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Thakur H, Agarwal S, Buček A, Hradecký J, Sehadová H, Mathur V, Togaev U, van de Kamp T, Hamann E, Liu RH, Verma KS, Li HF, Sillam-Dussès D, Engel MS, Šobotník J. Defensive glands in Stylotermitidae (Blattodea, Isoptera). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2024; 79:101346. [PMID: 38520874 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2024.101346] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The large abundance of termites is partially achieved by their defensive abilities. Stylotermitidae represented by a single extant genus, Stylotermes, is a member of a termite group Neoisoptera that encompasses 83% of termite species and 94% of termite genera and is characterized by the presence of the frontal gland. Within Neoisoptera, Stylotermitidae represents a species-poor sister lineage of all other groups. We studied the structure of the frontal, labral and labial glands in soldiers and workers of Stylotermes faveolus, and the composition of the frontal gland secretion in S. faveolus and Stylotermes halumicus. We show that the frontal gland is a small active secretory organ in soldiers and workers. It produces a cocktail of monoterpenes in soldiers, and some of these monoterpenes and unidentified proteins in workers. The labral and labial glands are developed similarly to other termite species and contribute to defensive activities (labral in both castes, labial in soldiers) or to the production of digestive enzymes (labial in workers). Our results support the importance of the frontal gland in the evolution of Neoisoptera. Toxic, irritating and detectable monoterpenes play defensive and pheromonal functions and are likely critical novelties contributing to the ecological success of these termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Thakur
- Department of Entomology, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Surbhi Agarwal
- Animal Plant Interactions Lab, Department of Zoology, Sri Venkateswara College, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, India
| | - Aleš Buček
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jaromír Hradecký
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Sehadová
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branišovská 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Vartika Mathur
- Animal Plant Interactions Lab, Department of Zoology, Sri Venkateswara College, Benito Juarez Marg, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, India
| | - Ulugbek Togaev
- Academy of Science of Uzbekistan, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry and National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Thomas van de Kamp
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation (IPS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany; Laboratory for Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Kaiserstr. 12, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Elias Hamann
- Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation (IPS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Ren-Han Liu
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402202, Taiwan
| | - Kuldeep S Verma
- Department of Entomology, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Hou-Feng Li
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402202, Taiwan
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, LEEC, UR 4443, Villetaneuse, France.
| | - Michael S Engel
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, 10024-5192, USA
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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2
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Li Y, Yin L, Guo R, Du Y, Wang B, Liu L, Li Z, Liu W, Zhang G, An S, Yin X, Su L. Juvenile Hormone Involved in the Defensive Behaviors of Soldiers in Termite Reticulitermes aculabialis. INSECTS 2024; 15:130. [PMID: 38392549 PMCID: PMC10889337 DOI: 10.3390/insects15020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Eusocial insects have evolved specific defensive strategies to protect their colonies. In termite colonies, soldiers perform a colony-level defense by displaying mechanical biting, head-banging and mandible opening-closing behaviors. However, few studies have been reported on the factors modulating defensive behaviors in termites. Owing to JH (juvenile hormone) being involved in soldier differentiation, JH was speculated to affect defensive behaviors in termite soldiers. To determine the effect of JH on the defensive behaviors of termite soldiers, we performed a JHA-feeding and RaSsp1-silencing experiment and then tested the changes in defense-related behaviors, alarm pheromones and key JH signaling genes. The observed result was that after feeding workers with JHA, soldiers displayed the following: (1) decreased biting events and increased head-banging events; (2) a reduced expression of RaSsp1 and increased expression of Met (methoprene-tolerant, the nuclear receptor of JH) and Kr-h1 (the JH-inducible transcription factor Krüppel homolog 1); and (3) a decreased concentration of alarm pheromones, including α-pinene, β-pinene and limonene (+, -). Further study showed that soldiers silenced for RaSsp1 also exhibited (1) decreased biting events and increased head-banging events and (2) increased expression of Met and Kr-h1. In addition, soldiers stimulated by the alarm pheromone limonene displayed an increase in the frequency of mandible opening-closing and biting behavior. All of these results show that JHA influenced the defensive behaviors of termite soldiers, possibly via downregulating RaSsp1 expression, up-regulating Met and Kr-h1 and stimulating the secretion of alarm pheromones, suggesting that the JH pathway plays important roles in modulating social behaviors in termite colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Li
- College of Life Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Letong Yin
- College of Life Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Ruiyao Guo
- College of Life Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yunliang Du
- College of Life Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Bo Wang
- College of Life Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Long Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Zhenya Li
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Guozhi Zhang
- College of Life Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Shiheng An
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xinming Yin
- College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Lijuan Su
- College of Life Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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3
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de Mendonça THC, Silva CR, Watanabe SYM, Silva AFN, Santos REC, Cristaldo PF. How to perceive the insecticide? The Neotropical termite Nasutitermes corniger (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) triggers alert behavior after exposure to imidacloprid. Behav Processes 2023; 209:104887. [PMID: 37150334 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In eusocial insects, alarm signaling is used to inform nestmates about threats such as predators, competitors, and pathogens. Such behavior is important for the survival of colonies. However, studies evaluating the effect of insecticides on the alarm in termites have not yet been reported. Here, we inspected the effects of insecticide on alarm communication in Nasutitermes corniger. Specifically, we test the following hypotheses: (1) termite groups exposed to insecticide imidacloprid increase the body shaking movements, displaying an alert behavior; and (2) the alert behavior displayed after exposition to insecticide is dose dependent. Bioassays were conducted evaluating the body shaking movements and walking activity of termite groups exposed and non-exposed to insecticide. Thereafter, body shaking movements were evaluated in groups submitted to different doses of insecticide. In general, exposing termite groups to insecticide resulted in significantly higher body shaking movements compared to non-exposed groups. There was a positive effect of imidacloprid doses on the shaking movements. Walking activity, however, decreases in those groups exposed to the insecticide. Our results demonstrate the existence of 'insecticide alert behavior' in N. corniger and it appears to be a previously unrecognized communication mechanism in termites that allows for reducing the intoxication risks in the colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago H C de Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil; Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Cátila R Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Sara Y M Watanabe
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil; Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Aline F N Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil; Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Renan E C Santos
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Paulo F Cristaldo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Entomologia, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil; Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Agronomia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil.
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4
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Palma-Onetto V, Bergmann J, González-Teuber M. Mode of action, chemistry and defensive efficacy of the osmeterium in the caterpillar Battus polydamas archidamas. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6644. [PMID: 37095102 PMCID: PMC10126055 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33390-x] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical secretions are one of the main defensive mechanisms in insects. The osmeterium is a unique organ in larvae of Papilionidae (Lepidoptera), which is everted upon disturbance, secreting odoriferous volatiles. Here, using larvae of the specialized butterfly Battus polydamas archidamas (Papilionidae: Troidini), we aimed to understand the mode of action of the osmeterium, the chemical composition and origin of the secretion, as well as its defensive efficiency against a natural predator. We described osmeterium's morphology, ultramorphology, structure, ultrastructure, and chemistry. Additionally, behavioral assays of the osmeterial secretion against a predator were developed. We showed that the osmeterium is composed of tubular arms (made up by epidermal cells) and of two ellipsoid glands, which possess a secretory function. The eversion and retraction of the osmeterium are dependent on the internal pressure generated by the hemolymph, and by longitudinal muscles that connect the abdomen with the apex of the osmeterium. Germacrene A was the main compound present in the secretion. Minor monoterpenes (sabinene and ß-pinene) and sesquiterpenes ((E)-β-caryophyllene, selina-3,7(11)-diene, and other some unidentified compounds) were also detected. Only sesquiterpenes (with the exception of (E)-β-caryophyllene) are likely to be synthesized in the osmeterium-associated glands. Furthermore, the osmeterial secretion proved to deter predatory ants. Our results suggest that the osmeterium, besides serving as an aposematic warning for enemies, is an efficient chemical defense, with its own synthesis of irritant volatiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Palma-Onetto
- Departamento de Química Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de La Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Jan Bergmann
- Instituto de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Marcia González-Teuber
- Departamento de Química Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de La Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
- Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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5
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Aumont C, Beránková T, McMahon DP, Radek R, Akama PD, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J. The ultrastructure of the rostral gland in soldiers of Verrucositermes tuberosus (Blattodea: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2023; 73:101238. [PMID: 36796136 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2023.101238] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The soil-feeding habit is an evolutionary novelty found in some advanced groups of termites. The study of such groups is important to revealing interesting adaptations to this way-of-life. The genus Verrucositermes is one such example, characterized by peculiar outgrowths on the head capsule, antennae and maxillary palps, which are not found in any other termite. These structures have been hypothesized to be linked to the presence of a new exocrine organ, the rostral gland, whose structure has remained unexplored. We have thus studied the ultrastructure of the epidermal layer of the head capsule of Verrucositermes tuberosus soldiers. We describe the ultrastructure of the rostral gland, which consists of class 3 secretory cells only. The dominant secretory organelles comprise rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, which provide secretions delivered to the surface of the head, likely made of peptide-derived components of unclear function. We discuss a possible role of the rostral gland of soldiers as an adaptation to the frequent encounter with soil pathogens during search for new food resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Aumont
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany; Department for Materials and the Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tereza Beránková
- Czech University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, 165 00, Prague 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Dino P McMahon
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany; Department for Materials and the Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - Renate Radek
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pierre D Akama
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, LEEC, UR 4443, University Sorbonne Paris Nord, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Czech University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, 165 00, Prague 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic.
