@article {pmid42572555,
year = {2026},
author = {Epelboin, L and Desmoulin, A and Duron, O and Diop, M and Fournier, PE and Rousset, E and Achour, N},
title = {Systematic review of Coxiella burnetii infection in humans, domestic and wild animals, ticks and ectoparasites in Algeria 1935-2025.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {101515},
pmid = {42572555},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a globally distributed zoonosis that remains largely underdiagnosed in Algeria. Since its first description in 1935, fragmented data have accumulated across human, animal, and vector hosts without comprehensive synthesis. This systematic review summarizes all available information on the occurrence of C. burnetii in Algeria from 1935 to 2025, across human, animal and ectoparasite compartments, and critically discusses potential reservoirs, vectors and knowledge gaps.<br><br>METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and the Algerian national thesis repository. Studies reporting original data on C. burnetii in humans, livestock, pets, wildlife, ticks or lice were included. Data were extracted on study period, location, host species, diagnostic methods, prevalence and molecular typing.<br><br>RESULTS: Sixty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Human cases consisted mainly of sporadic acute infections, endocarditis and obstetric complications, often diagnosed abroad, reflecting limited local testing. In livestock, serological and molecular surveys showed infection in cattle, sheep, goats and camels across 30 among 58 wilayas, with apparent seroprevalence ranging from 8 to 27% in cattle, 15-75% in small ruminants and up to 70% in camels. Seventeen studies investigated arthropods: C. burnetii or Coxiella-like endosymbiont DNA was found in 13 tick species from ruminants, camelids and companion or wild animals, though the significance of these detections remains uncertain. Four studies reported on the bacterium in human and animal lice. Molecular typing identified several genotypes, suggesting multiple transmission cycles.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence supports the long-standing and widespread circulation of C. burnetii in Algeria, but the true burden remains underestimated due to limited diagnostic capacity and lack of integrated surveillance. Strengthening local serological and molecular tools, including strain typing, is essential to clarify reservoirs, transmission dynamics and human infection sources within a One Health framework.},
}
@article {pmid42573661,
year = {2026},
author = {Hamid, PH and Dewi, DAPR and Nashrulloh, MM and Caro, TM and Insyari'ati, T and Rahma, NN and Mujiyanto, M and Wibowo, MH and Wardhana, AH},
title = {Feeding-state is associated with shifts in the Haemaphysalis bispinosa microbiome and its potential as a sentinel for circulating livestock pathogens.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {50},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42573661},
issn = {1573-7446},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/physiology ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Cattle/parasitology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Indonesia ; Feeding Behavior ; Female ; *Cattle Diseases/parasitology/microbiology ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Ticks harbour microbial communities that shape their capacity to acquire and transmit host-associated bacteria. Haemaphysalis (H.) bispinosa is a tick that widely infests variety of hosts across Asia, yet how its bacterial communities are reconfigured across the transition from free-living to blood-feeding states in the field remains poorly understood. Herein, we characterise the microbiome of H. bispinosa using full-length 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 225 ticks were collected from cattle and the surrounding environment in Central Java, Indonesia. The analysis revealed a diverse array of bacterial taxa spanning 21 phyla and 443 genera. A Coxiella lineage was dominant (46.94%), was present in all samples, and constituted the sole universal core taxon. Environmental ticks exhibited near-monocultural profiles (95-99% Coxiella), whereas host-associated ticks showed increased diversity and the incorporation of additional taxa, including Staphylococcus, Mammaliicoccus, Corynebacterium, and Romboutsia. Within-sample diversity was governed by evenness rather than richness: richness (Chao1) did not differ among states (Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.543). In contrast, the Shannon index increased significantly from environmental ticks (H = 0.23 ± 0.10) to host-associated ticks (HB, 1.62 ± 0.93; HC, 0.95 ± 0.51; p = 0.0155), a pattern mirrored by Pielou's evenness (p = 0.0155; η[2] = 0.60), with environmental ticks differing significantly from both host-associated states. Beta-diversity analysis confirmed significant community separation across feeding states (PERMANOVA: Bray-Curtis p = 0.0071, R[2] = 0.38; Aitchison p = 5 × 10[-4], R[2] = 0.25; Jaccard p = 0.039, R[2] = 0.16). The environmental-to-host-attached transition represented the largest compositional shift, and engorged ticks exhibited partial convergence toward a structured microbiome characterised by co-dominance of Coxiella and Mammaliicoccus. These findings indicate that feeding state is a major factor associated with microbiome variation in H. bispinosa. The detection of Anaplasma-associated ASVs suggests that H. bispinosa has potential utility for monitoring circulating livestock-associated bacteria. Future work integrating functional approaches will be essential to resolve the pathogenic status of the dominant Coxiella lineage and clarify microbiome-mediated effects on pathogen transmission.},
}
@article {pmid42571588,
year = {2026},
author = {Pinko, D and Kenigsberg, C and Levin, S and Langlet, D and Husnik, F and Holzmann, M and Abdu, U and Abramovich, S},
title = {Thermal responses and Symbiodiniaceae shuffling in a Red Sea foraminifer holobiont.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag195},
pmid = {42571588},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Symbiont-bearing benthic foraminifera, like corals, rely on endosymbionts for growth and nutrition and experience bleaching under heat stress. Sorites orbiculus, found in tropical and subtropical waters, hosts a diverse range of endosymbionts belonging to Symbiodiniaceae. We examined the thermal tolerance of the Red Sea population, which is the source of an established, invasive population of S. orbiculus in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Red Sea population is expected to exhibit enhanced thermotolerance, potentially due to its greater variety of endosymbionts. We conducted temperature-manipulation experiments, measuring calcification rates and net photosynthesis, evaluating the thermotolerance of S. orbiculus and its endosymbionts. We also analyzed the diversity of Symbiodiniaceae by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). Our results show that exposure to 35°C initially induced stress in the endosymbionts during the first week; however, net photosynthesis gradually recovered in subsequent weeks. In contrast, host calcification rates remained low at 35°C, though not completely inhibited. Amplicon sequencing revealed that by the end of the experiment, a single ITS2 type, belonging to Symbiodiniaceae Clade F2 and initially present in field-collected specimens, became dominant in cultured individuals. Because this type became dominant across all temperature treatments, the observed shift likely reflects a response to laboratory conditions rather than direct thermal selection. Consequently, although the recovery at 35°C is consistent with acclimatory physiological responses, it does not provide direct evidence for symbiont-specific acclimation. Our findings suggest that holobiont physiological recovery and symbiont shuffling under laboratory conditions may contribute to the resilience of S. orbiculus in warming oceans.},
}
@article {pmid42569956,
year = {2026},
author = {Pandey, N and Rajagopal, R},
title = {Comparative genomics and metabolic model analysis of primary and secondary endosymbionts present in different species of whitefly.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {26},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jisesa/ieag083},
pmid = {42569956},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Genomics ; *Halomonadaceae/genetics/physiology ; },
abstract = {Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum (hereafter Portiera) is the primary endosymbiont of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), residing in specialized bacteriocytes that also co-localize diverse secondary endosymbionts. This study aimed to carry out in-depth genomic analysis of different strains of Portiera and secondary endosymbionts namely Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Hamiltonella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia obtained from different whitefly species (data obtained from NCBI). Interestingly, hierarchical clustering of the amino acid identity data resulted in a dendrogram that resolved the different strains of Portiera into 3 separate genetic clusters. Pan-genome analysis of endosymbionts indicates that even closely related strains of a species, when isolated from different hosts, show unique genomic compositions due to their capability to adapt to a specific environment. COG/KEGG analysis revealed that amino acid metabolism is second most represented functional category of Portiera genomes whereas it is almost negligible in genomic repertoire of secondary endosymbionts except in Hamiltonella. Biosynthetic pathway analysis shows that threonine is the only essential amino acid for which complete set of genes is present in all strains of Portiera followed by leucine and tryptophan which is synthesized by all except 1 (China) and 2 strains (AD-CAI and SiSi), respectively. However, both amino acid lysine and arginine could be synthesized by only 4 strains namely AD-CAI, AF-CAI, PeMo, and TV. Further, the study established that secondary endosymbionts are capable of enriching the host's diet with protective organic compounds, B vitamins, and cofactors which is in contrast to the role of Portiera. Results of pathway-specific metabolic modelling were highly congruent with KEGG pathway predictions, depicting a positive correlation between the genotype and phenotype of endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid42556684,
year = {2026},
author = {Nalçaci, M and Özbel, Y and Mermer, A and Töz, S},
title = {Comparative De Novo Transcriptomic Analysis of Leishmania tropica Provides Insights into Translation, Metabolism, and Virulence-Related Pathways Potentially Associated with Leishmania RNA Virus 2 Status.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108273},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.108273},
pmid = {42556684},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {Leishmania tropica is an intracellular parasite belonging to the phylum Euglenozoa; it exhibits significant clinical heterogeneity and is spread by sandfly vectors through anthroponotic or zoonotic transmission. Leishmania RNA virus, a viral endosymbiont belonging to the Totiviridae family, has been reported in Old and New World isolates. In this study, we conducted a comparative de novo RNA-Seq analysis of LRV2 negative (LRV2-) and LRV2 positive (LRV2+) L. tropica isolates. Raw sequencing reads were quality-filtered, assembled, and clustered to generate unigenes, which were functionally annotated against seven comprehensive functional and taxonomic databases. In addition, differential expression and functional enrichment analyses were performed. A validation study was conducted using qRT-PCR with a 32-gene target panel across 26 strains for which LRV2 status had previously been determined. In total, approximately 10.53 Gb of sequence data were generated using the BGISEQ-500 platform. Our comparative analysis points toward a significant transcriptomic modulation that may be associated with LRV2 status, encompassing 6,774 differentially expressed genes. Functional enrichment analyses suggested alterations in the expression of genes associated with central dogma processes, the endomembrane system, cell cycle regulation, and fundamental metabolic responses. Multiple Leishmania strain sets used in qRT-PCR validation confirmed the expression patterns of key signature components potentially associated with LRV2 in the parasite system. The identified profile encompasses stress adaptation and virulence factors, as well as distinct gene modules. Overall, these findings provide a comprehensive transcriptomic resource that may guide further functional investigations into the mechanisms governing virus-parasite interactions in Old World leishmaniasis.},
}
@article {pmid42551040,
year = {2026},
author = {Hummel, G and Pflieger, D and Cognat, V and Drouard, L and Berr, A},
title = {Multilevel genomic constraints shape nuclear tRNA gene organization in plants.},
journal = {The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology},
volume = {127},
number = {3},
pages = {e71075},
doi = {10.1111/tpj.71075},
pmid = {42551040},
issn = {1365-313X},
support = {//Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/ ; },
mesh = {*RNA, Transfer/genetics ; *Genome, Plant/genetics ; *Plants/genetics ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Genomics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *RNA, Plant/genetics ; },
abstract = {Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are essential components of the translation machinery. Their abundance and diversity shape decoding capacity as well as the efficiency and accuracy of protein synthesis. Because tRNA abundance is encoded in the genome through tDNA copy number, chromosomal organization, and cis-regulatory sequences controlling transcription, these features are expected to influence the translational system. However, the principles governing nuclear tDNA organization remain poorly understood. Here, we analyzed nuclear tDNA repertoires across 53 photosynthetic eukaryotes spanning major Archaeplastida lineages and secondary endosymbionts, along with seven non-plant eukaryotic outgroups, using comparative genomic approaches at sequence, chromosomal, and genome-wide scales. To standardize these analyses and enable interactive exploration of tDNA organization, we developed ShinytRNA (https://nebula.ibmp.unistra.fr/shinytRNA/), a web application for genome-scale analysis of chromosomal tDNA organization. Nuclear tDNA copy numbers vary by more than two orders of magnitude across species, yet the relative representation of tRNA families corresponding to each amino acid remains strikingly conserved across lineages, revealing strong evolutionary constraints on tDNA dosage. Angiosperm tDNAs exhibit coordinated enrichment of cis-regulatory elements involved in RNA polymerase III transcription, including expanded AT-rich upstream regions, positional enrichment of CAA motifs, and extended poly(T) termination stretches. At the chromosomal scale, tDNAs are predominantly dispersed along chromosome arms, with homogeneous spacing that scales with genome size, while also showing non-random chromosomal distribution, exclusion from centromeric regions, and occasional clustering. Together, these patterns reveal conserved yet lineage-specific principles governing nuclear tDNA organization in plants and highlight how multiple genomic constraints shape the evolution of nuclear tDNA repertoires.},
}
@article {pmid42543553,
year = {2026},
author = {Azhar, AA and Zahanuddin, A and Ya'cob, Z and Lau, YL and Mokhtar, AS},
title = {16S rRNA profiling of bacterial communities in the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus linnaei from stray dogs in Perak, Malaysia.},
journal = {Tropical biomedicine},
volume = {43},
number = {2},
pages = {191-197},
doi = {10.47665/tb.43.2.008},
pmid = {42543553},
issn = {2521-9855},
mesh = {Animals ; Malaysia ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Dogs/parasitology ; *Rhipicephalus/microbiology ; Female ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Male ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; *Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Rhipicephalus linnaei is a widespread tick species infesting dogs and capable of transmitting pathogens of veterinary and zoonotic concern. However, its associated bacterial communities remain poorly described in Malaysia. This study profiles the bacterial microbiome of R. linnaei collected from stray dogs in Kampar, Perak, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing targeting the V3-V4 region. A total of 360 ticks were collected from 13 dogs, of which 290 were pooled according to life stages and sex for microbial profiling. Shannon diversity indices indicated the mixed adult/nymph pool exhibited the highest richness and evenness (H'=5.4), whereas engorged adult females displayed the lowest diversity (H'=2.35), dominated by Gammaproteobacteria. Principal coordinate analysis revealed distinct microbial assemblages among pools, explaining 72% of total variance. Among 137 detected genera, Coxiella (0.6-34%), Staphylococcus (0.4-29%), Stenotrophomonas (0.3-5%), and Streptococcus (0.02-6%) were consistently found across all pools. Low-abundance but clinically relevant genera, including Ehrlichia (0.64%) and Nocardia (< 0.01%), were detected in adult males. The consistent presence of Coxiella-like endosymbionts across all stages suggests a likely symbiotic role in nutrient provisioning and reproduction. To our knowledge, this is the first 16S rRNA gene-based profiling of the bacterial communities associated with R. linnaei collected from stray dogs in Malaysia. This study highlights variation across pooled tick categories and contributes to improved understanding of tick-borne pathogen ecology within a One Health framework.},
}
@article {pmid42543554,
year = {2026},
author = {Bahrain, NNK and Hassandarvish, P and Loong, SK and Husin, NA and Zulkifli, MMS and Khoo, JJ and Bell-Sakyi, L and Ya'cob, Z and AbuBakar, S and Low, VL and Sahimin, N},
title = {Preliminary short-term establishment and replication kinetics of a flea-derived Wolbachia strain in an Aedes albopictus cell line.},
journal = {Tropical biomedicine},
volume = {43},
number = {2},
pages = {198-206},
doi = {10.47665/tb.43.2.009},
pmid = {42543554},
issn = {2521-9855},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology ; Cell Line ; *Wolbachia/growth &amp; development/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/physiology ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Mosquito-borne arboviral diseases such as dengue and chikungunya have continuously been a major global public health concern. Introducing the intracellular bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia into mosquito populations has been proven to reduce dengue virus transmission, and its broader efficacy against other arboviruses has also been investigated. Several Wolbachia strains have been successfully propagated in insect cell lines, highlighting the utility of in vitro systems for studying microbial-host interactions under controlled conditions. This study investigated the initial establishment and replication kinetics of a flea-derived Wolbachia strain (wCfe), which was originally isolated from Malaysian Ctenocephalides felis and maintained in the Ixodes scapularis tick-derived cell line (IDE8), and then transferred into an Aedes albopictus-derived cell line (C6/36). The wCfe strain was semi-purified from IDE8 cultures and inoculated into C6/36 cells in 24-well plates. Replication dynamics were monitored by quantitative real-time PCR targeting the Wolbachia pipientis 16S rRNA gene. Following infection, a lag phase was observed at day 0 to 5 days post-infection (d.p.i.), followed by exponential growth from 6 d.p.i. after which Wolbachia levels remained relatively stable until the end of the observation period at 12 d.p.i. Overall, a 25.30-fold increase in Wolbachia density was detected relative to 0 d.p.i. Across replicates, the estimated generation time of wCfe in C6/36 cells ranged from 1.7 to 2.5 days. These results demonstrate successful initial establishment and replication of the flea-derived Wolbachia strain in the Aedes mosquito cell line. However, longer-term in vivo studies will be necessary to determine the persistence of wCfe infection in C6/36 cells and within the mosquito host.},
}
@article {pmid42539286,
year = {2026},
author = {Lynch, M and Joshi, K and González-Casanova, A},
title = {Coevolution of Codependent Hosts and Symbionts.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.07.21.739856},
pmid = {42539286},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Many endosymbioses in eukaryotes superficially appear to be beneficial to both participants. However, there is little direct evidence for this, and symbioses naturally set up conditions in which each member of the pair is under selection to extract resources from the other. Ultimately, the endosymbiont either evolves to be in conflict with the interests of the host or to act cooperatively with the host contrary to its own best interests. Focusing on obligate symbioses, we develop theory to clarify the population-genetic conditions favoring the alternative outcomes. The balance is usually tipped in favor of exploitation by the symbiont, particularly when the number of symbionts within host cells is high, selection is strong on symbionts relative to hosts, there is horizontal transfer of symbionts, and/or the symbionts have accelerated mutation rates or turnover times. If the symbiont conditions the host-cell biology to enhance within-host population sizes, selection for selfish symbionts will be further enhanced by the diminished level of within-host drift. Although the host evolves in parallel to exploit resources from the endosymbiont, the net result is often a stalemate in which the host is no better off than prior to host-symbiont coevolution. Strict vertical inheritance can result in an evolutionary alignment of interests of the endosymbiont and the host, as this minimizes the possibility of within-host selection, but even here there is a critical host population size below which the symbiont evolves to exploit the host. These results suggest that the evolutionary enslavement of a symbiont to benefit a host species requires a narrow mix of population-biological features of both participants.},
}
@article {pmid42541272,
year = {2026},
author = {Duru, VC and Mustafa, BE and Beveridge, I and Gauci, C and Elati, K and Ghafar, A and Nijhof, AM and Jabbar, A},
title = {First in vitro feeding of the Australian marsupial tick, Ixodes hirsti Hassall, 1931, with preliminary microbiome profiling and observations on the nymphal morphology.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology &amp; vector-borne diseases},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {100413},
doi = {10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100413},
pmid = {42541272},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {Artificial tick feeding systems (ATFS) provide a valuable alternative to animal-based models for studying tick biology. Ixodes hirsti, an Australian tick species that parasitises marsupials, remains understudied due to challenges in laboratory maintenance. Here, we report the first successful in vitro feeding of I. hirsti larvae, provide preliminary microbiome profiles of unfed larvae and larvae recovered after artificial feeding and present the first molecularly confirmed morphological description of the nymphal stage. Field-collected engorged females of I. hirsti were allowed to oviposit under laboratory conditions. Hatched larvae were artificially fed on blood using silicone membranes supplemented with kangaroo hair and/or kangaroo hair extract. Microbiomes were characterised by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sequencing of 16S rRNA and cox1 genes were used for morphological and molecular characterisation of nymphs. Membranes treated with hair extract alone yielded the highest attachment rate (71%), whereas kangaroo hair-treated membranes produced superior feeding performance, with shorter time to engorgement (9.26 ± 1.00 days) and a higher engorgement weight (0.91 ± 0.01 mg). Exploratory microbiome profiling showed that fed larval pools had numerically lower microbial richness and evenness than unfed larval pools, although these differences were not significant. A total of 80 microbial taxa were shared between groups, whereas seven and 17 taxa were unique to fed and unfed larvae, respectively. Stenotrophomonas was more abundant in fed larval pools, while Coxiella-like and Rickettsia-like endosymbionts were detected in both fed and unfed larvae. These findings demonstrate that ATFS can be adapted for wildlife-associated ticks with specialised host preferences and provide a practical framework for investigating the biology and microbial ecology of ticks.},
}
@article {pmid42530440,
year = {2026},
author = {Leonard, G and Vitonytė, I and Savory, FR and Hansson, EM and Cameron, DD and Brockhurst, MA and Richards, TA},
title = {De novo genome sequence assembly of the model algal endosymbiont Micractinium conductrix derived from its host Paramecium bursaria 186b.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evag194},
pmid = {42530440},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Endosymbiosis is a major driver of evolutionary innovation and underpins the function of diverse ecosystems. The origins and evolution of endosymbiosis are challenging to study experimentally due to the short-lived culturability of many microbial strains derived from endosymbiotic interactions. The facultative endosymbiosis between the ciliate, Paramecium bursaria, and the green alga, Micractinium conductrix (Chlorellaceae, Trebouxiophyceae), is ecologically widespread and has emerged as a powerful lab-tractable model system. This endosymbiosis is founded upon a reciprocal nutrient exchange, but each of the species can be cultured independently enabling quantification of symbiotic fitness effects, new partnerships to be generated in the lab, and co-associations to be subject to experimental evolution. To date, evolve-and-resequence approaches have been limited due to a lack of high-quality genome assemblies enabling gene variants to be identified. Here, we report a near telomere-to-telomere genome assembly for M. conductrix 186b, using a range of sequencing technologies. Comparative analysis shows that this is one of the most complete Chlorellaceae algal genome assemblies available to date. To aid accurate gene calling and annotation we conducted both RNAseq and Iso-Seq transcriptome sequencing experiments. Collectively these 'omics datasets will facilitate: i) comparative genomics studies of endosymbiont evolution, ii) evolve-and-resequence experiments, iii) genome-scale metabolic modelling studies, and iv) identification of targets for genetic modification experiments and biotechnological applications.},
}
@article {pmid42513969,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Long, P and Wen, N and Zhang, M and Li, J and Yan, X and Xiao, Z and Yang, K},
title = {Integrated 16S rRNA Sequencing and Metabolomics Reveals Niche-Specific Microbiome and Metabolome Changes Associated with Toxoptera aurantii Infestation.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14071463},
pmid = {42513969},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {QKHMS[2026]846//Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Department/ ; QKHQN[2025]392//Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Department/ ; QKHZK[2023]480//Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Department/ ; ZSKHZ [2024]136//Zunyi Municipal Bureau of Industry and Science and Technology/ ; },
abstract = {Toxoptera aurantii is a globally distributed piercing-sucking pest that severely threatens tea production. While the direct damage caused by aphid feeding is well documented, the systemic effects of infestation on plant-associated and soil microbial communities remain poorly understood. Here, we employed full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics to investigate the influence of T. aurantii infestation on the microbiota of tea plants (Camellia sinensis) and rhizosphere soil across four sample compartments: aphid bodies, healthy leaves, aphid-infested leaves, and root-zone soil. Our results revealed pronounced niche-specific microbial assembly patterns. The aphid microbiome exhibited the lowest diversity and was dominated by obligate endosymbionts, including Buchnera aphidicola and the secondary symbiont Serratia symbiotica. Soil harbored the highest microbial diversity with a balanced phylum-level structure. Aphid infestation significantly reduced phyllosphere microbial diversity (Shannon index) and shifted community composition, with a decline in a sequence putatively assigned to Methylobacterium brachiatum and a modest increase in a taxon assigned to the opportunistic plant pathogen OTU assigned to Dickeya chrysanthemi. This pattern suggests a hypothesis that aphid infestation may create conditions permissive for such opportunistic pathogens, although experimental validation is required. Concurrently, infestation was associated with profound metabolic reprograming in tea leaves, including upregulation of defense-related flavonoids and terpenoids and downregulation of several primary metabolites. Notably, the phyllosphere of infested leaves showed reduced microbial diversity and an increased relative abundance of a 16S rRNA sequence assigned to Dickeya chrysanthemi, while certain plant-derived antimicrobial metabolites were decreased. These patterns suggest a possible association between aphid infestation, altered antimicrobial metabolite profiles and increased relative abundance of Dickeya-assigned sequences. These findings demonstrate that T. aurantii infestation triggers a systemic response in the aboveground compartments (aphid and leaf), while the soil compartment maintains a distinct and highly diverse microbial community that serves as a potential reservoir. The study characterizes microbial communities across these three compartments without inferring infestation-driven soil remodeling. This study advances our understanding of tripartite interactions in tea ecosystems and provides a basis for developing microbiome-based strategies for sustainable pest management.},
}
@article {pmid42519373,
year = {2026},
author = {Kumar, P and Choi, YJ and Fernandez-Baca, MV and Morales, ML and Ortiz, P and Hoban, C and Cabada, MM and Mitreva, M},
title = {Genetic diversity and host-symbiont cophylogenetic analysis of Neorickettsia endobacteria of Fasciola hepatica.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology &amp; vector-borne diseases},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {100409},
doi = {10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100409},
pmid = {42519373},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {Neorickettsia are obligate intracellular bacteria that persist as endosymbionts of digenean trematodes and include several vertebrate pathogens. However, many digenean-associated lineages remain poorly characterized, including Neorickettsia associated with the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica (nFh). Here, we present a large-scale population genomic analysis of nFh to assess its prevalence, genetic diversity, evolutionary history, and transmission dynamics. We screened whole-genome sequencing data from 502 F. hepatica samples collected across Peru, the UK, Uruguay, and the USA, detecting Neorickettsia infection in all regions and an overall prevalence of approximately 17% in Peru. From these data, we generated 77 reference-guided nFh consensus genomes. nFh exhibited low nucleotide diversity (π = 9.1 × 10[-5]), consistent with an obligate intracellular lifestyle. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a clear divergence between UK and American nFh lineages and two closely related haplotype clusters within South America. Cophylogenetic analyses showed significant congruence between nFh and host nuclear phylogenies, but not mitochondrial phylogenies, supporting long-term host association with mixed transmission modes beyond strict transovarial inheritance. Analysis of host kinship and endosymbiont genotype sharing further supported both vertical inheritance and horizontal transmission within vertebrate hosts. nFh infection was significantly associated with triclabendazole resistance in F. hepatica from Cusco, Peru, but not from Cajamarca, indicating region-specific associations between endosymbiont infection and drug resistance. Together, these findings establish nFh as a widely distributed endosymbiont of F. hepatica with low genetic diversity, geographic population structure, and mixed transmission modes, with potential implications for the epidemiology of fascioliasis and anthelmintic resistance.},
}
@article {pmid42519511,
year = {2026},
author = {Boyane, SS and Behrends, GJ and Manthey, JD},
title = {Quaternary Climatic Changes and Biogeographic Barriers Drove Codiversification in the Obligate Mutualism Between Camponotus laevigatus and Its Endosymbiont Blochmanniella.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {e74045},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.74045},
pmid = {42519511},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Codiversification often arises when hosts and their endosymbionts share a linked evolutionary history, exhibit vertical transmission, or share ecological and biogeographic processes. Most studies on the codiversification of carpenter ants (genus Camponotus) have focused on the co-phylogeny of hosts and endosymbionts across multiple species; however, no studies have examined the intraspecific population-level phylogeographic patterns of codiversification within Camponotus. California has been a geographic focus for phylogeographic studies due to its high endemism and complex geographic structure, and Camponotus laevigatus is a carpenter ant primarily found there. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing from C. laevigatus and its endosymbiont, Blochmanniella, to investigate phylogeographic patterns of host-endosymbiont codiversification and estimated kinship of ants sampled near one another. We identified three phylogeographic clusters, and isolation-by-distance analyzes indicated a positive relationship between genetic and geographic distance in C. laevigatus and Blochmanniella. Using estimates of effective migration surfaces, we found that the Central Valley in California acts as a barrier to gene flow among populations. Our phylogenetic analyzes revealed the congruent phylogenies of C. laevigatus and Blochmanniella, supporting codiversification. Our demographic analysis revealed a Pleistocene divergence, highlighting the role of Quaternary climatic cycles in shaping the population structure of C. laevigatus. Lastly, we also estimated kinship among individuals from the same and nearby sampling sites; kinship results indicated full-sister relationships among individuals from the same sampling site, except for three pairwise comparisons, and foragers from nearby sampling sites displayed some shared kinship.},
}
@article {pmid42505841,
year = {2026},
author = {Fuentes-Vielma, J and Sepúlveda, DA and Martel, SI and Briones, LM and Castañeda, LE and Figueroa, CC},
title = {Carrying Regiella insecticola Does Not Impose Detectable Life-History Costs on Dominant Chilean Sitobion avenae Superclones Under Simulated Heat-Wave Conditions.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects17070730},
pmid = {42505841},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {ATE230025//ANID/ANILLO/ ; 1210713//ANID/FONDECYT/ ; 1251143//ANID/FONDECYT/ ; 3240368//ANID/ FONDECYT Postdoctoral/ ; },
abstract = {The intensification of extreme thermal events increases the risk of pest outbreaks and disruptions in agroecosystems, making it crucial to understand how heat waves affect pest performance. This study examined the impact of thermal stress on two dominant aphid genotypes of Sitobion avenae, focusing on their symbionts Regiella insecticola and Hamiltonella defensa. R. insecticola is associated with neutrality in performance, while H. defensa shows no thermal tolerance. We evaluated symbiont-infected and cured lineages during a heat wave, measuring life-history traits. Key findings include: the H. defensa strain incurred increased costs under heat, reducing survival, fecundity, and growth; the effects of R. insecticola strain were predominantly neutral and specific to clones; and Buchnera aphidicola titers correlated with host performance, with H. defensa lineages having higher titers regardless of heat exposure. This suggests that the R. insecticola strain present in Chilean genotypes does not contribute to the resilience of certain clones to thermal stress in Chile, whereas the H. defensa strain imposes performance costs during heat waves. The results of this research pertain to specific strains of endosymbionts, rather than to all endosymbionts within these taxa. These findings emphasize the need to consider symbiotic relationships and thermal physiology in aphid pest management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid42503029,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhong, Z and Zhou, L and Chen, H and Cai, C and Yan, Y and Ye, Z and Li, M and Wang, J and Zhang, H and Wang, H and Cao, L and Sun, Y and Lian, C and Guo, Y and Feng, J and Wang, M and Li, C},
title = {Distance-Limited Larval Replenishment in the Deep-Sea Mussel Gigantidas platifrons Challenges Connectivity-Based Conservation Planning.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {14},
pages = {e70476},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70476},
pmid = {42503029},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {2022QNLM030004//Marine S&amp;T Fund of Shandong Province for Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao)/ ; 42476101//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; U2544219//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 42221005//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024FY101000//Science &amp; Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; 2024YFC2816000//Science &amp; Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program/ ; ZR2025MS657//Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; ZR2024MD026//Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2026CXPT225//Shandong Provincial Key Research and Development Program (Competitive Innovation Platform)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genetics, Population ; Larva/genetics ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; *Bivalvia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems, critical for global methane and sulphur cycling, require accurate connectivity data for effective conservation planning amid increasing anthropogenic threats. Because hosts and their environmentally acquired symbionts operate at fundamentally different spatial and temporal scales, we analysed each at the scale appropriate to its biology: host Gigantidas platifrons population structure was assessed both regionally (across 11 Northwest Pacific chemosynthetic sites) and within a single cold seep (Site F, South China Sea) across six shell-length cohorts spanning < 1 year to > 100 years, while the methanotrophic endosymbiont Methyloprofundus sp. was profiled across the same cohorts at Site F to test whether its genetic composition tracks host age or is environmentally homogenized. We found that although the overall host population at Site F is panmictic (ADMIXTURE K = 1; max FST near zero), it exhibits significant fine-scale kinship structure within size cohorts. Kinship decreases sharply with geographic distance (p < 0.001), indicating distance-limited larval replenishment via localized burst recruitment events. In contrast, the methanotrophic symbiont Methyloprofundus sp. is genetically homogeneous across all six host shell-length cohorts at Site F (LD R[2] = 0.18879-0.34945; D' = 0.86803-0.91859; max FST = 0.0352; π < 0.0022; overall Tajima's D = -0.5088), consistent with continuous environmental acquisition from a stable, well-mixed local reservoir, thereby buffering the holobiont's core function. Our findings highlight that the host's strong reliance on highly localized recruitment makes population persistence vulnerable to local disturbance. These findings directly challenge conservation models that assume high connectivity and mandate site-specific, holobiont-focused management protecting local breeding stock and age structure.},
}
@article {pmid42503058,
year = {2026},
author = {Kansal, A and Kuhn, R},
title = {Heterogeneous associations between sex-ratio distorters and mitochondrial haplotypes in U.S. populations of Armadillidium vulgare.},
journal = {Genetica},
volume = {154},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42503058},
issn = {1573-6857},
support = {Experiment.com Project DOI: 10.18258/57266//Experiment.com/ ; (internal funding)//FCS Innovation Academy STEM High School/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Haplotypes ; Wolbachia ; *Sex Ratio ; *Isopoda/genetics/microbiology ; Male ; *DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; United States ; Female ; Mitochondria/genetics ; },
abstract = {Sex-ratio distorters (SRDs) are heritable elements that bias offspring sex-ratios to enhance their transmission. In the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare, feminization of genetic males can occur through vertical transmission of the sex-ratio distorter known as the f-element, as well as through infection by Wolbachia, a maternally inherited bacterial endosymbiont that can alter host reproduction. We investigated whether associations between sex-ratio distorters and mitochondrial haplotypes in U.S. populations differ from those reported in European populations. To address this, we sampled A. vulgare from 12 U.S. states and screened individuals for Wolbachia infection, the presence of the f-element, and mitochondrial COI haplotypes. We found that Wolbachia exhibits a heterogeneous distribution across populations and haplotypes, in contrast to the stronger associations observed in European populations. The f-element occurred at lower overall frequencies but showed a strong association with mitochondrial haplotype VI. These results indicate that patterns associated with SRDs differ from those observed in Europe and are consistent with multiple introductions and population mixing shaping these distributions in U.S. populations.},
}
@article {pmid42499683,
year = {2026},
author = {Soleng, A and Gurung, D and Kjelland, V and Paulsen, KM and Pedersen, BN and Granquist, EG and Pettersson, JH and Vikse, R and Stuen, S and Andreassen, &#xc5;K},
title = {Microorganisms in Ixodes ricinus ticks in southern and southwestern Norway.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife},
volume = {30},
number = {},
pages = {101252},
pmid = {42499683},
issn = {2213-2244},
abstract = {Tick-borne diseases constitute a major group of emerging vector-borne infections and represent a growing public health concern in many European countries. In Europe, the most clinically significant agents transmitted by Ixodes ricinus are tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the causative agents of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme borreliosis, respectively. Ixodes ricinus also serves as a vector for other pathogenic microorganisms, including louping-ill virus (LIV) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Various endosymbionts, such as Wolbachia pipientis and Midichloria mitochondrii, are also found in ticks. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of TBEV, LIV, B. burgdorferi s. l., A. phagocytophilum, W. pipientis, and M. mitochondrii in 3437 I. ricinus ticks collected from five locations in Norway. The estimated pool prevalence of TBEV ranged from 0 to 0.4% in nymphs, while the prevalence in adults ranged from 0 to 7.1%. In contrast, no LIV was detected. Borrelia burgdorferi s. l. was detected at all sites, with prevalences ranging from 3.4% to 14.3% (overall prevalence of 5.7%), representing four genotypes (B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. valaisiana and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto). Estimated pooled prevalence of A. phagocytophilum was 5.1% in nymphs, while the overall prevalence in adults was 19.8%. In adult ticks, W. pipientis and M. mitochondrii occurred at overall prevalences of 11.0% and 84.1%, respectively. In only 12.3% of ticks, none of the agents investigated were detected. However, 32.6% of the ticks showed co-occurrence of infectious agents and/or the endosymbionts. Thus, this underscores the need for improved understanding of microbial interactions influencing tick-borne disease outcomes.},
}
@article {pmid42495138,
year = {2026},
author = {Pang, Y and Chen, Y and Huang, Q and You, F and Fang, R and Geng, M and Ke, X and Tang, J and Ling, J and Cheng, Y and Zhao, C and Deng, X and Guo, J and Miao, C},
title = {Temperature regulation mechanisms of diapause in Coridius chinensis revealed by multi-omics integration: coordinated responses of Brain-Gut-Fat Body.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1810191},
pmid = {42495138},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Diapause in Coridius chinensis is a complex survival strategy that enables them to survive under prolonged cold stress. To elucidate the mechanisms of temperature regulation during diapause, we conducted multi-omics analyses, including gut metagenomics, brain transcriptomics, and fat body metabolomics, under both normal (25 °C) and diapause conditions (4 °C). Gut microbiome analysis revealed an extreme polarization during diapause, dominated by the endosymbionts Pantoea endophytica (52%) and Rickettsia bellii (47.4%), while functional microbiota such as Pantoea and Dietzia were significantly reduced. This shift suggests a trade-off where microbial metabolic diversity is sacrificed in favor of intracellular symbionts that may regulate host mitochondrial activity and suppress energy consumption. Brain transcriptomic analysis indicated a downregulation of neural signaling pathways related to feeding suppression, stress resistance, and circadian rhythm regulation. Fat body metabolomics identified the coordinated activation of 13 core pathways that link energy storage with stress adaptation, with dynamic changes ranging from rapid stress responses (0-300 AU) to energy storage dominance (300-500 AU), and finally to a state of homeostasis (>500 AU). Notably, dysregulated choline metabolism was significantly correlated with necrotic features (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), while catecholamine biosynthesis derived from tyrosine emerged as a corrective pathway, revealing the mechanistic link between metabolic flexibility and survival. Adults primarily utilize plants within the Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, and Solanaceae families as hosts, underpinned by long-standing folk traditions in specific localities regarding their dietary consumption or therapeutic application.},
}
@article {pmid42496787,
year = {2026},
author = {Bian, P and Wei, W and Li, Z and An, L and Wen, J and Wang, R},
title = {Prevalence and associated factors of Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Coxiella-related bacteria in ticks in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {97},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {42496787},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {KCX2024016//the Science and Technology Support Project of the Ordos National Sustainable Development Agenda Innovation Demonstration Zone Construction Program (including the Ministerial-Municipal Consultation Mechanism and the Science and Technology Breakthrough Initiative)/ ; BR251303//the Scientific Research Innovation Team Construction Special Program (Category B, Second-tier Team)/ ; 2023YFDZ0048//the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Key Research and Development and Achievement Transformation Program/ ; YLXKZX-NND-012//the Inner Mongolia First-Class Discipline Research Special Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anaplasma/isolation &amp; purification ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification ; China/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; *Coxiella/isolation &amp; purification ; *Ticks/microbiology ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Haemaphysalis longicornis ; },
abstract = {Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) represent an increasing threat to human and animal health worldwide, with several bacterial pathogens detected in or maintained by tick populations. However, a comprehensive synthesis of the prevalence of Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Coxiella-related bacteria and their associated factors in ticks in China remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of these pathogens and evaluate epidemiological and methodological factors associated with pathogen detection. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Six databases were searched for studies published between January 2000 and September 2025. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed using R to estimate pooled prevalence, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate potential factors associated with pathogen detection. A total of 203 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Coxiella-related bacteria in ticks was 6%, 16%, and 9%, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that region, pathogen species, tick species, and detection method were significantly associated with variation in reported prevalence. Regional patterns differed among the three bacterial groups, suggesting pathogen-specific geographic heterogeneity. For Anaplasma, Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were predominant, and relatively high detection rates were observed in Haemaphysalis longicornis and Ixodes persulcatus. For Rickettsia, spotted fever group rickettsiae and Rickettsia raoultii were commonly detected, particularly in Dermacentor nuttalli and Dermacentor silvarum. Coxiella-related bacteria included pathogenic Coxiella burnetii, unspecified Coxiella spp., and Coxiella-like endosymbionts, which should be interpreted separately because of their different biological and epidemiological significance. Conventional PCR was the most widely used detection method. These findings highlight regional heterogeneity and distinct pathogen-tick species associations in tick-borne bacterial infections in China. Strengthening surveillance of frequently reported pathogen-tick combinations and standardized molecular diagnostics will improve early warning and control of tick-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid42489497,
year = {2026},
author = {Bagchi, B and Van Vlaenderen, L and Wheeler, T and Provencal, E and Conner, WR and McGuire, K and Cooper, BS and Shropshire, JD},
title = {Temperature-sensitive cytoplasmic incompatibility across divergent Wolbachia partly reflects cifB transcription, not endosymbiont density.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msag186},
pmid = {42489497},
issn = {1537-1719},
abstract = {Maternally transmitted Wolbachia bacteria are common in insects, with many strains altering host reproduction through cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI kills embryos fertilized by Wolbachia-bearing males unless those embryos also carry Wolbachia, which favors females with Wolbachia and drives the endosymbiont to higher frequencies in host populations. Strong CI now underpins successful applications that rely on maintaining pathogen-blocking Wolbachia transinfections in vector populations to reduce arboviral disease transmission. Temperature modulates CI strength (the proportion of embryos killed), with consequences for Wolbachia prevalence in natural and transinfected populations. Yet the mechanisms regulating temperature-sensitive CI-strength variation are poorly understood. We quantified CI strength across eight divergent Drosophila-associated Wolbachia strains at four temperatures (18°C-26°C), while characterizing development time, Wolbachia and Wovirus densities, and transcription of the CI-inducing gene cifB. Four of eight Wolbachia strains exhibited temperature-sensitive CI, three of which induced CI at multiple temperatures. Of these three, two expressed significantly more cifB at the temperature yielding stronger CI, whereas testes Wolbachia density did not predict CI strength. Notably, cifB-transcript levels were consistently decoupled from Wolbachia and Wovirus densities, suggesting that cifB transcription is not regulated solely by symbiont abundance. We also report temperature-sensitive rescue of CI, Wolbachia-associated developmental acceleration, and strain-specific Wovirus-Wolbachia covariance. Our findings reveal temperature as a pervasive modulator of Wolbachia-host interactions at multiple levels and extend evidence that cifB transcription partly predicts variable CI strength across strain identities, male ages, and now temperatures. CI variation unaccounted for by cifB transcription points toward additional regulatory or post-transcriptional mechanisms that we discuss.},
}
@article {pmid42490671,
year = {2026},
author = {Diekmann, I and Choi, YJ and Supali, T and Alfian, R and Destani, Y and Iskandar, E and Sugianto, N and Mutalip, MHA and Aziz, NAA and Ibrahim, K and Fischer, K and Mitreva, M and Fischer, PU},
title = {Diverse Onchocercidae from Malaysian cats and Indonesian macaques: Morphological and molecular analysis of individual microfilariae using mitochondrial genomes, 28S rRNA, and Wolbachia endosymbiont sequences.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0014015},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0014015},
pmid = {42490671},
issn = {1935-2735},
abstract = {During an investigation of animals as reservoirs for the filarial parasite Brugia malayi, three molecularly undescribed filarial species were co-detected. Individual microfilariae (Mf) were isolated and analyzed from blood samples of crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis) from Belitung, Indonesia, and from pet dogs and cats in Sabah, Malaysia. Among 163 macaques, 33 (20.2%) were positive for large Mf (mean length 498.9 µm) similar to Dirofilaria ('Belitung I'). One macaque was infected with small Mf (mean length 150.4 µm) ('Belitung II'), with a high density of 17,150 Mf/mL. In two cats co-infected with B. malayi, Mf of a Dirofilaria species ('Sabah') with an average length of 299.1 µm were detected. Morphometric analysis of Mf showed distinct differences between these three species and other Mf described in the area. Whole genome amplification and genome sequencing of 24 individual Mf enabled phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes, and analysis of specific mitochondrial and nuclear barcode regions. The three Mf groups formed distinct clusters and could not be identified by comparison with available reference sequence. Cluster 'Belitung I' from macaques formed a sister group to other characterized Dirofilaria. Cluster 'Belitung II' included bird filariae and primate filariae of the genus Mansonella as close relatives. The cluster 'Sabah' formed a monophyletic group with the zoonotic species Dirofilaria asiatica and Dirofilaria sp. 'Thailand'. DNA of Wolbachia endobacteria was detected in Mf of 'Belitung I' and 'Sabah', but not in 'Belitung II'. These findings highlight the limited understanding of filarial diversity in macaques and cats in Asia and underscore the need for a more comprehensive approach that combines morphological and molecular data to identify and assess the pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of these parasites.},
}
@article {pmid42492119,
year = {2026},
author = {Cabrera, R and Zapata, S and Durango-Manrique, Y and López, L and Gómez, GF and Gutiérrez, LA},
title = {Molecular detection of Coxiella spp. and characterization of blood-feeding sources in tick species parasitizing domestic animals in cattle farms from Magdalena Medio, Colombia.},
journal = {Veterinary microbiology},
volume = {320},
number = {},
pages = {111156},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.111156},
pmid = {42492119},
issn = {1873-2542},
abstract = {Coxiella burnetii is a globally distributed zoonotic bacterium responsible for Q fever in humans, with domestic ruminants serving as primary reservoirs. In Colombia, while livestock production is a vital economic sector, the dynamics of C. burnetii circulation among ticks and domestic animal hosts remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify C. burnetii in hosts and ticks from two cattle farms in the Magdalena Medio region. Ticks were collected directly from domestic animal hosts through physical inspections and the use of the dragging technique on pasture vegetation and identified via morphological keys and COI barcoding as Rhipicephalus microplus s.l., predominating on cattle, Dermacentor nitens on equines, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. on dogs. Blood-meal analysis using PCR-HRM and sequencing identified feeding sources in equines, bovines, and humans, with human DNA detected in all larval pools. Following tick characterization, Coxiella spp. were screened by qPCR targeting the IS1111 insertion sequence, revealing a frequency of 10.5% in domestic animal hosts and 1.36% in ticks. Finally, phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and rpoB genes confirmed the coexistence of C. burnetii (Clade A) in hosts and ticks, alongside Coxiella-like endosymbionts (Clade C), primarily in R. microplus s.l. These findings reveal complex tick-host interactions and confirm the molecular circulation of Coxiella spp. in tropical livestock systems. The results underscore the need to use multigene markers to differentiate pathogens from endosymbionts and suggest a potential human exposure risk, highlighting the importance of One Health surveillance in these agroecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid42474711,
year = {2026},
author = {Márquez, FJ and Perez-Llano, Y and Sánchez-Carrión, SA and De Rojas, M and Caruz, A},
title = {Beyond Dominant Symbionts: Low-Abundance Taxa Govern Microbial Network Topology in Sympatric Ticks.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-026-02842-y},
pmid = {42474711},
issn = {1432-184X},
abstract = {Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods and major vectors of diverse bacterial, parasitic, and viral pathogens. They host complex microbial communities that critically influence their biology, fitness, and interactions with pathogens. Using 16 S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing at the amplicon sequence variant (ASV) resolution combined with co-occurrence network analysis, we characterized the bacterial communities of questing adult ticks collected in the Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park (Jaén, Spain). A total of 83 adult ticks (27 males and 56 females) representing six sympatric species, Dermacentor marginatus (n = 39), Haemaphysalis punctata (n = 9), H. sulcata (n = 15), Hyalomma lusitanicum (n = 7), Ixodes ricinus s. l. (n = 2), and Rhipicephalus bursa (n = 11), were analyzed. After stringent quality filtering, 3.77 million high-quality reads were recovered and resolved into 407 ASVs. Due to the inherent resolution limits of the V3-V4 region for species-level discrimination, taxonomic assignments were conservatively consolidated at the genus level (101 bacterial genera). Across all tick species, the bacteriome was heavily dominated by Pseudomonadota (98.6%), with species-specific differences primarily driven by variation in obligate symbionts. Coxiella-associated ASVs predominated in multiple tick species, whereas H. lusitanicum exhibited strong dominance by Francisella and secondary representation of Candidatus Midichloria. Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed distinct compositional patterns shaped by host identity, with lower dispersion observed in D. marginatus and R. bursa, and greater variability among Hyalomma and Haemaphysalis individuals. Spearman-based co-occurrence network analysis indicated a highly cooperative and modular structure (> 98% positive correlations) across tick species. Notably, dominant endosymbionts (Coxiella, Rickettsia, and Francisella) occupied peripheral or weakly connected positions within the networks. In contrast, ecological connectivity was governed by a distinct set of low-abundance taxa, including Roseomonas, Friedmanniella, Methylobacterium, Sphingomonas, Aureimonas, Conexibacter, Marmoricola, Mycobacterium, and Nocardioides, which acted as central hubs bridging network modules, a topology robustly validated by an independent, composition-aware (SparCC) reanalysis within the D. marginatus cohort. These comparative findings demonstrate a functional decoupling between abundance and connectivity in tick microbiomes, highlighting how the "rare microbiome" can drive the topological organization and potential stability of microbial communities across sympatric host species.},
}
@article {pmid42464925,
year = {2026},
author = {Záhonová, K and Doležal, P and Tachezy, J and Lukeš, J and Speijer, D and Hampl, V},
title = {Phylogenetic ancestry of Metamonada proteins points to a common origin of mitochondria in all eukaryotes.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msag175},
pmid = {42464925},
issn = {1537-1719},
abstract = {Hypotheses concerning eukaryogenesis, the evolution of eukaryotic cells, differ in the relative timing of mitochondrial acquisition. Recently, a serial endosymbiotic hypothesis proposed that hydrogenosomes and mitosomes (MROs) in Metamonada originated from an independent endosymbiosis, later replaced by Alphaproteobacteria-related mitochondria, contradicting the paradigm of mitochondrial presence in the last eukaryotic common ancestor. This serial endosymbiotic hypothesis implicitly predicts the scarcity of alphaproteobacterial genes from Metamonada genomes, because they never contained this endosymbiont. We tested this prediction using a set of 1,399 and 97 proteins inferred for the Metamonada ancestor and confined to their MROs, respectively. We detected five and 14 orthologous groups (OGs) with alphaproteobacterial affiliation in the respective datasets. None of these OGs was present in oxymonads, a Metamonada subgroup lacking MROs, thus serving as blank references. Our data are therefore consistent with the ruling paradigm that mitochondria and MROs originated from an Alphaproteobacterium during a single common endosymbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid42466849,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Huang, X and Li, Q and Ruan, Y and Long, Y and Zhang, S and Yang, Y},
title = {Wolbachia-centered cytoplasmic axis links elevational mitochondrial DNA turnover with microbiome restructuring.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag188},
pmid = {42466849},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Mountain gradients act as natural experiments, and elevational mitochondrial DNA clines in insects are often interpreted as signatures of local metabolic adaptation. However, mitochondrial DNA is maternally co-inherited with heritable endosymbionts that can promote cytoplasmic hitchhiking and, when abundant, dominate marker-gene microbiome profiles, complicating inference about environmental forcing. Here we evaluate a symbiont-aware cytoplasmic-axis framework in the tea green leafhopper Empoasca onukii using a densely replicated elevational survey across tea agroecosystems. Across 790 adults from 79 sites spanning 11 to 2750 meters above sea level, we quantified Wolbachia infection prevalence, within-host burden, and strain composition and related these measures to mitochondrial haplotypes, a conservative nuclear reference marker, and whole-insect bacterial community profiles. Wolbachia prevalence, burden, and strain composition varied along elevation, with pronounced strain turnover. Mitochondrial diversity declined and haplotypes homogenized at high elevation, whereas the nuclear reference marker showed weak spatial structure, yielding mitochondrial-nuclear discordance consistent with cytoplasmic hitchhiking and sweep-like mtDNA homogenization. Bacterial community separation was strongest when Wolbachia features were retained but persisted after Wolbachia removal and renormalization, indicating both compositional dominance by Wolbachia and residual restructuring among non-Wolbachia taxa. In a balanced subset, mitochondrial coding variation and host energetic readouts provided observational functional context for the Wolbachia-centered cytoplasmic-axis pattern. Together, these results place Wolbachia at the center of a testable cytoplasmic framework linking elevational mitochondrial turnover with microbiome restructuring, and highlight the broader importance of dominant heritable symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid42466884,
year = {2026},
author = {D'Angelo, G and Kleiner, M and Mankowski, A and Cifuentes-Anticevic, J and Violette, MJ and De Anda, V and Mussmann, M and Kröber, E and Dubilier, N and Liebeke, M},
title = {Symbiosis reshapes metabolism of sulfate-reducing bacteria in gutless marine worms.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ismejo/wrag190},
pmid = {42466884},
issn = {1751-7370},
abstract = {Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are widespread in marine and terrestrial environments, where they often form syntrophic associations with bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. Among the most intimate of these are multipartite symbioses in gutless marine oligochaete worms, which host SRB and sulfur-oxidizing endosymbionts that engage in a syntrophic exchange of sulfur compounds. Despite decades of research on free-living SRB, the metabolic traits that enable SRB to persist in symbiosis, and how these differ across hosts and environments, remain poorly understood. We show that a globally distributed clade of symbiotic SRB, which we named Candidatus Desulfoconcordia, has a conserved core metabolism that diverges from free-living relatives. Using comparative genomics and metaproteomics, we reveal that these endosymbionts retain key traits of SRB such as sulfate reduction, complete oxidation of acetate to CO2, amino acid degradation for nitrogen acquisition, and transport of essential nutrients. However, they exhibit a more oxygen-tolerant metabolism and lack typical nutrient-scavenging mechanisms of free-living SRB. One trait, the glyoxylate bypass, was consistently expressed in situ and may serve both in reactive oxygen species defence and in biomass generation. The expression of oxygen-tolerant pathways, coupled with the loss of nutrient-scavenging functions, indicate specialization to a host-associated, redox-fluctuating environment distinct from that of free-living SRB. The symbiont genomes are also larger than those of free-living relatives, contrasting with genome reduction in many endosymbionts and reinforcing the importance of metabolic versatility. Our findings provide a framework for understanding how metabolic flexibility enables SRB to persist in long-term multipartite symbioses across diverse marine ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid42469297,
year = {2026},
author = {Jeangkhwoa, P and Rattananupong, V and Chaloemthanetphong, A and Apanaskevich, DA and Ahantarig, A and Hirunkanokpun, S and Baimai, V and Trinachartvanit, W},
title = {A novel Candidatus Rickettsia chiangmaiensis and occurrence of Candidatus Rickettsia laoensis in hard ticks from Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-62151-9},
pmid = {42469297},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {MRC-MGR 06/2565//Mahidol University grant/ ; MRC-MGR 06/2565//Mahidol University grant/ ; SC-RNC68-C005//Faculty of Science, Mahidol University grant/ ; SC-RNC68-C005//Faculty of Science, Mahidol University grant/ ; BDC-PG3-161006//Center of Excellence on Biodiversity, Office of Higher Education Commission/ ; },
abstract = {Hard ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, including bacteria that cause rickettsiosis, Q fever, and anaplasmosis. In this study, 167 ticks were collected from vegetation in Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand, and examined using morphological and molecular methods. Five tick species were identified: Dermacentor tamokensis (n = 81), D. bellulus (n = 49), D. pasteuri (n = 9), Ixodes acutitarsus (n = 26), and Haemaphysalis hystricis (n = 2), with the first three species newly characterized at the molecular level. Moreover, D. tamokensis and D. bellulus are newly recorded in Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis using the multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) approach revealed two distinct genotypic groups of spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGRs): a novel Candidatus Rickettsia chiangmaiensis in I. acutitarsus (20/26) and Candidatus Rickettsia laoensis in D. tamokensis (12/81) and D. bellulus (10/49). The latter SFGR was closely related to strains found only in western Thailand and Laos. Additionally, Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) were detected in D. tamokensis (61/81), D. bellulus (13/49), and H. hystricis (1/2), while Anaplasma sp. was found in D. tamokensis (2/81). Notably, double infections: Ca. R. laoensis-CLEs, Anaplasma-CLEs, and a triple infection: Ca. R. laoensis-CLE-Anaplasma were reported herein. These findings demonstrate the diverse bacterial associations in ticks, suggesting the ecological complexity of forested areas in northern Thailand.},
}
@article {pmid37938758,
year = {2022},
author = {Luo, H and Wang, J and Goes, JI and Gomes, HDR and Al-Hashmi, K and Tobias, C and Koerting, C and Lin, S},
title = {A grazing-driven positive nutrient feedback loop and active sexual reproduction underpin widespread Noctiluca green tides.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {103},
pmid = {37938758},
issn = {2730-6151},
support = {4980.01//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation)/ ; 2019983//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation)/ ; 42276096//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; NNX17AG66G-ECO4CAST//National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/ ; CMS-80NSSC20K0014//National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/ ; },
abstract = {The mixoplankton green Noctiluca scintillans (gNoctiluca) is known to form extensive green tides in tropical coastal ecosystems prone to eutrophication. In the Arabian Sea, their recent appearance and annual recurrence have upended an ecosystem that was once exclusively dominated by diatoms. Despite evidence of strong links to eutrophication, hypoxia and warming, the mechanisms underlying outbreaks of this mixoplanktonic dinoflagellate remain uncertain. Here we have used eco-physiological measurements and transcriptomic profiling to ascribe gNoctiluca's explosive growth during bloom formation to the form of sexual reproduction that produces numerous gametes. Rapid growth of gNoctiluca coincided with active ammonium and phosphate release from gNoctiluca cells, which exhibited high transcriptional activity of phagocytosis and metabolism generating ammonium. This grazing-driven nutrient flow ostensibly promotes the growth of phytoplankton as prey and offers positive support successively for bloom formation and maintenance. We also provide the first evidence that the host gNoctiluca cell could be manipulating growth of its endosymbiont population in order to exploit their photosynthetic products and meet critical energy needs. These findings illuminate gNoctiluca's little known nutritional and reproductive strategies that facilitate its ability to form intense and expansive gNoctiluca blooms to the detriment of regional water, food and the socio-economic security in several tropical countries.},
}
@article {pmid37944675,
year = {2023},
author = {Chaves-Olarte, E and Meza-Torres, J and Herrera-Rodríguez, F and Lizano-González, E and Suárez-Esquivel, M and Baker, KS and Rivas-Solano, O and Ruiz-Villalobos, N and Villalta-Romero, F and Cheng, HP and Walker, GC and Cloeckaert, A and Thomson, NR and Frisan, T and Moreno, E and Guzmán-Verri, C},
title = {A sensor histidine kinase from a plant-endosymbiont bacterium restores the virulence of a mammalian intracellular pathogen.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {185},
number = {},
pages = {106442},
pmid = {37944675},
issn = {1096-1208},
support = {R01 GM031030/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Mice ; Humans ; Virulence/genetics ; Histidine Kinase/genetics ; *Brucella abortus ; *Genes, Bacterial ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Mammals/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Alphaproteobacteria include organisms living in close association with plants or animals. This interaction relies partly on orthologous two-component regulatory systems (TCS), with sensor and regulator proteins modulating the expression of conserved genes related to symbiosis/virulence. We assessed the ability of the exoS[+]Sm gene, encoding a sensor protein from the plant endosymbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti to substitute its orthologous bvrS in the related animal/human pathogen Brucella abortus. ExoS phosphorylated the B. abortus regulator BvrR in vitro and in cultured bacteria, showing conserved biological function. Production of ExoS in a B. abortus bvrS mutant reestablished replication in host cells and the capacity to infect mice. Bacterial outer membrane properties, the production of the type IV secretion system VirB, and its transcriptional regulators VjbR and BvrR were restored as compared to parental B. abortus. These results indicate that conserved traits of orthologous TCS from bacteria living in and sensing different environments are sufficient to achieve phenotypic plasticity and support bacterial survival. The knowledge of bacterial genetic networks regulating host interactions allows for an understanding of the subtle differences between symbiosis and parasitism. Rewiring these networks could provide new alternatives to control and prevent bacterial infection.},
}
@article {pmid37948354,
year = {2024},
author = {Hussain, M and Zhong, Y and Tao, T and Xiu, B and Ye, F and Gao, J and Mao, R},
title = {Effect of tree height and spraying methods on Diaphorina citri kuwayama endosymbionts in the context of Huanglongbing disease management in citrus orchards.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {80},
number = {3},
pages = {1484-1500},
doi = {10.1002/ps.7880},
pmid = {37948354},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2021GDASYL-20210103051//The GDAS Special Project of Science and Technology Development/ ; 2022GDASZH-2022030501//The GDAS Special Project of Science and Technology Development/ ; QN2022030005//Foreign Youth Talent Programs/ ; 2023SDZG06//the open competition program of top ten critical priorities of Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation for the 14th Five-year plan of Guangdong province/ ; 2022SDZG06//the open competition program of top ten critical priorities of Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation for the 14th Five-year plan of Guangdong province/ ; 20220610043//the Research Programs of Guangzhou/ ; 202103000065//the Research Programs of Guangzhou/ ; KTP20210352//Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Trees ; *Citrus ; *Hemiptera ; Disease Management ; Plant Diseases ; *Rhizobiaceae ; *Liberibacter ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Huanglongbing (HLB) (caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus) is the most damaging disease of citrus around the world. This study investigated the effects of citrus tree height on Diaphorina citri Kuwayama mortality, endosymbiont responses, and HLB distribution.<br><br>RESULTS: The results reveal that the age of citrus trees plays a significant role in psyllid mortality. Interestingly, the cumulative mean mortality (%) of psyllids over the seven-day observation period was higher (31.50&#xb1;0.03) when four-year-old (501A1, 502A2, 501A3) citrus trees were sprayed with a US-SMART mechanical sprayer. In contrast, the psyllids mortality was 0.09&#xb1;0.23 for the 13-year-old citrus trees (104A2, 104A3, 104C1) sprayed with a US-SMART mechanical sprayer and 9.10&#xb1;0.05 for 13-year-old (502A2, 502B2, 502D1) citrus trees sprayed with a fixed US-SMART mechanical sprayer. Our findings also revealed that psyllids from both four- and 13-year-old citrus trees carried Candidatus Carsonella ruddii species and Wolbachia, the primary and secondary endosymbionts, respectively. Surprisingly, infection rates of these endosymbionts remained consistent across different age groups, as confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Furthermore, our study highlights the significance of tree height as a proxy for tree age in influencing HLB occurrence. Specifically, four-year-old citrus trees subjected to the US-SMART mechanical sprayer for citrus psyllid control demonstrated effective disease management compared to 13-year-old (104A2, 104A3, 104C1) citrus trees sprayed with US-SMART mechanical&#xa0;sprayers. Additionally, the investigation explored the impact of tree height on HLB distribution. In four-year-old trees, no significant correlation between HLB disease and tree height was observed, potentially due to effective spray coverage with US-SMART mechanical sprayer. However, in 13-year-old (104A2, 104A3, 104C1) citrus tree sprayed with US-SMART mechanical sprayer, a positive correlation between tree height and HLB disease was evident.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This research provides valuable insights into the complex interaction between citrus tree age, psyllid endosymbionts responses, and HLB distribution. These results emphasize effective HLB management strategies, especially in orchards with diverse tree age populations, ultimately contributing to the long-term sustainability of citrus cultivation. &#xa9; 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid37949964,
year = {2024},
author = {Bickerstaff, JRM and Jordal, BH and Riegler, M},
title = {Two sympatric lineages of Australian Cnestus solidus share Ambrosiella symbionts but not Wolbachia.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {132},
number = {1},
pages = {43-53},
pmid = {37949964},
issn = {1365-2540},
mesh = {Animals ; *Weevils/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Australia ; *Ascomycota/genetics ; },
abstract = {Sympatric lineages of inbreeding species provide an excellent opportunity to investigate species divergence patterns and processes. Many ambrosia beetle lineages (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) reproduce by predominant inbreeding through sib mating in nests excavated in woody plant parts wherein they cultivate symbiotic ambrosia fungi as their sole source of nutrition. The Xyleborini ambrosia beetle species Cnestus solidus and Cnestus pseudosolidus are sympatrically distributed across eastern Australia and have overlapping morphological variation. Using multilocus sequencing analysis of individuals collected from 19 sites spanning their sympatric distribution, we assessed their phylogenetic relationships, taxonomic status and microbial symbionts. We found no genetic differentiation between individuals morphologically identified as C. solidus and C. pseudosolidus confirming previous suggestions that C. pseudosolidus is synonymous to C. solidus. However, within C. solidus we unexpectedly discovered the sympatric coexistence of two morphologically indistinguishable but genetically distinct lineages with small nuclear yet large mitochondrial divergence. At all sites except one, individuals of both lineages carried the same primary fungal symbiont, a new Ambrosiella species, indicating that fungal symbiont differentiation may not be involved in lineage divergence. One strain of the maternally inherited bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia was found at high prevalence in individuals of the more common lineage but not in the other, suggesting that it may influence host fitness. Our data suggest that the two Australian Cnestus lineages diverged allopatrically, and one lineage then acquired Wolbachia. Predominant inbreeding and Wolbachia infection may have reinforced reproductive barriers between these two lineages after their secondary contact contributing to their current sympatric distribution.},
}
@article {pmid37952050,
year = {2023},
author = {Miyagishima, SY},
title = {Taming the perils of photosynthesis by eukaryotes: constraints on endosymbiotic evolution in aquatic ecosystems.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {1150},
pmid = {37952050},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {*Ecosystem ; Photosynthesis/physiology ; Chloroplasts/metabolism ; Plants ; *Cyanobacteria/genetics ; },
abstract = {An ancestral eukaryote acquired photosynthesis by genetically integrating a cyanobacterial endosymbiont as the chloroplast. The chloroplast was then further integrated into many other eukaryotic lineages through secondary endosymbiotic events of unicellular eukaryotic algae. While photosynthesis enables autotrophy, it also generates reactive oxygen species that can cause oxidative stress. To mitigate the stress, photosynthetic eukaryotes employ various mechanisms, including regulating chloroplast light absorption and repairing or removing damaged chloroplasts by sensing light and photosynthetic status. Recent studies have shown that, besides algae and plants with innate chloroplasts, several lineages of numerous unicellular eukaryotes engage in acquired phototrophy by hosting algal endosymbionts or by transiently utilizing chloroplasts sequestrated from algal prey in aquatic ecosystems. In addition, it has become evident that unicellular organisms engaged in acquired phototrophy, as well as those that feed on algae, have also developed mechanisms to cope with photosynthetic oxidative stress. These mechanisms are limited but similar to those employed by algae and plants. Thus, there appear to be constraints on the evolution of those mechanisms, which likely began by incorporating photosynthetic cells before the establishment of chloroplasts by extending preexisting mechanisms to cope with oxidative stress originating from mitochondrial respiration and acquiring new mechanisms.},
}
@article {pmid37952351,
year = {2024},
author = {El Hamss, H and Maruthi, MN and Omongo, CA and Wang, HL and van Brunschot, S and Colvin, J and Delatte, H},
title = {Microbiome diversity and composition in Bemisia tabaci SSA1-SG1 whitefly are influenced by their host's life stage.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {278},
number = {},
pages = {127538},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2023.127538},
pmid = {37952351},
issn = {1618-0623},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Life Cycle Stages ; },
abstract = {Within the Bemisia tabaci group of cryptic whitefly species, many are damaging agricultural pests and plant-virus vectors, conferring upon this group the status of one of the world's top 100 most invasive and destructive species, affecting farmers' income and threatening their livelihoods. Studies on the microbiome of whitefly life stages are scarce, although their composition and diversity greatly influence whitefly fitness and development. We used high-throughput sequencing to understand microbiome diversity in different developmental stages of the B. tabaci sub-Saharan Africa 1 (SSA1-SG1) species of the whitefly from Uganda. Endosymbionts (Portiera, Arsenophonus, Wolbachia, and Hemipteriphilus were detected but excluded from further statistical analysis as they were not influenced by life stage using Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance Using Distance Matrices (ADONIS, p = 0.925 and Bray, p = 0.903). Our results showed significant differences in the meta microbiome composition in different life stages of SSA1-SG1. The diversity was significantly higher in eggs (Shannon, p = 0.024; Simpson, p = 0.047) than that in nymphs and pupae, while the number of microbial species observed by the amplicon sequence variant (ASV) was not significant (n(ASV), p = 0.094). At the phylum and genus levels, the dominant constituents in the microbiome changed significantly during various developmental stages, with Halomonas being present in eggs, whereas Bacillus and Caldalkalibacillus were consistently found across all life stages. These findings provide the first description of differing meta microbiome diversity in the life stage of whiteflies, suggesting their putative role in whitefly development.},
}
@article {pmid37953792,
year = {2023},
author = {Furtado, DP and Vieira, EA and Nascimento, WF and Inagaki, KY and Bleuel, J and Alves, MAZ and Longo, GO and Oliveira, LS},
title = {#DeOlhoNosCorais: a polygonal annotated dataset to optimize coral monitoring.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {e16219},
pmid = {37953792},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; Coral Reefs ; Ecosystem ; Crustacea ; Fishes ; },
abstract = {Corals are colonial animals within the Phylum Cnidaria that form coral reefs, playing a significant role in marine environments by providing habitat for fish, mollusks, crustaceans, sponges, algae, and other organisms. Global climate changes are causing more intense and frequent thermal stress events, leading to corals losing their color due to the disruption of a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic endosymbionts. Given the importance of corals to the marine environment, monitoring coral reefs is critical to understanding their response to anthropogenic impacts. Most coral monitoring activities involve underwater photographs, which can be costly to generate on large spatial scales and require processing and analysis that may be time-consuming. The Marine Ecology Laboratory (LECOM) at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) developed the project "#DeOlhoNosCorais" which encourages users to post photos of coral reefs on their social media (Instagram) using this hashtag, enabling people without previous scientific training to contribute to coral monitoring. The laboratory team identifies the species and gathers information on coral health along the Brazilian coast by analyzing each picture posted on social media. To optimize this process, we conducted baseline experiments for image classification and semantic segmentation. We analyzed the classification results of three different machine learning models using the Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) algorithm. The best results were achieved by combining EfficientNet for feature extraction and Logistic Regression for classification. Regarding semantic segmentation, the U-Net Pix2Pix model produced a pixel-level accuracy of 86%. Our results indicate that this tool can enhance image selection for coral monitoring purposes and open several perspectives for improving classification performance. Furthermore, our findings can be expanded by incorporating other datasets to create a tool that streamlines the time and cost associated with analyzing coral reef images across various regions.},
}
@article {pmid37955420,
year = {2023},
author = {Whittle, M and Bonsall, MB and Barreaux, AMG and Ponton, F and English, S},
title = {A theoretical model for host-controlled regulation of symbiont density.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {36},
number = {12},
pages = {1731-1744},
pmid = {37955420},
issn = {1420-9101},
support = {BB/P006159/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Models, Theoretical ; },
abstract = {There is growing empirical evidence that animal hosts actively control the density of their mutualistic symbionts according to their requirements. Such active regulation can be facilitated by compartmentalization of symbionts within host tissues, which confers a high degree of control of the symbiosis to the host. Here, we build a general theoretical framework to predict the underlying ecological drivers and evolutionary consequences of host-controlled endosymbiont density regulation for a mutually obligate association between a host and a compartmentalized, vertically transmitted symbiont. Building on the assumption that the costs and benefits of hosting a symbiont population increase with symbiont density, we use state-dependent dynamic programming to determine an optimal strategy for the host, i.e., that which maximizes host fitness, when regulating the density of symbionts. Simulations of active host-controlled regulation governed by the optimal strategy predict that the density of the symbiont should converge to a constant level during host development, and following perturbation. However, a similar trend also emerges from alternative strategies of symbiont regulation. The strategy which maximizes host fitness also promotes symbiont fitness compared to alternative strategies, suggesting that active host-controlled regulation of symbiont density could be adaptive for the symbiont as well as the host. Adaptation of the framework allowed the dynamics of symbiont density to be predicted for other host-symbiont ecologies, such as for non-essential symbionts, demonstrating the versatility of this modelling approach.},
}
@article {pmid37961388,
year = {2023},
author = {Karim, S and Zenzal, TJ and Beati, L and Sen, R and Adegoke, A and Kumar, D and Downs, LP and Keko, M and Nussbaum, A and Becker, DJ and Moore, FR},
title = {Ticks without borders: Microbial communities of immature Neotropical tick species parasitizing migratory landbirds along northern Gulf of Mexico.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37961388},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {P20 GM103476/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R15 GM120716/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The long-distance, seasonal migrations of birds make them an effective ecological bridge for the movement of ticks. The introduction of exotic tick species to new geographical regions can lead to the emergence of novel tick-borne pathogens or the re-emergence of previously eradicated ones. This study assessed the prevalence of exotic tick species parasitizing resident, short-distance, and long-distance songbirds during spring and autumn at stopover sites in the northern Gulf of Mexico using the mitochondrial 12S rDNA gene. Birds were captured for tick collection from six different sites from late August to early November in both 2018 and 2019. The highest number of ticks were collected in the 2019 season. Most ticks were collected off the Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) and Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas), and 54% of the total ticks collected were from Grand Chenier, LA. A high throughput 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing approach was followed to characterize the microbial communities and identify pathogenic microbes in all tick samples. Tick microbial communities, diversity, and community structure were determined using quantitative insight into microbial ecology (QIIME). The sparse correlations for compositional data (SparCC) approach was then used to construct microbial network maps and infer microbial correlations. A total of 421 individual ticks in the genera Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes were recorded from 28 songbird species, of which Amblyomma and Amblyomma longirostre was the most abundant tick genus and species, respectively. Microbial profiles showed that Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum. The most abundant bacteria include the pathogenic Rickettsia and endosymbiont Francisella, Candidatus Midichloria, and Spiroplasma. BLAST analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction of the Rickettsia sequences revealed the highest similarities to pathogenic spotted and non-spotted fever groups, including R. buchneri, R. conorii, R. prowazekii, R. bellii, R. australis, R. parkeri, R. monacensis, and R. monteiroi. Permutation multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the relative abundance of Francisella and Rickettsia drives microbial patterns across the tick genera. We also observed a higher percentage of positive correlations in microbe-microbe interactions among members of the microbial communities. Network analysis suggested a negative correlation between a) Francisella and Rickettsia and, b) Francisella and Cutibacterium. Lastly, mapping the distributions of bird species parasitized during spring migrations highlighted geographic hotspots where migratory songbirds could disperse ticks and their pathogens at stopover sites or upon arrival to their breeding grounds, the latter showing means dispersal distances from 421-5003 kilometers. These findings strongly highlight the potential role of migratory birds in the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid37963163,
year = {2023},
author = {Takasu, R and Yasuda, Y and Izu, T and Nakabachi, A},
title = {Diaphorin, a polyketide produced by a bacterial endosymbiont of the Asian citrus psyllid, adversely affects the in vitro gene expression with ribosomes from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {18},
number = {11},
pages = {e0294360},
pmid = {37963163},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacillus subtilis/genetics/metabolism ; Escherichia coli/genetics/metabolism ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Polyketides/pharmacology/metabolism ; *Citrus/microbiology ; *Gammaproteobacteria/metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; *Rhizobiaceae/physiology ; },
abstract = {Diaphorin is a polyketide produced by "Candidatus Profftella armatura" (Gammaproteobacteria), an obligate mutualist of an important agricultural pest, the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera). Our previous study demonstrated that diaphorin, at physiological concentrations in D. citri, inhibits the growth and cell division of Bacillus subtilis (Firmicutes) but promotes the growth and metabolic activity of Escherichia coli (Gammaproteobacteria). This unique property of diaphorin may aid microbial mutualism in D. citri, potentially affecting the transmission of "Candidatus Liberibacter spp." (Alphaproteobacteria), the pathogens of the most destructive citrus disease Huanglongbing. Moreover, this property may be exploited to promote microbes' efficiency in producing industrial materials. However, the mechanism underlying this activity is unknown. Diaphorin belongs to the family of pederin-type compounds, which inhibit protein synthesis in eukaryotes by binding to eukaryotic ribosomes. Therefore, as a first step to assess diaphorin's direct influence on bacterial gene expression, this study examined the effect of diaphorin on the in vitro translation using ribosomes of B. subtilis and E. coli, quantifying the production of the green fluorescent protein. The results showed that the gene expression involving B. subtilis and E. coli ribosomes along with five millimolar diaphorin was 29.6% and 13.1%, respectively, less active than the control. This suggests that the diaphorin's adverse effects on B. subtilis are attributed to, at least partly, its inhibitory effects on gene expression. Moreover, as ingredients of the translation system were common other than ribosomes, the greater inhibitory effects observed with the B. subtilis ribosome imply that the ribosome is among the potential targets of diaphorin. On the other hand, the results also imply that diaphorin's positive effects on E. coli are due to targets other than the core machinery of transcription and translation. This study demonstrated for the first time that a pederin congener affects bacterial gene expression.},
}
@article {pmid37970093,
year = {2023},
author = {Awori, RM and Hendre, P and Amugune, NO},
title = {The genome of a steinernematid-associated Pseudomonas piscis bacterium encodes the biosynthesis of insect toxins.},
journal = {Access microbiology},
volume = {5},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {37970093},
issn = {2516-8290},
abstract = {Several species of soil-dwelling Steinernema nematodes are used in the biocontrol of crop pests, due to their natural capacity to kill diverse lepidopteran species. Although this insect-killing trait is known to be augmented by the nematodes' Xenorhabdus endosymbionts, the role of other steinernematid-associated bacterial genera in the nematode lifecycle remains unclear. This genomic study aimed to determine the potential of Pseudomonas piscis to contribute to the entomopathogenicity of its Steinernema host. Insect larvae were infected with three separate Steinernema cultures. From each of the three treatments, the prevalent bacteria in the haemocoel of cadavers, four days post-infection, were isolated. These three bacterial isolates were morphologically characterised. DNA was extracted from each of the three bacterial isolates and used for long-read genome sequencing and assembly. Assemblies were used to delineate species and identify genes that encode insect toxins, antimicrobials, and confer antibiotic resistance. We assembled three complete genomes. Through digital DNA-DNA hybridisation analyses, we ascertained that the haemocoels of insect cadavers previously infected with Steinernema sp. Kalro, Steinernema sp. 75, and Steinernema sp. 97 were dominated by Xenorhabdus griffiniae Kalro, Pseudomonas piscis 75, and X. griffiniae 97, respectively. X. griffiniae Kalro and X. griffiniae 97 formed a subspecies with other X. griffiniae symbionts of steinernematids from Kenya. P. piscis 75 phylogenetically clustered with pseudomonads that are characterised by high insecticidal activity. The P. piscis 75 genome encoded the production pathway of insect toxins such as orfamides and rhizoxins, antifungals such as pyrrolnitrin and pyoluteorin, and the broad-spectrum antimicrobial 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol. The P. piscis 75 genome encoded resistance to over ten classes of antibiotics, including cationic lipopeptides. Steinernematid-associated P. piscis bacteria hence have the biosynthetic potential to contribute to nematode entomopathogenicity.},
}
@article {pmid37974296,
year = {2023},
author = {Sun, Y and Wang, M and Cao, L and Seim, I and Zhou, L and Chen, J and Wang, H and Zhong, Z and Chen, H and Fu, L and Li, M and Li, C and Sun, S},
title = {Mosaic environment-driven evolution of the deep-sea mussel Gigantidas platifrons bacterial endosymbiont.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {253},
pmid = {37974296},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Mytilidae/genetics/microbiology ; Bacteria ; Ecosystem ; Methane/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; *Hydrothermal Vents ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The within-species diversity of symbiotic bacteria represents an important genetic resource for their environmental adaptation, especially for horizontally transmitted endosymbionts. Although strain-level intraspecies variation has recently been detected in many deep-sea endosymbionts, their ecological role in environmental adaptation, their genome evolution pattern under heterogeneous geochemical environments, and the underlying molecular forces remain unclear.<br><br>RESULTS: Here, we conducted a fine-scale metagenomic analysis of the deep-sea mussel Gigantidas platifrons bacterial endosymbiont collected from distinct habitats: hydrothermal vent and methane seep. Endosymbiont genomes were assembled using a pipeline that distinguishes within-species variation and revealed highly heterogeneous compositions in mussels from different habitats. Phylogenetic analysis separated the assemblies into three distinct environment-linked clades. Their functional differentiation follows a mosaic evolutionary pattern. Core genes, essential for central metabolic function and symbiosis, were conserved across all clades. Clade-specific genes associated with heavy metal resistance, pH homeostasis, and nitrate utilization exhibited signals of accelerated evolution. Notably, transposable elements and plasmids contributed to the genetic reshuffling of the symbiont genomes and likely accelerated adaptive evolution through pseudogenization and the introduction of new genes.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The current study uncovers the environment-driven evolution of deep-sea symbionts mediated by mobile genetic elements. Its findings highlight a potentially common and critical role of within-species diversity in animal-microbiome symbioses. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid37978413,
year = {2023},
author = {Pascar, J and Middleton, H and Dorus, S},
title = {Aedes aegypti microbiome composition covaries with the density of Wolbachia infection.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {255},
pmid = {37978413},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {R21 HD088910/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Female ; *Dengue Virus ; *Aedes ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is a widespread bacterial endosymbiont that can inhibit vector competency when stably transinfected into the mosquito, Aedes aegypti, a primary vector of the dengue virus (DENV) and other arboviruses. Although a complete mechanistic understanding of pathogen blocking is lacking, it is likely to involve host immunity induction and resource competition between Wolbachia and DENV, both of which may be impacted by microbiome composition. The potential impact of Wolbachia transinfection on host fitness is also of importance given the widespread release of mosquitos infected with the Drosophila melanogaster strain of Wolbachia (wMel) in wild populations. Here, population-level genomic data from Ae. aegypti was surveyed to establish the relationship between the density of wMel infection and the composition of the host microbiome.<br><br>RESULTS: Analysis of genomic data from 172 Ae. aegypti females across six populations resulted in an expanded and quantitatively refined, species-level characterization of the bacterial, archaeal, and fungal microbiome. This included 844 species of bacteria across 23 phyla, of which 54 species were found to be ubiquitous microbiome members across these populations. The density of wMel infection was highly variable between individuals and negatively correlated with microbiome diversity. Network analyses revealed wMel as a hub comprised solely of negative interactions with other bacterial species. This contrasted with the large and highly interconnected network of other microbiome species that may represent members of the midgut microbiome community in this population.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our bioinformatic survey provided a species-level characterization of Ae. aegypti microbiome composition and variation. wMel load varied substantially across populations and individuals and, importantly, wMel was a major hub of a negative interactions across the microbiome. These interactions may be an inherent consequence of heightened pathogen blocking in densely infected individuals or, alternatively, may result from antagonistic Wolbachia-incompatible bacteria that could impede the efficacy of wMel as a biological control agent in future applications. The relationship between wMel infection variation and the microbiome warrants further investigation in the context of developing wMel as a multivalent control agent against other arboviruses. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid37980433,
year = {2023},
author = {Sanches, P and De Moraes, CM and Mescher, MC},
title = {Endosymbionts modulate virus effects on aphid-plant interactions.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {17},
number = {12},
pages = {2441-2451},
pmid = {37980433},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids ; *Viruses ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne pathogens frequently modify traits of their primary hosts and vectors in ways that influence disease transmission. Such effects can themselves be altered by the presence of other microbial symbionts, yet we currently have limited understanding of these interactions. Here we show that effects of pea enation mosaic virus (PEMV) on interactions between host plants and aphid vectors are modulated by the presence of different aphid endosymbionts. In a series of laboratory assays, we found strong interactive effects of virus infection and endosymbionts on aphid metabolomic profiles, population growth, behavior, and virus transmission during aphid feeding. Furthermore, the strongest effects-and those predicted to favor virus transmission-were most apparent in aphid lines harboring particular endosymbionts. These findings show that virus effects on host-vector interactions can be strongly influenced by other microbial symbionts and suggest a potentially important role for such interactions in disease ecology and evolution.},
}
@article {pmid37994906,
year = {2023},
author = {Meyer, DF and Moumène, A and Rodrigues, V},
title = {Microbe Profile: Ehrlichia ruminantium - stealthy as it goes.},
journal = {Microbiology (Reading, England)},
volume = {169},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {37994906},
issn = {1465-2080},
mesh = {*Ehrlichia ruminantium ; },
abstract = {Ehrlichia ruminantium is an obligate intracellular pathogenic bacterium that causes heartwater, a fatal disease of ruminants in tropical areas. Some human cases have also been reported. This globally important pathogen is primarily transmitted by ticks of the Amblyomma genus and threatens American mainland. E. ruminantium replicates within eukaryotic mammal or tick cell is a membrane-bound vacuole, where it undergoes a biphasic developmental growth cycle and differentiates from noninfectious replicative form into infectious elementary bodies. The ability of E. ruminantium to hijack host cellular processes and avoid innate immunity is a fundamental, but not yet fully understood, virulence trait of this stealth pathogen in the genomic era.},
}
@article {pmid37995370,
year = {2023},
author = {Strunov, A and Kirchner, S and Schindelar, J and Kruckenhauser, L and Haring, E and Kapun, M},
title = {Historic Museum Samples Provide Evidence for a Recent Replacement of Wolbachia Types in European Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {40},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {37995370},
issn = {1537-1719},
support = {P 32275/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Museums ; Biological Evolution ; Reproduction ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is one of the most common bacterial endosymbionts, which is frequently found in numerous arthropods and nematode taxa. Wolbachia infections can have a strong influence on the evolutionary dynamics of their hosts since these bacteria are reproductive manipulators that affect the fitness and life history of their host species for their own benefit. Host-symbiont interactions with Wolbachia are perhaps best studied in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, which is naturally infected with at least 5 different variants among which wMel and wMelCS are the most frequent ones. Comparisons of infection types between natural flies and long-term lab stocks have previously indicated that wMelCS represents the ancestral type, which was only very recently replaced by the nowadays dominant wMel in most natural populations. In this study, we took advantage of recently sequenced museum specimens of D. melanogaster that have been collected 90 to 200 yr ago in Northern Europe to test this hypothesis. Our comparison to contemporary Wolbachia samples provides compelling support for the replacement hypothesis. Our analyses show that sequencing data from historic museum specimens and their bycatch are an emerging and unprecedented resource to address fundamental questions about evolutionary dynamics in host-symbiont interactions. However, we also identified contamination with DNA from crickets that resulted in co-contamination with cricket-specific Wolbachia in several samples. These results underpin the need for rigorous quality assessments of museomic data sets to account for contamination as a source of error that may strongly influence biological interpretations if it remains undetected.},
}
@article {pmid37999087,
year = {2023},
author = {Lei, T and Luo, N and Song, C and Yu, J and Zhou, Y and Qi, X and Liu, Y},
title = {Comparative Genomics Reveals Three Genetic Groups of the Whitefly Obligate Endosymbiont Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {14},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {37999087},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32070481//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; CARS-23-C05//Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System/ ; LY22C040003//Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 21hb04//Science &amp; Technology Project of Taizhou/ ; 21nya17//Science &amp; Technology Project of Taizhou/ ; 1902gy23//Science &amp; Technology Project of Taizhou/ ; },
abstract = {Maternally inherited obligate endosymbionts codiverge with their invertebrate hosts and reflect their host's evolutionary history. Whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) harbor one obligate endosymbiont, Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum (hereafter Portiera). Portiera was anciently acquired by whitefly and has been coevolving with its host ever since. Uncovering the divergence of endosymbionts provides a fundamental basis for inspecting the coevolutionary processes between the bacteria and their hosts. To illustrate the divergence of Portiera lineages across different whitefly species, we sequenced the Portiera genome from Aleyrodes shizuokensis and conducted a comparative analysis on the basic features and gene evolution with bacterial genomes from five whitefly genera, namely Aleurodicus, Aleyrodes, Bemisia, Pealius, and Trialeurodes. The results indicated that Portiera from Bemisia possessed significantly larger genomes, fewer coding sequences (CDSs), and a lower coding density. Their gene arrangement differed notably from those of other genera. The phylogeny of the nine Portiera lineages resembled that of their hosts. Moreover, the lineages were classified into three distinct genetic groups based on the genetic distance, one from Aleurodicus (Aleurodicinae), one from Bemisia (Aleyrodinae), and another from Aleyrodes, Pealius, and Trialeurrodes (Aleyrodinae). Synonymous and nonsynonymous rate analyses, parity rule 2 plot analyses, neutrality plot analyses, and effective number of codons analyses supported the distinction of the three genetic groups. Our results indicated that Portiera from distant hosts exhibit distinct genomic contents, implying codivergence between hosts and their endosymbionts. This work will enhance our understanding of coevolution between hosts and their endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid38006542,
year = {2024},
author = {Fallon, AM},
title = {Wolbachia: Advancing into a Second Century.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2739},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
pmid = {38006542},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Filarioidea ; *Arthropods ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis had its scientific debut nearly a century ago and has recently emerged as a target for therapeutic treatment of filarial infections and an attractive tool for control of arthropod pests. Wolbachia was known as a biological entity before DNA was recognized as the molecule that carries the genetic information on which life depends, and before arthropods and nematodes were grouped in the Ecdysozoa. Today, some investigators consider Wolbachia the most abundant endosymbiont on earth, given the numbers of its hosts and its diverse mutualistic, commensal, and parasitic roles in their life histories. Recent advances in molecular technologies have revolutionized our understanding of Wolbachia and its associated reproductive phenotypes. New models have emerged for its investigation, and substantial progress has been made towards Wolbachia-based interventions in medicine and agriculture. Here I introduce Wolbachia, with a focus on aspects of its biology that are covered in greater detail in subsequent chapters.},
}
@article {pmid38006547,
year = {2024},
author = {Kakumanu, ML and Hickin, ML and Schal, C},
title = {Detection, Quantification, and Elimination of Wolbachia in Bed Bugs.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2739},
number = {},
pages = {97-114},
pmid = {38006547},
issn = {1940-6029},
support = {P30 ES025128/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bedbugs/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an obligatory nutritional symbiont of the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, providing B-vitamins to its host. The biological significance of Wolbachia to bed bugs is investigated primarily by eliminating the symbiont with antibiotics, which is followed by confirmation with molecular assays. In this chapter, we describe a protocol for eliminating Wolbachia in bed bugs using the ansamycin antibiotic rifampicin (also known as rifampin) and three molecular methods to accurately detect and quantify the Wolbachia gene copies in bed bug samples. We describe the digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), a highly sensitive technique for absolute quantification of low abundance target genes, which has proven to be a valuable technique for confirmation of the elimination of Wolbachia.},
}
@article {pmid38006554,
year = {2024},
author = {Walker, T},
title = {Detection of Natural Wolbachia Strains in Anopheles Mosquitoes.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2739},
number = {},
pages = {205-218},
pmid = {38006554},
issn = {1940-6029},
support = {(101285)//Sir Henry Dale Wellcome Trust/Royal Society fellowship/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Anopheles/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Mosquito Vectors ; *Malaria ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacterium that naturally infects many insect species, including mosquitoes that transmit human diseases. Wolbachia strains have been shown to inhibit the transmission of both arboviruses and malaria Plasmodium parasites. The existence of natural strains in wild Anopheles (An.) mosquitoes, the vectors of malaria parasites, in an endosymbiotic relationship is still to be fully determined. Although Wolbachia has been reported to be present in wild populations of the An. gambiae complex, the primary vectors of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa, Wolbachia DNA sequence density and infection frequencies are low. As most studies have used highly sensitive nested PCR as the only detection method, more robust evidence is required to determine whether Wolbachia strains are established as endosymbionts in Anopheles species. Techniques such as fluorescent in situ hybridization, microbiome sequencing, and Wolbachia whole genome sequencing have provided concrete evidence for genuine Wolbachia strains in two mosquito species: An. moucheti and An. demeilloni. In this chapter, the current methodology used to determine if resident strains exist in Anopheles mosquitoes will be reviewed, including both PCR- and non-PCR-based protocols.},
}
@article {pmid38006558,
year = {2024},
author = {Valerio, F and Twort, VG and Duplouy, A},
title = {A Worked Example of Screening Genomic Material for the Presence of Wolbachia Infection.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2739},
number = {},
pages = {275-299},
doi = {10.1007/978-1-0716-3553-7_17},
pmid = {38006558},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Genome, Bacterial ; Genomics ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {This chapter gives a brief overview of how to screen existing host genomic data for the presence of endosymbionts, such as Wolbachia. The various programs used provide test examples, and the corresponding manuals and discussion boards provide invaluable information. Please do consult these resources.},
}
@article {pmid38006562,
year = {2024},
author = {Serbus, LR},
title = {A Light in the Dark: Uncovering Wolbachia-Host Interactions Using Fluorescence Imaging.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2739},
number = {},
pages = {349-373},
pmid = {38006562},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Arthropods/microbiology ; *Nematoda ; Symbiosis ; Optical Imaging ; },
abstract = {The success of microbial endosymbionts, which reside naturally within a eukaryotic "host" organism, requires effective microbial interaction with, and manipulation of, the host cells. Fluorescence microscopy has played a key role in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of endosymbiosis. For 30 years, fluorescence analyses have been a cornerstone in studies of endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria, focused on host colonization, maternal transmission, reproductive parasitism, horizontal gene transfer, viral suppression, and metabolic interactions in arthropods and nematodes. Fluorescence-based studies stand to continue informing Wolbachia-host interactions in increasingly detailed and innovative ways.},
}
@article {pmid38009998,
year = {2023},
author = {Naka, H and Haygood, MG},
title = {The dual role of TonB genes in turnerbactin uptake and carbohydrate utilization in the shipworm symbiont Teredinibacter turnerae.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {89},
number = {12},
pages = {e0074423},
pmid = {38009998},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {U01 TW008163/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Bivalvia/microbiology ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; Cellulose/metabolism ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Animals ; Iron/metabolism ; Carbohydrates ; Oligopeptides ; Hydroxybenzoates ; Gammaproteobacteria ; },
abstract = {This study highlights diversity in iron acquisition and regulation in bacteria. The mechanisms of iron acquisition and its regulation in Teredinibacter turnerae, as well as its connection to cellulose utilization, a hallmark phenotype of T. turnerae, expand the paradigm of bacterial iron acquisition. Two of the four TonB genes identified in T. turnerae exhibit functional redundancy and play a crucial role in siderophore-mediated iron transport. Unlike typical TonB genes in bacteria, none of the TonB genes in T. turnerae are clearly iron regulated. This unusual regulation could be explained by another important finding in this study, namely, that the two TonB genes involved in iron transport are also essential for cellulose utilization as a carbon source, leading to the expression of TonB genes even under iron-rich conditions.},
}
@article {pmid38010882,
year = {2024},
author = {Espada-Hinojosa, S and Karthäuser, C and Srivastava, A and Schuster, L and Winter, T and de Oliveira, AL and Schulz, F and Horn, M and Sievert, S and Bright, M},
title = {Comparative genomics of a vertically transmitted thiotrophic bacterial ectosymbiont and its close free-living relative.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {e13889},
pmid = {38010882},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {DOC 69/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 32197//Austrian Science Fund/ ; //WHOI Investment in Science Fund/ ; P 24565//Austrian Science Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria ; *Genomics ; Symbiosis ; Sulfur/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Thiotrophic symbioses between sulphur-oxidizing bacteria and various unicellular and metazoan eukaryotes are widespread in reducing marine environments. The giant colonial ciliate Zoothamnium niveum, however, is the only host of thioautotrophic symbionts that has been cultivated along with its symbiont, the vertically transmitted ectosymbiont Candidatus Thiobius zoothamnicola (short Thiobius). Because theoretical predictions posit a smaller genome in vertically transmitted endosymbionts compared to free-living relatives, we investigated whether this is true also for an ectosymbiont. We used metagenomics to recover the high-quality draft genome of this bacterial symbiont. For comparison we have also sequenced a closely related free-living cultured but not formally described strain Milos ODIII6 (short ODIII6). We then performed comparative genomics to assess the functional capabilities at gene, metabolic pathway and trait level. 16S rRNA gene trees and average amino acid identity confirmed the close phylogenetic relationship of both bacteria. Indeed, Thiobius has about a third smaller genome than its free-living relative ODIII6, with reduced metabolic capabilities and fewer functional traits. The functional capabilities of Thiobius were a subset of those of the more versatile ODIII6, which possessed additional genes for oxygen, sulphur and hydrogen utilization and for the acquisition of phosphorus illustrating features that may be adaptive for the unstable environmental conditions at hydrothermal vents. In contrast, Thiobius possesses genes potentially enabling it to utilize lactate and acetate heterotrophically, compounds that may be provided as byproducts by the host. The present study illustrates the effect of strict host-dependence of a bacterial ectosymbiont on genome evolution and host adaptation.},
}
@article {pmid38016137,
year = {2024},
author = {Azarm, A and Koosha, M and Dalimi, A and Zahraie-Ramazani, A and Akhavan, AA and Saeidi, Z and Mohebali, M and Azam, K and Vatandoost, H and Oshaghi, MA},
title = {Association Between Wolbachia Infection and Susceptibility to Deltamethrin Insecticide in Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae), the Main Vector of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {24},
number = {3},
pages = {159-165},
doi = {10.1089/vbz.2023.0085},
pmid = {38016137},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Phlebotomus/microbiology ; *Psychodidae ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/veterinary ; *Nitriles ; *Pyrethrins ; },
abstract = {Background: Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the main vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Wolbachia is a symbiotic alphaproteobacteria of arthropods that can be involved in susceptibility or resistance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Wolbachia and Deltamethrin susceptibility/resistance in Ph. papatasi. Deltamethrin filter papers (0.00002%) were used to test sand fly field collected from southern Iran. After the test, PCR amplification of the Wolbachia surface protein gene (wsp) was used to measure Wolbachia infection rate in the killed, surviving, and control groups. Result: The rates of infection by Wolbachia strain (wPap, super group A) differed between killed (susceptible) and surviving (resistant) Ph. papatasi specimens. The rate of Wolbachia infection in susceptible individuals was more than twice (2.3) (39% vs. 17%) in resistant individuals with the same genetic background. This difference was highly significant (p < 0.001), indicating a positive association between Wolbachia infection and susceptibility to Deltamethrin. In addition, the results showed that Deltamethrin can act as a PCR inhibitor during detection of Wolbachia in Ph. papatasi. Conclusion: Results of this study show that Wolbachia is associated with Deltamethrin susceptibility level in Ph. papatasi. Also, as Deltamethrin has been identified as a PCR inhibitor, great care must be taken in interpreting Wolbachia infection status in infected populations. The results of this study may provide information for a better understanding of the host-symbiont relationship, as well as application of host symbiosis in pest management.},
}
@article {pmid38018626,
year = {2023},
author = {Sperandio, NDC and Tunholi, VM and Amaral, LS and Vidal, MLB and Cassani, LS and Tunholi-Alves, VM and Couto-Chambarelli, MCMD and Boeloni, JN and Monteiro, C and Martins, IVF},
title = {Influence of exposure Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88, (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) on biological and physiological parameters of Pseudosuccinea columella (Basommatophora: Lymnaeidae).},
journal = {Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria},
volume = {32},
number = {4},
pages = {e007023},
pmid = {38018626},
issn = {1984-2961},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rhabditida ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Snails/parasitology ; *Fascioliasis/veterinary ; },
abstract = {Many studies about fasciolosis control have been carried out, whether acting on the adult parasite or in Pseudosuccinea columella, compromising the development of the larval stages. The present study aimed to evaluate, under laboratory conditions, the susceptibility of P. columella to Heterorhabditis bacteriophora HP88, during for 24 and 48 hours of exposure. The snails were evaluated for 21 days for accumulated mortality; number of eggs laid; hatchability rate; biochemical changes; and histopathological analysis. We found that exposure induced a reduction in glucose and glycogen levels, characterizing a negative energy balance, due to the depletion of energy reserves as a result of the direct competition established by the nematode/endosymbiont bacteria complex in such substrates. A mortality rate of 48.25% and 65.52% was observed in the group exposed for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, along with significant impairment of reproductive biology in both exposed groups in relation to the respective controls. The results presented here show that P. columella is susceptible to the nematode H. bacteriophora, with the potential to be used as an alternative bioagent in the control of this mollusk, especially in areas considered endemic for fascioliasis, in line with the position expressed by the World Health Organization Health.},
}
@article {pmid38021190,
year = {2023},
author = {Bawm, S and Khaing, Y and Chel, HM and Hmoon, MM and Win, SY and Bo, M and Naing, T and Htun, LL},
title = {Molecular detection of Dirofilaria immitis and its Wolbachia endosymbionts in dogs from Myanmar.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology &amp; vector-borne diseases},
volume = {4},
number = {},
pages = {100148},
pmid = {38021190},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {Heartworm disease in dogs and cats caused by Dirofilaria immitis continues to be a major clinical issue globally. This study focused on dogs suspicious of having tick-borne diseases (TBD) brought to a clinic and a veterinary teaching hospital in Myanmar. Blood samples were collected and initially screened using SNAP® 4Dx® Plus test kit. All dog blood samples were subjected to conventional PCR to detect both Dirofilaria spp. (cox1 gene) and Wolbachia spp. (16S rDNA) infections. Infection with D. immitis was detected in 14 (28.0%) of 50 examined samples, while the detection rate of TBD causative agents, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia canis, was 26.0% (13/50) and 26.0% (13/50), respectively, as determined by ELISA rapid test. In this study, D. immitis infection was moderately but significantly correlated with TBD infections (Pearson's r = 0.397, P = 0.008). Comparative sequence and phylogenetic analyses provided molecular identification of D. immitis in Myanmar and confirmed the identity of its Wolbachia endosymbiont with Wolbachia endosymbionts isolated from D. immitis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Aedes aegypti. The present study contributes to our understanding of the coexistence of D. immitis and Wolbachia endosymbiosis in dogs, and the findings may benefit the future prevention and control of dirofilariasis in dogs.},
}
@article {pmid38038450,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, X-R and Cull, B and Oliver, JD and Kurtti, TJ and Munderloh, UG},
title = {The role of autophagy in tick-endosymbiont interactions: insights from Ixodes scapularis and Rickettsia buchneri.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {e0108623},
pmid = {38038450},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {R01 AI049424/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ticks are second only to mosquitoes in their importance as vectors of disease agents; however, tick-borne diseases (TBDs) account for the majority of all vector-borne disease cases in the United States (approximately 76.5%), according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Newly discovered tick species and their associated disease-causing pathogens, and anthropogenic and demographic factors also contribute to the emergence and re-emergence of TBDs. Thus, incorporating different tick control approaches based on a thorough knowledge of tick biology has great potential to prevent and eliminate TBDs in the future. Here we demonstrate that replication of a transovarially transmitted rickettsial endosymbiont depends on the tick's autophagy machinery but not on apoptosis. Our findings improve our understanding of the role of symbionts in tick biology and the potential to discover tick control approaches to prevent or manage TBDs.},
}
@article {pmid38047686,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhang, W and Wang, J and Huang, Z and He, X and Wei, C},
title = {Symbionts in Hodgkinia-free cicadas and their implications for co-evolution between endosymbionts and host insects.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {89},
number = {12},
pages = {e0137323},
pmid = {38047686},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {32270496//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 32070476//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera ; Insecta ; Phylogeny ; *Alphaproteobacteria ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Obligate symbionts in sap-sucking hemipterans are harbored in either the same or different organs, which provide a unique perspective for uncovering complicated insect-microbe symbiosis. Here, we investigated the distribution of symbionts in adults of 10 Hodgkinia-free cicada species of 2 tribes (Sonatini and Polyneurini) and the co-phylogeny between 65 cicada species and related symbionts (Sulcia and YLSs). We revealed that YLSs commonly colonize the bacteriome sheath besides the fat bodies in these two tribes, which is different with that in most other Hodgkinia-free cicadas. Co-phylogeny analyses between cicadas and symbionts suggest that genetic variation of Sulcia occurred in Sonatini and some other cicada lineages and more independent replacement events in the loss of Hodgkinia/acquisition of YLS in Cicadidae. Our results provide new information on the complex relationships between auchenorrhynchans and related symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid38070273,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, B and Wang, X and Aguli Nurland, R and Lu, M and Guan, Y and Liu, M and Gao, F and Li, K},
title = {Investigation of tick-borne bacterial microorganisms in Haemaphysalis ticks from Hebei, Shandong, and Qinghai provinces, China.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {102290},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102290},
pmid = {38070273},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Ticks/microbiology ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; Anaplasma/genetics ; Ehrlichia/genetics ; *Bartonella/genetics ; *Anaplasmataceae/genetics ; *Borrelia/genetics ; Goats ; China/epidemiology ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Tick-borne microorganisms in many tick species and many areas of China are still not thoroughly investigated. In this study, 224 ticks including two species (Haemaphysalis longicornis and Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis) were collected from four cities in Hebei, Shandong, and Qinghai provinces, China. Ticks were screened for the presence of tick-borne bacterial microorganisms including Rickettsia, Anaplasmataceae (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neoehrlichia, etc.), Coxiella, Borrelia, and Bartonella. Two Anaplasma species (Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma capra) were detected in H. longicornis from Xingtai City of Hebei Province, with a positive rate of 3 % and 8 %, respectively. A Coxiella species was detected in H. longicornis ticks from all three locations in Hebei and Shandong provinces, with the positive rate ranging from 30 to 75 %. All the 16S and rpoB sequences were very similar (99.77-100 % identity) to Coxiella endosymbiont of Haemaphysalis ticks. An Ehrlichia species was detected in H. qinghaiensis (6/66, 9 %) from Xining City, Qinghai Province. The 16S and groEL sequences had 100 % and 97.40-97.85 % nucleotide identities to "Candidatus Ehrlichia pampeana" strains, respectively, suggesting that it may be a variant of "Candidatus Ehrlichia pampeana". All the ticks were negative for Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Bartonella. Because all the ticks were removed from goats or humans and were partially or fully engorged, it is possible that the microorganisms were from the blood meal but not vectored by the ticks. Our results may provide some information on the diversity and distribution of tick-borne pathogens in China.},
}
@article {pmid38071646,
year = {2024},
author = {Urairi, C and Fujito, S},
title = {Interbiotype hybridization between biotypes A and B of Liriomyza chinensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {117},
number = {1},
pages = {240-250},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toad223},
pmid = {38071646},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Female ; Male ; Animals ; *Diptera/genetics ; *Hemiptera ; Reproduction ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Fertility ; },
abstract = {Liriomyza chinensis (Kato) is a formidable pest of Allium species, especially the Japanese bunching onion Allium fistulosum L. Recently, a novel biotype of L. chinensis (biotype B) has emerged, which causes more severe damage than the native biotype A. It has been reported that biotype B has frequently displaced biotype A in the Japanese bunching onion fields in Japan. As interbiotype hybridization is a possible factor that influences such displacement, interbiotype hybridization was conducted between L. chinensis biotypes A and B. Eggs were not laid under one-by-one crossing conditions; however, adult hybrid progeny of both sexes emerged from no-choice mating combinations-when multiple males and females were present. The fertility of F1 hybrid adults was also investigated, and backcrossed adults emerged from F1 females in both mating combinations. F1 males might have exhibited reproductive abnormalities because only a small number of backcross progeny emerged from the mating combinations using F1 males. Additionally, 3 representative endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Spiroplasma, and Cardinium) were investigated, and both biotypes were found to be infected by the same strain of Wolbachia. In addition, the courtship signals (tapping) of male adults differed between biotypes A and B as well as between F1 hybrids; the F1 males exhibited tapping behavior that was intermediate between biotypes A and B. Therefore, mating sounds serve as a form of premating reproductive isolation between biotypes A and B.},
}
@article {pmid38072536,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhou, YM and Xie, W and Zhi, JR and Zou, X},
title = {Frankliniella occidentalis pathogenic fungus Lecanicillium interacts with internal microbes and produces sublethal effects.},
journal = {Pesticide biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {197},
number = {},
pages = {105679},
doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105679},
pmid = {38072536},
issn = {1095-9939},
mesh = {Animals ; *Thysanoptera ; Insecta ; Reproduction ; Pupa ; Hormones ; },
abstract = {Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a pest that feeds on various crops worldwide. A prior study identified Lecanicillium attenuatum and L. cauligalbarum as pathogens of F. occidentalis. Unfortunately, the potential of these two entomopathogenic fungi for the biocontrol of F. occidentalis has not been effectively evaluated. The internal microbes (endosymbionts and the gut microbiota) of insects, especially gut bacteria, are crucial in regulating the interactions between the host and intestinal pathogens. The role of thrips internal microbes in the infection of these two entomopathogenic fungi is also unknown. Therefore, biological control of thrips is immediately needed, and to accomplish that, an improved understanding of the internal microbes of thrips against Lecanicillium infection is essential. The virulence of the two pathogenic fungi against F. occidentalis increased with the conidia concentration. Overall, the LC50 of L. cauligalbarum was lower than that of L. attenuatum, and the pathogenicity degree was adult > pupa > nymphs. The activities of protective enzymes include superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD); detoxification enzymes include polyphenol oxidase (PPO), glutathione s-transferase (GSTs), and carboxylesterase (CarE); hormones include ecdysone and juvenile hormone; and the composition and proportion of microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) in F. occidentalis infected by L. cauligalbarum and L. attenuatum have changed significantly. According to the network correlation results, there was a considerable correlation among the internal microbes (including bacteria and fungi), enzyme activities, and hormones, which indicates that in addition to bacteria, internal fungi of F. occidentalis are also involved in the L. cauligalbarum and L. attenuatum infection process. In addition, the development time of the surviving F. occidentalis exposed to L. cauligalbarum or L. attenuatum was significantly shorter than that of the control group. Furthermore, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R0), mean generation time (T), and gross reproductive rate (GRR) were significantly lower in the treatment groups than in the control group. L. attenuatum and L. cauligalbarum have biocontrol potential against F. occidentalis. In addition to bacteria, internal fungi of F. occidentalis are also involved in the infection process of insect pathogenic fungi. Disruption of the internal microbial balance results in discernible sublethal effects. Such prevention and control potential should not be ignored. These findings provide an improved understanding of physiological responses in thrips with altered immunity against entomopathogenic fungal infections, which can guide us toward the development of novel biocontrol strategies against thrips.},
}
@article {pmid38072824,
year = {2024},
author = {Valadez-Cano, C and Olivares-Hernández, R and Espino-Vázquez, AN and Partida-Martínez, LP},
title = {Genome-Scale Model of Rhizopus microsporus: Metabolic integration of a fungal holobiont with its bacterial and viral endosymbionts.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {e16551},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16551},
pmid = {38072824},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {FOINS-2015-01-006//Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnolog&#xed;a/ ; },
mesh = {*Macrolides/metabolism ; *Rhizopus/genetics/metabolism ; Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Nucleotides/metabolism ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Rhizopus microsporus often lives in association with bacterial and viral symbionts that alter its biology. This fungal model represents an example of the complex interactions established among diverse organisms in functional holobionts. We constructed a Genome-Scale Model (GSM) of the fungal-bacterial-viral holobiont (iHol). We employed a constraint-based method to calculate the metabolic fluxes to decipher the metabolic interactions of the symbionts with their host. Our computational analyses of iHol simulate the holobiont's growth and the production of the toxin rhizoxin. Analyses of the calculated fluxes between R. microsporus in symbiotic (iHol) versus asymbiotic conditions suggest that changes in the lipid and nucleotide metabolism of the host are necessary for the functionality of the holobiont. Glycerol plays a pivotal role in the fungal-bacterial metabolic interaction, as its production does not compromise fungal growth, and Mycetohabitans bacteria can efficiently consume it. Narnavirus RmNV-20S and RmNV-23S affected the nucleotide metabolism without impacting the fungal-bacterial symbiosis. Our analyses highlighted the metabolic stability of Mycetohabitans throughout its co-evolution with the fungal host. We also predicted changes in reactions of the bacterial metabolism required for the active production of rhizoxin. This iHol is the first GSM of a fungal holobiont.},
}
@article {pmid38078889,
year = {2024},
author = {Schwartz, HT and Tan, CH and Peraza, J and Raymundo, KLT and Sternberg, PW},
title = {Molecular identification of a peroxidase gene controlling body size in the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema hermaphroditum.},
journal = {Genetics},
volume = {226},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {38078889},
issn = {1943-2631},
support = {//Caltech CCE Multiuser Mass Spectrometry Laboratory/ ; P40 OD010440/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; 2128267//NSF-EDGE/ ; //Caltech's Center for Evolutionary Science/ ; //Center for Environmental Microbial Interactions/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Rhabditida/genetics ; Insecta ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; Symbiosis ; Body Size ; },
abstract = {The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema hermaphroditum was recently rediscovered and is being developed as a genetically tractable experimental system for the study of previously unexplored biology, including parasitism of its insect hosts and mutualism with its bacterial endosymbiont Xenorhabdus griffiniae. Through whole-genome re-sequencing and genetic mapping we have for the first time molecularly identified the gene responsible for a mutationally defined phenotypic locus in an entomopathogenic nematode. In the process we observed an unexpected mutational spectrum following ethyl methansulfonate mutagenesis in this species. We find that the ortholog of the essential Caenorhabditis elegans peroxidase gene skpo-2 controls body size and shape in S. hermaphroditum. We confirmed this identification by generating additional loss-of-function mutations in the gene using CRISPR-Cas9. We propose that the identification of skpo-2 will accelerate gene targeting in other Steinernema entomopathogenic nematodes used commercially in pest control, as skpo-2 is X-linked and males hemizygous for loss of its function can mate, making skpo-2 an easily recognized and maintained marker for use in co-CRISPR.},
}
@article {pmid38087390,
year = {2023},
author = {Ferrarini, MG and Vallier, A and Vincent-Monégat, C and Dell'Aglio, E and Gillet, B and Hughes, S and Hurtado, O and Condemine, G and Zaidman-Rémy, A and Rebollo, R and Parisot, N and Heddi, A},
title = {Coordination of host and endosymbiont gene expression governs endosymbiont growth and elimination in the cereal weevil Sitophilus spp.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {274},
pmid = {38087390},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {ANR-17-CE20-0031-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-17-CE20-0015//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-17-CE20-0015//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-17-CE20-0031-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Weevils/microbiology ; Edible Grain ; Enterobacteriaceae/metabolism ; Bacteria/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Gene Expression ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Insects living in nutritionally poor environments often establish long-term relationships with intracellular bacteria that supplement their diets and improve their adaptive and invasive powers. Even though these symbiotic associations have been extensively studied on physiological, ecological, and evolutionary levels, few studies have focused on the molecular dialogue between host and endosymbionts to identify genes and pathways involved in endosymbiosis control and dynamics throughout host development.<br><br>RESULTS: We simultaneously analyzed host and endosymbiont gene expression during the life cycle of the cereal weevil Sitophilus oryzae, from larval stages to adults, with a particular emphasis on emerging adults where the endosymbiont Sodalis pierantonius experiences a contrasted growth-climax-elimination dynamics. We unraveled a constant arms race in which different biological functions are intertwined and coregulated across both partners. These include immunity, metabolism, metal control, apoptosis, and bacterial stress response.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The study of these tightly regulated functions, which are at the center of symbiotic regulations, provides evidence on how hosts and bacteria finely tune their gene expression and respond to different physiological challenges constrained by insect development in a nutritionally limited ecological niche. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid38088471,
year = {2024},
author = {Gonzalez-Gonzalez, A and Cabrera, N and Rubio-Meléndez, ME and Sepúlveda, DA and Ceballos, R and Fernández, N and Francis, F and Figueroa, CC and Ramirez, CC},
title = {Facultative endosymbionts modulate the aphid reproductive performance on wheat cultivars differing in contents of benzoxazinoids.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {80},
number = {4},
pages = {1949-1956},
doi = {10.1002/ps.7932},
pmid = {38088471},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {N&#xb0;170134//Redes-Conicyt/ ; N&#xb0;1170943//Fondecyt regular/ ; N&#xb0; 3190544//Fondecyt Postdoctoral/ ; N&#xb0;100462//Fondecyt Continuity Fund/ ; 21190271//National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship Program Becas Doctorado Nacional/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Benzoxazines ; *Aphids/physiology ; Triticum ; Reproduction ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Facultative bacterial endosymbionts have the potential to influence the interactions between aphids, their natural enemies, and host plants. Among the facultative symbionts found in populations of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae in central Chile, the bacterium Regiella insecticola is the most prevalent. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether infected and cured aphid lineages exhibit differential responses to wheat cultivars containing varying levels of the benzoxazinoid DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one), which is a xenobiotic compound produced by plants. Specifically, we examined the reproductive performance responses of the most frequently encountered genotypes of Sitobion avenae when reared on wheat seedlings expressing low, medium, and high concentrations of DIMBOA.<br><br>RESULTS: Our findings reveal that the intrinsic rate of population increase (rm) in cured lineages of Sitobion avenae genotypes exhibits a biphasic pattern, characterized by the lowest rm and an extended time to first reproduction on wheat seedlings with medium levels of DIMBOA. In contrast, the aphid genotypes harbouring Regiella insecticola display idiosyncratic responses, with the two most prevalent genotypes demonstrating improved performance on seedlings featuring an intermediate content of DIMBOA compared to their cured counterparts.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study represents the first investigation into the mediating impact of facultative endosymbionts on aphid performance in plants exhibiting varying DIMBOA contents. These findings present exciting prospects for identifying novel targets for aphid control by manipulating the presence of aphid symbionts. &#xa9; 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid38097942,
year = {2023},
author = {Mirabedini, Z and Mirjalali, H and Kazemirad, E and Khamesipour, A and Samimirad, K and Koosha, M and Saberi, R and Rahimi, HM and Mohebali, M and Hajjaran, H},
title = {The effects of Leishmania RNA virus 2 (LRV2) on the virulence factors of L. major and pro-inflammatory biomarkers: an in vitro study on human monocyte cell line (THP-1).},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {398},
pmid = {38097942},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {IR.TUMS.SPH.REC.1400.251//Tehran University of Medical Science/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Monocytes ; Interleukin-18 ; *Leishmania ; *Leishmaniavirus/genetics ; *Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous ; *RNA Viruses/genetics ; Biomarkers ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease with diverse outcomes. Clinical diversity is influenced by various factors such as Leishmania species and host genetic background. The role of Leishmania RNA virus (LRV), as an endosymbiont, is suggested to not only affect the pathogenesis of Leishmania, but also impact host immune responses. This study aimed to investigate the influence of LRV2 on the expression of a number of virulence factors (VFs) of Leishmania and pro-inflammatory biomarkers.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample were obtained from CL patients from Golestan province. Leishmania species were identified by PCR (LIN 4, 17), and the presence of LRV2 was checked using the semi-nested PCR (RdRp gene). Human monocyte cell line (THP-1) was treated with three isolates of L. major with LRV2 and one isolate of L. major without LRV2. The treatments with four isolates were administered for the time points: zero, 12, 24, 36, and 48&#xa0;h after co-infection. The expression levels of Leishmania VFs genes including GP63, HSP83, and MPI, as well as pro-inflammatory biomarkers genes including NLRP3, IL18, and IL1&#x3b2;, were measured using quantitative real-time PCR.<br><br>RESULTS: The expression of GP63, HSP83, and MPI revealed up-regulation in LRV2&#x2009;+&#x2009;isolates compared to LRV2- isolates. The expression of the pro-inflammatory biomarkers including NLRP3, IL1&#x3b2;, and IL18 genes in LRV2- were higher than LRV2&#x2009;+&#x2009;isolates.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that LRV2&#x2009;+&#x2009;may have a probable effect on the Leishmania VFs and pro-inflammatory biomarkers in the human macrophage model.},
}
@article {pmid38104431,
year = {2024},
author = {Lau, DC and Power, RI and Šlapeta, J},
title = {Exploring multiplex qPCR as a diagnostic tool for detecting microfilarial DNA in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis: A comparative analysis with the modified Knott's test.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {325},
number = {},
pages = {110097},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110097},
pmid = {38104431},
issn = {1873-2550},
mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; *Dirofilaria immitis/genetics ; Microfilariae/genetics ; Australia ; *Dog Diseases/diagnosis ; *Dirofilariasis/diagnosis ; DNA ; Lactones ; },
abstract = {Current recommendations to diagnose cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs caused by Dirofilaria immitis involves tandem antigen and circulating microfilariae tests. The modified Knott's test is an important tool in heartworm diagnosis, allowing identification of circulating microfilariae. However, the subjective nature of the modified Knott's test affects its accuracy and diagnostic laboratories usually do not provide a quantitative outcome. Quantitative enumeration of microfilariae enables clinicians to track treatment progress and acts as a proxy for detecting emerging macrocyclic lactone resistance. There is a need for better diagnostic tools suitable for routine use to efficiently and accurately quantify the presence of D. immitis microfilaremia. The aim of this study was to determine whether the quantitative modified Knott's test can be substituted by multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting D. immitis and associated Wolbachia endosymbiont DNA in canine blood samples. To do this, genomic DNA samples (n = 161) from Australian dogs, collected as part of a previous 2021 study, were assessed in a TaqMan qPCR targeting DNA of D. immitis, Wolbachia sp. and Canis lupus familiaris. Of the 161 genomic DNA samples, eight were considered positive for D. immitis microfilariae. The qPCR assay demonstrated good efficiency (E = 90 to 110%, R[2] > 0.94). Considering the performance and efficient use of bench time, this TaqMan qPCR assay is a suitable alternative to the modified Knott's test for quantitative enumeration of microfilariae (Cohen's kappa coefficient [κ]: κ = 1 using D. immitis qPCR marker, κ = 0.93 using Wolbachia qPCR marker). The qPCR data demonstrated a comparable result to that of the quantitative modified Knott's test in a 2022 survey of D. immitis in Australian dogs (n = 23) before and after macrocyclic lactone (ML) administration. Improving the detection and diagnosis of canine heartworm infections will assist veterinarians in better managing and controlling disease outcomes and will be valuable for tracking the spread of ML resistance in Australia.},
}
@article {pmid38105949,
year = {2024},
author = {Shropshire, JD and Conner, WR and Vanderpool, D and Hoffmann, AA and Turelli, M and Cooper, BS},
title = {Rapid host switching of Wolbachia and even more rapid turnover of their phages and incompatibility-causing loci.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38105949},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {About half of all insect species carry maternally inherited Wolbachia alphaproteobacteria, making Wolbachia the most common endosymbionts known in nature. Often Wolbachia spread to high frequencies within populations due to cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), a Wolbachia-induced sperm modification caused by prophage-associated genes (cifs) that kill embryos without Wolbachia. Several Wolbachia variants also block viruses, including wMel from Drosophila melanogaster when transinfected into the mosquito Aedes aegypti. CI enables the establishment and stable maintenance of pathogen-blocking wMel in natural Ae. aegypti populations. These transinfections are reducing dengue disease incidence on multiple continents. While it has long been known that closely related Wolbachia occupy distantly related hosts, the timing of Wolbachia host switching and molecular evolution has not been widely quantified. We provide a new, conservative calibration for Wolbachia chronograms based on examples of co-divergence of Wolbachia and their insect hosts. Synthesizing publicly available and new genomic data, we use our calibration to demonstrate that wMel-like variants separated by only about 370,000 years have naturally colonized holometabolous dipteran and hymenopteran insects that diverged approximately 350 million years ago. Data from Wolbachia variants closely related to those currently dominant in D. melanogaster and D. simulans illustrate that cifs are rapidly acquired and lost among Wolbachia genomes, on a time scale of 10[4]-10[5] years. This turnover occurs with and without the Wovirus prophages that contain them, with closely related cifs found in distantly related phages and distantly related cifs found in closely related phages. We present evidence for purifying selection on CI rescue function and on particular Cif protein domains. Our results quantify the tempo and mode of rapid host switching and horizontal gene transfer that underlie the spread and diversity of Wolbachia sampled from diverse host species. The wMel variants we highlight from hosts in different climates may offer new options for broadening Wolbachia-based biocontrol of diseases and pests.},
}
@article {pmid38106215,
year = {2023},
author = {Maeda, GP and Kelly, MK and Sundar, A and Moran, NA},
title = {Intracellular defensive symbiont is culturable and capable of transovarial, vertical transmission.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2023.12.05.570145},
pmid = {38106215},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Insects frequently form heritable associations with beneficial bacteria that are vertically transmitted from parent to offspring. Long term vertical transmission has repeatedly resulted in genome reduction and gene loss rendering many such bacteria incapable of independent culture. Among aphids, heritable endosymbionts often provide a wide range of context-specific benefits to their hosts. Although these associations have large impacts on host phenotypes, experimental approaches are often limited by an inability to independently cultivate these microbes. Here, we report the axenic culture of Candidatus Fukatsuia symbiotica strain WIR, a heritable bacterial endosymbiont of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum . Whole genome sequencing revealed similar genomic features and high sequence similarity to previously described strains, suggesting the cultivation techniques used here may be applicable to Ca . F. symbiotica strains from distantly related aphids. Microinjection of the isolated strain into uninfected aphids revealed that it can reinfect developing embryos, and is maintained in subsequent generations via transovarial maternal transmission. Artificially infected aphids exhibit similar phenotypic and life history traits compared to native infections, including protective effects against an entomopathogenic Fusarium species. Overall, our results show that Ca . F. symbiotica may be a useful tool for experimentally probing the molecular mechanisms underlying heritable symbioses and antifungal defense in the pea aphid system.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Diverse eukaryotic organisms form stable, symbiotic relationships with bacteria that provide benefits to their hosts. While these associations are often biologically important, they can be difficult to probe experimentally, because intimately host-associated bacteria are difficult to access within host tissues, and most cannot be cultured. This is especially true of the intracellular, maternally inherited bacteria associated with many insects, including aphids. Here, we demonstrate that a pea aphid-associated strain of the heritable endosymbiont, Candidatus Fukatsuia symbiotica, can be grown outside of its host using standard microbiology techniques, and can readily re-establish infection that is maintained across host generations. These artificial infections recapitulate the effects of native infections making this host-symbiont pair a useful experimental system. Using this system, we demonstrate that Ca . F. symbiotica infection reduces host fitness under benign conditions, but protects against a previously unreported fungal pathogen.},
}
@article {pmid38107563,
year = {2023},
author = {Fu, J and Zhou, J and Zhou, J and Zhang, Y and Liu, L},
title = {Competitive effects of the macroalga Caulerpa taxifolia on key physiological processes in the scleractinian coral Turbinaria peltata under thermal stress.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {e16646},
pmid = {38107563},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Chlorophyll A ; *Caulerpa ; Antioxidants ; *Seaweed/physiology ; *Physiological Phenomena ; Water ; },
abstract = {An increased abundance of macroalgae has been observed in coral reefs damaged by climate change and local environmental stressors. Macroalgae have a sublethal effect on corals that includes the inhibition of their growth, development, and reproduction. Thus, this study explored the effects of the macroalga, Caulerpa taxifolia, on the massive coral, Turbinaria peltata, under thermal stress. We compared the responses of the corals' water-meditated interaction with algae (the co-occurrence group) and those in direct contact with algae at two temperatures. The results show that after co-culturing with C. taxifolia for 28 days, the density content of the dinoflagellate endosymbionts was significantly influenced by the presence of C. taxifolia at ambient temperature (27 °C), from 1.3 × 10[6] cells cm[-2] in control group to 0.95 × 10[6] cells cm[-2] in the co-occurrence group and to 0.89 × 10[6] cells cm[-2] in the direct contact group. The chlorophyll a concentration only differed significantly between the control and the direct contact group at 27 °C. The protein content of T. peltata decreased by 37.2% in the co-occurrence group and 49.0% in the direct contact group compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the growth rate of T. peltata decreased by 57.7% in the co-occurrence group and 65.5% in the direct contact group compared to the control group. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes significantly increased, and there was a stronger effect of direct coral contact with C. taxifolia than the co-occurrence group. At 30 °C, the endosymbiont density, chlorophyll a content, and growth rate of T. peltata significantly decreased compared to the control temperature; the same pattern was seen in the increase in antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, when the coral was co-cultured with macroalgae at 30 °C, there was no significant decrease in the density or chlorophyll a content of the endosymbiont compared to the control. However, the interaction of macroalgae and elevated temperature was evident in the feeding rate, protein content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity compared to the control group. The direct contact of the coral with macroalga had a greater impact than water-meditated interactions. Hence, the competition between coral and macroalga may be more intense under thermal stress.},
}
@article {pmid38143870,
year = {2023},
author = {Martins, M and César, CS and Cogni, R},
title = {The effects of temperature on prevalence of facultative insect heritable symbionts across spatial and seasonal scales.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1321341},
pmid = {38143870},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Facultative inheritable endosymbionts are common and diverse in insects and are often found at intermediate frequencies in insect host populations. The literature assessing the relationship between environment and facultative endosymbiont frequency in natural host populations points to temperature as a major component shaping the interaction. However, a synthesis describing its patterns and mechanistic basis is lacking. This mini-review aims to bridge this gap by, following an evolutionary model, hypothesizing that temperature increases endosymbiont frequencies by modulating key phenotypes mediating the interaction. Field studies mainly present positive correlations between temperature and endosymbiont frequency at spatial and seasonal scales; and unexpectedly, temperature is predominantly negatively correlated with the key phenotypes. Higher temperatures generally reduce the efficiency of maternal transmission, reproductive parasitism, endosymbiont influence on host fitness and the ability to protect against natural enemies. From the endosymbiont perspective alone, higher temperatures reduce titer and both high and low temperatures modulate their ability to promote host physiological acclimation and behavior. It is necessary to promote research programs that integrate field and laboratory approaches to pinpoint which processes are responsible for the temperature correlated patterns of endosymbiont prevalence in natural populations.},
}
@article {pmid38143905,
year = {2023},
author = {Mouillaud, T and Berger, A and Buysse, M and Rahola, N and Daron, J and Agbor, JP and Sango, SN and Neafsey, DE and Duron, O and Ayala, D},
title = {Limited association between Wolbachia and Plasmodium falciparum infections in natural populations of the major malaria mosquito Anopheles moucheti.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {1999-2006},
pmid = {38143905},
issn = {1752-4571},
support = {U19 AI110818/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Since the discovery of natural malaria vector populations infected by the endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia, a renewed interest has arisen for using this bacterium as an alternative for malaria control. Among naturally infected mosquitoes, Anopheles moucheti, a major malaria mosquito in Central Africa, exhibits one of the highest prevalences of Wolbachia infection. To better understand whether this maternally inherited bacterium could be used for malaria control, we investigated Wolbachia influence in An. moucheti populations naturally infected by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. To this end, we collected mosquitoes in a village from Cameroon, Central Africa, where this mosquito is the main malaria vector. We found that the prevalence of Wolbachia bacterium was almost fixed in the studied mosquito population, and was higher than previously recorded. We also quantified Wolbachia in whole mosquitoes and dissected abdomens, confirming that the bacterium is also elsewhere than in the abdomen, but at lower density. Finally, we analyzed the association of Wolbachia presence and density on P. falciparum infection. Wolbachia density was slightly higher in mosquitoes infected with the malaria parasite than in uninfected mosquitoes. However, we observed no correlation between the P. falciparum and Wolbachia densities. In conclusion, our study indicates that naturally occurring Wolbachia infection is not associated to P. falciparum development within An. moucheti mosquitoes.},
}
@article {pmid38148222,
year = {2023},
author = {Kundu, A},
title = {Antimicrobial to anti-herbivore: Sakuranetin in rice efficiently inhibits brown planthopper by targeting their beneficial endosymbionts.},
journal = {Physiologia plantarum},
volume = {175},
number = {6},
pages = {e14110},
doi = {10.1111/ppl.14110},
pmid = {38148222},
issn = {1399-3054},
support = {RGCB/2023/00661//Rajiv gandhi centre for biotechnology/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Herbivory ; *Oryza ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; *Hemiptera ; Flavonoids ; Phytoalexins ; },
abstract = {In rice, biosynthesis of specialized metabolites active against insect herbivores is elusive. The major known defense metabolites in rice against the destructive phloem-sucking herbivore brown planthoppers (BPH) (Nilaparvata lugens) are proteinase inhibitors, phenolamides and some terpenes (Xiao et al., 2012), which are induced during the invasion. Specifically, phenolamides were found to be induced upon herbivory with different feeding guild, including chewing and phloem-sucking, but could only provide defense against phloem-sucking BPH, though the clear mode of action of phenolamides has not been explored yet. Moreover, the jasmonic acid-mediated modulation of biosynthesis of these specialized metabolites in rice is not elucidated yet. However, a recent study by Liu et al. (2023) demonstrated that sakuranetin, a phytoalexin in rice, was induced upon BPH invasion and showed significant detrimental effect on herbivore's performance by targeting their beneficial endosymbionts. This is the first report on a strong bioactive anti-herbivore molecule observed in rice with an unusual mode of action. In this article, a view has been presented on this work, its impact and exceptionality.},
}
@article {pmid38150911,
year = {2024},
author = {Polsomboon Nelson, S and Ergunay, K and Bourke, BP and Reinbold-Wasson, DD and Caicedo-Quiroga, L and Kirkitadze, G and Chunashvili, T and Tucker, CL and Linton, YM},
