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Chen CY, Chan WY, Ismail A, Oliver SV. Characterization of the Tissue and Strain-Specific Microbiota of Anopheles funestus Giles (Diptera: Culicidae). Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:84. [PMID: 38668545 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9040084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The mosquito microbiota is a critical determinant of mosquito life history. It is therefore a target for novel vector control strategies like paratransgenesis. However, the microbiota in Anopheles funestus, a major African malaria vector, is poorly characterized. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the overall bacterial landscape in the salivary glands, ovaries and midguts of three laboratory strains of An. funestus differing in insecticide-resistant phenotype by sequencing the V3-V4 hypervariable region of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. When examining alpha diversity, the salivary glands harbored significantly more bacteria in terms of species richness and evenness compared to ovaries and midguts. On the strain level, the insecticide-susceptible FANG strain had significantly lower bacterial diversity than the insecticide-resistant FUMOZ and FUMOZ-R strains. When looking at beta diversity, the compositions of microbiota between the three tissues as well as between the strains were statistically different. While there were common bacteria across all three tissues and strains of interest, each tissue and strain did exhibit differentially abundant bacterial genera. However, overall, the top five most abundant genera across all tissues and strains were Elizabethkingia, Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Cedecea and Yersinia. The presence of shared microbiota suggests a core microbiota that could be exploited for paratransgenesis efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yu Chen
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Wai-Yin Chan
- Sequencing Core Facility, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (BGM), Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Arshad Ismail
- Sequencing Core Facility, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
- Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Shüné V Oliver
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
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Darrington M, Leftwich PT, Holmes NA, Friend LA, Clarke NVE, Worsley SF, Margaritopolous JT, Hogenhout SA, Hutchings MI, Chapman T. Characterisation of the symbionts in the Mediterranean fruit fly gut. Microb Genom 2022; 8. [PMID: 35446250 PMCID: PMC9453069 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Symbioses between bacteria and their insect hosts can range from loose associations through to obligate interdependence. While fundamental evolutionary insights have been gained from the in-depth study of obligate mutualisms, there is increasing interest in the evolutionary potential of flexible symbiotic associations between hosts and their gut microbiomes. Understanding relationships between microbes and hosts also offers the potential for exploitation for insect control. Here, we investigate the gut microbiome of a global agricultural pest, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata). We used 16S rRNA profiling to compare the gut microbiomes of laboratory and wild strains raised on different diets and from flies collected from various natural plant hosts. The results showed that medfly guts harbour a simple microbiome that is primarily determined by the larval diet. However, regardless of the laboratory diet or natural plant host on which flies were raised, Klebsiella spp. dominated medfly microbiomes and were resistant to removal by antibiotic treatment. We sequenced the genome of the dominant putative Klebsiella spp. (‘Medkleb’) isolated from the gut of the Toliman wild-type strain. Genome-wide ANI analysis placed Medkleb within the K. oxytoca / michiganensis group. Species level taxonomy for Medkleb was resolved using a mutli-locus phylogenetic approach - and molecular, sequence and phenotypic analyses all supported its identity as K. michiganensis. Medkleb has a genome size (5825435 bp) which is 1.6 standard deviations smaller than the mean genome size of free-living Klebsiella spp. Medkleb also lacks some genes involved in environmental sensing. Moreover, the Medkleb genome contains at least two recently acquired unique genomic islands as well as genes that encode pectinolytic enzymes capable of degrading plant cell walls. This may be advantageous given that the medfly diet includes unripe fruits containing high proportions of pectin. The results suggest that the medfly harbours a commensal gut bacterium that may have developed a mutualistic association with its host and provide nutritional benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Darrington
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Philip T Leftwich
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Neil A Holmes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Lucy A Friend
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Naomi V E Clarke
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Sarah F Worsley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - John T Margaritopolous
- Department of Plant Protection, Institute of Industrial and Fodder Crops, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DEMETER, Volos, Greece
| | - Saskia A Hogenhout
- Department of Crop Genetics, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, NR4 7UH, Norwich, UK
| | - Matthew I Hutchings
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Tracey Chapman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
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Huang W, Vega-Rodriguez J, Kizito C, Cha SJ, Jacobs-Lorena M. Combining transgenesis with paratransgenesis to fight malaria. eLife 2022; 11:77584. [PMID: 36281969 PMCID: PMC9596157 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is among the deadliest infectious diseases, and Plasmodium, the causative agent, needs to complete a complex development cycle in its vector mosquito for transmission to occur. Two promising strategies to curb transmission are transgenesis, consisting of genetically engineering mosquitoes to express antimalarial effector molecules, and paratransgenesis, consisting of introducing into the mosquito commensal bacteria engineered to express antimalarial effector molecules. Although both approaches restrict parasite development in the mosquito, it is not known how their effectiveness compares. Here we provide an in-depth assessment of transgenesis and paratransgenesis and evaluate the combination of the two approaches. Using the Q-system to drive gene expression, we engineered mosquitoes to produce and secrete two effectors - scorpine and the MP2 peptide - into the mosquito gut and salivary glands. We also engineered Serratia, a commensal bacterium capable of spreading through mosquito populations to secrete effectors into the mosquito gut. Whereas both mosquito-based and bacteria-based approaches strongly reduced the oocyst and sporozoite intensity, a substantially stronger reduction of Plasmodium falciparum development was achieved when transgenesis and paratransgenesis were combined. Most importantly, transmission of Plasmodium berghei from infected to naïve mice was maximally inhibited by the combination of the two approaches. Combining these two strategies promises to become a powerful approach to combat malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Joel Vega-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthRockvilleUnited States