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Sillam-Dussès D, Jandák V, Stiblik P, Delattre O, Chouvenc T, Balvín O, Cvačka J, Soulet D, Synek J, Brothánek M, Jiříček O, Engel MS, Bourguignon T, Šobotník J. Alarm communication predates eusociality in termites. Commun Biol 2023; 6:83. [PMID: 36681783 PMCID: PMC9867704 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04438-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) have evolved specialized defensive strategies for colony protection. Alarm communication enables workers to escape threats while soldiers are recruited to the source of disturbance. Here, we study the vibroacoustic and chemical alarm communication in the wood roach Cryptocercus and in 20 termite species including seven of the nine termite families, all life-types, and all feeding and nesting habits. Our multidisciplinary approach shows that vibratory alarm signals represent an ethological synapomorphy of termites and Cryptocercus. In contrast, chemical alarms have evolved independently in several cockroach groups and at least twice in termites. Vibroacoustic alarm signaling patterns are the most complex in Neoisoptera, in which they are often combined with chemical signals. The alarm characters correlate to phylogenetic position, food type and hardness, foraging area size, and nesting habits. Overall, species of Neoisoptera have developed the most sophisticated communication system amongst termites, potentially contributing to their ecological success.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sillam-Dussès
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology UR4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Vojtěch Jandák
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 166 27, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Stiblik
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Olivier Delattre
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology UR4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Thomas Chouvenc
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33314, USA
| | - Ondřej Balvín
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Cvačka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 166 10, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Delphine Soulet
- University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology UR4443, 93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jiří Synek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Brothánek
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 166 27, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Jiříček
- Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 166 27, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michael S Engel
- Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum, and Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, 1501 Crestline Drive-Suite 140, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66045, USA.
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 21, Prague 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic.
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Sansom TM, Oberst S, Richter A, Lai JCS, Saadatfar M, Nowotny M, Evans TA. Low radiodensity μCT scans to reveal detailed morphology of the termite leg and its subgenual organ. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2022; 70:101191. [PMID: 35816830 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2022.101191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Termites sense tiny substrate-borne vibrations through subgenual organs (SGOs) located within their legs' tibiae. Little is known about the SGOs' structure and physical properties. We applied high-resolution (voxel size 0.45 μm) micro-computed tomography (μCT) to Australian termites, Coptotermes lacteus and Nasutitermes exitiosus (Hill) to test two staining techniques. We compared the effectiveness of a single stain of Lugol's iodine solution (LS) to LS followed by Phosphotungstic acid (PTA) solutions (1% and 2%). We then present results of a soldier of Nasutitermes exitiosus combining μCT with LS + 2%PTS stains and scanning electron microscopy to exemplify the visualisation of their SGOs. The termite's SGO due to its approximately oval shape was shown to have a maximum diameter of 60 μm and a minimum of 48 μm, covering 60 ± 4% of the leg's cross-section and 90.4 ± 5% of the residual haemolymph channel. Additionally, the leg and residual haemolymph channel cross-sectional area decreased around the SGO by 33% and 73%, respectively. We hypothesise that this change in cross-sectional area amplifies the vibrations for the SGO. Since SGOs are directly connected to the cuticle, their mechanical properties and the geometric details identified here may enable new approaches to determine how termites sense micro-vibrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travers M Sansom
- University of Technology Sydney, Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Sebastian Oberst
- University of Technology Sydney, Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia; School of Engineering and IT, University of New South Wales Canberra, Northcott Dr, Campbell ACT, 2612, Australia.
| | - Adrian Richter
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Joseph C S Lai
- School of Engineering and IT, University of New South Wales Canberra, Northcott Dr, Campbell ACT, 2612, Australia
| | - Mohammad Saadatfar
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, Australia
| | - Manuela Nowotny
- Institute of Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Theodore A Evans
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
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Production and Functionalities of Specialized Metabolites from Different Organic Sources. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060534. [PMID: 35736468 PMCID: PMC9228302 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants are rich sources of specialized metabolites that are of great importance to plants, animals, and humans. The usefulness of active biological compounds cuts across different fields, such as agriculture, forestry, food processing and packaging, biofuels, biocatalysts, and environmental remediation. In recent years, research has shifted toward the use of microbes, especially endophytes (bacteria, fungi, and viruses), and the combination of these organisms with other alternatives to optimize the production and regulation of these compounds. This review reinforces the production of specialized metabolites, especially by plants and microorganisms, and the effectiveness of microorganisms in increasing the production/concentration of these compounds in plants. The study also highlights the functions of these compounds in plants and their applications in various fields. New research areas that should be explored to produce and regulate these compounds, especially in plants and microbes, have been identified. Methods involving molecular studies are yet to be fully explored, and next-generation sequencing possesses an interesting and reliable approach.
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9
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Zeng W, Shen D, Chen Y, Zhang S, Wu W, Li Z. A High Soldier Proportion Encouraged the Greater Antifungal Immunity in a Subterranean Termite. Front Physiol 2022; 13:906235. [PMID: 35733990 PMCID: PMC9207448 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.906235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Termites possess a mighty social immune system, serving as one of the key obstacles to controlling them biologically. However, the dynamic mechanism coordinating the social immunologic defense and caste distribution of the termites remains elusive. This study used the Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and an entomopathogenic fungus as a host–pathogen system and experimentally manipulated a series of groups with different caste compositions of workers and soldiers. Then, the impact of demography on the behavior and innate immunity of termites was explored by analyzing the fungus susceptibility of the respective caste, efficiencies, and caste preferences of sanitary care, as well as the expression of the immune genes and phenoloxidase activity. Overall, to ensure the general health and survival of a group, the infected workers were found to sacrifice their survivorship for maintaining the soldier proportion of the group. If soldier proportion was limited within a threshold, both the survivorship of the workers and soldiers were not significantly affected by the infection. Correspondingly, the infected group with a higher proportion of soldiers stimulated the higher efficiency of a non-caste-biased sanitary care of the workers to the nestmate workers and soldiers. Moreover, the innate immunities of the infected workers were found to be more intensely upregulated in the group with higher soldier proportions. This suggested that the adjustable non-caste-biased sanitary care and innate immunity of the workers would contribute to the flexibility of the worker–soldier caste ratio in C. formosanus. This study, therefore, enhanced our understanding of the functional adaptation mechanism between pathogen-driven social immunity and the demography of the termites.
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Jouault C, Engel MS, Huang D, Berger J, Grandcolas P, Perkovsky EE, Legendre F, Nel A. Termite Valkyries: Soldier-Like Alate Termites From the Cretaceous and Task Specialization in the Early Evolution of Isoptera. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.737367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In several insect eusocial lineages, e.g., some aphids, thrips, ants, some stingless bees, and termites, task specialization is brought to its climax with a sterile soldier caste solely devoted to colony defense. In Isoptera, while the reproductives are defenseless, the soldiers have unique morpho-physiological specializations whose origin and evolution remain unresolved. Here we report on two instances of Cretaceous fossil termite reproductives belonging to different families († Valkyritermes inopinatus gen. et sp. nov. and an unpublished specimen from the Crato Formation), with intriguing phragmotic soldier-like heads and functional wings. These individuals, herein called Valkyries, are the first termite reproductives known with defensive features and suggest that phragmosis arose at least in the Early Cretaceous. Valkyries resemble modern neotenic soldiers except for their complete wings. Their discovery supports the hypothesis that the division between reproductive (indicated by the winged condition of Valkyries) and defensive tasks (indicated by the phragmotic head) has not always been complete in termite history. We explore two alternative scenarios regarding the origin of Valkyries (i.e., relatively recent and convergent origins vs. plesiomorphic condition) and discuss how they might relate to the development of soldiers. We argue that, in both cases, Valkyries likely evolved to face external threats, a selective pressure that could also have favored the origin of soldiers from helpers. Valkyries highlight the developmental flexibility of termites and illustrate the tortuous paths that evolution may follow.
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Bai ZD, Shi CY, Sillam-Dussès D, Wang RW. Elusive workers are more likely to differentiate into replacement reproductives than aggressive workers in a lower termite. Curr Zool 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
One of the most intriguing questions in eusocial insects is to understand how the overt reproductive conflict in the colony appears limited when queens or kings are senescent or lost, since the morphologically similar individuals in the colony are reproductively totipotent. Whether there are some individuals which preferentially differentiate into replacement reproductives or not has received little attention. The consistent individual behavioral differences (also termed ‘animal personality’) of individuals from the colony can shape cunningly their task and consequently affect the colony fitness but have been rarely investigated in eusocial insects. Here, we used the termite Reticulitermes labralis to investigate if variations in individual personalities (elusiveness and aggressiveness) may predict which individuals will perform reproductive differentiation within colonies. We observed that when we separately reared elusive and aggressive workers, elusive workers differentiate into reproductives significantly earlier than aggressive workers. When we reared them together in the proportions 12:3, 10:5 and 8:7 (aggressive workers:elusive workers), the first reproductives mostly differentiated from the elusive workers, and the reproductives differentiated from the elusive workers significantly earlier than from aggressive workers. Furthermore, we found that the number of workers participating in reproductive differentiation was significantly lower in the groups of both type of workers than in groups containing only elusive workers. Our results demonstrate that the elusiveness trait was a strong predictor of workers differentiation into replacement reproductives in R. labralis. Moreover, our results suggest that individual personalities within the insect society could play a key role in resolving the overt reproductive conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang-Dong Bai
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Chong-Yang Shi
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, LEEC, UR 4443, University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Rui-Wu Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
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12
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Oliveira-Neto JR, Oliveira NRLD, Cruz ADC, Ferri PH, Azevedo NRD. Chemical composition and chemotaxonomy of Nasutitermes spp. defensive secretion from Brazilian Cerrado for the differentiation of species. Nat Prod Res 2022; 36:2399-2403. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1831492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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13
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Beránková T, Buček A, Bourguignon T, Arias JR, Akama PD, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J. The ultrastructure of the intramandibular gland in soldiers of the termite Machadotermes rigidus (Blattodea: Termitidae: Apicotermitinae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2022; 67:101136. [PMID: 35152166 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2021.101136] [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: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Machadotermes is one of the basal Apicotermitinae genera, living in tropical West Africa. Old observations suggested the presence of a new gland, the intramandibular gland, in Machadotermes soldiers. Here, by combining micro-computed tomography, optical and electron microscopy, we showed that the gland exists in Machadotermes soldiers only as an active exocrine organ, consisting of numerous class III cells (bicellular units made of secretory and canal cells), within which the secretion is produced in rough endoplasmic reticulum, and modified and stored in Golgi apparatus. The final secretion is released out from the body through epicuticular canals running through the mandible cuticle to the exterior. We also studied three other Apicotermitinae, Indotermes, Duplidentitermes, and Jugositermes, in which this gland is absent. We speculate that the secretion of this gland may be used as a general protectant or antimicrobial agent. In addition, we observed that the frontal gland, a specific defensive organ in termites, is absent in Machadotermes soldiers while it is tiny in Indotermes soldiers and small in Duplidentitermes and Jugositermes soldiers. At last, we could also observe in all these species the labral, mandibular and labial glands, other exocrine glands present in all termite species studied so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Beránková
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Buček
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Johanna Romero Arias
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pierre D Akama
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, LEEC, UR 4443, University Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France.
