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Łukasik P, Kolasa MR. With a little help from my friends: the roles of microbial symbionts in insect populations and communities. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230122. [PMID: 38705185 PMCID: PMC11070262 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
To understand insect abundance, distribution and dynamics, we need to understand the relevant drivers of their populations and communities. While microbial symbionts are known to strongly affect many aspects of insect biology, we lack data on their effects on populations or community processes, or on insects' evolutionary responses at different timescales. How these effects change as the anthropogenic effects on ecosystems intensify is an area of intense research. Recent developments in sequencing and bioinformatics permit cost-effective microbial diversity surveys, tracking symbiont transmission, and identification of functions across insect populations and multi-species communities. In this review, we explore how different functional categories of symbionts can influence insect life-history traits, how these effects could affect insect populations and their interactions with other species, and how they may affect processes and patterns at the level of entire communities. We argue that insect-associated microbes should be considered important drivers of insect response and adaptation to environmental challenges and opportunities. We also outline the emerging approaches for surveying and characterizing insect-associated microbiota at population and community scales. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Łukasik
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał R. Kolasa
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
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2
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Botero J, Peeters C, De Canck E, Laureys D, Wieme AD, Cleenwerck I, Depoorter E, Praet J, Michez D, Smagghe G, Vandamme P. A comparative genomic analysis of Fructobacillus evanidus sp. nov. from bumble bees. Syst Appl Microbiol 2024; 47:126505. [PMID: 38564984 DOI: 10.1016/j.syapm.2024.126505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The increase in studies on bee microbiomes is prompted by concerns over global pollinator declines. Bumble bees host core and non-core microbiota which may contribute to increased lifetime fitness. The presence of Fructobacillus in the gut microbiomes of bumble bee workers, or the replacement of core symbionts with Fructobacillus bacteria, has been considered a marker of dysbiosis. A phylogenomic analysis and functional genomic characterization of the genomes of 21 Fructobacillus isolates from bumble bees demonstrated that they represented four species, i.e. Fructobacillus cardui, Fructobacillus fructosus, Fructobacillus tropaeoli, and the novel species Fructobacillus evanidus sp. nov. Our results confirmed and substantiated the presence of two phylogenetically and functionally distinct Fructobacillus species clades that differ in genome size, percentage G + C content, the number of coding DNA sequences and metabolic characteristics. Clade 1 and clade 2 species differed in amino acid and, to a lesser extent, in carbohydrate metabolism, with F. evanidus and F. tropaeoli genomes featuring a higher number of complete metabolic pathways. While Fructobacillus genomes encoded genes that allow adhesion, biofilm formation, antibacterial activity and detoxification, other bacteria isolated from the bumble bee gut appeared better equipped to co-exist with the bumble bee host. The isolation and identification of multiple Fructobacillus species from several bumble bee gut samples in the present study also argued against a specific partnership between Fructobacillus species and their bumble bee hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Botero
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Peeters
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien De Canck
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - David Laureys
- Innovation Centre for Brewing & Fermentation, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anneleen D Wieme
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilse Cleenwerck
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eliza Depoorter
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jessy Praet
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Denis Michez
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du parc 20, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Vandamme
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; BCCM/LMG Bacteria Collection, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Xiaowen C, Jiahao L, Zhaorun D, Wenfeng L, Richou H, Yanping C, Huichun X, Yi Z. Honeybee symbiont Bombella apis could restore larval-to-pupal transition disrupted by antibiotic treatment. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 153:104601. [PMID: 38142957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2023.104601] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated the vital roles of gut microbes in the health, immunity, nutrient metabolism, and behavior of adult worker honeybees. However, a few studies have been conducted on gut microbiota associated with the larval stage of honeybees. In the present study, we explored the role of a gut bacterium in larval development and larval-pupal transition in the Asian honeybee, Apis cerana. First, our examination of gut microbial profiling showed that Bombella apis, a larvae-associated bacterium, was the most dominant bacterium colonized in the fifth instar larvae. Second, we demonstrated that tetracycline, an antibiotic used to treat a honeybee bacterial brood disease, could cause the complete depletion of gut bacteria. This antibiotic-induced gut microbiome depletion in turn, significantly impacted the survivorship, pupation rate and emergence rate of the treated larvae. Furthermore, our analysis of gene expression pattens revealed noteworthy changes in key genes. The expression of genes responsible for encoding storage proteins vitellogenin (vg) and major royal jelly protein 1 (mrjp1) was significantly down-regulated in the tetracycline-treated larvae. Concurrently, the expression of krüppel homolog 1(kr-h1), a pivotal gene in endocrine signaling, increased, whilethe expression of broad-complex (br-c) gene that plays a key role in the ecdysone regulation decreased. These alterations indicated a disruption in the coordination of juvenile hormone and ecdysteroid synthesis. Finally, we cultivated B. apis isolated from the fifth instar worker larval of A. cerana and fed tetracycline-treated larvae with a diet replenished by B. apis. This intervention resulted in a significant improvement in the pupation rate, emergence rate, and overall survival rate of the treated larvae. Our findings demonstrate the positive impact of B. apis on honeybee larvae development, providing new evidence of the functional capacities of gut microbes in honeybee growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xiaowen
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Medicinal Plant and Animal Resources, Qinghai Normal University, Xi'ning 810008, China; 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
| | - Li Jiahao
- 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
| | - Ding Zhaorun
- 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
| | - Li Wenfeng
- 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
| | - Han Richou
- 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
| | - Chen Yanping
- USDA-ARS Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Xie Huichun
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Medicinal Plant and Animal Resources, Qinghai Normal University, Xi'ning 810008, China; Qinghai Ecosystem Observation and Research Station in the Southern Qilian Mountains, Haidong 810500, China.