title = {Nanopore-based metagenomics reveal a new Rickettsia in Europe.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {102305},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102305},
pmid = {38150911},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; *Nanopores ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; *Rickettsia Infections/epidemiology/microbiology ; Europe ; },
abstract = {Accurate identification of tick-borne bacteria, including those associated with rickettsioses, pose significant challenges due to the polymicrobial and polyvectoral nature of the infections. We aimed to carry out a comparative evaluation of a non-targeted metagenomic approach by nanopore sequencing (NS) and commonly used PCR assays amplifying Rickettsia genes in field-collected ticks. The study included a total of 310 ticks, originating from Poland (44.2 %) and Bulgaria (55.8 %). Samples comprised 7 species, the majority of which were Ixodes ricinus (62.9 %), followed by Dermacentor reticulatus (21.2 %). Screening was carried out in 55 pools, using total nucleic acid extractions from individual ticks. NS and ompA/gltA PCRs identified Rickettsia species in 47.3 % and 54.5 % of the pools, respectively. The most frequently detected species were Rickettsia asiatica (27.2 %) and Rickettsia raoultii (21.8 %), followed by Rickettsia monacensis (3.6 %), Rickettsia helvetica (1.8 %), Rickettsia massiliae (1.8 %) and Rickettsia tillamookensis (1.8 %). Phylogeny construction on mutS, uvrD, argS and virB4 sequences and a follow-up deep sequencing further supported R. asiatica identification, documented in Europe for the first time. NS further enabled detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum (9.1 %), Coxiella burnetii (5.4 %) and Neoehrlichia mikurensis (1.8 %), as well as various endosymbionts of Rickettsia and Coxiella. Co-detection of multiple rickettsial and non-rickettsial bacteria were observed in 16.4 % of the pools with chromosome and plasmid-based contigs. In conclusion, non-targeted metagenomic sequencing was documented as a robust strategy capable of providing a broader view of the tick-borne bacterial pathogen spectrum.},
}
@article {pmid38163636,
year = {2024},
author = {Sharkey, TD},
title = {The end game(s) of photosynthetic carbon metabolism.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {195},
number = {1},
pages = {67-78},
pmid = {38163636},
issn = {1532-2548},
support = {//Division of Chemical Sciences/ ; //Geosciences, and Biosciences/ ; //Office of Basic Energy Sciences/ ; DE-FG02-91ER20021//United States Department of Energy/ ; IOS-2022495//U.S. National Science Foundation/ ; //Michigan AgBioResearch/ ; },
mesh = {*Photosynthesis/physiology ; *Carbon/metabolism ; Chloroplasts/metabolism ; Plant Leaves/metabolism ; Plants/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The year 2024 marks 70 years since the general outline of the carbon pathway in photosynthesis was published. Although several alternative pathways are now known, it is remarkable how many organisms use the reaction sequence described 70 yrs ago, which is now known as the Calvin-Benson cycle or variants such as the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle or Benson-Calvin cycle. However, once the carbon has entered the Calvin-Benson cycle and is converted to a 3-carbon sugar, it has many potential fates. This review will examine the last stages of photosynthetic metabolism in leaves. In land plants, this process mostly involves the production of sucrose provided by an endosymbiont (the chloroplast) to its host for use and transport to the rest of the plant. Photosynthetic metabolism also usually involves the synthesis of starch, which helps maintain respiration in the dark and enables the symbiont to supply sugars during both the day and night. Other end products made in the chloroplast are closely tied to photosynthetic CO2 assimilation. These include serine from photorespiration and various amino acids, fatty acids, isoprenoids, and shikimate pathway products. I also describe 2 pathways that can short circuit parts of the Calvin-Benson cycle. These final processes of photosynthetic metabolism play many important roles in plants.},
}
@article {pmid38176202,
year = {2024},
author = {Segura, JA and Dibernardo, A and Manguiat, K and Waitt, B and Rueda, ZV and Keynan, Y and Wood, H and Gutiérrez, LA},
title = {Molecular surveillance of microbial agents from cattle-attached and questing ticks from livestock agroecosystems of Antioquia, Colombia.},
journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases},
volume = {105},
number = {},
pages = {102113},
doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102113},
pmid = {38176202},
issn = {1878-1667},
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; *Ticks/microbiology ; Livestock/parasitology ; Colombia/epidemiology ; *Babesia/genetics ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Cattle Diseases/microbiology ; DNA ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ticks are obligate ectoparasites and vectors of pathogens affecting health, agriculture, and animal welfare. This study collected ticks from the cattle and questing ticks of 24 Magdalena Medio Antioquia region cattle farms. Genomic DNA was extracted from the specimens (individual or pools) of the 2088 adult ticks collected from cattle and 4667 immature questing ticks collected from pastures. The molecular detection of Babesia, Anaplasma, Coxiella and Rickettsia genera was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification and subsequent DNA sequencing. In a total of 6755 Rhipicephalus microplus DNA samples, Anaplasma marginale was the most detected with a frequency of 2% (Confidence Interval- CI 1.68-2.36), followed by Babesia bigemina with 0.28% (CI 0.16-0.44), Coxiella spp. with 0.15% (CI 0.07-0.27), and Rickettsia spp. with 0.13% (CI 0.06-0.25). Molecular analysis of the DNA sequences obtained from the tick samples revealed the presence of Coxiella-like endosymbiont and R. felis. These results demonstrated the diversity of microorganisms present in R. microplus ticks predominantly associated with cattle and questing ticks from livestock agroecosystems, suggesting their role as reservoirs and potential biological vectors of these microorganisms on the studied sites. Also, it emphasizes the need to combine acarological surveillance with clinical diagnoses and control strategies on regional and national levels.},
}
@article {pmid38193019,
year = {2024},
author = {Mat Udin, AS and Uni, S and Rodrigues, J and Martin, C and Junker, K and Agatsuma, T and Low, VL and Saijuntha, W and Omar, H and Zainuri, NA and Fukuda, M and Matsubayashi, M and Kimura, D and Takaoka, H and Ramli, R},
title = {Redescription, molecular characterisation and Wolbachia endosymbionts of Mansonella (Tupainema) dunni (Mullin &amp; Orihel, 1972) (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) from the common treeshrew Tupaia glis Diard &amp; Duvaucel (Mammalia: Scandentia) in Peninsular Malaysia.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology &amp; vector-borne diseases},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {100154},
pmid = {38193019},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {The genus Mansonella Faust, 1929 includes 29 species, mainly parasites of platyrrhine monkeys in South America and anthropoid apes in Africa. In Malaysia, Mansonella (Tupainema) dunni (Mullin &amp; Orihel, 1972) was described from the common treeshrew Tupaia glis Diard &amp; Duvaucel (Scandentia). In a recent classification of the genus Mansonella, seven subgenera were proposed, with M. (Tup.) dunni as a monotypic species in the subgenus Tupainema. In this study, we collected new material of M. (Tup.) dunni from common treeshrews in Peninsular Malaysia and redescribed the morphological features of this species. We found that M. (Tup.) dunni differs from M. (Cutifilaria) perforata Uni et al., 2004 from sika deer Cervus nippon (Cetartiodactyla) in Japan, with regards to morphological features and predilection sites in their respective hosts. Based on multi-locus sequence analyses, we examined the molecular phylogeny of M. (Tup.) dunni and its Wolbachia genotype. Species of the genus Mansonella grouped monophyletically in clade ONC5 and M. (Tup.) dunni was placed in the most derived position within this genus. Mansonella (Tup.) dunni was closely related to M. (M.) ozzardi (Manson, 1897) from humans in Central and South America, and most distant from M. (C.) perforata. The calculated p-distances between the cox1 gene sequences for M. (Tup.) dunni and its congeners were 13.09% for M. (M.) ozzardi and 15.6-16.15% for M. (C.) perforata. The molecular phylogeny of Mansonella spp. thus corroborates their morphological differences. We determined that M. (Tup.) dunni harbours Wolbachia endosymbionts of the supergroup F genotype, in keeping with all other Mansonella species screened to date.},
}
@article {pmid38194362,
year = {2024},
author = {Fernandez, HN and Kretsch, AM and Kunakom, S and Kadjo, AE and Mitchell, DA and Eustáquio, AS},
title = {High-Yield Lasso Peptide Production in a Burkholderia Bacterial Host by Plasmid Copy Number Engineering.},
journal = {ACS synthetic biology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {337-350},
pmid = {38194362},
issn = {2161-5063},
support = {F32 GM145122/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 GM129344/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Burkholderia/genetics ; Escherichia coli/genetics ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Peptides/genetics ; Plasmids/genetics ; },
abstract = {The knotted configuration of lasso peptides confers thermal stability and proteolytic resistance, addressing two shortcomings of peptide-based drugs. However, low isolation yields hinder the discovery and development of lasso peptides. While testing Burkholderia sp. FERM BP-3421 as a bacterial host to produce the lasso peptide capistruin, an overproducer clone was previously identified. In this study, we show that an increase in the plasmid copy number partially contributed to the overproducer phenotype. Further, we modulated the plasmid copy number to recapitulate titers to an average of 160% relative to the overproducer, which is 1000-fold higher than previously reported with E. coli, reaching up to 240 mg/L. To probe the applicability of the developed tools for lasso peptide discovery, we targeted a new lasso peptide biosynthetic gene cluster from endosymbiont Mycetohabitans sp. B13, leading to the isolation of mycetolassin-15 and mycetolassin-18 in combined titers of 11 mg/L. These results validate Burkholderia sp. FERM BP-3421 as a production platform for lasso peptide discovery.},
}
@article {pmid38195557,
year = {2024},
author = {Owens, LA and Friant, S and Martorelli Di Genova, B and Knoll, LJ and Contreras, M and Noya-Alarcon, O and Dominguez-Bello, MG and Goldberg, TL},
title = {VESPA: an optimized protocol for accurate metabarcoding-based characterization of vertebrate eukaryotic endosymbiont and parasite assemblages.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {402},
pmid = {38195557},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {R01 AG049395/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI163592/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R37 AG049395/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007414/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Parasites/genetics ; *Wasps ; Archaea/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Vertebrates/genetics ; },
abstract = {Protocols for characterizing taxonomic assemblages by deep sequencing of short DNA barcode regions (metabarcoding) have revolutionized our understanding of microbial communities and are standardized for bacteria, archaea, and fungi. Unfortunately, comparable methods for host-associated eukaryotes have lagged due to technical challenges. Despite 54 published studies, issues remain with primer complementarity, off-target amplification, and lack of external validation. Here, we present VESPA (Vertebrate Eukaryotic endoSymbiont and Parasite Analysis) primers and optimized metabarcoding protocol for host-associated eukaryotic community analysis. Using in silico prediction, panel PCR, engineered mock community standards, and clinical samples, we demonstrate VESPA to be more effective at resolving host-associated eukaryotic assemblages than previously published methods and to minimize off-target amplification. When applied to human and non-human primate samples, VESPA enables reconstruction of host-associated eukaryotic endosymbiont communities more accurately and at finer taxonomic resolution than microscopy. VESPA has the potential to advance basic and translational science on vertebrate eukaryotic endosymbiont communities, similar to achievements made for bacterial, archaeal, and fungal microbiomes.},
}
@article {pmid38196174,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, ZW and Zhao, J and Li, GY and Hu, D and Wang, ZG and Ye, C and Wang, JJ},
title = {The endosymbiont Serratia symbiotica improves aphid fitness by disrupting the predation strategy of ladybeetle larvae.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {31},
number = {5},
pages = {1555-1568},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.13315},
pmid = {38196174},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {32102195//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32020103010//National Natural Science Foundation of China - Major International (Regional) Joint Research Project/ ; CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX0748//Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, China/ ; SWU-KQ22020//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Serratia/physiology ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Larva/microbiology/growth &amp; development/physiology ; *Coleoptera/microbiology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Aphids, the important global agricultural pests, harbor abundant resources of symbionts that can improve the host adaptability to environmental conditions, also control the interactions between host aphid and natural enemy, resulting in a significant decrease in efficiency of biological control. The facultative symbiont Serratia symbiotica has a strong symbiotic association with its aphid hosts, a relationship that is known to interfere with host-parasitoid interactions. We hypothesized that Serratia may also influence other trophic interactions by interfering with the physiology and behavior of major predators to provide host aphid defense. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of Serratia on the host aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum and its predator, the ladybeetle Propylaea japonica. First, the prevalence of Serratia in different A. pisum colonies was confirmed by amplicon sequencing. We then showed that harboring Serratia improved host aphid growth and fecundity but reduced longevity. Finally, our research demonstrated that Serratia defends aphids against P. japonica by impeding the predator's development and predation capacity, and modulating its foraging behavior. Our findings reveal that facultative symbiont Serratia improves aphid fitness by disrupting the predation strategy of ladybeetle larvae, offering new insight into the interactions between aphids and their predators, and providing the basis of a new biological control strategy for aphid pests involving the targeting of endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid38204789,
year = {2024},
author = {Arai, H and Watada, M and Kageyama, D},
title = {Two male-killing Wolbachia from Drosophila birauraia that are closely related but distinct in genome structure.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {231502},
pmid = {38204789},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Insects harbour diverse maternally inherited bacteria and viruses, some of which have evolved to kill the male progeny of their hosts (male killing: MK). The fly species Drosophila biauraria carries a maternally transmitted MK-inducing partiti-like virus, but it was unknown if it carries other MK-inducing endosymbionts. Here, we identified two male-killing Wolbachia strains (wBiau1 and wBiau2) from D. biauraria and compared their genomes to elucidate their evolutionary processes. The two strains were genetically closely related but had exceptionally different genome structures with considerable rearrangements compared with combinations of other Wolbachia strains. Despite substantial changes in the genome structure, the two Wolbachia strains did not experience gene losses that would disrupt the male-killing expression or persistence in the host population. The two Wolbachia-infected matrilines carried distinct mitochondrial haplotypes, suggesting that wBiau1 and wBiau2 have invaded D. biauraria independently and undergone considerable genome changes owing to unknown selective pressures in evolutionary history. This study demonstrated the presence of three male-killers from two distinct origins in one fly species and highlighted the diverse and rapid genome evolution of MK Wolbachia in the host.},
}
@article {pmid38206026,
year = {2024},
author = {Spencer, N and Santee, M and Wetherhold, A and Rio, RVM},
title = {Draft genome sequence of Wigglesworthia glossinidia "palpalis gambiensis" isolate.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {e0091223},
pmid = {38206026},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {R21 AI145271/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; NA//WV HEPC, Division of Science and Research/ ; },
abstract = {The 0.719 Mb genome of the tsetse endosymbiont, Wigglesworthia glossinidia, from Glossina palpalis gambiensis is presented. This Wigglesworthia genome retains 611 protein-coding sequences and a 25.3% GC content. A cryptic plasmid is conserved, between Wigglesworthia isolates, suggesting functional significance. This genome adds a further dimension to characterize Wigglesworthia lineage-based differences.},
}
@article {pmid38232706,
year = {2024},
author = {Schott, D and Ribeiro, FL and Santos, FN and Carvalho, RW},
title = {Fleas (Siphonaptera, Latreille, 1825) from Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil: Species Diversity, Hosts, and One Health Approach.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {24},
number = {5},
pages = {308-320},
doi = {10.1089/vbz.2023.0065},
pmid = {38232706},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Animals ; *Siphonaptera/classification/microbiology ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Flea Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology ; One Health ; Humans ; Biodiversity ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Background: Fleas are ectoparasitic insects with holometabolous development. It has a hematophagous habit with mouthparts adapted to sting and suck its hosts. There are about 3000 species in the world, ∼61 in Brazil, and 19 in Rio Grande do Sul state. The objective of the research is to catalog the diversity of fleas recorded in the state, their respective hosts, and endosymbionts. Materials and Methods: To this end, a search was carried out in the scientific literature, from articles, books, to abstracts submitted to congresses. Results: The 19 species of fleas occurring in Rio Grande do Sul are divided into 7 families and 10 genera. These ectoparasites, in addition to being found in the environment, were associated with 10 different families of hosts in Rio Grande do Sul, and on the endosymbiont, agents found associated with fleas, there were 7 different species. The main agents researched in the state are Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. The relationships between parasites, hosts, environment, and etiological agents present different scenarios, whether anthropized or conserved, but unknown. Sometimes, this overlap, a factor that aggravates the possibility of spillovers, either from cosmopolitan fleas in these conserved areas, or from their endosymbionts. Conclusion: Thus, it is important to characterize the environment so that the complexities of each location are known for the adoption of environmental and public health policies in each case. The challenges are extensive, but necessary in view of the One Health perspective.},
}
@article {pmid38249041,
year = {2024},
author = {Huang, Y and Feng, ZF and Li, F and Hou, YM},
title = {Host-Encoded Aminotransferase Import into the Endosymbiotic Bacteria Nardonella of Red Palm Weevil.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38249041},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32001972//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022J05032//Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province/ ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic systems are intimately integrated at multiple levels. Host-endosymbiont metabolic complementarity in amino acid biosynthesis is especially important for sap-feeding insects and their symbionts. In weevil-Nardonella endosymbiosis, the final step reaction of the endosymbiont tyrosine synthesis pathway is complemented by host-encoded aminotransferases. Based on previous results from other insects, we suspected that these aminotransferases were likely transported into the Nardonella cytoplasm to produce tyrosine. Here, we identified five aminotransferase genes in the genome of the red palm weevil. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, we confirmed that RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A were specifically expressed in the bacteriome. RNA interference targeting these two aminotransferase genes reduced the tyrosine level in the bacteriome. The immunofluorescence-FISH double labeling localization analysis revealed that RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A were present within the bacteriocyte, where they colocalized with Nardonella cells. Immunogold transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the localization of RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A in the cytosol of Nardonella and the bacteriocyte. Our data revealed that RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A are transported into the Nardonella cytoplasm to collaborate with genes retained in the Nardonella genome in order to synthesize tyrosine. The results of our study will enhance the understanding of the integration of host and endosymbiont metabolism in amino acid biosynthesis.},
}
@article {pmid38249471,
year = {2023},
author = {Chang, X and Xue, S and Li, R and Zhang, Y},
title = {Episyrphus balteatus symbiont variation across developmental stages, living states, two sexes, and potential horizontal transmission from prey or environment.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1308393},
pmid = {38249471},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Episyrphus balteatus is one representative Syrphidae insect which can provide extensive pollination and pest control services. To date, the symbiont composition and potential acquisition approaches in Syrphidae remain unclear.<br><br>METHODS: Herein, we investigated microbiota dynamics across developmental stages, different living states, and two sexes in E. balteatus via full-length 16S rRNA genes sequencing, followed by an attempt to explore the possibility of symbiont transmission from prey Megoura crassicauda to the hoverfly.<br><br>RESULTS: Overall, Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant bacteria phyla with fluctuating relative abundances across the life stage. Cosenzaea myxofaciens is dominant in adulthood, while Enterococcus silesiacus and Morganella morganii dominate in larvae and pupae of E. balteatus, respectively. Unexpectedly, Serratia symbiotica, one facultative endosymbiont commonly harbored in aphids, was one of the predominant bacteria in larvae of E. balteatus, just behind Enterococcus silesiacus. In addition, S. symbiotica was also surprisingly most dominated in M. crassicauda aphids (92.1% relative abundance), which are significantly higher than Buchnera aphidicola (4.7% relative abundance), the primary obligate symbiont of most aphid species. Approximately 25% mortality was observed among newly emerged adults, of which microbiota was also disordered, similar to normally dying individuals. Sexually biased symbionts and 41 bacteria species with pairwise co-occurrence in E. balteatus and 23 biomarker species for each group were identified eventually. Functional prediction showed symbionts of hoverflies and aphids, both mainly focusing on metabolic pathways. In brief, we comprehensively explored the microbiome in one Syrphidae hoverfly using E. balteatus reared indoors on M. morganii as the model, revealed its dominated symbiont species, identified sexually biased symbionts, and found an aphid facultative endosymbiont inhabited in the hoverfly. We also found that the dominated symbiotic bacteria in M. crassicauda are S. symbiotica other than Buchnera aphidicola.<br><br>DISCUSSION: Taken together, this study provides new valuable resources about symbionts in hoverflies and prey aphids jointly, which will benefit further exploring the potential roles of microbiota in E. balteatus.},
}
@article {pmid38257926,
year = {2024},
author = {Jia, J and Lu, SE},
title = {Comparative Genome Analyses Provide Insight into the Antimicrobial Activity of Endophytic Burkholderia.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38257926},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {MIS-401260//United States Department of Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Endophytic bacteria are endosymbionts that colonize a portion of plants without harming the plant for at least a part of its life cycle. Bacterial endophytes play an essential role in promoting plant growth using multiple mechanisms. The genus Burkholderia is an important member among endophytes and encompasses bacterial species with high genetic versatility and adaptability. In this study, the endophytic characteristics of Burkholderia species are investigated via comparative genomic analyses of several endophytic Burkholderia strains with pathogenic Burkholderia strains. A group of bacterial genes was identified and predicted as the putative endophytic behavior genes of Burkholderia. Multiple antimicrobial biosynthesis genes were observed in these endophytic bacteria; however, certain important pathogenic and virulence genes were absent. The majority of resistome genes were distributed relatively evenly among the endophytic and pathogenic bacteria. All known types of secretion systems were found in the studied bacteria. This includes T3SS and T4SS, which were previously thought to be disproportionately represented in endophytes. Additionally, questionable CRISPR-Cas systems with an orphan CRISPR array were prevalent, suggesting that intact CRISPR-Cas systems may not exist in symbiotes of Burkholderia. This research not only sheds light on the antimicrobial activities that contribute to biocontrol but also expands our understanding of genomic variations in Burkholderia's endophytic and pathogenic bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid38259912,
year = {2023},
author = {Chen, J},
title = {Editorial: Aphids as plant pests: from biology to green control technology.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1337558},
pmid = {38259912},
issn = {1664-462X},
}
@article {pmid38265715,
year = {2024},
author = {Tomás-Gallardo, L and Cabrera, JJ and Mesa, S},
title = {Surface Plasmon Resonance as a Tool to Elucidate the Molecular Determinants of Key Transcriptional Regulators Controlling Rhizobial Lifestyles.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2751},
number = {},
pages = {145-163},
pmid = {38265715},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Humans ; *Rhizobium ; Surface Plasmon Resonance ; Oxygen ; DNA ; Transcription Factors ; },
abstract = {Bacteria must be provided with a battery of tools integrated into regulatory networks, in order to respond and, consequently, adapt their physiology to changing environments. Within these networks, transcription factors finely orchestrate the expression of genes in response to a variety of signals, by recognizing specific DNA sequences at their promoter regions. Rhizobia are host-interacting soil bacteria that face severe changes to adapt their physiology from free-living conditions to the nitrogen-fixing endosymbiotic state inside root nodules associated with leguminous plants. One of these cues is the low partial pressure of oxygen within root nodules.Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) constitutes a technique that allows to measure molecular interactions dynamics at real time by detecting changes in the refractive index of a surface. Here, we implemented the SPR methodology to analyze the discriminatory determinants of transcription factors for specific interaction with their target genes. We focused on FixK2, a CRP/FNR-type protein with a central role in the complex oxygen-responsive regulatory network in the soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens. Our study unveiled relevant residues for protein-DNA interaction as well as allowed us to monitor kinetics and stability protein-DNA complex. We believe that this approach can be employed for the characterization of other relevant transcription factors which can assist to the better understanding of the adaptation of bacteria with agronomic or human interest to their different modes of life.},
}
@article {pmid38271524,
year = {2024},
author = {Ivanov, S and Harrison, MJ},
title = {Receptor-associated kinases control the lipid provisioning program in plant-fungal symbiosis.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {383},
number = {6681},
pages = {443-448},
doi = {10.1126/science.ade1124},
pmid = {38271524},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Medicago truncatula/metabolism/microbiology ; *Membrane Proteins/metabolism ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Plant Roots/metabolism/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Lipid Metabolism/genetics ; *Cyclin-Dependent Kinases/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The mutualistic association between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi requires intracellular accommodation of the fungal symbiont and maintenance by means of lipid provisioning. Symbiosis signaling through lysin motif (LysM) receptor-like kinases and a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase DOES NOT MAKE INFECTIONS 2 (DMI2) activates transcriptional programs that underlie fungal passage through the epidermis and accommodation in cortical cells. We show that two Medicago truncatula cortical cell-specific, membrane-bound proteins of a CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE-LIKE (CKL) family associate with, and are phosphorylation substrates of, DMI2 and a subset of the LysM receptor kinases. CKL1 and CKL2 are required for AM symbiosis and control expression of transcription factors that regulate part of the lipid provisioning program. Onset of lipid provisioning is coupled with arbuscule branching and with the REDUCED ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA 1 (RAM1) regulon for complete endosymbiont accommodation.},
}
@article {pmid38273274,
year = {2024},
author = {Butenko, A and Lukeš, J and Speijer, D and Wideman, JG},
title = {Mitochondrial genomes revisited: why do different lineages retain different genes?.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {15},
pmid = {38273274},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {DBI-2119963//Division of Biological Infrastructure/ ; 23-07695S//Grantov&#xe1; Agentura &#x10c;esk&#xe9; Republiky/ ; 23-06479X//Grantov&#xe1; Agentura &#x10c;esk&#xe9; Republiky/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Mitochondrial ; Evolution, Molecular ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Mitochondria/genetics ; Base Sequence ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The mitochondria contain their own genome derived from an alphaproteobacterial endosymbiont. From thousands of protein-coding genes originally encoded by their ancestor, only between 1 and about 70 are encoded on extant mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes). Thanks to a dramatically increasing number of sequenced and annotated mitogenomes a coherent picture of why some genes were lost, or relocated to the nucleus, is emerging. In this review, we describe the characteristics of mitochondria-to-nucleus gene transfer and the resulting varied content of mitogenomes across eukaryotes. We introduce a 'burst-upon-drift' model to best explain nuclear-mitochondrial population genetics with flares of transfer due to genetic drift.},
}
@article {pmid38276179,
year = {2023},
author = {Chirgwin, E and Yang, Q and Umina, PA and Thia, JA and Gill, A and Song, W and Gu, X and Ross, PA and Wei, SJ and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus Influences Its Vector's Endosymbionts but Not Its Thermotolerance.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38276179},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {AGPIP//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; },
abstract = {The barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) of cereals is thought to substantially increase the high-temperature tolerance of its aphid vector, Rhopalosiphum padi, which may enhance its transmission efficiency. This is based on experiments with North American strains of BYDV and R. padi. Here, we independently test these by measuring the temperature tolerance, via Critical Thermal Maximum (CTmax) and knockdown time, of Australian R. padi infected with a local BYDV isolate. We further consider the interaction between BYDV transmission, the primary endosymbiont of R. padi (Buchnera aphidicola), and a transinfected secondary endosymbiont (Rickettsiella viridis) which reduces the thermotolerance of other aphid species. We failed to find an increase in tolerance to high temperatures in BYDV-infected aphids or an impact of Rickettsiella on thermotolerance. However, BYDV interacted with R. padi endosymbionts in unexpected ways, suppressing the density of Buchnera and Rickettsiella. BYDV density was also fourfold higher in Rickettsiella-infected aphids. Our findings indicate that BYDV does not necessarily increase the temperature tolerance of the aphid transmission vector to increase its transmission potential, at least for the genotype combinations tested here. The interactions between BYDV and Rickettsiella suggest new ways in which aphid endosymbionts may influence how BYDV spreads, which needs further testing in a field context.},
}
@article {pmid38276282,
year = {2024},
author = {Domínguez-Santos, R and Baixeras, J and Moya, A and Latorre, A and Gil, R and García-Ferris, C},
title = {Gut Microbiota Is Not Essential for Survival and Development in Blattella germanica, but Affects Uric Acid Storage.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38276282},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {PGC2018-099344-B-I00//MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and "ERDF A way of making Europe"/ ; PID2021-128201NB-I00//MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and "ERDF A way of making Europe"/ ; PROMETEO/2018/133//Conselleria d'Educaci&#xf3;, Generalitat Valenciana (Spain)/ ; CIPROM/2021/042//Conselleria d'Educaci&#xf3;, Generalitat Valenciana (Spain)/ ; },
abstract = {Cockroaches harbor two coexisting symbiotic systems: the obligate endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenotii, and a complex gut microbiota. Blattabacterium is the only bacterium present in the eggs, as the gut microbiota is acquired by horizontal transmission after hatching, mostly through coprophagy. Blattella germanica, a cosmopolitan omnivorous cockroach living in intimate association with humans, is an appropriate model system for studying whether the gut microbiota is essential for the cockroach's survival, development, or welfare. We obtained a germ-free cockroach population (i.e., containing normal amounts of the endosymbiont, but free of microbes on the insects' surface and digestive tract). Non-significant differences with the controls were detected in most fitness parameters analyzed, except for a slight shortening in the hatching time of the second generation and a reduction in female weight at 10 days after adult ecdysis. The latter is accompanied by a decrease in uric acid reserves. This starvation-like phenotype of germ-free B. germanica suggests that the microbiota is not essential in this species for survival and development throughout its complete life cycle, but it could participate in complementation of host nutrition by helping with food digestion and nutrient absorption.},
}
@article {pmid38294503,
year = {2024},
author = {Pistán, ME and Cook, D and Gutiérrez, SA and Schnittger, L and Gardner, DR and Cholich, LA and Gonzalez, AM},
title = {Identification and distribution of a fungal endosymbiotic Alternaria species (Alternaria section Undifilum sp.) in Astragalus garbancillo tissues.},
journal = {Mycologia},
volume = {116},
number = {2},
pages = {291-298},
doi = {10.1080/00275514.2023.2299191},
pmid = {38294503},
issn = {1557-2536},
mesh = {Alternaria/genetics ; Symbiosis ; *Astragalus Plant/microbiology ; Swainsonine/analysis ; *Fabaceae ; },
abstract = {Plants belonging to the genera Astragalus, Oxytropis, Ipomoea, Sida, and Swainsona often contain the toxin swainsonine (SW) produced by an associated fungal symbiont. Consumption of SW-containing plants causes a serious neurological disorder in livestock, which can be fatal. In this study, a fungal endophyte, Alternaria section Undifilum, was identified in Astragalus garbancillo seeds, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by direct sequencing. In seeds, the SW concentrations were about 4 times higher than in other parts of the plant. Furthermore, microscopic examination demonstrated that the fungus mycelium grows inside the petioles and stems, on the outer surface and inside the mesocarp of the fruit, in the mesotesta and endotesta layers of the seed coat, and inside the endosperm of the seeds. Our results support the notion that the SW-producing fungus is vertically transmitted in the host plant A. garbancillo.},
}
@article {pmid38309038,
year = {2024},
author = {Manigandan, V and Muthukumar, C and Shah, C and Logesh, N and Sivadas, SK and Ramu, K and Ramana Murthy, MV},
title = {Phylogenetic affiliation of Pedinomonas noctilucae and green Noctiluca scintillans nutritional dynamics in the Gulf of Mannar, Southeastern Arabian Sea.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {175},
number = {2},
pages = {126019},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2024.126019},
pmid = {38309038},
issn = {1618-0941},
mesh = {Phytoplankton ; Phylogeny ; *Dinoflagellida ; *Chlorophyta ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {The present investigation focused on studying the phylogenetic position of the green Noctiluca endosymbiont, Pedinomonas noctilucae, collected from the Gulf of Mannar, India. In this study, we re-examined the evolutionary position of this endosymbiotic algae using rbcL sequences. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. noctilucae is distantly related to the Pedinomonas species, and formed a monophyletic clade with Marsupiomandaceae. Based on the phylogenetic association of endosymbiont with Maruspiomonadales it was concluded that the endosymbiont belongs to an independent genus within the family Marsupiomonadaceae. At the site of the bloom, Noctiluca scintillans was found to exhibit a dense monospecific proliferation, with an average cell density of 27.l88 × 10[3] cells L[-1]. The investigation revealed that the green Noctiluca during its senescent phase primarily relied on autotrophic nutrition, which was confirmed by the presence of a high number of trophonts, vegetatively reproducing cells (1.45 × 10[3] cells L[-1]) and the absence of food vacuoles.},
}
@article {pmid38309271,
year = {2024},
author = {Bastide, H and Legout, H and Dogbo, N and Ogereau, D and Prediger, C and Carcaud, J and Filée, J and Garnery, L and Gilbert, C and Marion-Poll, F and Requier, F and Sandoz, JC and Yassin, A},
title = {The genome of the blind bee louse fly reveals deep convergences with its social host and illuminates Drosophila origins.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {34},
number = {5},
pages = {1122-1132.e5},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.034},
pmid = {38309271},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Bees/genetics ; Animals ; *Drosophila/genetics ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; *Phthiraptera/genetics ; Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics ; Genes, Insect ; Pheromones ; },
abstract = {Social insects' nests harbor intruders known as inquilines,[1] which are usually related to their hosts.[2][,][3] However, distant non-social inquilines may also show convergences with their hosts,[4][,][5] although the underlying genomic changes remain unclear. We analyzed the genome of the wingless and blind bee louse fly Braula coeca, an inquiline kleptoparasite of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera.[6][,][7] Using large phylogenomic data, we confirmed recent accounts that the bee louse fly is a drosophilid[8][,][9] and showed that it had likely evolved from a sap-breeder ancestor associated with honeydew and scale insects' wax. Unlike many parasites, the bee louse fly genome did not show significant erosion or strict reliance on an endosymbiont, likely due to a relatively recent age of inquilinism. However, we observed a horizontal transfer of a transposon and a striking parallel evolution in a set of gene families between the honey bee and the bee louse fly. Convergences included genes potentially involved in metabolism and immunity and the loss of nearly all bitter-tasting gustatory receptors, in agreement with life in a protective nest and a diet of honey, pollen, and beeswax. Vision and odorant receptor genes also exhibited rapid losses. Only genes whose orthologs in the closely related Drosophila melanogaster respond to honey bee pheromone components or floral aroma were retained, whereas the losses included orthologous receptors responsive to the anti-ovarian honey bee queen pheromones. Hence, deep genomic convergences can underlie major phenotypic transitions during the evolution of inquilinism between non-social parasites and their social hosts.},
}
@article {pmid38315036,
year = {2024},
author = {Shi, P-Q and Wang, L and Chen, X-Y and Wang, K and Wu, Q-J and Turlings, TCJ and Zhang, P-J and Qiu, B-L},
title = {Rickettsia transmission from whitefly to plants benefits herbivore insects but is detrimental to fungal and viral pathogens.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {e0244823},
pmid = {38315036},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {2022YFD1401200//National Key Research and Development Program of China (NKPs)/ ; 788949//EC | European Research Council (ERC)/ ; 2020//National High Level Talent Special Support Plan/ ; 32172402//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; LZ21C140001//Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Rickettsia ; Herbivory ; Symbiosis ; *Rickettsia Infections ; Plants ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Bacterial endosymbionts play important roles in the life histories of herbivorous insects by impacting their development, survival, reproduction, and stress tolerance. How endosymbionts may affect the interactions between plants and insect herbivores is still largely unclear. Here, we show that endosymbiotic Rickettsia belli can provide mutual benefits also outside of their hosts when the sap-sucking whitefly Bemisia tabaci transmits them to plants. This transmission facilitates the spread of Rickettsia but is shown to also enhance the performance of the whitefly and co-infesting caterpillars. In contrast, Rickettsia infection enhanced plant resistance to several pathogens. Inside the plants, Rickettsia triggers the expression of salicylic acid-related genes and the two pathogen-resistance genes TGA 2.1 and VRP, whereas they repressed genes of the jasmonic acid pathway. Performance experiments using wild type and mutant tomato plants confirmed that Rickettsia enhances the plants' suitability for insect herbivores but makes them more resistant to fungal and viral pathogens. Our results imply that endosymbiotic Rickettsia of phloem-feeding insects affects plant defenses in a manner that facilitates their spread and transmission. This novel insight into how insects can exploit endosymbionts to manipulate plant defenses also opens possibilities to interfere with their ability to do so as a crop protection strategy.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Most insects are associated with symbiotic bacteria in nature. These symbionts play important roles in the life histories of herbivorous insects by impacting their development, survival, reproduction as well as stress tolerance. Rickettsia is one important symbiont to the agricultural pest whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Here, for the first time, we revealed that the persistence of Rickettsia symbionts in tomato leaves significantly changed the defense pattern of tomato plants. These changes benefit both sap-feeding and leaf-chewing herbivore insects, such as increasing the fecundity of whitefly adults, enhancing the growth and development of the noctuid Spodoptera litura, but reducing the pathogenicity of Verticillium fungi and TYLCV virus to tomato plants distinctively. Our study unraveled a new horizon for the multiple interaction theories among plant-insect-bacterial symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid38318130,
year = {2023},
author = {Koga, R and Moriyama, M and Nozaki, T and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Genome analysis of "Candidatus Aschnera chinzeii," the bacterial endosymbiont of the blood-sucking bat fly Penicillidia jenynsii (Insecta: Diptera: Nycteribiidae).},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1336919},
pmid = {38318130},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Insect-microbe endosymbiotic associations are omnipresent in nature, wherein the symbiotic microbes often play pivotal biological roles for their host insects. In particular, insects utilizing nutritionally imbalanced food sources are dependent on specific microbial symbionts to compensate for the nutritional deficiency via provisioning of B vitamins in blood-feeding insects, such as tsetse flies, lice, and bedbugs. Bat flies of the family Nycteribiidae (Diptera) are blood-sucking ectoparasites of bats and shown to be associated with co-speciating bacterial endosymbiont "Candidatus Aschnera chinzeii," although functional aspects of the microbial symbiosis have been totally unknown. In this study, we report the first complete genome sequence of Aschnera from the bristled bat fly Penicillidia jenynsii. The Aschnera genome consisted of a 748,020 bp circular chromosome and a 18,747 bp circular plasmid. The chromosome encoded 603 protein coding genes (including 3 pseudogenes), 33 transfer RNAs, and 1 copy of 16S/23S/5S ribosomal RNA operon. The plasmid contained 10 protein coding genes, whose biological function was elusive. The genome size, 0.77 Mbp, was drastically reduced in comparison with 4-6 Mbp genomes of free-living γ-proteobacteria. Accordingly, the Aschnera genome was devoid of many important functional genes, such as synthetic pathway genes for purines, pyrimidines, and essential amino acids. On the other hand, the Aschnera genome retained complete or near-complete synthetic pathway genes for biotin (vitamin B7), tetrahydrofolate (vitamin B9), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B6), suggesting that Aschnera provides these vitamins and cofactors that are deficient in the blood meal of the host bat fly. Similar retention patterns of the synthetic pathway genes for vitamins and cofactors were also observed in the endosymbiont genomes of other blood-sucking insects, such as Riesia of human lice, Arsenophonus of louse flies, and Wigglesworthia of tsetse flies, which may be either due to convergent evolution in the blood-sucking host insects or reflecting the genomic architecture of Arsenophonus-allied bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid38322002,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhai, X and Zhang, Y and Zhou, J and Li, H and Wang, A and Liu, L},
title = {Physiological and microbiome adaptation of coral Turbinaria peltata in response to marine heatwaves.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {e10869},
pmid = {38322002},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Against the backdrop of global warming, marine heatwaves are projected to become increasingly intense and frequent. This trend poses a potential threat to the survival of corals and the maintenance of entire coral reef ecosystems. Despite extensive evidence for the resilience of corals to heat stress, their ability to withstand repeated heatwave events has not been determined. In this study, we examined the responses and resilience of Turbinaria peltata to repeated exposure to marine heatwaves, with a focus on physiological parameters and symbiotic microorganisms. In the first heatwave, from a physiological perspective, T. peltata showed decreases in the Chl a content and endosymbiont density and significant increases in GST, caspase-3, CAT, and SOD levels (p < .05), while the effects of repeated exposure on heatwaves were weaker than those of the initial exposure. In terms of bacteria, the abundance of Leptospira, with the potential for pathogenicity and intracellular parasitism, increased significantly during the initial exposure. Beneficial bacteria, such as Achromobacter arsenitoxydans and Halomonas desiderata increased significantly during re-exposure to the heatwave. Overall, these results indicate that T. peltata might adapt to marine heatwaves through physiological regulation and microbial community alterations.},
}
@article {pmid38325049,
year = {2024},
author = {Hollender, M and Sałek, M and Karlicki, M and Karnkowska, A},
title = {Single-cell genomics revealed Candidatus Grellia alia sp. nov. as an endosymbiont of Eutreptiella sp. (Euglenophyceae).},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {175},
number = {2},
pages = {126018},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2024.126018},
pmid = {38325049},
issn = {1618-0941},
mesh = {*Genomics ; Eukaryota ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Euglenida/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Though endosymbioses between protists and prokaryotes are widespread, certain host lineages have received disproportionate attention what may indicate either a predisposition to such interactions or limited studies on certain protist groups due to lack of cultures. The euglenids represent one such group in spite of microscopic observations showing intracellular bacteria in some strains. Here, we perform a comprehensive molecular analysis of a previously identified endosymbiont in the Eutreptiella sp. CCMP3347 using a single cell approach and bulk culture sequencing. The genome reconstruction of this endosymbiont allowed the description of a new endosymbiont Candidatus Grellia alia sp. nov. from the family Midichloriaceae. Comparative genomics revealed a remarkably complete conjugative type IV secretion system present in three copies on the plasmid sequences of the studied endosymbiont, a feature missing in the closely related Grellia incantans. This study addresses the challenge of limited host cultures with endosymbionts by showing that the genomes of endosymbionts reconstructed from single host cells have the completeness and contiguity that matches or exceeds those coming from bulk cultures. This paves the way for further studies of endosymbionts in euglenids and other protist groups. The research also provides the opportunity to study the diversity of endosymbionts in natural populations.},
}
@article {pmid38326788,
year = {2024},
author = {Burger, NFV and Nicolis, VF and Botha, AM},
title = {Host-specific co-evolution likely driven by diet in Buchnera aphidicola.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {153},
pmid = {38326788},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {CSRU180414320893//National Research Foundation, South Africa/ ; WCT/W/2001/02//South African Winter Cereal Industry Trust/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Buchnera/genetics/metabolism ; Escherichia coli ; *Aphids/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Diet ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia Kurd.) is a severe pest to wheat, and even though resistance varieties are available to curb this pest, they are becoming obsolete with the development of new virulent aphid populations. Unlike many other aphids, D noxia only harbours a single endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola. Considering the importance of Buchnera, this study aimed to elucidate commonalities and dissimilarities between various hosts, to better understand its distinctiveness within its symbiotic relationship with D. noxia. To do so, the genome of the D. noxia's Buchnera was assembled and compared to those of other aphid species that feed on diverse host species.<br><br>RESULTS: The overall importance of several features such as gene length and percentage GC content was found to be critical for the maintenance of Buchnera genes when compared to their closest free-living relative, Escherichia coli. Buchnera protein coding genes were found to have percentage GC contents that tended towards a mean of&#x2009;~&#x2009;26% which had strong correlation to their identity to their E. coli homologs. Several SNPs were identified between different aphid populations and multiple isolates of Buchnera were confirmed in single aphids.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Establishing the strong correlation of percentage GC content of protein coding genes and gene identity will allow for identifying which genes will be lost in the continually shrinking Buchnera genome. This is also the first report of a parthenogenically reproducing aphid that hosts multiple Buchnera strains in a single aphid, raising questions regarding the benefits of maintaining multiple strains. We also found preliminary evidence for post-transcriptional regulation of Buchnera genes in the form of polyadenylation.},
}
@article {pmid38334408,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, R and Meng, Q and Wang, X and Xiao, Y and Sun, R and Zhang, Z and Fu, Y and Di Giuseppe, G and Liang, A},
title = {Comparative genomic analysis of symbiotic and free-living Fluviibacter phosphoraccumulans strains provides insights into the evolutionary origins of obligate Euplotes-bacterial endosymbioses.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {90},
number = {3},
pages = {e0190023},
pmid = {38334408},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {32270447//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 31372199//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 20220302121320//Fundamental Research Program of Shanxi Province/ ; },
mesh = {Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Euplotes/genetics/microbiology ; *Betaproteobacteria/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Endosymbiosis is a widespread and important phenomenon requiring diverse model systems. Ciliates are a widespread group of protists that often form symbioses with diverse microorganisms. Endosymbioses between the ciliate Euplotes and heritable bacterial symbionts are common in nature, and four essential symbionts were described: Polynucleobacter necessarius, "Candidatus Protistobacter heckmanni," "Ca. Devosia symbiotica," and "Ca. Devosia euplotis." Among them, only the genus Polynucleobacter comprises very close free-living and symbiotic representatives, which makes it an excellent model for investigating symbiont replacements and recent symbioses. In this article, we characterized a novel endosymbiont inhabiting the cytoplasm of Euplotes octocarinatus and found that it is a close relative of the free-living bacterium Fluviibacter phosphoraccumulans (Betaproteobacteria and Rhodocyclales). We present the complete genome sequence and annotation of the symbiotic Fluviibacter. Comparative analyses indicate that the genome of symbiotic Fluviibacter is small in size and rich in pseudogenes when compared with free-living strains, which seems to fit the prediction for recently established endosymbionts undergoing genome erosion. Further comparative analysis revealed reduced metabolic capacities in symbiotic Fluviibacter, which implies that the symbiont relies on the host Euplotes for carbon sources, organic nitrogen and sulfur, and some cofactors. We also estimated substitution rates between symbiotic and free-living Fluviibacter pairs for 233 genes; the results showed that symbiotic Fluviibacter displays higher dN/dS mean value than free-living relatives, which suggested that genetic drift is the main driving force behind molecular evolution in endosymbionts.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: In the long history of symbiosis research, most studies focused mainly on organelles or bacteria within multicellular hosts. The single-celled protists receive little attention despite harboring an immense diversity of symbiotic associations with bacteria and archaea. One subgroup of the ciliate Euplotes species is strictly dependent on essential symbionts for survival and has emerged as a valuable model for understanding symbiont replacements and recent symbioses. However, almost all of our knowledge about the evolution and functions of Euplotes symbioses comes from the Euplotes-Polynucleobacter system. In this article, we report a novel essential symbiont, which also has very close free-living relatives. Genome analysis indicated that it is a recently established endosymbiont undergoing genome erosion and relies on the Euplotes host for many essential molecules. Our results provide support for the notion that essential symbionts of the ciliate Euplotes evolve from free-living progenitors in the natural water environment.},
}
@article {pmid38346575,
year = {2024},
author = {Garrido-Bautista, J and Norte, AC and Moreno-Rueda, G and Nadal-Jiménez, P},
title = {Ecological determinants of prevalence of the male-killing bacterium Arsenophonus nasoniae.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {203},
number = {},
pages = {108073},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2024.108073},
pmid = {38346575},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Male ; Animals ; Prevalence ; Enterobacteriaceae ; *Wasps/microbiology ; *Diptera/parasitology ; Calliphoridae ; *Gammaproteobacteria ; },
abstract = {Male-killing bacteria are found in a broad range of arthropods. Arsenophonus nasoniae is a male-killing bacterium, causing a 80% reduction of the male progeny in infected Nasonia vitripennis wasps. Although the discovery of A. nasoniae dates from the early 80's, knowledge about the biology and ecology of this endosymbiont is still scarce. One of these poorly studied features is the ecological factors underlying A. nasoniae incidence on its Nasonia spp. hosts in different geographical locations. Here, we studied the prevalence of A. nasoniae in Iberian wild populations of its host N. vitripennis. This wasp species is a common parasitoid of the blowfly Protocalliphora azurea pupae, which in turn is a parasite of hole-nesting birds, such as the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). We also examined the effects of bird rearing conditions on the prevalence of A. nasoniae through a brood size manipulation experiment (creating enlarged, control and reduced broods). Both the wasp and bacterium presence were tested through PCR assays in blowfly pupae. We found A. nasoniae in almost half (47%) of nests containing blowflies parasitized by N. vitripennis. The prevalence of A. nasoniae was similar in the two geographical areas examined (central Portugal and southeastern Spain) and the probability of infection by A. nasoniae was independent of the number of blowfly pupae in the nest. Experimental manipulation of brood size did not affect the prevalence of A. nasoniae nor the prevalence of its host, N. vitripennis. These results suggest that the incidence of A. nasoniae in natural populations of N. vitripennis is high in the Iberian Peninsula, and the infestation frequency of nests by N. vitripennis carrying A. nasoniae is spatially stable in this geographical region independently of bird rearing conditions.},
}
@article {pmid38349547,
year = {2024},
author = {Kumar, MPS and Keerthana, A and Priya, and Singh, SK and Rai, D and Jaiswal, A and Reddy, MSS},
title = {Exploration of culturable bacterial associates of aphids and their interactions with entomopathogens.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {206},
number = {3},
pages = {96},
pmid = {38349547},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Bacillaceae ; Bacillota ; *Bacillus ; },
abstract = {Aphids shelter several bacteria that benefit them in various ways. The associates having an obligatory relationship are non-culturable, while a few of facultative associates are culturable in insect cell lines, axenic media or standard microbiology media. In the present investigation, isolation, and characterization of the culturable bacterial associates of various aphid species, viz., Rhopalosiphum maidis, Rhopalosiphum padi, Sitobion avenae, Schizaphis graminum, and Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae were carried out. A total of 42 isolates were isolated using different growth media, followed by their morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization. The isolated culturable bacterial associates were found to belong to the genera Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Brevundimonas, Cytobacillus, Fictibacillus, Planococcus, Priestia, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Sutcliffiella, and Tumebacillus which were grouped under seven families of four different orders of phyla Bacillota (Firmicutes) and Pseudomonata (Proteobacteria). Symbiont-entomopathogen interaction study was also conducted, in which the quantification of colony forming units of culturable bacterial associates of entomopathogenic fungal-treated aphids led us to the assumption that the bacterial load in aphid body can be altered by the application of entomopathogens. Whereas, the mycelial growth of entomopathogens Akanthomyces lecanii and Metarhizium anisopliae was found uninhibited by the bacterial associates obtained from Sitobion avenae and Rhopalosiphum padi. Analyzing persistent aphid microflora and their interactions with entomopathogens enhances our understanding of aphid resistance. It also fosters the development of innovative solutions for agricultural pest management, highlighting the intricate dynamics of symbiotic relationships in pest management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid38351312,
year = {2024},
author = {Goodbody-Gringley, G and Martinez, S and Bellworthy, J and Chequer, A and Nativ, H and Mass, T},
title = {Irradiance driven trophic plasticity in the coral Madracis pharensis from the Eastern Mediterranean.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {3646},
pmid = {38351312},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {1937770//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; 2019653//United States - Israel Binational Science Foundation (BSF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; Photosynthesis ; Heterotrophic Processes ; Symbiosis/physiology ; Israel ; Coral Reefs ; },
abstract = {The distribution of symbiotic scleractinian corals is driven, in part, by light availability, as host energy demands are partially met through translocation of photosynthate. Physiological plasticity in response to environmental conditions, such as light, enables the expansion of resilient phenotypes in the face of changing environmental conditions. Here we compared the physiology, morphology, and taxonomy of the host and endosymbionts of individual Madracis pharensis corals exposed to dramatically different light conditions based on colony orientation on the surface of a shipwreck at 30 m depth in the Bay of Haifa, Israel. We found significant differences in symbiont species consortia, photophysiology, and stable isotopes, suggesting that these corals can adjust multiple aspects of host and symbiont physiology in response to light availability. These results highlight the potential of corals to switch to a predominantly heterotrophic diet when light availability and/or symbiont densities are too low to sustain sufficient photosynthesis, which may provide resilience for corals in the face of climate change.},
}
@article {pmid38365237,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, H and Hellweger, FL and Luo, H},
title = {Genome reduction occurred in early Prochlorococcus with an unusually low effective population size.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38365237},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {14110820//Hong Kong Research Grants Council General Research Fund/ ; MCEF21101//Marine Conservation Enhancement Fund/ ; AoE/M-403/16//Hong Kong Research Grants Council Area of Excellence Scheme/ ; 4053605//Chinese University of Hong Kong/ ; 2022A1515010844//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; 2021M702296//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Prochlorococcus/genetics ; Population Density ; Genome ; Plankton ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {In the oligotrophic sunlit ocean, the most abundant free-living planktonic bacterial lineages evolve convergently through genome reduction. The cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus responsible for 10% global oxygen production is a prominent example. The dominant theory known as "genome streamlining" posits that they have extremely large effective population sizes (Ne) such that selection for metabolic efficiency acts to drive genome reduction. Because genome reduction largely took place anciently, this theory builds on the assumption that their ancestors' Ne was similarly large. Constraining Ne for ancient ancestors is challenging because experimental measurements of extinct organisms are impossible and alternatively reconstructing ancestral Ne with phylogenetic models gives large uncertainties. Here, we develop a new strategy that leverages agent-based modeling to simulate the changes in the genome-wide ratio of radical to conservative nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution rate (dR/dC) in a possible range of Ne in ancestral populations. This proxy shows expected increases with decreases of Ne only when Ne falls to about 10 k - 100 k or lower, magnitudes characteristic of Ne of obligate endosymbiont species where drift drives genome reduction. Our simulations therefore strongly support a scenario where the primary force of Prochlorococcus genome reduction is drift rather than selection.},
}
@article {pmid38366251,
year = {2024},
author = {Gimmi, E and Vorburger, C},
title = {High specificity of symbiont-conferred resistance in an aphid-parasitoid field community.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {37},
number = {2},
pages = {162-170},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voad013},
pmid = {38366251},
issn = {1420-9101},
support = {31003A_181969/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics/microbiology ; *Wasps/genetics ; Host-Parasite Interactions/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Enterobacteriaceae ; },
abstract = {Host-parasite coevolution is mediated by genetic interactions between the antagonists and may lead to reciprocal adaptation. In the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae fabae, resistance to parasitoids can be conferred by the heritable bacterial endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa. H. defensa has been shown to be variably protective against different parasitoid species, and different genotypes of the black bean aphid's main parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum. However, these results were obtained using haphazard combinations of laboratory-reared insect lines with different origins, making it unclear how representative they are of natural, locally (co)adapted communities. We therefore comprehensively sampled the parasitoids of a natural A. f. fabae population and measured the ability of the five most abundant species to parasitize aphids carrying the locally prevalent H. defensa haplotypes. H. defensa provided resistance only against the dominant parasitoid L. fabarum (70% of all parasitoids), but not against less abundant parasitoids, and resistance to L. fabarum acted in a genotype-specific manner (G × G interactions between H. defensa and L. fabarum). These results confirm that strong species- and genotype-specificity of symbiont-conferred resistance is indeed a hallmark of wild A. f. fabae populations, and they are consistent with symbiont-mediated adaptation of aphids to the parasitoids posing the highest risk.},
}
@article {pmid38371935,
year = {2024},
author = {Thimmappa, BC and Salhi, LN and Forget, L and Sarrasin, M and Bustamante Villalobos, P and Henrissat, B and Lang, BF and Burger, G},
title = {A biofertilizing fungal endophyte of cranberry plants suppresses the plant pathogen Diaporthe.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1327392},
pmid = {38371935},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Fungi colonizing plants are gaining attention because of their ability to promote plant growth and suppress pathogens. While most studies focus on endosymbionts from grasses and legumes, the large and diverse group of ericaceous plants has been much neglected. We recently described one of the very few fungal endophytes promoting the growth of the Ericaceae Vaccinium macrocarpon (American cranberry), notably the Codinaeella isolate EC4. Here, we show that EC4 also suppresses fungal pathogens, which makes it a promising endophyte for sustainable cranberry cultivation. By dual-culture assays on agar plates, we tested the potential growth suppression (or biocontrol) of EC4 on other microbes, notably 12 pathogenic fungi and one oomycete reported to infect not only cranberry but also blueberry, strawberry, tomato plants, rose bushes and olive trees. Under greenhouse conditions, EC4 protects cranberry plantlets infected with one of the most notorious cranberry-plant pathogens, Diaporthe vaccinii, known to cause upright dieback and berry rot. The nuclear genome sequence of EC4 revealed a large arsenal of genes potentially involved in biocontrol. About ∼60 distinct clusters of genes are homologs of secondary metabolite gene clusters, some of which were shown in other fungi to synthesize nonribosomal peptides and polyketides, but in most cases, the exact compounds these clusters may produce are unknown. The EC4 genome also encodes numerous homologs of hydrolytic enzymes known to degrade fungal cell walls. About half of the nearly 250 distinct glucanases and chitinases are likely involved in biocontrol because they are predicted to be secreted outside the cell. Transcriptome analysis shows that the expression of about a quarter of the predicted secondary-metabolite gene clusters and glucan and chitin-degrading genes of EC4 is stimulated when it is co-cultured with D. vaccinii. Some of the differentially expressed EC4 genes are alternatively spliced exclusively in the presence of the pathogen, altering the proteins' domain content and subcellular localization signal, thus adding a second level of proteome adaptation in response to habitat competition. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Diaporthe-induced alternative splicing of biocontrol genes.},
}
@article {pmid38374896,
year = {2024},
author = {Mazel, F and Pitteloud, C and Guisan, A and Pellissier, L},
title = {Contrasted host specificity of gut and endosymbiont bacterial communities in alpine grasshoppers and crickets.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {ycad013},
pmid = {38374896},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Bacteria colonize the body of macroorganisms to form associations ranging from parasitic to mutualistic. Endosymbiont and gut symbiont communities are distinct microbiomes whose compositions are influenced by host ecology and evolution. Although the composition of horizontally acquired symbiont communities can correlate to host species identity (i.e. harbor host specificity) and host phylogeny (i.e. harbor phylosymbiosis), we hypothesize that the microbiota structure of vertically inherited symbionts (e.g. endosymbionts like Wolbachia) is more strongly associated with the host species identity and phylogeny than horizontally acquired symbionts (e.g. most gut symbionts). Here, using 16S metabarcoding on 336 guts from 24 orthopteran species (grasshoppers and crickets) in the Alps, we observed that microbiota correlated to host species identity, i.e. hosts from the same species had more similar microbiota than hosts from different species. This effect was ~5 times stronger for endosymbionts than for putative gut symbionts. Although elevation correlated with microbiome composition, we did not detect phylosymbiosis for endosymbionts and putative gut symbionts: closely related host species did not harbor more similar microbiota than distantly related species. Our findings indicate that gut microbiota of studied orthopteran species is more correlated to host identity and habitat than to the host phylogeny. The higher host specificity in endosymbionts corroborates the idea that-everything else being equal-vertically transmitted microbes harbor stronger host specificity signal, but the absence of phylosymbiosis suggests that host specificity changes quickly on evolutionary time scales.},
}
@article {pmid38376262,
year = {2024},
author = {Šibanc, N and Clark, DR and Helgason, T and Dumbrell, AJ and Maček, I},
title = {Extreme environments simplify reassembly of communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {e0133123},
pmid = {38376262},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {J4-5526, J4-7052, P4-0085//Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS (ARRS)/ ; P4-0107//Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS (ARRS)/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Carbon Dioxide/pharmacology ; Soil Microbiology ; Plants/microbiology ; Extreme Environments ; },
abstract = {The ecological impacts of long-term (press) disturbance on mechanisms regulating the relative abundance (i.e., commonness or rarity) and temporal dynamics of species within a community remain largely unknown. This is particularly true for the functionally important arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi; obligate plant-root endosymbionts that colonize more than two-thirds of terrestrial plant species. Here, we use high-resolution amplicon sequencing to examine how AM fungal communities in a specific extreme ecosystem-mofettes or natural CO2 springs caused by geological CO2 exhalations-are affected by long-term stress. We found that in mofettes, specific and temporally stable communities form as a subset of the local metacommunity. These communities are less diverse and dominated by adapted, "stress tolerant" taxa. Those taxa are rare in control locations and more benign environments worldwide, but show a stable temporal pattern in the extreme sites, consistently dominating the communities in grassland mofettes. This pattern of lower diversity and high dominance of specific taxa has been confirmed as relatively stable over several sampling years and is independently observed across multiple geographic locations (mofettes in different countries). This study implies that the response of soil microbial community composition to long-term stress is relatively predictable, which can also reflect the community response to other anthropogenic stressors (e.g., heavy metal pollution or land use change). Moreover, as AM fungi are functionally differentiated, with different taxa providing different benefits to host plants, changes in community structure in response to long-term environmental change have the potential to impact terrestrial plant communities and their productivity.IMPORTANCEArbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form symbiotic relationships with more than two-thirds of plant species. In return for using plant carbon as their sole energy source, AM fungi improve plant mineral supply, water balance, and protection against pathogens. This work demonstrates the importance of long-term experiments to understand the effects of long-term environmental change and long-term disturbance on terrestrial ecosystems. We demonstrated a consistent response of the AM fungal community to a long-term stress, with lower diversity and a less variable AM fungal community over time under stress conditions compared to the surrounding controls. We have also identified, for the first time, a suite of AM fungal taxa that are consistently observed across broad geographic scales in stressed and anthropogenically heavily influenced ecosystems. This is critical because global environmental change in terrestrial ecosystems requires an integrative approach that considers both above- and below-ground changes and examines patterns over a longer geographic and temporal scale, rather than just single sampling events.},
}
@article {pmid38381797,
year = {2024},
author = {Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Perles, L and Filippi, E and Szafranski, N and Montinaro, G and Carbonara, M and Scalera, R and de Abreu Teles, PP and Walochnik, J and Otranto, D},
title = {Parasites and microorganisms associated with the snakes collected for the "festa Dei serpari" in Cocullo, Italy.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {e0011973},
pmid = {38381797},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Parasites ; *Cryptosporidiosis ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology ; *Cryptosporidium ; *Rickettsia ; Italy/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {While in much of the Western world snakes are feared, in the small, rural, mountainous town of Cocullo, in the middle of central Italy, snakes are annually collected and celebrated in a sacro-profane ritual. Every 1st of May, Serpari (snake catchers) capture and showcase dozens of non-venomous snakes to celebrate the ritual of San Domenico. In order to detect potential zoonotic pathogens within this unique epidemiological context, parasites and microorganisms of snakes harvested for the "festa dei serpari" ritual were investigated. Snakes (n = 112) were examined and ectoparasites collected, as well as blood and feces sampled. Ectoparasites were identified morpho-molecularly, and coprological examination conducted through direct smear and flotation. Molecular screenings were performed to identify parasites and microorganisms in collected samples (i.e., Mesostigmata mites, Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Coxiella burnetii, Babesia/Theileria spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Leishmania spp. and helminths). Overall, 28.5% (32/112) of snakes were molecularly positive for at least one parasite and/or microorganism. Endosymbiont Wolbachia bacteria were identified from Macronyssidae mites and zoonotic vector-borne pathogens (e.g., Rickettsia, Leishmania), as well as orally transmitted pathogens (i.e., Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas), were detected from blood and feces. Thus, given the central role of the snakes in the tradition of Cocullo, surveys of their parasitic fauna and associated zoonotic pathogens may aid to generate conservation policies to benefit the human-snake interactions, whilst preserving the cultural patrimony of this event.},
}
@article {pmid38390299,
year = {2024},
author = {Baruah, N and Haajanen, R and Rahman, MT and Pirttilä, AM and Koskimäki, JJ},
title = {Biosynthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate by Methylorubrum extorquens DSM13060 is essential for intracellular colonization in plant endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1302705},
pmid = {38390299},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Methylorubrum extorquens DSM13060 is an endosymbiont that lives in the cells of shoot tip meristems. The bacterium is methylotrophic and consumes plant-derived methanol for the production of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The PHB provides protection against oxidative stress for both host and endosymbiont cells through its fragments, methyl-esterified 3-hydroxybutyrate (ME-3HB) oligomers. We evaluated the role of the genes involved in the production of ME-3HB oligomers in the host colonization by the endosymbiont M. extorquens DSM13060 through targeted genetic mutations. The strains with deletions in PHB synthase (phaC), PHB depolymerase (phaZ1), and a transcription factor (phaR) showed altered PHB granule characteristics, as ΔphaC had a significantly low number of granules, ΔphaR had a significantly increased number of granules, and ΔphaZ1 had significantly large PHB granules in the bacterial cells. When the deletion strains were exposed to oxidative stress, the ΔphaC strain was sensitive to 10 mM HO· and 20 mM H2O2. The colonization of the host, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), by the deletion strains varied greatly. The deletion strain ΔphaR colonized the host mainly intercellularly, whereas the ΔphaZ1 strain was a slightly poorer colonizer than the control. The deletion strain ΔphaC lacked the colonization potential, living mainly on the surfaces of the epidermis of pine roots and shoots in contrast to the control, which intracellularly colonized all pine tissues within the study period. In earlier studies, deletions within the PHB metabolic pathway have had a minor effect on plant colonization by rhizobia. We have previously shown the association between ME-3HB oligomers, produced by PhaC and PhaZ1, and the ability to alleviate host-generated oxidative stress during plant infection by the endosymbiont M. extorquens DSM13060. Our current results show that the low capacity for PHB synthesis leads to poor tolerance of oxidative stress and loss of colonization potential by the endosymbiont. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that the metabolism of PHB in M. extorquens DSM13060 is an important trait in the non-rhizobial endosymbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid38392339,
year = {2024},
author = {Reese, C and Graber, LC and Ramalho, MO and Moreau, CS},
title = {The Diversity of Wolbachia across the Turtle Ants (Formicidae: Cephalotes spp.).},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {38392339},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {DGE-1650441; NSF DEB 1900357//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a widespread and well-known bacterium that can induce a wide range of changes within its host. Ants specifically harbor a great deal of Wolbachia diversity and are useful systems to study endosymbiosis. The turtle ants (Cephalotes) are a widespread group of tropical ants that rely on gut microbes to support their herbivorous diet for their survival, yet little is known of the extent of this diversity. Therefore, studying their endosymbionts and categorizing the diversity of bacteria within Cephalotes hosts could help to delimit species and identify new strains and can help lead to a further understanding of how the microbiome leads to survival and speciation in the wild. In our study, 116 individual samples were initially tested for positive infection with the wsp gene. Of the initial 116 samples, 9 samples were infected with only one strain of Wolbachia, and 7 were able to be used successfully for multilocus sequence typing (MLST). We used the new MLST data to infer a phylogeny with other Formicidae samples from the MLST online database to identify new Wolbachia strains and related genes, of which only one came back as an exact match. The 18 Wolbachia-positive samples ranged across 15 different species and 7 different countries, which we further test for species identity and geographic correlation. This study is the first comprehensive look into the diversity of Wolbachia in the turtle ants, providing insight into how endosymbionts are oriented in widespread species and providing a strong foundation for further research in host-microbe interactions.},
}
@article {pmid38392506,
year = {2024},
author = {Budrys, E and Orlovskytė, S and Budrienė, A},
title = {Ecological Speciation without Morphological Differentiation? A New Cryptic Species of Diodontus Curtis (Hymenoptera, Pemphredonidae) from the Centre of Europe.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {38392506},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Contract No S-MIP-20-23//Lietuvos Mokslo Taryba/ ; },
abstract = {Upon exploring the mitotype diversity of the aphid-hunting wasp, Diodontus tristis, we revealed specimens with highly divergent mitotypes from two localities in Lithuania and nesting in clayey substrate, while the specimens with typical mitotypes were found nesting in sandy sites. The comparison of inter- and intra-specific distances and application of delimitation algorithms supported the species status of the clay-nesting populations. Using a set of DNA markers that included complete or partial sequences of six mitochondrial genes, three markers of ribosomal operon, two homeobox genes, and four other nuclear genes, we clarified the phylogenetic relationships of the new cryptic species. The endosymbiotic bacteria infestation was checked, considering the option that the divergent populations may represent clades isolated by Wolbachia infection; however, it did not demonstrate any specificity. We found only subtle morphological differences in the new clay-nesting species, D. argillicola sp. nov.; the discriminant analysis of morphometric measurements did not reliably segregate it as well. Thus, we provide the molecular characters of the cryptic species, which allow confident identification, its phylogenetic position within the genus, and an updated identification key for the D. tristis species group.},
}
@article {pmid38392507,
year = {2024},
author = {Cheng, Y and Yang, J and Li, T and Li, J and Ye, M and Wang, J and Chen, R and Zhu, L and Du, B and He, G},
title = {Endosymbiotic Fungal Diversity and Dynamics of the Brown Planthopper across Developmental Stages, Tissues, and Sexes Revealed Using Circular Consensus Sequencing.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {38392507},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2022ABA001//The Science and Technology Major Program of Hubei Province/ ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic fungi play an important role in the growth and development of insects. Understanding the endosymbiont communities hosted by the brown planthopper (BPH; Nilaparvata lugens Stål), the most destructive pest in rice, is a prerequisite for controlling BPH rice infestations. However, the endosymbiont diversity and dynamics of the BPH remain poorly studied. Here, we used circular consensus sequencing (CCS) to obtain 87,131 OTUs (operational taxonomic units), which annotated 730 species of endosymbiotic fungi in the various developmental stages and tissues. We found that three yeast-like symbionts (YLSs), Polycephalomyces prolificus, Ophiocordyceps heteropoda, and Hirsutella proturicola, were dominant in almost all samples, which was especially pronounced in instar nymphs 4-5, female adults, and the fat bodies of female and male adult BPH. Interestingly, honeydew as the only in vitro sample had a unique community structure. Various diversity indices might indicate the different activity of endosymbionts in these stages and tissues. The biomarkers analyzed using LEfSe suggested some special functions of samples at different developmental stages of growth and the active functions of specific tissues in different sexes. Finally, we found that the incidence of occurrence of three species of Malassezia and Fusarium sp. was higher in males than in females in all comparison groups. In summary, our study provides a comprehensive survey of symbiotic fungi in the BPH, which complements the previous research on YLSs. These results offer new theoretical insights and practical implications for novel pest management strategies to understand the BPH-microbe symbiosis and devise effective pest control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid38399702,
year = {2024},
author = {Cameirão, C and Costa, D and Rufino, J and Pereira, JA and Lino-Neto, T and Baptista, P},
title = {Diversity, Composition, and Specificity of the Philaenus spumarius Bacteriome.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {38399702},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {UIDB/00690/2020; UIDP/00690/2020; LA/P/0007/2020; UIDB/04050/2020; UIDB/05757/2020 and UIDP/05757/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia/ ; PRR-C05-i03-I-000083//Agriculture and Fisheries Financing Institute/ ; 727987//Horizon2020/ ; },
abstract = {Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae) was recently classified as a pest due to its ability to act as a vector of the phytopathogen Xylella fastidiosa. This insect has been reported to harbour several symbiotic bacteria that play essential roles in P. spumarius health and fitness. However, the factors driving bacterial assemblages remain largely unexplored. Here, the bacteriome associated with different organs (head, abdomen, and genitalia) of males and females of P. spumarius was characterized using culturally dependent and independent methods and compared in terms of diversity and composition. The bacteriome of P. spumarius is enriched in Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria phyla, as well as in Candidatus Sulcia and Cutibacterium genera. The most frequent isolates were Curtobacterium, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobiaceae sp.1. Males display a more diverse bacterial community than females, but no differences in diversity were found in distinct organs. However, the organ shapes the bacteriome structure more than sex, with the Microbacteriaceae family revealing a high level of organ specificity and the Blattabacteriaceae family showing a high level of sex specificity. Several symbiotic bacterial genera were identified in P. spumarius for the first time, including Rhodococcus, Citrobacter, Halomonas, Streptomyces, and Providencia. Differences in the bacterial composition within P. spumarius organs and sexes suggest an adaptation of bacteria to particular insect tissues, potentially shaped by their significance in the life and overall fitness of P. spumarius. Although more research on the bacteria of P. spumarius interactions is needed, such knowledge could help to develop specific bacterial-based insect management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid38403930,
year = {2024},
author = {Lastovetsky, OA and Caruso, T and Brennan, FP and Wall, D and Pylni, S and Doyle, E},
title = {Spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi host surprisingly diverse communities of endobacteria.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {242},
number = {4},
pages = {1785-1797},
doi = {10.1111/nph.19605},
pmid = {38403930},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {GOIPD/2017/879//Irish Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology ; *Spores, Fungal/physiology ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Biodiversity ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ubiquitous plant root symbionts, which can house two endobacteria: Ca. Moeniiplasma glomeromycotorum (CaMg) and Ca. Glomeribacter gigasporarum (CaGg). However, little is known about their distribution and population structure in natural AMF populations and whether AMF can harbour other endobacteria. We isolated AMF from two environments and conducted detailed analyses of endobacterial communities associated with surface-sterilised AMF spores. Consistent with the previous reports, we found that CaMg were extremely abundant (80%) and CaGg were extremely rare (2%) in both environments. Unexpectedly, we discovered an additional and previously unknown level of bacterial diversity within AMF spores, which extended beyond the known endosymbionts, with bacteria belonging to 10 other phyla detected across our spore data set. Detailed analysis revealed that: CaGg were not limited in distribution to the Gigasporaceae family of AMF, as previously thought; CaMg population structure was driven by AMF host genotype; and a significant inverse correlation existed between the diversity of CaMg and diversity of all other endobacteria. Based on these data, we generate novel testable hypotheses regarding the function of CaMg in AMF biology by proposing that they might act as conditional mutualists of AMF.},
}
@article {pmid38408183,
year = {2024},
author = {Paddock, CD and Zambrano, ML and Clover, JR and Ladd-Wilson, S and Dykstra, EA and Salamone, A and Kangiser, D and Ayres, BN and Shooter, SL and Karpathy, SE and Kjemtrup, AM and Beati, L and Levin, ML and Lane, RS and Zazueta, OE},
title = {Rickettsia species identified in adult, host-seeking Dermacentor occidentalis (Acari: Ixodidae) from Baja California, Mexico, and Oregon and Washington, United States.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {61},
number = {3},
pages = {781-790},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjae023},
pmid = {38408183},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Dermacentor/microbiology ; Washington ; Oregon ; Female ; Mexico ; Male ; },
abstract = {The Pacific Coast tick (Dermacentor occidentalis Marx, 1892) is a frequently encountered and commonly reported human-biting tick species that has been recorded from most of California and parts of southwestern Oregon, southcentral Washington, and northwestern Mexico. Although previous investigators have surveyed populations of D. occidentalis for the presence of Rickettsia species across several regions of California, populations of this tick have not been surveyed heretofore for rickettsiae from Baja California, Oregon, or Washington. We evaluated 1,367 host-seeking, D. occidentalis adults collected from 2015 to 2022 by flagging vegetation at multiple sites in Baja California, Mexico, and Oregon and Washington, United States, using genus- and species-specific assays for spotted fever group rickettsiae. DNA of Rickettsia 364D, R. bellii, and R. tillamookensis was not detected in specimens from these regions. DNA of R. rhipicephali was detected in D. occidentalis specimens obtained from Ensenada Municipality in Baja California and southwestern Oregon, but not from Washington. All ompA sequences of R. rhipichephali that were amplified from individual ticks in southwestern Oregon were represented by a single genotype. DNA of the Ixodes pacificus rickettsial endosymbiont was amplified from specimens collected in southwestern Oregon and Klickitat County, Washington; to the best of our knowledge, this Rickettsia species has never been identified in D. occidentalis. Collectively, these data are consistent with a relatively recent introduction of Pacific Coast ticks in the northernmost extension of its recognized range.},
}
@article {pmid38414566,
year = {2024},
author = {Ffrench-Constant, RH and Bennie, J and Gordon, IJ and Depew, L and Smith, DAS},
title = {Penetrance interactions of colour pattern loci in the African Monarch and their implications for the evolution of dominance.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {e11024},
pmid = {38414566},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Scoring the penetrance of heterozygotes in complex phenotypes, like colour pattern, is difficult and complicates the analysis of systems in which dominance is incomplete or evolving. The African Monarch (Danaus chrysippus) represents an example where colour pattern heterozygotes, formed in the contact zone between the different subspecies, show such intermediate dominance. Colour pattern in this aposematic butterfly is controlled by three loci A, B and C. The B and C loci are closely linked in a B/C supergene and significant interaction of B and C phenotypes is therefore expected via linkage alone. The A locus, however, is not linked to B/C and is found on a different chromosome. To study interactions between these loci we generated colour pattern heterozygotes by crossing males and females bearing different A and B/C genotypes, collected from different parts of Africa. We derived a novel scoring system for the expressivity of the heterozygotes and, as predicted, we found significant interactions between the genotypes of the closely linked B and C loci. Surprisingly, however, we also found highly significant interactions between C and the unlinked A locus, modifications that generally increased the resemblance of heterozygotes to homozygous ancestors. In contrast, we found no difference in the penetrance of any of the corresponding heterozygotes from crosses conducted either in allopatry or sympatry, in reciprocal crosses of males and females, or in the presence or absence of endosymbiont mediated male-killing or its associated neoW mediated sex-linkage of colour pattern. Together, this data supports the idea that the different colour morphs of the African Monarch meet transiently in the East African contact zone and that genetic modifiers act to mask inappropriate expression of colour patterns in the incorrect environments.},
}
@article {pmid38426058,
year = {2024},
author = {Cantin, LJ and Dunning Hotopp, JC and Foster, JM},
title = {Improved metagenome assemblies through selective enrichment of bacterial genomic DNA from eukaryotic host genomic DNA using ATAC-seq.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1352378},
pmid = {38426058},
issn = {1664-302X},
support = {U19 AI110820/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Genomics can be used to study the complex relationships between hosts and their microbiota. Many bacteria cannot be cultured in the laboratory, making it difficult to obtain adequate amounts of bacterial DNA and to limit host DNA contamination for the construction of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). For example, Wolbachia is a genus of exclusively obligate intracellular bacteria that live in a wide range of arthropods and some nematodes. While Wolbachia endosymbionts are frequently described as facultative reproductive parasites in arthropods, the bacteria are obligate mutualistic endosymbionts of filarial worms. Here, we achieve 50-fold enrichment of bacterial sequences using ATAC-seq (Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing) with Brugia malayi nematodes, containing Wolbachia (wBm). ATAC-seq uses the Tn5 transposase to cut and attach Illumina sequencing adapters to accessible DNA lacking histones, typically thought to be open chromatin. Bacterial and mitochondrial DNA in the lysates are also cut preferentially since they lack histones, leading to the enrichment of these sequences. The benefits of this include minimal tissue input (<1 mg of tissue), a quick protocol (<4 h), low sequencing costs, less bias, correct assembly of lateral gene transfers and no prior sequence knowledge required. We assembled the wBm genome with as few as 1 million Illumina short paired-end reads with >97% coverage of the published genome, compared to only 12% coverage with the standard gDNA libraries. We found significant bacterial sequence enrichment that facilitated genome assembly in previously published ATAC-seq data sets from human cells infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and C. elegans contaminated with their food source, the OP50 strain of E. coli. These results demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of using ATAC-seq to easily obtain bacterial genomes to aid in symbiosis, infectious disease, and microbiome research.},
}
@article {pmid38431055,
year = {2024},
author = {Walt, HK and King, JG and Sheele, JM and Meyer, F and Pietri, JE and Hoffmann, FG},
title = {Do bed bugs transmit human viruses, or do humans spread bed bugs and their viruses? A worldwide survey of the bed bug RNA virosphere.},
journal = {Virus research},
volume = {343},
number = {},
pages = {199349},
pmid = {38431055},
issn = {1872-7492},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Bedbugs ; Feeding Behavior ; Disease Vectors ; *Arthropods ; *Viruses ; },
abstract = {BED BUGS: (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are a globally distributed hematophagous pest that routinely feed on humans. Unlike many blood-sucking arthropods, they have never been linked to pathogen transmission in a natural setting, and despite increasing interest in their role as disease vectors, little is known about the viruses that bed bugs naturally harbor. Here, we present a global-scale survey of the bed bug RNA virosphere. We sequenced the metatranscriptomes of 22 individual bed bugs (Cimex lectularius and Cimex hemipterus) from 8 locations around the world. We detected sequences from two known bed bug viruses (Shuangao bedbug virus 1 and Shuangao bedbug virus 2) which extends their geographical range. We identified three novel bed bug virus sequences from a tenui-like virus (Bunyavirales), a toti-like virus (Ghabrivirales), and a luteo-like virus (Tolivirales). Interestingly, some of the bed bug viruses branch near to insect-transmitted plant-infecting viruses, opening questions regarding the evolution of plant virus infection. When we analyzed the viral sequences by their host's collection location, we found unexpected patterns of geographical diversity that may reflect humans' role in bed bug dispersal. Additionally, we investigated the effect that Wolbachia, the primary bed bug endosymbiont, may have on viral abundance and found that Wolbachia infection neither promotes nor inhibits viral infection. Finally, our results provide no evidence that bed bugs transmit any known human pathogenic viruses.},
}
@article {pmid38437189,
year = {2024},
author = {Dye, D and Cain, JW},
title = {Efficacy of Wolbachia-based mosquito control: Predictions of a spatially discrete mathematical model.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {e0297964},
pmid = {38437189},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Animals ; Male ; *Wolbachia ; *Aedes ; *Charadriiformes ; Cytoplasm ; Cytosol ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an endosymbiont bacterium present in many insect species. When Wolbachia-carrying male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes mate with non-carrier females, their embryos are not viable due to cytoplasmic incompatibility. This phenomenon has been exploited successfully for the purpose of controlling mosquito populations and the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses: Wolbachia carriers are bred and released into the environment. Because Wolbachia is not harmful to humans, this method of mosquito control is regarded as a safer alternative to pesticide spraying. In this article, we introduce a mathematical framework for exploring (i) whether a one-time release of Wolbachia carriers can elicit a sustained presence of carriers near the release site, and (ii) the extent to which spatial propagation of carriers may allow them to establish fixation in other territories. While some prior studies have formulated mosquito dispersal models using advection-reaction-diffusion PDEs, the predictive power of such models requires careful ecological mapping: advection and diffusion coefficients exhibit significant spatial dependence due to heterogeneity of resources and topography. Here, we adopt a courser-grained view, regarding the environment as a network of discrete, diffusively-coupled "habitats"-distinct zones of high mosquito density such as stagnant ponds. We extend two previously published single-habitat mosquito models to multiple habitats, and calculate rates of migration between pairs of habitats using dispersal kernels. Our primary results are quantitative estimates regarding how the success of carrier fixation in one or more habitats is determined by: the number of carriers released, sizes of habitats, distances between habitats, and the rate of migration between habitats. Besides yielding sensible and potentially useful predictions regarding the success of Wolbachia-based control, our framework applies to other approaches (e.g., gene drives) and contexts beyond the realm of insect pest control.},
}
@article {pmid38438424,
year = {2024},
author = {Tan, KXY and Shigenobu, S},
title = {In vivo interference of pea aphid endosymbiont Buchnera groEL gene by synthetic peptide nucleic acids.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {5378},
pmid = {38438424},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Scholarship//Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology/ ; JP20H00478//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Peptide Nucleic Acids/genetics ; *Buchnera/genetics ; *Aphids/genetics ; Pisum sativum ; *Nucleic Acids ; Antisense Elements (Genetics) ; *Orobanchaceae ; },
abstract = {The unculturable nature of intracellular obligate symbionts presents a significant challenge for elucidating gene functionality, necessitating the development of gene manipulation techniques. One of the best-studied obligate symbioses is that between aphids and the bacterial endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola. Given the extensive genome reduction observed in Buchnera, the remaining genes are crucial for understanding the host-symbiont relationship, but a lack of tools for manipulating gene function in the endosymbiont has significantly impeded the exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying this mutualism. In this study, we introduced a novel gene manipulation technique employing synthetic single-stranded peptide nucleic acids (PNAs). We targeted the critical Buchnera groEL using specially designed antisense PNAs conjugated to an arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide (CPP). Within 24 h of PNA administration via microinjection, we observed a significant reduction in groEL expression and Buchnera cell count. Notably, the interference of groEL led to profound morphological malformations in Buchnera, indicative of impaired cellular integrity. The gene knockdown technique developed in this study, involving the microinjection of CPP-conjugated antisense PNAs, provides a potent approach for in vivo gene manipulation of unculturable intracellular symbionts, offering valuable insights into their biology and interactions with hosts.},
}
@article {pmid38439943,
year = {2024},
author = {González Porras, M&#xc1; and Pons, I and García-Lozano, M and Jagdale, S and Emmerich, C and Weiss, B and Salem, H},
title = {Extracellular symbiont colonizes insect during embryo development.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {ycae005},
pmid = {38439943},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Insects typically acquire their beneficial microbes early in development. Endosymbionts housed intracellularly are commonly integrated during oogenesis or embryogenesis, whereas extracellular microbes are only known to be acquired after hatching by immature instars such as larvae or nymphs. Here, however, we report on an extracellular symbiont that colonizes its host during embryo development. Tortoise beetles (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) host their digestive bacterial symbiont Stammera extracellularly within foregut symbiotic organs and in ovary-associated glands to ensure its vertical transmission. We outline the initial stages of symbiont colonization and observe that although the foregut symbiotic organs develop 3 days prior to larval emergence, they remain empty until the final 24 h of embryo development. Infection by Stammera occurs during that timeframe and prior to hatching. By experimentally manipulating symbiont availability to embryos in the egg, we describe a 12-h developmental window governing colonization by Stammera. Symbiotic organs form normally in aposymbiotic larvae, demonstrating that these Stammera-bearing structures develop autonomously. In adults, the foregut symbiotic organs are already colonized following metamorphosis and host a stable Stammera population to facilitate folivory. The ovary-associated glands, however, initially lack Stammera. Symbiont abundance subsequently increases within these transmission organs, thereby ensuring sufficient titers at the onset of oviposition ~29 days following metamorphosis. Collectively, our findings reveal that Stammera colonization precedes larval emergence, where its proliferation is eventually decoupled in adult beetles to match the nutritional and reproductive requirements of its host.},
}
@article {pmid38443775,
year = {2024},
author = {Molina-Garza, ZJ and Cuesy-León, M and Baylón-Pacheco, L and Rosales-Encina, JL and Galaviz-Silva, L},
title = {Diversity of midgut microbiota in ticks collected from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from northern Mexico.},
journal = {Parasites, hosts and diseases},
volume = {62},
number = {1},
pages = {117-130},
pmid = {38443775},
issn = {2982-6799},
support = {#3157//FOINS PN-CONACyT/ ; //PAICyT-UANL/ ; //CONACyT/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Deer ; Mexico ; *Rhipicephalus ; *Microbiota/genetics ; },
abstract = {Ticks host different pathogens as endosymbiont and nonpathogenic microorganisms and play an important role in reproductive fitness and nutrient provision. However, the bacterial microbiomes of white-tailed deer ticks have received minimal attention. This study aimed to examine the bacterial microbiome of ticks collected from Odocoileus virginianus on the Mexico-United States border to assess differences in microbiome diversity in ticks of different species, sexes, and localities. Five different tick species were collected: Rhipicephalus microplus, Dermacentor nitens, Otobius megnini, Amblyomma cajennense, and A. maculatum. The tick microbiomes were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Among all tick species, the most predominant phylum was Proteobacteria, followed by Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. The ticks from Tamaulipas and Nuevo León presented the highest bacterial species diversity. Acinetobacter johnsonii and A. lwoffii were the common bacterial species in the microbiome of all ticks, Coxiella were present in R. microplus, and Dermacentor nitens also exhibited a Francisella-like endosymbiont. The microbiome of most females in D. nitens was less diverse than that of males, whereas R. microplus occurs in females, suggesting that microbiome diversity is influenced by sex. In the bacterial communities of A. maculatum and O. megnini, Candidatus Midichloria massiliensis, and Candidatus Endoecteinascidia fumentensis were the most predominant endosymbionts. These results constitute the initial report on these bacteria, and this is also the first study to characterize the microbiome of O. megnini.},
}
@article {pmid38444236,
year = {2024},
author = {Manentzos, AN and Pahl, AMC and Melloh, P and Martin, EA and Leybourne, DJ},
title = {Low prevalence of secondary endosymbionts in aphids sampled from rapeseed crops in Germany.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {114},
number = {2},
pages = {254-259},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485324000063},
pmid = {38444236},
issn = {1475-2670},
support = {RF-2022-100004//Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851/ ; },
mesh = {*Aphids/microbiology ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; Germany ; Crops, Agricultural/microbiology ; Brassica rapa/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Peach-potato aphids, Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera:Aphididae), and cabbage aphids, Brevicoryne brassicae Linnaeus (Hemiptera:Aphididae), are herbivorous insects of significant agricultural importance. Aphids can harbour a range of non-essential (facultative) endosymbiotic bacteria that confer multiple costs and benefits to the host aphid. A key endosymbiont-derived phenotype is protection against parasitoid wasps, and this protective phenotype has been associated with several defensive enodsymbionts. In recent years greater emphasis has been placed on developing alternative pest management strategies, including the increased use of natural enemies such as parasitoids wasps. For the success of aphid control strategies to be estimated the presence of defensive endosymbionts that can potentially disrupt the success of biocontrol agents needs to be determined in natural aphid populations. Here, we sampled aphids and mummies (parasitised aphids) from an important rapeseed production region in Germany and used multiplex PCR assays to characterise the endosymbiont communities. We found that aphids rarely harboured facultative endosymbionts, with 3.6% of M. persicae and 0% of B. brassicae populations forming facultative endosymbiont associations. This is comparable with endosymbiont prevalence described for M. persicae populations surveyed in Australia, Europe, Chile, and USA where endosymbiont infection frequencies range form 0-2%, but is in contrast with observations from China where M. persicae populations have more abundant and diverse endosymbiotic communities (endosymbionts present in over 50% of aphid populations).},
}
@article {pmid38452081,
year = {2024},
author = {Kaur, R and McGarry, A and Shropshire, JD and Leigh, BA and Bordenstein, SR},
title = {Prophage proteins alter long noncoding RNA and DNA of developing sperm to induce a paternal-effect lethality.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {383},
number = {6687},
pages = {1111-1117},
pmid = {38452081},
issn = {1095-9203},
support = {F32 AI140694/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI132581/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI143725/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Cytoplasm/metabolism ; DNA/metabolism ; *Prophages/genetics/metabolism ; *RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism ; *Spermatozoa/growth &amp; development/metabolism ; *Wolbachia/metabolism/virology ; *Paternal Inheritance ; *Viral Proteins/metabolism ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics/microbiology ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; *Deoxyribonucleases/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The extent to which prophage proteins interact with eukaryotic macromolecules is largely unknown. In this work, we show that cytoplasmic incompatibility factor A (CifA) and B (CifB) proteins, encoded by prophage WO of the endosymbiont Wolbachia, alter long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and DNA during Drosophila sperm development to establish a paternal-effect embryonic lethality known as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CifA is a ribonuclease (RNase) that depletes a spermatocyte lncRNA important for the histone-to-protamine transition of spermiogenesis. Both CifA and CifB are deoxyribonucleases (DNases) that elevate DNA damage in late spermiogenesis. lncRNA knockdown enhances CI, and mutagenesis links lncRNA depletion and subsequent sperm chromatin integrity changes to embryonic DNA damage and CI. Hence, prophage proteins interact with eukaryotic macromolecules during gametogenesis to create a symbiosis that is fundamental to insect evolution and vector control.},
}
@article {pmid38455147,
year = {2024},
author = {Hafer-Hahmann, N and Vorburger, C},
title = {Parasitoid species diversity has no effect on protective symbiont diversity in experimental host-parasitoid populations.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {e11090},
pmid = {38455147},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {How does diversity in nature come about? One factor contributing to this diversity are species interactions; diversity on one trophic level can shape diversity on lower or higher trophic levels. For example, parasite diversity enhances host immune diversity. Insect protective symbionts mediate host resistance and are, therefore, also engaged in reciprocal selection with their host's parasites. Here, we applied experimental evolution in a well-known symbiont-aphid-parasitoid system to study whether parasitoid diversity contributes to maintaining symbiont genetic diversity. We used caged populations of black bean aphids (Aphis fabae), containing uninfected individuals and individuals infected with different strains of the bacterial endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa, which protects aphids against parasitoids. Over multiple generations, these populations were exposed to three different species of parasitoid wasps (Aphidius colemani, Binodoxys acalephae or Lysiphlebus fabarum), simultaneous or sequential mixtures of these species or no wasps. Surprisingly, we observed little selection for H. defensa in most treatments, even when it clearly provided protection against a fatal parasitoid infection. This seemed to be caused by high induced costs of resistance: aphids surviving parasitoid attacks suffered an extreme reduction in fitness. In marked contrast to previous studies looking at the effect of different genotypes of a single parasitoid species, we found little evidence for a diversifying effect of multiple parasitoid species on symbiont diversity in hosts.},
}
@article {pmid38456084,
year = {2024},
author = {Kumar, V and Subramanian, J and Marimuthu, M and Subbarayalu, M and Ramasamy, V and Gandhi, K and Ariyan, M},
title = {Diversity and functional characteristics of culturable bacterial endosymbionts from cassava whitefly biotype Asia II-5, Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {3 Biotech},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {100},
pmid = {38456084},
issn = {2190-572X},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a carrier of cassava mosaic disease (CMD), poses a significant threat to cassava crops. Investigating culturable bacteria and their impact on whiteflies is crucial due to their vital role in whitefly fitness and survival. The whitefly biotype associated with cassava and transmitting CMD in India has been identified as Asia II 5 through partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequencing. In this study, bacteria associated with adult B. tabaci feeding on cassava were extracted using seven different media. Nutrient Agar (NA), Soyabean Casein Digest Medium (SCDM), Luria Bertani agar (LBA), and Reasoner's 2A agar (R2A) media resulted in 19, 6, 4, and 4 isolates, respectively, producing a total of 33 distinct bacterial isolates. Species identification through 16SrRNA gene sequencing revealed that all isolates belonged to the Bacillota and Pseudomonadota phyla, encompassing 11 genera: Bacillus, Cytobacillus, Exiguobacterium, Terribacillus, Brevibacillus, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Brucella, Novosphingobium, Lysobacter, and Pseudomonas. All bacterial isolates were tested for chitinase, protease, siderophore activity, and antibiotic sensitivity. Nine isolates exhibited chitinase activity, 28 showed protease activity, and 23 displayed siderophore activity. Most isolates were sensitive to antibiotics such as Vancomycin, Streptomycin, Erythromycin, Kanamycin, Doxycycline, Tetracycline, and Ciprofloxacin, while they demonstrated resistance to Bacitracin and Colistin. Understanding the culturable bacteria associated with cassava whitefly and their functional significance could contribute to developing effective cassava whitefly and CMD control in agriculture.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03949-0.},
}
@article {pmid38456555,
year = {2024},
author = {Malandrakis, AA and Varikou, K and Kavroulakis, &#x39d; and Nikolakakis, A and Dervisi, I and Reppa, C&#x399; and Papadakis, S and Holeva, MC and Chrysikopoulos, CV},
title = {Copper nanoparticles interfere with insecticide sensitivity, fecundity and endosymbiont abundance in olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae).},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {80},
number = {7},
pages = {3640-3649},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8068},
pmid = {38456555},
issn = {1526-4998},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tephritidae/drug effects/physiology ; *Copper/pharmacology ; *Fertility/drug effects ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; *Metal Nanoparticles ; Female ; *Pyrethrins/pharmacology ; Symbiosis ; Nitriles/pharmacology ; Larva/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Male ; Insecticide Resistance ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The potential of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) to be used as an alternative control strategy against olive fruit flies (Bactrocera oleae) with reduced sensitivity to the pyrethroid deltamethrin and the impact of both nanosized and bulk copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)2) on the insect's reproductive and endosymbiotic parameters were investigated.<br><br>RESULTS: The application of nanosized and bulk copper applied by feeding resulted in significant levels of adult mortality, comparable to or surpassing those achieved with deltamethrin at recommended doses. Combinations of Cu-NPs or copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) with deltamethrin significantly enhanced the insecticide's efficacy against B. oleae adults. When combined with deltamethrin, Cu-NPs significantly reduced the mean total number of offspring compared with the control, and the number of stings, pupae, female and total number of offspring compared with the insecticide alone. Both bulk and nanosized copper negatively affected the abundance of the endosymbiotic bacterium Candidatus Erwinia dacicola which is crucial for the survival of B. oleae larvae.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The Cu-NPs can aid the control of B. oleae both by reducing larval survival and by enhancing deltamethrin performance in terms of toxicity and reduced fecundity, providing an effective anti-resistance tool and minimizing the environmental footprint of synthetic pesticides by reducing the required doses for the control of the pest. &#xa9; 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid38457881,
year = {2024},
author = {Lintner, M and Schagerl, M and Lintner, B and Wanek, W and Goleń, J and Tyszka, J and Heinz, P},
title = {Impact of pesticides on marine coral reef foraminifera.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {201},
number = {},
pages = {116237},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116237},
pmid = {38457881},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {Coral Reefs ; *Foraminifera/physiology ; *Pesticides/toxicity ; *Fungicides, Industrial/toxicity ; *Insecticides ; *Herbicides/toxicity ; },
abstract = {Our laboratory study looked into how pesticides affect the foraminifera species Heterostegina depressa and their obligatory algal endosymbionts. We incubated the foraminifera separately with different types of pesticides at varying concentrations (1 %, 0.01 % and 0.0001 %); we included the insecticide Confidor© (active substance: imidacloprid), the fungicide Pronto©Plus (tebuconazole), and the herbicide Roundup© (glyphosate). Our evaluation focused on the symbiont's photosynthetically active area (PA), and the uptake of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and nitrogen (nitrate) to determine the vitality of the foraminifera. Our findings showed that even the lowest doses of the fungicide and herbicide caused irreparable damage to the foraminifera and their symbionts. While the insecticide only deactivated the symbionts (PA = 0) at the highest concentration (1 %), the fungicide, and herbicide caused complete deactivation even at the lowest levels provided (0.0001 %). The fungicide had the strongest toxic effect on the foraminiferal host regarding reduced isotope uptake. In conclusion, all pesticides had a negative impact on the holosymbiont, with the host showing varying degrees of sensitivity towards different types of pesticides.},
}
@article {pmid38459641,
year = {2024},
author = {Donner, SH and Slingerland, M and Beekman, MM and Comte, A and Dicke, M and Zwaan, BJ and Pannebakker, BA and Verhulst, EC},
title = {Aphid populations are frequently infected with facultative endosymbionts.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {3},
pages = {e16599},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16599},
pmid = {38459641},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {//Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; KNAWWF/807/19002//Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen/ ; //Koppert Biological Systems/ ; //Top Sector Horticulture &amp; Starting Materials (TKI T&amp;U)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The occurrence of facultative endosymbionts has been studied in many commercially important crop pest aphids, but their occurrence and effects in non-commercial aphid species in natural populations have received less attention. We screened 437 aphid samples belonging to 106 aphid species for the eight most common facultative aphid endosymbionts. We found one or more facultative endosymbionts in 53% (56 of 106) of the species investigated. This likely underestimates the situation in the field because facultative endosymbionts are often present in only some colonies of an aphid species. Oligophagous aphid species carried facultative endosymbionts significantly more often than monophagous species. We did not find a significant correlation between ant tending and facultative endosymbiont presence. In conclusion, we found that facultative endosymbionts are common among aphid populations. This study is, to our knowledge, the first of its kind in the Netherlands and provides a basis for future research in this field. For instance, it is still unknown in what way many of these endosymbionts affect their hosts, which is important for determining the importance of facultative endosymbionts to community dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid38462506,
year = {2024},
author = {Beasley-Hall, PG and Kinjo, Y and Rose, HA and Walker, J and Foster, CSP and Kovacs, TGL and Bourguignon, T and Ho, SYW and Lo, N},
title = {Shrinking in the dark: Parallel endosymbiont genome erosions are associated with repeated host transitions to an underground life.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {31},
number = {6},
pages = {1810-1821},
pmid = {38462506},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {FT160100463//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Cockroaches/microbiology/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial ; Australia ; Phylogeny ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Microbial symbioses have had profound impacts on the evolution of animals. Conversely, changes in host biology may impact the evolutionary trajectory of symbionts themselves. Blattabacterium cuenoti is present in almost all cockroach species and enables hosts to subsist on a nutrient-poor diet. To investigate if host biology has impacted Blattabacterium at the genomic level, we sequenced and analyzed 25 genomes from Australian soil-burrowing cockroaches (Blaberidae: Panesthiinae), which have undergone at least seven separate subterranean, subsocial transitions from above-ground, wood-feeding ancestors. We find at least three independent instances of genome erosion have occurred in Blattabacterium strains exclusive to Australian soil-burrowing cockroaches. These shrinkages have involved the repeated inactivation of genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis and nitrogen recycling, the core role of Blattabacterium in the host-symbiont relationship. The most drastic of these erosions have occurred in hosts thought to have transitioned underground the earliest relative to other lineages, further suggestive of a link between gene loss in Blattabacterium and the burrowing behavior of hosts. As Blattabacterium is unable to fulfill its core function in certain host lineages, these findings suggest soil-burrowing cockroaches must acquire these nutrients from novel sources. Our study represents one of the first cases, to our knowledge, of parallel host adaptations leading to concomitant parallelism in their mutualistic symbionts, further underscoring the intimate relationship between these two partners.},
}
@article {pmid38465385,
year = {2024},
author = {Park, E and Leander, B},
title = {Coinfection of slime feather duster worms (Annelida, Myxicola) by different gregarine apicomplexans (Selenidium) and astome ciliates reflects spatial niche partitioning and host specificity.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {151},
number = {4},
pages = {400-411},
pmid = {38465385},
issn = {1469-8161},
support = {//Tula Foundation/ ; 2019-03986//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Host Specificity ; *Apicomplexa/physiology/genetics/classification/ultrastructure ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; Coinfection/parasitology/veterinary ; Ciliophora/physiology/classification/genetics ; Annelida ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Bird Diseases/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Individual organisms can host multiple species of parasites (or symbionts), and one species of parasite can infect different host species, creating complex interactions among multiple hosts and parasites. When multiple parasite species coexist in a host, they may compete or use strategies, such as spatial niche partitioning, to reduce competition. Here, we present a host–symbiont system with two species of Selenidium (Apicomplexa, Gregarinida) and one species of astome ciliate co-infecting two different species of slime feather duster worms (Annelida, Sabellidae, Myxicola) living in neighbouring habitats. We examined the morphology of the endosymbionts with light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inferred their phylogenetic interrelationships using small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences. In the host ‘Myxicola sp. Quadra’, we found two distinct species of Selenidium; S. cf. mesnili exclusively inhabited the foregut, and S. elongatum n. sp. inhabited the mid to hindgut, reflecting spatial niche partitioning. Selenidium elongatum n. sp. was also present in the host M. aesthetica, which harboured the astome ciliate Pennarella elegantia n. gen. et sp. Selenidium cf. mesnili and P. elegantia n. gen. et sp. were absent in the other host species, indicating host specificity. This system offers an intriguing opportunity to explore diverse aspects of host–endosymbiont interactions and competition among endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid38468292,
year = {2024},
author = {Ahouandjinou, MJ and Sovi, A and Sidick, A and Sewadé, W and Koukpo, CZ and Chitou, S and Towakinou, L and Adjottin, B and Hougbe, S and Tokponnon, F and Padonou, GG and Akogbéto, M and Messenger, LA and Ossè, RA},
title = {First report of natural infection of Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles coluzzii by Wolbachia and Microsporidia in Benin: a cross-sectional study.},
journal = {Malaria journal},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {72},
pmid = {38468292},
issn = {1475-2875},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Benin/epidemiology ; *Anopheles ; *Wolbachia ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Mosquito Vectors ; *Malaria, Falciparum/epidemiology ; *Pyrethrins ; Sporozoites ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Recently, bacterial endosymbiont, including Wolbachia and Microsporidia were found to limit the infection of Anopheles mosquitoes with Plasmodium falciparum. This study aimed to investigate the natural presence of key transmission-blocking endosymbionts in Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii in Southern Benin.<br><br>METHODS: The present study was conducted in seven communes (Cotonou, Porto-Novo, Agu&#xe9;gu&#xe9;s, Ifangni, Pob&#xe8; Athi&#xe9;m&#xe9;, and Grand-Popo) of Southern Benin. Anopheles were collected using indoor/outdoor Human Landing Catches (HLCs) and Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSCs). Following morphological identification, PCR was used to identify An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) to species level and to screen for the presence of both Wolbachia and Microsporidia. Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite infection was also assessed using ELISA.<br><br>RESULTS: Overall, species composition in An. gambiae s.l. was 53.7% An. coluzzii, while the remainder was An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.). Combined data of the two sampling techniques revealed a mean infection prevalence with Wolbachia of 5.1% (95% CI 0.90-18.6) and 1.3% (95% CI 0.07-7.8) in An. gambiae s.s. and An. coluzzii, respectively. The mean infection prevalence with Microsporidia was 41.0% (95% CI 25.9-57.8) for An. gambiae s.s. and 57.0% (95% CI 45.4-67.9) for An. coluzzii. Wolbachia was only observed in Ifangni, Pob&#xe8;, and Cotonou, while Microsporidia was detected in all study communes. Aggregated data for HLCs and PSCs showed a sporozoite rate (SR) of 0.80% (95% CI 0.09-2.87) and 0.69% (95% CI 0.09-2.87) for An. gambiae and An. coluzzii, respectively, with a mean of 0.74% (95% CI 0.20-1.90). Of the four individual mosquitoes which harboured P. falciparum, none were also infected with Wolbachia and one contained Microsporidia.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first report of natural infections of field-collected An. gambiae s.l. populations from Benin with Wolbachia and Microsporidia. Sustained efforts should be made to widen the spectrum of bacteria identified in mosquitoes, with the potential to develop endosymbiont-based control tools; such interventions could be the game-changer in the control of malaria and arboviral disease transmission.},
}
@article {pmid38468766,
year = {2022},
author = {Fernández, MB and Bleidorn, C and Calcaterra, LA},
title = {Wolbachia Infection in Native Populations of the Invasive Tawny Crazy Ant Nylanderia fulva.},
journal = {Frontiers in insect science},
volume = {2},
number = {},
pages = {905803},
pmid = {38468766},
issn = {2673-8600},
abstract = {Antagonistic interactions can affect population growth and dispersal of an invasive species. Wolbachia are intracellular endosymbiont bacteria that infect arthropod and nematode hosts and are able to manipulate reproduction, which in some cases leads to cocladogenesis. Moreover, the presence of the strictly maternally transferred Wolbachia in a population can indirectly induce selective sweeps on the hosts' mitochondria. Ants have a Wolbachia infection rate of about 34%, which makes phylogenetic studies using mitochondrial markers vulnerable of being confounded by the effect of the endosymbiont. Nylanderia fulva is an invasive ant native to South America, considered a pest in the United States. Its distribution and biology are poorly known in its native range, and the taxonomic identity of this and its closely related species, Nylanderia pubens, has only recently been understood with the aid of molecular phylogenies. Aiming at estimating robust phylogenetic relationships of N. fulva in its native range, we investigated the presence and pattern of Wolbachia infection in populations of N. fulva from Argentina, part of its native range, to account for its possible effect on the host population structure. Using the ftsZ gene, 30 nests of N. fulva and four from sympatric Nylanderia species were screened for the presence of Wolbachia. We sequenced the MLST genes, the highly variable gene wsp, as well as glyQ, a novel target gene for which new primers were designed. Phylogeny of the ants was estimated using mtDNA (COI). We found supergroup A Wolbachia strains infecting 73% of N. fulva nests and two nests of Nylanderia sp. 1. Wolbachia phylogenetic tree inferred with MLST genes is partially congruent with the host phylogeny topology, with the exception of a lineage of strains shared by ants from different N. fulva clades. Furthermore, by comparing with Wolbachia sequences infecting other ants, we found that the strains infecting different N. fulva clades are not monophyletic. Our findings suggest there are three recent independent horizontally transmitted Wolbachia infections in N. fulva, and we found no evidence of influence of Wolbachia in the host mtDNA based phylogeny.},
}
@article {pmid38469952,
year = {2024},
author = {Arinanto, LS and Hoffmann, AA and Ross, PA and Gu, X},
title = {Hormetic effect induced by Beauveria bassiana in Myzus persicae.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {80},
number = {8},
pages = {3726-3733},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8075},
pmid = {38469952},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; },
mesh = {*Beauveria/physiology ; Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology/growth &amp; development ; *Hormesis ; *Pest Control, Biological ; Fertility ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Myzus persicae, a serious sap-sucking pest of a large variety of host plants in agriculture, is traditionally controlled using chemical insecticides but there is interest in using biopesticides as restrictions are increasingly placed on the use of broad-spectrum pesticides.<br><br>RESULTS: Here, we show that in Petri dish experiments, high concentrations of the fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana led to rapid mortality of M. persicae, although at a low concentration (1&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;10[4] conidia mL[-1]) there is a hormetic effect in which survival and fecundity are enhanced. Hormetic effects persisted across a generation with reduced development time and increased fecundity in the offspring of M. persicae exposed to B. bassiana. The whole-plant experiment points to a hormetic effect being detected in two out of three tested lines. The impact of these effects might also depend on whether M. persicae was transinfected with the endosymbiont Rickettsiella viridis, which decreases fecundity and survival compared with aphids lacking this endosymbiont. This fecundity cost was ameliorated in the generation following exposure to the entomopathogen.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Although B. bassiana is effective in controlling M. persicae especially at higher spore concentrations, utilization of this entomopathogen requires careful consideration of hormetic effects at lower spore concentrations, and further research to optimize its application for sustainable agriculture is recommended. &#xa9; 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid38471501,
year = {2024},
author = {Cornejo-Castillo, FM and Inomura, K and Zehr, JP and Follows, MJ},
title = {Metabolic trade-offs constrain the cell size ratio in a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {187},
number = {7},
pages = {1762-1768.e9},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.016},
pmid = {38471501},
issn = {1097-4172},
mesh = {*Cyanobacteria/metabolism ; *Haptophyta/cytology/metabolism/microbiology ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Nitrogen Fixation ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Biological dinitrogen (N2) fixation is a key metabolic process exclusively performed by prokaryotes, some of which are symbiotic with eukaryotes. Species of the marine haptophyte algae Braarudosphaera bigelowii harbor the N2-fixing endosymbiotic cyanobacteria UCYN-A, which might be evolving organelle-like characteristics. We found that the size ratio between UCYN-A and their hosts is strikingly conserved across sublineages/species, which is consistent with the size relationships of organelles in this symbiosis and other species. Metabolic modeling showed that this size relationship maximizes the coordinated growth rate based on trade-offs between resource acquisition and exchange. Our findings show that the size relationships of N2-fixing endosymbionts and organelles in unicellular eukaryotes are constrained by predictable metabolic underpinnings and that UCYN-A is, in many regards, functioning like a hypothetical N2-fixing organelle (or nitroplast).},
}
@article {pmid38472683,
year = {2024},
author = {Ezhova, OV and Lukinykh, AI and Malakhov, VV},
title = {Nemertodermatida-Endosymbionts of Deep-Sea Acorn Worms (Hemichordata, Torquaratoridae).},
journal = {Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections},
volume = {515},
number = {1},
pages = {11-14},
pmid = {38472683},
issn = {1608-3105},
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Liver ; },
abstract = {Worm-like endosymbionts were found in the hepatic region of the digestive tract of the deep-sea acorn worm Quatuoralisia malakhovi Ezhova et Lukinykh, 2022 (family Torquaratoridae) from the Bering Sea. The symbionts were assigned to the taxon Nemertodermatida on the basis of histological examination. Torquaratoridae are similar in feeding type to holothuroids, which have also been found to have Xenacoelomorpha endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid38479324,
year = {2024},
author = {Walters, LJ and Busch, SJ and Vermeulen, S and Craig, CA},
title = {Entanglement and ingestion of microfibers by the oyster pea crab Zaops ostreum, an endosymbiont of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {201},
number = {},
pages = {116251},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116251},
pmid = {38479324},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {Animals ; *Crassostrea ; *Brachyura ; Florida ; Eating ; },
abstract = {The kleptoparasitic pea crab Zaops ostreum lives within the gills of bivalves, including the economically important eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. Previous research along the east coast of central Florida has found an average of 2.3 pieces of plastic per oyster. The goals of our research were to determine if filter-feeding oysters transfer microfibers to Z. ostreum via the crab: 1) actively consuming plastic particles, or 2) passively becoming entangled in microfibers. Our results show that both occur. While only 11.6 % of Z. ostreum (total n = 122) consumed microfibers, those that did had up to 14 pieces in their soft tissues. Similarly, only 7.4 % of Z. ostreum had microfibers entangled around their appendages. Mean lengths of consumed and entangled fibers were similar, 1.9 and 2.7 mm, respectively. Additional research is needed to understand the positive and negative impacts of microfibers associated with pea crabs on both species.},
}
@article {pmid38479454,
year = {2024},
author = {Del Carmen Guarneros Martínez, T and Cáceres-Martínez, J and Cruz-Flores, R and López-Carvallo, JA and Ángel Del Río-Portilla, M and Guerrero Rentería, Y},
title = {Prevalence and intensity of a Rickettsiales-like organism in cultured pleasure oyster, Crassostrea corteziensis, from Nayarit, Mexico.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {204},
number = {},
pages = {108093},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2024.108093},
pmid = {38479454},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; *Crassostrea/microbiology ; Mexico ; *Rickettsiales/physiology ; Aquaculture ; Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; },
abstract = {Fastidious endosymbiotic Rickettsiales-like organisms (RLOs) have been observed in the digestive diverticula of the cultured pleasure oyster (Crassostrea corteziensis) from Nayarit, Mexico since 2007. In a few mollusk species, these bacteria have been associated with mortality events and production losses. The type of relationship between the RLOs and the pleasure oyster is largely unknown and further investigations are needed to determine if these bacteria warrant management concern in C. corteziensis. In this study, the morphological characteristics of the RLOs were studied by histology and SEM, and the taxonomic affiliations of the bacteria were evaluated by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. In addition, the prevalence and intensity of the RLOs was recorded from 2007 to 2017 by histology. The RLOs were observed inside circular basophilic cytoplasmic membrane bound vacuoles (MBVs) that had an average length and width of 15.70 ± 15.24 µm and 15.42 ± 14.95 µm respectively. Apart from cellular hypertrophy, no tissue alterations were observed in the areas adjacent to the RLOs. Individual bacteria within the MBVs were coccoid in shape with an average length of 0.65 ± 0.12 µm and an average width of 0.38 ± 0.09 µm. The bacterial microbiota of a selected number of samples (one sample without RLOs and two samples with RLOs) showed the presence of intracellular parasite OTUs corresponding to the families Rickettsiaceae and Anaplasmataceae, suggesting that the RLOs from the pleasure oyster is associated with the order Rickettsiales. A mean prevalence of 5 % was observed throughout the study period and the majority of the organisms (89 %) presented low intensity of Grade 1 (30-61 RLOs) of the MBVs. A higher prevalence of the RLOs was observed during warmer months. The lack of tissue alterations, the low prevalence and the low intensity of the MBVs suggest that the RLOs from C. corteziensis is a commensal endosymbiont that presents little risk for oyster production in Nayarit, México. However, regular monitoring is needed to detect if any variation in this relationship occurs, mainly in a scenario where extreme environmental fluctuations may occur.},
}
@article {pmid38486702,
year = {2024},
author = {Liu, XL and Zhao, H and Wang, YX and Liu, XY and Jiang, Y and Tao, MF and Liu, XY},
title = {Detecting and characterizing new endofungal bacteria in new hosts: Pandoraea sputorum and Mycetohabitans endofungorum in Rhizopus arrhizus.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1346252},
pmid = {38486702},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The fungus Rhizopus arrhizus (=R. oryzae) is commonly saprotrophic, exhibiting a nature of decomposing organic matter. Additionally, it serves as a crucial starter in food fermentation and can act as a pathogen causing mucormycosis in humans and animals. In this study, two distinct endofungal bacteria (EFBs), associated with individual strains of R. arrhizus, were identified using live/dead staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization, transmission electron microscopy, and 16S rDNA sequencing. The roles of these bacteria were elucidated through antibiotic treatment, pure cultivation, and comparative genomics. The bacterial endosymbionts, Pandoraea sputorum EFB03792 and Mycetohabitans endofungorum EFB03829, were purified from the host fungal strains R. arrhizus XY03792 and XY03829, respectively. Notably, this study marks the first report of Pandoraea as an EFB genus. Compared to its free-living counterparts, P. sputorum EFB03792 exhibited 28 specific virulence factor-related genes, six specific CE10 family genes, and 74 genes associated with type III secretion system (T3SS), emphasizing its pivotal role in invasion and colonization. Furthermore, this study introduces R. arrhizus as a new host for EFB M. endofungorum, with EFB contributing to host sporulation. Despite a visibly reduced genome, M. endofungorum EFB03829 displayed a substantial number of virulence factor-related genes, CE10 family genes, T3SS genes, mobile elements, and significant gene rearrangement. While EFBs have been previously identified in R. arrhizus, their toxin-producing potential in food fermentation has not been explored until this study. The discovery of these two new EFBs highlights their potential for toxin production within R. arrhizus, laying the groundwork for identifying suitable R. arrhizus strains for fermentation processes.},
}
@article {pmid38487180,
year = {2024},
author = {Duan, L and Zhang, L and Hou, X and Bao, Z and Zeng, Y and He, L and Liu, Z and Zhou, H and Hao, Q and Dong, A},
title = {Surveillance of tick-borne bacteria infection in ticks and forestry populations in Inner Mongolia, China.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1302133},
pmid = {38487180},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Coinfection ; Forestry ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ticks are one of the most important vectors that can transmit pathogens to animals and human beings. This study investigated the dominant tick-borne bacteria carried by ticks and tick-borne infections in forestry populations in Arxan, Inner Mongolia, China. Ticks were collected by flagging from May 2020 to May 2021, and blood samples were collected from individuals at high risk of acquiring tick-borne diseases from March 2022 to August 2023. The pooled DNA samples of ticks were analyzed to reveal the presence of tick-borne bacteria using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rDNA V3-V4 region, and species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) related to sequencing was performed to confirm the presence of pathogenic bacteria in individual ticks and human blood samples. All sera samples were examined for anti-SFGR using ELISA and anti-B. burgdorferi using IFA and WB. A total of 295 ticks (282 Ixodes persulcatus and 13 Dermacentor silvarum) and 245 human blood samples were collected. Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Coxiella endosymbiont were identified in I. persulcatus by high-throughput sequencing, while Candidatus R. tarasevichiae (89.00%, 89/100), B. garinii (17.00%, 17/100), B. afzelii (7.00%, 7/100), and B. miyamotoi (7.00%, 7/100) were detected in I. persulcatus, as well the dual co-infection with Candidatus R. tarasevichiae and B. garinii were detected in 13.00% (13/100) of I. persulcatus. Of the 245 individuals, B. garinii (4.90%, 12/245), R. slovaca (0.82%, 2/245), and C. burnetii (0.41%, 1/245) were detected by PCR, and the sequences of the target genes of B. garinii detected in humans were identical to those detected in I. persulcatus. The seroprevalence of anti-SFGR and anti-B. burgdorferi was 5.71% and 13.47%, respectively. This study demonstrated that Candidatus R. tarasevichiae and B. garinii were the dominant tick-borne bacteria in I. persulcatus from Arxan, and that dual co-infection with Candidatus R. tarasevichiae and B. garinii was frequent. This is the first time that B. miyamotoi has been identified in ticks from Arxan and R. solvaca has been detected in humans from Inner Mongolia. More importantly, this study demonstrated the transmission of B. garinii from ticks to humans in Arxan, suggesting that long-term monitoring of tick-borne pathogens in ticks and humans is important for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid38493166,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhao, LS and Wang, N and Li, K and Li, CY and Guo, JP and He, FY and Liu, GM and Chen, XL and Gao, J and Liu, LN and Zhang, YZ},
title = {Architecture of symbiotic dinoflagellate photosystem I-light-harvesting supercomplex in Symbiodinium.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {2392},
pmid = {38493166},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {BB/V009729/1//RCUK | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/ ; BB/R003890/1//RCUK | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/ ; URF\R\180030//Royal Society/ ; },
mesh = {*Photosystem I Protein Complex/metabolism ; *Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; Cryoelectron Microscopy ; Photosynthesis ; },
abstract = {Symbiodinium are the photosynthetic endosymbionts for corals and play a vital role in supplying their coral hosts with photosynthetic products, forming the nutritional foundation for high-yield coral reef ecosystems. Here, we determine the cryo-electron microscopy structure of Symbiodinium photosystem I (PSI) supercomplex with a PSI core composed of 13 subunits including 2 previously unidentified subunits, PsaT and PsaU, as well as 13 peridinin-Chl a/c-binding light-harvesting antenna proteins (AcpPCIs). The PSI-AcpPCI supercomplex exhibits distinctive structural features compared to their red lineage counterparts, including extended termini of PsaD/E/I/J/L/M/R and AcpPCI-1/3/5/7/8/11 subunits, conformational changes in the surface loops of PsaA and PsaB subunits, facilitating the association between the PSI core and peripheral antennae. Structural analysis and computational calculation of excitation energy transfer rates unravel specific pigment networks in Symbiodinium PSI-AcpPCI for efficient excitation energy transfer. Overall, this study provides a structural basis for deciphering the mechanisms governing light harvesting and energy transfer in Symbiodinium PSI-AcpPCI supercomplexes adapted to their symbiotic ecosystem, as well as insights into the evolutionary diversity of PSI-LHCI among various photosynthetic organisms.},
}
@article {pmid38496649,
year = {2024},
author = {Hague, MTJ and Wheeler, TB and Cooper, BS},
title = {Comparative analysis of Wolbachia maternal transmission and localization in host ovaries.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38496649},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {P30 GM140963/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Many insects and other animals carry microbial endosymbionts that influence their reproduction and fitness. These relationships only persist if endosymbionts are reliably transmitted from one host generation to the next. Wolbachia are maternally transmitted endosymbionts found in most insect species, but transmission rates can vary across environments. Maternal transmission of wMel Wolbachia depends on temperature in natural Drosophila melanogaster hosts and in transinfected Aedes aegypti, where wMel is used to block pathogens that cause human disease. In D. melanogaster, wMel transmission declines in the cold as Wolbachia become less abundant in host ovaries and at the posterior pole plasm (the site of germline formation) in mature oocytes. Here, we assess how temperature affects maternal transmission and underlying patterns of Wolbachia localization across 10 Wolbachia strains diverged up to 50 million years-including strains closely related to wMel-and their natural Drosophila hosts. Many Wolbachia maintain high transmission rates across temperatures, despite highly variable (and sometimes low) levels of Wolbachia in the ovaries and at the developing germline in late-stage oocytes. Identifying strains like closely related wMel-like Wolbachia with stable transmission across variable environmental conditions may improve the efficacy of Wolbachia-based biocontrol efforts as they expand into globally diverse environments.},
}
@article {pmid38497254,
year = {2024},
author = {Galambos, N and Vincent-Monegat, C and Vallier, A and Parisot, N and Heddi, A and Zaidman-Rémy, A},
title = {Cereal weevils' antimicrobial peptides: at the crosstalk between development, endosymbiosis and immune response.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences},
volume = {379},
number = {1901},
pages = {20230062},
pmid = {38497254},
issn = {1471-2970},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Weevils/genetics/microbiology ; Edible Grain ; Antimicrobial Peptides ; Immunity ; },
abstract = {Interactions between animals and microbes are ubiquitous in nature and strongly impact animal physiology. These interactions are shaped by the host immune system, which responds to infections and contributes to tailor the associations with beneficial microorganisms. In many insects, beneficial symbiotic associations not only include gut commensals, but also intracellular bacteria, or endosymbionts. Endosymbionts are housed within specialized host cells, the bacteriocytes, and are transmitted vertically across host generations. Host-endosymbiont co-evolution shapes the endosymbiont genome and host immune system, which not only fights against microbial intruders, but also ensures the preservation of endosymbionts and the control of their load and location. The cereal weevil Sitophilus spp. is a remarkable model in which to study the evolutionary adaptation of the immune system to endosymbiosis owing to its binary association with a unique, relatively recently acquired nutritional endosymbiont, Sodalis pierantonius. This Gram-negative bacterium has not experienced the genome size shrinkage observed in long-term endosymbioses and has retained immunogenicity. We focus here on the sixteen antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) identified in the Sitophilus oryzae genome and their expression patterns in different tissues, along host development or upon immune challenges, to address their potential functions in the defensive response and endosymbiosis homeostasis along the insect life cycle. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sculpting the microbiome: how host factors determine and respond to microbial colonization'.},
}
@article {pmid38497713,
year = {2024},
author = {Tang, X-F and Sun, Y-F and Liang, Y-S and Yang, K-Y and Chen, P-T and Li, H-S and Huang, Y-H and Pang, H},
title = {Metabolism, digestion, and horizontal transfer: potential roles and interaction of symbiotic bacteria in the ladybird beetle Novius pumilus and their prey Icerya aegyptiaca.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {e0295523},
pmid = {38497713},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {2023YFD1400600//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 32172472//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31970439//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism/isolation &amp; purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Phylogeny ; Female ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {In this study, we first time sequenced and analyzed the 16S rRNA gene data of predator ladybird beetles Novius pumilus and globally distributed invasive pest Icerya aegyptiaca at different stages, and combined data with bacterial genome sequences in N. pumilus to explored the taxonomic distribution, alpha and beta diversity, differentially abundant bacteria, co-occurrence network, and putative functions of their microbial community. Our finding revealed that Candidatus Walczuchella, which exhibited a higher abundance in I. aegyptiaca, possessed several genes in essential amino acid biosynthesis and seemed to perform roles in providing nutrients to the host, similar to other obligate symbionts in scale insects. Lactococcus, Serratia, and Pseudomonas, more abundant in N. pumilus, were predicted to have genes related to hydrocarbon, fatty acids, and chitin degradation, which may assist their hosts in digesting the wax shell covering the scale insects. Notably, our result showed that Lactococcus had relatively higher abundances in adults and eggs compared to other stages in N. pumilus, indicating potential vertical transmission. Additionally, we found that Arsenophonus, known to influence sex ratios in whitefly and wasp, may also function in I. aegyptiaca, probably by influencing nutrient metabolism as it similarly had many genes corresponding to vitamin B and essential amino acid biosynthesis. Also, we observed a potential horizontal transfer of Arsenophonus between the scale insect and its predator, with a relatively high abundance in the ladybirds compared to other bacteria from the scale insects.IMPORTANCEThe composition and dynamic changes of microbiome in different developmental stages of ladybird beetles Novius pumilus with its prey Icerya aegyptiaca were detected. We found that Candidatus Walczuchella, abundant in I. aegyptiaca, probably provide nutrients to their host based on their amino acid biosynthesis-related genes. Abundant symbionts in N. pumilus, including Lactococcus, Serratia, and Pseudophonus, may help the host digest the scale insects with their hydrocarbon, fatty acid, and chitin degrading-related genes. A key endosymbiont Arsenophonus may play potential roles in the nutrient metabolisms and sex determination in I. aegyptiaca, and is possibly transferred from the scale insect to the predator.},
}
@article {pmid38499810,
year = {2024},
author = {Novák Vanclová, AM and Nef, C and Füssy, Z and Vancl, A and Liu, F and Bowler, C and Dorrell, RG},
title = {New plastids, old proteins: repeated endosymbiotic acquisitions in kareniacean dinoflagellates.},
journal = {EMBO reports},
volume = {25},
number = {4},
pages = {1859-1885},
pmid = {38499810},
issn = {1469-3178},
support = {ANR-21-CE02-0014//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; ANR-20-CE13-0007//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; ANR-19-CE20-0020//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; 101039760//EC | European Research Council (ERC)/ ; 835067//EC | European Research Council (ERC)/ ; Momentum Fellowship 2019-2021//Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)/ ; 835067//EC | ERC | HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council (ERC)/ ; ANR-10-LABX-54//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR)/ ; ANR-1253 11-IDEX-0001-02//Universit&#xe9; de Recherche Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL)/ ; 90254//e-INFRA CZ/ ; },
mesh = {*Dinoflagellida/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Proteome/genetics/metabolism ; Plastids/genetics ; },
abstract = {Dinoflagellates are a diverse group of ecologically significant micro-eukaryotes that can serve as a model system for plastid symbiogenesis due to their susceptibility to plastid loss and replacement via serial endosymbiosis. Kareniaceae harbor fucoxanthin-pigmented plastids instead of the ancestral peridinin-pigmented ones and support them with a diverse range of nucleus-encoded plastid-targeted proteins originating from the haptophyte endosymbiont, dinoflagellate host, and/or lateral gene transfers (LGT). Here, we present predicted plastid proteomes from seven distantly related kareniaceans in three genera (Karenia, Karlodinium, and Takayama) and analyze their evolutionary patterns using automated tree building and sorting. We project a relatively limited (~ 10%) haptophyte signal pointing towards a shared origin in the family Chrysochromulinaceae. Our data establish significant variations in the functional distributions of these signals, emphasizing the importance of micro-evolutionary processes in shaping the chimeric proteomes. Analysis of plastid genome sequences recontextualizes these results by a striking finding the extant kareniacean plastids are in fact not all of the same origin, as two of the studied species (Karlodinium armiger, Takayama helix) possess plastids from different haptophyte orders than the rest.},
}
@article {pmid38502456,
year = {2024},
author = {Singh, AS and Pathak, D and Devi, MS and Anifowoshe, AT and Nongthomba, U},
title = {Antibiotic alters host's gut microbiota, fertility, and antimicrobial peptide gene expression vis-à-vis ampicillin treatment on model organism Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {1665-1676},
pmid = {38502456},
issn = {1618-1905},
support = {DBT-RA/2022/January NE/994//Department of Biotechnology, Government of India./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/drug effects/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/drug effects/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Ampicillin/pharmacology ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Fertility/drug effects ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Antibiotics are commonly used to treat infectious diseases; however, persistence is often expressed by the pathogenic bacteria and their long-term relative effect on the host have been neglected. The present study investigated the impact of antibiotics in gut microbiota (GM) and metabolism of host. The effect of ampicillin antibiotics on GM of Drosophila melanogaster was analyzed through deep sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicon gene. The dominant phyla consisted of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Chloroflexi, Euryarchaeota, Acedobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Cyanobacteria. It was found that the composition of GM was significantly altered on administration of antibiotics. On antibiotic treatments, there were decline in relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, while there were increase in relative abundance of Chlorophyta and Bacteroidota. High abundance of 14 genera, viz., Wolbachia, Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Thiolamprovum, Pseudoalteromonas, Vibrio, Romboutsia, Staphylococcus, Alteromonas, Clostridium, Lysinibacillus, Litoricola, and Cellulophaga were significant (p ≤ 0.05) upon antibiotic treatment. Particularly, the abundance of Acetobacter was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) declined but increased for Wolbachia. Further, a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. melanogaster, Wolbachia endosymbiont of Curculio okumai, and Wolbachia pipientis and a decrease in the Acinetobacter sp. were observed. We observed an increase in functional capacity for biosynthesis of certain nucleotides and the enzyme activities. Further, the decrease in antimicrobial peptide production in the treated group and potential effects on the host's defense mechanisms were observed. This study helps shed light on an often-overlooked dimension, namely the persistence of antibiotics' effects on the host.},
}
@article {pmid38502496,
year = {2024},
author = {Füssy, Z and Oborník, M},
title = {Complex Endosymbioses I: From Primary to Complex Plastids, Serial Endosymbiotic Events.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2776},
number = {},
pages = {21-41},
pmid = {38502496},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Symbiosis ; Plastids/genetics/metabolism ; Plants/genetics ; *Rhodophyta/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {A considerable part of the diversity of eukaryotic phototrophs consists of algae with plastids that evolved from endosymbioses between two eukaryotes. These complex plastids are characterized by a high number of envelope membranes (more than two) and some of them contain a residual nucleus of the endosymbiotic alga called a nucleomorph. Complex plastid-bearing algae are thus chimeric cell assemblies, eukaryotic symbionts living in a eukaryotic host. In contrast, the primary plastids of the Archaeplastida (plants, green algae, red algae, and glaucophytes) possibly evolved from a single endosymbiosis with a cyanobacterium and are surrounded by two membranes. Complex plastids have been acquired several times by unrelated groups of eukaryotic heterotrophic hosts, suggesting that complex plastids are somewhat easier to obtain than primary plastids. Evidence suggests that complex plastids arose twice independently in the green lineage (euglenophytes and chlorarachniophytes) through secondary endosymbiosis, and four times in the red lineage, first through secondary endosymbiosis in cryptophytes, then by higher-order events in stramenopiles, alveolates, and haptophytes. Engulfment of primary and complex plastid-containing algae by eukaryotic hosts (secondary, tertiary, and higher-order endosymbioses) is also responsible for numerous plastid replacements in dinoflagellates. Plastid endosymbiosis is accompanied by massive gene transfer from the endosymbiont to the host nucleus and cell adaptation of both endosymbiotic partners, which is related to the trophic switch to phototrophy and loss of autonomy of the endosymbiont. Such a process is essential for the metabolic integration and division control of the endosymbiont in the host. Although photosynthesis is the main advantage of acquiring plastids, loss of photosynthesis often occurs in algae with complex plastids. This chapter summarizes the essential knowledge of the acquisition, evolution, and function of complex plastids.},
}
@article {pmid38505947,
year = {2025},
author = {Torp, MK and Stensløkken, KO and Vaage, J},
title = {When Our Best Friend Becomes Our Worst Enemy: The Mitochondrion in Trauma, Surgery, and Critical Illness.},
journal = {Journal of intensive care medicine},
volume = {40},
