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Tunvongvinis T, Jaitrong W, Samung Y, Tanasupawat S, Phongsopitanun W. Diversity and antimicrobial activity of the tropical ant-derived actinomycetes isolated from Thailand. AIMS Microbiol 2024; 10:68-82. [PMID: 38525037 PMCID: PMC10955170 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2024005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most important global healthcare challenges and is responsible for the mortality of millions of people worldwide every year. It is a crisis attributed to misuse of antibiotics and a lack of new drug development. Actinomycetes constitute a group of Gram-positive bacteria known for their distinctive high guanine-cytosine (G+C) content in their genomic DNA. These microorganisms are widely recognized for their capability to generate a wide range of secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities. These versatile microorganisms are ubiquitous in diverse ecosystems, including soil, freshwater, marine sediments, and within the bodies of insects. A recent study has demonstrated that social insects, such as ants, host a diverse array of these bacteria. In this study, we involved the isolation and characterization of a total of 72 actinomycete strains obtained from 18 distinct ant species collected from various regions across Thailand. Utilizing 16S rRNA gene analysis, these isolated actinomycetes were classified into four distinct genera: Amycolatopsis (2 isolates), Micromonospora (1 isolate), Nocardia (8 isolates), and Streptomyces (61 isolates). Among the Streptomyces strains, 23 isolates exhibited antimicrobial activity against a panel of Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Kocuria rhizophila ATCC 9341, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) DMST 20646. Additionally, two isolates displayed antifungal activity against Candida albicans TISTR 5554. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, these two isolates, ODS25 and ODS28, were demonstrated to be closely related to Streptomyces lusitanus NBRC 13464T (98.07%) and Streptomyces haliclonae DSM 41970T (97.28%), respectively. The level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity below 98.65% cutoff indicates its potential as a novel actinomycete species. These findings underscore the potential of actinomycetes sourced from ants as a valuable reservoir of novel antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuangrat Tunvongvinis
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Weeyawat Jaitrong
- Office of Natural Science Research, National Science Museum, 39, Moo 3, Khlong 5, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Yudthana Samung
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Somboon Tanasupawat
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Wongsakorn Phongsopitanun
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Natural Products and Nanoparticles Research Units (NP2), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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2
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Travanty NV, Vargo EL, Apperson CS, Ponnusamy L. Colonization by the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta, Modifies Soil Bacterial Communities. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022; 84:240-256. [PMID: 34370055 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-021-01826-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The long-standing association between insects and microorganisms has been especially crucial to the evolutionary and ecological success of social insect groups. Notably, research on the interaction of the two social forms (monogyne and polygyne) of the red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren, with microbes in its soil habitat is presently limited. In this study, we characterized bacterial microbiomes associated with RIFA nest soils and native (RIFA-negative) soils to better understand the effects of colonization of RIFA on soil microbial communities. Bacterial community fingerprints of 16S rRNA amplicons using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed significant differences in the structure of the bacterial communities between RIFA-positive and RIFA-negative soils at 0 and 10 cm depths. Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons provided fine-scale analysis to test for effects of RIFA colonization, RIFA social form, and soil depth on the composition of the bacterial microbiomes of the soil and RIFA workers. Our results showed the bacterial community structure of RIFA-colonized soils to be significantly different from native soil communities and to evidence elevated abundances of several taxa, including Actinobacteria. Colony social form was not found to be a significant factor in nest or RIFA worker microbiome compositions. RIFA workers and nest soils were determined to have markedly different bacterial communities, with RIFA worker microbiomes being characterized by high abundances of a Bartonella-like endosymbiont and Entomoplasmataceae. Cloning and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed the Bartonella sp. to be a novel bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas V Travanty
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, NC, 27695, Raleigh, USA
| | - Edward L Vargo
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Charles S Apperson
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, NC, 27695, Raleigh, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Loganathan Ponnusamy
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, NC, 27695, Raleigh, USA.
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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3
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Calle-Tobón A, Holguin-Rocha AF, Moore C, Rippee-Brooks M, Rozo-Lopez P, Harrod J, Fatehi S, Rua-Uribe GL, Park Y, Londoño-Rentería B. Blood Meals With Active and Heat-Inactivated Serum Modifies the Gene Expression and Microbiome of Aedes albopictus. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:724345. [PMID: 34566927 PMCID: PMC8458951 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.724345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian "tiger mosquito" Aedes albopictus is currently the most widely distributed disease-transmitting mosquito in the world. Its geographical expansion has also allowed the expansion of multiple arboviruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, to higher latitudes. Due to the enormous risk to global public health caused by mosquitoes species vectors of human disease, and the challenges in slowing their expansion, it is necessary to develop new and environmentally friendly vector control strategies. Among these, host-associated microbiome-based strategies have emerged as promising options. In this study, we performed an RNA-seq analysis on dissected abdomens of Ae. albopictus females from Manhattan, KS, United States fed with sugar and human blood containing either normal or heat-inactivated serum, to evaluate the effect of heat inactivation on gene expression, the bacteriome transcripts and the RNA virome of this mosquito species. Our results showed at least 600 genes with modified expression profile when mosquitoes were fed with normal vs. heat-inactivated-containing blood. These genes were mainly involved in immunity, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and oogenesis. Also, we observed bacteriome changes with an increase in transcripts of Actinobacteria, Rhodospirillaceae, and Anaplasmataceae at 6 h post-feeding. We also found that feeding with normal blood seems to particularly influence Wolbachia metabolism, demonstrated by a significant increase in transcripts of this bacteria in mosquitoes fed with blood containing normal serum. However, no differences were observed in the virome core of this mosquito population. These results suggest that heat and further inactivation of complement proteins in human serum may have profound effect on mosquito and microbiome metabolism, which could influence interpretation of the pathogen-host interaction findings when using this type of reagents specially when measuring the effect of Wolbachia in vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arley Calle-Tobón
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
- Grupo Entomología Médica, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Celois Moore
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Meagan Rippee-Brooks
- Department of Biology, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
| | - Paula Rozo-Lopez
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Jania Harrod
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Soheila Fatehi
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | | | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
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Melo WGDP, de Oliveira TB, Arcuri SL, de Morais PB, Pagnocca FC. Yeasts in the nests of the leaf-cutter ant Acromyrmex balzani in a Savanna biome: exploitation of community and metabolic diversity. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2021; 114:751-764. [PMID: 33738647 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-021-01555-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The leaf-cutter ant Acromyrmex balzani is responsible for causing important losses in reforestation areas, crops, and pastures, and is frequently found in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado). So far, there is no information regarding the yeast communities that occur in their nests. Here, we evaluated the diversity, composition, and structure of yeast communities in both fungus gardens (FG) and external refuse dump (RD) of this ant species (Palmas, Tocantins, northern Brazil). A total of 720 yeasts were isolated, comprising 52 species distributed in 29 genera. The RDs have significantly richer and more diverse yeast communities than the fungus gardens, regardless of the season and the level of preservation in the area. The isolates produced a wide range of carbon polymer-degrading enzymes and were able to assimilate carbon-sources present in plant materials. We observed a different proportion of enzyme-producers and carbon-assimilation found in external refuse dump and fungus gardens from preserved and disturbed areas, suggesting that this interaction may vary depending on the environmental conditions. A. balzani nests in the savanna biome are a hotspot of yeast species with ecological, clinical, and biotechnological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilan Gomes da Paixão Melo
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13560-900, Brazil. .,Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil.