| | - Chritopher Kizito
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Sung-Jae Cha
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreUnited States
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Liu QX, Su ZP, Liu HH, Lu SP, Ma B, Zhao Y, Hou YM, Shi ZH. The Effect of Gut Bacteria on the Physiology of Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier and Their Potential for the Control of This Pest. Insects 2021; 12:insects12070594. [PMID: 34208921 PMCID: PMC8307761 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, is a notorious pest, which infests palm trees and has caused great economic losses worldwide. At present, insecticide applications are still the main way to control this pest. However, pesticide resistance has been detected in the field populations of RPW. Thus, future management strategies based on the novel association biological control need be developed. Recent studies have shown that the intestinal tract of RPW is often colonized by multiple microbial species as mammals and model insects, and gut bacteria have been found to promote the growth, development and immune activity of RPW larvae by modulating nutrient metabolism. Furthermore, two peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), PGRP-LB and PGRP-S1, can act as the negative regulators to modulate the intestinal immunity to maintain the homeostasis of gut bacteria in RPW larvae. Here, we summarized the current knowledge on the gut bacterial composition of RPW and their impact on the physiological traits of RPW larvae. In contrast with metazoans, it is much easier to make genetic engineered microbes to produce some active molecules against pests. From this perspective, because of the profound effects of gut bacteria on host phenotypes, it is promising to dissect the molecular mechanisms behind their effect on host physiology and facilitate the development of microbial resource-based management methods for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Xia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Q.-X.L.); (Z.-P.S.); (H.-H.L.); (S.-P.L.); (B.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.-M.H.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Q.-X.L.); (Z.-P.S.); (H.-H.L.); (S.-P.L.); (B.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.-M.H.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Hui-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Q.-X.L.); (Z.-P.S.); (H.-H.L.); (S.-P.L.); (B.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.-M.H.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Sheng-Ping Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Q.-X.L.); (Z.-P.S.); (H.-H.L.); (S.-P.L.); (B.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.-M.H.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Bing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Q.-X.L.); (Z.-P.S.); (H.-H.L.); (S.-P.L.); (B.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.-M.H.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Q.-X.L.); (Z.-P.S.); (H.-H.L.); (S.-P.L.); (B.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.-M.H.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - You-Ming Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Q.-X.L.); (Z.-P.S.); (H.-H.L.); (S.-P.L.); (B.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.-M.H.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhang-Hong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Q.-X.L.); (Z.-P.S.); (H.-H.L.); (S.-P.L.); (B.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.-M.H.)
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Correspondence:
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Patterson EI, Kautz TF, Contreras-Gutierrez MA, Guzman H, Tesh RB, Hughes GL, Forrester NL. Negeviruses Reduce Replication of Alphaviruses during Coinfection. J Virol 2021; 95:e0043321. [PMID: 33952645 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.00433-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Negeviruses are a group of insect-specific viruses (ISVs) that have been found in many arthropods. Their presence in important vector species led us to examine their interactions with arboviruses during coinfections. Wild-type negeviruses reduced the replication of several alphaviruses during coinfections in mosquito cells. Negev virus (NEGV) isolates were also used to express green fluorescent protein (GFP) and anti-chikungunya virus (CHIKV) antibody fragments during coinfections with CHIKV. NEGV expressing anti-CHIKV antibody fragments was able to further reduce replication of CHIKV during coinfections, while reductions of CHIKV with NEGV expressing GFP were similar to titers with wild-type NEGV alone. These results are the first to show that negeviruses induce superinfection exclusion of arboviruses and to demonstrate a novel approach to deliver antiviral antibody fragments with paratransgenic ISVs. The ability to inhibit arbovirus replication and express exogenous proteins in mosquito cells makes negeviruses a promising platform for control of arthropod-borne pathogens. IMPORTANCE Negeviruses are a group of insect-specific viruses (ISVs), viruses known to infect only insects. They have been discovered over a wide geographical and species range. Their ability to infect mosquito species that transmit dangerous arboviruses makes negeviruses a candidate for a pathogen control platform. Coinfections of mosquito cells with a negevirus and an alphavirus demonstrated that negeviruses can inhibit the replication of alphaviruses. Additionally, modifying Negev virus (NEGV) to express a fragment of an anti-CHIKV antibody further reduced the replication of CHIKV in coinfected cells. This is the first evidence to demonstrate that negeviruses can inhibit the replication of important arboviruses in mosquito cells. The ability of a modified NEGV to drive the expression of antiviral proteins also highlights a method for negeviruses to target specific pathogens and limit the incidence of vector-borne diseases.
