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Tasaki E, Yamamoto Y, Iuchi Y. Higher levels of the lipophilic antioxidants coenzyme Q 10 and vitamin E in long-lived termite queens than in short-lived workers. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:201-210. [PMID: 37279723 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Termite queens and kings live longer than nonreproductive workers. Several molecular mechanisms contributing to their long lifespan have been investigated; however, the underlying biochemical explanation remains unclear. Coenzyme Q (CoQ), a component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, plays an essential role in the lipophilic antioxidant defense system. Its beneficial effects on health and longevity have been well studied in several organisms. Herein, we demonstrated that long-lived termite queens have significantly higher levels of the lipophilic antioxidant CoQ10 than workers. Liquid chromatography analysis revealed that the levels of the reduced form of CoQ10 were 4 fold higher in the queen's body than in the worker's body. In addition, queens showed 7 fold higher levels of vitamin E, which plays a role in antilipid peroxidation along with CoQ, than workers. Furthermore, the oral administration of CoQ10 to termites increased the CoQ10 redox state in the body and their survival rate under oxidative stress. These findings suggest that CoQ10 acts as an efficient lipophilic antioxidant along with vitamin E in long-lived termite queens. This study provides essential biochemical and evolutionary insights into the relationship between CoQ10 concentrations and termite lifespan extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eisuke Tasaki
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yorihiro Yamamoto
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Iuchi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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2
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Nozaki T, Tasaki E, Matsuura K. Cell type specific polyploidization in the royal fat body of termite queens. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2023; 9:20. [PMID: 37821917 PMCID: PMC10566149 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-023-00217-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-specific endopolyploidy is widespread among plants and animals and its role in organ development and function has long been investigated. In insects, the fat body cells of sexually mature females produce substantial amounts of egg yolk precursor proteins (vitellogenins) and exhibit high polyploid levels, which is considered crucial for boosting egg production. Termites are social insects with a reproductive division of labor, and the fat bodies of mature termite queens exhibit higher ploidy levels than those of other females. The fat bodies of mature termite queens are known to be histologically and cytologically specialized in protein synthesis. However, the relationship between such modifications and polyploidization remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the relationship among cell type, queen maturation, and ploidy levels in the fat body of the termite Reticulitermes speratus. We first confirmed that the termite fat body consists of two types of cells, that is, adipocytes, metabolically active cells, and urocytes, urate-storing cells. Our ploidy analysis using flow cytometry has shown that the fat bodies of actively reproducing queens had more polyploid cells than those of newly emerged and pre-reproductive queens, regardless of the queen phenotype (adult or neotenic type). Using image-based analysis, we found that not urocytes, but adipocytes became polyploid during queen differentiation and subsequent sexual maturation. These results suggest that polyploidization in the termite queen fat body is associated with sexual maturation and is regulated in a cell type-specific manner. Our study findings have provided novel insights into the development of insect fat bodies and provide a basis for future studies to understand the functional importance of polyploidy in the fat bodies of termite queens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonari Nozaki
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Genomics, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan.
| | - Eisuke Tasaki
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Niigata University, 8050 Ikarashi 2-No-Cho, Nishi-Ku, Niigata, 950-2181, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsuura
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
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3
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Cannabis sativa: A look at protozoa, helminths, insect vectors, and pests. Fitoterapia 2023; 166:105467. [PMID: 36893925 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105467] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Active principles extracted from plants, such as essential oils, have been commonly described in the literature as therapeutic targets for numerous pathological conditions. Cannabis sativa, which has an ancient and peculiar history, has been used for various purposes, from recreational to compounds of pharmacotherapeutic and industrial importance, such as pesticides based on this plant. It is a plant that contains approximately 500 described cannabinoid compounds and is the target of in vitro and in vivo studies at different locations. This review clarifies the role of cannabinoid compounds in parasitic infections caused by helminths and protozoa. In addition, this study briefly presented the use of C. sativa constituents in the formulation of pesticides for vector control, as the latter topic is justified by the economic burden faced by several regions where vector-borne diseases are a troubling reality. Studies involving cannabis compounds with pesticidal potential should be encouraged, especially those that evaluate their effectiveness against the different life cycles of insects, seeking to interrupt vector proliferation after egg laying. Actions aimed at the management and cultivation of plant species with ecologically correct pharmacotherapeutic and pesticide potentials are becoming urgent.
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Bulmer MS, Franco BA, Biswas A, Greenbaum SF. Overcoming Immune Deficiency with Allogrooming. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14020128. [PMID: 36835697 PMCID: PMC9965724 DOI: 10.3390/insects14020128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Allogrooming appears to be essential in many social animals for protection from routine exposure to parasites. In social insects, it appears to be critical for the removal of pathogenic propagules from the cuticle before they can start an infectious cycle. For subterranean termites, this includes fungal spores commonly encountered in the soil, such as Metarhizium conidia, that can quickly germinate and penetrate the cuticle. We investigated whether there is a difference in reliance on social and innate immunity in two closely related subterranean termites for protection from fatal infections by two locally encountered Metarhizium species. Our results indicate that relatively weak innate immunity in one termite species is compensated by more sustained allogrooming. This includes enhanced allogrooming in response to concentrations of conidia that reflect more routine contamination of the cuticle as well as to heavy cuticular contamination that elicits a networked emergency response.
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Wu J, Wang J, Wang Y, Hassan A. Same-sex Pairs Retain Their Reproductive Capacity as a Potential Opportunity for Individual Reproductive Success in Termites. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2023; 23:9. [PMID: 36757064 PMCID: PMC9909647 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In eusocial termites, successful pairing is an essential element of dispersal and distribution after the departure of alates from natal colonies. Two situations could arise during the pairing process: mixed-sex pairs and same-sex pairs. However, most previous studies focused on mixed-sex pairs, overlooking groups formed by same-sex pairings, especially potential fecundity (the total number of oocytes or ovarioles), oogenesis and the development stage of oocytes of females in female-female pairs, and spermatogenesis and testis development of males in male-male pairs. In this study, through experimentation, we investigated the reproductive ability of virgin dealates based on various pairing types as mentioned above. We found that the life spans of virgin dealates can cover 1 yr or even more when they establish a nest with a partner, which is more than 10-fold longer than the life span of individuals establishing a colony alone. After 1 yr of pairing, the potential fecundity of virgin same sex dealates did not degenerate significantly compared with newly emerged dealates, including the number of ovarioles, size of testis, oogenesis, and the development stage of the oocytes. Moreover, when individuals of same-sex pairings experimentally changed into mixed-sex pairs after 1 yr, the eggs produced in the colony hatched into larvae. These findings suggest that dealates which through same-sex pairs retain fecundity after 1 yr have more reproductive potential than dealates that failed to pair with heterosexuals, shedding light on the ecological significance of homosexual behaviors in terms of the successful extension and fecundity of eusocial termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wu
- Applied Research Center for Life Science, Xi’an International University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China
- College of Medicine, Xi’an International University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China
| | | | - Yonghui Wang
- College of Engineering, Xi’an International University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China
| | - Ali Hassan
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
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Mizumoto N, Bourguignon T, Bailey NW. Ancestral sex-role plasticity facilitates the evolution of same-sex sexual behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2212401119. [PMID: 36346843 PMCID: PMC9674213 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2212401119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent attempts to explain the evolutionary prevalence of same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) have focused on the role of indiscriminate mating. However, in many cases, SSB may be more complex than simple mistaken identity, instead involving mutual interactions and successful pairing between partners who can detect each other's sex. Behavioral plasticity is essential for the expression of SSB in such circumstances. To test behavioral plasticity's role in the evolution of SSB, we used termites to study how females and males modify their behavior in same-sex versus heterosexual pairs. Male termites follow females in paired "tandems" before mating, and movement patterns are sexually dimorphic. Previous studies observed that adaptive same-sex tandems also occur in both sexes. Here we found that stable same-sex tandems are achieved by behavioral plasticity when one partner adopts the other sex's movements, resulting in behavioral dimorphism. Simulations based on empirically obtained parameters indicated that this socially cued plasticity contributes to pair maintenance, because dimorphic movements improve reunion success upon accidental separation. A systematic literature survey and phylogenetic comparative analysis suggest that the ancestors of modern termites lack consistent sex roles during pairing, indicating that plasticity is inherited from the ancestor. Socioenvironmental induction of ancestral behavioral potential may be of widespread importance to the expression of SSB. Our findings challenge recent arguments for a prominent role of indiscriminate mating behavior in the evolutionary origin and maintenance of SSB across diverse taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Mizumoto
