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Nordio S, Kaiser M, Adams ME, Libersat F. Parasitoid wasp venom manipulates host innate behavior via subtype-specific dopamine receptor activation. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:274808. [PMID: 35320357 PMCID: PMC8996814 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The subjugation strategy employed by the jewel wasp is unique in that it manipulates the behavior of its host, the American cockroach, rather than inducing outright paralysis. Upon envenomation directly into the central complex (CX), a command center in the brain for motor behavior, the stung cockroach initially engages in intense grooming behavior, then falls into a lethargic sleep-like state referred to as hypokinesia. Behavioral changes evoked by the sting are due at least in part to the presence of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the venom. In insects, dopamine receptors are classified as two families, the D1-like and the D2-like receptors. However, specific roles played by dopamine receptor subtypes in venom-induced behavioral manipulation by the jewel wasp remain largely unknown. In the present study, we used a pharmacological approach to investigate roles of D1-like and D2-like receptors in behaviors exhibited by stung cockroaches, focusing on grooming. Specifically, we assessed behavioral outcomes of focal CX injections of dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists. Both specific and non-specific compounds were used. Our results strongly implicate D1-like dopamine receptors in venom-induced grooming. Regarding induction of hypokinesia, our findings demonstrate that dopamine signaling is necessary for induction of long-lasting hypokinesia caused by brain envenomation. Highlighted Article: Subtype-specific dopamine receptors are involved in the manipulation of host behavior by the parasitoid jewel wasp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Nordio
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Maayan Kaiser
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Michael E Adams
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Frederic Libersat
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
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Pecina P, Vidlička Ľ, Majtán J, Purkart A, Prokop P. Why do zombies clean themselves? An initial test of the antimicrobial hypothesis in a parasite‐host relationship. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00694-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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3
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Catania KC. Getting the Most Out of Your Zombie: Abdominal Sensors and Neural Manipulations Help Jewel Wasps Find the Roach's Weak Spot. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2020; 95:181-202. [PMID: 33130680 DOI: 10.1159/000511548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The parasitoid emerald jewel wasp (Ampulex compressa) subdues the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) with a sting to the 1st thoracic ganglion, followed by a sting to the roach's brain, causing long-term pacification. The wasp then leads the cockroach to a hole where it lays an egg on the roach middle leg before barricading the entrance and departing. Although many aspects of the wasp's initial attack have been investigated, few studies have detailed the egg-laying process and the subsequent fate of the larvae. Here I show that larval survival depends on precise egg positioning on the cockroach by the female wasp. Ablation of sensory hairs on the wasp's abdomen resulted in mislaid eggs, which seldom survived. In addition, the cockroach femur may block the oviposition site. The wasp contended with this challenge with a newly discovered suite of stings, 3 directed into the 2nd thoracic ganglion which resulted in extension of the femur, thus exposing the oviposition site and removing a potential barrier to the wasp's successful reproduction. When the femur was glued in place, the wasp stung the cockroach over 100 times, in an apparent fixed action pattern triggered by the obscured oviposition target. These findings highlight the importance of proper egg placement by the wasp, and reveal sensors and new neural manipulations that facilitate the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth C Catania
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,
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4
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Genetic Underpinnings of Host Manipulation by Ophiocordyceps as Revealed by Comparative Transcriptomics. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2020; 10:2275-2296. [PMID: 32354705 PMCID: PMC7341126 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ant-infecting Ophiocordyceps fungi are globally distributed, host manipulating, specialist parasites that drive aberrant behaviors in infected ants, at a lethal cost to the host. An apparent increase in activity and wandering behaviors precedes a final summiting and biting behavior onto vegetation, which positions the manipulated ant in a site beneficial for fungal growth and transmission. We investigated the genetic underpinnings of host manipulation by: (i) producing a high-quality hybrid assembly and annotation of the Ophiocordyceps camponoti-floridani genome, (ii) conducting laboratory infections coupled with RNAseq of O. camponoti-floridani and its host, Camponotus floridanus, and (iii) comparing these data to RNAseq data of Ophiocordyceps kimflemingiae and Camponotus castaneus as a powerful method to identify gene expression patterns that suggest shared behavioral manipulation mechanisms across Ophiocordyceps-ant species interactions. We propose differentially expressed genes tied to ant neurobiology, odor response, circadian rhythms, and foraging behavior may result by activity of putative fungal effectors such as enterotoxins, aflatrem, and mechanisms disrupting feeding behaviors in the ant.