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Elston KM, Leonard SP, Geng P, Bialik SB, Robinson E, Barrick JE. Engineering insects from the endosymbiont out. Trends Microbiol 2021; 30:79-96. [PMID: 34103228 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Insects are an incredibly diverse group of animals with species that benefit and harm natural ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Many insects have consequential associations with microbes: bacterial symbionts may be embedded in different insect tissues and cell types, inherited across insect generations, and required for insect survival and reproduction. Genetically engineering insect symbionts is key to understanding and harnessing these associations. We summarize different types of insect-bacteria relationships and review methods used to genetically modify endosymbiont and gut symbiont species. Finally, we discuss recent studies that use this approach to study symbioses, manipulate insect-microbe interactions, and influence insect biology. Further progress in insect symbiont engineering promises to solve societal challenges, ranging from controlling pests to protecting pollinator health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Elston
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sean P Leonard
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Peng Geng
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sarah B Bialik
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Elizabeth Robinson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Barrick
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Chen S, Yu T, Terrapon N, Henrissat B, Walker ED. Genome Features of Asaia sp. W12 Isolated from the Mosquito Anopheles stephensi Reveal Symbiotic Traits. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:752. [PMID: 34067621 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Asaia bacteria commonly comprise part of the microbiome of many mosquito species in the genera Anopheles and Aedes, including important vectors of infectious agents. Their close association with multiple organs and tissues of their mosquito hosts enhances the potential for paratransgenesis for the delivery of antimalaria or antivirus effectors. The molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions between Asaia and mosquito hosts, as well as Asaia and other bacterial members of the mosquito microbiome, remain underexplored. Here, we determined the genome sequence of Asaia strain W12 isolated from Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, compared it to other Asaia species associated with plants or insects, and investigated the properties of the bacteria relevant to their symbiosis with mosquitoes. The assembled genome of strain W12 had a size of 3.94 MB, the largest among Asaia spp. studied so far. At least 3585 coding sequences were predicted. Insect-associated Asaia carried more glycoside hydrolase (GH)-encoding genes than those isolated from plants, showing their high plant biomass-degrading capacity in the insect gut. W12 had the most predicted regulatory protein components comparatively among the selected Asaia, indicating its capacity to adapt to frequent environmental changes in the mosquito gut. Two complete operons encoding cytochrome bo3-type ubiquinol terminal oxidases (cyoABCD-1 and cyoABCD-2) were found in most Asaia genomes, possibly offering alternative terminal oxidases and allowing the flexible transition of respiratory pathways. Genes involved in the production of 2,3-butandiol and inositol have been found in Asaia sp. W12, possibly contributing to biofilm formation and stress tolerance.
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Elston KM, Perreau J, Maeda GP, Moran NA, Barrick JE. Engineering a Culturable Serratia symbiotica Strain for Aphid Paratransgenesis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.02245-20. [PMID: 33277267 PMCID: PMC7851701 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02245-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aphids are global agricultural pests and important models for bacterial symbiosis. To date, none of the native symbionts of aphids have been genetically manipulated, which limits our understanding of how they interact with their hosts. Serratia symbiotica CWBI-2.3T is a culturable, gut-associated bacterium isolated from the black bean aphid. Closely related Serratia symbiotica strains are facultative aphid endosymbionts that are vertically transmitted from mother to offspring during embryogenesis. We demonstrate that CWBI-2.3T can be genetically engineered using a variety of techniques, plasmids, and gene expression parts. Then, we use fluorescent protein expression to track the dynamics with which CWBI-2.3T colonizes the guts of multiple aphid species, and we measure how this bacterium affects aphid fitness. Finally, we show that we can induce heterologous gene expression from engineered CWBI-2.3T in living aphids. These results inform the development of CWBI-2.3T for aphid paratransgenesis, which could be used to study aphid biology and enable future agricultural technologies.IMPORTANCE Insects have remarkably diverse and integral roles in global ecosystems. Many harbor symbiotic bacteria, but very few of these bacteria have been genetically engineered. Aphids are major agricultural pests and an important model system for the study of symbiosis. This work describes methods for engineering a culturable aphid symbiont, Serratia symbiotica CWBI-2.3T These approaches and genetic tools could be used in the future to implement new paradigms for the biological study and control of aphids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Elston
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA 78712, USA
| | - Julie Perreau
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA 78712, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA 78712, USA
| | - Gerald P Maeda
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA 78712, USA
| | - Nancy A Moran
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA 78712, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Barrick
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA 78712, USA
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Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) are ubiquitous in nature. These viruses play a number of central roles in microbial ecology and evolution by, for instance, promoting horizontal gene transfer (HGT) among bacterial species. The ability of phages to mediate HGT through transduction has been widely exploited as an experimental tool for the genetic study of bacteria. As such, bacteriophage P1 represents a prototypical generalized transducing phage with a broad host range that has been extensively employed in the genetic manipulation of Escherichia coli and a number of other model bacterial species. Here we demonstrate that P1 is capable of infecting, lysogenizing, and promoting transduction in members of the bacterial genus Sodalis, including the maternally inherited insect endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius. While establishing new tools for the genetic study of these bacterial species, our results suggest that P1 may be used to deliver DNA to many Gram-negative endosymbionts in their insect host, thereby circumventing a culturing requirement to genetically manipulate these organisms. IMPORTANCE A large number of economically important insects maintain intimate associations with maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria. Due to the inherent nature of these associations, insect endosymbionts cannot be usually isolated in pure culture or genetically manipulated. Here we use a broad-host-range bacteriophage to deliver exogenous DNA to an insect endosymbiont and a closely related free-living species. Our results suggest that broad-host-range bacteriophages can be used to genetically alter insect endosymbionts in their insect host and, as a result, bypass a culturing requirement to genetically alter these bacteria.