- Evolutionary Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495 Japan
| | - Thomas Bourguignon
- Evolutionary Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna-son, Okinawa, 904-0495 Japan
| | - Nathan W. Bailey
- School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9TH, United Kingdom
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De Novo Transcriptome Assembly and Analysis of Longevity Genes Using Subterranean Termite ( Reticulitermes chinensis) Castes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113660. [PMID: 36362447 PMCID: PMC9657995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113660] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The longevity phenomenon is entirely controlled by the insulin signaling pathway (IIS-pathway). Both vertebrates and invertebrates have IIS-pathways that are comparable to one another, though no one has previously described de novo transcriptome assembly of IIS-pathway-associated genes in termites. In this research, we analyzed the transcriptomes of both reproductive (primary kings “PK” and queens “PQ”, secondary worker reproductive kings “SWRK” and queens “SWRQ”) and non-reproductive (male “WM” and female “WF” workers) castes of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis. The goal was to identify the genes responsible for longevity in the reproductive and non-reproductive castes. Through transcriptome analysis, we annotated 103,589,264 sequence reads and 184,436 (7G) unigenes were assembled, GC performance was measured at 43.02%, and 64,046 sequences were reported as CDs sequences. Of which 35 IIS-pathway-associated genes were identified, among 35 genes, we focused on the phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (Pdk1), protein kinase B2 (akt2-a), tuberous sclerosis-2 (Tsc2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E) and ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) genes. Previously these genes (Pdk1, akt2-a, mTOR, EIF4E, and RPS6) were investigated in various organisms, that regulate physiological effects, growth factors, protein translation, cell survival, proliferation, protein synthesis, cell metabolism and survival, autophagy, fecundity rate, egg size, and follicle number, although the critical reason for longevity is still unclear in the termite castes. However, based on transcriptome profiling, the IIS-pathway-associated genes could prolong the reproductive caste lifespan and health span. Therefore, the transcriptomic shreds of evidence related to IIS-pathway genes provide new insights into the maintenance and relationships between biomolecular homeostasis and remarkable longevity. Finally, we propose a strategy for future research to decrypt the hidden costs associated with termite aging in reproductive and non-reproductive castes.
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Chouvenc T, Ban PM, Su NY. Life and Death of Termite Colonies, a Decades-Long Age Demography Perspective. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.911042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A eusocial insect colony represents a complex biological entity that must ensure degrees of perennity once it reaches maturity (production of dispersing imagoes over many successive years) to optimize its reproductive success. It is known that a subterranean termite colony invests differentially in different castes over time and adjusts colony functions depending on colony internal and external conditions over many years of activity. However, the current study demonstrates that Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki field mature colonies go through dramatic demographic changes and breeding structure shifts, even many years after they have reached reproductive success. By analyzing the changes in age demography of C. formosanus colonies from four field sites, we here provide a new perspective on how a colony may function over decades, which reveals that each colony demographic trajectory is unique. In a way, throughout its life, a termite colony displays its own “demographic individuality” that drives its growth, its foraging ability, its competitiveness, its age demography, its senescence and ultimately its death. This study is therefore a narrated story of the life -and death- of different C. formosanus field colonies over decades of observation.
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9
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Shults P, Eyer PA, Moran M, Chura M, Ko A, Vargo EL. Assessing colony elimination in multicolonial ants: Estimating field efficacy of insecticidal baits against the invasive dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:2250-2257. [PMID: 35212165 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A frequent goal of pest management strategies targeting social insects is total colony elimination. Insecticidal baits are highly effective at controlling social insect pests, although their ability to provide total colony elimination has only been well studied in a few species. Genetically testing colony elimination in many urban pest ants can be challenging due to indistinct colony boundaries observed in unicolonial, invasive species; however, some pest ants, such as the dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus), maintain strict colony borders through aggression towards non-nestmates. Each of these distinct colonies can be identified using molecular markers, allowing for the tracking of individual colonies pre- and post-treatment to measure colony density. While counting the number of foraging workers to assess treatment efficacy may suffice in some cases, it offers little insight into the colony-level impacts of a treatment. RESULTS Using microsatellite markers, distinct rover ant colonies were identified and tracked around residential structures before and after the application of an imidacloprid bait. The number of foraging ants at the treated structures was reduced by an average of 83.0% over a 28-day observation period. Baiting also significantly reduced the total number of colonies present. At the treatment structures, only ~25% of the original colonies remained at the end of the study. Colonies with foraging trails <1.5 m from a bait station had a higher chance of being eliminated. CONCLUSION Using insecticidal baits against B. patagonicus can be highly effective at colony elimination; however, with such small foraging ranges and high colony densities, proper placement is required to ensure enough bait is properly positioned to treat all colonies affecting a structure. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Shults
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Pierre-Andre Eyer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Megan Moran
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Madeleine Chura
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Edward L Vargo
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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10
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Moran MN, Aguero CM, Eyer PA, Vargo EL. Rescue Strategy in a Termite: Workers Exposed to a Fungal Pathogen Are Reintegrated Into the Colony. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.840223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social insect colonies are characterized by an efficient division of labor, allowing high-value individuals (i.e., reproductives and brood) to be sheltered from tasks associated with increased risk of pathogen exposure, such as foraging or corpse disposal. This social organization helps limit the transmission of disease throughout the colony. Further, individuals can actively respond to imminent disease threats by altering their behaviors as a means of social immunity. In subterranean termites, although workers typically avoid detected pathogens, they can be attracted to pathogen cues when a nestmate is infected. Infected termites are usually groomed, but they may instead be cannibalized if the infection has already become lethal. The mechanisms governing these changes in behavior are unclear. We set out to examine immediate changes in individual behaviors, investigating the role that the infected individual plays in communicating its infection status to nestmates. We also assessed gradual changes in social organization after the re-introduction of an infected termite to the colony. Our results reveal that infected termites likely do not signal their infection status to nestmates through shaking behaviors and reduced movements, suggesting the occurrence of other mechanisms used in communicating infection. We also found that infected termites do not self-isolate and may travel to the densest part of the colony, where they can potentially benefit from grooming by large groups of nestmates. These results provide new insights into how individual changes in immune behaviors contribute to overall colony health, highlighting that, at early stages of infection, termites favor a rescuing strategy rather than isolation and/or cannibalization.
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11
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Pailler L, Matte A, Groseiller A, Eyer PA, Ruhland F, Lucas C. High Exploration Behavior of Termite Propagules Can Enhance Invasiveness. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.840105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social life is usually associated with enhanced propagule pressure, which increases the chance of introducing several individuals during a single introduction event. Social insects are therefore among the most successful invasive species, benefiting from rapid establishment and increased foundation success in new habitats. In termites, propagule pressure may also be increased by the development of reproductive individuals from a small group of foraging workers. This suggests that enhanced exploration activity may increase propagule pressure through an elevated chance of transporting isolated groups of foragers. Here, we analyzed the exploration behavior of three termite species of the Reticulitermes genus, comparing the invasive species Reticulitermes flavipes (testing both native and introduced populations) to the native species Reticulitermes grassei and Reticulitermes lucifugus. Different features representative of the exploration capacity were measured during 48 h, including: the number of tunnels, the length of tunnels, the number of foragers, and the interindividual distance of foragers in a straight line or through tunnels. Our results show that compared to the native Reticulitermes species, R. flavipes foragers from both populations dug more tunnels with a longer total length, and individuals were more spatially dispersed and covered a larger exploration zone. These findings suggest that the enhanced exploration ability of R. flavipes may have played a role in its invasion success, by increasing its propagule pressure through a higher chance of human-mediated transport. In addition, the absence of differences between the native and introduced populations of R. flavipes suggests that the exploration behaviors facilitating the worldwide invasion of this species originated in its native range.
