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Cohen LB, Jewell R, Moody D, Arsala D, Werren JH, Lynch JA. Genetic, morphometric, and molecular analyses of interspecies differences in head shape and hybrid developmental defects in the wasp genus Nasonia. G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2021; 11:6362889. [PMID: 34580730 PMCID: PMC8664464 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Males in the parasitoid wasp genus Nasonia have distinct, species-specific, head shapes. The availability of fertile hybrids among the species, along with obligate haploidy of males, facilitates analysis of complex gene interactions in development and evolution. Previous analyses showed that both the divergence in head shape between Nasonia vitripennis and Nasonia giraulti, and the head-specific developmental defects of F2 haploid hybrid males, are governed by multiple changes in networks of interacting genes. Here, we extend our understanding of the gene interactions that affect morphogenesis in male heads. Use of artificial diploid male hybrids shows that alleles mediating developmental defects are recessive, while there are diverse dominance relationships among other head shape traits. At the molecular level, the sex determination locus doublesex plays a major role in male head shape differences, but it is not the only important factor. Introgression of a giraulti region on chromsome 2 reveals a recessive locus that causes completely penetrant head clefting in both males and females in a vitripennis background. Finally, a third species (N. longicornis) was used to investigate the timing of genetic changes related to head morphology, revealing that most changes causing defects arose after the divergence of N. vitripennis from the other species, but prior to the divergence of N. giraulti and N. longicornis from each other. Our results demonstrate that developmental gene networks can be dissected using interspecies crosses in Nasonia, and set the stage for future fine-scale genetic dissection of both head shape and hybrid developmental defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna B Cohen
- Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Optical Imaging Core, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Rachel Jewell
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Dyese Moody
- Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Deanna Arsala
- Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Jeremy A Lynch
- Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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2
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Strain differences rather than species differences contribute to variation in associative learning ability in Nasonia. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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3
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Leung K, Ras E, Ferguson KB, Ariëns S, Babendreier D, Bijma P, Bourtzis K, Brodeur J, Bruins MA, Centurión A, Chattington SR, Chinchilla-Ramírez M, Dicke M, Fatouros NE, González-Cabrera J, Groot TVM, Haye T, Knapp M, Koskinioti P, Le Hesran S, Lyrakis M, Paspati A, Pérez-Hedo M, Plouvier WN, Schlötterer C, Stahl JM, Thiel A, Urbaneja A, van de Zande L, Verhulst EC, Vet LEM, Visser S, Werren JH, Xia S, Zwaan BJ, Magalhães S, Beukeboom LW, Pannebakker BA. Next-generation biological control: the need for integrating genetics and genomics. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1838-1854. [PMID: 32794644 PMCID: PMC7689903 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biological control is widely successful at controlling pests, but effective biocontrol agents are now more difficult to import from countries of origin due to more restrictive international trade laws (the Nagoya Protocol). Coupled with increasing demand, the efficacy of existing and new biocontrol agents needs to be improved with genetic and genomic approaches. Although they have been underutilised in the past, application of genetic and genomic techniques is becoming more feasible from both technological and economic perspectives. We review current methods and provide a framework for using them. First, it is necessary to identify which biocontrol trait to select and in what direction. Next, the genes or markers linked to these traits need be determined, including how to implement this information into a selective breeding program. Choosing a trait can be assisted by modelling to account for the proper agro‐ecological context, and by knowing which traits have sufficiently high heritability values. We provide guidelines for designing genomic strategies in biocontrol programs, which depend on the organism, budget, and desired objective. Genomic approaches start with genome sequencing and assembly. We provide a guide for deciding the most successful sequencing strategy for biocontrol agents. Gene discovery involves quantitative trait loci analyses, transcriptomic and proteomic studies, and gene editing. Improving biocontrol practices includes marker‐assisted selection, genomic selection and microbiome manipulation of biocontrol agents, and monitoring for genetic variation during rearing and post‐release. We conclude by identifying the most promising applications of genetic and genomic methods to improve biological control efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley Leung
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erica Ras
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 100, 1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kim B Ferguson
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simone Ariëns
- Group for Population and Evolutionary Ecology, FB 02, Institute of Ecology, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. 5, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Piter Bijma