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Pecina P, Vidlička Ľ, Prokop P. Testing adaptive significance of host manipulation with a parasitoid wasp. Ethology 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Pecina
- Institute of Zoology Slovak Academy of Sciences Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Ľubomír Vidlička
- Institute of Zoology Slovak Academy of Sciences Bratislava Slovakia
| | - Pavol Prokop
- Institute of Zoology Slovak Academy of Sciences Bratislava Slovakia
- Department of Environmental Ecology Faculty of Natural Sciences Comenius University Bratislava Slovakia
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6
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Del Giudice M. Invisible Designers: Brain Evolution Through the Lens of Parasite Manipulation. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1086/705038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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7
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Lin Z, Wang RJ, Cheng Y, Du J, Volovych O, Han LB, Li JC, Hu Y, Lu ZY, Lu Z, Zou Z. Insights into the venom protein components of Microplitis mediator, an endoparasitoid wasp. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 105:33-42. [PMID: 30602123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Endoparasitoid wasps deliver a variety of maternal factors, such as venom proteins, viruses, and virus-like particles, from their venom and calyx fluid into hosts and thereby regulate the hosts' immune response, metabolism and development. The endoparasitoid, Microplitis mediator, is used as an important biological agent for controlling the devastating pest Helicoverpa armigera. In this study, using an integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analysis approach, we identified 75 putative venom proteins in M. mediator. The identified venom components were consistent with other known parasitoid wasps' venom proteins, including metalloproteases, serine protease inhibitors, and glycoside hydrolase family 18 enzymes. The metalloprotease and serpin family showed extensive gene duplications in venom apparatus. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) based quantitative proteomics revealed 521 proteins that were differentially expressed at 6 h and 24 h post-parasitism, including 10 wasp venom proteins that were released into the host hemolymph. Further analysis indicated that 511 differentially expressed proteins (DEP) from the host are primarily involved in the immune response, material metabolism, and extracellular matrix receptor interaction. Taken together, our results on parasitoid wasp venoms have the potential to enhance the application of endoparasitoid wasps for controlling insect pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Juan Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Du
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Olga Volovych
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Bin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Li
- Institute of Plant Protection of Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Baoding, China
| | - Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Yun Lu
- Institute of Plant Protection of Hebei Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Baoding, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Catania KC. How Not to Be Turned into a Zombie. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2018; 92:32-46. [PMID: 30380540 DOI: 10.1159/000490341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The emerald jewel wasp (Ampulex compressa) is renowned for its ability to zombify the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) with a sting to the brain. When the venom takes effect, the cockroach becomes passive and can be led by its antenna into a hole, where the wasp deposits an egg and then seals the exit with debris. The cockroach has the ability to walk, run, or fly if properly stimulated, but it does not try to escape as it is slowly eaten alive by the developing wasp larva. Although the composition and effects of the wasp's venom have been investigated, no studies have detailed how cockroaches might prevent this grim fate. Here it is shown that many cockroaches deter wasps with a vigorous defense. Successful cockroaches elevated their bodies, bringing their neck out of reach, and kicked at the wasp with their spiny hind legs, often striking the wasp's head multiple times. Failing this, the elevated, "on-guard" position allowed cockroaches to detect and evade the wasp's lunging attack. If grasped, the cockroaches parried the stinger with their legs, used a "stiff-arm" defense to hold back the stinger, and could stab at, and dislodge, the wasp with tibial spines. Lastly, cockroaches bit at the abdomen of wasps delivering the brain sting. An aggressive defense from the outset was most successful. Thus, for a cockroach not to become a zombie, the best strategy is: be vigilant, protect your throat, and strike repeatedly at the head of the attacker.