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Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus: Gene duplication facilitates social evolution. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2110361119. [PMID: 35042774 PMCID: PMC8785959 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110361119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene duplication is a major source of evolutionary innovation and is associated with the increases in biological complexity and adaptive radiation. Termites are model social organisms characterized by a sophisticated caste system. We analyzed the genome of the Japanese subterranean termite, an ecologically and economically important insect acting as a destructive pest. The analyses revealed the significance of gene duplication in social evolution. Gene duplication associated with caste-biased gene expression was prevalent in the termite genome. Many of the duplicated genes were related to social functions, such as chemical communication, social immunity, and defense, and they were often expressed in caste-specific organs. We propose that gene duplication facilitates social evolution through regulatory diversification leading to caste-biased expression and functional specialization. Termites are model social organisms characterized by a polyphenic caste system. Subterranean termites (Rhinotermitidae) are ecologically and economically important species, including acting as destructive pests. Rhinotermitidae occupies an important evolutionary position within the clade representing a transitional taxon between the higher (Termitidae) and lower (other families) termites. Here, we report the genome, transcriptome, and methylome of the Japanese subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus. Our analyses highlight the significance of gene duplication in social evolution in this termite. Gene duplication associated with caste-biased gene expression was prevalent in the R. speratus genome. The duplicated genes comprised diverse categories related to social functions, including lipocalins (chemical communication), cellulases (wood digestion and social interaction), lysozymes (social immunity), geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (social defense), and a novel class of termite lineage–specific genes with unknown functions. Paralogous genes were often observed in tandem in the genome, but their expression patterns were highly variable, exhibiting caste biases. Some of the assayed duplicated genes were expressed in caste-specific organs, such as the accessory glands of the queen ovary and the frontal glands of soldier heads. We propose that gene duplication facilitates social evolution through regulatory diversification, leading to caste-biased expression and subfunctionalization and/or neofunctionalization conferring caste-specialized functions.
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13
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Scarparo G, Sankovitz M, Loope KJ, Wilson‐Rankin E, Purcell J. Early queen joining and long-term queen associations in polygyne colonies of an invasive wasp revealed by longitudinal genetic analysis. Evol Appl 2021; 14:2901-2914. [PMID: 34950236 PMCID: PMC8674895 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive social insects rank among the most damaging of terrestrial species. They are responsible for extensive damage and severely threaten the biodiversity of environments where they are introduced. Variation in colony social form commonly occurs in introduced populations of yellowjacket wasps (genus Vespula). In particular, invasive colonies may contain multiple queens (i.e., polygyne) and persist several years, while in the native range, the colonies are usually annual and harbor a single queen (i.e., monogyne). In this study, we used genome-wide loci obtained by double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) to investigate the genetic structure and queen turnover in colonies of the western yellowjacket, Vespula pensylvanica, in their introduced range in Hawaii. Of the 27 colonies monitored over four months (October-January), 19 were polygyne and already contained multiple queens on the first day of sampling. Contrary to previous speculation, this finding suggests that polygyny often arises early in the annual colony cycle, before the production of new queens in the fall. Furthermore, polygyne colonies exhibited a prolonged average lifespan relative to those headed by a single queen. As a result, there is no clear window during which colony eradication efforts would be more effective than upon first discovery. The relatedness among nestmate queens was slightly above zero, indicating that these colonies are generally composed of nonrelatives. The queen turnover within each colony was low, and we detected some full-sibling workers sampled up to four months apart. Finally, we did not detect any population structure among colonies, suggesting that queens disperse up to several kilometers. Taken together, our results provide the first insights into the requeening dynamics in this invasive and incipiently polygyne population and illuminate the early establishment of multiple long-lasting queens in these damaging colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Scarparo
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of California RiversideRiversideCaliforniaUSA
| | - Madison Sankovitz
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of California RiversideRiversideCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kevin J. Loope
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of California RiversideRiversideCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Fish and Wildlife ConservationVirginia TechBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Erin Wilson‐Rankin
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of California RiversideRiversideCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jessica Purcell
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of California RiversideRiversideCaliforniaUSA
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14
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Wu W, Hou Y, Zhang S, Chen Y, Zeng W, Li Z. GC/TOF-MS-Based Metabolomics Reveals Altered Metabolic Profiles in Wood-Feeding Termite Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki Digesting the Weed Mikania micrantha Kunth. INSECTS 2021; 12:927. [PMID: 34680696 PMCID: PMC8537488 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Effective approaches to exploiting the biomass of the abundant invasive weed Mikania micrantha Kunth are limited. Termites have been a focus of significant attention as mediators of biomass-processing owing to their ability to digest lignocellulose. Here, the GC/TOF-MS approach was employed to assess the effects of a diet composed of M. micrantha leaves on Coptotermes formosanus workers, with the growth performance of these workers also being assessed. The workers increased their dietary intake when fed M. micrantha leaves, with a concomitant gradual increase in mortality rate. A total of 62 differentially abundant metabolites and nine significantly affected pathways were found when comparing termites fed M. micrantha leaves to pinewood. Key metabolites, including carbohydrates, polyols, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and their related metabolic pathways, suggested that termites can digest and utilize M. micrantha-derived lignocellulose. However, changes in the tryptophan metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism suggest an adverse effect of M. micrantha leaves on antioxidant activity and signal transduction in termites. Overall, this study identified the key metabolites and pathways associated with the response of these termites to dietary changes and the effect of M. micrantha on termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (W.W.); (S.Z.); (Y.C.); (W.Z.)
| | - Yahui Hou
- Guangzhou Institute of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, Guangzhou 510405, China;
| | - Shijun Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (W.W.); (S.Z.); (Y.C.); (W.Z.)
| | - Yong Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (W.W.); (S.Z.); (Y.C.); (W.Z.)
| | - Wenhui Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (W.W.); (S.Z.); (Y.C.); (W.Z.)
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (W.W.); (S.Z.); (Y.C.); (W.Z.)
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15
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Eyer PA, Blumenfeld AJ, Johnson LNL, Perdereau E, Shults P, Wang S, Dedeine F, Dupont S, Bagnères AG, Vargo EL. Extensive human-mediated jump dispersal within and across the native and introduced ranges of the invasive termite Reticulitermes flavipes. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:3948-3964. [PMID: 34142394 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
As native ranges are often geographically structured, invasive species originating from a single source population only carry a fraction of the genetic diversity present in their native range. The invasion process is thus often associated with a drastic loss of genetic diversity resulting from a founder event. However, the fraction of diversity brought to the invasive range may vary under different invasion histories, increasing with the size of the propagule, the number of reintroduction events, and/or the total genetic diversity represented by the various source populations in a multiple-introduction scenario. In this study, we generated a SNP data set for the invasive termite Reticulitermes flavipes from 23 native populations in the eastern United States and six introduced populations throughout the world. Using population genetic analyses and approximate Bayesian computation random forest, we investigated its worldwide invasion history. We found a complex invasion pathway with multiple events out of the native range and bridgehead introductions from the introduced population in France. Our data suggest that extensive long-distance jump dispersal appears common in both the native and introduced ranges of this species, probably through human transportation. Overall, our results show that similar to multiple introduction events into the invasive range, admixture in the native range prior to invasion can potentially favour invasion success by increasing the genetic diversity that is later transferred to the introduced range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-André Eyer
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Laura N L Johnson
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | | | - Phillip Shults
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Shichen Wang
- Texas A&M Agrilife Genomics and Bioinformatics Service, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Simon Dupont
- IRBI, UMR 7261 CNRS-Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Anne-Geneviève Bagnères
- IRBI, UMR 7261 CNRS-Université de Tours, Tours, France.,CEFE, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Edward L Vargo
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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16
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Nozaki T, Matsuura K. Oocyte resorption in termite queens: Seasonal dynamics and controlling factors. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 131:104242. [PMID: 33845091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Female insects can resorb their oocytes that could not be oviposited. Oocyte resorption is proposed to be an adaptive mechanism to optimize fitness in hostile environments, recouping resources that might otherwise be lost. Social insects have developed reproductive division of labor, wherein a small number of queens are devoted to egg production. Matured queens are highly specialized in reproduction and are largely dependent on nestmate workers for their nourishment. Therefore, oocyte resorption in the queens should be influenced by social factors such as the amount of available workforce, as well as external and abiotic factors. In this study, we investigated the seasonal dynamics and regulation factors of oocyte resorption in actively reproducing termite queens. We continuously collected the field-nests of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus and demonstrated that queens frequently resorbed their oocytes in late summer, even though it is one of the most productive seasons in this species. On the other hand, our laboratory experiment showed that oocyte resorption itself was strongly induced regardless of the season. We also found that the rate of oocyte resorption was influenced by colony size (the number of attending workers). These results suggest that termite queens seasonally resorb their oocytes, yet oocyte resorption itself is regulated by social factors rather than by seasonal factors. Our study provides a unique insight into the regulation of reproduction in social insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonari Nozaki
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Laboratory of Evolutionary Genomics, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.
