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Frost CL, Mitchell R, Smith JE, Hughes WO. Genotypes and phenotypes in a Wolbachia-ant symbiosis. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17781. [PMID: 39076777 PMCID: PMC11285360 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The fitness effects of overt parasites, and host resistance to them, are well documented. Most symbionts, however, are more covert and their interactions with their hosts are less well understood. Wolbachia, an intracellular symbiont of insects, is particularly interesting because it is thought to be unaffected by the host immune response and to have fitness effects mostly focussed on sex ratio manipulation. Here, we use quantitative PCR to investigate whether host genotype affects Wolbachia infection density in the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex echinatior, and whether Wolbachia infection density may affect host morphology or caste determination. We found significant differences between host colonies in the density of Wolbachia infections, and also smaller intracolonial differences in infection density between host patrilines. However, the density of Wolbachia infections did not appear to affect the morphology of adult queens or likelihood of ants developing as queens. The results suggest that both host genotype and environment influence the host-Wolbachia relationship, but that Wolbachia infections carry little or no physiological effect on the development of larvae in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rowena Mitchell
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - William O.H. Hughes
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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2
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Herran B, Sugimoto TN, Watanabe K, Imanishi S, Tsuchida T, Matsuo T, Ishikawa Y, Kageyama D. Cell-based analysis reveals that sex-determining gene signals in Ostrinia are pivotally changed by male-killing Wolbachia. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 2:pgac293. [PMID: 36712932 PMCID: PMC9837667 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Wolbachia, a maternally transmitted bacterium, shows male-killing, an adaptive phenotype for cytoplasmic elements, in various arthropod species during the early developmental stages. In lepidopteran insects, lethality of males is accounted for by improper dosage compensation in sex-linked genes owing to Wolbachia-induced feminization. Herein, we established Ostrinia scapulalis cell lines that retained sex specificity per the splicing pattern of the sex-determining gene doublesex (Osdsx). We found that Wolbachia transinfection in male cell lines enhanced the female-specific splice variant of Osdsx (OsdsxF ) while suppressing the male-specific variant (OsdsxM ), indicating that Wolbachia affects sex-determining gene signals even in vitro. Comparative transcriptome analysis isolated only two genes that behave differently upon Wolbachia infection. The two genes were respectively homologous to Masculinizer (BmMasc) and zinc finger-2 (Bmznf-2), male-specifically expressed sex-determining genes of the silkworm Bombyx mori that encode CCCH-type zinc finger motif proteins. By using cultured cells and organismal samples, OsMasc and Osznf-2 were found to be sex-determining genes of O. scapulalis that are subjected to sex-specific alternative splicing depending upon the chromosomal sex, developmental stage, and infection status. Overall, our findings expound the cellular autonomy in insect sex determination and the mechanism through which sex is manipulated by intracellular selfish microbes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kazuyo Watanabe
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0851, Japan
| | - Shigeo Imanishi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0851, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Tsuchida
- Faculty of Science, Academic Assembly, Toyama University, 3190 Gofuku, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsuo
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yukio Ishikawa
- Faculty of Agriculture, Setsunan University, 45-1 Nagaotogecho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-0101, Japan
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3
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Matsuda–Imai N, Katsuma S. Characterization of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus infection in fat body-derived Bombyx mori cultured cells. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 177:107476. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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4
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Li C, He M, Yun Y, Peng Y. Co-infection with Wolbachia and Cardinium may promote the synthesis of fat and free amino acids in a small spider, Hylyphantes graminicola. J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 169:107307. [PMID: 31843539 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Associations between endosymbiotic bacteria and their hosts are widespread in nature and have been demonstrated extensively; however, only a few studies have examined how facultative symbionts affect host nutrition and metabolism. To gain insight into the associations between facultative symbionts and host nutrition and metabolic activity, we detected endosymbiotic infection in a small spider species, Hylyphantes graminicola, and established two infectious strains, i.e., W-C+ (Wolbachia negative, Cardinium positive) and W+C+ (Wolbachia positive, Cardinium positive). We then determined the content of fat and free amino acids in W-C+ and W+C+ spiders, respectively. We also detected the transcriptome of H. graminicola and the expression of genes involved in fat and amino acid metabolism at different host ages. Results showed that fat content in W+C+ spiders was higher than that in W-C+ spiders, and free amino acid content was higher in W+C+ males than W-C+ males, with no difference observed in females. Transcriptome analysis identified 144 (W-C+ vs W+C+) differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Moreover, the expression of five genes involved in fat and amino acid metabolism were significantly up-regulated in the third, fourth, and fifth instar stages in W+C+ spiders. This study indicated that Wolbachia and Cardinium co-infection had a pivotal effect on fat and amino acid synthesis in hosts. Moreover, our results provide strong evidence explaining the long-term coexistence of hosts and endosymbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunfen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; Centre for Behavioral Ecology & Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Meng He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; Centre for Behavioral Ecology & Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
| | - Yueli Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; Centre for Behavioral Ecology & Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China.