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9
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Morris A, Green M, Martin H, Crossland K, Swaney WT, Williamson SM, Rae R. A nematode that can manipulate the behaviour of slugs. Behav Processes 2018; 151:73-80. [PMID: 29499346 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The ability of parasites to manipulate the behaviour of their hosts has evolved multiple times, and has a clear fitness benefit to the parasite in terms of facilitating growth, reproduction and transfer to suitable hosts. The mechanisms by which these behavioural changes are induced are poorly understood, but in many cases parasite manipulation of serotonergic signalling in the host brain is implicated. Here we report that Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, a parasite of terrestrial gastropod molluscs, can alter the behaviour of slugs. Uninfected slugs (Deroceras panormitanum, Arion subfuscus and Arion hortensis) avoid areas where P. hermaphrodita is present, but slugs infected with P. hermaphrodita are more likely to be found where the nematodes are present. This ability is specific to P. hermaphrodita and other nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) do not induce this behavioural change. To investigate how P. hermaphrodita changes slug behaviour we exposed slugs to fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and cyproheptadine (a serotonin receptor antagonist). Uninfected slugs fed fluoxetine no longer avoided areas where P. hermaphrodita was present; and conversely, infected slugs fed cyproheptadine showed no increased attraction to areas with nematodes. These findings suggest that a possible mechanism by which P. hermaphrodita is able to manipulate parasite avoidance behaviour in host slugs is by manipulating serotonergic signalling in the brain, and that increased serotonin levels are potentially associated with a reduction in parasite avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Morris
- Liverpool John Moores University, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Byrom Street, L33AF, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Green
- Liverpool John Moores University, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Byrom Street, L33AF, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley Martin
- Liverpool John Moores University, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Byrom Street, L33AF, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Crossland
- Liverpool John Moores University, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Byrom Street, L33AF, United Kingdom
| | - William T Swaney
- Liverpool John Moores University, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Byrom Street, L33AF, United Kingdom
| | - Sally M Williamson
- Liverpool John Moores University, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Byrom Street, L33AF, United Kingdom
| | - Robbie Rae
- Liverpool John Moores University, School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Byrom Street, L33AF, United Kingdom.
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10
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Weinersmith KL, Liu SM, Forbes AA, Egan SP. Tales from the crypt: a parasitoid manipulates the behaviour of its parasite host. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2016.2365. [PMID: 28123089 PMCID: PMC5310038 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many examples of apparent manipulation of host phenotype by parasites, yet few examples of hypermanipulation—where a phenotype-manipulating parasite is itself manipulated by a parasite. Moreover, few studies confirm manipulation is occurring by quantifying whether the host's changed phenotype increases parasite fitness. Here we describe a novel case of hypermanipulation, in which the crypt gall wasp Bassettia pallida (a phenotypic manipulator of its tree host) is manipulated by the parasitoid crypt-keeper wasp Euderus set, and show that the host's changed behaviour increases parasitoid fitness. Bassettia pallida parasitizes sand live oaks and induces the formation of a ‘crypt’ within developing stems. When parasitized by E. set, B. pallida adults excavate an emergence hole in the crypt wall, plug the hole with their head and die. We show experimentally that this phenomenon benefits E. set, as E. set that need to excavate an emergence hole themselves are about three times more likely to die trapped in the crypt. In addition, we discuss museum and field data to explore the distribution of the crypt-keeping phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Weinersmith
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, MS-140, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Sean M Liu
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, MS-140, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Andrew A Forbes
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Scott P Egan
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, MS-140, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005, USA
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11
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Abstract