| | - Kenji Matsuura
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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17
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Colony Suppression and Possible Colony Elimination of the Subterranean Termites Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes speratus by Discontinuous Soil Treatment Using a Diluent of Fipronil Suspension Concentrate. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12040334. [PMID: 33918013 PMCID: PMC8068406 DOI: 10.3390/insects12040334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Termites play an important role in maintaining ecosystems, but they are also pests, exerting major economic impacts. Among the over 3000 known termite species, Coptotermes species and Reticulitermes species are the most common pest species. As one of the primary methods for controlling these subterranean termites, liquid termiticide is applied to the soil under and next to the building foundation to create a continuous chemical barrier. Nonrepellent slow-acting liquid termiticides, such as fipronil and imidacloprid, are used as the active ingredients in termite soil treatments. In the present study, to minimize the use of insecticides, a discontinuous soil treatment using fipronil was applied against subterranean termites, namely Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes speratus, instead of the traditional continuous chemical barrier of termiticides. C. formosanus and R. speratus colonies were subjected to discontinuous soil treatments with fipronil and were strongly affected by the treatment at the colony level, resulting in colony suppression and possible colony elimination. Termite activity in the treated colony of C. formosanus was not found for more than two years, while that of R. speratus was not detected for three years. Abstract We assessed the efficacy of a discontinuous soil treatment using a diluent of fipronil suspension concentrate in controlling colonies of Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes speratus. In-ground monitoring stations were installed at Isogi Park and Kindai University, and individual termites inhabiting the stations were collected for four or six years to determine the numbers and locations of colonies present in test areas before and after the discontinuous soil treatment. Microsatellite genotyping indicated that two C. formosanus and two R. speratus colonies in the test area at Isogi Park and five R. speratus colonies in the test area at Kindai University were active and that their territories fluctuated every year. One of the two C. formosanus colonies at Isogi Park and one of the five R. speratus colonies at Kindai University were subjected to discontinuous soil treatments with fipronil and were strongly affected by the treatment at the colony level, resulting in the suppression and possible elimination of colonies. Termite activity of the fipronil-treated colony of C. formosanus was detected within one week after the discontinuous soil treatment and was not found for more than two years (28 months), while termite activity of the fipronil-treated colony of R. speratus was detected within four days and three weeks after the discontinuous soil treatment and was not detected thereafter for three years. Fipronil residue analysis showed that workers of C. formosanus moved at least 28 m and that workers of R. speratus moved 6 m from the treated soil locations for up to three weeks.
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18
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Shults P, Richardson S, Eyer PA, Chura M, Barreda H, Davis RW, Vargo EL. Area-Wide Elimination of Subterranean Termite Colonies Using a Novaluron Bait. INSECTS 2021; 12:192. [PMID: 33668368 PMCID: PMC7996135 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the use of termite baiting, a proven system of targeted colony elimination, in an overall area-wide control strategy against subterranean termites. At two field sites, we used microsatellite markers to estimate the total number of Reticulitermes colonies, their spatial partitioning, and breeding structure. Termite pressure was recorded for two years before and after the introduction of Trelona® (active ingredient novaluron) to a large area of one of the sites. Roughly 70% of the colonies in the treatment site that were present at the time of baiting were not found in the site within two months after the introduction of novaluron. Feeding activity of the remaining colonies subsequently ceased over time and new invading colonies were unable to establish within this site. Our study provides novel field data on the efficacy of novaluron in colony elimination of Reticulitermes flavipes, as well as evidence that an area-wide baiting program is feasible to maintain a termite-free area within its native range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Shults
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (S.R.); (P.-A.E.); (M.C.); (H.B.); (E.L.V.)
| | - Steven Richardson
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (S.R.); (P.-A.E.); (M.C.); (H.B.); (E.L.V.)
| | - Pierre-Andre Eyer
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (S.R.); (P.-A.E.); (M.C.); (H.B.); (E.L.V.)
| | - Madeleine Chura
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (S.R.); (P.-A.E.); (M.C.); (H.B.); (E.L.V.)
| | - Heather Barreda
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (S.R.); (P.-A.E.); (M.C.); (H.B.); (E.L.V.)
| | - Robert W. Davis
- BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions, 26 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Edward L. Vargo
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (S.R.); (P.-A.E.); (M.C.); (H.B.); (E.L.V.)
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19
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Eyer PA, Salin J, Helms AM, Vargo EL. Distinct chemical blends produced by different reproductive castes in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4471. [PMID: 33627740 PMCID: PMC7904765 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83976-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of royal pheromones by reproductives (queens and kings) enables social insect colonies to allocate individuals into reproductive and non-reproductive roles. In many termite species, nestmates can develop into neotenics when the primary king or queen dies, which then inhibit the production of additional reproductives. This suggests that primary reproductives and neotenics produce royal pheromones. The cuticular hydrocarbon heneicosane was identified as a royal pheromone in Reticulitermes flavipes neotenics. Here, we investigated the presence of this and other cuticular hydrocarbons in primary reproductives and neotenics of this species, and the ontogeny of their production in primary reproductives. Our results revealed that heneicosane was produced by most neotenics, raising the question of whether reproductive status may trigger its production. Neotenics produced six additional cuticular hydrocarbons absent from workers and nymphs. Remarkably, heneicosane and four of these compounds were absent in primary reproductives, and the other two compounds were present in lower quantities. Neotenics therefore have a distinct 'royal' blend from primary reproductives, and potentially over-signal their reproductive status. Our results suggest that primary reproductives and neotenics may face different social pressures. Future studies of these pressures should provide a more complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying social regulation in termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-André Eyer
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2143, USA.
