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Shamjana U, Vasu DA, Hembrom PS, Nayak K, Grace T. The role of insect gut microbiota in host fitness, detoxification and nutrient supplementation. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2024; 117:71. [PMID: 38668783 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-024-01970-0] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Insects are incredibly diverse, ubiquitous and have successfully flourished out of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of evolutionary processes. The resident microbiome has accompanied the physical and biological adaptations that enable their continued survival and proliferation in a wide array of environments. The host insect and microbiome's bidirectional relationship exhibits their capability to influence each other's physiology, behavior and characteristics. Insects are reported to rely directly on the microbial community to break down complex food, adapt to nutrient-deficit environments, protect themselves from natural adversaries and control the expression of social behavior. High-throughput metagenomic approaches have enhanced the potential for determining the abundance, composition, diversity and functional activities of microbial fauna associated with insect hosts, enabling in-depth investigation into insect-microbe interactions. We undertook a review of some of the major advances in the field of metagenomics, focusing on insect-microbe interaction, diversity and composition of resident microbiota, the functional capability of endosymbionts and discussions on different symbiotic relationships. The review aims to be a valuable resource on insect gut symbiotic microbiota by providing a comprehensive understanding of how insect gut symbionts systematically perform a range of functions, viz., insecticide degradation, nutritional support and immune fitness. A thorough understanding of manipulating specific gut symbionts may aid in developing advanced insect-associated research to attain health and design strategies for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Shamjana
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India
| | - Deepa Azhchath Vasu
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India
| | - Preety Sweta Hembrom
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India
| | - Karunakar Nayak
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India
| | - Tony Grace
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India.
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Ingham CS, Engl T, Matarrita-Carranza B, Vogler P, Huettel B, Wielsch N, Svatoš A, Kaltenpoth M. Host hydrocarbons protect symbiont transmission from a radical host defense. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2302721120. [PMID: 37487102 PMCID: PMC10400980 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2302721120] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Symbioses with microbes play a pivotal role in the evolutionary success of insects, and can lead to intimate host-symbiont associations. However, how the host maintains a stable symbiosis with its beneficial partners while keeping antagonistic microbes in check remains incompletely understood. Here, we uncover a mechanism by which a host protects its symbiont from the host's own broad-range antimicrobial defense during transmission. Beewolves, a group of solitary digger wasps (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae), provide their brood cells with symbiotic Streptomyces bacteria that are later transferred to the cocoon and protect the offspring from opportunistic pathogens by producing antibiotics. In the brood cell, however, the symbiont-containing secretion is exposed to a toxic burst of nitric oxide (NO) released by the beewolf egg, which effectively kills antagonistic microorganisms. How the symbiont survives this lethal NO burst remained unknown. Here, we report that upon NO exposure in vitro, the symbionts mount a global stress response, but this is insufficient to ensure survival at brood cell-level NO concentrations. Instead, in vivo bioassays demonstrate that the host's antennal gland secretion (AGS) surrounding the symbionts in the brood cell provides an effective diffusion barrier against NO. This physicochemical protection can be reconstituted in vitro by beewolf hydrocarbon extracts and synthetic hydrocarbons, indicating that the host-derived long-chain alkenes and alkanes in the AGS are responsible for shielding the symbionts from NO. Our results reveal how host adaptations can protect a symbiont from host-generated oxidative and nitrosative stress during transmission, thereby efficiently balancing pathogen defense and mutualism maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Selina Ingham
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55128, Germany
| | - Tobias Engl
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55128, Germany
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena07745, Germany
| | | | - Paul Vogler
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55128, Germany
| | - Bruno Huettel
- Max Planck Genome Centre Cologne, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne50829, Germany
| | - Natalie Wielsch
- Research Group Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena07745, Germany
| | - Aleš Svatoš
- Research Group Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena07745, Germany
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz55128, Germany
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max-Planck-Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena07745, Germany