Insect behavior can be manipulated by parasites, and in many cases, such manipulation involves the central and peripheral nervous system. Neuroparasitology is an emerging branch of biology that deals with parasites that can control the nervous system of their host. The diversity of parasites that can manipulate insect behavior ranges from viruses to macroscopic worms and also includes other insects that have evolved to become parasites (notably, parasitic wasps). It is remarkable that the precise manipulation observed does not require direct entry into the insect brain and can even occur when the parasite is outside the body. We suggest that a spatial view of manipulation provides a holistic approach to examining such interactions. Integration across approaches from natural history to advanced imaging techniques, omics, and experiments will provide new vistas in neuroparasitology. We also suggest that for researchers interested in the proximate mechanisms of insect behaviors, studies of parasites that have evolved to control such behavior is of significant value.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Hughes
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA;
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Frederic Libersat
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- Zlotowski Center for Neurosciences, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
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12
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Bidaye SS, Bockemühl T, Büschges A. Six-legged walking in insects: how CPGs, peripheral feedback, and descending signals generate coordinated and adaptive motor rhythms. J Neurophysiol 2017; 119:459-475. [PMID: 29070634 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00658.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Walking is a rhythmic locomotor behavior of legged animals, and its underlying mechanisms have been the subject of neurobiological research for more than 100 years. In this article, we review relevant historical aspects and contemporary studies in this field of research with a particular focus on the role of central pattern generating networks (CPGs) and their contribution to the generation of six-legged walking in insects. Aspects of importance are the generation of single-leg stepping, the generation of interleg coordination, and how descending signals influence walking. We first review how CPGs interact with sensory signals from the leg in the generation of leg stepping. Next, we summarize how these interactions are modified in the generation of motor flexibility for forward and backward walking, curve walking, and speed changes. We then review the present state of knowledge with regard to the role of CPGs in intersegmental coordination and how CPGs might be involved in mediating descending influences from the brain for the initiation, maintenance, modification, and cessation of the motor output for walking. Throughout, we aim to specifically address gaps in knowledge, and we describe potential future avenues and approaches, conceptual and methodological, with the latter emphasizing in particular options arising from the advent of neurogenetic approaches to this field of research and its combination with traditional approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salil S Bidaye
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Till Bockemühl
- Department of Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute, University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
| | - Ansgar Büschges
- Department of Animal Physiology, Zoological Institute, University of Cologne , Cologne , Germany
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Herbison REH. Lessons in Mind Control: Trends in Research on the Molecular Mechanisms behind Parasite-Host Behavioral Manipulation. Front Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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15
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Emanuel S, Libersat F. Do Quiescence and Wasp Venom-Induced Lethargy Share Common Neuronal Mechanisms in Cockroaches? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0168032. [PMID: 28045911 PMCID: PMC5207667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The escape behavior of a cockroach may not occur when it is either in a quiescent state or after being stung by the jewel wasp (Ampulex compressa). In the present paper, we show that quiescence is an innate lethargic state during which the cockroach is less responsive to external stimuli. The neuronal mechanism of such a state is poorly understood. In contrast to quiescence, the venom-induced lethargic state is not an innate state in cockroaches. The Jewel Wasp disables the escape behavior of cockroaches by injecting its venom directly in the head ganglia, inside a neuropile called the central complex a 'higher center' known to regulate motor behaviors. In this paper we show that the coxal slow motoneuron ongoing activity, known to be involved in posture, is reduced in quiescent animals, as compared to awake animals, and it is further reduced in stung animals. Moreover, the regular tonic firing of the slow motoneuron present in both awake and quiescent cockroaches is lost in stung cockroaches. Injection of procaine to prevent neuronal activity into the central complex to mimic the wasp venom injection produces a similar effect on the activity of the slow motoneuron. In conclusion, we speculate that the neuronal modulation during the quiescence and venom-induced lethargic states may occur in the central complex and that both states could share a common neuronal mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stav Emanuel
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Frederic Libersat
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- * E-mail:
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16