| | - Jared Salin
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2143, USA
| | - Anjel M Helms
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2143, USA
| | - Edward L Vargo
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2143, USA
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20
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Beck CW, Blumer LS. Advancing Undergraduate Laboratory Education Using Non-Model Insect Species. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 66:485-504. [PMID: 32966102 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-062920-095809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, laboratory courses have made a fundamental shift to inquiry-based modules and authentic research experiences. In many cases, these research experiences emphasize addressing novel research questions. Insects are ideal for inquiry-based undergraduate laboratory courses because research on insects is not limited by regulatory, economic, and logistical constraints to the same degree as research on vertebrates. While novel research questions could be pursued with model insect species (e.g., Drosophila, Tribolium), the opportunities presented by non-model insects are much greater, as less is known about non-model species. We review the literature on the use of non-model insect species in laboratory education to provide a resource for faculty interested in developing new authentic inquiry-based laboratory modules using insects. Broader use of insects in undergraduate laboratory education will support the pedagogical goals of increased inquiry and resesarch experiences while at the same time fostering increased interest and research in entomology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lawrence S Blumer
- Department of Biology, Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia 30314, USA;
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21
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Oberpaul M, Zumkeller CM, Culver T, Spohn M, Mihajlovic S, Leis B, Glaeser SP, Plarre R, McMahon DP, Hammann P, Schäberle TF, Glaeser J, Vilcinskas A. High-Throughput Cultivation for the Selective Isolation of Acidobacteria From Termite Nests. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:597628. [PMID: 33240253 PMCID: PMC7677567 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.597628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial communities in the immediate environment of socialized invertebrates can help to suppress pathogens, in part by synthesizing bioactive natural products. Here we characterized the core microbiomes of three termite species (genus Coptotermes) and their nest material to gain more insight into the diversity of termite-associated bacteria. Sampling a healthy termite colony over time implicated a consolidated and highly stable microbiome, pointing toward the fact that beneficial bacterial phyla play a major role in termite fitness. In contrast, there was a significant shift in the composition of the core microbiome in one nest during a fungal infection, affecting the abundance of well-characterized Streptomyces species (phylum Actinobacteria) as well as less-studied bacterial phyla such as Acidobacteria. High-throughput cultivation in microplates was implemented to isolate and identify these less-studied bacterial phylogenetic group. Amplicon sequencing confirmed that our method maintained the bacterial diversity of the environmental samples, enabling the isolation of novel Acidobacteriaceae and expanding the list of cultivated species to include two strains that may define new species within the genera Terracidiphilus and Acidobacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Oberpaul
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Celine M. Zumkeller
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Tanja Culver
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Marius Spohn
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Sanja Mihajlovic
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Leis
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefanie P. Glaeser
- Institute of Applied Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rudy Plarre
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dino P. McMahon
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Hammann
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, R&D Integrated Drug Discovery, Hoechst Industrial Park, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Till F. Schäberle
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jens Glaeser
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Branch for Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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22
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Mizumoto N, Rizo A, Pratt SC, Chouvenc T. Termite males enhance mating encounters by changing speed according to density. J Anim Ecol 2020; 89:2542-2552. [PMID: 32799344 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Search theory predicts that animals evolve efficient movement patterns to enhance encounter rates with specific targets. The optimal movements vary with the surrounding environments, which may explain the observation that animals often switch their movement patterns depending on conditions. However, the effectiveness of behavioural change during search is rarely evaluated because it is difficult to examine the actual encounter dynamics. Here we studied how partner-seeking termites update their search strategies depending on the local densities of potential mates. After a dispersal flight, termites drop their wings and walk to search for a mate; when a female and a male meet, they form a female-led tandem pair and search for a favourable nesting site. If a pair is separated, they have two search options-reunite with their stray partner, or seek a new partner. We hypothesized that the density of individuals affects separation-reunion dynamics and thus the optimal search strategy. We observed the searching process across different densities and found that termite pairs were often separated but obtained a new partner quickly at high mate density. After separation, while females consistently slowed down, males increased their speed according to the density. Under high mate density, separated males obtained a partner earlier than females, who do not change movement with density. Our data-based simulations confirmed that the observed behavioural change by males contributes to enhancing encounters. Males at very low mate densities did best to move slowly and thereby reduce the risk of missing their stray partner, who is the only available mate. On the other hand, males that experienced high mate densities did better in mating encounters by moving fast because the risk of isolation is low, and they must compete with other males to find a partner. These results demonstrate that termite males adaptively update their search strategy depending on conditions. Understanding the encounter dynamics experienced by animals is key to connecting the empirical work to the idealized search processes of theoretical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Mizumoto
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Arturo Rizo
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Stephen C Pratt
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Thomas Chouvenc
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
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23
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Valentini G, Mizumoto N, Pratt SC, Pavlic TP, Walker SI. Revealing the structure of information flows discriminates similar animal social behaviors. eLife 2020; 9:e55395. [PMID: 32730203 PMCID: PMC7392607 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioral correlations stretching over time are an essential but often neglected aspect of interactions among animals. These correlations pose a challenge to current behavioral-analysis methods that lack effective means to analyze complex series of interactions. Here we show that non-invasive information-theoretic tools can be used to reveal communication protocols that guide complex social interactions by measuring simultaneous flows of different types of information between subjects. We demonstrate this approach by showing that the tandem-running behavior of the ant Temnothorax rugatulus and that of the termites Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes speratus are governed by different communication protocols. Our discovery reconciles the diverse ultimate causes of tandem running across these two taxa with their apparently similar signaling mechanisms. We show that bidirectional flow of information is present only in ants and is consistent with the use of acknowledgement signals to regulate the flow of directional information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Valentini
- Arizona State University, School of Earth and Space ExplorationTempeUnited States
- Arizona State University, School of Life SciencesTempeUnited States
| | - Nobuaki Mizumoto
- Arizona State University, School of Life SciencesTempeUnited States
- Okinawa Institute of Science & Technology Graduate University, Onna-sonOkinawaJapan
| | - Stephen C Pratt
- Arizona State University, School of Life SciencesTempeUnited States
- Arizona State University, ASU–SFI Center for Biosocial Complex SystemsTempeUnited States
| | - Theodore P Pavlic
- Arizona State University, School of Life SciencesTempeUnited States
- Arizona State University, ASU–SFI Center for Biosocial Complex SystemsTempeUnited States
- Arizona State University, Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in ScienceTempeUnited States
- Arizona State University, School of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringTempeUnited States
- Arizona State University, School of SustainabilityTempeUnited States
| | - Sara I Walker
- Arizona State University, School of Earth and Space ExplorationTempeUnited States
- Arizona State University, ASU–SFI Center for Biosocial Complex SystemsTempeUnited States
- Arizona State University, Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in ScienceTempeUnited States
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24
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Esparza-Mora MA, Davis HE, Meconcelli S, Plarre R, McMahon DP. Inhibition of a Secreted Immune Molecule Interferes With Termite Social Immunity. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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25
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Mitaka Y, Tasaki E, Nozaki T, Fuchikawa T, Kobayashi K, Matsuura K. Transcriptomic analysis of epigenetic modification genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:202-211. [PMID: 30203565 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Eusocial insects display a caste system in which different castes are morphologically and physiologically specialized for different tasks. Recent studies have revealed that epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modification, mediate caste determination and differentiation, longevity, and polyethism in eusocial insects. Although there has been a growing interest in the relationship between epigenetic mechanisms and phenotypic plasticity in termites, there is little information about differential expression levels among castes and expression sites for these genes in termites. Here we show royal-tissue-specific expression of epigenetic modification genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. Using RNA-seq, we identified 74 genes, including three DNA methyltransferases, seven sirtuins, 48 Trithorax group proteins, and 16 Polycomb group proteins. Among these genes, 15 showed king-specific expression, and 52 showed age-dependent differential expression in kings and queens. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that DNA methyltransferase 3 is expressed specifically in the king's testis and fat body, whereas some histone modification genes are remarkably expressed in the king's testis and queen's ovary. These findings imply that epigenetic modification plays important roles in the gamete production process in termite kings and queens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Mitaka
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
- Applied Entomology Laboratory, Center for Bioresource Field Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eisuke Tasaki
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomonari Nozaki
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taro Fuchikawa
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kobayashi
- Hokkaido Forest Research Station, Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsuura
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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26
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Wu J, Xu H, Hassan A, Huang Q. Interspecific Hybridization between the Two Sympatric Termite Reticulitermes Species under Laboratory Conditions. INSECTS 2019; 11:insects11010014. [PMID: 31877914 PMCID: PMC7022586 DOI: 10.3390/insects11010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Closely related species have similar reproductive behaviors and recognition systems, which contribute to interspecific interactions. However, few studies have explored interspecific reproduction choice and mating in termites. We investigated whether hybridization between two sympatric termites, Reticulitermes flaviceps and R. chinensis, occurs under laboratory conditions. We found that frequencies of acceptance were significantly higher than those of agonism between interspecific partners. There were no significant differences in frequencies of tandem and mating behaviors between intraspecific and interspecific partners. However, the allogrooming frequencies of interspecific partners were significantly higher than intraspecific partners. There were no significant differences in the duration of tandem, allogrooming, or mating behavior at each time between conspecific partners and heterospecfic partners. Genotyping analyses further showed that both intraspecific and interspecific mating were able to produce offspring. We conclude that interspecific hybridization does occur between two termite Reticulitermes species under laboratory conditions.