| | - Tássio Brito de Oliveira
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13560-900, Brazil.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Silvio Lovato Arcuri
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13560-900, Brazil
| | - Paula Benevides de Morais
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Federal University of Tocantins (UFT), Palmas, TO, 77020-220, Brazil
| | - Fernando Carlos Pagnocca
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, 13560-900, Brazil
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5
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Menegatti C, Fukuda TTH, Pupo MT. Chemical Ecology in Insect-microbe Interactions in the Neotropics. PLANTA MEDICA 2021; 87:38-48. [PMID: 32854122 DOI: 10.1055/a-1229-9435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules frequently mediate symbiotic interactions between microorganisms and their hosts. Brazil harbors the highest diversity of insects in the world; however, just recently, efforts have been directed to deciphering the chemical signals involved in the symbioses of microorganisms and social insects. The current scenario of natural products research guided by chemical ecology is discussed in this review. Two groups of social insects have been prioritized in the studies, fungus-farming ants and stingless bees, leading to the identification of natural products involved in defensive and nutritional symbioses. Some of the compounds also present potential pharmaceutical applications as antimicrobials, and this is likely related to their ecological roles. Microbial symbioses in termites and wasps are suggested promising sources of biologically active small molecules. Aspects related to public policies for insect biodiversity preservation are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Menegatti
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Taise T H Fukuda
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mônica T Pupo
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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6
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Fukuda TTH, Pereira CF, Melo WGP, Menegatti C, Andrade PHM, Groppo M, Lacava PT, Currie CR, Pupo MT. Insights Into the Ecological Role of Pseudomonas spp. in an Ant-plant Symbiosis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:621274. [PMID: 33597940 PMCID: PMC7882492 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.621274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the myrmecophytic mutualistic relationship between Azteca ants and Cecropia plants both species receive protection and exchange nutrients. The presence of microorganisms in this symbiotic system has been reported, and the symbiotic role of some fungi involved in the myrmecophytic interactions has been described. In this work we focus on bacteria within this mutualism, conducting isolations and screening for antimicrobial activities, genome sequencing, and biochemical characterization. We show that Pantoea, Rhizobium, Methylobacterium, Streptomyces and Pseudomonas are the most common cultivable genera of bacteria. Interestingly, Pseudomonas spp. isolates showed potent activity against 83% of the pathogens tested in our antimicrobial activity assays, including a phytopathogenic fungus isolated from Cecropia samples. Given the predicted nitrogen limitations associated with the fungal patches within this myrmecophyte, we performed nitrogen fixation analyses on the bacterial isolates within the Proteobacteria and show the potential for nitrogen fixation in Pseudomonas strains. The genome of one Pseudomonas strain was sequenced and analyzed. The gene cluster involved in the biosynthesis of cyclic lipodepsipeptides (CLPs) was identified, and we found mutations that may be related to the loss of function in the dual epimerization/condensation domains. The compound was isolated, and its structure was determined, corresponding to the antifungal viscosinamide. Our findings of diazotrophy and production of viscosinamide in multiple Pseudomonas isolates suggests that this bacterial genus may play an important role in the Cecropia-Azteca symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taise T H Fukuda
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila F Pereira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Weilan G P Melo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carla Menegatti
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Paulo H M Andrade
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biomolecules, Department of Morphology and Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Milton Groppo
- Laboratory of Plant Systematics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Paulo T Lacava
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biomolecules, Department of Morphology and Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Cameron R Currie
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Mônica T Pupo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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7
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Efimenko TA, Glukhova AA, Demiankova MV, Boykova YV, Malkina ND, Sumarukova IG, Vasilieva BF, Rogozhin EA, Ivanov IA, Krassilnikov VA, Efremenkova OV. Antimicrobial Activity of Microorganisms Isolated from Ant Nests of Lasius niger. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10060091. [PMID: 32580283 PMCID: PMC7345392 DOI: 10.3390/life10060091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the microbial communities of two nests of black garden ants (Lasius niger) in the hollows of stem branches of old apple trees were found to have similar species compositions: each community contained representatives of three species from the Bacillaceae family and one species of actinomycetes from the genus Streptomyces. In total, four types of bacilli and two actinomycetes were isolated. Actinomycetes were identified as Streptomyces antibioticus-like and Streptomyces sp. None of the bacilli had antibiotic activity, whereas both streptomycetes produced antibiotics that inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria in vitro, including isolates from their community. Antibiotic compounds of S. antibioticus-like strain INA 01148 (Institute of New Antibiotics) were identified as actinomycin D and its closest homologue, actinomycin A. Actinomycins presumably change the microbial community of the ant nest substrate as they act against Gram-positive bacteria and against fungi and Gram-negative bacteria. The antibiotic activity of the isolated Streptomyces sp. INA 01156 is of interest, since the substances produced by this strain inhibit the growth of drug-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus INA 00761 (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant strain Leuconostoc mesenteroides VKPM B-4177 (VR) (VKPM-National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (Russian acronym)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana A. Efimenko
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.G.); (M.V.D.); (Y.V.B.); (N.D.M.); (I.G.S.); (B.F.V.); (E.A.R.); (O.V.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Alla A. Glukhova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.G.); (M.V.D.); (Y.V.B.); (N.D.M.); (I.G.S.); (B.F.V.); (E.A.R.); (O.V.E.)
| | - Mariia V. Demiankova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.G.); (M.V.D.); (Y.V.B.); (N.D.M.); (I.G.S.); (B.F.V.); (E.A.R.); (O.V.E.)
| | - Yuliya V. Boykova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.G.); (M.V.D.); (Y.V.B.); (N.D.M.); (I.G.S.); (B.F.V.); (E.A.R.); (O.V.E.)