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Xu J, Tan JB, Li YD, Xu YH, Tang A, Zhou HK, Shi PQ. Diversity and dynamics of endosymbionts in a single population of sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae): a preliminary study. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2023; 23:13. [PMID: 37052365 PMCID: PMC10099751 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iead021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Endosymbionts live symbiotically with insect hosts and play important roles in the evolution, growth, development, reproduction, and environmental fitness of hosts. Weevils are one of the most abundant insect groups that can be infected by various endosymbionts, such as Sodalis, Nardonella, and Wolbachia. The sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae), is a notorious pest in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivation. Currently, little is known about the presence of endosymbionts in C. formicarius. Herein, we assessed the endosymbiont load of a single geographic population of C. formicarius. The results showed that Nardonella and Rickettsia could infect C. formicarius at different rates, which also varied according to the developmental stages of C. formicarius. The relative titer of Nardonella was significantly related to C. formicarius developmental stages. The Nardonella-infecting sweet potato weevils were most closely related to the Nardonella in Sphenophorus levis (Coleoptera, Curculionidae). The Rickettsia be identified in bellii group. These results preliminarily revealed the endosymbionts in C. formicarius and helped to explore the diversity of endosymbionts in weevils and uncover the physiological roles of endosymbionts in weevils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Xu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jian-Bin Tan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yi-Dan Li
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yuan-Hao Xu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - An Tang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Hong-Kai Zhou
- Department of agronomy, College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
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Ganesan R, Wierz JC, Kaltenpoth M, Flórez LV. How It All Begins: Bacterial Factors Mediating the Colonization of Invertebrate Hosts by Beneficial Symbionts. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2022; 86:e0012621. [PMID: 36301103 PMCID: PMC9769632 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00126-21] [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] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Beneficial associations with bacteria are widespread across animals, spanning a range of symbiont localizations, transmission routes, and functions. While some of these associations have evolved into obligate relationships with permanent symbiont localization within the host, the majority require colonization of every host generation from the environment or via maternal provisions. Across the broad diversity of host species and tissue types that beneficial bacteria can colonize, there are some highly specialized strategies for establishment yet also some common patterns in the molecular basis of colonization. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying the early stage of beneficial bacterium-invertebrate associations, from initial contact to the establishment of the symbionts in a specific location of the host's body. We first reflect on general selective pressures that can drive the transition from a free-living to a host-associated lifestyle in bacteria. We then cover bacterial molecular factors for colonization in symbioses from both model and nonmodel invertebrate systems where these have been studied, including terrestrial and aquatic host taxa. Finally, we discuss how interactions between multiple colonizing bacteria and priority effects can influence colonization. Taking the bacterial perspective, we emphasize the importance of developing new experimentally tractable systems to derive general insights into the ecological factors and molecular adaptations underlying the origin and establishment of beneficial symbioses in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Ganesan
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen C. Wierz
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Kaltenpoth
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Insect Symbiosis, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Laura V. Flórez
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section for Organismal Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Characterization of New Defensin Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Expression in Bed Bugs in Response to Bacterial Ingestion and Injection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911505. [PMID: 36232802 PMCID: PMC9570333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Common bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, can carry, but do not transmit, pathogens to the vertebrate hosts on which they feed. Some components of the innate immune system of bed bugs, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), eliminate the pathogens. Here, we determined the molecular characteristics, structural properties, and phylogenetic relatedness of two new defensins (CL-defensin1 (XP_024085718.1), CL-defensin2 (XP_014240919.1)), and two new defensin isoforms (CL-defensin3a (XP_014240918.1), CL-defensin3b (XP_024083729.1)). The complete amino acid sequences of CL-defensin1, CL-defensin2, CL-defensin3a, and CL-defensin3b are strongly conserved, with only minor differences in their signal and pro-peptide regions. We used a combination of comparative transcriptomics and real-time quantitative PCR to evaluate the expression of these defensins in the midguts and the rest of the body of insects that had been injected with bacteria or had ingested blood containing the Gram-positive (Gr+) bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the Gram-negative (Gr–) bacterium Escherichia coli. We demonstrate, for the first time, sex-specific and immunization mode-specific upregulation of bed bug defensins in response to injection or ingestion of Gr+ or Gr– bacteria. Understanding the components, such as these defensins, of the bed bugs’ innate immune systems in response to pathogens may help unravel why bed bugs do not transmit pathogens to vertebrates.