| | - Yu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-Resources, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; Centre for Behavioral Ecology & Evolution, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
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5
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Bing XL, Zhao DS, Hong XY. Bacterial reproductive manipulators in rice planthoppers. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 101:e21548. [PMID: 30912174 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Rice planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) are notorious pests for rice (Oryza sativa) in Asia, posing a serious threat to rice production and grain security. Rice planthoppers harbor diverse bacterial symbionts, including Wolbachia, Cardinium, Spiroplasma, and Arsenophonus, which are known to manipulate reproduction in arthropod hosts. This microreview is to introduce current knowledge of bacterial reproductive manipulators in rice planthoppers, including their diversity, population dynamics, localization, transmission, and biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Bing
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dian-Shu Zhao
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Hong
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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6
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Zeng Z, Fu Y, Guo D, Wu Y, Ajayi OE, Wu Q. Bacterial endosymbiont Cardinium cSfur genome sequence provides insights for understanding the symbiotic relationship in Sogatella furcifera host. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:688. [PMID: 30231855 PMCID: PMC6147030 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5078-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sogatella furcifera is a migratory pest that damages rice plants and causes severe economic losses. Due to its ability to annually migrate long distances, S. furcifera has emerged as a major pest of rice in several Asian countries. Symbiotic relationships of inherited bacteria with terrestrial arthropods have significant implications. The genus Cardinium is present in many types of arthropods, where it influences some host characteristics. We present a report of a newly identified strain of the bacterial endosymbiont Cardinium cSfur in S. furcifera. RESULT From the whole genome of S. furcifera previously sequenced by our laboratory, we assembled the whole genome sequence of Cardinium cSfur. The sequence comprised 1,103,593 bp with a GC content of 39.2%. The phylogenetic tree of the Bacteroides phylum to which Cardinium cSfur belongs suggests that Cardinium cSfur is closely related to the other strains (Cardinium cBtQ1 and cEper1) that are members of the Amoebophilaceae family. Genome comparison between the host-dependent endosymbiont including Cardinium cSfur and free-living bacteria revealed that the endosymbiont has a smaller genome size and lower GC content, and has lost some genes related to metabolism because of its special environment, which is similar to the genome pattern observed in other insect symbionts. Cardinium cSfur has limited metabolic capability, which makes it less contributive to metabolic and biosynthetic processes in its host. From our findings, we inferred that, to compensate for its limited metabolic capability, Cardinium cSfur harbors a relatively high proportion of transport proteins, which might act as the hub between it and its host. With its acquisition of the whole operon related to biotin synthesis and glycolysis related genes through HGT event, Cardinium cSfur seems to be undergoing changes while establishing a symbiotic relationship with its host. CONCLUSION A novel bacterial endosymbiont strain (Cardinium cSfur) has been discovered. A genomic analysis of the endosymbiont in S. furcifera suggests that its genome has undergone certain changes to facilitate its settlement in the host. The envisaged potential reproduction manipulative ability of the new endosymbiont strain in its S. furcifera host has vital implications in designing eco-friendly approaches to combat the insect pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zeng
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 China
| | - Yating Fu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 China
| | - Dongyang Guo
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 China
| | - Yuxuan Wu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Zhejiang, 315100 China
| | - Olugbenga Emmanuel Ajayi
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 China
| | - Qingfa Wu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 China
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7