| | - Zhang Yi
- School of Chinese Medicinal Resource, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Yunfu 527527, China.
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Motta EVS, Moran NA. The honeybee microbiota and its impact on health and disease. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:122-137. [PMID: 38049554 PMCID: PMC10998682 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are key pollinators that support global agriculture and are long-established models for developmental and behavioural research. Recently, they have emerged as models for studying gut microbial communities. Earlier research established that hindguts of adult worker bees harbour a conserved set of host-restricted bacterial species, each showing extensive strain variation. These bacteria can be cultured axenically and introduced to gnotobiotic hosts, and some have basic genetic tools available. In this Review, we explore the most recent research showing how the microbiota establishes itself in the gut and impacts bee biology and health. Microbiota members occupy specific niches within the gut where they interact with each other and the host. They engage in cross-feeding and antagonistic interactions, which likely contribute to the stability of the community and prevent pathogen invasion. An intact gut microbiota provides protection against diverse pathogens and parasites and contributes to the processing of refractory components of the pollen coat and dietary toxins. Absence or disruption of the microbiota results in altered expression of genes that underlie immunity, metabolism, behaviour and development. In the field, such disruption by agrochemicals may negatively impact bees. These findings demonstrate a key developmental and protective role of the microbiota, with broad implications for bee health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick V S Motta
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Nancy A Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA.
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Grundmann CO, Guzman J, Vilcinskas A, Pupo MT. The insect microbiome is a vast source of bioactive small molecules. Nat Prod Rep 2024. [PMID: 38411238 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00054k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Covering: September 1964 to June 2023Bacteria and fungi living in symbiosis with insects have been studied over the last sixty years and found to be important sources of bioactive natural products. Not only classic producers of secondary metabolites such as Streptomyces and other members of the phylum Actinobacteria but also numerous bacteria from the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and an impressive array of fungi (usually pathogenic) serve as the source of a structurally diverse number of small molecules with important biological activities including antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antiparasitic and specific enzyme inhibitors. The insect niche is often the exclusive provider of microbes producing unique types of biologically active compounds such as gerumycins, pederin, dinactin, and formicamycins. However, numerous insects still have not been described taxonomically, and in most cases, the study of their microbiota is completely unexplored. In this review, we present a comprehensive survey of 553 natural products produced by microorganisms isolated from insects by collating and classifying all the data according to the type of compound (rather than the insect or microbial source). The analysis of the correlations among the metadata related to insects, microbial partners, and their produced compounds provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics between insects and their symbionts as well as the impact of their metabolites on these relationships. Herein, we focus on the chemical structure, biosynthesis, and biological activities of the most relevant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Guzman
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mônica Tallarico Pupo
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Caesar L, Rice DW, McAfee A, Underwood R, Ganote C, Tarpy DR, Foster LJ, Newton ILG. Metagenomic analysis of the honey bee queen microbiome reveals low bacterial diversity and Caudoviricetes phages. mSystems 2024; 9:e0118223. [PMID: 38259099 PMCID: PMC10878037 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01182-23] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In eusocial insects, the health of the queens-the colony founders and sole reproductive females-is a primary determinant for colony success. Queen failure in the honey bee Apis mellifera, for example, is a major concern of beekeepers who annually suffer colony losses, necessitating a greater knowledge of queen health. Several studies on the microbiome of honey bees have characterized its diversity and shown its importance for the health of worker bees, the female non-reproductive caste. However, the microbiome of workers differs from that of queens, which, in comparison, is still poorly studied. Thus, direct investigations of the queen microbiome are required to understand colony-level microbiome assembly, functional roles, and