm, it was decidedly antagonistic to beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) under identical conditions. Unique isolates and bacterial introductions at early growth stages were critical to how both larval hosts performed. Our results provide robust evidence of the roles in which bacteria support lepidopteran larval growth, but also indicate that the directionality of these relationships can differ among congener hosts. IMPORTANCE Insects have intimate relationships with gut microbiota, where bacteria can contribute important functions to their invertebrate hosts. Lepidopterans are important insect pests, but how they engage with their gut bacteria and how that translates to impacts on the host are lacking. Here we demonstrate the facultative nature of gut microbiota in lepidopteran larvae and the importance of diet in driving mutualistic or antagonistic relationships. Using multiple lepidopteran species, we uncover that the same bacteria that can facilitate exploitation of a challenging diet in one host severely diminishes larval performance of another larval species. Additionally, we demonstrate the beneficial functions of gut microbiota on the hosts are not limited to one lineage, but rather multiple isolates can facilitate the exploitation of a suboptimal diet. Our results illuminate the context-dependent nature of the gut microbiomes in invertebrates, and how host-specific microbial engagement can produce dramatically different interactions.
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37
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Pons I, González Porras MÁ, Breitenbach N, Berger J, Hipp K, Salem H. For the road: calibrated maternal investment in light of extracellular symbiont transmission. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20220386. [PMID: 35473381 PMCID: PMC9043728 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.0386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Faithful transmission of beneficial symbionts is critical for the persistence of mutualisms. Many insect groups rely on extracellular routes that require microbial symbionts to survive outside the host during transfer. However, given a prolonged aposymbiotic phase in offspring, how do mothers mitigate the risk of symbiont loss due to unsuccessful transmission? Here, we investigated symbiont regulation and reacquisition during extracellular transfer in the tortoise beetle, Chelymorpha alternans (Coleoptera: Cassidinae). Like many cassidines, C. alternans relies on egg caplets to vertically propagate its obligate symbiont Candidatus Stammera capleta. On average, each caplet is supplied with 12 symbiont-bearing spheres where Stammera is embedded. We observe limited deviation (±2.3) in the number of spheres allocated to each caplet, indicating strict maternal control over symbiont supply. Larvae acquire Stammera 1 day prior to eclosion but are unable to do so after hatching, suggesting that a specific developmental window governs symbiont uptake. Experimentally manipulating the number of spheres available to each egg revealed that a single sphere is sufficient to ensure successful colonization by Stammera relative to the 12 typically packaged within a caplet. Collectively, our findings shed light on a tightly regulated symbiont transmission cycle optimized to ensure extracellular transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Pons
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | | | - Noa Breitenbach
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Jürgen Berger
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Katharina Hipp
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Hassan Salem
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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38
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Evolutionary Dynamics of Host Organs for Microbial Symbiosis in Tortoise Leaf Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae). mBio 2022; 13:e0369121. [PMID: 35073753 PMCID: PMC8787481 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03691-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverse insects host specific microbial symbionts that play important roles for their growth, survival, and reproduction. They often develop specialized symbiotic organs for harboring the microbial partners. While such intimate associations tend to be stably maintained over evolutionary time, the microbial symbionts may have been lost or replaced occasionally. How symbiont acquisitions, replacements, and losses are linked to the development of the host's symbiotic organs is an important but poorly understood aspect of microbial symbioses. Cassidine leaf beetles are associated with a specific gammaproteobacterial lineage, Stammera, whose reduced genome is streamlined for producing pectin-degrading enzymes to assist the host's digestion of food plants. We investigated the symbiotic system of 24 Japanese cassidine species and found that (i) most species harbored Stammera within paired symbiotic organs located at the foregut-midgut junction, (ii) the host phylogeny was largely congruent with the symbiont phylogeny, indicating stable host-symbiont association over evolutionary time, (iii) meanwhile, the symbiont was not detected in three distinct host lineages, uncovering recurrent losses of the ancient microbial mutualist, (iv) the symbiotic organs were vestigial but present in the symbiont-free lineages, indicating evolutionary persistence of the symbiotic organs even in the absence of the symbiont, and (v) the number of the symbiotic organs was polymorphic among the cassidine species, either two or four, unveiling a dynamic evolution of the host organs for symbiosis. These findings are discussed as to what molecular mechanisms and evolutionary trajectories underpin the recurrent symbiont losses and the morphogenesis of the symbiotic organs in the herbivorous insect group. IMPORTANCE Insects represent the biodiversity of the terrestrial ecosystem, and their prosperity is attributable to their association with symbiotic microorganisms. By sequestering microbial functionality into their bodies, organs, tissues, or cells, diverse insects have successfully exploited otherwise inaccessible ecological niches and resources, including herbivory enabled by utilization of indigestible plant cell wall components. In leaf beetles of the subfamily Cassininae, an ancient symbiont lineage, Stammera, whose genome is extremely reduced and specialized for encoding pectin-degrading enzymes, is hosted in gut-associated symbiotic organs and contributes to the host's food plant digestion. Here, we demonstrate that multiple symbiont losses and recurrent structural switching of the symbiotic organs have occurred in the evolutionary course of cassidine leaf beetles, which sheds light on the evolutionary and developmental dynamics of the insect's symbiotic organs and provides a model system to investigate how microbial symbionts affect the host's development and morphogenesis and vice versa.
