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Olano C, Rodríguez M. Actinomycetes Associated with Arthropods as a Source of New Bioactive Compounds. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3822-3838. [PMID: 38785506 PMCID: PMC11119530 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the main global threats to human health in the 21st century due to the rapid appearance of bacterial resistance and the lack of novel bioactive compounds. Natural products, especially from Actinomycetes, remain the best source to refill the drug industry pipeline. Different strategies have been pursued to increase the chances of discovering new molecules, such as studying underexplored environments like arthropod symbionts, which represent a relevant reservoir for active metabolites. This review summarizes recent research on the identification of bioactive molecules produced by Actinomycetes associated with arthropods' microbiome. The metabolites have been categorized based on their structural properties and host, highlighting that multidisciplinary approaches will be the key to fully understanding this complex relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Olano
- Departamento de Biología Funcional e Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Miriam Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología Funcional e Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
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2
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Christinaki AC, Myridakis AI, Kouvelis VN. Genomic insights into the evolution and adaptation of secondary metabolite gene clusters in fungicolous species Cladobotryum mycophilum ATHUM6906. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae006. [PMID: 38214578 PMCID: PMC10989895 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Mycophilic or fungicolous fungi can be found wherever fungi exist since they are able to colonize other fungi, which occupy a diverse range of habitats. Some fungicolous species cause important diseases on Basidiomycetes, and thus, they are the main reason for the destruction of mushroom cultivations. Nonetheless, despite their ecological significance, their genomic data remain limited. Cladobotryum mycophilum is one of the most aggressive species of the genus, destroying the economically important Agaricus bisporus cultivations. The 40.7 Mb whole genome of the Greek isolate ATHUM6906 is assembled in 16 fragments, including the mitochondrial genome and 2 small circular mitochondrial plasmids, in this study. This genome includes a comprehensive set of 12,282 protein coding, 56 rRNA, and 273 tRNA genes. Transposable elements, CAZymes, and pathogenicity related genes were also examined. The genome of C. mycophilum contained a diverse arsenal of genes involved in secondary metabolism, forming 106 biosynthetic gene clusters, which renders this genome as one of the most BGC abundant among fungicolous species. Comparative analyses were performed for genomes of species of the family Hypocreaceae. Some BGCs identified in C. mycophilum genome exhibited similarities to clusters found in the family Hypocreaceae, suggesting vertical heritage. In contrast, certain BGCs showed a scattered distribution among Hypocreaceae species or were solely found in Cladobotryum genomes. This work provides evidence of extensive BGC losses, horizontal gene transfer events, and formation of novel BGCs during evolution, potentially driven by neutral or even positive selection pressures. These events may increase Cladobotryum fitness under various environmental conditions and potentially during host-fungus interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia C Christinaki
- Section of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Antonis I Myridakis
- Section of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
| | - Vassili N Kouvelis
- Section of Genetics and Biotechnology, Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15771, Greece
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Queiroz RRS, Teodoro TBP, Carolino AT, Bitencourt ROB, Souza WG, Boechat MSB, Sobrinho RR, Silva GA, Samuels RI. Production of Escovopsis conidia and the potential use of this parasitic fungus as a biological control agent of leaf-cutting ant fungus gardens. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:128. [PMID: 38416227 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03862-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the use of different substrates for the production of Escovopsis conidia and verify the virulence of four different isolates cultured on four types of substrates using a novel bioassay. Escovopsis isolates were molecularly identified, based on Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) nucleotide sequences. To evaluate conidial production, suspensions (1 × 106 conidia mL-1) of each Escovopsis isolate were inoculated onto four substrates (parboiled rice, white rice, rolled oats, and corn grits). After 14 days, conidial yields were assessed. The virulence of each isolate cultured on the four substrates was tested against Leucoagaricus fungus garden fragments, by directly applying 500 µL of each conidial suspension (1 × 107 conidia mL-1), and the development of the parasite was monitored daily until it completely colonized the fungus garden. It was observed that rolled oats were the best substrate for conidial production, with a yield of 1.7 × 107 to 2.0 × 108 conidia mL-1. Furthermore, isolate AT-01 produced the highest number of conidia when compared with the other isolates. Regardless of the substrate used to produce AT-01 conidia, this isolate completely colonized the fungus garden 6 days post inoculation (dpi), followed by AT-02, AC-01, and AC-2. High levels of both conidial production and virulence against the leaf-cutting ant fungus garden were observed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymyson R S Queiroz
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Thais B P Teodoro
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Aline T Carolino
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Ricardo O B Bitencourt
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Willians G Souza
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marcela S B Boechat
- Laboratório Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Roberto R Sobrinho
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Gerson A Silva
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Richard I Samuels
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil.