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
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14
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Schmidt S, Kildgaard S, Guo H, Beemelmanns C, Poulsen M. The chemical ecology of the fungus-farming termite symbiosis. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:231-248. [PMID: 34879123 PMCID: PMC8865390 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00022e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Covering: September 1972 to December 2020Explorations of complex symbioses have often elucidated a plethora of previously undescribed chemical compounds that may serve ecological functions in signalling, communication or defence. A case in point is the subfamily of termites that cultivate a fungus as their primary food source and maintain complex bacterial communities, from which a series of novel compound discoveries have been made. Here, we summarise the origins and types of 375 compounds that have been discovered from the symbiosis over the past four decades and discuss the potential for synergistic actions between compounds within the complex chemical mixtures in which they exist. We go on to highlight how vastly underexplored the diversity and geographic distribution of the symbiosis is, which leaves ample potential for natural product discovery of compounds of both ecological and medical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Schmidt
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Sara Kildgaard
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Huijuan Guo
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology e.V., Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Beemelmanns
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology e.V., Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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15
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Comparative Genomic and Metabolomic Analysis of Termitomyces Species Provides Insights into the Terpenome of the Fungal Cultivar and the Characteristic Odor of the Fungus Garden of Macrotermes natalensis Termites. mSystems 2022; 7:e0121421. [PMID: 35014870 PMCID: PMC8751386 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01214-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrotermitinae termites have domesticated fungi of the genus Termitomyces as food for their colony, analogously to human farmers growing crops. Termites propagate the fungus by continuously blending foraged and predigested plant material with fungal mycelium and spores (fungus comb) within designated subterranean chambers. To test the hypothesis that the obligate fungal symbiont emits specific volatiles (odor) to orchestrate its life cycle and symbiotic relations, we determined the typical volatile emission of fungus comb biomass and Termitomyces nodules, revealing α-pinene, camphene, and d-limonene as the most abundant terpenes. Genome mining of Termitomyces followed by gene expression studies and phylogenetic analysis of putative enzymes related to secondary metabolite production encoded by the genomes uncovered a conserved and specific biosynthetic repertoire across strains. Finally, we proved by heterologous expression and in vitro enzymatic assays that a highly expressed gene sequence encodes a rare bifunctional mono-/sesquiterpene cyclase able to produce the abundant comb volatiles camphene and d-limonene. IMPORTANCE The symbiosis between macrotermitinae termites and Termitomyces is obligate for both partners and is one of the most important contributors to biomass conversion in the Old World tropic’s ecosystems. To date, research efforts have dominantly focused on acquiring a better understanding of the degradative capabilities of Termitomyces to sustain the obligate nutritional symbiosis, but our knowledge of the small-molecule repertoire of the fungal cultivar mediating interspecies and interkingdom interactions has remained fragmented. Our omics-driven chemical, genomic, and phylogenetic study provides new insights into the volatilome and biosynthetic capabilities of the evolutionarily conserved fungal genus Termitomyces, which allows matching metabolites to genes and enzymes and, thus, opens a new source of unique and rare enzymatic transformations.
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16
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Abbot P. Defense in Social Insects: Diversity, Division of Labor, and Evolution. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 67:407-436. [PMID: 34995089 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-082521-072638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
All social insects defend their colony from predators, parasites, and pathogens. In Oster and Wilson's classic work, they posed one of the key paradoxes about defense in social insects: Given the universal necessity of defense, why then is there so much diversity in mechanisms? Ecological factors undoubtedly are important: Predation and usurpation have imposed strong selection on eusocial insects, and active defense by colonies is a ubiquitous feature of all social insects. The description of diverse insect groups with castes of sterile workers whose main duty is defense has broadened the purview of social evolution in insects, in particular with respect to caste and behavior. Defense is one of the central axes along which we can begin to organize and understand sociality in insects. With the establishment of social insect models such as the honey bee, new discoveries are emerging regarding the endocrine, neural, and gene regulatory mechanisms underlying defense in social insects. The mechanisms underlying morphological and behavioral defense traits may be shared across diverse groups, providing opportunities for identifying both conserved and novel mechanisms at work. Emerging themes highlight the context dependency of and interaction between factors that regulate defense in social insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Abbot
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA;
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17
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Conlon BH, Gostinčar C, Fricke J, Kreuzenbeck NB, Daniel JM, Schlosser MS, Peereboom N, Aanen DK, de Beer ZW, Beemelmanns C, Gunde-Cimerman N, Poulsen M. Genome reduction and relaxed selection is associated with the transition to symbiosis in the basidiomycete genus Podaxis. iScience 2021; 24:102680. [PMID: 34189441 PMCID: PMC8220239 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Insights into the genomic consequences of symbiosis for basidiomycete fungi associated with social insects remain sparse. Capitalizing on viability of spores from centuries-old herbarium specimens of free-living, facultative, and specialist termite-associated Podaxis fungi, we obtained genomes of 10 specimens, including two type species described by Linnaeus >240 years ago. We document that the transition to termite association was accompanied by significant reductions in genome size and gene content, accelerated evolution in protein-coding genes, and reduced functional capacities for oxidative stress responses and lignin degradation. Functional testing confirmed that termite specialists perform worse under oxidative stress, while all lineages retained some capacity to cleave lignin. Mitochondrial genomes of termite associates were significantly larger; possibly driven by smaller population sizes or reduced competition, supported by apparent loss of certain biosynthetic gene clusters. Our findings point to relaxed selection that mirrors genome traits observed among obligate endosymbiotic bacteria of many insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H. Conlon
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Cene Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janis Fricke
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoll-Institute, Chemical Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Nina B. Kreuzenbeck
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoll-Institute, Chemical Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jan-Martin Daniel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoll-Institute, Chemical Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Malte S.L. Schlosser
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Nils Peereboom
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Duur K. Aanen
- Department of Plant Sciences, Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Z. Wilhelm de Beer
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Christine Beemelmanns
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knoll-Institute, Chemical Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michael Poulsen
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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18
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Vibratory behaviour produces different vibrations patterns in presence of reproductives in a subterranean termite species. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9902. [PMID: 33972576 PMCID: PMC8110524 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88292-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibratory behaviours are widespread in social insects, but the produced vibrations remain poorly explored. Communication using vibrations is an efficient way to transmit information in subterranean environments where visual and odorant signals are less efficient. In termites, different vibratory behaviours are performed in different contexts like reproductive regulation and alarm signalling, but only few studies explored the structure of the produced vibrations (i.e., duration, number of pulses, amplitude). Here, we described several types of vibrations produced by a vibratory behaviour widespread in termites (body-shaking), which can be transmitted through the substrate and detected by other colony members. We analysed the structures of the emitted vibrations and the occurrence of the body-shaking events in presence/absence of reproductives and/or in presence/absence of a stress stimuli (flashlight) in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes. Interestingly, only the presence of the reproductives did influence the number of pulses and the duration of the emitted vibrations. Moreover, the first part of the emitted vibrations seems to be enough to encode reproductive information, but other parts might hold other type of information. Body-shaking occurrence did increase in presence of reproductives but only briefly under a flashlight. These results show that vibratory cues are complex in termites and their diversity might encode a plurality of social cues.