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López-Madrigal S, Maire J, Balmand S, Zaidman-Rémy A, Heddi A. Effects of symbiotic status on cellular immunity dynamics in Sitophilus oryzae. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 77:259-269. [PMID: 28802841 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Many insects maintain intracellular symbiosis with mutualistic bacteria that improve their adaptive capabilities in nutritionally poor habitats. Adaptation of insect immune systems to such associations has been shown in several symbiotic consortia, including that of the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae with the gammaproteobacterium Sodalis pierantonius. Although authors have mostly focused on the role of humoral immunity in host-symbiont interactions, recent studies suggest that symbiotic bacteria may also interfere with the cellular, hemocyte-based, immunity. Here, we have explored hemocyte dynamics in S. oryzae in the presence or absence of S. pierantonius, and in response to bacterial challenges. We have identified five morphotypes within larval hemocytes, whose abundance and morphometry drastically change along insect development. We show that hemocytes make part of the weevil immune system by responding to pathogenic infections. In contrast with previous results on other insect species, however, our analyses did not reveal any symbiotic-dependent modulation of the hemocyte global population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justin Maire
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRA, BF2I, UMR0203, F-69621, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Séverine Balmand
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRA, BF2I, UMR0203, F-69621, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Anna Zaidman-Rémy
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRA, BF2I, UMR0203, F-69621, Villeurbanne, France.
| | - Abdelaziz Heddi
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRA, BF2I, UMR0203, F-69621, Villeurbanne, France.
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8
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Akitomo S, Egi Y, Nakamura Y, Suetsugu Y, Oishi K, Sakamoto K. Genome-wide microarray screening for Bombyx mori genes related to transmitting the determination outcome of whether to produce diapause or nondiapause eggs. INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 24:187-193. [PMID: 26596800 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The bivoltine silkworm Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) exhibits a maternally controlled embryonic diapause. Maternal silkworms decide whether to lay diapause or nondiapause eggs depending on environmental factors such as the temperature and photoperiod during the egg and larval stages, and then induce diapause eggs during the pupal stage. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism that conveys the outcome of whether to produce diapause or nondiapause eggs from the egg or larval stages to the pupal stage. This study used microarray analysis to investigate differentially expressed genes in the larval brains of diapause- and nondiapause-egg producers, to which bivoltine silkworms were destined by thermal or photic stimulation during the egg stage. The cytochrome P450 18a1 and Krüppel homolog 1 genes were upregulated in producers of diapause eggs compared with those of nondiapause eggs under both experimental conditions. Cytochrome P450 18a1 encodes a key enzyme for steroid hormone inactivation and Krüppel homolog 1 is an early juvenile hormone-inducible gene that mediates the repression of metamorphosis. The upregulation of these genes during the larval stage might be involved in the signaling pathway that transmits information about the diapause program from the egg stage to the pupal stage in the silkworm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shion Akitomo
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuichi Egi
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakamura
- Insect Genome Research Unit, Agrogenomics Research Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Suetsugu
- Insect Genome Research Unit, Agrogenomics Research Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Katsutaka Oishi
- Biological Clock Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
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9
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Weinert LA, Araujo-Jnr EV, Ahmed MZ, Welch JJ. The incidence of bacterial endosymbionts in terrestrial arthropods. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20150249. [PMID: 25904667 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular endosymbiotic bacteria are found in many terrestrial arthropods and have a profound influence on host biology. A basic question about these symbionts is why they infect the hosts that they do, but estimating symbiont incidence (the proportion of potential host species that are actually infected) is complicated by dynamic or low prevalence infections. We develop a maximum-likelihood approach to estimating incidence, and testing hypotheses about its variation. We apply our method to a database of screens for bacterial symbionts, containing more than 3600 distinct arthropod species and more than 150 000 individual arthropods. After accounting for sampling bias, we estimate that 52% (CIs: 48-57) of arthropod species are infected with Wolbachia, 24% (CIs: 20-42) with Rickettsia and 13% (CIs: 13-55) with Cardinium. We then show that these differences stem from the significantly reduced incidence of Rickettsia and Cardinium in most hexapod orders, which might be explained by evolutionary differences in the arthropod immune response. Finally, we test the prediction that symbiont incidence should be higher in speciose host clades. But while some groups do show a trend for more infection in species-rich families, the correlations are generally weak and inconsistent. These results argue against a major role for parasitic symbionts in driving arthropod diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A Weinert