number = {7},
pages = {695-714},
doi = {10.1177/08850666241237715},
pmid = {38505947},
issn = {1525-1489},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mitochondria/metabolism/immunology/physiology ; *Critical Illness ; *Wounds and Injuries/immunology/physiopathology ; *Sepsis/physiopathology/immunology ; *Alarmins/metabolism/immunology ; *Inflammation/physiopathology/immunology ; Critical Care ; },
abstract = {Common for major surgery, multitrauma, sepsis, and critical illness, is a whole-body inflammation. Tissue injury is able to trigger a generalized inflammatory reaction. Cell death causes release of endogenous structures termed damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that initiate a sterile inflammation. Mitochondria are evolutionary endosymbionts originating from bacteria, containing molecular patterns similar to bacteria. These molecular patterns are termed mitochondrial DAMPs (mDAMPs). Mitochondrial debris released into the extracellular space or into the circulation is immunogenic and damaging secondary to activation of the innate immune system. In the circulation, released mDAMPS are either free or exist in extracellular vesicles, being able to act on every organ and cell in the body. However, the role of mDAMPs in trauma and critical care is not fully clarified. There is a complete lack of knowledge how they may be counteracted in patients. Among mDAMPs are mitochondrial DNA, cardiolipin, N-formyl peptides, cytochrome C, adenosine triphosphate, reactive oxygen species, succinate, and mitochondrial transcription factor A. In this overview, we present the different mDAMPs, their function, release, targets, and inflammatory potential. In light of present knowledge, the role of mDAMPs in the pathophysiology of major surgery and trauma as well as sepsis, and critical care is discussed.},
}
@article {pmid38509052,
year = {2024},
author = {Ang'ang'o, LM and Waweru, JW and Makhulu, EE and Wairimu, A and Otieno, FG and Onchuru, T and Tastan Bishop, &#xd6; and Herren, JK},
title = {Draft genome of Microsporidia sp. MB-a malaria-blocking microsporidian symbiont of the Anopheles arabiensis.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {e0090323},
pmid = {38509052},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {INV0225840//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (GF)/ ; //Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)/ ; SYMBIOVECTOR TRACK A//Open Philanthropy Project/ ; SMBV-FFT//Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)/ ; //Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency/ ; //The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation/ ; //The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research/ ; },
abstract = {We report the draft whole-genome assembly of Microsporidia sp. MB, a symbiotic malaria-transmission-blocking microsporidian isolated from Anopheles arabiensis in Kenya. The whole-genome sequence of Microsporidia sp. MB has a length of 5,908,979 bp, 2,335 contigs, and an average GC content of 31.12%.},
}
@article {pmid38519099,
year = {2024},
author = {Bai, J and Zuo, Z and DuanMu, H and Li, M and Tong, H and Mei, Y and Xiao, Y and He, K and Jiang, M and Wang, S and Li, F},
title = {Endosymbiont Tremblaya phenacola influences the reproduction of cotton mealybugs by regulating the mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38519099},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Female ; Sirolimus/metabolism ; *Betaproteobacteria/genetics ; *Gammaproteobacteria/genetics ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Reproduction ; Amino Acids/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The intricate evolutionary dynamics of endosymbiotic relationships result in unique characteristics among the genomes of symbionts, which profoundly influence host insect phenotypes. Here, we investigated an endosymbiotic system in Phenacoccus solenopsis, a notorious pest of the subfamily Phenacoccinae. The endosymbiont, "Candidatus Tremblaya phenacola" (T. phenacola PSOL), persisted throughout the complete life cycle of female hosts and was more active during oviposition, whereas there was a significant decline in abundance after pupation in males. Genome sequencing yielded an endosymbiont genome of 221.1 kb in size, comprising seven contigs and originating from a chimeric arrangement between betaproteobacteria and gammaproteobacteria. A comprehensive analysis of amino acid metabolic pathways demonstrated complementarity between the host and endosymbiont metabolism. Elimination of T. phenacola PSOL through antibiotic treatment significantly decreased P. solenopsis fecundity. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis demonstrated a correlation between genes associated with essential amino acid synthesis and those associated with host meiosis and oocyte maturation. Moreover, altering endosymbiont abundance activated the host mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway, suggesting that changes in the amino acid abundance affected the host reproductive capabilities via this signal pathway. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a mechanism by which the endosymbiont T. phenacola PSOL contributed to high fecundity in P. solenopsis and provide new insights into nutritional compensation and coevolution of the endosymbiotic system.},
}
@article {pmid38525276,
year = {2024},
author = {Guse, K and Pietri, JE},
title = {Endosymbiont and gut bacterial communities of the brown-banded cockroach, Supella longipalpa.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e17095},
pmid = {38525276},
issn = {2167-8359},
support = {R01 AI171014/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Male ; Animals ; Female ; Adult ; Humans ; *Blattellidae/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Flavobacteriaceae/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa) is a widespread nuisance and public health pest. Like the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), this species is adapted to the indoor biome and completes the entirety of its life cycle in human-built structures. Recently, understanding the contributions of commensal and symbiotic microbes to the biology of cockroach pests, as well as the applications of targeting these microbes for pest control, have garnered significant scientific interest. However, relative to B. germanica, the biology of S. longipalpa, including its microbial associations, is understudied. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to quantitatively examine and characterize both the endosymbiont and gut bacterial communities of S. longipalpa for the first time. To do so, bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was conducted on DNA extracts from whole adult females and males, early instar nymphs, and late instar nymphs. The results demonstrate that the gut microbiome is dominated by two genera of bacteria known to have beneficial probiotic effects in other organisms, namely Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. Furthermore, our data show a significant effect of nymphal development on diversity and variation in the gut microbiome. Lastly, we reveal significant negative correlations between the two intracellular endosymbionts, Blattabacterium and Wolbachia, as well as between Blattabacterium and the gut microbiome, suggesting that Blattabacterium endosymbionts could directly or indirectly influence the composition of other bacterial populations. These findings have implications for understanding the adaptation of S. longipalpa to the indoor biome, its divergence from other indoor cockroach pest species such as B. germanica, the development of novel control approaches that target the microbiome, and fundamental insect-microbe interactions more broadly.},
}
@article {pmid38532645,
year = {2024},
author = {Berrabah, F and Benaceur, F and Yin, C and Xin, D and Magne, K and Garmier, M and Gruber, V and Ratet, P},
title = {Defense and senescence interplay in legume nodules.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {5},
number = {4},
pages = {100888},
pmid = {38532645},
issn = {2590-3462},
support = {//Non-US Government Research Support type/ ; },
mesh = {*Fabaceae ; Root Nodules, Plant/physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Immunity and senescence play a crucial role in the functioning of the legume symbiotic nodules. The miss-regulation of one of these processes compromises the symbiosis leading to death of the endosymbiont and the arrest of the nodule functioning. The relationship between immunity and senescence has been extensively studied in plant organs where a synergistic response can be observed. However, the interplay between immunity and senescence in the symbiotic organ is poorly discussed in the literature and these phenomena are often mixed up. Recent studies revealed that the cooperation between immunity and senescence is not always observed in the nodule, suggesting complex interactions between these two processes within the symbiotic organ. Here, we discuss recent results on the interplay between immunity and senescence in the nodule and the specificities of this relationship during legume-rhizobium symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid38534421,
year = {2024},
author = {Hyder, M and Lodhi, AM and Wang, Z and Bukero, A and Gao, J and Mao, R},
title = {Wolbachia Interactions with Diverse Insect Hosts: From Reproductive Modulations to Sustainable Pest Management Strategies.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {38534421},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {32202276//National Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022GDASZH-2022010106, 2022GDASZH-2022030501-08//GDAS Special Project of Science and Technology Development/ ; KTP20210352//Guangdong Province Rural Science and Technology Commissioner Project/ ; 2023SDZG06//Top Ten Critical Priorities of Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation for the 14th Five-Year Plan of Guangdong Province/ ; },
abstract = {Effective in a variety of insect orders, including dipteran, lepidopteran, and hemipteran, Wolbachia-based control tactics are investigated, noting the importance of sterile and incompatible insect techniques. Encouraging approaches for controlling Aedes mosquitoes are necessary, as demonstrated by the evaluation of a new SIT/IIT combination and the incorporation of SIT into Drosophila suzukii management. For example, Wolbachia may protect plants from rice pests, demonstrating its potential for agricultural biological vector management. Maternal transmission and cytoplasmic incompatibility dynamics are explored, while Wolbachia phenotypic impacts on mosquito and rice pest management are examined. The importance of host evolutionary distance is emphasised in recent scale insect research that addresses host-shifting. Using greater information, a suggested method for comprehending Wolbachia host variations in various contexts emphasises ecological connectivity. Endosymbionts passed on maternally in nematodes and arthropods, Wolbachia are widely distributed around the world and have evolved both mutualistic and parasitic traits. Wolbachia is positioned as a paradigm for microbial symbiosis due to advancements in multiomics, gene functional assays, and its effect on human health. The challenges and opportunities facing Wolbachia research include scale issues, ecological implications, ethical conundrums, and the possibility of customising strains through genetic engineering. It is thought that cooperative efforts are required to include Wolbachia-based therapies into pest management techniques while ensuring responsible and sustainable ways.},
}
@article {pmid38535401,
year = {2024},
author = {Cholvi, M and Trelis, M and Bueno-Marí, R and Khoubbane, M and Gil, R and Marcilla, A and Moretti, R},
title = {Wolbachia Infection through Hybridization to Enhance an Incompatible Insect Technique-Based Suppression of Aedes albopictus in Eastern Spain.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {38535401},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The emergence of insecticide resistance in arbovirus vectors is putting the focus on the development of new strategies for control. In this regard, the exploitation of Wolbachia endosymbionts is receiving increasing attention due to its demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the vectorial capacity of Aedes mosquitoes. Here, we describe the establishment of a naïve Wolbachia infection in a wild Aedes albopictus population of eastern Spain through a hybridization approach to obtain males capable of sterilizing wild females. The obtained lines were compared with the Wolbachia donor, Ae. albopictus ARwP, previously artificially infected with Wolbachia wPip, regarding immature and adult survival, female fecundity, egg fertility, and level of induced sterility. Our results did not show significant differences between lines in any of the biological parameters analyzed, indicating the full suitability of the hybrids to be used as a control tool against Ae. albopictus. In particular, hybrid males induced 99.9% sterility in the eggs of wild females without the need for any preliminary treatment. Being harmless to non-target organisms and the environment, the use of this bacterium for the control of Ae. albopictus deserves further exploration. This is especially relevant in areas such as eastern Spain, where this mosquito species has recently spread and may represent a serious threat due to its competence as a vector for dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.},
}
@article {pmid38553514,
year = {2024},
author = {Konecka, E and Szymkowiak, P},
title = {Wolbachia supergroup A in Enoplognatha latimana (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Poland as an example of possible horizontal transfer of bacteria.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {7486},
pmid = {38553514},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Poland ; *Spiders/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia (phylum Pseudomonadota, class Alfaproteobacteria, order Rickettsiales, family Ehrlichiaceae) is a maternally inherited bacterial symbiont infecting more than half of arthropod species worldwide and constituting an important force in the evolution, biology, and ecology of invertebrate hosts. Our study contributes to the limited knowledge regarding the presence of intracellular symbiotic bacteria in spiders. Specifically, we investigated the occurrence of Wolbachia infection in the spider species Enoplognatha latimana Hippa and Oksala, 1982 (Araneae: Theridiidae) using a sample collected in north-western Poland. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Wolbachia infection in E. latimana. A phylogeny based on the sequence analysis of multiple genes, including 16S rRNA, coxA, fbpA, ftsZ, gatB, gltA, groEL, hcpA, and wsp revealed that Wolbachia from the spider represented supergroup A and was related to bacterial endosymbionts discovered in other spider hosts, as well as insects of the orders Diptera and Hymenoptera. A sequence unique for Wolbachia supergroup A was detected for the ftsZ gene. The sequences of Wolbachia housekeeping genes have been deposited in publicly available databases and are an important source of molecular data for comparative studies. The etiology of Wolbachia infection in E. latimana is discussed.},
}
@article {pmid38557755,
year = {2024},
author = {Cho, A and Lax, G and Livingston, SJ and Masukagami, Y and Naumova, M and Millar, O and Husnik, F and Keeling, PJ},
title = {Genomic analyses of Symbiomonas scintillans show no evidence for endosymbiotic bacteria but does reveal the presence of giant viruses.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {e1011218},
pmid = {38557755},
issn = {1553-7404},
mesh = {*Giant Viruses/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Viral/genetics ; *Chlorophyta/genetics ; Metagenomics ; Bacteria/genetics ; },
abstract = {Symbiomonas scintillans Guillou et Chrétiennot-Dinet, 1999 is a tiny (1.4 μm) heterotrophic microbial eukaryote. The genus was named based on the presence of endosymbiotic bacteria in its endoplasmic reticulum, however, like most such endosymbionts neither the identity nor functional association with its host were known. We generated both amplification-free shotgun metagenomics and whole genome amplification sequencing data from S. scintillans strains RCC257 and RCC24, but were unable to detect any sequences from known lineages of endosymbiotic bacteria. The absence of endobacteria was further verified with FISH analyses. Instead, numerous contigs in assemblies from both RCC24 and RCC257 were closely related to prasinoviruses infecting the green algae Ostreococcus lucimarinus, Bathycoccus prasinos, and Micromonas pusilla (OlV, BpV, and MpV, respectively). Using the BpV genome as a reference, we assembled a near-complete 190 kbp draft genome encoding all hallmark prasinovirus genes, as well as two additional incomplete assemblies of closely related but distinct viruses from RCC257, and three similar draft viral genomes from RCC24, which we collectively call SsVs. A multi-gene tree showed the three SsV genome types branched within highly supported clades with each of BpV2, OlVs, and MpVs, respectively. Interestingly, transmission electron microscopy also revealed a 190 nm virus-like particle similar the morphology and size of the endosymbiont originally reported in S. scintillans. Overall, we conclude that S. scintillans currently does not harbour an endosymbiotic bacterium, but is associated with giant viruses.},
}
@article {pmid38558489,
year = {2024},
author = {Ferguson, LF and Ross, PA and van Heerwaarden, B},
title = {Wolbachia infection negatively impacts Drosophila simulans heat tolerance in a strain- and trait-specific manner.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {4},
pages = {e16609},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16609},
pmid = {38558489},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {DE230100067//Australian Research Council/ ; FT200100025//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Drosophila/physiology ; Drosophila simulans/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Thermotolerance ; Fertility ; },
abstract = {The susceptibility of insects to rising temperatures has largely been measured by their ability to survive thermal extremes. However, the capacity for maternally inherited endosymbionts to influence insect heat tolerance has been overlooked. Further, while some studies have addressed the impact of heat on traits like fertility, which can decline at temperatures below lethal thermal limits, none have considered the impact of endosymbionts. Here, we assess the impact of three Wolbachia strains (wRi, wAu and wNo) on the survival and fertility of Drosophila simulans exposed to heat stress during development or as adults. The effect of Wolbachia infection on heat tolerance was generally small and trait/strain specific. Only the wNo infection significantly reduced the survival of adult males after a heat shock. When exposed to fluctuating heat stress during development, the wRi and wAu strains reduced egg-to-adult survival but only the wNo infection reduced male fertility. Wolbachia densities of all three strains decreased under developmental heat stress, but reductions occurred at temperatures above those that reduced host fertility. These findings emphasize the necessity to account for endosymbionts and their effect on both survival and fertility when investigating insect responses to heat stress.},
}
@article {pmid38564675,
year = {2024},
author = {Lehman, SS and Verhoeve, VI and Driscoll, TP and Beckmann, JF and Gillespie, JJ},
title = {Metagenome diversity illuminates the origins of pathogen effectors.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e0075923},
pmid = {38564675},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {R21 AI156762/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI166832/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Metagenome ; *Rickettsia/genetics/classification ; *Phylogeny ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Evolution, Molecular ; Rickettsiales/genetics/classification ; Genetic Variation ; Type IV Secretion Systems/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Humans ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Recent metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) analyses have profoundly impacted Rickettsiology systematics. The discovery of basal lineages (novel families Mitibacteraceae and Athabascaceae) with predicted extracellular lifestyles exposed an evolutionary timepoint for the transition to host dependency, which seemingly occurred independent of mitochondrial evolution. Notably, these basal rickettsiae carry the Rickettsiales vir homolog (rvh) type IV secretion system and purportedly use rvh to kill congener microbes rather than parasitize host cells as described for later-evolving rickettsial pathogens. MAG analysis also substantially increased diversity for the genus Rickettsia and delineated a sister lineage (the novel genus Tisiphia) that stands to inform on the emergence of human pathogens from protist and invertebrate endosymbionts. Herein, we probed Rickettsiales MAG and genomic diversity for the distribution of Rickettsia rvh effectors to ascertain their origins. A sparse distribution of most Rickettsia rvh effectors outside of Rickettsiaceae lineages illuminates unique rvh evolution from basal extracellular species and other rickettsial families. Remarkably, nearly every effector was found in multiple divergent forms with variable architectures, indicating profound roles for gene duplication and recombination in shaping effector repertoires in Rickettsia pathogens. Lateral gene transfer plays a prominent role in shaping the rvh effector landscape, as evinced by the discovery of many effectors on plasmids and conjugative transposons, as well as pervasive effector gene exchange between Rickettsia and Legionella species. Our study exemplifies how MAGs can yield insight into pathogen effector origins, particularly how effector architectures might become tailored to the discrete host cell functions of different eukaryotic hosts.IMPORTANCEWhile rickettsioses are deadly vector-borne human diseases, factors distinguishing Rickettsia pathogens from the innumerable bevy of environmental rickettsial endosymbionts remain lacking. Recent metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) studies revealed evolutionary timepoints for rickettsial transitions to host dependency. The rvh type IV secretion system was likely repurposed from congener killing in basal extracellular species to parasitizing host cells in later-evolving pathogens. Our analysis of MAG diversity for over two dozen rvh effectors unearthed their presence in some non-pathogens. However, most effectors were found in multiple divergent forms with variable architectures, indicating gene duplication and recombination-fashioned effector repertoires of Rickettsia pathogens. Lateral gene transfer substantially shaped pathogen effector arsenals, evinced by the discovery of effectors on plasmids and conjugative transposons, as well as pervasive effector gene exchanges between Rickettsia and Legionella species. Our study exemplifies how MAGs yield insight into pathogen effector origins and evolutionary processes tailoring effectors to eukaryotic host cell biology.},
}
@article {pmid38569988,
year = {2024},
author = {Amala, M and Nagarajan, H and Ahila, M and Nachiappan, M and Veerapandiyan, M and Vetrivel, U and Jeyakanthan, J},
title = {Unveiling the intricacies of allosteric regulation in aspartate kinase from the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia Malayi: Mechanistic and therapeutic insights.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {267},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {131326},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131326},
pmid = {38569988},
issn = {1879-0003},
mesh = {*Brugia malayi/enzymology/microbiology ; Allosteric Regulation ; *Wolbachia ; Animals ; *Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; *Aspartate Kinase/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Symbiosis ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; Lysine/chemistry/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Aspartate kinase (AK), an enzyme from the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi (WBm), plays a pivotal role in the bacterial cell wall and amino acid biosynthesis, rendering it an attractive candidate for therapeutic intervention. Allosteric inhibition of aspartate kinase is a prevalent mode of regulation across microorganisms and plants, often modulated by end products such as lysine, threonine, methionine, or meso-diaminopimelate. The intricate and diverse nature of microbial allosteric regulation underscores the need for rigorous investigation. This study employs a combined experimental and computational approach to decipher the allosteric regulation of WBmAK. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations elucidate that ATP (cofactor) and ASP (substrate) binding induce a closed conformation, promoting enzymatic activity. In contrast, the binding of lysine (allosteric inhibitor) leads to enzyme inactivation and an open conformation. The enzymatic assay demonstrates the optimal activity of WBmAK at 28 °C and a pH of 8.0. Notably, the allosteric inhibition study highlights lysine as a more potent inhibitor compared to threonine. Importantly, this investigation sheds light on the allosteric mechanism governing WBmAK and imparts novel insights into structure-based drug discovery, paving the way for the development of effective inhibitors against filarial pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid38577764,
year = {2024},
author = {Garber, AI and Garcia de la Filia Molina, A and Vea, IM and Mongue, AJ and Ross, L and McCutcheon, JP},
title = {Retention of an Endosymbiont for the Production of a Single Molecule.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {38577764},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology ; Insecta ; Bacteria/genetics ; },
abstract = {Sap-feeding insects often maintain two or more nutritional endosymbionts that act in concert to produce compounds essential for insect survival. Many mealybugs have endosymbionts in a nested configuration: one or two bacterial species reside within the cytoplasm of another bacterium, and together, these bacteria have genomes that encode interdependent sets of genes needed to produce key nutritional molecules. Here, we show that the mealybug Pseudococcus viburni has three endosymbionts, one of which contributes only two unique genes that produce the host nutrition-related molecule chorismate. All three bacterial endosymbionts have tiny genomes, suggesting that they have been coevolving inside their insect host for millions of years.},
}
@article {pmid38585906,
year = {2024},
author = {Gasser, MT and Liu, A and Altamia, M and Brensinger, BR and Brewer, SL and Flatau, R and Hancock, ER and Preheim, SP and Filone, CM and Distel, DL},
title = {Membrane vesicles can contribute to cellulose degradation by Teredinibacter turnerae, a cultivable intracellular endosymbiont of shipworms.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38585906},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R01 AI162943/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Teredinibacter turnerae is a cultivable cellulolytic Gammaproteobacterium (Cellvibrionaceae) that commonly occurs as an intracellular endosymbiont in the gills of wood-eating bivalves of the family Teredinidae (shipworms). The genome of T. turnerae encodes a broad range of enzymes that deconstruct cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin and contribute to wood (lignocellulose) digestion in the shipworm gut. However, the mechanisms by which T. turnerae secretes lignocellulolytic enzymes are incompletely understood. Here, we show that T. turnerae cultures grown on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) produce membrane vesicles (MVs) that include a variety of proteins identified by LC-MS/MS as carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) with predicted activities against cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. Reducing sugar assays and zymography confirm that these MVs exhibit cellulolytic activity, as evidenced by the hydrolysis of CMC. Additionally, these MVs were enriched with TonB-dependent receptors, which are essential to carbohydrate and iron acquisition by free-living bacteria. These observations indicate a potential role for MVs in lignocellulose utilization by T. turnerae in the free-living state, suggest possible mechanisms for host-symbiont interaction, and may be informative for commercial applications such as enzyme production and lignocellulosic biomass conversion.},
}
@article {pmid38585949,
year = {2024},
author = {Mirchandani, C and Wang, P and Jacobs, J and Genetti, M and Pepper-Tunick, E and Sullivan, WT and Corbett-Detig, R and Russell, SL},
title = {Mixed Wolbachia infections resolve rapidly during in vitro evolution.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38585949},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R00 GM135583/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM128932/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HG012344/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The intracellular symbiont Wolbachia pipientis evolved after the divergence of arthropods and nematodes, but it reached high prevalence in many of these taxa through its abilities to infect new hosts and their germlines. Some strains exhibit long-term patterns of co-evolution with their hosts, while other strains are capable of switching hosts. This makes strain selection an important factor in symbiont-based biological control. However, little is known about the ecological and evolutionary interactions that occur when a promiscuous strain colonizes an infected host. Here, we study what occurs when two strains come into contact in host cells following horizontal transmission and infection. We focus on the faithful wMel strain from Drosophila melanogaster and the promiscuous wRi strain from Drosophila simulans using an in vitro cell culture system with multiple host cell types and combinatorial infection states. Mixing D. melanogaster cell lines stably infected with wMel and wRi revealed that wMel outcompetes wRi quickly and reproducibly. Furthermore, wMel was able to competitively exclude wRi even from minuscule starting quantities, indicating that this is a nearly deterministic outcome, independent of the starting infection frequency. This competitive advantage was not exclusive to wMel's native D. melanogaster cell background, as wMel also outgrew wRi in D. simulans cells. Overall, wRi is less adept at in vitro growth and survival than wMel and its in vivo state, revealing differences between cellular and humoral regulation. These attributes may underlie the observed low rate of mixed infections in nature and the relatively rare rate of host-switching in most strains. Our in vitro experimental framework for estimating cellular growth dynamics of Wolbachia strains in different host species, tissues, and cell types provides the first strategy for parameterizing endosymbiont and host cell biology at high resolution. This toolset will be crucial to our application of these bacteria as biological control agents in novel hosts and ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid38597256,
year = {2024},
author = {Fox, T and Sguassero, Y and Chaplin, M and Rose, W and Doum, D and Arevalo-Rodriguez, I and Villanueva, G},
title = {Wolbachia-carrying Aedes mosquitoes for preventing dengue infection.},
journal = {The Cochrane database of systematic reviews},
volume = {4},
number = {4},
pages = {CD015636},
pmid = {38597256},
issn = {1469-493X},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Aedes/microbiology ; *Wolbachia ; *Dengue Virus ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; *Dengue/prevention &amp; control ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dengue is a global health problem of high significance, with 3.9 billion people at risk of infection. The geographic expansion of dengue virus (DENV) infection has resulted in increased frequency and severity of the disease, and the number of deaths has increased in recent years. Wolbachia,an intracellular bacterial endosymbiont, has been under investigation for several years as a novel dengue-control strategy. Some dengue vectors (Aedes mosquitoes) can be transinfected with specific strains of Wolbachia, which decreases their fitness (ability to survive and mate) and their ability to reproduce, inhibiting the replication of dengue. Both laboratory and field studies have demonstrated the potential effect of Wolbachia deployments on reducing dengue transmission, and modelling studies have suggested that this may be a self-sustaining strategy for dengue prevention, although long-term effects are yet to be elucidated.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of Wolbachia-carrying Aedes speciesdeployments (specifically wMel-, wMelPop-, and wAlbB- strains of Wolbachia) for preventing dengue virus infection.<br><br>SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, four other databases, and two trial registries up to 24 January 2024.<br><br>SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster-randomized controlled trials (cRCTs), conducted in dengue endemic or epidemic-prone settings were eligible. We sought studies that investigated the impact of Wolbachia-carrying Aedes deployments on epidemiological or entomological dengue-related outcomes, utilizing either the population replacement or population suppression strategy.<br><br>DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. We used odds ratios (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) as the effect measure for dichotomous outcomes. For count/rate outcomes, we planned to use the rate ratio with 95% CI as the effect measure. We used adjusted measures of effect for cRCTs. We assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE.<br><br>MAIN RESULTS: One completed cRCT met our inclusion criteria, and we identified two further ongoing cRCTs. The included trial was conducted in an urban setting in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It utilized a nested test-negative study design, whereby all participants aged three to 45 years who presented at healthcare centres with a fever were enrolled in the study provided they had resided in the study area for the previous 10 nights. The trial showed that wMel-Wolbachia infected Ae aegypti deployments probably reduce the odds of contracting virologically confirmed dengue by 77% (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.35; 1 trial, 6306 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The cluster-level prevalence of wMel Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes remained high over two years in the intervention arm of the trial, reported as 95.8% (interquartile range 91.5 to 97.8) across 27 months in clusters receiving wMel-Wolbachia Ae aegypti deployments, but there were no reliable comparative data for this outcome. Other primary outcomes were the incidence of virologically confirmed dengue, the prevalence of dengue ribonucleic acid in the mosquito population, and mosquito density, but there were no data for these outcomes. Additionally, there were no data on adverse events.<br><br>AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The included trial demonstrates the potential significant impact of wMel-Wolbachia-carrying Ae aegypti mosquitoes on preventing dengue infection in an endemic setting, and supports evidence reported in non-randomized and uncontrolled studies. Further trials across a greater diversity of settings are required to confirm whether these findings apply to other locations and country settings, and greater reporting of acceptability and cost are important.},
}
@article {pmid38598600,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, H and Marucci, G and Munke, A and Hassan, MM and Lalle, M and Okamoto, K},
title = {High-resolution comparative atomic structures of two Giardiavirus prototypes infecting G. duodenalis parasite.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {e1012140},
pmid = {38598600},
issn = {1553-7374},
mesh = {*Giardia lamblia/ultrastructure/pathogenicity ; *Giardiavirus/genetics ; Cryoelectron Microscopy ; Animals ; Capsid/ultrastructure/metabolism ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The Giardia lamblia virus (GLV) is a non-enveloped icosahedral dsRNA and endosymbiont virus that infects the zoonotic protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (syn. G. lamblia, G. intestinalis), which is a pathogen of mammals, including humans. Elucidating the transmission mechanism of GLV is crucial for gaining an in-depth understanding of the virulence of the virus in G. duodenalis. GLV belongs to the family Totiviridae, which infects yeast and protozoa intracellularly; however, it also transmits extracellularly, similar to the phylogenetically, distantly related toti-like viruses that infect multicellular hosts. The GLV capsid structure is extensively involved in the longstanding discussion concerning extracellular transmission in Totiviridae and toti-like viruses. Hence, this study constructed the first high-resolution comparative atomic models of two GLV strains, namely GLV-HP and GLV-CAT, which showed different intracellular localization and virulence phenotypes, using cryogenic electron microscopy single-particle analysis. The atomic models of the GLV capsids presented swapped C-terminal extensions, extra surface loops, and a lack of cap-snatching pockets, similar to those of toti-like viruses. However, their open pores and absence of the extra crown protein resemble those of other yeast and protozoan Totiviridae viruses, demonstrating the essential structures for extracellular cell-to-cell transmission. The structural comparison between GLV-HP and GLV-CAT indicates the first evidence of critical structural motifs for the transmission and virulence of GLV in G. duodenalis.},
}
@article {pmid38601947,
year = {2023},
author = {Zytynska, SE and Sturm, S and Hawes, C and Weisser, WW and Karley, A},
title = {Floral presence and flower identity alter cereal aphid endosymbiont communities on adjacent crops.},
journal = {The Journal of applied ecology},
volume = {60},
number = {7},
pages = {1409-1423},
pmid = {38601947},
issn = {0021-8901},
abstract = {Floral plantings adjacent to crops fields can recruit populations of natural enemies by providing flower nectar and non-crop prey to increase natural pest regulation. Observed variation in success rates might be due to changes in the unseen community of endosymbionts hosted by many herbivorous insects, of which some can confer resistance to natural enemies, for example, parasitoid wasps. Reduced insect control may occur if highly protective symbiont combinations increase in frequency via selection effects, and this is expected to be stronger in lower diversity systems.We used a large-scale field trial to analyse the bacterial endosymbiont communities hosted by cereal aphids Sitobion avenae collected along transects into strip plots of barley plants managed by either conventional or integrated (including floral field margins and reduced inputs) methods. In addition, we conducted an outdoor pot experiment to analyse endosymbionts in S. avenae aphids collected on barley plants that were either grown alone or alongside one of three flowering plants, across three time points.In the field, aphids hosted up to four symbionts. The abundance of aphids and parasitoid wasps was reduced towards the middle of all fields while aphid symbiont species richness and diversity decreased into the field in conventional, but not integrated, field-strips. The proportion of aphids hosting different symbiont combinations varied across cropping systems, with distances into the fields, and were correlated with parasitoid wasp abundances.In the pot experiment, aphids hosted up to six symbionts. Flower presence increased natural enemy abundance and diversity, and decreased aphid abundance. The proportion of aphids hosting different symbiont combinations varied across the flower treatment and time, and were correlated with varying abundances of the different specialist parasitoid wasp species recruited by different flowers. Synthesis and applications. Floral plantings and flower identity had community-wide impacts on the combinations of bacterial endosymbionts hosted by herbivorous insects, which correlated with natural enemy diversity and abundance. We recommend that integrated management practices incorporate floral resources within field areas to support a more functionally diverse and resilient natural enemy community to mitigate selection for symbiont-mediated pest resistance throughout the cropping area.},
}
@article {pmid38603509,
year = {2024},
author = {Coale, TH and Loconte, V and Turk-Kubo, KA and Vanslembrouck, B and Mak, WKE and Cheung, S and Ekman, A and Chen, JH and Hagino, K and Takano, Y and Nishimura, T and Adachi, M and Le Gros, M and Larabell, C and Zehr, JP},
title = {Nitrogen-fixing organelle in a marine alga.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {384},
number = {6692},
pages = {217-222},
doi = {10.1126/science.adk1075},
pmid = {38603509},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {*Cyanobacteria/genetics/metabolism ; *Haptophyta/microbiology ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; Seawater/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; *Mitochondria/metabolism ; Chloroplasts/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic interactions were key to the evolution of chloroplast and mitochondria organelles, which mediate carbon and energy metabolism in eukaryotes. Biological nitrogen fixation, the reduction of abundant atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) to biologically available ammonia, is a key metabolic process performed exclusively by prokaryotes. Candidatus Atelocyanobacterium thalassa, or UCYN-A, is a metabolically streamlined N2-fixing cyanobacterium previously reported to be an endosymbiont of a marine unicellular alga. Here we show that UCYN-A has been tightly integrated into algal cell architecture and organellar division and that it imports proteins encoded by the algal genome. These are characteristics of organelles and show that UCYN-A has evolved beyond endosymbiosis and functions as an early evolutionary stage N2-fixing organelle, or "nitroplast."},
}
@article {pmid38603513,
year = {2024},
author = {Massana, R},
title = {The nitroplast: A nitrogen-fixing organelle.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {384},
number = {6692},
pages = {160-161},
doi = {10.1126/science.ado8571},
pmid = {38603513},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {*Nitrogen ; *Organelles ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {A bacterial endosymbiont of marine algae evolved to an organelle.},
}
@article {pmid38607980,
year = {2024},
author = {Partida-Martínez, LP},
title = {Fungal holobionts as blueprints for synthetic endosymbiotic systems.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {22},
number = {4},
pages = {e3002587},
pmid = {38607980},
issn = {1545-7885},
mesh = {*Reproduction ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Rhizopus microsporus is an example of a fungal holobiont. Strains of this species can harbor bacterial and viral endosymbionts inherited by the next generation. These microbial allies increase pathogenicity and defense and control asexual and sexual reproduction.},
}
@article {pmid38608678,
year = {2024},
author = {Trznadel, M and Holt, CC and Livingston, SJ and Kwong, WK and Keeling, PJ},
title = {Coral-infecting parasites in cold marine ecosystems.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {34},
number = {8},
pages = {1810-1816.e4},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.026},
pmid = {38608678},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Anthozoa/parasitology ; Animals ; *Coral Reefs ; Apicomplexa/physiology/genetics/classification ; Symbiosis ; Cold Temperature ; Dinoflagellida/physiology/genetics ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are a biodiversity hotspot,[1][,][2] and the association between coral and intracellular dinoflagellates is a model for endosymbiosis.[3][,][4] Recently, corals and related anthozoans have also been found to harbor another kind of endosymbiont, apicomplexans called corallicolids.[5] Apicomplexans are a diverse lineage of obligate intracellular parasites[6] that include human pathogens such as the malaria parasite, Plasmodium.[7] Global environmental sequencing shows corallicolids are tightly associated with tropical and subtropical reef environments,[5][,][8][,][9] where they infect diverse corals across a range of depths in many reef systems, and correlate with host mortality during bleaching events.[10] All of this points to corallicolids being ecologically significant to coral reefs, but it is also possible they are even more widely distributed because most environmental sampling is biased against parasites that maintain a tight association with their hosts throughout their life cycle. We tested the global distribution of corallicolids using a more direct approach, by specifically targeting potential anthozoan host animals from cold/temperate marine waters outside the coral reef context. We found that corallicolids are in fact common in such hosts, in some cases at high frequency, and that they infect the same tissue as parasites from topical coral reefs. Parasite phylogeny suggests corallicolids move between hosts and habitats relatively frequently, but that biogeography is more conserved. Overall, these results greatly expand the range of corallicolids beyond coral reefs, suggesting they are globally distributed parasites of marine anthozoans, which also illustrates significant blind spots that result from strategies commonly used to sample microbial biodiversity.},
}
@article {pmid38609398,
year = {2024},
author = {Mowery, MA and Rosenwald, LC and Chapman, E and Lubin, Y and Segoli, M and Khoza, T and Lyle, R and White, JA},
title = {Endosymbiont diversity across native and invasive brown widow spider populations.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {8556},
pmid = {38609398},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {1953223//National Science Foundation/ ; 1020740//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Adult ; Animals ; Female ; *Animals, Poisonous ; *Chlamydiales ; Eggs ; *Spiders ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {The invasive brown widow spider, Latrodectus geometricus (Araneae: Theridiidae), has spread in multiple locations around the world and, along with it, brought associated organisms such as endosymbionts. We investigated endosymbiont diversity and prevalence across putative native and invasive populations of this spider, predicting lower endosymbiont diversity across the invasive range compared to the native range. First, we characterized the microbial community in the putative native (South Africa) and invasive (Israel and the United States) ranges via high throughput 16S sequencing of 103 adult females. All specimens were dominated by reads from only 1-3 amplicon sequence variants (ASV), and most individuals were infected with an apparently uniform strain of Rhabdochlamydia. We also found Rhabdochlamydia in spider eggs, indicating that it is a maternally-inherited endosymbiont. Relatively few other ASV were detected, but included two variant Rhabdochlamydia strains and several Wolbachia, Spiroplasma and Enterobacteriaceae strains. We then diagnostically screened 118 adult female spiders from native and invasive populations specifically for Rhabdochlamydia and Wolbachia. We found Rhabdochlamydia in 86% of individuals and represented in all populations, which suggests that it is a consistent and potentially important associate of L. geometricus. Wolbachia was found at lower overall prevalence (14%) and was represented in all countries, but not all populations. In addition, we found evidence for geographic variation in endosymbiont prevalence: spiders from Israel were more likely to carry Rhabdochlamydia than those from the US and South Africa, and Wolbachia was geographically clustered in both Israel and South Africa. Characterizing endosymbiont prevalence and diversity is a first step in understanding their function inside the host and may shed light on the process of spread and population variability in cosmopolitan invasive species.},
}
@article {pmid38617242,
year = {2024},
author = {Mallikaarachchi, KS and Huang, JL and Madras, S and Cuellar, RA and Huang, Z and Gega, A and Rathnayaka-Mudiyanselage, IW and Al-Husini, N and Saldaña-Rivera, N and Ma, LH and Ng, E and Chen, JC and Schrader, JM},
title = {Sinorhizobium meliloti BR-bodies promote fitness during host colonization.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38617242},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {T34 GM008574/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; SC3 GM096943/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R25 GM050078/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM124733/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T34 GM145400/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Biomolecular condensates, such as the nucleoli or P-bodies, are non-membrane-bound assemblies of proteins and nucleic acids that facilitate specific cellular processes. Like eukaryotic P-bodies, the recently discovered bacterial ribonucleoprotein bodies (BR-bodies) organize the mRNA decay machinery, yet the similarities in molecular and cellular functions across species have been poorly explored. Here, we examine the functions of BR-bodies in the nitrogen-fixing endosymbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti, which colonizes the roots of compatible legume plants. Assembly of BR-bodies into visible foci in S. meliloti cells requires the C-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of RNase E, and foci fusion is readily observed in vivo, suggesting they are liquid-like condensates that form via mRNA sequestration. Using Rif-seq to measure mRNA lifetimes, we found a global slowdown in mRNA decay in a mutant deficient in BR-bodies, indicating that compartmentalization of the degradation machinery promotes efficient mRNA turnover. While BR-bodies are constitutively present during exponential growth, the abundance of BR-bodies increases upon cell stress, whereby they promote stress resistance. Finally, using Medicago truncatula as host, we show that BR-bodies enhance competitiveness during colonization and appear to be required for effective symbiosis, as mutants without BR-bodies failed to stimulate plant growth. These results suggest that BR-bodies provide a fitness advantage for bacteria during infection, perhaps by enabling better resistance against the host immune response.},
}
@article {pmid38617467,
year = {2024},
author = {Vancaester, E and Blaxter, ML},
title = {MarkerScan: Separation and assembly of cobionts sequenced alongside target species in biodiversity genomics projects.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {33},
pmid = {38617467},
issn = {2398-502X},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Contamination of public databases by mislabelled sequences has been highlighted for many years and the avalanche of novel sequencing data now being deposited has the potential to make databases difficult to use effectively. It is therefore crucial that sequencing projects and database curators perform pre-submission checks to remove obvious contamination and avoid propagating erroneous taxonomic relationships. However, it is important also to recognise that biological contamination of a target sample with unexpected species' DNA can also lead to the discovery of fascinating biological phenomena through the identification of environmental organisms or endosymbionts. Here, we present a novel, integrated method for detection and generation of high-quality genomes of all non-target genomes co-sequenced in eukaryotic genome sequencing projects. After performing taxonomic profiling of an assembly from the raw data, and leveraging the identity of small rRNA sequences discovered therein as markers, a targeted classification approach retrieves and assembles high-quality genomes. The genomes of these cobionts are then not only removed from the target species' genome but also available for further interrogation. Source code is available from https://github.com/CobiontID/MarkerScan. MarkerScan is written in Python and is deployed as a Docker container.},
}
@article {pmid38623496,
year = {2024},
author = {Marulanda-Moreno, SM and Saldamando-Benjumea, CI and Vivero Gomez, R and Cadavid-Restrepo, G and Moreno-Herrera, CX},
title = {Comparative analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) corn and rice strains microbiota revealed minor changes across life cycle and strain endosymbiont association.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e17087},
pmid = {38623496},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Spodoptera/genetics ; Zea mays/genetics ; *Oryza/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Life Cycle Stages ; Larva/genetics ; *Bacillus thuringiensis/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) is a pest that poses a significant threat to corn production worldwide, causing millions of dollars in losses. The species has evolved into two strains (corn and rice) that differ in their genetics, reproductive isolation, and resistance to insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins. The microbiota plays an important role in insects' physiology, nutrient acquisition, and response to chemical and biological controls. Several studies have been carried out on FAW microbiota from larvae guts using laboratory or field samples and a couple of studies have analyzed the corn strain microbiota across its life cycle. This investigation reveals the first comparison between corn strain (CS) and rice strain (RS) of FAW during different developmental insect stages and, more importantly, endosymbiont detection in both strains, highlighting the importance of studying both FAW populations and samples from different stages.<br><br>METHODS: The composition of microbiota during the life cycle of the FAW corn and rice strains was analyzed through high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene using the MiSeq system. Additionally, culture-dependent techniques were used to isolate gut bacteria and the Transcribed Internal Spacer-ITS, 16S rRNA, and gyrB genes were examined to enhance bacterial identification.<br><br>RESULTS: Richness, diversity, and bacterial composition changed significantly across the life cycle of FAW. Most diversity was observed in eggs and males. Differences in gut microbiota diversity between CS and RS were minor. However, Leuconostoc, A2, Klebsiella, Lachnoclostridium, Spiroplasma, and Mucispirilum were mainly associated with RS and Colidextribacter, Pelomonas, Weissella, and Arsenophonus to CS, suggesting that FAW strains differ in several genera according to the host plant. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla during FAW metamorphosis. Illeobacterium, Ralstonia, and Burkholderia exhibited similar abundancies in both strains. Enterococcus was identified as a conserved taxon across the entire FAW life cycle. Microbiota core communities mainly consisted of Enterococcus and Illeobacterium. A positive correlation was found between Spiroplasma with RS (sampled from eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults) and Arsenophonus (sampled from eggs, larvae, and adults) with CS. Enterococcus mundtii was predominant in all developmental stages. Previous studies have suggested its importance in FAW response to B. thuringensis. Our results are relevant for the characterization of FAW corn and rice strains microbiota to develop new strategies for their control. Detection of Arsenophonus in CS and Spiroplasma in RS are promising for the improvement of this pest management, as these bacteria induce male killing and larvae fitness reduction in other Lepidoptera species.},
}
@article {pmid38626194,
year = {2024},
author = {McCutcheon, JP and Garber, AI and Spencer, N and Warren, JM},
title = {How do bacterial endosymbionts work with so few genes?.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {22},
number = {4},
pages = {e3002577},
pmid = {38626194},
issn = {1545-7885},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bacteria/genetics ; *Eukaryota/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The move from a free-living environment to a long-term residence inside a host eukaryotic cell has profound effects on bacterial function. While endosymbioses are found in many eukaryotes, from protists to plants to animals, the bacteria that form these host-beneficial relationships are even more diverse. Endosymbiont genomes can become radically smaller than their free-living relatives, and their few remaining genes show extreme compositional biases. The details of how these reduced and divergent gene sets work, and how they interact with their host cell, remain mysterious. This Unsolved Mystery reviews how genome reduction alters endosymbiont biology and highlights a "tipping point" where the loss of the ability to build a cell envelope coincides with a marked erosion of translation-related genes.},
}
@article {pmid38627945,
year = {2024},
author = {Rooney, T and Fèvre, EM and Villinger, J and Brenn-White, M and Cummings, CO and Chai, D and Kamau, J and Kiyong'a, A and Getange, D and Ochieng, DO and Kivali, V and Zimmerman, D and Rosenbaum, M and Nutter, FB and Deem, SL},
title = {Coxiella burnetii serostatus in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) is associated with the presence of C. burnetii DNA in attached ticks in Laikipia County, Kenya.},
journal = {Zoonoses and public health},
volume = {71},
number = {5},
pages = {503-514},
doi = {10.1111/zph.13127},
pmid = {38627945},
issn = {1863-2378},
support = {//Saint Louis Zoo Institution for Conservation Medicine/ ; //icipe institutional funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)/ ; //The Government of the Republic of Kenya/ ; T35 OD010963/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; //The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)/ ; //The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia/ ; //CGIAR One Health initiative "Protecting Human Health Through a One Health Approach"/ ; TL1 TR002546/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; //European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Camelus/microbiology ; *Coxiella burnetii/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Q Fever/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; Kenya/epidemiology ; Male ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Female ; DNA, Bacterial ; Ticks/microbiology ; Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {AIMS: Q fever is a globally distributed, neglected zoonotic disease of conservation and public health importance, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Coxiella burnetii normally causes subclinical infections in livestock, but may also cause reproductive pathology and spontaneous abortions in artiodactyl species. One such artiodactyl, the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), is an increasingly important livestock species in semi-arid landscapes. Ticks are naturally infected with C. burnetii worldwide and are frequently found on camels in Kenya. In this study, we assessed the relationship between dromedary camels' C. burnetii serostatus and whether the camels were carrying C. burnetii PCR-positive ticks in Kenya. We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between camel seropositivity and carrying C. burnetii PCR-positive ticks.<br><br>METHODS AND RESULTS: Blood was collected from camels (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;233) from three herds, and serum was analysed using commercial ELISA antibody test kits. Ticks were collected (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;4354), divided into pools of the same species from the same camel (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;397) and tested for C. burnetii and Coxiella-like endosymbionts. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize seroprevalence by camel demographic and clinical variables. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess relationships between serostatus (outcome) and tick PCR status, camel demographic variables, and camel clinical variables (predictors). Camel C. burnetii seroprevalence was 52%. Across tick pools, the prevalence of C. burnetii was 15% and Coxiella-like endosymbionts was 27%. Camel seropositivity was significantly associated with the presence of a C. burnetii PCR-positive tick pool (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.4-5.1; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0045), increasing age class, and increasing total solids.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The role of ticks and camels in the epidemiology of Q fever warrants further research to better understand this zoonotic disease that has potential to cause illness and reproductive losses in humans, livestock, and wildlife.},
}
@article {pmid38629189,
year = {2024},
author = {Bard, NW and Cronk, QCB and Davies, TJ},
title = {Fungal endophytes can modulate plant invasion.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {99},
number = {5},
pages = {1652-1671},
doi = {10.1111/brv.13085},
pmid = {38629189},
issn = {1469-185X},
support = {RGPIN-2019-04041//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; RGPIN-2020-04439//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; 6456//University of British Columbia Graduate School/ ; },
mesh = {*Endophytes/physiology ; *Plants/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Fungi/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic organisms may contribute to a host plant's success or failure to grow, its ability to maintain viable populations, and potentially, its probability of establishment and spread outside its native range. Intercellular and intracellular microbial symbionts that are asymptomatic in their plant host during some or all of their life cycle - endophytes - can form mutualistic, commensal, or pathogenic relationships, and sometimes novel associations with alien plants. Fungal endophytes are likely the most common endosymbiont infecting plants, with life-history, morphological, physiological, and plant-symbiotic traits that are distinct from other endophytic guilds. Here, we review the community dynamics of fungal endophytes during the process of plant invasion, and how their functional role may shift during the different stages of invasion: transport, introduction (colonisation), establishment, and spread. Each invasion stage presents distinct ecological filters that an alien plant must overcome to advance to the subsequent stage of invasion. Endophytes can alternately aid the host in overcoming stage-specific filters, or contribute to the barriers imposed by filters (e.g. biotic resistance), thereby affecting invasion pathways. A few fungi can be transported as seed endophytes from their native range and be vertically transmitted to future generations in the non-native range, especially in graminoids. In other plant groups, alien plants mostly acquire endophytes via horizontal transmission from the invaded plant community, and the host endophyte community is shaped by host filtering and biogeographic factors (e.g. dispersal limitation, environmental filtering). Endophytes infecting alien plants (both those transported with their host and those accumulated in the non-native range) may influence invasion success by affecting plant growth, reproduction, environmental tolerance, and pathogen and herbivory defences; however, the direction and magnitude of these effects can be contingent upon the host identity, life stage, ecological conditions, and invasion stage. This context dependence may cause endophytic fungi to shift to a non-endophytic (e.g. pathogenic) functional life stage in the same or different hosts, which can modify alien-native plant community dynamics. We conclude by identifying paths in which alien hosts can exploit the context dependency of endophyte function in novel abiotic and biotic conditions and at the different stages of invasion.},
}
@article {pmid38629270,
year = {2024},
author = {Nakajima, H and Fukui, A and Suzuki, K and Tirta, RYK and Furuya, H},
title = {HOST SWITCHING IN DICYEMIDS (PHYLUM DICYEMIDA).},
journal = {The Journal of parasitology},
volume = {110},
number = {2},
pages = {159-169},
doi = {10.1645/23-52},
pmid = {38629270},
issn = {1937-2345},
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; Invertebrates/anatomy &amp; histology/genetics ; *Parasites ; *Octopodiformes ; Decapodiformes/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Dicyemids (phylum Dicyemida) are the most common and most characteristic endosymbionts in the renal sacs of benthic cephalopod molluscs: octopuses and cuttlefishes. Typically, 2 or 3 dicyemid species are found in a single specimen of the host, and most dicyemids have high host specificity. Host-specific parasites are restricted to a limited range of host species by ecological barriers that impede dispersal and successful establishment; therefore, phylogenies of interacting groups are often congruent due to repeated co-speciation. Most frequently, however, host and parasite phylogenies are not congruent, which can be explained by processes such as host switching and other macro-evolutionary events. Here, the history of dicyemids and their host cephalopod associations were studied by comparing their phylogenies. Dicyemid species were collected from 8 decapodiform species and 12 octopodiform species in Japanese waters. Using whole mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences, a phylogeny of 37 dicyemid species, including 4 genera representing the family Dicyemidae, was reconstructed. Phylogenetic trees derived from analyses of COI genes consistently suggested that dicyemid species should be separated into 3 major clades and that the most common genera, Dicyema and Dicyemennea, are not monophyletic. Thus, morphological classification does not reflect the phylogenetic relationships of these 2 genera. Divergence (speciation) of dicyemid species seems to have occurred within a single host species. Possible host-switching events may have occurred between the Octopodiformes and Decapodiformes or within the Octopodiformes or the Decapodiformes. Therefore, the mechanism of dicyemid speciation may be a mixture of host switching and intra-host speciation. This is the first study in which the process of dicyemid diversification involving cephalopod hosts has been evaluated with a large number of dicyemid species and genera.},
}
@article {pmid38630610,
year = {2024},
author = {Pilgrim, J},
title = {Comparative genomics of a novel Erwinia species associated with the Highland midge (Culicoides impunctatus).},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {38630610},
issn = {2057-5858},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Ceratopogonidae ; *Erwinia ; Genomics ; Insect Vectors ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Erwinia (Enterobacterales: Erwiniaceae) are a group of cosmopolitan bacteria best known as the causative agents of various plant diseases. However, other species in this genus have been found to play important roles as insect endosymbionts supplementing the diet of their hosts. Here, I describe Candidatus Erwinia impunctatus (Erwimp) associated with the Highland midge Culicoides impunctatus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), an abundant biting pest in the Scottish Highlands. The genome of this new Erwinia species was assembled using hybrid long and short read techniques, and a comparative analysis was undertaken with other members of the genus to understand its potential ecological niche and impact. Genome composition analysis revealed that Erwimp is similar to other endophytic and ectophytic species in the genus and is unlikely to be restricted to its insect host. Evidence for an additional plant host includes the presence of a carotenoid synthesis operon implicated as a virulence factor in plant-associated members in the sister genus Pantoea. Unique features of Erwimp include several copies of intimin-like proteins which, along with signs of genome pseudogenization and a loss of certain metabolic pathways, suggests an element of host restriction seen elsewhere in the genus. Furthermore, a screening of individuals over two field seasons revealed the absence of the bacteria in Culicoides impunctatus during the second year indicating this microbe-insect interaction is likely to be transient. These data suggest that Culicoides impunctatus may have an important role to play beyond a biting nuisance, as an insect vector transmitting Erwimp alongside any conferred impacts to surrounding biota.},
}
@article {pmid38632047,
year = {2024},
author = {Arai, H and Legeai, F and Kageyama, D and Sugio, A and Simon, JC},
title = {Genomic insights into Spiroplasma endosymbionts that induce male-killing and protective phenotypes in the pea aphid.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {371},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnae027},
pmid = {38632047},
issn = {1574-6968},
support = {21J00895//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; //Cabinet Office, Government of Japan/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiroplasma/genetics/physiology/classification ; *Aphids/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Male ; *Phylogeny ; Phenotype ; Genomics ; Virulence Factors/genetics ; Female ; Pisum sativum/microbiology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiotic bacteria Spiroplasma (Mollicutes) infect diverse plants and arthropods, and some of which induce male killing, where male hosts are killed during development. Male-killing Spiroplasma strains belong to either the phylogenetically distant Citri-Poulsonii or Ixodetis groups. In Drosophila flies, Spiroplasma poulsonii induces male killing via the Spaid toxin. While Spiroplasma ixodetis infects a wide range of insects and arachnids, little is known about the genetic basis of S. ixodetis-induced male killing. Here, we analyzed the genome of S. ixodetis strains in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Aphididae, Hemiptera). Genome sequencing constructed a complete genome of a male-killing strain, sAp269, consisting of a 1.5 Mb circular chromosome and an 80 Kb plasmid. sAp269 encoded putative virulence factors containing either ankyrin repeat, ovarian tumor-like deubiquitinase, or ribosome inactivating protein domains, but lacked the Spaid toxin. Further comparative genomics of Spiroplasma strains in A. pisum biotypes adapted to different host plants revealed their phylogenetic associations and the diversity of putative virulence factors. Although the mechanisms of S. ixodetis-induced male killing in pea aphids remain elusive, this study underlines the dynamic genome evolution of S. ixodetis and proposes independent acquisition events of male-killing mechanisms in insects.},
}
@article {pmid38632506,
year = {2024},
author = {Alkathiry, HA and Alghamdi, SQ and Sinha, A and Margos, G and Stekolnikov, AA and Alagaili, AN and Darby, AC and Makepeace, BL and Khoo, JJ},
title = {Microbiome and mitogenomics of the chigger mite Pentidionis agamae: potential role as an Orientia vector and associations with divergent clades of Wolbachia and Borrelia.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {380},
pmid = {38632506},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; *Borrelia/genetics ; DNA ; *Microbiota ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Orientia ; *Orientia tsutsugamushi/genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rodentia/genetics ; Saudi Arabia ; *Scrub Typhus/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Trombiculidae/genetics/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Trombiculid mites are globally distributed, highly diverse arachnids that largely lack molecular resources such as whole mitogenomes for the elucidation of taxonomic relationships. Trombiculid larvae (chiggers) parasitise vertebrates and can transmit bacteria (Orientia spp.) responsible for scrub typhus, a zoonotic febrile illness. Orientia tsutsugamushi causes most cases of scrub typhus and is endemic to the Asia-Pacific Region, where it is transmitted by Leptotrombidium spp. chiggers. However, in Dubai, Candidatus Orientia chuto was isolated from a case of scrub typhus and is also known to circulate among rodents in Saudi Arabia and Kenya, although its vectors remain poorly defined. In addition to Orientia, chiggers are often infected with other potential pathogens or arthropod-specific endosymbionts, but their significance for trombiculid biology and public health is unclear.<br><br>RESULTS: Ten chigger species were collected from rodents in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Chiggers were pooled according to species and screened for Orientia DNA by PCR. Two species (Microtrombicula muhaylensis and Pentidionis agamae) produced positive results for the htrA gene, although Ca. Orientia chuto DNA was confirmed by Sanger sequencing only in P. agamae. Metagenomic sequencing of three pools of P. agamae provided evidence for two other bacterial associates: a spirochaete and a Wolbachia symbiont. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and multi-locus sequence typing genes placed the spirochaete in a clade of micromammal-associated Borrelia spp. that are widely-distributed globally with no known vector. For the Wolbachia symbiont, a genome assembly was obtained that allowed phylogenetic localisation in a novel, divergent clade. Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcodes for Saudi Arabian chiggers enabled comparisons with global chigger diversity, revealing several cases of discordance with classical taxonomy. Complete mitogenome assemblies were obtained for the three P. agamae pools and almost 50 SNPs were identified, despite a common geographic origin.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: P. agamae was identified as a potential vector of Ca. Orientia chuto on the Arabian Peninsula. The detection of an unusual Borrelia sp. and a divergent Wolbachia symbiont in P. agamae indicated links with chigger microbiomes in other parts of the world, while COI barcoding and mitogenomic analyses greatly extended our understanding of inter- and intraspecific relationships in trombiculid mites.},
}
@article {pmid38636949,
year = {2024},
author = {Deore, P and Tsang Min Ching, SJ and Nitschke, MR and Rudd, D and Brumley, DR and Hinde, E and Blackall, LL and van Oppen, MJH},
title = {Unique photosynthetic strategies employed by closely related Breviolum minutum strains under rapid short-term cumulative heat stress.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {75},
number = {13},
pages = {4005-4023},
pmid = {38636949},
issn = {1460-2431},
support = {2022ECR088//University of Melbourne/ ; 9351//Gordon &amp; Betty Moore Foundation/ ; FL180100036//Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship and Marsden Fast Start from the Royal Society Te Ap&#x101;rangi/ ; },
mesh = {*Photosynthesis ; Dinoflagellida/physiology ; Heat-Shock Response ; Hot Temperature ; },
abstract = {The thermal tolerance of symbiodiniacean photo-endosymbionts largely underpins the thermal bleaching resilience of their cnidarian hosts such as corals and the coral model Exaiptasia diaphana. While variation in thermal tolerance between species is well documented, variation between conspecific strains is understudied. We compared the thermal tolerance of three closely related strains of Breviolum minutum represented by two internal transcribed spacer region 2 profiles (one strain B1-B1o-B1g-B1p and the other two strains B1-B1a-B1b-B1g) and differences in photochemical and non-photochemical quenching, de-epoxidation state of photopigments, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species under rapid short-term cumulative temperature stress (26-40 °C). We found that B. minutum strains employ distinct photoprotective strategies, resulting in different upper thermal tolerances. We provide evidence for previously unknown interdependencies between thermal tolerance traits and photoprotective mechanisms that include a delicate balancing of excitation energy and its dissipation through fast relaxing and state transition components of non-photochemical quenching. The more thermally tolerant B. minutum strain (B1-B1o-B1g-B1p) exhibited an enhanced de-epoxidation that is strongly linked to the thylakoid membrane melting point and possibly membrane rigidification minimizing oxidative damage. This study provides an in-depth understanding of photoprotective mechanisms underpinning thermal tolerance in closely related strains of B. minutum.},
}
@article {pmid38637300,
year = {2024},
author = {Abresch, H and Bell, T and Miller, SR},
title = {Diurnal transcriptional variation is reduced in a nitrogen-fixing diatom endosymbiont.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38637300},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {NNA15BB04A/NASA/NASA/United States ; NSF DEB-2222945//National Science Foundation/ ; //Montana NSF EPSCoR Institute on Ecosystems/ ; //University of Montana/ ; //IoE Summer Undergraduate Internship/ ; //University of Montana/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Diatoms/genetics/metabolism ; *Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; Cyanobacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Circadian Rhythm/genetics ; },
abstract = {Many organisms have formed symbiotic relationships with nitrogen (N)-fixing bacteria to overcome N limitation. Diatoms in the family Rhopalodiaceae host unicellular, N-fixing cyanobacterial endosymbionts called spheroid bodies (SBs). Although this relationship is relatively young, SBs share many key features with older endosymbionts, including coordinated cell division and genome reduction. Unlike free-living relatives that fix N exclusively at night, SBs fix N largely during the day; however, how SB metabolism is regulated and coordinated with the host is not yet understood. We compared four SB genomes, including those from two new host species (Rhopalodia gibba and Epithemia adnata), to build a genome-wide phylogeny which provides a better understanding of SB evolutionary origins. Contrary to models of endosymbiotic genome reduction, the SB chromosome is unusually stable for an endosymbiont genome, likely due to the early loss of all mobile elements. Transcriptomic data for the R. gibba SB and host organelles addressed whether and how the allocation of transcriptional resources depends on light and nitrogen availability. Although allocation to the SB was high under all conditions, relative expression of chloroplast photosynthesis genes increased in the absence of nitrate, but this pattern was suppressed by nitrate addition. SB expression of catabolism genes was generally greater during daytime rather than at night, although the magnitude of diurnal changes in expression was modest compared to free-living Cyanobacteria. We conclude that SB daytime catabolism likely supports N-fixation by linking the process to host photosynthetic carbon fixation.},
}
@article {pmid38643165,
year = {2024},
author = {Bukhari, T and Gichuhi, J and Mbare, O and Ochwal, VA and Fillinger, U and Herren, JK},
title = {Willingness to accept and participate in a Microsporidia MB-based mosquito release strategy: a community-based rapid assessment in western Kenya.},
journal = {Malaria journal},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {113},
pmid = {38643165},
issn = {1475-2875},
support = {DA Malaria Control Research Project, Grant no. 2110-07102//Children Investment Fund Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Male ; Animals ; Humans ; Female ; Kenya ; *Microsporidia ; *Insect Bites and Stings ; *Malaria/prevention &amp; control ; Public Health ; Mosquito Control/methods ; Mosquito Vectors ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Microsporidia MB, an endosymbiont naturally found in Anopheles mosquitoes inhibits transmission of Plasmodium and is a promising candidate for a transmission-blocking strategy that may involve mosquito release. A rapid assessment was carried out to develop insight into sociodemographic factors, public health concerns, and malaria awareness, management, and prevention practices with the willingness to accept and participate in Microsporidia MB-based transmission-blocking strategy to develop an informed stakeholder engagement process.<br><br>METHODS: The assessment consisted of a survey conducted in two communities in western Kenya that involved administering a questionnaire consisting of structured, semi-structured, and open questions to 8108 household heads.<br><br>RESULTS: There was an overall high level of willingness to accept (81%) and participate in the implementation of the strategy (96%). Although the willingness to accept was similar in both communities, Ombeyi community was more willing to participate (OR 22, 95% CI 13-36). Women were less willing to accept (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.7-0.9) compared to men due to fear of increased mosquito bites near homes. Household heads with incomplete primary education were more willing to accept (OR 1.6, 95% CI 01.2-2.2) compared to those educated to primary level or higher. Perceiving malaria as a moderate or low public health issue was also associated with a lower willingness to accept and participate. Experience of&#x2009;>&#x2009;3 malaria cases in the family over the last six months and knowledge that malaria is transmitted by only mosquito bites, increased the willingness to accept but reduced the willingness to participate. Awareness of malaria control methods based on mosquitoes that cannot transmit malaria increases the willingness to participate.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The study showed a high level of willingness to accept and participate in a Microsporidia MB-based strategy in the community, which is influenced by several factors such as community, disease risk perception, gender, education level, knowledge, and experience of malaria. Further research will need to focus on understanding the concerns of women, educated, and employed community members, and factors that contribute to the lower disease risk perception. This improved understanding will lead to the development of an effective communication strategy.},
}
@article {pmid38650243,
year = {2021},
author = {Zhang, J and Liu, G and Carvajal, AI and Wilson, RH and Cai, Z and Li, Y},
title = {Discovery of a readily heterologously expressed Rubisco from the deep sea with potential for CO2 capture.},
journal = {Bioresources and bioprocessing},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {86},
pmid = {38650243},
issn = {2197-4365},
support = {2150060111//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), the key CO2-fixing enzyme in photosynthesis, is notorious for its low carboxylation. We report a highly active and assembly-competent Form II Rubisco from the endosymbiont of a deep-sea tubeworm Riftia pachyptila (RPE Rubisco), which shows a 50.5% higher carboxylation efficiency than that of a high functioning Rubisco from Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 (7002 Rubisco). It is a simpler hexamer with three pairs of large subunit homodimers around a central threefold symmetry axis. Compared with 7002 Rubisco, it showed a 3.6-fold higher carbon capture efficiency in vivo using a designed CO2 capture model. The simple structure, high carboxylation efficiency, easy heterologous soluble expression/assembly make RPE Rubisco a ready-to-deploy enzyme for CO2 capture that does not require complex co-expression of chaperones. The chemosynthetic CO2 fixation machinery of chemolithoautotrophs, CO2-fixing endosymbionts, may be more efficient than previously realized with great potential for next-generation microbial CO2 sequestration platforms.},
}
@article {pmid38661136,
year = {2024},
author = {Work, TM and Singhakarn, C and Weatherby, TM},
title = {Cytology in cnidaria using Exaiptasia as a model.},
journal = {Diseases of aquatic organisms},
volume = {158},
number = {},
pages = {37-53},
doi = {10.3354/dao03781},
pmid = {38661136},
issn = {0177-5103},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cnidaria ; },
abstract = {A need exists for additional methods to examine cnidaria at the cellular level to aid our understanding of health, anatomy, and physiology of this important group of organisms. This need is particularly acute given that disease is emerging as a major factor in declines of ecologically important functional groups such as corals. Here we describe a simple method to process cnidarian cells for microscopic examination using the model organism Exaiptasia. We show that this organism has at least 18 cell types or structures that can be readily distinguished based on defined morphological features. Some of these cells can be related back to anatomic features of the animal both at the light microscope and ultrastructural level. The cnidome of Exaiptasia may be more complex than what is currently understood. Moreover, cnidarian cells, including some types of cnidocytes, phagocytize cells other than endosymbionts. Finally, our findings shed light on morphologic complexity of cell-associated microbial aggregates and their intimate intracellular associations. The tools described here could be useful for other cnidaria.},
}
@article {pmid38668783,
year = {2024},
author = {Shamjana, U and Vasu, DA and Hembrom, PS and Nayak, K and Grace, T},
title = {The role of insect gut microbiota in host fitness, detoxification and nutrient supplementation.},
journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek},
volume = {117},
number = {1},
pages = {71},
pmid = {38668783},
issn = {1572-9699},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Insecta/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Nutrients/metabolism ; Metagenomics ; Host Microbial Interactions ; Inactivation, Metabolic ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/metabolism ; },
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.},
}
@article {pmid38673813,
year = {2024},
author = {Silva, FJ and Domínguez-Santos, R and Latorre, A and García-Ferris, C},
title = {Comparative Transcriptomics of Fat Bodies between Symbiotic and Quasi-Aposymbiotic Adult Females of Blattella germanica with Emphasis on the Metabolic Integration with Its Endosymbiont Blattabacterium and Its Immune System.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {25},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {38673813},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {Prometeo/2018/A/133//Conselleria d'Educaci&#xf3;, Generalitat Valenciana (Spain)/ ; CIPROM/2021/042//Conselleria d'Educaci&#xf3;, Generalitat Valenciana (Spain)/ ; PGC2018-099344-B-I00//MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Spain) and "ERDF A way of making Europe"/ ; PID2021-128201NB-I00//MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Spain) and "ERDF A way of making Europe"/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; Animals ; *Fat Body/metabolism ; Female ; *Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Immune System/metabolism ; Bacteroidetes/genetics/metabolism ; Antimicrobial Peptides/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {We explored the metabolic integration of Blattella germanica and its obligate endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti by the transcriptomic analysis of the fat body of quasi-aposymbiotic cockroaches, where the endosymbionts were almost entirely removed with rifampicin. Fat bodies from quasi-aposymbiotic insects displayed large differences in gene expression compared to controls. In quasi-aposymbionts, the metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine involved in cuticle sclerotization and pigmentation increased drastically to compensate for the deficiency in the biosynthesis of these amino acids by the endosymbionts. On the other hand, the uricolytic pathway and the biosynthesis of uric acid were severely decreased, probably because the reduced population of endosymbionts was unable to metabolize urea to ammonia. Metabolite transporters that could be involved in the endosymbiosis process were identified. Immune system and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene expression was also reduced in quasi-aposymbionts, genes encoding peptidoglycan-recognition proteins, which may provide clues for the maintenance of the symbiotic relationship, as well as three AMP genes whose involvement in the symbiotic relationship will require additional analysis. Finally, a search for AMP-like factors that could be involved in controlling the endosymbiont identified two orphan genes encoding proteins smaller than 200 amino acids underexpressed in quasi-aposymbionts, suggesting a role in the host-endosymbiont relationship.},
}
@article {pmid38677361,
year = {2024},
author = {Tuñon, A and García, J and Carrera, LC and Chaves, LF and Lenhart, AE and Loaiza, JR},
title = {Chemical control of medically important arthropods in Panama: A systematic literature review of historical efforts.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {255},
number = {},
pages = {107217},
pmid = {38677361},
issn = {1873-6254},
support = {CC999999/ImCDC/Intramural CDC HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Aedes/drug effects ; Anopheles/drug effects ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Insecticide Resistance ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Mosquito Vectors/drug effects ; Panama ; *Vector Borne Diseases/prevention &amp; control ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne diseases are a major source of morbidity in Panama. Herein, we describe historical usage patterns of synthetic insecticides to control arthropod disease vectors in this country. We examine the influence of interventions by vector control programs on the emergence of insecticide resistance. Chemical control has traditionally focused on two mosquito species: Anopheles albimanus, a major regional malaria vector, and Aedes aegypti, a historical vector of yellow fever, and current vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Countrywide populations of An. albimanus depict hyperirritability to organochlorine insecticides administered by indoor residual spraying, although they appear susceptible to these insecticides in bioassays settings, as well as to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in field tests. Populations of Ae. aegypti show resistance to pyrethroids, particularly in areas near Panama City, but the spread of resistance remains unknown in Ae. aegypti and Aedes albopictus. A One Health approach is needed in Panama to pinpoint the insecticide resistance mechanisms including the frequency of knockdown mutations and behavioral plasticity in populations of Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes. This information is necessary to guide the sustainable implementation of chemical control strategies and the use of modern vector control technologies such as genetically modified mosquitoes, and endosymbiont Wolbachia-based biological control.},
}
@article {pmid38690786,
year = {2024},
author = {Knights, HE and Ramachandran, VK and Jorrin, B and Ledermann, R and Parsons, JD and Aroney, STN and Poole, PS},
title = {Rhizobium determinants of rhizosphere persistence and root colonization.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38690786},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {BB/M011224/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 183901/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; },
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; *Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Rhizobium leguminosarum/genetics/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Fabaceae/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Soil Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Bacterial persistence in the rhizosphere and colonization of root niches are critical for the establishment of many beneficial plant-bacteria interactions including those between Rhizobium leguminosarum and its host legumes. Despite this, most studies on R. leguminosarum have focused on its symbiotic lifestyle as an endosymbiont in root nodules. Here, we use random barcode transposon sequencing to assay gene contributions of R. leguminosarum during competitive growth in the rhizosphere and colonization of various plant species. This facilitated the identification of 189 genes commonly required for growth in diverse plant rhizospheres, mutation of 111 of which also affected subsequent root colonization (rhizosphere progressive), and a further 119 genes necessary for colonization. Common determinants reveal a need to synthesize essential compounds (amino acids, ribonucleotides, and cofactors), adapt metabolic function, respond to external stimuli, and withstand various stresses (such as changes in osmolarity). Additionally, chemotaxis and flagella-mediated motility are prerequisites for root colonization. Many genes showed plant-specific dependencies highlighting significant adaptation to different plant species. This work provides a greater understanding of factors promoting rhizosphere fitness and root colonization in plant-beneficial bacteria, facilitating their exploitation for agricultural benefit.},
}
@article {pmid38691425,
year = {2024},
author = {Richter, I and Hasan, M and Kramer, JW and Wein, P and Krabbe, J and Wojtas, KP and Stinear, TP and Pidot, SJ and Kloss, F and Hertweck, C and Lackner, G},
title = {Deazaflavin metabolite produced by endosymbiotic bacteria controls fungal host reproduction.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38691425},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {794343//European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program/ ; 2019 FGI 0003//Free State of Thuringia/ ; 390713860//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 239748522//SFB 1127 ChemBioSys/ ; //Leibniz Award/ ; 408113938//DFG/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Rhizopus/metabolism/genetics ; Spores, Fungal/genetics/metabolism/growth &amp; development ; Flavins/metabolism ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Riboflavin/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiosis between the pathogenic fungus Rhizopus microsporus and the toxin-producing bacterium Mycetohabitans rhizoxinica represents a unique example of host control by an endosymbiont. Fungal sporulation strictly depends on the presence of endosymbionts as well as bacterially produced secondary metabolites. However, an influence of primary metabolites on host control remained unexplored. Recently, we discovered that M. rhizoxinica produces FO and 3PG-F420, a derivative of the specialized redox cofactor F420. Whether FO/3PG-F420 plays a role in the symbiosis has yet to be investigated. Here, we report that FO, the precursor of 3PG-F420, is essential to the establishment of a stable symbiosis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the genetic inventory to produce cofactor 3PG-F420 is conserved in the genomes of eight endofungal Mycetohabitans strains. By developing a CRISPR/Cas-assisted base editing strategy for M. rhizoxinica, we generated mutant strains deficient in 3PG-F420 (M. rhizoxinica ΔcofC) and in both FO and 3PG-F420 (M. rhizoxinica ΔfbiC). Co-culture experiments demonstrated that the sporulating phenotype of apo-symbiotic R. microsporus is maintained upon reinfection with wild-type M. rhizoxinica or M. rhizoxinica ΔcofC. In contrast, R. microsporus is unable to sporulate when co-cultivated with M. rhizoxinica ΔfbiC, even though the fungus was observed by super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to be successfully colonized. Genetic and chemical complementation of the FO deficiency of M. rhizoxinica ΔfbiC led to restoration of fungal sporulation, signifying that FO is indispensable for establishing a functional symbiosis. Even though FO is known for its light-harvesting properties, our data illustrate an important role of FO in inter-kingdom communication.},
}
@article {pmid38693183,
year = {2024},
author = {Moustafa, MAM and Mohamed, WMA and Chatanga, E and Naguib, D and Matsuno, K and Gofton, AW and Barker, SC and Nonaka, N and Nakao, R},
title = {Unraveling the phylogenetics of genetically closely related species, Haemaphysalis japonica and Haemaphysalis megaspinosa, using entire tick mitogenomes and microbiomes.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {9961},
pmid = {38693183},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {16H06431//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 19H03118//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 19F19097//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 20K21358//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 20KK0151//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {Ticks have a profound impact on public health. Haemaphysalis is one of the most widespread genera in Asia, including Japan. The taxonomy and genetic differentiation of Haemaphysalis spp. is challenging. For instance, previous studies struggled to distinguish Haemaphysalis japonica and Haemaphysalis megaspinosa due to the dearth of nucleotide sequence polymorphisms in widely used barcoding genes. The classification of H. japonica japonica and its related sub-species Haemaphysalis japonica douglasi or Haemaphysalis jezoensis is also confused due to their high morphological similarity and a lack of molecular data that support the current classification. We used mitogenomes and microbiomes of H. japonica and H. megaspinosa to gain deeper insights into the phylogenetic relationships and genetic divergence between two species. Phylogenetic analyses of concatenated nucleotide sequences of protein-coding genes and ribosomal DNA genes distinguished H. japonica and H. megaspinosa as monophyletic clades, with further subdivision within the H. japonica clade. The 16S rRNA and NAD5 genes were valuable markers for distinguishing H. japonica and H. megaspinosa. Population genetic structure analyses indicated that genetic variation within populations accounted for a large proportion of the total variation compared to variation between populations. Microbiome analyses revealed differences in alpha and beta diversity between H. japonica and H. megaspinosa: H. japonica had the higher diversity. Coxiella sp., a likely endosymbiont, was found in both Haemaphysalis species. The abundance profiles of likely endosymbionts, pathogens, and commensals differed between H. japonica and H. megaspinosa: H. megaspinosa was more diverse.},
}
@article {pmid38701242,
year = {2024},
author = {Roldán, EL and Stelinski, LL and Pelz-Stelinski, KS},
title = {Reduction of Wolbachia in Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) increases phytopathogen acquisition and decreases fitness.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {117},
number = {3},
pages = {733-749},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toae089},
pmid = {38701242},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {2021-70029-36053//United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2021-70029-36053//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; 2021-70029-36053//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Female ; *Doxycycline/pharmacology ; Male ; *Genetic Fitness ; Nymph/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Liberibacter ; Plant Diseases/microbiology/prevention &amp; control ; Symbiosis ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Citrus/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis is a maternally inherited intracellular bacterium that infects a wide range of arthropods. Wolbachia can have a significant impact on host biology and development, often due to its effects on reproduction. We investigated Wolbachia-mediated effects in the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, which transmits Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causal agent of citrus greening disease. Diaphorina citri are naturally infected with Wolbachia; therefore, investigating Wolbachia-mediated effects on D. citri fitness and CLas transmission required artificial reduction of this endosymbiont with the application of doxycycline. Doxycycline treatment of psyllids reduced Wolbachia infection by approximately 60% in both male and female D. citri. Psyllids treated with doxycycline exhibited higher CLas acquisition in both adults and nymphs as compared with negative controls. In addition, doxycycline-treated psyllids exhibited decreased fitness as measured by reduced egg and nymph production as well as adult emergence as compared with control lines without the doxycycline treatment. Our results indicate that Wolbachia benefits D. citri by improving fitness and potentially competes with CLas by interfering with phytopathogen acquisition. Targeted manipulation of endosymbionts in this phytopathogen vector may yield disease management tools.},
}
@article {pmid38704391,
year = {2024},
author = {Renoz, F and Parisot, N and Baa-Puyoulet, P and Gerlin, L and Fakhour, S and Charles, H and Hance, T and Calevro, F},
title = {PacBio Hi-Fi genome assembly of Sipha maydis, a model for the study of multipartite mutualism in insects.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {450},
pmid = {38704391},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {J.0082.23//Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS (Belgian National Fund for Scientific Research)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Genome, Insect ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {Dependence on multiple nutritional endosymbionts has evolved repeatedly in insects feeding on unbalanced diets. However, reference genomes for species hosting multi-symbiotic nutritional systems are lacking, even though they are essential for deciphering the processes governing cooperative life between insects and anatomically integrated symbionts. The cereal aphid Sipha maydis is a promising model for addressing these issues, as it has evolved a nutritional dependence on two bacterial endosymbionts that complement each other. In this study, we used PacBio High fidelity (HiFi) long-read sequencing to generate a highly contiguous genome assembly of S. maydis with a length of 410 Mb, 3,570 contigs with a contig N50 length of 187 kb, and BUSCO completeness of 95.5%. We identified 117 Mb of repetitive sequences, accounting for 29% of the genome assembly, and predicted 24,453 protein-coding genes, of which 2,541 were predicted enzymes included in an integrated metabolic network with the two aphid-associated endosymbionts. These resources provide valuable genetic and metabolic information for understanding the evolution and functioning of multi-symbiotic systems in insects.},
}
@article {pmid38705185,
year = {2024},
author = {Łukasik, P and Kolasa, MR},
title = {With a little help from my friends: the roles of microbial symbionts in insect populations and communities.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences},
volume = {379},
number = {1904},
pages = {20230122},
pmid = {38705185},
issn = {1471-2970},
mesh = {Animals ; *Insecta/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbiota/physiology ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {To understand insect abundance, distribution and dynamics, we need to understand the relevant drivers of their populations and communities. While microbial symbionts are known to strongly affect many aspects of insect biology, we lack data on their effects on populations or community processes, or on insects' evolutionary responses at different timescales. How these effects change as the anthropogenic effects on ecosystems intensify is an area of intense research. Recent developments in sequencing and bioinformatics permit cost-effective microbial diversity surveys, tracking symbiont transmission, and identification of functions across insect populations and multi-species communities. In this review, we explore how different functional categories of symbionts can influence insect life-history traits, how these effects could affect insect populations and their interactions with other species, and how they may affect processes and patterns at the level of entire communities. We argue that insect-associated microbes should be considered important drivers of insect response and adaptation to environmental challenges and opportunities. We also outline the emerging approaches for surveying and characterizing insect-associated microbiota at population and community scales. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.},
}
@article {pmid38706926,
year = {2024},
author = {Katoch, M and Singh, G and Bijarnia, E and Gupta, AP and Azeem, M and Rani, P and Kumar, J},
title = {Biodiversity of endosymbiont fungi associated with a marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea and their potential as antioxidant producers.},
journal = {3 Biotech},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {146},
pmid = {38706926},
issn = {2190-572X},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: This study aims to isolate endosymbiontic fungi from the marine sponge Lamellodysidea herbacea and to explore their antioxidant potential. Marine-derived fungi, with their vast biodiversity, are considered a promising source of novel antioxidants which can replace synthetic ones. Marine sponges have previously reported bioactive properties that could ameliorate oxidative stress, particularly their associated fungi, producing high-frequency bioactive molecules (adaptogenic molecules) in response to stressors. 19 endosymbiont fungi associated with marine sponges were isolated, and their extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant capacities. Extract of an endosymbiont fungus, isolate SPG6, identified as Alternaria destruens, through surface electron microscopy (SEM) and ITS gene sequencing, showed broad range antioxidant activities (EC50 values) (free radical scavenging 32.54 mg L[-1], Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity < 0.078 g L[-1], total reducing power 0.114 g L[-1], Chelating power 0.262 g L[-1], H2O2 scavenging activity < 0.078 g L[-1], and Superoxide radical scavenging activity > 5.0 g L[-1]). The extract of isolate SPG6 was fractioned and analyzed through GC-MS. Marine sponge-associated endosymbiont fungi are a rich source of antioxidant molecules.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03972-1.},
}
@article {pmid38707843,
year = {2024},
author = {Moulin, SLY and Frail, S and Braukmann, T and Doenier, J and Steele-Ogus, M and Marks, JC and Mills, MM and Yeh, E},
title = {The endosymbiont of Epithemia clementina is specialized for nitrogen fixation within a photosynthetic eukaryote.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {ycae055},
pmid = {38707843},
issn = {2730-6151},
support = {S10 OD028536/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007328/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM007276/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Epithemia spp. diatoms contain obligate, nitrogen-fixing endosymbionts, or diazoplasts, derived from cyanobacteria. These algae are a rare example of photosynthetic eukaryotes that have successfully coupled oxygenic photosynthesis with oxygen-sensitive nitrogenase activity. Here, we report a newly-isolated species, E. clementina, as a model to investigate endosymbiotic acquisition of nitrogen fixation. We demonstrate that the diazoplast, which has lost photosynthesis, provides fixed nitrogen to the diatom host in exchange for fixed carbon. To identify the metabolic changes associated with this endosymbiotic specialization, we compared the Epithemia diazoplast with its close, free-living cyanobacterial relative, Crocosphaera subtropica. Unlike C. subtropica, in which nitrogenase activity is temporally separated from photosynthesis, we show that nitrogenase activity in the diazoplast is continuous through the day (concurrent with host photosynthesis) and night. Host and diazoplast metabolism are tightly coupled to support nitrogenase activity: Inhibition of photosynthesis abolishes daytime nitrogenase activity, while nighttime nitrogenase activity no longer requires cyanobacterial glycogen storage pathways. Instead, import of host-derived carbohydrates supports nitrogenase activity throughout the day-night cycle. Carbohydrate metabolism is streamlined in the diazoplast compared to C. subtropica with retention of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and oxidative phosphorylation. Similar to heterocysts, these pathways may be optimized to support nitrogenase activity, providing reducing equivalents and ATP and consuming oxygen. Our results demonstrate that the diazoplast is specialized for endosymbiotic nitrogen fixation. Altogether, we establish a new model for studying endosymbiosis, perform a functional characterization of this diazotroph endosymbiosis, and identify metabolic adaptations for endosymbiotic acquisition of a critical biological function.},
}
@article {pmid38712948,
year = {2024},
author = {Maeda, GP and Kelly, MK and Sundar, A and Moran, NA},
title = {Intracellular defensive symbiont is culturable and capable of transovarial, vertical transmission.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e0325323},
pmid = {38712948},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {R35 GM131738/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35GM131738//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Aphids/microbiology ; Female ; Genome, Bacterial ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Axenic Culture ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Insects frequently form heritable associations with beneficial bacteria that are vertically transmitted from parent to offspring. Long-term vertical transmission has repeatedly resulted in genome reduction and gene loss, rendering many such bacteria incapable of establishment in axenic culture. Among aphids, heritable endosymbionts often provide context-specific benefits to their hosts. Although these associations have large impacts on host phenotypes, experimental approaches are often limited by an inability to cultivate these microbes. Here, we report the axenic culture of Candidatus Fukatsuia symbiotica strain WIR, a heritable bacterial endosymbiont of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Whole-genome sequencing revealed similar genomic features and high sequence similarity to previously described strains, suggesting that the cultivation techniques used here may be applicable to Ca. F. symbiotica strains from distantly related aphids. Microinjection of cultured Ca. F. symbiotica into uninfected aphids revealed that it can reinfect developing embryos and that infections are maintained in subsequent generations via transovarial maternal transmission. Artificially infected aphids exhibit phenotypic and life history traits similar to those observed for native infections. Our results show that Ca. F. symbiotica may be a useful tool for experimentally probing the molecular mechanisms underlying host-symbiont interactions in a heritable symbiosis.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Diverse eukaryotic organisms form stable, symbiotic relationships with bacteria that provide benefits to their hosts. While these associations are often biologically important, they can be difficult to probe experimentally because intimately host-associated bacteria are difficult to access within host tissues, and most cannot be cultured. This is especially true for the intracellular, maternally inherited bacteria associated with many insects, including aphids. Here, we demonstrate that a pea aphid-associated strain of the heritable endosymbiont, Candidatus Fukatsuia symbiotica, can be grown outside of its host using standard microbiology techniques and can readily re-establish infection that is maintained across host generations. These artificial infections recapitulate the effects of native infections, making this host-symbiont pair a useful experimental system.},
}
@article {pmid38715450,
year = {2024},
author = {Ali, M and Rice, CA and Byrne, AW and Paré, PE and Beauvais, W},
title = {Modelling dynamics between free-living amoebae and bacteria.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {5},
pages = {e16623},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16623},
pmid = {38715450},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {NSF-ECCS #2238388//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Amoeba/microbiology ; *Bacteria ; *Symbiosis ; Models, Biological ; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Models, Theoretical ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Free-living amoebae (FLA) serve as hosts for a variety of endosymbionts, which are microorganisms that reside and multiply within the FLA. Some of these endosymbionts pose a pathogenic threat to humans, animals, or both. The symbiotic relationship with FLA not only offers these microorganisms protection but also enhances their survival outside their hosts and assists in their dispersal across diverse habitats, thereby escalating disease transmission. This review is intended to offer an exhaustive overview of the existing mathematical models that have been applied to understand the dynamics of FLA, especially concerning their interactions with bacteria. An extensive literature review was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases to identify mathematical models that describe the dynamics of interactions between FLA and bacteria, as published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The literature search revealed several FLA-bacteria model systems, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella multocida, and Legionella spp. Although the published mathematical models account for significant system dynamics such as predator-prey relationships and non-linear growth rates, they generally overlook spatial and temporal heterogeneity in environmental conditions, such as temperature, and population diversity. Future mathematical models will need to incorporate these factors to enhance our understanding of FLA-bacteria dynamics and to provide valuable insights for future risk assessment and disease control measures.},
}
@article {pmid38719945,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, Y and Chen, H and Lian, C and Cao, L and Guo, Y and Wang, M and Zhong, Z and Li, M and Zhang, H and Li, C},
title = {Insights into phage-bacteria interaction in cold seep Gigantidas platifrons through metagenomics and transcriptome analyses.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {10540},
pmid = {38719945},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {42030407//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022QNLM030004//Laoshan Laboratory/ ; ZDBS-LY-DQC032//the Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences/ ; XDA22050303//the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Gills/microbiology/virology/metabolism ; *Bivalvia/microbiology/virology/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Virome/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {Viruses are crucial for regulating deep-sea microbial communities and biogeochemical cycles. However, their roles are still less characterized in deep-sea holobionts. Bathymodioline mussels are endemic species inhabiting cold seeps and harboring endosymbionts in gill epithelial cells for nutrition. This study unveiled a diverse array of viruses in the gill tissues of Gigantidas platifrons mussels and analyzed the viral metagenome and transcriptome from the gill tissues of Gigantidas platifrons mussels collected from a cold seep in the South Sea. The mussel gills contained various viruses including Baculoviridae, Rountreeviridae, Myoviridae and Siphovirdae, but the active viromes were Myoviridae, Siphoviridae, and Podoviridae belonging to the order Caudovirales. The overall viral community structure showed significant variation among environments with different methane concentrations. Transcriptome analysis indicated high expression of viral structural genes, integrase, and restriction endonuclease genes in a high methane concentration environment, suggesting frequent virus infection and replication. Furthermore, two viruses (GP-phage-contig14 and GP-phage-contig72) interacted with Gigantidas platifrons methanotrophic gill symbionts (bathymodiolin mussels host intracellular methanotrophic Gammaproteobacteria in their gills), showing high expression levels, and have huge different expression in different methane concentrations. Additionally, single-stranded DNA viruses may play a potential auxiliary role in the virus-host interaction using indirect bioinformatics methods. Moreover, the Cro and DNA methylase genes had phylogenetic similarity between the virus and Gigantidas platifrons methanotrophic gill symbionts. This study also explored a variety of viruses in the gill tissues of Gigantidas platifrons and revealed that bacteria interacted with the viruses during the symbiosis with Gigantidas platifrons. This study provides fundamental insights into the interplay of microorganisms within Gigantidas platifrons mussels in deep sea.},
}
@article {pmid38721335,
year = {2024},
author = {Nahusenay, G and Wolde, G and Tena, W and Tamiru, T},
title = {Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) growth, nodulation, and yield as affected by varieties, Mesorhizobium strains, and NPSB fertilizer in Southern Ethiopia.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1372082},
pmid = {38721335},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {A significant legume crop in Ethiopia, chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) have several advantages, including high nutritional value and the capacity to improve soils deficient in nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation using several endosymbiotic Mesorhizobium spp. strains. However, the host variety, the soil's capacity to hold nutrients, and the endosymbiont's innate physiological traits all affect how efficient the strains are. The primary obstacles to its cultivation in the research area are inadequate agronomic methods and low soil fertility [low nitrogen (N), low soil organic matter (OM), low accessible phosphorous (P), sulfur (S), and boron (B)], which results in ineffective nodulation. To evaluate the effects of NPSB fertilization and inoculation, a field experiment was carried out in Buchach Kebele's Cheha area during the primary cropping season of 2021/22. The trial included two chickpea kinds (Local and Arerti), two NPSB levels (zero and 121 kg NPSB ha[-1]), and four levels of Mesorhizobium strains (CP-M41, CP-EAL 029, CP-M20b, and un-inoculated control). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to organize the treatments in a factorial form with three replications. In comparison to the single application and the control, the interaction impact of strains, NPSB fertilizer, and variety greatly increased nodulation parameters, growth parameters, yield, and yield components. The Arerti variety combined with the CP-M41 Mesorhizobium strain and NPSB fertilizer had the maximum grain production (3177.16 kg ha[-1]). It yielded 15.96%, 24.06%, and 37.93% more than the Arerti with CP-M41 strain, Arerti with NPSB, and the control treatments, respectively. The partial budget analysis of the study treatments showed that the Arerti variety with the combined application of 121 kg NPSB ha-1 and Mesorhizobium strain CP-M41 inoculation produced the highest net return (102,092.6 ETB ha[-1]) with an acceptable marginal rate of return (618%). It has been found that the CP-M41 strain and the Arerti variety, when combined with 121 kg NPSB ha[-1] application, is a suitable treatment combination to achieve increased chickpea crop yield and profit in the studied area. However, the results need further validation in the farmer's field before recommending to farmers.},
}
@article {pmid38725798,
year = {2024},
author = {Setegn, A and Amare, GA and Mihret, Y},
title = {Wolbachia and Lymphatic Filarial Nematodes and Their Implications in the Pathogenesis of the Disease.},
journal = {Journal of parasitology research},
volume = {2024},
number = {},
pages = {3476951},
pmid = {38725798},
issn = {2090-0023},
abstract = {Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is an infection of three closely related filarial worms such as Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. These worms can cause a devastating disease that involves acute and chronic lymphoedema of the extremities, which can cause elephantiasis in both sexes and hydroceles in males. These important public health nematodes were found to have a mutualistic relationship with intracellular bacteria of the genus Wolbachia, which is essential for the development and survival of the nematode. The host's inflammatory response to parasites and possibly also to the Wolbachia endosymbiont is the cause of lymphatic damage and disease pathogenesis. This review tried to describe and highlight the mutualistic associations between Wolbachia and lymphatic filarial nematodes and the role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of lymphatic filariasis. Articles for this review were searched from PubMed, Google Scholar, and other databases. Article searching was not restricted by publication year; however, only English version full-text articles were included.},
}
@article {pmid38732070,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, J and Liu, Q and Dai, L and Zhang, Z and Wang, Y},
title = {Pan-Genome Analysis of Wolbachia, Endosymbiont of Diaphorina citri, Reveals Independent Origin in Asia and North America.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {25},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {38732070},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2021YFD1400805//Nation Key R &amp; D Program of China/ ; 31672031//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32272537//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/classification ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Animals ; *Phylogeny ; Asia ; North America ; Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics ; Diptera/microbiology/genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a group of Gram-negative symbiotic bacteria, infects nematodes and a wide range of arthropods. Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, the vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) that causes citrus greening disease, is naturally infected with Wolbachia (wDi). However, the interaction between wDi and D. citri remains poorly understood. In this study, we performed a pan-genome analysis using 65 wDi genomes to gain a comprehensive understanding of wDi. Based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis, we classified the wDi strains into Asia and North America strains. The ANI analysis, principal coordinates analysis (PCoA), and phylogenetic tree analysis supported that the D. citri in Florida did not originate from China. Furthermore, we found that a significant number of core genes were associated with metabolic pathways. Pathways such as thiamine metabolism, type I secretion system, biotin transport, and phospholipid transport were highly conserved across all analyzed wDi genomes. The variation analysis between Asia and North America wDi showed that there were 39,625 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 2153 indels, 10 inversions, 29 translocations, 65 duplications, 10 SV-based insertions, and 4 SV-based deletions. The SV-based insertions and deletions involved genes encoding transposase, phage tail tube protein, ankyrin repeat (ANK) protein, and group II intron-encoded protein. Pan-genome analysis of wDi contributes to our understanding of the geographical population of wDi, the origin of hosts of D. citri, and the interaction between wDi and its host, thus facilitating the development of strategies to control the insects and huanglongbing (HLB).},
}
@article {pmid38742878,
year = {2024},
author = {Mies, US and Hervé, V and Kropp, T and Platt, K and Sillam-Dussès, D and Šobotník, J and Brune, A},
title = {Genome reduction and horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of Endomicrobia-rise and fall of an intracellular symbiosis with termite gut flagellates.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e0082624},
pmid = {38742878},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {//Max-Planck-Institut f&#xfc;r Terrestrische Mikrobiologie (MPI for Terrestrial Microbiology)/ ; SFB 987//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Isoptera/microbiology/parasitology ; *Symbiosis ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Phylogeny ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Evolution, Molecular ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts of eukaryotic hosts typically experience massive genome reduction, but the underlying evolutionary processes are often obscured by the lack of free-living relatives. Endomicrobia, a family-level lineage of host-associated bacteria in the phylum Elusimicrobiota that comprises both free-living representatives and endosymbionts of termite gut flagellates, are an excellent model to study evolution of intracellular symbionts. We reconstructed 67 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Endomicrobiaceae among more than 1,700 MAGs from the gut microbiota of a wide range of termites. Phylogenomic analysis confirmed a sister position of representatives from termites and ruminants, and allowed to propose eight new genera in the radiation of Endomicrobiaceae. Comparative genome analysis documented progressive genome erosion in the new genus Endomicrobiellum, which comprises all flagellate endosymbionts characterized to date. Massive gene losses were accompanied by the acquisition of new functions by horizontal gene transfer, which led to a shift from a glucose-based energy metabolism to one based on sugar phosphates. The breakdown of glycolysis and many anabolic pathways for amino acids and cofactors in several subgroups was compensated by the independent acquisition of new uptake systems, including an ATP/ADP antiporter, from other gut microbiota. The putative donors are mostly flagellate endosymbionts from other bacterial phyla, including several, hitherto unknown lineages of uncultured Alphaproteobacteria, documenting the importance of horizontal gene transfer in the convergent evolution of these intracellular symbioses. The loss of almost all biosynthetic capacities in some lineages of Endomicrobiellum suggests that their originally mutualistic relationship with flagellates is on its decline.IMPORTANCEUnicellular eukaryotes are frequently colonized by bacterial and archaeal symbionts. A prominent example are the cellulolytic gut flagellates of termites, which harbor diverse but host-specific bacterial symbionts that occur exclusively in termite guts. One of these lineages, the so-called Endomicrobia, comprises both free-living and endosymbiotic representatives, which offers the unique opportunity to study the evolutionary processes underpinning the transition from a free-living to an intracellular lifestyle. Our results revealed a progressive gene loss in energy metabolism and biosynthetic pathways, compensated by the acquisition of new functions via horizontal gene transfer from other gut bacteria, and suggest the eventual breakdown of an initially mutualistic symbiosis. Evidence for convergent evolution of unrelated endosymbionts reflects adaptations to the intracellular environment of termite gut flagellates.},
}
@article {pmid38742892,
year = {2024},
author = {Martyn, C and Hayes, BM and Lauko, D and Midthun, E and Castaneda, G and Bosco-Lauth, A and Salkeld, DJ and Kistler, A and Pollard, KS and Chou, S},
title = {Metatranscriptomic investigation of single Ixodes pacificus ticks reveals diverse microbes, viruses, and novel mRNA-like endogenous viral elements.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {9},
number = {6},
pages = {e0032124},
pmid = {38742892},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {//Chan Zuckerberg Biohub/ ; R01 AI32851//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; //Gladstone Institutes (J. David Gladstone Institutes)/ ; //Pew Charitable Trusts (PCT)/ ; R01 AI032851/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodes/virology/microbiology ; Transcriptome ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; Microbiota/genetics ; Genome, Viral/genetics ; RNA Viruses/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Bacteria/genetics/virology/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Ticks are increasingly important vectors of human and agricultural diseases. While many studies have focused on tick-borne bacteria, far less is known about tick-associated viruses and their roles in public health or tick physiology. To address this, we investigated patterns of bacterial and viral communities across two field populations of western black-legged ticks (Ixodes pacificus). Through metatranscriptomic analysis of 100 individual ticks, we quantified taxon prevalence, abundance, and co-occurrence with other members of the tick microbiome. In addition to commonly found tick-associated microbes, we assembled 11 novel RNA virus genomes from Rhabdoviridae, Chuviridae, Picornaviridae, Phenuiviridae, Reoviridae, Solemovidiae, Narnaviridae and two highly divergent RNA virus genomes lacking sequence similarity to any known viral families. We experimentally verified the presence of these in I. pacificus ticks across several life stages. We also unexpectedly identified numerous virus-like transcripts that are likely encoded by tick genomic DNA, and which are distinct from known endogenous viral element-mediated immunity pathways in invertebrates. Taken together, our work reveals that I. pacificus ticks carry a greater diversity of viruses than previously appreciated, in some cases resulting in evolutionarily acquired virus-like transcripts. Our findings highlight how pervasive and intimate tick-virus interactions are, with major implications for both the fundamental biology and vectorial capacity of I. pacificus ticks.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Ticks are increasingly important vectors of disease, particularly in the United States where expanding tick ranges and intrusion into previously wild areas has resulted in increasing human exposure to ticks. Emerging human pathogens have been identified in ticks at an increasing rate, and yet little is known about the full community of microbes circulating in various tick species, a crucial first step to understanding how they interact with each and their tick host, as well as their ability to cause disease in humans. We investigated the bacterial and viral communities of the Western blacklegged tick in California and found 11 previously uncharacterized viruses circulating in this population.},
}
@article {pmid38743668,
year = {2024},
author = {Felipin, KP and Paloschi, MV and Silva, MDS and Ikenohuchi, YJ and Santana, HM and Setúbal, SDS and Rego, CMA and Lopes, JA and Boeno, CN and Serrath, SN and De Medeiros, EHRT and Pimentel, IF and Oliveira, AER and Cupolillo, E and Cantanhêde, LM and Ferreira, RGM and Zuliani, JP},
title = {Transcriptomics analysis highlights potential ways in human pathogenesis in Leishmania braziliensis infected with the viral endosymbiont LRV1.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {e0012126},
pmid = {38743668},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Humans ; *Leishmania braziliensis/genetics/immunology ; *Macrophages/immunology/virology ; *Leishmaniavirus/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/immunology ; Brazil ; Symbiosis ; Cytokines/metabolism/genetics ; Transcriptome ; Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous/immunology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {The parasite Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is widely distributed in Brazil and is one of the main species associated with human cases of different forms of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) such as cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucosal leishmaniasis (ML). The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of TL are still not fully understood, but it is known that factors related to the host and the parasite act in a synergistic and relevant way to direct the response to the infection. In the host, macrophages have a central connection with the parasite and play a fundamental role in the defense of the organism due to their ability to destroy intracellular parasites and present antigens. In the parasite, some intrinsic factors related to the species or even the strain analyzed are fundamental for the outcome of the disease. One of them is the presence of Leishmania RNA Virus 1 (LRV1), an endosymbiont virus that parasitizes some species of Leishmania that triggers a cascade of signals leading to a more severe TL phenotype, such as ML. One of the strategies for understanding factors associated with the immune response generated after Leishmania/host interaction is through the analysis of molecular patterns after infection. Thus, the gene expression profile in human monocyte-derived macrophages obtained from healthy donors infected in vitro with L. braziliensis positive (LbLRV1+) and negative (LbLRV1-) for LRV1 was evaluated. For this, the microarray assay was used and 162 differentially expressed genes were identified in the comparison LbLRV1+ vs. LbLRV1-, 126 upregulated genes for the type I and II interferons (IFN) signaling pathway, oligoadenylate synthase OAS/RNAse L, non-genomic actions of vitamin D3 and RIG-I type receptors, and 36 down-regulated. The top 10 downregulated genes along with the top 10 upregulated genes were considered for analysis. Type I interferon (IFNI)- and OAS-related pathways results were validated by RT-qPCR and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines were analyzed by Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The microarray results validated by RT-qPCR showed differential expression of genes related to IFNI-mediated pathways with overexpression of different genes in cells infected with LbLRV1+ compared to LbLRV1- and to the control. No significant differences were found in cytokine levels between LbLRV1+ vs. LbLRV1- and control. The data suggest the activation of gene signaling pathways associated with the presence of LRV1 has not yet been reported so far. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the activation of the OAS/RNase L signaling pathway and the non-genomic actions of vitamin D3 when comparing infections with LbLRV1+ versus LbLRV1- and the control. This finding emphasizes the role of LRV1 in directing the host's immune response after infection, underlining the importance of identifying LRV1 in patients with TL to assess disease progression.},
}
@article {pmid38745070,
year = {2024},
author = {Gimmi, E and Wallisch, J and Vorburger, C},
title = {Ecological divergence despite common mating sites: Genotypes and symbiotypes shed light on cryptic diversity in the black bean aphid species complex.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {132},
number = {6},
pages = {320-330},
pmid = {38745070},
issn = {1365-2540},
support = {31003A_181969//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F&#xf6;rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (Swiss National Science Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; *Genotype ; *Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; *Gene Flow ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Reproductive Isolation ; Genetics, Population ; Hybridization, Genetic ; Seasons ; },
abstract = {Different host plants represent ecologically dissimilar environments for phytophagous insects. The resulting divergent selection can promote the evolution of specialized host races, provided that gene flow is reduced between populations feeding on different plants. In black bean aphids belonging to the Aphis fabae complex, several morphologically cryptic taxa have been described based on their distinct host plant preferences. However, host choice and mate choice are largely decoupled in these insects: they are host-alternating and migrate between specific summer host plants and shared winter hosts, with mating occurring on the shared hosts. This provides a yearly opportunity for gene flow among aphids using different summer hosts, and raises the question if and to what extent the ecologically defined taxa are reproductively isolated. Here, we analyzed a geographically and temporally structured dataset of microsatellite genotypes from A. fabae that were mostly collected from their main winter host Euonymus europaeus, and additionally from another winter host and fourteen summer hosts. The data reveals multiple, strongly differentiated genetic clusters, which differ in their association with different summer and winter hosts. The clusters also differ in the frequency of infection with two heritable, facultative endosymbionts, separately hinting at reproductive isolation and divergent ecological selection. Furthermore, we found evidence for occasional hybridization among genetic clusters, with putative hybrids collected more frequently in spring than in autumn. This suggests that similar to host races in other phytophagous insects, both prezygotic and postzygotic barriers including selection against hybrids maintain genetic differentiation among A. fabae taxa, despite a common mating habitat.},
}
@article {pmid38754321,
year = {2024},
author = {Varasteh, T and Lima, MS and Silva, TA and da Cruz, MLR and Ahmadi, RA and Atella, GC and Attias, M and Swings, J and de Souza, W and Thompson, FL and Thompson, CC},
title = {The dispersant Corexit 9500 and (dispersed) oil are lethal to coral endosymbionts.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {203},
number = {},
pages = {116491},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116491},
pmid = {38754321},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {*Anthozoa/drug effects/physiology ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Petroleum/toxicity ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology/drug effects ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity ; *Petroleum Pollution ; Lipids ; Surface-Active Agents/toxicity ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) play a vital role in the health of corals. Seawater pollution can harm these endosymbionts and dispersants used during oil spill cleanup can be extremely toxic to these organisms. Here, we examined the impact of oil and a specific dispersant, Corexit-9500, on two representative endosymbionts - Symbiodinium and Cladocopium - from the Southwestern endemic coral Mussismilia braziliensis. The survival and photosynthetic potential of the endosymbionts decreased dramatically after exposure to the dispersant and oil by ~25 % after 2 h and ~50 % after 7 days. Low concentrations of dispersant (0.005 ml/l) and dispersed oil (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, 1132 μg/l; Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons, 595 μg/l) proved highly toxic to both Symbiodinium and Cladocopium. These levels triggered a reduction in growth rate, cell size, and cell wall thickness. After a few hours of exposure, cellular organelles were damaged or destroyed. These acute toxic effects underline the fragile nature of coral endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid38754618,
year = {2024},
author = {Soleymani, E and Fakhar, M and Davoodi, L and Motavallihaghi, S and Sharifpour, A and Maghsood, AH},
title = {Isolation, characterization, and pathogenicity assay of Acanthamoeba and its endosymbionts in respiratory disorders and COVID-19 hospitalized patients, northern Iran.},
journal = {Experimental parasitology},
volume = {262},
number = {},
pages = {108774},
doi = {10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108774},
pmid = {38754618},
issn = {1090-2449},
mesh = {Humans ; Iran ; *Acanthamoeba/isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; *COVID-19 ; *Symbiosis ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Male ; Female ; Stenotrophomonas maltophilia/isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Amebiasis/parasitology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Aged ; Vero Cells ; Hospitalization ; Chlorocebus aethiops ; },
abstract = {Acanthamoeba spp., are common free-living amoebae found in nature that can serve as reservoirs for certain microorganisms. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a newly emerged respiratory infection, and the investigation of parasitic infections remains an area of limited research. Given that Acanthamoeba can act as a host for various endosymbiotic microbial pathogens and its pathogenicity assay is not fully understood, this study aimed to identify Acanthamoeba and its bacterial and fungal endosymbionts in patients with chronic respiratory disorders and hospitalized COVID-19 patients in northern Iran. Additionally, a pathogenicity assay was conducted on Acanthamoeba isolates. Urine, nasopharyngeal swab, and respiratory specimens were collected from two groups, and each sample was cultured on 1.5% non-nutrient agar medium. The cultures were then incubated at room temperature and monitored daily for a period of two weeks. Eight Acanthamoeba isolates were identified, and PCR was performed to confirm the presence of amoebae and identify their endosymbionts. Four isolates were found to have bacterial endosymbionts, including Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Achromobacter sp., while two isolates harbored fungal endosymbionts, including an uncultured fungus and Gloeotinia sp. In the pathogenicity assay, five isolates exhibited a higher degree of pathogenicity compared to the other three. This study provides significant insights into the comorbidity of acanthamoebiasis and COVID-19 on a global scale, and presents the first evidence of Gloeotinia sp. as a fungal endosymbiont. Nevertheless, further research is required to fully comprehend the symbiotic patterns and establish effective treatment protocols.},
}
@article {pmid38772333,
year = {2024},
author = {Miyata, M and Nomura, M and Kageyama, D},
title = {Rapid spread of a vertically transmitted symbiont induces drastic shifts in butterfly sex ratio.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {34},
number = {10},
pages = {R490-R492},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.04.027},
pmid = {38772333},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; *Sex Ratio ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; *Butterflies/microbiology/physiology/genetics ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {The causes and consequences of sex-ratio dynamics constitutes a pivotal subject in evolutionary biology[1]. Under conditions of evolutionary equilibrium, the male-to-female ratio tends to be approximately 1:1; however, this equilibrium is susceptible to distortion by selfish genetic elements exemplified by driving sex chromosomes and cytoplasmic elements[2][,][3]. Although previous studies have documented instances of these genetic elements distorting the sex ratio, studies specifically tracking the process with which these distorters spread within populations, leading to a transition from balanced parity to a skewed, female-biased state, are notably lacking. Herein, we present compelling evidence documenting the rapid spread of the cytoplasmic endosymbiont Wolbachia within a localized population of the pierid butterfly Eurema hecabe (Figure 1A). This spread resulted in a shift in the sex ratio from near parity to an exceedingly skewed state overwhelmingly biased toward females, reaching 93.1% within a remarkably brief period of 4 years.},
}
@article {pmid38774956,
year = {2024},
author = {Strand, EL and Wong, KH and Farraj, A and Gray, S and McMenamin, A and Putnam, HM},
title = {Coral species-specific loss and physiological legacy effects are elicited by an extended marine heatwave.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {227},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.246812},
pmid = {38774956},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {1017848//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 1756623//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; *Species Specificity ; Hawaii ; Coral Reefs ; Climate Change ; Symbiosis ; Hot Temperature ; Photosynthesis ; Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; Dinoflagellida/physiology ; },
abstract = {Marine heatwaves are increasing in frequency and intensity, with potentially catastrophic consequences for marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. An extended heatwave and recovery time-series that incorporates multiple stressors and is environmentally realistic can provide enhanced predictive capacity for performance under climate change conditions. We exposed common reef-building corals in Hawai'i, Montipora capitata and Pocillopora acuta, to a 2-month period of high temperature and high PCO2 conditions or ambient conditions in a factorial design, followed by 2 months of ambient conditions. High temperature, rather than high PCO2, drove multivariate physiology shifts through time in both species, including decreases in respiration rates and endosymbiont densities. Pocillopora acuta exhibited more significantly negatively altered physiology, and substantially higher bleaching and mortality than M. capitata. The sensitivity of P. acuta appears to be driven by higher baseline rates of photosynthesis paired with lower host antioxidant capacity, creating an increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. Thermal tolerance of M. capitata may be partly due to harboring a mixture of Cladocopium and Durusdinium spp., whereas P. acuta was dominated by other distinct Cladocopium spp. Only M. capitata survived the experiment, but physiological state in heatwave-exposed M. capitata remained significantly diverged at the end of recovery relative to individuals that experienced ambient conditions. In future climate scenarios, particularly marine heatwaves, our results indicate a species-specific loss of corals that is driven by baseline host and symbiont physiological differences as well as Symbiodiniaceae community compositions, with the surviving species experiencing physiological legacies that are likely to influence future stress responses.},
}
@article {pmid38774968,
year = {2024},
author = {Leybourne, DJ and Whitehead, MA and Will, T},
title = {Genetic diversity in vector populations influences the transmission efficiency of an important plant virus.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {20240095},
pmid = {38774968},
issn = {1744-957X},
mesh = {*Aphids/virology/genetics ; Animals ; *Genetic Variation ; *Insect Vectors/virology/genetics ; *Plant Diseases/virology ; *Luteovirus/genetics/physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The transmission efficiency of aphid-vectored plant viruses can differ between aphid populations. Intra-species diversity (genetic variation, endosymbionts) is a key determinant of aphid phenotype; however, the extent to which intra-species diversity contributes towards variation in virus transmission efficiency is unclear. Here, we use multiple populations of two key aphid species that vector barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) strain PAV (BYDV-PAV), the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) and the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi), and examine how diversity in vector populations influences virus transmission efficiency. We use Illumina sequencing to characterize genetic and endosymbiont variation in multiple Si. avenae and Rh. padi populations and conduct BYDV-PAV transmission experiments to identify links between intra-species diversity in the vector and virus transmission efficiency. We observe limited variation in the transmission efficiency of Si. avenae, with transmission efficiency consistently low for this species. However, for Rh. padi, we observe a range of transmission efficiencies and show that BYDV transmission efficiency is influenced by genetic diversity within the vector, identifying 542 single nucleotide polymorphisms that potentially contribute towards variable transmission efficiency in Rh. padi. Our results represent an important advancement in our understanding of the relationship between genetic diversity, vector-virus interactions, and virus transmission efficiency.},
}
@article {pmid38775916,
year = {2024},
author = {Yamazaki, T and Sawai, K and Takahashi, Y and Matsuo, J},
title = {Characterization of Actin-based Genotypes and Mycoplasma Endosymbionts of Trichomonas vaginalis Isolated in Sapporo, Japan.},
journal = {Acta parasitologica},
volume = {69},
number = {2},
pages = {1324-1328},
pmid = {38775916},
issn = {1896-1851},
mesh = {*Trichomonas vaginalis/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Japan ; *Mycoplasma/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; *Genotype ; *Phylogeny ; *Actins/genetics ; Humans ; *Symbiosis ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Female ; Trichomonas Vaginitis/parasitology ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Trichomonas vaginalis is a causative agent of common non-viral sexually transmitted infections worldwide. However, the biological features, such as genotypes and endosymbionts, of T. vaginalis isolated in Japan remain unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize the actin-based genotypes and the endosymbionts of T. vaginalis isolated in Sapporo, Japan.<br><br>METHODS: Three T. vaginalis clinical strains were isolated in Sapporo, Japan between 2019 and 2022. Actin-based genotyping was conducted by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. The endosymbionts, such as Mycoplasma sp. and Trichomonasvirus, were detected using PCR and RT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, the detected Mycoplasma spp. were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.<br><br>RESULTS: Of the three T. vaginalis strains, two belonged to genotype E, whereas one was genotype G as determined by actin-based genotyping. Two of the T. vaginalis strains harbored Mycoplasma spp. Using nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing, both were identified as Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii. In contrast, the Trichomonasvirus was not found in the T. vaginalis strains.<br><br>CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report on the characterization of actin-based genotypes and the presence of endosymbiotic Ca. M. girerdii in T. vaginalis strains in Japan. Thus, this study will provide an important impetus for future research.},
}
@article {pmid38776328,
year = {2024},
author = {Khosravi, G and Akbarzadeh, K and Karimian, F and Koosha, M and Saeedi, S and Oshaghi, MA},
title = {A survey of Wolbachia infection in brachyceran flies from Iran.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {5},
pages = {e0301274},
pmid = {38776328},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Animals ; Iran ; *Diptera/microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a maternally inherited intracellular bacterium that is considered to be the most plentiful endosymbiont found in arthropods. It reproductively manipulates its host to increase the chances of being transmitted to the insect progeny; and it is currently used as a means of suppressing disease vector populations or controlling vector-borne diseases. Studies of the dissemination and prevalence of Wolbachia among its arthropod hosts are important for its possible use as a biological control agent. The molecular identification of Wolbachia relies on different primers sets due to Wolbachia strain variation. Here, we screened for the presence of Wolbachia in a broad range of Brachycera fly species (Diptera), collected from different regions of Iran, using nine genetic markers (wsp, ftsZ, fbpA, gatB, CoxA, gltA, GroEL dnaA, and 16s rRNA), for detecting, assessing the sensitivity of primers for detection, and phylogeny of this bacterium. The overall incidence of Wolbachia among 22 species from six families was 27.3%. The most commonly positive fly species were Pollenia sp. and Hydrotaea armipes. However, the bacterium was not found in the most medically important flies or in potential human disease vectors, including Musca domestica, Sarcophaga spp., Calliphora vicinia, Lucilia sericata, and Chrysomya albiceps. The primer sets of 16s rRNA with 53.0% and gatB with 52.0% were the most sensitive primers for detecting Wolbachia. Blast search, phylogenetic, and MLST analysis of the different locus sequences of Wolbachia show that all the six distantly related fly species likely belonging to supergroup A. Our study showed some primer sets generated false negatives in many of the samples, emphasizing the importance of using different loci in detecting Wolbachia. The study provides the groundwork for future studies of a Wolbachia-based program for control of flies.},
}
@article {pmid38778070,
year = {2024},
author = {Liu, HQ and Li, HJ and Pan, Q and Xiang, YZ},
title = {Endosymbionts of citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton among different citrus orchards in China.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {519},
pmid = {38778070},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics ; China ; *Citrus ; Larva/microbiology ; *Moths/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts regulate the behavior of pest species, which could provide insights into their control. The citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton) is a widely distributed pest associated with diseases of citrus, especially of young trees. Here, we determined the endosymbiont composition of P. citrella in citrus orchards across China. The resulting dataset comprised average 50,430 high-quality reads for bacterial 16S rRNA V3-V4 regions of endosymbionts from 36 P. citrella larvae sampled from 12 citrus orchards across China. The sequencing depth and sampling size of this dataset were sufficient to reveal most of the endosymbionts of P. citrella. In total, 2,875 bacterial amplicon sequence variants were obtained; taxonomic analysis revealed a total of 372 bacterial genera, most of which were Proteobacteria phylum with Undibacterium being the most abundant genus. This dataset provides the first evidence of P. citrella endosymbionts that could support the development of pest management approaches in citrus orchards.},
}
@article {pmid38784393,
year = {2024},
author = {Scott, TJ and Stephenson, CJ and Rao, S and Queller, DC and Strassmann, JE},
title = {Unpredictable soil conditions can affect the prevalence of a microbial symbiosis.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e17445},
pmid = {38784393},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Dictyostelium/microbiology ; Burkholderiaceae/isolation &amp; purification ; Soil/chemistry ; United States/epidemiology ; Chlamydia/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {The evolution of symbiotic interactions may be affected by unpredictable conditions. However, a link between prevalence of these conditions and symbiosis has not been widely demonstrated. We test for these associations using Dictyostelium discoideum social amoebae and their bacterial endosymbionts. D. discoideum commonly hosts endosymbiotic bacteria from three taxa: Paraburkholderia, Amoebophilus and Chlamydiae. Three species of facultative Paraburkholderia endosymbionts are the best studied and give hosts the ability to carry prey bacteria through the dispersal stage to new environments. Amoebophilus and Chlamydiae are obligate endosymbiont lineages with no measurable impact on host fitness. We tested whether the frequency of both single infections and coinfections of these symbionts were associated with the unpredictability of their soil environments by using symbiont presence-absence data from D. discoideum isolates from 21 locations across the eastern United States. We found that symbiosis across all infection types, symbiosis with Amoebophilus and Chlamydiae obligate endosymbionts, and symbiosis involving coinfections were not associated with any of our measures. However, unpredictable precipitation was associated with symbiosis in two species of Paraburkholderia, suggesting a link between unpredictable conditions and symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid38785194,
year = {2024},
author = {McKee, CD and Peel, AJ and Hayman, DTS and Suu-Ire, R and Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y and Cunningham, AA and Wood, JLN and Webb, CT and Kosoy, MY},
title = {Ectoparasite and bacterial population genetics and community structure indicate extent of bat movement across an island chain.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {151},
number = {7},
pages = {708-721},
pmid = {38785194},
issn = {1469-8161},
support = {//Alborada Trust/ ; //Research England/ ; //Zebra Foundation for Veterinary Zoological Education/ ; //Royal Society Te Ap&#x101;rangi/ ; /WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; //Isaac Newton Trust/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Chiroptera/parasitology/microbiology ; *Bartonella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Diptera/microbiology/genetics ; Ectoparasitic Infestations/parasitology/veterinary/epidemiology ; Islands ; Genetics, Population ; Symbiosis ; Animal Distribution ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Phylogeography ; },
abstract = {Few studies have examined the genetic population structure of vector-borne microparasites in wildlife, making it unclear how much these systems can reveal about the movement of their associated hosts. This study examined the complex host–vector–microbe interactions in a system of bats, wingless ectoparasitic bat flies (Nycteribiidae), vector-borne microparasitic bacteria (Bartonella) and bacterial endosymbionts of flies (Enterobacterales) across an island chain in the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa. Limited population structure was found in bat flies and Enterobacterales symbionts compared to that of their hosts. Significant isolation by distance was observed in the dissimilarity of Bartonella communities detected in flies from sampled populations of Eidolon helvum bats. These patterns indicate that, while genetic dispersal of bats between islands is limited, some non-reproductive movements may lead to the dispersal of ectoparasites and associated microbes. This study deepens our knowledge of the phylogeography of African fruit bats, their ectoparasites and associated bacteria. The results presented could inform models of pathogen transmission in these bat populations and increase our theoretical understanding of community ecology in host–microbe systems.},
}
@article {pmid38786149,
year = {2024},
author = {Löckener, I and Behrmann, LV and Reuter, J and Schiefer, A and Klöckner, A and Krannich, S and Otten, C and Mölleken, K and Ichikawa, S and Hoerauf, A and Schneider, T and Pfarr, KM and Henrichfreise, B},
title = {The MraY Inhibitor Muraymycin D2 and Its Derivatives Induce Enlarged Cells in Obligate Intracellular Chlamydia and Wolbachia and Break the Persistence Phenotype in Chlamydia.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {38786149},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {398967434 - TRR261//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation)/ ; N.a.//BONFOR intramural funding program, Medical Faculty of Bonn University/ ; N.a.//J&#xfc;rgen Manchot foundation/ ; N.a.//FEMHABIL, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn/ ; JP22H02738//JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)/ ; JP22ama121039//AMED/ ; N.a.//Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes/ ; },
abstract = {Chlamydial infections and diseases caused by filarial nematodes are global health concerns. However, treatment presents challenges due to treatment failures potentially caused by persisting Chlamydia and long regimens against filarial infections accompanied by low compliance. A new treatment strategy could be the targeting of the reduced peptidoglycan structures involved in cell division in the obligate intracellular bacteria Chlamydia and Wolbachia, the latter being obligate endosymbionts supporting filarial development, growth, and survival. Here, cell culture experiments with C. trachomatis and Wolbachia showed that the nucleoside antibiotics muraymycin and carbacaprazamycin interfere with bacterial cell division and induce enlarged, aberrant cells resembling the penicillin-induced persistence phenotype in Chlamydia. Enzymatic inhibition experiments with purified C. pneumoniae MraY revealed that muraymycin derivatives abolish the synthesis of the peptidoglycan precursor lipid I. Comparative in silico analyses of chlamydial and wolbachial MraY with the corresponding well-characterized enzyme in Aquifex aeolicus revealed a high degree of conservation, providing evidence for a similar mode of inhibition. Muraymycin D2 treatment eradicated persisting non-dividing C. trachomatis cells from an established penicillin-induced persistent infection. This finding indicates that nucleoside antibiotics may have additional properties that can break bacterial persistence.},
}
@article {pmid38786870,
year = {2024},
author = {Shi, Z and Luo, M and Yuan, J and Gao, B and Yang, M and Wang, G},
title = {CRISPR/Cas9-Based Functional Characterization of SfUGT50A15 Reveals Its Roles in the Resistance of Spodoptera frugiperda to Chlorantraniliprole, Emamectin Benzoate, and Benzoxazinoids.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {38786870},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {No. KQTD20180411143628272//Shenzhen Science and Technology Program/ ; No. PT202101-02//science technology innovation and industrial development of Shenzhen Dapeng New Distric/ ; 32202305//the Youth Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022M723451//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are a diverse superfamily of enzymes. Insects utilize uridine diphosphate-glucose (UDP-glucose) as a glycosyl donor for glycosylation in vivo, involved in the glycosylation of lipophilic endosymbionts and xenobiotics, including phytotoxins. UGTs act as second-stage detoxification metabolizing enzymes, which are essential for the detoxification metabolism of insecticides and benzoxazine compounds. However, the UGT genes responsible for specific glycosylation functions in S. frugiperda are unclear at present. In this study, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 to produce a SfUGT50A15-KO strain to explore its possible function in governing sensitivity to chemical insecticides or benzoxazinoids. The bioassay results suggested that the SfUGT50A15-KO strain was significantly more sensitive to chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, and benzoxazinoids than the wild-type strains. This finding suggests that the overexpression of the SfUGT50A15 gene may be linked to S. frugiperda resistance to pesticides (chlorantraniliprole and emamectin benzoate) as well as benzoxazinoids (BXDs).},
}
@article {pmid38792834,
year = {2024},
author = {Moerbeck, L and Parreira, R and Szczotko, M and Seixas, G and Velez, R and Dmitryjuk, M and Santos, AS and Domingos, A and Antunes, S},
title = {Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Circulating in Peri-Domestic Areas in Mainland Portugal.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {38792834},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2022.14376.BD//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia/ ; },
abstract = {Over the years, tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) have garnered significant interest due to their medical, veterinary and economic importance. Additionally, TBPs have drawn attention to how these microorganisms interact with their own vectors, increasing the risk to human and animal infection of emerging and reemerging zoonoses. In this sense, ticks, which are obligate hematophagous ectoparasites, have a key role in maintaining and transmitting TBPs among humans and animals. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of neglected TBPs in mainland Portugal, namely Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Neoehrlichia mikurensis. DNA fragments were detected in questing ticks collected from five different ecological areas under investigation. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study reports new worldwide findings, including B. bigemina infecting Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. Additionally, it presents new findings in Portugal of N. mikurensis infecting I. ricinus and of presumably Wolbachia endosymbionts being detected in I. ricinus. Overall, there were 208 tick samples that were negative for all screened TBPs. The results herein obtained raise concerns about the circulation of neglected TBPs in mainland Portugal, especially in anthropophilic ticks, highlighting the importance of adopting a One Health perspective.},
}
@article {pmid38796552,
year = {2024},
author = {Wijegunawardana, NDAD and Gunawardene, YINS and Abeyewickreme, W and Chandrasena, TGAN and Thayanukul, P and Kittayapong, P},
title = {Diversity of Wolbachia infections in Sri Lankan mosquitoes with a new record of Wolbachia Supergroup B infecting Aedes aegypti vector populations.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {11966},
pmid = {38796552},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Aedes/microbiology/virology ; Sri Lanka ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; Female ; Male ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Multilocus Sequence Typing/methods ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia bacteria are common endosymbionts of insects and have recently been applied for controlling arboviral vectors, especially Aedes aegypti mosquito populations. However, several medically important mosquito species in Sri Lanka were present with limited information for the Wolbachia infection status. Therefore, the screening of Wolbachia in indigenous mosquitoes is required prior to a successful application of Wolbachia-based vector control strategy. In this study, screening of 78 mosquito species collected from various parts of the country revealed that 13 species were positive for Wolbachia infection, giving ~ 17% infection frequency of Wolbachia among the Sri Lankan mosquitoes. Twelve Wolbachia-positive mosquito species were selected for downstream Wolbachia strain genotyping using Multi Locus Sequencing Type (MLST), wsp gene, and 16S rRNA gene-based approaches. Results showed that these Wolbachia strains clustered together with the present Wolbachia phylogeny of world mosquito populations with some variations. Almost 90% of the mosquito populations were infected with supergroup B while the remaining were infected with supergroup A. A new record of Wolbachia supergroup B infection in Ae. aegypti, the main vectors of dengue, was highlighted. This finding was further confirmed by real-time qPCR, revealing Wolbachia density variations between Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus (p = 0.001), and between males and females (p < 0.05). The evidence of natural Wolbachia infections in Ae. aegypti populations in Sri Lanka is an extremely rare incident that has the potential to be used for arboviral vector control.},
}
@article {pmid38797544,
year = {2024},