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10
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Grogan C, Bennett M, Moore S, Lampe D. Novel Asaia bogorensis Signal Sequences for Plasmodium Inhibition in Anopheles stephensi. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:633667. [PMID: 33664722 PMCID: PMC7921796 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.633667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes vector many pathogens that cause human disease, such as malaria that is caused by parasites in the genus Plasmodium. Current strategies to control vector-transmitted diseases are hindered by mosquito and pathogen resistance, so research has turned to altering the microbiota of the vectors. In this strategy, called paratransgenesis, symbiotic bacteria are genetically modified to affect the mosquito's phenotype by engineering them to deliver antiplasmodial effector molecules into the midgut to kill parasites. One paratransgenesis candidate is Asaia bogorensis, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium colonizing the midgut, ovaries, and salivary glands of Anopheles sp. mosquitoes. However, common secretion signals from E. coli and closely related species do not function in Asaia. Here, we report evaluation of 20 native Asaia N-terminal signal sequences predicted from bioinformatics for their ability to mediate increased levels of antiplasmodial effector molecules directed to the periplasm and ultimately outside the cell. We tested the hypothesis that by increasing the amount of antiplasmodials released from the cell we would also increase parasite killing power. We scanned the Asaia bogorensis SF2.1 genome to identify signal sequences from extra-cytoplasmic proteins and fused these to the reporter protein alkaline phosphatase. Six signals resulted in significant levels of protein released from the Asaia bacterium. Three signals were successfully used to drive the release of the antimicrobial peptide, scorpine. Further testing in mosquitoes demonstrated that these three Asaia strains were able to suppress the number of oocysts formed after a blood meal containing P. berghei to a significantly greater degree than wild-type Asaia, although prevalence was not decreased beyond levels obtained with a previously isolated siderophore receptor signal sequence. We interpret these results to indicate that there is a maximum level of suppression that can be achieved when the effectors are constitutively driven due to stress on the symbionts. This suggests that simply increasing the amount of antiplasmodial effector molecules in the midgut is insufficient to create superior paratransgenic bacterial strains and that symbiont fitness must be considered as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Grogan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Marissa Bennett
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Shannon Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David Lampe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Abstract
Tsetse flies are the insect vectors of T. brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness—a zoonotic disease that inflicts a substantial economic cost on a broad region of sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, tsetse flies can be infected with the bacterium S. glossinidius to establish an asymptomatic chronic infection. This infection can be inherited by future generations of tsetse flies, allowing S. glossinidius to spread and persist within populations. To this effect, S. glossinidius has been considered a potential expression platform to create flies which reduce T. brucei stasis and lower overall parasite transmission to humans and animals. However, the efficient genetic manipulation of S. glossinidius has remained a technical challenge due to its complex growth requirements and uncharacterized physiology. Here, we exploit a natural mechanism of DNA transfer among bacteria and develop an efficient technique to genetically manipulate S. glossinidius for future studies in reducing trypanosome transmission. Stable associations between insects and bacterial species are widespread in nature. This is the case for many economically important insects, such as tsetse flies. Tsetse flies are the vectors of Trypanosoma brucei, the etiological agent of African trypanosomiasis—a zoonotic disease that incurs a high socioeconomic cost in regions of endemicity. Populations of tsetse flies are often infected with the bacterium Sodalis glossinidius. Following infection, S. glossinidius establishes a chronic, stable association characterized by vertical (maternal) and horizontal (paternal) modes of transmission. Due to the stable nature of this association, S. glossinidius has been long sought as a means for the implementation of anti-Trypanosoma paratransgenesis in tsetse flies. However, the lack of tools for the genetic modification of S. glossinidius has hindered progress in this area. Here, we establish that S. glossinidius is amenable to DNA uptake by conjugation. We show that conjugation can be used as a DNA delivery method to conduct forward and reverse genetic experiments in this bacterium. This study serves as an important step in the development of genetic tools for S. glossinidius. The methods highlighted here should guide the implementation of genetics for the study of the tsetse-Sodalis association and the evaluation of S. glossinidius-based tsetse fly paratransgenesis strategies. IMPORTANCE Tsetse flies are the insect vectors of T. brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness—a zoonotic disease that inflicts a substantial economic cost on a broad region of sub-Saharan Africa. Notably, tsetse flies can be infected with the bacterium S. glossinidius to establish an asymptomatic chronic infection. This infection can be inherited by future generations of tsetse flies, allowing S. glossinidius to spread and persist within populations. To this effect, S. glossinidius has been considered a potential expression platform to create flies which reduce T. brucei stasis and lower overall parasite transmission to humans and animals. However, the efficient genetic manipulation of S. glossinidius has remained a technical challenge due to its complex growth requirements and uncharacterized physiology. Here, we exploit a natural mechanism of DNA transfer among bacteria and develop an efficient technique to genetically manipulate S. glossinidius for future studies in reducing trypanosome transmission.