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Ferrarini MG, Dell’Aglio E, Vallier A, Balmand S, Vincent-Monégat C, Hughes S, Gillet B, Parisot N, Zaidman-Rémy A, Vieira C, Heddi A, Rebollo R. Efficient compartmentalization in insect bacteriomes protects symbiotic bacteria from host immune system. MICROBIOME 2022; 10:156. [PMID: 36163269 PMCID: PMC9513942 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-022-01334-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many insects house symbiotic intracellular bacteria (endosymbionts) that provide them with essential nutrients, thus promoting the usage of nutrient-poor habitats. Endosymbiont seclusion within host specialized cells, called bacteriocytes, often organized in a dedicated organ, the bacteriome, is crucial in protecting them from host immune defenses while avoiding chronic host immune activation. Previous evidence obtained in the cereal weevil Sitophilus oryzae has shown that bacteriome immunity is activated against invading pathogens, suggesting endosymbionts might be targeted and impacted by immune effectors during an immune challenge. To pinpoint any molecular determinants associated with such challenges, we conducted a dual transcriptomic analysis of S. oryzae's bacteriome subjected to immunogenic peptidoglycan fragments. RESULTS We show that upon immune challenge, the bacteriome actively participates in the innate immune response via induction of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Surprisingly, endosymbionts do not undergo any transcriptomic changes, indicating that this potential threat goes unnoticed. Immunohistochemistry showed that TCT-induced AMPs are located outside the bacteriome, excluding direct contact with the endosymbionts. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates that endosymbiont protection during an immune challenge is mainly achieved by efficient confinement within bacteriomes, which provides physical separation between host systemic response and endosymbionts. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Galvão Ferrarini
- Univ Lyon, INRAE, INSA-Lyon, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Elisa Dell’Aglio
- Univ Lyon, INRAE, INSA-Lyon, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Agnès Vallier
- Univ Lyon, INRAE, INSA-Lyon, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Séverine Balmand
- Univ Lyon, INRAE, INSA-Lyon, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - Sandrine Hughes
- UMR5242, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon (IGFL), Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL), Université de Lyon (Univ Lyon), F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Benjamin Gillet
- UMR5242, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon (IGFL), Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL), Université de Lyon (Univ Lyon), F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Parisot
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Anna Zaidman-Rémy
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Cristina Vieira
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, Université Lyon 1, Université Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Abdelaziz Heddi
- Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Rita Rebollo
- Univ Lyon, INRAE, INSA-Lyon, BF2I, UMR 203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
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Siddiqui JA, Khan MM, Bamisile BS, Hafeez M, Qasim M, Rasheed MT, Rasheed MA, Ahmad S, Shahid MI, Xu Y. Role of Insect Gut Microbiota in Pesticide Degradation: A Review. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:870462. [PMID: 35591988 PMCID: PMC9111541 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.870462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect pests cause significant agricultural and economic losses to crops worldwide due to their destructive activities. Pesticides are designed to be poisonous and are intentionally released into the environment to combat the menace caused by these noxious pests. To survive, these insects can resist toxic substances introduced by humans in the form of pesticides. According to recent findings, microbes that live in insect as symbionts have recently been found to protect their hosts against toxins. Symbioses that have been formed are between the pests and various microbes, a defensive mechanism against pathogens and pesticides. Insects' guts provide unique conditions for microbial colonization, and resident bacteria can deliver numerous benefits to their hosts. Insects vary significantly in their reliance on gut microbes for basic functions. Insect digestive tracts are very different in shape and chemical properties, which have a big impact on the structure and composition of the microbial community. Insect gut microbiota has been found to contribute to feeding, parasite and pathogen protection, immune response modulation, and pesticide breakdown. The current review will examine the roles of gut microbiota in pesticide detoxification and the mechanisms behind the development of resistance in insects to various pesticides. To better understand the detoxifying microbiota in agriculturally significant pest insects, we provided comprehensive information regarding the role of gut microbiota in the detoxification of pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Ali Siddiqui
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Musa Khan
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Muhammad Hafeez
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Qasim
- Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Kohsar University Murree, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tariq Rasheed