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kostas Bourtzis
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 100, 1400, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jacques Brodeur
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Université de Montréal, 4101 Sherbrooke Est, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, H1X 2B2
| | - Margreet A Bruins
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandra Centurión
- Group for Population and Evolutionary Ecology, FB 02, Institute of Ecology, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. 5, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sophie R Chattington
- Group for Population and Evolutionary Ecology, FB 02, Institute of Ecology, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. 5, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Milena Chinchilla-Ramírez
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Unidad Mixta Gestión Biotecnológica de Plagas UV-IVIA, Carretera CV-315, Km 10'7, 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nina E Fatouros
- Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joel González-Cabrera
- Department of Genetics, Estructura de Recerca Interdisciplinar en Biotecnología i Biomedicina (ERI-BIOTECMED), Unidad Mixta Gestión Biotecnológica de Plagas UV-IVIA, Universitat de València, Dr Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Thomas V M Groot
- Koppert Biological Systems, Veilingweg 14, 2651 BE, Berkel en Rodenrijs, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Haye
- CABI, Rue des Grillons 1, 2800, Delémont, Switzerland
| | - Markus Knapp
- Koppert Biological Systems, Veilingweg 14, 2651 BE, Berkel en Rodenrijs, The Netherlands
| | - Panagiota Koskinioti
- Insect Pest Control Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna International Centre, P.O. Box 100, 1400, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sophie Le Hesran
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Koppert Biological Systems, Veilingweg 14, 2651 BE, Berkel en Rodenrijs, The Netherlands
| | - Manolis Lyrakis
- Institut für Populationsgenetik, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angeliki Paspati
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Unidad Mixta Gestión Biotecnológica de Plagas UV-IVIA, Carretera CV-315, Km 10'7, 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Meritxell Pérez-Hedo
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Unidad Mixta Gestión Biotecnológica de Plagas UV-IVIA, Carretera CV-315, Km 10'7, 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Wouter N Plouvier
- INRA, CNRS, UMR 1355-7254, 400 Route des Chappes, BP 167 06903, Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France
| | - Christian Schlötterer
- Institut für Populationsgenetik, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith M Stahl
- CABI, Rue des Grillons 1, 2800, Delémont, Switzerland.,Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, University of California Berkeley, 9240 South Riverbend Avenue, Parlier, CA, 93648, USA
| | - Andra Thiel
- Group for Population and Evolutionary Ecology, FB 02, Institute of Ecology, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. 5, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alberto Urbaneja
- Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Centro de Protección Vegetal y Biotecnología, Unidad Mixta Gestión Biotecnológica de Plagas UV-IVIA, Carretera CV-315, Km 10'7, 46113, Moncada, Valencia, Spain
| | - Louis van de Zande
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline C Verhulst
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Louise E M Vet
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Visser
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Shuwen Xia
- Animal Breeding and Genomics, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas J Zwaan
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Magalhães
- cE3c: Centre for Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício C2, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Leo W Beukeboom
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 11103, 9700 CC, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart A Pannebakker
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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4
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Wang X, Kelkar YD, Xiong X, Martinson EO, Lynch J, Zhang C, Werren JH, Wang X. Genome Report: Whole Genome Sequence and Annotation of the Parasitoid Jewel Wasp Nasonia giraulti Laboratory Strain RV2X[u]. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2020; 10:2565-2572. [PMID: 32571804 PMCID: PMC7407473 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Jewel wasps in the genus of Nasonia are parasitoids with haplodiploidy sex determination, rapid development and are easy to culture in the laboratory. They are excellent models for insect genetics, genomics, epigenetics, development, and evolution. Nasonia vitripennis (Nv) and N. giraulti (Ng) are closely-related species that can be intercrossed, particularly after removal of the intracellular bacterium Wolbachia, which serve as a powerful tool to map and positionally clone morphological, behavioral, expression and methylation phenotypes. The Nv reference genome was assembled using Sanger, PacBio and Nanopore approaches and annotated with extensive RNA-seq data. In contrast, Ng genome is only available through low coverage resequencing. Therefore, de novo Ng assembly is in urgent need to advance this system. In this study, we report a high-quality Ng assembly using 10X Genomics linked-reads with 670X sequencing depth. The current assembly has a genome size of 259,040,977 bp in 3,160 scaffolds with 38.05% G-C and a 98.6% BUSCO completeness score. 97% of the RNA reads are perfectly aligned to the genome, indicating high quality in contiguity and completeness. A total of 14,777 genes are annotated in the Ng genome, and 72% of the annotated genes have a one-to-one ortholog in the Nv genome. We reported 5 million Ng-Nv SNPs which will facility mapping and population genomic studies in Nasonia In addition, 42 Ng-specific genes were identified by comparing with Nv genome and annotation. This is the first de novo assembly for this important species in the Nasonia model system, providing a useful new genomic toolkit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, AL 36849