| | - Natalia D. Malkina
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.G.); (M.V.D.); (Y.V.B.); (N.D.M.); (I.G.S.); (B.F.V.); (E.A.R.); (O.V.E.)
| | - Irina G. Sumarukova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.G.); (M.V.D.); (Y.V.B.); (N.D.M.); (I.G.S.); (B.F.V.); (E.A.R.); (O.V.E.)
| | - Byazilya F. Vasilieva
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.G.); (M.V.D.); (Y.V.B.); (N.D.M.); (I.G.S.); (B.F.V.); (E.A.R.); (O.V.E.)
| | - Eugene A. Rogozhin
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.G.); (M.V.D.); (Y.V.B.); (N.D.M.); (I.G.S.); (B.F.V.); (E.A.R.); (O.V.E.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Igor A. Ivanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | | | - Olga V. Efremenkova
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, 119021 Moscow, Russia; (A.A.G.); (M.V.D.); (Y.V.B.); (N.D.M.); (I.G.S.); (B.F.V.); (E.A.R.); (O.V.E.)
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8
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Kaczmarczyk-Ziemba A, Zagaja M, Wagner GK, Pietrykowska-Tudruj E, Staniec B. First Insight into Microbiome Profiles of Myrmecophilous Beetles and Their Host, Red Wood Ant Formica polyctena (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)-A Case Study. INSECTS 2020; 11:E134. [PMID: 32092972 PMCID: PMC7073670 DOI: 10.3390/insects11020134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Formica polyctena belongs to the red wood ant species group. Its nests provide a stable, food rich, and temperature and humidity controlled environment, utilized by a wide range of species, called myrmecophiles. Here, we used the high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene on the Illumina platform for identification of the microbiome profiles of six selected myrmecophilous beetles (Dendrophilus pygmaeus, Leptacinus formicetorum, Monotoma angusticollis, Myrmechixenus subterraneus, Ptenidium formicetorum and Thiasophila angulata) and their host F. polyctena. Analyzed bacterial communities consisted of a total of 23 phyla, among which Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes were the most abundant. Two known endosymbionts-Wolbachia and Rickettsia-were found in the analyzed microbiome profiles and Wolbachia was dominant in bacterial communities associated with F. polyctena, M. subterraneus, L. formicetorum and P. formicetorum (>90% of reads). In turn, M. angusticollis was co-infected with both Wolbachia and Rickettsia, while in the microbiome of T. angulata, the dominance of Rickettsia has been observed. The relationships among the microbiome profiles were complex, and no relative abundance pattern common to all myrmecophilous beetles tested was observed. However, some subtle, species-specific patterns have been observed for bacterial communities associated with D. pygmaeus, M. angusticollis, and T. angulata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk-Ziemba
- Department of Genetics and Biosystematics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Mirosław Zagaja
- Isobolographic Analysis Laboratory, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz K. Wagner
- Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (G.K.W.); (E.P.-T.); (B.S.)
| | - Ewa Pietrykowska-Tudruj
- Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (G.K.W.); (E.P.-T.); (B.S.)
| | - Bernard Staniec
- Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (G.K.W.); (E.P.-T.); (B.S.)
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9
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Wang Z, Yu Z, Zhao J, Zhuang X, Cao P, Guo X, Liu C, Xiang W. Community Composition, Antifungal Activity and Chemical Analyses of Ant-Derived Actinobacteria. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:201. [PMID: 32117188 PMCID: PMC7026373 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Actinobacteria associated with insects represent one potentially rich source of novel natural products with antifungal activity. Here, we investigated the phylogenetic diversity and community composition of actinobacteria associated with ants using a combination of culture-dependent and -independent methods. Further, we assessed the antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi and identified the secondary metabolites from isolates with bioactivity. A total of 416 actinobacterial isolates were obtained from three ant species (Camponotus japonicus, Lasius fuliginosus, and Lasius flavus) located in five nests. The largest amount of isolates were observed in the head samples. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the isolates were diverse and belonged to ten genera within the phylum Actinobacteria, with Streptomyces and Micromonospora comprising the most abundant genera. High-throughput sequencing analyses revealed that the actinobacterial communities were more diverse and dominated by the families Nocardioidaceae, Nocardiaceae, Dermacoccaceae, Intrasporangiaceae, and Streptomycetaceae. In addition, 52.3% of the representative isolates had inhibitory properties against phytopathogenic fungi. Chemical analysis of one Streptomyces strain led to the discovery of two known compounds and one new compound. These results demonstrated that ant-derived actinobacteria represented an underexplored bioresource library of diverse and novel taxa that may be of potential interest in the discovery of new agroactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Zhiyin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Junwei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaowei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Chongxi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Wensheng Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Kaczmarczyk-Ziemba A, Zagaja M, Wagner GK, Pietrykowska-Tudruj E, Staniec B. The microbiota of the Lasius fuliginosus – Pella laticollis myrmecophilous interaction. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2020.1844322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Kaczmarczyk-Ziemba
- Department of Genetics and Biosystematics, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - M. Zagaja
- Isobolographic Analysis Laboratory, Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland
| | - G. K. Wagner
- Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - E. Pietrykowska-Tudruj
- Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - B. Staniec
- Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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11
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Ruiz-González MX, Leroy C, Dejean A, Gryta H, Jargeat P, Armijos Carrión AD, Orivel J. Do Host Plant and Associated Ant Species Affect Microbial Communities in Myrmecophytes? INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10110391. [PMID: 31698729 PMCID: PMC6920819 DOI: 10.3390/insects10110391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ant-associated microorganisms can play crucial and often overlooked roles, and given the diversity of interactions that ants have developed, the study of the associated microbiomes is of interest. We focused here on specialist plant-ant species of the genus Allomerus that grow a fungus to build galleries on their host-plant stems. Allomerus-inhabited domatia, thus, might be a rich arena for microbes associated with the ants, the plant, and the fungus. We investigated the microbial communities present in domatia colonised by four arboreal ants: Allomerus decemarticulatus, A. octoarticulatus, A. octoarticulatus var. demerarae, and the non-fungus growing plant-ant Azteca sp. cf. depilis, inhabiting Hirtella physophora or Cordia nodosa in French Guiana. We hypothesized that the microbial community will differ among these species. We isolated microorganisms from five colonies of each species, sequenced the 16S rRNA or Internal TranscribedSpacer (ITS) regions, and described both the alpha and beta diversities. We identified 69 microbial taxa, which belong to five bacterial and two fungal phyla. The most diverse phyla were Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The microbial community of Azteca cf. depilis and Allomerus spp. differed in composition and richness. Geographical distance affected microbial communities and richness but plant species did not. Actinobacteria were only associated with Allomerus spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario X. Ruiz-González
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, San Cayetano Alto s/n, Loja 1101608, Ecuador
- Correspondence: (M.X.R.-G.); (J.O.); Tel.: +593-7-3701444 (M.X.R.-G.); +594-594-32-92-96 (J.O.)