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19
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Costa-Leonardo AM, da Silva IB, Janei V, Poiani SB, Dos Santos-Pinto JRA, Esteves FG, Palma MS. Salivary glands in workers of Ruptitermes spp. (Blattaria, Isoptera, Termitidae, Apicotermitinae): a morphological and preoteomic approach. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 385:603-621. [PMID: 33961129 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03469-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Salivary glands are omnipresent in termites and occur in all developmental stages and castes. They function to produce, store, and secrete compounds, ranging from a feeding function to defensive mechanisms. Here, we provide a complete morphological overview of the salivary glands in the soldierless species Ruptitermes reconditus and R. xanthochiton, and the first proteomic profile of the salivary glands in a Neotropical Apicotermitinae representative, R. reconditus. Salivary glands from both species were composed of several acini, roughly spherical structures composed of two types of central cells (type I and II) and peripheral parietal cells, as well as transporting ducts and two salivary reservoirs. Central cells were richly supplied with electron-lucent secretory vesicles and rough endoplasmic reticulum, a feature of protein-secreting cells. Parietal cells of Ruptitermes spp. had conspicuous characteristics such as electron-lucent secretory vesicles surrounded by mitochondria and well-developed microvilli. Moreover, different individuals showed variation in the secretory cycle of salivary acini, which may be related to polyethism. Ultrastructural analysis evidenced a high synthesis of secretion and also the occurrence of lysosomes and autophagic structures in central cells. Proteomic analysis of the salivary glands revealed 483 proteins divided into functional groups, highlighting toxins/defensins and compounds related to alarm communication and colony asepsis. Soldierless termites are quite successful, especially due to morphological adaptations of the workers, including unknown modifications of exocrine glands. Thus, according to our morphological and proteomic findings, we discuss the potential roles of the salivary gland secretion in different social aspects of the sampled species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Costa-Leonardo
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil. .,Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil.
| | - Iago Bueno da Silva
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Vanelize Janei
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Silvana Beani Poiani
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Aparecido Dos Santos-Pinto
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Franciele Grego Esteves
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Mario Sérgio Palma
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais-CEIS, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP, 13506-900, Brazil
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20
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Effect of Spatial Variation on Defensive Substances of Constrictotermes Cyphergaster Soldiers (Blattaria, Isoptera). J Chem Ecol 2021; 47:544-551. [PMID: 33796949 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01271-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The composition of chemical weaponry of termite soldiers show interspecific and intraspecific variation. However, spatial effects on the qualitative and quantitative compositions of these substances in Neotropical termites are poorly known. Hexane extracts of heads and the defensive secretion of soldiers of Constrictotermes cyphergaster from four localities in Northeast Brazil were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Chemical analysis allowed the detection of 54 compounds from the head extract and from the direct extraction of the defensive secretion of soldiers, and the percentage of common substances and the presence of exclusive substances varied depending on the spatial distance between colonies. The profile of the chemical armament of soldiers consists basically of terpenoids: monoterpenes (45.53%-71.97 - for head extract and 57.41% - 78.56 for secretion) and sesquiterpenes (19.69% - 35.78% for head extract and 18.41% - 33.31%for secretion). In general, the main component of the chemical arsenal, regardless of the methodology used for extraction, was α-pinene (27.98-50.44%). Two chemotypes were identified based on chemical differences between populations of ecoregions with distinct spatial-environmental and climate characteristics: (1) α-pinene <33%; (2) α-pinene >33% for both extracts (head and secretion). The results reveal a similar pattern of chemical differentiation for soldiers in both extracts (head and secretion), with increasing differences as a function of distance between the analyzed colonies.
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21
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Chouvenc T, Šobotník J, Engel MS, Bourguignon T. Termite evolution: mutualistic associations, key innovations, and the rise of Termitidae. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:2749-2769. [PMID: 33388854 PMCID: PMC11071720 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03728-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Termites are a clade of eusocial wood-feeding roaches with > 3000 described species. Eusociality emerged ~ 150 million years ago in the ancestor of modern termites, which, since then, have acquired and sometimes lost a series of adaptive traits defining of their evolution. Termites primarily feed on wood, and digest cellulose in association with their obligatory nutritional mutualistic gut microbes. Recent advances in our understanding of termite phylogenetic relationships have served to provide a tentative timeline for the emergence of innovative traits and their consequences on the ecological success of termites. While all "lower" termites rely on cellulolytic protists to digest wood, "higher" termites (Termitidae), which comprise ~ 70% of termite species, do not rely on protists for digestion. The loss of protists in Termitidae was a critical evolutionary step that fostered the emergence of novel traits, resulting in a diversification of morphology, diets, and niches to an extent unattained by "lower" termites. However, the mechanisms that led to the initial loss of protists and the succession of events that took place in the termite gut remain speculative. In this review, we provide an overview of the key innovative traits acquired by termites during their evolution, which ultimately set the stage for the emergence of "higher" termites. We then discuss two hypotheses concerning the loss of protists in Termitidae, either through an externalization of the digestion or a dietary transition. Finally, we argue that many aspects of termite evolution remain speculative, as most termite biological diversity and evolutionary trajectories have yet to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Chouvenc
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, Ft Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Davie, FL, USA.
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michael S Engel
- Division of Entomology, Natural History Museum, and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, 1501 Crestline Drive, Suite 140, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan.
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22
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Mitaka Y, Akino T. A Review of Termite Pheromones: Multifaceted, Context-Dependent, and Rational Chemical Communications. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.595614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Termite colonies, composed of large numbers of siblings, develop an important caste-based division of labor; individuals in these societies interact via intra- or intercaste chemical communications. For more than 50 years, termites have been known to use a variety of pheromones to perform tasks necessary for maintenance of their societies, similar to eusocial hymenopterans. Although trail-following pheromones have been chemically identified in various termites, other types of pheromones have not been elucidated chemically or functionally. In the past decade, however, chemical compositions and biological functions have been successfully identified for several types of termite pheromones; accordingly, the details of the underlying pheromone communications have been gradually revealed. In this review, we summarize both the functions of all termite pheromones identified so far and the chemical interactions among termites and other organisms. Subsequently, we argue how termites developed their sophisticated pheromone communication. We hypothesize that termites have diverted defensive and antimicrobial substances to pheromones associated in caste recognition and caste-specific roles. Furthermore, termites have repeatedly used a pre-existing pheromone or have added supplementary compounds to it in accordance with the social context, leading to multifunctionalization of pre-existing pheromones and emergence of new pheromones. These two mechanisms may enable termites to transmit various context-dependent information with a small number of chemicals, thus resulting in formation of coordinated, complex, and rational chemical communication systems.
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23
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Oberpaul M, Zumkeller CM, Culver T, Spohn M, Mihajlovic S, Leis B, Glaeser SP, Plarre R, McMahon DP, Hammann P, Schäberle TF, Glaeser J, Vilcinskas A. High-Throughput Cultivation for the Selective Isolation of Acidobacteria From Termite Nests. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:597628. [PMID: 33240253 PMCID: PMC7677567 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.597628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities in the immediate environment of socialized invertebrates can help to suppress pathogens, in part by synthesizing bioactive natural products. Here we characterized the core microbiomes of three termite species (genus Coptotermes) and their nest material to gain more insight into the diversity of termite-associated bacteria. Sampling a healthy termite colony over time implicated a consolidated and highly stable microbiome, pointing toward the fact that beneficial bacterial phyla play a major role in termite fitness. In contrast, there was a significant shift in the composition of the core microbiome in one nest during a fungal infection, affecting the abundance of well-characterized Streptomyces species (phylum Actinobacteria) as well as less-studied bacterial phyla such as Acidobacteria. High-throughput cultivation in microplates was implemented to isolate and identify these less-studied bacterial phylogenetic group. Amplicon sequencing confirmed that our method maintained the bacterial diversity of the environmental samples, enabling the isolation of novel Acidobacteriaceae and expanding the list of cultivated species to include two strains that may define new species within the genera Terracidiphilus and Acidobacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Oberpaul
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Celine M. Zumkeller
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Tanja Culver
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Marius Spohn
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Sanja Mihajlovic
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Leis
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefanie P. Glaeser
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rudy Plarre
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dino P. McMahon
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Hammann
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D Integrated Drug Discovery, Hoechst Industrial Park, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Till F. Schäberle
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jens Glaeser
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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24
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Hammoud Mahdi D, Hubert J, Renault JH, Martinez A, Schubert A, Engel KM, Koudogbo B, Vissiennon Z, Ahyi V, Nieber K, Vissiennon C. Chemical Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of the Fungus-Growing Termite Strain Macrotermes Bellicosus Used in Traditional Medicine in the Republic of Benin. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25215015. [PMID: 33138110 PMCID: PMC7662623 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungus growing termite species Macrotermes bellicosus (M. bellicosus) is used in nutrition and traditional medicine in the Republic of Benin for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Previous findings demonstrated evidence of anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties of M. bellicosus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of different extracts of M. bellicosus samples and determine the chemical profile of an ethanolic M. bellicosus extract. Chemical profiling was conducted using centrifugal partition chromatography and 13C-NMR, followed by MALDI-TOF MS. Major identified compounds include hydroquinone (HQ), methylhydroquinone (MHQ), 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl glycol (DHPG), N-acetyldopamine (NADA) and niacinamide. The fatty acid mixture of the extract was mainly composed of linoleic and oleic acid and highlights the nutritional purpose of M. bellicosus. Using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion and broth microdilution assay, an antibacterial activity of M. bellicosus samples was observed against various clinical strains with a highest growth inhibition of S. aureus. In addition, HQ and MHQ as well as fractions containing DHPG, niacinamide and NADA inhibited S. aureus growth. The reported antimicrobial activity of M. bellicosus and identified active substances provide a rationale for the traditional medicinal use of M. bellicosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima Hammoud Mahdi
- Inter-Regional University of Industrial Engineering Biotechnologies and Applied Sciences, IRGIB Africa, Cotonou 07 BP 231, Benin; (B.K.); (Z.V.); (V.A.)
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstr 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany;
- Correspondence: (D.H.M.); (C.V.); Tel.: +229-97-21-96-96 (D.H.M.); +49-341-971-5772 (C.V.)
| | - Jane Hubert
- CNRS ICMR UMR 7312, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, BP 1039, 51687 Reims CEDEX 2, France; (J.H.); (J.-H.R.); (A.M.)
- NatExplore SAS, 51140 Prouilly, France
| | - Jean-Hugues Renault
- CNRS ICMR UMR 7312, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, BP 1039, 51687 Reims CEDEX 2, France; (J.H.); (J.-H.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Agathe Martinez
- CNRS ICMR UMR 7312, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, BP 1039, 51687 Reims CEDEX 2, France; (J.H.); (J.-H.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Andreas Schubert
- Fraunhofer IZI, Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstraße 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Kathrin Monika Engel
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstr 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Blaise Koudogbo
- Inter-Regional University of Industrial Engineering Biotechnologies and Applied Sciences, IRGIB Africa, Cotonou 07 BP 231, Benin; (B.K.); (Z.V.); (V.A.)
| | - Zacharie Vissiennon
- Inter-Regional University of Industrial Engineering Biotechnologies and Applied Sciences, IRGIB Africa, Cotonou 07 BP 231, Benin; (B.K.); (Z.V.); (V.A.)
| | - Virgile Ahyi
- Inter-Regional University of Industrial Engineering Biotechnologies and Applied Sciences, IRGIB Africa, Cotonou 07 BP 231, Benin; (B.K.); (Z.V.); (V.A.)
| | - Karen Nieber
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pharmacy, Leipzig University, Brüderstr. 34, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Cica Vissiennon
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Leipzig University, Härtelstr 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany;
- Correspondence: (D.H.M.); (C.V.); Tel.: +229-97-21-96-96 (D.H.M.); +49-341-971-5772 (C.V.)