- Department of Life Sciences, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Atif Rasheed
- Department of Entomology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Crop in South China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yijuan Xu
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Rebuffat S. Ribosomally synthesized peptides, foreground players in microbial interactions: recent developments and unanswered questions. Nat Prod Rep 2021; 39:273-310. [PMID: 34755755 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00052g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It is currently well established that multicellular organisms live in tight association with complex communities of microorganisms including a large number of bacteria. These are immersed in complex interaction networks reflecting the relationships established between them and with host organisms; yet, little is known about the molecules and mechanisms involved in these mutual interactions. Ribosomally synthesized peptides, among which bacterial antimicrobial peptides called bacteriocins and microcins have been identified as contributing to host-microbe interplays, are either unmodified or post-translationally modified peptides. This review will unveil current knowledge on these ribosomal peptide-based natural products, their interplay with the host immune system, and their roles in microbial interactions and symbioses. It will include their major structural characteristics and post-translational modifications, the main rules of their maturation pathways, and the principal ecological functions they ensure (communication, signalization, competition), especially in symbiosis, taking select examples in various organisms. Finally, we address unanswered questions and provide a framework for deciphering big issues inspiring future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Rebuffat
- Laboratory Molecules of Communication and Adaptation of Microorganisms (MCAM, UMR 7245 CNRS-MNHN), National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), National Centre of Scientific Research (CNRS), CP 54, 57 rue Cuvier 75005, Paris, France.
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Maire J, Blackall LL, van Oppen MJH. Intracellular Bacterial Symbionts in Corals: Challenges and Future Directions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2209. [PMID: 34835335 PMCID: PMC8619543 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Corals are the main primary producers of coral reefs and build the three-dimensional reef structure that provides habitat to more than 25% of all marine eukaryotes. They harbor a complex consortium of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, viruses, and protists, which they rely on for their survival. The symbiosis between corals and bacteria is poorly studied, and their symbiotic relationships with intracellular bacteria are only just beginning to be acknowledged. In this review, we emphasize the importance of characterizing intracellular bacteria associated with corals and explore how successful approaches used to study such microorganisms in other systems could be adapted for research on corals. We propose a framework for the description, identification, and functional characterization of coral-associated intracellular bacterial symbionts. Finally, we highlight the possible value of intracellular bacteria in microbiome manipulation and mitigating coral bleaching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Maire
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (L.L.B.); (M.J.H.v.O.)
| | - Linda L. Blackall
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (L.L.B.); (M.J.H.v.O.)
| | - Madeleine J. H. van Oppen
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; (L.L.B.); (M.J.H.v.O.)
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
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Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are ubiquitous in nature. These viruses play a number of central roles in microbial ecology and evolution by, for instance, promoting horizontal gene transfer (HGT) among bacterial species. The ability of phages to mediate HGT through transduction has been widely exploited as an experimental tool for the genetic study of bacteria. As such, bacteriophage P1 represents a prototypical generalized transducing phage with a broad host range that has been extensively employed in the genetic manipulation of Escherichia coli and a number of other model bacterial species. Here we demonstrate that P1 is capable of infecting, lysogenizing, and promoting transduction in members of the bacterial genus Sodalis, including the maternally inherited insect endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius. While establishing new tools for the genetic study of these bacterial species, our results suggest that P1 may be used to deliver DNA to many Gram-negative endosymbionts in their insect host, thereby circumventing a culturing requirement to genetically manipulate these organisms. IMPORTANCE A large number of economically important insects maintain intimate associations with maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria. Due to the inherent nature of these associations, insect endosymbionts cannot be usually isolated in pure culture or genetically manipulated. Here we use a broad-host-range bacteriophage to deliver exogenous DNA to an insect endosymbiont and a closely related free-living species. Our results suggest that broad-host-range bacteriophages can be used to genetically alter insect endosymbionts in their insect host and, as a result, bypass a culturing requirement to genetically alter these bacteria.