| | - Céline Leroy
- AMAP, IRD, CIRAD, CNRS, INRA, Université de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France;
- CNRS, UMR EcoFoG, Agroparistech, CIRAD, INRA, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles, Campus Agronomique, 97379 Kourou, France
| | - Alain Dejean
- CNRS, UMR EcoFoG, Agroparistech, CIRAD, INRA, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles, Campus Agronomique, 97379 Kourou, France
- Ecolab, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INPT, UPS, 31062 Toulouse, France;
| | - Hervé Gryta
- Laboratoire Evolution & Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), CNRS, IRD, Université de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse, France; (H.G.); (P.J.)
| | - Patricia Jargeat
- Laboratoire Evolution & Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174), CNRS, IRD, Université de Toulouse, 31062 Toulouse, France; (H.G.); (P.J.)
| | - Angelo D. Armijos Carrión
- Biodiversity Genomics Team, Plant Ecophysiology & Evolution Group, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Conservation, College of Forestry, Daxuedonglu 100, Nanning 530005, Guangxi, China;
| | - Jérôme Orivel
- CNRS, UMR EcoFoG, Agroparistech, CIRAD, INRA, Université de Guyane, Université des Antilles, Campus Agronomique, 97379 Kourou, France
- Correspondence: (M.X.R.-G.); (J.O.); Tel.: +593-7-3701444 (M.X.R.-G.); +594-594-32-92-96 (J.O.)
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12
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Martinez AFC, de Almeida LG, Moraes LAB, Cônsoli FL. Microbial Diversity and Chemical Multiplicity of Culturable, Taxonomically Similar Bacterial Symbionts of the Leaf-Cutting Ant Acromyrmex coronatus. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2019; 77:1067-1081. [PMID: 30789995 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Insects are a highly diverse group, exploit a wide range of habitats, and harbor bacterial symbionts of largely unknown diversity. Insect-associated bacterial symbionts are underexplored but promising sources of bioactive compounds. The community of culturable bacteria associated with the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex coronatus (Fabricius) and the diversity of their metabolites produced were investigated. Forty-six phylotypes belonging to Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were identified. The chemical profiles of 65 isolates were further analyzed by LC-MS/MS, and principal components analysis (PCA) was used to group the isolates according to their chemical profiles. Historically, selection of bacterial strains for drug discovery has been based on phenotypic and/or genotypic traits. Use of such traits may well impede the discovery of new compounds; in this study, several indistinguishable phylotypes cultured in identical nutritional and environmental conditions produced completely different chemical profiles. Our data also demonstrated the wide chemical diversity to be explored in insect-associated symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Flávia Canovas Martinez
- Laboratório de Interações em Insetos, Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo, Av Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Luís Gustavo de Almeida
- Laboratório de Interações em Insetos, Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo, Av Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Luiz Alberto Beraldo Moraes
- Laboratório de Espectrometria de Massas aplicada a Produtos Naturais, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av dos Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Fernando Luís Cônsoli
- Laboratório de Interações em Insetos, Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo, Av Pádua Dias 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil.
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13
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Vieira AS, Ramalho MO, Martins C, Martins VG, Bueno OC. Microbial Communities in Different Tissues of Atta sexdens rubropilosa Leaf-cutting Ants. Curr Microbiol 2017; 74:1216-1225. [PMID: 28721658 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-017-1307-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial endosymbionts are common in all insects, and symbiosis has played an integral role in ant evolution. Atta sexdens rubropilosa leaf-cutting ants cultivate their symbiotic fungus using fresh leaves. They need to defend themselves and their brood against diseases, but they also need to defend their obligate fungus gardens, their primary food source, from infection, parasitism, and usurpation by competitors. This study aimed to characterize the microbial communities in whole workers and different tissues of A. sexdens rubropilosa queens using Ion Torrent NGS. Our results showed that the microbial community in the midgut differs in abundance and diversity from the communities in the postpharyngeal gland of the queen and in whole workers. The main microbial orders in whole workers were Lactobacillales, Clostridiales, Enterobacteriales, Actinomycetales, Burkholderiales, and Bacillales. In the tissues of the queens, the main orders were Burkholderiales, Clostridiales, Syntrophobacterales, Lactobacillales, Bacillales, and Actinomycetales (midgut) and Entomoplasmatales, unclassified γ-proteobacteria, and Actinomycetales (postpharyngeal glands). The high abundance of Entomoplasmatales in the postpharyngeal glands (77%) of the queens was an unprecedented finding. We discuss the role of microbial communities in different tissues and castes. Bacteria are likely to play a role in nutrition and immune defense as well as helping antimicrobial defense in this ant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexsandro S Vieira
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus Rio Claro, Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo, 13506-900, Brazil.
| | - Manuela O Ramalho
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus Rio Claro, Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Cintia Martins
- Universidade Federal do Piauí - Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Av. São Sebastião, 2819, Parnaíba, Piauí, 64.202-020, Brazil
| | - Vanderlei G Martins
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus Rio Claro, Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo, 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Odair C Bueno
- Centro de Estudos de Insetos Sociais, UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus Rio Claro, Av. 24A, 1515, Bela Vista, Rio Claro, São Paulo, 13506-900, Brazil
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Parada RB, Marguet ER, Vallejo M. Aislamiento y caracterización parcial de actinomicetos de suelos con actividad antimicrobiana contra bacterias multidrogo-resistentes. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE BIOTECNOLOGÍA 2017. [DOI: 10.15446/rev.colomb.biote.v19n2.64098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Con el objetivo de evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana frente a bacterias multi-drogo resistentes, se estudiaron 234 cepas de actinobacterias aisladas de suelo de Argentina y Perú. Se seleccionaron 13 cepas sobre la base de su actividad antagonista contra Staphylococcus aureus meticilina-resistente (SAMR) y Enterococcus resistente a vancomicina (EVR-van A y van B). La presencia de los genes NRPS, PKS-I y PKS-II fueron investigados por técnicas de PCR. Entre las 13 actinobacterias seleccionadas, la cepa AC69C mostró la mayor actividad en las pruebas de difusión en medio sólido y se evaluó posteriormente la producción de metabolitos antagonistas en medios líquidos. Los mejores resultados se lograron en caldo de fermentación con carbohidratos, al usarse en combinación almidón y glucosa. Se obtuvieron actividades antimicrobianas de 640 unidades arbitrarias (UA), 320 UA, 320 UA y 80 UA contra EVR-van A, EVR-van B, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC7644 y SAMR, respectivamente. La amplificación por PCR del gen ARNr 16S y el análisis filogenético subsecuente de la cepa AC69C exhibieron una homología del 100 % con Streptomyces antibioticus NRRL B-1701. No fue posible establecer una correlación entre los genes amplificados y la actividad antimicrobiana de las 13 cepas seleccionadas. Los resultados de este trabajo demuestran la amplia distribución de las actinobacterias en suelo y la importancia del aislamiento de cepas para la búsqueda de nuevos metabolitos activos contra bacterias multi-drogo resistentes de origen clínico.