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25
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Revisiting stigmergy in light of multi-functional, biogenic, termite structures as communication channel. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:2522-2534. [PMID: 33005314 PMCID: PMC7516209 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Termite mounds are fascinating because of their intriguing composition of numerous geometric shapes and materials. However, little is known about these structures, or of their functionalities. Most research has been on the basic composition of mounds compared with surrounding soils. There has been some targeted research on the thermoregulation and ventilation of the mounds of a few species of fungi-growing termites, which has generated considerable interest from human architecture. Otherwise, research on termite mounds has been scattered, with little work on their explicit properties. This review is focused on how termites design and build functional structures as nest, nursery and food storage; for thermoregulation and climatisation; as defence, shelter and refuge; as a foraging tool or building material; and for colony communication, either as in indirect communication (stigmergy) or as an information channel essential for direct communication through vibrations (biotremology). Our analysis shows that systematic research is required to study the properties of these structures such as porosity and material composition. High resolution computer tomography in combination with nonlinear dynamics and methods from computational intelligence may provide breakthroughs in unveiling the secrets of termite behaviour and their mounds. In particular, the examination of dynamic and wave propagation properties of termite-built structures in combination with a detailed signal analysis of termite activities is required to better understand the interplay between termites and their nest as superorganism. How termite structures serve as defence in the form of disguising acoustic and vibration signals from detection by predators, and what role local and global vibration synchronisation plays for building are open questions that need to be addressed to provide insights into how termites utilise materials to thrive in a world of predators and competitors.
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Costa-Leonardo AM, Janei V, Santos AMRD, Silva IBD. Involvement of the Salivary Glands in the Suicidal Defensive Behavior of Workers in Neocapritermes opacus (Blattaria, Isoptera, Termitidae). MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:846-854. [PMID: 32458772 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620001646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Suicidal behavior in termite workers is an extreme defensive strategy, probably a consequence of having a low number of soldiers available in the colony and there being high predation from enemies. We investigated the suicidal mechanism in workers of the Neotropical termite Neocapritermes opacus, which involves salivary gland autothysis followed by body cuticle rupture and the release of a defensive secretion. Autothysis was triggered by a physical stimulus such as a soldier bite that causes the protrusion of the salivary acini, burst reservoirs, and foregut. Histochemical and ultrastructural analyses showed salivary acini composed of peripheral parietal cells and two types of central cells, types I and II. Type I cells are filled with large electron-lucent secretory vesicles, which reacted positively to bromophenol blue and xylidine-Ponceau tests, indicating the occurrence of proteins. Type II cells are elongated and display smaller apical secretory vesicles. Parietal cells present an intracellular canaliculus with dense microvilli and cytoplasm rich in mitochondria and large electron-dense vesicles, which may participate in the self-destructive mechanism. Worker suicidal behavior was previously reported for N. taracua and N. braziliensis. N. opacus is a new species in which a salivary weapon has been developed and factors contributing to this altruistic response are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Costa-Leonardo
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24A, No. 1515, 13506-900Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanelize Janei
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24A, No. 1515, 13506-900Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda Marcelino Ribeiro Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24A, No. 1515, 13506-900Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Iago Bueno da Silva
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Av. 24A, No. 1515, 13506-900Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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27
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Elizalde L, Arbetman M, Arnan X, Eggleton P, Leal IR, Lescano MN, Saez A, Werenkraut V, Pirk GI. The ecosystem services provided by social insects: traits, management tools and knowledge gaps. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1418-1441. [PMID: 32525288 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Social insects, i.e. ants, bees, wasps and termites, are key components of ecological communities, and are important ecosystem services (ESs) providers. Here, we review the literature in order to (i) analyse the particular traits of social insects that make them good suppliers of ESs; (ii) compile and assess management strategies that improve the services provided by social insects; and (iii) detect gaps in our knowledge about the services that social insects provide. Social insects provide at least 10 ESs; however, many of them are poorly understood or valued. Relevant traits of social insects include high biomass and numerical abundance, a diversity of mutualistic associations, the ability to build important biogenic structures, versatile production of chemical defences, the simultaneous delivery of several ESs, the presence of castes and division of labour, efficient communication and cooperation, the capacity to store food, and a long lifespan. All these characteristics enhance social insects as ES providers, highlighting their potential, constancy and efficiency as suppliers of these services. In turn, many of these traits make social insects stress tolerant and easy to manage, so increasing the ESs they provide. We emphasise the need for a conservation approach to the management of the services, as well as the potential use of social insects to help restore habitats degraded by human activities. In addition, we stress the need to evaluate both services and disservices in an integrated way, because some species of social insects are among the most problematic invasive species and native pests. Finally, we propose two areas of research that will lead to a greater and more efficient use of social insects as ES providers, and to a greater appreciation of them by producers and decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Elizalde
- LIHo - Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Marina Arbetman
- Ecopol, INIBIOMA-CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Xavier Arnan
- CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalunya, Barcelona, E-08193, Spain
| | - Paul Eggleton
- Life Sciences Department, The Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, U.K
| | - Inara R Leal
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235 - Cidade Universitária, Recife, 50670-901, Brazil
| | - María Natalia Lescano
- LIHo - Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Agustín Saez
- Ecopol, INIBIOMA-CONICET - Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Victoria Werenkraut
- LIHo - Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
| | - Gabriela I Pirk
- LIHo - Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Pasaje Gutiérrez 1125, Bariloche, 8400, Argentina
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28
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Mitaka Y, Matsuura K. Age-Dependent Increase in Soldier Pheromone of the Termite Reticulitermes speratus. J Chem Ecol 2020; 46:483-489. [PMID: 32440722 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-020-01182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pheromone communication helps maintaining the sophisticated colony organization in social insects. In the termite Reticulitermes speratus, there are two functionally distinct soldier groups: royal guards and entrance guards. Royal guards protect kings and queens in the innermost part of the nest, whereas entrance guards prevent predators from intruding into the nest at the periphery. A recent study revealed that younger and older soldiers work as royal and entrance guards, respectively. This age-dependent distribution is thought to help workers to recognize where in the nest they are located. However, it is not known whether workers can discriminate the age of soldiers. Here, we show that the abundance of soldier pheromone changes with age and that workers discriminate a soldier's age by recognizing the pheromone abundance. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the chemical profiles of extracts in three soldier groups of different ages (newly differentiated, royal guard, and entrance guard soldiers) are markedly different. Entrance guard soldiers have the most soldier pheromone among the three age classes. Furthermore, our bioassays suggested that the worker's movement from chamber to chamber is inhibited only when a soldier with less soldier pheromone is located at the chamber entrance. These results suggest that the soldier pheromone functions as a soldier age indicator and that workers change their behavior depending on the age of the soldier defending the chamber entrance. This study contributes to our understanding of the relationship between aging and pheromone communication in social insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Mitaka
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan. .,Applied Entomology Laboratory, Department of Bioresource Field Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, 1 Saga-Ippongi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8354, Japan.