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Dahmana H, Mediannikov O. Mosquito-Borne Diseases Emergence/Resurgence and How to Effectively Control It Biologically. Pathogens 2020; 9:E310. [PMID: 32340230 PMCID: PMC7238209 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Deadly pathogens and parasites are transmitted by vectors and the mosquito is considered the most threatening vector in public health, transmitting these pathogens to humans and animals. We are currently witnessing the emergence/resurgence in new regions/populations of the most important mosquito-borne diseases, such as arboviruses and malaria. This resurgence may be the consequence of numerous complex parameters, but the major cause remains the mismanagement of insecticide use and the emergence of resistance. Biological control programmes have rendered promising results but several highly effective techniques, such as genetic manipulation, remain insufficiently considered as a control mechanism. Currently, new strategies based on attractive toxic sugar baits and new agents, such as Wolbachia and Asaia, are being intensively studied for potential use as alternatives to chemicals. Research into new insecticides, Insect Growth Regulators, and repellent compounds is pressing, and the improvement of biological strategies may provide key solutions to prevent outbreaks, decrease the danger to at-risk populations, and mitigate resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handi Dahmana
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
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13
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Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases cause more than 700 million people infected and one million people die (Caraballo and King, 2014). With the limitations of progress toward elimination imposed by insecticide- and drug-resistance, combined with the lack of vaccines, innovative strategies to fight mosquito-borne disease are urgently needed. In recent years, the use of mosquito microbiota has shown great potential for cutting down transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens. Here we review what is known about the mosquito microbiota and how this knowledge is being used to develop new ways to control mosquito-borne disease. We also discuss the challenges for the eventual release of genetically modified (GM) symbionts in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sibao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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14
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Alfano N, Tagliapietra V, Rosso F, Manica M, Arnoldi D, Pindo M, Rizzoli A. Changes in Microbiota Across Developmental Stages of Aedes koreicus, an Invasive Mosquito Vector in Europe: Indications for Microbiota-Based Control Strategies. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2832. [PMID: 31921019 PMCID: PMC6914824 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Since it has been understood that gut microbiota of vector mosquitoes can influence their vector competence, efforts have been undertaken to develop new control strategies based on host microbiota manipulation, and aimed at suppressing the vector population or replacing it with a less competent one. For the proper design of such control strategies it is necessary to know the microbiota composition of the target vector species, how it is acquired, and how it changes throughout the host’s life cycle. In this study, 16S rRNA amplicon high-throughput sequencing was used to characterize the changes in microbiota from the aquatic environment (larval breeding sites) to the different developmental stages of field-collected Aedes koreicus in Italy, an emerging invasive mosquito species in Europe and a potential vector of several pathogens. The bacterial communities of the aquatic breeding sites, larvae, pupae and adults showed distinctive structures to one another. Indeed, 84% of community members were unique to a given sample type. Nevertheless, almost 40% of the sequences generated were assigned to bacteria detected in all sample types, suggesting the importance of bacteria transstadially transmitted from water to the adult stage in constituting mosquito microbiota. Among these, genus C39 largely constituted water microbiota, family Burkholderiaceae was the most abundant in larvae and pupae, and genus Asaia dominated adult communities. In addition, Asaia constituted a core microbiota across all sample types. Our results suggest that the microbiota of Ae. koreicus mosquitoes is composed by a community which derives from the aquatic bacteria of the larval breeding sites, is then filtered by the larval gut, where only certain members are able to persist, rearranged by metamorphosis and finally modified by the change in diet at the adult stage. Understanding how the microbiota of Ae. koreicus changes through the mosquito life cycle represents a first step in selecting bacterial candidates for use in microbiota-based intervention measures for this species. The properties which Asaia exhibits in this species, such as dominance, high prevalence and transstadial transmission, prevent the use of Wolbachia but make Asaia an ideal candidate for paratransgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Alfano
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Fausta Rosso
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
| | - Mattia Manica
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
| | - Massimo Pindo
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
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15
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Koosha M, Vatandoost H, Karimian F, Choubdar N, Abai MR, Oshaghi MA. Effect of Serratia AS1 (Enterobacteriaceae: Enterobacteriales) on the Fitness of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) for Paratransgenic and RNAi Approaches. J Med Entomol 2019; 56:553-559. [PMID: 30388221 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito Culex pipiens is the primary vector of Rift Valley fever, West Nile, encephalitis, and Zika viruses, and periodic lymphatic filariasis. Developing insecticide resistance in mosquitoes demands the development of new approaches to fight these diseases. Paratransgenesis and RNAi approaches by using engineered bacteria have been shown to reduce mosquito vector competence. Serratia-AS1 is a bacterium found in mosquitoes and was genetically modified for expression of antimalaria effector molecules that repress development of malaria parasites in mosquitoes. The aim of this study was to determine how a genetically marked Serratia strain expressing the mCherry fluorescent protein (mCherry-Serratia) affects the colonization potential, life span, blood feeding behavior, fecundity, and fertility of Cx. pipiens. mCherry-Serratia bacteria disseminated into larvae, pupae, and newly emerged adults and dramatically increased in numbers following a blood meal. The bacterium was transmitted to progeny, showing that it can extend horizontally, transstadially, and vertically through the mosquito population. The presence of mCherry-Serratia did not affect blood feeding behavior, survival rate, fecundity, and fertility of Culex mosquitoes. This is the first study to evaluate the effects of an engineered bacteria on the fitness of Cx. pipiens. Although challenges remain, such as producing engineered bacteria to secrete anti-pathogens associated with Cx. pipiens, introducing such bacteria into mosquito populations, our findings of minimal fitness cost caused by Serratia-AS1 bode well for the development of paratransgenesis and RNAi approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Koosha
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Vatandoost
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateh Karimian
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nayyereh Choubdar
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abai
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Oshaghi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Stijlemans B, De Baetselier P, Caljon G, Van Den Abbeele J, Van Ginderachter JA, Magez S. Nanobodies As Tools to Understand, Diagnose, and Treat African Trypanosomiasis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:724. [PMID: 28713367 PMCID: PMC5492476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