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García-Gutiérrez C, Pérez-Victoria I, Montero I, Fernández-De la Hoz J, Malmierca MG, Martín J, Salas JA, Olano C, Reyes F, Méndez C. Unearthing a Cryptic Biosynthetic Gene Cluster for the Piperazic Acid-Bearing Depsipeptide Diperamycin in the Ant-Dweller Streptomyces sp. CS113. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2347. [PMID: 38397022 PMCID: PMC10888640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Piperazic acid is a cyclic nonproteinogenic amino acid that contains a hydrazine N-N bond formed by a piperazate synthase (KtzT-like). This amino acid, found in bioactive natural products synthesized by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), confers conformational constraint to peptides, an important feature for their biological activities. Genome mining of Streptomyces strains has been revealed as a strategy to identify biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) for potentially active compounds. Moreover, the isolation of new strains from underexplored habitats or associated with other organisms has allowed to uncover new BGCs for unknown compounds. The in-house "Carlos Sialer (CS)" strain collection consists of seventy-one Streptomyces strains isolated from the cuticle of leaf-cutting ants of the tribe Attini. Genomes from twelve of these strains have been sequenced and mined using bioinformatics tools, highlighting their potential to encode secondary metabolites. In this work, we have screened in silico those genomes, using KtzT as a hook to identify BGCs encoding piperazic acid-containing compounds. This resulted in uncovering the new BGC dpn in Streptomyces sp. CS113, which encodes the biosynthesis of the hybrid polyketide-depsipeptide diperamycin. Analysis of the diperamycin polyketide synthase (PKS) and NRPS reveals their functional similarity to those from the aurantimycin A biosynthetic pathway. Experimental proof linking the dpn BGC to its encoded compound was achieved by determining the growth conditions for the expression of the cluster and by inactivating the NRPS encoding gene dpnS2 and the piperazate synthase gene dpnZ. The identity of diperamycin was confirmed by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and by analysis of the domain composition of modules from the DpnP PKS and DpnS NRPS. The identification of the dpn BGC expands the number of BGCs that have been confirmed to encode the relatively scarcely represented BGCs for depsipeptides of the azinothricin family of compounds and will facilitate the generation of new-to-nature analogues by combinatorial biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coral García-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Biología Funcional e Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (I.M.); (J.F.-D.l.H.); (M.G.M.); (J.A.S.); (C.O.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ignacio Pérez-Victoria
- Fundación MEDINA, Centro de Excelencia en Investigación de Medicamentos Innovadores en Andalucía, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.P.-V.); (J.M.); (F.R.)
| | - Ignacio Montero
- Departamento de Biología Funcional e Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (I.M.); (J.F.-D.l.H.); (M.G.M.); (J.A.S.); (C.O.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Jorge Fernández-De la Hoz
- Departamento de Biología Funcional e Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (I.M.); (J.F.-D.l.H.); (M.G.M.); (J.A.S.); (C.O.)
| | - Mónica G. Malmierca
- Departamento de Biología Funcional e Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (I.M.); (J.F.-D.l.H.); (M.G.M.); (J.A.S.); (C.O.)
| | - Jesús Martín
- Fundación MEDINA, Centro de Excelencia en Investigación de Medicamentos Innovadores en Andalucía, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.P.-V.); (J.M.); (F.R.)
| | - José A. Salas
- Departamento de Biología Funcional e Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (I.M.); (J.F.-D.l.H.); (M.G.M.); (J.A.S.); (C.O.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carlos Olano
- Departamento de Biología Funcional e Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (I.M.); (J.F.-D.l.H.); (M.G.M.); (J.A.S.); (C.O.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Fernando Reyes
- Fundación MEDINA, Centro de Excelencia en Investigación de Medicamentos Innovadores en Andalucía, 18016 Granada, Spain; (I.P.-V.); (J.M.); (F.R.)
| | - Carmen Méndez
- Departamento de Biología Funcional e Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.G.-G.); (I.M.); (J.F.-D.l.H.); (M.G.M.); (J.A.S.); (C.O.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
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5
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de Oliveira KB, Goes AC, Silva AD, Vieira PC, Rodrigues A. Fungal Cultivars of Higher Attine Ants Promote Escovopsis Chemotropism. Curr Microbiol 2023; 81:37. [PMID: 38063979 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03552-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
In varied environments, microorganisms search for partners or nutritional resources using chemical signals. Microbes are drawn (chemotaxis) or grow directionally (chemotropism) towards the chemical source, enabling them to establish and maintain symbiosis. The hypocrealean fungi Escovopsis enhance their growth towards the basidiomycete fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus, which is cultivated by leaf-cutting attine ants for food. Although directional growth is well documented in this symbiosis, it is unclear whether non-volatile or volatile organic compounds participate in the interaction between cultivar and Escovopsis, and which specific chemical compounds might attract and induce chemotropism. In this study, we examined the growth responses of Escovopsis isolates to non-volatile and volatile organic compounds produced by fungal cultivars of higher attine ants. We also isolated and identified molecules released by the ant-cultivar and assessed the chemotropism of Escovopsis towards them. Our results indicate that the growth of Escovopsis is stimulated in the presence of both non-volatile and volatile compounds from fungal cultivars. We also identified three isomeric diketopiperazines molecules from crude extracts of the ant cultivar, suggesting that these might play a role in Escovopsis chemotropism. Our findings provide insights into the complex chemical interactions that govern the association between Escovopsis and fungal cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina B de Oliveira
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Aryel C Goes
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Airton D Silva
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo C Vieira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Andre Rodrigues
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
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6
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Parra J, Beaton A, Seipke RF, Wilkinson B, Hutchings MI, Duncan KR. Antibiotics from rare actinomycetes, beyond the genus Streptomyces. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 76:102385. [PMID: 37804816 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the golden age of antibiotic discovery, Streptomyces have been unsurpassed for their ability to produce bioactive metabolites. Yet, this success has been hampered by rediscovery. As we enter a new stage of biodiscovery, omics data and existing scientific repositories can enable informed choices on the biodiversity that may yield novel antibiotics. Here, we focus on the chemical potential of rare actinomycetes, defined as bacteria within the order Actinomycetales, but not belonging to the genus Streptomyces. They are named as such due to their less-frequent isolation under standard laboratory practices, yet there is increasing evidence to suggest these biologically diverse genera harbour considerable biosynthetic and chemical diversity. In this review, we focus on examples of successful isolation and genera that have been the focus of more concentrated biodiscovery efforts, we survey the representation of rare actinomycete taxa, compared with Streptomyces, across natural product data repositories in addition to its biosynthetic potential. This is followed by an overview of clinically useful drugs produced by rare actinomycetes and considerations for future biodiscovery efforts. There is much to learn about these underexplored taxa, and mounting evidence suggests that they are a fruitful avenue for the discovery of novel antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Parra
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacéuticas (INIFAR), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica; Centro Nacional de Innovaciones Biotecnológicas (CENIBiot), CeNAT-CONARE, San José 1174-1200, Costa Rica