evolution. Here, we used metagenomics to comprehensively characterize the honey bee queen microbiome. Comparing samples from different geographic locations and breeder sources, we show that the microbiome of queens is mostly shaped by the environment experienced since early life and is predicted to play roles in the breakdown of the diet and protection from pathogens and xenobiotics. We also reveal that the microbiome of queens comprises only four candidate core bacterial species, Apilactobacillus kunkeei, Lactobacillus apis, Bombella apis, and Commensalibacter sp. Interestingly, in addition to bacteria, we show that bacteriophages infect the queen microbiome, for which Lactobacillaceae are predicted to be the main reservoirs. Together, our results provide the basis to understand the honey bee colony microbiome assemblage, can guide improvements in queen-rearing processes, and highlight the importance of considering bacteriophages for queen microbiome health and microbiome homeostasis in eusocial insects.IMPORTANCEThe queen caste plays a central role in colony success in eusocial insects, as queens lay eggs and regulate colony behavior and development. Queen failure can cause colonies to collapse, which is one of the major concerns of beekeepers. Thus, understanding the biology behind the queen's health is a pressing issue. Previous studies have shown that the bee microbiome plays an important role in worker bee health, but little is known about the queen microbiome and its function in vivo. Here, we characterized the queen microbiome, identifying for the first time the present species and their putative functions. We show that the queen microbiome has predicted nutritional and protective roles in queen association and comprises only four consistently present bacterial species. Additionally, we bring to attention the spread of phages in the queen microbiome, which increased in abundance in failing queens and may impact the fate of the colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lílian Caesar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Danny W. Rice
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Alison McAfee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robyn Underwood
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carrie Ganote
- Luddy School of Informatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - David R. Tarpy
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Leonard J. Foster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Labsvards KD, Rudovica V, Borisova A, Kokina K, Bertins M, Naumenko J, Viksna A. Multi-Element Profile Characterization of Monofloral and Polyfloral Honey from Latvia. Foods 2023; 12:4091. [PMID: 38002149 PMCID: PMC10670016 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224091] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Honey is of scientific interest mainly due to its health-promoting and antibacterial properties, which are also associated with its floral origins. However, the methods for confirming honey floral origins are quite limited and require improvements. One method suggested in the search for a multi-method approach to evaluating the floral origins of Latvian honey is inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This study investigated the multi-element profile of 83 honey samples of well-specified floral origins. The main findings included using Ba, Ca, Cs, Fe, and Rb as indicator elements for heather honey. The chemometric evaluation supported the use of ICP-MS for distinguishing heather honey from other types of honey. The Latvian polyfloral honey multi-element profile was defined and compared to honey samples with other geographical origins. Additionally, the multi-element profiles of buckwheat, clover, and polyfloral honey proteins were investigated to clarify whether the majority of elements were bound with proteins or not. Preliminary results indicated that Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Sr were mainly found in non-protein-bound forms, while the majority of Al, Cu, Ni, and Zn were in the form of large chemical structures (>10 kDa).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriss Davids Labsvards
- Department of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (V.R.); (M.B.); (J.N.); (A.V.)
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Lejupes Street 3, LV-1076 Riga, Latvia; (A.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Vita Rudovica
- Department of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (V.R.); (M.B.); (J.N.); (A.V.)
| | - Anastasija Borisova
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Lejupes Street 3, LV-1076 Riga, Latvia; (A.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Kristina Kokina
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Lejupes Street 3, LV-1076 Riga, Latvia; (A.B.); (K.K.)
| | - Maris Bertins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (V.R.); (M.B.); (J.N.); (A.V.)
| | - Jevgenija Naumenko
- Department of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (V.R.); (M.B.); (J.N.); (A.V.)
| | - Arturs Viksna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Street 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (V.R.); (M.B.); (J.N.); (A.V.)