| | | | - Xiao Xiong
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, AL 36849
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, China
| | - Ellen O Martinson
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - Jeremy Lynch
- Department of Biological Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60607
| | - Chao Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, China
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, NY 14627
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, AL 36849,
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL 35806
- Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn, AL 36849, and
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, AL 36849
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5
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Zhao Z, McBride CS. Evolution of olfactory circuits in insects. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2020; 206:353-367. [PMID: 31984441 PMCID: PMC7192870 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-020-01399-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in the evolution of neural circuits. Comparison of animals from different families, orders, and phyla reveals fascinating variation in brain morphology, circuit structure, and neural cell types. However, it can be difficult to connect the complex changes that occur across long evolutionary distances to behavior. Luckily, these changes accumulate through processes that should also be observable in recent time, making more tractable comparisons of closely related species relevant and complementary. Here, we review several decades of research on the evolution of insect olfactory circuits across short evolutionary time scales. We describe two well-studied systems, Drosophila sechellia flies and Heliothis moths, in detailed case studies. We then move through key types of circuit evolution, cataloging examples from other insects and looking for general patterns. The literature is dominated by changes in sensory neuron number and tuning at the periphery-often enhancing neural response to odorants with new ecological or social relevance. However, changes in the way olfactory information is processed by central circuits is clearly important in a few cases, and we suspect the development of genetic tools in non-model species will reveal a broad role for central circuit evolution. Moving forward, such tools should also be used to rigorously test causal links between brain evolution and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilei Zhao
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| | - Carolyn S McBride
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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6
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Groothuis J, van den Heuvel K, Smid HM. Species- and size-related differences in dopamine-like immunoreactive clusters in the brain of Nasonia vitripennis and N. giraulti. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:261-273. [PMID: 31440818 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
An extreme reduction in body size has been shown to negatively impact the memory retention level of the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis. In addition, N. vitripennis and Nasonia giraulti, closely related parasitic wasps, differ markedly in the number of conditioning trials required to form long-term memory. These differences in memory dynamics may be associated with differences in the dopaminergic neurons in the Nasonia brains. Here, we used dopamine immunoreactivity to identify and count the number of cell bodies in dopaminergic clusters of normal- and small-sized N. vitripennis and normal-sized N. giraulti. We counted in total a maximum of approximately 160 dopaminergic neurons per brain. These neurons were present in 9 identifiable clusters (D1a, D1b, D2, D3, D4a, D4b, D5, D6 and D7). Our analysis revealed that N. giraulti had fewer cells in the D2 and D4a clusters but more in D4b, compared with normal-sized N. vitripennis. In addition, we found fewer cells in the D5 and D7 cluster of small-sized N. vitripennis compared to normal-sized N. vitripennis. A comparison of our findings with the literature on dopaminergic clusters in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the honey bee Apis mellifera indicates that clusters D2, D3 and D5 may play a role in memory formation in Nasonia wasps. The results from both the species comparison and the size comparison are therefore of high interest and importance for our understanding of the complex intricacies that underlie the memory dynamics of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitte Groothuis
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700, AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Krista van den Heuvel
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700, AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans M Smid
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700, AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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7