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Ye X, Hu Y, Chen H, Liao Y, Chen T, Zhang D. The complete mitochondrial genome of Reticulitermes periflaviceps (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2019; 4:4063-4064. [PMID: 33366319 PMCID: PMC7707643 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2019.1688701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial genome of the Reticulitermes periflaviceps contains 15,925 bp of nucleotide in length including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transport RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs, and a non-coding region. The overall A + T among the genome sequence is 65.64%. The start codons of all protein-coding genes are ATN and the stop codon is TAA except TAG for Nad1 and incomplete T for COII and Nad5. The lengths of 12sRNA and 16sRNA genes are 743 and 1309 bp, respectively, and the control region was 1118 bp in length, with two repeating tandem regions. The phylogenetic tree revealed that R. periflaviceps and Reticulitermes kanmonensis constituted a sister group to Reticulitermes flaviceps. The mitochondrial genome here provides a resource for evolution analysis within termites especially Reticulitermes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Ye
- College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yin Hu
- National Termite Control Center, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Haihong Chen
- Ningbo Housing Safety Management and Service Center, Ningbo, P. R. China
| | - Yiyuan Liao
- College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Tong Chen
- College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Dayu Zhang
- College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
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Subterranean Termite Social Alarm and Hygienic Responses to Fungal Pathogens. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10080240. [PMID: 31387197 PMCID: PMC6723859 DOI: 10.3390/insects10080240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In social insects, alerting nestmates to the presence of a pathogen should be critical for limiting its spread and initiating social mechanisms of defense. Here we show that subterranean termites use elevated vibratory alarm behavior to help prevent fatal fungal infections. The elevated alarm leads to elevated social hygiene. This requires that termites coalesce so that they can groom each other’s cuticular surfaces of contaminating conidial spores. Groups of 12 Reticulitermes flavipes workers varied in their response when immersed in conidia solutions of nine different strains of Metarhizium. Pathogen alarm displays of short 2–7-second bursts of rapid longitudinal oscillatory movement (LOM), observed over 12 min following a fungal challenge, were positively correlated with the time that workers spent aggregated together grooming each other. The frequency of these LOMs was inversely correlated with fatal fungal infections. The variation in fatalities appeared to be largely attributable to a differential response to Metarhizium brunneum and Metarhizium robertsii in the time spent in aggregations and the frequency of allogrooming. Isolated workers challenged with conidia did not display LOMs, which suggests that the alarm is a conditional social response. LOMs appear to help signal the presence of fungal pathogens whose virulence depends on the level of this emergency alert.
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Lack of genetic structuring, low effective population sizes and major bottlenecks characterise common and German wasps in New Zealand. Biol Invasions 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-019-02039-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Mizumoto N, Dobata S. Adaptive switch to sexually dimorphic movements by partner-seeking termites. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaau6108. [PMID: 31223644 PMCID: PMC6584256 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau6108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
How should females and males move to search for partners whose exact location is unknown? Theory predicts that the answer depends on what they know about where targets can be found, raising the question of how actual animals update their mate search patterns to increase encounter probability when conditions change. Here, we show that termites adaptively alternate between sexually monomorphic and dimorphic movements during mate search. When the location of potential mates was completely unpredictable, both sexes moved in straight lines to explore widely. In contrast, when the stray partner was at least nearby, males moved while females paused. Data-based simulations confirmed that these movements increase the rate of successful encounters. The context-dependent switch of search modes is a key to enhance random encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Mizumoto
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, ISTB1, 423, East Mall, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Shigeto Dobata
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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Hyseni C, Garrick RC. The role of glacial-interglacial climate change in shaping the genetic structure of eastern subterranean termites in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:4621-4636. [PMID: 31031931 PMCID: PMC6476779 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, currently inhabits previously glaciated regions of the northeastern U.S., as well as the unglaciated southern Appalachian Mountains and surrounding areas. We hypothesized that Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have influenced the distribution of R. flavipes, and thus the evolutionary history of the species. We estimated contemporary and historical geographic distributions of R. flavipes by constructing Species Distribution Models (SDM). We also inferred the evolutionary and demographic history of the species using mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase I and II) and nuclear (endo-beta-1,4-glucanase) DNA sequence data. To do this, genetic populations were delineated using Bayesian spatial-genetic clustering, competing hypotheses about population divergence were assessed using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), and changes in population size were estimated using Bayesian skyline plots. SDMs identified areas in the north with suitable habitat during the transition from the Last Interglacial to the Last Glacial Maximum, as well as an expanding distribution from the mid-Holocene to the present. Genetic analyses identified three geographically cohesive populations, corresponding with northern, central, and southern portions of the study region. Based on ABC analyses, divergence between the Northern and Southern populations was the oldest, estimated to have occurred 64.80 thousand years ago (kya), which corresponds with the timing of available habitat in the north. The Central and Northern populations diverged in the mid-Holocene, 8.63 kya, after which the Central population continued to expand. Accordingly, phylogeographic patterns of R. flavipes in the southern Appalachians appear to have been strongly influenced by glacial-interglacial climate change. OPEN RESEARCH BADGES This article has been awarded Open Materials, Open Data Badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.5hr7f31.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaz Hyseni
- Department of BiologyUniversity of MississippiOxfordMississippi
| | - Ryan C. Garrick
- Department of BiologyUniversity of MississippiOxfordMississippi
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32
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Vargo EL. Diversity of Termite Breeding Systems. INSECTS 2019; 10:E52. [PMID: 30759735 PMCID: PMC6409762 DOI: 10.3390/insects10020052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Termites are social insects that live in colonies headed by reproductive castes. The breeding system is defined by the number of reproductive individuals in a colony and the castes to which they belong. There is tremendous variation in the breeding system of termites both within and among species. The current state of our understanding of termite breeding systems is reviewed. Most termite colonies are founded by a primary (alate-derived) king and queen who mate and produce the other colony members. In some species, colonies continue throughout their life span as simple families headed by the original king and queen. In others, the primary king and queen are replaced by numerous neotenic (nymph- or worker-derived) reproductives, or less commonly primary reproductives, that are descendants of the original founding pair leading to inbreeding in the colony. In still others, colonies can have multiple unrelated reproductives due to either founding the colonies as groups or through colony fusion. More recently, parthenogenetic reproduction has shown to be important in some termite species and may be widespread. A major challenge in termite biology is to understand the ecological and evolutionary factors driving the variation in termite breeding systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward L Vargo
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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33
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Perdereau E, Baudouin G, Bankhead-Dronnet S, Chevalier Z, Zimmermann M, Dupont S, Dedeine F, Bagnères AG. Invasion Dynamics of A Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, at Different Spatial Scales in France. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10010030. [PMID: 30650655 PMCID: PMC6358928 DOI: 10.3390/insects10010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Termites are social insects that can also be major pests. A well-known problem species is the subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes. It is invasive in France and is thought to have arrived from Louisiana during the 18th century. While the putative source of French populations has been identified, little is known about how the termite spread following its establishment. Here, we examined expansion patterns at different spatial scales in urban areas to clarify how R. flavipes spread in France. Based on our analyses of phylogeography and population genetics, results suggest a scenario of successive introductions into the Charente-Maritime region, on the Atlantic Coast. Two major expansion fronts formed: one that spread toward the northeast and the other toward the southeast. At the regional scale, different spatial and genetic distribution patterns were observed: there was heterogeneity in Île-de-France and aggregation in Centre-Val de Loire. At the local scale, we found that our three focal urban sites each formed a single large colony that contained several secondary reproductives. Our findings represent a second step in efforts to reconstruct termite’s invasion dynamics. They also highlight the role that may have been played by the French railway network in transporting termites over long distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elfie Perdereau
- IRBI, UMR 7261 CNRS-Université de Tours. Avenue Monge, Parc Grandmont, Tours 37200, France.
| | - Guillaume Baudouin
- IRBI, UMR 7261 CNRS-Université de Tours. Avenue Monge, Parc Grandmont, Tours 37200, France.
| | | | - Zoé Chevalier
- IRBI, UMR 7261 CNRS-Université de Tours. Avenue Monge, Parc Grandmont, Tours 37200, France.
| | - Marie Zimmermann
- IRBI, UMR 7261 CNRS-Université de Tours. Avenue Monge, Parc Grandmont, Tours 37200, France.
| | - Simon Dupont
- IRBI, UMR 7261 CNRS-Université de Tours. Avenue Monge, Parc Grandmont, Tours 37200, France.
| | - Franck Dedeine
- IRBI, UMR 7261 CNRS-Université de Tours. Avenue Monge, Parc Grandmont, Tours 37200, France.
| | - Anne-Geneviève Bagnères
- IRBI, UMR 7261 CNRS-Université de Tours. Avenue Monge, Parc Grandmont, Tours 37200, France.
