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Lariviere PJ, Ashraf AHMZ, Navarro-Escalante L, Leonard SP, Miller LG, Moran NA, Barrick JE. One-step genome engineering in bee gut bacterial symbionts. mBio 2024:e0139224. [PMID: 39105596 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01392-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic understanding of interactions in many host-microbe systems, including the honey bee microbiome, is limited by a lack of easy-to-use genome engineering approaches. To this end, we demonstrate a one-step genome engineering approach for making gene deletions and insertions in the chromosomes of honey bee gut bacterial symbionts. Electroporation of linear or non-replicating plasmid DNA containing an antibiotic resistance cassette flanked by regions with homology to a symbiont genome reliably results in chromosomal integration. This lightweight approach does not require expressing any exogenous recombination machinery. The high concentrations of large DNAs with long homology regions needed to make the process efficient can be readily produced using modern DNA synthesis and assembly methods. We use this approach to knock out genes, including genes involved in biofilm formation, and insert fluorescent protein genes into the chromosome of the betaproteobacterial bee gut symbiont Snodgrassella alvi. We are also able to engineer the genomes of multiple strains of S. alvi and another species, Snodgrassella communis, which is found in the bumble bee gut microbiome. Finally, we use the same method to engineer the chromosome of another bee symbiont, Bartonella apis, which is an alphaproteobacterium. As expected, gene knockout in S. alvi using this approach is recA-dependent, suggesting that this straightforward procedure can be applied to other microbes that lack convenient genome engineering methods. IMPORTANCE Honey bees are ecologically and economically important crop pollinators with bacterial gut symbionts that influence their health. Microbiome-based strategies for studying or improving bee health have utilized wild-type or plasmid-engineered bacteria. We demonstrate that a straightforward, single-step method can be used to insert cassettes and replace genes in the chromosomes of multiple bee gut bacteria. This method can be used for investigating the mechanisms of host-microbe interactions in the bee gut community and stably engineering symbionts that benefit pollinator health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Lariviere
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - A H M Zuberi Ashraf
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | | | - Sean P Leonard
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Laurel G Miller
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Nancy A Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Barrick
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Lariviere PJ, Ashraf AHMZ, Leonard SP, Miller LG, Moran NA, Barrick JE. Single-step genome engineering in the bee gut symbiont Snodgrassella alvi. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.19.558440. [PMID: 37786689 PMCID: PMC10541602 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.19.558440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Honey bees are economically relevant pollinators experiencing population declines due to a number of threats. As in humans, the health of bees is influenced by their microbiome. The bacterium Snodgrassella alvi is a key member of the bee gut microbiome and has a role in excluding pathogens. Despite this importance, there are not currently any easy-to-use methods for modifying the S. alvi chromosome to study its genetics. To solve this problem, we developed a one-step procedure that uses electroporation and homologous recombination, which we term SnODIFY (Snodgrassella-specific One-step gene Deletion or Insertion to alter FunctionalitY). We used SnODIFY to create seven single-gene knockout mutants and recovered mutants for all constructs tested. Nearly all transformants had the designed genome modifications, indicating that SnODIFY is highly accurate. Mutant phenotypes were validated through knockout of Type 4 pilus genes, which led to reduced biofilm formation. We also used SnODIFY to insert heterologous sequences into the genome by integrating fluorescent protein-coding genes. Finally, we confirmed that genome modification is dependent on S. alvi's endogenous RecA protein. Because it does not require expression of exogenous recombination machinery, SnODIFY is a straightforward, accurate, and lightweight method for genome editing in S. alvi. This workflow can be used to study the functions of S. alvi genes and to engineer this symbiont for applications including protection of honey bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Lariviere
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - A. H. M. Zuberi Ashraf
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sean P. Leonard
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Laurel G. Miller
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Nancy A. Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jeffrey E. Barrick
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Li T, Wei Y, Zhao C, Li S, Gao S, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Lu C. Facultative symbionts are potential agents of symbiont-mediated RNAi in aphids. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1020461. [PMID: 36504780 PMCID: PMC9727308 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1020461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aphids are major crop pests, and they can be controlled through the application of the promising RNA interference (RNAi) techniques. However, chemical synthesis yield of dsRNA for RNAi is low and costly. Another sustainable aphid pest control strategy takes advantage of symbiont-mediated RNAi (SMR), which can generate dsRNA by engineered microbes. Aphid host the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola and various facultative symbionts that not only have a wide host range but are also vertically and horizontally transmitted. Thus, we described the potential of facultative symbionts in aphid pest control by SMR. We summarized the community and host range of these facultative symbionts, and then reviewed their probable horizontal transmitted routes and ecological functions. Moreover, recent advances in the cultivation and genetic engineering of aphid facultative symbionts were discussed. In addition, current legislation of dsRNA-based pest control strategies and their safety assessments were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Southern Region of North China, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongjun Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Henan International Laboratory for Green Pest Control /College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shaojian Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Southern Region of North China, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Suxia Gao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Southern Region of North China, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanchen Zhang
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang, China
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Southern Region of North China, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chuantao Lu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Key Laboratory of Crop Pest Control/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Southern Region of North China, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China,Chuantao Lu
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Bertram R, Neumann B, Schuster CF. Status quo of tet regulation in bacteria. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 15:1101-1119. [PMID: 34713957 PMCID: PMC8966031 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The tetracycline repressor (TetR) belongs to the most popular, versatile and efficient transcriptional regulators used in bacterial genetics. In the tetracycline (Tc) resistance determinant tet(B) of transposon Tn10, tetR regulates the expression of a divergently oriented tetA gene that encodes a Tc antiporter. These components of Tn10 and of other natural or synthetic origins have been used for tetracycline-dependent gene regulation (tet regulation) in at least 40 bacterial genera. Tet regulation serves several purposes such as conditional complementation, depletion of essential genes, modulation of artificial genetic networks, protein overexpression or the control of gene expression within cell culture or animal infection models. Adaptations of the promoters employed have increased tet regulation efficiency and have made this system accessible to taxonomically distant bacteria. Variations of TetR, different effector molecules and mutated DNA binding sites have enabled new modes of gene expression control. This article provides a current overview of tet regulation in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Bertram