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Martinez AFC, de Almeida LG, Moraes LAB, Cônsoli FL. Tapping the biotechnological potential of insect microbial symbionts: new insecticidal porphyrins. BMC Microbiol 2017; 17:143. [PMID: 28655338 PMCID: PMC5488367 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-017-1054-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The demand for sustainable agricultural practices and the limited progress toward newer and safer chemicals for use in pest control maintain the impetus for research and identification of new natural molecules. Natural molecules are preferable to synthetic organic molecules because they are biodegradable, have low toxicity, are often selective and can be applied at low concentrations. Microbes are one source of natural insecticides, and microbial insect symbionts have attracted attention as a source of new bioactive molecules because these microbes are exposed to various selection pressures in their association with insects. Analytical techniques must be used to isolate and characterize new compounds, and sensitive analytical tools such as mass spectrometry and high-resolution chromatography are required to identify the least-abundant molecules. RESULTS We used classical fermentation techniques combined with tandem mass spectrometry to prospect for insecticidal substances produced by the ant symbiont Streptomyces caniferus. Crude extracts from this bacterium showed low biological activity (less than 10% mortality) against the larval stage of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. Because of the complexity of the crude extract, we used fractionation-guided bioassays to investigate if the low toxicity was related to the relative abundance of the active molecule, leading to the isolation of porphyrins as active molecules. Porphyrins are a class of photoactive molecules with a broad range of bioactivity, including insecticidal. The active fraction, containing a mixture of porphyrins, induced up to 100% larval mortality (LD50 = 37.7 μg.cm-2). Tandem mass-spectrometry analyses provided structural information for two new porphyrin structures. Data on the availability of porphyrins in 67 other crude extracts of ant ectosymbionts were also obtained with ion-monitoring experiments. CONCLUSIONS Insect-associated bacterial symbionts are a rich source of bioactive compounds. Exploring microbial diversity through mass-spectrometry analyses is a useful approach for isolating and identifying new compounds. Our results showed high insecticidal activity of porphyrin compounds. Applications of different experiments in mass spectrometry allowed the characterization of two new porphyrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Flávia Canovas Martinez
- Laboratório de Interações em Insetos, Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Pádua Dias 11, 13418–900, Piracicaba, SP Brazil
| | - Luís Gustavo de Almeida
- Laboratório de Interações em Insetos, Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Pádua Dias 11, 13418–900, Piracicaba, SP Brazil
| | - Luiz Alberto Beraldo Moraes
- Laboratório de Espectrometria de Massas Aplicada a Produtos Naturais, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Bandeirantes 3900, 14040–901, Ribeirão Preto, SP Brazil
| | - Fernando Luís Cônsoli
- Laboratório de Interações em Insetos, Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura “Luiz de Queiroz”, Universidade de São Paulo, Av Pádua Dias 11, 13418–900, Piracicaba, SP Brazil
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16
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Arumugam T, Senthil Kumar P, Kameshwar R, Prapanchana K. Screening of novel actinobacteria and characterization of the potential isolates from mangrove sediment of south coastal India. Microb Pathog 2017; 107:225-233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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17
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Dângelo RAC, de Souza DJ, Mendes TD, Couceiro JDC, Lucia TMCD. Actinomycetes inhibit filamentous fungi from the cuticle of Acromyrmex leafcutter ants. J Basic Microbiol 2016; 56:229-37. [PMID: 26805489 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201500593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Actinomycetes bacteria associated with leafcutter ants produce secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties against Escovopsis, a fungus specialized in attacking the gardens of fungus-growing ants, which denies the ants their food source. Because previous studies have used fungi isolated from fungus gardens but not from ant integument, the aims of the present study were to isolate actinomycetes associated with the cuticle of the Acromyrmex spp. and to quantify their inhibition abilities against the filamentous fungal species carried by these ants. The results demonstrated that actinomycetes had varied strain-dependent effects on several filamentous fungal species in addition to antagonistic activity against Escovopsis. The strain isolated from Acromyrmex balzani was identified as a Streptomyces species, whereas the remaining isolates were identified as different strains belonging to the genus Pseudonocardia. These findings corroborate the hypothesis that actinomycetes do not act specifically against Escovopsis mycoparasites and may have the ability to inhibit other species of pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rômulo Augusto Cotta Dângelo
- Departamento de Entomologia (Department of Entomology), Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Federal University of Viçosa), Viçosa-MG, Brazil
| | - Danival José de Souza
- Campus Universitário de Gurupi (Gurupi University Campus), Universidade Federal do Tocantins (Federal University of Tocantins), Gurupi-TO, Brazil
| | - Thais Demarchi Mendes
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Agroenergia (Brazilian Enterprise for Agricultural Research - Agroenergy), Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Joel da Cruz Couceiro
- Departamento de Entomologia (Department of Entomology), Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Federal University of Viçosa), Viçosa-MG, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Maria Castro Della Lucia
- Departamento de Biologia Animal (Animal Biology Department), Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Federal University of Viçosa), Viçosa-MG, Brazil
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18
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Isolation and characterization of actinobacteria from Yalujiang coastal wetland, North China. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtb.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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19
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Chitin-degrading enzymes from an actinomycete ectosymbiont of Acromyrmex subterraneus brunneus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). ANN MICROBIOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-014-0892-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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20
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Andersen SB, Yek SH, Nash DR, Boomsma JJ. Interaction specificity between leaf-cutting ants and vertically transmitted Pseudonocardia bacteria. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:27. [PMID: 25886448 PMCID: PMC4346108 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0308-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The obligate mutualism between fungus-growing ants and microbial symbionts offers excellent opportunities to study the specificity and stability of multi-species interactions. In addition to cultivating fungus gardens, these ants have domesticated actinomycete bacteria to defend gardens against the fungal parasite Escovopsis and possibly other pathogens. Panamanian Acromyrmex echinatior leaf-cutting ants primarily associate with actinomycetes of the genus Pseudonocardia. Colonies are inoculated with one of two vertically transmitted phylotypes (Ps1 or Ps2), and maintain the same phylotype over their lifetime. We performed a cross-fostering experiment to test whether co-adaptations between ants and bacterial phylotypes have evolved, and how this affects bacterial growth and ant prophylactic behavior after infection with Escovopsis. Results We show that Pseudonocardia readily colonized ants irrespective of their colony of origin, but that the Ps2 phylotype, which was previously shown to be better able to maintain its monocultural integrity after workers became foragers than Ps1, reached a higher final cover when grown on its native host than on alternative hosts. The frequencies of major grooming and weeding behaviors co-varied with symbiont/host combinations, showing that ant behavior also was affected when cuticular actinomycete phylotypes were swapped. Conclusion These results show that the interactions between leaf-cutting ants and Pseudonocardia bear signatures of mutual co-adaptation within a single ant population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0308-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra B Andersen
- Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Current address: Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Hørsholm, Denmark.