| | - Kenji Matsuura
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
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29
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Tuma J, Eggleton P, Fayle TM. Ant-termite interactions: an important but under-explored ecological linkage. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 95:555-572. [PMID: 31876057 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Animal interactions play an important role in understanding ecological processes. The nature and intensity of these interactions can shape the impacts of organisms on their environment. Because ants and termites, with their high biomass and range of ecological functions, have considerable effects on their environment, the interaction between them is important for ecosystem processes. Although the manner in which ants and termites interact is becoming increasingly well studied, there has been no synthesis to date of the available literature. Here we review and synthesise all existing literature on ant-termite interactions. We infer that ant predation on termites is the most important, most widespread, and most studied type of interaction. Predatory ant species can regulate termite populations and subsequently slow down the decomposition of wood, litter and soil organic matter. As a consequence they also affect plant growth and distribution, nutrient cycling and nutrient availability. Although some ant species are specialised termite predators, there is probably a high level of opportunistic predation by generalist ant species, and hence their impact on ecosystem processes that termites are known to provide varies at the species level. The most fruitful future research direction will be to evaluate the impact of ant-termite predation on broader ecosystem processes. To do this it will be necessary to quantify the efficacy both of particular ant species and of ant communities as a whole in regulating termite populations in different biomes. We envisage that this work will require a combination of methods, including DNA barcoding of ant gut contents along with field observations and exclusion experiments. Such a combined approach is necessary for assessing how this interaction influences entire ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Tuma
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Soil Biology, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Paul Eggleton
- Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Tom M Fayle
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
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30
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Costa-Leonardo AM, da Silva IB, Poiani SB, Dos Santos-Pinto JRA, Esteves FG, da Silva LHB, Palma MS. Proteomic-components provide insights into the defensive secretion in termite workers of the soldierless genus Ruptitermes. J Proteomics 2019; 213:103622. [PMID: 31863930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.103622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Termite soldiers constitute the defensive frontline of the colonies, despite workers also perform such tasks, especially within the Neotropical Apicotermitinae, in which all species are soldierless. Workers of the genus Ruptitermes display an extreme form of defense, characterized by body rupture and release of a sticky secretion. Previous observations suggested that such behavior may be advantageous against enemies, but the chemical composition of this secretion has been neglected. Here we firstly provide the proteomic profile of the defensive secretion of Ruptitermes reconditus and Ruptitermes pitan workers. Additionally, the mechanisms of action of this behavior was evaluated through different bioassays. A total of 446 proteins were identified in R. reconditus and 391 proteins in R. pitan, which were classified into: toxins, defensins and proteolytic enzymes; sticky components/ alarm communication; proteins related to detoxification processes; proteins involved in folding/conformation and post-translational modifications; housekeeping proteins; and uncharacterized/hypothetical proteins. According to the bioassays, the self-sacrifice is triggered by a physical stimulus, and the defensive secretion may cause immobility and death of the opponents. Assuming that termites are abundant in the tropics and therefore exposed to predators, suicidal behaviors seem to be advantageous, since the loss of an individual benefit the whole colony. SIGNIFICANCE: Although recent studies have reported the biochemical composition of different weapons in soldiered species of termites, such efforts had not been applied to sordierless taxa up until now. Thus, this is the first report of the defensive mechanisms in soldierless termite species based on proteomic analysis. The diversity of compounds, which included toxin-like and mucin-like proteins, reflect the mechanisms of action of the defensive secretion released by termite workers, which may cause immobility and death of the opponents. Our findings may contribute to the knowledge regarding the development of defensive strategies in termites, especially in groups which lost the soldier caste during the evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Costa-Leonardo
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil; Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Iago Bueno da Silva
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Silvana Beani Poiani
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Aparecido Dos Santos-Pinto
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Franciele Grego Esteves
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiza Helena Bueno da Silva
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Biociências, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Campus Rio Claro, Avenida 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
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31
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Worker Defensive Behavior Associated with Toxins in the Neotropical Termite Neocapritermes braziliensis (Blattaria, Isoptera, Termitidae, Termitinae). J Chem Ecol 2019; 45:755-767. [PMID: 31440960 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-019-01098-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Termite societies are abundant in the tropics, and are therefore exposed to multiple enemies and predators, especially during foraging activity. Soldiers constitute a specialized defensive caste, although workers also participate in this process, and even display suicidal behavior, which is the case with the species Neocapritermes braziliensis. Here we describe the morphology, mechanisms of action, and proteomics of the salivary weapon in workers of this species, which due to the autothysis of the salivary glands causes their body rupture, in turn releasing a defensive secretion, observed during aggressiveness bioassays. Salivary glands are paired, composed of two translucent reservoirs, ducts and a set of multicellular acini. Histological and ultrastructural techniques showed that acini are composed of two types of central cells, and small parietal cells located in the acinar periphery. Type I central cells were abundant and filled with a large amount of secretion, while type II central cells were scarce and presented smaller secretion. Parietal cells were often paired and devoid of secretion. The gel-free proteomic approach (shotgun) followed by mass spectrometry revealed 235 proteins in the defensive secretion, which were classified into functional groups: (i) toxins and defensins, (ii) folding/conformation and post-translational modifications, (iii) salivary gland detoxification, (iv) housekeeping proteins and (v) uncharacterized and hypothetical proteins. We highlight the occurrence of neurotoxins previously identified in arachnid venoms, which are novelties for termite biology, and contribute to the knowledge regarding the defense strategies developed by termite species from the Neotropical region.
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32
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Hojo M, Shigenobu S, Maekawa K, Miura T, Tokuda G. Duplication and soldier-specific expression of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase genes in a nasute termite Nasutitermes takasagoensis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 111:103177. [PMID: 31228516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the evolutionarily-derived termite subfamily Nasutitermitinae (family Termitidae), soldiers defend their nestmates by discharging polycyclic diterpenes from a head projection called the "nasus." The diterpenes are synthesised in the frontal gland from the precursor geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP), which is generally used for post-translational modification of proteins in animals. In this study, we constructed a comprehensive gene catalogue to search for genes involved in the diterpene biosynthesis by assembling RNA sequencing reads of Nasutitermes takasagoensis, identifying eight gene copies for GGPP synthase (GGPPS). The number of gene copies is much larger in contrast to other related insects. Gene cloning by reverse transcription-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends confirmed that seven GGPPS genes (NtGGPPS1 to NtGGPPS7) have highly variable untranslated regions. Molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that the NtGGPPS7 gene was grouped with homologs obtained from ancestral termites that have only a single copy of the gene, and the NtGGPPS6 gene was grouped with homologs obtained from a basal lineage of termitids, in which soldiers do not synthesise diterpenes. As the sister group to this clade, furthermore, a monophyletic clade included all the other NtGGPPS genes (NtGGPPS1 to NtGGPPS5). Expression analyses revealed that NtGGPPS7 gene was expressed in all the examined castes and tissues, whereas all the other genes were expressed only in the soldier head. These results suggest that gene duplication followed by subfunctionalisation of the GGPPS genes might have accompanied the evolution of chemical defence in the nasute termite lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Hojo
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
| | - Shuji Shigenobu
- NIBB Core Research Facilities, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Maekawa
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-8555, Japan
| | - Toru Miura
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, 238-0225, Japan
| | - Gaku Tokuda
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
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33
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Synek J, Beránková T, Stiblik P, Pflegerová J, Akama PD, Bourguignon T, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J. The oral gland, a new exocrine organ of termites. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2019; 51:32-36. [PMID: 31325649 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2019.100876] [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: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Termites have a rich set of exocrine glands. These glands are located all over the body, appearing in the head, thorax, legs and abdomen. Here, we describe the oral gland, a new gland formed by no more than a few tens of Class I secretory cells. The gland is divided into two secretory regions located just behind the mouth, on the dorsal and ventral side of the pharynx, respectively. The dominant secretory organelle is a smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Secretion release is under direct control of axons located within basal invaginations of the secretory cells. The secretion is released through a modified porous cuticle located at the mouth opening. We confirmed the presence of the oral gland in workers and soldiers of several wood- and soil-feeding species of Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae, suggesting a broader distribution of the oral gland among termites. The oral gland is the smallest exocrine gland described in termites so far. We hypothesise that the oily secretion can either ease the passage of food or serve as a primer pheromone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Synek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Beránková
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Stiblik
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Pflegerová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pierre D Akama
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Ecole Normale Superieure, Université de Yaoundé I, BP 47 Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic; Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- Université Paris 13 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, LEEC, EA 4443, 99 Avenue Jean-Baptiste Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6 Suchdol, Czech Republic.
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Moser S, Pichler H. Identifying and engineering the ideal microbial terpenoid production host. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:5501-5516. [PMID: 31129740 PMCID: PMC6597603 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
More than 70,000 different terpenoid structures are known so far; many of them offer highly interesting applications as pharmaceuticals, flavors and fragrances, or biofuels. Extraction of these compounds from their natural sources or chemical synthesis is-in many cases-technically challenging with low or moderate yields while wasting valuable resources. Microbial production of terpenoids offers a sustainable and environment-friendly alternative starting from simple carbon sources and, frequently, safeguards high product specificity. Here, we provide an overview on employing recombinant bacteria and yeasts for heterologous de novo production of terpenoids. Currently, Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are the two best-established production hosts for terpenoids. An increasing number of studies have been successful in engineering alternative microorganisms for terpenoid biosynthesis, which we intend to highlight in this review. Moreover, we discuss the specific engineering challenges as well as recent advances for microbial production of different classes of terpenoids. Rationalizing the current stages of development for different terpenoid production hosts as well as future prospects shall provide a valuable decision basis for the selection and engineering of the cell factory(ies) for industrial production of terpenoid target molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Moser
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (acib GmbH), Petersgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, NAWI Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14/2, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Harald Pichler
- Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (acib GmbH), Petersgasse 14, 8010, Graz, Austria.
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, NAWI Graz, BioTechMed Graz, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14/2, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Beran F, Köllner TG, Gershenzon J, Tholl D. Chemical convergence between plants and insects: biosynthetic origins and functions of common secondary metabolites. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 223:52-67. [PMID: 30707438 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite the phylogenetic distance between plants and insects, these two groups of organisms produce some secondary metabolites in common. Identical structures belonging to chemical classes such as the simple monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, iridoid monoterpenes, cyanogenic glycosides, benzoic acid derivatives, benzoquinones and naphthoquinones are sometimes found in both plants and insects. In addition, very similar glucohydrolases involved in activating two-component defenses, such as glucosinolates and cyanogenic glycosides, occur in both plants and insects. Although this trend was first noted many years ago, researchers have long struggled to find convincing explanations for such co-occurrence. In some cases, identical compounds may be produced by plants to interfere with their function in insects. In others, plant and insect compounds may simply have parallel functions, probably in defense or attraction, and their co-occurrence is a coincidence. The biosynthetic origin of such co-occurring metabolites may be very different in insects as compared to plants. Plants and insects may have different pathways to the same metabolite, or similar sequences of intermediates, but different enzymes. Further knowledge of the ecological roles and biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites may shed more light on why plants and insects produce identical substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Beran
- Research Group Sequestration and Detoxification in Insects, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Str 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias G Köllner
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Str 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Str 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Dorothea Tholl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 409 Latham Hall, 220 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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Dataset on Substrate-Borne Vibrations of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Blattodea: Isoptera) Termites. DATA 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/data4020087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we present data on distinct stimuli as elicitors of substrate-borne vibrations performed by groups of termites belonging to the species Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Blattodea: Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). The study consisted of assays where termite workers and soldiers were exposed to different airborne stimuli and the vibrations thereby elicited were captured by an accelerometer attached under the floor of the arena in which the termites were confined. A video camera was also used as a visual complement. The data provided here contribute to fill a gap currently existing in published datasets on termite communication.