African trypanosomes are strictly extracellular protozoan parasites that cause diseases in humans and livestock and significantly affect the economic development of sub-Saharan Africa. Due to an elaborate and efficient (vector)–parasite–host interplay, required to complete their life cycle/transmission, trypanosomes have evolved efficient immune escape mechanisms that manipulate the entire host immune response. So far, not a single field applicable vaccine exists, and chemotherapy is the only strategy available to treat the disease. Current therapies, however, exhibit high drug toxicity and an increased drug resistance is being reported. In addition, diagnosis is often hampered due to the inadequacy of current diagnostic procedures. In the context of tackling the shortcomings of current treatment and diagnostic approaches, nanobodies (Nbs, derived from the heavy chain-only antibodies of camels and llamas) might represent unmet advantages compared to conventional tools. Indeed, the combination of their small size, high stability, high affinity, and specificity for their target and tailorability represents a unique advantage, which is reflected by their broad use in basic and clinical research to date. In this article, we will review and discuss (i) diagnostic and therapeutic applications of Nbs that are being evaluated in the context of African trypanosomiasis, (ii) summarize new strategies that are being developed to optimize their potency for advancing their use, and (iii) document on unexpected properties of Nbs, such as inherent trypanolytic activities, that besides opening new therapeutic avenues, might offer new insight in hidden biological activities of conventional antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Stijlemans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.,Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick De Baetselier
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.,Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp (UA), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.,Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Magez
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, South Korea
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17
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Tikhe CV, Sethi A, Delatte J, Husseneder C. Isolation and assessment of gut bacteria from the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), for paratransgenesis research and application. Insect Sci 2017; 24:93-102. [PMID: 26477889 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Paratransgenesis targeting the gut protozoa is being developed as an alternative method for the control of the Formosan subterranean termite (FST). This method involves killing the cellulose-digesting gut protozoa using a previously developed antiprotozoal peptide consisting of a target specific ligand coupled to an antimicrobial peptide (Hecate). In the future, we intend to genetically engineer termite gut bacteria as "Trojan Horses" to express and spread ligand-Hecate in the termite colony. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of bacteria strains isolated from the gut of FST as "Trojan Horses." We isolated 135 bacteria from the guts of workers from 3 termite colonies. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified 20 species. We tested 5 bacteria species that were previously described as part of the termite gut community for their tolerance against Hecate and ligand-Hecate. Results showed that the minimum concentration required to inhibit bacteria growth was always higher than the concentration required to kill the gut protozoa. Out of the 5 bacteria tested, we engineered Trabulsiella odontotermitis, a termite specific bacterium, to express green fluorescent protein as a proof of concept that the bacteria can be engineered to express foreign proteins. Engineered T. odontotermitis was fed to FST to study if the bacteria are ingested. This feeding experiment confirmed that engineered T. odontotermitis is ingested by termites and can survive in the gut for at least 48 h. Here we report that T. odontotermitis is a suitable delivery and expression system for paratransgenesis in a termite species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay V Tikhe
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
| | - Amit Sethi
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
- DuPont-Pioneer, Johnston, IA, 50131-0552, USA
| | - Jennifer Delatte
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
| | - Claudia Husseneder
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803
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18
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Abstract
Arthropods harbor a diverse array of microbes that profoundly influence many aspects of host biology, including vector competence. Additionally, symbionts can be engineered to produce molecules that inhibit pathogens. Due to their intimate association with the host, microbes have developed strategies that facilitate their transmission, either horizontally or vertically, to conspecifics. These attributes make microbes attractive agents for applied strategies to control arthropod-borne disease. Here we discuss the recent advances in microbial control approaches to reduce the burden of pathogens such as Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, and Trypanosome and Plasmodium parasites. We also highlight where further investigation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Saldaña
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Shivanand Hegde
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Grant L Hughes
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, Galveston, TX, USA
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Galveston, TX, USA
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease, Galveston, TX, USA
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Center for Tropical Diseases, Galveston, TX, USA
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19
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Chen S, Zhao J, Joshi D, Xi Z, Norman B, Walker ED. Persistent Infection by Wolbachia wAlbB Has No Effect on Composition of the Gut Microbiota in Adult Female Anopheles stephensi. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1485. [PMID: 27708633 PMCID: PMC5030273 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacteria in the midgut of Anopheles stephensi adult females from laboratory colonies were studied by sequencing the V4 region of 16S rRNA genes, with respect to three experimental factors: stable or cured Wolbachia infection; sugar or blood diet; and age. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes dominated the community [>90% of operational taxonomic units (OTUs)]; most taxa were in the classes Flavobacteriia, Gammaproteobacteria, and Alphaproteobacteria, and were assigned to Elizabethkingia (46.9%), Asaia (6.4%) and Pseudomonas (6.0%), or unclassified Enterobacteriaceae (37.2%). Bacterial communities were similar between Wolbachia-cured and Wolbachia-infected mosquito lines, indicating that the gut microbiota were not dysregulated in the presence of Wolbachia. The proportion of Enterobacteriaceae was higher in mosquitoes fed a blood meal compared to those provided a sugar meal. Collectively, the bacterial community had a similar structure in older Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes 8 days after the blood meal, as in younger Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes before a blood meal, except that older mosquitoes had a higher proportion of Enterobacteriaceae and lower proportion of Elizabethkingia. Consistent presence of certain predominant bacteria (Elizabethkingia, Asaia, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacteriaceae) suggests they would be useful for paratransgenesis to control malaria infection, particularly when coupled to a Wolbachia-based intervention strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shicheng Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI, USA
| | - Jiangchao Zhao
- Department of Animal Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR, USA
| | - Deepak Joshi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI, USA