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van der Woude E, Groothuis J, Smid HM. No gains for bigger brains: Functional and neuroanatomical consequences of relative brain size in a parasitic wasp. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:694-705. [PMID: 30929291 PMCID: PMC6850633 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Heritable genetic variation in relative brain size can underlie the relationship between brain performance and the relative size of the brain. We used bidirectional artificial selection to study the consequences of genetic variation in relative brain size on brain morphology, cognition and longevity in Nasonia vitripennis parasitoid wasps. Our results show a robust change in relative brain size after 26 generations of selection and six generations of relaxation. Total average neuropil volume of the brain was 16% larger in wasps selected for relatively large brains than in wasps selected for relatively small brains, whereas the body length of the large‐brained wasps was smaller. Furthermore, the relative volume of the antennal lobes was larger in wasps with relatively large brains. Relative brain size did not influence olfactory memory retention, whereas wasps that were selected for larger relative brain size had a shorter longevity, which was even further reduced after a learning experience. These effects of genetic variation on neuropil composition and memory retention are different from previously described effects of phenotypic plasticity in absolute brain size. In conclusion, having relatively large brains may be costly for N. vitripennis, whereas no cognitive benefits were recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma van der Woude
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jitte Groothuis
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans M Smid
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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9
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Liefting M, Hoedjes KM, Le Lann C, Smid HM, Ellers J. Selection for associative learning of color stimuli reveals correlated evolution of this learning ability across multiple stimuli and rewards. Evolution 2018; 72:1449-1459. [PMID: 29768649 PMCID: PMC6099215 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We are only starting to understand how variation in cognitive ability can result from local adaptations to environmental conditions. A major question in this regard is to what extent selection on cognitive ability in a specific context affects that ability in general through correlated evolution. To address this question, we performed artificial selection on visual associative learning in female Nasonia vitripennis wasps. Using appetitive conditioning in which a visual stimulus was offered in association with a host reward, the ability to learn visual associations was enhanced within 10 generations of selection. To test for correlated evolution affecting this form of learning, the ability to readily form learned associations in females was also tested using an olfactory instead of a visual stimulus in the appetitive conditioning. Additionally, we assessed whether the improved associative learning ability was expressed across sexes by color-conditioning males with a mating reward. Both females and males from the selected lines consistently demonstrated an increased associative learning ability compared to the control lines, independent of learning context or conditioned stimulus. No difference in relative volume of brain neuropils was detected between the selected and control lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maartje Liefting
- Animal EcologyVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdam1081 HVthe Netherlands
- Applied Zoology/Animal EcologyFreie Universität BerlinBerlinD‐12163Germany
| | - Katja M. Hoedjes
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen UniversityWageningen6700 AAthe Netherlands
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of LausanneLausanneCH‐1015Switzerland
| | - Cécile Le Lann
- Animal EcologyVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdam1081 HVthe Netherlands
- CNRS, ECOBIO (Ecosystèmes, Biodiversité, Evolution)UMR 6553, Université de RennesRennesF‐35000France
| | - Hans M. Smid
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen UniversityWageningen6700 AAthe Netherlands
| | - Jacintha Ellers
- Animal EcologyVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdam1081 HVthe Netherlands
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10
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McQuillan MA, Roth TC, Huynh AV, Rice AM. Hybrid chickadees are deficient in learning and memory. Evolution 2018; 72:1155-1164. [PMID: 29578575 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the phenotypes underlying postzygotic reproductive isolation is crucial for fully understanding the evolution and maintenance of species. One potential postzygotic isolating barrier that has rarely been examined is learning and memory ability in hybrids. Learning and memory are important fitness-related traits, especially in scatter-hoarding species, where accurate retrieval of hoarded food is vital for winter survival. Here, we test the hypothesis that learning and memory ability can act as a postzygotic isolating barrier by comparing these traits among two scatter-hoarding songbird species, black-capped (Poecile atricapillus) and Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis), and their naturally occurring hybrids. In an outdoor aviary setting, we find that hybrid chickadees perform significantly worse on an associative learning spatial task and are worse at solving a novel problem compared to both parental species. Deficiencies in learning and memory abilities could therefore contribute to postzygotic reproductive isolation between chickadee species. Given the importance of learning and memory for fitness, our results suggest that these traits may play an important, but as yet overlooked, role in postzygotic reproductive isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A McQuillan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015