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Härer L, Ernst L, Bechtner J, Wefers D, Ehrmann MA. Glycoside hydrolase family 32 enzymes from Bombella spp. catalyze the formation of high-molecular weight fructans from sucrose. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad268. [PMID: 37974045 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad268] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Acetic acid bacteria of the genus Bombella have not been reported to produce exopolysaccharides (EPS). In this study, the formation of fructans by B. apis TMW 2.1884 and B. mellum TMW 2.1889 was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS Out of eight strains from four different Bombella species, only B. apis TMW 2.1884 and B. mellum TMW 2.1889 showed EPS formation with 50 g l-1 sucrose as substrate. Both EPS were identified as high-molecular weight (HMW) polymers (106-107 Da) by asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation coupled to multi angle laser light scattering and UV detecors (AF4-MALLS/UV) and high performance size exclusion chromatography coupled to MALLS and refractive index detectors (HPSEC-MALLS/RI) analyses. Monosaccharide analysis via trifluoroacetic acid hydrolysis showed that both EPS are fructans. Determination of glycosidic linkages by methylation analysis revealed mainly 2,6-linked fructofuranose (Fruf) units with additional 2,1-linked Fruf units (10%) and 2,1,6-Fruf branched units (7%). No glycoside hydrolase (GH) 68 family genes that are typically associated with the formation of HMW fructans in bacteria could be identified in the genomes. Through heterologous expression in Escherichia coli Top10, an enzyme of the GH32 family could be assigned to the catalysis of fructan formation. The identified fructosyltransferases could be clearly differentiated phylogenetically and structurally from other previously described bacterial fructosyltransferases. CONCLUSIONS The formation of HMW fructans by individual strains of the genus Bombella is catalyzed by enzymes of the GH32 family. Analysis of the fructans revealed an atypical structure consisting of 2,6-linked Fruf units as well as 2,1-linked Fruf units and 2,1,6-Fruf units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Härer
- Chair of Microbiology, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Luise Ernst
- Institute of Chemistry, Division of Food Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 2, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Julia Bechtner
- Department of Food Science-Food Technology, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Daniel Wefers
- Institute of Chemistry, Division of Food Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 2, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias A Ehrmann
- Chair of Microbiology, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
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Mills TJT, Nelson TM, Pearson LA, Neilan BA. Hive Transplantation Has Minimal Impact on the Core Gut Microbiome of the Australian Stingless Bee, Tetragonula carbonaria. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:2086-2096. [PMID: 37088849 PMCID: PMC10497653 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02222-w] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria residing in the guts of pollinating insects play a key role in nutrient acquisition, digestion, and resistance to pests and diseases. Imbalances in microbial flora in response to environmental change and stress can therefore impact insect health and resilience. This study is aimed at defining the core gut microbiome of the Australian native stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria, and exploring the impact of colony transplantation on gut health. The gut microbiomes of nine forager bees from natural (log) and manufactured (box) hives were examined via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Some differences were observed at the ASV level between the microbiomes of log and box hive bees. However, a core microbiome, dominated by Lactobacillus spp., unclassified Acetobacteraceae spp., and Bombella spp., was maintained. Further, the inferred functional potential of the microbiomes was consistent across all individuals. This study highlights that although hive transplantation has an impact on the overall diversity of stingless bee gut microbiomes, it is unlikely to have a significant negative impact on the overall health and resilience of the colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J T Mills
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - T M Nelson
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - L A Pearson
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - B A Neilan
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
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Härer L, Stýblová S, Ehrmann MA. Bombella pluederhausensis sp. nov., Bombella pollinis sp. nov., Bombella saccharophila sp. nov. and Bombella dulcis sp. nov., four Bombella species isolated from the environment of the western honey bee Apis mellifera. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 37339070 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.005927] [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: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Four strains of members of the genus Bombella were isolated from samples associated with the western honey bee Apis mellifera, which could not be assigned to a species with a validly published name. Strains TMW 2.2543T, TMW 2.2556T, TMW 2.2558T and TMW 2.2559T exhibit in silico DNA-DNA hybridisation (isDDH) and orthologous average nucleotide identity (orthoANI) values below species delineation thresholds compared with all described species of the genus Bombella and with each other. TMW 2.2556T and TMW 2.2558T form their own clade within the genus. The major respiratory quinone of all strains was Q-10. The composition of cellular fatty acids was diverse between strains. All strains stained Gram-negative, were rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, pellicle-forming, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative, mesophilic and grew over a wide pH range; they were halosensitive but glucose-tolerant. Unlike the other studied strains, TMW 2.2558T was non-motile. Phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and physiological analyses revealed a clear distinction between all the strains and species with validly published names. All the data support the proposition of four novel species within the genus Bombella, namely Bombella pluederhausensis sp. nov., Bombella pollinis sp. nov., Bombella saccharophila sp. nov. and Bombella dulcis sp. nov., with the respective type strains Bombella pluederhausensis sp. nov. TMW 2.2543T (= DSM 114872T, = LMG 32791T), Bombella pollinis sp. nov. TMW 2.2556T (= DSM 114874T, = LMG 32792T), Bombella saccharophila sp. nov. TMW 2.2558T (= DSM 114875T, = LMG 32793T) and Bombella dulcis sp. nov. TMW 2.2559T (= DSM 114877T, = LMG 32794T). Moreover, three genomes available in the NCBI database that have not yet been described as species with validly published names could be assigned to the proposed species. Bombella sp. ESL0378 and Bombella sp. ESL0385 to Bombella pollinis sp. nov. and Bombella sp. AS1 to Bombella saccharophila sp. nov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Härer
- Chair of Microbiology, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Sabrina Stýblová
- Chair of Microbiology, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Matthias A Ehrmann
- Chair of Microbiology, Technical University of Munich, Gregor-Mendel-Straße 4, 85354 Freising, Germany
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Botero J, Sombolestani AS, Cnockaert M, Peeters C, Borremans W, De Vuyst L, Vereecken NJ, Michez D, Smagghe G, Bonilla-Rosso G, Engel P, Vandamme P. A phylogenomic and comparative genomic analysis of Commensalibacter, a versatile insect symbiont. Anim Microbiome 2023; 5:25. [PMID: 37120592 PMCID: PMC10149009 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-023-00248-6] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To understand mechanisms of adaptation and plasticity of pollinators and other insects a better understanding of diversity and function of their key symbionts is required. Commensalibacter is a genus of acetic acid bacterial symbionts in the gut of honey bees and other insect species, yet little information is available on the diversity and function of Commensalibacter bacteria. In the present study, whole-genome sequences of 12 Commensalibacter isolates from bumble bees, butterflies, Asian hornets and rowan berries were determined, and publicly available genome assemblies of 14 Commensalibacter strains were used in a phylogenomic and comparative genomic analysis. RESULTS The phylogenomic analysis revealed that the 26 Commensalibacter isolates represented four species, i.e. Commensalibacter intestini and three novel species for which we propose the names Commensalibacter melissae sp. nov., Commensalibacter communis sp. nov. and Commensalibacter papalotli sp. nov. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the four Commensalibacter species had similar genetic pathways for central metabolism characterized by a complete tricarboxylic acid cycle and pentose phosphate pathway, but their genomes differed in size, G + C content, amino acid metabolism and carbohydrate-utilizing enzymes. The reduced genome size, the large number of species-specific gene clusters, and the small number of gene clusters shared between C. melissae and other Commensalibacter species suggested a unique evolutionary process in C. melissae, the Western honey bee symbiont. CONCLUSION The genus Commensalibacter is a widely distributed insect symbiont that consists of multiple species, each contributing in a species specific manner to the physiology of the holobiont host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Botero
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Atena Sadat Sombolestani
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Margo Cnockaert
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Peeters
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Borremans
- Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc De Vuyst
- Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas J Vereecken
- Agroecology Lab, Université libre de Bruxelles, Boulevard du Triomphe CP 264/02, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Denis Michez
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Place du parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - German Bonilla-Rosso
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Engel
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Vandamme
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Weevil Carbohydrate Intake Triggers Endosymbiont Proliferation: A Trade-Off between Host Benefit and Endosymbiont Burden. mBio 2023; 14:e0333322. [PMID: 36779765 PMCID: PMC10127669 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03333-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional symbioses between insects and intracellular bacteria (endosymbionts) are a major force of adaptation, allowing animals to colonize nutrient-poor ecological niches. Many beetles feeding on tyrosine-poor substrates rely on a surplus of aromatic amino acids produced by bacterial endosymbionts. This surplus of aromatic amino acids is crucial for the biosynthesis of a thick exoskeleton, the cuticle, which is made of a matrix of chitin with proteins and pigments built from tyrosine-derived molecules, providing an important defensive barrier against biotic and abiotic stress. Other endosymbiont-related advantages for beetles include faster development and improved fecundity. The association between Sitophilus oryzae and the Sodalis pierantonius endosymbiont represents a unique case study among beetles: endosymbionts undergo an exponential proliferation in young adults concomitant with the cuticle tanning, and then they are fully eliminated. While