author = {Ichegiri, A and Kodolikar, K and Bagade, V and Selukar, M and Dey, T},
title = {Mitochondria: A source of potential biomarkers for non-communicable diseases.},
journal = {Advances in clinical chemistry},
volume = {121},
number = {},
pages = {334-365},
doi = {10.1016/bs.acc.2024.04.007},
pmid = {38797544},
issn = {2162-9471},
mesh = {Humans ; *Biomarkers/metabolism/analysis ; *Mitochondria/metabolism ; *Noncommunicable Diseases ; Neoplasms/metabolism/diagnosis ; Animals ; Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Mitochondria, as an endosymbiont of eukaryotic cells, controls multiple cellular activities, including respiration, reactive oxygen species production, fatty acid synthesis, and death. Though the majority of functional mitochondrial proteins are translated through a nucleus-controlled process, very few of them (∼10%) are translated within mitochondria through their own machinery. Germline and somatic mutations in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA significantly impact mitochondrial homeostasis and function. Such modifications disturbing mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, or mitophagy eventually resulted in cellular pathophysiology. In this chapter, we discussed the impact of mitochondria and its dysfunction on several non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular problems. Mitochondrial dysfunction and its outcome could be screened by currently available omics-based techniques, flow cytometry, and high-resolution imaging. Such characterization could be evaluated as potential biomarkers to assess the disease burden and prognosis.},
}
@article {pmid38804043,
year = {2024},
author = {Owens, LA and Thurber, MI and Goldberg, TL},
title = {CRISPR-Cas9-mediated host signal reduction for 18S metabarcoding of host-associated eukaryotes.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {24},
number = {6},
pages = {e13980},
pmid = {38804043},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {R01 AG049395/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R37 AG049395/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007414/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; 1R21AI163592-01/HI/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; T32AI007414/HI/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 1R01AG049395-01/HI/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI163592/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems ; *Eukaryota/genetics ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Metagenomics/methods ; Humans ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Metabarcoding-based methods for identification of host-associated eukaryotes have the potential to revolutionize parasitology and microbial ecology, yet significant technical challenges remain. In particular, highly abundant host reads can mask the presence of less-abundant target organisms, especially for sample types rich in host DNA (e.g., blood and tissues). Here, we present a new CRISPR-Cas9-mediated approach designed to reduce host signal by selective amplicon digestion, thus enriching clinical samples for eukaryotic endosymbiont sequences during metabarcoding. Our method achieves a nearly 76% increased efficiency in host signal reduction compared with no treatment and a nearly 60% increased efficiency in host signal reduction compared with the most commonly used published method. Furthermore, the application of our method to clinical samples allows for the detection of parasite infections that would otherwise have been missed.},
}
@article {pmid38813885,
year = {2024},
author = {Bennett, GM and Kwak, Y and Maynard, R},
title = {Endosymbioses Have Shaped the Evolution of Biological Diversity and Complexity Time and Time Again.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {38813885},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {NSF-1347116//National Science Foundation/ ; GT15982/HHMI/Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Biological Evolution ; Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; Biodiversity ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Life on Earth comprises prokaryotes and a broad assemblage of endosymbioses. The pages of Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution have provided an essential window into how these endosymbiotic interactions have evolved and shaped biological diversity. Here, we provide a current perspective on this knowledge by drawing on decades of revelatory research published in Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution, and insights from the field at large. The accumulated work illustrates how endosymbioses provide hosts with novel phenotypes that allow them to transition between adaptive landscapes to access environmental resources. Such endosymbiotic relationships have shaped and reshaped life on Earth. The early serial establishment of mitochondria and chloroplasts through endosymbioses permitted massive upscaling of cellular energetics, multicellularity, and terrestrial planetary greening. These endosymbioses are also the foundation upon which all later ones are built, including everything from land-plant endosymbioses with fungi and bacteria to nutritional endosymbioses found in invertebrate animals. Common evolutionary mechanisms have shaped this broad range of interactions. Endosymbionts generally experience adaptive and stochastic genome streamlining, the extent of which depends on several key factors (e.g. mode of transmission). Hosts, in contrast, adapt complex mechanisms of resource exchange, cellular integration and regulation, and genetic support mechanisms to prop up degraded symbionts. However, there are significant differences between endosymbiotic interactions not only in how partners have evolved with each other but also in the scope of their influence on biological diversity. These differences are important considerations for predicting how endosymbioses will persist and adapt to a changing planet.},
}
@article {pmid38821141,
year = {2024},
author = {Hudson, CM and Stalder, D and Vorburger, C},
title = {Clines of resistance to parasitoids: the multifarious effects of temperature on defensive symbioses in insects.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {64},
number = {},
pages = {101208},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2024.101208},
pmid = {38821141},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Temperature ; Insecta/physiology/microbiology/parasitology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Aphids/physiology/microbiology/parasitology ; Diptera/physiology/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Insects are frequently infected with heritable bacterial endosymbionts. Some of them confer resistance to parasitoids. Such defensive symbionts are sensitive to variation in temperature. Drawing predominantly from the literature on aphids and flies, we show that temperature can affect the reliability of maternal transmission and the strength of protection provided by defensive symbionts. Costs of infection with defensive symbionts can also be temperature-dependent and may even turn into benefits under extreme temperatures, for example, when defensive symbionts increase heat tolerance. Alone or in combination, these mechanisms can drive temperature-associated (latitudinal) clines of infection prevalence with defensive symbionts. This has important consequences for host-parasitoid coevolution, as the relative importance of host-encoded vs. symbiont-provided defenses will shift along such clines.},
}
@article {pmid38827308,
year = {2024},
author = {Miller, TC and Bentlage, B},
title = {Seasonal dynamics and environmental drivers of tissue and mucus microbiomes in the staghorn coral Acropora pulchra.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e17421},
pmid = {38827308},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/microbiology ; *Microbiota/physiology/genetics ; *Seasons ; *Coral Reefs ; Mucus/microbiology ; Seawater/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Rainfall-induced coastal runoff represents an important environmental impact in near-shore coral reefs that may affect coral-associated bacterial microbiomes. Shifts in microbiome community composition and function can stress corals and ultimately cause mortality and reef declines. Impacts of environmental stress may be site specific and differ between coral microbiome compartments (e.g., tissue versus mucus). Coastal runoff and associated water pollution represent a major stressor for near-shore reef-ecosystems in Guam, Micronesia.<br><br>METHODS: Acropora pulchra colonies growing on the West Hag&#xe5;t&#xf1;a reef flat in Guam were sampled over a period of 8 months spanning the 2021 wet and dry seasons. To examine bacterial microbiome diversity and composition, samples of A. pulchra tissue and mucus were collected during late April, early July, late September, and at the end of December. Samples were collected from populations in two different habitat zones, near the reef crest (farshore) and close to shore (nearshore). Seawater samples were collected during the same time period to evaluate microbiome dynamics of the waters surrounding coral colonies. Tissue, mucus, and seawater microbiomes were characterized using 16S DNA metabarcoding in conjunction with Illumina sequencing. In addition, water samples were collected to determine fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) concentrations as an indicator of water pollution. Water temperatures were recorded using data loggers and precipitation data obtained from a nearby rain gauge. The correlation structure of environmental parameters (temperature and rainfall), FIB concentrations, and A. pulchra microbiome diversity was evaluated using a structural equation model. Beta diversity analyses were used to investigate spatio-temporal trends of microbiome composition.<br><br>RESULTS: Acropora pulchra microbiome diversity differed between tissues and mucus, with mucus microbiome diversity being similar to the surrounding seawater. Rainfall and associated fluctuations of FIB concentrations were correlated with changes in tissue and mucus microbiomes, indicating their role as drivers of A. pulchra microbiome diversity. A. pulchra tissue microbiome composition remained relatively stable throughout dry and wet seasons; tissues were dominated by Endozoicomonadaceae, coral endosymbionts and putative indicators of coral health. In nearshore A. pulchra tissue microbiomes, Simkaniaceae, putative obligate coral endosymbionts, were more abundant than in A. pulchra colonies growing near the reef crest (farshore). A. pulchra mucus microbiomes were more diverse during the wet season than the dry season, a distinction that was also associated with drastic shifts in microbiome composition. This study highlights the seasonal dynamics of coral microbiomes and demonstrates that microbiome diversity and composition may differ between coral tissues and the surface mucus layer.},
}
@article {pmid38832111,
year = {2024},
author = {Cantin, LJ and Gregory, V and Blum, LN and Foster, JM},
title = {Dual RNA-seq in filarial nematodes and Wolbachia endosymbionts using RNase H based ribosomal RNA depletion.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1418032},
pmid = {38832111},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Lymphatic filariasis is caused by parasitic nematodes and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Many filarial worms contain the bacterium Wolbachia as an obligate endosymbiont. RNA sequencing is a common technique used to study their molecular relationships and to identify potential drug targets against the nematode and bacteria. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is the most abundant RNA species, accounting for 80-90% of the RNA in a sample. To reduce sequencing costs, it is necessary to remove ribosomal reads through poly-A enrichment or ribosomal depletion. Bacterial RNA does not contain a poly-A tail, making it difficult to sequence both the nematode and Wolbachia from the same library preparation using standard poly-A selection. Ribosomal depletion can utilize species-specific oligonucleotide probes to remove rRNA through pull-down or degradation methods. While species-specific probes are commercially available for many commonly studied model organisms, there are currently limited depletion options for filarial parasites. Here, we performed total RNA sequencing from Brugia malayi containing the Wolbachia symbiont (wBm) and designed ssDNA depletion probes against their rRNA sequences. We compared the total RNA library to poly-A enriched, Terminator 5'-Phosphate-Dependent Exonuclease treated, NEBNext Human/Bacteria rRNA depleted and our custom nematode probe depleted libraries. The custom nematode depletion library had the lowest percentage of ribosomal reads across all methods, with a 300-fold decrease in rRNA when compared to the total RNA library. The nematode depletion libraries also contained the highest percentage of Wolbachia mRNA reads, resulting in a 16-1,000-fold increase in bacterial reads compared to the other enrichment and depletion methods. Finally, we found that the Brugia malayi depletion probes can remove rRNA from the filarial worm Dirofilaria immitis and the majority of rRNA from the more distantly related free living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. These custom filarial probes will allow for future dual RNA-seq experiments between nematodes and their bacterial symbionts from a single sequencing library.},
}
@article {pmid38832800,
year = {2024},
author = {Takasu, R and Izu, T and Nakabachi, A},
title = {A limited concentration range of diaphorin, a polyketide produced by a bacterial symbiont of the Asian citrus psyllid, promotes the in vitro gene expression with bacterial ribosomes.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {12},
number = {7},
pages = {e0017024},
pmid = {38832800},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {20H02998//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
mesh = {*Hemiptera/microbiology ; Animals ; *Ribosomes/metabolism/genetics ; *Polyketides/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Escherichia coli/genetics/metabolism ; *Bacillus subtilis/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Citrus/microbiology ; Gammaproteobacteria/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Diaphorin is a polyketide produced by "Candidatus Profftella armatura" (Gammaproteobacteria: Burkholderiales), an obligate symbiont of a devastating agricultural pest, the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). Physiological concentrations of diaphorin, which D. citri contains at levels as high as 2-20 mM, are inhibitory to various eukaryotes and Bacillus subtilis (Firmicutes: Bacilli) but promote the growth and metabolic activity of Escherichia coli (Gammaproteobacteria: Enterobacterales). Our previous study demonstrated that 5-mM diaphorin, which exhibits significant inhibitory and promoting effects on cultured B. subtilis and E. coli, respectively, inhibits in vitro gene expression utilizing purified B. subtilis and E. coli ribosomes. This suggested that the adverse effects of diaphorin on B. subtilis are partly due to its influence on gene expression. However, the result appeared inconsistent with the positive impact on E. coli. Moreover, the diaphorin concentration in bacterial cells, where genes are expressed in vivo, may be lower than in culture media. Therefore, the present study analyzed the effects of 50 and 500 µM of diaphorin on bacterial gene expression using the same analytical method. The result revealed that this concentration range of diaphorin, in contrast to 5-mM diaphorin, promotes the in vitro translation with the B. subtilis and E. coli ribosomes, suggesting that the positive effects of diaphorin on E. coli are due to its direct effects on translation. This study demonstrated for the first time that a pederin-type compound promotes gene expression, establishing a basis for utilizing its potential in pest management and industrial applications.IMPORTANCEThis study revealed that a limited concentration range of diaphorin, a secondary metabolite produced by a bacterial symbiont of an agricultural pest, promotes cell-free gene expression utilizing substrates and proteins purified from bacteria. The unique property of diaphorin, which is inhibitory to various eukaryotes and Bacillus subtilis but promotes the growth and metabolic activity of Escherichia coli, may affect the microbial flora of the pest insect, potentially influencing the transmission of devastating plant pathogens. Moreover, the activity may be exploited to improve the efficacy of industrial production by E. coli, which is often used to produce various important materials, including pharmaceuticals, enzymes, amino acids, and biofuels. This study elucidated a part of the mechanism by which the unique activity of diaphorin is expressed, constructing a foundation for applying the distinct property to pest management and industrial use.},
}
@article {pmid38835259,
year = {2024},
author = {Choi, A and Seong, JW and Kim, JH and Lee, JY and Cho, HJ and Kang, SA and Park, MK and Jeong, MJ and Choi, SY and Jeong, YJ and Yu, HS},
title = {Presence and diversity of free-living amoebae and their potential application as water quality indicators.},
journal = {Parasites, hosts and diseases},
volume = {62},
number = {2},
pages = {180-192},
pmid = {38835259},
issn = {2982-6799},
mesh = {*Amoeba/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; *Water Quality ; Phylogeny ; Rivers/parasitology ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Acanthamoeba/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Biodiversity ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Free-living amoebae (FLA) are found in diverse environments, such as soils, rivers, and seas. Hence, they can be used as bioindicators to assess the water quality based solely on their presence. In this study, we determined the presence of FLA in river water by filtering water samples collected from various sites and culturing the resulting filtrates. FLA were detected in all the water samples with varying quality grades (Grades Ι-V). The significant increase in the size of the amoebae population with the deterioration in the water quality. Monoxenic cultures of the amoebae were performed, and genomic DNAs were isolated, among which 18S rDNAs were sequenced to identify the amoeba species. Of the 12 species identified, 10 belonged to the Acanthamoeba genus; of the remaining 2 species, one was identified as Vannella croatica and the other as a species of Vermamoeba. Acanthamoeba was detected in samples with Grades Ι to VI quality, whereas the Vermamoeba species was present only in Grade Ι water. V. croatica was found exclusively in water with Grade ΙΙ quality. Following morphological observations, genomic DNA was sequenced using 16S rDNA to determine whether the species of Acanthamoeba harbored endosymbionts. Most of the isolated Acanthamoeba contained endosymbionts, among which 4 species of endogenous bacteria were identified and examined using transmission electron microscopy. This study provides evidence that the distribution of amoebae other than Acanthamoeba may be associated with water quality. However, further confirmation will be required based on accurate water quality ratings and assessments using a more diverse range of FLA.},
}
@article {pmid38837987,
year = {2024},
author = {Senbill, H and Karawia, D and Zeb, J and Alyami, NM and Almeer, R and Rahman, S and Sparagano, O and Baruah, A},
title = {Molecular screening and genetic diversity of tick-borne pathogens associated with dogs and livestock ticks in Egypt.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {e0012185},
pmid = {38837987},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; Egypt/epidemiology ; Dogs ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology/veterinary/parasitology ; *Dog Diseases/parasitology/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Genetic Variation ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/parasitology ; *Camelus/parasitology/microbiology ; Sheep ; Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; Ticks/microbiology/parasitology ; Livestock/parasitology/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Female ; Anaplasma/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; Male ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) offer optimal climatic conditions for tick reproduction and dispersal. Research on tick-borne pathogens in this region is scarce. Despite recent advances in the characterization and taxonomic explanation of various tick-borne illnesses affecting animals in Egypt, no comprehensive examination of TBP (tick-borne pathogen) statuses has been performed. Therefore, the present study aims to detect the prevalence of pathogens harbored by ticks in Egypt.<br><br>A four-year PCR-based study was conducted to detect a wide range of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) harbored by three economically important tick species in Egypt. Approximately 86.7% (902/1,040) of the investigated Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from camels were found positive with Candidatus Anaplasma camelii (18.8%), Ehrlichia ruminantium (16.5%), Rickettsia africae (12.6%), Theileria annulata (11.9%), Mycoplasma arginini (9.9%), Borrelia burgdorferi (7.7%), Spiroplasma-like endosymbiont (4.0%), Hepatozoon canis (2.4%), Coxiella burnetii (1.6%) and Leishmania infantum (1.3%). Double co-infections were recorded in 3.0% (27/902) of Hy. dromedarii ticks, triple co-infections (simultaneous infection of the tick by three pathogen species) were found in 9.6% (87/902) of Hy. dromedarii ticks, whereas multiple co-infections (simultaneous infection of the tick by &#x2265; four pathogen species) comprised 12% (108/902). Out of 1,435 investigated Rhipicephalus rutilus ticks collected from dogs and sheep, 816 (56.9%) ticks harbored Babesia canis vogeli (17.1%), Rickettsia conorii (16.2%), Ehrlichia canis (15.4%), H. canis (13.6%), Bo. burgdorferi (9.7%), L. infantum (8.4%), C. burnetii (7.3%) and Trypanosoma evansi (6.6%) in dogs, and 242 (16.9%) ticks harbored Theileria lestoquardi (21.6%), Theileria ovis (20.0%) and Eh. ruminantium (0.3%) in sheep. Double, triple, and multiple co-infections represented 11% (90/816), 7.6% (62/816), and 10.3% (84/816), respectively in Rh. rutilus from dogs, whereas double and triple co-infections represented 30.2% (73/242) and 2.1% (5/242), respectively in Rh. rutilus from sheep. Approximately 92.5% (1,355/1,465) of Rhipicephalus annulatus ticks of cattle carried a burden of Anaplasma marginale (21.3%), Babesia bigemina (18.2%), Babesia bovis (14.0%), Borrelia theleri (12.8%), R. africae (12.4%), Th. annulata (8.7%), Bo. burgdorferi (2.7%), and Eh. ruminantium (2.5%). Double, triple, and multiple co-infections represented 1.8% (25/1,355), 11.5% (156/1,355), and 12.9% (175/1,355), respectively. The detected pathogens' sequences had 98.76-100% similarity to the available database with genetic divergence ranged between 0.0001 to 0.0009% to closest sequences from other African, Asian, and European countries. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close similarities between the detected pathogens and other isolates mostly from African and Asian countries.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Continuous PCR-detection of pathogens transmitted by ticks is necessary to overcome the consequences of these infection to the hosts. More restrictions should be applied from the Egyptian authorities on animal importations to limit the emergence and re-emergence of tick-borne pathogens in the country. This is the first in-depth investigation of TBPs in Egypt.},
}
@article {pmid38839975,
year = {2024},
author = {Mitchell, JH and Freedman, AH and Delaney, JA and Girguis, PR},
title = {Co-expression analysis reveals distinct alliances around two carbon fixation pathways in hydrothermal vent symbionts.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {6},
pages = {1526-1539},
pmid = {38839975},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {9208//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation)/ ; 1940100//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; 80NSSC19K1427//NASA | NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI)/ ; },
mesh = {*Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology ; *Carbon Cycle ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Polychaeta/metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Citric Acid Cycle ; Sulfides/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Hydrogenase/metabolism/genetics ; Chemoautotrophic Growth ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Nitrates/metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Most autotrophic organisms possess a single carbon fixation pathway. The chemoautotrophic symbionts of the hydrothermal vent tubeworm Riftia pachyptila, however, possess two functional pathways: the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) and the reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycles. How these two pathways are coordinated is unknown. Here we measured net carbon fixation rates, transcriptional/metabolic responses and transcriptional co-expression patterns of Riftia pachyptila endosymbionts by incubating tubeworms collected from the East Pacific Rise at environmental pressures, temperature and geochemistry. Results showed that rTCA and CBB transcriptional patterns varied in response to different geochemical regimes and that each pathway is allied to specific metabolic processes; the rTCA is allied to hydrogenases and dissimilatory nitrate reduction, whereas the CBB is allied to sulfide oxidation and assimilatory nitrate reduction, suggesting distinctive yet complementary roles in metabolic function. Furthermore, our network analysis implicates the rTCA and a group 1e hydrogenase as key players in the physiological response to limitation of sulfide and oxygen. Net carbon fixation rates were also exemplary, and accordingly, we propose that co-activity of CBB and rTCA may be an adaptation for maintaining high carbon fixation rates, conferring a fitness advantage in dynamic vent environments.},
}
@article {pmid38842327,
year = {2024},
author = {Sosa-Jiménez, VM and Kvist, S and Manzano-Marín, A and Oceguera-Figueroa, A},
title = {Discovery of a novel symbiotic lineage associated with a hematophagous leech from the genus Haementeria.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {12},
number = {7},
pages = {e0428623},
pmid = {38842327},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {PAPIIT-UNAM-IN213520//Universidad Nacional Aut&#xf3;noma de M&#xe9;xico (UNAM)/ ; 84027//European Commission (EC)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Leeches/microbiology/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; Providencia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/metabolism/classification/physiology ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Similarly to other strict blood feeders, leeches from the Haementeria genus (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae) have established a symbiotic association with bacteria harbored intracellularly in esophageal bacteriomes. Previous genome sequence analyses of these endosymbionts revealed co-divergence with their hosts, a strong genome reduction, and a simplified metabolism largely dedicated to the production of B vitamins, which are nutrients lacking from a blood diet. 'Candidatus Providencia siddallii' has been identified as the obligate nutritional endosymbiont of a monophyletic clade of Mexican and South American Haementeria spp. However, the Haementeria genus includes a sister clade of congeners from Central and South America, where the presence or absence of the aforementioned symbiont taxon remains unknown. In this work, we report on a novel bacterial endosymbiont found in a representative from this Haementeria clade. We found that this symbiont lineage has evolved from within the Pluralibacter genus, known mainly from clinical but also environmental strains. Similarly to Ca. Providencia siddallii, the Haementeria-associated Pluralibacter symbiont displays clear signs of genome reduction, accompanied by an A+T-biased sequence composition. Genomic analysis of its metabolic potential revealed a retention of pathways related to B vitamin biosynthesis, supporting its role as a nutritional endosymbiont. Finally, comparative genomics of both Haementeria symbiont lineages suggests that an ancient Providencia symbiont was likely replaced by the novel Pluralibacter one, thus constituting the first reported case of nutritional symbiont replacement in a leech without morphological changes in the bacteriome.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Obligate symbiotic associations with a nutritional base have likely evolved more than once in strict blood-feeding leeches. Unlike those symbioses found in hematophagous arthropods, the nature, identity, and evolutionary history of these remains poorly studied. In this work, we further explored obligate nutritional associations between Haementeria leeches and their microbial symbionts, which led to the unexpected discovery of a novel symbiosis with a member of the Pluralibacter genus. When compared to Providencia siddallii, an obligate nutritional symbiont of other Haementeria leeches, this novel bacterial symbiont shows convergent retention of the metabolic pathways involved in B vitamin biosynthesis. Moreover, the genomic characteristics of this Pluralibacter symbiont suggest a more recent association than that of Pr. siddallii and Haementeria. We conclude that the once-thought stable associations between blood-feeding Glossiphoniidae and their symbionts (i.e., one bacteriome structure, one symbiont lineage) can break down, mirroring symbiont turnover observed in various arthropod lineages.},
}
@article {pmid38851009,
year = {2024},
author = {Abuin-Denis, L and Piloto-Sardiñas, E and Maitre, A and Wu-Chuang, A and Mateos-Hernández, L and Paulino, PG and Bello, Y and Bravo, FL and Gutierrez, AA and Fernández, RR and Castillo, AF and Mellor, LM and Foucault-Simonin, A and Obregon, D and Estrada-García, MP and Rodríguez-Mallon, A and Cabezas-Cruz, A},
title = {Differential nested patterns of Anaplasma marginale and Coxiella-like endosymbiont across Rhipicephalus microplus ontogeny.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {286},
number = {},
pages = {127790},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2024.127790},
pmid = {38851009},
issn = {1618-0623},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rhipicephalus/microbiology ; *Anaplasma marginale ; *Symbiosis ; *Coxiella/genetics ; *Larva/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Microbiota ; Nymph/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; },
abstract = {Understanding the intricate ecological interactions within the microbiome of arthropod vectors is crucial for elucidating disease transmission dynamics and developing effective control strategies. In this study, we investigated the ecological roles of Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) and Anaplasma marginale across larval, nymphal, and adult stages of Rhipicephalus microplus. We hypothesized that CLE would show a stable, nested pattern reflecting co-evolution with the tick host, while A. marginale would exhibit a more dynamic, non-nested pattern influenced by environmental factors and host immune responses. Our findings revealed a stable, nested pattern characteristic of co-evolutionary mutualism for CLE, occurring in all developmental stages of the tick. Conversely, A. marginale exhibited variable occurrence but exerted significant influence on microbial community structure, challenging our initial hypotheses of its non-nested dynamics. Furthermore, in silico removal of both microbes from the co-occurrence networks altered network topology, underscoring their central roles in the R. microplus microbiome. Notably, competitive interactions between CLE and A. marginale were observed in nymphal network, potentially reflecting the impact of CLE on the pathogen transstadial-transmission. These findings shed light on the complex ecological dynamics within tick microbiomes and have implications for disease management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid38855918,
year = {2024},
author = {Mulio, S&#xc5; and Zwolińska, A and Klejdysz, T and Prus-Frankowska, M and Michalik, A and Kolasa, M and Łukasik, P},
title = {Limited variation in microbial communities across populations of Macrosteles leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {e13279},
pmid = {38855918},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {PPN/PPO/2018/1/00015//Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej/ ; RGP 0024/2015//Human Frontier Science Program/ ; 2018/30/E/NZ8/00880//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/04526//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbiota ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Phylogeny ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; },
abstract = {Microbial symbionts play crucial roles in insect biology, yet their diversity, distribution, and temporal dynamics across host populations remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the spatio-temporal distribution of bacterial symbionts within the widely distributed and economically significant leafhopper genus Macrosteles, with a focus on Macrosteles laevis. Using host and symbiont marker gene amplicon sequencing, we explored the intricate relationships between these insects and their microbial partners. Our analysis of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene data revealed several intriguing findings. First, there was no strong genetic differentiation across M. laevis populations, suggesting gene flow among them. Second, we observed significant levels of heteroplasmy, indicating the presence of multiple mitochondrial haplotypes within individuals. Third, parasitoid infections were prevalent, highlighting the complex ecological interactions involving leafhoppers. The 16S rRNA data confirmed the universal presence of ancient nutritional endosymbionts-Sulcia and Nasuia-in M. laevis. Additionally, we found a high prevalence of Arsenophonus, another common symbiont. Interestingly, unlike most previously studied species, M. laevis exhibited only occasional cases of infection with known facultative endosymbionts and other bacteria. Notably, there was no significant variation in symbiont prevalence across different populations or among sampling years within the same population. Comparatively, facultative endosymbionts such as Rickettsia, Wolbachia, Cardinium and Lariskella were more common in other Macrosteles species. These findings underscore the importance of considering both host and symbiont dynamics when studying microbial associations. By simultaneously characterizing host and symbiont marker gene amplicons in large insect collections, we gain valuable insights into the intricate interplay between insects and their microbial partners. Understanding these dynamics contributes to our broader comprehension of host-microbe interactions in natural ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid38857239,
year = {2024},
author = {Martinez-Villegas, L and Lado, P and Klompen, H and Wang, S and Cummings, C and Pesapane, R and Short, SM},
title = {The microbiota of Amblyomma americanum reflects known westward expansion.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {6},
pages = {e0304959},
pmid = {38857239},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; Female ; Male ; *Amblyomma/microbiology ; United States ; Ixodidae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Amblyomma americanum, a known vector of multiple tick-borne pathogens, has expanded its geographic distribution across the United States in the past decades. Tick microbiomes may play a role shaping their host's life history and vectorial capacity. Bacterial communities associated with A. americanum may reflect, or enable, geographic expansion and studying the microbiota will improve understanding of tick-borne disease ecology. We examined the microbiota structure of 189 adult ticks collected in four regions encompassing their historical and current geographic distribution. Both geographic region of origin and sex were significant predictors of alpha diversity. As in other tick models, within-sample diversity was low and uneven given the presence of dominant endosymbionts. Beta diversity analyses revealed that bacterial profiles of ticks of both sexes collected in the West were significantly different from those of the Historic range. Biomarkers were identified for all regions except the historical range. In addition, Bray-Curtis dissimilarities overall increased with distance between sites. Relative quantification of ecological processes showed that, for females and males, respectively, drift and dispersal limitation were the primary drivers of community assembly. Collectively, our findings highlight how microbiota structural variance discriminates the western-expanded populations of A. americanum ticks from the Historical range. Spatial autocorrelation, and particularly the detection of non-selective ecological processes, are indicative of geographic isolation. We also found that prevalence of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum ranged from 3.40-5.11% and did not significantly differ by region. Rickettsia rickettsii was absent from our samples. Our conclusions demonstrate the value of synergistic analysis of biogeographic and microbial ecology data in investigating range expansion in A. americanum and potentially other tick vectors as well.},
}
@article {pmid38857958,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, D and Li, Y and Yu, Y and Ouyang, X and Xiong, X and Jin, S and Jiao, J},
title = {[Investigation of tick - borne Rickettsia in selected areas of Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province in 2023].},
journal = {Zhongguo xue xi chong bing fang zhi za zhi = Chinese journal of schistosomiasis control},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {154-158},
doi = {10.16250/j.32.1374.2023167},
pmid = {38857958},
issn = {1005-6661},
support = {32000139//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; SKLPBS2217//Open Research Project of State Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism Biosafety/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; China/epidemiology ; Sheep ; Cattle ; Rickettsia Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary ; Ticks/microbiology ; Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of tick-borne rickettsial infections in selected areas of Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province, 2023, so as to provide insights into the management of tick-borne rickettsioses in the city.<br><br>METHODS: Ticks were captured from the body surface of bovines and sheep in Gaoxing Village, Dashan Township, Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province during the period between April and June, 2023, and tick species were identified using morphological and molecular biological techniques. In addition, tick-borne Rickettsia was identified using a nested PCR assay, including spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR), Coxiella spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Orientia spp., and positive amplified fragments were sequenced and aligned with known sequences accessed in the GenBank database.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 200 ticks were collected and all tick species were identified as Rhipicephalus microplus. Nestle PCR assay combined with sequencing identified ticks carrying Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis (40.50%), Coxiella burnetii (1.50%), and Coxiella-like endosymbionts (27.00%), and Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. or Orientsia spp. was not detected.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: R. microplus carried Candidatus R. jingxinensis, C. burnetii, and Coxiella-like endosymbionts in selected areas of Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province. Intensified monitoring of tickborne rickettsial infections is needed in livestock and humans to reduce the damages caused by rickettsioses.},
}
@article {pmid38861456,
year = {2024},
author = {Wierz, JC and Gimmel, ML and Huthmacher, S and Engl, T and Kaltenpoth, M},
title = {Evolutionary history of tyrosine-supplementing endosymbionts in pollen-feeding beetles.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38861456},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {819585/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; //Max Planck Society/ ; //Schlinger Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Coleoptera/microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Tyrosine/metabolism ; Pollen/microbiology ; Gammaproteobacteria/genetics/metabolism/classification ; Biological Evolution ; Genome, Bacterial ; Larva/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Many insects feeding on nutritionally challenging diets like plant sap, leaves, or wood engage in ancient associations with bacterial symbionts that supplement limiting nutrients or produce digestive or detoxifying enzymes. However, the distribution, function, and evolutionary dynamics of microbial symbionts in insects exploiting other plant tissues or relying on a predacious diet remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the evolutionary history and function of the intracellular gamma-proteobacterial symbiont "Candidatus Dasytiphilus stammeri" in soft-winged flower beetles (Coleoptera, Melyridae, Dasytinae) that transition from saprophagy or carnivory to palynivory (pollen-feeding) between larval and adult stage. Reconstructing the distribution of the symbiont within the Dasytinae phylogeny unraveled not only a long-term coevolution, originating from a single acquisition event with subsequent host-symbiont codiversification, but also several independent symbiont losses. The analysis of 20 different symbiont genomes revealed that their genomes are severely eroded. However, the universally retained shikimate pathway indicates that the core metabolic contribution to their hosts is the provisioning of tyrosine for cuticle sclerotization and melanization. Despite the high degree of similarity in gene content and order across symbiont strains, the capacity to synthesize additional essential amino acids and vitamins and to recycle urea is retained in some but not all symbionts, suggesting ecological differences among host lineages. This report of tyrosine-provisioning symbionts in insects with saprophagous or carnivorous larvae and pollen-feeding adults expands our understanding of tyrosine supplementation as an important symbiont-provided benefit across a broad range of insects with diverse feeding ecologies.},
}
@article {pmid38863001,
year = {2024},
author = {Huang, Z and Wang, D and Zhou, J and He, H and Wei, C},
title = {Segregation of endosymbionts in complex symbiotic system of cicadas providing novel insights into microbial symbioses and evolutionary dynamics of symbiotic organs in sap-feeding insects.},
journal = {Frontiers in zoology},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {15},
pmid = {38863001},
issn = {1742-9994},
support = {32270496//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32070476//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The most extraordinary systems of symbiosis in insects are found in the suborder Auchenorrhyncha of Hemiptera, which provide unique perspectives for uncovering complicated insect-microbe symbiosis. We investigated symbionts associated with bacteriomes and fat bodies in six cicada species, and compared transmitted cell number ratio of related symbionts in ovaries among species. We reveal that Sulcia and Hodgkinia or a yeast-like fungal symbiont (YLS) are segregated from other host tissues by the bacteriomes in the nymphal stage, then some of them may migrate to other organs (i.e., fat bodies and ovaries) during host development. Particularly, YLS resides together with Sulcia in the "symbiont ball" of each egg and the bacteriomes of young-instar nymphs, but finally migrates to the fat bodies of adults in the majority of Hodgkinia-free cicadas, whereas it resides in both bacteriome sheath and fat bodies of adults in a few other species. The transmitted Sulcia/YLS or Sulcia/Hodgkinia cell number ratio in ovaries varies significantly among species, which could be related to the distribution and/or lineage splitting of symbiont(s). Rickettsia localizes to the nuclei of bacteriomes and fat bodies in some species, but it was not observed to be transmitted to the ovaries, indicating that this symbiont may be acquired from environments or from father to offspring. The considerable difference in the transovarial transmission process of symbionts suggests that cellular mechanisms underlying the symbiont transmission are complex. Our results may provide novel insights into insect-microbe symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid38863830,
year = {2024},
author = {Fan, W and Li, P and Wei, Q and Liu, X and Cai, Y and Li, B and Lu, Y},
title = {Metagenomic next-generation sequencing-assisted diagnosis of a rare case of primary cutaneous acanthamoebiasis in an HIV patient: a case report.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1356095},
pmid = {38863830},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; *Amebiasis/diagnosis/parasitology/drug therapy ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Middle Aged ; *Acanthamoeba/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *HIV Infections/complications ; Skin/pathology/parasitology ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {Pathogenic and free-living Acanthamoeba are widely distributed in the environment and have been reported to cause keratitis and universally fatal encephalitis. Primary cutaneous acanthamoebiasis caused by Acanthamoeba is exceedingly rare and presents as isolated necrotic cutaneous lesions without involvement of the cornea or central nervous system. Cutaneous acanthamoebiasis often occurs in immunocompromised patients and is likely overlooked or even misdiagnosed only by cutaneous biopsy tissue histopathological analysis. Here, we report a HIV-infected 63-year-old female with oral leukoplakia for 4 months and scattered large skin ulcers all over the body for 2 months. The cause of the cutaneous lesions was unclear through cutaneous specimens histopathological analysis, and subsequently Acanthamoeba were detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), which may be the cause of cutaneous lesions. Based on the mNGS results, a pathologist subsequently reviewed the previous pathological slides and found trophozoites of Acanthamoeba so that the cause was identified, and the skin ulcers improved significantly after treatment with multi-drug combination therapy. Acanthamoeba is also a host of pathogenic microorganisms. The presence of endosymbionts enhances the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba, and no other pathogens were reported in this case. mNGS is helpful for rapidly diagnosing the etiology of rare skin diseases and can indicate the presence or absence of commensal microorganisms.},
}
@article {pmid38864644,
year = {2024},
author = {Nag, M and Seal, A},
title = {Draft genome announcement of Bacillus velezensis TSB6.1 isolated as a culturable endosymbiont of a nitrogen-fixing endophytic yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa JGTA-S1.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {e0120223},
pmid = {38864644},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {CRG/2019/000378//DST | Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)/ ; },
abstract = {We here report the genome of Bacillus velezensis TSB6.1 isolated as a culturable endosymbiont of an endophytic yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa JGTA-S1. TSB6.1 has a genome size of approximately 4.50 Mb, with 4,597 genes, 45.54% GC content, 3 rRNAs, and 73 tRNAs.},
}
@article {pmid38867757,
year = {2024},
author = {Schvarcz, CR and Stancheva, R and Turk-Kubo, KA and Wilson, ST and Zehr, JP and Edwards, KF and Steward, GF and Archibald, JM and Oatley, G and Sinclair, E and Santos, C and Paulini, M and Aunin, E and Gettle, N and Niu, H and McKenna, V and O'Brien, R and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The genome sequences of the marine diatom Epithemia pelagica strain UHM3201 (Schvarcz, Stancheva &amp; Steward, 2022) and its nitrogen-fixing, endosymbiotic cyanobacterium.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {232},
pmid = {38867757},
issn = {2398-502X},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {We present the genome assembly of the pennate diatom Epithemia pelagica strain UHM3201 (Ochrophyta; Bacillariophyceae; Rhopalodiales; Rhopalodiaceae) and that of its cyanobacterial endosymbiont (Chroococcales: Aphanothecaceae). The genome sequence of the diatom is 60.3 megabases in span, and the cyanobacterial genome has a length of 2.48 megabases. Most of the diatom nuclear genome assembly is scaffolded into 15 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The organelle genomes have also been assembled, with the mitochondrial genome 40.08 kilobases and the plastid genome 130.75 kilobases in length. A number of other prokaryote MAGs were also assembled.},
}
@article {pmid38869236,
year = {2024},
author = {Taprogge, M and Grath, S},
title = {Modelling suggests Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility in oak gall wasps with cyclical parthenogenesis.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {37},
number = {8},
pages = {926-934},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voae077},
pmid = {38869236},
issn = {1420-9101},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; *Wasps/microbiology/physiology ; Female ; *Parthenogenesis ; Male ; Quercus/microbiology ; Models, Biological ; Symbiosis ; Cytoplasm ; },
abstract = {Oak gall wasps typically exhibit a life cycle with one sexual and one asexual generation each year. These wasps can carry various endosymbionts, one of which is the maternally inherited bacterium Wolbachia that can induce several reproductive manipulations on its host. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) has been described as the most prominent of these manipulations. CI leads to embryonic mortality in the hosts' offspring when infected males mate with either uninfected females or with females that harbour different Wolbachia strains. It has been hypothesized that Wolbachia can induce CI in oak gall wasps. To address this hypothesis, we derived a mathematical model to investigate the spread of a bacterial infection in naive populations and to determine the plausibility of CI occurrence. To validate our model, we used published data from Wolbachia-infected Belonocnema kinseyi populations in two approaches. Our first approach uses measurements of infection frequencies and maternal transmission in the sexual generation. For the second approach, we extended the model to compare predictions to estimates of mtDNA-haplotypes, which, like Wolbachia, are maternally inherited, and can therefore be associated with the infection. Both approaches indicate that CI is present in these populations. Our model can be generalized to investigate the occurrence of CI not only for oak gall wasps but also for other species.},
}
@article {pmid38874172,
year = {2024},
author = {Wierz, JC and Dirksen, P and Kirsch, R and Krüsemer, R and Weiss, B and Pauchet, Y and Engl, T and Kaltenpoth, M},
title = {Intracellular symbiont Symbiodolus is vertically transmitted and widespread across insect orders.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38874172},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {//Max Planck Society/ ; ERC CoG 819585/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Female ; *Insecta/microbiology ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Insects engage in manifold interactions with bacteria that can shift along the parasitism-mutualism continuum. However, only a small number of bacterial taxa managed to successfully colonize a wide diversity of insects, by evolving mechanisms for host-cell entry, immune evasion, germline tropism, reproductive manipulation, and/or by providing benefits to the host that stabilize the symbiotic association. Here, we report on the discovery of an Enterobacterales endosymbiont (Symbiodolus, type species Symbiodolus clandestinus) that is widespread across at least six insect orders and occurs at high prevalence within host populations. Fluorescence in situ hybridization in several Coleopteran and one Dipteran species revealed Symbiodolus' intracellular presence in all host life stages and across tissues, with a high abundance in female ovaries, indicating transovarial vertical transmission. Symbiont genome sequencing across 16 host taxa revealed a high degree of functional conservation in the eroding and transposon-rich genomes. All sequenced Symbiodolus genomes encode for multiple secretion systems, alongside effectors and toxin-antitoxin systems, which likely facilitate host-cell entry and interactions with the host. However, Symbiodolus-infected insects show no obvious signs of disease, and biosynthetic pathways for several amino acids and cofactors encoded by the bacterial genomes suggest that the symbionts may also be able to provide benefits to the hosts. A lack of host-symbiont cospeciation provides evidence for occasional horizontal transmission, so Symbiodolus' success is likely based on a mixed transmission mode. Our findings uncover a hitherto undescribed and widespread insect endosymbiont that may present valuable opportunities to unravel the molecular underpinnings of symbiosis establishment and maintenance.},
}
@article {pmid38874391,
year = {2024},
author = {Lin, S and Li, L and Zhou, Z and Yuan, H and Saad, OS and Tang, J and Cai, W and Yu, K and Lin, S},
title = {Higher genotypic diversity and distinct assembly mechanism of free-living Symbiodiniaceae assemblages than sympatric coral-endosymbiotic assemblages in a tropical coral reef.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {e0051424},
pmid = {38874391},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {GHYF2022008//Hainan Science and Technology Cooperation Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Dinoflagellida/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Coral Reefs ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Anthozoa/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genotype ; China ; Phylogeny ; Sympatry ; },
abstract = {While in hospite Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates are essential for coral health, ambient free-living counterparts are crucial for coral recruitment and resilience. Comparing free-living and in hospite Symbiodiniaceae communities can potentially provide insights into endosymbiont acquisition and recurrent recruitment in bleaching recovery. In this study, we studied coral-endosymbiotic and ambient free-living Symbiodiniaceae communities in the South China Sea. We collected samples from 183 coral and ambient plankton samples and conducted metabarcoding to investigate the diversity distribution, driving factors, and assembly mechanisms of the two groups of Symbiodiniaceae. Results revealed Cladocopium C1 and Durusdinium D1 as dominant genotypes. We detected a higher genotypic diversity in free-living than in hospite symbiodiniacean communities, but with shared dominant genotypes. This indicates a genetically diverse pool of Symbiodiniaceae available for recruitment by corals. Strikingly, we found that the cooler area had more Symbiodiniaceae thermosensitive genotypes, whereas the warmer area had more Symbiodiniaceae thermotolerant genotypes. Furthermore, in hospite and free-living Symbiodiniaceae communities were similarly affected by environmental factors, but shaped by different assembly mechanisms. The in hospite communities were controlled mainly by deterministic processes, whereas the ambient communities by stochastic processes. This study sheds light on the genetic diversity of source environmental Symbiodiniaceae and differential assembly mechanisms influencing Symbiodiniaceae inside and outside corals.IMPORTANCESymbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates play a pivotal role as key primary producers within coral reef ecosystems. Coral-endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae communities have been extensively studied, but relatively little work has been reported on the free-living Symbiodiniaceae community. Conducting a comparative analysis between sympatric coral-endosymbiotic and free-living Symbiodiniaceae communities can potentially enhance the understanding of how endosymbiont communities change in response to changing environments and the mechanisms driving these changes. Our findings shed light on the genetic diversity of source environmental Symbiodiniaceae and differential assembly mechanisms shaping free-living and in hospite Symbiodiniaceae communities, with implications in evaluating the adaptive and resilient capacity of corals in response to future climate change.},
}
@article {pmid38877196,
year = {2024},
author = {Hague, MTJ and Wheeler, TB and Cooper, BS},
title = {Comparative analysis of Wolbachia maternal transmission and localization in host ovaries.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {727},
pmid = {38877196},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {P30 GM140963/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; 2145195//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; R35GM124701//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; Female ; *Ovary/microbiology ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology ; *Aedes/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Temperature ; Oocytes/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Many insects and other animals carry microbial endosymbionts that influence their reproduction and fitness. These relationships only persist if endosymbionts are reliably transmitted from one host generation to the next. Wolbachia are maternally transmitted endosymbionts found in most insect species, but transmission rates can vary across environments. Maternal transmission of wMel Wolbachia depends on temperature in natural Drosophila melanogaster hosts and in transinfected Aedes aegypti, where wMel is used to block pathogens that cause human disease. In D. melanogaster, wMel transmission declines in the cold as Wolbachia become less abundant in host ovaries and at the posterior pole plasm (the site of germline formation) in mature oocytes. Here, we assess how temperature affects maternal transmission and underlying patterns of Wolbachia localization across 10 Wolbachia strains diverged up to 50 million years-including strains closely related to wMel-and their natural Drosophila hosts. Many Wolbachia maintain high transmission rates across temperatures, despite highly variable (and sometimes low) levels of Wolbachia in the ovaries and at the developing germline in late-stage oocytes. Identifying strains like closely related wMel-like Wolbachia with stable transmission across variable environmental conditions may improve the efficacy of Wolbachia-based biocontrol efforts as they expand into globally diverse environments.},
}
@article {pmid38885278,
year = {2024},
author = {She, L and Shi, M and Cao, T and Yuan, H and Wang, R and Wang, W and She, Y and Wang, C and Zeng, Q and Mao, W and Zhang, Y and Wang, Y and Xi, Z and Pan, X},
title = {Wolbachia mediates crosstalk between miRNA and Toll pathways to enhance resistance to dengue virus in Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {e1012296},
pmid = {38885278},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R01 AI080597/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; *Aedes/microbiology/virology/immunology ; Animals ; *MicroRNAs/genetics/metabolism ; *Dengue Virus/immunology ; *Dengue/immunology/virology ; Toll-Like Receptors/metabolism/immunology ; Mosquito Vectors/virology/microbiology/immunology ; Signal Transduction ; RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics/immunology ; Immunity, Innate ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The obligate endosymbiont Wolbachia induces pathogen interference in the primary disease vector Aedes aegypti, facilitating the utilization of Wolbachia-based mosquito control for arbovirus prevention, particularly against dengue virus (DENV). However, the mechanisms underlying Wolbachia-mediated virus blockade have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that Wolbachia activates the host cytoplasmic miRNA biogenesis pathway to suppress DENV infection. Through the suppression of the long noncoding RNA aae-lnc-2268 by Wolbachia wAlbB, aae-miR-34-3p, a miRNA upregulated by the Wolbachia strains wAlbB and wMelPop, promoted the expression of the antiviral effector defensin and cecropin genes through the Toll pathway regulator MyD88. Notably, anti-DENV resistance induced by Wolbachia can be further enhanced, with the potential to achieve complete virus blockade by increasing the expression of aae-miR-34-3p in Ae. aegypti. Furthermore, the downregulation of aae-miR-34-3p compromised Wolbachia-mediated virus blockade. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which Wolbachia establishes crosstalk between the cytoplasmic miRNA pathway and the Toll pathway via aae-miR-34-3p to strengthen antiviral immune responses against DENV. Our results will aid in the advancement of Wolbachia for arbovirus control by enhancing its virus-blocking efficiency.},
}
@article {pmid38895386,
year = {2024},
author = {Marinov, GK and Ramalingam, V and Greenleaf, WJ and Kundaje, A},
title = {An updated compendium and reevaluation of the evidence for nuclear transcription factor occupancy over the mitochondrial genome.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38895386},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {U01 HG009431/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HG008140/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; U19 AI057266/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P50 HG007735/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS128028/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 HG009436/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 HG009442/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {In most eukaryotes, mitochondrial organelles contain their own genome, usually circular, which is the remnant of the genome of the ancestral bacterial endosymbiont that gave rise to modern mitochondria. Mitochondrial genomes are dramatically reduced in their gene content due to the process of endosymbiotic gene transfer to the nucleus; as a result most mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus and imported into mitochondria. This includes the components of the dedicated mitochondrial transcription and replication systems and regulatory factors, which are entirely distinct from the information processing systems in the nucleus. However, since the 1990s several nuclear transcription factors have been reported to act in mitochondria, and previously we identified 8 human and 3 mouse transcription factors (TFs) with strong localized enrichment over the mitochondrial genome using ChIP-seq (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation) datasets from the second phase of the ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) Project Consortium. Here, we analyze the greatly expanded in the intervening decade ENCODE compendium of TF ChIP-seq datasets (a total of 6,153 ChIP experiments for 942 proteins, of which 763 are sequence-specific TFs) combined with interpretative deep learning models of TF occupancy to create a comprehensive compendium of nuclear TFs that show evidence of association with the mitochondrial genome. We find some evidence for chrM occupancy for 50 nuclear TFs and two other proteins, with bZIP TFs emerging as most likely to be playing a role in mitochondria. However, we also observe that in cases where the same TF has been assayed with multiple antibodies and ChIP protocols, evidence for its chrM occupancy is not always reproducible. In the light of these findings, we discuss the evidential criteria for establishing chrM occupancy and reevaluate the overall compendium of putative mitochondrial-acting nuclear TFs.},
}
@article {pmid38900924,
year = {2024},
author = {Johnston, IG},
title = {The Nitroplast and Its Relatives Support a Universal Model of Features Predicting Gene Retention in Endosymbiont and Organelle Genomes.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {38900924},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; 805046//European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program/ ; 805046/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Cyanobacteria/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions ; Organelles/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic relationships have shaped eukaryotic life. As endosymbionts coevolve with their host, toward full integration as organelles, their genomes tend to shrink, with genes being completely lost or transferred to the host nucleus. Modern endosymbionts and organelles show diverse patterns of gene retention, and why some genes and not others are retained in these genomes is not fully understood. Recent bioinformatic study has explored hypothesized influences on these evolutionary processes, finding that hydrophobicity and amino acid chemistry predict patterns of gene retention, both in organelles across eukaryotes and in less mature endosymbiotic relationships. The exciting ongoing elucidation of endosymbiotic relationships affords an independent set of instances to test this theory. Here, we compare the properties of retained genes in the nitroplast, recently reported to be an integrated organelle, two related cyanobacterial endosymbionts that form "spheroid bodies" in their host cells, and a range of other endosymbionts, with free-living relatives of each. We find that in each case, the symbiont's genome encodes proteins with higher hydrophobicity and lower amino pKa than their free-living relative, supporting the data-derived model predicting the retention propensity of genes across endosymbiont and organelle genomes.},
}
@article {pmid38902723,
year = {2024},
author = {Liang, Y and Dikow, RB and Su, X and Wen, J and Ren, Z},
title = {Comparative genomics of the primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola in aphid hosts and their coevolutionary relationships.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {137},
pmid = {38902723},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {201803D421051//International Science and Technology Cooperation Program of Shanxi Province/ ; 2014AA021802//National High-tech Research and Development Program/ ; R00 AA021802/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; 31170359//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31870366//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; K99 AA021802/AA/NIAAA NIH HHS/United States ; 2020-018//Shanxi Scholarship Council of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Aphids/microbiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Buchnera/genetics/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Genomics ; *Phylogeny ; Biological Coevolution ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Coevolution between modern aphids and their primary obligate, bacterial endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, has been previously reported at different classification levels based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. However, the Buchnera genome remains poorly understood within the Rhus gall aphids.<br><br>RESULTS: We assembled the complete genome of the endosymbiont Buchnera in 16 aphid samples, representing 13 species in all six genera of Rhus gall aphids by shotgun genome skimming method. We compared the newly assembled genomes with those from GenBank to comprehensively investigate patterns of coevolution between the bacteria Buchnera and their aphid hosts. Buchnera genomes were mostly collinear, and the pan-genome contained 684 genes, in which the core genome contained 256 genes with some lineages having large numbers of tandem gene duplications. There has been substantial gene-loss in each Buchnera lineage. We also reconstructed the phylogeny for Buchnera and their host aphids, respectively, using 72 complete genomes of Buchnera, along with the complete mitochondrial genomes and three nuclear genes of 31 corresponding host aphid accessions. The cophylogenetic test demonstrated significant coevolution between these two partner groups at individual, species, generic, and tribal levels.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Buchnera exhibits very high levels of genomic sequence divergence but relative stability in gene order. The relationship between the symbionts Buchnera and its aphid hosts shows a significant coevolutionary pattern and supports complexity of the obligate symbiotic relationship.},
}
@article {pmid38903055,
year = {2024},
author = {Shama, SM and Elissawy, AM and Salem, MA and Youssef, FS and Elnaggar, MS and El-Seedi, HR and Khalifa, SAM and Briki, K and Hamdan, DI and Singab, ANB},
title = {Comparative metabolomics study on the secondary metabolites of the red alga, Corallina officinalis and its associated endosymbiotic fungi.},
journal = {RSC advances},
volume = {14},
number = {26},
pages = {18553-18566},
pmid = {38903055},
issn = {2046-2069},
abstract = {Marine endosymbionts have gained remarkable interest in the last three decades in terms of natural products (NPs) isolated thereof, emphasizing the chemical correlations with those isolated from the host marine organism. The current study aimed to conduct comparative metabolic profiling of the marine red algae Corallina officinalis, and three fungal endosymbionts isolated from its inner tissues namely, Aspergillus nidulans, A. flavipes and A. flavus. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts of the host organism as well as the isolated endosymbionts were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS)in both positive and negative ion modes, applying both full scan (FS) and all ion fragmentation (AIF) modes. Extensive interpretation of the LC-MS/MS spectra had led to the identification of 76 metabolites belonging to different phytochemical classes including alkaloids, polyketides, sesquiterpenes, butyrolactones, peptides, fatty acids, isocoumarins, quinones, among others. Metabolites were tentatively identified by comparing the accurate mass and fragmentation pattern with metabolites previously reported in the literature, as well as bioinformatics analysis using GNPS. A relationship between the host C. officinalis and its endophytes (A. flavus, A. nidulans, and A. flavipes) was discovered. C. officinalis shares common metabolites with at least one of the three endosymbiotic fungi. Some metabolites have been identified in endophytes and do not exist in their host. Multivariate analysis (MVA) revealed discrimination of A. flavipes from Corallina officinalis and other associated endophytic Aspergillus fungi (A. flavus and A. nidulans).},
}
@article {pmid38903791,
year = {2024},
author = {Tafesh-Edwards, G and Kyza Karavioti, M and Markollari, K and Bunnell, D and Chtarbanova, S and Eleftherianos, I},
title = {Wolbachia endosymbionts in Drosophila regulate the resistance to Zika virus infection in a sex dependent manner.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1380647},
pmid = {38903791},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Drosophila melanogaster has been used extensively for dissecting the genetic and functional bases of host innate antiviral immunity and virus-induced pathology. Previous studies have shown that the presence of Wolbachia endosymbionts in D. melanogaster confers resistance to infection by certain viral pathogens. Zika virus is an important vector-borne pathogen that has recently expanded its range due to the wide geographical distribution of the mosquito vector. Here, we describe the effect of Wolbachia on the immune response of D. melanogaster adult flies following Zika virus infection. First, we show that the presence of Wolbachia endosymbionts promotes the longevity of uninfected D. melanogaster wild type adults and increases the survival response of flies following Zika virus injection. We find that the latter effect is more pronounced in females rather than in males. Then, we show that the presence of Wolbachia regulates Zika virus replication during Zika virus infection of female flies. In addition, we demonstrate that the antimicrobial peptide-encoding gene Drosocin and the sole Jun N-terminal kinase-specific MAPK phosphatase Puckered are upregulated in female adult flies, whereas the immune and stress response gene TotM is upregulated in male individuals. Finally, we find that the activity of RNA interference and Toll signaling remain unaffected in Zika virus-infected female and male adults containing Wolbachia compared to flies lacking the endosymbionts. Our results reveal that Wolbachia endosymbionts in D. melanogaster affect innate immune signaling activity in a sex-specific manner, which in turn influences host resistance to Zika virus infection. This information contributes to a better understanding of the complex interrelationship between insects, their endosymbiotic bacteria, and viral infection. Interpreting these processes will help us design more effective approaches for controlling insect vectors of infectious disease.},
}
@article {pmid38909040,
year = {2024},
author = {Lu, C and Zou, T and Liu, Q and Huang, X},
title = {Twenty-nine newly sequenced genomes and a comprehensive genome dataset for the insect endosymbiont Buchnera.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {673},
pmid = {38909040},
issn = {2052-4463},
support = {31970446//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31970446//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31970446//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 31970446//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology ; *Buchnera/genetics ; Genome Size ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Most phloem-feeding insects face nutritional deficiency and rely on their intracellular symbionts to provide nutrients, and most of endosymbiont genomes have undergone reduction. However, the study of genome reduction processes of endosymbionts has been constrained by the limited availability of genome data from different insect lineages. The obligate relationship between aphids and Buchnera aphidicola (hereafter Buchnera) makes them a classic model for studying insect-endosymbiont interaction. Here, we report 29 newly sequenced Buchnera genomes from 11 aphid subfamilies, and a comprehensive dataset based on 90 Buchnera genomes from 14 aphid subfamilies. The dataset shows a significant genomic difference of Buchnera among different aphid lineages. The dataset exhibits a more balanced distribution of Buchnera (from 14 aphid subfamilies) genome sizes, ranging from 400 kb to 600 kb, which can illustrate the genome reduction process of Buchnera. The new genome data provide valuable insights into the microevolutionary processes leading to genomic reduction of insect endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid38912811,
year = {2024},
author = {Yue, H and Ma, X and Sun, S and Hu, H and Wu, J and Xu, T and Huang, D and Luo, Y and Wu, J and Huang, T},
title = {Diversity and saline-alkali resistance of Coleoptera endosymbiont bacteria in arid and semi-arid climate.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {e0023224},
pmid = {38912811},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {2022xjkk020603//Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition Program, National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2020Q02//Outstanding Young Scientific and Technological Talents Training Program of Xinjiang Autonomous Region/ ; U2003305 31860018//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2020D14022//Tianshan Innovation Team Project of Xinjiang Autonomous Region/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Coleoptera/microbiology/physiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/metabolism ; Alkalies/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Soil Microbiology ; Microbiota/physiology ; Salinity ; Salt Tolerance ; Desert Climate ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Soil salinization usually occurs in arid and semi-arid climate areas from 37 to 50 degrees north latitude and 73 to 123 degrees east longitude. These regions are inhabited by a large number of Coleopteran insects, which play an important role in the ecological cycle. However, little is known about the endosymbiotic microbial taxa and their biological characteristics in these insects. A study of endosymbiotic microorganisms of Coleoptera from Xinjiang, a typical arid and inland saline area, revealed that endosymbiont bacteria with salinity tolerance are common among the endosymbionts of Coleoptera. Functional prediction of the microbiota analysis indicated a higher abundance of inorganic ion transporters and metabolism in these endosymbiont strains. Screening was conducted on the tolerable 11% NaCl levels of Brevibacterium casei G20 (PRJNA754761), and differential metabolite and proteins were performed. The differential metabolites of the strain during the exponential and plateau phases were found to include benzene compounds, organic acids, and their derivatives. These results suggest that the endosymbiotic microorganisms of Coleoptera in this environment have adaptive evolution to extreme environments, and this group of microorganisms is also one of the important resources for mining saline and alkaline-tolerant chassis microorganisms and high-robustness enzymes.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Coleoptera insects, as the first largest order of insect class, have the characteristics of a wide variety and wide distribution. The arid and semi-arid climate makes it more adaptable. By studying the endosymbiont bacteria of Coleoptera insects, we can systematically understand the adaptability of endosymbiont bacteria to host and special environment. Through the analysis of endosymbiont bacteria of Coleoptera insects in different saline-alkali areas in arid and semi-arid regions of Xinjiang, it was found that bacteria in different host samples were resistant to saline-alkali stress. These results suggest that bacteria and their hosts co-evolved in response to this climate. Therefore, this study is of great significance for understanding the endosymbiont bacteria of Coleoptera insects and obtaining extremophile resources (Saline-alkali-resistant chassis strains with modification potential for the production of bulk chemicals and highly robust industrial enzymes).},
}
@article {pmid38915450,
year = {2024},
author = {Trouche, B and Schrieke, H and Duron, O and Eren, AM and Reveillaud, J},
title = {Wolbachia populations across organs of individual Culex pipiens: highly conserved intra-individual core pangenome with inter-individual polymorphisms.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {ycae078},
pmid = {38915450},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Wolbachia is a maternally inherited intracellular bacterium that infects a wide range of arthropods including mosquitoes. The endosymbiont is widely used in biocontrol strategies due to its capacity to modulate arthropod reproduction and limit pathogen transmission. Wolbachia infections in Culex spp. are generally assumed to be monoclonal but the potential presence of genetically distinct Wolbachia subpopulations within and between individual organs has not been investigated using whole genome sequencing. Here we reconstructed Wolbachia genomes from ovary and midgut metagenomes of single naturally infected Culex pipiens mosquitoes from Southern France to investigate patterns of intra- and inter-individual differences across mosquito organs. Our analyses revealed a remarkable degree of intra-individual conservancy among Wolbachia genomes from distinct organs of the same mosquito both at the level of gene presence-absence signal and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Yet, we identified several synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions between individuals, demonstrating the presence of some level of genomic heterogeneity among Wolbachia that infect the same C. pipiens field population. Overall, the absence of genetic heterogeneity within Wolbachia populations in a single individual confirms the presence of a dominant Wolbachia that is maintained under strong purifying forces of evolution.},
}
@article {pmid38916437,
year = {2024},
author = {Song, Q and Zhao, F and Hou, L and Miao, M},
title = {Cellular interactions and evolutionary origins of endosymbiotic relationships with ciliates.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38916437},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {32070432//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFA1303900//National Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; //Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Ciliophora/physiology/genetics ; *Biological Evolution ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Phototrophic Processes ; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {As unicellular predators, ciliates engage in close associations with diverse microbes, laying the foundation for the establishment of endosymbiosis. Originally heterotrophic, ciliates demonstrate the ability to acquire phototrophy by phagocytizing unicellular algae or by sequestering algal plastids. This adaptation enables them to gain photosynthate and develop resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions. The integration of acquired phototrophy with intrinsic phagotrophy results in a trophic mode known as mixotrophy. Additionally, ciliates can harbor thousands of bacteria in various intracellular regions, including the cytoplasm and nucleus, exhibiting species specificity. Under prolonged and specific selective pressure within hosts, bacterial endosymbionts evolve unique lifestyles and undergo particular reductions in metabolic activities. Investigating the research advancements in various endosymbiotic cases within ciliates will contribute to elucidate patterns in cellular interaction and unravel the evolutionary origins of complex traits.},
}
@article {pmid38923306,
year = {2024},
author = {Gabr, A and Stephens, TG and Reinfelder, JR and Liau, P and Calatrava, V and Grossman, AR and Bhattacharya, D},
title = {Evidence of a putative CO2 delivery system to the chromatophore in the photosynthetic amoeba Paulinella.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {e13304},
pmid = {38923306},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {NJ01180//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; NJ07125//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 80NSSC19K0462/NASA/NASA/United States ; //Carnegie Institution for Science/ ; OCE-1634154//US National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; *Photosynthesis/genetics ; *Chromatophores/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; Amoeba/genetics ; Cyanobacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The photosynthetic amoeba, Paulinella provides a recent (ca. 120 Mya) example of primary plastid endosymbiosis. Given the extensive data demonstrating host lineage-driven endosymbiont integration, we analysed nuclear genome and transcriptome data to investigate mechanisms that may have evolved in Paulinella micropora KR01 (hereinafter, KR01) to maintain photosynthetic function in the novel organelle, the chromatophore. The chromatophore is of α-cyanobacterial provenance and has undergone massive gene loss due to Muller's ratchet, but still retains genes that encode the ancestral α-carboxysome and the shell carbonic anhydrase, two critical components of the biophysical CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) in cyanobacteria. We identified KR01 nuclear genes potentially involved in the CCM that arose via duplication and divergence and are upregulated in response to high light and downregulated under elevated CO2. We speculate that these genes may comprise a novel CO2 delivery system (i.e., a biochemical CCM) to promote the turnover of the RuBisCO carboxylation reaction and counteract photorespiration. We posit that KR01 has an inefficient photorespiratory system that cannot fully recycle the C2 product of RuBisCO oxygenation back to the Calvin-Benson cycle. Nonetheless, both these systems appear to be sufficient to allow Paulinella to persist in environments dominated by faster-growing phototrophs.},
}
@article {pmid38924211,
year = {2024},
author = {Gilkes, JM and Frampton, RA and Board, AJ and Hudson, AO and Price, TG and Morris, VK and Crittenden, DL and Muscroft-Taylor, AC and Sheen, CR and Smith, GR and Dobson, RCJ},
title = {A new lysine biosynthetic enzyme from a bacterial endosymbiont shaped by genetic drift and genome reduction.},
journal = {Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society},
volume = {33},
number = {7},
pages = {e5083},
pmid = {38924211},
issn = {1469-896X},
mesh = {*Lysine/biosynthesis/metabolism/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Symbiosis ; *Genetic Drift ; Hydro-Lyases/genetics/chemistry/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The effect of population bottlenecks and genome reduction on enzyme function is poorly understood. Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum is a bacterium with a reduced genome that is transmitted vertically to the egg of an infected psyllid-a population bottleneck that imposes genetic drift and is predicted to affect protein structure and function. Here, we define the function of Ca. L. solanacearum dihydrodipicolinate synthase (CLsoDHDPS), which catalyzes the committed branchpoint reaction in diaminopimelate and lysine biosynthesis. We demonstrate that CLsoDHDPS is expressed in Ca. L. solanacearum and expression is increased ~2-fold in the insect host compared to in planta. CLsoDHDPS has decreased thermal stability and increased aggregation propensity, implying mutations have destabilized the enzyme but are compensated for through elevated chaperone expression and a stabilized oligomeric state. CLsoDHDPS uses a ternary-complex kinetic mechanism, which is to date unique among DHDPS enzymes, has unusually low catalytic ability, but an unusually high substrate affinity. Structural studies demonstrate that the active site is more open, and the structure of CLsoDHDPS with both pyruvate and the substrate analogue succinic-semialdehyde reveals that the product is both structurally and energetically different and therefore evolution has in this case fashioned a new enzyme. Our study suggests the effects of genome reduction and genetic drift on the function of essential enzymes and provides insights on bacteria-host co-evolutionary associations. We propose that bacteria with endosymbiotic lifestyles present a rich vein of interesting enzymes useful for understanding enzyme function and/or informing protein engineering efforts.},
}
@article {pmid38924387,
year = {2024},
author = {Devereux, G and Bula, M and Tripp, K and Fitzgerald, R and Eraut, N and Alam, MS and Moriyama, T and Shinkyo, R and Walker, L and Wang, D and Gusovsky, F and van der Velde, J and Turner, JD and Hong, WD and O'Neill, PM and Taylor, MJ and Ward, SA},
title = {A Phase 1, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose Trial of AWZ1066S, an Anti-Wolbachia Candidate Macrofilaricide.},
journal = {Clinical pharmacology in drug development},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {1071-1081},
doi = {10.1002/cpdd.1441},
pmid = {38924387},
issn = {2160-7648},
mesh = {Humans ; Double-Blind Method ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; *Wolbachia/drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Elephantiasis, Filarial/drug therapy ; Healthy Volunteers ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacokinetics/administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects ; Administration, Oral ; Onchocerciasis/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {AWZ1066S has been developed as a potential treatment for the neglected tropical diseases lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. AWZ1066S targets the Wolbachia bacterial endosymbiont present in the causative nematode parasites. This phase 1, first-in-human study aimed to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of AWZ1066S in healthy human participants. In a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study, healthy adults received a single oral dose of AWZ1066S (or placebo) and were followed up for 10 days. The planned single doses of AWZ1066S ranged from 100 to 1600 mg, and each dose was administered to a cohort of 8 participants (6 AWZ1066S and 2 placebo). In total 30 people participated, 18 (60%) female, median age 30.0 years (minimum 20, maximum 61). The cohorts administered 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg of AWZ1066S progressed unremarkably. After single 700-mg doses all 4 participants developed symptoms of acute gastritis and transient increases in liver enzymes. The severity of these adverse events ranged from mild to severe, with 1 participant needing hospital admission. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that AWZ1066S is rapidly absorbed with predictable pharmacokinetics. In conclusion, safety concerns prevented this study from reaching the human exposures needed for AWZ1066S to be clinically effective against lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis.},
}
@article {pmid38934538,
year = {2024},
author = {Michalik, A and C Franco, D and Szklarzewicz, T and Stroiński, A and Łukasik, P},
title = {Facultatively intrabacterial localization of a planthopper endosymbiont as an adaptation to its vertical transmission.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {9},
number = {7},
pages = {e0063424},
pmid = {38934538},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {2017/26/D/NZ8/00799//Narodowe Centrum Nauki (NCN)/ ; 2018/30/E/NZ8/00880//Narodowe Centrum Nauki (NCN)/ ; PPN/PPO/2018/1/00015//Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej (NAWA)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Acetobacteraceae/genetics/physiology ; Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Adaptation, Physiological ; },
abstract = {Transovarial transmission is the most reliable way of passing on essential nutrient-providing endosymbionts from mothers to offspring. However, not all endosymbiotic microbes follow the complex path through the female host tissues to oocytes on their own. Here, we demonstrate an unusual transmission strategy adopted by one of the endosymbionts of the planthopper Trypetimorpha occidentalis (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) from Bulgaria. In this species, an Acetobacteraceae endosymbiont is transmitted transovarially within deep invaginations of cellular membranes of an ancient endosymbiont Sulcia-strikingly resembling recently described plant virus transmission. However, in males, Acetobacteraceae colonizes the same bacteriocytes as Sulcia but remains unenveloped. Then, the unusual endobacterial localization of Acetobacteraceae observed in females appears to be a unique adaptation to maternal transmission. Further, the symbiont's genomic features, including encoding essential amino acid biosynthetic pathways and its similarity to a recently described psyllid symbiont, suggest a unique combination of the ability to horizontally transmit among species and confer nutritional benefits. The close association with Acetobacteraceae symbiont correlates with the so-far-unreported level of genomic erosion of ancient nutritional symbionts of this planthopper. In Sulcia, this is reflected in substantial changes in genomic organization, reported for the first time in the symbiont renowned for its genomic stability. In Vidania, substantial gene loss resulted in one of the smallest genomes known, at 108.6 kb. Thus, the symbionts of T. occidentalis display a combination of unusual adaptations and genomic features that expand our understanding of how insect-microbe symbioses may transmit and evolve.IMPORTANCEReliable transmission across host generations is a major challenge for bacteria that associate with insects, and independently established symbionts have addressed this challenge in different ways. The facultatively endobacterial localization of Acetobacteraceae symbiont, enveloped by cells of ancient nutritional endosymbiont Sulcia in females but not males of the planthopper Trypetimorpha occidentalis, appears to be a unique adaptation to maternal transmission. Acetobacteraceae's genomic features indicate its unusual evolutionary history, and the genomic erosion experienced by ancient nutritional symbionts demonstrates the apparent consequences of such close association. Combined, this multi-partite symbiosis expands our understanding of the diversity of strategies that insect symbioses form and some of their evolutionary consequences.},
}
@article {pmid38935037,
year = {2024},
author = {Dorai, APS and Umina, PA and Chirgwin, E and Yang, Q and Gu, X and Thia, J and Hoffmann, A},
title = {Novel transinfections of Rickettsiella do not affect insecticide tolerance in Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi, or Diuraphis noxia (Hemiptera: Aphididae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {117},
number = {4},
pages = {1377-1384},
pmid = {38935037},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {UOM1905-002RTX//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; //The University of Melbourne/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; Insecticide Resistance ; Rhizobiaceae/physiology ; },
abstract = {Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea) are economically important crop pests worldwide. Because of growing issues with insecticide resistance and environmental contamination by insecticides, alternate methods are being explored to provide aphid control. Aphids contain endosymbiotic bacteria that affect host fitness and could be targeted as potential biocontrol agents, but such novel strategies should not impact the effectiveness of traditional chemical control. In this work, we used a novel endosymbiont transinfection to examine the impact of the endosymbiont Rickettsiella viridis on chemical tolerance in 3 important agricultural pest species of aphid: Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko ex Kurdjumov) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). We tested tolerance to the commonly used insecticides alpha-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, and pirimicarb using a leaf-dip bioassay. We found no observed effect of this novel endosymbiont transinfection on chemical tolerance, suggesting that the strain of Rickettsiella tested here could be used as a biocontrol agent without affecting sensitivity to insecticides. This may allow Rickettsiella transinfections to be used in combination with chemical applications for pest control. The impacts of other endosymbionts on insecticide tolerance should be considered, along with tests on multiple aphid clones with different inherent levels of chemical tolerance.},
}
@article {pmid38936473,
year = {2024},
author = {Malinski, KH and Elizabeth Moore, M and Kingsolver, JG},
title = {Heat stress and host-parasitoid interactions: lessons and opportunities in a changing climate.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {64},
number = {},
pages = {101225},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2024.101225},
pmid = {38936473},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Climate Change ; Hot Temperature ; Heat-Shock Response ; Insecta/physiology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Ongoing climate change is increasing the frequency and magnitude of high-temperature events (HTEs), causing heat stress in parasitoids and their hosts. We argue that HTEs and heat stress should be viewed in terms of the intersecting life cycles of host and parasitoid. Recent studies illustrate how the biological consequences of a given HTE may vary dramatically depending on its timing within these lifecycles. The temperature sensitivity of host manipulation by parasitoids, and by viral endosymbionts of many parasitoids, can contribute to differing responses of hosts and parasitoids to HTEs. In some cases, these effects can result in reduced parasitoid success and increased host herbivory and may disrupt the ecological interactions between hosts and parasitoids. Because most studies to date involve endoparasitoids of aphid or lepidopteran hosts in agricultural systems, our understanding of heat responses of host-parasitoid interactions in natural systems is quite limited.},
}
@article {pmid38940615,
year = {2024},
author = {Hrdina, A and Serra Canales, M and Arias-Rojas, A and Frahm, D and Iatsenko, I},
title = {The endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii increases Drosophila melanogaster resistance to pathogens by enhancing iron sequestration and melanization.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e0093624},
pmid = {38940615},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {IA 81/2-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiroplasma/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/immunology ; *Iron/metabolism ; Melanins/metabolism ; Staphylococcus aureus/physiology/immunology ; Providencia/metabolism/physiology/genetics ; Disease Resistance ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Facultative endosymbiotic bacteria, such as Wolbachia and Spiroplasma species, are commonly found in association with insects and can dramatically alter their host physiology. Many endosymbionts are defensive and protect their hosts against parasites or pathogens. Despite the widespread nature of defensive insect symbioses and their importance for the ecology and evolution of insects, the mechanisms of symbiont-mediated host protection remain poorly characterized. Here, we utilized the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and its facultative endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii to characterize the mechanisms underlying symbiont-mediated host protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Our results indicate a variable effect of S. poulsonii on infection outcome, with endosymbiont-harboring flies being more resistant to Rhyzopus oryzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Providencia alcalifaciens but more sensitive or as sensitive as endosymbiont-free flies to the infections with Pseudomonas species. Further focusing on the protective effect, we identified Transferrin-mediated iron sequestration induced by Spiroplasma as being crucial for the defense against R. oryzae and P. alcalifaciens. In the case of S. aureus, enhanced melanization in Spiroplasma-harboring flies plays a major role in protection. Both iron sequestration and melanization induced by Spiroplasma require the host immune sensor protease Persephone, suggesting a role of proteases secreted by the symbiont in the activation of host defense reactions. Hence, our work reveals a broader defensive range of Spiroplasma than previously appreciated and adds nutritional immunity and melanization to the defensive arsenal of symbionts.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Defensive endosymbiotic bacteria conferring protection to their hosts against parasites and pathogens are widespread in insect populations. However, the mechanisms by which most symbionts confer protection are not fully understood. Here, we studied the mechanisms of protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens mediated by the Drosophila melanogaster endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii. We demonstrate that besides the previously described protection against wasps and nematodes, Spiroplasma also confers increased resistance to pathogenic bacteria and fungi. We identified Spiroplasma-induced iron sequestration and melanization as key defense mechanisms. Our work broadens the known defense spectrum of Spiroplasma and reveals a previously unappreciated role of melanization and iron sequestration in endosymbiont-mediated host protection. We propose that the mechanisms we have identified here may be of broader significance and could apply to other endosymbionts, particularly to Wolbachia, and potentially explain their protective properties.},
}
@article {pmid38946980,
year = {2024},
author = {Jacobs, J and Nakamoto, A and Mastoras, M and Loucks, H and Mirchandani, C and Karim, L and Penunuri, G and Wanket, C and Russell, SL},
title = {Complete de novo assembly of Wolbachia endosymbiont of Drosophila willistoni using long-read genome sequencing.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38946980},
issn = {2693-5015},
support = {R00 GM135583/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HG012344/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular α-proteobacterium which commonly infects arthropods and filarial nematodes. Different strains of Wolbachia are capable of a wide range of regulatory manipulations in many hosts and modulate host cellular differentiation to influence host reproduction. The genetic basis for the majority of these phenotypes is unknown. The wWil strain from the neotropical fruit fly, Drosophila willistoni, exhibits a remarkably high affinity for host germline-derived cells relative to the soma. This trait could be leveraged for understanding how Wolbachia influences the host germline and for controlling host populations in the field. To further the use of this strain in biological and biomedical research, we sequenced the genome of the wWil strain isolated from host cell culture cells. Here, we present the first high quality nanopore assembly of wWil, the Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. willistoni. Our assembly resulted in a circular genome of 1.27 Mb with a BUSCO completeness score of 99.7%. Consistent with other insect-associated Wolbachia strains, comparative genomic analysis revealed that wWil has a highly mosaic genome relative to the closely related wMel strain from Drosophila melanogaster.},
}
@article {pmid38953331,
year = {2024},
author = {Cibichakravarthy, B and Shaked, N and Kapri, E and Gottlieb, Y},
title = {Endosymbiont-derived metabolites are essential for tick host reproductive fitness.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {9},
number = {7},
pages = {e0069323},
pmid = {38953331},
issn = {2379-5042},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; *Reproduction ; *Proline/metabolism ; Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiology/physiology ; Coxiella/metabolism/genetics ; Vitamin B Complex/pharmacology/metabolism ; Amino Acids/metabolism ; Genetic Fitness ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Ticks, like other obligatory blood-feeding arthropods, rely on endosymbiotic bacteria to supplement their diet with B vitamins lacking in blood. It has been suggested that additional metabolites such as L-proline may be involved in this nutritional symbiosis, but this has yet to be tested. Here, we studied the metabolite-based interaction between the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) and its Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLE). We measured amino acid titers and tested the effect of B vitamins and L-proline supplementation on the fitness of CLE-suppressed female ticks, displaying low titers of CLE. We found higher titers of L-proline in the symbiont-hosting organs of unfed ticks and in engorged blood-fed whole ticks. Supplementation of B vitamins increased the hatching rate of CLE-suppressed ticks; this effect appears to be stronger when L-proline is added. Our results indicate that L-proline is produced by CLE, and we suggest that CLE is essential in states of high metabolic demand that affects tick reproductive fitness, such as oogenesis and embryonic development. These findings demonstrate the broader effect of nutritional symbionts on their hosts and may potentially contribute to the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLE) are essential to the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus for feeding and reproduction. This symbiosis is based on the supplementation of B vitamins lacking in the blood diet. The involvement of additional metabolites has been suggested, but no experimental evidence is available as yet to confirm a metabolic interaction. Here, we show that B vitamins and L-proline, both of which contribute to tick reproductive fitness, are produced by CLE. These findings demonstrate the importance of symbiont-derived metabolites for the host's persistence and shed light on the complex bacteria-host metabolic interaction, which can be channeled to manipulate and control tick populations.},
}
@article {pmid38957696,
year = {2024},
author = {Ross, PA and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Revisiting Wolbachia detections: Old and new issues in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and other insects.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {e11670},
pmid = {38957696},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Wolbachia continue to be reported in species previously thought to lack them, particularly Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The presence of Wolbachia in this arbovirus vector is considered important because releases of mosquitoes with transinfected Wolbachia are being used around the world to suppress pathogen transmission and these efforts depend on a lack of Wolbachia in natural populations of this species. We previously assessed papers reporting Wolbachia in natural populations of Ae. aegypti and found little evidence that seemed convincing. However, since our review, more and more papers are emerging on Wolbachia detections in this species. Our purpose here is to evaluate these papers within the context of criteria we previously established but also new criteria that include the absence of releases of transinfections within the local areas being sampled which has contaminated natural populations in at least one case where novel detections have been reported. We also address the broader issue of Wolbachia detection in other insects where similar issues may arise which can affect overall estimates of this endosymbiont more generally. We note continuing shortcomings in papers purporting to find natural Wolbachia in Ae. aegypti which are applicable to other insects as well.},
}
@article {pmid38958415,
year = {2024},
author = {Doğan, S and Farzali, S and Karimova, B and Sağlam, N},
title = {Evaluation of Methylene Blue as An Effective Antiseptic for Medicinal Leeches (Hirudo verbana).},
journal = {Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi},
volume = {48},
number = {2},
pages = {96-104},
doi = {10.4274/tpd.galenos.2024.85047},
pmid = {38958415},
issn = {2146-3077},
mesh = {Animals ; *Methylene Blue ; *Anti-Infective Agents, Local/pharmacology ; *Leeches ; Leeching ; Aeromonas/drug effects ; Lethal Dose 50 ; Hirudo medicinalis ; Animals, Poisonous ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Medicinal leeches (Hirudo spp.) have been used for therapeutic purposes in humans since ancient times. Because of their growth conditions, leeches carry certain bacteria and endosymbionts (e.g., Aeromonas spp). In both leech farms and hirudotherapy clinics, there are no reliable antiseptics that can be used with leeches. This study aimed to determine whether methylene blue (MB) is a safe antiseptic for medicinal leeches and assess its safe usage.<br><br>METHODS: This study evaluated the efficacy of MB by determining lethal concentrations (LC), effective concentrations (EC), and lethal times (LT) for the medicinal leech Hirudo verbena Carena, 1820. A total of 570 H. verbana specimens obtained from a local farm were used in this study. Eighteen different concentrations of MB (between 1 ppm and 512 ppm) were tested.<br><br>RESULTS: The LC50 and EC50 values for H. verbana were determined to be 60.381 (53.674-66.636) ppm and 2.013 (1.789-2.221) ppm, respectively. The LT50 durations for MB concentrations of 32 and 512 ppm were calculated as 212.92 h (138.43 h-1485.78 h) and 17.82 h (8.08 h-23.90 h), respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The results show that MB concentrations between 2 and 19 ppm can be safely used as antiseptics in hirudotherapy clinics and leech farms to address bacterial concerns caused by medicinal leeches.},
}
@article {pmid38974189,
year = {2024},
author = {Cham, AK and Adams, AK and Wadl, PA and Ojeda-Zacarías, MDC and Rutter, WB and Jackson, DM and Shoemaker, DD and Yencho, GC and Olukolu, BA},
title = {Metagenome-enabled models improve genomic predictive ability and identification of herbivory-limiting genes in sweetpotato.},
journal = {Horticulture research},
volume = {11},
number = {7},
pages = {uhae135},
pmid = {38974189},
issn = {2662-6810},
abstract = {Plant-insect interactions are often influenced by host- or insect-associated metagenomic community members. The relative abundance of insects and the microbes that modulate their interactions were obtained from sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) leaf-associated metagenomes using quantitative reduced representation sequencing and strain/species-level profiling with the Qmatey software. Positive correlations were found between whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) and its endosymbionts (Candidatus Hamiltonella defensa, Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum, and Rickettsia spp.) and negative correlations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that implicate nitric oxide in sweetpotato-whitefly interaction. Genome-wide associations using 252 975 dosage-based markers, and metagenomes as a covariate to reduce false positive rates, implicated ethylene and cell wall modification in sweetpotato-whitefly interaction. The predictive abilities (PA) for whitefly and Ocypus olens abundance were high in both populations (68%-69% and 33.3%-35.8%, respectively) and 69.9% for Frankliniella occidentalis. The metagBLUP (gBLUP) prediction model, which fits the background metagenome-based Cao dissimilarity matrix instead of the marker-based relationship matrix (G-matrix), revealed moderate PA (35.3%-49.1%) except for O. olens (3%-10.1%). A significant gain in PA after modeling the metagenome as a covariate (gGBLUP, ≤11%) confirms quantification accuracy and that the metagenome modulates phenotypic expression and might account for the missing heritability problem. Significant gains in PA were also revealed after fitting allele dosage (≤17.4%) and dominance effects (≤4.6%). Pseudo-diploidized genotype data underperformed for dominance models. Including segregation-distorted loci (SDL) increased PA by 6%-17.1%, suggesting that traits associated with fitness cost might benefit from the inclusion of SDL. Our findings confirm the holobiont theory of host-metagenome co-evolution and underscore its potential for breeding within the context of G × G × E interactions.},
}
@article {pmid38975267,
year = {2024},
author = {Hoffmann, AA and Cooper, BS},
title = {Describing endosymbiont-host interactions within the parasitism-mutualism continuum.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {e11705},
pmid = {38975267},
issn = {2045-7758},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts are widespread in arthropods, living in host cells with effects that extend from parasitic to mutualistic. Newly acquired endosymbionts tend to be parasitic, but vertical transmission favors coevolution toward mutualism, with hosts sometimes developing dependency. Endosymbionts negatively affecting host fitness may still spread by impacting host reproductive traits, referred to as reproductive "manipulation," although costs for hosts are often assumed rather than demonstrated. For cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that involves endosymbiont-mediated embryo death, theory predicts directional shifts away from "manipulation" toward reduced CI strength; moreover, CI-causing endosymbionts need to increase host fitness to initially spread. In nature, endosymbiont-host interactions and dynamics are complex, often depending on environmental conditions and evolutionary history. We advocate for capturing this complexity through appropriate datasets, rather than relying on terms like "manipulation." Such imprecision can lead to the misclassification of endosymbionts along the parasitism-mutualism continuum.},
}
@article {pmid38975782,
year = {2024},
author = {Price, CTD and Hanford, HE and Al-Quadan, T and Santic, M and Shin, CJ and Da'as, MSJ and Abu Kwaik, Y},
title = {Amoebae as training grounds for microbial pathogens.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e0082724},
pmid = {38975782},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {R01 AI140195/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01AI140195//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; },
mesh = {*Amoeba/virology/microbiology ; Animals ; Humans ; Symbiosis ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Biological Evolution ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; },
abstract = {Grazing of amoebae on microorganisms represents one of the oldest predator-prey dynamic relationships in nature. It represents a genetic "melting pot" for an ancient and continuous multi-directional inter- and intra-kingdom horizontal gene transfer between amoebae and its preys, intracellular microbial residents, endosymbionts, and giant viruses, which has shaped the evolution, selection, and adaptation of microbes that evade degradation by predatory amoeba. Unicellular phagocytic amoebae are thought to be the ancient ancestors of macrophages with highly conserved eukaryotic processes. Selection and evolution of microbes within amoeba through their evolution to target highly conserved eukaryotic processes have facilitated the expansion of their host range to mammals, causing various infectious diseases. Legionella and environmental Chlamydia harbor an immense number of eukaryotic-like proteins that are involved in ubiquitin-related processes or are tandem repeats-containing proteins involved in protein-protein and protein-chromatin interactions. Some of these eukaryotic-like proteins exhibit novel domain architecture and novel enzymatic functions absent in mammalian cells, such as ubiquitin ligases, likely acquired from amoebae. Mammalian cells and amoebae may respond similarly to microbial factors that target highly conserved eukaryotic processes, but mammalian cells may undergo an accidental response to amoeba-adapted microbial factors. We discuss specific examples of microbes that have evolved to evade amoeba predation, including the bacterial pathogens- Legionella, Chlamydia, Coxiella, Rickettssia, Francisella, Mycobacteria, Salmonella, Bartonella, Rhodococcus, Pseudomonas, Vibrio, Helicobacter, Campylobacter, and Aliarcobacter. We also discuss the fungi Cryptococcus, and Asperigillus, as well as amoebae mimiviruses/giant viruses. We propose that amoeba-microbe interactions will continue to be a major "training ground" for the evolution, selection, adaptation, and emergence of microbial pathogens equipped with unique pathogenic tools to infect mammalian hosts. However, our progress will continue to be highly dependent on additional genomic, biochemical, and cellular data of unicellular eukaryotes.},
}
@article {pmid38981407,
year = {2024},
author = {Howe, CJ and Barbrook, AC},
title = {Dinoflagellate chloroplasts as a model for extreme genome reduction and fragmentation in organelles - The COCOA principle for gene retention.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {175},
number = {4},
pages = {126048},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2024.126048},
pmid = {38981407},
issn = {1618-0941},
mesh = {*Dinoflagellida/genetics ; *Chloroplasts/genetics/metabolism ; Genome, Chloroplast ; },
abstract = {The genomes of peridinin-containing dinoflagellate chloroplasts have a very unusual organisation. These genomes are highly fragmented and greatly reduced, with most of the usual complement of chloroplast genes relocated to the nucleus. Dinoflagellate chloroplasts highlight evolutionary changes that are found to varying extents in a number of other organelle genomes. These include the chloroplast genome of the green alga Boodlea and other Cladophorales, and the mitochondrial genomes of blood-sucking and chewing lice, the parasitic plant Rhopalocnemis phalloides, the red alga Rhodosorus marinus and other members of the Stylonematophyceae, diplonemid flagellates, and some Cnidaria. Consideration of the coding content of the remnant chloroplast genomes indicates that organelles may preferentially retain genes for proteins important in initiating assembly of complexes, and the same is largely true for mitochondria. We propose a new principle, of CO-location for COntrol of Assembly (COCOA), indicating the importance of retaining these genes in the organelle. This adds to, but does not invalidate, the existing hypotheses of the multisubunit completion principle, CO-location for Redox Regulation (CORR) and Control by Epistasy of Synthesis (CES).},
}
@article {pmid38982749,
year = {2024},
author = {Schrecengost, A and Rotterová, J and Poláková, K and Čepička, I and Beinart, RA},
title = {Divergent marine anaerobic ciliates harbor closely related Methanocorpusculum endosymbionts.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {38982749},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {//Simons Foundation Early Career Investigator in Marine Microbial Ecology and Evolution Award/ ; 1330406//United States National Science Foundation EPSCoR Track II Cooperative Agreement Award/ ; 23-06004S//Czech Science Foundation/ ; OIA-1655221//National Science Foundation EPSCoR/ ; //Vini&#x10d;n&#xe1; Microscopy Core Facility/ ; LM2023050//MEYS CR/ ; 1919588//National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Ciliophora/classification/genetics/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; Anaerobiosis ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; DNA, Archaeal/genetics/chemistry ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Seawater/microbiology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Ciliates are a diverse group of protists known for their ability to establish various partnerships and thrive in a wide variety of oxygen-depleted environments. Most anaerobic ciliates harbor methanogens, one of the few known archaea living intracellularly. These methanogens increase the metabolic efficiency of host fermentation via syntrophic use of host end-product in methanogenesis. Despite the ubiquity of these symbioses in anoxic habitats, patterns of symbiont specificity and fidelity are not well known. We surveyed two unrelated, commonly found groups of anaerobic ciliates, the Plagiopylea and Metopida, isolated from anoxic marine sediments. We sequenced host 18S rRNA and symbiont 16S rRNA marker genes as well as the symbiont internal transcribed spacer region from our cultured ciliates to identify hosts and their associated methanogenic symbionts. We found that marine ciliates from both of these co-occurring, divergent groups harbor closely related yet distinct intracellular archaea within the Methanocorpusculum genus. The symbionts appear to be stable at the host species level, but at higher taxonomic levels, there is evidence that symbiont replacements have occurred. Gaining insight into this unique association will deepen our understanding of the complex transmission modes of marine microbial symbionts, and the mutualistic microbial interactions occurring across domains of life.},
}
@article {pmid38987492,
year = {2024},
author = {Ng, MS and Soon, N and Afiq-Rosli, L and Kunning, I and Mana, RR and Chang, Y and Wainwright, BJ},
title = {Highly Diverse Symbiodiniaceae Types Hosted by Corals in a Global Hotspot of Marine Biodiversity.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {87},
number = {1},
pages = {92},
pmid = {38987492},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {*Anthozoa/microbiology ; Animals ; *Biodiversity ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Coral Reefs ; Papua New Guinea ; Phylogeny ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodiniaceae play vital roles in promoting resilience and increasing stress tolerance in their coral hosts. While much of the world's coral succumb to the stresses associated with increasingly severe and frequent thermal bleaching events, live coral cover in Papua New Guinea (PNG) remains some of the highest reported globally despite the historically warm waters surrounding the country. Yet, in spite of the high coral cover in PNG and the acknowledged roles Symbiodiniaceae play within their hosts, these communities have not been characterized in this global biodiversity hotspot. Using high-throughput sequencing of the ITS2 rDNA gene, we profiled the endosymbionts of four coral species, Diploastrea heliopora, Pachyseris speciosa, Pocillopora acuta, and Porites lutea, across six sites in PNG. Our findings reveal patterns of Cladocopium and Durusdinium dominance similar to other reefs in the Coral Triangle, albeit with much greater intra- and intergenomic variation. Host- and site-specific variations in Symbiodiniaceae type profiles were observed across collection sites, appearing to be driven by environmental conditions. Notably, the extensive intra- and intergenomic variation, coupled with many previously unreported sequences, highlight PNG as a potential hotspot of symbiont diversity. This work represents the first characterization of the coral-symbiont community structure in the PNG marine biodiversity hotspot, serving as a baseline for future studies.},
}
@article {pmid38997520,
year = {2024},
author = {Samaddar, S and Rolandelli, A and O'Neal, AJ and Laukaitis-Yousey, HJ and Marnin, L and Singh, N and Wang, X and Butler, LR and Rangghran, P and Kitsou, C and Cabrera Paz, FE and Valencia, L and R Ferraz, C and Munderloh, UG and Khoo, B and Cull, B and Rosche, KL and Shaw, DK and Oliver, J and Narasimhan, S and Fikrig, E and Pal, U and Fiskum, GM and Polster, BM and Pedra, JHF},
title = {Bacterial reprogramming of tick metabolism impacts vector fitness and susceptibility to infection.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {9},
pages = {2278-2291},
pmid = {38997520},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {F31 AI152215/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; F31AI152215//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; P01AI138949//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; T32 AI162579/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32AI162579//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; R01 AI093653/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI080615/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P01 AI138949/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD025101/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; R01AI162819//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; P01AI138949, R01AI080615//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; R21 AI165520/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI116523/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; F31AI167471//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; R01 AI049424/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; F31 AI167471/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01AI134696, R01AI116523, R01AI049424, P01AI138949//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; R01 AI134696/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI162819/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; *Anaplasma phagocytophilum/metabolism/genetics ; *Rickettsia/genetics/metabolism ; *Borrelia burgdorferi/genetics/metabolism ; Mice ; Lyme Disease/microbiology ; Glycolysis ; Metabolomics ; Humans ; Genetic Fitness ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Arthropod-borne pathogens are responsible for hundreds of millions of infections in humans each year. The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the predominant arthropod vector in the United States and is responsible for transmitting several human pathogens, including the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and the obligate intracellular rickettsial bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. However, tick metabolic response to microbes and whether metabolite allocation occurs upon infection remain unknown. Here we investigated metabolic reprogramming in the tick ectoparasite I. scapularis and determined that the rickettsial bacterium A. phagocytophilum and the spirochete B. burgdorferi induced glycolysis in tick cells. Surprisingly, the endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri had a minimal effect on bioenergetics. An unbiased metabolomics approach following A. phagocytophilum infection of tick cells showed alterations in carbohydrate, lipid, nucleotide and protein metabolism, including elevated levels of the pleiotropic metabolite β-aminoisobutyric acid. We manipulated the expression of genes associated with β-aminoisobutyric acid metabolism in I. scapularis, resulting in feeding impairment, diminished survival and reduced bacterial acquisition post haematophagy. Collectively, we discovered that metabolic reprogramming affects interspecies relationships and fitness in the clinically relevant tick I. scapularis.},
}
@article {pmid39004284,
year = {2024},
author = {Obanda, V and Akinyi, M and King'ori, E and Nyakundi, R and Ochola, G and Oreng, P and Mugambi, K and Waiguchu, GM and Chege, M and Rosenbaum, W and Ylitalo, EB and Bäck, AT and Pettersson, L and Mukunzi, OS and Agwanda, B and Stenberg-Lewerin, S and Lwande, OW},
title = {Epidemiology and ecology of the sylvatic cycle of African Swine Fever Virus in Kenya.},
journal = {Virus research},
volume = {348},
number = {},
pages = {199434},
pmid = {39004284},
issn = {1872-7492},
mesh = {Animals ; *African Swine Fever Virus/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *African Swine Fever/epidemiology/transmission/virology ; Kenya/epidemiology ; Swine ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; *Antibodies, Viral/blood ; Genotype ; Tick Infestations/epidemiology/veterinary ; Arachnid Vectors/virology ; },
abstract = {African Swine Fever (ASF) is caused by a DNA virus (AFSV) maintained and transmitted by the Argasid ticks. The re-emergence of the disease in Africa coupled with its rapid spread globally is a threat to the pig industry, food security and livelihoods. The ecology and epidemiology of the ASFV sylvatic cycle, especially in the face of changing land use and land cover, further compounds the menace and impacts of this disease in Kenya. The study aimed to determine the occurrence and distribution of ASFV seroprevalence in warthog populations, the tick vectors and extent of tick infestation of warthog burrows, and the genotypes of ASFV in soft ticks in Kenya. Warthogs from different parts of Kenya were captured and venous blood was centrifuged to harvest sera. Warthog burrows were examined for their conditions and to extract ticks. Sera were analyzed for antibodies against ASFV using a commercial ELISA kit coated with p32 ASFV recombinant protein. Ticks were pooled, DNA extracted and the p72 gene of the ASFV was amplified by qPCR and conventional PCR. The overall seroprevalence of ASFV in warthogs was 87.5 %. A total of 228 warthog burrows were examined and 2154 argasid ticks were extracted from the burrows. Tick pools from Kigio Farm and Lewa Wildlife Conservancies were ASFV-positive by qPCR and conventional PCR. ASFV was further confirmed by the Twist Comprehensive Viral Research Panel (TCVRP), which also identified the argasid ticks as Ornithodoros porcinus. The ticks were infected with virus genotype IX, and their occurrence overlaps with regions of previous ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs. Further, Viruses that could be tick endosymbionts/commensals or due to bloodmeal were detected in ticks by TCVRP; Porcine type-C oncovirus; Pandoravirus neocaledonia; Choristoneura fumiferana granulovirus; Enterobacteria phage p7; Leporid herpesvirus 4 isolate; 5; Human Lymphotropic virus; Human herpesvirus 5. In conclusion, our results suggest that infected Ornithodoros spp. seems to have a rich virome, which has not been explored but could be exploited to inform ASF control in Kenya. Further, the ecology of Ornithodoros spp. and burrow-use dynamics are complex and more studies are needed to understand these dynamics, specifically in the spread of ASFV at the interface of wild and domestic pigs. Further, our results provide evidence of genotype IX ASFV sylvatic cycle which through O. porcinus tick transmission has resulted in high exposure of adult common warthogs. Finally, the co-circulation of ASFV genotype IX in the same location with past ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs and presently in ticks brings to focus the role of the interface and ticks on virus transmission to pigs and warthogs.},
}
@article {pmid39008129,
year = {2024},
author = {Pereira, IS and da Cunha, M and Leal, IP and Luís, MP and Gonçalves, P and Gonçalves, C and Mota, LJ},
title = {Identification of homologs of the Chlamydia trachomatis effector CteG reveals a family of Chlamydiaceae type III secreted proteins that can be delivered into host cells.},
journal = {Medical microbiology and immunology},
volume = {213},
number = {1},
pages = {15},
pmid = {39008129},
issn = {1432-1831},
mesh = {Humans ; *Chlamydia trachomatis/genetics/metabolism ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; *Type III Secretion Systems/metabolism/genetics ; Virulence Factors/metabolism/genetics ; HeLa Cells ; Yersinia/genetics/metabolism ; Protein Transport ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Evolution, Molecular ; Chlamydiaceae/genetics/metabolism/classification ; },
abstract = {Chlamydiae are a large group of obligate endosymbionts of eukaryotes that includes the Chlamydiaceae family, comprising several animal pathogens. Among Chlamydiaceae, Chlamydia trachomatis causes widespread ocular and urogenital infections in humans. Like many bacterial pathogens, all Chlamydiae manipulate host cells by injecting them with type III secretion effector proteins. We previously characterized the C. trachomatis effector CteG, which localizes at the host cell Golgi and plasma membrane during distinct phases of the chlamydial infectious cycle. Here, we show that CteG is a Chlamydiaceae-specific effector with over 60 homologs phylogenetically categorized into two distinct clades (CteG I and CteG II) and exhibiting several inparalogs and outparalogs. Notably, cteG I homologs are syntenic to C. trachomatis cteG, whereas cteG II homologs are syntenic among themselves but not with C. trachomatis cteG. This indicates a complex evolution of cteG homologs, which is unique among C. trachomatis effectors, marked by numerous events of gene duplication and loss. Despite relatively modest sequence conservation, nearly all tested CteG I and CteG II proteins were identified as type III secretion substrates using Yersinia as a heterologous bacterial host. Moreover, most of the type III secreted CteG I and CteG II homologs were delivered by C. trachomatis into host cells, where they localized at the Golgi region and cell periphery. Overall, this provided insights into the evolution of bacterial effectors and revealed a Chlamydiaceae family of type III secreted proteins that underwent substantial divergence during evolution while conserving the capacity to localize at specific host cell compartments.},
}
@article {pmid39009178,
year = {2024},
author = {Power, RI and Doyle, SR and Šlapeta, J},
title = {Whole genome amplification and sequencing of individual Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae.},
journal = {Experimental parasitology},
volume = {263-264},
number = {},
pages = {108806},
doi = {10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108806},
pmid = {39009178},
issn = {1090-2449},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dirofilaria immitis/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Dogs ; *Genome, Helminth ; *Dog Diseases/parasitology ; *Dirofilariasis/parasitology ; *Microfilariae/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Whole Genome Sequencing ; *DNA, Helminth/isolation &amp; purification/chemistry ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Dirofilaria immitis is a filarial parasitic nematode of veterinary significance. With the emergence of drug-resistant isolates in the USA, it is imperative to determine the likelihood of resistance occurring in other regions of the world. One approach is to conduct population genetic studies across an extensive geographical range, and to sequence the genomes of individual worms to understand genome-wide genetic variation associated with resistance. The immature life stages of D. immitis found in the host blood are more accessible and less invasive to sample compared to extracting adult stages from the host heart. To assess the use of immature life stages for population genetic analyses, we have performed whole genome amplification and whole-genome sequencing on nine (n = 9) individual D. immitis microfilaria samples isolated from dog blood. On average, less than 1% of mapped reads aligned to each D. immitis genome (nuclear, mitochondrial, and Wolbachia endosymbiont). For the dog genome, an average of over 99% of mapped reads aligned to the nuclear genome and less than 1% aligned to the mitochondrial genome. The average coverage for all D. immitis genomes and the dog nuclear genome was less than 1, while the dog mitochondrial genome had an average coverage of 2.87. The overwhelming proportion of sequencing reads mapping to the dog host genome can be attributed to residual dog blood cells in the microfilariae samples. These results demonstrate the challenges of conducting genome-wide studies on individual immature parasite life stages, particularly in the presence of extraneous host DNA.},
}
@article {pmid39010998,
year = {2024},
author = {Dagar, J and Maurya, S and Antil, S and Abraham, JS and Somasundaram, S and Lal, R and Makhija, S and Toteja, R},
title = {Symbionts of Ciliates and Ciliates as Symbionts.},
journal = {Indian journal of microbiology},
volume = {64},
number = {2},
pages = {304-317},
pmid = {39010998},
issn = {0046-8991},
abstract = {Endosymbiotic relationships between ciliates and others are critical for their ecological roles, physiological adaptations, and evolutionary implications. These can be obligate and facultative. Symbionts often provide essential nutrients, contribute to the ciliate's metabolism, aid in digestion, and offer protection against predators or environmental stressors. In turn, ciliates provide a protected environment and resources for their symbionts, facilitating their survival and proliferation. Ultrastructural and full-cycle rRNA approaches are utilized to identify these endosymbionts. Fluorescence in situ hybridization using "species- and group-specific probes" which are complementary to the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a particular species or group of interest represent convenient tools for their detection directly in the environment. A systematic survey of these endosymbionts has been conducted using both traditional and metagenomic approaches. Ciliophora and other protists have a wide range of prokaryotic symbionts, which may contain potentially pathogenic bacteria. Ciliates can establish symbiotic relationships with a variety of hosts also, ranging from protists to metazoans. Understanding ciliate symbiosis can provide useful insights into the complex relationships that drive microbial communities and ecosystems in general.},
}
@article {pmid39013857,
year = {2024},
author = {Gao, YL and Cournoyer, J and De, BC and Wallace, CL and Ulanov, AV and La Frano, MR and Mehta, AP},
title = {Introducing carbon assimilation in yeasts using photosynthetic directed endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {5947},
pmid = {39013857},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {R01 GM139949/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01GM139949//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; *Photosynthesis ; *Carbon/metabolism ; *Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism/genetics ; *Metabolic Engineering/methods ; Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; Glucose/metabolism ; Cyanobacteria/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Conversion of heterotrophic organisms into partially or completely autotrophic organisms is primarily accomplished by extensive metabolic engineering and laboratory evolution efforts that channel CO2 into central carbon metabolism. Here, we develop a directed endosymbiosis approach to introduce carbon assimilation in budding yeasts. Particularly, we engineer carbon assimilating and sugar-secreting photosynthetic cyanobacterial endosymbionts within the yeast cells, which results in the generation of yeast/cyanobacteria chimeras that propagate under photosynthetic conditions in the presence of CO2 and in the absence of feedstock carbon sources like glucose or glycerol. We demonstrate that the yeast/cyanobacteria chimera can be engineered to biosynthesize natural products under the photosynthetic conditions. Additionally, we expand our directed endosymbiosis approach to standard laboratory strains of yeasts, which transforms them into photosynthetic yeast/cyanobacteria chimeras. We anticipate that our studies will have significant implications for sustainable biotechnology, synthetic biology, and experimentally studying the evolutionary adaptation of an additional organelle in yeast.},
}
@article {pmid39014485,
year = {2024},
author = {Harmsen, N and Vesga, P and Glauser, G and Klötzli, F and Heiman, CM and Altenried, A and Vacheron, J and Muller, D and Moënne-Loccoz, Y and Steinger, T and Keel, C and Garrido-Sanz, D},
title = {Natural plant disease suppressiveness in soils extends to insect pest control.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {127},
pmid = {39014485},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {BiodivERsA3 ERA-Net COFUND//Biodiversa+/ ; BiodivERsA3 ERA-Net COFUND//Biodiversa+/ ; BiodivERsA3 ERA-Net COFUND//Biodiversa+/ ; BiodivERsA3 ERA-Net COFUND//Biodiversa+/ ; BiodivERsA3 ERA-Net COFUND//Biodiversa+/ ; BiodivERsA3 ERA-Net COFUND//Biodiversa+/ ; BiodivERsA3 ERA-Net COFUND//Biodiversa+/ ; 31BD30_186540//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F&#xf6;rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; 31BD30_186540//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F&#xf6;rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; 31BD30_186540//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F&#xf6;rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; 31BD30_186540//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F&#xf6;rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; 31BD30_186540//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F&#xf6;rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; 51NF40_180575//National Centre of Competence in Research Microbiomes, Switzerland/ ; 51NF40_180575//National Centre of Competence in Research Microbiomes, Switzerland/ ; 51NF40_180575//National Centre of Competence in Research Microbiomes, Switzerland/ ; 51NF40_180575//National Centre of Competence in Research Microbiomes, Switzerland/ ; ANR19-EBI3-0007//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR19-EBI3-0007//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Plant Diseases/prevention &amp; control/microbiology ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Rhizosphere ; Switzerland ; Insecta ; Bacteria/classification ; Soil/chemistry ; Ascomycota/physiology ; Insect Control/methods ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Herbivory ; Plant Growth Regulators/metabolism/pharmacology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Since the 1980s, soils in a 22-km[2] area near Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland have been recognized for their innate ability to suppress the black root rot plant disease caused by the fungal pathogen Thielaviopsis basicola. However, the efficacy of natural disease suppressive soils against insect pests has not been studied.<br><br>RESULTS: We demonstrate that natural soil suppressiveness also protects plants from the leaf-feeding pest insect Oulema melanopus. Plants grown in the most suppressive soil have a reduced stress response to Oulema feeding, reflected by dampened levels of herbivore defense-related phytohormones and benzoxazinoids. Enhanced salicylate levels in insect-free plants indicate defense-priming operating in this soil. The rhizosphere microbiome of suppressive soils contained a higher proportion of plant-beneficial bacteria, coinciding with their microbiome networks being highly tolerant to the destabilizing impact of insect exposure observed in the rhizosphere of plants grown in the conducive soils. We suggest that presence of plant-beneficial bacteria in the suppressive soils along with priming, conferred plant resistance to the insect pest, manifesting also in the onset of insect microbiome dysbiosis by the displacement of the insect endosymbionts.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that an intricate soil-plant-insect feedback, relying on a stress tolerant microbiome network with the presence of plant-beneficial bacteria and plant priming, extends natural soil suppressiveness from soilborne diseases to insect pests. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid39025984,
year = {2024},
author = {Sikorskaya, TV and Ermolenko, EV and Ginanova, TT and Boroda, AV and Efimova, KV and Bogdanov, M},
title = {Membrane vectorial lipidomic features of coral host cells' plasma membrane and lipid profiles of their endosymbionts Cladocopium.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {878},
pmid = {39025984},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {R01 GM121493/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01GM121493-6//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/metabolism/physiology/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Cell Membrane/metabolism ; *Lipidomics ; *Dinoflagellida/metabolism/physiology ; Membrane Lipids/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The symbiotic relationships between coral animal host and autotrophic dinoflagellates are based on the mutual exchange and tight control of nutritional inputs supporting successful growth. The corals Sinularia heterospiculata and Acropora aspera were cultivated using a flow-through circulation system supplying seawater during cold and warm seasons of the year, then sorted into host cells and symbionts and subjected to phylogenetic, morphological, and advanced lipid analyses. Here we show, that the lipidomes of the dinoflagellates Cladocopium C1/C3 and acroporide-specific Cladocopium hosted by the corals, are determined by lipidomic features of different thermosensitivity and unique betaine- and phospholipid molecular species. Phosphatidylserines and ceramiaminoethylphosphonates are not detected in the symbionts and predominantly localized on the inner leaflet of the S. heterospiculata host plasma membrane. The transmembrane distribution of phosphatidylethanolamines of S. heterospiculata host changes during different seasons of the year, possibly contributing to mutualistic nutritional exchange across this membrane complex to provide the host with a secure adaptive mechanism and ecological benefits.},
}
@article {pmid39028184,
year = {2024},
author = {Feng, H and Wilson, ACC},
title = {Experimental uncoupling of hosts and endosymbionts.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e0111624},
pmid = {39028184},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; Bacteria/genetics/growth &amp; development ; },
abstract = {Many organisms harbor heritable bacterial symbionts that offer context-specific benefits to their hosts. In some of these symbioses, symbionts live inside host cells as endosymbionts. Studying the biology of endosymbiosis is challenging because it is hard to independently cultivate hosts and endosymbionts. A recent study, using a simple defined growth medium at ambient temperature, established an axenic culture of the pea aphid's heritable bacterial endosymbiont, Candidatus Fukatsuia symbiotica (G. P. Maeda, M. K. Kelly, A. Sundar, and N. A. Moran, mBio 15:e03253-23, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.03253-23). Notably, the monoculture was capable of host recolonization, was stably transmitted, and returned similar host phenotypes to those observed in native infections. This advance in uncoupling the cultivation of an endosymbiont and its host opens avenues for genetic manipulation of the endosymbiont that will facilitate hypothesis-driven work to explore the mechanisms of host-endosymbiont biology and potentially facilitate the development of symbiont-mediated practical-application biotechnologies.},
}
@article {pmid39028812,
year = {2024},
author = {Dougan, KE and Bellantuono, AJ and Kahlke, T and Abbriano, RM and Chen, Y and Shah, S and Granados-Cifuentes, C and van Oppen, MJH and Bhattacharya, D and Suggett, DJ and Rodriguez-Lanetty, M and Chan, CX},
title = {Whole-genome duplication in an algal symbiont bolsters coral heat tolerance.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {10},
number = {29},
pages = {eadn2218},
pmid = {39028812},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Anthozoa/genetics/physiology/microbiology ; Animals ; *Gene Duplication ; *Thermotolerance/genetics ; *Genome ; Coral Reefs ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The algal endosymbiont Durusdinium trenchii enhances the resilience of coral reefs under thermal stress. D. trenchii can live freely or in endosymbiosis, and the analysis of genetic markers suggests that this species has undergone whole-genome duplication (WGD). However, the evolutionary mechanisms that underpin the thermotolerance of this species are largely unknown. Here, we present genome assemblies for two D. trenchii isolates, confirm WGD in these taxa, and examine how selection has shaped the duplicated genome regions using gene expression data. We assess how the free-living versus endosymbiotic lifestyles have contributed to the retention and divergence of duplicated genes, and how these processes have enhanced the thermotolerance of D. trenchii. Our combined results suggest that lifestyle is the driver of post-WGD evolution in D. trenchii, with the free-living phase being the most important, followed by endosymbiosis. Adaptations to both lifestyles likely enabled D. trenchii to provide enhanced thermal stress protection to the host coral.},
}
@article {pmid39029846,
year = {2024},
author = {Mathimaran, A and Nagarajan, H and Mathimaran, A and Huang, YC and Chen, CJ and Vetrivel, U and Jeyaraman, J},
title = {Deciphering the pH-dependent oligomerization of aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase from Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi: An in vitro and in silico approaches.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {276},
number = {Pt 2},
pages = {133977},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133977},
pmid = {39029846},
issn = {1879-0003},
mesh = {*Brugia malayi/enzymology/microbiology ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Animals ; *Aspartate-Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase/metabolism/chemistry/genetics ; *Protein Multimerization ; *Wolbachia/enzymology ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; Computer Simulation ; Symbiosis ; NADP/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The enzyme aspartate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASDH) plays a pivotal role in the amino acid biosynthesis pathway, making it an attractive target for the development of new antimicrobial drugs due to its absence in humans. This study aims to investigate the presence of ASDH in the filarial parasite Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi (WBm) using both in vitro and in silico approaches. The size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and Native-PAGE analysis demonstrate that WBm-ASDH undergoes pH-dependent oligomerization and dimerization. To gain a deeper understanding of this phenomenon, the modelled monomer and dimer structures were subjected to pH-dependent dynamics simulations in various conditions. The results reveal that residues Val240, Gln161, Thr159, Tyr160, and Trp316 form strong hydrogen bond contacts in the intersurface area to maintain the structure in the dimeric form. Furthermore, the binding of NADP[+] induces conformational changes, leading to an open or closed conformation in the structure. Importantly, the binding of NADP[+] does not disturb either the dimerization or oligomerization of the protein, a finding confirmed through both in vitro and in silico analysis. These findings shed light on the structural characteristics of WBm-ASDH and offer valuable insights for the development of new inhibitors specific to WBm, thereby contributing to the development of potential therapies for filarial parasitic infections.},
}
@article {pmid39031957,
year = {2025},
author = {Thia, JA and Zhan, D and Robinson, K and Umina, PA and Hoffmann, AA and Yang, Q},
title = {'Drifting' Buchnera genomes track the microevolutionary trajectories of their aphid hosts.},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {34},
number = {1},
pages = {19-32},
pmid = {39031957},
issn = {1365-2583},
support = {//Grains Research Development Corporation (Australia) as part of the 'Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program'/ ; //University of Melbourne/ ; //University of Melbourne's Research Computing Services/ ; //Petascale Campus Initiative/ ; },
mesh = {*Aphids/genetics ; Animals ; *Buchnera/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Biological Evolution ; Genome, Bacterial ; Genetic Variation ; Brassicaceae/genetics/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Evolution of Buchnera-aphid host symbioses is often studied among species at macroevolutionary scales. Investigations within species offer a different perspective about how eco-evolutionary processes shape patterns of genetic variation at microevolutionary scales. Our study leverages new and publicly available whole-genome sequencing data to study Buchnera-aphid host evolution in Myzus persicae, the peach potato aphid, a globally invasive and polyphagous pest. Across 43 different asexual, clonally reproducing isofemale strains, we examined patterns of genomic covariation between Buchnera and their aphid host and considered the distribution of mutations in protein-coding regions of the Buchnera genome. We found Buchnera polymorphisms within aphid strains, suggesting the presence of genetically different Buchnera strains within the same clonal lineage. Genetic distance between pairs of Buchnera samples was positively correlated to genetic distance between their aphid hosts, indicating shared evolutionary histories. However, there was no segregation of genetic variation for both M. persicae and Buchnera with plant host (Brassicaceae and non-tobacco Solanaceae) and no associations between genetic and geographic distance at global or regional spatial scales. Abundance patterns of non-synonymous mutations were similar to synonymous mutations in the Buchnera genome, and both mutation classes had similar site frequency spectra. We hypothesize that a predominance of neutral processes results in the Buchnera of M. persicae to simply 'drift' with the evolutionary trajectory of their aphid hosts. Our study presents a unique microevolutionary characterization of Buchnera-aphid host genomic covariation across multiple aphid clones. This provides a new perspective on the eco-evolutionary processes generating and maintaining polymorphisms in a major pest aphid species and its obligate primary endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid39042246,
year = {2024},
author = {Favoreto, AL and Domingues, MM and de Carvalho, VR and Ribeiro, MF and Zanuncio, JC and Wilcken, CF},
title = {Detection of Arsenophonus in Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) populations in Brazil.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {55},
number = {4},
pages = {3075-3079},
pmid = {39042246},
issn = {1678-4405},
support = {Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; CAPES-Finance Code 001//Coordena&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Aperfei&#xe7;oamento de Pessoal de N&#xed;vel Superior/ ; Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)/ ; Programa Cooperativo sobre Prote&#xe7;&#xe3;o Florestal (PROTEF) do Instituto de Pesquisas e Estudos Florestais (IPEF)//Programa Cooperativo sobre Prote&#xe7;&#xe3;o Florestal (PROTEF) do Instituto de Pesquisas e Estudos Florestais (IPEF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Enterobacteriaceae/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Eucalyptus/parasitology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Eucalyptus is the most intensively managed tree genus in the world. Different factors, including damage by insect pests, affect its growth and productivity. Among these pests is Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), an exotic insect of Australian origin. The evolutionary success of this insect depends on symbiotic associations with microorganisms. The influence of these microorganisms on insect pests and their natural enemies is important for integrated management tactics. Within this context, this work aimed to detect Arsenophonus in populations of G. brimblecombei in Brazil. Eucalyptus branches infested with G. brimblecombei nymphs were collected in commercial eucalyptus plantations in six Brazilian states. Specimens of this pest were sampled soon after emergence and frozen for molecular analysis. The genomic DNA of G. brimblecombei adults from each population was extracted and used to detect the endosymbiont Arsenophonus by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employing specific primers that target its 23 S rRNA gene. This endosymbiont was identified in all of the studied G. brimblecombei populations. This is the first report on the association between Arsenophonus and G. brimblecombei in Brazil.},
}
@article {pmid39047091,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, H and Xiao, H and Feng, B and Lan, Y and Fung, CW and Zhang, H and Yan, G and Lian, C and Zhong, Z and Li, J and Wang, M and Wu, AR and Li, C and Qian, PY},
title = {Single-cell RNA-seq reveals distinct metabolic "microniches" and close host-symbiont interactions in deep-sea chemosynthetic tubeworm.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {10},
number = {30},
pages = {eadn3053},
pmid = {39047091},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Single-Cell Analysis/methods ; *Polychaeta/metabolism/microbiology/genetics ; *RNA-Seq/methods ; Gammaproteobacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis ; },
abstract = {Vestimentiferan tubeworms that thrive in deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems rely on a single species of sulfide-oxidizing gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts housed in a specialized symbiotic organ called trophosome as their primary carbon source. While this simple symbiosis is remarkably productive, the host-symbiont molecular interactions remain unelucidated. Here, we applied an approach for deep-sea in situ single-cell fixation in a cold-seep tubeworm, Paraescarpia echinospica. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and further molecular characterizations of both the trophosome and endosymbiont indicate that the tubeworm maintains two distinct metabolic "microniches" in the trophosome by controlling the availability of chemosynthetic gases and metabolites, resulting in oxygenated and hypoxic conditions. The endosymbionts in the oxygenated niche actively conduct autotrophic carbon fixation and are digested for nutrients, while those in the hypoxic niche conduct anaerobic denitrification, which helps the host remove ammonia waste. Our study provides insights into the molecular interactions between animals and their symbiotic microbes.},
}
@article {pmid39052691,
year = {2024},
author = {Mirchandani, C and Wang, P and Jacobs, J and Genetti, M and Pepper-Tunick, E and Sullivan, WT and Corbett-Detig, R and Russell, SL},
title = {Mixed Wolbachia infections resolve rapidly during in vitro evolution.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e1012149},
pmid = {39052691},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R00 GM135583/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM128932/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HG012344/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Biological Evolution ; Drosophila simulans/microbiology ; Cell Line ; },
abstract = {The intracellular symbiont Wolbachia pipientis evolved after the divergence of arthropods and nematodes, but it reached high prevalence in many of these taxa through its abilities to infect new hosts and their germlines. Some strains exhibit long-term patterns of co-evolution with their hosts, while other strains are capable of switching hosts. This makes strain selection an important factor in symbiont-based biological control. However, little is known about the ecological and evolutionary interactions that occur when a promiscuous strain colonizes an infected host. Here, we study what occurs when two strains come into contact in host cells following horizontal transmission and infection. We focus on the faithful wMel strain from Drosophila melanogaster and the promiscuous wRi strain from Drosophila simulans using an in vitro cell culture system with multiple host cell types and combinatorial infection states. Mixing D. melanogaster cell lines stably infected with wMel and wRi revealed that wMel outcompetes wRi quickly and reproducibly. Furthermore, wMel was able to competitively exclude wRi even from minuscule starting quantities, indicating that this is a nearly deterministic outcome, independent of the starting infection frequency. This competitive advantage was not exclusive to wMel's native D. melanogaster cell background, as wMel also outgrew wRi in D. simulans cells. Overall, wRi is less adept at in vitro growth and survival than wMel and its in vivo state, revealing differences between the two strains in cellular and humoral regulation. These attributes may underlie the observed low rate of mixed infections in nature and the relatively rare rate of host-switching in most strains. Our in vitro experimental framework for estimating cellular growth dynamics of Wolbachia strains in different host species and cell types provides the first strategy for parameterizing endosymbiont and host cell biology at high resolution. This toolset will be crucial to our application of these bacteria as biological control agents in novel hosts and ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid39054868,
year = {2024},
author = {Sorwar, E and Oliveira, JIN and Malar C, M and Krüger, M and Corradi, N},
title = {Assembly and comparative analyses of the Geosiphon pyriformis metagenome.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {7},
pages = {e16681},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16681},
pmid = {39054868},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {RGPIN2020-05643//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council/ ; RGPAS-2020-00033//Discovery Accelerator Supplements Program/ ; IT16902//Mitacs Accelerate Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Metagenome ; Phylogeny ; Cyanobacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism ; Nostoc/genetics/metabolism ; Metagenomics ; Genome, Fungal ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Geosiphon pyriformis, a representative of the fungal sub-phylum Glomeromycotina, is unique in its endosymbiosis with cyanobacteria within a fungal cell. This symbiotic relationship occurs in bladders containing nuclei of G. pyriformis, Mollicutes-like bacterial endosymbionts (MRE), and photosynthetically active and dividing cells of Nostoc punctiforme. Recent genome analyses have shed light on the biology of G. pyriformis, but the genome content and biology of its endosymbionts remain unexplored. To fill this gap, we gathered and examined metagenomic data from the bladders of G. pyriformis, where N. punctiforme and MRE are located. This ensures that our analyses are focused on the organs directly involved in the symbiosis. By comparing this data with the genetic information of related cyanobacteria and MREs from other species of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, we aimed to reveal the genetic content of these organisms and understand how they interact at a genetic level to establish a symbiotic relationship. Our analyses uncovered significant gene expansions in the Nostoc endosymbiont, particularly in mobile elements and genes potentially involved in xenobiotic degradation. We also confirmed that the MRE of Glomeromycotina are monophyletic and possess a highly streamlined genome. These genomes show dramatic differences in both structure and content, including the presence of enzymes involved in environmental sensing and stress response.},
}
@article {pmid39054929,
year = {2024},
author = {Singh, R and Suresh, S and Fewell, JH and Harrison, JF and Linksvayer, TA},
title = {Wolbachia-infected pharaoh ant colonies have higher egg production, metabolic rate and worker survival.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {227},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.247168},
pmid = {39054929},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {IOS-1452520//National Science Foundation/ ; //National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Ants/microbiology/physiology ; Female ; *Longevity ; Oviposition/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Ovum/microbiology/physiology ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a widespread maternally transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria with diverse phenotypic effects on its insect hosts, ranging from parasitic to mutualistic. Wolbachia commonly infects social insects, where it faces unique challenges associated with its host's caste-based reproductive division of labor and colony living. Here, we dissect the benefits and costs of Wolbachia infection on life-history traits of the invasive pharaoh ant, Monomorium pharaonis, which are relatively short lived and show natural variation in Wolbachia infection status between colonies. We quantified the effects of Wolbachia infection on the lifespan of queen and worker castes, the egg-laying rate of queens across queen lifespan, and the metabolic rates of whole colonies and colony members. Infected queens laid more eggs than uninfected queens but had similar metabolic rates and lifespans. Interestingly, infected workers outlived uninfected workers. At the colony level, infected colonies were more productive as a consequence of increased queen egg-laying rates and worker longevity, and infected colonies had higher metabolic rates during peak colony productivity. While some effects of infection, such as elevated colony-level metabolic rates, may be detrimental in more stressful natural conditions, we did not find any costs of infection under relatively benign laboratory conditions. Overall, our study emphasizes that Wolbachia infection can have beneficial effects on ant colony growth and worker survival in at least some environments.},
}
@article {pmid39057829,
year = {2024},
author = {Collado-Cuadrado, M and Alarcón-Torrecillas, C and Rodríguez-Escolar, I and Balmori-de la Puente, A and Infante González-Mohino, E and Pericacho, M and Morchón, R},
title = {Wolbachia Promotes an Anti-Angiogenic Response Using an In Vitro Model of Vascular Endothelial Cells in Relation to Heartworm Disease.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {39057829},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {//General Foundation of University of Salamanca/ ; //Margarita-Salas as postdoctoral scholarship/ ; //University of Salamanca-Banco Santander/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology/drug effects ; Animals ; *Dirofilaria immitis/drug effects ; Humans ; *Dirofilariasis ; *Endothelial Cells/drug effects/microbiology/parasitology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1/metabolism ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2/metabolism ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease responsible for the infection of mainly domestic dogs and cats, or these are those for which the most data are known. Humans are an accidental host where a benign, asymptomatic pulmonary nodule may originate. Dirofilaria immitis also harbours the endosymbiont bacteria of the genus Wolbachia, which play a role in moulting, embryogenesis, inflammatory pathology, and immune response. When Wolbachia sp. is released into the bloodstream, endothelial and pulmonary damage is exacerbated, further encouraging thrombus formation and pulmonary hypertension, facilitating congestive heart failure and death of the animal. Previous studies have shown that parasite excretory/secretory products are able to activate the pro-angiogenic pathway (formation of new vessels) to facilitate parasite survival. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of Wolbachia sp. and its relationship with the cellular processes and the angiogenic pathway in a model of human endothelial cells in vitro. The use of recombinant Wolbachia Surface Protein (rWSP) showed that its stimulation exerted an anti-angiogenic effect by detecting an increase in the production of VEGFR-1/sFlt1 and sEndoglin and did not affect the production of VEGFR-2 and mEndoglin (pro-angiogenic molecules). Furthermore, it did not stimulate cell proliferation or migration, although it did negatively stimulate the formation of pseudocapillaries, slowing down this process. These cellular processes are directly related to the angiogenic pathway so, with these results, we can conclude that Wolbachia sp. is related to the stimulation of the anti-angiogenic pathway, not facilitating the survival of D. immitis in vascular endothelium.},
}
@article {pmid39058005,
year = {2024},
author = {Ibañez-Escribano, A and Gomez-Muñoz, MT and Mateo, M and Fonseca-Berzal, C and Gomez-Lucia, E and Perez, RG and Alunda, JM and Carrion, J},
title = {Microbial Matryoshka: Addressing the Relationship between Pathogenic Flagellated Protozoans and Their RNA Viral Endosymbionts (Family Totiviridae).},
journal = {Veterinary sciences},
volume = {11},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {39058005},
issn = {2306-7381},