- CEFE, CNRS, Univ Montpellier, Univ Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier 34000, France.
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34
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Gut microbiota dynamics and functionality in Reticulitermes grassei after a 7-day dietary shift and ciprofloxacin treatment. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209789. [PMID: 30590374 PMCID: PMC6307977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gut microbial structure in animals depends on the host, dietary habits and local environment. A random event, dietary change or antibiotic treatment may alter the gut environment with possible repercussions for the bacterial community composition and functionality and ultimately host fitness. The present study was focused on the composition, structure and functionality of gut microbiota in Reticulitermes grassei and the data obtained was compared with sequence surveys of three other Reticulitermes species. Each Reticulitermes species had a significantly different bacterial gut microbiota (pairwise significance tests using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test), but a similar pattern of distribution (P-test in weighted Unifrac). The core gut microbiota from the analyzed Reticulitermes species contained 16 bacterial operational taxonomic units. Enzymes (KO) were detected from 14 pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism. R. grassei and R. hesperus, based on relative abundance of KO, had the most similar carbohydrate pathway patterns. In addition, we described the gut microbiota and functionality pathways in R. grassei after a 7-day dietary shift and antibiotic (ciprofloxacin) treatment. Both factors, but above all the antibiotic, altered the relative abundance of certain microbial groups, although the changes were not statistically significant (P-test in weighted Unifrac). The cellulose diet enhanced the carbohydrate pathways related to propanoate, butanoate, ascorbate, and glyoxylate metabolism. The antibiotic treatment affected galactose metabolism, the citrate cycle and inositol phosphate metabolism. Those functional changes may be related to changes in the abundance of several bacterial groups. Our findings provide insights into the stability of the gut microbiota in R. grassei and a resilience response to dietary shift or antibiotic treatment disturbance after 7 days.
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35
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Eyer PA, Matsuura K, Vargo EL, Kobayashi K, Yashiro T, Suehiro W, Himuro C, Yokoi T, Guénard B, Dunn RR, Tsuji K. Inbreeding tolerance as a pre-adapted trait for invasion success in the invasive ant Brachyponera chinensis. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:4711-4724. [PMID: 30368959 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Identifying traits that facilitate species introductions and successful invasions of ecosystems represents a key issue in ecology. Following their establishment into new environments, many non-native species exhibit phenotypic plasticity with post-introduction changes in behaviour, morphology or life history traits that allow them to overcome the presumed loss of genetic diversity resulting in inbreeding and reduced adaptive potential. Here, we present a unique strategy in the invasive ant Brachyponera chinensis (Emery), in which inbreeding tolerance is a pre-adapted trait for invasion success, allowing this ant to cope with genetic depletion following a genetic bottleneck. We report for the first time that inbreeding is not a consequence of the founder effect following introduction, but it is due to mating between sister queens and their brothers that pre-exists in native populations which may have helped it circumvent the cost of invasion. We show that a genetic bottleneck does not affect the genetic diversity or the level of heterozygosity within colonies and suggest that generations of sib-mating in native populations may have reduced inbreeding depression through purifying selection of deleterious alleles. This work highlights how a unique life history may pre-adapt some species for biological invasions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-André Eyer
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Kenji Matsuura
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Edward L Vargo
- Department of Entomology, 2143 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Kazuya Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Yashiro
- Molecular Ecology, Evolution, and Phylogenetics (MEEP) laboratory School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wataru Suehiro
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chihiro Himuro
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yokoi
- Laboratory of Conservation Ecology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Benoit Guénard
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong
| | - Robert R Dunn
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig, Germany.,Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Kazuki Tsuji
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan
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36
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Martin JS, Bulmer MS. A Lab-Based Study of Temperate Forest Termite Impacts on Two Common Wood-Rot Fungi. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 47:1388-1393. [PMID: 30192929 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvy122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Termites and fungi are the primary decomposers of dead wood. Interactions between wood-feeding termites and wood-rot fungi are inevitable given their shared food source. Termites have developed multiple defense strategies against infectious fungi, such as Metarhizium spp., that include antifungal proteins in their saliva and fungal inhibition properties in their gut. The antifungal properties of termite salivary secretions depend on β-1,3-glucanases that are likely to be effective against a broad spectrum of filamentous fungi. Given the overlap in niches, there is opportunity for interference competition between termites and wood-rot fungi to occur. Here we demonstrate that β-1,3-glucanases in the saliva and the antifungal properties of the gut of the eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) affects the growth of two common wood-rot fungi, Gloeophyllum trabeum Persoon (Murrill) (Gloeophyllales: Gloeophyllaceae) and Phanerochaete chrysosporium (Burdsall) (Polyporales: Phanerochaetaceae).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD
| | - Mark S Bulmer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD
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37
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Tasaki E, Mitaka Y, Nozaki T, Kobayashi K, Matsuura K, Iuchi Y. High expression of the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 in long-lived termite kings. Aging (Albany NY) 2018; 10:2668-2683. [PMID: 30312170 PMCID: PMC6224230 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with the accumulation of DNA damage. High expression of DNA repair genes has been suggested to contribute to prolonged lifespan in several organisms. However, the crucial DNA repair genes contributing to longevity remain unknown. Termite kings have an extraordinary long lifespan compared with that of non-reproductive individuals such as workers despite being derived from the same genome, thus providing a singular model for identifying longevity-related genes. In this study, we demonstrated that termite kings express higher levels of the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 than other castes. Using RNA sequencing, we identified 21 king-specific genes among 127 newly annotated DNA repair genes in the termite Reticulitermes speratus. Using quantitative PCR, we revealed that some of the highly expressed king-specific genes were significantly upregulated in reproductive tissue (testis) compared to their expression in somatic tissue (fat body). Notably, BRCA1 gene expression in the fat body was more than 4-fold higher in kings than in workers. These results suggest that BRCA1 partly contributes to DNA repair in somatic and reproductive tissues in termite kings. These findings provide important insights into the linkage between BRCA1 gene expression and the extraordinary lifespan of termite kings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eisuke Tasaki
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Department of Applied Bioresources Chemistry, The United Graduate School of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
- Equal contribution
| | - Yuki Mitaka
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Equal contribution
| | - Tomonari Nozaki
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kobayashi
- Hokkaido Forest Research Station, Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University, Hokkaido 088-2339, Japan
| | - Kenji Matsuura
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Iuchi
- Department of Applied Bioresources Chemistry, The United Graduate School of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
- Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
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Termites shape their collective behavioural response based on stage of infection. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14433. [PMID: 30258216 PMCID: PMC6158180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32721-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Social insects employ a range of behaviours to protect their colonies against disease, but little is known about how such collective behaviours are orchestrated. This is especially true for the social Blattodea (termites). We developed an experimental approach that allowed us to explore how the social response to disease is co-ordinated by multistep host-pathogen interactions. We infected the eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes with the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, and then, at different stages of infection, reintroduced them to healthy nestmates and recorded behavioural responses. As expected, termites groomed pathogen-exposed individuals significantly more than controls; however, grooming was significantly elevated after fungal germination than before, demonstrating the importance of fungal status to hygienic behaviour. Significantly, we found that cannibalism became prevalent only after exposed termites became visibly ill, highlighting the importance of host condition as a cue for social hygienic behaviour. Our study reveals the presence of a coordinated social response to disease that depends on stage of infection. Specifically, we show how the host may play a key role in triggering its own sacrifice. Sacrificial self-flagging has been observed in other social insects: our results demonstrate that termites have independently evolved to both recognize and destructively respond to sickness.