| | - Sze Huei Yek
- Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Current address: Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - David R Nash
- Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jacobus J Boomsma
- Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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21
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Flórez LV, Biedermann PHW, Engl T, Kaltenpoth M. Defensive symbioses of animals with prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. Nat Prod Rep 2015; 32:904-36. [DOI: 10.1039/c5np00010f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Many organisms team up with symbiotic microbes for defense against predators, parasites, parasitoids, or pathogens. Here we review the known defensive symbioses in animals and the microbial secondary metabolites responsible for providing protection to the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura V. Flórez
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
- Insect Symbiosis Research Group
- 07745 Jena
- Germany
| | - Peter H. W. Biedermann
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
- Insect Symbiosis Research Group
- 07745 Jena
- Germany
| | - Tobias Engl
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
- Insect Symbiosis Research Group
- 07745 Jena
- Germany
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
- Insect Symbiosis Research Group
- 07745 Jena
- Germany
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22
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Ting ASY, Hermanto A, Peh KL. Indigenous actinomycetes from empty fruit bunch compost of oil palm: Evaluation on enzymatic and antagonistic properties. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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23
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Klassen JL. Microbial secondary metabolites and their impacts on insect symbioses. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2014; 4:15-22. [PMID: 28043403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
All insects host communities of microbes that interact both with the insect and each other. Secondary metabolites are understood to mediate many of these interactions, although examples having robust genetic, chemical and/or ecological evidence are relatively rare. Here, I review secondary metabolites mediating community interactions in the beewolf, entomopathogenic nematode and fungus-growing ant symbioses, using the logic of Koch's postulates to emphasize well-validated symbiotic functions mediated by these metabolites. I especially highlight how these interaction networks are structured by both ecological and evolutionary processes, and how selection acting on secondary metabolite production can be multidimensional.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan L Klassen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3125, USA.
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24
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Meirelles LA, Mendes TD, Solomon SE, Bueno OC, Pagnocca FC, Rodrigues A. Broad Escovopsis-inhibition activity of Pseudonocardia associated with Trachymyrmex ants. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2014; 6:339-345. [PMID: 24992532 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Attine ants maintain an association with antibiotic-producing Actinobacteria found on their integuments. Evidence supports these bacteria as auxiliary symbionts that help ants to defend the fungus gardens against pathogens. Using Pseudonocardia strains isolated from Trachymyrmex ants, we tested whether the inhibitory capabilities of such strains are restricted to Escovopsis parasites that infect gardens of this ant genus. Twelve Pseudonocardia strains were tested in in vitro bioassays against Escovopsis strains derived from fungus gardens of Trachymyrmex (n = 1) and leaf-cutting ants (n = 3). Overall, significant differences were observed in the mycelial growth among each Escovopsis strain in the presence of Pseudonocardia. Particularly, Escovopsis from Acromyrmex and Trachymyrmex were the most inhibited strains in comparison to Escovopsis isolated from Atta. This result suggests that Pseudonocardia isolated from Trachymyrmex possibly secrete antimicrobial compounds effective against diverse Escovopsis strains. The fact that Trachymyrmex ants harbour Pseudonocardia strains with broad spectrum of activity and its defensive role on attine gardens are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A Meirelles
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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25
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Reyes RDH, Cafaro MJ. Paratrechina longicornis ants in a tropical dry forest harbor specific Actinobacteria diversity. J Basic Microbiol 2014; 55:11-21. [PMID: 24771570 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201300785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The diversity of Actinobacteria associated with Paratrechina longicornis, an ant species that prefers a high protein diet, in a subtropical dry forest (Guánica, Puerto Rico) was determined by culture methods and by 16S rDNA clone libraries. The results of both methodologies were integrated to obtain a broader view of the diversity. Streptomyces, Actinomadura, Nocardia, Ornithinimicrobium, Tsukamurella, Brevibacterium, Saccharopolyspora, Nocardioides, Microbacterium, Leifsonia, Pseudonocardia, Corynebacterium, Geodermatophilus, Amycolatopsis, and Nonomuraea were found associated with the ants. The genera Streptomyces and Actinomadura were the most abundant. Also, the diversity of Actinobacteria associated with the soil surrounding the nest was determined using 16S rDNA clone libraries. In total, 27 genera of Actinobacteria were associated with the nest soils. A dominant genus was not observed in any of the soil samples. We compared statistically the Actinobacteria communities among P. longicornis nests and each nest with its surrounding soil using the clone libraries data. We established that the communities associated with the ants were consistent and significantly different from those found in the soil in which the ants live.