| | - Ainsley Beaton
- John Innes Centre, Department of Molecular Microbiology, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Ryan F Seipke
- University of Leeds, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Barrie Wilkinson
- John Innes Centre, Department of Molecular Microbiology, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Matthew I Hutchings
- John Innes Centre, Department of Molecular Microbiology, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Katherine R Duncan
- University of Strathclyde, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, 141 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
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7
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Montoya Q, Martiarena M, Rodrigues A. Taxonomy and systematics of the fungus-growing ant associate Escovopsis ( Hypocreaceae). Stud Mycol 2023; 106:349-397. [PMID: 38298572 PMCID: PMC10825746 DOI: 10.3114/sim.2023.106.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Escovopsis is a symbiont of fungus-growing ant colonies. Unstandardised taxonomy prevented the evaluation of the morphological diversity of Escovopsis for more than a century. The aim of this study is to create a standardised taxonomic framework to assess the morphological and phylogenetic diversity of Escovopsis. Therefore, to set the foundation for Escovopsis taxonomy and allow interspecific comparisons within the genus, we redescribe the ex-type cultures of Escovopsis aspergilloides, E. clavata, E. lentecrescens, E. microspora, E. moelleri, E. multiformis, and E. weberi. Thus, based on the parameters adopted in this study combined with phylogenetic analyses using five molecular markers, we synonymize E. microspora with E. weberi, and introduce 13 new species isolated from attine nests collected in Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama: E. breviramosa, E. chlamydosporosa, E. diminuta, E. elongatistipitata, E. gracilis, E. maculosa, E. papillata, E. peniculiformis, E. phialicopiosa, E. pseudocylindrica, E. rectangula, E. rosisimilis, and E. spicaticlavata. Our results revealed a great interspecific morphological diversity throughout Escovopsis. Notwithstanding, colony growth rates at different temperatures, as well as vesicle shape, appear to be the most outstanding features distinguishing species in the genus. This study fills an important gap in the systematics of Escovopsis that will allow future researchers to unravel the genetic and morphological diversity and species diversification of these attine ant symbionts. Taxonomic novelties: New species: Escovopsis breviramosa Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. chlamydosporosa Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. diminuta Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. elongatistipitata Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. gracilis Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. maculosa Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. papillata Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. peniculiformis Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. phialicopiosa Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. pseudocylindrica Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. rectangula Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. rosisimilis Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues, E. spicaticlavata Q.V. Montoya, M.J.S. Martiarena & A. Rodrigues. Citation: Montoya QV, Martiarena MJS, Rodrigues A (2023). Taxonomy and systematics of the fungus-growing ant associate Escovopsis (Hypocreaceae). Studies in Mycology 106: 349-397. doi: 10.3114/sim.2023.106.06.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q.V Montoya
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - M.J.S. Martiarena
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - A. Rodrigues
- Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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8
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Chen S, Zhou A, Xu Y. Symbiotic Bacteria Regulating Insect-Insect/Fungus/Virus Mutualism. INSECTS 2023; 14:741. [PMID: 37754709 PMCID: PMC10531535 DOI: 10.3390/insects14090741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria associated with insects potentially provide many beneficial services and have been well documented. Mutualism that relates to insects is widespread in ecosystems. However, the interrelation between "symbiotic bacteria" and "mutualism" has rarely been studied. We introduce three systems of mutualism that relate to insects (ants and honeydew-producing Hemiptera, fungus-growing insects and fungi, and plant persistent viruses and vector insects) and review the species of symbiotic bacteria in host insects, as well as their functions in host insects and the mechanisms underlying mutualism regulation. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms and role of symbiotic bacteria, based on metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiology, will be required for describing the entire interaction network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Red Imported Fire Ant Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Aiming Zhou
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management, Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yijuan Xu
- Red Imported Fire Ant Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
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9
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Dejean A, Azémar F, Naskrecki P, Tindo M, Rossi V, Faucher C, Gryta H. Mutualistic interactions between ants and fungi: A review. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10386. [PMID: 37529578 PMCID: PMC10375366 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The large amount of dead plant biomass caused by the final extinction events triggered a fungi proliferation that mostly differentiated into saprophytes degrading organic matter; others became parasites, predators, likely commensals, and mutualists. Among the last, many have relationships with ants, the most emblematic seen in the Neotropical myrmicine Attina that cultivate Basidiomycota for food. Among them, leaf-cutting, fungus-growing species illustrate an ecological innovation because they grow fungal gardens from fresh plant material rather than arthropod frass and plant debris. Myrmecophytes shelter "plant-ants" in hollow structures, the domatia, whose inner walls are lined with thin-walled Ascomycota hyphae that, in certain cases, are eaten by the ants, showing a form of convergence. Typically, these Ascomycota have antibacterial properties illustrating cases of farming for protection. Ant gardens, or mutualistic associations between certain ant species and epiphytes, shelter endophytic fungi that promote the growth of the epiphytes. Because the cell walls of certain Ascomycota hyphae remain sturdy after the death of the mycelium, they form resistant fibers used by ants to reinforce their constructions (e.g., galleries, shelters for tended hemipterans, and carton nests). Thus, we saw cases of "true" fungal agriculture involving planting, cultivating, and harvesting Basidiomycota for food with Attina. A convergence with "plant-ants" feeding on Ascomycota whose antibacterial activity is generally exploited (i.e., farming for protection). The growth of epiphytes was promoted by endophytic fungi in ant gardens. Finally, farming for structural materials occurred with, in one case, a leaf-cutting, fungus-growing ant using Ascomycota fibers to reinforce its nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Dejean
- Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et EnvironnementUniversité de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse INP, Université Toulouse 3 – Paul Sabatier (UPS)ToulouseFrance
- UMR EcoFoG, AgroParisTechCirad, CNRS, INRA, Université des Antilles, Université de GuyaneKourouFrance
| | - Frédéric Azémar
- Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et EnvironnementUniversité de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse INP, Université Toulouse 3 – Paul Sabatier (UPS)ToulouseFrance
| | - Piotr Naskrecki
- Museum of Comparative ZoologyHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Maurice Tindo
- Laboratory of Biology and Physiology of Animal Organisms, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of DoualaDoualaCameroon
| | - Vivien Rossi
- Remote Sensing and Forest Ecology Lab, Higher Teacher's Training CollegeMarien Ngouabi UniversityBrazzavilleDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- R U Forests and Societies, CIRADBrazzavilleDemocratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Christian Faucher