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Adamo SA, Kovalko I, Turnbull KF, Easy RH, Miles CI. The parasitic wasp Cotesia congregata uses multiple mechanisms to control host (Manduca sexta) behaviour. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 219:3750-3758. [PMID: 27634401 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.145300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Some parasites alter the behaviour of their hosts. The larvae of the parasitic wasp Cotesia congregata develop within the body of the caterpillar Manduca sexta During the initial phase of wasp development, the host's behaviour remains unchanged. However, once the wasps begin to scrape their way out of the caterpillar, the caterpillar host stops feeding and moving spontaneously. We found that the caterpillar also temporarily lost sensation around the exit hole created by each emerging wasp. However, the caterpillars regained responsiveness to nociception in those areas within 1 day. The temporary reduction in skin sensitivity is probably important for wasp survival because it prevents the caterpillar from attacking the emerging wasp larvae with a defensive strike. We also found that expression of plasmatocyte spreading peptide (PSP) and spätzle genes increased in the fat body of the host during wasp emergence. This result supports the hypothesis that the exiting wasps induce a cytokine storm in their host. Injections of PSP suppressed feeding, suggesting that an augmented immune response may play a role in the suppression of host feeding. Injection of wasp larvae culture media into non-parasitized caterpillars reduced feeding, suggesting that substances secreted by the wasp larvae may help alter host behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley A Adamo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4R2
| | - Ilya Kovalko
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4R2
| | - Kurtis F Turnbull
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4R2
| | - Russell H Easy
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R6
| | - Carol I Miles
- Department of Biological Sciences, SUNY Binghamton, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
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Report on the 13th symposium on invertebrate neurobiology held 26-30 August 2015 at the Balaton Limnological Institute, MTA Centre for ecological research of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Tihany, Hungary. INVERTEBRATE NEUROSCIENCE 2016; 16:3. [PMID: 27149972 DOI: 10.1007/s10158-016-0186-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This report summarizes the lectures and posters presented at the International Society for Invertebrate Neurobiology's 13th symposium held 26-30 August 2015, at the Balaton Limnological Institute, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary. The symposium provided an opportunity for scientists working on a range of topics in invertebrate neurobiology to meet and present their research and discuss ways to advance the discipline.
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18
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Abstract
How, why, and when consciousness evolved remain hotly debated topics. Addressing these issues requires considering the distribution of consciousness across the animal phylogenetic tree. Here we propose that at least one invertebrate clade, the insects, has a capacity for the most basic aspect of consciousness: subjective experience. In vertebrates the capacity for subjective experience is supported by integrated structures in the midbrain that create a neural simulation of the state of the mobile animal in space. This integrated and egocentric representation of the world from the animal's perspective is sufficient for subjective experience. Structures in the insect brain perform analogous functions. Therefore, we argue the insect brain also supports a capacity for subjective experience. In both vertebrates and insects this form of behavioral control system evolved as an efficient solution to basic problems of sensory reafference and true navigation. The brain structures that support subjective experience in vertebrates and insects are very different from each other, but in both cases they are basal to each clade. Hence we propose the origins of subjective experience can be traced to the Cambrian.
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Moreau SJM, Asgari S. Venom Proteins from Parasitoid Wasps and Their Biological Functions. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2385-412. [PMID: 26131769 PMCID: PMC4516919 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7072385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitoid wasps are valuable biological control agents that suppress their host populations. Factors introduced by the female wasp at parasitization play significant roles in facilitating successful development of the parasitoid larva either inside (endoparasitoid) or outside (ectoparasitoid) the host. Wasp venoms consist of a complex cocktail of proteinacious and non-proteinacious components that may offer agrichemicals as well as pharmaceutical components to improve pest management or health related disorders. Undesirably, the constituents of only a small number of wasp venoms are known. In this article, we review the latest research on venom from parasitoid wasps with an emphasis on their biological function, applications and new approaches used in venom studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien J M Moreau
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 7261, Université François-Rabelais, Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, 37200 Tours, France.
| | - Sassan Asgari
- School of Biological Sciences, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia.