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI, USA
| | - Beth Norman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI, USA
| | - Edward D Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East LansingMI, USA; Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East LansingMI, USA
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20
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Abstract
BACKGROUND As an alternative to chemical pesticides, paratransgenesis relies on transformation of symbiotic bacteria of an arthropod vector to deliver molecules that disrupt pathogen transmission. For over a decade paratransgenesis has remained a laboratory-based endeavor owing to regulatory concerns regarding introduction of transformed microorganisms into the environment. To facilitate field application of paratransgenic strategies, risk mitigation approaches that address environmental contamination and gene spread must be developed. RESULTS Using biopolymer manipulation, we introduce a novel microencapsulation platform for containment and targeted delivery of engineered bacteria to the gut of a disease-transmitting arthropod. We demonstrate the first proof of principle of targeted delivery of EPA-approved Pantoea agglomerans E325 in a paratransgenic system to control spread of Pierce's Disease by glassy-winged sharpshooters, (Homalodisca vitripennis) under simulated field conditions. Engineered microcapsules may address regulatory concerns regarding containment of recombinant bacteria and environmental spread of foreign genetic material and may represent an important step in translating paratransgenic science beyond the lab and into the field. CONCLUSIONS We present, for the first time, a microencapsulation strategy to deliver recombinant bacteria to an insect and demonstrate targeted release of bacteria into the physiologically relevant region of the insect gut. This is a first step toward addressing concerns related to field application of recombinant bacteria. Engineered microparticles may decrease environmental contamination, horizontal gene transfer and competition with native species by acting as a barrier between recombinant bacteria and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arinder K Arora
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Adam Forshaw
- UNM School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Thomas A Miller
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
| | - Ravi Durvasula
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Global Health, UNM School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
- New Mexico VA Healthcare System, Albuquerque, NM, 87108, USA.
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Kean J, Rainey SM, McFarlane M, Donald CL, Schnettler E, Kohl A, Pondeville E. Fighting Arbovirus Transmission: Natural and Engineered Control of Vector Competence in Aedes Mosquitoes. Insects 2015; 6:236-78. [PMID: 26463078 PMCID: PMC4553541 DOI: 10.3390/insects6010236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Control of aedine mosquito vectors, either by mosquito population reduction or replacement with refractory mosquitoes, may play an essential role in the fight against arboviral diseases. In this review, we will focus on the development and application of biological approaches, both natural or engineered, to limit mosquito vector competence for arboviruses. The study of mosquito antiviral immunity has led to the identification of a number of host response mechanisms and proteins that are required to control arbovirus replication in mosquitoes, though more factors influencing vector competence are likely to be discovered. We will discuss key aspects of these pathways as targets either for selection of naturally resistant mosquito populations or for mosquito genetic manipulation. Moreover, we will consider the use of endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia, which in some cases have proven to be remarkably efficient in disrupting arbovirus transmission by mosquitoes, but also the use of naturally occurring insect-specific viruses that may interfere with arboviruses in mosquito vectors. Finally, we will discuss the use of paratransgenesis as well as entomopathogenic fungi, which are also proposed strategies to control vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Kean
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Stephanie M Rainey
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Melanie McFarlane
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Claire L Donald
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Esther Schnettler
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Alain Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Emilie Pondeville
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
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22
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Maddaloni M, Hoffman C, Pascual DW. Paratransgenesis feasibility in the honeybee (Apis mellifera) using Fructobacillus fructosus commensal. J Appl Microbiol 2014; 117:1572-84. [PMID: 25211052 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To establish the molecular tools for honeybee paratransgenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS Commensal bacteria were isolated from two honeybees. Based on 16S ribosomal RNA sequence analysis, some isolates were identified as Fructobacillus fructosus, Lactobacillus kunkeei, Gilliamella apicola, Acinetobacter spp, Arthrobacter spp and Pseudomonas spp. Rolling circle and theta replicons were successfully introduced into F. fructosus and Lact. kunkeei. Green fluorescent protein was expressed into both species. The 7·3 Kb Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris MG1363 operon encoding a cluster of five genes involved in the metabolism of galactose via the Leloir pathway was functionally expressed into a non-galactose-fermenting strain of F. fructosus enabling it to grow on galactose as a sole carbon source. CONCLUSIONS Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria, F. fructosus and Lact. kunkeei, are amenable to extensive genetic manipulations. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This is the first study demonstrating the feasibility of genetically engineering honeybee commensals, thus establishing the tools necessary for honeybee paratransgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Maddaloni
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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23
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Villegas LM, Pimenta PFP. Metagenomics, paratransgenesis and the Anopheles microbiome: a portrait of the geographical distribution of the anopheline microbiota based on a meta-analysis of reported taxa. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 109:672-84. [PMID: 25185007 PMCID: PMC4156461 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276140194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anophelines harbour a diverse microbial consortium that may represent an extended gene pool for the host. The proposed effects of the insect microbiota span physiological, metabolic and immune processes. Here we synthesise how current metagenomic tools combined with classical culture-dependent techniques provide new insights in the elucidation of the role of the Anopheles-associated microbiota. Many proposed malaria control strategies have been based upon the immunomodulating effects that the bacterial components of the microbiota appear to exert and their ability to express anti-Plasmodium peptides. The number of identified bacterial taxa has increased in the current "omics" era and the available data are mostly scattered or in "tables" that are difficult to exploit. Published microbiota reports for multiple anopheline species were compiled in an Excel® spreadsheet. We then filtered the microbiota data using a continent-oriented criterion and generated a visual correlation showing the exclusive and shared bacterial genera among four continents. The data suggested the existence of a core group of bacteria associated in a stable manner with their anopheline hosts. However, the lack of data from Neotropical vectors may reduce the possibility of defining the core microbiota and understanding the mosquito-bacteria interactive consortium.