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Streptomyces polyrhachii sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from an edible Chinese black ant (Polyrhachis vicina Roger). Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2013; 104:1013-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10482-013-0021-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Madden AA, Grassetti A, Soriano JAN, Starks PT. Actinomycetes with antimicrobial activity isolated from paper wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) nests. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2013; 42:703-710. [PMID: 23905732 DOI: 10.1603/en12159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Actinomycetes-a group of antimicrobial producing bacteria-have been successfully cultured and characterized from the nest material of diverse arthropods. Some are symbionts that produce antimicrobial chemicals found to protect nest brood and resources from pathogenic microbes. Others have no known fitness relationship with their associated insects, but have been found to produce antimicrobials in vitro. Consequently, insect nest material is being investigated as a new source of novel antimicrobial producing actinomycetes, which could be harnessed for therapeutic potential. To extend studies of actinomycete-insect associations beyond soil-substrate dwelling insects and wood boring excavators, we conducted a preliminary assessment of the actinomycetes within the nests of the paper wasp, Polistes dominulus (Christ). We found that actinomycetes were readily cultured from nest material across multiple invasive P. dominulus populations-including members of the genera Streptomyces, Micromonospora, and Actinoplanes. Thirty of these isolates were assayed for antimicrobial activity against the challenge bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, and Bacillus subtilis. Sixty percent of isolates inhibited the growth of at least one challenge strain. This study provides the first assessment of bacteria associated with nests of P. dominulus, and the first record of antimicrobial producing actinomycetes isolated from social wasps. We provide a new system to explore nest associated actinomycetes from a ubiquitous and cosmopolitan group of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne A Madden
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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Samuels RI, Mattoso TC, Moreira DDO. Chemical warfare: Leaf-cutting ants defend themselves and their gardens against parasite attack by deploying antibiotic secreting bacteria. Commun Integr Biol 2013; 6:e23095. [PMID: 23795235 PMCID: PMC3609840 DOI: 10.4161/cib.23095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants are well known for their highly complex social organization, which provides them with a strong defense against parasites invading their colonies. Besides this attribute, these insects have morphological, physiological and structural characteristics further reinforcing the defense of their colonies. With the discovery of symbiotic bacteria present on the integument of leaf-cutting ants, a new line of defense was proposed and considered to be specific for the control of a specialized fungal parasite of the ants' fungus gardens (Escovopsis). However, recent studies have questioned the specificity of the integumental bacteria, as they were also found to inhibit a range of fungi, including entomopathogens. The microbiota associated with the leaf-cutting ant gardens has also been proposed as another level of chemical defense, protecting the garden from parasite invasion. Here we review the chemical defense weaponry deployed by leaf-cutting ants against parasites of their fungus gardens and of the ants themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ian Samuels
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology; Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro; Campos dos Goytacazes; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kaltenpoth
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology; Insect Symbiosis Research Group; Hans-Knoell-Str. 8 Jena 07745 Germany
| | - Tobias Engl
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology; Insect Symbiosis Research Group; Hans-Knoell-Str. 8 Jena 07745 Germany
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Anti-Candida properties of urauchimycins from actinobacteria associated with trachymyrmex ants. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:835081. [PMID: 23586060 PMCID: PMC3613088 DOI: 10.1155/2013/835081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
After decades of intensive searching for antimicrobial compounds derived from actinobacteria, the frequency of isolation of new molecules has decreased. To cope with this concern, studies have focused on the exploitation of actinobacteria from unexplored environments and actinobacteria symbionts of plants and animals. In this study, twenty-four actinobacteria strains isolated from workers of Trachymyrmex ants were evaluated for antifungal activity towards a variety of Candida species. Results revealed that seven strains inhibited the tested Candida species. Streptomyces sp. TD025 presented potent and broad spectrum of inhibition of Candida and was selected for the isolation of bioactive molecules. From liquid shake culture of this bacterium, we isolated the rare antimycin urauchimycins A and B. For the first time, these molecules were evaluated for antifungal activity against medically important Candida species. Both antimycins showed antifungal activity, especially urauchimycin B. This compound inhibited the growth of all Candida species tested, with minimum inhibitory concentration values equivalent to the antifungal nystatin. Our results concur with the predictions that the attine ant-microbe symbiosis may be a source of bioactive metabolites for biotechnology and medical applications.
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Brazilian Cerrado soil Actinobacteria ecology. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:503805. [PMID: 23555089 PMCID: PMC3595109 DOI: 10.1155/2013/503805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A total of 2152 Actinobacteria strains were isolated from native Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah) soils located in Passos, Luminárias, and Arcos municipalities (Minas Gerais State, Brazil). The soils were characterised for chemical and microbiological analysis. The microbial analysis led to the identification of nine genera (Streptomyces, Arthrobacter, Rhodococcus, Amycolatopsis, Microbacterium, Frankia, Leifsonia, Nakamurella, and Kitasatospora) and 92 distinct species in both seasons studied (rainy and dry). The rainy season produced a high microbial population of all the aforementioned genera. The pH values of the soil samples from the Passos, Luminárias, and Arcos regions varied from 4.1 to 5.5. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of phosphorus, magnesium, and organic matter in the soils among the studied areas. Samples from the Arcos area contained large amounts of aluminium in the rainy season and both hydrogen and aluminium in the rainy and dry seasons. The Actinobacteria population seemed to be unaffected by the high levels of aluminium in the soil. Studies are being conducted to produce bioactive compounds from Actinobacteria fermentations on different substrates. The present data suggest that the number and diversity of Actinobacteria spp. in tropical soils represent a vast unexplored resource for the biotechnology of bioactives production.
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Zucchi TD, Prado SS, Cônsoli FL. The gastric caeca of pentatomids as a house for actinomycetes. BMC Microbiol 2012; 12:101. [PMID: 22682021 PMCID: PMC3438088 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-12-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microbes are extensively associated with insects, playing key roles in insect defense, nutrition and reproduction. Most of the associations reported involve Proteobacteria. Despite the fact that Actinobacteria associated with insects were shown to produce antibiotic barriers against pathogens to the hosts or to their food and nutrients, there are few studies focusing on their association with insects. Thus, we surveyed the Actinobacteria diversity on a specific region of the midgut of seven species of stinkbugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) known to carry a diversity of symbiotically-associated Proteobacteria. RESULTS A total of 34 phylotypes were placed in 11 different Actinobacteria families. Dichelops melacanthus held the highest diversity with six actinobacteria families represented by nine phylotypes. Thyanta perditor (n = 7), Edessa meditabunda (n = 5), Loxa deducta (n = 4) and Pellaea stictica (n = 3) were all associated with three families. Piezodorus guildini (n = 3) and Nezara viridula (n = 3) had the lowest diversity, being associated with two (Propionibacteriaceae and Mycobacteriaceae) and one (Streptomyceataceae) families, respectively. Corynebacteriaceae and Mycobacteriaceae were the most common families with phylotypes from three different insect species each one. CONCLUSIONS Many phylotypes shared a low 16S rRNA gene similarity with their closest type strains and formed new phyletic lines on the periphery of several genera. This is a strong indicative that stinkbug caeca can harbor new species of actinobacteria, which might be derived from specific associations with the species of stinkbugs studied. Although the well-known role of actinobacteria as a source of biomolecules, the ecological features of these symbionts on the stinkbugs biology remain unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago D Zucchi
- Lab de Microbiologia Ambiental, EMBRAPA Meio Ambiente, Rodovia SP 340, Jaguariúna, SP, Brazil.