endosymbiont clearance, as well as total endosymbiont titer, are host-controlled processes, the mechanism triggering endosymbiont exponential proliferation remains poorly understood. Here, we show that endosymbiont exponential proliferation relies on host carbohydrate intake, unlike the total endosymbiont titer or the endosymbiont clearance, which are under host genetic control. Remarkably, insect fecundity was preserved, and the cuticle tanning was achieved, even when endosymbiont exponential proliferation was experimentally blocked, except in the context of a severely unbalanced diet. Moreover, a high endosymbiont titer coupled with nutrient shortage dramatically impacted host survival, revealing possible environment-dependent disadvantages for the host, likely due to the high energy cost of exponentially proliferating endosymbionts. IMPORTANCE Beetles thriving on tyrosine-poor diet sources often develop mutualistic associations with endosymbionts able to synthesize aromatic amino acids. This surplus of aromatic amino acids is used to reinforce the insect's protective cuticle. An exceptional feature of the Sitophilus oryzae/Sodalis pierantonius interaction is the exponential increase in endosymbiotic titer observed in young adult insects, in concomitance with cuticle biosynthesis. Here, we show that host carbohydrate intake triggers endosymbiont exponential proliferation, even in conditions that lead to the detriment of the host survival. In addition, when hosts thrive on a balanced diet, endosymbiont proliferation is dispensable for several host fitness traits. The endosymbiont exponential proliferation is therefore dependent on the nutritional status of the host, and its consequences on host cuticle biosynthesis and survival depend on food quality and availability.
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Men Y, Yang ZW, Luo JY, Chen PP, Moreira FFF, Liu ZH, Yin JD, Xie BJ, Wang YH, Xie Q. Symbiotic Microorganisms and Their Different Association Types in Aquatic and Semiaquatic Bugs. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0279422. [PMID: 36409137 PMCID: PMC9769989 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02794-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
True bugs (Hemiptera, suborder Heteroptera) constitute the largest suborder of nonholometabolous insects and occupy a wide range of habitats various from terrestrial to semiaquatic to aquatic niches. The transition and occupation of these diverse habitats impose various challenges to true bugs, including access to oxygen for the aquatic species and plant defense for the terrestrial phytophagans. Although numerous studies have demonstrated that microorganisms can provide multiple benefits to terrestrial host insects, a systematic study with comprehensive higher taxa sampling that represents aquatic and semiaquatic habitats is still lacking. To explore the role of symbiotic microorganisms in true bug adaptations, 204 samples belonging to all seven infraorders of Heteroptera were investigated, representing approximately 85% of its superfamilies and almost all known habitats. The symbiotic microbial communities of these insects were analyzed based on the full-length amplicons of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS region. Bacterial communities varied among hosts inhabiting terrestrial, semiaquatic, and aquatic habitats, while fungal communities were more related to the geographical distribution of the hosts. Interestingly, co-occurrence networks showed that species inhabiting similar habitats shared symbiotic microorganism association types. Moreover, functional prediction analyses showed that the symbiotic bacterial community of aquatic species displayed richer amino acid and lipid metabolism pathways, while plant-feeding true bugs benefited more from the symbiont-provided xenobiotics biodegradation pathway. These results deepened the recognition that symbiotic microorganisms were likely to help heteropterans occupy diverse ecological habitats and provided a reference framework for further studies on how microorganisms affect host insects living in various habitats. IMPORTANCE Symbiotic bacteria and fungi generally colonize insects and provide various benefits for hosts. Although numerous studies have investigated symbionts in terrestrial plant-feeding insects, explorations of symbiotic bacterial and fungal communities in aquatic and semiaquatic insects are rare. In this study, the symbiotic microorganisms of 204 aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial true bugs were explored. This comprehensive taxon sampling covers ~85% of the superfamilies of true bugs and most insect habitats. Analyses of the diversity of symbionts demonstrated that the symbiotic microbial diversities of true bugs were mainly affected by host habitats. Co-occurrence networks showed that true bugs inhabiting similar habitats shared symbiotic microbial association types. These correlations between symbionts and hosts together with the functions of bacterial communities indicated that symbiotic microbial communities may help true bugs adapt to (semi)aquatic habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Men
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zi-wen Yang
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiu-yang Luo
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping-ping Chen
- Netherlands Centre of Biodiversity Naturalis, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Zhi-hui Liu
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia-dong Yin
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bao-jun Xie
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-hui Wang
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Xie
- School of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Honey bee symbiont gives larvae a boost. Nat Rev Microbiol 2022; 20:509. [PMID: 35761054 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00764-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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