abstract = {Three genera of viruses of the family Totiviridae establish endosymbiotic associations with flagellated protozoa responsible for parasitic diseases of great impact in the context of One Health. Giardiavirus, Trichomonasvirus, and Leishmaniavirus infect the protozoa Giardia sp., Trichomonas vaginalis, and Leishmania sp., respectively. In the present work, we review the characteristics of the endosymbiotic relationships established, the advantages, and the consequences caused in mammalian hosts. Among the common characteristics of these double-stranded RNA viruses are that they do not integrate into the host genome, do not follow a lytic cycle, and do not cause cytopathic effects. However, in cases of endosymbiosis between Leishmaniavirus and Leishmania species from the Americas, and between Trichomonasvirus and Trichomonas vaginalis, it seems that it can alter their virulence (degree of pathogenicity). In a mammalian host, due to TLR3 activation of immune cells upon the recognition of viral RNA, uncontrolled inflammatory signaling responses are triggered, increasing pathological damage and the risk of failure of conventional standard treatment. Endosymbiosis with Giardiavirus can cause the loss of intestinal adherence of the protozoan, resulting in a benign disease. The current knowledge about viruses infecting flagellated protozoans is still fragmentary, and more research is required to unravel the intricacies of this three-way relationship. We need to develop early and effective diagnostic methods for further development in the field of translational medicine. Taking advantage of promising biotechnological advances, the aim is to develop ad hoc therapeutic strategies that focus not only on the disease-causing protozoan but also on the virus.},
}
@article {pmid39064928,
year = {2024},
author = {Santana-Filho, AP and Pereira, AJ and Laibida, LA and Souza-Melo, N and DaRocha, WD and Sassaki, GL},
title = {Lipidomic Analysis Reveals Branched-Chain and Cyclic Fatty Acids from Angomonas deanei Grown under Different Nutritional and Physiological Conditions.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {29},
number = {14},
pages = {},
pmid = {39064928},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {311177/2021-2//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; },
mesh = {*Lipidomics/methods ; *Fatty Acids/metabolism/analysis ; *Trypanosomatina/metabolism ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Principal Component Analysis ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy/methods ; },
abstract = {Angomonas deanei belongs to Trypanosomatidae family, a family of parasites that only infect insects. It hosts a bacterial endosymbiont in a mutualistic relationship, constituting an excellent model for studying organelle origin and cellular evolution. A lipidomic approach, which allows for a comprehensive analysis of all lipids in a biological system (lipidome), is a useful tool for identifying and measuring different expression patterns of lipid classes. The present study applied GC-MS and NMR techniques, coupled with principal component analysis (PCA), in order to perform a comparative lipidomic study of wild and aposymbiotic A. deanei grown in the presence or absence of FBS. Unusual contents of branched-chain iso C17:0 and C19:0-cis-9,10 and-11,12 fatty acids were identified in A. deanei cultures, and it was interesting to note that their content slightly decreased at the log phase culture, indicating that in the latter growth stages the cell must promote the remodeling of lipid synthesis in order to maintain the fluidity of the membrane. The combination of analytical techniques used in this work allowed for the detection and characterization of lipids and relevant contributors in a variety of A. deanei growth conditions.},
}
@article {pmid39072987,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, G and Wei, T and Lan, Y and Xu, T and Qian, P},
title = {Different parts of the mussel Gigantidas haimaensis holobiont responded differently to deep-sea sampling stress.},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {20},
number = {6},
pages = {1294-1305},
pmid = {39072987},
issn = {1749-4877},
support = {2019B030302004//Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research of Guangdong Province/ ; 2021HJ01//PI project of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)/ ; SMSEGL24SC01//Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)/ ; 16101822//HKSAR government/ ; C2013-22G//HKSAR government/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Symbiosis ; Gills/microbiology/physiology/metabolism ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Bivalvia/physiology/genetics/microbiology ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Acute environmental changes cause stress during conventional deep-sea biological sampling without in situ fixation and affect gene expressions of samples collected. However, the degree of influence and underlying mechanisms are hardly investigated. Here, we conducted comparative transcriptomic analyses between in situ and onboard fixed gills and between in situ and onboard fixed mantles of deep-sea mussel Gigantidas haimaensis to assess the effects of incidental sampling stress. Results showed that transcription, translation, and energy metabolism were upregulated in onboard fixed gills and mantles, thereby mobilizing rapid gene expression to tackle the stress. Autophagy and phagocytosis that related to symbiotic interactions between the host and endosymbiont were downregulated in the onboard fixed gills. These findings demonstrated that symbiotic gill and nonsymbiotic mantle responded differently to sampling stress, and symbiosis in the gill was perturbed. Further comparative metatranscriptomic analysis between in situ and onboard fixed gills revealed that stress response genes, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and methane fixation were upregulated in the onboard fixed endosymbiotic Gammaproteobacteria inside the gills, implying that energy metabolism of the endosymbiont was increased to cope with sampling stress. Furthermore, comparative analysis between the mussel G. haimaensis and the limpet Bathyacmaea lactea transcriptomes resultedidentified six transcription factor orthologs upregulated in both onboard fixed mussel mantles and limpets, including sharply increased early growth response protein 1 and Kruppel-like factor 5. They potentially play key roles in initiating the response of sampled deep-sea macrobenthos to sampling stress. Our results clearly show that in situ fixed biological samples are vital for studying deep-sea environmental adaptation.},
}
@article {pmid39074716,
year = {2024},
author = {Start, CC and Anderson, CMH and Gatehouse, AMR and Edwards, MG},
title = {Dynamic response of essential amino acid biosynthesis in Buchnera aphidicola to supplement sub-optimal host nutrition.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {158},
number = {},
pages = {104683},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104683},
pmid = {39074716},
issn = {1879-1611},
mesh = {*Amino Acids, Essential/metabolism ; *Aphids/metabolism/genetics ; Animals ; Buchnera/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Diet ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiotic bacterium Buchnera aphidicola allows its host Acyrthosiphon pisum to utilise a nutritionally limited phloem sap diet without significant mortality by providing essential amino acids (EAAs), which it biosynthesises de novo via complex pathways consisting of multiple enzymes. Previous studies have reported how non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) provided by the host are utilised by B. aphidicola, along with how genes within the biosynthetic pathways respond to amino acid deficiency. Although the effect on B. aphidicola gene expression upon the removal of a single EAA and multiple NEAAs from the A. pisum diet has been reported, little is known about the effects of the complete simultaneous removal of multiple EAAs, especially branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). To investigate this, A. pisum was provided with amino acid deficient diets ilv- (lacking isoleucine, leucine, valine) or thra- (lacking threonine, methionine, lysine). Due to their involvement in the production of several amino acids, the expression of genes ilvC, ilvD (both involved in isoleucine, leucine and valine biosynthesis) and thrA (involved in threonine, methionine and lysine biosynthesis) was analysed and the expression of trpC (involved in tryptophan biosynthesis) was used as a control. Survival was reduced significantly when A. pisum was reared on ilv- or thra- (P < 0.001 and P = 0.000 respectively) compared to optimal artificial diet and was significantly lower on ilv- (P < 0.001) than thra-. This is likely attributed to the EAAs absent from ilv- being required at higher concentrations for aphid growth, than those EAAs absent from thra-. Expression of ilvC and ilvD were upregulated 2.49- and 2.08-fold (respectively) and thrA expression increased 2.35- and 2.12-fold when A. pisum was reared on ilv- and thra- (respectively). The surprisingly large upregulation of thrA when reared on ilv- is likely due to threonine being an intermediate in isoleucine biosynthesis. Expression of trpC was not affected by rearing on either of the two amino acid deficient diets. To our knowledge this study has shown, for the first time, how genes within the biosynthetic pathways of an endosymbiont respond to the simultaneous complete omission of multiple EAAs as well as all three BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine), from the host diet.},
}
@article {pmid39075965,
year = {2024},
author = {Blasco-Lavilla, N and López-López, A and De la Rúa, P and Barribeau, SM},
title = {Infection by Crithidia bombi increases relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in the gut of Bombus terrestris.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {33},
number = {17},
pages = {e17478},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17478},
pmid = {39075965},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {FPU14/05189//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci&#xf3;n/ ; 19908/GERM/2015//Fundaci&#xf3;n S&#xe9;neca/ ; 21372/PDGI/19//Fundaci&#xf3;n S&#xe9;neca (CARM) &amp; European Social Fund/ ; AV/PP0012/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 212450/Z/18/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Crithidia/pathogenicity/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Bees/microbiology/parasitology ; *Lactobacillus/genetics ; },
abstract = {Gut microbial communities confer protection against natural pathogens in important pollinators from the genera Bombus and Apis. In commercial species B. terrestris and B. impatiens, the microbiota increases their resistance to the common and virulent trypanosomatid parasite Crithidia bombi. However, the mechanisms by which gut microorganisms protect the host are still unknown. Here, we test two hypotheses: microbiota protect the host (1) through stimulation of its immune response or protection of the gut epithelium and (2) by competing for resources with the parasite inside the gut. To test them, we reduced the microbiota of workers and then rescued the microbial community by feeding them with microbiota supplements. We then exposed them to an infectious dose of C. bombi and characterised gene expression and gut microbiota composition. We examined the expression of three antimicrobial peptide genes and Mucin-5AC, a gene with a putative role in gut epithelium protection, using qPCR. Although a protective effect against C. bombi was observed in bumblebees with supplemented microbiota, we did not observe an effect of the microbiota on gene expression that could explain alone the protective effect observed. On the other hand, we found an increased relative abundance of Lactobacillus bacteria within the gut of infected workers and a negative correlation of this genus with Gilliamella and Snodgrassella genera. Therefore, our results point to a displacement of bumblebee endosymbionts by C. bombi that might be caused by competition for space and nutrients between the parasite and the microbiota within the gut.},
}
@article {pmid39079670,
year = {2024},
author = {Owashi, Y and Arai, H and Adachi-Hagimori, T and Kageyama, D},
title = {Rickettsia induces strong cytoplasmic incompatibility in a predatory insect.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {291},
number = {2027},
pages = {20240680},
pmid = {39079670},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rickettsia/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; Male ; Cytoplasm ; Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {Rickettsia, a group of intracellular bacteria found in eukaryotes, exhibits diverse lifestyles, with some acting as vertebrate pathogens transmitted by arthropod vectors and others serving as maternally transmitted arthropod endosymbionts, some of which manipulate host reproduction for their own benefit. Two phenotypes, namely male-killing and parthenogenesis induction are known as Rickettsia-induced host reproductive manipulations, but it remains unknown whether Rickettsia can induce other types of host manipulation. In this study, we discovered that Rickettsia induced strong cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), in which uninfected females produce no offspring when mated with infected males, in the predatory insect Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae). Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Rickettsia strain was related to Rickettsia bellii, a common insect endosymbiont. Notably, this strain carried plasmid-encoded homologues of the CI-inducing factors (namely cifA-like and cifB-like genes), typically found in Wolbachia, which are well-known CI-inducing endosymbionts. Protein domain prediction revealed that the cifB-like gene encodes PD-(D/E)XK nuclease and deubiquitinase domains, which are responsible for Wolbachia-induced CI, as well as ovarian tumour-like (OTU-like) cysteine protease and ankyrin repeat domains. These findings suggest that Rickettsia and Wolbachia endosymbionts share underlying mechanisms of CI and that CI-inducing ability was acquired by microbes through horizontal plasmid transfer.},
}
@article {pmid39081075,
year = {2024},
author = {Bontemps, Z and Paranjape, K and Guy, L},
title = {Host-bacteria interactions: ecological and evolutionary insights from ancient, professional endosymbionts.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology reviews},
volume = {48},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {39081075},
issn = {1574-6976},
support = {F23-0260//Helge Ax:son Johnsons Foundation/ ; //NSERC/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Host Microbial Interactions/physiology ; *Biological Evolution ; Gammaproteobacteria/genetics/physiology/classification ; Animals ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Interactions between eukaryotic hosts and their bacterial symbionts drive key ecological and evolutionary processes, from regulating ecosystems to the evolution of complex molecular machines and processes. Over time, endosymbionts generally evolve reduced genomes, and their relationship with their host tends to stabilize. However, host-bacteria relationships may be heavily influenced by environmental changes. Here, we review these effects on one of the most ancient and diverse endosymbiotic groups, formed by-among others-Legionellales, Francisellaceae, and Piscirickettsiaceae. This group is referred to as Deep-branching Intracellular Gammaproteobacteria (DIG), whose last common ancestor presumably emerged about 2 Ga ago. We show that DIGs are globally distributed, but generally at very low abundance, and are mainly identified in aquatic biomes. Most DIGs harbour a type IVB secretion system, critical for host-adaptation, but its structure and composition vary. Finally, we review the different types of microbial interactions that can occur in diverse environments, with direct or indirect effects on DIG populations. The increased use of omics technologies on environmental samples will allow a better understanding of host-bacterial interactions and help unravel the definition of DIGs as a group from an ecological, molecular, and evolutionary perspective.},
}
@article {pmid39081362,
year = {2024},
author = {Kaneko, M and Omori, T and Igai, K and Mabuchi, T and Sakai-Tazawa, M and Nishihara, A and Kihara, K and Yoshimura, T and Ohkuma, M and Hongoh, Y},
title = {Facultative endosymbiosis between cellulolytic protists and methanogenic archaea in the gut of the Formosan termite Coptotermes formosanus.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {ycae097},
pmid = {39081362},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Anaerobic protists frequently harbour methanogenic archaea, which apparently contribute to the hosts' fermentative metabolism by consuming excess H2. However, the ecological properties of endosymbiotic methanogens remain elusive in many cases. Here we investigated the ecology and genome of the endosymbiotic methanogen of the Cononympha protists in the hindgut of the termite Coptotermes formosanus. Microscopic and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analyses revealed that a single species, designated here "Candidatus Methanobrevibacter cononymphae", is associated with both Cononympha leidyi and Cononympha koidzumii and that its infection rate in Cononympha cells varied from 0.0% to 99.8% among termite colonies. Fine-scale network analysis indicated that multiple 16S rRNA sequence variants coexisted within a single host cell and that identical variants were present in both Cononympha species and also on the gut wall. Thus, "Ca. Methanobrevibacter cononymphae" is a facultative endosymbiont, transmitted vertically with frequent exchanges with the gut environment. Indeed, transmission electron microscopy showed escape or uptake of methanogens from/by a Cononympha cell. The genome of "Ca. Methanobrevibacter cononymphae" showed features consistent with its facultative lifestyle: i.e., the genome size (2.7 Mbp) comparable to those of free-living relatives; the pseudogenization of the formate dehydrogenase gene fdhA, unnecessary within the non-formate-producing host cell; the dependence on abundant acetate in the host cell as an essential carbon source; and the presence of a catalase gene, required for colonization on the microoxic gut wall. Our study revealed a versatile endosymbiosis between the methanogen and protists, which may be a strategy responding to changing conditions in the termite gut.},
}
@article {pmid39084221,
year = {2024},
author = {Moreira, D and Blaz, J and Kim, E and Eme, L},
title = {A gene-rich mitochondrion with a unique ancestral protein transport system.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {34},
number = {16},
pages = {3812-3819.e3},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.017},
pmid = {39084221},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Mitochondria/metabolism/genetics ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; *Protein Transport ; Evolution, Molecular ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Mitochondria originated from an ancient endosymbiosis involving an alphaproteobacterium.[1][,][2][,][3] Over time, these organelles reduced their gene content massively, with most genes being transferred to the host nucleus before the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA).[4] This process has yielded varying gene compositions in modern mitogenomes, including the complete loss of this organellar genome in some extreme cases.[5][,][6][,][7][,][8][,][9][,][10][,][11][,][12][,][13][,][14] At the other end of the spectrum, jakobids harbor the most gene-rich mitogenomes, encoding 60-66 proteins.[8] Here, we introduce the mitogenome of Mantamonas sphyraenae, a protist from the deep-branching CRuMs supergroup.[15][,][16] Remarkably, it boasts the most gene-rich mitogenome outside of jakobids, by housing 91 genes, including 62 protein-coding ones. These include rare homologs of the four subunits of the bacterial-type cytochrome c maturation system I (CcmA, CcmB, CcmC, and CcmF) alongside a unique ribosomal protein S6. During the early evolution of mitochondria, gene transfer from the proto-mitochondrial endosymbiont to the nucleus became possible thanks to systems facilitating the transport of proteins synthesized in the host cytoplasm back to the mitochondrion. In addition to the universally found eukaryotic protein import systems, jakobid mitogenomes were reported to uniquely encode the SecY transmembrane protein of the Sec general secretory pathway, whose evolutionary origin was however unclear. The Mantamonas mitogenome not only encodes SecY but also SecA, SecE, and SecG, making it the sole eukaryote known to house a complete mitochondrial Sec translocation system. Furthermore, our phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses provide compelling evidence for the alphaproteobacterial origin of this system, establishing its presence in LECA.},
}
@article {pmid39090271,
year = {2024},
author = {Jacobs, J and Nakamoto, A and Mastoras, M and Loucks, H and Mirchandani, C and Karim, L and Penunuri, G and Wanket, C and Russell, SL},
title = {Complete de novo assembly of Wolbachia endosymbiont of Drosophila willistoni using long-read genome sequencing.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {17770},
pmid = {39090271},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {R00 GM135583/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HG012344/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; T32HG012344/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R00GM135583/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics ; Animals ; *Drosophila/microbiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Whole Genome Sequencing/methods ; Genomics/methods ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular α-proteobacterium, which commonly infects arthropods and filarial nematodes. Different strains of Wolbachia are capable of a wide range of regulatory manipulations in their diverse hosts, including the modulation of host cellular differentiation to influence host reproduction. The genetic basis for the majority of these phenotypes is unknown. The wWil strain from the neotropical fruit fly, Drosophila willistoni, exhibits a remarkably high affinity for host germline-derived cells relative to the somatic cells. This trait could be leveraged for understanding how Wolbachia influences the host germline and for controlling host populations in the field. To further the use of this strain in biological and biomedical research, we sequenced the genome of the wWil strain isolated from host cell culture cells. Here, we present the first high quality Nanopore assembly of wWil, the Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. willistoni. Our assembly resulted in a circular genome of 1.27 Mb with a BUSCO completeness score of 99.7%. Consistent with other insect-associated Wolbachia strains, comparative genomic analysis revealed that wWil has a highly mosaic genome relative to the closely related wMel and wAu strains from Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans, respectively.},
}
@article {pmid39091298,
year = {2024},
author = {Behrmann, LV and Meier, K and Vollmer, J and Chiedu, CC and Schiefer, A and Hoerauf, A and Pfarr, K},
title = {In vitro extracellular replication of Wolbachia endobacteria.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1405287},
pmid = {39091298},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Obligate intracellular endobacteria of the genus Wolbachia are widespread in arthropods and several filarial nematodes. Control programs for vector-borne diseases (dengue, Zika, malaria) and anti-filarial therapy with antibiotics are based on this important endosymbiont. Investigating Wolbachia, however, is impeded by the need for host cells. In this study, the requirements for Wolbachia wAlbB growth in a host cell-free in vitro culture system were characterized via qPCRs. A cell lysate fraction from Aedes albopictus C6/36 insect cells containing cell membranes and medium with fetal bovine serum were identified as requisite for cell-free replication of Wolbachia. Supplementation with the membrane fraction of insect cell lysate increased extracellular Wolbachia replication by 4.2-fold. Replication rates in the insect cell-free culture were lower compared to Wolbachia grown inside insect cells. However, the endobacteria were able to replicate for up to 12 days and to infect uninfected C6/36 cells. Cell-free Wolbachia treated with the lipid II biosynthesis inhibitor fosfomycin had an enlarged phenotype, seen previously for intracellular Wolbachia in C6/36 cells, indicating that the bacteria were unable to divide. In conclusion, we have developed a cell-free culture system in which Wolbachia replicate for up to 12 days, providing an in vitro tool to elucidate the biology of these endobacteria, e.g., cell division by using compounds that may not enter the C6/36 cells. A better understanding of Wolbachia biology, and in particular host-symbiont interactions, is key to the use of Wolbachia in vector control programs and to future drug development against filarial diseases.},
}
@article {pmid39097253,
year = {2024},
author = {Pandey, GS and Manandhar, P and Shrestha, BK and Sadaula, A and Hayashi, N and Abdelbaset, AE and Silwal, P and Tsubota, T and Kwak, ML and Nonaka, N and Nakao, R},
title = {Detection and characterization of vector-borne parasites and Wolbachia endosymbionts in greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Nepal.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {258},
number = {},
pages = {107344},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107344},
pmid = {39097253},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Nepal ; *Perissodactyla/microbiology/parasitology ; *Symbiosis ; Male ; Theileria/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Female ; Vector Borne Diseases ; Filarioidea/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/microbiology ; Filariasis/veterinary/parasitology/transmission/epidemiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Prevalence ; Disease Vectors ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne parasite infections affect both domestic and wild animals. They are often asymptomatic but can result in fatal outcomes under natural and human-induced stressors. Given the limited availability of molecular data on vector-borne parasites in Rhinoceros unicornis (greater one-horned rhinoceros), this study employed molecular tools to detect and characterize the vector-borne parasites in rescued rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Whole blood samples were collected from thirty-six R. unicornis during rescue and treatment operations. Piroplasmida infections were first screened using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 18S ribosomal RNA gene. Wolbachia was detected by amplifying 16S rRNA gene, while filarial nematodes were detected through amplification of 28S rRNA, COI, myoHC and hsp70 genes. Our results confirmed the presence of Theileria bicornis with a prevalence of 75% (27/36) having two previously unreported haplotypes (H8 and H9). Wolbachia endosymbionts were detected in 25% (9/36) of tested samples and belonged to either supergroup C or F. Filarial nematodes of the genera Mansonella and Onchocerca were also detected. There were no significant association between T. bicornis infections and the age, sex, or location from which the animals were rescued. The high prevalence of Theileria with novel haplotypes along with filarial parasites has important ecological and conservational implications and highlights the need to implement parasite surveillance programs for wildlife in Nepal. Further studies monitoring vector-borne pathogens and interspecies transmission among wild animals, livestock and human are required.},
}
@article {pmid39097980,
year = {2024},
author = {Bilgo, E and Mancini, MV and Gnambani, JE and Dokpomiwa, HAT and Murdochy, S and Lovett, B and St Leger, R and Sinkins, SP and Diabate, A},
title = {Wolbachia confers protection against the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium pingshaense in African Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {e13316},
pmid = {39097980},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {202888/Z/16/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; AV/PP0025/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 108508/Z/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 226166/Z/22/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Metarhizium/physiology ; *Aedes/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Pest Control, Biological ; Burkina Faso ; Mosquito Control/methods ; Fertility ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Female ; Longevity ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi represent promising alternatives to chemical insecticides to respond to the rapid increase of insecticide resistance and vector-borne disease outbreaks. This study investigated the interaction of two strains of Wolbachia, wAlbB and wAu, with the natural entomopathogenic fungi from Burkina Faso Metarhizium pingshaense, known to be lethal against Anopheles mosquitoes. In addition to showing the potential of Metarhizium against African Aedes aegypti wild-type populations, our study shows that the wAlbB and wAu provide a protective advantage against entomopathogenic fungal infections. Compared to controls, fungal-infected wAu and wAlbB-carrying mosquitoes showed higher longevity, without any significant impact on fecundity and fertility phenotypes. This study provides new insights into the complex multipartite interaction among the mosquito host, the Wolbachia endosymbiont and the entomopathogenic fungus that might be employed to control mosquito populations. Future research should investigate the fitness costs of Wolbachia, as well as its spread and prevalence within mosquito populations. Additionally, evaluating the impact of Wolbachia on interventions involving Metarhizium pingshaense through laboratory and semi-field population studies will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of this combined approach.},
}
@article {pmid39102892,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, X and Mathias, DK},
title = {Surveillance of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick-borne pathogens in Eastern Central Alabama.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {61},
number = {5},
pages = {1251-1260},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjae096},
pmid = {39102892},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; ALA015-1-15007//Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Alabama/epidemiology ; *Amblyomma/microbiology ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology/transmission ; Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification ; Ehrlichia/isolation &amp; purification ; Ixodidae/microbiology ; Female ; },
abstract = {Similar to other states in the southeastern United States, human cases of tick-borne diseases in Alabama have risen steadily over the last 2 decades. Nevertheless, limited data have been published on ticks or tick-borne pathogen (TBP) distributions since the 1990s. To better understand the risk of tick and TBP exposure in eastern central Alabama, ticks were sampled repeatedly across 8 sites associated with recreational use during May and June of 2015 to characterize tick density and diversity. Although habitats were similar across sites, tick density varied among locations. Seven species were collected, but 97.7% of 1,310 samples were the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), the primary vector of ehrlichial agents and the tick species most commonly linked to alpha-gal syndrome and southern tick-associated rash illness. To investigate pathogen prevalence among sites, we tested A. americanum by a multiplex qPCR assay for 5 bacterial species, including 3 Ehrlichia spp. and 2 Rickettsia spp. None of the specimens tested positive for Panola Mountain Ehrlichia or Rickettsia parkeri. However, causative agents of human ehrlichiosis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii, occurred at half of the locations with, respectively, 0.27% and 0.45% of A. americanum infected on average. In contrast, Rickettsia amblyommatis, a tick endosymbiont suspected to be nonpathogenic, was found in 54.5% of the 1119 A. americanum tested. Despite low infection rates of Ehrlichia spp. in A. americanum, high encounter rates with this species in recreational deciduous woodlands suggest a moderate risk of tick bite and a low-to-moderate risk of TBP exposure in late spring.},
}
@article {pmid39105583,
year = {2024},
author = {Faulstich, NG and Deloach, AR and Ksor, YB and Mesa, GH and Sharma, DS and Sisk, SL and Mitchell, GC},
title = {Evidence for phosphate-dependent control of symbiont cell division in the model anemone Exaiptasia diaphana.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e0105924},
pmid = {39105583},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {2116128//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Phosphates/metabolism ; *Cell Division ; *Sea Anemones/physiology ; Coral Reefs ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Reef-building corals depend on symbiosis with photosynthetic algae that reside within their cells. As important as this relationship is for maintaining healthy reefs, it is strikingly delicate. When ocean temperatures briefly exceed the average summer maximum, corals can bleach, losing their endosymbionts. Although the mechanisms governing bleaching are unknown, studies implicate uncoupling of coral and algal cell divisions at high temperatures. Still, little is known regarding the coordination of host and algal cell divisions. Control of nutrient exchange is one likely mechanism. Both nitrogen and phosphate are necessary for dividing cells, and although nitrogen enrichment is known to increase symbiont density in the host, the consequences of phosphate enrichment are poorly understood. Here, we examined the effects of phosphate depletion on symbiont growth in culture and compared the physiology of phosphate-starved symbionts in culture to symbionts that were freshly isolated from a host. We found that available phosphate is as low in freshly isolated symbionts as it is in phosphate-starved cultures. Furthermore, RNAseq revealed that phosphate-limited and freshly isolated symbionts have similar patterns of gene expression for phosphate-dependent genes, most notably upregulation of phosphatases, which is consistent with phosphate recycling. Similarly, lipid profiling revealed a substantial decrease in phospholipid abundance in both phosphate-starved cultures and freshly isolated symbionts. These findings are important because they suggest that limited access to phosphate controls algal cell divisions within a host.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: The corals responsible for building tropical reefs are disappearing at an alarming rate as elevated sea temperatures cause them to bleach and lose the algal symbionts they rely on. Without these symbionts, corals are unable to harvest energy from sunlight and, therefore, struggle to thrive or even survive in the nutrient-poor waters of the tropics. To devise solutions to address the threat to coral reefs, it is necessary to understand the cellular events underpinning the bleaching process. One model for bleaching proposes that heat stress impairs algal photosynthesis and transfer of sugar to the host. Consequently, the host's demands for nitrogen decrease, increasing nitrogen availability to the symbionts, which leads to an increase in algal proliferation that overwhelms the host. Our work suggests that phosphate may play a similar role to nitrogen in this feedback loop.},
}
@article {pmid39106844,
year = {2024},
author = {Sarasombath, PT and Sitthinamsuwan, P and Wijit, S and Panyasu, K and Roongruanchai, K and Silpa-Archa, S and Suwansirikul, M and Chortrakarnkij, P and Ruenchit, P and Preativatanyou, K and Wongkamchai, S},
title = {Integrated Histological and Molecular Analysis of Filarial Species and Associated Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Human Filariasis Cases Presenting Atypically in Thailand.},
journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene},
volume = {111},
number = {4},
pages = {829-840},
pmid = {39106844},
issn = {1476-1645},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Humans ; Thailand/epidemiology ; Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Filariasis/diagnosis/parasitology ; *Symbiosis ; Male ; Female ; Brugia malayi/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Adult ; Brugia pahangi/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Middle Aged ; Dirofilaria/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Filarioidea/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Atypical presentations of filariasis have posed diagnostic challenges due to the complexity of identifying the causative species and the difficulties in both diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we present the integrative histological and molecular analysis of seven atypical filariasis cases observed in regions of nonendemicity of Thailand. All filariasis cases were initially diagnosed based on histological findings. To confirm the causative species, molecular characterization based on both filarial mitochondrial (mt 12S rRNA and COI genes) and nuclear ITS1 markers was performed, together with the identification of associated Wolbachia bacterial endosymbionts. Among the cases studied, Brugia pahangi (N = 3), Brugia malayi (N = 1), Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis" (N = 2), and a suspected novel filarial species genetically related to Pelecitus copsychi (N = 1) were identified. By targeting the 16S rRNA gene, Wolbachia was also molecularly amplified in two cases of infection with Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis." Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that the detected Wolbachia could be classified into supergroups C and F, indicating the high genetic diversity of this endosymbiont in Dirofilaria sp. "hongkongensis." Furthermore, this study demonstrates the consistency between histological findings and species identification based on mitochondrial loci rather than on the nuclear ITS1. This suggests the utility of mitochondrial markers, particularly COI, as a highly sensitive and reliable diagnostic tool for the detection and differentiation of filarial species in clinical specimens. Precise identification of the causative species will facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment and is also essential for the development of epidemiological and preventive strategies for filariasis.},
}
@article {pmid39107546,
year = {2024},
author = {Durand, S and Pigeault, R and Giraud, I and Loisier, A and Bech, N and Grandjean, F and Rigaud, T and Peccoud, J and Cordaux, R},
title = {Temporal stability of sex ratio distorter prevalence in natural populations of the isopod Armadillidium vulgare.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {133},
number = {5},
pages = {287-297},
pmid = {39107546},
issn = {1365-2540},
support = {ANR-15-CE32-0006//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; ANR-20-CE02-0004//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Isopoda/genetics/microbiology ; *Sex Ratio ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Female ; Male ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Haplotypes ; Sex Determination Processes/genetics ; Genetics, Population ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {In the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare, many females produce progenies with female-biased sex ratios due to two feminizing sex ratio distorters (SRD): Wolbachia endosymbionts and a nuclear non-mendelian locus called the f element. To investigate the potential impact of these SRD on the evolution of host sex determination, we analyzed their temporal distribution in six A. vulgare populations sampled between 2003 and 2017, for a total of 29 time points. SRD distribution was heterogeneous among populations despite their close geographic locations, so that when one SRD was frequent in a population, the other SRD was rare. In contrast with spatial heterogeneity, our results overall did not reveal substantial temporal variability in SRD prevalence within populations, suggesting equilibria in SRD evolutionary dynamics may have been reached or nearly so. Temporal stability was also generally reflected in mitochondrial and nuclear variation. Nevertheless, in a population, a Wolbachia strain replacement coincided with changes in mitochondrial composition but no change in nuclear composition, thus constituting a typical example of mitochondrial sweep caused by endosymbiont rise in frequency. Rare incongruence between Wolbachia strains and mitochondrial haplotypes suggested the occurrence of intraspecific horizontal transmission, making it a biologically relevant parameter for Wolbachia evolutionary dynamics in A. vulgare. Overall, our results provide an empirical basis for future studies on SRD evolutionary dynamics in the context of multiple sex determination factors co-existing within a single species, to ultimately evaluate the impact of SRD on the evolution of host sex determination mechanisms and sex chromosomes.},
}
@article {pmid39114883,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, S and Liu, XB and Zhang, TT and Bai, SX and He, KL and Zhang, YJ and Francis, F and Wang, ZY},
title = {Effects of host plants on aphid feeding behavior, fitness, and Buchnera aphidicola titer.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {32},
number = {3},
pages = {927-942},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.13428},
pmid = {39114883},
issn = {1744-7917},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/physiology/microbiology ; *Buchnera/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Feeding Behavior ; *Genetic Fitness ; Triticum ; },
abstract = {Aphids are sap-feeding plant pests that depend on their symbiotic relationships with the primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola to adapt to impoverished diets. However, how the host plant affects the aphid primary symbiont and aphid adaptation to host plant transfer are poorly known. In this study, aphid symbiont screening and genotype identification were used to establish 2 aphid strains (Rhopalosiphum maidis [Rm] and Rhopalosiphum padi [Rp] strains) containing only Buchnera without any secondary symbionts for both wheat aphid species (R. maidis and R. padi). Aphid fitness and Buchnera titers were unstable on some of these host plants after transferring to novel host plants (G1-G5), which were influenced by host plant species and generations; however, they stabilized after prolonged feeding on the same plants for 10 generations. The electropenetrography (EPG) records showed that the allocation of aphid feeding time was significantly distinct in the 6 host plants; aphids had more intracellular punctures and spent more nonprobing time on green bristlegrass which was not conducive to its growth compared with other plants. The content of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and amino acid in the leaves of the 6 host plants were also clearly separated. The correlation coefficient analysis showed that the nutrient contents of host plants had significant correlations with aphid feeding behaviors, fitness, and Buchnera titers. In the meantime, aphid fitness, and Buchnera titers were also affected by aphid feeding behaviors. Also, Buchnera titers of aphid natural populations on 6 host plants showed a visible difference. Our study deepened our understanding of the interaction among aphids, endosymbionts, and host plants, indicating that the host plant nutrient content is a predominant factor affecting aphid adaptation to their diet, initially affecting aphid feeding behaviors, and further affecting aphid fitness and Buchnera titers, which would further contribute to exploiting new available strategies for aphid control.},
}
@article {pmid39116951,
year = {2024},
author = {Khademi, P and Tukmechi, A and Sgroi, G and Ownagh, A and Enferadi, A and Khalili, M and Mardani, K},
title = {Molecular and genotyping techniques in diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii: An overview.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {123},
number = {},
pages = {105655},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105655},
pmid = {39116951},
issn = {1567-7257},
mesh = {*Coxiella burnetii/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Q Fever/microbiology/epidemiology/diagnosis ; Humans ; Genotyping Techniques/methods ; Animals ; Genotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Minisatellite Repeats ; },
abstract = {Although we live in the genomic era, the accessibility of the complete genome sequence of Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of Q fever, has increased knowledge in the field of genomic diversity of this agent However, it is still somewhat of a "question" microorganism. The epidemiology of Q fever is intricate due to its global distribution, repository and vector variety, as well as absence of surveys defining the dynamic interaction among these factors. Moreover, C. burnetii is a microbial agent that can be utilized as a bioterror weapon. Therefore, typing techniques used to recognize the strains can also be used to trace infections back to their source which is of great significance. In this paper, the latest and current typing techniques of C. burnetii spp. are reviewed illustrating their advantages and constraints. Recently developed multi locus VNTR analysis (MLVA) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing methods are promising in improving diagnostic capacity and enhancing the application of genotyping techniques for molecular epidemiologic surveys of the challenging pathogen. However, most of these studies did not differentiate between C. burnetii and Coxiella-like endosymbionts making it difficult to estimate the potential role that ticks play in the epidemiology of Q fever. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the vector competence of different tick species to transmit C. burnetii. Knowledge of the vector and reservoir competence of ticks is important for taking adequate preventive measures to limit infection risks. The significant prevalence observed for the IS1111 gene underscores its substantial presence, while other genes display comparatively lower prevalence rates. Methodological variations, particularly between commercial and non-commercial kit-based methods, result in different prevalence outcomes. Variations in sample processing procedures also lead to significant differences in prevalence rates between mechanical and non-mechanical techniques.},
}
@article {pmid39117563,
year = {2024},
author = {Park, E and Leander, BS},
title = {Molecular phylogeny of the Lecudinoidea (Apicomplexa): A major group of marine gregarines with diverse shapes, movements and hosts.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {71},
number = {6},
pages = {e13053},
pmid = {39117563},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {NSERC 2019-03986//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Hakai Institute/ ; },
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; Animals ; *Apicomplexa/classification/genetics/ultrastructure ; *Polychaeta/parasitology ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; },
abstract = {Gregarine apicomplexans are ubiquitous endosymbionts of invertebrate hosts. Despite their ecological and evolutionary importance, inferences about the phylogenetic relationships of major gregarine groups, such as the Lecudinidae and Urosporidae, have been hindered by vague taxonomic definitions and limited molecular and morphological data. In this study, we investigated five gregarine species collected from four families of polychaete hosts (Nereididae, Oenonidae, Hesionidae, and Phyllodocidae) using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also generated small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences from these species and conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses to elucidate the evolutionary relationships within the Lecudinoidea. Our results include new molecular and morphological data for two previously described species (Lecudina cf. platynereidis and Lecudina cf. arabellae), the discovery of a new species of Lecudina (L. oxydromus n. sp.), and the discovery of two novel species, namely Amplectina cordis n. gen. et. n. sp. and Sphinctocystis inclina n. sp. These two species exhibited unique shapes and movements, resembling those of urosporids but with a phylogenetic affinity to lecudinids, blurring the border between lecudinids and urosporids. Our study emphasizes the need for further investigations into this highly diverse group, which has achieved great success across multiple animal phyla with diverse shapes and movements.},
}
@article {pmid39119885,
year = {2024},
author = {Augustijnen, H and Lucek, K},
title = {Beyond gene flow: (non)-parallelism of secondary contact in a pair of highly differentiated sibling species.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {33},
number = {17},
pages = {e17488},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17488},
pmid = {39119885},
issn = {1365-294X},
mesh = {*Gene Flow ; Animals ; *Butterflies/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Genetic Speciation ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; *Reproductive Isolation ; *Genetics, Population ; },
abstract = {Replicated secondary contact zones can provide insights into the barriers to gene flow that are important during speciation and can reveal to which degree secondary contact may result in similar evolutionary outcomes. Here, we studied two secondary contact zones between highly differentiated Alpine butterflies of the genus Erebia using whole-genome resequencing data. We assessed the genomic relationships between populations and species and found hybridization to be rare, with no to little current or historical introgression in either contact zone. There are large similarities between contact zones, consistent with an allopatric origin of interspecific differentiation, with no indications for ongoing reinforcing selection. Consistent with expected reduced effective population size, we further find that scaffolds related to the Z-chromosome show increased differentiation compared to the already high levels across the entire genome, which could also hint towards a contribution of the Z chromosome to species divergence in this system. Finally, we detected the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia, which can cause reproductive isolation between its hosts, in all E. cassioides, while it appears to be fully or largely absent in contact zone populations of E. tyndarus. We discuss how this rare pattern may have arisen and how it may have affected the dynamics of speciation upon secondary contact.},
}
@article {pmid39131338,
year = {2024},
author = {Gasser, MT and Liu, A and Flatau, R and Altamia, M and Filone, CM and Distel, D},
title = {Closing the genome of Teredinibacter turnerae T7902 by long-read nanopore sequencing.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39131338},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R01 AI162943/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {We present the complete closed circular genome sequence derived from Oxford Nanopore sequencing of the shipworm endosymbiont Teredinibacter turnerae T7902 (DSM 15152, ATCC 39867), originally isolated from the shipworm Lyrodus pedicellatus (1). This sequence will aid in the comparative genomics of shipworm endosymbionts and the understanding of host-symbiont evolution.},
}
@article {pmid39135725,
year = {2024},
author = {Rohlfing, K and Grewoldt, M and Cordellier, M and Dobler, S},
title = {Evidence for feminized genetic males in a flea beetle using newly identified X-linked markers.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {e70123},
pmid = {39135725},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The equilibrium of sex ratios in sexually reproducing species is often disrupted by various environmental and genetic factors, including endosymbionts like Wolbachia. In this study, we explore the highly female-biased sex ratio observed in the flea beetle, Altica lythri, and its underlying mechanisms. Ancient hybridization events between Altica species have led to mitochondrial DNA introgression, resulting in distinct mitochondrial haplotypes that go along with different Wolbachia infections (HT1-wLytA1, HT1*- uninfected, HT2-wLytA2, and HT3-wLytB). Notably, beetles with some haplotypes exclusively produce female offspring, suggesting potential Wolbachia-induced phenomena such as feminization of genetic males. However, the observed female bias could also be a consequence of the ancient hybridization resulting in nuclear-cytoplasmic conflicts between introgressed mtDNA and nuclear genes. Through transcriptomic analysis and the program SEX-DETector, we established markers for genotypic sex differentiation for A. lythri, enabling genetic sexing via qPCR. Our findings suggest that feminization of genetic males is contributing to the skewed sex ratios, highlighting the intricate dynamics of sex determination and reproductive strategies in this flea beetle. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of genetic conflicts, endosymbionts, and sex ratios, revealing the novel phenomenon of genetic male feminization in the flea beetle A. lythri.},
}
@article {pmid39159853,
year = {2024},
author = {Luo, T and Hu, E and Gan, L and Yang, D and Wu, J and Gao, S and Tuo, X and Bayin, CG and Hu, Z and Guo, Q},
title = {Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii can be vertically transmitted in Hyalomma anatolicum.},
journal = {Experimental parasitology},
volume = {265},
number = {},
pages = {108828},
doi = {10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108828},
pmid = {39159853},
issn = {1090-2449},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; *Phylogeny ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Female ; *Symbiosis ; Male ; China ; Chaperonin 60/genetics ; Nymph/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Sequence Alignment ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Tick Infestations/parasitology/veterinary ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; DNA, Bacterial ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; },
abstract = {In this study, a tick intracellular symbiont, Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii, was detected in Hyalomma anatolicum from Xinjiang, China. Morphological identification and cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequence alignment were used for molecular identification of the tick species. PCR detection further revealed the presence of endosymbiont C. M. mitochondrii in the tick. Specific primers were designed for Groel and 16S rRNA genes of C. M. mitochondrii for PCR amplification and phylogenetic analysis. To further investigate the vertical transmission characteristics of C. M. mitochondrii, specific primers were designed based on the FabⅠ gene fragment to detect C. M. mitochondrii in different developmental stages and organs of the tick using qPCR. Of the 336 tick specimens collected from the field, 266 samples were identified as H. anatolicum on the basis of morphological characteristics. The gene fragment alignment results of COI confirmed that these ticks were H. anatolicum. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Groel gene of C. M. mitochondrii clustered with Midichloria strains detected in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Italy and Ixodes holocyclus ticks from Australia, with 100% sequence similarity. Furthermore, the 16S rRNA gene of C. M. mitochondrii clusters with the strains isolated from Hyalomma rufipes ticks in Italy, exhibiting the highest degree of homology. qPCR results showed that C. M. mitochondrii was present at all developmental stages of H. anatolicum, with the highest relative abundance in eggs, and lower relative abundance in nymphs and unfed males. With female tick blood feeding, the relative abundance of C. M. mitochondrii increased, and a particularly high relative abundance was detected in the ovaries of engorged female ticks. This study provides information for studying the survival adaptability of H. anatolicum, and provides data for further investigation of the mechanisms regulating tick endosymbionts in ticks, enriching the reference materials for comprehensive prevention and control of tick-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid39163261,
year = {2024},
author = {Méndez-Sánchez, D and Schrecengost, A and Rotterová, J and Koštířová, K and Beinart, RA and Čepička, I},
title = {Methanogenic symbionts of anaerobic ciliates are host and habitat specific.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39163261},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/19_073/0016935). K//CU/ ; 355021//Agency of Charles University/ ; 19-19297S//Agency of the Czech Republic/ ; 620417//Simons Foundation/ ; 1330406//United States National Science Foundation EPSCoR Track II Cooperative Agreement Award/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Ciliophora/classification/genetics/physiology ; Anaerobiosis ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Ecosystem ; *Phylogeny ; *Methane/metabolism ; DNA, Archaeal/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {The association between anaerobic ciliates and methanogenic archaea has been recognized for over a century. Nevertheless, knowledge of these associations is limited to a few ciliate species, and so the identification of patterns of host-symbiont specificity has been largely speculative. In this study, we integrated microscopy and genetic identification to survey the methanogenic symbionts of 32 free-living anaerobic ciliate species, mainly from the order Metopida. Based on Sanger and Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, our results show that a single methanogenic symbiont population, belonging to Methanobacterium, Methanoregula, or Methanocorpusculum, is dominant in each host strain. Moreover, the host's taxonomy (genus and above) and environment (i.e. endobiotic, marine/brackish, or freshwater) are linked with the methanogen identity at the genus level, demonstrating a strong specificity and fidelity in the association. We also established cultures containing artificially co-occurring anaerobic ciliate species harboring different methanogenic symbionts. This revealed that the host-methanogen relationship is stable over short timescales in cultures without evidence of methanogenic symbiont exchanges, although our intraspecific survey indicated that metopids also tend to replace their methanogens over longer evolutionary timescales. Therefore, anaerobic ciliates have adapted a mixed transmission mode to maintain and replace their methanogenic symbionts, allowing them to thrive in oxygen-depleted environments.},
}
@article {pmid39181959,
year = {2024},
author = {Alkathiri, B and Lee, S and Ahn, K and Cho, YS and Youn, SY and Seo, K and Umemiya-Shirafuji, R and Xuan, X and Kwak, D and Shin, S and Lee, SH},
title = {16S rRNA metabarcoding for the identification of tick-borne bacteria in ticks in the Republic of Korea.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {19708},
pmid = {39181959},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Z-1543081-2021-22-02//Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency/ ; Z-1543081-2021-22-02//Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency/ ; 2021R1F1A1061795//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Republic of Korea ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Ticks/microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Phylogeny ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; },
abstract = {Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites that act as vectors for transmission of various pathogens. The purpose of this study was to assess tick-borne bacteria, whether pathogenic or not, in ticks distributed in Korea using 16S rRNA metabarcoding and to confirm the results by PCR. Questing ticks were collected from four provinces in Korea in 2021 using the flagging method. After pooling the DNAs from the 61 tick pools (including 372 ticks), the bacterial 16S rRNA V3-V4 hypervariable region was amplified and sequenced using the MiSeq platform. Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and the endosymbiont Wolbachia were confirmed by conventional PCR and molecular analysis. In total, 6907 ticks (534 pools) were collected and identified as belonging to five species (Haemaphysalis spp., H. longicornis, H. flava, I. nipponensis, and A. testudinarium). Through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, 240 amplicon sequence variants were identified. The dominant taxa were Rickettsiella and Coxiella. Additionally, pathogenic bacteria such as Rickettsia and Ehrlichia, endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia and Spiroplasma were identified. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to confirm the presence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, and Wolbachia in individual ticks. Overall, 352 (65.92%) of 534 pools tested positive for at least one of the screened tick-borne bacteria. Rickettsia was the most prevalent (61.42%), followed by Wolbachia (5.05%). Ehrlichia was detected in 4.86% of tested samples, whereas Bartonella was not detected. In this study, 16S rRNA metabarcoding revealed the presence of Rickettsia, Wolbachia, and Ehrlichia, in that order of abundance, while showing absence of Bartonella. These results were confirmed to exhibit the same trend as that of the conventional PCR. Therefore, large-scale screening studies based on pooling, as applied in this study, will be useful for examining novel or rare pathogens present in various hosts and vectors.},
}
@article {pmid39185227,
year = {2024},
author = {Gasser, MT and Flatau, R and Altamia, M and Filone, CM and Distel, D},
title = {Complete genome sequences of two new strains of the shipworm endosymbiont, Teredinibacter turnerae.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39185227},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R01 AI162943/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {We present the complete genome sequences of two strains of Teredinibacter turnerae, SR01903 and SR02026, shipworm endosymbionts isolated from the gills of Lyrodus pedicellatus and Teredo bartschi, respectively, and derived from Oxford Nanopore sequencing. These sequences will aid in the comparative genomics of shipworm endosymbionts and understanding of host-symbiont selection.},
}
@article {pmid39189783,
year = {2024},
author = {Longley, R and Robinson, AJ and Asher, OA and Middlebrook, E and Bonito, G and Chain, PSG},
title = {Signatures of Mollicutes-related endobacteria in publicly available Mucoromycota genomes.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {9},
number = {9},
pages = {e0030924},
pmid = {39189783},
issn = {2379-5042},
support = {20230858PRD2//DOE | NNSA | Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)/ ; LANLF59T//U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)/ ; 20230858PRD2//The research presented in this article was supported by a grant to P.S.G.C. by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program of Los Alamos National Laboratory/ ; LANLF59T//Science Focus Area Grant to P.S.G.C. from the US Department of Energy (DOE), Biological and Environmental Research (BER) Biological System Science Division (BSSD)/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Fungal ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Phylogeny ; Tenericutes/genetics/classification ; Fungi/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {Mucoromycota fungi and their Mollicutes-related endobacteria (MRE) are an ideal system for studying bacterial-fungal interactions and evolution due to the long-term and intimate nature of their interactions. However, methods for detecting MRE face specific challenges due to the poor representation of MRE in sequencing databases coupled with the high sequence divergence of their genomes, making traditional similarity searches unreliable. This has precluded estimations on the diversity of MRE associated with Mucoromycota. To determine the prevalence of previously undetected MRE in fungal genome sequences, we scanned 389 Mucoromycota genome assemblies available from the National Center for Biotechnology Information for the presence of MRE sequences using publicly available tools to map contigs from fungal assemblies to publicly available MRE genomes. We demonstrate a higher diversity of MRE genomes than previously described in Mucoromycota and a lack of cophylogeny between MRE and the majority of their fungal hosts. This supports the late invasion hypothesis regarding MRE acquisition across most of the examined fungal families. In contrast with other Mucoromycota lineages, MRE from the Gigasporaceae displayed some degree of cophylogeny with their hosts, which may indicate that horizontal transmission is restricted between members of this family or that transmission is strictly vertical. These results underscore the need for a refined process to capture sequencing data from potential fungal endosymbionts to discern their evolution and transmission. Screens of fungal genomes for MRE can help improve the quality of fungal genome assemblies while identifying new MRE lineages to further test hypotheses on their origin and evolution.IMPORTANCEMollicutes-related endobacteria (MRE) are obligate intracellular bacteria found within Mucoromycota fungi. Despite their frequent detection, MRE roles in host functioning are still unknown. Comparative genomic investigations can improve our understanding of the impact of MRE on their fungal hosts by identifying similarities and differences in MRE genome evolution. However, MRE genomes have only been assembled from a small fraction of Mucoromycota hosts. Here, we demonstrate that MRE can be present yet undetected in publicly available Mucoromycota genome assemblies. We use these newfound sequences to assess the broader diversity of MRE and their phylogenetic relationships with respect to their hosts. We demonstrate that publicly available tools can be used to extract novel MRE sequences from assembled fungal genomes leading to insights on MRE evolution. This work contributes to a greater understanding of the fungal microbiome, which is crucial to improving knowledge on the dynamics and impacts of fungi in microbial ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid39194189,
year = {2024},
author = {Miao, Y-h and Dou, W-h and Liu, J and Huang, D-w and Xiao, J-h},
title = {Single-cell transcriptome sequencing reveals that Wolbachia induces gene expression changes in Drosophila ovary cells to favor its own maternal transmission.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {e0147324},
pmid = {39194189},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {32070466//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 31830084//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 32301412//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 96172158//MOE | Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Fundamental Research Fund for the Central Universities)/ ; 96173250//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; 91822294//MOE | Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Fundamental Research Fund for the Central Universities)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; Female ; *Ovary/microbiology ; *Single-Cell Analysis ; Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/genetics ; Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Symbiosis ; Oogenesis/genetics ; Drosophila/microbiology/genetics ; Maternal Inheritance/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an obligate endosymbiont that is maternally inherited and widely distributed in arthropods and nematodes. It remains in the mature eggs of female hosts over generations through multiple strategies and manipulates the reproduction system of the host to enhance its spreading efficiency. However, the transmission of Wolbachia within the host's ovaries and its effects on ovarian cells during oogenesis, have not been extensively studied. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to comparatively analyze cell-typing and gene expression in Drosophila ovaries infected and uninfected with Wolbachia. Our findings indicate that Wolbachia significantly affects the transcription of host genes involved in the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton organization, and cytomembrane mobility in multiple cell types, which may make host ovarian cells more conducive for the transmission of Wolbachia from extracellular to intracellular. Moreover, the genes nos and orb, which are related to the synthesis of ribonucleoprotein complexes, are specifically upregulated in early germline cells of ovaries infected with Wolbachia, revealing that Wolbachia can increase the possibility of its localization to the host oocytes by enhancing the binding with host ribonucleoprotein-complex processing bodies (P-bodies). All these findings provide novel insights into the maternal transmission of Wolbachia between host ovarian cells.IMPORTANCEWolbachia, an obligate endosymbiont in arthropods, can manipulate the reproduction system of the host to enhance its maternal transmission and reside in the host's eggs for generations. Herein, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of ovaries from Drosophila melanogaster and observed the effects of Wolbachia (strain wMel) infection on different cell types to discuss the potential mechanism associated with the transmission and retention of Wolbachia within the ovaries of female hosts. It was found that the transcriptions of multiple genes in the ovary samples infected with Wolbachia are significantly altered, which possibly favors the maternal transmission of Wolbachia. Meanwhile, we also discovered that Wolbachia may flexibly regulate the expression level of specific host genes according to their needs rather than rigidly changing the expression level in one direction to achieve a more suitable living environment in the host's ovarian cells. Our findings contribute to a further understanding of the maternal transmission and possible universal effects of Wolbachia within the host.},
}
@article {pmid39196627,
year = {2024},
author = {Shang, F and Ding, BY and Niu, J and Lu, JM and Xie, XC and Li, CZ and Zhang, W and Pan, D and Jiang, RX and Wang, JJ},
title = {microRNA maintains nutrient homeostasis in the symbiont-host interaction.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {121},
number = {36},
pages = {e2406925121},
pmid = {39196627},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {32272526//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 32020103010//MOST | NSFC | Major International Joint Research Programme/ ; },
mesh = {*MicroRNAs/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/metabolism ; *Homeostasis ; Vitamin B 6/metabolism ; ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family C Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Nutrients/metabolism ; Escherichia coli/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts provide essential nutrients for hosts, promoting growth, development, and reproduction. However, the molecular regulation of nutrient transport from endosymbiont to host is not well understood. Here, we used bioinformatic analysis, RNA-Sequencing, luciferase assays, RNA immunoprecipitation, and in situ hybridization to show that a bacteriocyte-distributed MRP4 gene (multidrug resistance-associated protein 4) is negatively regulated by a host (aphid)-specific microRNA (miR-3024). Targeted metabolomics, microbiome analysis, vitamin B6 (VB6) supplements, 3D modeling/molecular docking, in vitro binding assays (voltage clamp recording and microscale thermophoresis), and functional complementation of Escherichia coli were jointly used to show that the miR-3024/MRP4 axis controls endosymbiont (Serratia)-produced VB6 transport to the host. The supplementation of miR-3024 increased the mortality of aphids, but partial rescue was achieved by providing an external source of VB6. The use of miR-3024 as part of a sustainable aphid pest-control strategy was evaluated by safety assessments in nontarget organisms (pollinators, predators, and entomopathogenic fungi) using virus-induced gene silencing assays and the expression of miR-3024 in transgenic tobacco. The supplementation of miR-3024 suppresses MRP4 expression, restricting the number of membrane channels, inhibiting VB6 transport, and ultimately killing the host. Under aphids facing stress conditions, the endosymbiont titer is decreased, and the VB6 production is also down-regulated, while the aphid's autonomous inhibition of miR-3024 enhances the expression of MRP4 and then increases the VB6 transport which finally ensures the VB6 homeostasis. The results confirm that miR-3024 regulates nutrient transport in the endosymbiont-host system and is a suitable target for sustainable pest control.},
}
@article {pmid39207104,
year = {2024},
author = {A Ghomi, F and Jung, JJ and Langridge, GC and Cain, AK and Boinett, CJ and Abd El Ghany, M and Pickard, DJ and Kingsley, RA and Thomson, NR and Parkhill, J and Gardner, PP and Barquist, L},
title = {High-throughput transposon mutagenesis in the family Enterobacteriaceae reveals core essential genes and rapid turnover of essentiality.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {e0179824},
pmid = {39207104},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {//Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; bayresq.net//Bayerisches Staatsministerium f&#xfc;r Wissenschaft und Kunst (Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts)/ ; RGPIN-2024-04305//Canadian Government | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)/ ; BB/X011011/1,BB/R012504/1,BBS/E/QU/230002B,BBS/E/F/000PR10348,BBS/E/F/000PR10349//UKRI | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/ ; FT220100152//Australian Research Council/ ; 19-UOO-040,17-UOO-050,10-UOC-013//Marsden Fund (Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund)/ ; UOOX1709,UOAX1932//Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)/ ; },
mesh = {*Genes, Essential/genetics ; *DNA Transposable Elements ; *Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial ; Mutagenesis, Insertional ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Genes, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {The Enterobacteriaceae are a scientifically and medically important clade of bacteria, containing the model organism Escherichia coli, as well as major human pathogens including Salmonella enterica and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Essential gene sets have been determined for several members of the Enterobacteriaceae, with the Keio E. coli single-gene deletion library often regarded as a gold standard. However, it remains unclear how gene essentiality varies between related strains and species. To investigate this, we have assembled a collection of 13 sequenced high-density transposon mutant libraries from five genera within the Enterobacteriaceae. We first assess several gene essentiality prediction approaches, investigate the effects of transposon density on essentiality prediction, and identify biases in transposon insertion sequencing data. Based on these investigations, we develop a new classifier for gene essentiality. Using this new classifier, we define a core essential genome in the Enterobacteriaceae of 201 universally essential genes. Despite the presence of a large cohort of variably essential genes, we find an absence of evidence for genus-specific essential genes. A clear example of this sporadic essentiality is given by the set of genes regulating the σE extracytoplasmic stress response, which appears to have independently acquired essentiality multiple times in the Enterobacteriaceae. Finally, we compare our essential gene sets to the natural experiment of gene loss in obligate insect endosymbionts that have emerged from within the Enterobacteriaceae. This isolates a remarkably small set of genes absolutely required for survival and identifies several instances of essential stress responses masked by redundancy in free-living bacteria.IMPORTANCEThe essential genome, that is the set of genes absolutely required to sustain life, is a core concept in genetics. Essential genes in bacteria serve as drug targets, put constraints on the engineering of biological chassis for technological or industrial purposes, and are key to constructing synthetic life. Despite decades of study, relatively little is known about how gene essentiality varies across related bacteria. In this study, we have collected gene essentiality data for 13 bacteria related to the model organism Escherichia coli, including several human pathogens, and investigated the conservation of essentiality. We find that approximately a third of the genes essential in any particular strain are non-essential in another related strain. Surprisingly, we do not find evidence for essential genes unique to specific genera; rather it appears a substantial fraction of the essential genome rapidly gains or loses essentiality during evolution. This suggests that essentiality is not an immutable characteristic but depends crucially on the genomic context. We illustrate this through a comparison of our essential genes in free-living bacteria to genes conserved in 34 insect endosymbionts with naturally reduced genomes, finding several cases where genes generally regarded as being important for specific stress responses appear to have become essential in endosymbionts due to a loss of functional redundancy in the genome.},
}
@article {pmid39228812,
year = {2024},
author = {Arai, H and Herran, B and Sugimoto, TN and Miyata, M and Sasaki, T and Kageyama, D},
title = {Cell-based assays and comparative genomics revealed the conserved and hidden effects of Wolbachia on insect sex determination.},
journal = {PNAS nexus},
volume = {3},
number = {9},
pages = {pgae348},
pmid = {39228812},
issn = {2752-6542},
abstract = {It is advantageous for maternally transmitted endosymbionts to skew the sex ratio of their hosts toward females. Some endosymbiotic bacteria, such as Wolbachia, cause their insect hosts to exclusively produce female offspring through male killing (MK) or feminization. In some lepidopteran insects, MK is achieved by affecting the sex-determining process in males, and a unique mechanism of MK and its functional link with feminization have been implicated. However, comparative analysis of these phenotypes is often difficult because they have been analyzed in different host-symbiont systems, and transinfection of Wolbachia across different hosts is often challenging. In this study, we demonstrated the effects of nine Wolbachia strains on the splicing of sex-determining genes in Lepidoptera by fixing the host genetic background using a cell culture system. Cell transinfection assays confirmed that three MK-inducing Wolbachia strains and one feminization-inducing Wolbachia strain increased the female-type splicing products of the core sex-determining genes doublesex, masculinizer, and zinc finger protein 2. Regarding Wolbachia strains that do not induce MK/feminization, three had no effect on these sex-determining genes, whereas two strains induced female-type splicing of masculinizer and doublesex but not zinc finger protein 2. Comparative genomics confirmed that homologs of oscar, the Wolbachia gene responsible for MK in Ostrinia, were encoded by four MK/feminizing Wolbachia strains, but not by five non-MK/nonfeminizing strains. These results support the conserved effects underlying MK and feminization induced by oscar-bearing Wolbachia and suggested other potential mechanisms that Wolbachia might employ to manipulate host sex.},
}
@article {pmid39243881,
year = {2024},
author = {Depeux, C and Branger, A and Paulhac, H and Pigeault, R and Beltran-Bech, S},
title = {Deleterious effects of Wolbachia on life history and physiological traits of common pill woodlice.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {207},
number = {},
pages = {108187},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2024.108187},
pmid = {39243881},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; Life History Traits ; Isopoda/microbiology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Most of eukaryotic organisms live in close interaction with micro-organisms called symbionts. Symbiotic interactions underpin the evolution of biological complexity, the health of organisms and, ultimately, the proper functioning of ecosystems. While some symbionts confer adaptive benefits on their host (mutualistic symbionts) and others clearly induce costs (parasitic symbionts), a number of micro-organisms are difficult to classify because they have been described as conferring both benefits and costs on their host. This is particularly true of the most widespread animal endosymbiont, Wolbachia pipientis. In this study, we investigated the influence of Wolbachia infection on a broad spectrum of ecological and physiological parameters of one of its native hosts, Armadillidium vulgare. The aim was to gain as complete a picture as possible of the influence of this endosymbiont on its host. Our results showed that the presence of Wolbachia resulted in a decrease in individual reproductive success and survival. Host immune cells density decreased and β-galactosidase activity (ageing biomarker) increased with the presence of Wolbachia, suggesting a negative impact of this endosymbiont on woodlice health. While previous studies have shown that Wolbachia can have a positive impact on the immunocompetence of A. vulgare, here we shed more light on the costs of infection. Our results illustrate the complex dynamics that exist between Wolbachia and its arthropod host and therefore offer valuable insights into the intricate interplay of symbiotic relationships in ecological systems.},
}
@article {pmid39248324,
year = {2025},
author = {Cash, EI and Escalona, M and Ward, PS and Sahasrabudhe, R and Miller, C and Toffelmier, E and Fairbairn, C and Seligmann, W and Shaffer, HB and Tsutsui, ND},
title = {Reference genome of the kidnapper ant, Polyergus mexicanus.},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {116},
number = {3},
pages = {293-302},
pmid = {39248324},
issn = {1465-7333},
support = {CA-D-ENM-4162H//United States Department of Agriculture Hatch Projects/ ; S10 OD018174/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; ID RSI-19-690224//California Conservation Genomics Project/ ; S10 OD010786/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; CA-B-INS-0087-H//United States Department of Agriculture Hatch Projects/ ; },
mesh = {*Ants/genetics ; Animals ; *Genome, Insect ; California ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {Polyergus kidnapper ants are widely distributed, but relatively uncommon, throughout the Holarctic, spanning an elevational range from sea level to over 3,000 m. These species are well known for their obligate social parasitism with various Formica ant species, which they kidnap in dramatic, highly coordinated raids. Kidnapped Formica larvae and pupae become integrated into the Polyergus colony where they develop into adults and perform nearly all of the necessary colony tasks for the benefit of their captors. In California, Polyergus mexicanus is the most widely distributed Polyergus, but recent evidence has identified substantial genetic polymorphism within this species, including genetically divergent lineages associated with the use of different Formica host species. Given its unique behavior and genetic diversity, P. mexicanus plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance by influencing the population dynamics and genetic diversity of its host ant species, Formica, highlighting its conservation value and importance in the context of biodiversity preservation. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly of P. mexicanus from a sample collected in Plumas County, CA, United States, in the foothills of the central Sierra Nevada. This genome assembly consists of 364 scaffolds spanning 252.31 Mb, with contig N50 of 481,250 kb, scaffold N50 of 10.36 Mb, and Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) completeness of 95.4%. We also assembled the genome of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of P. mexicanus-a single, circular contig spanning 1.23 Mb. These genome sequences provide essential resources for future studies of conservation genetics, population genetics, speciation, and behavioral ecology in this charismatic social insect.},
}
@article {pmid39252957,
year = {2024},
author = {Siehl, R and Vyhnal, K and Goffredi, SK},
title = {Friendly fungi: Tropical insect families form partnerships with intracellular fungi related to pathogens.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {27},
number = {9},
pages = {110674},
pmid = {39252957},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Sap-sucking insects fail to obtain vitamins, amino acids, and sterols from their plant diet. To compensate, obligate intracellular bacterial symbionts (usually Sulcia and Vidania) provide these missing nutrients. Notably, some planthoppers within the Fulgoromorpha (suborder Auchenorrhyncha) associate with intracellular fungi, which either accompany or replace the anciently associated bacterial partners. Planthopper-symbiont surveys, however, have only been conducted in limited temperate regions, thus necessitating examination of these relationships in the tropics, where insect and fungal diversity is high. Here, five tropical planthopper families host yeast-like endosymbionts related to the parasitic genus Ophiocordyceps. Fungal endosymbiont identity generally corresponded to host family, suggesting possible coevolution. Vertical transmission to offspring was supported by the occurrence of fungal cells in developing eggs. This serves as the most comprehensive tropical planthopper-symbiont survey to date, doubling the roster of known Fulgoromorpha species that host intracellular fungi and further elucidating the remarkable success of this diverse insect group.},
}
@article {pmid39253440,
year = {2025},
author = {Frail, S and Steele-Ogus, M and Doenier, J and Moulin, SLY and Braukmann, T and Xu, S and Yeh, E},
title = {Genomes of nitrogen-fixing eukaryotes reveal a non-canonical model of organellogenesis.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39253440},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {S10 OD030441/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007328/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM007276/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic gene transfer and import of host-encoded proteins are considered hallmarks of organelles necessary for stable integration of two cells. However, newer endosymbiotic models have challenged the origin and timing of such genetic integration during organellogenesis. Epithemia diatoms contain diazoplasts, obligate endosymbionts that are closely related to recently-described nitrogen-fixing organelles and share similar function as integral cell compartments. We report genomic analyses of two species which are highly divergent but share a common ancestor at the origin of the endosymbiosis. We found minimal evidence of genetic integration in E.clementina: nonfunctional diazoplast-to-nucleus DNA transfers and 6 host-encoded proteins of unknown function in the diazoplast proteome, far fewer than detected in other recently-acquired endosymbionts designated organelles. Epithemia diazoplasts are a valuable counterpoint to existing organellogenesis models, demonstrating that endosymbionts can function as integral compartments absent significant genetic integration. The minimal genetic integration makes diazoplasts valuable blueprints for bioengineering endosymbiotic compartments de novo.},
}
@article {pmid39253751,
year = {2024},
author = {Proctor, JD and Mackevicius-Dubickaja, V and Gottlieb, Y and White, JA},
title = {Warm temperature inhibits cytoplasmic incompatibility induced by endosymbiotic Rickettsiella in spider hosts.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {9},
pages = {e16697},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16697},
pmid = {39253751},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; Hatch # 1020740//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; 1953223//National Science Foundation/ ; 201697//United States - Israel Binational Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology ; Female ; *Symbiosis ; Male ; *Hot Temperature ; Cytoplasm/microbiology ; Coxiellaceae/genetics ; Reproduction ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts manipulate reproduction in arthropods to increase their prevalence in the host population. One such manipulation is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), wherein the bacteria sabotage sperm in infected males to reduce the hatch rate when mated with uninfected females, but zygotes are 'rescued' when that male mates with an infected female. In the spider Mermessus fradeorum (Linyphiidae), Rickettsiella symbionts cause variable levels of CI. We hypothesised that temperature affects the strength of CI and its rescue in M. fradeorum, potentially mediated by bacterial titre. We reared Rickettsiella-infected spiders in two temperature conditions (26°C vs. 20°C) and tested CI induction in males and rescue in females. In incompatible crosses between infected males and uninfected females, the hatch rate from warm males was doubled (mean ± standard error = 0.687 ± 0.052) relative to cool males (0.348 ± 0.046), indicating that CI induction is weaker in warm males. In rescue crosses between infected females and infected males, female rearing temperature had a marginal effect on CI rescue, but the hatch rate remained high for both warm (0.960 ± 0.023) and cool females (0.994 ± 0.004). Bacterial titre, as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, was lower in warm than cool spiders, particularly in females, suggesting that bacterial titre may play a role in causing the temperature-mediated changes in CI.},
}
@article {pmid39257987,
year = {2024},
author = {Mfopit, YM and Bilgo, E and Boma, S and Somda, MB and Gnambani, JE and Konkobo, M and Diabate, A and Dayo, GK and Mamman, M and Kelm, S and Balogun, EO and Shuaibu, MN and Kabir, J},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp and Wolbachia do not favour Trypanosoma grayi coexistence in wild population of tsetse flies collected in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39257987},
issn = {2693-5015},
support = {K43 TW012015/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies, the biological vectors of African trypanosomes, have established symbiotic associations with different bacteria. Their vector competence is suggested to be affected by bacterial endosymbionts. The current study provided the prevalence of three tsetse symbiotic bacteria and trypanosomes in Glossina species from Burkina Faso.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 430 tsetse flies were captured using biconical traps in four different collection sites around Bobo-Dioulasso (Bama, Bana, Nasso, and Peni), and their guts were removed. Two hundred tsetse were randomly selected and their guts were screened byPCR for the presence of Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasmasp., Wolbachia and trypanosomes. Of the 200 tsetse, 196 (98.0%) were Glossina palpalis gambienseand 4 (2.0%) Glossina tachinoides. The overall symbiont prevalence was 49.0%, 96.5%, and 45.0%, respectively for S. glossinidius, Spiroplasma and Wolbachia. Prevalence varied between sampling locations: S. glossinidius(54.7%, 38.5%, 31.6%, 70.8%); Spiroplasma (100%, 100%, 87.7%, 100%); and Wolbachia(43.4%, 38.5%, 38.6%, 70.8%),respectively in Bama, Bana, Nasso and Peni. Noteworthy, no G. tachhnoideswas infected by S. glossinidius and Wolbachia, but they were all infected by Spiroplasma sp. A total of 196 (98.0 %) harbored at least one endosymbionts. Fifty-five (27.5%) carried single endosymbiont. Trypanosomes were found only in G.p. gambiense, but not G. tachinoides. Trypanosomes were present in flies from all study locations with an overall prevalence of 29.5%. In Bama, Bana, Nasso, and Peni, the trypanosome infection rate was respectively 39.6%, 23.1%, 8.8%, and 37.5%. Remarkably, only Trypanosoma grayi was present. Of all trypanosome-infected flies, 55.9%, 98.3%, and 33.9% hosted S. glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp and Wolbachia, respectively. There was no association between Sodalis, Spiroplasma and trypanosome presence, but there was a negative association with Wolbachia presence. We reported1.9 times likelihood of trypanosome absence when Wolbachia was present.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This is the first survey reporting the presence of Trypanosoma grayi in tsetse from Burkina Faso. Tsetse from these localities were highly positive for symbiotic bacteria, more predominantly with Spiroplasma sp. Modifications of symbiotic interactions may pave way for disease control.},
}
@article {pmid39258303,
year = {2024},
author = {Silva, NNP and Carvalho, VR and Silva, CB and Bomfim, JPA and Ramos, GS and Oliveira, RC},
title = {First report of the association between Wolbachia and Cotesia flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae): effect on life history parameters of the parasitoid.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {114},
number = {4},
pages = {543-550},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485324000361},
pmid = {39258303},
issn = {1475-2670},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; *Wasps/physiology/microbiology ; Female ; Male ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; Larva/microbiology/growth &amp; development/parasitology ; Life History Traits ; Moths/parasitology/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The symbiosis between microorganisms and host arthropods can cause biological, physiological, and reproductive changes in the host population. The present study aimed to survey facultative symbionts of the genera Wolbachia, Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Rickettsia, and Nosema in Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in the laboratory and evaluate the influence of infection on the fitness of these hosts. For this purpose, 16S rDNA primers were used to detect these facultative symbionts in the host species, and the hosts' biological and morphological features were evaluated for changes resulting from the infection caused by these microorganisms. The bacterial symbionts studied herein were not detected in the D. saccharalis samples analysed, but the endosymbiont Wolbachia was detected in C. flavipes and altered the biological and morphological aspects of this parasitoid insect. The results of this study may help to elucidate the role of Wolbachia in maintaining the quality of populations/lineages of C. flavipes.},
}
@article {pmid39261613,
year = {2024},
author = {Vosseberg, J and van Hooff, JJE and Köstlbacher, S and Panagiotou, K and Tamarit, D and Ettema, TJG},
title = {The emerging view on the origin and early evolution of eukaryotic cells.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {633},
number = {8029},
pages = {295-305},
pmid = {39261613},
issn = {1476-4687},
support = {/NWO_/Dutch Research Council/Netherlands ; /ERC_/European Research Council/International ; //Volkswagen Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Archaea/classification/cytology ; Bacteria/classification/cytology/metabolism ; *Biological Evolution ; *Eukaryota/classification/cytology/metabolism ; *Eukaryotic Cells/cytology/metabolism ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Prokaryotic Cells/cytology/metabolism/classification ; *Symbiosis ; *Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {The origin of the eukaryotic cell, with its compartmentalized nature and generally large size compared with bacterial and archaeal cells, represents a cornerstone event in the evolution of complex life on Earth. In a process referred to as eukaryogenesis, the eukaryotic cell is believed to have evolved between approximately 1.8 and 2.7 billion years ago from its archaeal ancestors, with a symbiosis with a bacterial (proto-mitochondrial) partner being a key event. In the tree of life, the branch separating the first from the last common ancestor of all eukaryotes is long and lacks evolutionary intermediates. As a result, the timing and driving forces of the emergence of complex eukaryotic features remain poorly understood. During the past decade, environmental and comparative genomic studies have revealed vital details about the identity and nature of the host cell and the proto-mitochondrial endosymbiont, enabling a critical reappraisal of hypotheses underlying the symbiotic origin of the eukaryotic cell. Here we outline our current understanding of the key players and events underlying the emergence of cellular complexity during the prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition and discuss potential avenues of future research that might provide new insights into the enigmatic origin of the eukaryotic cell.},
}
@article {pmid39263696,
year = {2024},
author = {Nag, M and Pallavi, J and Chakraborty, S and Roychoudhury, T and Mondal, S and Ghosh, A and Saha, C and Banerjee, M and Seal, A},
title = {Bacterial endosymbionts of a nitrogen-fixing yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa JGTA-S1 - insights into a yet unknown micro-ecosystem.},
journal = {Molecular omics},
volume = {20},
number = {10},
pages = {630-641},
doi = {10.1039/d3mo00273j},
pmid = {39263696},
issn = {2515-4184},
mesh = {*Rhodotorula/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; Metagenomics/methods ; Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Bacillus/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Rhodotorula mucilaginosa JGTA-S1 is a yeast strain capable of fixing nitrogen and improving nitrogen nutrition in rice plants because of its nitrogen-fixing endobacteria, namely Stutzerimonas (Pseudomonas) stutzeri and Bradyrhizobium sp. To gain a deeper understanding of yeast endosymbionts, we conducted a whole-genome shotgun metagenomic analysis of JGTA-S1 cells grown under conditions of nitrogen sufficiency and deficiency. Our results showed that the endosymbiont population varied depending on the nitrogen regime. Upon mechanical disruption of yeast cells, we obtained endosymbionts in culturable form viz. Bacillus velezensis and Staphylococcus sp. under nitrogen-replete conditions and Lysinibacillus telephonicus., Brevibacillus sp., and Niallia circulans under nitrogen-depleted conditions. S. stutzeri and Bradyrhizobium sp. the previously reported endosymbionts remained unculturable. The culturable endosymbionts Staphylococcus sp. and Bacillus velezensis appear to possess genes for dissimilatory nitrate reduction (DNRA), an alternative pathway for ammonia synthesis. However, our findings suggest that these endosymbionts are facultative as they survive outside the host. The fitness of the yeast was not affected by curing of these microbes. Curing the yeast diazotrophic endosymbionts took a toll on its fitness. Our results also showed that the populations of S. stutzeri and B. velezensis increased significantly under nitrogen-depleted conditions compared to nitrogen-sufficient conditions. The importance of DNRA and nitrogen fixation is also reflected in the metagenomic reads of JGTA-S1.},
}
@article {pmid39264544,
year = {2025},
author = {Wannassi, T and Sayadi, A and Abbes, K and Djebbi, S and Naccache, C and Khemakhem, MM and Chermiti, B},
title = {Prevalence of Wolbachia infection in field natural population of the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae).},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {5},
pages = {917-927},
pmid = {39264544},
issn = {1618-1905},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Female ; Male ; *Wasps/microbiology ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Tunisia ; Symbiosis ; Prevalence ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics ; Prunus armeniaca/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Obligate endosymbiont bacteria associated with insects are naturally providing their hosts with essential nutrients such as vitamins and amino acids and biological services including protection from pathogens. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of Wolbachia infection among males and females of the parasitic apricot seed wasp (ASW) Eurytoma samsonowi Vassiliev (Vassiliev Petrograd 11: 1-15, 1915) (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), a very harmful pest of apricot (Prunus armeniaca), in the oasis of Gafsa, Southern-West of Tunisia. The detection of Wolbachia infection was assessed based on the amplification of the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene and a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) as a universal genotyping tool for Wolbachia involving the analyses of genes gatB, coxA, hcpA, fbpA, and ftsz. Confirming the screening results, Wolbachia was detected in the natural apricot wasp for the first time, with a significant difference between males (5%) and females (59%) based on wsp gene. All Wolbachia strains identified in E. samsonowi were clustered among supergroups B of Wolbachia.},
}
@article {pmid39264945,
year = {2024},
author = {Zang, C and Wang, X and Liu, Y and Wang, H and Sun, Q and Cheng, P and Zhang, Y and Gong, M and Liu, H},
title = {Wolbachia and mosquitoes: Exploring transmission modes and coevolutionary dynamics in Shandong Province, China.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {e0011944},
pmid = {39264945},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Culex/microbiology/virology/physiology ; China ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Female ; Vector Borne Diseases/transmission ; Biological Coevolution ; Male ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne diseases leave a large footprint on global health. Notable culprits include West Nile virus (WNV), St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), all transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. Chemical insecticides have been widely used to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Still, mosquitoes are becoming more and more resistant to most chemical insecticides which cause particular harm to the ecology. Wolbachia belongs to the family Ehrlichiaceae in the order Rickettsiales and is a matrilineally inherited endosymbiont present in 60% of insects in nature. Wolbachia is capable of inducing a wide range of reproductive abnormalities in its hosts, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, and can alter mosquito resistance to pathogen infection. Wolbachia has been proposed as a biological alternative to chemical vector control, and specific research progress and effectiveness have been achieved. Despite the importance of Wolbachia, this strategy has not been tested in Culex pipiens pallens, the most prevalent mosquito species in Shandong Province, China. Little is known about how the mass release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes may impact the genetic structure of Culex pipiens pallens, and how the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia interacts with mitochondria during host mosquito transmission. Based on the population genetic structure of Culex pipiens pallens in Shandong Province, this study investigated the infection rate and infection type of Wolbachia in Shandong Province and jointly analysed the evolutionary relationship between the host mosquito and the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia. Our study showed that Wolbachia naturally infected by Culex pipiens pallens in Shandong Province was less homologous to Wolbachia infected by Aedes albopictus released from mosquito factory in Guangzhou. Our results also show that Culex pipiens pallens is undergoing demographic expansion in Shandong Province. The overall Wolbachia infection rate of Culex pipiens pallens was 92.8%, and a total of 15 WSP haplotypes were detected. We found that the genetic diversity of Wolbachia was low in Culex pipiens pallens from Shandong Province, and the mosquitoes were infected only with type B Wolbachia. Visualizing the relationship between Culex pipiens pallens and Wolbachia using a tanglegram revealed patterns of widespread associations. A specific coevolutionary relationship exists between the host mosquito and Wolbachia. Knowledge of this mosquito-Wolbachia relationship will provide essential scientific information required for Wolbachia-based vector control approaches in Shandong Province and will lead to a better understanding of the diversity and evolution of Wolbachia for its utility as a biocontrol agent.},
}
@article {pmid39266798,
year = {2024},
author = {Kang, SF and Chen, Y and Chen, J},
title = {Wolbachia of phylogenetic supergroup K identified in oribatid mite Nothrus anauniensis (Acari: Oribatida: Nothridae).},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {93},
number = {4},
pages = {803-815},
pmid = {39266798},
issn = {1572-9702},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Mites/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Male ; Female ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; },
abstract = {Heritable endosymbionts widely occur in arthropod and nematode hosts. Among these endosymbionts, Wolbachia has been extensively detected in many arthropods, such as insects and crustaceans. Maternal inheritance is the most basic and dominant mode of transmission of Wolbachia, and it might regulate the reproductive system of the host in four ways: feminization, parthenogenesis, male killing, and cytoplasmic incompatibility. There is a relatively high percentage (10%) of thelytokous species in Oribatida, a suborder under the subclass Acari of arthropods, but the study of the endosymbionts in oribatid mites is almost negligible. In this paper, we detected endosymbiotic bacteria in two parthenogenetic oribatid species, Nothrus anauniensis Canestrini and Fanzago, 1877, which has never been tested for endosymbionts, and Oppiella nova, in which Wolbachia and Cardinium have been reported before. The results showed that Wolbachia was first found in N. anauniensis with an infection rate of 100% across three populations. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Wolbachia in N. anauniensis belonged to the supergroup K, marking the second supergroup of Wolbachia found in oribatid mites. Unlike previous studies, our study did not detect Wolbachia in O. nova, leading to the exclusion of Wolbachia's role in mediating thelytoky in this species.},
}
@article {pmid39270602,
year = {2024},
author = {González, MA and Ruiz-Arrondo, I and Magallanes, S and Oboňa, J and Ruiz-López, MJ and Figuerola, J},
title = {Molecular and morphological analysis revealed a new Lipoptena species (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) in southern Spain harbouring Coxiella burnetii and bacterial endosymbionts.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {332},
number = {},
pages = {110300},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110300},
pmid = {39270602},
issn = {1873-2550},
mesh = {Animals ; Spain/epidemiology ; *Diptera/microbiology ; Female ; Male ; *Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; },
abstract = {Hippoboscid flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) are obligate bloodsucking ectoparasites of animals. In Europe, limited research has been conducted on this family until the recent introduction of the deer ked Lipoptena fortisetosa Maa, 1965. A new species of the genus Lipoptena, Lipoptena andaluciensis sp. nov., was found in southern Spain after extensive sampling with carbon-dioxide baited suction traps. A total of 52 females and 32 males were collected at 29 out of 476 sites examined over eight months in 2023. Lipoptena andaluciensis sp. nov. was characterized morphologically and molecularly. The new Lipoptena species can be differentiated from the closely related L. fortisetosa by size, chaetotaxy of the dorsal and ventral thorax, abdominal plates, and genitalia. Based on DNA-barcoding, our specimens showed the highest similarity with Melophagus ovinus (Linnaeus, 1758) (88.4 %) and with L. fortisetosa (86-88 %). Individual screening of Lipoptena specimens (n = 76) for seven important zoonotic pathogens such as bacteria (Anaplasmataceae family: Bartonella spp., Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp.) and protozoans (Babesia spp. and Theileria spp.) by conventional PCR and RT-PCR was performed. DNA of C. burnetii was detected in one specimen, while two other specimens harboured Anaplasmataceae (Wolbachia spp., 100 % homology and another endosymbiont probably related to Arsenophonus sp., 95.3 % homology, respectively), all representing the first records of these bacteria in the Lipoptena spp. from Europe. Carbon dioxide traps probed its effectiveness as a reliable passive method for keds surveillance. Our study highlights the existence of a new Lipoptena species, presumably widely distributed in southern Spain. The role of this species in the transmission cycle of pathogens of medical-veterinary relevance needs to be considered in the area.},
}
@article {pmid39270964,
year = {2024},
author = {Giannotta, MM and Smith, I and Michie, M and Blasdell, K and Dunn, M and Nicholls, J and Heath, ACG and Rodriguez, J and Gofton, AW},
title = {Molecular characterisation of Australasian Ixodiphagus (Hymenoptera; Encyrtidae; Encyrtinae) reveals unexpected diversity and a potential novel host switch.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology},
volume = {54},
number = {14},
pages = {743-753},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.09.001},
pmid = {39270964},
issn = {1879-0135},
mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Phylogeny ; Wasps/genetics/classification ; Host Specificity ; New Zealand ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Genetic Variation ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Female ; Rhipicephalus/parasitology/genetics ; Male ; },
abstract = {Ticks are important medical and veterinary parasites that represent a substantial health threat to humans, companion animals, and livestock. Ixodiphagus wasps (Hymenoptera; Encyrtidae) are known endoparasitoids of ixodid (hard) and argasid (soft) ticks, with potential utility as natural biocontrol agents. Two species, Ixodiphagus brunneus and Ixodiphagus mysorensis, are previously recorded from Australia, however, the genus lacks formal revisionary work in Australia, and the validity and host ranges of these species remain uncertain. This work aimed to investigate the diversity of Ixodiphagus in Australasia and provide a molecular data resource for future work on these understudied endoparasitoids. We extracted DNA from archival Ixodiphagus specimens from Australian and New Zealand insect collections and performed high-throughput sequencing which resulted in complete or mostly complete mitochondrial genome sequences from 11 specimens, including I. brunneus, Ixodiphagus taiaroaensis, and a novel Ixodiphagus sp. reared from Rhipicephalus linnaei from Townsville, Australia. In addition, approximately 70% of the genome of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of I. brunneus was recovered. Finally, we screened 178 recently collected pooled tick samples from southern New South Wales, Australia, for Ixodiphagus spp. using 28S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1(COI) gene PCR, and recovered 14 positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis of Australasian Ixodiphagus spp. based on 28S rRNA and complete mitochondrial genome sequences determined that members of the Australasian fauna are distinct from Ixodiphagus hookeri (the only other Ixodiphagus species for which genetic data exists), and that at least two distinct species are present in Australia; I. brunneus identified from Ixodes holocyclus and Haemaphysalis bancrofti ticks, and an uncharacterised Ixodiphagus sp. found in Rhipicephalus linnaei ticks from northern Queensland. Furthermore, there was substantial genetic diversity at the 28S rRNA loci among I. brunneus samples, which may represent normal genetic variability or a secondary cryptic species. The molecular data generated here represents the first known for the genus Ixodiphagus in Australasia, doubling that of the world fauna, and provides the first known complete mitochondrial genomes for these important tick parasitoids.},
}
@article {pmid39275847,
year = {2025},
author = {MacDonald, ZG and Schoville, S and Escalona, M and Marimuthu, MPA and Nguyen, O and Chumchim, N and Fairbairn, CW and Seligmann, W and Toffelmier, E and Gillespie, T and Shaffer, HB},
title = {A genome assembly for the Chryxus Arctic (Oeneis chryxus), the highest butterfly in North America.},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {116},
number = {3},
pages = {324-334},
pmid = {39275847},
issn = {1465-7333},
mesh = {*Butterflies/genetics ; Animals ; North America ; *Genome, Insect ; Haplotypes ; California ; Genetics, Population ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {We describe a highly contiguous and complete diploid genome assembly for the Chryxus Arctic, Oeneis chryxus (E. Doubleday, [1849]), a butterfly species complex spanning much of northern and western North America. One subspecies, the Ivallda Arctic (O. c. ivallda), is endemic to California's Sierra Nevada and of particular biogeographic interest and conservation concern. Extreme alpine habitats occupied by this subspecies include the summit of Mt. Whitney, California, representing the highest elevation butterfly population in North America. The assembly presented here consists of two haplotypes, 738.92 and 770.85 Mb in length, with contig N50 values of 10.49 and 10.13 Mb, scaffold N50 values of 25.35 and 25.69 Mb, scaffold L50 values of 13 and 14, and BUSCO completeness scores of 96.5 and 98.3%, respectively. More than 97% of the assembly is organized into 29 scaffolds, which likely represent whole chromosomes. This assembly is the first major genomic resource for Oeneis, providing a foundational reference for future genomic studies on the taxonomy, evolutionary history, and conservation of the genus. As part of the California Conservation Genomics Project, we will use this assembly in conjunction with short-read resequencing to resolve patterns of evolutionary differentiation, adaptive genomic variation, and gene flow among remaining O. c. ivallda populations. These data can and will be used to inform the subspecies' conservation as warming climatic conditions continue to lead to the loss and fragmentation of alpine habitats. We also provide genome assemblies for the O. chryxus mitochondrion and a Wolbachia endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid39283914,
year = {2024},
author = {Gifford, I and Suárez, GA and Barrick, JE},
title = {Evolution recovers the fitness of Acinetobacter baylyi strains with large deletions through mutations in deletion-specific targets and global post-transcriptional regulators.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {20},
number = {9},
pages = {e1011306},
pmid = {39283914},
issn = {1553-7404},
mesh = {*Acinetobacter/genetics ; *Genetic Fitness ; Genome, Bacterial ; Evolution, Molecular ; Sequence Deletion ; Mutation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Organelles and endosymbionts have naturally evolved dramatically reduced genome sizes compared to their free-living ancestors. Synthetic biologists have purposefully engineered streamlined microbial genomes to create more efficient cellular chassis and define the minimal components of cellular life. During natural or engineered genome streamlining, deletion of many non-essential genes in combination often reduces bacterial fitness for idiosyncratic or unknown reasons. We investigated how and to what extent laboratory evolution could overcome these defects in six variants of the transposon-free Acinetobacter baylyi strain ADP1-ISx that each had a deletion of a different 22- to 42-kilobase region and two strains with larger deletions of 70 and 293 kilobases. We evolved replicate populations of ADP1-ISx and each deletion strain for ~300 generations in a chemically defined minimal medium or a complex medium and sequenced the genomes of endpoint clonal isolates. Fitness increased in all cases that were examined except for two ancestors that each failed to improve in one of the two environments. Mutations affecting nine protein-coding genes and two small RNAs were significantly associated with one of the two environments or with certain deletion ancestors. The global post-transcriptional regulators rnd (ribonuclease D), csrA (RNA-binding carbon storage regulator), and hfq (RNA-binding protein and chaperone) were frequently mutated across all strains, though the incidence and effects of these mutations on gene function and bacterial fitness varied with the ancestral deletion and evolution environment. Mutations in this regulatory network likely compensate for how an earlier deletion of a transposon in the ADP1-ISx ancestor of all the deletion strains restored csrA function. More generally, our results demonstrate that fitness lost during genome streamlining can usually be regained rapidly through laboratory evolution and that recovery tends to occur through a combination of deletion-specific compensation and global regulatory adjustments.},
}
@article {pmid39291985,
year = {2024},
author = {Noda, T and Mizutani, M and Harumoto, T and Katsuno, T and Koga, R and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Frequent and asymmetric cell division in endosymbiotic bacteria of cockroaches.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {90},
number = {10},
pages = {e0146624},
pmid = {39291985},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {JPMJER1902//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; JPMJER1902//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; JPMJER1902//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; JP24H02294//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP24K08935//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP22KJ1191//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP21J20814//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP22KJ3181//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP22J00711//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Cockroaches/microbiology ; Asymmetric Cell Division/physiology ; Blattellidae/microbiology/physiology ; Cell Division ; Buchnera/genetics/physiology ; },
abstract = {Many insects are obligatorily associated with and dependent on specific microbial species as essential mutualistic partners. In the host insects, such microbial mutualists are usually maintained in specialized cells or organs, called bacteriocytes or symbiotic organs. Hence, potentially exponential microbial growth cannot be realized but must be strongly constrained by spatial and resource limitations within the host cells or tissues. How such endosymbiotic bacteria grow, divide, and proliferate is important for understanding the interactions and dynamics underpinning intimate host-microbe symbiotic associations. Here we report that Blattabacterium, the ancient and essential endosymbiont of cockroaches, exhibits unexpectedly high rates of cell division (20%-58%) and, in addition, the cell division is asymmetric (average asymmetry index >1.5) when isolated from the German cockroach Blattella germanica. The asymmetric division of endosymbiont cells at high frequencies was observed irrespective of host tissues (fat bodies vs ovaries) or developmental stages (adults vs nymphs vs embryos) of B. germanica, and also observed in several different cockroach species. By contrast, such asymmetric and frequent cell division was observed neither in Buchnera, the obligatory bacterial endosymbiont of aphids, nor in Pantoea, the obligatory bacterial gut symbiont of stinkbugs. Comparative genomics of cell division-related genes uncovered that the Blattabacterium genome lacks the Min system genes that determine the cell division plane, which may be relevant to asymmetric cell division. These observations combined with comparative symbiont genomics provide insight into what processes and regulations may underpin the growth, division, and proliferation of such bacterial mutualists continuously constrained under within-host conditions.IMPORTANCEDiverse insects are dependent on specific bacterial mutualists for their survival and reproduction. Due to the long-lasting coevolutionary history, such symbiotic bacteria tend to exhibit degenerative genomes and suffer uncultivability. Because of their microbiological fastidiousness, the cell division patterns of such uncultivable symbiotic bacteria have been poorly described. Here, using fine microscopic and quantitative morphometric approaches, we report that, although bacterial cell division usually proceeds through symmetric binary fission, Blattabacterium, the ancient and essential endosymbiont of cockroaches, exhibits frequent and asymmetric cell division. Such peculiar cell division patterns were not observed with other uncultivable essential symbiotic bacteria of aphids and stinkbugs. Gene repertoire analysis revealed that the molecular machinery for regulating the bacterial cell division plane are lost in the Blattabacterium genome, suggesting the possibility that the general trend toward the reductive genome evolution of symbiotic bacteria may underpin their bizarre cytological/morphological traits.},
}
@article {pmid39310793,
year = {2024},
author = {Lečić, S and Wolfe, TM and Ghosh, A and Satar, S and Souza Beraldo, C and Smith, E and Dombroskie, JJ and Jernigan, E and Hood, GR and Schuler, H and Stauffer, C},
title = {Spatially Varying Wolbachia Frequencies Reveal the Invasion Origin of an Agricultural Pest Recently Introduced From Europe to North America.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {e70016},
pmid = {39310793},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {The introduction of non-native species across the world represents a major global challenge. Retracing invasion origin is an important first step in understanding the invasion process, often requiring detailed sampling within the native range. Insect species frequently host Wolbachia, a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium that manipulates host reproduction to increase infected female fitness. Here, we draw on the spatial variation in infection frequencies of an actively spreading Wolbachia strain wCer2 to investigate the invasion origin of the European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi. This pest of cherries was introduced from Europe to North America within the last decade. First, we screen the introduced fly population for the presence of Wolbachia. The introduced populations lack the wCer2 strain and the strongly associated mitochondrial haplotype, suggesting strain absence due to founder effects with invading individuals originating from wCer2-uninfected native population(s). To narrow down geographic regions of invasion origin, we perform spatial interpolation of the wCer2 infection frequency across the native range and predict the infection frequency in unsampled regions. For this, we use an extensive dataset of R. cerasi infection covering 238 populations across Europe over 25 years, complemented with 14 additional populations analyzed for this study. We find that R. cerasi was unlikely introduced from wCer2-infected populations in Central and Western Europe. We propose wCer2-uninfected populations from Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean region as the most likely candidates for the invasion origin. This work utilizes Wolbachia as an indirect instrument to provide insights into the invasion source of R. cerasi in North America, revealing yet another application for this multifaceted heritable endosymbiont. Given the prevalence of biological invasions, rapidly uncovering invasion origins gives fundamental insights into how invasive species adapt to new environments.},
}
@article {pmid39313916,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhu, YX and Zhang, YY and Wang, XY and Yin, Y and Du, YZ},
title = {Wolbachia modify host cell metabolite profiles in response to short-term temperature stress.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {e70013},
pmid = {39313916},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {BK20231330//The Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/metabolism/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Temperature ; Cell Line ; *Metabolome ; Drosophila/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Diptera/microbiology ; Fatty Acids/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are common heritable endosymbionts that influence many aspects of ecology and evolution in various insects, yet Wolbachia-mediated intracellular metabolic responses to temperature stress have been largely overlooked. Here, we introduced the Wolbachia strain wLhui from the invasive Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) into a Drosophila Schneider 2 cell line (S2) and investigated the metabolite profile of wLhui-infected (S2_wLhui) and uninfected cell lines (S2_wu) under short-term exposure to either high (37°C), moderate (27°C), or low (7 and 17°C) temperatures. We find that Wolbachia infection, temperature stress, and their interactions significantly affect cellular metabolic profiles. Most significantly, when comparing the changes in metabolites between S2_wLhui and S2_wu, glycerophospholipids, amino acids, and fatty acids associated with metabolic pathways, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, and other pathways were significantly accumulated at either low or high temperatures. Our findings suggest Wolbachia-induced cellular physiological responses to short-term temperature stress, which may in turn affect the fitness and adaptive ability of its host as an invasive species.},
}
@article {pmid39328926,
year = {2024},
author = {Duque-Granda, D and Vivero-Gómez, RJ and Junca, H and Cadavid-Restrepo, G and Moreno-Herrera, CX},
title = {Interaction and effects of temperature preference under a controlled environment on the diversity and abundance of the microbiome in Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae).},
journal = {Biotechnology reports (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {44},
number = {},
pages = {e00857},
pmid = {39328926},
issn = {2215-017X},
abstract = {Characterization of the temperature effects on the abundance and richness of the microbiota of Lutzomyia longipalpis, insect vector of Leishmania infantum in America, is an aspect of pivotal importance to understand the interactions between temperature, bacteria, and Leishmania infection. We developed and used a customized device with a temperature gradient (21-34 °C) to assess the temperature preferences of wild females of Lu. longipalpis collected in a rural area (Ricaurte, Cundinamarca, Colombia). Each replicate consisted of 50 females exposed to the gradient for an hour. At the end of the exposure time, insects were collected and separated by the temperature ranges selected varying from 21 °C to 34 °C. They were organized in 17 pools from which total DNA extracts were obtained, and samples were subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analyzes. The most abundant phyla across the different temperature ranges were Proteobacteria (17.22-90.73 %), Firmicutes (5.99-77.21 %) and Actinobacteria (1.56-59.85 %). Results also showed an abundance (30 % to 57.36 %) of Pseudomonas (mainly at temperatures of 21-29 °C and 34 °C) that decreased to 6.55 %-13.20 % at temperatures of 31-33 °C, while Bacillus increase its abundance to 67.24 % at 29-33 °C. Serratia also had a greater representation (49.79 %), specifically in sand flies recovered at 25-27 °C. No significant differences were found at α-diversity level when comparing richness using the Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, and Chao1 indices, while β-diversity differences were found using the Bray-Curtis index (F-value of 3.5073, p-value < 0.013, R-squared of 0,4889), especially in the groups of Lu. longipalpis associated at higher temperatures (29-33 °C). It was also possible to detect the presence of endosymbionts such as Spiroplasma and Arsenophonus in the range of 29-33 °C. Rickettsia was only detected in Lu. longipalpis sand flies recovered between 25-27 °C. It was possible to characterize Lu. longipalpis microbiota in response to intraspecific temperature preferences and observe changes in bacterial communities and endosymbionts at different ranges of said environmental variable, which may be important in its vector competence and environmental plasticity to adapt to new climate change scenarios.},
}
@article {pmid39331668,
year = {2024},
author = {González, CR and Reyes, C and Castillo, A and Valderrama, L and Llanos, L and Fernández, J and Eastwood, G and Cancino-Faure, B},
title = {Molecular evidence of pathogens and endosymbionts in the black horse fly Osca lata (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Southern Chile.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {e0012525},
pmid = {39331668},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; Chile ; *Diptera/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Trypanosomatina/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Female ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; },
abstract = {Little is known about the role of horse flies in potential pathogen transmission in Chile. This study provides evidence of the molecular detection of microorganisms in southern Chile. In the present study, adult Osca lata horse flies were trapped from Punucapa (39°45'06"S/73°16'08"W, Región de Los Ríos) and Puyehue (40°39'10"S/72°10'57"W, Región de Los Lagos), Chile. Among the 95 samples analyzed by PCR using specific primers, microorganisms were detected in 23.2% (n = 22) of the samples. Rickettsia spp. DNA was detected in 15.8% (n = 15) of the samples, Trypanosomatidae DNA in 5.3% (n = 5) of the samples, and filarial DNA in 2.1% (n = 2) of the samples. This study found that horse flies in the region are capable of carrying a variety of both parasites and endosymbionts. Further research is needed to understand the specific impact of horse flies as mechanical or biological vectors and develop effective control measures to prevent the spread of any microorganisms associated with disease.},
}
@article {pmid39336607,
year = {2024},
author = {Lilja, T and Lindström, A and Hernández-Triana, LM and Di Luca, M and Lwande, OW},
title = {European Culex pipiens Populations Carry Different Strains of Wolbachia pipientis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {39336607},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2020-01056//Formas, Sweden/ ; },
abstract = {The mosquito Culex pipiens occurs in two ecotypes differing in their mating and overwintering behavior: pipiens mate in open environments and diapause, and molestus also mate in small spaces and is active throughout the year. Cx. pipiens carry Wolbachia endosymbionts of the wPip strain, but the frequency of infection differs between studied populations. Wolbachia infection affects the host reproductive success through cytoplasmic incompatibility. wPip Wolbachia is divided into five types, wPip I-V. The type of wPip carried varies among Cx. pipiens populations. In northern European locations different wPip types are found in the two ecotypes, whereas in southern locations, they often carry the same type, indicating differences in hybridization between ecotypes. In this study, Cx. pipiens specimens of both ecotypes were collected from Sweden and compared to specimens from Norway, England, Italy, and the Netherlands, as well as Cx. quinquefasciatus from Mali and Thailand. The abundance varied, but all specimens were infected by Wolbachia, while the tested specimens of other mosquito species were often uninfected. The wPip strains were determined through the sequence analysis of Wolbachia genes ank2 and pk1, showing that Cx. pipiens ecotypes in Scandinavia carry different wPip strains. The observed differences in wPip strains indicate that hybridization is not frequent and may contribute to barriers against hybridization of the ecotypes in Sweden and Norway.},
}
@article {pmid39336620,
year = {2024},
author = {Horgan, FG},
title = {Virulence Adaptation by Rice Planthoppers and Leafhoppers to Resistance Genes and Loci: A Review.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {39336620},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {In recent decades, research on developing and deploying resistant rice has accelerated due to the availability of modern molecular tools and, in particular, advances in marker-assisted selection. However, progress in understanding virulence adaptation has been relatively slow. This review tracks patterns in virulence adaptation to resistance genes (particularly Bph1, bph2, Bph3, and bph4) and examines the nature of virulence based on selection experiments, responses by virulent populations to differential rice varieties (i.e., varieties with different resistance genes), and breeding experiments that interpret the genetic mechanisms underlying adaptation. The review proposes that varietal resistance is best regarded as a combination of minor and major resistance traits against which planthoppers develop partial or complete virulence through heritable improvements that are reversable or through evolutionary adaptation, respectively. Agronomic practices, deployment patterns, and herbivore population pressures determine the rates of adaptation, and there is growing evidence that pesticide detoxification mechanisms can accelerate virulence adaptation. Research to delay adaptation has mainly focused on gene pyramiding (i.e., including ≥ two major genes in a variety) and multilines (i.e., including ≥ two resistant varieties in a field or landscape); however, these strategies have not been adequately tested and, if not managed properly, could inadvertently accelerate adaptation compared to sequential deployment. Several research gaps remain and considerable improvements in research methods are required to better understand and manage virulence adaptation.},
}
@article {pmid39336625,
year = {2024},
author = {Kepngop, LRK and Wosula, EN and Amour, M and Ghomsi, PGT and Wakam, LN and Kansci, G and Legg, JP},
title = {Genetic Diversity of Whiteflies Colonizing Crops and Their Associated Endosymbionts in Three Agroecological Zones of Cameroon.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {39336625},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {S/CMR21-10//Arturo Falaschi ICGEB fellowships program/ ; N/A//The CGIAR Trust Fund: https://www.cgiar.org/funders through the CGIAR Initiative on Plant Health and Rapid Response to Protect Food Security and Livelihoods (Plant Health Initiative)./ ; },
abstract = {Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is as a major pest of vegetable crops in Cameroon. These sap-sucking insects are the main vector of many viruses infecting plants, and several cryptic species have developed resistance against insecticides. Nevertheless, there is very little information about whitefly species on vegetable crops and the endosymbionts that infect them in Cameroon. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity of whiteflies and their frequency of infection by endosymbionts in Cameroon. Ninety-two whitefly samples were collected and characterized using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) markers and Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP). The analysis of mtCOI sequences of whiteflies indicated the presence of six cryptic species (mitotypes) of Bemisia tabaci, and two distinct clades of Bemisia afer and Trialeurodes vaporariorum. Bemisia tabaci mitotypes identified included: MED on tomato, pepper, okra, and melon; and SSA1-SG1, SSA1-SG2, SSA1-SG5, SSA3, and SSA4 on cassava. The MED mitotype predominated in all regions on the solanaceous crops, suggesting that MED is probably the main phytovirus vector in Cameroonian vegetable cropping systems. The more diverse cassava-colonizing B. tabaci were split into three haplogroups (SNP-based grouping) including SSA-WA, SSA4, and SSA-ECA using KASP genotyping. This is the first time that SSA-ECA has been reported in Cameroon. This haplogroup is predominant in regions currently affected by the severe cassava mosaic virus disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak virus disease (CBSD) pandemics. Three endosymbionts including Arsenophonus, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia were present in female whiteflies tested in this study with varying frequency. Arsenophonus, which has been shown to influence the adaptability of whiteflies, was more frequent in the MED mitotype (75%). Cardinium and Hamiltonella were absent in all whitefly samples. These findings add to the knowledge on the diversity of whiteflies and their associated endosymbionts, which, when combined, influence virus epidemics and responses to whitefly control measures, especially insecticides.},
}
@article {pmid39336637,
year = {2024},
author = {Alvarez, DL and Hayashida, R and Cavallaro, MC and Santos, DM and Santos, LM and Müller, C and Watanabe, LFM and Bello, VH and Krause-Sakate, R and Hoback, WW and Oliveira, RC},
title = {Susceptibility of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Mediterranean Populations Found in São Paulo, Brazil to 11 Insecticides and Characterization of Their Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {39336637},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {processes number 2018/02317-5, 2019/10736-0 and 2018/19782-2//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo-FAPESP/ ; finance code 001//the Coordena&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Aperfei&#xe7;oamento de Pessoal de N&#xed;vel Superior-Brasil (CAPES/ ; 304126/2019-5//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico-CNPq/ ; },
abstract = {The silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a significant agricultural pest worldwide, impacting a variety of crop yields. Since the introduction of B. tabaci Mediterranean (MED) species in Brazil, limited research has measured the relative efficacy of the primary insecticides used in whitefly management. This study evaluated the susceptibility of three distinct B. tabaci MED populations to 11 insecticide active ingredients and characterized the bacterial endosymbionts within each population. The insecticides tested were acetamiprid, bifenthrin, cyantraniliprole, diafenthiuron, spiromesifen, imidacloprid, pymetrozine, pyriproxyfen, sulfoxaflor, and thiamethoxam. Results showed varying LC50 and LC90 values among tested insecticides and populations. Notably, populations varied in response to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam with some populations having a 6× higher tolerance. Sequencing data of endosymbionts revealed that individuals from the most susceptible B. tabaci population harbored Rickettsia and Arsenophonus, whereas these bacteria were not detected in the resistant populations. These findings highlight the need for frequent insecticide toxicity bioassays of distinct B. tabaci populations and the adoption of integrated pest management strategies to preserve the efficacy of insecticides for B. tabaci control. Additionally, the role of infection by endosymbionts to alter susceptibility should be further explored.},
}
@article {pmid39342132,
year = {2024},
author = {Mfopit, YM and Bilgo, E and Boma, S and Somda, MB and Gnambani, JE and Konkobo, M and Diabate, A and Dayo, GK and Mamman, M and Kelm, S and Balogun, EO and Shuaibu, MN and Kabir, J},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp and Wolbachia do not favour Trypanosoma grayi coexistence in wild population of tsetse flies collected in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {373},
pmid = {39342132},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {K43 TW012015/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Tsetse Flies/microbiology/parasitology ; *Spiroplasma/isolation &amp; purification/physiology/genetics ; *Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; Burkina Faso ; *Trypanosoma/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/physiology ; *Enterobacteriaceae/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Insect Vectors/microbiology/parasitology ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies, the biological vectors of African trypanosomes, have established symbiotic associations with different bacteria. Their vector competence is suggested to be affected by bacterial endosymbionts. The current study provided the prevalence of three tsetse symbiotic bacteria and trypanosomes in Glossina species from Burkina Faso.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 430 tsetse flies were captured using biconical traps in four different collection sites around Bobo-Dioulasso (Bama, Bana, Nasso, and Peni), and their guts were removed. Two hundred tsetse were randomly selected and their guts were screened by PCR for the presence of Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp., Wolbachia and trypanosomes. Of the 200 tsetse, 196 (98.0%) were Glossina palpalis gambiensis and 4 (2.0%) Glossina tachinoides. The overall symbiont prevalence was 49.0%, 96.5%, and 45.0%, respectively for S. glossinidius, Spiroplasma and Wolbachia. Prevalence varied between sampling locations: S. glossinidius (54.7%, 38.5%, 31.6%, 70.8%); Spiroplasma (100%, 100%, 87.7%, 100%); and Wolbachia (43.4%, 38.5%, 38.6%, 70.8%), respectively in Bama, Bana, Nasso and Peni. Noteworthy, no G. tachnoides was infected by S. glossinidius and Wolbachia, but they were all infected by Spiroplasma sp. A total of 196 (98.0%) harbored at least one endosymbionts. Fifty-five (27.5%) carried single endosymbiont. Trypanosomes were found only in G. p. gambiensis, but not G. tachinoides. Trypanosomes were present in flies from all study locations with an overall prevalence of 29.5%. In Bama, Bana, Nasso, and Peni, the trypanosome infection rate was respectively 39.6%, 23.1%, 8.8%, and 37.5%. Remarkably, only Trypanosoma grayi was present. Of all trypanosome-infected flies, 55.9%, 98.3%, and 33.9% hosted S. glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp and Wolbachia, respectively. There was no association between Sodalis, Spiroplasma and trypanosome presence, but there was a negative association with Wolbachia presence. We reported 1.9 times likelihood of trypanosome absence when Wolbachia was present.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This is the first survey reporting the presence of Trypanosoma grayi in tsetse from Burkina Faso. Tsetse from these localities were highly positive for symbiotic bacteria, more predominantly with Spiroplasma sp. Modifications of symbiotic interactions may pave way for disease control.},
}
@article {pmid39350697,
year = {2025},
author = {Díaz-Hernández, AM and Sepúlveda, DA and González-González, A and Briones, LM and Correa, MCG and Figueroa, CC},
title = {Water deficit and aphid resilience on wheat: examining Sitobion avenae F. and their bacterial symbionts interplay under controlled laboratory conditions.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {1},
pages = {255-265},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8428},
pmid = {39350697},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {1210713//ANID/FONDECYT Regular/ ; ATE230025//ANID/Anillos/ ; 3240368//ANID/FONDECYT Postdoctoral/ ; 220194//ANID/FOVI/ ; },
mesh = {*Aphids/physiology/microbiology ; Animals ; *Triticum/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Droughts ; Water ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Climate change has far-reaching effects on food security and agriculture, affecting crop yields and food distribution. Agriculture relies heavily on water for irrigation and production, making it vulnerable to water scarcity. Additionally, climate change can affect crop pest insects, leading to increased global crop losses, particularly in cereals, an important component of the human diet. Aphids are major crop pests and have a symbiotic relationship with bacterial endosymbionts that can contribute to their success as pests under a climate change scenario. To test the effect of drought on aphids, we examined varying levels of water deficit and endosymbiont composition on the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) performance on wheat under controlled laboratory conditions. We measured the intrinsic rate of population increase (rm), the body weight of adult aphids, and the pre-reproductive period for different genotypes of the grain aphid (including Chilean superclones) under different irrigation regimes. We also analyzed the relative abundance of their endosymbionts under the different water treatments.<br><br>RESULTS: Our findings revealed that water deficit affects each aphid genotype differently, impacting various traits. For instance, the body weight of adult aphids was notably affected by different water treatments, with aphids grown under intermediate water deficit (IW) being significantly bigger. The relative abundance of endosymbionts also varied among genotypes and water treatments-specifically Regiella insecticola had a noticeably higher abundance under IW (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05).<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the impact of water deficit on aphid performance and the role of endosymbionts in mitigating the effects of water deficit. &#xa9; 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid39352766,
year = {2024},
author = {Ling, X and Gu, X and Shen, Y and Fu, C and Zhou, Y and Yin, Y and Gao, Y and Zhu, Y and Lou, Y and Zheng, M},
title = {Comparative genomic analysis of Acanthamoeba from different sources and horizontal transfer events of antimicrobial resistance genes.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {e0054824},
pmid = {39352766},
issn = {2379-5042},
mesh = {*Acanthamoeba/genetics/classification/microbiology ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Phylogeny ; Humans ; *Acanthamoeba Keratitis/parasitology/microbiology ; Genomics ; Genome, Protozoan ; Genetic Variation ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Drug Resistance/genetics ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Acanthamoeba species are among the most common free-living amoeba and ubiquitous protozoa, mainly distributed in water and soil, and cause Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and severe visual impairment in patients. Although several studies have reported genomic characteristics of Acanthamoeba, limited sample sizes and sources have resulted in an incomplete understanding of the genetic diversity of Acanthamoeba from different sources. While endosymbionts exert a significant influence on the phenotypes of Acanthamoeba, including pathogenicity, virulence, and drug resistance, the species diversity and functional characterization remain largely unexplored. Herein, our study sequenced and analyzed the whole genomes of 19 Acanthamoeba pathogenic strains that cause AK, and by integrating publicly available genomes, we sampled 29 Acanthamoeba strains from ocular, environmental, and other sources. Combined pan-genomic and comparative functional analyses revealed genetic differences and evolutionary relationships among the different sources of Acanthamoeba, as well as classification into multiple functional groups, with ocular isolates in particular showing significant differences that may account for differences in pathogenicity. Phylogenetic and rhizome gene mosaic analyses of ocular Acanthamoeba strains suggested that genomic exchanges between Acanthamoeba and endosymbionts, particularly potential antimicrobial resistance genes trafficking including the adeF, amrA, and amrB genes exchange events, potentially contribute to Acanthamoeba drug resistance. In conclusion, this study elucidated the adaptation of Acanthamoeba to different ecological niches and the influence of gene exchange on the evolution of ocular Acanthamoeba genome, guiding the clinical diagnosis and treatment of AK and laying a theoretical groundwork for developing novel therapeutic approaches.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Acanthamoeba causes a serious blinding keratopathy, Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is currently under-recognized by clinicians. In this study, we analyzed 48 strains of Acanthamoeba using a whole-genome approach, revealing differences in pathogenicity and function between strains of different origins. Horizontal transfer events of antimicrobial resistance genes can help provide guidance as potential biomarkers for the treatment of specific Acanthamoeba keratitis cases.},
}
@article {pmid39353088,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, GH and Hoffmann, A and Champer, J},
title = {Gene Drive and Symbiont Technologies for Control of Mosquito-Borne Diseases.},
journal = {Annual review of entomology},
volume = {70},
number = {1},
pages = {229-249},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-012424-011039},
pmid = {39353088},
issn = {1545-4487},
mesh = {Animals ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/physiology ; *Culicidae/microbiology/genetics ; *Gene Drive Technology ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/genetics ; *Vector Borne Diseases/prevention &amp; control ; Mosquito-Borne Diseases ; },
abstract = {Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue and malaria, pose a significant burden to global health. Current control strategies with insecticides are only moderately effective. Scalable solutions are needed to reduce the transmission risk of these diseases. Symbionts and genome engineering-based mosquito control strategies have been proposed to address these problems. Bacterial, fungal, and viral symbionts affect mosquito reproduction, reduce mosquito lifespan, and block pathogen transmission. Field tests of endosymbiont Wolbachia-based methods have yielded promising results, but there are hurdles to overcome due to the large-scale rearing and accurate sex sorting required for Wolbachia-based suppression approaches and the ecological impediments to Wolbachia invasion in replacement approaches. Genome engineering-based methods, in which mosquitoes are genetically altered for the modification or suppression of wild populations, offer an additional approach for control of mosquito-borne diseases. In particular, the use of gene drive alleles that bias inheritance in their favor is a potentially powerful approach. Several drives are frequency dependent, potentially giving them broadly similar population dynamics to Wolbachia. However, public acceptance and the behavior of released drives in natural mosquito populations remain challenges. We summarize the latest developments and discuss the knowledge gaps in both symbiont- and gene drive-based methods.},
}
@article {pmid39358981,
year = {2024},
author = {Gu, X and Ross, PA and Yang, Q and Gill, A and Umina, PA and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Influence of genetic and environmental factors on the success of endosymbiont transfers in pest aphids.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {10},
pages = {e16704},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16704},
pmid = {39358981},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {UOM1905-002RTX//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; //University of Melbourne/ ; },
mesh = {*Aphids/microbiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {There is increasing interest in exploring how endosymbionts could be useful in pest control, including in aphids, which can carry a diversity of endosymbionts. Endosymbionts often have a large impact on host traits, and their presence can be self-sustaining. Identifying useful host-endosymbiont combinations for pest control is facilitated by the transfer of specific endosymbionts into target species, particularly if the species lacks the endosymbiont. Here, we complete a comprehensive literature review, which included 56 relevant papers on endosymbiont transfer experiments in aphids, to uncover factors that might influence transfer success. We then report on our own microinjection attempts of diverse facultative endosymbionts from a range of donor species into three agriculturally important aphid species as recipients: the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi), and Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia). Combining this information, we consider reasons that impact the successful establishment of lines carrying transferred endosymbionts. These include a lack of stability in donors, deleterious effects on host fitness, the absence of plant-based (versus vertical) transmission, high genetic variation in the endosymbiont, and susceptibility of an infection to environmental factors. Taking these factors into account should help in increasing success rates in future introductions.},
}
@article {pmid39366749,
year = {2024},
author = {Leclerc, L and Mattick, J and Burns, BP and Sassera, D and Hotopp, JD and Lo, N},
title = {Metatranscriptomics provide insights into the role of the symbiont Midichloria mitochondrii in Ixodes ticks.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {100},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39366749},
issn = {1574-6941},
support = {//The Linnean Society of New South Wales/ ; //University of New South Wales/ ; },
mesh = {*Ixodes/microbiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Transcriptome ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Nymph/microbiology/growth &amp; development/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {Ticks are important vectors of bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens of humans and animals worldwide. Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii is a highly abundant bacterial endosymbiont found in many tick species, including two medically important ticks respectively found in Europe and Australia, Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes holocyclus. The present study aimed to determine the symbiont's biological role by identifying lateral gene transfer (LGT) events, characterizing the transcriptome, and performing differential expression analyses. Metatranscriptomic data revealed that M. mitochondrii species in I. ricinus and I. holocyclus were equipped with the metabolic potential and were actively transcribing the genes for several important roles including heme, biotin and folate synthesis, oxidative stress response, osmotic regulation, and ATP production in microaerobic conditions. Differential expression analyses additionally showed an upregulation in stringent response and DNA repair genes in M. mitochondrii of I. holocyclus nymphs compared to adults. Low rates of differential expression suggest the symbiont may lack global gene regulation, as observed in other endosymbionts. Moreover, the identification of an LGT event and the proposed specialization of the M. mitochondrii strains, mIxholo1 and mIxholo2, for different I. holocyclus life stages highlight the complex interactions between M. mitochondrii and their tick hosts.},
}
@article {pmid39384161,
year = {2024},
author = {Iwai, S},
title = {A simple model and rules for the evolution of microbial mutualistic symbiosis with positive fitness feedbacks.},
journal = {Theoretical population biology},
volume = {160},
number = {},
pages = {14-24},
doi = {10.1016/j.tpb.2024.09.002},
pmid = {39384161},
issn = {1096-0325},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Biological Evolution ; Genetic Fitness ; Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {The evolution of microbe-microbe mutualistic symbiosis is considered to be promoted by repeated exchanges of fitness benefits, which can generate positive fitness feedbacks ('partner fidelity feedback') between species. However, previous evolutionary models for mutualism have not captured feedback dynamics or coupling of fitness between species. Here, a simple population model is developed to understand the evolution of mutualistic symbiosis in which two microbial species (host and symbiont) continuously grow and exchange fitness benefits to generate feedback dynamics but do not strictly control each other. The assumption that individual microbes provide constant amounts of resources, which are equally divided among interacting partner individual, enables us to reveal a simple rule for the evolution of costly mutualism with positive fitness feedbacks: the product of the benefit-to-cost ratios for each species exceeds one. When this condition holds, high cooperative investment levels are favored in both species regardless of the amount invested by each partner. The model is then extended to examine how symbiont mutation, immigration, or switching affects the spread of selfish or cooperative symbionts, which decrease and increase their investment levels, respectively. In particular, when a host associates with numerous symbionts without enforcement, neither mutation nor immigration but rather random switching would allow the spread of cooperative symbionts. Examples using symbiont switching for evolution would include large ciliates hosting numerous intracellular endosymbionts. The simple model and rules would provide a basis for understanding the evolution of microbe-microbe mutualistic symbiosis with positive fitness feedbacks and without enforcement mechanisms.},
}
@article {pmid39386366,
year = {2024},
author = {Kaur, T and Brown, AMV},
title = {Discovery of a novel Wolbachia in Heterodera expands nematode host distribution.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1446506},
pmid = {39386366},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Bioinformatics sequence data mining can reveal hidden microbial symbionts that might normally be filtered and removed as contaminants. Data mining can be helpful to detect Wolbachia, a widespread bacterial endosymbiont in insects and filarial nematodes whose distribution in plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) remains underexplored. To date, Wolbachia has only been reported a few PPNs, yet nematode-infecting Wolbachia may have been widespread in the evolutionary history of the phylum based on evidence of horizontal gene transfers, suggesting there may be undiscovered Wolbachia infections in PPNs. The goal of this study was to more broadly sample PPN Wolbachia strains in tylenchid nematodes to enable further comparative genomic analyses that may reveal Wolbachia's role and identify targets for biocontrol. Published whole-genome shotgun assemblies and their raw sequence data from 33 Meloidogyne spp. assemblies, seven Globodera spp. assemblies, and seven Heterodera spp. assemblies were analyzed to look for Wolbachia. No Wolbachia was found in Meloidogyne spp. and Globodera spp., but among seven genome assemblies for Heterodera spp., an H. schachtii assembly from the Netherlands was found to have a large Wolbachia-like sequence that, when re-assembled from reads, formed a complete, circular genome. Detailed analyses comparing read coverage, GC content, pseudogenes, and phylogenomic patterns clearly demonstrated that the H. schachtii Wolbachia represented a novel strain (hereafter, denoted wHet). Phylogenomic tree construction with PhyloBayes showed wHet was most closely related to another PPN Wolbachia, wTex, while 16S rRNA gene analysis showed it clustered with other Heterodera Wolbachia assembled from sequence databases. Pseudogenes in wHet suggested relatedness to the PPN clade, as did the lack of significantly enriched GO terms compared to PPN Wolbachia strains. It remains unclear whether the lack of Wolbachia in other published H. schachtii isolates represents the true absence of the endosymbiont from some hosts.},
}
@article {pmid39386759,
year = {2024},
author = {Kumazawa, M and Ifuku, K},
title = {Unraveling the evolutionary trajectory of LHCI in red-lineage algae: Conservation, diversification, and neolocalization.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {27},
number = {10},
pages = {110897},
pmid = {39386759},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Red algae and the secondary symbiotic algae that engulfed a red alga as an endosymbiont are called red-lineage algae. Several photosystem (PS) I-light-harvesting complex I (LHCI) structures have been reported from red-lineage algae-two red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae (Cyanidiophyceae) and Porphyridium purpureum (Rhodophytina), a diatom, and a Cryptophyte. Here, we clarified the orthologous relation of LHCIs by combining a detailed phylogenetic analysis and the structural information of PSI-LHCI. We found that the seven Lhcr groups in LHCI are conserved in Rhodophytina; furthermore, during both genome reduction in Cyanidioschyzonales and endosymbiosis leading to Cryptophyta, some LHCIs were lost and replaced by existing or differentiated LHCIs. We denominate "neolocalization" to these examples of flexible reorganization of LHCIs. This study provides insights into the evolutionary process of LHCIs in red-lineage algae and clarifies the need for both molecular phylogeny and structural information to elucidate the plausible evolutionary history of LHCI.},
}
@article {pmid39397367,
year = {2024},
author = {Mahieu, L and González-González, A and Rubio-Meléndez, ME and Moya-Hernández, M and Francis, F and Ramírez, CC},
title = {An Aphid Pest Superclone Benefits From a Facultative Bacterial Endosymbiont in a Host-Dependent Manner, Leading to Reproductive and Proteomic Changes.},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {117},
number = {2},
pages = {e22154},
doi = {10.1002/arch.22154},
pmid = {39397367},
issn = {1520-6327},
support = {//This study was supported by Chilean Iniciativa Cient&#xed;fica Milenio NC120027; Federation Wallonie-Bruxelles (FAME)./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Triticum/microbiology ; *Reproduction ; *Hordeum/microbiology ; Proteome/metabolism ; Proteomics ; Insect Proteins/metabolism ; Enterobacteriaceae ; Chile ; },
abstract = {The English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, is a significant agricultural pest affecting wheat, barley, and oats. In Chile, the most prevalent and persistent clone (superclone) of S. avenae harbors the facultative endosymbiont bacterium Regiella insecticola. To determine the role of this bacterium in the reproductive success of this superclone, the presence of R. insecticola was manipulated to assess its impact on (1) the reproductive performance of this clone on two host plant species (wheat and barley), (2) the production of winged morphs, (3) changes in the insects' proteomic profiles, and (4) the root/shoot ratio of plant. It was found that the reproductive performance of this S. avenae superclone varied across host plants, depending on the presence of the facultative bacterial endosymbiont. Aphids infected with R. insecticola showed higher reproductive success on wheat, while the opposite effect was observed on barley. Aphid biomass was greater when infected with R. insecticola, particularly on barley. Additionally, aphids harboring R. insecticola exhibited a higher proportion of winged individuals on both host plants. Protein regulation in aphids on wheat was lower compared to those on barley. A higher root/shoot biomass ratio was observed in wheat plants compared to barley when infested by R. insecticola-infected aphid. Thus, R. insecticola significantly influences the reproductive performance and proteomic profile of a S. avenae superclone, with these effects shaped by the host plant. This suggests that the interaction between the host plant and the facultative endosymbiont contributes to the ecological success of this superclone.},
}
@article {pmid39402267,
year = {2024},
author = {Kaczmarczyk-Ziemba, A and Wagner, GK and Staniec, B and Zagaja, M and Pietrykowska-Tudruj, E and Iorgu, EI and Iorgu, I&#x15e;},
title = {Intraspecific diversity of Myrmecophilus acervorum (Orthoptera: Myrmecophilidae) indicating an ongoing cryptic speciation.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {23984},
pmid = {39402267},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Phylogeny ; *Genetic Variation ; Genetic Speciation ; Male ; Female ; Orthoptera/genetics/classification ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Poland ; Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Europe ; Gryllidae ; },
abstract = {Myrmecophilus acervorum, previously considered a parthenogenetic species widely-distributed in Europe, has been observed to have both sexes in populations inhabiting the central part of the distribution range. Specimens from those heterosexual populations have been found being infected with Wolbachia. New mitochondrial data (COI and 16S markers) revealed the well-supported differentiation of M. acervorum populations inhabiting western Polesie (Poland) and southern Europe. In turn, analyses of EF1α marker support the hypothesis on the unfinished lineage sorting at the nuclear DNA level. Interestingly, we found that parthenogenetic populations inhabiting western Polesie are infected with Wolbachia belonging to supergroup A, while endosymbionts occurring in sexual populations of M. acervorum observed in Romania belong to supergroup B. Furthermore, new and potentially diagnostic characteristics in the external structures of the eyes of M. acervorum were identified. The surface of ommatidia in specimens occurring in southern Europe was smooth. In contrast, the ommatidia surface of individuals collected in Poland was visibly sculptured. To sum up, the significant genetic variability found in the present case, and the differentiating morphological character, are almost certainly effects of cryptic species being present within M. acervorum. This is indicative of ongoing speciation within the populations of this insect, and of simultaneous unfinished lineage sorting at the nuclear DNA level.},
}
@article {pmid39414248,
year = {2024},
author = {Hisayama, N and Takeuchi, Y and Furuya, H},
title = {TAXES OF DICYEMIDS (PHYLUM DICYEMIDA).},
journal = {The Journal of parasitology},
volume = {110},
number = {5},
pages = {506-515},
doi = {10.1645/24-39},
pmid = {39414248},
issn = {1937-2345},
mesh = {Animals ; *Chemotaxis ; *Larva ; *Kidney/parasitology ; Phototaxis ; Gills/parasitology ; Urine/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Dicyemids (Phylum Dicyemida) are endosymbionts present in the kidneys of benthic cephalopods. They usually consist of 10 to 40 cells and are characterized by 2 distinct body types: vermiform individuals and infusoriform larvae. Vermiform individuals remain attached to the internal surface of the host's renal appendages, while infusoriform larvae leave the renal sac to search for a new host. To investigate how dicyemids respond to various host and environmental cues, we evaluated phototaxis, chemotaxis, thigmotaxis, and rheotaxis responses of vermiform individuals and infusoriform larvae of 2 dicyemid species in a laboratory setting. Vermiform individuals did not exhibit phototaxis and chemotaxis to the major components of the host: urine, tissue fluids, or extracts of the host gills. However, they showed positive thigmotaxis and positive rheotaxis to slow water flow, probably contributing to enabling attachment to the renal appendages and remaining in the renal sac, respectively. The infusoriform larvae exhibited negative chemotaxis to host blood and negative thigmotaxis, but there was no evidence of phototaxis and rheotaxis. Negative thigmotaxis may facilitate the release of infusoriform embryos from the renal appendages. Negative chemotaxis to the host blood suggests that the infusoriform larvae do not enter through the vascular system to gain access to the renal sac, so the process by which infusoriform larvae enter the cephalopod host is yet to be determined.},
}
@article {pmid39415218,
year = {2024},
author = {Lahrach, Z and Legeay, J and Ahmed, B and Hijri, M},
title = {The composition of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal bacteriome is species dependent.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {77},