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Symbiont recruitment versus ant-symbiont co-evolution in the attine ant-microbe symbiosis. Curr Opin Microbiol 2012; 15:269-77. [PMID: 22445196 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The symbiosis between fungus-farming ants (Attini, Formicidae), their cultivated fungi, garden-infecting Escovopsis pathogens, and Pseudonocardia bacteria on the ant integument has been popularized as an example of ant-Escovopsis-Pseudonocardia co-evolution. Recent research could not verify earlier conclusions regarding antibiotic-secreting, integumental Pseudonocardia that co-evolve to specifically suppress Escovopsis disease in an ancient co-evolutionary arms-race. Rather than long-term association with a single, co-evolving Pseudonocardia strain, attine ants accumulate complex, dynamic biofilms on their integument and in their gardens. Emerging views are that the integumental biofilms protect the ants primarily against ant diseases, whereas garden biofilms protect primarily against garden diseases; attine ants selectively recruit ('screen in') microbes into their biofilms; and the biofilms of ants and gardens serve diverse functions beyond disease-suppression.
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Mendes TD, Rodrigues A, Dayo-Owoyemi I, Marson FAL, Pagnocca FC. Generation of Nutrients and Detoxification: Possible Roles of Yeasts in Leaf-Cutting Ant Nests. INSECTS 2012; 3:228-45. [PMID: 26467957 PMCID: PMC4553625 DOI: 10.3390/insects3010228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2012] [Revised: 02/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The possible roles played by yeasts in attine ant nests are mostly unknown. Here we present our investigations on the plant polysaccharide degradation profile of 82 yeasts isolated from fungus gardens of Atta and Acromyrmex species to demonstrate that yeasts found in ant nests may play the role of making nutrients readily available throughout the garden and detoxification of compounds that may be deleterious to the ants and their fungal cultivar. Among the yeasts screened, 65% exhibited cellulolytic enzymes, 44% exhibited pectinolytic activity while 27% and 17% possess enzyme systems for the degradation of protease and amylase, respectively. Galacturonic acid, which had been reported in previous work to be poorly assimilated by the ant fungus and also to have a negative effect on ants’ survival, was assimilated by 64% and 79% of yeasts isolated from nests of A. texana and Acromyrmex respectively. Our results suggest that yeasts found in ant nests may participate in generation of nutrients and removal of potentially toxic compounds, thereby contributing to the stability of the complex microbiota found in the leaf-cutting ant nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais D Mendes
- EMBRAPA-Agroenergy/Parque Estação Biológica, Brasília, DF 70770-901, Brazil.
| | - André Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil.
| | - Ifeloju Dayo-Owoyemi
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil.
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil.
| | - Fernando A L Marson
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil.
| | - Fernando C Pagnocca
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil.
- Centre for the Study of Social Insects, UNESP-São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil.
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Microbiomes of ant castes implicate new microbial roles in the fungus-growing ant Trachymyrmex septentrionalis. Sci Rep 2011; 1:204. [PMID: 22355719 PMCID: PMC3244503 DOI: 10.1038/srep00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungus-growing ants employ several defenses against diseases, including disease-suppressing microbial biofilms on their integument and in fungal gardens. Here, we compare the phenology of microbiomes in natural nests of the temperate fungus-growing ant Trachymyrmex septentrionalis using culture-dependent isolations and culture-independent 16S-amplicon 454-sequencing. 454-sequencing revealed diverse actinobacteria associated with ants, including most prominently Solirubrobacter (12.2-30.9% of sequence reads), Pseudonocardia (3.5-42.0%), and Microlunatus (0.4-10.8%). Bacterial abundances remained relatively constant in monthly surveys throughout the annual active period (late winter to late summer), except Pseudonocardia abundance declined in females during the reproductive phase. Pseudonocardia species found on ants are phylogenetically different from those in gardens and soil, indicating ecological separation of these Pseudonocardia types. Because the pathogen Escovopsis is not known to infect gardens of T. septentrionalis, the ant-associated microbes do not seem to function in Escovopsis suppression, but could protect against ant diseases, help in nest sanitation, or serve unknown functions.
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Genome sequence of the 1,4-dioxane-degrading Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans strain CB1190. J Bacteriol 2011; 193:4549-50. [PMID: 21725009 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00415-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudonocardia dioxanivorans CB1190 is the first bacterium reported to be capable of growth on the environmental contaminant 1,4-dioxane and the first member of the genus Pseudonocardia for which there is an annotated genome sequence. Preliminary analysis of the genome (chromosome and three plasmids) indicates that strain CB1190 possesses several multicomponent monooxygenases that could be involved in the aerobic degradation of 1,4-dioxane and other environmental contaminants.
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Characterization of a β-amylase from Propionicimonas sp. ENT-18 ectosymbiont of Acromyrmex subterraneus brunneus. ANN MICROBIOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s13213-011-0231-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Chemical basis of the synergism and antagonism in microbial communities in the nests of leaf-cutting ants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:1955-60. [PMID: 21245311 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1008441108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants cultivate the fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, which serves as a major food source. This symbiosis is threatened by microbial pathogens that can severely infect L. gongylophorus. Microbial symbionts of leaf-cutting ants, mainly Pseudonocardia and Streptomyces, support the ants in defending their fungus gardens against infections by supplying antimicrobial and antifungal compounds. The ecological role of microorganisms in the nests of leaf-cutting ants can only be addressed in detail if their secondary metabolites are known. Here, we use an approach for the rapid identification of established bioactive compounds from microorganisms in ecological contexts by combining phylogenetic data, database searches, and liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-HR-MS) screening. Antimycins A(1)-A(4), valinomycins, and actinomycins were identified in this manner from Streptomyces symbionts of leaf-cutting ants. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) imaging revealed the distribution of valinomycin directly on the integument of Acromyrmex echinatior workers. Valinomycins and actinomycins were also directly identified in samples from the waste of A. echinatior and A. niger leaf-cutting ants, suggesting that the compounds exert their antimicrobial and antifungal potential in the nests of leaf-cutting ants. Strong synergistic effects of the secondary meta-bolites produced by ant-associated Streptomyces were observed in the agar diffusion assay against Escovopsis weberi. Actinomycins strongly inhibit soil bacteria as well as other Streptomyces and Pseudonocardia symbionts. The antifungal antimycins are not only active against pathogenic fungi but also the garden fungus L. gongylophorus itself. In conclusion, secondary metabolites of microbial symbionts of leaf-cutting ants contribute to shaping the microbial communities within the nests of leaf-cutting ants.
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Culturable bacterial diversity associated with cysts of Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Hempel) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae). World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s11274-010-0518-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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