- Laboratoire Evolution & Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174) CNRSIRD, Université Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - Hervé Gryta
- Laboratoire Evolution & Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR 5174) CNRSIRD, Université Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
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10
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Smith TR, Tay A, Koprivnikar J. Effects of insect host chemical secretions on the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae. J Helminthol 2023; 97:e63. [PMID: 37522182 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Given the threat presented by parasites and pathogens, insects employ various defences to protect themselves against infection, including chemical secretions. The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum releases a secretion containing the benzoquinones methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (MBQ) and ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (EBQ) into the environment. These compounds have known antimicrobial effects; however, their role in defence against macroparasites is not known. Entomopathogenic nematodes, such as Steinernema carpocapsae, present a serious threat to insects, with successful infection leading to death. Thus, quinone-containing secretions may also aid in host defence. We tested how exposure to the individual components of this quinone secretion, as well as a mix at naturally-occurring proportions, affected the survival and thrashing behaviour of S. carpocapsae, as well as their virulence to a model host (Galleria mellonella). Exposure to high concentrations of MBQ and EBQ, as well as the quinone mix, significantly increased nematode death but did not consistently reduce thrashing, which would otherwise be expected given their toxicity. Rather, quinones may act as a host cue to S. carpocapsae by triggering increased activity. We found that exposure to quinones for 24 or 72 hours did not reduce nematode virulence, and surviving nematodes remained infective after non-lethal exposure. Our results indicate that quinone secretions likely serve as a defence against multiple infection threats by reducing S. carpocapsae survival, but further research is required to contextualize their roles by testing against other nematodes, as well as other helminths using insects as hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - A Tay
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - J Koprivnikar
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
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11
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Cuervo L, Álvarez-García S, Salas JA, Méndez C, Olano C, Malmierca MG. The Volatile Organic Compounds of Streptomyces spp.: An In-Depth Analysis of Their Antifungal Properties. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1820. [PMID: 37512992 PMCID: PMC10384482 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has expanded because of the growing need to search for new bioactive compounds that could be used as therapeutic alternatives. These small molecules serve as signals to establish interactions with other nearby organisms in the environment. In this work, we evaluated the antifungal effect of VOCs produced by different Streptomyces spp. This study was performed using VOC chamber devices that allow for the free exchange of VOCs without physical contact between microorganisms or the diffusible compounds they produce. Antifungal activity was tested against Escovopsis weberi, a fungal pathogen that affects ant nest stability, and the results showed that Streptomyces spp. CS014, CS057, CS131, CS147, CS159, CS207, and CS227 inhibit or reduce the fungal growth with their emitted VOCs. A GS-MS analysis of volatiles produced and captured by activated charcoal suggested that these Streptomyces strains synthesize several antifungal VOCs, many of them produced because of the presence of E. weberi, with the accumulation of various VOCs determining the growth inhibition effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Cuervo
- Functional Biology Department, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Oncology of Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Samuel Álvarez-García
- Plant Physiology Area, Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Department, Universidad de León, 24009 León, Spain
| | - José A Salas
- Functional Biology Department, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Oncology of Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carmen Méndez
- Functional Biology Department, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Oncology of Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carlos Olano
- Functional Biology Department, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Oncology of Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mónica G Malmierca
- Functional Biology Department, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Oncology of Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), Av. del Hospital Universitario, s/n, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
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12
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Choudhary M, Naik B, Kumar V, Verma A, Gupta S. Draft Genome Sequence of Novel Streptomyces sp. Strain AJ-1, Isolated from a Leafcutter Ant in Uttarakhand, India. Microbiol Resour Announc 2023:e0041323. [PMID: 37338399 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00413-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the draft genome sequence of Streptomyces sp. strain AJ-1, which was isolated from a leafcutter ant found in Uttarakhand, India. The genome assembly resulted in 43 contigs, with a combined length of 6,948,422 bp and a GC content of 73.5%. Through genome annotation, we identified 5,951 protein-coding genes and 67 tRNA genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Choudhary
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Bindu Naik
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ankit Verma
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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13
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Amycolatopsis from Desert Specialist Fungus-Growing Ants Suppresses Contaminant Fungi Using the Antibiotic ECO-0501. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0183822. [PMID: 36700628 PMCID: PMC9972958 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01838-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic Actinobacteria help fungus-growing ants suppress fungal pathogens through the production of antifungal compounds. Trachymyrmex ants of the southwest desert of the United States inhabit a unique niche far from the tropical rainforests in which most fungus-growing ant species are found. These ants may not encounter the specialist fungal pathogen Escovopsis known to threaten colonies of other fungus-growing ants. It is unknown whether Actinobacteria associated with these ants antagonize contaminant fungi and, if so, what the chemical basis of such antagonism is. We find that Pseudonocardia and Amycolatopsis strains isolated from three desert specialist Trachymyrmex species do antagonize diverse contaminant fungi isolated from field-collected ant colonies. We did not isolate the specialist fungal pathogen Escovopsis in our sampling. We trace strong antifungal activity from Amycolatopsis isolates to the molecule ECO-0501, an antibiotic that was previously under preclinical development as an antibacterial agent. In addition to suppression of contaminant fungi, we find that this molecule has strong activity against ant-associated Actinobacteria and may also play a role in bacterial competition in this niche. By studying interspecies interactions in a previously unexplored niche, we have uncovered novel bioactivity for a structurally unique antibiotic. IMPORTANCE Animal hosts often benefit from chemical defenses provided by microbes. These molecular defenses are a potential source of novel antibiotics and offer opportunities for understanding how antibiotics are used in ecological contexts with defined interspecies interactions. Here, we recover contaminant fungi from nests of Trachymyrmex fungus-growing ants of the southwest desert of the United States and find that they are suppressed by Actinobacteria isolated from these ants. The antibiotic ECO-0501 is an antifungal agent used by some of these Amycolatopsis bacterial isolates. This antibiotic was previously investigated in preclinical studies and known only for antibacterial activity.