pmid = {39415218},
issn = {2524-6372},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In addition to their role as endosymbionts for plant roots, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) engage in complex interactions with various soil microorganisms, the rhizosphere, and the root endosphere of host plants. They also host diverse prokaryotic groups within their mycelia, contributing to what is termed multipartite symbiosis. In this study, we examined the impact of three AMF species-Rhizophagus irregularis, R. clarus, and R. cerebriforme-combined with microbial bioaugmentation on the diversity and composition of bacterial communities in the mycelia and hyphosphere. Using a microcosm design to separate the influence of host plant roots from AMF mycelia and Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing to analyze the bacterial communities.<br><br>RESULTS: Our results revealed that, while AMF identity and microbial bioaugmentation did not affect the structure of bacterial communities in the hyphosphere soil, they significantly altered the communities associated with their mycelia. Although all three AMF species belong to the same genus, with R. irregularis and R. clarus being closely related compared to R. cerebriforme, we observed variations in the bacterial communities associated with their mycelia. Interestingly, the mycelial bacterial community of R. cerebriforme contained 60 bacteriome core taxa exclusive to it, while R. clarus and R. irregularis had 25 and 9 exclusive taxa, respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study suggests that organismal phylogeny influences the bacterial communities associated with AMF mycelia. These findings provide new insights into AMF and bacterial interactions, which are crucial for the successful deployment of AMF inoculants. The taxonomic diversity of AMF inoculants is important for engineering the plant microbiome and enhancing ecosystem services.},
}
@article {pmid39428626,
year = {2025},
author = {Mirabedini, Z and Niyyati, M and Mohammad Rahimi, H and Soleimani Jevinani, S and Fatemi, M and Tanhaei, M and Mohebbi, SR and Yadegar, A and Abolghasemi, S and Arab Mazar, Z and Mirjalali, H},
title = {The presence of yeasts and bacteria in free-living amoebae isolated from COVID-19 patients: concern for secondary infections.},
journal = {International journal of environmental health research},
volume = {35},
number = {7},
pages = {1846-1859},
doi = {10.1080/09603123.2024.2409830},
pmid = {39428626},
issn = {1369-1619},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/microbiology ; *Yeasts/isolation &amp; purification ; *SARS-CoV-2/isolation &amp; purification ; *Bacteria/isolation &amp; purification ; *Amoeba/microbiology ; Nasopharynx/microbiology ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2, yeasts, and bacteria in isolated free-living amoeba (FLA) from COVID-19 patients. Nasopharyngeal swabs (n = 60) were obtained from COVID-19 patients. After cultivation, morphological characterization, and RNA/DNA extraction, the presence of selected microorganisms was investigated. From 60 COVID-19 samples, 18 (30%) were positive for FLA. Acanthamoeba sp. Naegleria australiensis, Tetramitus sp. and Vermamoeba vermiformis were characterized in 12 (80%), 1 (6.66%), 2 (13.33%), and 7 (38.88%) of samples, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in FLA. Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis were detected in (11/18; 61.11%), (3/18; 16.67%), and (3/18; 16.67%) of samples, respectively. Geotrichum candidum was detected in 10/18 (55.55%) of samples. Streptococcus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. were identified in 16/18 (88.88%) and 3/18 (16.67%), respectively. The presence of yeasts and bacteria signifies the possible role of FLA in distribution of secondary infections in susceptible patients.},
}
@article {pmid39432413,
year = {2024},
author = {Marasco, R and Michoud, G and Seferji, KA and Gonella, E and Garuglieri, E and Rolli, E and Alma, A and Mapelli, F and Borin, S and Daffonchio, D and Crotti, E},
title = {Sorlinia euscelidii gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel acetic acid bacterium isolated from the leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {74},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {39432413},
issn = {1466-5034},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Fatty Acids/analysis/chemistry ; *DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; *Acetobacteraceae/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Base Composition ; *Bacterial Typing Techniques ; *Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Genome, Bacterial ; Acetic Acid/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Acetic acid bacteria - belonging to the Acetobacteraceae family - are found in the gut of many sugar-feeding insects. In this study, six strains have been isolated from the hemipteran leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus. While they exhibit high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to uncultured members of the Acetobacteraceae family, they could not be unequivocally assigned to any particular type species. Considering the clonality of the six isolates, the EV16P[T] strain was used as a representative of this group of isolates. The genome sequence of EV16P[T] is composed of a 2.388 Mbp chromosome, with a DNA G+C content of 57 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence and whole-genome multilocus sequence analysis indicate that EV16P[T] forms a monophyletic clade with the uncultivated endosymbiont of Diaphorina citri, the Candidatus Kirkpatrickella diaphorinae. Such a phylogenetic clade is positioned between those of Asaia-Swaminathania and Kozakia. The genomic distance metrics based on gene and protein sequences support the proposal that EV16P[T] is a new species belonging to a yet-undescribed genus. It is a rod-shaped Gram-stain-negative bacterium, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, showing optimal growth without salt (NaCl) at 30 °C and pH of 6-7. The major quinone is Q10, and the dominant cellular fatty acids (>10%) are C18:l ω7c, C19 : 0 cyclo ω6c, C16 : 0 and C19 : 1 2OH. The polar lipid profile comprises diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, along with unidentified aminophospholipids, glycophospholipids, aminolipids and lipids. Based on a polyphasic approach, including phylogenetic, phylogenomic, genome relatedness, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterisations, EV16P[T] (= KCTC 8296[T], = DSM 117028[T]) is proposed as a representative of a novel species in a novel genus with the proposed name Sorlinia euscelidii gen. nov., sp. nov., in honour of Prof. Claudia Sorlini, an Italian environmental microbiologist at the University of Milan who inspired the research on microbial diversity, including symbiosis in plants and animals.},
}
@article {pmid39433918,
year = {2025},
author = {Heinen, L and van den Noort, M and King, MS and Kunji, ERS and Poolman, B},
title = {Synthetic syntrophy for adenine nucleotide cross-feeding between metabolically active nanoreactors.},
journal = {Nature nanotechnology},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {112-120},
pmid = {39433918},
issn = {1748-3395},
mesh = {*Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism/chemistry ; *Adenosine Diphosphate/metabolism/chemistry ; *Nanotechnology/methods ; Artificial Cells/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Living systems depend on continuous energy input for growth, replication and information processing. Cells use membrane proteins as nanomachines to convert light or chemical energy of nutrients into other forms of energy, such as ion gradients or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). However, engineering sustained fuel supply and metabolic energy conversion in synthetic systems is challenging. Here, inspired by endosymbionts that rely on the host cell for their nutrients, we introduce the concept of cross-feeding to exchange ATP and ADP between lipid-based compartments hundreds of nanometres in size. One population of vesicles enzymatically produces ATP in the mM concentration range and exports it. A second population of vesicles takes up this ATP to fuel internal reactions. The produced ADP feeds back to the first vesicles, and ATP-dependent reactions can be fuelled sustainably for up to at least 24 h. The vesicles are a platform technology to fuel ATP-dependent processes in a sustained fashion, with potential applications in synthetic cells and nanoreactors. Fundamentally, the vesicles enable studying non-equilibrium processes in an energy-controlled environment and promote the development and understanding of constructing life-like metabolic systems on the nanoscale.},
}
@article {pmid39440590,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, TP and Xie, JC and Wang, CH and Zhao, LQ and Hao, DJ},
title = {Diffusive Phyllosphere Microbiome Potentially Regulates Harm and Defence Interactions Between Stephanitis nashi and Its Crabapple Host.},
journal = {Plant, cell &amp; environment},
volume = {48},
number = {2},
pages = {1311-1328},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15235},
pmid = {39440590},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant/Award Number: Project No. 32301594; Scientific Research Startup Project of Nanjing Forestry University, Grant/Award Numbers: Grant Numbers: 163010320, 163010325, 163010344; Graduate Research and Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province, Grant/Award Number: Project No. KYCX24_1265./ ; },
mesh = {*Microbiota ; Animals ; *Malus/microbiology ; *Plant Leaves/microbiology ; Herbivory ; Symbiosis ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Heteroptera/microbiology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Pear lace bug (Stephanitis nashi) is a significant herbivorous pest, harbouring a diverse microbiome crucial for crabapple (Malus sp.) host adaptation. However, the mutual influence of S. nashi- and plant-associated microbiomes on plant responses to pest damage remains unclear. This study found that S. nashi damage significantly altered bacterial community structure and reduced bacterial evenness in the crabapple phyllosphere. Notably, bacterial diversity within S. nashi was significantly lower than that in the environment, potentially influenced by insect developmental stage, bacterial diffusion stage and endosymbiont species number and abundance. Extensive bacterial correlation and diffusion effect between S. nashi and adjacent plant environments were observed, evident in a gradual decrease in bacterial diversity and an increase in bacterial acquisition ratio from soil to phyllosphere to S. nashi. Correspondingly, S. nashi significantly impacted the metabolic response of crabapple leaves, altering pathways involved in vitamin, amino acid and lipid metabolism and so forth. Furthermore, association analysis linked these metabolic changes to phyllosphere bacterial alterations, emphasizing the important role of diffusive phyllosphere microbiome in regulating S. nashi-crabapple interactions. This study highlights bacterial diffusion effect between insect and plants and their potential role in regulating insect adaptability and plant defence responses, providing new insights into plant-insect-microbiome interactions.},
}
@article {pmid39452360,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhu, Y and Wang, X and Wang, S and Song, Z and Du, Y},
title = {No Evidence for Wolbachia Effects on the Thermal Preference of the Invasive Pest Liriomyza huidobrensis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {39452360},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {BK20231330//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
abstract = {Heritable endosymbiont Wolbachia is prevalent among arthropods, serving multiple functions for their hosts. However, the role of Wolbachia in mediating thermal preference selection remains largely unexplored. In this study, we utilized a custom-built thermal gradient to evaluate the thermal preference (Tp) of 1367 individuals of the invasive leaf-miner Liriomyza huidobrensis with or without Wolbachia wLhui from Yunnan and Xinjiang populations. Under meticulously controlled conditions and with a vast sample size, we found no significant difference in the mean Tp between wLhui-infected and uninfected leaf miners from either population when host age and sex were not considered. Furthermore, generalized linear model (GLM) analysis revealed no significant correlation between average Tp and age, sex, or Wolbachia infection, nor interactions among these factors, except in the Xinjiang population, where Tp was strongly associated with host age. Finally, we discuss the ecological implications of these findings and propose future research directions on Wolbachia-mediated host Tp in the leaf miner. Overall, our findings do not provide evidence that Wolbachia significantly affects the thermal preference of L. huidobrensis. Further studies across different systems are needed to investigate the complex interactions between Wolbachia and insect thermal behavior.},
}
@article {pmid39455905,
year = {2024},
author = {Aželytė, J and Maitre, A and Abuin-Denis, L and Wu-Chuang, A and Žiegytė, R and Mateos-Hernandez, L and Obregon, D and Palinauskas, V and Cabezas-Cruz, A},
title = {Nested patterns of commensals and endosymbionts in microbial communities of mosquito vectors.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {434},
pmid = {39455905},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {SGCE-RAPPORT No. 0300//Collectivit&#xe9; de Corse/ ; S-MIP-22-52//Lietuvos Mokslo Taryba/ ; ANR-10-LABX-62-IBEID//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/physiology ; *Culex/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mosquitoes serve as vectors for numerous pathogens, posing significant health risks to humans and animals. Understanding the complex interactions within mosquito microbiota is crucial for deciphering vector-pathogen dynamics and developing effective disease management strategies. Here, we investigated the nested patterns of Wolbachia endosymbionts and Escherichia-Shigella within the microbiota of laboratory-reared Culex pipiens f. molestus and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. We hypothesized that Wolbachia would exhibit a structured pattern reflective of its co-evolved relationship with both mosquito species, while Escherichia-Shigella would display a more dynamic pattern influenced by environmental factors.<br><br>RESULTS: Our analysis revealed different microbial compositions between the two mosquito species, although some microorganisms were common to both. Network analysis revealed distinct community structures and interaction patterns for these bacteria in the microbiota of each mosquito species. Escherichia-Shigella appeared prominently within major network modules in both mosquito species, particularly in module P4 of Cx. pipiens f. molestus, interacting with 93 nodes, and in module Q3 of Cx. quinquefasciatus, interacting with 161 nodes, sharing 55 nodes across both species. On the other hand, Wolbachia appeared in disparate modules: module P3 in Cx. pipiens f. molestus and a distinct module with a single additional taxon in Cx. quinquefasciatus, showing species-specific interactions and no shared taxa. Through computer simulations, we evaluated how the removal of Wolbachia or Escherichia-Shigella affects network robustness. In Cx. pipiens f. molestus, removal of Wolbachia led to a decrease in network connectivity, while Escherichia-Shigella removal had a minimal impact. Conversely, in Cx. quinquefasciatus, removal of Escherichia-Shigella resulted in decreased network stability, whereas Wolbachia removal had minimal effect.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to our hypothesis, the findings indicate that Wolbachia displays a more dynamic pattern of associations within the microbiota of Culex pipiens f. molestus and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, than Escherichia-Shigella. The differential effects on network robustness upon Wolbachia or Escherichia-Shigella removal suggest that these bacteria play distinct roles in maintaining community stability within the microbiota of the two mosquito species.},
}
@article {pmid39457880,
year = {2024},
author = {Kim, B and Lee, YJ and Kwak, D and Seo, MG},
title = {Nationwide Survey of Vector-Borne Diseases in Rodents and Mites in Korea: Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {14},
number = {20},
pages = {},
pmid = {39457880},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {RS-2022-00165704//National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT)/ ; },
abstract = {Rodents are reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens, making it essential to study both rodents and their ectoparasites. In 2022 and 2023, we investigated the spatial distribution of rodents and their mites across Korea, focusing on three vector-borne diseases (VBDs): Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia. A total of 835 wild rodents were collected from 16 locations, each consisting of five distinct environmental settings (mountains, waterways, reservoirs, fields, and paddy fields), with 20 traps per setting, totaling 100 Sherman live folding traps per site. Each rodent was identified using a taxonomic key, and post-mortem examinations led to the collection of 7971 mites (498 pools), followed by PCR analysis. Among the rodents, Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected in 10.3%, Ehrlichia muris in 0.5%, Ehrlichia ruminantium in 0.2%, and Rickettsia raoultii in 2.9%. In mites, A. phagocytophilum was found in 8.8%, E. muris in 0.2%, R. raoultii in 0.2%, R. endosymbiont in 1.6%, and R. australis in 1.2%. This study marks the first detection of E. muris and R. raoultii in Korean rodents and the first global discovery of E. ruminantium in rodents. The detection of multiple pathogens in mites worldwide highlights the importance of continuous VBD monitoring to mitigate public health risks.},
}
@article {pmid39458303,
year = {2024},
author = {Clervil, E and Guidez, A and Talaga, S and Carinci, R and Gaborit, P and Lavergne, A and Tirera, S and Duchemin, JB},
title = {Wolbachia Natural Infection of Mosquitoes in French Guiana: Prevalence, Distribution, and Genotyping.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {39458303},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Wolbachia are the most spread bacterial endosymbionts in the world. These bacteria can manipulate host reproduction or block virus transmission in mosquitoes. For this reason, Wolbachia-based strategies for vector control are seriously considered or have already been applied in several countries around the world. In South America, Wolbachia have been studied in human pathogen vectors such as sand flies and mosquitoes. In French Guiana, the diversity and distribution of Wolbachia are not well known in mosquitoes. In this study, we screened for Wolbachia natural infection in mosquitoes in French Guiana by using 16S rRNA, Wolbachia surface protein (WSP), and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) molecular assays. A total of 29 out of 44 (65.9%) mosquito species were positive for natural Wolbachia infection according to the PCR results, and two Wolbachia strains co-infected three specimens of Mansonia titillans. Then, we analyzed the phylogenetic relationships among the Wolbachia detected. All of the tested specimens of Aedes aegypti, the major dengue vector of French Guiana, were negative. These results regarding Wolbachia strain, distribution, and prevalence in mosquitoes from French Guiana highlight Wolbachia-mosquito associations and pave the way for a future Wolbachia-based strategy for vector control in this Amazonian territory.},
}
@article {pmid39459905,
year = {2024},
author = {Alkhatib, BM and Belteton, S and Creamer, R},
title = {Immunolocalization of Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV) and GroEL Chaperon Protein of Endosymbionts in Beet Leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus) Vector Tissue.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {39459905},
issn = {1999-4915},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/virology ; *Insect Vectors/virology ; *Geminiviridae/genetics ; *Chaperonin 60/metabolism/genetics ; *Plant Diseases/virology ; *Symbiosis ; Salivary Glands/virology ; Beta vulgaris/virology ; },
abstract = {Beet curly top virus (BCTV, curtovirus, geminiviridae) causes one of the most economically significant viral diseases in crops in the Western United States and is transmitted only by the beet leafhopper (Circulifer tenellus) in a non-propagative circulative manner. A better understanding of how this virus overcomes insect vector cellular barriers is essential to understanding virus-vector interactions. The distribution of BCTV in its beet leafhopper vector was investigated using immunofluorescence confocal laser scanning microscope analysis (iCLSM) on the whole-mount-dissected organs of leafhoppers. BCTV was localized in several lobes of the principal salivary glands, filter chamber, anterior midgut, and mid midgut, suggesting the occurrence of midgut and salivary gland barriers to BCTV transmission in its vector C. tenellus. This study also investigated the distribution of the chaperon GroEL homolog protein produced by primary endosymbiotic bacteria within the beet leafhopper, which is believed to indirectly affect viral transmission by enhancing insect immunity and resistance to viruses. GroEL was identified in leafhopper salivary glands lobes, the stylet, salivary canal, the filter chamber, and the Malpighian tubule. This is the first work to visualize the localization of a curtovirus within its beet leafhopper vector. Together, these results can help understand ssDNA virus-vector relationships, including cellular transmission barriers and other vector protein components.},
}
@article {pmid39466691,
year = {2024},
author = {Teh, LS and Shalom, SR and James, I and Dolgova, A and Chiel, E and Dale, C},
title = {Sodalis praecaptivus subsp. spalangiae subsp. nov., a nascent bacterial endosymbiont isolated from the parasitoid wasp, Spalangia cameroni.},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {74},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.006552},
pmid = {39466691},
issn = {1466-5034},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Phylogeny ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; *Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Israel ; Houseflies/microbiology ; Fatty Acids/analysis ; Base Composition ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {An endosymbiotic bacterium of the genus Sodalis, designated as strain HZ[T], was cultured from the parasitoid wasp Spalangia cameroni, which develops on the pupae of various host flies. The bacterium was detected in S. cameroni developed on houseflies, Musca domestica, in a poultry facility in Hazon, northern Israel. After culturing, this bacterium displayed no surface motility on Luria-Bertani agar and was rod-shaped and irregular in size, ~10-30 nm in diameter and 5-20 µm in length. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that strain HZ[T] is closely related to Sodalis praecaptivus strain HS[T], a free-living species of the genus Sodalis that includes many insect endosymbionts. Although these bacteria maintain >98% sequence identity in shared genes, genomic characterization revealed that strain HZ[T] has undergone substantial reductive evolution, such that it lacks many gene functions that are maintained in S. praecaptivus strain HS[T]. Based on the results of phylogenetic, genomic and chemotaxonomic analyses, we propose that this endosymbiont should be classified in a new subspecies as S. praecaptivus subsp. spalangiae subsp. nov. The type strain for this new subspecies is HZ[T] (=ATCC TSD-398[T]=NCIMB 15482[T]). The subspecies Sodalis praecaptivus subsp. praecaptivus strain HS[T] is created automatically with the type strain ATCC BAA-2554[T] (=DSMZ 27494[T]).},
}
@article {pmid39471850,
year = {2024},
author = {Tourani, AH and Katlav, A and Cook, JM and Riegler, M},
title = {Mating receptivity mediated by endosymbiont interactions in a haplodiploid thrips species.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {291},
number = {2033},
pages = {20241564},
pmid = {39471850},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//University of Western Sydney/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Thysanoptera/physiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Female ; Male ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Bacteroidetes/physiology ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {Many arthropods carry maternally inherited endosymbionts that cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), manifested as embryonic mortality in matings of infected males with uninfected females. Infected females, however, do not suffer this cost. Therefore, in populations with mixed endosymbiont infections, selection is expected to favour mechanisms that enable hosts to avoid or mitigate CI. This may include changes in mating behaviour, such as reduced female receptivity to mating and/or remating when approached by incompatible males. Here, we investigated mating behavioural traits in haplodiploid thrips naturally associated with two CI-inducing endosymbionts, Cardinium and Wolbachia. Compared with females with both endosymbionts, those with only Cardinium showed reduced receptivity to males carrying both. However, surprisingly, females without endosymbionts were not less receptive to incompatible males. Furthermore, in contrast to females without endosymbionts, females with Cardinium were far less likely to remate with incompatible than compatible males irrespective of the compatibility type of the first mating. Our results suggest that endosymbiont-specific sexual selection processes occur, whereby females carrying only Cardinium recognize Wolbachia in coinfected males to avoid CI. This may hinder a CI-driven Wolbachia spread. Endosymbiont-mediated mating behaviours may be crucial for the dynamics of CI-inducing endosymbionts and their application in pest management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid39474501,
year = {2024},
author = {Sawada, Y and Sato, N and Osawa, T and Matsumoto, K and Chiu, MC and Okada, R and Sakura, M and Sato, T},
title = {A potential evolutionary trap for the extended phenotype of a nematomorph parasite.},
journal = {PNAS nexus},
volume = {3},
number = {10},
pages = {pgae464},
pmid = {39474501},
issn = {2752-6542},
abstract = {Human activities introduce new environmental cues to wild organisms, leading to maladaptive behavioral and life history decisions known as the "evolutionary trap." This trap is thought to be a major conservation concern for free-living organisms. However, it has never been studied in endosymbionts, one of the most successful and diverse life forms on Earth. Here, we examine this trap in the extended phenotype of a parasite that exploits the visual system of hosts to alter host behavior for its benefit. Arboreal mantids infected by nematomorph parasites are drawn to horizontally polarized light, thereby inducing them to enter the water. In this study, we found that the degree of linear polarization (DOP) of reflected light served as a reliable environmental cue for identifying perennial waters, where nematomorphs can survive in their aquatic life stage without drying out. Infected mantids exhibit attraction to horizontally polarized light with higher DOP in behavioral assays and jumped into pools reflecting light with higher DOP in field experiments. The asphalt road reflected horizontally polarized light closely resembling the polarization levels observed in perennial waters, likely leading to a higher prevalence of mantids on asphalt roads compared with those found in natural arboreal habitats. In a field experiment, we observed infected mantids walking on asphalt roads more often than on cement roads. These findings imply that evolutionary traps can endanger endosymbionts beyond their hosts that directly perceive environmental cues.},
}
@article {pmid39475326,
year = {2024},
author = {Papke, E and Kennedy, GE and Elliott, E and Taylor, A and Tolar, BB and Ushijima, B},
title = {Transmission Electron Microscopy of Coral Tissue.},
journal = {Current protocols},
volume = {4},
number = {11},
pages = {e70033},
doi = {10.1002/cpz1.70033},
pmid = {39475326},
issn = {2691-1299},
mesh = {*Anthozoa/ultrastructure ; Animals ; *Microscopy, Electron, Transmission/methods ; Coral Reefs ; Tissue Fixation/methods ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are invaluable ecosystems that are under threat from various anthropogenic stressors. There has been a recent increase in the diagnostic tools utilized to understand how these threats impact coral reef health. Unfortunately, the application of diagnostic tools like transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is not as standardized or developed in coral research as in other research fields. Utilizing TEM in conjunction with other diagnostic methods can aid in understanding the impact of these stressors on the cellular level because TEM offers valuable insight into the structures and microsymbionts associated with coral tissue that cannot be obtained with a conventional light microscope. Additionally, a significant amount of coral tissue ultrastructure has not yet been extensively described, causing a considerable gap in our understanding of cellular structures that could relate to the immune response, cellular function, or symbioses. Moreover, additional standardization is needed for TEM in coral research to increase comparability and reproducibility of findings across studies. Here, we present standardized TEM sample fixation, embedding, and sectioning techniques for coral studies that ensure consistent ultrastructural preservation and minimize artifacts, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of TEM observations. We also demonstrate that these TEM protocols allow for the observation and quantification of bacterial and viral-like particles within the coral tissue as well as the endosymbiotic microalgae, potentially providing insight into their interactions within coral cells and how they relate to overall coral health and resilience. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Primary fixation Basic Protocol 2: Decalcification Basic Protocol 3: Sample dissection, secondary fixation, dehydration, and embedding Basic Protocol 4: Sectioning and grid staining Basic Protocol 5: Imaging.},
}
@article {pmid39484388,
year = {2024},
author = {Awuoche, E and Smallenberger, G and Bruzzese, D and Orfano, A and Weiss, BL and Aksoy, S},
title = {Spiroplasma endosymbiont reduction of host lipid synthesis and Stomoxyn-like peptide contribute to trypanosome resistance in the tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39484388},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R01 AI068932/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) vector African trypanosomes that cause devastating diseases in humans and domestic animals. Within the Glossina genus, species in the Palpalis subgroup exhibit greater resistance to trypanosome infections compared to those in the Morsitans subgroup. Varying microbiota composition and species-specific genetic traits can significantly influence the efficiency of parasite transmission. Notably, infections with the endosymbiotic bacterium Spiroplasma have been documented in several Palpalis subgroup species, including Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (Gff). While Spiroplasma infections in Gff are known to hinder trypanosome transmission, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To investigate Spiroplasma-mediated factors affecting Gff vector competence, we conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing of the midgut tissue along with functional assays. Our findings reveal elevated oxidative stress in the midgut environment in the presence of Spiroplasma, evidenced by increased expression of nitric oxide synthase, which catalyzes the production of trypanocidal nitric oxide. Additionally, we observed impaired lipid biosynthesis leading to a reduction of this important class of nutrients essential for parasite and host physiologies. In contrast, trypanosome infections in Gff's midgut significantly upregulated various immunity-related genes, including a small peptide, Stomoxyn-like, homologous to Stomoxyns first discovered in the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans. We observed that the Stomoxyn-like locus is exclusive to the genomes of Palpalis subgroup tsetse species. GffStomoxyn is constitutively expressed in the cardia (proventriculus) and synthetic GffStomoxyn exhibits potent activity against Escherichia coli and bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei parasites, while showing no effect against insect stage procyclic forms or tsetse's commensal endosymbiont Sodalis in vitro. Reducing GffStomoxyn levels significantly increased trypanosome infection prevalence, indicating its potential trypanocidal role in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that the enhanced resistance to trypanosomes observed in Spiroplasma-infected Gff may be due to the reduced lipid availability necessary for parasite metabolic maintenance. Furthermore, GffStomoxyn could play a crucial role in the initial immune response(s) against mammalian parasites early in the infection process in the midgut and prevent gut colonization. We discuss the molecular characteristics of GffStomoxyn, its spatial and temporal expression regulation and its microbicidal activity against Trypanosome parasites. Our findings reinforce the nutritional influences of microbiota on host physiology and host-pathogen dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid39493401,
year = {2024},
author = {Mulavu, M and Khumalo, CS and Moonga, L and Hayashida, K and Mubemba, B and Changula, K and Simulundu, E and Muleya, W and Chitanga, S},
title = {Defining the bacterial microbiome of ticks in Chongwe and Chisamba Districts of Zambia.},
journal = {Infectious medicine},
volume = {3},
number = {4},
pages = {100131},
pmid = {39493401},
issn = {2772-431X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The microbiome composition of an arthropod vector may impede the growth of some pathogens, aid colonisation by pathogens or affect vector behaviour in ways that impact the transmission of pathogens. In Zambia, little is known of the microbial communities hosted by ticks and how pathogens like Rickettsia play a role in the microbiome composition.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine the microbiome of Rickettsia-negative and Rickettsia-positive ticks in selected districts of Zambia.<br><br>METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 94 ticks collected from cattle in Chongwe and Chisamba districts. The overall prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was detected using PCR amplification of the ompB gene. Thereafter, both Rickettsia-negative and positive ticks underwent 16S rRNA gene amplification and Illumina high-throughput sequencing. Data was analysed using QIIME2 analysis pipeline.<br><br>RESULTS: The prevalence of Rickettsia was found to be 47.9% (45/94) with prevalence in Amblyomma at 78.5% (22/28), Hyalomma at 68.9% (20/29) and Rhipicephalus having the lowest at 8.1% (3/37). Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota and Euryachaeota were the most common phyla, while endosymbionts were uncommonly detected in the ticks. Further analysis showed significant differences in microbiome composition based on Rickettsia detection status (p=0.001) and location (p=0.001), based on the alpha diversity Shannon index, Bray Curtis beta diversity and PERMANOVA, whilst differences according to life stage, tick species and genus was only shown based on the Bray Curtis beta diversity and PERMANOVA analysis.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into the structure of the tick microbiome in parts of Zambia and how it is affected by the presence of Rickettsia.},
}
@article {pmid39495046,
year = {2024},
author = {Yang, SY and Lin, YY and Hao, Z and Li, ZJ and Peng, ZQ and Jin, T},
title = {Bacterial communities in Asecodes hispinarum (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and its host Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), with comparison of Wolbachia dominance.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {117},
number = {6},
pages = {2314-2327},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toae234},
pmid = {39495046},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {2021YFD2600405//National Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; CATASCXTD202311//Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences for Science and Technology Innovation Team/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/microbiology ; *Wasps/physiology/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; Larva/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Microbiota ; Pupa/microbiology/growth &amp; development/parasitology ; Male ; Bacteria/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Pest Control, Biological ; },
abstract = {The endoparasitoid Asecodes hispinarum (Bouček) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) serves as an effective biological control agent against Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a notorious palm pest. Endosymbionts found in parasitoids and their hosts have attracted significant attention due to their substantial influence on biocontrol efficacy. In this study, we employed 16S rRNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescence in situ hybridization to assess the symbiotic bacteria composition, diversity, phylogeny, and localization in A. hispinarum and its host B. longissima. Our findings showed significant differences in the richness, diversity, and composition of symbiotic bacteria among different life stages of B. longissima. Notably, the bacterial richness, diversity, and composition of A. hispinarum was similar to that of B. longissima. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla, while Wolbachia was the dominant genera across the parasitoid and host. It was discovered for the first time that Wolbachia was present in A. hispinarum with a high infection rate at ≥ 96.67%. Notably, the Wolbachia strain in A. hispinarum was placed in supergroup A, whereas it was categorized under supergroup B in B. longissima. Furthermore, Wolbachia is concentrated in the abdomen of A. hispinarum, with particularly high levels observed in the ovipositors of female adults. These findings highlight the composition and diversity of symbiotic bacteria in both A. hispinarum and its host B. longissima, providing a foundation for the development of population regulation strategies targeting B. longissima.},
}
@article {pmid39506857,
year = {2024},
author = {Bernardini, I and Poggi, C and Porretta, D and Máca, J and Perugini, E and Manzi, S and Gabrielli, S and Pichler, V and Latrofa, MS and Fourie, J and Lia, RP and Beugnet, F and Otranto, D and Pombi, M},
title = {Population dynamics of sympatric Phortica spp. and first record of stable presence of Phortica oldenbergi in a Thelazia callipaeda-endemic area of Italy.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {455},
pmid = {39506857},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophilidae/parasitology ; *Population Dynamics ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Thelazioidea/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/physiology ; *Insect Vectors/parasitology ; Seasons ; Male ; Female ; Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Five species of the Phortica genus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) are known in Europe and the Middle East. Among these, Phortica variegata and Phortica okadai are better known for their role as vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda. Other species, such as Phortica semivirgo and Phortica oldenbergi, have been studied less. Given the paucity of data about these Phortica spp. vectors, we explored the population dynamics and ecology of Phortica spp. in an area highly endemic for T. callipeada (Manziana, Rome, Central Italy).<br><br>METHODS: Phortica spp. flies were collected over a 3-year period (2018-2020) during their active season (April-October) with a sweep net while hovering around fermenting fruits or a human operator acting as baits. Collected flies were morphologically identified and tested for a T. callipeada infection and for the presence of Wolbachia, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Population dynamics of species collected was associated to environmental drivers through generalized additive models.<br><br>RESULTS: Of the 5564 flies collected, 90.8% were P. variegata, 9.1% were P. oldenbergi, 0.05% were P. semivirgo, and one specimen was P. okadai. Only P. variegata scored molecularly infected with T. callipeada throughout the 3-year sampling period (1.8%). Phortica oldenbergi, observed consistently during the entire sampling period, exhibited a marked preference for fruit traps, contrasting with the lachryphagous activity of P. variegata. Analysis of environmental drivers of P. oldenbergi and P. variegata population dynamics indicated temperature, wind speed, and pressure as significant factors. In addition, Wolbachia pipientis endosymbiont was detected in P. oldenbergi and P. okadai.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, this study analysed several ecological aspects of Phortica species coexisting in a T. callipeada endemic area, highlighting different behaviors in the same environment and their vectorial role. Notably, this is also the first report of the presence of P. oldenbergi in Italy and P. okadai in Europe, underscoring the importance of extensive sampling for detecting potential vectors and alien species with direct implications for vector-borne disease epidemiology.},
}
@article {pmid39510362,
year = {2024},
author = {Deng, YP and Yao, C and Fu, YT and Zhuo, Y and Zou, JL and Pan, HY and Peng, YY and Liu, GH},
title = {Analyses of the gut microbial composition of domestic pig louse Haematopinus suis.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {197},
number = {},
pages = {107106},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2024.107106},
pmid = {39510362},
issn = {1096-1208},
mesh = {Animals ; Swine ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Swine Diseases/microbiology/parasitology ; Metagenomics ; Computational Biology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Haematopinus suis is an obligatory ectoparasite of the domestic pig, serving as a vector of several swine pathogens and posing great threats to the pig industry. The gut microbiome of lice is thought of an important mediator of their healthy physiology. However, there is a great paucity of lice-associated microbial communities' structure and function. The current study aimed to profile the gut microbiome and to understand the microbial functions of swine lice by metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics analyses. In total, 102,358 (77.2 %) nonredundant genes were cataloged, by contrast, only a small proportion of genes were assigned to microbial taxa and functional assemblages. Bacteria of known or potential public health significance such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Waddlia chondrophila, Bacillus cereus, and Leptotrichia goodfellowii were observed in all samples. The integrated microbial profile further illustrated the evolutionary relevance of endosymbionts and detailed the functional composition, and findings suggested H. suis may acquire adenosylcobalamin by feeding due to an adenosylcobalamin synthesis defect and a lack of complete synthases of endosymbionts. Sucking lice contained fewer functional genes compared with ticks and fleas probably because of the obligate host specificity of parasitic lice. In addition, the genes from the intestines contained encompassed most of the microbial functional genes in sucking lice. A wide range of unknown taxonomic and functional assemblages were discovered, which improves our understanding related to microbial features and physiological activities of sucking lice. In general, this study increases the characterization of the microbiota of lice and offers clues for preventing and controlling lice infestation in swine production in the future.},
}
@article {pmid39516195,
year = {2024},
author = {Speth, DR and Zeller, LM and Graf, JS and Overholt, WA and Küsel, K and Milucka, J},
title = {Genetic potential for aerobic respiration and denitrification in globally distributed respiratory endosymbionts.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9682},
pmid = {39516195},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Phylogeny ; *Denitrification ; Metagenome ; Aerobiosis ; Ciliophora/genetics/metabolism ; Groundwater/microbiology ; Gammaproteobacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Germany ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics/metabolism ; California ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiont Candidatus Azoamicus ciliaticola was proposed to generate ATP for its eukaryotic host, an anaerobic ciliate of the Plagiopylea class, fulfilling a function analogous to mitochondria in other eukaryotic cells. The discovery of this respiratory endosymbiosis has major implications for both evolutionary history and ecology of microbial eukaryotes. However, with only a single species described, knowledge of its environmental distribution and diversity is limited. Here we report four complete, circular metagenome assembled genomes (cMAGs) representing respiratory endosymbionts inhabiting groundwater in California, Ohio, and Germany. These cMAGs form two lineages comprising a monophyletic clade within the uncharacterized gammaproteobacterial order UBA6186, enabling evolutionary analysis of their key protein complexes. Strikingly, all four cMAGs encode a cytochrome cbb3 oxidase, which indicates that these endosymbionts have the capacity for aerobic respiration. Accordingly, we detect these respiratory endosymbionts in diverse habitats worldwide, thus further expanding the ecological scope of this respiratory symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid39524518,
year = {2021},
author = {Wang, Y and Wang, L and Chen, S and Chen, S},
title = {A study of RNA-editing in Populus trichocarpa nuclei revealed acquisition of RNA-editing on the endosymbiont-derived genes, and a preference for intracellular remodeling genes in adaptation to endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Forestry research},
volume = {1},
number = {},
pages = {20},
pmid = {39524518},
issn = {2767-3812},
abstract = {RNA-editing is a post-transcriptional modification that can diversify genome-encoded information by modifying individual RNA bases. In contrast to the well-studied RNA-editing in organelles, little is known about nuclear RNA-editing in higher plants. We performed a genome-wide study of RNA-editing in Populus trichocarpa nuclei using the RNA-seq data generated from the sequenced poplar genotype, 'Nisqually-1'. A total of 24,653 nuclear RNA-editing sites present in 8,603 transcripts were identified. Notably, RNA-editing in P. trichocarpa nuclei tended to occur on endosymbiont-derived genes. We then scrutinized RNA-editing in a cyanobacterial strain closely related to chloroplast. No RNA-editing sites were identified therein, implying that RNA-editing of these endosymbiont-derived genes was acquired after endosymbiosis. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of all the edited genes in P. trichocarpa nuclei demonstrated that nuclear RNA-editing was primarily focused on genes involved in intracellular remodeling processes, which suggests that RNA-editing plays contributing roles in organellar establishment during endosymbiosis. We built a coexpression network using all C-to-U edited genes and then decomposed it to obtain 18 clusters, six of which contained a conserved core motif, A/G-C-A/G. Such a short core motif not only attracted the RNA-editing machinery but also enabled large numbers of sites to be targeted though further study is necessary to verify this finding.},
}
@article {pmid39531470,
year = {2024},
author = {Huffmyer, AS and Ashey, J and Strand, E and Chiles, EN and Su, X and Putnam, HM},
title = {Coral larvae increase nitrogen assimilation to stabilize algal symbiosis and combat bleaching under increased temperature.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {22},
number = {11},
pages = {e3002875},
pmid = {39531470},
issn = {1545-7885},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Anthozoa/metabolism/physiology ; *Larva/metabolism ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Photosynthesis ; Coral Reefs ; Temperature ; Dinoflagellida/metabolism/physiology ; Hot Temperature ; Carbon/metabolism ; Hawaii ; },
abstract = {Rising sea surface temperatures are increasingly causing breakdown in the nutritional relationship between corals and algal endosymbionts (Symbiodiniaceae), threatening the basis of coral reef ecosystems and highlighting the critical role of coral reproduction in reef maintenance. The effects of thermal stress on metabolic exchange (i.e., transfer of fixed carbon photosynthates from symbiont to host) during sensitive early life stages, however, remains understudied. We exposed symbiotic Montipora capitata coral larvae in Hawai'i to high temperature (+2.5°C for 3 days), assessed rates of photosynthesis and respiration, and used stable isotope tracing (4 mM 13C sodium bicarbonate; 4.5 h) to quantify metabolite exchange. While larvae did not show any signs of bleaching and did not experience declines in survival and settlement, metabolic depression was significant under high temperature, indicated by a 19% reduction in respiration rates, but with no change in photosynthesis. Larvae exposed to high temperature showed evidence for maintained translocation of a major photosynthate, glucose, from the symbiont, but there was reduced metabolism of glucose through central carbon metabolism (i.e., glycolysis). The larval host invested in nitrogen cycling by increasing ammonium assimilation, urea metabolism, and sequestration of nitrogen into dipeptides, a mechanism that may support the maintenance of glucose translocation under thermal stress. Host nitrogen assimilation via dipeptide synthesis appears to be used for nitrogen limitation to the Symbiodiniaceae, and we hypothesize that nitrogen limitation contributes to retention of fixed carbon by favoring photosynthate translocation to the host. Collectively, our findings indicate that although these larvae are susceptible to metabolic stress under high temperature, diverting energy to nitrogen assimilation to maintain symbiont population density, photosynthesis, and carbon translocation may allow larvae to avoid bleaching and highlights potential life stage specific metabolic responses to stress.},
}
@article {pmid39541572,
year = {2025},
author = {Gladem, KB and Rugman-Jones, PF and Shelton, EK and Hanrahan, KS and Bean, DW and Rector, BG},
title = {Sex-ratio distortion in a weed biological control agent, Ceratapion basicorne (Coleoptera: Brentidae), associated with a species of Rickettsia.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {109-118},
pmid = {39541572},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {AP23PPQFO000C398//USDA/ ; 22-DG-11010000-005//US Forest Service/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Sex Ratio ; Female ; Male ; *Rickettsia/physiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; *Weevils/microbiology/physiology ; *Pest Control, Biological ; Biological Control Agents ; },
abstract = {Many endosymbionts of insects have been shown to manipulate and alter their hosts' reproduction with implications for agriculture, disease transmission, and ecological systems. Less studied are the microbiota of classical biological control agents and the implications of inadvertent endosymbionts in laboratory colonies for field establishment and effects on target pests or nontarget organisms. While native-range field populations of agents may have a low incidence of vertically transmitted endosymbionts, quarantine and laboratory rearing of inbred populations may increase this low prevalence to fixation in relatively few generations. Fixation of detrimental endosymbionts in founding biological control agent populations prior to release may have far-reaching effects. Significant female-biased sex-ratio distortion was found within laboratory populations of the weevil Ceratapion basicorne (Illiger), a classical biological control agent that was recently approved for use against yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.). This sex-ratio distortion was observed to be vertically inherited and reversible through antibiotic treatment of the host insect. Molecular diagnostics identified a Rickettsia sp. as the only bacterial endosymbiont present in breeding lines with distorted sex ratios and implicated this as the first reported Rickettsia associated with sex-ratio distortion within the superfamily Curculionoidea.},
}
@article {pmid39548000,
year = {2024},
author = {Visser, B and Scheifler, M},
title = {Insect Lipid Metabolism in the Presence of Symbiotic and Pathogenic Viruses and Bacteria.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39548000},
issn = {0065-2598},
abstract = {Insects, like most animals, have intimate interactions with microorganisms that can influence the insect host's lipid metabolism. In this chapter, we describe what is known so far about the role prokaryotic microorganisms play in insect lipid metabolism. We start exploring microbe-insect lipid interactions focusing on endosymbionts, and more specifically the gut microbiota that has been predominantly studied in Drosophila melanogaster. We then move on to an overview of the work done on the common and well-studied endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis, also in interaction with other microbes. Taking a slightly different angle, we then look at the effect of human pathogens, including dengue and other viruses, on the lipids of mosquito vectors. We extend the work on human pathogens and include interactions with the endosymbiont Wolbachia that was identified as a natural tool to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Research on lipid metabolism of plant disease vectors is up and coming and we end this chapter by highlighting current knowledge in that field.},
}
@article {pmid39548114,
year = {2024},
author = {Thompson, NS and Krum, D and Chen, YR and Torres, MC and Trauger, MA and Strike, D and Weston, Z and Polston, JE and Curtis, WR},
title = {Enabling biocontained plant virus transmission studies through establishment of an axenic whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) colony on plant tissue culture.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {28169},
pmid = {39548114},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {HR0011-17-2-0055//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; HR0011-17-2-0055//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; HR0011-17-2-0055//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; HR0011-17-2-0055//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; HR0011-17-2-0055//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; HR0011-17-2-0055//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; HR0011-17-2-0055//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; 1543929//National Science Foundation/ ; 1543929//National Science Foundation/ ; 1543929//National Science Foundation/ ; 1543929//National Science Foundation/ ; 1543929//National Science Foundation/ ; 1659497//National Science Foundation/ ; 1543929//National Science Foundation/ ; 1543929//National Science Foundation/ ; OPP51589//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; OPP51589//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; OPP51589//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; OPP51589//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; OPP51589//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; OPP51589//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; OPP51589//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/virology ; *Plant Diseases/virology/parasitology ; Insect Vectors/virology ; Begomovirus/physiology/pathogenicity ; Plant Viruses/physiology/pathogenicity ; Axenic Culture ; Tissue Culture Techniques/methods ; },
abstract = {Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and the diseases they transmit are a major detriment to crop yields and a significant contributor to world hunger. The highly evolved interactions of host plant, phloem-feeding insect vector with endosymbionts and persistently transmitted virus represent a tremendous challenge for interdisciplinary study. Presented here is the establishment of a colony of axenic whiteflies on tissue-cultured plants. Efficient colony establishment was achieved by a surface sterilization of eggs laid on axenic phototrophically tissue-cultured plants. The transfer of emerging whiteflies through coupled tissue culture vessels to new axenic plants facilitates robust subculturing and produces hundreds of whitefly adults per month. Whitefly proliferation on more than two dozen plant species is shown as well as in vitro testing of whitefly preference for different plants. This novel multi-organism system provides the high-level of biocontainment required by Federal permitting to conduct virus transmission experiments. Axenic whitefly adults were able to acquire and transmit a begomovirus into tissue-cultured plants, indicating that culturable gut microorganisms are not required for virus transmission. The approach described enables a wide range of hypotheses regarding whitefly phytopathology without the expense, facilities, and contamination ambiguity associated with current approaches.},
}
@article {pmid39549700,
year = {2024},
author = {Siozios, S and Nadal-Jimenez, P and Azagi, T and Sprong, H and Frost, CL and Parratt, SR and Taylor, G and Brettell, L and Liew, KC and Croft, L and King, KC and Brockhurst, MA and Hypša, V and Novakova, E and Darby, AC and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Genome dynamics across the evolutionary transition to endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {34},
number = {24},
pages = {5659-5670.e7},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.044},
pmid = {39549700},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Biological Evolution ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Evolution, Molecular ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/physiology ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiosis-where a microbe lives and replicates within a host-is an important contributor to organismal function that has accelerated evolutionary innovations and catalyzed the evolution of complex life. The evolutionary processes associated with transitions to endosymbiosis, however, are poorly understood. Here, we leverage the wide diversity of host-associated lifestyles of the genus Arsenophonus to reveal the complex evolutionary processes that occur during the transition to a vertically transmitted endosymbiotic lifestyle from strains maintained solely by horizontal (infectious) transmission. We compared the genomes of 38 strains spanning diverse lifestyles from horizontally transmitted pathogens to obligate interdependent endosymbionts. Among culturable strains, we observed those with vertical transmission had larger genome sizes than closely related horizontally transmitting counterparts, consistent with evolutionary innovation and the rapid gain of new functions. Increased genome size was a consequence of prophage and plasmid acquisition, including a cargo of type III effectors, alongside the concomitant loss of CRISPR-Cas genome defense systems, enabling mobile genetic element expansion. Persistent endosymbiosis was also associated with loss of type VI secretion, which we hypothesize to be a consequence of reduced microbe-microbe competition. Thereafter, the transition to endosymbiosis with strict vertical inheritance was associated with the expected relaxation of purifying selection, gene pseudogenization, metabolic degradation, and genome reduction. We argue that reduced phage predation in endosymbiotic niches drives the loss of genome defense systems driving rapid genome expansion upon the adoption of endosymbiosis and vertical transmission. This remodeling enables rapid horizontal gene transfer-mediated evolutionary innovation and precedes the reductive evolution traditionally associated with adaptation to endosymbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid39551154,
year = {2025},
author = {Horn, CJ and Yuli, S and Berry, JA and Luong, LT},
title = {A male-killing Spiroplasma endosymbiont has age-mediated impacts on Drosophila endurance and sleep.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {161},
number = {},
pages = {104723},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104723},
pmid = {39551154},
issn = {1879-1611},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiroplasma/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Male ; *Sleep ; *Drosophila melanogaster/physiology/microbiology ; Female ; Age Factors ; Aging ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria have a wide range of impacts on host physiology, behavior, metabolism, endurance, and mobility. Recent work found some endosymbionts also impact host sleep duration and quality. These effects may increase as flies age and endosymbiont titers increase. We tested the hypothesis that Spiroplasma poulsonni MSRO negatively impacts sleep in Drosophila melanogaster, and this in turn impairs fly endurance. In geotaxis climbing assays (a proxy for endurance), we found that MSRO impacted climbing endurance but in an age-dependent manner. Among younger flies, MSRO+ flies slept significantly less during dark periods (measured by a Drosophila Activity Monitoring System) compared to uninfected flies, but older MSRO+ flies did not show significant differences in amount of sleep compared to uninfected flies in the same cohort. While MSRO status impacted both sleep and endurance of hosts, endosymbiont-mediated sleep deprivation did not directly explain decreases in fly endurance. We discuss these results in the context of endosymbiont comparative biology.},
}
@article {pmid39560405,
year = {2024},
author = {Deutsch, JM and Demko, AM and Jaiyesimi, OA and Foster, G and Kindler, A and Pitts, KA and Vekich, T and Williams, GJ and Walker, BK and Paul, VJ and Garg, N},
title = {Metabolomic profiles of stony coral species from the Dry Tortugas National Park display inter- and intraspecies variation.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {9},
number = {12},
pages = {e0085624},
pmid = {39560405},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {2047235//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/metabolism/genetics ; *Metabolomics ; *Coral Reefs ; *Metabolome ; Symbiosis ; Species Specificity ; Florida ; Carnitine/analogs &amp; derivatives/metabolism ; Betaine/metabolism/analogs &amp; derivatives ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Coral reefs are experiencing unprecedented loss in coral cover due to increased incidence of disease and bleaching events. Thus, understanding mechanisms of disease susceptibility and resilience, which vary by species, is important. In this regard, untargeted metabolomics serves as an important hypothesis-building tool enabling the delineation of molecular factors underlying disease susceptibility or resilience. In this study, we characterize metabolomes of four species of visually healthy stony corals, including Meandrina meandrites, Orbicella faveolata, Colpophyllia natans, and Montastraea cavernosa, collected at least a year before stony coral tissue loss disease reached the Dry Tortugas, Florida, and demonstrate that both symbiont and host-derived biochemical pathways vary by species. Metabolomes of Meandrina meandrites displayed minimal intraspecies variability and the highest biological activity against coral pathogens when compared to other species in this study. The application of advanced metabolite annotation methods enabled the delineation of several pathways underlying interspecies variability. Specifically, endosymbiont-derived vitamin E family compounds, betaine lipids, and host-derived acylcarnitines were among the top predictors of interspecies variability. Since several metabolite features that contributed to inter- and intraspecies variation are synthesized by the endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae, which could be a major source of these compounds in corals, our data will guide further investigations into these Symbiodiniaceae-derived pathways.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Previous research profiling gene expression, proteins, and metabolites produced during thermal stress have reported the importance of endosymbiont-derived pathways in coral bleaching resistance. However, our understanding of interspecies variation in these pathways among healthy corals and their role in diseases is limited. We surveyed the metabolomes of four species of healthy corals with differing susceptibilities to the devastating stony coral tissue loss disease and applied advanced annotation approaches in untargeted metabolomics to determine the interspecies variation in host and endosymbiont-derived pathways. Using this approach, we propose the survey of immune markers such as vitamin E family compounds, acylcarnitines, and other metabolites to infer their role in resilience to coral diseases. As time-resolved multi-omics datasets are generated for disease-impacted corals, our approach and findings will be valuable in providing insight into the mechanisms of disease resistance.},
}
@article {pmid39561190,
year = {2024},
author = {Ward, CM and Onetto, CA and Borneman, AR},
title = {Adaptation During the Shift from Entomopathogen to Endosymbiont Is Accompanied by Gene Loss and Intensified Selection.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39561190},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {//Australian Wine Research Institute/ ; //Australian Government/ ; //Wine Innovation Cluster/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; Animals ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Hypocreales/genetics ; Genome, Fungal ; Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Evolution, Molecular ; Coleoptera/microbiology/genetics ; Insecta/microbiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {Fungi have been found to be associated with many insect species, with some species transitioning to reside within insects as symbionts. However, the evolutionary pressures and genomic consequences associated with this transition are not well understood. Pathogenic fungi of the genus Ophiocordyceps have undergone multiple, independent transitions from pathogen to endosymbiont lifestyles, where they reside within the fatty tissues of infected soft-scale insects transgenerationally without killing their hosts. To gain an understanding of the genomic adaptations underlying this life history shift, long-read sequencing was utilized to assemble the genomes of both the soft-scale insect Parthenolecanium corni and its Ophiocordyceps endosymbiont from a single insect. Assembly and metagenomic-based binning produced a highly contiguous genome for Pa. corni and a chromosome-level assembly for the Ophiocordyceps endosymbiont. The endosymbiont genome was characterized by 524 gene loss events compared to free-living pathogenic Ophiocordyceps relatives, with predicted roles in hyphal growth, cell wall integrity, metabolism, gene regulation, and toxin production. Contrasting patterns of selection were observed between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes specific to the endosymbiont lineage. Intensified selection was most frequently observed across orthologs in the nuclear genome, whereas selection on most mitochondrial genes was found to be relaxed. Scans for positive selection were enriched within the fatty acid metabolism pathway with endosymbiont specific selection within three adjacent enzymes catalyzing the conversion of acetoacetate to acetyl-coenzyme A, suggesting that the endosymbiont lineage is under selective pressure to effectively exploit the lipid rich environment of the insect fat bodies in which it is found.},
}
@article {pmid39561350,
year = {2025},
author = {Fajardo, J and Harrison, B and Hervet, VAD and Bakker, MG},
title = {Microbiome profiling suggests novel endosymbiont associations of insect pests of stored grain.},
journal = {Canadian journal of microbiology},
volume = {71},
number = {},
pages = {1-6},
doi = {10.1139/cjm-2024-0095},
pmid = {39561350},
issn = {1480-3275},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Insecta/microbiology ; *Edible Grain/parasitology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Many arthropods, including economically important pests of stored grains, host intracellular bacterial symbionts. These symbionts can have diverse impacts on host morphology, stress tolerance, and reproductive success. The ability to rapidly determine the infection status of host insects and the identity of intracellular symbionts, if present, is vital to understanding the biology and ecology of these organisms. We used a microbiome profiling method based on amplicon sequencing to rapidly screen 35 captive insect colonies. This method effectively revealed single and mixed infections by intracellular bacterial symbionts, as well as the presence or absence of a dominant symbiont, when that was the case. Because no a priori decisions are required about probable host-symbiont pairing, this method is able to quickly identify novel associations. This work highlights the frequency of endosymbionts, indicates some unexpected pairings that should be investigated further, such as dominant bacterial taxa that are not among the canonical genera of endosymbionts, and reveals different colonies of the same host insect species that differ in the presence and identity of endosymbiotic bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid39562544,
year = {2024},
author = {Levy, N and Marques, JA and Simon-Blecher, N and Bourne, DG and Doniger, T and Benichou, JIC and Lim, JY and Tarazi, E and Levy, O},
title = {Ecosystem transplant from a healthy reef boosts coral health at a degraded reef.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {10033},
pmid = {39562544},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coral Reefs ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Indian Ocean ; Ecosystem ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism ; Invertebrates/physiology ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Organismal communities associated with coral reefs, particularly invertebrates and microbes, play crucial roles in ecosystem maintenance and coral health. Here, we characterized the organismal composition of a healthy, non-urbanized reef (Site A) and a degraded, urbanized reef (Site B) in the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba, Red Sea to assess its impact on coral health and physiology. Biomimetically designed terracotta tiles were conditioned for 6 months at both sites, then reciprocally transplanted, and scleractinian coral species, Acropora eurystoma and Stylophora pistillata, were attached for an additional 6 months. After 12 months, tiles from Site A transplanted to Site B exhibited greater invertebrate richness and diversity than Site B's original tiles (via Cytochrome c. Oxidase subunit I metabarcoding). Key bacteria from the healthy reef were more prevalent on Site A tiles and on the tiles transplanted to Site B (via 16S rRNA gene sequencing). Corals originally from Site B attached to transplanted healthy tiles (Site A) showed higher photochemical capacity, increased endosymbionts, and reduced physiological stress, measured by total antioxidant capacity and an integrated biomarker response. Our findings demonstrate the successful transfer of organismal communities between reefs, highlighting the potential benefits of healthy reef-associated invertebrates and microbes on coral physiology and their implications for reef restoration strategies.},
}
@article {pmid39571577,
year = {2024},
author = {Lewis, WH and Paris, G and Beedessee, G and Kořený, L and Flores, V and Dendooven, T and Gallet, B and Yee, DP and Lam, S and Decelle, J and Luisi, BF and Waller, RF},
title = {Plastid translocon recycling in dinoflagellates demonstrates the portability of complex plastids between hosts.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {34},
number = {23},
pages = {5494-5506.e3},
pmid = {39571577},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {214298/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 222451/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Dinoflagellida/metabolism/genetics/physiology ; *Plastids/metabolism/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The plastids of photosynthetic organisms on land are predominantly "primary plastids," derived from an ancient endosymbiosis of a cyanobacterium. Conversely, the plastids of marine photosynthetic organisms were mostly gained through subsequent endosymbioses of photosynthetic eukaryotes generating so-called "complex plastids." The plastids of the major eukaryotic lineages-cryptophytes, haptophytes, ochrophytes, dinoflagellates, and apicomplexans-were posited to derive from a single secondary endosymbiosis of a red alga in the "chromalveloate" hypothesis. Subsequent phylogenetic resolution of eukaryotes has shown that separate events of plastid acquisition must have occurred to account for this distribution of plastids. However, the number of such events and the donor organisms for the new plastid endosymbioses are still not resolved. A perceived bottleneck of endosymbiotic plastid gain is the development of protein targeting from the hosts into the new plastids, and this supposition has often driven hypotheses toward minimizing the number of plastid-gain events to explain plastid distribution in eukaryotes. But how plastid-protein-targeting is established for new endosymbionts is often unclear, which makes it difficult to assess the likelihood of plastid transfers between lineages. Here, we show that Kareniaceae dinoflagellates, which possess complex plastids known to be derived from haptophytes, acquired all the necessary protein import machinery from these haptophytes. Furthermore, cryo-electron tomography revealed that no additional membranes were added to the Kareniaceae complex plastid during serial endosymbiosis, suggesting that the haptophyte-derived import processes were sufficient. Our analyses suggest that complex red plastids are preadapted for horizontal transmission, potentially explaining their widespread distribution in algal diversity.},
}
@article {pmid39579072,
year = {2024},
author = {Prakash, A and Wang, Y},
title = {De Novo Long-Read Genome Assembly and Annotation of the Mosquito Gut-Dwelling Fungus, Smittium minutisporum.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39579072},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {//Discovery Grants Program/ ; RGPIN-2020-04293//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; DGECR-2020-00154//Discovery Launch Supplement/ ; NR-2021-22-514711//Connaught New Researcher Award/ ; //Niagara Supercomputer/ ; //SciNet HPC Consortium/ ; //Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada/ ; //Digital Research Alliance of Canada/ ; //Ontario Research Fund/ ; //Research Excellence/ ; //University of Toronto/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome, Fungal ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Aedes/microbiology/genetics ; Culicidae/microbiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {Mosquito guts host a variety of microbes, yet fungi are often overlooked. Smittium (Harpellales, Zoopagomycota) comprises numerous species that are obligate symbionts residing in the hindgut of mosquito larvae. Despite their association with pathogen-bearing vectors, these fungal symbionts remain understudied, largely due to the lack of high-quality genome resources. This limitation has impeded a deeper understanding of their genome biology and adaptive strategies in relation to their mosquito hosts, which may hold significant epidemiological implications. To address this gap, we generated the first reference-quality genome assembly for this group of fungi, using PacBio HiFi long-reads for an axenic culture of Smittium minutisporum, originally isolated from the eastern treehole mosquito, Aedes triseriatus. The genome assembly consists of 53 contigs, spanning a total length of 32.5 Mb, and is predicted to encode 8,254 protein-coding genes, with repetitive regions constituting 25.22% of the genome. Notably, despite being highly contiguous and gap free, the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Ortholog analysis suggests a completeness score of 71.8%, implying unusual genome features, possibly shaped by adaptation and specialization within the mosquito gut. This high-quality genome resource will be invaluable for advancing our understanding of mosquito gut-dwelling fungi, their natural history, and their cryptic symbiosis with insect hosts.},
}
@article {pmid39584499,
year = {2025},
author = {Checchia, I and Andreolli, M and Lanza, F and Santoiemma, G and Mori, N and Pasini, M and Lampis, S and Felis, GE},
title = {Testing low-risk bioactive compounds on Halyomorpha halys: an improved pipeline of analyses to investigate their effects on the bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Pantoea carbekii.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {3},
pages = {1615-1623},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8564},
pmid = {39584499},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//I.C. Ph.D. scholarship is supported by REACT-EU FSE fund in the frame of PON "Dottorati su tematiche green" (Action IV.5), 2014-2020 (DM 1061/2021). Code BIO04, DOT1340225, Borsa 1 CUP B39J21026610001/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Pantoea/drug effects/physiology ; *Heteroptera/microbiology/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; *Symbiosis/drug effects ; Ovum/drug effects/microbiology ; Nymph/drug effects/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; *Fungicides, Industrial/pharmacology ; *Disinfectants/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys has become an invasive insect pest of many crops. A promising control strategy to manage the proliferation of H. halys is based on the suppression of its obligate and vertically transmitted uncultivated symbiotic bacterium Candidatus Pantoea carbekii through surface-sterilization of H. halys eggs. Indeed, the application of antimicrobial formulations on the eggs of H. halys could cause mortality of endosymbiont and consequently of newly emerged nymphs. In this study, a microbial live/dead assay was applied directly on H. halys eggs to evaluate Ca. P. carbekii loss of viability after treatments with seven commercial formulations including fungicides (copper hydroxide, sulphur, sweet orange essential oil) and plant biostimulants (flavonoids and chestnut tannin extract) compared with two disinfectants for civil and industrial use (sodium hypochlorite/hydrated sodium/tetraborate decahydrate and peracetic acid/hydrogen peroxide). Impact of mode of application was also evaluated, as surface treatment of egg masses was performed through spraying and dipping in laboratory conditions. Antimicrobial activity data were finally complemented with observations of egg hatching and vitality of the nymphs.<br><br>RESULTS: The optimization of live/dead staining is useful for evaluating Ca. P. carbekii mortality directly on eggs, providing a rapid and reliable culture-independent approach. Sodium hypochlorite, copper, sulphur, tannins and sweet orange essential oil showed an antimicrobial effect against Ca. P. carbekii and a H. halys egg hatching reduction and nymph's vitality.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial and insecticidal effects of these commercial products should be further studied to assess their in-field efficiency as well as the impact of these substances on non-target organisms. The approach followed in this study could be considered a robust pipeline of analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial eco-friendly compounds in symbiotic control of H. halys. &#xa9; 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid39590429,
year = {2024},
author = {Enciso, JS and Corretto, E and Borruso, L and Schuler, H},
title = {Limited Variation in Bacterial Communities of Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Across European Populations and Different Life Stages.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {39590429},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The Nearctic leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is the primary vector of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis', the causative agent of Flavescence doreé in Europe. Although microorganisms play an important role in the ecology and behavior of insects, knowledge about the interaction between S. titanus and microbes is limited. In this study, we employed an amplicon metabarcoding approach for profiling the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene to characterize the bacterial communities of S. titanus across several populations from four European localities. Additionally, we investigated changes in bacterial communities between nymphal and adult stages. In total, we identified 7,472 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in adults from the European populations. At the genus level, 'Candidatus Karelsulcia' and 'Candidatus Cardinium' were the most abundant genera, with both being present in every individual. While we found significant changes in the microbial composition of S. titanus across different European populations, no significant differences were observed between nymphal and adult stages. Our study reveals new insights into the microbial composition of S. titanus and highlights the role of geography in influencing its bacterial community.},
}
@article {pmid39597681,
year = {2024},
author = {Scharf, SA and Friedrichs, L and Bock, R and Borrelli, M and MacKenzie, C and Pfeffer, K and Henrich, B},
title = {Oxford Nanopore Technology-Based Identification of an Acanthamoeba castellanii Endosymbiosis in Microbial Keratitis.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {39597681},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {(1) Background: Microbial keratitis is a serious eye infection that carries a significant risk of vision loss. Acanthamoeba spp. are known to cause keratitis and their bacterial endosymbionts can increase virulence and/or treatment resistance and thus significantly worsen the course of the disease. (2) Methods and Results: In a suspected case of Acanthamoeba keratitis, in addition to Acanthamoeba spp., an endosymbiont of acanthamoebae belonging to the taxonomic order of Holosporales was detected by chance in a bacterial 16S rDNA-based pan-PCR and subsequently classified as Candidatus Paracaedibacter symbiosus through an analysis of an enlarged 16S rDNA region. We used Oxford Nanopore Technology to evaluate the usefulness of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) as a one-step diagnostics method. Here, Acanthamoeba castellanii and the endosymbiont Candidatus Paracaedibacter symbiosus could be directly detected at the species level. No other microbes were identified in the specimen. (3) Conclusions: We recommend the introduction of WGS as a diagnostic approach for keratitis to replace the need for multiple species-specific qPCRs in future routine diagnostics and to enable an all-encompassing characterisation of the polymicrobial community in one step.},
}
@article {pmid39604530,
year = {2024},
author = {Shokoohi, E and Masoko, P},
title = {Microbiome of Xiphinema elongatum (Nematoda, Longidoridae), isolated from water berry.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {29494},
pmid = {39604530},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; *Soil Microbiology ; South Africa ; Nematoda/microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Soil/parasitology ; Fruit/microbiology/parasitology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {The soil microbiome is crucial for the environment and significantly impacts the ecosystem. Understanding the microbiome and its interaction with soil microorganisms is essential for improving ecological and environmental strategies. In this study, Xiphinema elongatum nematodes were collected from water berry in Sovenga Hills, Limpopo Province, South Africa, and were analyzed their associated bacterial communities using metabarcoding analysis. The findings revealed that X. elongatum forms associations with a wide range of bacterial species. Among the most abundant species identified, we found Sphingomonas sp., a bacterial species commonly found in various habitats and primarily beneficial to plants, and Candidatus Xiphinematobacter, a bacterial species commonly found in nematode species of Xiphinema as an endosymbiont. The analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the abundance of X. elongatum in the soil is inversely correlated with clay content (r = -0.52) and soil pH levels (r = -0.98), and directly correlated with soil sand content (r = 0.88). This study provides valuable insights into the bacterial species associated with plant-parasitic nematodes in trees in South Africa. It underscores the presence of various potentially detrimental and beneficial nematode-associated bacteria. The results could potentially influence the overall quality of the soil, leading to implications for the productivity and yield of fruit crops. Additionally, the results help us understand the interaction between bacteria and X. elongatum.},
}
@article {pmid39607975,
year = {2024},
author = {Abbasi, AM and Nasir, S and Bajwa, AA and Akbar, H and Ali, MM and Rashid, MI},
title = {A comparative study of the microbiomes of the ticks Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum.},
journal = {Parasite (Paris, France)},
volume = {31},
number = {},
pages = {74},
pmid = {39607975},
issn = {1776-1042},
support = {HEC-GCF-273//Higher Education Commission, Pakistan/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Rhipicephalus/microbiology ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Pakistan ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Coxiella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Hyalomma anatolicum and Rhipicephalus microplus are tick species that are important vectors of numerous pathogens affecting both humans and livestock. Endosymbionts, such as Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLE), Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLE), and Candidatus Midichloria, play a crucial role in the physiology and vector competence of these ticks. In this study, we investigated the microbial composition of H. anatolicum and R. microplus from four geographically distinct regions of Pakistan to assess whether environmental differences influence their microbiomes. We analyzed the ticks' gut microbiome targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable region of 16S rRNA for Illumina 16S metagenome NGS sequencing and processed overall 144 ticks. Analysis of gut bacterial composition resulted in observation of 1200 R. microplus and 968 H. anatolicum unique amplicon sequencing variants (ASVs). Relative abundance, Alpha diversity (Shannon, Faith's phylogenetic distance) and beta diversity metrics (Bray-Curtis, Jaccard and UniFrac) were analyzed and revealed that H. anatolicum ticks have significantly unique and diverse microbial communities with Acinetobacter indicus and Francisella-like endosymbionts dominating as opposed to Candidatus Midichloria. Rhipicephalus microplus exhibited results consistent with the previous studies with no major changes in microbiome including Coxiella-like endosymbionts as the major contributor. These findings suggest that geographical and environmental factors play a significant role in shaping the tick microbiome, with potential consequences for disease transmission and tick survivability. Further research is needed to elucidate the functional roles of these microbial shifts and their impact on public health and livestock in affected regions.},
}
@article {pmid39614636,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiménez-Florido, P and Aquilino, M and Buckley, D and Bella, JL and Planelló, R},
title = {Differential gene expression in Chorthippus parallelus (Zetterstedt, 1821) (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Gomphocerinae) induced by Wolbachia infection.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {32},
number = {6},
pages = {2105-2124},
pmid = {39614636},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {PID2019-104952GBI00//Ministerio&#xa0;de Econom&#xed;a&#xa0;y Competitividad/ ; FPU contract 22/02220//Ministerioa&#xa0;de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; PEJD-2019-POST/AMB-16425//Comunidada&#xa0;de Madrid/European Social Fund/ ; Mar&#xed;a Zambrano contract//Ministerio de Universidades/Europeana&#xa0;Union-NextGeneration Programme/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Grasshoppers/microbiology/genetics/metabolism/immunology ; Male ; Female ; *Gene Expression ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {Distinct lineages of the grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus (Orthoptera: Acrididae) form well-known hybrid zones (HZs) both in the Pyrenees and the Alps mountain ranges in South Europe. These HZs represent unique experimental systems to identify "key genes" that maintain genetic boundaries between emerging species. The Iberian endemism C. p. erythropus (Cpe) and the subspecies C. p. parallelus (Cpp), widely distributed throughout the rest of Europe, overlap and form the Pyrenean HZ. Both subspecies differ morphologically, as well as in behavioral, mitochondrial, nuclear, and chromosomal traits, and in the strains of the maternally transmitted bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia infecting them. This results in either unidirectional and bidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility between both grasshopper subspecies, pointing out that Wolbachia clearly affects gene expression in the infected individuals. Here we explore how Wolbachia may modify the expression of some major genes involved in relevant pathways in Cpp in the Pyrenean HZ. We have analyzed, through molecular biomarkers, the physiological responses in C. parallelus individuals infected by Wolbachia, with particular attention to the energy metabolism, the immune system response, and the reproduction. qPCR was used to evaluate the expression of selected genes in the gonads of infected and uninfected adults of both sexes, since this tissue constitutes the main target of Wolbachia infection. Transcriptional analyses also showed differential sex-dependent responses in most of the analyzed biomarkers in infected and noninfected individuals. We identified for the first time new sensitive biomarkers that might be involved in the reproductive barrier induced by Wolbachia in the hybrid zone.},
}
@article {pmid39615475,
year = {2025},
author = {Řezáč, M and Řezáčová, V and Heneberg, P},
title = {Differences in the abundance and diversity of endosymbiotic bacteria drive host resistance of Philodromus cespitum, a dominant spider of central European orchards, to selected insecticides.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {373},
number = {},
pages = {123486},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123486},
pmid = {39615475},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; Symbiosis ; *Insecticide Resistance ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {The ability of tissue endosymbionts to degrade and detoxify agrochemicals is increasingly recognized as a mechanism supporting the survival of arthropods in agroecosystems. Therefore, tissue endosymbionts have the potential to drive insecticide resistance in agrobiont spiders, i.e., in major generalist predators and pest control agents within agroecosystems. We hypothesized that the abundance and diversity of the endosymbiotic bacteria of Philodromus cespitum, a philodromid spider dominating central European apple orchards, vary with regard to differences in predation capacity and drive host insecticide resistance. We provisioned P. cespitum with diets of varying protein and lipid content and topically exposed them to field-relevant doses of commonly used insecticides, namely Mospilan (acetamiprid), Movento (spirotetramat), Gondola (sulfoxaflor), Decis (deltamethrin), Coragen (chlorantraniliprole), and Benevia (cyantraniliprole). The analyses were based on 16S rDNA profiles from lysates of the cephalothorax and legs of the tested spiders. The application of Benevia, Mospilan, and Movento was partially lethal. The spiders that were resistant to the treatments with Benevia, Mospilan, or Movento were associated with the increased relative abundance of Mycoplasmatota by more than one order of magnitude. Additionally, the abundance of other bacteria differed in Mospilan-resistant and Mospilan-sensitive individuals. In contrast, the diet regimens were not associated with any major differences in the microbiome diversity nor the diversity of endosymbionts. Philodromus cespitum hosts assemblages with unexpectedly high beta diversity of endosymbionts. The OTU identified as the alpha proteobacterium endosymbiont of Coelostomidia zealandica was an obligate endosymbiont of the analyzed P. cespitum population. Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Spiroplasma endosymbionts were also highly prevalent and differed in their responses to the applied treatments. In conclusion, differences in the abundance and diversity of endosymbiotic bacteria drove the resistance of the spider host to selected insecticides.},
}
@article {pmid39616490,
year = {2024},
author = {Govender, R and Mabaso, N and Abbai, NS},
title = {Investigating links between Trichomonas vaginalis, T. vaginalis virus, Mycoplasma hominis, and metronidazole resistance.},
journal = {Journal of infection in developing countries},
volume = {18},
number = {10},
pages = {1590-1600},
doi = {10.3855/jidc.17592},
pmid = {39616490},
issn = {1972-2680},
mesh = {*Trichomonas vaginalis/drug effects/isolation &amp; purification ; *Mycoplasma hominis/drug effects/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Metronidazole/pharmacology ; Humans ; Female ; *Mycoplasma Infections/microbiology ; Prevalence ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Trichomonas Vaginitis/microbiology/parasitology ; Totiviridae/genetics/drug effects/isolation &amp; purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Drug Resistance ; Antiprotozoal Agents/pharmacology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Coinfection/microbiology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is the etiological agent of the common non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI), trichomoniasis. TV can inherently harbour Mycoplasma hominis and Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV) species. Endosymbiosis of TV with M. hominis and TVV may contribute to metronidazole resistance in this pathogen. This study determined the prevalence of TVVs across clinical isolates of TV, as well as the symbiosis between TV, TVV, and M. hominis in relation to metronidazole resistance.<br><br>METHODOLOGY: Twenty-one clinical isolates of TV were analysed in this study. The isolates were subjected to drug susceptibility assays using varying concentrations of metronidazole. Nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) were extracted from the isolates for molecular assays. The presence of intracellular M. hominis was determined by 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers. The presence of the individual TVVs was determined by PCR using gene specific primers with template cDNA.<br><br>RESULTS: The prevalence of TVV and M. hominis were 76% (16/21) and 86% (18/21), respectively. No significant associations were observed between the presence of TVV and clinical symptoms. A significant association was noted between the coinfection of TVV4 and M. hominis (p = 0.014). The presence of any TVV was significantly associated with metronidazole susceptibility patterns (p = 0.012). No significant associations were noted between the coinfection of endosymbionts and metronidazole resistance.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The information obtained displays the ability of TV to form an endosymbiotic relationship with several microorganisms, simultaneously. Based on these findings, both endosymbionts pose no significant influence on metronidazole resistance.},
}
@article {pmid39624265,
year = {2024},
author = {Karim, S and Zenzal, TJ and Beati, L and Sen, R and Adegoke, A and Kumar, D and Downs, LP and Keko, M and Nussbaum, A and Becker, DJ and Moore, FR},
title = {Ticks without borders: microbiome of immature neotropical tick species parasitizing migratory songbirds along northern Gulf of Mexico.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1472598},
pmid = {39624265},
issn = {2235-2988},
support = {P20 GM103476/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; Gulf of America ; *Songbirds/parasitology/microbiology ; *Animal Migration ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology ; Ticks/microbiology ; Francisella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Spiroplasma/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification/physiology ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The long-distance, seasonal migrations of birds make them an effective ecological bridge for the movement of ticks. The introduction of exotic tick species to new geographical regions can cause the emergence of novel tick-borne pathogens. This study examined the prevalence of exotic tick species parasitizing migratory songbirds at stopover sites along the northern Gulf of Mexico using the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene.<br><br>METHODS: Overall, 421 individual ticks in the genera Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, and Ixodes were recorded from 28 songbird species, of which Amblyomma and Amblyomma longirostre were the most abundant tick genera and species, respectively. A high throughput 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing approach characterized the microbial communities and identified pathogenic microbes in all tick samples.<br><br>RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Microbial profiles showed that Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum. The most abundant pathogens were Rickettsia and endosymbiont Francisella, Candidatus Midichloria, and Spiroplasma. Permutation multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the relative abundance of Francisella and Rickettsia drives microbial patterns across the tick genera. We also noted a higher percentage of positive correlations in microbe-microbe interactions among members of the microbial communities. Network analysis suggested a negative correlation between a) Francisella and Rickettsia and, b) Francisella and Cutibacterium. Lastly, mapping the distributions of bird species parasitized during spring migrations highlighted geographic hotspots where migratory songbirds could disperse ticks and their pathogens at stopover sites or upon arrival to their breeding grounds, the latter showing mean dispersal distances from 421-5003 kilometers. These findings spotlight the potential role of migratory birds in the epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid39627879,
year = {2024},
author = {Kostygov, AY and Skýpalová, K and Kraeva, N and Kalita, E and McLeod, C and Yurchenko, V and Field, MC and Lukeš, J and Butenko, A},
title = {Comprehensive analysis of the Kinetoplastea intron landscape reveals a novel intron-containing gene and the first exclusively trans-splicing eukaryote.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {281},
pmid = {39627879},
issn = {1741-7007},
mesh = {*Introns/genetics ; *Trans-Splicing/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Phylogeny ; Trypanosomatina/genetics ; Kinetoplastida/genetics ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics ; Genes, Protozoan/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In trypanosomatids, a group of unicellular eukaryotes that includes numerous important human parasites, cis-splicing has been previously reported for only two genes: a poly(A) polymerase and an RNA helicase. Conversely, trans-splicing, which involves the attachment of a spliced leader sequence, is observed for nearly every protein-coding transcript. So far, our understanding of splicing in this protistan group has stemmed from the analysis of only a few medically relevant species. In this study, we used an extensive dataset encompassing all described trypanosomatid genera to investigate the distribution of intron-containing genes and the evolution of splice sites.<br><br>RESULTS: We identified a new conserved intron-containing gene encoding an RNA-binding protein that is universally present in Kinetoplastea. We show that Perkinsela sp., a kinetoplastid endosymbiont of Amoebozoa, represents the first eukaryote completely devoid of cis-splicing, yet still preserving trans-splicing. We also provided evidence for reverse transcriptase-mediated intron loss in Kinetoplastea, extensive conservation of 5' splice sites, and the presence of non-coding RNAs within a subset of retained trypanosomatid introns.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: All three intron-containing genes identified in Kinetoplastea encode RNA-interacting proteins, with a potential to fine-tune the expression of multiple genes, thus challenging the perception of cis-splicing in these protists as a mere evolutionary relic. We suggest that there is a selective pressure to retain cis-splicing in trypanosomatids and that this is likely associated with overall control of mRNA processing. Our study provides new insights into the evolution of introns and, consequently, the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes.},
}
@article {pmid39629170,
year = {2024},
author = {Wajnberg, E and Cônsoli, FL},
title = {Dynamics of Insects and Their Facultative Defensive Endosymbiotic Bacteria: A Simulation Model.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {e70676},
pmid = {39629170},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Most insects harbour endosymbionts that modify their physiology, reproductive mode, and ecology. One fascinating case is in aphids, which host endosymbionts that protect them against attacks from parasitoids. These symbionts are transmitted maternally with high fidelity but can also be transmitted horizontally from infected to uninfected hosts. Since symbionts can confer resistance to their host against parasitoids, levels of symbiont infection should rapidly spread to fixation. This is not the case in most aphid populations that have been studied. Furthermore, the defensive effect of symbionts has been thought to reduce the efficacy of biological control against crop pests, although this has never been properly quantified. We developed a Monte Carlo simulation model to examine changes in levels of endosymbiont infection in an insect population in the presence of parasitoids attacking them over several generations. We also used the model to quantify potential reductions in the efficacy of parasitoids in controlling host populations in biological control. Results suggest that longevity of parasitoids and the spatial aggregation of hosts likely play a major role in the dynamics of symbiont infection. This is the first evidence that these ecological parameters are potentially important for explaining levels of symbiont infection in insect populations.},
}
@article {pmid39640918,
year = {2024},
author = {Baede, VO and Jlassi, O and Lesiczka, PM and Younsi, H and Jansen, HJ and Dachraoui, K and Segobola, J and Ben Said, M and Veneman, WJ and Dirks, RP and Sprong, H and Zhioua, E},
title = {Similarities between Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes inopinatus genomes and horizontal gene transfer from their endosymbionts.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology &amp; vector-borne diseases},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {100229},
pmid = {39640918},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {The taxa Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes inopinatus are sympatric in Tunisia. The genetics underlying their morphological differences are unresolved. In this study, ticks collected in Jouza-Amdoun, Tunisia, were morphologically identified and sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Three complete genome assemblies of I. inopinatus and three of I. ricinus with BUSCO scores of ∼98% were generated, including the reconstruction of mitochondrial genomes and separation of both alleles of the TRPA1, TROSPA and calreticulin genes. Deep sequencing allowed the first descriptions of complete bacterial genomes for "Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii", Rickettsia helvetica and R. monacensis from North Africa, and the discovery of extensive integration of parts of the Spiroplasma ixodetis and "Ca. M. mitochondrii" into the nuclear genome of these ticks. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial genome, the nuclear genes, and symbionts showed differentiation between Tunisian and Dutch ticks, but high genetic similarities between Tunisian I. ricinus and I. inopinatus. Subtraction of the genome assemblies identified the presence of some unique sequences, which could not be confirmed when screening a larger batch of I. ricinus and I. inopinatus ticks using PCR. Our findings yield compelling evidence that I. inopinatus is genetically highly similar, if not identical, to sympatric I. ricinus. Defined morphological differences might be caused by extrinsic factors such as micro-climatic conditions or bloodmeal composition. Our findings support the existence of different lineages of I. ricinus as well of its symbionts/pathogens from geographically dispersed locations.},
}
@article {pmid39646835,
year = {2024},
author = {Terrana, L and Rouzé, H and Opresko, DM and Consortium, UTP and Eeckhaut, I and Dubois, P and Hédouin, L and Godefroid, M},
title = {Whip black corals (Antipatharia: Antipathidae: Stichopathes) of the Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem of Mo'orea (French Polynesia), with the description of a new species.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5486},
number = {2},
pages = {182-212},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5486.2.2},
pmid = {39646835},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Polynesia ; *Ecosystem ; *Animal Distribution ; Phylogeny ; Body Size ; Animal Structures/anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development ; Organ Size ; },
abstract = {Black corals are key species of marine ecosystems. They can be found in dense aggregations worldwide, but some parts of the world remain totally unexplored. This is the case of the Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem of Mo'orea where the Under the Pole scientific expedition explored mesophotic ecosystems between 60 and 120 m depth and focused on whip black corals. A total of 64 specimens were analyzed morphologically and genetically, and all belonged to the genus Stichopathes. Among them, we describe the new species Stichopathes desaturata sp. nov. It is characterized by an unbranched corallum, irregularly sinuous, with a basal diameter not exceeding 1 mm, reaching a dozen of cm in height. The polyps measure 0.50-1.0 mm in transverse diameter, the interpolypar space is well defined and up to 0.50 mm, with 6-8 polyps per cm. The polypar spines are taller than abpolypar spines, reaching 0.13 mm, perpendicular to the corallum, and conical with a pointed tip, with round and/or elongated papillae on two thirds of the spine. The abpolypar spines are conical to triangular, inclined upwards, with the same ornamentation as the polypar spines. We also identified specimens assigned as Stichopathes cf. contorta and four other putative species. Genetic analyses showed that Mo'orea specimens grouped in three different clades. Analyses of endosymbionts showed that the association with Symbiodiniaceae was likely not involved in the process of host species delineation.},
}
@article {pmid39647222,
year = {2024},
author = {Kloc, A and Wójcik-Fatla, A and Paprzycki, P and Panasiuk, L},
title = {Transovarial transmission of Rickettsia spp., Francisella-like endosymbionts, and Spiroplasma spp. in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {102421},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102421},
pmid = {39647222},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dermacentor/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Spiroplasma/physiology/isolation &amp; purification ; Female ; *Symbiosis ; *Francisella/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Larva/microbiology ; Ovum/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Research on the transovarial transmission of pathogens whose reservoirs and vectors are ticks has led to an understanding of the mechanisms related to the circulation and persistence of selected microorganisms in natural foci. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of transovarial transmission of Rickettsia spp. in Dermacentor reticulatus ticks, and the influence of Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) and Spiroplasma spp. on the efficiency of the egg-laying process and transmission of selected pathogens. In total, 16,600 eggs were obtained under laboratory conditions from 55 females, with an average of 346 eggs per female. Adults, eggs, and hatched larvae were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Rickettsia and endosymbionts. DNA fragments of Rickettsia spp. were found in females (56.4 %) and in pools of eggs (72.9 %) and larvae (62.4 %). FLEs and Spiroplasma endosymbionts were confirmed in females (80 % and 14.5 %, respectively), pools of eggs (81.6 % and 26.1 %, respectively), and larvae (82.7 % and 46.2 %, respectively). Transovarial transmission was confirmed in Rickettsia raoultii, FLEs, and Spiroplasma ixodetis. No correlation was observed between the occurrence of individual endosymbionts and the efficiency of egg laying and transovarial transmission in Rickettsia spp. In conclusion, transovarial transmission of Rickettsia spp., FLEs and Spiroplasma spp. in D. reticulatus plays an important role in their persistence and circulation in the environment. However, further research is required on this topic.},
}
@article {pmid39655922,
year = {2025},
author = {Gasser, MT and Liu, A and Flatau, R and Altamia, MA and Filone, CM and Distel, DL},
title = {Closing the genome of Teredinibacter turnerae T7902 by long-read nanopore sequencing.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {e0048424},
pmid = {39655922},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {R01 AI162943/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; NA19OAR0110303//DOC | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/ ; GBMF 9339//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (GBMF)/ ; 1R01AI162943-01A1,10062083-NE//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; DBI 1722553//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
abstract = {We present the complete closed circular genome sequence derived from the Oxford Nanopore sequencing of the shipworm endosymbiont, Teredinibacter turnerae T7902 (DSM 15152, ATCC 39867), originally isolated from the shipworm, Lyrodus pedicellatus (1). This sequence will aid in the comparative genomics of shipworm endosymbionts and the understanding of the host-symbiont evolution.},
}
@article {pmid39656210,
year = {2024},
author = {Ling, X and Guo, H and Di, J and Xie, L and Zhu-Salzman, K and Ge, F and Zhao, Z and Sun, Y},
title = {A complete DNA repair system assembled by two endosymbionts restores heat tolerance of the insect host.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {121},
number = {51},
pages = {e2415651121},
pmid = {39656210},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {2023YFD1400800//National Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; no. 32250002//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; no. 2023IOZ0307//Initiative Scientific Research of Program, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *DNA Repair ; Buchnera/genetics/metabolism ; Aphids/microbiology/genetics ; Serratia/genetics/metabolism/physiology ; Thermotolerance/genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Heat-Shock Response ; },
abstract = {DNA repair systems are essential to maintain genome integrity and stability. Some obligate endosymbionts that experience long-term symbiosis with the insect hosts, however, have lost their key components for DNA repair. It is largely unexplored how the bacterial endosymbionts cope with the increased demand for mismatch repairs under heat stresses. Here, we showed that ibpA, a small heat shock protein encoded by Buchnera aphidicola, directly interacted with the cytoskeletal actin to prevent its aggregation in bacteriocytes, thus reinforcing the stability of bacteriocytes. However, the succession of 11 adenines in the promoter of ibpA is extremely prone to mismatching error, e.g., a single adenine deletion, which impairs the induction of ibpA under heat stress. Coinfection with a facultative endosymbiont Serratia symbiotica remarkably reduced the mutagenesis rate in the Buchnera genome and potentially prevented a single adenine deletion in ibpA promoter, thereby alleviating the heat vulnerability of aphid bacteriocytes. Furthermore, Serratia encoded mutH, a conserved core protein of prokaryotic DNA mismatch repair (MMR), accessed to Buchnera cells, which complemented Buchnera mutL and mutS in constituting an active MMR. Our findings imply that a full complement of a prokaryotic MMR system assembled by two bacterial endosymbionts contributes significantly to the thermostability of aphid bacteriocytes in an ibpA-dependent manner, furnishing a distinct molecular link among tripartite symbioses in shaping resilience and adaptation of their insect hosts to occupy other ecological niches.},
}
@article {pmid39656697,
year = {2024},
author = {Rasool, B and Younis, T and Zafar, S and Parvaiz, A and Javed, Z and Rasool, I and Shakeel, M},
title = {Incidence of endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia in cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae).},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {19},
number = {12},
pages = {e0313449},
pmid = {39656697},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Weevils/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Coleoptera/microbiology ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; },
abstract = {This study focuses on the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, a globally distributed grain pest that affects cereals and pulses. Using chemicals to store grains can harm pest control and pose risks to consumers and the environment. The facultative intracellular symbiont bacteria Wolbachia can affect host's reproductive capacities in a variety of ways, which makes it useful in the management of pests such as C. maculatus. The main goal of the study was to identify Wolbachia diversity in the C. maculatus population. Phylogenetic analysis utilized mitochondrial COI and 12S rRNA genes to identify the host C. maculatus, while screening for Wolbachia was conducted using genes (wsp, coxA, and ftsZ) genes. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Wolbachia genes resulted in one new Wolbachia strain (wCmac1) in C. maculatus populations and contrasting already published data of other Callosobruchus strains. The study discussed the detection of Wolbachia and its phylogenetic comparison with other C. maculatus and Coleopteran populations. It is important to take these findings into account when considering host-pathogen interactions.},
}
@article {pmid39658314,
year = {2025},
author = {Sørensen, MES and Stiller, ML and Kröninger, L and Nowack, ECM},
title = {Protein import into bacterial endosymbionts and evolving organelles.},
journal = {The FEBS journal},
volume = {292},
number = {12},
pages = {2992-3013},
pmid = {39658314},
issn = {1742-4658},
support = {101061817//H2020 European Research Council/ ; //Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Protein Transport ; *Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; *Organelles/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Mitochondria/metabolism/genetics ; Plastids/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts are common throughout the eukaryotic tree of life and provide a range of essential functions. The intricate integration of bacterial endosymbionts into a host led to the formation of the energy-converting organelles, mitochondria and plastids, that have shaped eukaryotic evolution. Protein import from the host has been regarded as one of the distinguishing features of organelles as compared to endosymbionts. In recent years, research has delved deeper into a diverse range of endosymbioses and discovered evidence for 'exceptional' instances of protein import outside of the canonical organelles. Here we review the current evidence for protein import into bacterial endosymbionts. We cover both 'recently evolved' organelles, where there is evidence for hundreds of imported proteins, and endosymbiotic systems where currently only single protein import candidates are described. We discuss the challenges of establishing protein import machineries and the diversity of mechanisms that have independently evolved to solve them. Understanding these systems and the different independent mechanisms, they have evolved is critical to elucidate how cellular integration arises and deepens at the endosymbiont to organelle interface. We finish by suggesting approaches that could be used in the future to address the open questions. Overall, we believe that the evidence now suggests that protein import into bacterial endosymbionts is more common than generally realized, and thus that there is an increasing number of partnerships that blur the distinction between endosymbiont and organelle.},
}
@article {pmid39658562,
year = {2024},
author = {De, BC and Cournoyer, J and Gao, YL and Wallace, CL and Bram, S and Mehta, AP},
title = {Photosynthetic directed endosymbiosis to investigate the role of bioenergetics in chloroplast function and evolution.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {10622},
pmid = {39658562},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {R01 GM139949/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01GM139949//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Photosynthesis/genetics/physiology ; *Chloroplasts/metabolism/genetics ; *Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; *Energy Metabolism/genetics ; *Biological Evolution ; Rhodophyta/metabolism/genetics ; Cyanobacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Embryophyta/metabolism/genetics ; Glaucophyta/metabolism/genetics ; Plastids/metabolism/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Mitochondrial ADP, ATP Translocases/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Cyanobacterial photosynthesis (to produce ATP and NADPH) might have played a pivotal role in the endosymbiotic evolution to chloroplast. However, rather than meeting the ATP requirements of the host cell, the modern-day land plant chloroplasts are suggested to utilize photosynthesized ATP predominantly for carbon assimilation. This is further highlighted by the fact that the plastidic ADP/ATP carrier translocases from land plants preferentially import ATP. Here, we investigate the preferences of plastidic ADP/ATP carrier translocases from key lineages of photosynthetic eukaryotes including red algae, glaucophytes, and land plants. Particularly, we observe that the cyanobacterial endosymbionts expressing plastidic ADP/ATP carrier translocases from red algae and glaucophyte are able to export ATP and support ATP dependent endosymbiosis, whereas those expressing ADP/ATP carrier translocases from land plants preferentially import ATP and are unable to support ATP dependent endosymbiosis. These data are consistent with a scenario where the ancestral plastids may have exported ATP to support the bioenergetic functions of the host cell.},
}
@article {pmid39659293,
year = {2024},
author = {Gasser, MT and Liu, A and Altamia, MA and Brensinger, BR and Brewer, SL and Flatau, R and Hancock, ER and Preheim, SP and Filone, CM and Distel, DL},
title = {Membrane Vesicles Can Contribute to Cellulose Degradation by Teredinibacter turnerae, a Cultivable Intracellular Endosymbiont of Shipworms.},
journal = {Microbial biotechnology},
volume = {17},
number = {12},
pages = {e70064},
pmid = {39659293},
issn = {1751-7915},
support = {NA19OAR0110303//National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/ ; DBI1722553//National Science Foundation/ ; R01 AI162943/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; //Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/ ; 1R01AI162943-01A1:10062083-NE/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; GBMF9339//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Cellulose/metabolism ; *Bivalvia/microbiology ; Gammaproteobacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Polysaccharides/metabolism ; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Teredinibacter turnerae is a cultivable cellulolytic Gammaproteobacterium (Cellvibrionaceae) that commonly occurs as an intracellular endosymbiont in the gills of wood-eating bivalves of the family Teredinidae (shipworms). The genome of T. turnerae encodes a broad range of enzymes that deconstruct cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin and contribute to wood (lignocellulose) digestion in the shipworm gut. However, the mechanisms by which T. turnerae secretes lignocellulolytic enzymes are incompletely understood. Here, we show that T. turnerae cultures grown on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) produce membrane vesicles (MVs) that include a variety of proteins identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) as carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) with predicted activities against cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. Reducing sugar assays and zymography confirm that these MVs exhibit cellulolytic activity, as evidenced by the hydrolysis of CMC. Additionally, these MVs were enriched with TonB-dependent receptors, which are essential to carbohydrate and iron acquisition by free-living bacteria. These observations indicate a potential role for MVs in lignocellulose utilisation by T. turnerae in the free-living state, suggest possible mechanisms for host-symbiont interaction and may be informative for commercial applications such as enzyme production and lignocellulosic biomass conversion.},
}
@article {pmid39661825,
year = {2024},
author = {Santos, JFBD and Bombaça, ACS and Vitório, BDS and Dias-Lopes, G and Garcia-Gomes, ADS and Menna-Barreto, RSF and d'Avila, CM and Ennes-Vidal, V},
title = {Differential expression of peptidases in Strigomonas culicis wild-type and aposymbiotic strains: from proteomic data to proteolytic activity.},
journal = {Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz},
volume = {119},
number = {},
pages = {e240110},
pmid = {39661825},
issn = {1678-8060},
mesh = {*Proteomics ; *Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism/genetics ; Trypanosomatina/enzymology/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Proteolysis ; Proteome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Strigomonas culicis is a monoxenic trypanosomatid parasite of insects that naturally contains an endosymbiotic bacterium. The aposymbiotic strain can be obtained, making this strain a model for evolutive research about organelle origins. In addition, S. culicis contains homologues of virulence factors of pathogenic trypanosomatids, which functions are waiting for further analysis. In this sense, the publication of S. culicis proteome makes feasible additional investigations regarding the differential expression of peptidases from the wild-type (WT) and the aposymbiotic (APO) strains.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: Here, we analysed two proteomic data from S. culicis WT and APO strains screening for peptidases differentially expressed and assessed the differential expression of cysteine and metallopeptidases.<br><br>METHODS: A comparative proteomic screening between WT and APO identified 43 modulated peptidases.<br><br>FINDINGS: Cysteine and metallopeptidases, such as calpains and GP63, were the major classes, highlighting their significance. GP63 exhibited an increased proteolysis in a specific metallopeptidase substrate, an up-modulation gene expression in RT-PCR, and a higher protein identification by flow cytometry in the aposymbiotic strain. Notwithstanding, the wild-type strain showed enhanced cysteine peptidase activity.<br><br>MAIN CONCLUSION: Our study highlighted the endosymbiont influence in S. culicis peptidase expression, with GP63 expression and activity raised in the aposymbiotic strain, whereas cysteine peptidase levels were reduced.},
}
@article {pmid39673486,
year = {2025},
author = {Krause-Sakate, R and Gomes Ruschel, R and Ochoa-Corona, F and Andreason, SA and de Marchi, BR and Ribeiro-Junior, MR and Nascimento, DM and Trujillo, R and Smith, HA and Hutton, SF and Wallace, S},
title = {First detection of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) MED in Oklahoma and development of a high-resolution melting assay for MEAM1 and MED discrimination.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {1},
pages = {45-56},
pmid = {39673486},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {//Sarkeys Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics/classification ; Oklahoma ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics/analysis ; Phylogeny ; Insect Proteins/genetics ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a polyphagous pest recognized as composed of several cryptic or sibling species. The Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and the Mediterranean (MED) putative species are invasive and destructive worldwide. The MEAM1 is established throughout the United States, while MED is documented in 27 states. This study determines the status of MED in Oklahoma and develops and validates a high-resolution melting (HRM) assay for discrimination of MEAM1 and MED. In August-October 2022, whiteflies were collected from different host plants in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and identified as species based on analysis of a diagnostic fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene. MED was found in mixed infestations with MEAM1 on both sweetpotato in a greenhouse and cucumber in the field. Other cryptic species were not detected. Sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis indicated that the MED specimens belonged to the Q2 mitotype. Additionally, the secondary endosymbionts in captured and progeny whiteflies were identified. For rapid discrimination of MEAM1 and MED species, an HRM assay using a single set of primer pairs targeting the mtCOI gene was developed. Species discrimination was tested in 2 laboratories using MEAM1 and MED Q2 mitotype genomic DNA, and a synthetic plasmid containing the MED Q1 mitotype mtCOI fragment. The HRM assay was validated to discriminate MEAM1 from MED Q1 and Q2 mitotypes. This is the first report of B. tabaci MED in Oklahoma and reinforces the need for continued monitoring of this insect species complex.},
}
@article {pmid39681734,
year = {2024},
author = {Rajendran, D and Vinayagam, S and Sekar, K and Bhowmick, IP and Sattu, K},
title = {Symbiotic Bacteria: Wolbachia, Midgut Microbiota in Mosquitoes and Their Importance for Vector Prevention Strategies.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {87},
number = {1},
pages = {154},
pmid = {39681734},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; Culicidae/microbiology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {Mosquito-borne illnesses pose a significant threat to eradication under existing vector management measures. Chemo-based vector control strategies (use of insecticides) raise a complication of resistance and environmental pollution. Biological control methods are an alternative approach to overcoming this complication arising from insecticides. The mosquito gut microbiome is essential to supporting the factors that involve metabolic regulation and metamorphic development (from juvenile to adult), as well as the induction of an immune response. The induced immune response includes the JAK-STAT, IMD, and Toll pathways due to the microbial interaction with the midgut cells (MG cells) that prevent disease transmission to humans. The aforementioned sequel to the review provides information about endosymbiont Wolbachia, which contaminates insect cells, including germline and somatic cytoplasm, and inhibits disease-causing pathogen development and transmission by competing for resources within the cell. Moreover, it reduces the host population via cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), feminization, male killing, and parthenogenesis. Furthermore, the Cif factor in Wolbachia is responsible for CI induction that produces inviable cells with the translocating systems and the embryonic defect-causing protein factor, WalE1 (WD0830), which manipulates the host actin. This potential of Wolbachia can be used to design a paratransgenic system to control vectors in the field. An extracellular symbiotic bacterium such as Asaia, which is grown in the growth medium, is used to transfer lethal genes within itself. Besides, the genetically transferred symbiotic bacteria infect the wild mosquito population and are easily manifold. So, it might be suitable for vector control strategies in the future.},
}
@article {pmid39689471,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, M and Chen, H and Wang, M and Zhong, Z and Lian, C and Zhou, L and Zhang, H and Wang, H and Cao, L and Li, C},
title = {Phenotypic plasticity of symbiotic organ highlight deep-sea mussel as model species in monitoring fluid extinction of deep-sea methane hydrate.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {958},
number = {},
pages = {178048},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178048},
pmid = {39689471},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Animals ; *Methane/analysis/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Bivalvia/physiology/microbiology ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Phenotype ; Seawater/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Methane hydrates stored in cold seeps are an important source of energy and carbon for both the endemic chemosynthetic community and humanity. However, the methane fluids may cease and even stop naturally or anthropogenically, calling for a thorough evaluation of its potential impact on the endemic species and local chemosynthetic ecosystems. As one dominant megafauna in cold seeps, some of the deep-sea mussels rely on methanotrophic endosymbionts for nutrition and therefore could serve as a promising model in monitoring the dynamic changes of methane hydrate. However, knowledge on the long-term responses of deep-sea mussels to environmental stresses induced by methane reduction and deprivation, is still lacking. Here, we set up a laboratory system and cultivated methanotrophic deep-sea mussel Gigantidas platifrons without methane supply to survey the phenotypic changes after methane deprivation. While the mussels managed to survive for >10 months after the methane deprivation, drastic changes in the metabolism, function, and development of gill tissue, and in the association with methanotrophic symbionts were observed. In detail, the mussel digested all methanotrophic endosymbionts shortly after methane deprivation for nutrition and remodeled the global metabolism of gill to conserve energy. As the methane deprivation continued, the mussel replaced its bacteriocytes with ciliated cells to support filter-feeding, which is an atavistic trait in non-symbiotic mussels. During the long-term methane deprivation assay, the mussel also retained the generation of new cells to support the phenotypic changes of gill and even promoted the activity after being transplanted back to deep-sea, showing the potential resilience after long-term methane deprivation. Evidences further highlighted the participation of symbiont sterol metabolism in regulating these processes. These results collectively show the phenotypic plasticity of deep-sea mussels and their dynamic responses to methane deprivation, providing essential information in assessing the long-term influence of methane hydrate extinction.},
}
@article {pmid39704701,
year = {2024},
author = {Shippy, TD and Hosmani, PS and Flores-Gonzalez, M and Mann, M and Miller, S and Weirauch, MT and Vosberg, C and Massimino, C and Tank, W and de Oliveira, L and Chen, C and Hoyt, S and Adams, R and Adkins, S and Bailey, ST and Chen, X and Davis, N and DeLaFlor, Y and Espino, M and Gervais, K and Grace, R and Harper, D and Hasan, DL and Hoang, M and Holcomb, R and Jernigan, MR and Kemp, M and Kennedy, B and Kercher, K and Klaessan, S and Kruse, A and Licata, S and Lu, A and Masse, R and Mathew, A and Michels, S and Michels, E and Neiman, A and Norman, S and Norus, J and Ortiz, Y and Panitz, N and Paris, T and Perentesis, KMR and Perry, M and Reynolds, M and Sena, MM and Tamayo, B and Thate, A and Vandervoort, S and Ventura, J and Weis, N and Wise, T and Shatters, RG and Heck, M and Benoit, JB and Hunter, WB and Mueller, LA and Brown, SJ and D'Elia, T and Saha, S},
title = {Diaci v3.0: chromosome-level assembly, de novo transcriptome, and manual annotation of Diaphorina citri, insect vector of Huanglongbing.},
journal = {GigaScience},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39704701},
issn = {2047-217X},
support = {//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; P20GM103418/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM113109/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103418/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; 2015-70016-23028//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Molecular Sequence Annotation ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology ; *Insect Vectors/genetics/microbiology ; *Transcriptome ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology/genetics ; Citrus/microbiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Diaphorina citri is an insect vector of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas), the gram-negative bacterial pathogen associated with citrus greening disease. Control measures rely on pesticides with negative impacts on the environment, natural ecosystems, and human and animal health. In contrast, gene-targeting methods have the potential to specifically target the vector species and/or reduce pathogen transmission.<br><br>RESULTS: To improve the genomic resources needed for targeted pest control, we assembled a D. citri genome based on PacBio long reads followed by proximity ligation-based scaffolding. The 474-Mb genome has 13 chromosomal-length scaffolds. In total, 1,036 genes were manually curated as part of a community annotation project, composed primarily of undergraduate students. We also computationally identified a total of 1,015 putative transcription factors (TFs) and were able to infer motifs for 337 TFs (33%). In addition, we produced a genome-independent transcriptome and genomes for D. citri endosymbionts.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Manual annotation provided more accurate gene models for use by researchers and provided an excellent training opportunity for students from multiple institutions. All resources are available on CitrusGreening.org and NCBI. The chromosomal-length D. citri genome assembly serves as a blueprint for the development of collaborative genomics projects for other medically and agriculturally significant insect vectors.},
}
@article {pmid39709001,
year = {2025},
author = {Mao, B and Wang, YY and Li, SY and Fu, Y and Xiao, YL and Wang, YF},
title = {A potential role for the interaction of Wolbachia surface proteins with the Drosophila microtubulin in maintenance of endosymbiosis and affecting spermiogenesis.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {160},
number = {},
pages = {104743},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104743},
pmid = {39709001},
issn = {1879-1611},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; Male ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Spermatogenesis ; *Drosophila Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Testis/metabolism ; *Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, as a widely infected intracellular symbiotic bacterium in Arthropoda, is able to manipulate the reproduction of insect hosts for facilitating their own transmission. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is the most common phenotype that Wolbachia induced in insect hosts where they resulted in the failure of uninfected egg hatch when fertilized with the sperm derived from Wolbachia-infected males, suggesting that the sperm are modified by Wolbachia during spermatogenesis. Although the molecular mechanisms of CI are beginning to be understood, the effects of Wolbachia on the symbiotic relationship and the proper dynamics of spermatogenesis have not yet been fully investigated. We report here that Wolbachia infection induced a significant upregulation of betaTub85D in the testis of Drosophila melanogaster. Knockdown of betaTub85D in fly testes resulted in significant decrease in the copy number of Wolbachia surface protein gene (wsp), indicating a notable reduction of Wolbachia density. Pull-down analyses revealed that WSP interacted with the betaTub85D of D. melanogaster. Wolbachia infection altered the interactome between betaTub85D and other proteins in the testes, and may thus change the protein synthesis and metabolic pathways. Wolbachia infection induced not only an interaction of betaTub85D with Mst77F but also increase in phosphorylated Mst77F. These results suggest that Wolbachia WSP protein might play important roles in anchoring the endosymbiont to the host's cytoskeleton and consequently interfere the interactions among key proteins involved in spermatogenesis in the insect host testes, resulting in modified sperm.},
}
@article {pmid39713442,
year = {2024},
author = {Njogu, AK and Logozzo, F and Conner, WR and Shropshire, JD},
title = {Counting rare Wolbachia endosymbionts using digital droplet PCR.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39713442},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is the most widespread animal-associated intracellular microbe, living within the cells of over half of insect species. Since they can suppress pathogen replication and spread rapidly through insect populations, Wolbachia is at the vanguard of public health initiatives to control mosquito-borne diseases. Wolbachia's abilities to block pathogens and spread quickly are closely linked to their abundance in host tissues. The most common method for counting Wolbachia is quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), yet qPCR can be insufficient to count rare Wolbachia, necessitating tissue pooling and consequently compromising individual-level resolution of Wolbachia dynamics. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) offers superior sensitivity, enabling the detection of rare targets and eliminating the need for sample pooling. Here, we report three ddPCR assays to measure total Wolbachia abundance, Wolbachia abundance adjusted for DNA extraction efficiency, and Wolbachia density relative to host genome copies. Using Drosophila melanogaster with wMel Wolbachia as a model, we show these ddPCR assays can reliably detect as few as 7 to 12 Wolbachia gene copies in a 20 μL reaction. The designed oligos are homologous to sequences from at least 106 Wolbachia strains across Supergroup A and 53 host species from the Drosophila, Scaptomyza, and Zaprionus genera, suggesting broad utility. These highly sensitive ddPCR assays are expected to significantly advance Wolbachia-host interactions research by enabling the collection of molecular data from individual insect tissues. Their ability to detect rare Wolbachia will be especially valuable in applied and natural field settings where pooling samples could obscure important variation.},
}
@article {pmid39714143,
year = {2025},
author = {Mizutani, M and Koga, R and Fukatsu, T and Kakizawa, S},
title = {Complete genome of the mutualistic symbiont Buchnera aphidicola AIST from a Japanese strain of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {e0097324},
pmid = {39714143},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {JPMJER1902//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; JP23gm1610002//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)/ ; 18H02433, 26710015, 26106004,15KK0266//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 24K18102,22KJ318//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP17H06388//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
abstract = {The genome of Buchnera aphidicola National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), an obligate bacterial endosymbiont from a Japanese strain of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, was determined. The genome sequence provides valuable information for comparative and evolutionary aspects of the intimate insect-microbe mutualism.},
}
@article {pmid39717715,
year = {2024},
author = {Lai, CT and Hsiao, YT and Wu, LH},
title = {Evidence of horizontal transmission of Wolbachia wCcep in rice moths parasitized by Trichogramma chilonis and its persistence across generations.},
journal = {Frontiers in insect science},
volume = {4},
number = {},
pages = {1519986},
pmid = {39717715},
issn = {2673-8600},
abstract = {The horizontal transmission of endosymbionts between hosts and parasitoids plays a crucial role in biological control, yet its mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigates the dynamics of horizontal transfer of Wolbachia (wCcep) from the rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica, to its parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis. Through PCR detection and phylogenetic analysis, we demonstrated the presence of identical wCcep strains in both host and parasitoid populations, providing evidence for natural horizontal transmission. To investigate thoroughly, Wolbachia-free colonies were acquired through tetracycline treatment, and the initial density of wCcep in host eggs significantly influences transmission efficiency. High-density wCcep infections led to rapid transmission, with F1 parasitoid titers increasing by as much as 100-fold, while low-density infections exhibited more gradual increases. Additionally, without continuous exposure to infected hosts, wCcep density in T. chilonis diminished over generations. These findings enhance our understanding of Wolbachia's transfer dynamics and have important implications for developing effective and sustainable biological control strategies using parasitoid wasps, particularly in managing Wolbachia-related pest populations in agricultural systems.},
}
@article {pmid39718247,
year = {2025},
author = {Santos, PKF and de Souza Araujo, N and Françoso, E and Werren, JH and Kapheim, KM and Arias, MC},
title = {The genome of the solitary bee Tetrapedia diversipes (Hymenoptera, Apidae).},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39718247},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {001//Coordena&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Aperfei&#xe7;oamento de Pessoal de N&#xed;vel Superior/ ; 306932/2016-4//CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; 2013/12530-4//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo (FAPESP)/ ; DEB1257053//USNSF/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/genetics/microbiology ; *Genome, Insect ; Genomics/methods ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Phylogeny ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Wolbachia/genetics ; DNA Transposable Elements ; },
abstract = {Tetrapedia diversipes is a Neotropical solitary bee commonly found in trap-nests, known for its morphological adaptations for floral oil collection and prepupal diapause during the cold and dry season. Here, we present the genome assembly of T. diversipes (332 Mbp), comprising 2,575 scaffolds, with 15,028 predicted protein-coding genes. Repetitive elements constitute 38.68% of the genome, notably Class II transposable elements. An investigation into lateral gene transfers identified a low frequency (0.037%) of nuclear copies of mitochondrial DNA and 18 candidate regions from bacterial origins. Furthermore, the annotation of 3 scaffolds reveals the presence of the Wolbachia endosymbiont genome, confirming the infection by 2 strains in T. diversipes populations. This genome contributes valuable insights into Neotropical bee genomics, offering a resource for comparative studies and enhancing our understanding of the molecular basis of solitary bee adaptations and interactions.},
}
@article {pmid39729906,
year = {2025},
author = {Abdelghany, S and Simancas-Giraldo, SM and Zayed, A and Farag, MA},
title = {How does the coral microbiome mediate its natural host fitness under climate stress conditions? Physiological, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {204},
number = {},
pages = {106920},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106920},
pmid = {39729906},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {*Anthozoa/microbiology/physiology ; Animals ; *Microbiota/physiology ; *Climate Change ; Symbiosis ; Stress, Physiological ; Coral Reefs ; Heat-Shock Response ; },
abstract = {Although the symbiotic partnership between corals and algal endosymbionts has been extensively explored, interactions between corals, their algal endosymbionts and microbial associates are still less understood. Screening the response of natural microbial consortiums inside corals can aid in exploiting them as markers for dysbiosis interactions inside the coral holobiont. The coral microbiome includes archaea, bacteria, fungi, and viruses hypothesized to play a pivotal vital role in coral health and tolerance to heat stress condition via different physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms. The dynamic behaviour of microbial associates could denote their potential role in coral adaptation to future climate change, with microbiome shifts occurring independently as a response to thermal stress or as a response to host stress response. Associated adaptations include regulation of coral-algal-microbial interactions, expression of heat shock proteins, microbial composition changes, and accumulation of secondary metabolites to aid in sustaining the coral's overall homeostasis under ocean warming scenarios.},
}
@article {pmid39731680,
year = {2024},
author = {Romero, LE and Alvarenga, F and Binder, LC and Serpa, MCA and Muñoz-Leal, S and Labruna, MB},
title = {New records of ticks (Acari: Ixodida) and Rickettsia species in El Salvador.},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {94},
number = {1},
pages = {19},
pmid = {39731680},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {11220177//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Cient&#xed;fico y Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; El Salvador ; *Nymph/growth &amp; development/microbiology/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Animal Distribution ; Larva/microbiology/growth &amp; development/physiology ; },
abstract = {The tick fauna of El Salvador is currently represented by 10 species of hard ticks (family Ixodidae) and 2 species of soft ticks (family Argasidae). This study aimed to report new and additional records of ticks and rickettsiae in El Salvador. During 2019-2021, a total of 216 specimens of ticks were collected from eight host species (domestic and wild animals) and in the environment among 15 geographic localities of El Salvador. Combining morphological and molecular analyses, tick specimens were identified into the following 11 tick species: Amblyomma dissimile, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma mixtum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma cf. parvum, Amblyomma sabanerae, Amblyomma scutatum, Dermacentor panamensis, Ixodes boliviensis, Ornithodoros puertoricensis, and Otobius megnini. In addition, one free-living nymph was morphologically and molecularly identified as Ixodes sp., although closely related to Ixodes brunneus and Ixodes silvanus. Three rickettsial agents of the spotted fever group were identified: Rickettsia rhipicephali in D. panamensis; a Rickettsia endosymbiont in Ixodes boliviensis; and Rickettsia amblyommatis in A. cf. parvum. This study reports the first records of A. longirostre, D. panamensis, I. boliviensis, O. puertoricensis and O. megnini in El Salvador. In addition, the agents R. rhipicephali and Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont of I. boliviensis are also reported for the first time in the country. With the present study, the current tick fauna of El Salvador increases to 17 species, being 13 Ixodidae and 4 Argasidae, including the addition of one genus to each of these two families (Ixodes and Otobius, respectively).},
}
@article {pmid39733938,
year = {2025},
author = {Angelella, GM and Foutz, JJ and Galindo-Schuller, J},
title = {Wolbachia infection modifies phloem feeding behavior but not plant virus transmission by a hemipteran host.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {160},
number = {},
pages = {104746},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104746},
pmid = {39733938},
issn = {1879-1611},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology/virology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Feeding Behavior ; Phloem ; Plant Viruses/physiology ; Plant Diseases/virology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia-infected and uninfected subpopulations of beet leafhoppers, Circulifer tenellus (Baker) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), co-occur in the Columbia Basin region of Washington and Oregon. While facultative endosymbionts such as Hamiltonella defensa have demonstrably altered feeding/probing behavior in hemipteran hosts, the behavioral phenotypes conferred by Wolbachia to its insect hosts, including feeding/probing, are largely understudied. We studied the feeding/probing behavior of beet leafhoppers with and without Wolbachia using electropenetrography, along with corresponding inoculation rates of beet curly top virus, a phloem-limited plant pathogen vectored by beet leafhoppers. Insects carrying the virus with and without Wolbachia were individually recorded for four hours while interacting with a potato plant, and wavelengths annotated following established conventions. Virus inoculation rates and the duration of phloem salivation events did not vary. Wolbachia-infected insects more than tripled the duration of phloem ingestion, but despite this, Wolbachia infection was linked with marginally lower, not enhanced, acquisition. Regardless, results suggest potential for Wolbachia to increase the acquisition rate of other phloem-limited plant pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid39735838,
year = {2024},
author = {Mohammadi, A and Dalimi, A and Ghafarifar, F and Pirestani, M and Akbari, M},
title = {Molecular Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Endosymbiont in Acanthamoeba-Positive Samples in Laboratory Conditions and in the Hospital Environments.},
journal = {Iranian journal of parasitology},
volume = {19},
number = {4},
pages = {397-407},
pmid = {39735838},
issn = {1735-7020},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: We aimed to identity Helicobacter pylori endosymbiont in Acanthamoeba-positive samples in natural and laboratory conditions.<br><br>METHODS: Overall, 134 samples were collected from hospital environments. Microscopic and PCR test were used for detection of Acanthamoeba and H. pylori. The real-time PCR method was used to check the active presence of H. pylori within Acanthamoeba under natural conditions from hospital samples and in co-culture laboratory conditions.<br><br>RESULTS: The rate of contamination of hospital samples with Acanthamoeba was 44.7%. Out of 42 Acanthamoeba PCR-positive samples, 13 isolates (31%) were positive in terms of H. pylori endosymbiont according to sampling location. H. pylori is able to penetrate and enter the Acanthamoeba parasite.<br><br>CONCLUSION: H. pylori is able to contaminate Acanthamoeba in natural and laboratory conditions. The presence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba in various hospital environments and the hiding of Helicobacter as an endosymbiont inside it can pose a serious threat to the health of hospitalized patients.},
}
@article {pmid39736992,
year = {2024},
author = {Holkar, SK and Bhanbhane, VC and Ghotgalkar, PS and Markad, HN and Lodha, TD and Saha, S and Banerjee, K},
title = {Characterization and bioefficacy of grapevine bacterial endophytes against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose disease.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1502788},
pmid = {39736992},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), one of the economically important fruit crops cultivated worldwide, harbours diverse endophytic bacteria (EBs) responsible for managing various fungal diseases. Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) (Penz.) is one of the major constraints in quality grape production and therefore its management is a major concern among the grape growers.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the 50 EBs isolated from healthy leaf segments from the eight grapevine genotypes, biologically potential 20 EBs were purified and identified based on morphological, and biological characteristics and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA region. The antagonistic activities of EBs against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were studied in vitro conditions.<br><br>RESULTS: The colony morphologies of EBs are white and yellow-coloured colonies, circular to irregular in shape, and entire, and flat margins. Among the 20 purified EBs, 19 isolates were found to be Gram-positive except one i.e., MS2 isolate. The 12 isolates reduced nitrate and 14 isolates produced urease enzyme. The in vitro assay revealed that two isolates, SB4 and RF1, inhibited 56.1% and 55.6% mycelial growth of C. gloeosporioides, respectively. Further, the identity of EBs was confirmed through PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA region resulting in ~1400 bp size amplicons. The sequence analysis of representative 15 isolates revealed that 5 EB isolates viz., SB5, CS2, RG1, RF1, C1 were identified as Bacillus subtilis with >99% sequence identity, two EBs viz., SB3, and CS1 were identified as B. subtilis subsp. subtilis, two EBs viz., SB1, and CS4 were identified as B. licheniformis. The SB2 isolate was identified as Bacillus sp., whereas SB4 as Brevibacillus borstelensis, TH1 as B. velezensis, TH2 as B. tequilensis, CS3 as B. pumilus and MS1 as Micrococcus luteus were identified.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequence revealed eight distinct clades and showed the close clustering of identified species with the reference species retrieved from NCBI GenBank. The current investigation provides the scope for further field evaluations of these endophytic microbes for managing anthracnose disease.},
}
@article {pmid39738989,
year = {2024},
author = {Bassini-Silva, R and Calchi, AC and Castro-Santiago, AC and Marocco, JC and Dorigoni, L and de Quadros, RM and André, MR and Barros-Battesti, DM and Dowling, APG and Labruna, MB and Jacinavicius, FC},
title = {Molecular evidence of Wolbachia in bat-associated mite Periglischrus Iheringi Oudemans, 1902 (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae) from Brazil.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {49},
number = {1},
pages = {60},
pmid = {39738989},
issn = {1573-7446},
support = {2020/11755-6//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo/ ; 2020/07826-5//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo/ ; 2021/06758-9//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo/ ; 2022/05615-2//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo/ ; 2019/19853-0, 2024/01231-0//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo/ ; #303701/2021-8//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; #303802/2021-9//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; 402575/2021-0//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Brazil ; *Mites/microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Chiroptera/microbiology/parasitology ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an intracellular endosymbiont bacterium found in nematodes and arthopods. Regarding mites, the Wolbachia supergroup U has been described based on strains found in the genus Spinturnix. In this study, ten specimens of Periglischrus iheringi (Mesostigmata: Spinturnicidae), collected from Artibeus obscurus (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Santa Catarina State, were found to be infected with Wolbachia. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16 S rRNA gene revealed that the detected Wolbachia strain belongs to Supergroup F, which has also been detected in other ectoparasitic arthropods, such as Columbicola columbae (slender pigeon lice) and Cimex lectularius (bed bug). This study presents the first molecular detection of Wolbachia in P. iheringi.},
}
@article {pmid39745522,
year = {2025},
author = {Sabaneyeva, E and Kursacheva, E and Vizichkanich, G and Lebedev, D and Lebedeva, N},
title = {Rhodotorula mucilaginosa: a new potential human pathogen found in the ciliate Paramecium bursaria.},
journal = {Protoplasma},
volume = {262},
number = {3},
pages = {595-607},
pmid = {39745522},
issn = {1615-6102},
support = {103972122//Saint Petersburg State University/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhodotorula/pathogenicity/ultrastructure/physiology/genetics ; *Paramecium/microbiology/ultrastructure ; Humans ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Ciliates often form symbiotic associations with other microorganisms, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. We are now starting to rediscover the symbiotic systems recorded before molecular analysis became available. Here, we provide a morphological and molecular characterization of a symbiotic association between the ciliate Paramecium tritobursaria and the yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (syn. Rhodotorula rubra) isolated from a natural population. This symbiotic system demonstrates certain similarities with the symbiotic system formed by P. bursaria and its conventional endosymbionts, the zoochlorellae. Experimental infections of the endosymbiont-free P. tritobursaria and Paramecium deuterobursaria cell lines with R. mucilaginosa demonstrated that the yeast infectivity is concentration-dependent, with ciliates digesting part of the yeast cells. The endosymbiotic yeast may serve as a food reserve, providing starvation stress tolerance to the host. Since R. mucilaginosa is currently regarded as a pathogen causing opportunistic infections in immunocompromised humans, our finding gives further support to the vision that ciliates can harbor potential human pathogens and can be a vector for their dissemination.},
}
@article {pmid39749009,
year = {2023},
author = {Figueroa, LL and Sadd, BM and Tripodi, AD and Strange, JP and Colla, SR and Adams, LD and Duennes, MA and Evans, EC and Lehmann, DM and Moylett, H and Richardson, L and Smith, JW and Smith, TA and Spevak, EM and Inouye, DW},
title = {Endosymbionts that threaten commercially raised and wild bumble bees (Bombus spp.).},
journal = {Journal of pollination ecology},
volume = {33},
number = {},
pages = {14-36},
pmid = {39749009},
issn = {1920-7603},
support = {EPA999999/ImEPA/Intramural EPA/United States ; },
abstract = {Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are important pollinators for both wild and agriculturally managed plants. We give an overview of what is known about the diverse community of internal potentially deleterious bumble bee symbionts, including viruses, bacteria, protozoans, fungi, and nematodes, as well as methods for their detection, quantification, and control. We also provide information on assessment of risk for select bumble bee symbionts and highlight key knowledge gaps. This information is crucial for ongoing efforts to establish parasite- conscious programs for future commerce in bumble bees for crop pollination, and to mitigate the problems with pathogen spillover to wild populations.},
}
@article {pmid39769582,
year = {2024},
author = {Lan, Y and Li, J and Zhang, S and Qin, Q and Liu, D and Luo, C and Han, S and Wang, D and He, Y},
title = {Potential Involvement of Buchnera aphidicola (Enterobacteriales, Enterobacteriaceae) in Biotype Differentiation of Sitobion avenae (Hemiptera: Aphididae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39769582},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32102194//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; C2022204003//Hebei Natural Science Foundation for Young Scholars/ ; QN2024136//Science Research Project of Hebei Education Department/ ; KY2022045//Research Project of Basic Scientific Research Funding for Provincial Colleges and Universities in Hebei Province/ ; YJ2020051//Starting Scientific Research Foundation for the Introduced Talents of Hebei Agricultural University/ ; },
abstract = {Buchnera aphidicola, an obligate endosymbiont of most aphid species, can influence aphids' host adaptability through amino acid metabolism, potentially mediating biotype differentiation. However, its role in the biotype differentiation of Sitobion avenae remains unclear. To address this issue, six S. avenae biotypes were tested in this study. Buchnera abundance varied among biotypes fed on different wheat/barley varieties (i.e., Zhong 4 wumang, 186-TM12-34; Dulihuang, Zaoshu No.3, Xiyin No.2). The reduction in Buchnera abundance through antibiotic (rifampicin) treatment altered the virulence of five S. avenae biotypes. Based on transcriptome analysis, the differential expression of three genes (i.e., LeuB, TrpE, and IlvD) related to leucine, tryptophan, isoleucine, and valine metabolism was detected between different biotypes. Principal component analysis showed that leucine and tryptophan deficiencies most significantly impacted nymph development duration and aphid fecundity. Additionally, a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree indicated the genetic differentiation of Buchnera among different biotypes. These results suggest Buchnera-mediated amino acid metabolism is correlated with biotype differentiation in S. avenae, although the precise mechanisms by which Buchnera influences this differentiation require further investigation. This study can offer a theoretical basis for the development of resistant crops, leading to the sustainable control of this aphid and reduced reliance on chemical insecticides.},
}
@article {pmid39770648,
year = {2024},
author = {Chomicz, L and Szaflik, JP and Kuligowska, A and Conn, DB and Baltaza, W and Szostakowska, B and Zawadzki, PJ and Dybicz, M and Machalińska, A and Perkowski, K and Bajer, A and Szaflik, J},
title = {Concomitant Potentially Contagious Factors Detected in Poland and Regarding Acanthamoeba Strains, Etiological Agents of Keratitis in Humans.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39770648},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Diseases in humans caused by amphizoic amoebae that can result in visual impairment and even blindness, have recently been identified more frequently worldwide. Etiologically complex incidents of keratitis, including those connected with Acanthamoeba strains detected in Poland, were evaluated in this study.<br><br>METHODS: Corneal samples from cases resistant to antimicrobial therapy assessed for epidemiological, microbiological and parasitological aspects were investigated by phase-contrast microscope, slit lamp and by confocal microscopy. In vitro techniques were applied for detection of bacteria and fungi, and corneal isolates cultured under axenic condition using BSC medium-for detection of Acanthamoeba spp.; molecular techniques were applied for amoeba species identification.<br><br>RESULTS: Most etiologically complicated keratitis cases, detected in ~84% of incidents, was due to exposure of contact lenses to tap water or pool water; trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba, concomitant bacteriae, e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, fungi and microfilariae were identified in contact lens users.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: In samples from contact lens wearers where microbial keratitis is identified along with some connection with the patient's exposure to contaminated water environments, a risk of Acanthamoeba spp. infections should be considered. Understanding the complicated relationship between Acanthamoeba spp., co-occurring pathogens including associated endosymbionts is needed. In vivo confocal microscopy and in vitro cultivation were necessary to identify potentially contagious concomitant factors affecting the complex course of the keratitis.},
}
@article {pmid39770654,
year = {2024},
author = {Maldonado-Ruiz, P},
title = {The Tick Microbiome: The "Other Bacterial Players" in Tick Biocontrol.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39770654},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Hard ticks (family Ixodidae) are one of the most predominant arthropod disease vectors worldwide, second only to mosquitoes. In addition to harboring animal and human pathogens, ticks are known to carry a microbial community constituted of non-pathogenic organisms, which includes maternally inherited intracellular endosymbionts and other environmentally acquired extracellular microorganisms. These microbial communities, which include bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi-with often commensal, mutualistic, or parasitic associations with the tick-comprise the tick microbiome, bacteria being the most studied community. Many bacterial taxa frequently reported in ticks include soil, plant, and animal-associated microbes, suggesting many are environmentally acquired, including members with known entomopathogenic potential, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. It has been reported that microbial community composition can impact pathogen persistence, dissemination, and fitness in ticks. In the United States, Ixodes scapularis (northeast) and I. pacificus (west) are the predominant vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causal agent of Lyme disease. Amblyomma americanum is another important tick vector in the U.S. and is becoming an increasing concern as it is the leading cause of alpha-gal syndrome (AGS, or red meat allergy). This condition is caused by tick bites containing the galactose alpha 1,3 galactose (alpha-gal) epitope in their saliva. In this paper, we present a summary of the tick microbiome, including the endosymbiotic bacteria and the environmentally acquired (here referred to as the non-endosymbiotic community). We will focus on the non-endosymbiotic bacteria from Ixodes spp. and Amblyomma americanum and discuss their potential for novel biocontrol strategies.},