| | - Timothy C Roth
- Department of Psychology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603
| | - Alex V Huynh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015
| | - Amber M Rice
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015
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11
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Bruck JN, Allen NA, Brass KE, Horn BA, Campbell P. Species differences in egocentric navigation: the effect of burrowing ecology on a spatial cognitive trait in mice. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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12
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Werren JH, Cohen LB, Gadau J, Ponce R, Baudry E, Lynch JA. Dissection of the complex genetic basis of craniofacial anomalies using haploid genetics and interspecies hybrids in Nasonia wasps. Dev Biol 2016; 415:391-405. [PMID: 26721604 PMCID: PMC4914427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The animal head is a complex structure where numerous sensory, structural and alimentary structures are concentrated and integrated, and its ontogeny requires precise and delicate interactions among genes, cells, and tissues. Thus, it is perhaps unsurprising that craniofacial abnormalities are among the most common birth defects in people, or that these defects have a complex genetic basis involving interactions among multiple loci. Developmental processes that depend on such epistatic interactions become exponentially more difficult to study in diploid organisms as the number of genes involved increases. Here, we present hybrid haploid males of the wasp species pair Nasonia vitripennis and Nasonia giraulti, which have distinct male head morphologies, as a genetic model of craniofacial development that possesses the genetic advantages of haploidy, along with many powerful genomic tools. Viable, fertile hybrids can be made between the species, and quantitative trail loci related to shape differences have been identified. In addition, a subset of hybrid males show head abnormalities, including clefting at the midline and asymmetries. Crucially, epistatic interactions among multiple loci underlie several developmental differences and defects observed in the F2 hybrid males. Furthermore, we demonstrate an introgression of a chromosomal region from N. giraulti into N. vitripennis that shows an abnormality in relative eye size, which maps to a region containing a major QTL for this trait. Therefore, the genetic sources of head morphology can, in principle, be identified by positional cloning. Thus, Nasonia is well positioned to be a uniquely powerful model invertebrate system with which to probe both development and complex genetics of craniofacial patterning and defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, United States.
| | - Lorna B Cohen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
| | - Juergen Gadau
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85285, United States
| | - Rita Ponce
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, United States
| | - Emmanuelle Baudry
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, United States; Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Jeremy A Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, United States.
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Smid HM, Vet LE. The complexity of learning, memory and neural processes in an evolutionary ecological context. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2016; 15:61-69. [PMID: 27436733 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability to learn and form memories is widespread among insects, but there exists considerable natural variation between species and populations in these traits. Variation manifests itself in the way information is stored in different memory forms. This review focuses on ecological factors such as environmental information, spatial aspects of foraging behavior and resource distribution that drive the evolution of this natural variation and discusses the role of different genes and neural networks. We conclude that at the level of individual, population or species, insect learning and memory cannot be described as good or bad. Rather, we argue that insects evolve tailor-made learning and memory types; they gate learned information into memories with high or low persistence. This way, they are prepared to learn and form memory to optimally deal with the specific ecologies of their foraging environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans M Smid
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Louise Em Vet
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
The parasitoid wasp Nasonia represents a genus of four species that is emerging as a powerful genetic model system that has made and will continue to make important contributions to our understanding of evolutionary biology, development, ecology, and behavior. Particularly powerful are the haplodiploid genetics of the system, which allow some of the advantages of microbial genetics to be applied to a complex multicellular eukaryote. In addition, fertile, viable hybrids can be made among the four species in the genus. This makes Nasonia exceptionally well suited for evolutionary genetics approaches, especially when combined with its haploid genetics and tractability in the laboratory. These features are complemented by an expanding array of genomic, transcriptomic, and functional resources, the application of which has already made Nasonia an important model system in such emerging fields as evolutionary developmental biology and microbiomics. This article describes the genetic and genomic advantages of Nasonia wasps and the resources available for their genetic analysis.