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Abstract
Beetles are hosts to a remarkable diversity of bacterial symbionts. In this article, we review the role of these partnerships in promoting beetle fitness following a surge of recent studies characterizing symbiont localization and function across the Coleoptera. Symbiont contributions range from the supplementation of essential nutrients and digestive or detoxifying enzymes to the production of bioactive compounds providing defense against natural enemies. Insights on this functional diversity highlight how symbiosis can expand the host's ecological niche, but also constrain its evolutionary potential by promoting specialization. As bacterial localization can differ within and between beetle clades, we discuss how it corresponds to the microbe's beneficial role and outline the molecular and behavioral mechanisms underlying symbiont translocation and transmission by its holometabolous host. In reviewing this literature, we emphasize how the study of symbiosis can inform our understanding of the phenotypic innovations behind the evolutionary success of beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Salem
- Mutualisms Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany;
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena 07745, Germany;
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz 55128, Germany
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40
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Oren A, Garrity GM. CANDIDATUS LIST No. 3. Lists of names of prokaryotic Candidatus taxa. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2022; 72. [PMID: 35100104 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aharon Oren
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190401 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - George M Garrity
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Biomedical Physical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-4320, USA
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41
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Kanyile SN, Engl T, Kaltenpoth M. Nutritional symbionts enhance structural defence against predation and fungal infection in a grain pest beetle. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:jeb243593. [PMID: 34854911 PMCID: PMC8778805 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Many insects benefit from bacterial symbionts that provide essential nutrients and thereby extend the hosts' adaptive potential and their ability to cope with challenging environments. However, the implications of nutritional symbioses for the hosts' defence against natural enemies remain largely unstudied. Here, we investigated whether the cuticle-enhancing nutritional symbiosis of the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis confers protection against predation and fungal infection. We exposed age-defined symbiotic and symbiont-depleted (aposymbiotic) beetles to two antagonists that must actively penetrate the cuticle for a successful attack: wolf spiders (Lycosidae) and the fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana. While young beetles suffered from high predation and fungal infection rates regardless of symbiont presence, symbiotic beetles were able to escape this period of vulnerability and reach high survival probabilities significantly faster than aposymbiotic beetles. To understand the mechanistic basis of these differences, we conducted a time-series analysis of cuticle development in symbiotic and aposymbiotic beetles by measuring cuticular melanisation and thickness. The results reveal that the symbionts accelerate their host's cuticle formation and thereby enable it to quickly reach a cuticle quality threshold that confers structural protection against predation and fungal infection. Considering the widespread occurrence of cuticle enhancement via symbiont-mediated tyrosine supplementation in beetles and other insects, our findings demonstrate how nutritional symbioses can have important ecological implications reaching beyond the immediate nutrient-provisioning benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sthandiwe Nomthandazo Kanyile
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias Engl
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
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Guo W, Guo M, Yang C, Liu Z, Chen S, Lü J, Qiu B, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Pan H. RNA interference-mediated silencing of vATPase subunits A and E affect survival and development of the 28-spotted ladybeetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1664-1676. [PMID: 33421334 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a powerful tool for developing novel management strategies for controlling insect pests. The 28-spotted ladybeetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata is one of the most important pests attacking solanaceous plants in Asia. In this study, the potential of dietary RNAi to manage H. vigintioctopunctata was investigated using both in vitro synthesized and bacterially expressed double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of HvvATPase A and HvvATPase E. The expression levels of HvvATPase A and HvvATPase E were higher in Malpighian tubules than in other tissue types. The silencing of HvvATPase A and HvvATPase E led to significant mortality in H. vigintioctopunctata larvae. In addition, the ingestion of HvvATPase A and HvvATPase E significantly deterred feeding behavior and subsequently arrested the development of H. vigintioctopunctata. Notably, the bacterially expressed dsRNAs consistently caused higher mortality in larvae and adults. Finally, the nontarget effects of the dsRNAs of H. vigintioctopunctata on the predatory ladybeetle Propylaea japonica were evaluated. P. japonica 1st instar larvae were administered vATPase A and vATPase E dsRNAs from H. vigintioctopunctata and P. japonica under the worst-case scenario, in which dsGFP served as negative control. There were significant effects of dsHvvATPase A on P. japonica at the transcriptional level but not at the organismal level, whereas dsHvvATPase E did not effect P. japonica at either the transcriptional or the organismal level. Collectively, the results of the study suggest that HvvATPase A and HvvATPase E can act as novel molecular targets for the control of H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Mujuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhuoqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Shimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Jing Lü
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Baoli Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Youjun Zhang
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xuguo Zhou
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, USA
| | - Huipeng Pan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
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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.