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eli V Araujo-Jnr
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
| | - Muhammad Z Ahmed
- University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Tropical Research and Education Center, 18905 SW 280th Street, Homestead, FL 33031, USA
| | - John J Welch
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, UK
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10
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Laughton AM, Garcia JR, Gerardo NM. Condition-dependent alteration of cellular immunity by secondary symbionts in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 86:17-24. [PMID: 26699661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Endosymbionts can fundamentally alter host physiology. Whether such changes are beneficial or detrimental to one or both partners may depend on the dynamics of the symbiotic relationship. Here we investigate the relationship between facultative symbionts and host immune responses. The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, maintains an obligate primary symbiont, but may also harbour one or more facultative, secondary symbionts. Given their more transient nature and relatively recent adoption of a symbiotic lifestyle compared to primary symbionts, secondary symbionts may present a challenge for the host immune system. We assessed the response of several key components of the cellular immune system (phenoloxidase activity, encapsulation, immune cell counts) in the presence of alternative secondary symbionts, investigating the role of host and secondary symbiont genotype in specific responses. There was no effect of secondary symbiont presence on the phenoloxidase response, but we found variation in the encapsulation response and in immune cell counts based largely on the secondary symbiont. Host genotype was less influential in determining immunity outcomes. Our results highlight the importance of secondary symbionts in shaping host immunity. Understanding the complex physiological responses that can be propagated by host-symbiont associations has important consequences for host ecology, including symbiont and pathogen transmission dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Laughton
- Biology Department, Emory University, O. Wayne Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Justine R Garcia
- Biology Department, Emory University, O. Wayne Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1137, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Nicole M Gerardo
- Biology Department, Emory University, O. Wayne Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Gonella E, Pajoro M, Marzorati M, Crotti E, Mandrioli M, Pontini M, Bulgari D, Negri I, Sacchi L, Chouaia B, Daffonchio D, Alma A. Plant-mediated interspecific horizontal transmission of an intracellular symbiont in insects. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15811. [PMID: 26563507 PMCID: PMC4643326 DOI: 10.1038/srep15811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular reproductive manipulators, such as Candidatus Cardinium and Wolbachia are vertically transmitted to progeny but rarely show co-speciation with the host. In sap-feeding insects, plant tissues have been proposed as alternative horizontal routes of interspecific transmission, but experimental evidence is limited. Here we report results from experiments that show that Cardinium is horizontally transmitted between different phloem sap-feeding insect species through plants. Quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization experiments indicated that the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus releases Cardinium from its salivary glands during feeding on both artificial media and grapevine leaves. Successional time-course feeding experiments with S. titanus initially fed sugar solutions or small areas of grapevine leaves followed by feeding by the phytoplasma vector Macrosteles quadripunctulatus or the grapevine feeder Empoasca vitis revealed that the symbionts were transmitted to both species. Explaining interspecific horizontal transmission through plants improves our understanding of how symbionts spread, their lifestyle and the symbiont-host intermixed evolutionary pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gonella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), Università degli Studi di Torino, 10095 Grugliasco
| | - Massimo Pajoro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), Università degli Studi di Torino, 10095 Grugliasco
| | - Massimo Marzorati
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione, l'Ambiente (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan
| | - Elena Crotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione, l'Ambiente (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan
| | - Mauro Mandrioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41100 Modena
| | - Marianna Pontini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), Università degli Studi di Torino, 10095 Grugliasco
| | - Daniela Bulgari
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan
| | - Ilaria Negri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), Università degli Studi di Torino, 10095 Grugliasco
| | - Luciano Sacchi
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "L. Spallanzani", Università degli Studi di Pavia, 27100 Pavia
| | - Bessem Chouaia