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Salcedo-Porras N, Noor S, Cai C, Oliveira PL, Lowenberger C. Rhodnius prolixus uses the peptidoglycan recognition receptor rpPGRP-LC/LA to detect Gram-negative bacteria and activate the IMD pathway. CURRENT RESEARCH IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 1:100006. [PMID: 36003603 PMCID: PMC9387487 DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2020.100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Insects rely on an innate immune system to recognize and eliminate pathogens. Key components of this system are highly conserved across all invertebrates. To detect pathogens, insects use Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that bind to signature motifs on the surface of pathogens called Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs). In general, insects use peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) in the Immune Deficiency (IMD) pathway to detect Gram-negative bacteria, and other PGRPs and Gram-negative binding proteins (GNBPs) in the Toll pathway to detect Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, although there is crosstalk and cooperation between these and other pathways. Once pathogens are recognized, these pathways activate the production of potent antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Most PRRs in insects have been reported from genome sequencing initiatives but few have been characterized functionally. The initial studies on insect PRRs were done using established dipteran model organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster, but there are differences in the numbers and functional role of PRRs in different insects. Here we describe the genomic repertoire of PGRPs in Rhodnius prolixus, a hemimetabolous hemipteran vector of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that causes Chagas disease in humans. Using a de novo transcriptome from the fat body of immune activated insects, we found 5 genes encoding PGRPs. Phylogenetic analysis groups R. prolixus PGRPs with D. melanogaster PGRP-LA, which is involved in the IMD pathway in the respiratory tract. A single R. prolixus PGRP gene encodes isoforms that contain an intracellular region or motif (cryptic RIP Homotypic Interaction Motif-cRHIM) that is involved in the IMD signaling pathway in D. melanogaster. We characterized and silenced this gene using RNAi and show that the PGRPs that contain cRHIMs are involved in the recognition of Gram-negative bacteria, and activation of the IMD pathway in the fat body of R. prolixus, similar to the PGRP-LC of D. melanogaster. This is the first functional characterization of a PGRP containing a cRHIM motif that serves to activate the IMD pathway in a hemimetabolous insect.
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Key Words
- AMP, Antimicrobial Peptide
- Antimicrobial peptides
- GNBP, Gram-negative Binding Protein
- Gr+, Gram-positive
- Gr-, Gram-negative
- IMD pathway
- IMD, Immune Deficiency
- Innate immunity
- ML, Maximum Likelihood
- PAMP, Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern
- PGN, Peptidoglycan
- PGRP
- PGRP, Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein
- PRR, Pattern Recognition Receptor
- RHIM
- RNAi, RNA interference
- SMOC, Supramolecular Organizing Centres
- TPM, Transcripts Per Million
- Triatomines
- cRHIM, cryptic RIP Homotypic Interaction Motif
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Salcedo-Porras
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
- Corresponding author.