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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:
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44
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Brunetti M, Magoga G, Gionechetti F, De Biase A, Montagna M. Does diet breadth affect the complexity of the phytophagous insect microbiota? The case study of Chrysomelidae. Environ Microbiol 2021; 24:3565-3579. [PMID: 34850518 PMCID: PMC9543054 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chrysomelidae is a family of phytophagous insects with a highly variable degree of trophic specialization. The aim of this study is to test whether species feeding on different plants (generalists) harbour more complex microbiotas than those feeding on a few or a single plant species (specialists). The microbiota of representative leaf beetle species was characterized with a metabarcoding approach targeting V1–V2 and V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA. Almost all the analysed species harbour at least one reproductive manipulator bacteria (e.g., Wolbachia, Rickettsia). Two putative primary symbionts, previously isolated only from a single species (Bromius obscurus), have been detected in two species of the same subfamily, suggesting a widespread symbiosis in Eumolpinae. Surprisingly, the well‐known aphid symbiont Buchnera is well represented in the microbiota of Orsodacne humeralis. Moreover, in this study, using Hill numbers to dissect the components of the microbiota diversity (abundant and rare bacteria), it has been demonstrated that generalist insect species harbour a more diversified microbiota than specialists. The higher microbiota diversity associated with a wider host‐plant spectrum could be seen as an adaptive trait, conferring new metabolic potential useful to expand the diet breath, or as a result of environmental stochastic acquisition conveyed by diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Brunetti
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Giulia Magoga
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | | | - Alessio De Biase
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 32, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Matteo Montagna
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 2, Milan, 20133, Italy.,BAT Center - Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Napoli "Federico II", Portici, Italy
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45
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Shulgina Y, Eddy SR. A computational screen for alternative genetic codes in over 250,000 genomes. eLife 2021; 10:71402. [PMID: 34751130 PMCID: PMC8629427 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic code has been proposed to be a ‘frozen accident,’ but the discovery of alternative genetic codes over the past four decades has shown that it can evolve to some degree. Since most examples were found anecdotally, it is difficult to draw general conclusions about the evolutionary trajectories of codon reassignment and why some codons are affected more frequently. To fill in the diversity of genetic codes, we developed Codetta, a computational method to predict the amino acid decoding of each codon from nucleotide sequence data. We surveyed the genetic code usage of over 250,000 bacterial and archaeal genome sequences in GenBank and discovered five new reassignments of arginine codons (AGG, CGA, and CGG), representing the first sense codon changes in bacteria. In a clade of uncultivated Bacilli, the reassignment of AGG to become the dominant methionine codon likely evolved by a change in the amino acid charging of an arginine tRNA. The reassignments of CGA and/or CGG were found in genomes with low GC content, an evolutionary force that likely helped drive these codons to low frequency and enable their reassignment. All life forms rely on a ‘code’ to translate their genetic information into proteins. This code relies on limited permutations of three nucleotides – the building blocks that form DNA and other types of genetic information. Each ‘triplet’ of nucleotides – or codon – encodes a specific amino acid, the basic component of proteins. Reading the sequence of codons in the right order will let the cell know which amino acid to assemble next on a growing protein. For instance, the codon CGG – formed of the nucleotides guanine (G) and cytosine (C) – codes for the amino acid arginine. From bacteria to humans, most life forms rely on the same genetic code. Yet certain organisms have evolved to use slightly different codes, where one or several codons have an altered meaning. To better understand how alternative genetic codes have evolved, Shulgina and Eddy set out to find more organisms featuring these altered codons, creating a new software called Codetta that can analyze the genome of a microorganism and predict the genetic code it uses. Codetta was then used to sift through the genetic information of 250,000 microorganisms. This was made possible by the sequencing, in recent years, of the genomes of hundreds of thousands of bacteria and other microorganisms – including many never studied before. These analyses revealed five groups of bacteria with alternative genetic codes, all of which had changes in the codons that code for arginine. Amongst these, four had genomes with a low proportion of guanine and cytosine nucleotides. This may have made some guanine and cytosine-rich arginine codons very rare in these organisms and, therefore, easier to be reassigned to encode another amino acid. The work by Shulgina and Eddy demonstrates that Codetta is a new, useful tool that scientists can use to understand how genetic codes evolve. In addition, it can also help to ensure the accuracy of widely used protein databases, which assume which genetic code organisms use to predict protein sequences from their genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sean R Eddy