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione, l'Ambiente (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan
| | - Daniele Daffonchio
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione, l'Ambiente (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan.,King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, BESE Division, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Alberto Alma
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), Università degli Studi di Torino, 10095 Grugliasco
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12
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Matsumoto H, Ueno C, Nakamura Y, Kinjoh T, Ito Y, Shimura S, Noda H, Imanishi S, Mita K, Fujiwara H, Hiruma K, Shinoda T, Kamimura M. Identification of two juvenile hormone inducible transcription factors from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 80:31-41. [PMID: 25770979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) regulates many physiological processes in insects. However, the signal cascades in which JH is active have not yet been fully elucidated, particularly in comparison to another major hormone ecdysteroid. Here we identified two JH inducible transcription factors as candidate components of JH signaling pathways in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. DNA microarray analysis showed that expression of two transcription factor genes, E75 and Enhancer of split mβ (E(spl)mβ), was induced by juvenile hormone I (JH I) in NIAS-Bm-aff3 cells. Real time RT-PCR analysis confirmed that expression of four E75 isoforms (E75A, E75B, E75C and E75D) and E(spl)mβ was 3-8 times greater after JH I addition. Addition of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide did not suppress JH-induced expression of the genes, indicating that they were directly induced by JH. JH-induced expression of E75 and E(spl)mβ was also observed in four other B. mori cell lines and in larval hemocytes of final instar larvae. Notably, E75A expression was induced very strongly in larval hemocytes by topical application of the JH analog fenoxycarb; the level of induced expression was comparable to that produced by feeding larvae with 20-hydroxyecdysone. These results suggest that E75 and E(spl)mβ are general and direct target genes of JH and that the transcription factors encoded by these genes play important roles in JH signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Matsumoto
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Chihiro Ueno
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakamura
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Terunori Kinjoh
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan; Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
| | - Yuka Ito
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Sachiko Shimura
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Noda
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shigeo Imanishi
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuei Mita
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Fujiwara
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hiruma
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shinoda
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Manabu Kamimura
- National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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13
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Bacterial cell wall synthesis gene uppP is required for Burkholderia colonization of the Stinkbug Gut. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:4879-86. [PMID: 23747704 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01269-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To establish a host-bacterium symbiotic association, a number of factors involved in symbiosis must operate in a coordinated manner. In insects, bacterial factors for symbiosis have been poorly characterized at the molecular and biochemical levels, since many symbionts have not yet been cultured or are as yet genetically intractable. Recently, the symbiotic association between a stinkbug, Riptortus pedestris, and its beneficial gut bacterium, Burkholderia sp., has emerged as a promising experimental model system, providing opportunities to study insect symbiosis using genetically manipulated symbiotic bacteria. Here, in search of bacterial symbiotic factors, we targeted cell wall components of the Burkholderia symbiont by disruption of uppP gene, which encodes undecaprenyl pyrophosphate phosphatase involved in biosynthesis of various bacterial cell wall components. Under culture conditions, the ΔuppP mutant showed higher susceptibility to lysozyme than the wild-type strain, indicating impaired integrity of peptidoglycan of the mutant. When administered to the host insect, the ΔuppP mutant failed to establish normal symbiotic association: the bacterial cells reached to the symbiotic midgut but neither proliferated nor persisted there. Transformation of the ΔuppP mutant with uppP-encoding plasmid complemented these phenotypic defects: lysozyme susceptibility in vitro was restored, and normal infection and proliferation in the midgut symbiotic organ were observed in vivo. The ΔuppP mutant also exhibited susceptibility to hypotonic, hypertonic, and centrifugal stresses. These results suggest that peptidoglycan cell wall integrity is a stress resistance factor relevant to the successful colonization of the stinkbug midgut by Burkholderia symbiont.