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and InfectiologyParacelsus Medical UniversityProf.‐Ernst‐Nathan‐Straße 1Nuremberg90419Germany
| | - Bernd Neumann
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and InfectiologyParacelsus Medical UniversityProf.‐Ernst‐Nathan‐Straße 1Nuremberg90419Germany
| | - Christopher F. Schuster
- Department of Infectious DiseasesDivision of Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic ResistancesRobert Koch InstituteBurgstraße 37Wernigerode38855Germany
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Ratcliffe NA, Furtado Pacheco JP, Dyson P, Castro HC, Gonzalez MS, Azambuja P, Mello CB. Overview of paratransgenesis as a strategy to control pathogen transmission by insect vectors. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:112. [PMID: 35361286 PMCID: PMC8969276 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05132-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents an overview of paratransgenesis as a strategy to control pathogen transmission by insect vectors. It first briefly summarises some of the disease-causing pathogens vectored by insects and emphasises the need for innovative control methods to counter the threat of resistance by both the vector insect to pesticides and the pathogens to therapeutic drugs. Subsequently, the state of art of paratransgenesis is described, which is a particularly ingenious method currently under development in many important vector insects that could provide an additional powerful tool for use in integrated pest control programmes. The requirements and recent advances of the paratransgenesis technique are detailed and an overview is given of the microorganisms selected for genetic modification, the effector molecules to be expressed and the environmental spread of the transgenic bacteria into wild insect populations. The results of experimental models of paratransgenesis developed with triatomines, mosquitoes, sandflies and tsetse flies are analysed. Finally, the regulatory and safety rules to be satisfied for the successful environmental release of the genetically engineered organisms produced in paratransgenesis are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman A Ratcliffe
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil. .,Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK.
| | - João P Furtado Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Paul Dyson
- Institute of Life Science, Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | - Helena Carla Castro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Marcelo S Gonzalez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Patricia Azambuja
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Cicero B Mello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Instituto de Biologia (EGB), Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
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Perreau J, Moran NA. Genetic innovations in animal-microbe symbioses. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 23:23-39. [PMID: 34389828 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00395-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal hosts have initiated myriad symbiotic associations with microorganisms and often have maintained these symbioses for millions of years, spanning drastic changes in ecological conditions and lifestyles. The establishment and persistence of these relationships require genetic innovations on the parts of both symbionts and hosts. The nature of symbiont innovations depends on their genetic population structure, categorized here as open, closed or mixed. These categories reflect modes of inter-host transmission that result in distinct genomic features, or genomic syndromes, in symbionts. Although less studied, hosts also innovate in order to preserve and control symbiotic partnerships. New capabilities to sequence host-associated microbial communities and to experimentally manipulate both hosts and symbionts are providing unprecedented insights into how genetic innovations arise under different symbiont population structures and how these innovations function to support symbiotic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Perreau
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Nancy A Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.
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Elston KM, Leonard SP, Geng P, Bialik SB, Robinson E, Barrick JE. Engineering insects from the endosymbiont out. Trends Microbiol 2021; 30:79-96. [PMID: 34103228 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Insects are an incredibly diverse group of animals with species that benefit and harm natural ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Many insects have consequential associations with microbes: bacterial symbionts may be embedded in different insect tissues and cell types, inherited across insect generations, and required for insect survival and reproduction. Genetically engineering insect symbionts is key to understanding and harnessing these associations. We summarize different types of insect-bacteria relationships and review methods used to genetically modify endosymbiont and gut symbiont species. Finally, we discuss recent studies that use this approach to study symbioses, manipulate insect-microbe interactions, and influence insect biology. Further progress in insect symbiont engineering promises to solve societal challenges, ranging from controlling pests to protecting pollinator health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Elston
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sean P Leonard
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Peng Geng
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sarah B Bialik
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Elizabeth Robinson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Barrick
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are ubiquitous in nature. These viruses play a number of central roles in microbial ecology and evolution by, for instance, promoting horizontal gene transfer (HGT) among bacterial species. The ability of phages to mediate HGT through transduction has been widely exploited as an experimental tool for the genetic study of bacteria. As such, bacteriophage P1 represents a prototypical generalized transducing phage with a broad host range that has been extensively employed in the genetic manipulation of Escherichia coli and a number of other model bacterial species. Here we demonstrate that P1 is capable of infecting, lysogenizing, and promoting transduction in members of the bacterial genus Sodalis, including the maternally inherited insect endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius. While establishing new tools for the genetic study of these bacterial species, our results suggest that P1 may be used to deliver DNA to many Gram-negative endosymbionts in their insect host, thereby circumventing a culturing requirement to genetically manipulate these organisms. IMPORTANCE A large number of economically important insects maintain intimate associations with maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria. Due to the inherent nature of these associations, insect endosymbionts cannot be usually isolated in pure culture or genetically manipulated. Here we use a broad-host-range bacteriophage to deliver exogenous DNA to an insect endosymbiont and a closely related free-living species. Our results suggest that broad-host-range bacteriophages can be used to genetically alter insect endosymbionts in their insect host and, as a result, bypass a culturing requirement to genetically alter these bacteria.
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