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Wang S, Jacobs-Lorena M. Genetic approaches to interfere with malaria transmission by vector mosquitoes. Trends Biotechnol 2013; 31:185-93. [PMID: 23395485 PMCID: PMC3593784 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the most devastating diseases worldwide, causing over 1 million deaths every year. The most vulnerable stages of Plasmodium development in the vector mosquito occur in the midgut lumen, making the midgut a prime target for intervention. Mosquito transgenesis and paratransgenesis are two novel strategies that aim at rendering the vector incapable of sustaining Plasmodium development. Mosquito transgenesis involves direct genetic engineering of the mosquito itself for delivery of anti-Plasmodium effector molecules. Conversely, paratransgenesis involves the genetic modification of mosquito symbionts for expression of anti-pathogen effector molecules. Here we consider both genetic manipulation strategies for rendering mosquitoes refractory to Plasmodium infection, and discuss challenges for the translation of laboratory findings to field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Wang S, Ghosh AK, Bongio N, Stebbings KA, Lampe DJ, Jacobs-Lorena M. Fighting malaria with engineered symbiotic bacteria from vector mosquitoes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:12734-9. [PMID: 22802646 PMCID: PMC3412027 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1204158109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The most vulnerable stages of Plasmodium development occur in the lumen of the mosquito midgut, a compartment shared with symbiotic bacteria. Here, we describe a strategy that uses symbiotic bacteria to deliver antimalaria effector molecules to the midgut lumen, thus rendering host mosquitoes refractory to malaria infection. The Escherichia coli hemolysin A secretion system was used to promote the secretion of a variety of anti-Plasmodium effector proteins by Pantoea agglomerans, a common mosquito symbiotic bacterium. These engineered P. agglomerans strains inhibited development of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei by up to 98%. Significantly, the proportion of mosquitoes carrying parasites (prevalence) decreased by up to 84% for two of the effector molecules, scorpine, a potent antiplasmodial peptide and (EPIP)(4), four copies of Plasmodium enolase-plasminogen interaction peptide that prevents plasminogen binding to the ookinete surface. We demonstrate the use of an engineered symbiotic bacterium to interfere with the development of P. falciparum in the mosquito. These findings provide the foundation for the use of genetically modified symbiotic bacteria as a powerful tool to combat malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibao Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205; and
| | - Anil K. Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205; and
| | - Nicholas Bongio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282
| | - Kevin A. Stebbings
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282
| | - David J. Lampe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282
| | - Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205; and
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De Vooght L, Caljon G, Stijlemans B, De Baetselier P, Coosemans M, Van Den Abbeele J. Expression and extracellular release of a functional anti-trypanosome Nanobody® in Sodalis glossinidius, a bacterial symbiont of the tsetse fly. Microb Cell Fact 2012; 11:23. [PMID: 22335892 PMCID: PMC3311065 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2859-11-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sodalis glossinidius, a gram-negative bacterial endosymbiont of the tsetse fly, has been proposed as a potential in vivo drug delivery vehicle to control trypanosome parasite development in the fly, an approach known as paratransgenesis. Despite this interest of S. glossinidius as a paratransgenic platform organism in tsetse flies, few potential effector molecules have been identified so far and to date none of these molecules have been successfully expressed in this bacterium. RESULTS In this study, S. glossinidius was transformed to express a single domain antibody, (Nanobody®) Nb_An33, that efficiently targets conserved cryptic epitopes of the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) of the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Next, we analyzed the capability of two predicted secretion signals to direct the extracellular delivery of significant levels of active Nb_An33. We show that the pelB leader peptide was successful in directing the export of fully functional Nb_An33 to the periplasm of S. glossinidius resulting in significant levels of extracellular release. Finally, S. glossinidius expressing pelBNb_An33 exhibited no significant reduction in terms of fitness, determined by in vitro growth kinetics, compared to the wild-type strain. CONCLUSIONS These data are the first demonstration of the expression and extracellular release of functional trypanosome-interfering Nanobodies® in S. glossinidius. Furthermore, Sodalis strains that efficiently released the effector protein were not affected in their growth, suggesting that they may be competitive with endogenous microbiota in the midgut environment of the tsetse fly. Collectively, these data reinforce the notion for the potential of S. glossinidius to be developed into a paratransgenic platform organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda De Vooght
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Medical Entomology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoît Stijlemans
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick De Baetselier
- Unit of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Coosemans
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Medical Entomology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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