| | - Shireen Noor
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Charley Cai
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Pedro L. Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
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Salcedo-Porras N, Umaña-Diaz C, de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt R, Lowenberger C. The Role of Bacterial Symbionts in Triatomines: An Evolutionary Perspective. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1438. [PMID: 32961808 PMCID: PMC7565714 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects have established mutualistic symbiotic interactions with microorganisms that are beneficial to both host and symbiont. Many insects have exploited these symbioses to diversify and expand their ecological ranges. In the Hemiptera (i.e., aphids, cicadas, and true bugs), symbioses have established and evolved with obligatory essential microorganisms (primary symbionts) and with facultative beneficial symbionts (secondary symbionts). Primary symbionts are usually intracellular microorganisms found in insects with specialized diets such as obligate hematophagy or phytophagy. Most Heteroptera (true bugs), however, have gastrointestinal (GI) tract extracellular symbionts with functions analogous to primary endosymbionts. The triatomines, are vectors of the human parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. A description of their small GI tract microbiota richness was based on a few culturable microorganisms first described almost a century ago. A growing literature describes more complex interactions between triatomines and bacteria with properties characteristic of both primary and secondary symbionts. In this review, we provide an evolutionary perspective of beneficial symbioses in the Hemiptera, illustrating the context that may drive the evolution of symbioses in triatomines. We highlight the diversity of the triatomine microbiota, bacterial taxa with potential to be beneficial symbionts, the unique characteristics of triatomine-bacteria symbioses, and the interactions among trypanosomes, microbiota, and triatomines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Salcedo-Porras
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (C.U.-D.); (R.d.O.B.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Claudia Umaña-Diaz
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (C.U.-D.); (R.d.O.B.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Ricardo de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (C.U.-D.); (R.d.O.B.B.); (C.L.)
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, 23890-000 Seropédica, Brasil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (C.U.-D.); (R.d.O.B.B.); (C.L.)
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Gerardo NM, Hoang KL, Stoy KS. Evolution of animal immunity in the light of beneficial symbioses. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190601. [PMID: 32772666 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune system processes serve as the backbone of animal defences against pathogens and thus have evolved under strong selection and coevolutionary dynamics. Most microorganisms that animals encounter, however, are not harmful, and many are actually beneficial. Selection should act on hosts to maintain these associations while preventing exploitation of within-host resources. Here, we consider how several key aspects of beneficial symbiotic associations may shape host immune system evolution. When host immunity is used to regulate symbiont populations, there should be selection to evolve and maintain targeted immune responses that recognize symbionts and suppress but not eliminate symbiont populations. Associating with protective symbionts could relax selection on the maintenance of redundant host-derived immune responses. Alternatively, symbionts could facilitate the evolution of host immune responses if symbiont-conferred protection allows for persistence of host populations that can then adapt. The trajectory of immune system evolution will likely differ based on the type of immunity involved, the symbiont transmission mode and the costs and benefits of immune system function. Overall, the expected influence of beneficial symbiosis on immunity evolution depends on how the host immune system interacts with symbionts, with some interactions leading to constraints while others possibly relax selection on immune system maintenance. This article is part of the theme issue 'The role of the microbiome in host evolution'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Gerardo
- Department of Biology, Emory University, O. Wayne Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kim L Hoang
- Department of Biology, Emory University, O. Wayne Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kayla S Stoy
- Department of Biology, Emory University, O. Wayne Rollins Research Center, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Kucuk RA. Gut Bacteria in the Holometabola: A Review of Obligate and Facultative Symbionts. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:5893943. [PMID: 32809024 PMCID: PMC7433766 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The diversity and ecological variety of Holometabola foregrounds a wide array of dynamic symbiotic relationships with gut-dwelling bacteria. A review of the literature highlights that holometabolous insects rely on both obligate bacteria and facultative bacteria living in their guts to satisfy a number of physiological needs. The driving forces behind these differing relationships can be hypothesized through the scrutiny of bacterial associations with host gut morphology, and transmission of bacteria within a given host taxon. Our knowledge of the evolution of facultative or obligate symbiotic bacteria in holometabolan systems is further enhanced by an assessment of the various services the bacteria provide, including nutrition, immune system health, and development. The diversity of Holometabola can thus be examined through an assessment of known bacterial partnerships within the orders of Holometabola.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Kucuk
- Clemson University, Poole Agricultural Center, Clemson, SC