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14
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Futahashi R, Tanaka K, Tanahashi M, Nikoh N, Kikuchi Y, Lee BL, Fukatsu T. Gene expression in gut symbiotic organ of stinkbug affected by extracellular bacterial symbiont. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64557. [PMID: 23691247 PMCID: PMC3653873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The bean bug Riptortus pedestris possesses a specialized symbiotic organ in a posterior region of the midgut, where numerous crypts harbor extracellular betaproteobacterial symbionts of the genus Burkholderia. Second instar nymphs orally acquire the symbiont from the environment, and the symbiont infection benefits the host by facilitating growth and by occasionally conferring insecticide resistance. Here we performed comparative transcriptomic analyses of insect genes expressed in symbiotic and non-symbiotic regions of the midgut dissected from Burkholderia-infected and uninfected R. pedestris. Expression sequence tag analysis of cDNA libraries and quantitative reverse transcription PCR identified a number of insect genes expressed in symbiosis- or aposymbiosis-associated patterns. For example, genes up-regulated in symbiotic relative to aposymbiotic individuals, including many cysteine-rich secreted protein genes and many cathepsin protease genes, are likely to play a role in regulating the symbiosis. Conversely, genes up-regulated in aposymbiotic relative to symbiotic individuals, including a chicken-type lysozyme gene and a defensin-like protein gene, are possibly involved in regulation of non-symbiotic bacterial infections. Our study presents the first transcriptomic data on gut symbiotic organ of a stinkbug, which provides initial clues to understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the insect-bacterium gut symbiosis and sheds light on several intriguing commonalities between endocellular and extracellular symbiotic associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Futahashi
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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15
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Albertson R, Tan V, Leads RR, Reyes M, Sullivan W, Casper-Lindley C. Mapping Wolbachia distributions in the adult Drosophila brain. Cell Microbiol 2013; 15:1527-44. [PMID: 23490256 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The maternally inherited bacterium Wolbachia infects the germline of most arthropod species. Using Drosophila simulans and D. melanogaster, we demonstrate that localization of Wolbachia to the fat bodies and adult brain is likely also a conserved feature of Wolbachia infection. Examination of three Wolbachia strains (WMel , WRiv , WPop ) revealed that the bacteria preferentially concentrate in the central brain with low titres in the optic lobes. Distribution within regions of the central brain is largely determined by the Wolbachia strain, while the titre is influenced by both, the host species and the bacteria strain. In neurons of the central brain and ventral nerve cord, Wolbachia preferentially localizes to the neuronal cell bodies but not to axons. All examined Wolbachia strains are present intracellularly or in extracellular clusters, with the pathogenic WPop strain exhibiting the largest and most abundant clusters. We also discovered that 16 of 40 lines from the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel are Wolbachia infected. Direct comparison of Wolbachia infected and cured lines from this panel reveals that differences in physiological traits (chill coma recovery, starvation, longevity) are partially due to host line influences. In addition, a tetracycline-induced increase in Drosophila longevity was detected many generations after treatment.