}
@article {pmid39770655,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, Y and Ye, Z and Lai, MC and Liu, CS and Paull, CK and Lin, S and Lai, SJ and You, YT and Wu, SY and Hung, CC and Ding, JY and Shih, CJ and Wu, YC and Zhao, J and Xiao, W and Wu, CH and Dong, G and Zhang, H and Qiu, W and Wang, S and Chen, SC},
title = {Microbial Communities in and Around the Siboglinid Tubeworms from the South Yungan East Ridge Cold Seep Offshore Southwestern Taiwan at the Northern South China Sea.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {12},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {39770655},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {99-5226904000-04-03//Ministry of Education, Taiwan, Republic of China under the ATU plan, the Central Geological Survey/ ; CMU110-N-31 and CMU113-MF-99//China Medical University/ ; MOST103/104/105/106/107-3113-M-005-001//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, Republic of China/ ; MOST106/107-3113-M-002-004//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, Republic of China/ ; NSTC 113-2320-B-039-016//National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan, Republic of China/ ; 2021J011119 and 2023J011018//Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province/ ; JAT200613/B202004 and JAT200646/B202037//the Educational and Scientific Research Program for Young and Middle-aged Instructor of Fujian province/ ; KC180079//New Century Outstanding Talent Support Program/ ; 2022H6035//Provincial University Industry Research Cooperation Project/ ; 19YG18; 20YG04; 20YG09; 22YG13//Fujian Sanming University Introduced High-Level Talents Research Start-Up Funding Project/ ; },
abstract = {To date, only a few microbial community studies of cold seeps at the South China Sea (SCS) have been reported. The cold seep dominated by tubeworms was discovered at South Yungan East Ridge (SYER) offshore southwestern Taiwan by miniROV. The tubeworms were identified and proposed as Paraescarpia formosa sp. nov. through morphological and phylogenetic analyses. The endosymbionts in the trunk of P. formosa analyzed by a 16S rRNA gene clone library represented only one phylotype, which belonged to the family Sedimenticolaceae in Gammaproteobacteria. In addition, the archaeal and bacterial communities in the habitat of tubeworm P. formosa were investigated by using high-phylogenetic-resolution full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The results showed that anerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME)-1b was most abundant and ANME-2ab was minor in a consortia of the anerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). The known sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) partners in AOM consortia, such as SEEP-SRB1, -SRB2, and -SRB4, Desulfococcus and Desulfobulbus, occurred in a small population (0-5.7%) at the SYER cold seep, and it was suggested that ANME-1b and ANME-2ab might be coupled with multiple SRB in AOM consortia. Besides AOM consortia, various methanogenic archaea, including Bathyarchaeota (Subgroup-8), Methanocellales, Methanomicrobiales, Methanosarcinales, Methanofastidiosales and Methanomassiliicoccales, were identified, and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas in phylum Epsilonbacteraeota were dominant. This study revealed the first investigation of microbiota in and around tubeworm P. formosa discovered at the SYER cold seep offshore southwestern Taiwan. We could gain insights into the chemosynthetic communities in the deep sea, especially regarding the cold seep ecosystems at the SCS.},
}
@article {pmid39803511,
year = {2024},
author = {Schulz, F and Yan, Y and Weiner, AKM and Ahsan, R and Katz, LA and Woyke, T},
title = {Protists as mediators of complex microbial and viral associations.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39803511},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R15 HG010409/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Microbial eukaryotes (aka protists) are known for their important roles in nutrient cycling across different ecosystems. However, the composition and function of protist-associated microbiomes remains largely elusive. Here, we employ cultivation-independent single-cell isolation and genome-resolved metagenomics to provide detailed insights into underexplored microbiomes and viromes of over 100 currently uncultivable ciliates and amoebae isolated from diverse environments. Our findings reveal unique microbiome compositions and hint at an intricate network of complex interactions and associations with bacterial symbionts and viruses. We observed stark differences between ciliates and amoebae in terms of microbiome and virome compositions, highlighting the specificity of protist-microbe interactions. Over 115 of the recovered microbial genomes were affiliated with known endosymbionts of eukaryotes, including diverse members of the Holosporales, Rickettsiales, Legionellales, Chlamydiae, Dependentiae , and more than 250 were affiliated with possible host-associated bacteria of the phylum Patescibacteria. We also identified more than 80 giant viruses belonging to diverse viral lineages, of which some were actively expressing genes in single cell transcriptomes, suggesting a possible association with the sampled protists. We also revealed a wide range of other viruses that were predicted to infect eukaryotes or host-associated bacteria. Our results provide further evidence that protists serve as mediators of complex microbial and viral associations, playing a critical role in ecological networks. The frequent co-occurrence of giant viruses and diverse microbial symbionts in our samples suggests multipartite associations, particularly among amoebae. Our study provides a preliminary assessment of the microbial diversity associated with lesser-known protist lineages and paves the way for a deeper understanding of protist ecology and their roles in environmental and human health.},
}
@article {pmid39812892,
year = {2025},
author = {Kerlin, JR and Barnas, DM and Silbiger, NJ},
title = {Conspecific interactions between corals mediate the effect of submarine groundwater discharge on coral physiology.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {207},
number = {1},
pages = {21},
pmid = {39812892},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {1924281//Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; 1637396//Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; *Groundwater ; Coral Reefs ; Symbiosis ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Land-based inputs, such as runoff, rivers, and submarine groundwater, can alter biologic processes on coral reefs. While the abiotic factors associated with land-based inputs have strong effects on corals, corals are also affected by biotic interactions, including other neighboring corals. The biologic responses of corals to changing environmental conditions and their neighbors are likely interactive; however, few studies address both biotic and abiotic interactions in concert. In a manipulative field experiment, we tested how the natural environmental gradient created by submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) affected holobiont and symbiont metabolic rates and endosymbiont physiology of Porites rus. We further tested how the effect of SGD on the coral was mediated by intra and interspecific interactions. SGD is a natural land-sea connection that delivers nutrients, inorganic carbon, and other solutes to coastal ecosystems worldwide. Our results show that a natural gradient of nutrient enrichment and pH variability as a result of acute SGD exposure generally benefited P. rus, increasing gross photosynthesis, respiration, endosymbiont densities, and chlorophyll a content. Conspecifics in direct contact with the a neighboring coral, however, altered the relationship between coral physiology and SGD, lowering the photosynthetic and respiration rates from expected values when the coral had no neighbor. We show that the response of corals to environmental change is dependent on the types of nearby neighbor corals and how neighbors alter the chemical or physical environment around the coral. Our study underscores the importance of considering biotic interactions when predicting the physiologic responses of corals to the environment.},
}
@article {pmid39823167,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, W and Yang, Q and Gill, A and Chirgwin, E and Gu, X and Joglekar, C and Umina, PA and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {A persistent bacterial Regiella transinfection in the bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi increasing host fitness and decreasing plant virus transmission.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {6},
pages = {2791-2799},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8642},
pmid = {39823167},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Hort Innovation/ ; //Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/virology/physiology ; *Plant Diseases/virology ; Luteovirus/physiology ; Symbiosis ; *Enterobacteriaceae/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, is a major pest of agriculture due to its ability to directly damage crops and transmit plant viruses. As industries move away from chemical pest control, there is interest in exploring new options to suppress the impact of this pest.<br><br>RESULTS: We describe the production of a transinfected line of R. padi carrying the bacterial endosymbiont, Regiella insecticola, originating from the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae. We show that Regiella increases the fitness of its novel host despite decreasing fitness in its native host. Regiella also shows a low level of horizontal transmission. Importantly the infection suppresses the ability of R. padi to transmit the barley yellow dwarf virus which damages wheat plants.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results suggest this Regiella transinfection could be released to suppress virus transmission by aphids with its ability to persist and spread in situations where damage from the virus exceeds that from direct feeding by the aphid. &#xa9; 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid39825256,
year = {2025},
author = {Köppen, K and Rydzewski, K and Zajac, J and Al-Senwi, M and Evcimen, S and Schulze, D and Jacob, D and Heuner, K},
title = {Detection of Francisellaceae and the differentiation of main European F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strains (Clades) by new designed qPCR assays.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {28},
pmid = {39825256},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {2522PAT006//Bundesministerium f&#xfc;r Gesundheit/ ; },
mesh = {*Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; Humans ; *Tularemia/microbiology/diagnosis ; Animals ; *Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; *Francisella tularensis/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Europe ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The zoonotic and highly infectious pathogen Francisella tularensis is the etiological agent of tularemia. Tularemia in humans is mainly caused by F. tularensis subspecies tularensis and holarctica, but Francisella species like F. novicida, F. philomiragia, F. hispaniensis and others are known to cause tularemia-like infections in immunocompromised humans. In addition to these Francisella species, further genera of the family Francisellaceae have been described, such as Allofrancisella, Parafrancisella and Pseudofrancisella, but less is known about the distribution and putative virulence of these genera. The methods currently available were not made for a fast and easy detection of all these strains and genera of Francisellaceae.<br><br>RESULTS: We developed a multiplex quantitative real-time PCR assay that can accurately detect all genera of Francisellaceae, including Francisella, Francisella-like endosymbionts, Allofrancisella, Parafrancisella and Pseudofrancisella. In addition, we developed a qPCR assay to differentiate the major clades (B.4, B.6 and B.12 [B.71 and B.72]) of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strains. Both primer sets were shown to work on isolated DNA out of human and tick samples.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Since the developed qPCRs are able to detect all genera of Francisellaceae tested, an easy and fast identification of opportunistic Francisella strains causing tularemia-like symptoms in humans or animals is possible now. The application of these qPCR assays will thus improve the capability for clinical diagnostics and molecular typing during epidemiological investigations.},
}
@article {pmid39835397,
year = {2025},
author = {Motta, MCM and Camelo, TM and Cerdeira, CMC and Gonçalves, CS and Borghesan, TC and Villalba-Alemán, E and de Souza, W and Teixeira, MMG and de Camargo, EFP},
title = {Phylogenetic and structural characterization of Kentomonas inusitatus n. sp.: Unique insect trypanosomatid of the Strigomonadinae subfamily naturally lacking bacterial endosymbiont.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {1},
pages = {e13083},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.13083},
pmid = {39835397},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {E-26/201.011/2021//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; 2016/07487-0//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo/ ; 305299/2022-0//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Trypanosomatina/classification/genetics/ultrastructure/microbiology/cytology ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; Brazil ; Uganda ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; },
abstract = {All insect trypanosomatids of the subfamily Strigomonadinae harbor a proteobacterial symbiont in their cytoplasm and unique ultrastructural cell organization. Here, we report an unexpected finding within the Strigomonadinae subfamily: the identification of a new species lacking bacterial symbiont, represented by two isolates obtained from Calliphoridae flies in Brazil and Uganda. This species is hereby designated as Kentomonas inusitatus n. sp. Molecular investigations targeting symbiont DNA, cell proliferation, and ultrastructural analyses agreed with the absence of bacterial symbionts in cultured flagellates. PCR-screening specifically targeting symbiont DNA corroborated the absence of symbionts in K. inusitatus present in the intestine of the respective host flies. K. inusitatus exhibited forms varying in size and shape. While displaying overall ultrastructural features of the Strigomonadinae, the novel species showed mitochondrial branches juxtaposed to the plasma membrane in locations both without and notable, with subpellicular microtubules. The discovery of the first Strigomonadinae species naturally lacking a symbiont and closely related to K. sorsogonicus, suggests a unique evolutionary history for the genus Kentomonas. Our findings provide novel insights into the complex relationships between trypanosomatids and their symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid39848650,
year = {2025},
author = {Hussain, MD and Farooq, T and Kamran, A and Basit, A and Wang, Y and Smagghe, G and Chen, X},
title = {Endosymbionts as hidden players in tripartite pathosystem of interactions and potential candidates for sustainable viral disease management.},
journal = {Critical reviews in biotechnology},
volume = {45},
number = {6},
pages = {1348-1370},
doi = {10.1080/07388551.2024.2449403},
pmid = {39848650},
issn = {1549-7801},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Plant Diseases/virology/prevention &amp; control/microbiology ; Plants/virology/microbiology ; Plant Viruses ; *Virus Diseases ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {The convoluted relationships between plants, viruses, and arthropod vectors housing bacterial endosymbionts are pivotal in the spread of harmful plant viral diseases. Endosymbionts play key roles in: manipulating host responses, influencing insect resistance to pesticides, shaping insect evolution, and bolstering virus acquisition, retention, and transmission. This interplay presents an innovative approach for developing sustainable strategies to manage plant diseases. Recent progress in targeting specific endosymbionts through genetic modifications, biotechnological advancements, and RNA interference shows potential for curbing viral spread and disease progression. Additionally, employing synthetic biology techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer endosymbionts and disrupt crucial interactions necessary for viral transmission in arthropod vectors holds promise for effective control measures. In this review, these obligate and facultative bacterial cruxes have been discussed to elaborate on their mechanistic involvement in the regulation and/or inhibition of tripartite pathways of interactions. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth understanding of endosymbionts' synergistic and antagonistic effects on: insect biology, plant immunity, and virus acquisition and transmission. Finally, we point out open questions for future research and provide research directions concerning the deployment of genetically engineered symbionts to affect plant-virus-vector interactions for sustainable disease management. By addressing existing knowledge gaps and charting future research paths, a deeper comprehension of the role of endosymbionts in plant-virus-vector interactions can pave the way for innovative and successful disease management strategies. The exploration of antiviral therapies, paratransgenesis, and pathogen-blocking tactics using engineered endosymbionts introduces pioneering solutions for lessening the impact of plant viral diseases and green pest management.},
}
@article {pmid39849922,
year = {2024},
author = {Yun, JH and Park, J and Xi, H and Nam, S and Lee, W and Kim, SK},
title = {Comprehensive Analysis of the Fourteen Complete Genome Sequences of Buchnera aphidicola Isolated from Aphis Species.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {35},
number = {},
pages = {e2409004},
pmid = {39849922},
issn = {1738-8872},
mesh = {*Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Animals ; Symbiosis ; *Buchnera/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; *Aphids/microbiology ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Base Composition ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts are important for insect species as they provide essential substances to the host. Due to the technical advance of NGS technology and de novo assemblers, many endosymbionts bacterial genomes are available now. Here, we analysed fourteen endosymbiont bacterial genomes of Aphis genius, one of notorious pest species. Fourteen genomes displayed the length between 628,098 bp to 634,931 bp; GC ratio was from 24.2 % to 25.6 % with no structural variation found. The nucleotide diversity distribution across the 14 endosymbiont genomes revealed three distinct regions, each separated by varying levels of nucleotide diversity. Intraspecific variations identified from endosymbiont bacterial genomes of the same host species revealed numbers of SNPs ranging from 31 (0.0049%) to 1,652 (0.26%) and those of INDELs ranging from 7 (21 bp; 0.0033%) to 104 (285 bp; 0.0045%). 250 unique SSRs, 28 different common SSR groups, and one different SSR group in two genomes were identified and used as a potential molecular marker to distinguish intraspecific population. Phylogenetic analysis further showed congruence between the endosymbiont bacterial genomes and the host species phylogeny, except Aphis nasturtii, Aphis helianth, and Aphis auranti, which require additional endosymbiont genomes for clarification. This comparative analysis result could serve as a cornerstone for understanding the relationship between host and endosymbiont species from a genomic perspective.},
}
@article {pmid39853489,
year = {2025},
author = {Aliyu, M and Salman, AA and Ibrahim, MA and Balogun, EO and Shuaibu, MN},
title = {Analysis of Possible Coexistence of Microsporidia, Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti in Anopheles gambiae s.l within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.},
journal = {Acta parasitologica},
volume = {70},
number = {1},
pages = {23},
pmid = {39853489},
issn = {1896-1851},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/parasitology/microbiology ; Nigeria/epidemiology ; *Plasmodium falciparum/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Wuchereria bancrofti/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Mosquito Vectors/parasitology/microbiology ; Coinfection ; *Microsporidia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Female ; Universities ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Anopheles gambiae is a vector of Plasmodium falciparum and Wuchereria bancrofti. Endosymbionts are reported to block development of various parasites in mosquitoes. Microsporidia was reported to affect the development of P. falciparum in mosquitoes. Data on such observation is limited in Nigeria.<br><br>METHODS: Therefore, the prevalence of Microsporidia and its coinfection with W. bancrofti and P. falciparum in An. gambiae s.l was studied within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.<br><br>RESULTS: Of the 912 mosquitoes sampled, 124 were An. gambiae s.l The midgut assessment of the Anopheles mosquitoes using light microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed a 12% prevalence of a mono microsporidia infection with no coinfection with either P. falciparum or W. bancrofti. Only 4.03% of the An. gambiae s.l. were found to be coinfected with P. falciparum and W. bancrofti while no mosquito harboured all the microorganisms CONCLUSION: This data further supports the potential of Microsporidia as an antagonist for the development of pathogens in mosquitoes.},
}
@article {pmid39859668,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramos, GS and Hayashida, R and Ikuno, PHP and Carvalho, VR and Hoback, WW and Oliveira, RC},
title = {Quality Assessment and Host Preference of Telenomus podisi (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) for Fresh and Cryopreserved Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Eggs.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39859668},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2018/02317//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo (FAPESP)/ ; 001//Coordena&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Aperfei&#xe7;oamento de Pessoal de N&#xed;vel Superior - Brasil (CAPES)/ ; 1019561//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (Hatch Project)/ ; },
abstract = {The development of the mass rearing technique for the egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi has been under study for about 20 years, with increasing attention on the development of quality control. Here, we evaluated the behavior, biological parameters, morphometrics and presence of endosymbionts of T. podisi produced in cryopreserved eggs compared to those produced in traditional fresh stink bug eggs. Parasitoids reared from cryopreserved eggs showed similar parasitism and emergence rates, sex ratios, longevity, morphometrics, and proportions of flyers compared to those originating from fresh eggs. Slight differences, including an increase in egg-to-adult development time and differences in the presence of endosymbionts, were observed. Despite these differences, we conclude that the use of cryopreserved eggs is suitable for T. podisi mass rearing, allowing more options for timed inundative parasitoid releases for biological control.},
}
@article {pmid39865396,
year = {2025},
author = {Haskett, TL and Cooke, L and Green, P and Poole, PS},
title = {Regulation of Rhizobial Nodulation Genes by Flavonoid-Independent NodD Supports Nitrogen-Fixing Symbioses With Legumes.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {e70014},
pmid = {39865396},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {RF-2019-100238//Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851/ ; BB/T006722/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Flavonoids/metabolism ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Pisum sativum/microbiology ; *Medicago truncatula/microbiology ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; *Rhizobium/genetics ; Plant Root Nodulation/genetics ; *Fabaceae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Rhizobia and legumes form a symbiotic relationship resulting in the formation of root structures known as nodules, where bacteria fix nitrogen. Legumes release flavonoids that are detected by the rhizobial nodulation (Nod) protein NodD, initiating the transcriptional activation of nod genes and subsequent synthesis of Nod Factors (NFs). NFs then induce various legume responses essential for this symbiosis. Although evidence suggests differential regulation of nodD expression and NF biosynthesis during symbiosis, the necessity of this regulation for the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules remains uncertain. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of the Rlv3841 NodD regulatory domain results in a constitutively active protein (NodDFI) capable of activating NF biosynthesis gene expression without the presence of flavonoids. Optimised constitutive expression of nodDFI or nodD3 in nodD null mutants led to wild-type levels of nodulation and nitrogen fixation in pea and M. truncatula, respectively, indicating that flavonoid-regulated nodD expression is not essential for supporting symbiosis. These findings illustrate that transcriptional control of flavonoid-independent NodD regulators can be employed to drive NF biosynthesis, which holds potential for engineering symbiosis between rhizobia and cereals equipped with reconstituted NF receptors.},
}
@article {pmid39868566,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiménez-Leiva, A and Juárez-Martos, RA and Cabrera, JJ and Torres, MJ and Mesa, S and Delgado, MJ},
title = {Dual Oxygen-Responsive Control by RegSR of Nitric Oxide Reduction in the Soybean Endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens.},
journal = {Antioxidants &amp; redox signaling},
volume = {42},
number = {7-9},
pages = {408-420},
doi = {10.1089/ars.2024.0710},
pmid = {39868566},
issn = {1557-7716},
mesh = {*Bradyrhizobium/metabolism/genetics/physiology ; *Nitric Oxide/metabolism ; *Glycine max/microbiology/metabolism ; *Oxygen/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Oxidoreductases/metabolism/genetics ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; },
abstract = {Aims: To investigate the role of the RegSR-NifA regulatory cascade in the oxygen control of nitric oxide (NO) reduction in the soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens. Results: We have performed an integrated study of norCBQD expression and NO reductase activity in regR, regS1, regS2, regS1/2, and nifA mutants in response to microoxia (2% O2) or anoxia. An activating role of RegR and NifA was observed under anoxia. In contrast, under microaerobic conditions, RegR acts as a repressor by binding to a RegR box located between the -10 and -35 regions within the norCBQD promoter. In addition, both RegS1 and RegS2 sensors cooperated with RegR in repressing norCBQD genes. Innovation: NO is a reactive gas that, at high levels, acts as a potent inhibitor of symbiotic nitrogen fixation. In this paper, we report new insights into the regulation of NO reductase, the major enzyme involved in NO removal in rhizobia. This knowledge will be crucial for the development of new strategies and management practices in agriculture, in particular, for improving legume production. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate, for the first time, a dual control of the RegSR two-component regulatory system on norCBQD genes control in response to oxygen levels. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 42, 408-420.},
}
@article {pmid39868642,
year = {2025},
author = {Packer, JA and Zavadska, D and Weston, EJ and Eglit, Y and Richter, DJ and Simpson, AGB},
title = {Characterization of Allobodo yubaba sp. nov. and Novijibodo darinka gen. et sp. nov., cultivable free-living species of the phylogenetically enigmatic kinetoplastid taxon Allobodonidae.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {1},
pages = {e13072},
pmid = {39868642},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {298366-2019//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; QC2021-007134-P//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci&#xf3;n/ ; //NextGenerationEU/ ; 949745//H2020 European Research Council/ ; 2021 SGR 00751//Generalitat de Catalunya/ ; },
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Kinetoplastida/classification/genetics/ultrastructure/isolation &amp; purification ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Kinetoplastids are a large and diverse protist group, spanning ecologically important free-living forms to medically important parasites. The taxon Allobodonidae holds an unresolved position within kinetoplastids, and the sole described species, Allobodo chlorophagus, is uncultivated, being a necrotroph/parasite of macroalgae. Here we describe Allobodo yubaba sp. nov. and Novijibodo darinka gen. nov. et sp. nov., both free-living bacterivores isolated into monoeukaryotic cultures. Electron microscopy shows that both A. yubaba and N. darinka have a microtubular prism in the feeding apparatus (absent in A. chlorophagus), and an ovoid eukinetoplast, rather than pan-kDNA as in A. chlorophagus. Phylogenetic analyses of SSU rDNA sequences robustly place A. yubaba as the sister to A. chlorophagus, while N. darinka branches separately within Allobodonidae, as a sister group of undescribed freshwater isolates. We view Allobodonidae as containing at least four genus-level clades: Allobodo (A. chlorophagus and A. yubaba n. sp.), an undescribed fresh-water clade, an undescribed marine clade, and now Novijibodo-with N. darinka as its sole known member. Electron microscopy also revealed a rod-shaped gram-negative bacterial cytoplasmic endosymbiont in our N. darinka isolate. The availability of these species in monoeukaryotic culture should facilitate future research, including resolving the position of Allobodonidae using phylogenomic approaches.},
}
@article {pmid39873136,
year = {2024},
author = {Barzilay, D and Alcino, JPB and Ribeiro, GM and Sousa, ALP and Lahr, DJG},
title = {Re-evaluating evidence for giant genomes in amoebae.},
journal = {Genetics and molecular biology},
volume = {47Suppl 1},
number = {Suppl 1},
pages = {e20240092},
pmid = {39873136},
issn = {1415-4757},
abstract = {Here we reassess available evidence for the long-held misconception of amoebae possessing exceptionally large genomes. Traditionally, estimates relied on inaccurate methods like DNA weight measurements, leading to inflated sizes. These methods failed to account for contaminating DNA from prey, endosymbionts, and intrinsic genomic features like ribosomal operon amplification. Modern sequencing techniques unveil a different picture. Fully sequenced amoebozoa genomes range from 14.4 to 52.37 mega basepairs, well within the typical single-celled eukaryote expectation. While the whole genome of the historically relevant Amoeba proteus has not yet been fully sequenced, we provide here a statistical analysis using protein-coding genes from transcriptomic data, suggesting that the genome size is consistent with this range, far smaller than previously claimed. The misconception likely originated in the early 21st century and perpetuated through popular science materials. We conclude that there is no longer reason to reaffirm that amoeba genomes are giant.},
}
@article {pmid39874143,
year = {2025},
author = {Leung, K and Beukeboom, LW and Zwaan, BJ},
title = {Inbreeding and Outbreeding Depression in Wild and Captive Insect Populations.},
journal = {Annual review of entomology},
volume = {70},
number = {1},
pages = {271-292},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-022924-020221},
pmid = {39874143},
issn = {1545-4487},
mesh = {Animals ; *Inbreeding ; *Insecta/genetics/physiology ; Genetic Variation ; *Inbreeding Depression ; },
abstract = {Major changes in genetic variation are generally considered deleterious to populations. The massive biodiversity of insects distinguishes them from other animal groups. Insect deviant effective population sizes, alternative modes of reproduction, advantageous inbreeding, endosymbionts, and other factors translate to highly specific inbreeding and outbreeding outcomes. We review the evidence for inbreeding and outbreeding depression and consequences across wild and captive insect populations, highlighting conservation, invasion, and commercial production entomology. We not only discern patterns but also explain why they are often inconsistent or absent. We discuss how insect inbreeding and outbreeding depression operates in complex, sometimes contradictory directions, such as inbreeding being detrimental to individuals but beneficial to populations. We conclude by giving recommendations to (a) more comprehensively account for important variables in insect inbreeding and outbreeding depression, (b) standardize the means of measuring genetic variation and phenotypic impacts for insect populations so as to more reliably predict when inbreeding or outbreeding depression applies, and (c) outline possible remediation options, both nongenetic and genetic, including revision of restrictive international trade laws.},
}
@article {pmid39874904,
year = {2025},
author = {Gürelli, G and Kesbiç, FI},
title = {Morphology and phylogeny of Pararaabena dentata Wolska, 1968 and further insights into the molecular evolution of trichostome ciliates (Ciliophora, Litostomatea).},
journal = {European journal of protistology},
volume = {97},
number = {},
pages = {126133},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejop.2025.126133},
pmid = {39874904},
issn = {1618-0429},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Ciliophora/genetics/classification/ultrastructure/cytology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Animals ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {The morphology and phylogenetic position of a trichostome ciliate, Pararaabena dentata, isolated from the intestine of an Asian elephant (Elaphas maximus) in Gaziantep Zoo, Turkey, were studied using pyridinated silver carbonate impregnation, scanning electron microscopy, and the 18S rRNA gene. Pararaabena dentata clustered together with Raabena bella and both taxa were phylogenetically not related to members of the family Blepharocorythidae, as expected in the past. Phylogenetic trees indicated that amphibian intestinal ciliates represented by Balantidium grimi, B. duodeni, and B. entozoon are basal to all other trichostome ciliates, causing the family Balantidiidae to be polyphyletic. The molecular evolution of the subclass Trichostomatia is thoroughly discussed.},
}
@article {pmid39888481,
year = {2025},
author = {Yao, RK and Gomgnimbou, MK and Coulibaly, IZ and Essoh, CY and Traoré, I and Amara, MF and Ako, BA and Diabate, A and Bilgo, E},
title = {Molecular detection of Wolbachia sp. and Cytoplasmic incompatibility factors (CifA/B) in wild caught mosquitoes in Côte d'Ivoire.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {181},
pmid = {39888481},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {ref/letter acceptation CEA/ITECH-MTV du 04/02/2021 &#xe0; YAO R. Karlhis//CEA/ITECH-MTV/ ; ref/letter acceptation CEA/ITECH-MTV du 04/02/2021 &#xe0; AMARA Miriam F&#xe9;licit&#xe9;//CEA/ITECH-MTV/ ; 218771/Z/19/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Cote d'Ivoire ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/genetics ; *Culicidae/microbiology/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Cytoplasm/genetics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is an endosymbiont bacterium known to stimulate host immunity against arboviruses and protozoa. Côte d'Ivoire is in a malaria-endemic region, and has experienced several dengue epidemics in recent decades as well. In order to help reduce the transmission of pathogens by mosquito vectors, we studied the prevalence of Wolbachia and the distribution of Cytoplasmic incompatibility factors (Cif) genes in different mosquito species caught in the wild in Cote d'Ivoire.<br><br>METHODS AND RESULTS: Mosquitoes of the genera Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, Eretmapodites and Mansonia were captured in five cities. Mosquitoes were collected at larval stage in breeding sites and adults were captured using BG sentinel traps. The mosquitoes were identified morphologically and Wolbachia and Cif were screened using qPCR targeting the 16s rRNA gene and the CifA, B genes. A total of 518 mosquito samples belonging to 15 species and 4 genera were examined. 60% of the species were infected with Wolbachia. The three medically important mosquito species Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Culex quinquefasciatus had a prevalence of 12.84%, 13.46% and 72.64% respectively. The Wolbachia strains infecting the different mosquito species of the genus Culex encoded 98.46% for the CifA gene and 77.69% for the CifB gene.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The presence of Wolbachia and CifA, B genes in mosquitoes of different species in C&#xf4;te d'Ivoire offer a promising opportunity to reduce the competence of mosquito vectors. Characterization of Wolbachia strains and cytoplasmic incompatibility factors will provide a better understanding of these endosymbionts, enabling the development of vector control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid39888974,
year = {2025},
author = {Awuoche, EO and Smallenberger, G and Bruzzese, DL and Orfano, A and Weiss, BL and Aksoy, S},
title = {Spiroplasma endosymbiont reduction of host lipid synthesis and Stomoxyn-like peptide contribute to trypanosome resistance in the tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {e1012692},
pmid = {39888974},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R21 AI163969/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI158805/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI051584/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI139525/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI068932/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Tsetse Flies/microbiology/parasitology/metabolism/immunology ; *Spiroplasma/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Lipids/biosynthesis ; Trypanosoma ; Insect Vectors/microbiology/parasitology ; *Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Trypanosomiasis, African/transmission/parasitology ; Disease Resistance ; },
abstract = {Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) vector African trypanosomes that cause devastating diseases in humans and domestic animals. Within the Glossina genus, species in the Palpalis subgroup exhibit greater resistance to trypanosome infections compared to those in the Morsitans subgroup. Varying microbiota composition and species-specific genetic traits can significantly influence the efficiency of parasite transmission. Notably, infections with the endosymbiotic bacterium Spiroplasma have been documented in several Palpalis subgroup species, including Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (Gff). While Spiroplasma infections in Gff are known to hinder trypanosome transmission, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To investigate Spiroplasma-mediated factors affecting Gff vector competence, we conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing of the gut tissue along with functional assays. Our findings reveal elevated oxidative stress in the gut environment in the presence of Spiroplasma, evidenced by increased expression of nitric oxide synthase, which catalyzes the production of trypanocidal nitric oxide. Additionally, we observed impaired lipid biosynthesis leading to a reduction of this important class of nutrients essential for parasite and host physiologies. In contrast, trypanosome infections in Gff's midgut significantly upregulated various immunity-related genes, including a small peptide, Stomoxyn-like, homologous to Stomoxyn first discovered in the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans. We observed that the Stomoxyn-like locus is exclusive to the genomes of Palpalis subgroup tsetse species. GffStomoxyn is constitutively expressed in the cardia (proventriculus) and synthetic GffStomoxyn exhibits potent activity against Escherichia coli and bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei parasites, while showing no effect against insect stage procyclic forms or tsetse's commensal endosymbiont Sodalis in vitro. Reducing GffStomoxyn levels significantly increased trypanosome infection prevalence, indicating its potential trypanocidal role in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that the enhanced resistance to trypanosomes observed in Spiroplasma-infected Gff may be due to the reduced lipid availability necessary for parasite metabolic maintenance. Furthermore, GffStomoxyn could play a crucial role in the initial immune response(s) against mammalian parasites early in the infection process in the gut and prevent gut colonization. We discuss the molecular characteristics of GffStomoxyn, its spatial and temporal expression regulation and its microbicidal activity against Trypanosome parasites. Our findings reinforce the nutritional influences of microbiota on host physiology and host-pathogen dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid39892716,
year = {2025},
author = {Dudzic, JP and McPherson, AE and Taylor, KE and Eben, A and Abram, PK and Perlman, SJ},
title = {Candidate DNA and RNA viruses of Drosophila suzukii from Canada and Germany, and their interactions with Wolbachia.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {209},
number = {},
pages = {108274},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108274},
pmid = {39892716},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Drosophila/virology/microbiology ; *RNA Viruses/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *DNA Viruses/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Germany ; Virome ; British Columbia ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Some species of insects harbour strains of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia that do not cause obvious reproductive manipulations, and so it is unclear why they persist in host populations. There is some evidence that some of these endosymbionts may provide their hosts with protection against viruses, which would help to explain their persistence, but few studies have explored associations between Wolbachia and naturally occurring, common viruses in natural populations. Here, we asked whether individuals of the invasive vinegar fly Drosophila suzukii infected with the wSuz strain of Wolbachia were less likely to be infected by naturally occurring viruses in its invaded range, in western North America and in Europe. First, using next-generation sequencing, we conducted a virome survey of adult and larval D. suzukii in British Columbia, Canada, finding eight candidate RNA viruses and two candidate DNA viruses; all but one have not been reported previously. Only the previously described Teise virus, an RNA virus, was abundant in our virome survey. We then screened individual flies from British Columbia and Germany for Teise virus and Wolbachia. Wolbachia-infected D. suzukii from the field were not less likely to be infected by Teise virus. Overall, our results do not provide conclusive evidence that wSuz provides strong protection for D. suzukii against viruses that are common in natural populations. However, the other viruses that we discovered in this study deserve further characterization in terms of their pathogenicity to D. suzukii and the frequency and dynamics of infection in wild populations.},
}
@article {pmid39895309,
year = {2025},
author = {Kelly, JB and Carlson, DE and Reuter, M and Sommershof, A and Adamec, L and Becks, L},
title = {Genomic Signatures of Adaptation to Stress Reveal Shared Evolutionary Trends Between Tetrahymena utriculariae and Its Algal Endosymbiont, Micractinium tetrahymenae.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {42},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39895309},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Tetrahymena/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Biological Evolution ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Stress, Physiological/genetics ; },
abstract = {The evolution of intracellular endosymbiosis marks a major transition in the biology of the host and endosymbiont. Yet, how adaptation manifests in the genomes of the participants remains relatively understudied. We investigated this question by sequencing the genomes of Tetrahymena utriculariae, a commensal of the aquatic carnivorous bladderwort Utricularia reflexa, and its intracellular algae, Micractinium tetrahymenae. We discovered an expansion in copy number and negative selection in a TLD domain-bearing gene family in the genome of T. utriculariae, identifying it as a candidate for being an adaptive response to oxidative stress resulting from the physiology of its endosymbionts. We found that the M. tetrahymenae genome is larger than those of other Micractinium and Chlorella and contains a greater number of rapidly expanding orthogroups. These were enriched for Gene Ontology terms relevant to the regulation of intracellular signal transduction and cellular responses to stress and stimulus. Single-exon tandem repeats were overrepresented in paralogs belonging to these rapidly expanding orthogroups, which implicates long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTRs) as potential agents of adaptation. We additionally performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of M. tetrahymenae in a free-living state and in endosymbiosis with T. utriculariae and discovered that the genes that are differentially expressed were enriched for pathways that evidence shifts in energy generation and storage and in cellular protection strategies. Together, our results elucidate the axes along which the participants must adapt in this young endosymbiosis and highlight evolutionary responses to stress as a shared trend.},
}
@article {pmid39896488,
year = {2025},
author = {Chappell, L and Peguero, R and Conner, WR and Fowler, S and Cooper, B and Pfarr, K and Hoerauf, A and Lustigman, S and Sakanari, J and Sullivan, W},
title = {Fexinidazole and Corallopyronin A target Wolbachia-infected sheath cells present in filarial nematodes.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39896488},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The discovery of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia as an obligate symbiont of filarial nematodes has led to antibiotic-based treatments for filarial diseases. While lab and clinical studies have yielded promising results, recent animal studies reveal that Wolbachia levels may rebound following treatment with suboptimal doses of the antibiotic rifampicin. Previous work showed that a likely source of the bacterial rebound in females were dense clusters of Wolbachia in ovarian tissue. The number, size, and density of these Wolbachia clusters were not diminished despite antibiotic treatment. Here we define the cellular characteristics of the Wolbachia clusters in Brugia pahangi (wBp) and identify drugs that also target them. We have evidence that the Wolbachia clusters originate from newly formed sheath cells adjacent to the ovarian Distal Tip Cells. The dramatically enlarged volume of an infected sheath cell is strikingly similar to endosymbiont-induced bacteriocytes found in many insect species. Ultrastructural analysis reveals that the clustered Wolbachia present within the sheath cells exhibit a distinct morphology and form direct connections with the oocyte membrane and possibly the cytoplasm. This includes membrane-based channels providing a connection between Wolbachia-infected sheath cells and oocytes. We also determined that the Wolbachia within the sheath cells are either quiescent or replicating at a very low rate. Screens of known antibiotics and other drugs revealed that two drugs, Fexinidazole and Corallopyronin A, significantly reduced the number of clustered Wolbachia located within the sheath cells.},
}
@article {pmid39904308,
year = {2025},
author = {Whiteman, NK},
title = {Insect herbivory: An inordinate fondness for plant cell wall degrading enzymes.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {R107-R109},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2024.12.045},
pmid = {39904308},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; *Herbivory/physiology ; *Cell Wall/metabolism/enzymology ; *Coleoptera/physiology/enzymology/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; },
abstract = {Tens of thousands of species of leaf beetles rely on plant cell wall degrading enzymes in order to make the most of nutritionally depauperate plant tissues. Many of the genes encoding these enzymes were acquired from microbial donors, either through horizontal gene transfer or by hosting microbial endosymbionts. A new study explores how these insects have leveraged this metabolic potential to diversify and expand into new niches.},
}
@article {pmid39906587,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, P and Bruijning, M and Carver, GD and Donia, MS and Metcalf, CJE},
title = {Characterizing the evolution of defense in a tripartite marine symbiosis using adaptive dynamics.},
journal = {Evolution letters},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {105-114},
pmid = {39906587},
issn = {2056-3744},
abstract = {The evolution and maintenance of symbiotic systems remains a fascinating puzzle. While the coevolutionary dynamics of bipartite (host-symbiont) systems are well-studied, the dynamics of more complex systems have only recently garnered attention with increasing technological advances. We model a tripartite system inspired by the marine symbiotic relationship between the alga Bryopsis sp., its intracellular defensive bacterial symbiont "Candidatus Endobryopsis kahalalidifaciens," which produces a toxin that protects the alga against fish herbivores, and the sea-slug Elysia rufescens (Zan et al., 2019), which is not deterred by the toxin. We disentangle the role of selection on different actors within this system by investigating evolutionary scenarios where defense evolves as (i) a host-controlled trait that reduces algal reproductive ability; (ii) a symbiont-controlled trait that impacts symbiont transmission; and (iii) a trait jointly controlled by both host and symbiont. Optimal investment in defensive toxins varies based on the characteristics of the host, symbiont, and sea slug; and evolutionary trajectories are modulated by trade-off shape, i.e., a strongly decelerating trade-off between defense and symbiont transmission can drive symbiont diversification via evolutionary branching. Increasing slug herbivory reduces host investment in defense to favor reproduction, while symbiont investment in defense first declines and then increases as host density declines to the degree that horizontal symbiont transmission is no longer beneficial. Increasing vertical transmission selects for reduced defense by the host when it evolves as a jointly controlled trait, as a result of investment by the symbiont. Our theoretical exploration of the evolution of defensive symbiosis in scenarios involving interactions with multiple herbivores provides a first window into the origin and maintenance of the Bryopsis sp. system, and adds another piece to the puzzle of the evolution of symbiotic systems.},
}
@article {pmid39909190,
year = {2025},
author = {Carbonara, M and Perles, L and Venco, L and Gabrielli, S and Barrs, VR and Miró, G and Papadopoulos, E and Lima, C and Bouhsira, E and Baneth, G and Pantchev, N and Iatta, R and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Decaro, N and Schunack, B and Benelli, G and Otranto, D},
title = {Dirofilaria spp. infection in cats from the Mediterranean basin: diagnosis and epidemiology.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology},
volume = {55},
number = {6},
pages = {317-325},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2025.01.011},
pmid = {39909190},
issn = {1879-0135},
mesh = {Animals ; Cats ; *Dirofilariasis/epidemiology/diagnosis/parasitology ; *Cat Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology/diagnosis ; Dirofilaria immitis/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/immunology ; Female ; Mediterranean Region/epidemiology ; Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Male ; Dirofilaria repens/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/immunology ; Antibodies, Helminth/blood ; Risk Factors ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Coinfection/veterinary/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, causing heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively, are zoonotic mosquito-borne filarioids infecting a plethora of hosts including cats. Only fragmented data are available on the diagnosis and epidemiology of feline dirofilariosis. We assessed the occurrence of both nematode infections, their risk factors and clinicopathological abnormalities in cats, from six countries of the Mediterranean Basin. In addition, Wolbachia spp. endosymbionts were assessed in Dirofilaria spp.-positive animals. Blood and sera samples were obtained from cats with outdoor access from Spain (n = 354), Portugal (n = 287), Italy (n = 125), Greece (n = 116), Israel (n = 101) and France (n = 100). Cat sera were tested by both direct antigenic (SNAP test, commercial ELISA kit) and indirect antibodies (in-house ELISA) serological tools, and blood samples by real time and conventional PCR targeting Dirofilaria spp. DNA, followed by sequencing. A statistical analysis was run to assess the link between Dirofilaria spp. infection and independent variables, as well as among feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and/or feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) co-infections, and clinicopathological abnormalities. Overall, 3.8% (i.e., 41/1,083) cats scored positive for Dirofilaria spp. infection with prevalences ranging from 2% in Israel to 7.8% in Greece. Of the 41 positive cats, 16 were infected by D. immitis (by SNAP test and/or PCR) and two by D. repens (by PCR); the remaining animals were antibody-positive for Dirofilaria spp. using the in-house ELISA. Wolbachia DNA was detected in one D. immitis-infected cat. Nematode positivity was significantly associated with age, breed, hyporexia, dandruff, and dyspnoea. This study provides data on the prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. infection in cats from the Mediterranean Basin, as well as new insights on its diagnosis, revealing the importance of performing strategic chemoprophylactic treatments for cats living in areas where the infection is endemic in dogs.},
}
@article {pmid39914231,
year = {2025},
author = {Páez-Triana, L and Martinez, D and Patiño, LH and Muñoz, M and Sandoval-Ramírez, CM and Pinilla León, JC and Ramirez, JD},
title = {Exploring endosymbionts and pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis with Oxford Nanopore Technology.},
journal = {Research in veterinary science},
volume = {185},
number = {},
pages = {105562},
doi = {10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105562},
pmid = {39914231},
issn = {1532-2661},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Ctenocephalides/microbiology ; Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Colombia ; Nanopores ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Fleas and ticks play a crucial role in public health as vectors of multiple diseases affecting humans and animals. Several rickettsial pathogens and endosymbionts are transmitted by fleas and ticks. Therefore, understanding this group of microorganisms is essential for fully grasping the spectrum of pathogens transmitted by vectors and the interactions between endosymbiotic microorganisms and their hosts. This study evaluated the presence and diversity of Rickettsiales species in fleas and ticks collected from the Santander department in Colombia. For the methodology a 16S gene amplification approach through Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis was used. Our findings revealed the presence of multiple pathogenic and endosymbiotic microorganisms, particularly from the Rickettsia and Wolbachia groups. We observed a clear association between Rickettsia species and ticks, while Wolbachia was predominantly found in fleas. Additionally, other important microorganisms were identified, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia conorii, and different strains of Wolbachia that serve as endosymbionts in various arthropods. These results underscore the importance of fleas and ticks in the transmission of both pathogenic and endosymbiotic microorganisms. The distinct patterns of association between specific pathogens and vectors provide insight into their transmission dynamics. Identifying pathogens such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Rickettsia conorii further highlights the need for continued research into vector-borne diseases in Colombia. Understanding the interactions between endosymbionts and pathogenic microorganisms in these vectors could lead to the development of more effective strategies for controlling diseases transmitted by fleas and ticks.},
}
@article {pmid39922935,
year = {2025},
author = {Das, BK and Gadnayak, A and Chakraborty, HJ and Pradhan, SP and Raut, SS and Das, SK},
title = {Exploring microbial players for metagenomic profiling of carbon cycling bacteria in sundarban mangrove soils.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {4784},
pmid = {39922935},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Metagenomics/methods ; *Wetlands ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Bacteria/genetics/metabolism/classification ; *Carbon Cycle ; Metagenome ; Microbiota ; Carbon/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The Sundarbans, the world's largest tidal mangrove forest, acts as a crucial ecosystem for production, conservation, and the cycling of carbon and nitrogen. The study explored the hypothesis that microbial communities in mangrove ecosystems exhibit unique taxonomic and functional traits that play a vital part in carbon cycling and ecosystem resilience. Using metagenomic analysis to evaluate microbial communities in mangrove and non-mangrove environment, evaluating their composition, functional functions, and ecological relevance. The analysis revealed distinct microbial profiles, in mangrove and non-mangrove environments, with bacteria, proteobacteria, and viruses being the most prevalent groups, with varying abundances in each environment. Functional and taxonomical analysis identified genes involved in carbon regulation, including Triacylglycerol lipase, NarG, DsrB, DNA-binding transcriptional dual regulator CRP, Vanillate O-demethylase oxygenase, succinate-CoA ligase, Tetrahydrofolate ligase, Carboxylase, Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, Glycine hydroxymethyltransferase, MAG: urease, Endosymbiont of Oligobrachia haakonmosbiensis, Ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase, Aconitate hydratase AcnA, and nitrous oxide reductase, suggesting the metabolic versatility of these microbial communities for carbon cycling. The findings emphasize the key role of microbial activity in preserving mangrove ecosystem health and resilience, highlighting the intricate interplay between microbial diversity, functional capabilities, and environmental factors.},
}
@article {pmid39931814,
year = {2025},
author = {Lintnerova, E and Shaw, C and Keys, M and Brownlee, C and Modepalli, V},
title = {Plant-like heliotropism in a photosymbiotic animal.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {228},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.247651},
pmid = {39931814},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {//Marine Biological Association/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Sea Anemones/physiology/radiation effects ; *Photosynthesis ; Sunlight ; *Phototropism ; Oxygen/metabolism ; },
abstract = {As in plants, photosynthesis also represents a key energy source in photosymbiotic cnidarians bearing microalgae. We observed that the cnidarian sea anemone Anemonia viridis, commonly known as the snakelocks anemone, displayed heliotropism or solar tracking in their natural habitats. When exposed to sunlight, A. viridis point their tentacles towards the sun while remaining sessile, facing east at dawn and west at dusk as they track the sun's relative position through the day. This phenomenon was previously only observed in plants. Solar tracking movements in A. viridis are driven by peak wavelengths that prompt photosynthesis in their endosymbionts. The heliotropic response was absent in both bleached (aposymbiotic) A. viridis and in symbiotic A. viridis with chemically inhibited photosynthesis. We revealed a direct correlation between heliotropism and symbiont oxygen production in A. viridis and showed how photosymbiotic A. viridis utilises this mechanism to modulate exposure to solar irradiation. Our study exemplifies how photosynthetic organisms such as plants and symbiotic sea anemones, display similar behaviour in response to similar environmental pressures.},
}
@article {pmid39934832,
year = {2025},
author = {Perlmutter, JI and Atadurdyyeva, A and Schedl, ME and Unckless, RL},
title = {Wolbachia enhances the survival of Drosophila infected with fungal pathogens.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {42},
pmid = {39934832},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {K99 AI180425/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103418/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI139154/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology/genetics/immunology ; Symbiosis ; Longevity ; Female ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Fungi/physiology ; Male ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia bacteria of arthropods are at the forefront of basic and translational research on multipartite host-symbiont-pathogen interactions. These vertically transmitted microbes are the most widespread endosymbionts on the planet due to factors including host reproductive manipulation and fitness benefits. Importantly, some strains of Wolbachia can inhibit viral pathogenesis within and between arthropod hosts. Mosquitoes carrying the wMel Wolbachia strain of Drosophila melanogaster have a greatly reduced capacity to spread viruses like dengue and Zika to humans. While significant research efforts have focused on viruses, relatively little attention has been given to Wolbachia-fungal interactions despite the ubiquity of fungal entomopathogens in nature.<br><br>RESULTS: Here, we demonstrate that Wolbachia increase the longevity of their Drosophila melanogaster hosts when challenged with a spectrum of yeast and filamentous fungal pathogens. We find that this pattern can vary based on host genotype, sex, and fungal species. Further, Wolbachia correlates with higher fertility and reduced pathogen titers during initial fungal infection, indicating a significant fitness benefit. Finally, RNA sequencing results show altered expression of many immune and stress response genes in the context of Wolbachia and fungal infection, suggesting host immunity may be involved in the mechanism.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates Wolbachia's protective role in diverse fungal pathogen interactions and determines that the phenotype is broad, but with several variables that influence both the presence and strength of the phenotype. It also is a critical step forward to understanding how symbionts can protect their hosts from a variety of pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid39937680,
year = {2025},
author = {Boudreau, V and Albright, AR and Larson, BT and Gerbich, TM and Fadero, T and Yan, V and Lucas-DeMott, A and Yung, J and Moulin, SLY and Descovich, CP and Slabodnick, MM and Burlacot, A and Wang, JR and Niyogi, KK and Marshall, WF},
title = {The cell biology and genome of Stentor pyriformis, a giant cell that embeds symbiotic algae in a microtubule meshwork.},
journal = {Molecular biology of the cell},
volume = {36},
number = {4},
pages = {ar44},
pmid = {39937680},
issn = {1939-4586},
support = {K12 GM081266/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P30 CA008748/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; P30 CA016086/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM130327/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics/physiology ; *Microtubules/metabolism ; *Chlorella/genetics/physiology ; *Ciliophora/genetics/cytology/physiology ; Genome ; Photosynthesis ; Phylogeny ; Phototaxis ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic events in which an endosymbiont is retained within a cell that remains capable of phagocytosis, a situation known as mixotrophy, provide potentially important clues about the eukaryotic evolution. Here we describe the cell biology and genome of the giant mixotrophic ciliate Stentor pyriformis. We show that S. pyriformis contains Chlorella variabilis as an endosymbiont that retains the ability to live outside the host. Within the host, the Chlorella cells surrounded by microtubule "baskets" near the cell surface. Photosynthetic efficiency of the Chlorella is reduced inside the Stentor cell compared with outside the host, due to increased nonphotochemical quenching. S. pyriformis displays positive phototaxis via directed swimming that requires the presence of the Chlorella, implying a potential flow of information from the symbiont to direct the orientation and swimming of the host cell. We sequenced the S. pyriformis genome and found that it employs a standard genetic code, similar to other Stentor species but different from most other ciliates. We propose that S. pyriformis will serve as a useful model system for studying endosymbiosis, with unique advantages in terms of size and regenerative ability as well as distinct cellular and genomic features compared with other mixotrophic ciliate models.},
}
@article {pmid39938947,
year = {2025},
author = {Rogowska-van der Molen, MA and Manzano-Marín, A and Postma, JL and Coolen, S and van Alen, T and Jansen, RS and Welte, CU},
title = {From eggs to guts: Symbiotic association of Sodalis nezarae sp. nov. with the Southern green shield bug Nezara viridula.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {101},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {39938947},
issn = {1574-6941},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Enterobacteriaceae/physiology/genetics/classification ; *Heteroptera/microbiology/physiology ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Ovum/microbiology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Female ; },
abstract = {Phytophagous insects engage in symbiotic relationships with bacteria that contribute to digestion, nutrient supplementation, and development of the host. The analysis of shield bug microbiomes has been mainly focused on the gut intestinal tract predominantly colonized by Pantoea symbionts and other microbial community members in the gut or other organs have hardly been investigated. In this study, we reveal that the Southern green shield bug Nezara viridula harbours a Sodalis symbiont in several organs, with a notable prevalence in salivary glands, and anterior regions of the midgut. Removing external egg microbiota via sterilization profoundly impacted insect viability but did not disrupt the vertical transmission of Sodalis and Pantoea symbionts. Based on the dominance of Sodalis in testes, we deduce that N. viridula males could be involved in symbiont vertical transmission. Genomic analyses comparing Sodalis species revealed that Sodalis sp. Nvir shares characteristics with both free-living and obligate insect-associated Sodalis spp. Sodalis sp. Nvir also displays genome instability typical of endosymbiont lineages, which suggests ongoing speciation to an obligate endosymbiont. Together, our study reveals that shield bugs harbour unrecognized symbionts that might be paternally transmitted.},
}
@article {pmid39939508,
year = {2025},
author = {Chakraborty, A and Dutta, P and Amrit, R and Dey, P and Osborne, WJ},
title = {Antagonistic activity of butanamine 2,2-dinitro-N-methyl- synthesized by endosymbiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens VITAPRJS1 acquired from horse milk.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {7},
pages = {1583-1601},
pmid = {39939508},
issn = {1618-1905},
mesh = {Animals ; *Milk/microbiology ; Horses ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/isolation &amp; purification/chemistry/metabolism ; *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens/isolation &amp; purification/metabolism/genetics/classification/physiology ; Symbiosis ; *Antibiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria are known to synthesize bioactive compounds which have biotechnological potentials that enhance immune responses by stimulating the production of immune cells. Horse milk is widely known to have nutraceutical and antimicrobial activities; however, there are no scientific reports on its inhibitory effects. VITAPRJS1, isolated from horse milk, showed non-hemolytic properties and was significantly tolerant to bile salt and NaCl. The isolate also exhibited potent antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. The bioactive antibacterial compounds were extracted using dichloromethane and were subsequently purified and identified as butanamine, 2,2-dinitro-N-methyl- through UPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS analyses. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of functional groups such as alkane, amine, and monosubstituted 1,2-disubstituted. The screened bacterial isolate was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (OR501558) upon 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To our knowledge, this study represents the first-time report on the presence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in horse milk having potent antibacterial activity, highlighting its unexplored potential in biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.},
}
@article {pmid39944902,
year = {2025},
author = {Cassens, J and Oliva Chávez, AS and Tufts, DM and Zhong, J and Faulk, C and Oliver, JD},
title = {Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Clade-Specific Genetic Variation in Blacklegged Ticks.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e70987},
pmid = {39944902},
issn = {2045-7758},
support = {T42 OH008434/OH/NIOSH CDC HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Ticks and tick-borne pathogens represent the greatest vector-borne disease threat in the United States. Blacklegged ticks are responsible for most human cases, yet the disease burden is unevenly distributed across the northern and southern United States. Understanding the genetic characteristics influencing phenotypic differences in tick vectors is critical to elucidating disparities in tick-borne pathogen transmission dynamics. Applying evolutionary analyses to molecular variation in natural tick populations across ecological gradients will help identify signatures of local adaptation, which will improve control and mitigation strategies. In this study, we performed whole genome nanopore sequencing of individual (n = 1) blacklegged ticks across their geographical range (Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Texas) to evaluate genetic divergence among populations. Our integrated analyses identified genetic variants associated with numerous biological processes and molecular functions that segregated across populations. Notably, northern populations displayed genetic variants in genes linked to xenobiotic detoxification, transmembrane transport, and sulfation that may underpin key phenotypes influencing tick dispersal, host associations, and vectorial capacity. Nanopore sequencing further allowed the recovery of complete mitochondrial and commensal endosymbiont genomes. Our study provides further evidence of genetic divergence in epidemiologically relevant gene families among blacklegged tick clades. This report emphasizes the need to elucidate the genetic basis driving divergence among conspecific blacklegged tick clades in the United States.},
}
@article {pmid39949627,
year = {2025},
author = {Napo, M and Kock, A and Alayande, KA and Sulyok, M and Ezekiel, CN and Uehling, J and Pawlowska, TE and Adeleke, RA},
title = {Tomato rot by Rhizopus microsporus alters native fungal community composition and secondary metabolite production.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1508519},
pmid = {39949627},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Rhizopus rot is considered one of the most common diseases influencing global production and yield of horticulture commodities. However, the factors contributing to this pattern of prevalence are uncertain. Here, we focused on R. microsporus, which is known to rely on its endosymbiotic bacterium, Mycetohabitans, to produce toxins that interfere with plant development and inhibit the growth of other fungi. We assessed the impact of the symbiotic R. microsporus harboring its endosymbiont as well as the fungus cured of it on: (1) the magnitude of spoilage in tomato fruits, as evaluated by Koch's postulate for pathogenicity, (2) the shifts in native communities of endophytic fungi inhabiting these fruits, as examined by ITS rRNA gene metabarcoding and (3) secondary metabolites generated by these communities, as analyzed using multi-analyte LC-MS/MS. The pathogenicity test showed that the symbiotic endobacterium-containing R. microsporus W2-50 was able to cause tomato fruit spoilage. This was accompanied by decreased relative abundance of Alternaria spp. and an increase in the relative abundance of Penicillium spp. that may have facilitated the observed spoilage. In conclusion, symbiotic W2-50 appeared to facilitate fruit spoilage, possibly through successful colonization or toxin production by its endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid39955302,
year = {2025},
author = {Khogali, R and Bastos, A and Getange, D and Bargul, JL and Kalayou, S and Ongeso, N and Verhoeven, JTP and Kabii, J and Ngiela, J and Masiga, D and Villinger, J},
title = {Exploring the microbiomes of camel ticks to infer vector competence: insights from tissue-level symbiont-pathogen relationships.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {5574},
pmid = {39955302},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {101000365/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Camelus/parasitology/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbiota ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Ticks/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Coxiella/genetics ; Female ; Kenya ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Male ; Ixodidae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that harbor diverse pathogens and endosymbionts. Their microbial communities vary based on tick species, stage, sex, geographical location, surrounding environment, and tissue type. Understanding tick microbiota at the tissue level is crucial for unraveling how microbiomes are distributed in tick tissues and influence pathogen transmission. We used V1-V2 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze tissue-specific bacterial compositions (hemolymph, saliva, salivary glands, and midgut) of Amblyomma gemma, Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma rufipes ticks collected from camels in Marsabit County, northern Kenya. The V1-V2 region of the 16 S rRNA gene effectively differentiated 43 Rickettsia africae and 16 Rickettsia aeschlimannii tick samples from other rickettsial species, as well as Coxiella endosymbionts from Coxiella burnetii. In contrast, the V3-V4 region sequences of these species could not be clearly distinguished. Coxiella endosymbionts were most common in Am. gemma and Rh. pulchellus, while Francisella endosymbionts predominated in Hyalomma ticks; both were primarily localized in the salivary glands. High abundances of Coxiella endosymbionts, as well as Pseudomonas, were associated with the absence or low abundance of Rickettsia pathogens in both Am. gemma and Rh. pulchellus, suggesting competitive interactions between these microbes. Additionally, Proteus mirabilis, an opportunistic pathogen of the urinary tract in humans, was found predominantly in Hyalomma ticks, except for the salivary glands, which were most abundant with Francisella endosymbionts. Furthermore, we detected the Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Corynebacterium genera in all the tick tissues, supporting the hypothesis that these bacteria might circulate between camel blood and ticks. Saliva and hemolymph generally harbored more extracellular bacteria than the salivary glands and midgut. This study provides a new approach to unravel tick-endosymbiont-pathogen interactions by examining the tissue localization of tick-borne pathogens and symbionts in Am. gemma, Rh. pulchellus, Hy. dromedarii, and Hy. rufipes from camels in northern Kenya. Our findings establish a baseline for developing an understanding of the functional capacities of symbionts and for designing symbiont-based control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid39957355,
year = {2025},
author = {Prabhu, D and Dharshini, MKD and Rajamanikandan, S and Padmavathi, AR and Velusamy, P and Gopinath, SCB},
title = {Potential Anti-Filarial Molecules Against ATP Binding Site of MurE Enzyme: A Molecular Docking and Dynamics Approach to Combat Lymphatic Filariasis.},
journal = {Biotechnology and applied biochemistry},
volume = {72},
number = {5},
pages = {1184-1194},
doi = {10.1002/bab.2727},
pmid = {39957355},
issn = {1470-8744},
support = {//KAHE-Seed money research Grant/ ; //Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; },
mesh = {*Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism/chemistry ; *Elephantiasis, Filarial/drug therapy ; Binding Sites/drug effects ; *Peptide Synthases/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; Animals ; *Brugia malayi/enzymology/drug effects ; *Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; *Filaricides/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by parasitic nematodes Brugia malayi, Brugia timori, and Wuchereria bancrofti. The drugs available are effective in several cases, and the absence of vaccination is the crucial factor hindering the elimination of LF. The UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanyl-D-glutamate-2,6-diaminopimelate ligase (MurE) plays an important role in the peptidoglycan biosynthesis of Wolbachia endosymbiont B. malayi, which are reported to be a vital drug target for bacterial and endosymbiotic hosts. Thus, we selected the ATP binding cavity of MurE as the potential site to screen inhibitors. The MurE structure was modeled using AlphaFold due to the absence of an experimental structure. Structure-based screening identified five potent phytochemicals targeting the ATP binding site with higher Glide scores and affinity. The top five phytochemicals CID 311, CID 445713, CID 441626, CID 39077, and CID 10814 showed a docking score of -16.812, -16.117, -15.668, -15.324, and -13.442 kcal/mol, respectively. Further, the molecular dynamics simulations depicted the binding stability of the phytochemical inhibitors bound to the MurE complex. Moreover, ADME assessment and Density Functional Theory analyses of the predicted compounds have shown acceptable pharmacokinetic properties and high reactivity with the drug target of MurE.},
}
@article {pmid39966714,
year = {2025},
author = {Jain, A and Li, T and Huston, DC and Kaur, J and Trollip, C and Wainer, J and Hodda, M and Linsell, K and Riley, IT and Toktay, H and Olowu, EA and Edwards, J and Rodoni, B and Sawbridge, T},
title = {Insights from draft genomes of Heterodera species isolated from field soil samples.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {158},
pmid = {39966714},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Soil/parasitology ; *Tylenchoidea/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Genome, Helminth ; *Genomics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The nematode phylum includes many species key to soil food webs with trophic behaviours extending from feeding on microbes to macrofauna and plant roots. Among these, the plant parasitic cyst nematodes retain their eggs in protective cysts prolonging their survival under harsh conditions. These nematodes, including those from the genus Heterodera, cause significant economic losses in agricultural systems. Understanding of nematode diversity and ecology has expanded through application of genomic research, however, for Heterodera species there are very few available whole genome sequences. Sequencing and assembling Heterodera genomes is challenging due to various technical limitations imposed by the biology of Heterodera. Overcoming these limitations is essential for comprehensive insights into Heterodera parasitic interactions with plants, population studies, and for Australian biosecurity implications.<br><br>RESULTS: We hereby present draft genomes of six species of which Heterodera australis, H. humuli, H. mani and H. trifolii are presently recorded in Australia and two species, H. avenae and H. filipjevi, currently absent from Australia. The draft genomes were sequenced from genomic DNA isolated from 50 cysts each using an Illumina NovaSeq short read sequencing platform. The data revealed disparity in sequencing yield between species. What was previously identified as H. avenae in Australia using morphological traits is now confirmed as H. australis and may have consequences for wheat breeding programs in Australia that are breeding for resistance to H. avenae. A multigene phylogeny placed the sequenced species into taxonomic phylogenetic perspective. Genomic comparisons within the Avenae species group revealed orthologous gene clusters within the species, emphasising the shared and unique features of the group. The data also revealed the presence of a Wolbachia species, a putative bacterial endosymbiont from Heterodera humuli short read sequencing data.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Genomic research holds immense significance for agriculture, for understanding pest species diversity and the development of effective management strategies. This study provides insight into Heterodera, cyst nematode genomics and the associated symbionts and this work will serve as a baseline for further genomic analyses in this economically important nematode group.},
}
@article {pmid39971081,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, Z and Gao, J and Wang, G and Zhao, M and Xing, D and Zhao, T and Zhang, H},
title = {Effects of Wolbachia on mitochondrial DNA variation in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {263},
number = {},
pages = {107561},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107561},
pmid = {39971081},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/isolation &amp; purification ; *DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Aedes/microbiology/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Symbiosis ; Haplotypes ; Phylogeny ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia species are symbiotic bacteria that are commonly found in arthropods and nematodes and live inside their cells. In nature, endosymbiont-host interactions and dynamics are complex, often depending on environmental conditions and evolutionary history. Both Wolbachia and mitochondrial DNA are maternally inherited in cells, and after a long period of coexistence, the presence of Wolbachia may have an impact on mitochondrial sequence diversity, thereby confounding mtDNA-based host phylogeny. The universal and typing primers for the wsp gene were used for PCR amplification, the number of positive samples was counted, and the infection pattern was analysed. The mitochondrial DNA diversity of four groups (Wolbachia-infected and uninfected samples, as well as between singly and double infected samples.) was analysed. PACo and ParaFitGlobal tests were used to explore evolutionary associations. The overall prevalence of Wolbachia in the 22 natural populations was 94.2 %, with Type A, Type B and A × B mixed infections detected in Aedes albopictus and coinfection between wAlbA and wAlbB prevalent. The mitochondrial DNA haplotype associated with Wolbachia (Hap1) became the dominant haplotype and was the most abundant and widely distributed in the population. The linkage map showed the predominant haplotype, Hap1, was more closely associated with wAlbA than with wAlbB. Neutral evolution deviated significantly from zero. The diversity of mtDNA COI genes associated with Wolbachia infection was reduced. Wolbachia infection may lead to the selective sweep of mitochondrial DNA in Ae. albopictus.},
}
@article {pmid39976626,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharpe, SR and Madhav, M and Klein, MJ and Blasdell, KR and Paradkar, PN and Lynch, SE and Eagles, D and López-Denman, AJ and Ahmed, KA},
title = {Characterisation of the virome of Culicoides brevitarsis Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a vector of bluetongue virus in Australia.},
journal = {The Journal of general virology},
volume = {106},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39976626},
issn = {1465-2099},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ceratopogonidae/virology ; *Virome ; Bluetongue virus/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Insect Vectors/virology ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Phylogeny ; New South Wales ; Australia ; Genome, Viral ; Bluetongue/transmission/virology ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; },
abstract = {Culicoides spp., a common biting midge genus, are haematophagous insects that can transmit pathogens to humans and other animals. Some species transmit arboviruses, including bluetongue virus, epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus, African horse sickness virus and Schmallenberg virus to vertebrates, which can be detrimental to livestock and wild animals. Culicoides spp. can also have a diversity of insect-specific viruses (ISVs) that can only be transmitted between insects and others related to known arboviruses. For Culicoides brevitarsis and other Culicoides spp. in Australia, the virome is largely unexplored. We used high-throughput sequencing to characterise the virome of C. brevitarsis collected from Casino, New South Wales, Australia. For virus detection, the total RNA was extracted from pools of C. brevitarsis followed by rRNA depletion and Illumina short-read-based RNA sequencing. The reads were quality-checked, filtered and assembled into contigs, compared with the non-redundant protein and conserved domain databases for viral detection and genome organisation, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis was used to further characterise the viruses. We detected new virus diversity including ten viruses belonging to eight different families with complete or near-complete coding regions. Seven of these were novel virus species belonging to the families: Chuviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Qinviridae, Rhabdoviridae and Solemoviridae. In addition, the novel Peribunyaviridae virus should also be considered part of a new genus. Whilst most of the detected viruses grouped into families with viruses that can infect insects, animals or both, the novel species of Solemoviridae was closely related to an economically important plant pathogen, the sugarcane yellow leaf virus. Our quantitative PCR-based screening confirmed the absence of any Wolbachia endosymbiont within the collected samples. Furthermore, we detected fragments of three more virus families known to infect fungi and plants. The detection of potential arboviruses and ISVs in Culicoides spp. is important in understanding virus epidemiology.},
}
@article {pmid39979545,
year = {2025},
author = {Thompson, S and Wang, J and Schott, T and Nissinen, R and Haapalainen, M},
title = {Genomes of the Bacterial Endosymbionts of Carrot Psyllid Trioza apicalis Suggest Complementary Biosynthetic Capabilities.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {4},
pages = {145},
pmid = {39979545},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Daucus carota/parasitology/microbiology ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism/isolation &amp; purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {Carrot psyllid Trioza apicalis is a serious pest of cultivated carrot and also a vector of the plant pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso). To find out whether T. apicalis harbours other species of bacteria that might affect the Lso infection rate, the bacterial communities and metagenome in T. apicalis were studied. Lso haplotype C was detected in a third of the psyllids sampled, at different relative amounts. Surprisingly, T. apicalis was found to harbour only one secondary endosymbiont, a previously unknown species of gamma proteobacterium endosymbiont (Gpe), beside the primary endosymbiont 'Candidatus Carsonella ruddii' (CCr). The relative abundancies of these two endosymbionts were approximately equal. The genomes of CCr, Gpe and Lso were assembled from a T. apicalis metagenome sample. Based on the 16S rRNA gene, the closest relative of Gpe of T. apicalis could be a secondary endosymbiont of Trioza magnoliae. The 253.171 kb Gpe genome contains all the tRNA and rRNA genes and most of the protein-coding genes required for DNA replication, transcription and translation, but it lacks most of the genes for amino acid biosynthesis. Gpe has no genes encoding cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis, suggesting it has no cell wall, and could thus live as an intracellular endosymbiont. Like the CCr of other psyllids, CCr of T. apicalis retains a broad amino acid biosynthetic capacity, whilst lacking many genes required for DNA replication and repair and for transcription and translation. These findings suggest that these two endosymbionts of T. apicalis are complementary in their biosynthetic capabilities.},
}
@article {pmid39981748,
year = {2025},
author = {Martinez, G and Leander, BS and Park, E},
title = {Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Endosymbiotic Ciliates (Peritrichia, Mobilida) of Marine Invertebrates with Descriptions of Two Novel Species Urceolaria clepsydra n. sp. and Urceolaria bratalia n. sp.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {2},
pages = {e70003},
pmid = {39981748},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {NSERC 2019-03986//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Tula Foundation/ ; //UBC Biodiversity Research Center/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; *Invertebrates/parasitology ; *Oligohymenophorea/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/ultrastructure/cytology ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics/chemistry ; Pacific Ocean ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/chemistry ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Ciliophora/classification/genetics/cytology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; },
abstract = {Mobilid ciliates are a morphologically distinct group of protists that form a wide range of symbiotic relationships with aquatic animals and includes three subgroups: Trichodinidae, Urceolariidae, and Polycyclidae. Trichodinids are best known for infecting fishes, whereas urceolariids infect diverse marine invertebrates. Polycyclidae was established for mobilid ciliates infecting sea cucumbers; however, molecular data have been unavailable for this group. In this study, we discovered and characterized two novel mobilid species, one infecting two species of sea cucumbers (Eupentacta quinquesemita and Cucumaria miniata) and one infecting brachiopods or lamp shells (Terebratalia transversa) collected from the Northeast Pacific Ocean. These new mobilid species were characterized at the morphological level using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also inferred the molecular phylogenetic positions of these species using small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences. Based on combined morphological and molecular data, we demonstrate that the two new species belong to Urceolaria, U. clepsydra n. sp. and U. bratalia n. sp., and support synonymization of Polycycla with Urceolaria. By providing the first molecular data from new species of mobilids infecting sea cucumbers and brachiopods, we expand the host range and improve our knowledge of this diverse but poorly understood group of symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid39982435,
year = {2025},
author = {Mtawali, M and Cooney, EC and Adams, J and Jin, J and Holt, CC and Keeling, PJ},
title = {Phylogenomic resolution of marine to freshwater dinoflagellate transitions.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39982435},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {NSERC 2019-03994//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; //Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Dinoflagellida/genetics/classification ; *Phylogeny ; *Fresh Water/parasitology ; *Seawater/parasitology ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Dinoflagellates are an abundant and diverse group of protists that inhabit aquatic environments worldwide. They are characterized by numerous unique cellular and molecular traits, and have adapted to an unusually broad range of life strategies, including phototrophy, heterotrophy, parasitism, and all combinations of these. For most microbial groups, transitions from marine to freshwater environments are relatively rare, as changes in salinity are thought to lead to significant osmotic challenges that are difficult for the cell to overcome. Recent work has shown that dinoflagellates have overcome these challenges relatively often in evolutionary time, but because this is mostly based on single gene trees with low overall support, many of the relationships between freshwater and marine groups remain unresolved. Normally, phylogenomics could clarify such conclusions, but despite the recent surge in data, virtually no freshwater dinoflagellates have been characterized at the genome-wide level. Here, we generated 30 transcriptomes from cultures and single cells collected from freshwater environments to infer a robustly supported phylogenomic tree from 217 conserved genes, resolving at least seven transitions to freshwater in dinoflagellates. Mapping the distribution of ASVs from freshwater environmental samples onto this tree confirms these groups and identifies additional lineages where freshwater dinoflagellates likely remain unsampled. We also sampled two species of Durinskia, a genus of "dinotoms" with both marine and freshwater lineages containing Nitzschia-derived tertiary plastids. Ribosomal RNA phylogenies show that the host cells are closely related, but their endosymbionts are likely descended from two distantly-related freshwater Nitzschia species that were acquired in parallel and relatively recently.},
}
@article {pmid39985228,
year = {2025},
author = {Song, MJ and Freund, F and Tribble, CM and Toffelmier, E and Miller, C and Bradley Shaffer, H and Li, FW and Rothfels, CJ},
title = {The nitrogen-fixing fern Azolla has a complex microbiome characterized by varying degrees of cophylogenetic signal.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {112},
number = {3},
pages = {e70010},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70010},
pmid = {39985228},
issn = {1537-2197},
support = {//California Conservation Genomics Project, with funding provided to the University of California by the State of California, State Budget Act of 2019 [UC Award ID RSI-19-690224]./ ; },
mesh = {*Ferns/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Symbiosis ; *Nitrogen Fixation ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: Azolla is a genus of floating ferns that has closely evolved with a vertically transmitted obligate cyanobacterium endosymbiont-Anabaena azollae-that fixes nitrogen. There are also other lesser-known Azolla symbionts whose role and mode of transmission are unknown.<br><br>METHODS: We sequenced 112 Azolla specimens collected across the state of California and characterized their metagenomes to identify the common bacterial endosymbionts and assess their patterns of interaction.<br><br>RESULTS: Four genera were found across all samples, establishing that multiple Azolla endosymbionts were consistently present. We found varying degrees of cophylogenetic signal across these taxa as well as varying degrees of isolation by distance and of pseudogenation, which demonstrates that multiple processes underlie how this endosymbiotic community is constituted. We also characterized the entire Azolla leaf pocket microbiome.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the Azolla symbiotic community is complex and features members at potentially different stages of symbiosis evolution, further supporting the utility of the Azolla microcosm as a system for studying the evolution of symbioses.},
}
@article {pmid39991014,
year = {2025},
author = {Mohammadi, A and Dalimi, A and Ghaffarifar, F and Pirestani, M and Akbari, M},
title = {Detection of Acanthamoeba Harboring Campylobacter jejuni Endosymbionts in Hospital Environments of Markazi Province, Iran.},
journal = {Journal of parasitology research},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {6626888},
pmid = {39991014},
issn = {2090-0023},
abstract = {Most Acanthamoebas contain endosymbionts such as viruses, yeasts, protists, and bacteria, some of which are potential human pathogens, including Campylobacter jejuni which often causes gastroenteritis and septicemia in humans. Amoebae have been shown to be resistant to chlorination and apparently protect ingested bacteria such as C. jejuni from free chlorine. Such resistance can have health implications, especially for drinking water treatment. The aim of this study is to identify Acanthamoeba in hospital samples in Markazi province, to determine the identity of C. jejuni endosymbiont in positive samples of Acanthamoeba in natural and laboratory conditions, and to determine the relationship between the two. The main aim of this study was to determine the identity of C. jejuni endosymbiont in Acanthamoeba-positive samples in natural and laboratory conditions. In this study, 134 samples including water, soil, and dust were collected from hospital environments. After molecular detection, the identity of the symbiotic Campylobacter jejuni in Acanthamoeba was determined by microscopic and PCR methods. Then, the ability of bacteria to infect the parasite was examined by cocultivation in vitro using real-time PCR. Finally, their relationship was examined based on statistical tests. The rate of contamination of hospital samples with Acanthamoeba was 44.7% on average. Out of 42 Acanthamoeba PCR-positive samples, seven isolates (16.67%) were found to be positive in terms of C. jejuni endosymbiont according to sampling location. The results showed that Helicobacter is able to penetrate and enter the Acanthamoeba parasite. In conclusion, our results showed that C. jejuni is able to contaminate Acanthamoeba in natural and laboratory conditions. The presence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba in various hospital environments and the hiding of Helicobacter as an endosymbiont inside it can pose a serious threat to the health of hospitalized patients.},
}
@article {pmid39998184,
year = {2025},
author = {Mizutani, M and Moriyama, M and Fukatsu, T and Kakizawa, S},
title = {Complete genome of the mutualistic symbiont "Candidatus Nardonella sp." Pin-AIST from the black hard weevil Pachyrhynchus infernalis.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {e0108324},
pmid = {39998184},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {JPMJER1902//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; JP23gm1610002//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)/ ; 18H02433, 26710015, 26106004,15KK0266//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 24K18102,22KJ318//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP17H06388//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
abstract = {The complete genome, 226,287 bps in size, of "Candidatus Nardonella sp." Pin-AIST, an obligatory bacterial endosymbiont of the black hard weevil Pachyrhynchus infernalis, was sequenced. The extremely reduced endosymbiont genome is specialized for tyrosine synthesis, which contributes to the hardness of the beetle's exoskeleton.},
}
@article {pmid39998185,
year = {2025},
author = {Mizutani, M and Fujikawa, T and Fukatsu, T and Kakizawa, S},
title = {Complete genome of the mutualistic symbiont "Candidatus Carsonella ruddii" from a Japanese island strain of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {e0108224},
pmid = {39998185},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {JPMJER1902//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; JP23gm1610002//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)/ ; 18H02433, 26710015, 26106004, 15KK0266//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 24K18102,22KJ318//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP17H06388//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
abstract = {The complete genome, 173,958 bp in size, of "Candidatus Carsonella ruddii" DC-OKEB1, an obligate bacterial endosymbiont of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, was determined. The genome sequence provides valuable information for comparative and evolutionary aspects of the intimate insect-microbe mutualism.},
}
@article {pmid40003744,
year = {2025},
author = {Price, G and Simard, A and McGraw, BA},
title = {Evaluation of Bacterial Communities of Listronotus maculicollis Kirby Reared on Primary and Secondary Host Plants.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40003744},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis Kirby) is a devastating insect pest of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) and, to a lesser extent, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) on golf courses. Listronotus maculicollis-reared A. stolonifera, a comparatively tolerant host, incurs fitness costs, including longer developmental periods and reduced larval survivorship. This study sought to characterize microbiota diversity in L. maculicollis adults and larvae reared on P. annua and A. stolonifera cultivars (Penncross &amp; A4) to explore whether intrinsic factors, such as microbial community composition, vary across host plants and developmental stages, potentially influencing host suitability. Alpha diversity analyses showed adults feeding on A4 exhibited higher bacterial species richness than their offspring reared on the same cultivar. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant dissimilarities between L. maculicollis adults and offspring regardless of host. Pseudomonas sp. was consistently abundant in larvae across all turfgrasses, indicating a potential association with larval development. Elevated levels of Wolbachia sp., known for insect reproductive manipulation, were observed in adults, but appear to be unrelated to host plant effects. The most prevalent bacterium detected was Candidatus Nardonella, a conserved endosymbiont essential for cuticular hardening in weevils. Given the role of cuticular integrity in insecticide resistance, further investigations into insect-microbe-plant interactions could guide the development of targeted pest management strategies, reducing resistance and improving control measures for L. maculicollis.},
}
@article {pmid40003849,
year = {2025},
author = {Gwiazdowska, A and Rutkowski, R and Sielezniew, M},
title = {Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Danube Clouded Yellow Butterfly Colias myrmidone (Esper, 1780) in the Last Central European Stronghold: Diversity, Wolbachia Infection and Balkan Connections.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40003849},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {EZ.271.3.7.2021//General Directorate of the Polish State Forests/ ; },
abstract = {The Danube Clouded Yellow (Colias myrmidone) has experienced one of the most dramatic declines among European butterflies. To estimate genetic diversity in the last population in Poland that has survived in the Knyszyn Forest (KF), we analyzed mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EF-1α) polymorphisms in individuals sampled in 2014 and 2022. The results were compared with genetic data obtained in 2014 from a recently extirpated nearby population (Czerwony Bór, CB). Because mtDNA polymorphisms in insects can be modulated by endosymbionts, the samples were screened for Wolbachia. The polymorphism of EF-1α indicated that diversity was gradually decreasing. The KF experienced rapid demographic processes, manifested by a significant change in allele frequency. The small differentiation in nuclear markers between the KF and CB in 2014 suggests that the regional population used to be genetically uniform. Four COI haplotypes that were identified in this study probably belong to two different haplogroups. Wolbachia was detected only in individuals with one specific haplotype, and the prevalence was female-biased, suggesting the induction of two reproductive manipulations. The most common COI haplotype found in Poland was the same as that reported from other parts of Europe, not only for C. myrmidone but also C. caucasica. These results allow us to question the distinctiveness of each taxa.},
}
@article {pmid40005625,
year = {2025},
author = {Shamoon-Pour, M and Canessa, EH and Macher, J and Fruitwala, A and Draper, E and Policriti, B and Chin, M and Nunez, M and Puccio, P and Fang, Y and Wang, XR and Hathout, Y},
title = {Genomic and Proteomic Analyses of Bacterial Communities of Ixodes scapularis Ticks from Broome County, New York.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40005625},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {The microbial communities of Ixodes scapularis, the primary vector of Lyme disease in North America, exhibit regional variations that may affect pathogen transmission and vector competence. We analyzed bacterial communities in I. scapularis ticks collected from Broome County, New York, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing (18 ticks) as well as mass spectrometry-based proteomics (36 ticks). According to the 16S rRNA analysis, the endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri was the most abundant species, with significantly higher (p = 0.0011) abundance in females (54.76%) compared to males (31.15%). We detected Borreliella burgdorferi in 44.44% of ticks and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in two nymphs but in high relative abundances (12.73% and 46.46%). Male ticks exhibited higher bacterial diversity, although the community composition showed no significant clustering by sex or life stage. Co-occurrence analysis revealed negative associations between R. buchneri and Pseudomonas (p = 0.0245), but no associations with B. burgdorferi. Proteomic analysis identified 12 R. buchneri-specific proteins, additionally detecting the protozoan pathogen Babesia microti in 18.18% of females. These findings provide the first comprehensive characterization of I. scapularis microbiomes in the Southern Tier region of New York and suggest broader distribution of R. buchneri across tick life stages than previously recognized, with potential implications for pathogen transmission dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid40005669,
year = {2025},
author = {Duan, YX and Zhuang, YH and Wu, YX and Huang, TW and Song, ZR and Du, YZ and Zhu, YX},
title = {Wolbachia Infection Alters the Microbiota of the Invasive Leaf-Miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae).},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40005669},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {BK20231330//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; XCX20240707//the 2024 College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Yangzhou University/ ; },
abstract = {Microbe-microbe interactions within a host drive shifts in the host's microbiota composition, profoundly influencing host physiology, ecology, and evolution. Among these microbes, the maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia is widespread in the invasive pest Liriomyza huidorbrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae). However, its influence on the host microbiota remains largely unexplored. In the study presented herein, we investigated the bacterial communities of Wolbachia wLhui-infected (wLhui+) and -uninfected lines (wLhui-) of L. huidorbrensis using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. For both leaf-miner lines, Bacteroidota was the dominant phylum (relative abundance: 59.18%), followed by Pseudomonadota (36.63%), Actinomycetota (2.42%), and Bacillota (0.93%). We found no significant differences in alpha-diversity indices between the wLhui+ and wLhui- lines (p > 0.05). However, principal coordinates analysis revealed significant differences in microbiota composition between the wLhui+ and wLhui- lines (PERMANOVA: p < 0.001), explaining 76.70% of the variance in microbiota composition. Correlation network analysis identified robust negative and positive associations between Wolbachia and several genera, suggesting that Wolbachia shapes microbial composition through competitive or cooperative interactions with specific taxa. Overall, our study suggests that Wolbachia plays a key role in shaping the leaf-miner microbiome, potentially affecting host fitness.},
}
@article {pmid40008044,
year = {2025},
author = {Kratou, M and Maitre, A and Abuin-Denis, L and Selmi, R and Belkahia, H and Alanazi, AD and Gattan, H and Al-Ahmadi, BM and Shater, AF and Mateos-Hernández, L and Obregón, D and Messadi, L and Cabezas-Cruz, A and Ben Said, M},
title = {Microbial community variations in adult Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from single locations in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1543560},
pmid = {40008044},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The camel-infesting tick, Hyalomma dromedarii, is a prominent ectoparasite in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, critically impacting camel health and acting as a vector for tick-borne pathogens. Despite prior studies on its microbiota, the effects of geographic origin and sex on microbial community structure and functional stability remain poorly understood.<br><br>METHODS: To address this, we characterized the bacterial microbiota of H. dromedarii ticks collected from camels in Tunisia (TUN) and Saudi Arabia (SA) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, microbial network analysis, and metabolic pathway prediction.<br><br>RESULTS: Our findings indicate a dominant presence of Francisella endosymbionts in Tunisian ticks, suggesting adaptive roles of H. dromedarii ticks in arid ecosystems. Keystone taxa, particularly Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium, were identified as central to microbial network structure and resilience. Moreover, network robustness analyses demonstrated enhanced ecological stability in the Tunisian tick microbiota under perturbation, indicative of higher resilience to environmental fluctuations compared to Saudi Arabian ticks. Additionally, functional pathway predictions further revealed geographically distinct metabolic profiles between both groups (Tunisia vs. Saudi Arabia and males vs. females), underscoring environmental and biological influences on H. dromedarii microbiota assembly.<br><br>DISCUSSION: These results highlight region-specific and sex-specific microbial adaptations in H. dromedarii, with potential implications for pathogen transmission dynamics and vector resilience. Understanding these microbial interactions may contribute to improved strategies for tick control and tick-borne disease prevention.},
}
@article {pmid40009938,
year = {2025},
author = {Tashyreva, D and Votýpka, J and Yabuki, A and Horák, A and Lukeš, J},
title = {Description of new diplonemids (Diplonemea, Euglenozoa) and their endosymbionts: Charting the morphological diversity of these poorly known heterotrophic flagellates.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {177},
number = {},
pages = {126090},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2025.126090},
pmid = {40009938},
issn = {1618-0941},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Euglenozoa/classification/genetics/ultrastructure/physiology/cytology/microbiology ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics/chemistry ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; },
abstract = {Diplonemids are a hyperdiverse group of flagellated protists, but with less than two dozen formally described representatives. Here, we describe four new species of cultured diplonemids, identified on the basis of their 18S rRNA sequences, light-, fluorescence-, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy. Three new species belong to the genus Rhynchopus (R. asiaticus sp.n., R. granulatus sp.n., and R. valaseki sp.n.), while the fourth species is an unusual representative of the genus Lacrimia (L. aflagellata sp.n.). The latter organism is the first diplonemid outside the genus Rhynchopus (as defined previously) to show a gliding trophic stage with flagellar stubs concealed inside the flagellar pocket and a highly motile dispersive swimming stage. Since this character is thus no longer a genus-specific apomorphy, we provide a taxonomic revision of the genus Rhynchopus with separation of the new genus Natarhynchopus gen. n. We also identify bacterial endosymbionts of L. aflagellata and R. asiaticus as Ca. Syngnamydia medusae (Chlamydiales, Simkaniaceae) and Ca. Cytomitobacter rhynchopi sp. n. (Alphaproteobacteria, Holosporaceae), respectively, and discuss their potential functions. This is the first report of a chlamydial symbiont within a diplonemid host. We also propose that diplonemids may serve as vectors for chlamydial pathogens of marine fish.},
}
@article {pmid40011612,
year = {2025},
author = {Kokusho, R and Katsuma, S},
title = {Baculoviruses remodel the cytoskeleton of insect hemocytes to breach the host basal lamina.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {268},
pmid = {40011612},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {15H06155//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 12J06034//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 18J00134//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 21K14860//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 24K08930//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 25292196//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 16H05051//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 19H02966//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; 24H02290//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemocytes/virology/metabolism ; *Bombyx/virology ; *Nucleopolyhedroviruses/physiology/pathogenicity ; *Cytoskeleton/virology/metabolism ; *Basement Membrane/virology/metabolism ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Viral Proteins/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Many pathogens and endosymbionts hijack the host's cytoskeleton for efficient propagation and transfer within or between host cells. Once released into the host's circulatory system, however, they have to confront structural barriers without utilizing host cell functions. Many insect viruses and insect-borne viruses can re-enter from the hemolymph into insect tissues despite the barrier of the basal lamina (BL), but the molecular mechanism remains unclear in many cases. Here, we demonstrate that Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) remodels host hemocytes to breach the BL. We found that the viral membrane protein actin rearrangement-inducing factor 1 (ARIF-1) induces filopodia-like protrusions and invadosome-like structures in hemocytes, which play a critical role in attaching to the tissue surface, penetrating the tracheal BL and thus facilitating the transport of viral nucleocapsids into host tissues. Our findings clearly show the role of hemocyte infection in viral systemic spread and its molecular basis.},
}
@article {pmid40013792,
year = {2025},
author = {Qin, Y and Wang, Q and Lin, Q and Liu, F and Pan, X and Wei, C and Chen, J and Huang, T and Fang, M and Yang, W and Pan, L},
title = {Multi-omics analysis reveals associations between gut microbiota and host transcriptome in colon cancer patients.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {e0080524},
pmid = {40013792},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {AD22035214//Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology/ ; 2022GXNSFAA035510//National Science Foundation of Guangxi/ ; 8236080196//National Science Foundation of China/ ; 81760530//National Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021M693803//Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Colonic Neoplasms/microbiology/genetics ; *Transcriptome ; Female ; Male ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Metagenomics ; Multiomics ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Colon cancer (CC) is one of the most common cancers globally, which is associated with the gut microbiota intimately. In current research, exploring the complex interaction between microbiomes and CC is a hotspot. However, the information on microbiomes in most previous studies is based on fecal, which does not fully display the microbial environment of CC. Herein, we collected mucosal and tissue samples from both the tumor and normal regions of 19 CC patients and clarified the composition of mucosal microbiota by 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing. Additionally, RNA-Seq was also conducted to identify the different expression genes between tumor and normal tissue samples. We revealed significantly different microbial community structures and expression profiles to CC. Depending on correlation analysis, we demonstrated that 1,472 genes were significantly correlated with CC tumor microbiota. Our study reveals a significant enrichment of Campylobacter jejuni in the mucosa of CC, which correlates with bile secretion. Additionally, we observe a negative correlation between C. jejuni and immune cells CD4+ Tem and mast cells. Finally, we discovered that metabolic bacterial endosymbiont of Bathymodiolus sp., Bacillus wiedmannii, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis had a significant survival value for CC, which was ignored by previous research. Overall, our study expands the understanding of the complex interplay between microbiota and CC and provides new targets for the treatment of CC.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: This study contributes to our understanding of the interaction between microbiota and colon cancer (CC). By examining mucosal and tissue samples rather than solely relying on fecal samples, we have uncovered previously unknown aspects of CC-associated microbiota. Our findings reveal distinct microbial community structures and gene expression profiles correlated with CC progression. Notably, the enrichment of Campylobacter jejuni in CC mucosa, linked to bile secretion, underscores potential mechanisms in CC pathogenesis. Additionally, observed correlations between microbial taxa and immune cell populations offer new avenues for immunotherapy research in CC. Importantly, this study introduces CC-associated microbiota with survival implications for CC, expanding therapeutic targets beyond conventional strategies. By elucidating these correlations, our study not only contributes to uncovering the potential role of gut microbiota in colon cancer but also establishes a foundation for mechanistic studies of gut microbiota in colon cancer, emphasizing the broader impact of microbiota research on cancer biology.},
}
@article {pmid40020952,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, X and Sun, K and Liu, A and Miao, R and Yin, F},
title = {Analysis of gill and skin microbiota in Larimichthys crocea reveals bacteria associated with cryptocaryoniasis resistance potential.},
journal = {Fish &amp; shellfish immunology},
volume = {161},
number = {},
pages = {110228},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2025.110228},
pmid = {40020952},
issn = {1095-9947},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fish Diseases/immunology/parasitology/microbiology ; *Ciliophora Infections/veterinary/immunology/parasitology/microbiology ; Gills/microbiology ; Skin/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Perciformes ; Ciliophora/physiology ; *Disease Resistance ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Skin Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Cryptocaryoniasis, caused by the ciliate parasite Cryptocaryon irritans, poses a significant threat to the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) in intensive marine aquaculture. This study explores the interaction between skin and gill microbiota and C. irritans infection, focusing on the role of commensal microbes in disease resistance. Fish were challenged with 100 theronts per gram of body weight, leading to substantial microbial dysbiosis, characterized by decreased alpha diversity and disrupted co-occurrence networks, particularly on the skin. Post-infection, Vibrio abundance significantly increased in both gills and skin, suggesting potential for secondary infections. Conversely, lower Vibrio levels correlated with higher populations of Bdellovibrio-like organisms (BALOs), which may play a beneficial role in microbial balance. Fish showed varying susceptibility, with mildly infected individuals exhibiting less histopathological damage and a stronger immune response, indicated by elevated interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships between relative infection intensity (RII) and microbial composition, with certain bacteria known for anti-eukaryotic microbial properties showing negative correlations with RII. Additionally, the abundance of nitrogen-metabolizing bacteria also correlated negatively with RII. Functional predictions indicated increased bacterial genes related to denitrification and vitamin biosynthesis post-infection. Notably, Candidatus Midichloria was identified as a potential biomarker for C. irritans infection and is thought to be an endosymbiont of C. irritans, with its presence validated through PCR analysis. These findings illuminate microbial dynamics during C. irritans infection and suggest probiotic candidates for managing cryptocaryoniasis.},
}
@article {pmid40023240,
year = {2025},
author = {Diesbourg, EE and Kidd, KA and Perrotta, BG},
title = {Effects of municipal wastewater effluents on the invertebrate microbiomes of an aquatic-riparian food web.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {125948},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125948},
pmid = {40023240},
issn = {1873-6424},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wastewater ; *Food Chain ; *Microbiota/drug effects ; *Invertebrates/microbiology ; Insecta/microbiology ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Larva ; },
abstract = {Municipal wastewater effluents (MWWEs) contain antimicrobials and other contaminants that can alter the microbiomes of exposed aquatic animals, potentially negatively impacting host health. Contaminants and nutrients from MWWEs may be transferred across the aquatic - riparian boundary by aquatic insects, potentially altering the microbiomes of both prey and consumers. We evaluated host microbiome compositions of several taxa of freshwater larval and adult insects, and riparian spiders at sites upstream and downstream of three wastewater treatment plants. Host microbiome compositions were analyzed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and MWWE exposure was assessed using stable carbon (δ[13]C) and nitrogen (δ[15]N) isotopes and effluent-associated bacteria. Most downstream insects and riparian spiders were enriched in δ[13]C and δ[15]N, indicating exposure to MWWEs and transfer of MWWE-derived nutrients to riparian consumers. Within sites, insect microbiomes varied after metamorphosis with a greater proportion of endosymbionts and effluent-associated bacteria and decreased alpha diversity in adults, and the microbiomes of Tetragnathidae spiders were dominated by endosymbionts (mainly Rickettsia and Wolbachia) compared to all other taxa. Downstream, larval caddisfly (Hydropsychidae) microbiomes had a significantly lower proportion of endosymbionts (Rickettsia) and higher diversity, and Araneidae spiders also had higher diversity. However, there were no significant downstream changes in endosymbiont proportions or alpha diversity of larval and adult chironomids, larval and adult mayflies, larval stoneflies, or Tetragnathidae spiders. Most downstream invertebrates (except larval Chironomidae, adult Diptera, and Tetragnathidae spiders) had altered beta diversity (community compositions); however, host taxonomy explained more of the variation in microbiome composition than site or the interaction between them did. Overall, MWWE bacteria and nutrients were incorporated into most insect larvae and retained throughout metamorphosis, however there were taxa-dependent alterations in downstream insect microbiomes and minimal microbiome alterations to their riparian spider predators.},
}
@article {pmid40033103,
year = {2025},
author = {Santana-Molina, C and Williams, TA and Snel, B and Spang, A},
title = {Chimeric origins and dynamic evolution of central carbon metabolism in eukaryotes.},
journal = {Nature ecology &amp; evolution},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {613-627},
pmid = {40033103},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {grant agreement No. 947317 (ASymbEL)//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; 735929LPI//Simons Foundation/ ; GBMF9741//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (Gordon E. and Betty I. Moore Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Symbiosis ; *Eukaryota/metabolism/genetics ; *Carbon/metabolism ; *Biological Evolution ; Phylogeny ; *Alphaproteobacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Archaea/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The origin of eukaryotes was a key event in the history of life. Current leading hypotheses propose that a symbiosis between an asgardarchaeal host cell and an alphaproteobacterial endosymbiont represented a crucial step in eukaryotic origin and that metabolic cross-feeding between the partners provided the basis for their subsequent evolutionary integration. A major unanswered question is whether the metabolism of modern eukaryotes bears any vestige of this ancestral syntrophy. Here we systematically analyse the evolutionary origins of the eukaryotic gene repertoires mediating central carbon metabolism. Our phylogenetic and sequence analyses reveal that this gene repertoire is chimeric, with ancestral contributions from Asgardarchaeota and Alphaproteobacteria operating predominantly in glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, respectively. Our analyses also reveal the extent to which this ancestral metabolic interplay has been remodelled via gene loss, transfer and subcellular retargeting in the >2 billion years since the origin of eukaryotic cells, and we identify genetic contributions from other prokaryotic sources in addition to the asgardarchaeal host and alphaproteobacterial endosymbiont. Our work demonstrates that, in contrast to previous assumptions, modern eukaryotic metabolism preserves information about the nature of the original asgardarchaeal-alphaproteobacterial interactions and supports syntrophy scenarios for the origin of the eukaryotic cell.},
}
@article {pmid40035597,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, X and Zhou, J and Guo, Q and Dietrich, CH and Lu, L and Wei, C},
title = {Diversity and genomics of bacteriome-associated symbionts in treehopper Darthula hardwickii (Hemiptera: Aetalionidae) and implications of their nutritional functions.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {91},
number = {4},
pages = {e0173824},
pmid = {40035597},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {32270496//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 32070476//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 2023-JC-YB-174//Shaanxi Provincial Scientific Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Genomics ; *Fungi/genetics/classification ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Symbionts play important roles in insect nutritional ecology, and the phylogenies of some vertically transmitted symbionts mirror the host phylogeny. Here we report the diversity, distribution, transmission, and potential functions of symbionts harbored in the aetalionid treehopper Darthula hardwickii (Aetalionidae) using multiple methods and compare the potential functions of its obligate symbiont Karelsulcia with that of the related aetalionid Aetalion reticulatum. D. hardwickii harbors Karelsulcia in bacteriomes, a yeast-like fungal symbiont (YLS) in fat bodies, and Tisiphia in both the bacteriomes and fat bodies. Karelsulcia and YLS are vertically transmitted to the ovaries but do not cluster to form a "symbiont ball" in terminal oocytes, as is the case in other auchenorrhynchan insects. YLS harbored in D. hardwickii represents the first known instance of a fungal symbiont being associated with treehoppers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Aetalionidae are derived from within Membracidae. Gene truncation and absence were revealed in the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway of Karelsulcia from D. hardwickii, suggesting this symbiont is no longer capable of providing this essential amino acid (EAA) to its host. Tryptophan is presumed to be supplied to D. hardwickii by YLS since tryptophan-related genes are either absent or degraded in Karelsulcia and Tisiphia. No truncated genes were found in Karelsulcia from A. reticulatum, but it has lost genes related to the synthesis of other EAAs, as in some leafhoppers. This study sheds new light on the diversity and functions of the nutritional endosymbionts of Membracoidea and processes that may have precipitated symbiont replacement in this diverse insect lineage.IMPORTANCESymbionts in sap-feeding insects play important roles related to nutrition of their hosts, which may change through evolutionary time and vary across host and symbiont lineages. This comparative genomic study indicates that, compared to the related symbionts of other leaf- and treehoppers, the Karelsulcia symbiont of the treehopper Darthula hardwickii has lost the ability to provide the EAA tryptophan to its host. This function is apparently being performed by a coexisting yeast-like symbiont (YLS). This is the first report of a YLS in a species of treehopper, which suggests that the processes involved in symbiont replacement in treehoppers are similar to those observed in other sap-sucking auchenorrhynchan insects. Phylogenetic analyses of Karelsulcia lineages of Membracoidea largely mirror the host insect phylogeny but suggest that Aetalionidae may have originated from Membracidae, in contrast to some recent phylogenies based on the genomic data from the host insects.},
}
@article {pmid40038919,
year = {2025},
author = {Leybourne, DJ},
title = {Genetic diversity and association with bacterial endosymbionts influence phenotype in two important cereal aphid species.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {115},
number = {3},
pages = {308-316},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485325000124},
pmid = {40038919},
issn = {1475-2670},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Genetic Variation ; Phenotype ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {Aphids are important pests of cereal crops and cause economically significant damage through direct feeding and the transmission of plant viruses. In Europe, the aphid species of greatest concern are the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae Fabricius) and the bird cherry-oat aphid, (Rhopalosiphum padi Linnaeus). Often, cereal crops are dominated by a small number of prolific clonal populations and these populations can differ in phenotypic traits of agricultural importance. There are two heritable factors that influence aphid phenotype: aphid genetic diversity and the presence of endosymbionts.Here, multiple cereal aphid populations are used to determine how heritable factors influence aphid phenotype. Several agriculturally important phenotypic traits are examined, and both endosymbiont- and genotype-derived phenotypes are identified. For S. avenae, aphid genotype influences all phenotypic traits assessed, and association with the facultative endosymbiont Regiella insecticola influences alate morph production with co-infection of R. insecticola and Fukatsuia symbiotica increasing reproductive output. For R. padi, adult aphid morph (apterous or alate) is the key driver behind reproductive output, with a genotype × morph effect also found to influence development time.Overall, these results provide insight into the biological drivers behind phenotypic diversity in agriculturally important aphid species. Being able to associate heritable factors with key phenotypes can generate biological insights into the processes underpinning the dominance of specific aphid clones and can be used to develop pest and disease management strategies based around the phenotypic risk of the aphid populations present.},
}
@article {pmid40047399,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, L and Guo, Q and Han, X and Yuan, F and Wei, C},
title = {Critical time of transovarial transmission of bacteriome-associated symbionts and related molecular mechanisms in cicada Hyalessa maculaticollis.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {33},
number = {3},
pages = {1081-1096},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70014},
pmid = {40047399},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {32070476//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32270496//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; Ovary/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Obligate endosymbionts of sap-sucking auchenorrhynchan insects of Hemiptera colonize the bacteriomes and are transmitted vertically through the ovaries to the offspring of host insects, but the critical time of symbiont transmission and molecular mechanisms underlying the process remain unknown. We used histological and transmission electron microscopy, 16S rDNA amplification sequencing and transcriptome analyses to explore the vertical transmission of bacteriome-associated symbionts in the cicada Hyalessa maculaticollis. We find that the symbiont Candidatus Karelsulcia muelleri (hereafter Karelsulcia) proliferates and changes shape after the adult cicadas emerged for 3 h, which is then extruded to the hemolymph from the basal membrane of bacteriome units. The yeast-like fungal symbiont (YLS) harbored in bacteriome sheath cells is released freely along with Karelsulcia. As ovaries mature, Karelsulcia and YLS infect oocytes of cicadas that had emerged for 60 h, and begin to gather at the posterior pole of oocytes, where they form a symbiont ball in each oocyte. Expressions of genes associated with cytoskeletal organization, endocytosis, amino acid transporter and lipid synthesis increase in the newly emerged adults, mediating the transport of substances during the transmission of symbionts. The amino acid-sensitive mechanistic target of the rapamycin pathway is one of the crucial pathways coordinating the vesicle-mediated symbiotic transmission. The insulin signaling pathway potentially together with insect hormones synergically regulate insect fertility and affect yolk deposition, which is closely related to the symbiont infection of ovaries. This study highlights the importance of signaling pathways in regulating the vertical transmission of symbionts in sap-feeding auchenorrhynchan insects.},
}
@article {pmid40064865,
year = {2025},
author = {Croteau, D and Jaubert, M and Falciatore, A and Bailleul, B},
title = {Pennate diatoms make non-photochemical quenching as simple as possible but not simpler.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {2385},
pmid = {40064865},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {Browncut (ANR-19-CE20-0020)//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; EMBRC-FR-"Investissements d'avenir" program (ANR-10-INBS-02)//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (French National Research Agency)/ ; PhotoPHYTOMIX project (grant agreement No. 715579)//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; },
mesh = {*Diatoms/metabolism/genetics/radiation effects ; Xanthophylls/metabolism ; Photosynthesis/physiology ; *Photosystem II Protein Complex/metabolism ; Light ; *Light-Harvesting Protein Complexes/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Studies of marine microalgal photosynthesis are heavily moulded on legacy research from organisms like Arabidopsis and Chlamydomonas, despite the differences between primary and secondary endosymbionts. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) protects photosystem II from excessive light and, in pennate diatoms, requires the xanthophyll pigment diatoxanthin and Lhcx proteins. Although NPQ's relationship with diatoxanthin is straightforward, the role of Lhcx proteins has been unclear and at the core of several conflicting NPQ models, often unnecessarily borrowing the complexity of models from green organisms. We use 14 Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains, including 13 transgenic lines with variable Lhcx1 expression levels, grow them under two non-stressful light conditions, and modulate diatoxanthin levels through short light stress. The resulting Lhcx1-diatoxanthin matrices are used to demonstrate that NPQ is proportional to the product of the Lhcx1 concentration and the proportion of diatoxanthin in the xanthophyll pool. This indicates that the interaction between diatoxanthin and Lhcx1 creates a homogeneous Stern-Volmer quencher responsible for NPQ. Additionally, we demonstrate that the photosynthetic unit in pennate diatoms follows a "lake" model, with discrepancies in the NPQ-photochemistry relationship arising from unconsidered assumptions, one possibility being cellular heterogeneity. This underscores pennate diatoms as natural reductionist system for studying marine photosynthesis.},
}
@article {pmid40074904,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, H and Huang, J and Li, T and Li, W and Wu, Y and Yang, T and Nian, Y and Lin, X and Wang, J and Wang, R and Zhao, X and Su, N and Zhang, J and Wu, X and Fan, M},
title = {Structure and mechanism of the plastid/parasite ATP/ADP translocator.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {641},
number = {8063},
pages = {797-804},
pmid = {40074904},
issn = {1476-4687},
mesh = {Adenosine Diphosphate/metabolism/chemistry ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism/chemistry ; Binding Sites ; Cryoelectron Microscopy ; Models, Molecular ; *Plastids/metabolism/chemistry ; Symbiosis ; *Arabidopsis Proteins/chemistry/metabolism ; *Mitochondrial ADP, ATP Translocases/chemistry/metabolism ; *Bacterial Proteins/chemistry/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the principal energy currency of all living cells[1,2]. Metabolically impaired obligate intracellular parasites, such as the human pathogens Chlamydia trachomatis and Rickettsia prowazekii, can acquire ATP from their host cells through a unique ATP/adenosine diphosphate (ADP) translocator, which mediates the import of ATP into and the export of ADP and phosphate out of the parasite cells, thus allowing the exploitation of the energy reserves of host cells (also known as energy parasitism). This type of ATP/ADP translocator also exists in the obligate intracellular endosymbionts of protists and the plastids of plants and algae and has been implicated to play an important role in endosymbiosis[3-31]. The plastid/parasite type of ATP/ADP translocator is phylogenetically and functionally distinct from the mitochondrial ATP/ADP translocator, and its structure and transport mechanism are still unknown. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy structures of two plastid/parasite types of ATP/ADP translocators in the apo and substrate-bound states. The ATP/ADP-binding pocket is located at the interface between the N and C domains of the translocator, and a conserved asparagine residue within the pocket is critical for substrate specificity. The translocator operates through a rocker-switch alternating access mechanism involving the relative rotation of the two domains as rigid bodies. Our results provide critical insights for understanding ATP translocation across membranes in energy parasitism and endosymbiosis and offer a structural basis for developing drugs against obligate intracellular parasites.},
}
@article {pmid40078832,
year = {2023},
author = {Al Noman, A and Das, D and Nesa, Z and Tariquzzaman, M and Sharzana, F and Rakibul Hasan, M and Riaz, BK and Sharower, G and Rahman, MM},
title = {Importance of Wolbachia-mediated biocontrol to reduce dengue in Bangladesh and other dengue-endemic developing countries.},
journal = {Biosafety and health},
volume = {5},
number = {2},
pages = {69-77},
pmid = {40078832},
issn = {2590-0536},
abstract = {Mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue and chikungunya have become global threats, infecting millions of people worldwide, including developing countries of Southeast Asia and Latin America. Bangladesh, like many other developing countries, is experiencing frequent dengue outbreaks. This article, therefore, critically discussed the current status of dengue disease, vector control approaches, and the need for Wolbachia-mediated intervention in Bangladesh and other dengue-endemic developing countries. In this narrative review study, relevant literature was searched from major databases and search engines such as PubMed, BanglaJol, World Health Organization (WHO)/European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and Google Scholar. Considering the selection criteria, our search strategies finally involved 55 related literature for further investigation. Findings showed that current vector control strategies could not render protection for an extended period, and the disease burden of arboviruses is increasing. The impoverished outbreak preparedness, urbanization, climate change, and less efficacy of existing control methods have made people susceptible to vector-borne diseases. Hence, Wolbachia, a naturally occurring endosymbiont of many mosquito species that can potentially limit virus transmission through several host genetic alterations, would be a potential alternative for dengue prevention. We also critically discussed the challenges and prospects of Wolbachia-based dengue control in developing countries. The evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of this intervention and its mechanism have also been elucidated. Empirical evidence suggests that this introgression method could be an eco-friendly and long-lasting dengue control method. This review would help the policymakers and health experts devise a scheme of Wolbachia-based dengue control that can control mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue in Bangladesh and other developing countries.},
}
@article {pmid40081327,
year = {2025},
author = {Kemen, A and Kemen, E},
title = {Boosting endosymbiosis in plants for future self-sustained crop production.},
journal = {Cell host &amp; microbe},
volume = {33},
number = {3},
pages = {315-318},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2025.02.011},
pmid = {40081327},
issn = {1934-6069},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Crops, Agricultural/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Crop Production/methods ; Mutation ; Flavonoids/biosynthesis ; },
abstract = {In a recent article in Nature, Cook et al. demonstrate that an autoactive mutant of CNGC15 generates continuous low-frequency calcium (Ca[2+]) oscillations, enabling sustained flavonoid production and promoting endosymbiont attraction and root colonization. The mutant simultaneously enables endosymbiosis gene induction, even under high-nutrient conditions, offering avenues for improving crop-microbe interactions in agriculture.},
}
@article {pmid40084540,
year = {2025},
author = {Detcharoen, M and Nilsai, A and Thaochan, N and Nuansuwon, C},
title = {Low Wolbachia incidence in Bactrocera and Zeugodacus species from Thailand and genome analysis of Wolbachia associated with Zeugodacus apicalis.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {2},
pages = {895-906},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf054},
pmid = {40084540},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {SCI6402027S//Prince of Songkla University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Tephritidae/microbiology ; Thailand ; Phylogeny ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are bacterial endosymbionts found widely in arthropods and filarial nematodes. Infecting about half of all arthropod species, Wolbachia manipulate their hosts in various ways, including cytoplasmic incompatibility. Here, we investigated Wolbachia diversity in Bactrocera and Zeugodacus, two prevalent tephritid fruit fly genera, using molecular methods. Wolbachia was only detected in Zeugodacus apicalis (de Meijere) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and not in the other 7 studied species. This newly discovered strain, named wZap, belongs to supergroup B with a 1.3 Mb genome containing 1,248 genes. Phylogenetic analysis of its cytoplasmic incompatibility factor genes cifA and cifB revealed their placement within the Type I clade. Given the presence of cif genes in the wZap genome, further research into their roles in fruit flies could be crucial for developing pest control strategies that exploit CI mechanisms.},
}
@article {pmid40085262,
year = {2025},
author = {Castelli, M and Petroni, G},
title = {An Evolutionary-Focused Review of the Holosporales (Alphaproteobacteria): Diversity, Host Interactions, and Taxonomic Re-ranking as Holosporineae Subord. Nov.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {15},
pmid = {40085262},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Biological Evolution ; Animals ; *Alphaproteobacteria/classification/genetics/physiology ; *Biodiversity ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; },
abstract = {The order Holosporales is a broad and ancient lineage of bacteria obligatorily associated with eukaryotic hosts, mostly protists. Significantly, this is similar to other evolutionary distinct bacterial lineages (e.g. Rickettsiales and Chlamydiae). Here, we provide a detailed and comprehensive account on the current knowledge on the Holosporales. First, acknowledging the up-to-date phylogenetic reconstructions and recent nomenclatural proposals, we reevaluate their taxonomy, thus re-ranking them as a suborder, i.e. Holosporineae, within the order Rhodospirillales. Then, we examine the phylogenetic diversity of the Holosporineae, presenting the 20 described genera and many yet undescribed sub-lineages, as well as the variety of the respective environments of provenance and hosts, which belong to several different eukaryotic supergroups. Noteworthy representatives of the Holosporineae are the infectious intranuclear Holospora, the host manipulator 'Caedimonas', and the farmed shrimp pathogen 'Candidatus Hepatobacter'. Next, we put these bacteria in the broad context of the whole Holosporineae, by comparing with the available data on the least studied representatives, including genome sequences. Accordingly, we reason on the most probable evolutionary trajectories for host interactions, host specificity, and emergence of potential pathogens in aquaculture and possibly humans, as well as on future research directions to investigate those many open points on the Holosporineae.},
}
@article {pmid40101296,
year = {2025},
author = {Ohm, JR and Lynd, A and McGowan, A and Cupid, A and Bellot, V and Le, JQ and Kakani, E and Livni, J and Crawford, JE and White, BJ},
title = {Mark-Release-Recapture of Packed and Shipped Aedes aegypti with Wolbachia: Implications for Conducting Remote Incompatible Insect Technique Programs.},
journal = {The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene},
volume = {112},
number = {6},
pages = {1313-1324},
pmid = {40101296},
issn = {1476-1645},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/physiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Male mosquitoes containing the endosymbiont Wolbachia (Wb+) can be used as a tool to suppress wild mosquito populations through a technique termed incompatible insect technique (IIT). IIT programs reduce wild mosquitoes via incompatible matings between released males and wild females to reduce the number of viable offspring produced in the next generation. Successful programs rely on regular release of incompatible males to outcompete wild males for female mates. Past IIT programs have relied on local production of Wb+ males to support regular releases of incompatible males. Here, we evaluated the survival and dispersal of packed and shipped Wb+ Aedes aegypti males in mark-release-recapture studies at a release site in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), separated by over 3,600 miles from the centralized production facility. Released mosquitoes were recaptured using BG-Sentinel 2 traps collected daily for up to 7 days after release. Wb+ male mosquitoes packed and shipped from a centralized production facility performed similarly to males that were locally reared in the BVI in survival, dispersal, and recapture rates. Our results support the conclusion that packing and shipping live Wb+ male mosquitoes does not impact their ability to survive and disperse in release sites and suggests that IIT mosquito control programs can feasibly be conducted nearly anywhere in the world without the need for local mosquito production facilities.},
}
@article {pmid40106558,
year = {2025},
author = {Maurya, AK and Kröninger, L and Ehret, G and Bäumers, M and Marson, M and Scheu, S and Nowack, ECM},
title = {A nucleus-encoded dynamin-like protein controls endosymbiont division in the trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {12},
pages = {eadp8518},
pmid = {40106558},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Trypanosomatina/genetics/metabolism/microbiology ; *Dynamins/metabolism/genetics ; *Cell Division ; *Cell Nucleus/metabolism/genetics ; *Protozoan Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Cytoskeletal Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Angomonas deanei is a trypanosomatid of the Strigomonadinae. All members of this subfamily contain a single β-proteobacterial endosymbiont. Intriguingly, cell cycles of host and endosymbiont are synchronized. The molecular mechanisms underlying this notable level of integration are unknown. Previously, we identified a nucleus-encoded dynamin-like protein, called ETP9, that localizes at the endosymbiont division site of A. deanei. Here, we found by comparative genomics that endosymbionts throughout the Strigomonadinae lost the capacity to autonomously form a division septum. We describe the cell cycle-dependent subcellular localization of ETP9 that follows accumulation of the bacterium-encoded division protein FtsZ at the endosymbiont division site. Furthermore, we found that ETP9 is essential in symbiotic but dispensable in aposymbiotic A. deanei that lost the endosymbiont. In the symbiotic strain, ETP9 knockdowns resulted in filamentous, division-impaired endosymbionts. Our work unveiled that in A. deanei an endosymbiont division machinery of dual genetic origin evolved in which a neo-functionalized host protein compensates for losses of endosymbiont division genes.},
}
@article {pmid40108258,
year = {2025},
author = {Szymkowiak, P and Konecka, E and Rutkowski, T and Pecyna, A and Szwajkowski, P},
title = {Alien spiders in a palm house with the first report of parthenogenetic Triaeris stenaspis (Araneae: Oonopidae) infected by Wolbachia from new supergroup X.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {9512},
pmid = {40108258},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Spiders/microbiology/classification ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Poland ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Parthenogenesis ; },
abstract = {Palm houses in Europe serve as urban biodiversity hot spots for alien spiders. As a result of several years of research in the Poznań Palm House, we documented the occurrence of 14 spider species, 9 of which were alien to Europe: Coleosoma floridanum, Hasarius adansoni, Howaia mogera, Ostearius melanopygius, Parasteatoda tabulata, Parasteatoda tepidariorum, Scytodes fusca, Spermophora kerinci and Triaeris stenaspis. The most abundant species was C. floridanum (39.9%). Three spider species were recorded for the first time in Poland: C. floridanum, S. fusca and S. kerinci. We studied the occurrence of endosymbiotic Wolbachia and Cardinium in parthenogenetic T. stenaspis and recorded for the first time the occurrence of Wolbachia in this spider. The endosymbiont was characterized based on the sequences of six bacterial housekeeping genes: 16S rRNA, coxA, fbpA, ftsZ, gatB and hcpA. Our phylogenetic reconstruction of Wolbachia supergroups revealed that the bacteria recovered from the spider formed distinct lineages in relation to all known supergroups. We assigned it to a novel supergroup X with unique sequences within the 16S rRNA and ftsZ genes. We discussed faunistic results in terms of long-term survival rates and the risk of invasion of alien species of spiders.},
}
@article {pmid40120785,
year = {2025},
author = {Almazán, MC and González-Prieto, G and Pereira, LOR and Díaz-Fernández, M and Portal, G and Cantanhêde, LM and García-Bustos, F and Parodi, C and Cajal, P and Quipildor, M and Nasser, J and Krolewiecki, A and Barrio, A},
title = {Exploring the presence of Leishmania RNA Virus 1 in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis isolates from the most endemic area of American tegumentary Leishmaniasis in Argentina.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {264},
number = {},
pages = {107591},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107591},
pmid = {40120785},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Argentina/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Leishmania braziliensis/virology/isolation &amp; purification ; *Leishmaniavirus/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Male ; Female ; *Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/parasitology/epidemiology ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Young Adult ; Endemic Diseases ; Adolescent ; Prevalence ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; },
abstract = {American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) comprises a group of diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. The endosymbiont Leishmania RNA Virus 1 (LRV1) has been associated with severe disease forms and treatment failure in several South American countries; however, no data are available for Argentina. This study conducted the first screening for LRV1 in the country's most endemic region, Salta Province, analyzing 44 clinical samples from cutaneous, mucosal, and relapsing ATL cases. All samples were identified as Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis by PCR-RFLP, and tested negative for LRV1 using RT-PCR. Applying a zero-patient design to avoid concluding absolute absence, the theoretical LRV1 prevalence was estimated to be below 7 %, substantially lower than the 25-77 % range reported in Amazonian regions. These findings suggest that LRV1 distribution may not extend into Argentina. While LRV1 may contribute to disease severity when present, it should not be regarded as an exclusive or definitive factor in clinical presentation or therapeutic response in the region. Further research into genetic, immunological, and epidemiological factors is needed to better understand severe ATL forms in Argentina and to develop targeted strategies for improved disease management.},
}
@article {pmid40121938,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, W and Fu, J and Huang, J and Wen, Y and Fang, S and Yang, X and Xia, Q},
title = {Coxiella R1 symbiont regulates the Asian long-horned tick on its reproduction and development.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {336},
number = {},
pages = {110456},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2025.110456},
pmid = {40121938},
issn = {1873-2550},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coxiella/physiology/drug effects/genetics ; Female ; *Symbiosis ; Tetracycline/pharmacology ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/physiology/growth &amp; development ; Reproduction ; Nymph/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Larva/microbiology ; Male ; },
abstract = {The Asian long-horned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, is a hematophagous ectoparasite that causes important public and veterinary health concerns. Different species of ticks harbor a symbiont bacterium of the genus Coxiella. A Coxiella sp. bacterial endosymbiont was highly prevalent in laboratory-reared H. longicornis. The endosymbiont sequence was 100 % identical to those of H. longicornis Coxiella-like endosymbionts and thus named Coxiella R1 in the present study. Coxiella R1 was detected in all stages of tick and in greatest numbers in nymphs and unfed adult females. We manipulated the numbers of Coxiella R1 in ticks by injecting engorged females or capillary tube feeding of flat females with tetracycline. Both of the administration routes were efficient in reducing the symbiont densities. Microinjection of tetracycline solution reduced 25.53 % of Coxiella R1 in eggs harvested just before hatching, whereas, the reduction rate for capillary tube feeding climbed to 81.70 %. Ticks with Coxiella R1 suppression laid abnormal eggs which were wrinkled, flat, and black, and linked each other to form a line. Ticks that had been treated with tetracycline had lower hatching rates in comparison to controls. In addition, larvae with tetracycline treatment less infested hosts and thus had lower engorgement rates than ticks that received PBS alone. The findings indicate that Coxiella R1 is a primary and obligate endosymbiont, and capable of modulating the obligately hematophagous parasites in egg laying and hatching, and larva blood feeding. The results also suggest that tetracycline treatment could be added to an integrated pest management tool menu for control of the Asian long-horned ticks.},
}
@article {pmid40123057,
year = {2026},
author = {Bastías, DA and Carvalho, L and Jáuregui, R and Johnson, RD and Zhang, W and Gundel, PE},
title = {Is the endophyte-based plant protection against aphids mediated by changes in the insect microbiome?.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {33},
number = {3},
pages = {1097-1108},
pmid = {40123057},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {FONDECYT-2021-1210908//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Cient&#xed;fico y Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; A20067//Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; *Endophytes/physiology ; *Lolium/microbiology ; *Epichloe/physiology ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; *Plant Defense Against Herbivory ; },
abstract = {Aphids are important herbivores in natural and managed environments. We studied the response of aphids and their associated microbiota to the presence of the fungal endophyte Epichloë sp. LpTG-3 strain AR37, and the AR37-derived alkaloids in plants. We hypothesized that AR37 and/or AR37-derived alkaloids would reduce the aphid performance, and that this reduction would be associated with endophyte-mediated changes in the abundance, composition, and diversity of beneficial bacterial endosymbionts of aphids (e.g., Buchnera). Plants of Lolium perenne associated with AR37 variants able (wild type and ∆idtA) and unable (∆idtM) to produce indole diterpene alkaloids were challenged with Rhopalosiphum padi aphids. We measured aphid population size, plant biomass, and the abundance, composition and diversity of the aphid's bacterial microbiota. The presence of AR37 increased the resistance of plants against R. padi aphids via the production of indole diterpene alkaloids, and this effect was independent of the plant biomass. The endophyte-mediated reduction in aphid performance was not associated with changes in the abundance, composition and diversity of the insect's bacterial microbiota. However, we cannot rule out that the reduction in aphid performance could be associated with a putative endophyte effect on the bacterial provision of benefits to aphids. Our study highlighted the protective role of endophyte-derived indole diterpene alkaloids against aphids. Further investigations will be needed to determine if there is a link between the endophyte-mediated aphid resistance and the integrity of the insect's bacterial microbiota.},
}
@article {pmid40125914,
year = {2025},
author = {Besteiro, S},
title = {Keeping your endosymbiont under control: the enigmatic plastid membrane ATG8ylation in Apicomplexa parasites.},
journal = {Autophagy},
volume = {21},
number = {8},
pages = {1843-1847},
pmid = {40125914},
issn = {1554-8635},
mesh = {Animals ; *Apicomplexa/metabolism/physiology ; Autophagy ; *Autophagy-Related Protein 8 Family/metabolism ; *Plastids/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; },
abstract = {ATG8ylation of membranes has been increasingly reported over the last few years, in various configurations and across different eukaryotic models. While the unconventional conjugation of ATG8 to the outermost membrane of the plastid in apicomplexan parasites was first observed over a decade ago, it is often overlooked in literature reviews focusing on the ATG8ylation of non-autophagosomal membranes. Here, I provide a brief overview of the current knowledge on plastid ATG8ylation in these parasites and discuss a possible parallel between the evolutionary origin of this plastid and other ATG8ylation processes, such as LC3-associated phagocytosis.},
}
@article {pmid40128584,
year = {2025},
author = {Nooma, W and Kaenkan, W and Trinachartvanit, W and Baimai, V and Ahantarig, A},
title = {Molecular prevalence of Coxiella like endosymbionts and the first record of Coxiella burnetii in hard ticks from Southern Thailand.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {10129},
pmid = {40128584},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {PHD 0096/2558//Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. (RGJ-PHD) Scholarship/ ; BDC-PG3-163005//Center of Excellence on Biodiversity, Office of Higher Education Commission, Mahidol University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Thailand/epidemiology ; *Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Phylogeny ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Coxiella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Eight hard tick species were identified among a total of 466 samples collected from vegetation in southern Thailand: Dermacentor compactus (n = 150), D. steini (n = 100), D. auratus (n = 85), D. tricuspis (n = 41), Haemaphysalis hystricis (n = 69), H. semermis (n = 3), H. shimoga (n = 2) and Amblyomma testudinarium (n = 16). In 93 ticks from these 8 species, Coxiella bacteria were detected via 16 S rRNA, groEL (60-kDa chaperone heat shock protein B) and rpoB (β subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase) genes. Interestingly, Coxiella burnetii was detected for the first time in H. hystricis and D. steini in Songkhla Province. Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) were also found in 84 ticks from 7 species, namely, D. compactus, D. auratus, D. tricuspis, H. hystricis, H. semermis, H. shimoga and A. testudinarium. Among these, CLEs associated with D. compactus and H. semermis were reported for the first time in Thailand. Phylogenetic analysis and generation of a haplotype network clearly revealed 2 distinct groups of Coxiella bacteria, namely, C. burnetii and CLEs. The nucleotide alignment of Coxiella 16 S rRNA revealed differences in bases at 3 positions between C. burnetii and CLEs. Thus, these differences could be used as liable molecular markers for discriminating these 2 groups in hard ticks.},
}
@article {pmid40142534,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, S and Wang, X and Basit, A and Wei, Q and Zhao, K and Zhao, Y},
title = {Interactions Between Endosymbionts Wolbachia and Rickettsia in the Spider Mite Tetranychus turkestani: Cooperation or Antagonism?.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40142534},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {No. 32260676,No. 31860508//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 2022CB002 - 06//the Program for Young Leading Scientists in Science and Technology of XPCC/ ; No. 2024DA018//the Natural Science Foundation of XPCC/ ; },
abstract = {Maternally inherited endosymbionts are widespread in arthropods, with multiple symbionts commonly co-existing within a single host, potentially competing for or sharing limited host resources and space. Wolbachia and Rickettsia, two maternally-inherited symbionts in arthropods, can co-infect hosts, yet research on their combined impacts on host reproduction and interaction remains scarce. Tetranychus turkestani (Acari: Tetranychidae) is an important agricultural pest mite, characterized by rapid reproduction, a short life cycle, and being difficult to control. Wolbachia and Rickettsia are two major endosymbiotic bacteria present in T. turkestani. This study used diverse parthenogenetic backcross and antibiotic screening to explore the reproductive effects of these two symbionts on T. turkestani. The results show that single Rickettsia infection induced male killing in the amphigenesis of T. turkestani, leading to arrhenotokous embryo death and fewer offspring. Single Wolbachia infection induced strong cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). During dual infection, CI intensity decreased because Rickettsia's male-killing effect antagonized the Wolbachia-induced CI. Dual-infected mites had increased oviposition, lower mortality, a higher female-to-male ratio, and more offspring, thus enhancing T. turkestani's fitness. These findings will be helpful for understanding the nature of host-endosymbiont interactions and the potential for evolutionary conflicts, offering insights into their co-evolutionary relationship.},
}
@article {pmid40143862,
year = {2025},
author = {Sujatha, S and Sindhura, KAV and Koti, PS and Hiremath, S and Muttappagol, M and Vinay Kumar, HD and Shankarappa, KS and Venkataravanappa, V and Reddy, KMS and Reddy, CNL},
title = {Influence of weather and seasonal factors on whitefly dynamics, associated endosymbiotic microbiomes, and Begomovirus transmission causing tomato leaf curl disease: insights from a metagenomic perspective.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1555058},