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
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46
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Pesante G, Sabbadin F, Elias L, Steele-King C, Shipway JR, Dowle AA, Li Y, Busse-Wicher M, Dupree P, Besser K, Cragg SM, Bruce NC, McQueen-Mason SJ. Characterisation of the enzyme transport path between shipworms and their bacterial symbionts. BMC Biol 2021; 19:233. [PMID: 34724941 PMCID: PMC8561940 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01162-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Shipworms are marine xylophagus bivalve molluscs, which can live on a diet solely of wood due to their ability to produce plant cell wall-degrading enzymes. Bacterial carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), synthesised by endosymbionts living in specialised shipworm cells called bacteriocytes and located in the animal’s gills, play an important role in wood digestion in shipworms. However, the main site of lignocellulose digestion within these wood-boring molluscs, which contains both endogenous lignocellulolytic enzymes and prokaryotic enzymes, is the caecum, and the mechanism by which bacterial enzymes reach the distant caecum lumen has remained so far mysterious. Here, we provide a characterisation of the path through which bacterial CAZymes produced in the gills of the shipworm Lyrodus pedicellatus reach the distant caecum to contribute to the digestion of wood. Results Through a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics, X-ray microtomography, electron microscopy studies and in vitro biochemical characterisation, we show that wood-digesting enzymes produced by symbiotic bacteria are localised not only in the gills, but also in the lumen of the food groove, a stream of mucus secreted by gill cells that carries food particles trapped by filter feeding to the mouth. Bacterial CAZymes are also present in the crystalline style and in the caecum of their shipworm host, suggesting a unique pathway by which enzymes involved in a symbiotic interaction are transported to their site of action. Finally, we characterise in vitro four new bacterial glycosyl hydrolases and a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase identified in our transcriptomic and proteomic analyses as some of the major bacterial enzymes involved in this unusual biological system. Conclusion Based on our data, we propose that bacteria and their enzymes are transported from the gills along the food groove to the shipworm’s mouth and digestive tract, where they aid in wood digestion. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01162-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Pesante
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Federico Sabbadin
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Luisa Elias
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Clare Steele-King
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - J Reuben Shipway
- Centre for Enzyme Innovation, School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, UK
| | - Adam A Dowle
- Bioscience Technology Facility, Department, of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Yi Li
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Marta Busse-Wicher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Paul Dupree
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Katrin Besser
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Simon M Cragg
- Institute of Marine Sciences Laboratories, Langstone Harbour, Ferry Road, Eastney, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY, UK
| | - Neil C Bruce
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Simon J McQueen-Mason
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
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47
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Maire J, Blackall LL, van Oppen MJH. Intracellular Bacterial Symbionts in Corals: Challenges and Future Directions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2209. [PMID: 34835335 PMCID: PMC8619543 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Corals are the main primary producers of coral reefs and build the three-dimensional reef structure that provides habitat to more than 25% of all marine eukaryotes. They harbor a complex consortium of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, and protists, which they rely on for their survival. The symbiosis between corals and bacteria is poorly studied, and their symbiotic relationships with intracellular bacteria are only just beginning to be acknowledged. In this review, we emphasize the importance of characterizing intracellular bacteria associated with corals and explore how successful approaches used to study such microorganisms in other systems could be adapted for research on corals. We propose a framework for the description, identification, and functional characterization of coral-associated intracellular bacterial symbionts. Finally, we highlight the possible value of intracellular bacteria in microbiome manipulation and mitigating coral bleaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Maire
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (L.L.B.); (M.J.H.v.O.)
| | - Linda L. Blackall
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (L.L.B.); (M.J.H.v.O.)
| | - Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (L.L.B.); (M.J.H.v.O.)