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14
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Hong S, Sun Y, Chen H, Wang C. Suppression of the insect cuticular microbiomes by a fungal defensin to facilitate parasite infection. THE ISME JOURNAL 2023; 17:1-11. [PMID: 36127432 PMCID: PMC9751272 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-022-01323-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Insects can assemble defensive microbiomes on their body surfaces to defend against fungal parasitic infections. The strategies employed by fungal pathogens to combat host cuticular microbiotas remains unclear. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of the defensin-like antimicrobial gene BbAMP1 encoded by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. The mature peptide of BbAMP1 can coat fungal spores and can be secreted by the fungus to target and damage Gram-positive bacterial cells. Significant differences in insect survival were observed between the wild-type and BbAMP1 mutant strains during topical infection but not during injection assays that bypassed insect cuticles. Thus, BbAMP1 deletion considerably reduced fungal virulence while gene overexpression accelerated the fungal colonization of insects compared with the wild-type strain in natural infections. Topical infection of axenic Drosophila adults evidenced no difference in fly survivals between strains. However, the gnotobiotic infections with the addition of Gram-positive but not Gram-negative bacterial cells in fungal spore suspensions substantially increased the survival of the flies treated with ∆BbAMP1 compared to those infected by the wild-type and gene-overexpression strains. Bacterial colony counts and microbiome analysis confirmed that BbAMP1 could assist the fungus to manipulate insect surface bacterial loads. This study reveals that fungal defensin can suppress the host surface defensive microbiomes, which underscores the importance to extend the research scope of fungus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Hong
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yanlei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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15
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Baranova AA, Zakalyukina YV, Ovcharenko AA, Korshun VA, Tyurin AP. Antibiotics from Insect-Associated Actinobacteria. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:1676. [PMID: 36421390 PMCID: PMC9687666 DOI: 10.3390/biology11111676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Actinobacteria are involved into multilateral relationships between insects, their food sources, infectious agents, etc. Antibiotics and related natural products play an essential role in such systems. The literature from the January 2016-August 2022 period devoted to insect-associated actinomycetes with antagonistic and/or enzyme-inhibiting activity was selected. Recent progress in multidisciplinary studies of insect-actinobacterial interactions mediated by antibiotics is summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Baranova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, Bol’shaya Pirogovskaya 11, 119021 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuliya V. Zakalyukina
- Department of Soil Science, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1-12, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A. Ovcharenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Higher Chemical College RAS, Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Miusskaya sq. 9, 125047 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Korshun
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton P. Tyurin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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16
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Bringhurst B, Allert M, Greenwold M, Kellner K, Seal JN. Environments and Hosts Structure the Bacterial Microbiomes of Fungus-Gardening Ants and their Symbiotic Fungus Gardens. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2022:10.1007/s00248-022-02138-x. [PMID: 36344828 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-02138-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The fungus gardening-ant system is considered a complex, multi-tiered symbiosis, as it is composed of ants, their fungus, and microorganisms associated with either ants or fungus. We examine the bacterial microbiome of Trachymyrmex septentrionalis and Mycetomoellerius turrifex ants and their symbiotic fungus gardens, using 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing, over a region spanning approximately 350 km (east and central Texas). Typically, microorganisms can be acquired from a parent colony (vertical transmission) or from the environment (horizontal transmission). Because the symbiosis is characterized by co-dispersal of the ants and fungus, elements of both ant and fungus garden microbiome could be characterized by vertical transmission. The goals of this study were to explore how both the ant and fungus garden bacterial microbiome are acquired. The main findings were that different mechanisms appear to explain the structure the microbiomes of ants and their symbiotic fungus gardens. Ant associated microbiomes had a strong host ant signature, which could be indicative of vertical inheritance of the ant associated bacterial microbiome or an unknown mechanism of active uptake or screening. On the other hand, the bacterial microbiome of the fungus garden was more complex in that some bacterial taxa appear to be structured by the ant host species, whereas others by fungal lineage or the environment (geographic region). Thus bacteria in fungus gardens appear to be acquired both horizontally and vertically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake Bringhurst
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX, 75799, USA
| | - Mattea Allert
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX, 75799, USA
| | - Matthew Greenwold
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX, 75799, USA
| | - Katrin Kellner
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX, 75799, USA
| | - Jon N Seal
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Blvd, Tyler, TX, 75799, USA.