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Palma-Onetto V, Pflegerová J, Plarre R, Synek J, Cvačka J, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J. The labral gland in termites: evolution and function. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Palma-Onetto
- University Paris 13 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, Villetaneuse, France
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Pflegerová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Rudy Plarre
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jiří Synek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Cvačka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- University Paris 13 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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Pérez-Lachaud G, Rocha FH, Valle-Mora J, Hénaut Y, Lachaud JP. Fine-tuned intruder discrimination favors ant parasitoidism. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210739. [PMID: 30653595 PMCID: PMC6336292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A diversity of arthropods (myrmecophiles) thrives within ant nests, many of them unmolested though some, such as the specialized Eucharitidae parasitoids, may cause direct damage to their hosts. Ants are known to discriminate between nestmates and non-nestmates, but whether they recognize the strength of a threat and their capacity to adjust their behavior accordingly have not been fully explored. We aimed to determine whether Ectatomma tuberculatum ants exhibited specific behavioral responses to potential or actual intruders posing different threats to the host colony and to contribute to an understanding of complex ant-eucharitid interactions. Behavioral responses differed significantly according to intruder type. Ants evicted intruders that represented a threat to the colony's health (dead ants) or were not suitable as prey items (filter paper, eucharitid parasitoid wasps, non myrmecophilous adult weevils), but killed potential prey (weevil larvae, termites). The timing of detection was in accordance with the nature and size of the intruder: corpses (a potential source of contamination) were detected faster than any other intruder and transported to the refuse piles within 15 min. The structure and complexity of behavioral sequences differed among those intruders that were discarded. Workers not only recognized and discriminated between several distinct intruders but also adjusted their behavior to the type of intruder encountered. Our results confirm the previously documented recognition capabilities of E. tuberculatum workers and reveal a very fine-tuned intruder discrimination response. Colony-level prophylactic and hygienic behavioral responses through effective removal of inedible intruders appears to be the most general and flexible form of defense in ants against a diverse array of intruders. However, this generalized response to both potentially lethal and harmless intruders might have driven the evolution of ant-eucharitid interactions, opening a window for parasitoid attack and allowing adult parasitoid wasps to quickly leave the natal nest unharmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Pérez-Lachaud
- Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Franklin H. Rocha
- Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | | | - Yann Hénaut
- Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Jean-Paul Lachaud
- Conservación de la Biodiversidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse; CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
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39
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Reviewing the taxonomy of Podaxis: Opportunities for understanding extreme fungal lifestyles. Fungal Biol 2019; 123:183-187. [PMID: 30798873 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There are few environments more hostile and species-poor than deserts and the mounds of Nasutitermitinae termites. However, despite the very different adaptations required to survive in such extreme and different environments, the fungal genus Podaxis is capable of surviving in both: where few other fungi are reported to grow. Despite their prominence in the landscape and their frequent documentation by early explorers, there has been relatively little research into the genus. Originally described by Linnaeus in 1771, in the early 20th Century, the then ∼25 species of Podaxis were almost entirely reduced into one species: Podaxis pistillaris. Since this reduction, several new species of Podaxis have been described but without consideration of older descriptions. This has resulted in 44 recognised species names in Index Fungorum but the vast majority of studies and fungarium specimens still refer to P. pistillaris. Studies of Podaxis' extremely different lifestyles is hampered by its effective reduction to a single-species genus. Here we examine the history of the taxonomy of Podaxis before focusing on its extreme lifestyles. From this, we consider how the muddled taxonomy of Podaxis may be resolved; opening up further avenues for future research into this enigmatic fungal genus.
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40
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Gössinger E. Chemistry of the Secondary Metabolites of Termites. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2019; 109:1-384. [PMID: 31637529 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-12858-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Isolation, structure determination, synthesis, and biochemistry of the low-molecular-weight compounds of the secretion of exocrine glands of termites are described, with an emphasis on pheromones and defensive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edda Gössinger
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- , Mistelbach, Austria.
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41
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He S, Johnston PR, Kuropka B, Lokatis S, Weise C, Plarre R, Kunte HJ, McMahon DP. Termite soldiers contribute to social immunity by synthesizing potent oral secretions. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 27:564-576. [PMID: 29663551 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The importance of soldiers to termite society defence has long been recognized, but the contribution of soldiers to other societal functions, such as colony immunity, is less well understood. We explore this issue by examining the role of soldiers in protecting nestmates against pathogen infection. Even though they are unable to engage in grooming behaviour, we find that the presence of soldiers of the Darwin termite, Mastotermes darwiniensis, significantly improves the survival of nestmates following entomopathogenic infection. We also show that the copious exocrine oral secretions produced by Darwin termite soldiers contain a high concentration of proteins involved in digestion, chemical biosynthesis, and immunity. The oral secretions produced by soldiers are sufficient to protect nestmates against infection, and they have potent inhibitory activity against a broad spectrum of microbes. Our findings support the view that soldiers may play an important role in colony immunity, and broaden our understanding of the possible function of soldiers during the origin of soldier-first societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S He
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - P R Johnston
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Center for Genomics in Biodiversity Research, Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Berlin, Germany
| | - B Kuropka
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Lokatis
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Weise
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - R Plarre
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - H-J Kunte
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
| | - D P McMahon
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Berlin, Germany
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De novo formation of an aggregation pheromone precursor by an isoprenyl diphosphate synthase-related terpene synthase in the harlequin bug. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E8634-E8641. [PMID: 30139915 PMCID: PMC6140472 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1800008115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many insects release volatile terpenes for chemical communication. However, the biosynthetic origin and evolution of these infochemicals are mostly unknown. We show that the harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica, a stink bug pest (Hemiptera) of crucifer crops, produces a terpene aggregation pheromone by an enzyme that is unrelated to microbial and plant terpene synthases. M. histrionica terpene synthase activity is highly sex- and tissue-specific and makes a sesquiterpene alcohol, so far unknown in animals, as pheromone precursor. The enzyme evolved from ancestral isoprenyl diphosphate synthases and provides new evidence for de novo biosynthesis of terpenes in hemipteran insects. Knowledge of pheromone biosynthesis in stink bugs may lead to the development of new controls of these pests. Insects use a diverse array of specialized terpene metabolites as pheromones in intraspecific interactions. In contrast to plants and microbes, which employ enzymes called terpene synthases (TPSs) to synthesize terpene metabolites, limited information from few species is available about the enzymatic mechanisms underlying terpene pheromone biosynthesis in insects. Several stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), among them severe agricultural pests, release 15-carbon sesquiterpenes with a bisabolene skeleton as sex or aggregation pheromones. The harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica, a specialist pest of crucifers, uses two stereoisomers of 10,11-epoxy-1-bisabolen-3-ol as a male-released aggregation pheromone called murgantiol. We show that MhTPS (MhIDS-1), an enzyme unrelated to plant and microbial TPSs but with similarity to trans-isoprenyl diphosphate synthases (IDS) of the core terpene biosynthetic pathway, catalyzes the formation of (1S,6S,7R)-1,10-bisaboladien-1-ol (sesquipiperitol) as a terpene intermediate in murgantiol biosynthesis. Sesquipiperitol, a so-far-unknown compound in animals, also occurs in plants, indicating convergent evolution in the biosynthesis of this sesquiterpene. RNAi-mediated knockdown of MhTPS mRNA confirmed the role of MhTPS in murgantiol biosynthesis. MhTPS expression is highly specific to tissues lining the cuticle of the abdominal sternites of mature males. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that MhTPS is derived from a trans-IDS progenitor and diverged from bona fide trans-IDS proteins including MhIDS-2, which functions as an (E,E)-farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthase. Structure-guided mutagenesis revealed several residues critical to MhTPS and MhFPPS activity. The emergence of an IDS-like protein with TPS activity in M. histrionica demonstrates that de novo terpene biosynthesis evolved in the Hemiptera in an adaptation for intraspecific communication.