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Muhammad A, Habineza P, Wang X, Xiao R, Ji T, Hou Y, Shi Z. Spätzle Homolog-Mediated Toll-Like Pathway Regulates Innate Immune Responses to Maintain the Homeostasis of Gut Microbiota in the Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae). Front Microbiol 2020; 11:846. [PMID: 32523559 PMCID: PMC7261851 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spätzle (Spz) is a dimeric ligand that responds to the Gram-positive bacterial or fungal infection by binding Toll receptors to induce the secretion of antimicrobial peptides. However, whether the Toll-like signaling pathway mediates the innate immunity of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus to modulate the homeostasis of gut microbiota has not been determined. In this study, we found that a Spz homolog, RfSpätzle, is a secretory protein comprising a signal peptide and a conservative Spz domain. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that RfSpätzle was significantly induced to be expressed in the fat body and gut by the systemic and oral infection with pathogenic microbes. The expression levels of two antimicrobial peptide genes, RfColeoptericin and RfCecropin, were downregulated significantly by RfSpätzle knockdown, indicating that their secretion is under the regulation of the RfSpätzle-mediated signaling pathway. After being challenged by pathogenic microbes, the cumulative mortality rate of RfSpätzle-silenced individuals was drastically increased as compared to that of the controls. Further analysis indicated that these larvae possessed the diminished antibacterial activity. Moreover, RfSpätzle knockdown altered the relative abundance of gut bacteria at the phylum and family levels. Taken together, these findings suggest that RfSpätzle is involved in RPW immunity to confer protection and maintain the homeostasis of gut microbiota by mediating the production of antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abrar Muhammad
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Prosper Habineza
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xinghong Wang
- Guizhou Institute of Biology, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tianliang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Youming Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhanghong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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Salcedo-Porras N, Lowenberger C. The innate immune system of kissing bugs, vectors of chagas disease. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 98:119-128. [PMID: 31014953 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Kissing bugs have long served as models to study many aspects of insect physiology. They also serve as vectors for the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that causes Chagas disease in humans. The overall success of insects is due, in part, to their ability to recognize parasites and pathogens as non-self and to eliminate them using their innate immune system. This immune system comprises physical barriers, cellular responses (phagocytosis, nodulation and encapsulation), and humoral factors (antimicrobial peptides and the prophenoloxidase cascade). Trypanosoma cruzi survives solely in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the vector; if it migrates to the hemocoel it is eliminated. Kissing bugs may not mount a vigorous immune response in the GI tract to avoid eliminating obligate symbiotic microbes on which they rely for survival. Here we describe the current knowledge of innate immunity in kissing bugs and new opportunities using genomic and transcriptomic approaches to study the complex triatomine-trypanosome-microbiome interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Salcedo-Porras
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
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Trappeniers K, Matetovici I, Van Den Abbeele J, De Vooght L. The Tsetse Fly Displays an Attenuated Immune Response to Its Secondary Symbiont, Sodalis glossinidius. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1650. [PMID: 31396178 PMCID: PMC6668328 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodalis glossinidius, a vertically transmitted facultative symbiont of the tsetse fly, is a bacterium in the early/intermediate state of its transition toward symbiosis, representing an important model for investigating how the insect host immune defense response is regulated to allow endosymbionts to establish a chronic infection within their hosts without being eliminated. In this study, we report on the establishment of a tsetse fly line devoid of S. glossinidius only, allowing us to experimentally investigate (i) the complex immunological interactions between a single bacterial species and its host, (ii) how the symbiont population is kept under control, and (iii) the impact of the symbiont on the vector competence of the tsetse fly to transmit the sleeping sickness parasite. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed no difference in the expression of genes involved in innate immune processes between symbiont-harboring (GmmSod+) and S. glossinidius-free (GmmSod–) flies. Re-exposure of (GmmSod–) flies to the endosymbiotic bacterium resulted in a moderate immune response, whereas exposure to pathogenic E. coli or to a close non-insect associated relative of S. glossinidius, i.e., S. praecaptivus, resulted in full immune activation. We also showed that S. glossinidius densities are not affected by experimental activation or suppression of the host immune system, indicating that S. glossinidius is resistant to mounted immune attacks and that the host immune system does not play a major role in controlling S. glossinidius proliferation. Finally, we demonstrate that the absence or presence of S. glossinidius in the tsetse fly does not alter its capacity to mount an immune response to pathogens nor does it affect the fly’s susceptibility toward trypanosome infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Trappeniers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Irina Matetovici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Linda De Vooght
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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