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16
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Asgari S. MicroRNA functions in insects. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 43:388-97. [PMID: 23103375 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are generated in all eukaryotes and viruses. Their role as master regulators of gene expression in various biological processes has only been fully appreciated over the last decade. Accumulating evidence suggests that alterations in the expression of miRNAs may lead to disorders, including developmental defects, diseases and cancer. Here, I review what is currently known about miRNA functions in insects to provide an insight into their diverse roles in insect biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sassan Asgari
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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17
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Eleftherianos I, Atri J, Accetta J, Castillo JC. Endosymbiotic bacteria in insects: guardians of the immune system? Front Physiol 2013; 4:46. [PMID: 23508299 PMCID: PMC3597943 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects have evolved obligate, mutualistic interactions with bacteria without further transmission to other eukaryotic organisms. Such long-term obligate partnerships between insects and bacteria have a profound effect on various physiological functions of the host. Here we provide an overview of the effects of endosymbiotic bacteria on the insect immune system as well as on the immune response of insects to pathogenic infections. Potential mechanisms through which endosymbionts can affect the ability of their host to resist an infection are discussed in the light of recent findings. We finally point out unresolved questions for future research and speculate how the current knowledge can be employed to design and implement measures for the effective control of agricultural insect pests and vectors of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Eleftherianos
- Insect Infection and Immunity Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University Washington, DC, USA
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18
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Insect Sex Determination Manipulated by Their Endosymbionts: Incidences, Mechanisms and Implications. INSECTS 2012; 3:161-99. [PMID: 26467955 PMCID: PMC4553623 DOI: 10.3390/insects3010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Revised: 01/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The sex-determining systems of arthropods are surprisingly diverse. Some species have male or female heterogametic sex chromosomes while other species do not have sex chromosomes. Most species are diploids but some species, including wasps, ants, thrips and mites, are haplodiploids (n in males; 2n in females). Many of the sexual aberrations, such as sexual mosaics, sex-specific lethality and conversion of sexuality, can be explained by developmental defects including double fertilization of a binucleate egg, loss of a sex chromosome or perturbation of sex-determining gene expression, which occur accidentally or are induced by certain environmental conditions. However, recent studies have revealed that such sexual aberrations can be caused by various groups of vertically-transmitted endosymbiotic microbes such as bacteria of the genera Wolbachia, Rickettsia, Arsenophonus, Spiroplasma and Cardinium, as well as microsporidian protists. In this review, we first summarize the accumulated data on endosymbiont-induced sexual aberrations, and then discuss how such endosymbionts affect the developmental system of their hosts and what kinds of ecological and evolutionary effects these endosymbionts have on their host populations.
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Chevalier F, Herbinière-Gaboreau J, Charif D, Mitta G, Gavory F, Wincker P, Grève P, Braquart-Varnier C, Bouchon D. Feminizing Wolbachia: a transcriptomics approach with insights on the immune response genes in Armadillidium vulgare. BMC Microbiol 2012; 12 Suppl 1:S1. [PMID: 22375708 PMCID: PMC3287506 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-12-s1-s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wolbachia are vertically transmitted bacteria known to be the most widespread endosymbiont in arthropods. They induce various alterations of the reproduction of their host, including feminization of genetic males in isopod crustaceans. In the pill bug Armadillidium vulgare, the presence of Wolbachia is also associated with detrimental effects on host fertility and lifespan. Deleterious effects have been demonstrated on hemocyte density, phenoloxidase activity, and natural hemolymph septicemia, suggesting that infected individuals could have defective immune capacities. Since nothing is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in Wolbachia-A. vulgare interactions and its secondary immunocompetence modulation, we developed a transcriptomics strategy and compared A. vulgare gene expression between Wolbachia-infected animals (i.e., "symbiotic" animals) and uninfected ones (i.e., "asymbiotic" animals) as well as between animals challenged or not challenged by a pathogenic bacteria. RESULTS Since very little genetic data is available on A. vulgare, we produced several EST libraries and generated a total of 28 606 ESTs. Analyses of these ESTs revealed that immune processes were over-represented in most experimental conditions (responses to a symbiont and to a pathogen). Considering canonical crustacean immune pathways, these genes encode antimicrobial peptides or are involved in pathogen recognition, detoxification, and autophagy. By RT-qPCR, we demonstrated a general trend towards gene under-expression in symbiotic whole animals and ovaries whereas the same gene set tends to be over-expressed in symbiotic immune tissues. CONCLUSION This study allowed us to generate the first reference transcriptome ever obtained in the Isopoda group and to identify genes involved in the major known crustacean immune pathways encompassing cellular and humoral responses. Expression of immune-related genes revealed a modulation of host immunity when females are infected by Wolbachia, including in ovaries, the crucial tissue for the Wolbachia route of transmission.
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