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Walters ET. Nociceptive Biology of Molluscs and Arthropods: Evolutionary Clues About Functions and Mechanisms Potentially Related to Pain. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1049. [PMID: 30123137 PMCID: PMC6085516 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Important insights into the selection pressures and core molecular modules contributing to the evolution of pain-related processes have come from studies of nociceptive systems in several molluscan and arthropod species. These phyla, and the chordates that include humans, last shared a common ancestor approximately 550 million years ago. Since then, animals in these phyla have continued to be subject to traumatic injury, often from predators, which has led to similar adaptive behaviors (e.g., withdrawal, escape, recuperative behavior) and physiological responses to injury in each group. Comparisons across these taxa provide clues about the contributions of convergent evolution and of conservation of ancient adaptive mechanisms to general nociceptive and pain-related functions. Primary nociceptors have been investigated extensively in a few molluscan and arthropod species, with studies of long-lasting nociceptive sensitization in the gastropod, Aplysia, and the insect, Drosophila, being especially fruitful. In Aplysia, nociceptive sensitization has been investigated as a model for aversive memory and for hyperalgesia. Neuromodulator-induced, activity-dependent, and axotomy-induced plasticity mechanisms have been defined in synapses, cell bodies, and axons of Aplysia primary nociceptors. Studies of nociceptive sensitization in Drosophila larvae have revealed numerous molecular contributors in primary nociceptors and interacting cells. Interestingly, molecular contributors examined thus far in Aplysia and Drosophila are largely different, but both sets overlap extensively with those in mammalian pain-related pathways. In contrast to results from Aplysia and Drosophila, nociceptive sensitization examined in moth larvae (Manduca) disclosed central hyperactivity but no obvious peripheral sensitization of nociceptive responses. Squid (Doryteuthis) show injury-induced sensitization manifested as behavioral hypersensitivity to tactile and especially visual stimuli, and as hypersensitivity and spontaneous activity in nociceptor terminals. Temporary blockade of nociceptor activity during injury subsequently increased mortality when injured squid were exposed to fish predators, providing the first demonstration in any animal of the adaptiveness of nociceptive sensitization. Immediate responses to noxious stimulation and nociceptive sensitization have also been examined behaviorally and physiologically in a snail (Helix), octopus (Adopus), crayfish (Astacus), hermit crab (Pagurus), and shore crab (Hemigrapsus). Molluscs and arthropods have systems that suppress nociceptive responses, but whether opioid systems play antinociceptive roles in these phyla is uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar T Walters
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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44
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Scheffrahn RH, Bourguignon T, Akama PD, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J. Roisinitermesebogoensis gen. & sp. n., an outstanding drywood termite with snapping soldiers from Cameroon (Isoptera, Kalotermitidae). Zookeys 2018; 787:91-105. [PMID: 30323706 PMCID: PMC6182260 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.787.28195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Termites have developed a wide array of defensive mechanisms. One of them is the mandibulate soldier caste that crushes or pierces their enemies. However, in several lineages of Termitinae, soldiers have long and slender mandibles that cannot bite but, instead, snap and deliver powerful strikes to their opponents. Here, we use morphological and molecular evidence to describe Roisinitermesebogoensis Scheffrahn, gen. & sp. n. from near Mbalmayo, Cameroon. Soldiers of R.ebogoensis are unique among all other kalotermitid soldiers in that they possess snapping mandibles. The imago of R.ebogoensis is also easily distinguished from all other Kalotermitidae by the lack of ocelli. Our study reveals a new case of parallel evolution of snapping mandibles in termites, a complex apparatus responsible of one of the fastest biological acceleration rates measured to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf H. Scheffrahn
- Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, 3205 College Avenue, Davie, Florida 33314, USAInstitute for Food and Agricultural SciencesDavieUnited States of America
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, JapanCzech University of Life SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech RepublicOkinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate UniversityTanchaJapan
| | - Pierre Dieudonné Akama
- Département des sciences biologiques, Ecole normale supérieure, Université de Yaoundé I, BP 47 Yaoundé, CameroonUniversité de Yaoundé IYaoundéCameroon
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- University Paris 13 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, LEEC, EA4443, Villetaneuse, FranceUniversity ParisParisFrance
- IRD – Sorbonne Universités, iEES-Paris, Bondy, FranceSorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech RepublicOkinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate UniversityTanchaJapan
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45
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Thomsen CN, Hart MM. Using invasion theory to predict the fate of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculants. Biol Invasions 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-018-1746-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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46
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Palma-Onetto V, Hošková K, Křížková B, Krejčířová R, Pflegerová J, Bubeníčková F, Plarre R, Dahlsjö CAL, Synek J, Bourguignon T, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J. The labral gland in termite soldiers. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blx162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Palma-Onetto
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- University Paris 13 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Kristýna Hošková
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Křížková
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Krejčířová
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Pflegerová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Filipa Bubeníčková
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rudy Plarre
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cecilia A L Dahlsjö
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Jiří Synek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- University Paris 13 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Ethology, Villetaneuse, France
- Institute of Research for Development – Sorbonne Universités, Institute of Ecology and Environmental Sciences of Paris, Bondy, France
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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Wen XL, Wen P, Dahlsjö CAL, Sillam-Dussès D, Šobotník J. Breaking the cipher: ant eavesdropping on the variational trail pheromone of its termite prey. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.0121. [PMID: 28446695 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Predators may eavesdrop on their prey using innate signals of varying nature. In regards to social prey, most of the prey signals are derived from social communication and may therefore be highly complex. The most efficient predators select signals that provide the highest benefits. Here, we showed the use of eusocial prey signals by the termite-raiding ant Odontoponera transversaO. transversa selected the trail pheromone of termites as kairomone in several species of fungus-growing termites (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae: Odontotermes yunnanensis, Macrotermes yunnanensis, Ancistrotermes dimorphus). The most commonly predated termite, O. yunnanensis, was able to regulate the trail pheromone component ratios during its foraging activity. The ratio of the two trail pheromone compounds was correlated with the number of termites in the foraging party. (3Z)-Dodec-3-en-1-ol (DOE) was the dominant trail pheromone component in the initial foraging stages when fewer termites were present. Once a trail was established, (3Z,6Z)-dodeca-3,6-dien-1-ol (DDE) became the major recruitment component in the trail pheromone and enabled mass recruitment of nest-mates to the food source. Although the ants could perceive both components, they revealed stronger behavioural responses to the recruitment component, DDE, than to the common major component, DOE. In other words, the ants use the trail pheromone information as an indication of suitable prey abundance, and regulate their behavioural responses based on the changing trail pheromone component. The eavesdropping behaviour in ants therefore leads to an arms race between predator and prey where the species specific production of trail pheromones in termites is targeted by predatory ant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lan Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650204 Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Wen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cecilia A L Dahlsjö
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sillam-Dussès
- IRD - Sorbonne Universités, iEES-Paris, U 242, Bondy, France.,University Paris 13 - Sorbonne Paris Cité, LEEC, EA 4443, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Jan Šobotník
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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48
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Raspotnig G, Schaider M, Föttinger P, Schönhofer A. A Model for Phylogenetic Chemosystematics: Evolutionary History of Quinones in the Scent Gland Secretions of Harvestmen. Front Ecol Evol 2017. [PMID: 29527526 PMCID: PMC5844456 DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
By the possession of unique exocrine scent glands, Opiliones (harvestmen) arise as a perfect model for studies on the evolutionary history of secretion chemistry. Among gland compounds of harvestmen, it is the quinones that represent recurring elements across the secretions of all suborders. Reliable data on quinone-distribution, however, is only known for Laniatores (benzoquinones) and Cyphophthalmi (naphthoquinones). We here unraveled the quinone-distribution across scent gland secretions of the third large harvestman suborder, the Palpatores (= Eu- and Dyspnoi): Naphthoquinones were found in phalangiid Eupnoi across all subfamilies as well as in nemastomatid (and at least one ischyropsalid) Dyspnoi. Benzoquinones (1,4-benzoquinone) were restricted to a small entity within Eupnoi, namely platybunine Phalangiidae, probably misplaced Gyantinae (currently Sclerosomatidae) and Amilenus (incertae sedis). Our findings, combined with data from Laniatores and Cyphophthalmi, allow evaluation of a comprehensive chemosystematic model for Opiliones for the first time. Evolutionary scenarios imply naphthoquinones as scent gland compounds of common ancestry, having evolved in an early harvestman ancestor and present in cyphophthalmids and palpatoreans, but lost in laniatoreans. Benzoquinones evolved later and independently at least twice: once in the secretions of gonyleptoid Laniatores (alkylated benzoquinones), and a second time in a lineage of phalangiid Eupnoi (1,4-benzoquinone).
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Affiliation(s)
- Günther Raspotnig
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Research Unit of Osteology and Analytical Mass Spectrometry, University Children's Hospital, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Petra Föttinger
- Institute of Zoology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Research Unit of Osteology and Analytical Mass Spectrometry, University Children's Hospital, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Axel Schönhofer
- Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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49
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Mitaka Y, Mori N, Matsuura K. Multi-functional roles of a soldier-specific volatile as a worker arrestant, primer pheromone and an antimicrobial agent in a termite. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:20171134. [PMID: 28747483 PMCID: PMC5543234 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Division of labour in eusocial insects is characterized by efficient communication systems based on pheromones. Among such insects, termites have evolved specialized sterile defenders, called soldiers. Because they are incapable of feeding themselves, it has been suggested that soldiers are sustained by workers and emit the pheromone arresting workers. However, such a soldier pheromone has not been identified in any termite species, and the details of the soldier-worker interaction remain to be explored. Here, we identified a soldier-specific volatile sesquiterpene as a worker arrestant, which also acts as a primer pheromone regulating soldier differentiation and fungistatic agent in a termite Reticulitermes speratus Chemical analyses revealed that (-)-β-elemene is the major component of soldier extract, and its authentic standard exhibited arrestant activity to workers and inhibited the differentiation from workers to soldiers. This compound also showed fungistatic activity against entomopathogenic fungi. These suggest that (-)-β-elemene secreted by soldiers acts not only as a worker arrestant but also as one component of inhibitory primer pheromone and an anti-pathogenic agent. Our study provides novel evidence supporting the multi-functionality of termite soldier pheromone and provides new insights into the role of soldiers and the evolutionary mechanisms of pheromone compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Mitaka
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Naoki Mori
- Laboratory of Chemical Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsuura
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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50
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Dallai R, Mercati D, Mashimo Y, Machida R, Beutel RG. The morphology and ultrastructure of salivary glands of Zoraptera (Insecta). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2017; 46:508-517. [PMID: 28189833 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The salivary glands of two species of Zoraptera, Zorotypus caudelli and Zorotypus hubbardi, were examined and documented mainly using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results obtained for males and females of the two species are compared and functional aspects related to ultrastructural features are discussed. The salivary glands are divided into two regions: the secretory cell region and the long efferent duct, the latter with its distal end opening in the salivarium below the hypopharyngeal base. The secretory region consists of a complex of secretory cells provided with microvillated cavities connected by short ectodermal ducts to large ones, which are connected with the long efferent duct. The secretory cell cytoplasm contains a large system of rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus producing numerous dense secretions. The cells of the efferent duct, characterized by reduced cytoplasm and the presence of long membrane infoldings associated with mitochondria, are possibly involved in fluid uptaking from the duct lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dallai
- Department of Life Sciences, Via A. Moro 2, University of Siena, I-53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - D Mercati
- Department of Life Sciences, Via A. Moro 2, University of Siena, I-53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Y Mashimo
- Graduate School of Symbiotic Systems Science and Technology, Fukushima University, Kanayagawa 1, Fukushima, 960-1296, Japan.
| | - R Machida
- Sugadaira Montane Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Nagano, 386-2204, Japan.
| | - R G Beutel
- Institut für Spezielle Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, FSU Jena, Erbertstraße 1, 07743, Jena, Germany.
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