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17
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Cuervo L, Méndez C, Salas JA, Olano C, Malmierca MG. Volatile Compounds in Actinomycete Communities: A New Tool for Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Activation, Cooperative Growth Promotion, and Drug Discovery. Cells 2022; 11:3510. [PMID: 36359906 PMCID: PMC9655753 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing appearance of multiresistant pathogens, as well as emerging diseases, has highlighted the need for new strategies to discover natural compounds that can be used as therapeutic alternatives, especially in the genus Streptomyces, which is one of the largest producers of bioactive metabolites. In recent years, the study of volatile compounds (VOCs) has raised interest because of the variety of their biological properties in addition to their involvement in cell communication. In this work, we analyze the implications of VOCs as mediating molecules capable of inducing the activation of biosynthetic pathways of bioactive compounds in surrounding Actinomycetes. For this purpose, several strains of Streptomyces were co-cultured in chamber devices that allowed VOC exchange while avoiding physical contact. In several of those strains, secondary metabolism was activated by VOCs emitted by companion strains, resulting in increased antibiotic production and synthesis of new VOCs. This study shows a novel strategy to exploit the metabolic potential of Actinomycetes as well as emphasizes the importance of studying the interactions between different microorganisms sharing the same ecological niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Cuervo
- Functional Biology Department, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Oncology of Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carmen Méndez
- Functional Biology Department, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Oncology of Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - José A. Salas
- Functional Biology Department, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Oncology of Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carlos Olano
- Functional Biology Department, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Oncology of Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mónica G. Malmierca
- Functional Biology Department, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- University Institute of Oncology of Asturias (I.U.O.P.A), University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
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18
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Host and Environmental Sensing by Entomopathogenic Fungi to Infect Hosts. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-022-00185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Sun Y, Hong S, Chen H, Yin Y, Wang C. Production of Helvolic Acid in Metarhizium Contributes to Fungal Infection of Insects by Bacteriostatic Inhibition of the Host Cuticular Microbiomes. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0262022. [PMID: 36047778 PMCID: PMC9602595 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02620-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The nortriterpenoid helvolic acid (HA) has potent antibiotic activities and can be produced by different fungi, yet HA function remains elusive. Here, we report the chemical biology of HA production in the insect pathogen Metarhizium robertsii. After deletion of the core oxidosqualene cyclase gene in Metarhizium, insect survival rates were significantly increased compared to those of insects treated with the wild type and the gene-rescued strain during topical infections but not during injection assays to bypass insect cuticles. Further gnotobiotic infection of axenic Drosophila adults confirmed the HA contribution to fungal infection by inhibiting bacterial competitors in an inoculum-dependent manner. Loss of HA production substantially impaired fungal spore germination and membrane penetration abilities relative to the WT and gene-complemented strains during challenge with different Gram-positive bacteria. Quantitative microbiome analysis revealed that HA production could assist the fungus to suppress the Drosophila cuticular microbiomes by exerting a bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal effect. Our data unveil the chemical ecology of HA and highlight the fact that fungal pathogens have to cope with the host cuticular microbiomes prior to successful infection of hosts. IMPORTANCE Emerging evidence has shown that the plant and animal surface microbiomes can defend hosts against fungal parasite infections. The strategies employed by fungal pathogens to combat the antagonistic inhibition of insect surface bacteria are still elusive. In this study, we found that the potent antibiotic helvolic acid (HA) produced by the insect pathogen Metarhizium robertsii contributes to natural fungal infection of insect hosts. Antibiotic and gnotobiotic infection assays confirmed that HA could facilitate fungal infection of insects by suppression of the host cuticular microbiomes through its bacteriostatic instead of bactericidal activities. The data from this study provide insights into the novel chemical biology of fungal secondary metabolisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Song Hong
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haimin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Yin
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Schüller A, Studt-Reinhold L, Strauss J. How to Completely Squeeze a Fungus-Advanced Genome Mining Tools for Novel Bioactive Substances. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1837. [PMID: 36145585 PMCID: PMC9505985 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal species have the capability of producing an overwhelming diversity of bioactive substances that can have beneficial but also detrimental effects on human health. These so-called secondary metabolites naturally serve as antimicrobial "weapon systems", signaling molecules or developmental effectors for fungi and hence are produced only under very specific environmental conditions or stages in their life cycle. However, as these complex conditions are difficult or even impossible to mimic in laboratory settings, only a small fraction of the true chemical diversity of fungi is known so far. This also implies that a large space for potentially new pharmaceuticals remains unexplored. We here present an overview on current developments in advanced methods that can be used to explore this chemical space. We focus on genetic and genomic methods, how to detect genes that harbor the blueprints for the production of these compounds (i.e., biosynthetic gene clusters, BGCs), and ways to activate these silent chromosomal regions. We provide an in-depth view of the chromatin-level regulation of BGCs and of the potential to use the CRISPR/Cas technology as an activation tool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joseph Strauss
- Institute of Microbial Genetics, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, A-3430 Tulln/Donau, Austria
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21