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39
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Scicchitano V, Dedeine F, Mantovani B, Luchetti A. Molecular systematics, biogeography, and colony fusion in the European dry-wood termites Kalotermes spp. (Blattodea, Termitoidae, Kalotermitidae). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2018; 108:523-531. [PMID: 29070094 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485317001080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
European dry-wood termites belong to the genus Kalotermes (Kalotermitidae), one of the two termite genera in Europe. Until the recent description of two new species, Kalotermes italicus in Italy and Kalotermes phoenicae in the eastern Mediterranean area, Kalotermes flavicollis was the only taxon known in this region. The presence of additional entities, suggested by morphological and physiological variation observed in K. flavicollis, was supported by molecular studies revealing four distinct genetic lineages: lineage A, K. flavicollis sensu strictu, from the Aegean area to Italy; lineage B, in Tuscany; lineage SC, in Sardinia and Corsica; lineage SF, in southern France. Lineages A and B may form mixed colonies, suggesting hybridization. To draw a more detailed picture of Kalotermes evolution and biogeography in Europe, we analyzed samples from previously unsampled areas, such as Spain and southern Italy, by means of the highly informative cox1/trnL/cox2 mitochondrial DNA marker. Overall, phylogenetic analyses confirmed previously identified lineages and taxa, but widened the distribution of the lineage SC to the mainland and of the lineage SF to Spain and Portugal. Results further provided evidence for the synonymy between lineage B and K. italicus. Species delimitation analysis suggested that the three K. flavicollis lineages, as well as K. italicus, can be separate taxa. Data also suggest a possible interspecific hybridization between K. italicus and both K. flavicollis lineages A and SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Scicchitano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche,Geologiche e Ambientali - Università di Bologna,via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna,Italy
| | - F Dedeine
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, UMR 7261, CNRS - Université François-Rabelais de Tours,Parc Grandmont, 37200 Tours,France
| | - B Mantovani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche,Geologiche e Ambientali - Università di Bologna,via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna,Italy
| | - A Luchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche,Geologiche e Ambientali - Università di Bologna,via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna,Italy
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40
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Duarte S, Nobre T, Borges PAV, Nunes L. Symbiotic flagellate protists as cryptic drivers of adaptation and invasiveness of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes grassei Clément. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:5242-5253. [PMID: 29938049 PMCID: PMC6010709 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in flagellate protist communities of subterranean termite Reticulitermes grassei across different locations were evaluated following four predictions: (i) Rural endemic (Portugal mainland) termite populations will exhibit high diversity of symbionts; (ii) invasive urban populations (Horta city, Faial island, Azores), on the contrary, will exhibit lower diversity of symbionts, showing high similarity of symbiont assemblages through environmental filtering; (iii) recent historical colonization of isolated regions-as the case of islands-will imply a loss of symbiont diversity; and (iv) island isolation will trigger a change in colony breeding structure toward a less aggressive behavior. Symbiont flagellate protist communities were morphologically identified, and species richness and relative abundances, as well as biodiversity indices, were used to compare symbiotic communities in colonies from urban and rural environments and between island invasive and mainland endemic populations. To evaluate prediction on the impact of isolation (iv), aggression tests were performed among termites comprising island invasive and mainland endemic populations. A core group of flagellates and secondary facultative symbionts was identified. Termites from rural environments showed, in the majority of observed colonies, more diverse and abundant protist communities, probably confirming prediction (i). Corroborating prediction (ii), the two least diverse communities belong to termites captured inside urban areas. The Azorean invasive termite colonies had more diverse protist communities than expected and prediction (iii) which was not verified within this study. Termites from mainland populations showed a high level of aggressiveness between neighboring colonies, in contrast to the invasive colonies from Horta city, which were not aggressive to neighbors according to prediction (iv). The symbiotic flagellate community of R. grassei showed the ability to change in a way that might be consistent with adaptation to available conditions, possibly contributing to optimization of the colonization of new habitats and spreading of its distribution area, highlighting R. grassei potential as an invasive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Duarte
- Structures DepartmentLNECLisbonPortugal
- Faculty of Agrarian and Environmental SciencescE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity GroupUniversity of the AzoresAzoresPortugal
| | - Tânia Nobre
- Laboratory of EntomologyICAAM ‐ Instituto de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais MediterrânicasUniversity of ÉvoraÉvoraPortugal
| | - Paulo A. V. Borges
- Faculty of Agrarian and Environmental SciencescE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity GroupUniversity of the AzoresAzoresPortugal
| | - Lina Nunes
- Structures DepartmentLNECLisbonPortugal
- Faculty of Agrarian and Environmental SciencescE3c – Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes/Azorean Biodiversity GroupUniversity of the AzoresAzoresPortugal
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41
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Matsuura K, Mizumoto N, Kobayashi K, Nozaki T, Fujita T, Yashiro T, Fuchikawa T, Mitaka Y, Vargo EL. A Genomic Imprinting Model of Termite Caste Determination: Not Genetic but Epigenetic Inheritance Influences Offspring Caste Fate. Am Nat 2018; 191:677-690. [PMID: 29750562 DOI: 10.1086/697238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Eusocial insects exhibit the most striking example of phenotypic plasticity. There has been a long controversy over the factors determining caste development of individuals in social insects. Here we demonstrate that parental phenotypes influence the social status of offspring not through genetic inheritance but through genomic imprinting in termites. Our extensive field survey and genetic analysis of the termite Reticulitermes speratus show that its breeding system is inconsistent with a genetic caste determination model. We therefore developed a genomic imprinting model, in which queen- and king-specific epigenetic marks antagonistically influence sexual development of offspring. The model accounts for all known empirical data on caste differentiation of R. speratus and other related species. By conducting colony-founding experiments and additively incorporating relevant socio-environmental factors into our genomic imprinting model, we show the relative importance of genomic imprinting and environmental factors in caste determination. The idea of epigenetic inheritance of sexual phenotypes solves the puzzle of why parthenogenetically produced daughters carrying only maternal chromosomes exclusively develop into queens and why parental phenotypes (nymph- or worker-derived reproductives) strongly influence caste differentiation of offspring. According to our model, the worker caste is seen as a "neuter" caste whose sexual development is suppressed due to counterbalanced maternal and paternal imprinting and opens new avenues for understanding the evolution of caste systems in social insects.
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42
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Baudouin G, Bech N, Bagnères AG, Dedeine F. Spatial and genetic distribution of a north American termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, across the landscape of Paris. Urban Ecosyst 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-018-0747-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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43
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Mizumoto N, Abe MS, Dobata S. Optimizing mating encounters by sexually dimorphic movements. J R Soc Interface 2018; 14:rsif.2017.0086. [PMID: 28490601 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
All organisms with sexual reproduction undergo a process of mating, which essentially involves the encounter of two individuals belonging to different sexes. During mate search, both sexes should mutually optimize their encounters, thus raising a question of how they achieve this. Here, we show that a population with sexually dimorphic movement patterns achieves the highest individual mating success under a limited lifespan. Extensive simulations found and analytical approximations corroborated the existence of conditions under which sexual dimorphism in the movement patterns (i.e. how diffusively they move) is advantageous over sexual monomorphism. Mutual searchers with limited lifespans need to balance the speed and accuracy of finding their mates, and dimorphic movements can solve this trade-off. We further demonstrate that the sexual dimorphism can evolve from an initial sexually monomorphic population. Our results emphasize the importance of considering mutual optimization in problems of random search.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Mizumoto
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Masato S Abe
- National Institute of Informatics, 2-1-2 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8430, Japan .,ERATO Kawarabayashi Large Graph Project, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Hitotsubashi 2-1-2, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8403, Japan
| | - Shigeto Dobata
- Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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44
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45
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Wu T, Dhami GK, Thompson GJ. Soldier‐biased gene expression in a subterranean termite implies functional specialization of the defensive caste. Evol Dev 2017; 20:3-16. [DOI: 10.1111/ede.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wu
- Biology DepartmentWestern UniversityLondonOntarioCanada
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46
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Potential spread of the invasive North American termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, and the impact of climate warming. Biol Invasions 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1581-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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47
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An American termite in Paris: temporal colony dynamics. Genetica 2017; 145:491-502. [DOI: 10.1007/s10709-017-9991-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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48
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Scicchitano V, Dedeine F, Bagnères AG, Luchetti A, Mantovani B. Genetic diversity and invasion history of the European subterranean termite Reticulitermes urbis (Blattodea, Termitoidae, Rhinotermitidae). Biol Invasions 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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49
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Mizumoto N, Fuchikawa T, Matsuura K. Pairing strategy after today’s failure: unpaired termites synchronize mate search using photic cycles. POPUL ECOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10144-017-0584-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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50
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Zhang M, Evans TA. Determining urban exploiter status of a termite using genetic analysis. Urban Ecosyst 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-016-0628-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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