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Hoedjes KM, Smid HM, Schijlen EGWM, Vet LEM, van Vugt JJFA. Learning-induced gene expression in the heads of two Nasonia species that differ in long-term memory formation. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:162. [PMID: 25888126 PMCID: PMC4440501 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1355-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cellular processes underlying memory formation are evolutionary conserved, but natural variation in memory dynamics between animal species or populations is common. The genetic basis of this fascinating phenomenon is poorly understood. Closely related species of Nasonia parasitic wasps differ in long-term memory (LTM) formation: N. vitripennis will form transcription-dependent LTM after a single conditioning trial, whereas the closely-related species N. giraulti will not. Genes that were differentially expressed (DE) after conditioning in N. vitripennis, but not in N. giraulti, were identified as candidate genes that may regulate LTM formation. Results RNA was collected from heads of both species before and immediately, 4 or 24 hours after conditioning, with 3 replicates per time point. It was sequenced strand-specifically, which allows distinguishing sense from antisense transcripts and improves the quality of expression analyses. We determined conditioning-induced DE compared to naïve controls for both species. These expression patterns were then analysed with GO enrichment analyses for each species and time point, which demonstrated an enrichment of signalling-related genes immediately after conditioning in N. vitripennis only. Analyses of known LTM genes and genes with an opposing expression pattern between the two species revealed additional candidate genes for the difference in LTM formation. These include genes from various signalling cascades, including several members of the Ras and PI3 kinase signalling pathways, and glutamate receptors. Interestingly, several other known LTM genes were exclusively differentially expressed in N. giraulti, which may indicate an LTM-inhibitory mechanism. Among the DE transcripts were also antisense transcripts. Furthermore, antisense transcripts aligning to a number of known memory genes were detected, which may have a role in regulating these genes. Conclusion This study is the first to describe and compare expression patterns of both protein-coding and antisense transcripts, at different time points after conditioning, of two closely related animal species that differ in LTM formation. Several candidate genes that may regulate differences in LTM have been identified. This transcriptome analysis is a valuable resource for future in-depth studies to elucidate the role of candidate genes and antisense transcription in natural variation in LTM formation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1355-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja M Hoedjes
- Laboratory of Entomology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University, P.O. box 8031, 6700AP, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Le Biophore, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Hans M Smid
- Laboratory of Entomology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University, P.O. box 8031, 6700AP, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Elio G W M Schijlen
- PRI Bioscience, Plant Research International, P.O. box 619, 6700AP, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Louise E M Vet
- Laboratory of Entomology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University, P.O. box 8031, 6700AP, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), P.O. Box 50, 6700 AB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Joke J F A van Vugt
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), P.O. Box 50, 6700 AB, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Haverkamp A, Smid HM. Octopamine-like immunoreactive neurons in the brain and subesophageal ganglion of the parasitic wasps Nasonia vitripennis and N. giraulti. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 358:313-29. [PMID: 25107606 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1960-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Octopamine is an important neuromodulator in the insect nervous system, influencing memory formation, sensory perception and motor control. In this study, we compare the distribution of octopamine-like immunoreactive neurons in two parasitic wasp species of the Nasonia genus, N. vitripennis and N. giraulti. These two species were previously described as differing in their learning and memory formation, which raised the question as to whether morphological differences in octopaminergic neurons underpinned these variations. Immunohistochemistry in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to reveal and compare the somata and major projections of the octopaminergic neurons in these wasps. The brains of both species showed similar staining patterns, with six different neuron clusters being identified in the brain and five different clusters in the subesophageal ganglion. Of those clusters found in the subesophageal ganglion, three contained unpaired neurons, whereas the other three consisted in paired neurons. The overall pattern of octopaminergic neurons in both species was similar, with no differences in the numbers or projections of the ventral unpaired median (VUM) neurons, which are known to be involved in memory formation in insects. In one other cluster in the brain, located in-between the optic lobe and the antennal lobe, we detected more neurons in N. vitripennis compared with N. giraulti. Combining our results with findings made previously in other Hymenopteran species, we discuss possible functions and some of the ultimate factors influencing the evolution of the octopaminergic system in the insect brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Haverkamp
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, PO Box 8031, 6700 EH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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