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Toopaang W, Bunnak W, Srisuksam C, Wattananukit W, Tanticharoen M, Yang YL, Amnuaykanjanasin A. Microbial polyketides and their roles in insect virulence: from genomics to biological functions. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:2008-2029. [PMID: 35822627 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00058f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: May 1966 up to January 2022Entomopathogenic microorganisms have potential for biological control of insect pests. Their main secondary metabolites include polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, and polyketide-nonribosomal peptide (PK-NRP) hybrids. Among these secondary metabolites, polyketides have mainly been studied for structural identification, pathway engineering, and for their contributions to medicine. However, little is known about the function of polyketides in insect virulence. This review focuses on the role of bacterial and fungal polyketides, as well as PK-NRP hybrids in insect infection and killing. We also discuss gene distribution and evolutional relationships among different microbial species. Further, the role of microbial polyketides and the hybrids in modulating insect-microbial symbiosis is also explored. Understanding the mechanisms of polyketides in insect pathogenesis, how compounds moderate the host-fungus interaction, and the distribution of PKS genes across different fungi and bacteria will facilitate the discovery and development of novel polyketide-derived bio-insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wachiraporn Toopaang
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand. .,Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan.,Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Warapon Bunnak
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
| | - Chettida Srisuksam
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
| | - Wilawan Wattananukit
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
| | - Morakot Tanticharoen
- School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Yu-Liang Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan. .,Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan 711010, Taiwan
| | - Alongkorn Amnuaykanjanasin
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
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22
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Fronk DC, Sachs JL. Symbiotic organs: the nexus of host-microbe evolution. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 37:599-610. [PMID: 35393155 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diverse plants and animals have evolved specialized structures to filter and house beneficial microbes. These symbiotic organs form crucial points of exchange between host and symbiont, are often shaped by both partners, and exhibit features that facilitate a suite of microbial services. While symbiotic organs exhibit varied function, morphology, and developmental plasticity, they share core features linked to the evolutionary maintenance of beneficial symbiosis. Moreover, these organs can have a significant role in altering the demographic forces that shape microbial genomes, driving population bottlenecks and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). To advance our understanding of these 'joint phenotypes' across varied systems, future research must consider the emergent forces that can shape symbiotic organs, including fitness feedbacks and conflicts between interacting genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Fronk
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Joel L Sachs
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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23
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Hong S, Sun Y, Sun D, Wang C. Microbiome assembly on Drosophila body surfaces benefits the flies to combat fungal infections. iScience 2022; 25:104408. [PMID: 35663020 PMCID: PMC9157200 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the well-characterized gut microbiomes, the composition and function of the insect body-surface microbiotas are still elusive and highly underexplored. Here we report the dynamic features of the Drosophila melanogaster surface microbiomes. It was found that the microbiomes assembled on fly surfaces could defend insects against fungal parasitic infections. The substantial increase of bacterial loads occurred within 10 days of fly eclosion, especially the expansion of Gilliamella species. The culturable bacteria such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum could effectively inhibit fungal spore germinations, and the gnotobiotic addition of the isolated bacteria could substantially delay fungal infection of axenic flies. We found that the fly tarsal segments were largely accumulated with bacterial cells, which could accelerate cell dispersal onto different body parts to deter fungal spore germinations. Our findings will facilitate future investigations of the surface microbiotas affecting insect physiologies. Bacterial loads quickly increase on the body surface of fruit fly after eclosion Surface bacteria can defend flies against fungal parasitic infections Surface bacteria can inhibit fungal spore germinations Expansion of the γ-Proteobacteria Gilliamella on fly surfaces
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Hong
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanlei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dapeng Sun
- Institute of Crop Breeding and Cultivation, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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24
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Santos-Aberturas J, Vior NM. Beyond Soil-Dwelling Actinobacteria: Fantastic Antibiotics and Where to Find Them. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:195. [PMID: 35203798 PMCID: PMC8868522 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial secondary metabolites represent an invaluable source of bioactive molecules for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Although screening campaigns for the discovery of new compounds have traditionally been strongly biased towards the study of soil-dwelling Actinobacteria, the current antibiotic resistance and discovery crisis has brought a considerable amount of attention to the study of previously neglected bacterial sources of secondary metabolites. The development and application of new screening, sequencing, genetic manipulation, cultivation and bioinformatic techniques have revealed several other groups of bacteria as producers of striking chemical novelty. Biosynthetic machineries evolved from independent taxonomic origins and under completely different ecological requirements and selective pressures are responsible for these structural innovations. In this review, we summarize the most important discoveries related to secondary metabolites from alternative bacterial sources, trying to provide the reader with a broad perspective on how technical novelties have facilitated the access to the bacterial metabolic dark matter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia M. Vior
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich NR7 4UH, UK
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25
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A Multidisciplinary Approach to Unraveling the Natural Product Biosynthetic Potential of a Streptomyces Strain Collection Isolated from Leaf-Cutting Ants. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112225. [PMID: 34835350 PMCID: PMC8621525 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has urged the need to find novel bioactive compounds against resistant microorganisms. For that purpose, different strategies are being followed, one of them being exploring secondary metabolite production in microorganisms from uncommon sources. In this work, we have analyzed the genome of 12 Streptomyces sp. strains of the CS collection isolated from the surface of leaf-cutting ants of the Attini tribe and compared them to four Streptomyces model species and Pseudonocardia sp. Ae150A_Ps1, which shares the ecological niche with those of the CS collection. We used a combination of phylogenetics, bioinformatics and dereplication analysis to study the biosynthetic potential of our strains. 51.5% of the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) predicted by antiSMASH were unknown and over half of them were strain-specific, making this strain collection an interesting source of putative novel compounds.