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Kaiser M, Libersat F. The role of the cerebral ganglia in the venom-induced behavioral manipulation of cockroaches stung by the parasitoid jewel wasp. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:1022-7. [PMID: 25687435 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.116491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The jewel wasp stings cockroaches and injects venom into their cerebral ganglia, namely the subesophageal ganglion (SOG) and supraesophageal ganglion (SupOG). The venom induces a long-term hypokinetic state, during which the stung cockroach shows little or no spontaneous walking. It was shown that venom injection to the SOG reduces neuronal activity, thereby suggesting a similar effect of venom injection in the SupOG. Paradoxically, SupOG-ablated cockroaches show increased spontaneous walking in comparison with control. Yet most of the venom in the SupOG of cockroaches is primarily concentrated in and around the central complex (CX). Thus the venom could chiefly decrease activity in the CX to contribute to the hypokinetic state. Our first aim was to resolve this discrepancy by using a combination of behavioral and neuropharmacological tools. Our results show that the CX is necessary for the initiation of spontaneous walking, and that focal injection of procaine to the CX is sufficient to induce the decrease in spontaneous walking. Furthermore, it was shown that artificial venom injection to the SOG decreases walking. Hence our second aim was to test the interactions between the SupOG and SOG in the venom-induced behavioral manipulation. We show that, in the absence of the inhibitory control of the SupOG on walking initiation, injection of venom in the SOG alone by the wasp is sufficient to induce the hypokinetic state. To summarize, we show that venom injection to either the SOG or the CX of the SupOG is, by itself, sufficient to decrease walking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maayan Kaiser
- Department of Life Sciences and the Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Frederic Libersat
- Department of Life Sciences and the Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
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Weinersmith K, Faulkes Z. Parasitic manipulation of hosts' phenotype, or how to make a zombie--an introduction to the symposium. Integr Comp Biol 2014; 54:93-100. [PMID: 24771088 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icu028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly all animals in nature are infected by at least one parasite, and many of those parasites can significantly change the phenotype of their hosts, often in ways that increase the parasite's likelihood of transmission. Hosts' phenotypic changes are multidimensional, and manipulated traits include behavior, neurotransmission, coloration, morphology, and hormone levels. The field of parasitic manipulation of hosts' phenotype has now accrued many examples of systems where parasites manipulate the phenotypes of their hosts and focus has shifted to answering three main questions. First, through what mechanisms do parasites manipulate the hosts' phenotype? Parasites often induce changes in the hosts' phenotypes that neuroscientists are unable to recreate under laboratory conditions, suggesting that parasites may have much to teach us about links between the brain, immune system, and the expression of phenotype. Second, what are the ecological implications of phenotypic manipulation? Manipulated hosts are often abundant, and changes in their phenotype may have important population, community, and ecosystem-level implications. Finally, how did parasitic manipulation of hosts' phenotype evolve? The selective pressures faced by parasites are extremely complex, often with multiple hosts that are actively resisting infection, both in physiological and evolutionary time-scales. Here, we provide an overview of how the work presented in this special issue contributes to tackling these three main questions. Studies on parasites' manipulation of their hosts' phenotype are undertaken largely by parasitologists, and a major goal of this symposium is to recruit researchers from other fields to the study of these phenomena. Our ability to answer the three questions outlined above would be greatly enhanced by participation from individuals trained in the fields of, for example, neurobiology, physiology, immunology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and invertebrate biology. Conversely, because parasites that alter their hosts' phenotype are widespread, these fields will benefit from such study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Weinersmith
- *Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California Davis, 1005 Wickson Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Biology, The University of Texas-Pan American, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
| | - Zen Faulkes
- *Graduate Group in Ecology, University of California Davis, 1005 Wickson Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Biology, The University of Texas-Pan American, 1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA
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