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
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48
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Perreau J, Moran NA. Genetic innovations in animal-microbe symbioses. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 23:23-39. [PMID: 34389828 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00395-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal hosts have initiated myriad symbiotic associations with microorganisms and often have maintained these symbioses for millions of years, spanning drastic changes in ecological conditions and lifestyles. The establishment and persistence of these relationships require genetic innovations on the parts of both symbionts and hosts. The nature of symbiont innovations depends on their genetic population structure, categorized here as open, closed or mixed. These categories reflect modes of inter-host transmission that result in distinct genomic features, or genomic syndromes, in symbionts. Although less studied, hosts also innovate in order to preserve and control symbiotic partnerships. New capabilities to sequence host-associated microbial communities and to experimentally manipulate both hosts and symbionts are providing unprecedented insights into how genetic innovations arise under different symbiont population structures and how these innovations function to support symbiotic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Perreau
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Nancy A Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.
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49
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Husnik F, Tashyreva D, Boscaro V, George EE, Lukeš J, Keeling PJ. Bacterial and archaeal symbioses with protists. Curr Biol 2021; 31:R862-R877. [PMID: 34256922 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Most of the genetic, cellular, and biochemical diversity of life rests within single-celled organisms - the prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) and microbial eukaryotes (protists). Very close interactions, or symbioses, between protists and prokaryotes are ubiquitous, ecologically significant, and date back at least two billion years ago to the origin of mitochondria. However, most of our knowledge about the evolution and functions of eukaryotic symbioses comes from the study of animal hosts, which represent only a small subset of eukaryotic diversity. Here, we take a broad view of bacterial and archaeal symbioses with protist hosts, focusing on their evolution, ecology, and cell biology, and also explore what functions (if any) the symbionts provide to their hosts. With the immense diversity of protist symbioses starting to come into focus, we can now begin to see how these systems will impact symbiosis theory more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Husnik
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan; Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Daria Tashyreva
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vittorio Boscaro
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Emma E George
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Julius Lukeš
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick J Keeling
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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50
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Li H, Zhao C, Yang Y, Zhou Z, Qi J, Li C. The Influence of Gut Microbiota on the Fecundity of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:15. [PMID: 34415303 PMCID: PMC8378403 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The gut microbiota of insects usually plays an important role in the development and reproduction of their hosts. The fecundity of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Fabricius) varies greatly when they develop on different host plants. Whether and how the gut microbiota regulates the fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata was unknown. To address this question, we used 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze the gut microbiomes of H. vigintioctopunctata adults fed on two host plant species (Solanum nigrum and Solanum melongena) and one artificial diet. The development of the ovaries and testes was also examined. Our results revealed that the diversity and abundance of gut microorganisms varied significantly in insects reared on different diets. The gut microbiota of H. vigintioctopunctata raised on the two host plants was similar, with Proteobacteria being the dominant phylum in both groups, whereas Firmicutes was the dominant phylum in the group reared on the artificial diet. The predominant microbiota in the S. nigrum group were Acinetobacter soli and Acinetobacter ursingii (Acinetobacter, Moraxellaceae); Moraxella osloensis (Enhydrobacter, Moraxellaceae); and Empedobacter brevis (Empedobacter, Weeksellaceae). The microbiota in this group are associated with high lipid metabolism. In addition, the beetles' ovaries and testes were more highly developed in the S. nigrum group than in the other two groups. These findings provide valuable information for elucidating the complex roles the gut microbiota play in the fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata, and may also contribute to developing future novel control strategies involving this economically important pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwen Li
- Institute of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Changwei Zhao
- Institute of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Zhixiong Zhou
- Institute of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Jingwei Qi
- Institute of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
| | - Chuanren Li
- Institute of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, Hubei, China
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