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26
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Bizarria R, Pagnocca FC, Rodrigues A. Yeasts in the attine ant-fungus mutualism: Diversity, functional roles, and putative biotechnological applications. Yeast 2021; 39:25-39. [PMID: 34473375 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects interact with a wide variety of yeasts, often providing a suitable substrate for their growth. Some yeast-insect interactions are tractable models for understanding the relationships between the symbionts. Attine ants are prominent insects in the Neotropics and have performed an ancient fungiculture of mutualistic basidiomycete fungi for more than 55-65 million years. Yeasts gain access to this sophisticated mutualism, prompting diversity, ecological, and biotechnological studies in this environment. We review half a century research in this field, surveying for recurrent yeast taxa and their putative ecological roles in this environment. We found that previous studies mainly covered the yeast diversity from a small fraction of attine ants, being Saccharomycetales, Tremellales, and Trichosporonales as the most frequent yeast or yeast-like orders found. Apiotrichum, Aureobasidium, Candida, Cutaneotrichosporon, Debaryomyces, Meyerozyma, Papiliotrema, Rhodotorula, Trichomonascus, and Trichosporon are the most frequent recovered genera. On the other hand, studies of yeasts' ecological roles on attine ant-fungus mutualism only tapped the tip of the iceberg. Previous established hypotheses in the literature cover the production of lignocellulosic enzymes, chemical detoxification, and fungus garden protection. Some of these roles have parallels in biotechnological processes. In conclusion, the attine ant environment has a hidden potential for studying yeast biodiversity, ecology, and biotechnology, which has been particularly unexplored considering the vast diversity of fungus-growing ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Bizarria
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil.,Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
| | | | - Andre Rodrigues
- Center for the Study of Social Insects, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil.,Department of General and Applied Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, Brazil
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27
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Chance or Necessity-The Fungi Co-Occurring with Formica polyctena Ants. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12030204. [PMID: 33670956 PMCID: PMC7997191 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary There are about 13,800 species of ants living around the world, but only some of them have been extensively studied in the context of their non−antagonistic relationships with fungi. The best−known example is the symbiosis between leaf−cutting ants and fungi serving them as food. Others include the relationship between ants living in carton nests in the trees’ canopy with fungi increasing the durability of the nest. Do ants utilize fungi in the northern hemisphere and cooler climatic zone? This question is still open. Our goal was to study the less−obvious interactions between ants and common fungi in temperate climates. In our study, we characterized the mycobiota of the surroundings of Formica polyctena ants. We identified nearly 600 strains and investigated their taxonomic affinity. The most abundant fungi in F. polyctena nests are strains belonging to Penicillium—a genus well−known as an antibiotic producer. Other common and widespread fungi related to Penicillium, such as the toxin−producing Aspergillus species, were isolated very rarely. Additionally, the high diversity and high frequency of Penicillium colonies isolated from ants in this study suggest that certain representatives of this genus may be adapted to survive in ant nests, or that they are preferentially sustained by the insects. Abstract Studies on carton nesting ants and domatia−dwelling ants have shown that ant–fungi interactions may be much more common and widespread than previously thought. Until now, studies focused predominantly on parasitic and mutualistic fungi–ant interactions occurring mostly in the tropics, neglecting less−obvious interactions involving the fungi common in ants’ surroundings in temperate climates. In our study, we characterized the mycobiota of the surroundings of Formica polyctena ants by identifying nearly 600 fungal colonies that were isolated externally from the bodies of F. polyctena workers. The ants were collected from mounds found in northern and central Poland. Isolated fungi were assigned to 20 genera via molecular identification (ITS rDNA barcoding). Among these, Penicillium strains were the most frequent, belonging to eight different taxonomic sections. Other common and widespread members of Eurotiales, such as Aspergillus spp., were isolated very rarely. In our study, we managed to characterize the genera of fungi commonly present on F. polyctena workers. Our results suggest that Penicillium, Trichoderma, Mucor, Schwanniomyces and Entomortierella are commonly present in F. polyctena surroundings. Additionally, the high diversity and high frequency of Penicillium colonies isolated from ants in this study suggest that representatives of this genus may be adapted to survive in ant nests environment better than the other fungal groups, or that they are preferentially sustained by the insects in nests.
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28
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Pessotti RDC, Hansen BL, Reaso JN, Ceja-Navarro JA, El-Hifnawi L, Brodie EL, Traxler MF. Multiple lineages of Streptomyces produce antimicrobials within passalid beetle galleries across eastern North America. eLife 2021; 10:65091. [PMID: 33942718 PMCID: PMC8096431 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Some insects form symbioses in which actinomycetes provide defense against pathogens by making antimicrobials. The range of chemical strategies employed across these associations, and how these strategies relate to insect lifestyle, remains underexplored. We assessed subsocial passalid beetles of the species Odontotaenius disjunctus, and their frass (fecal material), which is an important food resource within their galleries, as a model insect/actinomycete system. Through chemical and phylogenetic analyses, we found that O. disjunctus frass collected across eastern North America harbored multiple lineages of Streptomyces and diverse antimicrobials. Metabolites detected in frass displayed synergistic and antagonistic inhibition of a fungal entomopathogen, Metarhizium anisopliae, and multiple streptomycete isolates inhibited this pathogen when co-cultivated directly in frass. These findings support a model in which the lifestyle of O. disjunctus accommodates multiple Streptomyces lineages in their frass, resulting in a rich repertoire of antimicrobials that likely insulates their galleries against pathogenic invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita de Cassia Pessotti
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Bridget L Hansen
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Jewel N Reaso
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Javier A Ceja-Navarro
- Bioengineering and Biomedical Sciences Department, Biological Systems and Engineering Division, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyUnited States,Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability, California Academy of SciencesBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Laila El-Hifnawi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Eoin L Brodie
- Ecology Department, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National LaboratoryBerkeleyUnited States,Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Matthew F Traxler
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
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