pmid = {40143862},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a globally significant agricultural pest, responsible for transmitting over 120 plant viruses, including those from the Begomovirus genus, which contribute to considerable crop losses. The species complex comprises cryptic species, associated with a diverse array of bacterial endosymbionts that play essential roles in host nutrition, virus transmission, and overall host adaptability. These endosymbionts are classified into primary and secondary categories, with primary endosymbionts forming obligatory, long-term associations, and secondary endosymbionts influencing factors such as biotype differentiation and vector competency. Notably, these microbial communities enhance B. tabaci's capacity to transmit viruses, including the tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCuV), which poses a significant threat to tomato production.<br><br>METHODS: In this study, we examined the population dynamics of B. tabaci across three major tomato-growing regions in Karnataka, South India, focusing on their seasonal associations with endosymbionts and the incidence of tomato leaf curl disease (ToLCuD). Multiple regression analysis was employed to assess the influence of weather parameters on whitefly populations and disease prevalence. Additionally, we constructed a metagenomic profile to evaluate the effects of geographical location, seasonality, environmental factors, and agricultural practices on the bacterial communities associated with B. tabaci. Species-specific primers were used to validate the presence and diversity of these bacterial communities.<br><br>RESULTS: Meteorological data revealed a positive correlation between temperature and B. tabaci populations, which corresponded with an increased incidence of ToLCuD. Genetic characterization of the whitefly identified Asia II-5 and Asia II-7 cryptic species as the dominant forms in the surveyed regions, with Portiera emerging as the most prevalent endosymbiont. A more in-depth analysis of the microbial communities associated with B. tabaci, utilizing 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing, revealed a dominance of the Proteobacteria phylum. The endosymbiotic bacterial consortium was primarily composed of Candidatus Portiera, Candidatus Hamiltonella, Candidatus Rickettsia, and Candidatus Arsenophonus.<br><br>DISCUSSION: The metagenomic analysis revealed a highly diverse array of bacterial communities, with 92% of sequences classified under Proteobacteria, representing a spectrum of microbial types associated with B. tabaci ranging from parasitic and pathogenic to mutualistic. Within this phylum, Alphaproteobacteria were predominant, known for their role as facultative symbionts, while Gammaproteobacteria provided essential nutrients to arthropods, enhancing their survival and fitness. The interplay of continuous and intensive tomato cultivation, elevated temperatures, favorable host plants, and abundant viral inoculum creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of B. tabaci and the widespread transmission of ToLCuD. The presence of diverse cryptic species of B. tabaci, which are efficient viral vectors, further complicates the situation. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated management strategies globally to control both whitefly populations and ToLCuD, ensuring the protection of tomato crops and the sustainability of farmer livelihoods.},
}
@article {pmid40144380,
year = {2025},
author = {Gokhman, VE and Ryabinin, AS and Bykov, RA and Ilinsky, YY},
title = {The lowest chromosome number in the family Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea): the karyotype and other genetic features of Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani, 1875).},
journal = {Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {108-112},
doi = {10.18699/vjgb-25-12},
pmid = {40144380},
issn = {2500-0462},
abstract = {Various genetic features of the hitman strain of the widespread parasitoid of Drosophilidae (Diptera), Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae (Rondani, 1875) (Pteromalidae, Pachyneurinae) were studied. This strain was established and is maintained at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Novosibirsk, Russia). An analysis of air-dried chromosome preparations from prepupae of this parasitoid showed that it has n = 4 and 2n = 8 in males and females, respectively, which is the lowest known chromosome number in the family Pteromalidae. All chromosomes in the karyotype of this species are metacentric. The first and second chromosomes are of similar size, the remaining ones are substantially shorter. The same results were obtained for an additional strain of this species kept at the Moscow State University (Moscow, Russia). A comparison of the DNA sequence of the barcoding region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) gene of the hitman strain of P. vindemmiae with those available from the GenBank and BoLD databases demonstrated that this strain clustered together with conspecifics originating from China, Turkey and Italy. Despite certain endosymbionts being previously reported for the genus Pachycrepoideus Ashmead, 1904 as well as for P. vindemmiae itself, the hitman strain turned out to be free of endosymbiotic bacteria in the genera Arsenophonus Gherna et al., 1991, Cardinium Zchori-Fein et al., 2004, Rickettsia da Rocha-Lima, 1916, Spiroplasma Saglio et al., 1973 and Wolbachia Hertig, 1936. The above-mentioned results improve our knowledge of various genetic features of parasitoids of the family Pteromalidae and those of P. vindemmiae in particular.},
}
@article {pmid40161633,
year = {2025},
author = {Cassens, J and Villalta, M and Aguirre, S and Ecklund, L and Stenger, T and Abdi, I and Venigalla, S and Shiffman, E and Bastug, K and Thielen, BK and Faulk, C},
title = {The Genome of the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis).},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40161633},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {T32 AI055433/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AR007612/AR/NIAMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is a vector of zoonotic pathogens in North America that poses emerging threats to public health. Despite its medical importance, genomic resources for D. variabilis remain scarce. Leveraging long-read nanopore sequencing, we generated a high-quality genome assembly for D. variabilis with a final size of 2.15 Gb, an N50 of 445 kb, and a BUSCO completeness score of 95.2%. Comparative BUSCO analyses revealed fewer duplicate genes in our assembly than in other Dermacentor genomes, indicating improved haplotype resolution. The mitochondrial genome, assembled as a single circular contig, clustered monophyletically with D. variabilis isolates from the Upper Midwest, corroborating regional phylogenetic relationships. Repetitive element analysis identified 61% of the genome as repetitive, dominated by LINEs and LTR elements, with 24% remaining unclassified, underscoring the need for further exploration of transposable elements in tick genomes. Gene annotation predicted 21,722 putative genes, achieving a protein BUSCO completeness of 80.88%. Additionally, genome-wide methylation analysis revealed 9.9% global 5mC methylation, providing the first insights into epigenetic modifications in D. variabilis. Further, nanopore sequencing detected Rickettsia montanensis and a non-pathogenic Francisella-like endosymbiont. These findings expand our understanding of tick genomics and epigenetics, offering valuable resources for comparative studies and evolutionary analyses.},
}
@article {pmid40161691,
year = {2025},
author = {Tekle, YI and Smith, AR and McGinnis, M and Ghebezadik, S and Patel, P},
title = {A new Paramoeba Isolate from Florida Exhibits a Microtubule-Bound Endosymbiont Closely Associated with the Host Nucleus.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.03.10.642444},
pmid = {40161691},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {The genera Paramoeba and Neoparamoeba , within the family Paramoebidae (order Dactylopodida), are distinguished by their dactylopodial pseudopodia and the presence of an intracellular eukaryotic symbiont, the Perkinsela -like organism (PLO). Taxonomic classification within these genera has been challenging due to overlapping morphological traits and close phylogenetic relationships. Most species are marine, with some acting as significant parasites, contributing to sea urchin mass mortality and serving as causative agents of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD). Despite their ecological and economic importance, many aspects of their diversity, biology, evolution, and host interactions remain poorly understood. In this study, we describe a novel amoeba species, Paramoeba daytoni n. sp., isolated from Daytona Beach, Florida. Morphological and molecular analyses confirm its placement within the Paramoeba clade, closely related to P. eilhardi, P. karteshi, and P. aparasomata . Phylogenetic assessments using 18S and COI markers demonstrate the limitations of 18S gene for species delineation, highlighting COI as a more reliable genetic marker for this group. Additionally, observations on PLO morphology, movement, and microtubule association provide insights into the endosymbiotic relationship, reinforcing the need for further research into this unique eukaryote-eukaryote symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid40163815,
year = {2025},
author = {Marinov, GK and Ramalingam, V and Greenleaf, WJ and Kundaje, A},
title = {An updated compendium and reevaluation of the evidence for nuclear transcription factor occupancy over the mitochondrial genome.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {3},
pages = {e0318796},
pmid = {40163815},
issn = {1932-6203},
support = {U01 HG009431/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HG008140/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; U19 AI057266/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P50 HG007735/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 HG009436/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 HG009442/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Mitochondrial ; Humans ; *Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics ; Animals ; Mice ; *Cell Nucleus/metabolism/genetics ; Mitochondria/genetics/metabolism ; Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing ; Chromatin Immunoprecipitation ; },
abstract = {In most eukaryotes, mitochondrial organelles contain their own genome, usually circular, which is the remnant of the genome of the ancestral bacterial endosymbiont that gave rise to modern mitochondria. Mitochondrial genomes are dramatically reduced in their gene content due to the process of endosymbiotic gene transfer to the nucleus; as a result most mitochondrial proteins are encoded in the nucleus and imported into mitochondria. This includes the components of the dedicated mitochondrial transcription and replication systems and regulatory factors, which are entirely distinct from the information processing systems in the nucleus. However, since the 1990s several nuclear transcription factors have been reported to act in mitochondria, and previously we identified 8 human and 3 mouse transcription factors (TFs) with strong localized enrichment over the mitochondrial genome using ChIP-seq (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation) datasets from the second phase of the ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) Project Consortium. Here, we analyze the greatly expanded in the intervening decade ENCODE compendium of TF ChIP-seq datasets (a total of 6,153 ChIP experiments for 942 proteins, of which 763 are sequence-specific TFs) combined with interpretative deep learning models of TF occupancy to create a comprehensive compendium of nuclear TFs that show evidence of association with the mitochondrial genome. We find some evidence for chrM occupancy for 50 nuclear TFs and two other proteins, with bZIP TFs emerging as most likely to be playing a role in mitochondria. However, we also observe that in cases where the same TF has been assayed with multiple antibodies and ChIP protocols, evidence for its chrM occupancy is not always reproducible. In the light of these findings, we discuss the evidential criteria for establishing chrM occupancy and reevaluate the overall compendium of putative mitochondrial-acting nuclear TFs.},
}
@article {pmid40172541,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, Y and Iatsenko, I},
title = {Drosophila symbionts in infection: when a friend becomes an enemy.},
journal = {Infection and immunity},
volume = {93},
number = {5},
pages = {e0051124},
pmid = {40172541},
issn = {1098-5522},
support = {IA 81/2-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; IA81/3-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; //Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung/ ; //Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/immunology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {The insect microbiome is comprised of extracellular microbial communities that colonize the host surfaces and endosymbionts that reside inside host cells and tissues. Both of these communities participate in essential aspects of host biology, including the immune response and interactions with pathogens. In recent years, our knowledge about the role of the insect microbiome in infection has increased tremendously. While many studies have highlighted the microbiome's protective effect against various natural enemies of insects, unexpected discoveries have shown that some members of the microbiota can facilitate pathogenic infections. Here, we summarize studies in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, that have substantially progressed our understanding of host-pathogen-microbiome interactions during infection. We summarize studies on the protective mechanisms of Drosophila gut microbiota, highlight examples of microbiome exploitation by pathogens, and detail the mechanisms of endosymbiont-mediated host protection. In addition, we delve into a previously neglected topic in Drosophila microbiome research-the crosstalk between endosymbionts and gut microbiota. Finally, we address how endosymbionts and gut microbiota remain resilient to host immune responses and stably colonize the host during infection. By examining how the microbiome is influenced by and reciprocally affects infection outcomes, this review provides timely and cohesive coverage of the roles of Drosophila endosymbionts and gut microbiota during infections.},
}
@article {pmid40177692,
year = {2025},
author = {Speer, KA and Víquez-R, L and Frick, WF and Ibarra, A and Simmons, NB and Dittmar, K and Calderón, RS and Preciado, R and Medellín, R and Tschapka, M and Sommer, S and Perkins, SL},
title = {Comparative Community Ecology Reveals Conserved Ectoparasite Microbiomes Amidst Variable Host and Environment Microbiomes.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e71120},
pmid = {40177692},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The microbiome-the community of microorganisms that is associated with an individual animal-has been an important driver of insect biodiversity globally, enabling insects to specialize in narrow, nutrient-deficient diets. The importance of maternally inherited, obligate bacterial endosymbionts in provisioning nutrients missing from these narrow dietary niches has been well studied in insects. However, we know comparatively little about the processes that dictate the composition of non-maternally inherited bacteria in insect microbiomes, despite the importance of these bacteria in insect health, fitness, and vector competence. Here, we used two species of obligate insect ectoparasites of bats, the bat flies (Streblidae) Trichobius sphaeronotus and Nycterophilia coxata, to examine whether the microbiome, beyond obligate bacterial endosymbionts, is conserved or variable across geographic space, between ectoparasite species, or covaries with the external microbiome of their bat hosts or the cave environment. Our results indicate that ectoparasite microbiomes are highly conserved and specific to ectoparasite species, despite these species feeding on the blood of the same bat individuals in some cases. In contrast, we found high geographic variation in the fur microbiome of host bats and that the bat fur microbiome mimics the cave microbiomes. This research suggests that there is a constraint on blood-feeding insect ectoparasites to maintain a specific microbiome distinct from their host and the environment, potentially to meet their nutritional needs. Given that many of these bacteria are not known to be maternally inherited, this research lays the foundation for future examinations of how blood-feeding arthropods acquire and maintain bacteria in their microbiomes.},
}
@article {pmid40181281,
year = {2025},
author = {Degnan, PH and Percy, DM and Hansen, AK},
title = {Coupled evolutionary rates shape a Hawaiian insect-symbiont system.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {336},
pmid = {40181281},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {DEB 1241253//NSF/ ; 2019-70016-29066//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Phylogeny ; Hawaii ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology/classification ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Genome, Insect ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Hawaiian Pariaconus psyllid radiation represents a unique system to study the co-evolution of nuclear, mitochondrial, and endosymbiont genomes. These psyllids, which diversified across the Hawaiian Islands during the last 3-3.5 million years vary with their ecological niches on their plant host 'Ōhi'a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) (free-living, open-gall, and closed-gall lifestyles) and harbor one to three beneficial bacterial endosymbionts. Co-evolutionary studies of other multi-endosymbiont insect systems have shown decoupled rates of sequence evolution between mitochondria and endosymbionts. Here we examine the evolutionary trends in Pariaconus psyllids, their mitochondria and their endosymbionts to determine if they fit this paradigm.<br><br>RESULTS: We sequenced a new Carsonella genome from the ohialoha species group (closed-gall, one symbiont), revealing a remarkable degree of gene conservation between two of the most divergent species from this diverse species group that has dispersed across multiple islands. Further, despite the rapid radiation of psyllid species, we observed complete synteny among mitochondrial genomes from all six Pariaconus species in this study, suggesting the preservation of genome structure due to strong purifying selection. Phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear, mitochondrial, and endosymbiont genomes across these six Pariaconus species revealed correlated rates of substitutions, contrary to prior reports of decoupling between mitochondrial and endosymbiont genomes in other insect systems with multiple symbiont partners. Finally, we found that free-living psyllids with three symbionts exhibited elevated mutation rates (~&#x2009;1.2-1.6x) across all genomes and elevated rates of fixation of nonsynonymous substitutions in the insect nuclear genome and one of the endosymbionts.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the interplay between ecological diversification and genomic evolution in Pariaconus. Further, these data indicate that multiple endosymbiont partners alone are not sufficient to result in decoupling rates of sequence evolution. Future work on basal members of this species radiation will refine our understanding of the mechanisms shaping this dynamic insect-symbiont system and its implications for genome evolution.},
}
@article {pmid40185027,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiménez-Leiva, A and Cabrera, JJ and Torres, MJ and Richardson, DJ and Bedmar, EJ and Gates, AJ and Delgado, MJ and Mesa, S},
title = {Haem is involved in the NO-mediated regulation by Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens NnrR transcription factor.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {297},
number = {},
pages = {128151},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2025.128151},
pmid = {40185027},
issn = {1618-0623},
mesh = {*Bradyrhizobium/metabolism/genetics ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Transcription Factors/metabolism/genetics ; *Nitric Oxide/metabolism ; *Heme/metabolism ; Glycine max/microbiology ; Oxidoreductases/metabolism/genetics ; Denitrification ; Nitrous Oxide/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Nitric oxide (NO) and the greenhouse gas (GHG) nitrous oxide (N2O) contribute significantly to climate change. In rhizobia, the denitrifying enzyme c-type nitric oxide reductase (cNor), encoded by norCBQD genes, is crucial for maintaining a delicate balance of NO and N2O levels. In the soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, maximal expression of norCBQD genes in response to NO is controlled by NnrR, which belongs to a distinct clade of the CRP/FNR family of bacterial transcription factors. This protein participates in the FixLJ-FixK2-NnrR regulatory cascade that induces denitrification genes expression in response to oxygen limitation and nitrogen oxides. However, the molecular mechanism underpinning NO sensing by B. diazoefficiens NnrR has remained elusive. Here, we revealed that NnrR induces norCBQD gene expression in response to NO uncoupled from the superimposed FixK2 control. Moreover, NO-mediated induction by NnrR is dependent on haem, as the expression of a norC-lacZ fusion was impaired in a hemN2 mutant defective in haem biosynthesis. In vitro studies showed that NnrR bound haem with a 1:1 stoichiometry (monomer:haem), according to titration experiments of recombinant NnrR protein with hemin performed under anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, the full UV-Visible spectra of haem-reconstituted NnrR showed a peak at 411 nm (ferric form), and at 425 nm (ferrous derivative). This latter complex was able to bind NO under anaerobic conditions. Finally, we performed a functional mutagenesis of specific residues in NnrR predicted as putative ligands for haem binding. While H11 was important for norC expression and Nor activity, a H11A-H56A protein variant showed a reduced affinity for haem binding. Taken together, our results identify haem as the cofactor for NnrR-mediated NO sensing in B. diazoefficiens denitrification, with H11 as a key residue for NnrR function, providing the first insight into the mechanism of an NnrR-type protein. These findings advance our understanding of how bacterial systems orchestrate the denitrification process and respond to environmental cues such as NO.},
}
@article {pmid40196488,
year = {2025},
author = {Lindsey, AR and Lue, CH and Davis, JS and Borjon, LJ and Mauthner, SE and Fricke, LC and Eads, L and Murphy, M and Drown, MK and Faulk, C and Buffington, ML and Tracey, WD},
title = {Genomics and reproductive biology of Leptopilina n. sp. Buffington, Lue, Davis &amp; Tracey sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Figitidae): An asexual parasitoid of Caribbean Drosophila.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40196488},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM150991/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Drosophila and parasitic wasps in the genus Leptopilina have long been a model for understanding host-parasite interactions. Indeed, parasitic wasps are important drivers of ecological and evolutionary processes broadly, but we are generally lacking information about the diversity, natural history, and evolution of these relationships. We collected insects from the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia, home to the eastern Caribbean 'dunni' subgroup of Drosophila: a clade long appreciated for its recent patterns of speciation and adaptation. Here we present an integrative approach that incorporates natural history, taxonomy, physiology, and genomics to describe Leptopilina n. sp. Buffington, Lue, Davis &amp; Tracey sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a virulent parasitoid of dunni group flies, especially Drosophila antillea. Leptopilina n. sp. is nested within an early-branching clade of Leptopilina, offering insights into the evolution of this important genus of Drosophila parasitoids. We present a high-quality assembly for this wasp's 1Gbp genome, and for its bacterial endosymbiont: Wolbachia strain "wLmal". Furthermore, we show that wLmal induces parthenogenesis in the wasp, and that these wasps are reliant upon their Wolbachia infections to produce female offspring. Finally, comparison to historical museum specimens indicate that Leptopilina n. sp. had been collected approximately 40 years prior from the nearby island of Guadeloupe and were also asexually reproducing. This work represents one of only a handful of studies in which field biology, taxonomy, systematics, genomics, and experimental biology are integrated into a species description: showcasing the possibilities for biodiversity research in the genomic era.},
}
@article {pmid40202301,
year = {2025},
author = {Mahillon, M and Debonneville, C and Groux, R and Roquis, D and Brodard, J and Faoro, F and Foissac, X and Schumpp, O and Dittmer, J},
title = {From insect endosymbiont to phloem colonizer: comparative genomics unveils the lifestyle transition of phytopathogenic Arsenophonus strains.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {e0149624},
pmid = {40202301},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {2020/33/LES-Z II//Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture/ ; 792813//EU Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska Curie/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Phloem/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; *Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/classification ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; Genomics/methods ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Bacteria infecting the plant phloem represent a growing threat worldwide. While these organisms often resist in vitro culture, they multiply both in plant sieve elements and hemipteran vectors. Such cross-kingdom parasitic lifestyle has emerged in diverse taxa via distinct ecological routes. In the genus Arsenophonus, the phloem pathogens "Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus" (Ap) and "Ca. Phlomobacter fragariae" (Pf) have evolved from insect endosymbionts, but the genetic mechanisms underlying this transition have not been explored. To fill this gap, we obtained the genomes of both strains from insect host metagenomes. The resulting assemblies are highly similar in size and functional repertoire, rich in viral sequences, and closely resemble the genomes of several facultative endosymbiotic Arsenophonus strains of sap-sucking hemipterans. However, a phylogenomic analysis demonstrated distinct origins, as Ap belongs to the "Triatominarum" clade, whereas Pf represents a distant species. We identified a set of orthologs encoded only by Ap and Pf in the genus, including hydrolytic enzymes likely targeting plant substrates. In particular, both bacteria encode putative plant cell wall-degrading enzymes and cysteine peptidases related to xylellain, a papain-like peptidase from Xylella fastidiosa, for which close homologs are found in diverse Pseudomonadota infecting the plant vasculature. In silico predictions and gene expression analyses further support a role during phloem colonization for several of the shared orthologs. We conclude that the double emergence of phytopathogenicity in Arsenophonus may have been mediated by a few horizontal gene transfer events, involving genes acquired from other Pseudomonadota, including phytopathogens.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: We investigate the genetic mechanisms of a transition in bacterial lifestyle. We focus on two phloem pathogens belonging to the genus Arsenophonus: "Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus" and "Ca. Phlomobacter fragariae." Both bacteria cause economically significant pathologies, and they have likely emerged among facultative insect endosymbionts. Our genomic analyses show that both strains are highly similar to other strains of the genus associated with sap-sucking hemipterans, suggesting a recent lifestyle shift. Importantly, although the phytopathogenic Arsenophonus strains belong to distant clades, they share a small set of orthologs unique in the genus pangenome. We provide evidence that several of these genes produce hydrolytic enzymes that are secreted and may target plant substrates. The acquisition and exchange of these genes may thus have played a pivotal role in the lifestyle transition of the phytopathogenic Arsenophonus strains.},
}
@article {pmid40202691,
year = {2025},
author = {Pimentel, AC and Cesar, CS and Martins, AHB and Martins, M and Cogni, R},
title = {Wolbachia Offers Protection Against Two Common Natural Viruses of Drosophila.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {24},
pmid = {40202691},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Drosophila melanogaster/virology/microbiology ; *Drosophila/virology/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Female ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis is a maternally transmitted endosymbiont infecting more than half of terrestrial arthropod species. Wolbachia can express parasitic phenotypes such as manipulation of host reproduction and mutualist phenotypes such as protection against RNA virus infections. Because Wolbachia can invade populations by reproductive manipulation and block virus infection, it is used to modify natural insect populations. However, the ecological importance of virus protection is not yet clear, especially due to scarce information on Wolbachia protection against viruses that are common in nature. We used systemic infection to investigate whether Wolbachia protects its host by suppressing the titer of DMELDAV and DMelNora virus, two viruses that commonly infect Drosophila melanogaster flies in natural populations. Antiviral protection was tested in three systems to assess the impact of Wolbachia strains across species: (1) a panel of Wolbachia strains transfected into Drosophila simulans, (2) two Wolbachia strains introgressed into the natural host D. melanogaster, and (3) two native Wolbachia strains in their natural hosts Drosophila baimaii and Drosophila tropicalis. We showed that certain Wolbachia strains provide protection against DMelNora virus and DMELDAV, and this protection is correlated with Wolbachia density, which is consistent with what has been observed in protection against other RNA viruses. Additionally, we found that Wolbachia does not protect its original host, D. melanogaster, from DMELDAV infection. While native Wolbachia can reduce DMELDAV titers in D. baimaii, this effect was not detected in D. tropicalis. Although the Wolbachia protection-induced phenotype seems to depend on the virus, the specific Wolbachia strain, and the host species, our findings suggest that antiviral protection may be one of the mutualistic effects that helps explain why Wolbachia is so widespread in arthropod populations.},
}
@article {pmid40205751,
year = {2026},
author = {Dho, M and Montagna, M and Liu, C and Magoga, G and Forni, G and Alma, A and Gonella, E},
title = {Multilocus sequence typing of the invasive pest Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and associated endosymbiont reveals unexplored diversity.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {33},
number = {3},
pages = {1187-1205},
pmid = {40205751},
issn = {1744-7917},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Heteroptera/genetics/microbiology ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; *Pantoea/genetics ; Introduced Species ; Haplotypes ; Genetic Variation ; Genetic Markers ; },
abstract = {Halyomorpha halys is an invasive pest affecting a wide range of crops in many regions of the world. Rapid and cost-effective methods to reconstruct its invasion routes are crucial for implementing strategies to prevent further spread. The mitochondrial markers COI and COII and the pseudogene ΔybgF of the primary symbiont "Candidatus Pantoea carbekii" have been analyzed to track the spread of H. halys. However, these markers do not provide sufficient resolution to fully elucidate invasion routes. Here, H. halys individuals from native and invasive populations were analyzed to identify new DNA markers and evaluate their effectiveness in a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) framework. Three new nuclear markers for H. halys (Hh_KsPi, Hh_UP1, Hh_D3PDh) and three new markers for P. carbekii (Pc_TamA, Pc_SucA, Pc_SurA) were identified. Hh_D3PDh was the most informative marker for H. halys, describing two more haplotypes than COI. By integrating Hh_D3PDh with mitochondrial markers, 30 distinct haplotypes were identified, with each of the populations studied exhibiting multiple haplotypes. Pc_SucA was the most informative symbiont marker, and when all P. carbekii markers were combined, symbiont diversity was greatly increased. The low network specialization between the novel nuclear markers and both mitochondrial and symbiont markers underlined the higher power of nuclear markers. Interestingly, perfect network specialization between H. halys COI and symbiont markers was found in populations from invaded areas, suggesting that some holobiont variants may contribute to enhanced invasive ability. A MLST workflow is proposed as a new tool for population genetics analysis and reconstruction of H. halys invasion.},
}
@article {pmid40209710,
year = {2025},
author = {Arai, H and Wijonarko, A and Katsuma, S and Naka, H and Kageyama, D and Hornett, EA and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Evolution of Wolbachia male-killing mechanism within a host species.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {9},
pages = {2006-2018.e6},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.03.027},
pmid = {40209710},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Male ; *Butterflies/microbiology/physiology/genetics ; Female ; Symbiosis ; *Biological Evolution ; Sex Ratio ; Indonesia ; },
abstract = {Male-killing bacterial symbionts, prevalent in arthropods, skew population sex ratios by selectively killing male progeny, profoundly impacting ecology and the evolution of their hosts. Male killing is a convergently evolved trait, with microbes evolving diverse male-killing mechanisms across host species with widely divergent sex determination pathways. A common evolutionary response to male-killing presence is the spread of suppressor mutations that restore male survival. In this study, we demonstrate the evolution of a novel male-killing mechanism that is insensitive to an existing male-killing suppressor. Hypolimnas bolina butterflies from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, showed extreme female-biased population sex ratio associated with high prevalence of a male-killing Wolbachia. This strain, wBol1Y, shared a very recent common ancestor with the previously characterized "suppressed" male-killing strain in the species, wBol1, but it retained its male-killing ability in the presence of the male-killing suppressor. The genome of wBol1Y differed from the suppressed wBol1 in carrying an additional prophage that included strong candidate genes for male killing. In vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that wBol1Y feminized splicing and expression of lepidopteran sex determination pathway genes and that the gene Hb-oscar-present on wBol1Y's unique prophage insert-was sufficient to disrupt the male sex determination pathway. Our study demonstrates that the diversity of male-killing mechanisms is a product both of interaction with varying insect sex determination systems and the evolution of male killing within a host species. Our data indicate that the male killer and host may be involved in escalating arms races, where spreading male-killing suppression drives the evolution of additional systems that reestablish male killing by the symbiont.},
}
@article {pmid40213639,
year = {2025},
author = {Garrote-Sánchez, E and Moya, A and Gil, R},
title = {Determination of the genome-scale metabolic network of Bartonella quintana str. Toulouse to optimize growth for its use as chassis for synthetic biology.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1527084},
pmid = {40213639},
issn = {2296-4185},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Genetically enhanced microorganisms have wide applications in different fields and the increasing availability of omics data has enabled the development of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs), which are essential tools in synthetic biology. Bartonella quintana str. Toulouse, a facultative intracellular parasite, presents a small genome and the ability to grow in axenic culture, making it a potential candidate for genome reduction and synthetic biology applications. This study aims to reconstruct and analyze the metabolic network of B. quintana to optimize its growth conditions for laboratory use.<br><br>METHODS: A metabolic reconstruction of B. quintana was performed using genome annotation tools (RAST and ModelSEED), followed by refinement using multiple databases (KEGG, BioCyc, BRENDA). Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) was conducted to optimize biomass production, and in-silico knockouts were performed to evaluate growth yield under different media conditions. Additionally, experimental validation was carried out by testing modified culture media and performing proteomic analyses to identify metabolic adaptations.<br><br>RESULTS: FBA simulations identified key metabolic requirements, including 2-oxoglutarate as a crucial compound for optimal growth. In-silico knockouts of transport genes revealed their essentiality in nutrient uptake. Experimental validation confirmed the role of 2-oxoglutarate and other nutrients in improving bacterial growth, though unexpected decreases in viability were observed under certain supplemented conditions. Proteomic analysis highlighted differential expression of proteins associated with cell wall integrity and metabolic regulation.<br><br>DISCUSSION: This study represents a step toward developing B. quintana as a viable chassis for synthetic biology applications. The reconstructed metabolic model provides a comprehensive understanding of B. quintana's metabolic capabilities, identifying essential pathways and growth limitations. While metabolic predictions align with experimental results in key aspects, further refinements are needed to enhance model accuracy and optimize growth conditions.},
}
@article {pmid40228454,
year = {2025},
author = {Asif, A and Koner, S and Hsu, PC and He, BJ and Paul, S and Hussain, B and Hsu, BM},
title = {Synergistic interactions between AMF and MHB communities in the rhizospheric microenvironment facilitated endemic hyperaccumulator plants growth thrive under heavy metal stress in ultramafic soil.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {492},
number = {},
pages = {138233},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.138233},
pmid = {40228454},
issn = {1873-3336},
mesh = {Rhizosphere ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology/metabolism ; *Metals, Heavy/toxicity/metabolism ; *Soil Pollutants/toxicity/metabolism ; *Soil Microbiology ; Soil/chemistry ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; Stress, Physiological ; *Plants/microbiology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Ultramafic outcrop settings are characterized by long-term heavy metal (HM) stress and nutrient imbalances, making plant resilience highly challenging. This study investigated that how native plant types in the serpentine environment influence the variation of synergistic interactions between rhizosphere arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB) communities under HM stress and nutrient-deficient conditions, which support native plant endemism and their HM accumulation potential. The results displayed significant enrichment of key MHB (Rhizobium_tropici, Bacillus_subtilis, Pseudomonas_parafulva, Pseudomonas_akapagensis) and AMF species (Glomus_constrictum, Glomus_aggregatum, Rhizophagus_intraradices, Rhizophagus_irregularis) in rhizosphere soils (q < 0.05). Pseudomonas_chlororaphis and Burkholderia_cepacia were strongly associated with Rhizophagus_irregularis and Glomus_mosseae in Panicum maximum Jacq (PMJ) and Bidens pilosa (BP) under chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) stress. Pseudomonas_fluorescens and Bacillus_pabuli were linked to Geosiphon_pyriformis and Glomus_aggregatum in Pueraria montana (PM) under nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and cobalt (Co) stress, while Arthrobacter_globiformis and Rhizobium_leguminosarum were associated with Glomus_intraradices under copper (Cu) stress in Leucaena leucocephala (LL). Pathways related to nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) cycling, HM detoxification, and resistance were enriched, with AMF predominantly symbiotrophic root-endophytic, except for one as lichenized nostoc endosymbiont. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed HM stress and nutrients influence MHB-AMF symbiosis, while pH moisture content (MC) and electric conductivity (EC) significantly regulate their distribution. Rhizobium_leguminosarum, Rhizobium_tropici, Nitrospira_japonica, and Rhizobium_cauense with Glomus_mosseae and Rhizophagus_irregularis drive NPK cycling in HM-stressed rhizosphere soils. This finding suggested that association between plants type and their functional rhizosphere microbiome promote an eco-friendly strategy for HM recovery from serpentine soil.},
}
@article {pmid40234496,
year = {2025},
author = {Mahmoud, HYAH and Soliman, AM and Shahat, MS and Hroobi, AA and Alghamdi, AH and Almotayri, AM and Tanaka, T and Emeish, WFA},
title = {Molecular detection of Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Borrelia theileri, and Francisella-like endosymbionts in Camelus dromedarius and dogs in Luxor, Egypt.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {12872},
pmid = {40234496},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Camelus/microbiology ; Egypt/epidemiology ; Dogs/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Francisella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Symbiosis ; *Borrelia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsia Infections/veterinary/microbiology/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne bacterial pathogens can cause disease in a range of animals, including dromedary camels and dogs, but epidemiological and molecular studies on these pathogens are scarce in southern Egypt. In this study, we screened camels and dogs in southern Egypt (Luxor) for vector-borne bacterial pathogens, with molecular analysis of 200 blood samples collected from camels and dogs in the region. The Rickettsia aeschlimannii gltA gene was detected in 5% (5/100) of camel blood samples and 1% (1/100) of dog blood samples. This study is the first report of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in camel blood in southern Egypt. Additionally, the 16S rRNA gene of a Francisella-like endosymbiont was detected in both camel and dog blood for the first time, with infection rates of 2% (2/100) in camels and 2% (2/100) in dogs. In dog blood, the Borrelia theileri flaB gene was detected for the first time in southern Egypt at a positivity rate of 5% (5/100). Neither Coxiella nor Bartonella species were detected in this study. In southern Egypt, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Borrelia theileri, and Francisella-like endosymbionts were detected in camels and dogs, providing valuable information about their infection rate and these findings contribute to a better understanding of their transmission dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid40236481,
year = {2025},
author = {Alimu, A and Gao, Y and Liu, J and Lu, Y},
title = {Geographic factors influence communities of symbiotic bacterial communities in Aphis gossypii across China's major cotton regions.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1569543},
pmid = {40236481},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Aphids are often infected with diverse bacterial symbionts that enhance their ecological adaptation. While geographic factors significantly influence aphid bacterial communities, research on environmental effects on the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover feeding on cotton plants across China's major cotton-growing regions is limited.<br><br>METHODS: This study examined the influence of geographic factors on the endosymbiotic bacterial community and diversity of A. gossypii by analyzing 58 field samples from 24 locations across China's major cotton-growing regions (2021-2022) using 16S rRNA (V3-V4) high-throughput sequencing.<br><br>RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate that geography is an important factor in shaping the endosymbiotic bacterial composition and diversity of A. gossypii. Among China's three major cotton-growing regions, the Yangtze River Basin exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, followed by the Northwestern Inland Region, and then the Yellow River Basin. Acinetobacter, Lactobacillus, Serratia, and Aeromonas were more abundant in the Yangtze River Basin, with positive correlations observed for Acinetobacter, Serratia, and Aeromonas in relation to annual precipitation. In contrast, Candidatus Uzinura, dominant in southern Xinjiang, displayed negative correlations with precipitation and longitude but a positive correlation with altitude, and this report is the first detection of it in A. gossypii. Buchnera was ubiquitous and negatively associated with both precipitation and temperature, while Arsenophonus showed no significant environmental correlations. These findings highlight the distinct influences of geographic factors on A. gossypii endosymbiotic communities across China's major cotton-growing regions, broadening our understanding of aphid-endosymbiont-environment interactions and offering potential avenues for biocontrol strategies.},
}
@article {pmid40237471,
year = {2025},
author = {Njogu, AK and Logozzo, F and Conner, WR and Shropshire, JD},
title = {Counting rare Wolbachia endosymbionts using digital droplet PCR.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {e0326624},
pmid = {40237471},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35GM124701//HHS | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; Class of '68 Pre-Tenure Faculty Award//Lehigh University (LU)/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; *Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is the most widespread animal-associated intracellular microbe, living within the cells of over half of insect species. Since they can suppress pathogen replication and spread rapidly through insect populations, Wolbachia is at the vanguard of public health initiatives to control mosquito-borne diseases. Wolbachia's abilities to block pathogens and spread quickly are closely linked to their abundance in host tissues. The most common method for counting Wolbachia is quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), yet qPCR can be insufficient to count rare Wolbachia, necessitating tissue pooling and consequently compromising individual-level resolution of Wolbachia dynamics. Digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) offers superior sensitivity, enabling the detection of rare targets and eliminating the need for sample pooling. Here, we report three ddPCR assays to measure total Wolbachia abundance, Wolbachia abundance adjusted for DNA extraction efficiency, and Wolbachia density relative to host genome copies. Using Drosophila melanogaster with wMel Wolbachia as a model, we show these ddPCR assays can reliably detect as few as 7 to 12 Wolbachia gene copies in a 20 µL reaction. The designed oligos are homologous to sequences from at least 106 Wolbachia strains across supergroup A and 53 host species from the Drosophila, Scaptomyza, and Zaprionus genera, suggesting broad utility. These highly sensitive ddPCR assays are expected to significantly advance Wolbachia-host interactions research by enabling the collection of molecular data from individual insect tissues. Their ability to detect rare Wolbachia will be especially valuable in applied and natural field settings where pooling samples could obscure important variation.IMPORTANCEWolbachia bacteria live inside the cells of many animals, especially insects. In many insect species, almost every individual carries Wolbachia. How common Wolbachia becomes within a population often depends on how much of it is present in the insect's body. Therefore, accurately measuring Wolbachia levels is crucial for understanding how these bacteria interact with their hosts and spread. However, traditional molecular assays can lack the sensitivity needed for accurate, individual-level quantification of rare Wolbachia. Here, we present three highly sensitive digital droplet PCR assays for Wolbachia detection, offering superior sensitivity compared to existing methods. These assays will be useful for studies that measure Wolbachia abundance and related phenotypes in individual insects, providing enhanced resolution and improving efforts to characterize the mechanisms that govern phenotypic variation.},
}
@article {pmid40240454,
year = {2025},
author = {Leroy, E and Gao, S and Gonzalez, M and Ellies-Oury, MP and Tuda, M},
title = {Wolbachia infection facilitates adaptive increase in male egg size in response to environmental changes.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {13213},
pmid = {40240454},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {19K06840//JSPS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Ovum/microbiology/physiology ; *Coleoptera/microbiology/physiology ; Climate Change ; Symbiosis ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Environment ; Temperature ; Longevity ; },
abstract = {Under challenging conditions such as maladapted biotic and abiotic conditions, females can plastically adjust their egg size (gamete or zygote size) to counteract fitness declines early in life. Recent evidence suggests that endosymbionts may enhance this egg-size plasticity. Possible endosymbionts' modification of impact of multiple stressors is not well explored. Therefore, this study aims to test (1) whether Wolbachia infection influences the plasticity of parental investment in egg size under suboptimal environmental conditions and (2) whether the plasticity depends on the sex of eggs. We used three lines of the azuki bean beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis): a line coinfected with the wBruCon and wBruOri Wolbachia strains, a cured line infected solely with the wBruCon, and an uninfected (cured) line. These lines were subjected to either a control environment or a simulated climate change environment (elevated temperature and carbon dioxide levels, eT&amp;CO2) to examine Wolbachia infection effects on parental investment in their offspring (egg size) and its subsequent impact on offspring fitness, including survival, development, and adult lifespan under starvation. After two days of eT&amp;CO2 exposure, coinfected parents increased male egg size only. Larger eggs developed faster in both sexes and exhibited higher survival. However, offspring adult lifespan was not influenced by egg size but by environment, sex, Wolbachia infection, and development time: eT&amp;CO2 reduced male lifespan but not female lifespan, the singly-infected line females lived longer than coinfected and uninfected line females, and shorter development time linked to longer lifespan. The negative correlation between development time and lifespan was higher under eT&amp;CO2 but not sex-specific. This study is the first to demonstrate sex-specific egg size plasticity associated with Wolbachia infection in species with sex determination systems other than haplodiploid.},
}
@article {pmid40245248,
year = {2025},
author = {Chilton, NB and Thampy, PR and Wolbaum, CR and Sterling, EE and Thoroughgood, JT and Berg, ED and Halpin, AS and Diyes, CP and Yunik, MEM and Díaz-Sánchez, AA and Rochon, K and Lysyk, TJ and Dergousoff, SJ},
title = {Genetic diversity and phylogeographic relationships of Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae) within an established population in southern Manitoba (Canada), and the prevalence of Rickettsia montanensis and Francisella-like endosymbionts.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {62},
number = {4},
pages = {840-850},
pmid = {40245248},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dermacentor/microbiology/genetics ; Manitoba ; *Genetic Variation ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Phylogeography ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Francisella/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The primary objective of this study was to determine if DNA sequences of the mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene (cox1) and/or the mt 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene can be used to study the population genetics and phylogeography of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say). DNA sequences were determined for 200 adult ticks collected from an established population in a region of Manitoba (Canada) where there have been recent outbreaks of bovine anaplasmosis. Given this, a secondary objective was to test these ticks for the presence of Anaplasma marginale Theiler and 2 other bacterial pathogens, Rickettsia rickettsii Brumpt and Francisella tularensis (McCoy and Chapin 1912) Dorofe'ev 1947. However, no ticks were PCR-positive for these bacteria, whereas 15% of ticks were PCR-positive for R. montanensis Weiss and Moulder and 96% contained Francisella-like endosymbionts. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity among ticks was greater for cox1 than the 16S rRNA gene, thus cox1 is more useful for examining the genetic diversity within and among D. variabilis populations. The 33 cox1 haplotypes could be separated into 3 haplogroups, but when combined with sequence data from GenBank, 6 clades were evident, 2 of which comprised ticks from primarily Saskatchewan, Manitoba, western Ontario, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. These findings indicate that cox1 can be used to understand the phylogeography of D. variabilis, but more sequences are needed from individuals in other populations across geographical range of this tick species, particularly those on the Canadian prairies where D. variabilis is undergoing range expansion.},
}
@article {pmid40252292,
year = {2025},
author = {Cournoyer, JE and De, BC and Mehta, AP},
title = {Molecular and biochemical insights from natural and engineered photosynthetic endosymbiotic systems.},
journal = {Current opinion in chemical biology},
volume = {87},
number = {},
pages = {102598},
pmid = {40252292},
issn = {1879-0402},
support = {R01 GM139949/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Photosynthesis ; Chloroplasts/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacteria/metabolism/genetics ; Mitochondria/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved through the transformation of bacterial endosymbionts established within the host cells. Studies on these organelles have provided several phylogenetic and biochemical insights related to this remarkable evolutionary transformation. Additionally, comparative studies between naturally existing endosymbionts and present-day organelles have allowed us to identify important common features of endosymbiotic evolution. In this review, we discuss hallmarks of photosynthetic endosymbiotic systems, particularly focusing on some of the fascinating molecular changes that occur in the endosymbiont and the host as the endosymbiont/host chimera evolves and transforms endosymbionts into organelles; these include the following: (i) endosymbiont genome minimization and host/endosymbiont gene transfer, (ii) protein import/export systems, (iii) metabolic crosstalk between the endosymbiont, (iv) alterations to the endosymbiont peptidoglycan, and (v) host-controlled replication of endosymbionts/organelles. We discuss these hallmarks in the context of naturally existing photosynthetic endosymbiotic systems and present-day chloroplasts. Further, we also briefly discuss laboratory efforts to engineer endosymbiosis between photosynthetic bacteria and host cells, the lessons learned from these studies, future directions of these studies, and their implications on evolutionary biology and synthetic biology.},
}
@article {pmid40252916,
year = {2025},
author = {Dainty, KR and Duyvestyn, JM and Flores, HA},
title = {Targeted knockdown of in vitro candidates does not alter Wolbachia density in vivo.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {211},
number = {},
pages = {108346},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108346},
pmid = {40252916},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/genetics ; *Aedes/microbiology ; RNA Interference ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia has emerged as an effective biocontrol method to reduce arbovirus transmission. Transinfection of wMel Wolbachia from Drosophila melanogaster to Aedes aegypti results in the transfer of important Wolbachia-induced phenotypes including the reproductive modification, cytoplasmic incompatibility, and inhibition of viruses including dengue and chikungunya. However, the mechanisms underlying these critical traits as well other Wolbachia-host interactions are still not fully understood. Recently an in vitro genome wide RNAi screen was performed on wMel-infected Drosophila S2 cells and identified large cohorts of host genes that alter wMel density when targeted. If these findings can be replicated in vivo, this would provide a powerful tool for modulating wMel density both systemically and in a tissue-specific manner allowing for interrogation of wMel-host interactions. Here, we used the GAL4/UAS system to express RNAi molecules targeting host gene candidates previously identified to dysregulate wMel density in vitro. We found systemic knockdown of two candidate D. melanogaster genes does not lead to wMel density dysregulation. To explore the lack of consistency between our study and previous work, we also examined native tissue-specific density of wMel in D. melanogaster. We show density is varied between tissues and find that individual tissue densities are not reliable linear predictors of other tissue densities. Our results demonstrate the complexities of implementing in vitro findings in systemic applications.},
}
@article {pmid40253413,
year = {2025},
author = {Tian, J and Liu, J and Li, K and Zhong, L and Lu, M and Jiang, H and Jie, R and Wang, X and Zhang, B},
title = {Tick-borne agents in the fowl tick Argas persicus from northwest and northeast China.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {145},
pmid = {40253413},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {S202310760014//Xinjiang Medical University College students' innovation and entrepreneurship plan project/ ; 2022jzbjl16//the Key Supporting Scientific Research Projects of Beijing Road Medical Sector, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Region/ ; YXYJ20230203//the Open Project Program of Institute of Medical Sciences of Xinjiang Medical University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; China/epidemiology ; *Argas/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; Coxiella/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Although tick-borne agents have been extensively studied, etiological investigations on soft ticks are still relatively rare. In this study, we collected 114 Argas persicus ticks from two provinces (Xinjiang and Heilongjiang) located in northwest and northeast China, respectively, and screened them for tick-borne agents. Two Rickettsia species were identified in A. persicus ticks from Heilongjiang Province: Rickettsia hoogstraalii (27.3%, 18/66) and a previously unidentified species (12.2%, 8/66). The 16S rDNA, gltA, groEL, and ompB genes of the latter have 98.8%, 93.1%, 94.3%, and 91.2% nucleotide identities to reported species, suggesting that it represents a novel species. It belongs to the ancient group of Rickettsia and is located in the basal position of the phylogenetic trees. Additionally, Coxiella endosymbiont was detected in A. persicus ticks from both locations with 100% positive rates. Furthermore, the Coxiella endosymbionts from different locations form distinct phylogenetic groups, indicating that one tick species can harbor different Coxiella endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid40255466,
year = {2025},
author = {Mfangnia, CNT and Tonnang, HEZ and Tsanou, B and Keith Herren, J},
title = {An eco-epidemiological model for malaria with Microsporidia MB as bio-control agent.},
journal = {Modeling earth systems and environment},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {221},
pmid = {40255466},
issn = {2363-6203},
support = {INV-022584/GATES/Gates Foundation/United States ; },
abstract = {Microsporidia MB is an endosymbiont which naturally infects Anopheles mosquitoes. Due to its ability to block Plasmodium transmission, it shows potential as a bio-based agent for the control of malaria. Its self-sustainability is promising, as it can spread through both vertical and horizontal transmissions. However, its low prevalence in mosquito populations remains a challenge. We develop an eco-epidemiological mathematical model describing the co-dynamics of Microsporidia MB (within mosquito population) and malaria (within human population). The model is used to assess the potential of Microsporidia MB-infected mosquitoes on the control of malaria infection. The results on the basic reproduction numbers, the stability of the equilibria, and the existence of bifurcations are obtained, providing conditions for the extinction and persistence of MB-infected mosquitoes. We highlight relevant threshold parameters for the elimination and persistence of MB-infected mosquitoes and malaria-infected individuals. Using real data from Kenya, we found that, given a horizontal transmission rate between 0 and 0.5, a minimum vertical rate of 0.55 is required to avoid extinction of MB-infected mosquitoes. The predicted prevalence of MB-infected mosquitoes using transmission rates reported from lab experiments align with the observed low prevalence of MB-infected mosquitoes in the field, thereby validating our model and results. Finally, predictions indicate that increasing MB mosquito infection could effectively control malaria, with target prevalence varying by region: 15% in Highland, 40% on the coast, and 70% in the Lake region. This study offers insights into the use of bio-based vector population replacement solutions to reduce malaria incidence in regions where Microsporidia MB is prevalent.},
}
@article {pmid40266732,
year = {2025},
author = {Duque-Granda, D and Vivero-Gómez, RJ and González Ceballos, LA and Junca, H and Duque, SR and Aroca Aguilera, MC and Castañeda-Espinosa, A and Cadavid-Restrepo, G and Gómez, GF and Moreno-Herrera, CX},
title = {Exploring the Diversity of Microbial Communities Associated with Two Anopheles Species During Dry Season in an Indigenous Community from the Colombian Amazon.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {40266732},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Hermes 57545//Universidad Nacional de Colombia/ ; },
abstract = {Malaria disease affects millions of people annually, making the Amazon Basin a major hotspot in the Americas. While traditional control strategies rely on physical and chemical methods, the Anopheles microbiome offers a promising avenue for biological control, as certain bacteria can inhibit parasite development and alter vector immune and reproductive systems, disrupting the transmission cycle. For this reason, this study aimed to explore the bacterial communities in An. darlingi and An. triannulatus s.l., including breeding sites, immature stages, and adults from San Pedro de los Lagos (Leticia, Amazonas) through next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The results revealed a higher bacterial genus richness in the L1-L2 larvae of An. triannulatus s.l. Aeromonas and Enterobacter were prevalent in most samples, with abundances of 52.51% in L3-L4 larvae and 48.88% in pupae of An. triannulatus s.l., respectively. In breeding site water, Verrucomicrobiota bacteria were the most dominant (52.39%). We also identified Delftia (15.46%) in An. triannulatus s.l. pupae and Asaia (98.22%) in An. triannulatus, linked to Plasmodium inhibition, and Elizabethkingia, in low abundances, along with Klebsiella and Serratia, known for paratransgenesis potential. Considering the high bacterial diversity observed across the different mosquito life stages, identifying bacterial composition is the first step towards developing new strategies for malaria control. However, the specific roles of these bacteria in anophelines and the malaria transmission cycle remain to be elucidated.},
}
@article {pmid40269010,
year = {2025},
author = {Heidari Latibari, M and Carolina Arias-Penna, D and Ghafouri Moghaddam, M and Butcher, BA},
title = {Bacterial symbiont as game changers for Aphis craccivora Koch's fitness and survival across distinct climate types.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {14208},
pmid = {40269010},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {BCG_FF_68_178_2300_039//Thailand Science Research and Innovation/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; Animals ; Climate ; Serratia/physiology ; Buchnera/physiology ; Medicago sativa/parasitology ; Enterobacteriaceae/physiology ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic bacteria play a crucial role in the survival, development, and adaptation of aphids to environmental conditions. Buchnera aphidicola (Enterobacterales: Erwiniaceae), the obligate endosymbiont of aphids, is essential for their fitness, while facultative symbionts may provide additional ecological advantages under specific conditions. A comprehensive understanding of how these symbiotic relationships respond to different climatic environments is essential for assessing aphid adaptability and potential implications for biological control. The present study investigates the vital interactions between the obligate bacterial endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, and four facultative bacterial endosymbionts (Arsenophonus sp., Hamiltonella defensa, Serratia symbiotica, and Regiella insecticola), in black cowpea aphid (BCA), in the context of different climate conditions. The BCA specimens were obtained from the leaves of the host plant, alfalfa, cultivated in three distinct climates: cold semi-arid, hot desert, and humid subtropical climates. The findings, as anticipated, indicated a pervasive prevalence of B. aphidicola in BCAs infesting alfalfa crops across all three climate types. In contrast, the BCAs of each climate type exhibited a distinct array of facultative symbionts. The highest number of facultative endosymbionts was exhibited by BCAs from the humid subtropical climate, followed by BCAs from the cold semi-arid climate, whereas none of them were detected in BCAs from the hot desert climate. Rigiella insecticola was not detected molecularly in any of the BCAs from the three climates. Following the eradication of the obligate symbiont Buchnera aphidicola by the antibiotic rifampicin in BCAs, the effects on three categories of parameters were assessed, including life cycle stages, reproductive traits, and external morphological characteristics of adults. The most significant adverse effects were observed in BCAs inhabiting hot desert followed by those inhabiting cold semi-arid climate; detrimental effects in BCAs of the humid subtropical climate were considerably less pronounced. The observed discrepancies in the parameters of BCAs from the humid subtropical climate can be attributed to the presence of a greater number of facultative symbionts, especially the presence of Serratia symbiotica (Enterobacterales: Yersiniaceae). Following the eradication of B. aphidicola, this facultative symbiont continues to complement the functions of B. aphidicola in the host's survival. Conversely, the low presence of facultative symbionts in cold semi-arid climate or even their absence in hot desert climate exacerbates the negative effects of obligate symbiont eradication. These findings highlight the crucial role of symbionts in aphid biology across a spectrum of climatic conditions, and suggest that shifts in symbiotic relationships may modulate aphid fitness, which could have implications for biological control programs.},
}
@article {pmid40274861,
year = {2025},
author = {Biswas, S and Rajkonwar, J and Jena, SR and Gogoi, P and Nirmolia, T and Vinayagam, S and Hazarika, G and Sihag, AK and Borah, B and Pebam, R and Kaur, H and Baruah, K and Narain, K and Subbarao, SK and Bhattacharyya, DR and Borkakoty, B and Bhowmick, IP},
title = {Detection of a sympatric cryptic species mimicking Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in dengue and Chikungunya endemic forest villages of Tripura, India, posing a daunting challenge for vector research.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {14237},
pmid = {40274861},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/genetics/classification/virology/anatomy &amp; histology ; India/epidemiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/genetics/classification/virology ; Male ; *Dengue/transmission/epidemiology/virology ; *Chikungunya Fever/transmission/epidemiology/virology ; Phylogeny ; Forests ; Sympatry ; Female ; Humans ; },
abstract = {The Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1985) (Diptera: Culicidae) is one of the major vectors for Dengue and Chikungunya. However, our study uncovered another mosquito species morphologically similar to Ae. albopictus but is genetically different. The male genitalia of this species possess minute differences in the IX tergum with Ae. albopictus. Nucleotide diversity and mean genetic distance analysis confirmed the genetic difference from Ae. albopictus and other Aedes species. However, this species has a significant degree of genetic similarity with the cryptic species of Ae. albopictus earlier reported from Vietnam and China. The time tree revealed the median divergence time of this species and Ae. albopictus species to be approximately 36.13 million years ago. This study marks the discovery of an Aedes nr. Albopictus species resembling Ae. albopictus in India and third in the world, also reports the distinct morphological feature of the male genitalia for the first time. Our study indicates the sympatric behavior of this species as it shares the breeding habitat of Ae. albopictus. The absence of endosymbiont Wolbachia in this species raises the possibility of reproductive isolation with Ae. albopictus leading to sympatric speciation and increasing virus-carrying capability for this species, having significant implications for vector-borne disease control.},
}
@article {pmid40275784,
year = {2025},
author = {Yamagishi, D and Onuma, R and Matsunaga, S and Miyagishima, SY and Maruyama, S},
title = {Algal Symbiont Diversity and Host Fitness Variation in Amoebozoan Photosymbiosis.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {3},
pages = {e70008},
pmid = {40275784},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {JPMJCR20S6//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; JPMJSP2108//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; 22H02697//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22H05668//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23H04962//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23K23960//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24H01462//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 24KJ0740//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Amoebozoa/physiology/growth &amp; development ; *Microalgae/physiology ; Photosynthesis ; },
abstract = {Photosymbioses, the symbiotic relationships between microalgae and non-photosynthetic eukaryotes, are sporadically found in many eukaryotic lineages. Only a few taxa, such as cnidarians and ciliates hosting algal endosymbionts, have been actively studied, which has hindered understanding the universal mechanisms of photosymbiosis establishment. In Amoebozoa, few species are reported as photosymbiotic, and how the photosymbioses are established is still unclear. To investigate the extent to which one of the photosymbiotic amoebae, Mayorella viridis, depends on their symbionts, the amoebae were treated with reagents known to induce the collapsing of photosymbioses in other species. We succeeded in removing algal symbionts from the hosts with 2-amino-3-chloro-1,4-naphthoquinone. While the apo-symbiotic amoebae grew to the same extent as the symbiotic state when they fed on prey, their survival rates were lower than those of the symbiotic ones during starvation, suggesting that the impact of the photosymbiosis on fitness is condition-dependent. Furthermore, we showed that the photosymbiotic state was reversible by feeding two strains of the green alga Chlorella to the apo-symbiotic amoebae. The efficiencies of ingesting algal cells significantly differed between algal strains. These results suggest that the photosymbiotic relationship in the amoeba is facultative and that different algal strains have discrete symbiotic abilities to the amoeba.},
}
@article {pmid40282203,
year = {2025},
author = {Román-Escrivá, P and Bernabeu, M and Paganin, E and Díaz-Villanueva, W and Verdú, M and Oliver, JL and Arnau, V and Moya, A},
title = {Metrics of Genomic Complexity in the Evolution of Bacterial Endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40282203},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {PID2019-105969GB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; CIPROM/2021/042//Generalitat Valenciana/ ; FPU21/03813//Ministerio de Universidades, Spain/ ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiosis can be considered a regressive or degenerative evolutionary process characterized at the genomic level by genome erosion and degeneration due to high mutational pressure toward AT (adenine and thymine) bases. The genomic and biological complexity of endosymbionts must be lower than that of the free-living bacteria from which they evolved. In the present work, we contrasted whether two proposed metrics for measuring genomic complexity in both types of bacteria, GS and BB, reflect their complexity, expecting higher values in free-living bacteria than in endosymbionts. On the other hand, we endeavored to delve into the factors that contribute to the reduction in metric values in endosymbionts, as well as their eventual relationship with six genomic parameters associated with functionality. This study aimed to test the robustness of these proposed metrics in a well-known biological scenario, such as the endosymbiosis process.},
}
@article {pmid40288426,
year = {2025},
author = {Soliman, AM and Mahmoud, HYAH and Amer, MM and Mohamed, S and Hifumi, T and Tanaka, T},
title = {Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic characterization of Francisella-like endosymbionts in ticks infesting camels and cattle from Southern Egypt.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {205},
number = {},
pages = {107639},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107639},
pmid = {40288426},
issn = {1096-1208},
mesh = {Animals ; Egypt/epidemiology ; *Camelus/parasitology ; Cattle ; *Francisella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Prevalence ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Ticks/microbiology/classification ; *Symbiosis ; Ixodidae/microbiology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Cattle Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; Rhipicephalus/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ticks serve as vectors for numerous pathogens affecting human and animal health and harbor various microorganisms, including Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs), whose potential pathogenicity remains uncertain. In Egypt, data on FLEs, particularly in Southern Egypt, are limited, despite the importance of tick-borne pathogen surveillance in livestock. This study represents the first report of FLEs in Southern Egypt and the first detection of FLEs in Rhipicephalus annulatus in Egypt. A total of 726 ticks infesting cattle and camels were collected from various locations in Southern Egypt. Ticks were identified using both morphological and molecular techniques based on the 16S rRNA gene, and FLE detection was performed using PCR assays targeting a fragment of the Francisella 16S rRNA gene. Francisella DNA was detected in 60.1 % (288/479) of the examined ticks, with the highest prevalence in Hyalomma marginatum (100 %, 4/4), followed by Hyalomma dromedarii (74.8 %, 243/325), and R. annulatus (27.3 %, 41/150). Sequencing of 19 positive samples revealed that H. dromedarii (n = 13), H. marginatum (n = 2), and R. annulatus (n = 4) carried FLE sequences with 99-100 % similarity to strains previously identified in ticks worldwide. Given the high prevalence of FLEs in livestock-associated ticks, further research should focus on characterizing these strains, assessing their role in tick-borne pathogen ecology, and evaluating potential implications for human and animal health.},
}
@article {pmid40320312,
year = {2025},
author = {Thia, JA and Dorai, APS and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria and pest control: plant toxins, chemical pesticides, and fungal entomopathogens.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {33},
number = {9},
pages = {976-988},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2025.04.007},
pmid = {40320312},
issn = {1878-4380},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Pesticides/toxicity/pharmacology ; *Fungi/physiology/pathogenicity ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; *Insecta/microbiology ; *Plants/microbiology/chemistry ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; },
abstract = {Bacterial symbionts in pests are being increasingly investigated to assess their potential uses for sustainable control approaches. We undertook a review and analysis of the impacts of endosymbionts and gut symbionts on responses to toxins from plants and pesticides, and to attack by fungal entomopathogens. Despite methodological issues affecting estimates of effect sizes, there is evidence for symbionts increasing resistance to all three agents. However, impacts can be small, and for pesticides, these may not reach levels required for resistance at field rates. Negative or neutral effects may be underreported. Further complications arise because host genotype and the environment impact symbiont effects. We anticipate rapid progress in this area over coming years that should clarify practical implications of these effects.},
}
@article {pmid40326397,
year = {2025},
author = {Rissanen, J and Freitak, D},
title = {Chronic exposure to nicotine in diet enhances the lethal effect of an entomopathogenic fungus in the ant Cardiocondyla obscurior.},
journal = {Biology open},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40326397},
issn = {2046-6390},
support = {//Karl-Franzens-Universitat Graz/ ; },
mesh = {*Nicotine/toxicity ; *Ants/microbiology/drug effects/physiology ; Animals ; *Diet ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid that has acute toxic effects for insects and affects their behaviour even in sublethal amounts. In addition, nicotine is shown to accumulate and pollute environments through the use of commercially produced pesticides and tobacco products. We investigated how nicotine-polluted diets in two different concentrations impacted colony fitness in the ant Cardiocondyla obscurior, compared to a nicotine-free diet. We measured brood production and development, changes in relative abundances of bacterial endosymbionts, and worker survival in combination with a fungal pathogen. Chronic exposure to nicotine caused a concentration-dependent effect in enhancing the lethality of the fungal infection, with higher concentrations causing higher mortality in infected colonies. In the absence of pathogens, nicotine had no effect on worker survival. Furthermore, nicotine did not affect brood production or development, nor clearly affect the abundances of the bacterial endosymbionts. Our results show that nicotine pollution in the environment can negatively affect ant fitness through synergistic effects in combination with a fungal pathogen. Pathogens play a significant part in the decline of insects, and the influence that nicotine pollution may have in exacerbating them should receive more attention.},
}
@article {pmid40332799,
year = {2025},
author = {Bai, C and Duan, Y and Zhao, C and Yan, L and Suthisut, D and Lü, J and Bai, Y and Zeng, F and Zhang, M},
title = {Abundance of the Dominant Endosymbiont Rickettsia and Fitness of the Stored-Product Pest Liposcelis bostrychophila (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40332799},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32172260//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria are key factors that regulate the biological traits of Liposcelis bostrychophila. This study employed metagenomic methods to analyze the dominant species of symbiotic microorganisms associated with L. bostrychophila. By controlling the environmental temperature, we were able to manipulate the abundance of endosymbionts and establish populations with high, medium, and low levels of these bacteria. This allowed us to examine the fitness parameters of L. bostrychophila under different levels of endosymbiont abundance. The experimental results revealed that L. bostrychophila hosts 51 genera of symbiotic microorganisms, with Rickettsia being the dominant genus, accounting for 84.11% to 98.16% of the total share. Environmental temperature significantly affected the abundance of Rickettsia, with notable differences observed during the adult stage of L. bostrychophila. A temperature gradient of 28 °C, 35 °C, and 37 °C was established, allowing for the classification of populations based on Rickettsia abundance into three categories: high-abundance populations (LBhp), medium-abundance populations (LBmp), and low-abundance populations (LBlp). The abundance of Rickettsia had a significant impact on the fitness of L. bostrychophila. Specifically, a high abundance of Rickettsia contributed positively to population fitness by increasing egg production, prolonging egg hatching time, enhancing lifespan, and improving both survival and reproductive rates. Therefore, the endosymbiont Rickettsia plays a crucial role in the growth and development of L. bostrychophila. In the future, our research will help further uncover the interactions between Rickettsia and its host, providing new perspectives for pest control and offering a better understanding of insect biology and ecology.},
}
@article {pmid40332947,
year = {2025},
author = {Csorba, AB and Szanyi, K and Szanyi, S and Tarcali, G and Balog, A and Nagy, A},
title = {Pre-Crop Chemical Control Has No Effects on Corn Leaf Aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Endosymbiotic Bacterial Diversity Along an Industrial Maize Management.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40332947},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2024//University of Debrecen Scientific Research Bridging Fund (DETKA)/ ; },
abstract = {During this research, the corn leaf aphids endosymbiotic bacterial diversity was tested in the same crop systems (monoculture industrial maize as grain for livestock) and the same soil type (Chernozem) when pre-crop pesticide management was used. Bacterial symbionts were analyzed using Illumina systems, and the Silva 16S NR99 V138.2 database was used to assign bacterial taxa on genus and species levels. The presence of the obligate endosymbiont B. aphidicola has been clearly detected in all cases, and in all samples but its abundance varied between samples inside crops, but not between crops and generations. The facultative symbionts S. symbiotica and Wolbachia spp. frequency varied between generations, and increased at generation II; however, differences were not significant. We concluded that the pre-crop pesticide application has no effect on corn leaf aphids bacterial symbionts, so the indirect pesticide application on aphids adaptation is low or nonexistent.},
}
@article {pmid40334664,
year = {2025},
author = {Sandin, MM and Renaudie, J and Suzuki, N and Not, F},
title = {Extant diversity, biogeography, and evolutionary history of Radiolaria.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {11},
pages = {2524-2538.e6},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.032},
pmid = {40334664},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; *Biodiversity ; *Fossils ; Phylogeny ; *Plankton/classification/physiology/genetics ; Phylogeography ; },
abstract = {Since Ernst Haeckel and the Challenger expedition (1872-1876), Radiolaria have been known as ubiquitous and abundant star-shaped oceanic plankton. Their exquisite biomineralized skeletons left an extensive fossil record extremely valuable for biostratigraphic and paleo-environmental research. In contemporary oceans, there is growing evidence that Radiolaria are significant contributors to marine food webs and global biogeochemical cycles. Here we provide a comprehensive morpho-molecular framework to assess the extant diversity, biogeography, and evolutionary history of Radiolaria. Our analyses reveal that half of radiolarian diversity is morphologically undescribed, with a large part forming three hyper-diverse environmental clades, named Rad-A, Rad-B, and Rad-C. We suggest that most of this undescribed diversity comprises skeleton-less life forms or endosymbionts, explaining their elusive, yet abundant, nature. Phylogenetic analyses highlight the need for a major revision of high-level Radiolaria taxonomy, including placement of Collodaria within the order Nassellaria. Global metabarcoding surveys show that Radiolaria contributes more than 12% to the total eukaryotic community, displaying distinct biogeographic patterns with the skeleton-less lineages at depth and photosymbiont-bearing lineages in the surface. Fossil calibration of a molecular clock revealed the first appearance of Radiolaria ∼760 million years ago (mya), the development of the skeleton in the early Paleozoic (∼500 mya), and the onset of photosymbiotic relationships during the mid to late Mesozoic (∼140 mya), related to geological periods of oligotrophy and anoxia. The results presented here provide a robust framework for developing new perspectives on early eukaryotic diversification, paleo-environmental impacts on plankton evolution, and marine microbial ecology in rapidly evolving ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid40347137,
year = {2025},
author = {Kanai, Y and Shibai, A and Yokoi, N and Tsuru, S and Furusawa, C},
title = {Laboratory evolution of the bacterial genome structure through insertion sequence activation.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {53},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {40347137},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {21J20693//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JPMJER1902//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; JP223fa627001//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; G-2025-2-046//Institute for Fermentation, Osaka/ ; },
mesh = {*Genome, Bacterial ; *DNA Transposable Elements/genetics ; *Escherichia coli/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Genome Size ; *Directed Molecular Evolution ; *Mutagenesis, Insertional ; },
abstract = {The genome structure fundamentally shapes bacterial physiology, ecology, and evolution. Though insertion sequences (IS) are known drivers of drastic evolutionary changes in the genome structure, the process is typically slow and challenging to observe in the laboratory. Here, we developed a system to accelerate IS-mediated genome structure evolution by introducing multiple copies of a high-activity IS in Escherichia coli. We evolved the bacteria under relaxed neutral conditions, simulating those leading to IS expansion in host-restricted endosymbionts and pathogens. Strains accumulated a median of 24.5 IS insertions and underwent over 5% genome size changes within ten weeks, comparable to decades-long evolution in wild-type strains. The detected interplay of frequent small deletions and rare large duplications updates the view of genome reduction under relaxed selection from a simple consequence of the deletion bias to a nuanced picture including transient expansions. The high IS activity resulted in structural variants of IS and the emergence of composite transposons, illuminating potential evolutionary pathways for ISs and composite transposons. The extensive genome rearrangements we observed establish a baseline for assessing the fitness effects of IS insertions, genome size changes, and rearrangements, advancing our understanding of how mobile elements shape bacterial genomes.},
}
@article {pmid40351112,
year = {2025},
author = {Chang, CY and Zhao, YN and Guo, HF and Liu, XD},
title = {Food nutrition and facultative endosymbiont modulate dietary breadth of a polyphagous aphid.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70069},
pmid = {40351112},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {CX23(1037)//Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Fund/ ; 31672034//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {While host plants and endosymbionts have been implicated in influencing dietary breadth in polyphagous herbivores, the underlying mechanism remains vague. In this study, we focused on the food nutrition and nutrition provision of endosymbionts to elucidate the determination of dietary breadth in a polyphagous aphid Aphis gossypii. Our findings demonstrated that high sugar and riboflavin presence in food decreased aphid fitness, while Arsenophonus infections improved aphid performance. Aphids collected from cotton could not use cucumber whether they were infected with Arsenophonus or not, signifying a distinct specialization toward cotton. Further, both the Arsenophonus-infected and free aphids fed on artificial diet varying in sugar titer failed to utilize cucumber. However, Arsenophonus-free aphids attained the ability to utilize cucumber after feeding on the riboflavin-free diet, but not on the riboflavin-containing diet, indicating riboflavin and Arsenophonus-absent expansion in dietary breadth. Notably, up-regulated expression of riboflavin synthase genes of the obligated symbiont Buchnera aphidicola was detected in the Arsenophonus-infected aphids which may provide more riboflavin. Arsenophonus promoting riboflavin synthesis in the obligated symbiont B. aphidicola and riboflavin ingestion enhancing host specialization of aphids to cotton modulate dietary breadth of A. gossypii.},
}
@article {pmid40366182,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin Říhová, J and Vodička, R and Hypša, V},
title = {An obligate symbiont of Haematomyzus elephantis with a strongly reduced genome resembles symbiotic bacteria in sucking lice.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {91},
number = {6},
pages = {e0022025},
pmid = {40366182},
issn = {1098-5336},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; *Phthiraptera/microbiology ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {The parvorder Rhynchophthirina with a single genus Haematomyzus is a small group of ectoparasites of unclear phylogenetic position, related to sucking and chewing lice. Previous screening based on the 16S rRNA gene indicated that Haematomyzus harbors a symbiotic bacterium whose DNA exhibits a strong shift in nucleotide composition typical of obligate mutualistic symbionts in insects. Within Phthiraptera, the smallest known genomes are found in the symbionts associated with sucking lice, which feed exclusively on mammal blood, compared to the generally larger genomes of the symbionts inhabiting chewing lice, which feed on skin derivatives. In this study, we investigate the genome characteristics of the symbiont associated with Haematomyzus elephantis. We sequenced and assembled the H. elephantis metagenome, extracted a genome draft of its symbiotic bacterium, and showed that the symbiont has a significantly reduced genome, which is with 0.39 Mbp the smallest genome among the symbionts known from Phthiraptera. Multigenic phylogenetic analysis places the symbiont into one of three clusters composed of long-branched symbionts from other insects. More specifically, it clusters together with symbionts from several other sucking lice and also with Wigglesworthia glossinidia, an obligate symbiont of tsetse flies. Consistent with the dramatic reduction of its genome, the H. elephantis symbiont lost many metabolic capacities. However, it retained functional pathways for four B vitamins, a trait typical for symbionts in blood-feeding insects. Considering genomic, metabolic, and phylogenetic characteristics, the new symbiont closely resembles those known from several sucking lice rather than chewing lice.IMPORTANCERhynchophthirina is a unique small group of permanent ectoparasites that is closely related to both sucking and chewing lice. These two groups of lice differ in their morphology, ecology, and feeding strategies. As a consequence of their different dietary sources, i.e., mammals' blood vs vertebrate skin derivatives, they also exhibit distinct patterns of symbiosis with obligate bacterial symbionts. While Rhynchophthirina shares certain traits with sucking and chewing lice, the nature of its obligate symbiotic bacterium and its metabolic role is not known. In this study, we assemble the genome of symbiotic bacterium from Haematomyzus elephantis (Rhynchophthirina), demonstrating its close similarity and phylogenetic proximity to several symbionts of sucking lice. The genome is highly reduced (representing the smallest genome among louse-associated symbionts) and exhibits a significant loss of metabolic pathways. However, similar to other sucking louse symbionts, it retains essential pathways for the synthesis of several B vitamins.},
}
@article {pmid40369879,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, D and Grant, M and Lim, BL},
title = {NAD(H) and NADP(H) in plants and mammals.},
journal = {Molecular plant},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {938-959},
pmid = {40369879},
issn = {1752-9867},
mesh = {*NADP/metabolism ; *Plants/metabolism ; *NAD/metabolism ; Animals ; *Mammals/metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; },
abstract = {Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) are essential metabolic coenzymes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, with their reduced forms, NAD(P)H, serving as electron donors for myriad reactions. NADH is mainly involved in catabolic reactions, whereas NADPH is mainly involved in anabolic and antioxidative reactions. The presence of endosymbiont-derived organelles in eukaryotes has made the functional division of NADH and NADPH systems more complex. Chloroplasts in photoautotrophic eukaryotes provide additional sources of reductants, complicating the maintenance of the redox balance of NAD(P)[+]/NAD(P)H compared with heterotrophic eukaryotes. In this review, we discuss the two redox systems in plants and systematically compare them with those in mammals, including the similarities and differences in the biosynthesis and subcellular transport of NAD[+], the biosynthesis of NADP[+], and metabolic reactions for the reduction and oxidation of NAD(P)H. We also review the regulation of pyridine nucleotide pools and their ratios in different plant subcellular compartments and the effects of light on these ratios. We discuss the advantages of having both NADH and NADPH systems, highlight current gaps in our understanding of NAD(P)H metabolism, and propose research approaches that could fill in those gaps. The knowledge about NADH and NADPH systems could be used to guide bioengineering strategies to optimize redox-regulated processes and improve energy-use efficiency in crop plants.},
}
@article {pmid40370212,
year = {2025},
author = {Tekle, YI and Smith, AR and McGinnis, M and Ghebezadik, S and Patel, P},
title = {A New Paramoeba Isolate From Florida Exhibits a Microtubule-Bound Endosymbiont Closely Associated With the Host Nucleus.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {3},
pages = {e70011},
pmid = {40370212},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {R15 GM116103/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; 2401946//National Science Foundation/ ; 1R15GM116103-02/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; SFA-23-5//Simons Fellow Award/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Animals ; Florida ; *Microtubules ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; },
abstract = {The genera Paramoeba and Neoparamoeba, within the family Paramoebidae (order Dactylopodida), are distinguished by their dactylopodial pseudopodia and the presence of an intracellular eukaryotic symbiont, the Perkinsela-like organism (PLO). Taxonomic classification within these genera has been challenging due to overlapping morphological traits and close phylogenetic relationships. They are marine, with some playing significant roles as parasites. Notably, they have been implicated in sea urchin mass mortality events and are known causative agents of Amoebic Gill Disease (AGD) in fish. Despite their ecological and economic importance, many aspects of their diversity, biology, evolution, and host interactions remain poorly understood. In this study, we describe a novel amoeba species, Paramoeba daytoni n. sp., isolated from Daytona Beach, Florida. Morphological and molecular analyses confirm its placement within the Paramoeba clade, closely related to P. eilhardi, P. karteshi, and P. aparasomata. Phylogenetic assessments using 18S rDNA (18S) and Cytochrome c Oxidase I (COI) markers demonstrate the limitations of the 18S gene for species delineation, highlighting COI as a more reliable genetic marker for this group. Additionally, observations on PLO morphology, movement, and microtubule association provide insights into the endosymbiotic relationship, reinforcing the need for further research into this unique eukaryote-eukaryote symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid40378046,
year = {2025},
author = {Cai, T and Wan, H},
title = {Protocol for isolating, culturing, and artificially infecting the Arsenophonus endosymbiont of Nilaparvata lugens.},
journal = {STAR protocols},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {103833},
pmid = {40378046},
issn = {2666-1667},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Enterobacteriaceae/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts play a crucial role in insect physiology and adaptation. Here, we present a protocol for isolation, cultivation, and artificial infection of the Arsenophonus endosymbiont of Nilaparvata lugens. We describe steps for symbiont isolation, in vitro culture maintenance, genetic modification, and host reinfection. This protocol enables controlled studies of symbiont-host interactions and provides a foundation for symbiont-based pest management strategies. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Cai et al.[1].},
}
@article {pmid40391904,
year = {2025},
author = {Gasser, MT and Flatau, R and Altamia, MA and Filone, CM and Distel, DL},
title = {Complete genome sequences of two shipworm endosymbiont strains, Teredinibacter turnerae SR01903 and SR02026.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {e0026525},
pmid = {40391904},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {DBI1722553//National Science Foundation/ ; R01 AI162943/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; NA//Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University/ ; 1R01AI162943-01A1/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; GBMF9339//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; NA19OAR0110303//NOAA Ocean Exploration/ ; },
abstract = {We present the complete genome sequences of two strains of Teredinibacter turnerae, SR01903 and SR02026, shipworm endosymbionts isolated from the gills of Lyrodus pedicellatus and Teredo bartschi, respectively, and derived from Oxford Nanopore sequencing. These sequences will aid in the comparative genomics of shipworm endosymbionts and symbiosis model development.},
}
@article {pmid40394207,
year = {2025},
author = {Ackermann, RE and Gall, CA and Brayton, KA and Collins, NE and van Wyk, I and Wentzel, J and Kolo, AO and Oosthuizen, MC},
title = {Temporal changes in the bacterial microbiome of the salivary gland and midgut tissues of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) ticks in South Africa.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {17434},
pmid = {40394207},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {R01 AI136832/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; 92739//South African National Research Foundation/ ; R01AI136832//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiology ; South Africa ; *Salivary Glands/microbiology ; Dogs ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Anaplasma/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Tick-borne bacterial pathogens from animals play a significant role in the (re)emergence of human diseases. Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, a globally prevalent tick, predominantly parasitises domestic dogs but can also feed on humans. We characterised temporal changes in the bacterial microbiome of the midgut and salivary gland tissues of R. sanguineus s.l. ticks and analysed their potential as reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria. A 16 S microbiome and amplicon sequence variant (ASV) approach was used to study the bacteria present in the tissues of R. sanguineus s.l. ticks collected from dogs in Hluvukani, a village in a rural community in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa, in 2016, 2017 and 2019. Post processing, we obtained 43,161 total sequence reads which were clustered into ASVs by sample year. The final ASVs dataset consisted of seven genera: Coxiella, Anaplasma, Escherichia/Shigella, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Rickettsia and Wolbachia. No differences in the microbiome profiles of the MG and SG tissues were noted. Coxiella endosymbionts dominated the microbiome in all years. Anaplasma was first detected in 2017, and an increase in Anaplasma levels was detected in 2019, when compared to 2017. All other genera were present at low levels. With the exclusion of Wolbachia, the other detected genera could have pathogenic potential, highlighting the role that R. sanguineus s.l. might play as a reservoir of pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid40396002,
year = {2022},
author = {Strunov, A and Schmidt, K and Kapun, M and Miller, WJ},
title = {Autophagy regulates endosymbiont distribution in early Drosophila embryogenesis.},
journal = {Autophagy reports},
volume = {1},
number = {1},
pages = {373-376},
pmid = {40396002},
issn = {2769-4127},
}
@article {pmid40399396,
year = {2025},
author = {Avesani, A and Auguste, M and Doni, L and Oliveri, C and Azzola, A and Bosi, E and Montefalcone, M and Vezzulli, L},
title = {First insights into bacterial and microalgal endosymbiont communities of various coral morphotypes from Maldives.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {17577},
pmid = {40399396},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {CUP D33C22000960007//National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)/ ; },
mesh = {*Anthozoa/microbiology ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Coral Reefs ; *Microalgae/genetics/physiology/classification ; Phylogeny ; Biodiversity ; Seawater/microbiology ; Indian Ocean Islands ; Maldives ; },
abstract = {The Maldivian Archipelago is home to valuable coral reefs that have been extensively studied for their ecological diversity. However, the diversity of the microbiome in Maldivian corals remains largely unexplored. In this study, the microbiota compositions (including both algal endosymbionts and bacteria) were investigated for the first time across various coral morphotypes sampled in May 2022 from four Maldivian atolls (Ari, North Malé, South Malé, and Rasdhoo). Coral and gorgonian specimens were collected via scuba diving at reef sites located on both ocean-exposed reefs and lagoon sites, across various depths (0-40 m). Surface seawater samples were also collected near coral assemblages. Metabarcoding analyses were performed, targeting the 16S rRNA gene to assess bacterial composition, and the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) rRNA region to evaluate microalgal endosymbiont diversity. Generally, the bacterial communities associated with corals exhibited significant diversity, which was primarily influenced by coral morphotype rather than depth or geographic location. These communities were also markedly different when compared to those found in seawater. The three most abundant bacterial taxa in coral samples were Proteobacteria (ranging from 10 to 95%), Bacillota (formerly known as Firmicutes, ranging from 5 to 10%), and Planctomycetota (ranging from < 1-30%). Most Symbiodiniaceae belonged to the genera Cladocopium-C and Durusdinium-D (> 90%), while host specificity was observed for variant types. Overall, this study provides first insights into the structure of Maldivian coral microbiota, which could be crucial for monitoring the health of local coral populations and predicting the potential impacts of changing environmental conditions in the region.},
}
@article {pmid40400517,
year = {2025},
author = {Ohata, Y and Sugimoto, TN and Wybouw, N and Tagami, Y},
title = {Suppression of cytoplasmic incompatibility in the leaf-mining fly Liriomyza sativae with a nuclear Wolbachia insert.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {242137},
pmid = {40400517},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) drives maternally transmitted endosymbionts such as Wolbachia through insect populations by inducing embryonic mortality when infected males fertilize uninfected females. CI is controlled by Wolbachia cif operons that are categorized into multiple phylogenetic types. CI strength is further shaped by poorly understood host factors, including development and genetic background. To study the strength of CI across different host species, we genotyped a Japanese field population of Liriomyza sativae. By uncovering paternal transmission of Wolbachia genic elements, we collected strong evidence of horizontal genome transfer, including Type I and Type V cif operons, from Wolbachia into the nuclear genome of L. sativae. We established a transinfection of wLtri in L. sativae, a Wolbachia variant that induces strong CI in Liriomyza trifolii. No CI was observed in both intraspecific and interspecific reciprocal crosses with L. trifolii, suggesting that both uninfected females and infected males of L. sativae completely suppress wLtri-mediated CI. Our results raise the appealing hypothesis that host suppression of Wolbachia-induced CI might evolve owing to horizontal transfer of cif operons into the host nuclear genome.},
}
@article {pmid40401706,
year = {2025},
author = {Brenninger, FA and Zug, R and Kokko, H},
title = {Infection dynamics of endosymbionts that manipulate arthropod reproduction.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {100},
number = {5},
pages = {1787-1812},
doi = {10.1111/brv.70024},
pmid = {40401706},
issn = {1469-185X},
support = {//Universit&#xe4;t Z&#xfc;rich/ ; //Alexander von Humboldt Foundation/ ; //Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F&#xf6;rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Arthropods/microbiology/physiology ; Reproduction/physiology ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {A large proportion of arthropod species are infected with endosymbionts, some of which selfishly alter host reproduction. The currently known forms of parasitic reproductive manipulations are male-killing, feminization, cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis induction and distortion of sex allocation. While all of these phenomena represent adaptations that enhance parasite spread, they differ in the mechanisms involved and the consequent infection dynamics. We focus here on the latter aspect, summarizing existing theoretical literature on infection dynamics of all known reproductive manipulation types, and completing the remaining knowledge gaps where dynamics have not been modelled yet. Our unified framework includes the minimal model components required to describe the effects of each manipulation. We establish invasion criteria for all potential combinations of manipulative endosymbionts, yielding predictions for an endosymbiont's increase from rarity within a host population that is initially either uninfected or infected with a different symbiont strain. We consider diplodiploid and haplodiploid hosts, as the mechanisms as well as the infection dynamics of reproductive manipulations can differ between them. Our framework reveals that endosymbionts that a priori have the best invasion prospects are not necessarily the most commonly found ones in nature; priority effects play a role too, and cytoplasmic incompatibility excels in this regard. As a whole, considerations of the ease with which a symbiont spreads have to be complemented with knowledge of how easy it is to achieve a particular manipulation, and with factors influencing the probability that interspecific host switching occurs and succeeds.},
}
@article {pmid40401914,
year = {2025},
author = {Parry, ERS and Pevsner, R and Poulton, BC and Purusothaman, D-K and Adam, AI and Issiaka, S and Ant, TH and Rainey, SM and Bilgo, E and Diabaté, A and Sinkins, SP},
title = {Imaging the lifecycle of Microsporidia sp. MB in Anopheles coluzzii from western Burkina Faso reveals octosporogony.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {e0085124},
pmid = {40401914},
issn = {2379-5042},
support = {312220//Open Philanthropy Project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/microbiology/parasitology ; Burkina Faso ; Female ; *Microsporidia/growth &amp; development/genetics/physiology ; *Life Cycle Stages ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Larva/microbiology ; Spores, Fungal/growth &amp; development ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: A newly discovered microsporidian, Microsporidia sp. MB (MB), was recently found to block Plasmodium falciparum transmission in Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes from Kenya. Here, we describe the lifecycle of the first laboratory colony of Anopheles coluzzii with MB, originating from western Burkina Faso. The lifecycle of MB was explored using fluorescent in situ hybridization and confocal microscopy, facilitated by the development of optimized protocols to produce histological sections of whole adult, larval, and embryo tissues. As in An. arabiensis, transmission appears to be predominantly vertical, with MB highly localized to the ovaries across multiple lifecycle stages. MB was sparsely distributed within the majority of developing oocytes in the gravid female. After oviposition, in the majority of embryos, MB relocated to the developing gonad at the onset of tissue differentiation, suggesting a highly specialized adaptation to host tissues. Sporogony was identified for the first time in a proportion of developing oocytes and in embryos post-oviposition. Microsporidian spore characteristics were subsequently confirmed with electron microscopy. Identification of MB sporogony in eggs suggests there are alternative horizontal routes of transmission which could play an important role in developing MB as a malaria control strategy.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Malaria in West Africa, caused by Plasmodium falciparum infection and spread by anopheline mosquitoes, is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually and resulted in over 120 million cases in 2022 . The transmission-blocking effect of Microsporidia sp. MB (MB) suggests its potential as an agent for combating the spread of malaria. Understanding the routes of transmission and their effect on MB in mosquito populations is crucial for its development as a control tool. The identification of MB spores reveals the potential for another avenue of transmission beyond the vertical transmission from female to offspring. Spores could also have the potential for alternative MB dissemination methods, alongside or instead of adult mosquito releases.},
}
@article {pmid40411150,
year = {2025},
author = {Ayoubi, A and Talebi, AA and Fathipour, Y and Hoffmann, AA and Mehrabadi, M},
title = {Symbiont-mediated insect host defense against parasitism: insights from the endosymbiont, Hamiltonella defensa and the insect host, Myzus persicae.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {8},
pages = {4886-4893},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8844},
pmid = {40411150},
issn = {1526-4998},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/parasitology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Enterobacteriaceae/physiology ; *Wasps/physiology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Buchnera/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sap-feeding insects like aphids can harbor a complex of bacterial symbionts, including a primary nutritional symbiont and secondary symbionts that may influence various traits such as resistance to parasitoids and entomopathogens as well as fitness. This study explores the presence and impact of the facultative symbiont, Hamiltonella defensa, in a major pest aphid, the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, focusing particularly on its role in aphid parasitoid resistance, an area that has not been previously characterized.<br><br>RESULTS: We detected Buchnera aphidicola and H. defensa endosymbionts in a population of M. persicae collected from Tehran, Iran. Using antibiotic treatments, we mostly removed H. defensa from the aphid and generated a line with only a low level of the symbiont. The parasitism rate of Aphidius matricariae significantly increased in this line compared to untreated controls. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis indicated that the densities of B. aphidicola and H. defensa were affected following parasitism. Twenty-four hours after parasitism, the density of H. defensa and its phage (APSE, Acyrthosiphon pisum secondary endosymbiont) increased compared to the controls, while the density of B. aphidicola decreased. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) of APSE encoding toxins revealed high transcription levels of the YDp toxin at 24&#x2009;h post-parasitism.<br><br>CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the APSE-3 bacteriophage is present in H. defensa from M. persicae and likely confers parasitoid resistance in this aphid through the YDp toxin. Overall, these results suggest that Hamiltonella can partly protect M. persicae against parasitism. The results have implications for biological control programs targeting this major insect pest. &#xa9; 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid40413780,
year = {2025},
author = {Gu, X and Berran, M and Prithiv Sivaji Dorai, A and Yang, Q and Stelmach, M and Ross, PA and Gill, A and Ansermin, E and Yeatman, E and Umina, PA and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Transinfections of the endosymbiont Rickettsiella viridis in different Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) clones show consistent deleterious effects and stable transmission.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {4},
pages = {1544-1552},
pmid = {40413780},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Coxiellaceae/physiology ; Genetic Fitness ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts are widespread in insects, including aphids, and can have multiple effects on insect host fitness, suggesting potential applications for endosymbiont-related pest control. A transinfection of the endosymbiont Rickettsiella viridis into a line of the novel host Myzus persicae has previously shown large deleterious effects on aphid fitness and rapid spread in caged aphid populations under a cool environment. Because host clones can significantly influence endosymbiont effects and fitness-related traits more generally, it is important to test endosymbiont effects across a range of genotypic backgrounds. Here, we developed four Rickettsiella transinfected lines in different M. persicae clones via hemolymph microinjection, including clones with relatively high pesticide resistance. All four lines exhibited consistent fitness costs, reflected in reductions in both fecundity and longevity and reduced heat tolerance, although the magnitude of these effects varied among clones. The lines also resulted in stable and similar shifts in body color, with infected aphids being darker in color, although clonal effects were again observed. Vertical transmission was stable in all clones, and Rickettsiella infection was also shown to be transmitted horizontally between aphid pairs within Petri dishes in each clone. These results demonstrate consistent transmission and deleterious fitness effects of Rickettsiella transinfections, while also highlighting genetic background effects.},
}
@article {pmid40417250,
year = {2025},
author = {Obert, T and Zhang, T and Rurik, I and Vďačný, P},
title = {Rediscovery and morpho-molecular characterization of three astome ciliates, with new insights into eco-evolutionary associations of astomes with their annelid hosts.},
journal = {Marine life science &amp; technology},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {231-255},
pmid = {40417250},
issn = {2662-1746},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Astome ciliates live in the digestive tract of a broad spectrum of marine, freshwater, and terricolous annelids. In aquatic lumbriculid and criodrilid oligochaetes collected in Central Europe, we rediscovered three insufficiently known astomes: Hoplitophrya secans, Mesnilella clavata, and Buchneriella criodrili. Their morphology was studied using in vivo observation, protargol, and dry silver nitrate impregnation. Multiple nuclear and mitochondrial molecular markers were used to determine their phylogenetic positions and reconstruct their evolutionary history. According to our phylogenetic analyses: (1) mouthless ciliates isolated from annelids form a robustly supported monophylum within the class Oligohymenophorea, (2) the progenitor of astomes invaded the digestive tract of marine polychaetes during the Paleozoic era, (3) lumbricid earthworms likely served as a source of astomes for criodrilid, almid, and megascolecid earthworms, (4) the ancestral host of the earthworm-dwelling astome clade led an endogeic lifestyle, and (5) there were multiple independent transfers of astomes from endogeic to epigeic and anecic earthworms. These findings support previous views of the annelid phylogeny, suggesting that astomes reside and evolve in tandem with annelids for several hundred million years.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-024-00275-5.},
}
@article {pmid40421697,
year = {2026},
author = {Shen, Y and He, J and Ma, Y and Song, X and Li, P and Zhang, C and Zhou, Z and Chen, R},
title = {MtPEPC2 Encodes a Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Essential for Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Plant, cell &amp; environment},
volume = {49},
number = {7},
pages = {4178-4193},
doi = {10.1111/pce.15636},
pmid = {40421697},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF1003200; R.C.), National Natural Science Foundation of China (32270261; R.C.) Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA26030103; R.C.) and Science and Technology Department of Gansu Province, China (22ZD6NA049; R.C.)./ ; },
mesh = {*Medicago truncatula/genetics/enzymology/metabolism/microbiology ; *Nitrogen Fixation/genetics/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics/physiology ; *Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase/genetics/metabolism/physiology ; Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism/genetics ; *Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Rhizobium ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) that takes place in root nodules of legumes essentially relies on the exchange of nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) metabolites between the symbiotic partners. The endosymbionts rhizobia provide ammonium to the host plants, and in return receive carbon and energy sources from the host for nitrogen fixation. In a forward genetic study, we identified FN6516 as an SNF-defective (fix[-]) mutant of Medicago truncatula. Whole genome resequencing, genetic linkage analysis of an F2 segregating population, genetic complementation and gene editing results show that a plant-type PEPC, MtPEPC2, is the candidate gene. We demonstrate that MtPEPC2 expression is activated in nodules and that a high level of expression is detected at an early stage of nodule development. MtPEPC2 protein is localised in the cytoplasm of both infected and uninfected cells, but not in symbiosomes. Our work shows that a nonsense mutation in MtPEPC2 resulted in a great reduction in PEPC activities, almost complete loss of nodule nitrogen fixation activities, and defects in differentiation and/or maintenance of bacteroids. Importantly, overexpression of MtPEPC2 increased nodule nitrogenase activities.},
}
@article {pmid40429177,
year = {2025},
author = {Utkuzova, AM and Chertkova, EA and Kryukova, NA and Malysh, JM and Tokarev, YS},
title = {"Hostbusters": The Bacterial Endosymbiont Wolbachia of the Parasitoid Wasp Habrobracon hebetor Improves Its Ability to Parasitize Lepidopteran Hosts.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {40429177},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {23-16-00262//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Habrobracon hebetor is a globally acknowledged larval ectoparasitoid that is widely used to control lepidopteran pests. Wolbachia is a natural endosymbiont that regulates various aspects of the insect host biology. The ability of H. hebetor to paralyze and develop on lepidopteran larvae from five families was tested under laboratory conditions. Two lines of the wasp were used, "W+" containing a naturally occurring Wolbachia from the supergroup B, and "W-", with the endosymbiont eradicated by antibiotic treatment, followed by propagation of 20 subsequent generations. The proportions of larvae in which host paralysis, as well as parasitoid oviposition, larval, pupal, and adult development were observed, were usually higher in W+ compared to W-. In Loxostege sticticalis, differences in these indices were not statistically significant. In Galleria mellonella, Mamestra brassicae, and Ostrinia nubilalis, some of the parasitism indices were significantly higher in W+ than in W-. In Bombyx mori and Plutella xylostella, H. hebetor could not complete its life cycle, but parasitism levels at the initial steps (from paralysis symptoms to the presence of larvae/pupae of the parasitoid) were 2-5 times lower in W- compared to W+ (p < 0.01). It can be suggested that the presence of Wolbachia is advantageous for H. hebetor, as it increases the success of parasitism in a broad range of lepidopteran hosts.},
}
@article {pmid40435695,
year = {2025},
author = {Siddiqua, A and Mrabet, C and Boufahja, F and Abu-Elsaoud, A and Kefi-Daly Yahia, O and Daly Yahia, MN},
title = {Salinity change effects on growth and photosynthetic efficiency of the zooxanthellae Symbiodinium sp. extracted from Platygyra daedalea in Qatar coral reefs.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {218},
number = {},
pages = {118187},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118187},
pmid = {40435695},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {*Photosynthesis ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology/growth &amp; development ; *Salinity ; *Coral Reefs ; *Anthozoa ; Qatar ; Chlorophyll ; Animals ; },
abstract = {This study investigates the impact of elevated salinity levels on the growth and photosynthetic efficiency of the coral endosymbiont Symbiodinium sp. isolated from Platygyra daedalea in the coral reefs of Qatar. Cultures were exposed to a range of salinities (30-70 psu) over a 11-day incubation period under controlled laboratory conditions. Results revealed a significant decline in cell density and growth rate at salinities above 55 psu. Photosynthetic performance, assessed using the OJIP chlorophyll fluorescence protocol, showed a marked reduction in key parameters-including ABS/RC, DIo/RC, TRo/RC, ETo/RC, Vi, Vj, Mo, and Fv/Fm-at salinities exceeding 55 psu, indicating substantial stress and inactivation of PSII reaction centers. Interestingly, a partial recovery in photosynthetic efficiency was observed at 55 and 60 psu following initial decline. This is the first study to examine the physiological response of Symbiodinium sp. to salinity stress in the Arabian Gulf, providing valuable insights for coral reef restoration initiatives in this high-salinity environment amid ongoing climate change and coastal development.},
}
@article {pmid40441794,
year = {2025},
author = {Sarkar, A and Rangel, DEN and Osherov, N},
title = {Leading developments in basic research on aspergillosis and mucormycosis.},
journal = {Fungal biology},
volume = {129},
number = {4},
pages = {101574},
doi = {10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101574},
pmid = {40441794},
issn = {1878-6146},
mesh = {*Mucormycosis/microbiology/drug therapy ; Humans ; *Aspergillosis/microbiology/drug therapy ; Aspergillus fumigatus/genetics/pathogenicity/drug effects ; Rhizopus/pathogenicity/genetics ; Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; *Biomedical Research/trends ; Virulence ; Drug Resistance, Fungal ; },
abstract = {This editorial presents an overview of notable contributions in basic research on aspergillosis and mucormycosis published between 2022 and 2024. Basic research in aspergillosis saw major advances in the field of genomics brought about by inexpensive whole-genome sequencing of hundreds of isolates. This has deepened our understanding of Aspergillus fumigatus population structure, gene diversity, and the evolution of azole antifungal resistance. Basic research in mucormycosis saw interesting developments in our understanding of the interactions between Rhizopus microsporus and endosymbiotic bacteria that protect it against predatory soil amoeba and increase its virulence in models of infection.},
}
@article {pmid40442955,
year = {2025},
author = {Choi, J and Palanichamy, P and Tanaka, H and Kondo, T and Gruwell, ME and Husnik, F},
title = {Accelerated Pseudogenization in the Ancient Endosymbionts of Giant Scale Insects.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {42},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40442955},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; Animals ; *Pseudogenes ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Burkholderiaceae/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic microorganisms are subject to a complex interplay of environmental and population-genetic pressures that drive their gene loss. Despite the widely held perception that ancient symbionts have stable genomes, even tiny genomes experience ongoing pseudogenization. Whether these tiny genomes also experience bursts of rapid gene loss is, however, less understood. Giant scale insects (Monophlebidae) feed on plant sap and rely on the symbiotic bacterium Walczuchella, which provides them with essential nutrients. When compared with other ancient symbionts with similar genome sizes, such as Karelsulcia, Walczuchella's genome was previously reported as unusually pseudogene-rich (10% of coding sequences). However, this result was based on only one genome assembly, raising questions about the assembly quality or a recent ecological shift such as co-symbiont acquisition driving the gene loss. Here, we generated six complete genomes of Walczuchella from three genera of giant scales, each with distinct co-symbiotic partners. We show that all the genomes are highly degraded, and particularly genes related to the cellular envelope and energy metabolism seem to be undergoing pseudogenization. Apart from general mechanisms driving genome reduction, such as the long-term intracellular lifestyle with transmission bottlenecks, we hypothesize that a more profound loss of DNA replication and repair genes, together with recent co-obligate symbiont acquisitions, likely contribute to the accelerated degradation of Walczuchella genomes. Our results highlight that even ancient symbionts with small genomes can experience significant bursts of gene loss when stochastic processes erase a gene that accelerates gene loss or when the selection pressure changes such as after co-symbiont acquisition.},
}
@article {pmid40446003,
year = {2025},
author = {Kröninger, L and Maurya, AK and Stiebeling, C and Stirba, FP and Kim, Z and Nowack, ECM},
title = {T7 RNA polymerase-based gene expression from a transcriptionally silent rDNA spacer in the endosymbiont-harboring trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0322611},
pmid = {40446003},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Trypanosomatina/genetics ; Transcription, Genetic ; *Viral Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; },
abstract = {Eukaryotic life has been shaped fundamentally by the integration of bacterial endosymbionts. The trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei that contains a β-proteobacterial endosymbiont, represents an emerging model to elucidate initial steps in symbiont integration. Although the repertoire of genetic tools for A. deanei is growing, no conditional gene expression system is available yet, which would be key for the functional characterization of essential or expression of toxic proteins. Development of a conditional expression system based on endogenous RNA polymerase II (POLII) is hampered by the absence of information on transcription signals in A. deanei as well as the unusual genetic system used in the Trypanosomatidae that relies on read-through transcription. This mode of transcription can result in polar effects when manipulating expression of genes in their endogenous loci. Finally, only a few resistance markers are available for A. deanei yet, restricting the number of genetic modifications that can be introduced into one strain. To increase the range of possible genetic manipulations in A. deanei, and in particular, build the base for a conditional expression system that does not interfere with the endogenous gene expression machinery, here we (i) implemented two new drug resistance markers, (ii) identified the spacer upstream of the rDNA array on chromosome 13 as transcriptionally silent genomic locus, and (iii) used this locus for engineering an ectopic expression system that depends on the T7 RNA polymerase expressed from the δ-amastin locus. We show that transgene expression in this system is independent of the activity of endogenous RNA polymerases, reaches expression levels similar to the previously described POLII-dependent expression from the γ-amastin locus, and can be applied for studying endosymbiosis. In sum, the new tools expand the possibilities for genetic manipulations of A. deanei and provide a solid base for the development of an ectopic conditional expression system.},
}
@article {pmid40448476,
year = {2025},
author = {Cordaux, R and Gilbert, C},
title = {Elucidating the Molecular Mechanisms of Sex Ratio Distortion Mediated by Cytoplasmic Symbionts.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40448476},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; Animals ; *Sex Ratio ; Female ; Male ; *Arthropods/microbiology/genetics ; Sex Determination Processes ; Cytoplasm/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts are widespread in animals, and they have deeply shaped their hosts' evolution and ecology. As they are usually maternally inherited from one host generation to the next, a diverse array of endosymbionts (including bacteria, unicellular eukaryotes, and viruses) have evolved strategies to distort host sex ratios toward females in arthropods, via male killing, parthenogenesis induction, and feminization. Seminal discoveries made in the past few years have elucidated the molecular mechanisms of sex ratio distortion in various host-symbiont systems. Emerging trends suggest that (i) a single symbiont gene is generally sufficient to mediate sex ratio distortion in a given system; (ii) causal genes are often associated with mobile elements, including prophages and plasmids; (iii) causal genes are evolutionarily diverse between systems, although they may exhibit homologous domains; and (iv) host sex-specific molecular pathways, such as sex determination and dosage compensation, are preferential targets of cytoplasmic symbiont factors. It appears that the various reproductive manipulations have evolved multiple times independently, suggesting that the recently elucidated host-symbiont systems only represent the tip of the iceberg of the high diversity of sex ratio distortion mechanisms. Capturing the breadth of these mechanisms is a desirable and arguably reachable goal that will not only lead to a better understanding of host-symbiont molecular interactions but also has the potential to yield unprecedented insights into the molecular cascades underlying host sex determination and sexual differentiation.},
}
@article {pmid40452587,
year = {2025},
author = {Glass, BH and Barott, KL},
title = {Hypoxia disrupts metabolism in coral and sea anemone larvae.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {228},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {40452587},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {2237658//National Science Foundation/ ; 1923743//National Science Foundation/ ; P30 DK050306/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; HD083185/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //University of Pennsylvania/ ; T32 HD083185/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; P30 CA016520/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Sea Anemones/metabolism/physiology/growth &amp; development ; *Anthozoa/metabolism/physiology/growth &amp; development ; Larva/metabolism/physiology/growth &amp; development ; *Metabolome ; *Oxygen/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Anthropogenic pollution is driving an increase in the frequency and severity of seawater hypoxic events in coastal marine ecosystems. Although hypoxia decreases physiological performance in coral and sea anemone (phylum Cnidaria) larvae, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unexplored. Here, larvae of the reef-building corals Galaxea fascicularis and Porites astreoides and the estuarine sea anemone Nematostella vectensis were exposed to normoxia or a simulated hypoxic event (6 h at <2 mg dissolved O2 l-1), and their metabolomic response was quantified at the end of the exposure period using targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Baseline metabolite profiles (81 amino acids, acylcarnitines, organic acids and nucleotides) were broadly divergent between the three species, with the corals displaying a reliance on nitrogen cycling through amino acid metabolism, whereas N. vectensis relied on nucleotide metabolism. By contrast, several changes in metabolite abundances under hypoxia were shared (e.g. increases in lactate) and suggest the upregulation of glycolysis, lactic acid fermentation and fatty acid β-oxidation as conserved mechanisms for energy production under hypoxia. Changes in these pathways were correlated with adverse physiological outcomes, including conserved declines in swimming behavior and growth. Importantly, life history traits affecting metabolism influenced hypoxia responses. For example, P. astreoides larvae, which possess algal endosymbionts, displayed the least severe metabolic response to hypoxia among these species, possibly owing to symbiont resources. Overall, these findings demonstrate that hypoxia disrupts metabolic performance in coral and sea anemone larvae through conserved and divergent pathways, emphasizing the need to limit drivers of ocean deoxygenation.},
}
@article {pmid40454368,
year = {2025},
author = {Itokawa, K and Kuroki, A and Kobayashi, D and Kuroda, M and Sawabe, K and Isawa, H and Sanjoba, C},
title = {Genomic analysis of co-infection with Wolbachia and Candidatus Tisiphia in the sand fly Sergentomyia squamirostris.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1577636},
pmid = {40454368},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Endosymbiotic bacteria show diverse strategies to manipulate host reproduction for their survival in nature. The diversity of symbionts infecting hematophagous insects and their impact on host ecology could be crucial for developing effective control measures of disease-transmitting vectors. Sand flies are a group of small insects, with some species serving as vectors for leishmaniasis, bartonellosis, and arboviral diseases. Sergentomyia squamirostris is the only known species of sand flies found on the main islands of Japan. Although no medical implications exist for S. squamirostris, we conducted whole-genome sequencing to explore its potential relevance.<br><br>METHODS: We conducted whole-genome sequencing and de novo assembly of S. squamirostris using genomic DNA isolated from a single field-collected female insect sample. During this attempt, we incidentally obtained closed genomes of two new bacteria, wSSQ and RiSSQ, belonging to Wolbachia and Candidatus Tisiphia, respectively. We then investigated infection rates of both bacteria in two natural populations of S. squamirostris in Japan.<br><br>RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis indicated that wSSQ and RiSSQ belonged to Wolbachia and Ca. Tisiphia, respectively. Ca. Tisiphia is also known as "Torix Rickettsia," which is considered a large group of endosymbionts of invertebrates with no known pathogenicity to humans and animals. NGS read depths for both wSSQ and RiSSQ genomes were found to be high coverages, indicating that these bacteria are S. squamirostris endosymbionts. The infection rates of wSSQ and RiSSQ in the wild population of S. squamirostris varied in the two different localities in Japan, and co-infection with both bacteria was commonly seen. wSSQ was detected in both sexes of S. squamirostris, whereas RiSSQ was detected only in female sand flies.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Ca. Tisiphia has recently been recognized as an underexplored endosymbiont with a widespread presence in invertebrates, including disease vectors. RiSSQ represents the first complete genomic information resource of Ca. Tisiphia infecting sand flies. Further research is needed to understand potential interactions between its host and other endosymbionts, as well as to explore the potential implications of disease control in the future.},
}
@article {pmid40459768,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, K and Cao, J and Li, X and Zhang, ZQ},
title = {Investigating interspecific mating in the thelytokous predatory mite Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), with comparative observations from three sexually reproducing phytoseiid species.},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {95},
number = {1},
pages = {8},
pmid = {40459768},
issn = {1572-9702},
mesh = {Animals ; *Mites/physiology ; Male ; Female ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Reproduction ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {Asexual reproduction can be advantageous in the short term but is generally considered an evolutionary dead end due to the lack of genetic diversity and the accumulation of deleterious mutations. The thelytokous predatory mite Amblyseius herbicolus (Chant) (Acari: Mesostigmata) shows potential for biological pest control, but its reproductive mechanism remains poorly understood. This study examined whether A. herbicolus females have retained mating ability by exposing them to morphologically similar heterospecific males from three sexually reproducing phytoseiid species: Amblydromalus limonicus (Garman &amp; McGregor), Amblyseius lentiginosus Denmark &amp; Schicha, and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans). No mating or insemination occurred between A. herbicolus females and heterospecific males within 24 h. In contrast, nearly all males successfully inseminated conspecific females in a follow-up observation. Mating behaviours varied across species, with A. lentiginosus showing the longest pre-mating duration and lowest insemination rate, indicating higher mate selectivity. Most Ad. limonicus males inseminated a single spermatophore, while A. lentiginosus and N. cucumeris deposited two spermatophores, suggesting differences in sperm allocation and competition. No correlation was found between male body size, mating duration, and endospermatophore volume, possibly due to the small sample size. This study does not establish whether A. herbicolus reproduces strictly through thelytoky, nor does it exclude the possibility of sexually reproducing populations elsewhere. Further research, including interspecific mating trials with the more morphologically similar Amblyseius largoensis and an investigation into the role of endosymbionts such as Wolbachia, is needed to reveal the mechanisms underlying asexuality in A. herbicolus.},
}
@article {pmid40459778,
year = {2025},
author = {Chu, Y and Campbell, E and Dzimianski, M and Evans, CC and Pulaski, C and Sakamoto, K and Moorhead, AR},
title = {In vitro molting of Dirofilaria immitis third-stage larvae derived from microfilariae collected from doxycycline-treated dogs.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {124},
number = {6},
pages = {59},
pmid = {40459778},
issn = {1432-1955},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dirofilaria immitis/drug effects/microbiology/growth &amp; development/physiology ; *Doxycycline/pharmacology/administration &amp; dosage/therapeutic use ; Dogs ; Larva/drug effects/microbiology/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Wolbachia/drug effects/isolation &amp; purification ; *Dirofilariasis/parasitology/drug therapy ; *Dog Diseases/parasitology/drug therapy ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Microfilariae/drug effects/microbiology ; *Molting/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Dirofilaria immitis, also known as canine heartworm, contains an endosymbiont, Wolbachia, in all life stages. The antibiotic, doxycycline, has been incorporated into heartworm treatment protocols to eliminate Wolbachia. Previous studies indicate that subsequent infection cannot be established using viable third-stage larvae (L3) developed from doxycycline-treated microfilariae (mf). The stages in which the development of larvae is impacted by doxycycline remain unknown. We examined the impact of doxycycline on the third-stage to fourth-stage larval molt, as it is the first molt of D. immitis after it invades the vertebrate host. Microfilaremic blood was collected weekly from D. immitis-infected dogs with or without doxycycline treatment at 10 mg/kg as recommended by the American Heartworm Society. Blood was collected weekly until the end of doxycycline treatment. The blood was used for L3 production and mf isolation. Wolbachia levels in mf and L3 were measured using real-time quantitative PCR. L3 were cultured in vitro for 9 days to assess whether molting occurred. The Fisher's exact test and Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis. The molting of L3 from the doxycycline-treated groups did not show a significant difference compared to the L3 from the control group at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. The Wolbachia levels in mf and L3 decreased starting from 7 days post-treatment and remained less than five percent of controls throughout the treatment. Doxycycline treatment can eliminate Wolbachia in both mf and subsequently developed L3. The molts of the mf to L3 in the mosquito and the L3 to L4 molt in vitro do not appear to be impacted by the reduction or elimination of Wolbachia.},
}
@article {pmid40467487,
year = {2025},
author = {Nakayama, T and Harada, R and Yabuki, A and Nomura, M and Shiba, K and Inaba, K and Inagaki, Y},
title = {Marked Genome Reduction Driven by a Parasitic Lifestyle: Two Complete Genomes of Endosymbiotic Bacteria Possibly Hosted by a Dinoflagellate.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {40},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40467487},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Dinoflagellida/microbiology/physiology ; *Gammaproteobacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Base Composition ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genome Size ; },
abstract = {Bacteria with endosymbiotic lifestyles often show marked genome reduction. While the shrinkage of genomes in intracellular symbionts of animals, including parasitic bacteria, has been extensively exami-ned, less is known about symbiotic bacteria associated with single-celled eukaryotes. We herein report the genomes of two novel gammaproteobacterial lineages, RS3 and XS4, identified as putative parasitic endosymbionts of the dinoflagellate Citharistes regius. Phylogenetic ana-lyses suggest that RS3 and XS4 belong to the family Fastidiosibacteraceae within the order Beggiatoales, forming independent lineages therein. The genomes of RS3 and XS4 are 529 and 436‍ ‍kbp in size, respectively, revealing marked reductions from related bacterial genomes. XS4, which has a very reduced genome with a low GC content, uses a different genetic code, in which UGA assigned tryptophan. The small genomes of RS3 and XS4 encode a limited number of proteins, retaining only approximately 20% of the predicted ancestral proteome. Metabolic reconstruction suggests that RS3 and XS4 are parasitic symbionts that are heavily dependent on their host for essential metabolites. Furthermore, we found that the ancestor of both genomes likely acquired an ADP:ATP antiporter gene via horizontal gene transfer, an event that may have enabled their evolution as energy parasites by facilitating the acquisition of ATP from their host. These results on novel bacteria with highly reduced genomes expand our understanding of the phylogenetic and genomic diversities of endosymbiotic bacteria in protists.},
}
@article {pmid40468534,
year = {2025},
author = {Swenie, RA and Cubeta, MA and Langer, GJ and Lawrey, JD and Sikaroodi, M and Smith, ME and Matheny, PB},
title = {A phylogenetic study of the Cantharellales supports recognition of four families and independent gains of biotrophic nutritional modes.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {112},
number = {6},
pages = {e70054},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70054},
pmid = {40468534},
issn = {1537-2197},
support = {NO. 1452154//NSF/ ; DEB-2030779//NSF/ ; DEB-1354802//NSF/ ; DEB-1946445//NSF/ ; },
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Basidiomycota/genetics/physiology/classification ; Symbiosis ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: The agaricomycete order Cantharellales contains approximately 1000 species of fungi characterized by diverse morphological forms, ecological guilds, and nutritional modes. Examples include coralloid lichens that form symbioses with unicellular green algae, bulbil-forming lichenicolous species, corticioid free-living fungi that degrade dead sources of organic carbon, pathogens that cause plant disease, orchid root endosymbionts, and ectomycorrhizal fungi including popular edible mushrooms. However, evolutionary relationships in the Cantharellales remain poorly understood due to conflicting estimates based on ribosomal DNA loci.<br><br>METHODS: We constructed a five-gene phylogeny of the Cantharellales using data from 301 specimens to evaluate family-level relationships. We used penalized likelihood to estimate divergence times and ancestral state reconstruction to test the hypothesis of multiple independent origins of biotrophic ecologies in the order and whether those transitions are younger than the divergence times of associated plant or lichen hosts.<br><br>RESULTS: Four monophyletic families were recovered with strong support: Botryobasidiaceae, Ceratobasidiaceae, Hydnaceae s.l., and Tulasnellaceae, with Hydnaceae containing the greatest species richness and morphological diversity. Our results suggest the Cantharellales diverged during the Carboniferous period with subsequent diversification following the Permian-Triassic extinction. Ancestral state reconstruction supports a saprotrophic most recent common ancestor with at least three transitions to an ectomycorrhizal ecology, multiple transitions to a lichenicolous habit with one or more subsequent transitions to mutualistic nutritional modes, four transitions to an orchid mycorrhizal ecology, and two transitions to a lichenized lifestyle.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first comprehensive examination of the evolution of form and function across this ecologically and morphologically diverse order of fungi.},
}
@article {pmid40475578,
year = {2025},
author = {DuBose, JG and Uhm, T and Bowen, J and Fiedorek, P and Hoogshagen, M and Haselkorn, TS and DiSalvo, S},
title = {The roles of dispersal limitation and pre-adaptation in shaping Paraburkholderia endosymbiont frequencies in social amoeba communities.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40475578},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {P20 GM103429/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic interactions have long played fundamental roles in shaping the evolution and diversification of eukaryotes. However, we still have a limited understanding of how ecological processes govern the distribution of endosymbionts that are still segregating in host populations. To contribute to this understanding, here we use the interactions between Paraburkholderia endosymbionts and their Dictyostelid social amoeba hosts as a model system to investigate the role of dispersal, a fundamental ecological process, in shaping the distribution and evolution of endosymbiotic interactions. We first found that patterns of endosymbiont diversification were highly biogeographic, suggesting a significant degree of dispersal limitation. We then experimentally mediated the dispersal of several endosymbiont species into environments with multiple host species and found that each symbiont was able to sustain a high prevalence in each host population. The benefit/detriment of these mediated interactions did not change with increasing phylogenetic distance from what is suspected to be the focal amoeba host species in nature. Taken together, our findings suggest Paraburkholderia endosymbionts are generally pre-adapted to occupy a variety of Dictyostelid host environments, and their distribution among host populations is subject to a high degree of dispersal limitation. Overall, our findings have significant implications for our understanding of how ecological processes facilitate and limit the evolution of endosymbiotic interactions.},
}
@article {pmid40475605,
year = {2025},
author = {Merk, LN and Jones, TA and Eddy, SR},
title = {Prevalence of Group II Introns in Phage Genomes.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40475605},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R01 HG009116/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM008313/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Although bacteriophage genomes are under strong selective pressure for high coding density, they are still frequently invaded by mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Group II introns are MGEs that reduce host burden by autocatalytically splicing out of RNA before translation. While widely known in bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic organellar genomes, group II introns have been considered absent in phage. Identifying group II introns in genome sequences has previously been challenging because of their lack of primary sequence similarity. Advances in RNA structure-based homology searches using covariance models has provided the ability to identify the conserved secondary structures of group II introns. Here, we discover that group II introns are widely prevalent in phages from diverse phylogenetic backgrounds, from endosymbiont phage to jumbophage.},
}
@article {pmid40483691,
year = {2025},
author = {Burgmer, S and Meyer Zu Altenschildesche, FL and Gyenis, A and Lee, HJ and Vilchez, D and Giavalisco, P and Fichant, A and Uhlirova, M and Storelli, G},
title = {Endosymbiont control through non-canonical immune signaling and gut metabolic remodeling.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {6},
pages = {115811},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115811},
pmid = {40483691},
issn = {2211-1247},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Signal Transduction ; Wolbachia/physiology ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/metabolism/immunology ; Receptors, Pattern Recognition/metabolism ; Drosophila Proteins/metabolism ; NF-kappa B/metabolism ; Intestines/microbiology ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; },
abstract = {Animals coexist with bacteria and need to keep these microorganisms under tight control. To achieve such control, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) sense bacterial cues and induce the production of antimicrobials. Here, we uncover a metabolic arm in the control of symbionts by PRRs. We show that, in Drosophila, the PRRs PGRP-LC and PGRP-LE act independently of canonical NF-κB signaling to repress essential metabolic functions in the gut, such as digestion and central carbon metabolism. This metabolic switch affects commensal populations and drastically reduces intestinal and systemic populations of the intracellular parasite Wolbachia. We propose that intestinal metabolic remodeling complements immune responses by imposing nutrient restriction on intracellular bacteria, whose lifestyle protects them from antimicrobials. Our findings reveal a role for PRRs in bacterial control beyond canonical immune pathways and provide insights into how microbial signals modulate symbiotic populations but also nutrition and metabolism in animals.},
}
@article {pmid40489578,
year = {2025},
author = {Cassens, J and Villalta, M and Aguirre, S and Ecklund, L and Stenger, T and Abdi, I and Venigalla, S and Shiffman, E and Bastug, K and Thielen, BK and Faulk, C},
title = {The genome of the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis).},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40489578},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {T32 AR007612/AR/NIAMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32AR007612//USDA-NIFA/ ; T32AI055433//USDA-NIFA/ ; T32 AI055433/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; NU50CK000628//USDA-NIFA/ ; MIN-16-129//USDA-NIFA/ ; //Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Pathogen Genomics Centers of Excellence/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Dermacentor/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; *Genome ; *Genomics/methods ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Computational Biology/methods ; },
abstract = {The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is a vector of zoonotic pathogens in North America that poses emerging threats to public health. Despite its medical importance, genomic resources for D. variabilis remain scarce. Leveraging long-read nanopore sequencing, we generated a high-quality genome assembly for D. variabilis with a final size of 2.15 Gb, an N50 of 445 kb, and a benchmarking universal single-copy ortholog (BUSCO) completeness score of 95.2%. Comparative BUSCO analyses revealed fewer duplicate genes in our assembly than in other Dermacentor genomes, indicating improved haplotype resolution. The mitochondrial genome, assembled as a single circular contig, clustered monophyletically with D. variabilis isolates from the Upper Midwest, corroborating regional phylogenetic relationships. Repetitive element analysis identified 61% of the genome as repetitive, dominated by long interspersed nuclear elements and long terminal repeat elements, with 24% remaining unclassified, underscoring the need for further exploration of transposable elements in tick genomes. Gene annotation predicted 21,722 putative genes, achieving a protein BUSCO completeness of 80.88%. Additionally, genome-wide methylation analysis revealed 9.9% global 5mC methylation, providing the first insights into epigenetic modifications in D. variabilis. Further, nanopore sequencing detected Rickettsia montanensis and a nonpathogenic Francisella-like endosymbiont. These findings expand our understanding of tick genomics and epigenetics, offering valuable resources for comparative studies and evolutionary analyses.},
}
@article {pmid40492768,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, W and Li, C and Jiang, L and Pan, Z and Qiao, G and Chen, J},
title = {Complete genome sequence of the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola of the poplar bark aphid Pterocomma populeum.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {e0037925},
pmid = {40492768},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {We report the complete genome sequence of Buchnera aphidicola from the aphid Pterocomma populeum using Illumina NovaSeq X Plus platform. The assembled genome is 588,150 bp with a guanine-cytosine content of 24%.},
}
@article {pmid40495375,
year = {2025},
author = {Fattar, N and Louni, M and Buysse, M and Floriano, AM and Bertaux, J and Cantereau, A and Rivero, A and Bruley, M and McCoy, KD and Delafont, V and Boulanger, N and Vavre, F and Bouchon, D and Duron, O},
title = {Evolutionary Convergence of Nutritional Symbionts in Ticks.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {e70120},
pmid = {40495375},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {ANR- 20-CE34-0002//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-10-LABX-04-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-10-LABX-25-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-21-CE02-0002//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; //Universit&#xe9; de Montpellier, KIM RIVE, MUSE/ ; //R&#xe9;gion Occitanie Pyr&#xe9;n&#xe9;es-M&#xe9;diterran&#xe9;e, RIVOC/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Ticks/microbiology/physiology ; *Coxiella/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; *Francisella/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; *Biological Evolution ; Phylogeny ; Heme/biosynthesis ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Symbiosis with bacteria is essential for the survival of animals with an obligate blood-feeding lifestyle. In ticks, two distinct bacterial lineages, Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts, have independently evolved into nutritional symbionts, converging on a key biochemical function for the tick's survival and growth: the production of three B vitamins. In this study, we carried out comparative analyses across multiple tick species and characterised remarkable similarities in their tissue localisation, particularly in organs important for nutrient metabolism and maternal transmission to progeny. In these organs, both symbionts colonise similar intracellular niches, residing within membrane-bound, replicative vacuoles that occupy a substantial part of the cytoplasm of tick cells. Despite extensive genomic reduction, both symbionts have retained pathways for the biosynthesis of B vitamins and, in some cases, chorismate, a precursor used for the production of serotonin by ticks. However, differences exist: while Coxiella-like endosymbionts lack the ability to synthesise heme, Francisella-like endosymbionts possess a complete heme biosynthesis pathway and may potentially provide ticks with this essential cofactor. Overall, these phenotypic and genomic characteristics reveal a broad convergence among symbiotic interactions across major tick families, highlighting the essential role of symbiosis in tick nutrition, feeding behaviour, blood intake and subsequently in pathogen transmission.},
}
@article {pmid40495559,
year = {2025},
author = {Ball, S and Baurain, D and Leleu, M and Lafontaine, I and Cenci, U and Colleoni, C and Vallon, O and Greub, G and Weber, A and Bhattacharya, D},
title = {Obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens as major players in the metabolic integration of organelles.},
journal = {Comptes rendus biologies},
volume = {348},
number = {},
pages = {107-135},
doi = {10.5802/crbiol.176},
pmid = {40495559},
issn = {1768-3238},
mesh = {Symbiosis/physiology ; *Bacteria/metabolism/pathogenicity ; *Organelles/metabolism/microbiology ; Mitochondria/metabolism/microbiology ; Plastids/metabolism/microbiology ; Animals ; *Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts are very common in nature, offering multiple occasions to recapitulate events that have led to the generation of mitochondria and plastids. However, both these organelles are unique because they are thought to derive from two individual events that gave rise to all eukaryotes and the plastids in algae and plants (excluding Paulinella chromatophora), respectively. This review focuses on the differences and similarities existing between extant endosymbionts and the two major endosymbiont derived organelles: the mitochondria and plastids. Emphasis is put on recent developments that point to the major role of intracellular pathogens in the establishment of these organelles. We argue that metabolic integration of bacterial endosymbionts into mitochondria and plastids required an unusually high degree of preadaptation not shared by most extant endosymbionts. We propose that this was achieved by either recruiting intracellular bacterial pathogens as "helper genomes" providing needed gene products, or by selecting endosymbionts destined to become organelles directly from such obligate intracellular bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid40503031,
year = {2025},
author = {Junsiri, W and Taweethavonsawat, P},
title = {New insights into the genetic diversity, phylogeny, and immunogenic potential of the wsp gene in Wolbachia endosymbionts in Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology &amp; vector-borne diseases},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {100272},
pmid = {40503031},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {Wolbachia spp. are intracellular, maternally inherited bacteria that infect a wide range of arthropods. These bacteria influence reproductive traits in their hosts and are used in mosquito-borne virus control programmes. This study investigates the Wolbachia surface protein (WSP), a potential trigger of innate immune responses. The wsp gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, cloned, and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed that wsp sequences from Wolbachia endosymbionts of Brugia pahangi and B. malayi formed two clades within the supergroup D. The wsp sequences were highly conserved, with 99-100% sequence identity across global isolates. Haplotype analysis revealed 13 distinct wsp haplotypes. The average antigenic score of the WSP protein was 1.029 for B. malayi and 1.026 for B. pahangi. MHC-NP analysis predicted eight antigen ligands for B. malayi and six for B. pahangi. Notably, a shared antigen ligand (VIADQKHGF) was identified for both species, associated with dog leukocyte antigens (DLA-8850101, DLA-8803401, and DLA-8850801). Additionally, a conserved ligand region (ALVMLLSLSNSAFSD) was identified in the WSP of B. malayi, corresponding to human leukocyte antigens (HLA-DR alleles HLA-DRB1∗04:04 and HLA-DRB1∗04:01). These findings provide new insights into the phylogenetic classification, sequence conservation, and immunogenic potential of the WSP protein in Wolbachia endosymbionts of Brugia spp.},
}
@article {pmid40510671,
year = {2025},
author = {Ferreira, LYM and Santos, JPN and Souza, DGDN and Orellana, LCB and de Santana, SF and Sousa, AG and Fonseca, PLC and Silva, AGS and Santos, VC and de Faria, IJDS and Olmo, RP and Pacheco, LGC and Costa, MGC and Pirovani, CP and Oliveira, AR and Aguiar, ERGR},
title = {Potential effect of Wolbachia on virus restriction in the spider mite T. truncatus.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1570606},
pmid = {40510671},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The mite T. truncatus is a significant agricultural pest and may serve as a potential vector for viral transmission. However, the virome of T. truncatus remains understudied. Through metatranscriptomic analyses of publicly available data, we uncovered a diverse range of viruses associated with the spider mite, including crop-infecting pathogenic species such as Potato virus Y and Cherry virus A, and fourteen previously unknown viruses across several families (e.g., Virgaviridae, Dicistroviridae, Kitaviridae, Betaflexiviridae, and Nudiviridae). Taking advantage of mite samples under different conditions, we also assessed the impact of biotic (Wolbachia and Spiroplasma infection) and abiotic stresses (pesticide exposure and temperature stress) on the T. truncatus virome. Interestingly, Wolbachia appeared to restrict viral infections in T. truncatus by reducing viral diversity and abundance, with a pronounced effect on dicistroviruses. Surprisingly, a similar effect also observed with Spiroplasma. However, the viral restriction phenotype vanishes in co-infected mites. Transcriptomics analysis of singly-infected mites revealed upregulation of piRNA and autophagy-related genes, while lipid metabolism processes-related genes were downregulated, indicating an endosymbiont-sharing mechanisms of viral interference. Although the impact of abiotic stressors on the virome was not statistically significant, Potato virus Y and TtDV-2 viruses were absent in abamectin-exposed mites, suggesting a potential reduction in the viral diversity, while heat-stressed mites exhibited slightly higher viral diversity compared to those raised at regular temperatures. Overall, our work provides a detailed analysis of the T. truncatus virome, shedding light on how endosymbionts and environmental factors shape viral dynamics and offering potential insights for pest management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid40511620,
year = {2025},
author = {Hanley, TC and Gehring, CA and Deckert, RJ and Mortazavi, B and Richards, CL and Hughes, AR},
title = {Intraspecific variation in plant-fungal interactions across tidal elevation in a salt marsh.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {247},
number = {4},
pages = {1875-1886},
pmid = {40511620},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {IOS-1556087//Division of Integrative Organismal Systems/ ; IOS-1556738//Division of Integrative Organismal Systems/ ; IOS-1556820//Division of Integrative Organismal Systems/ ; },
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Poaceae/microbiology/physiology/genetics/growth &amp; development ; Symbiosis ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Species Specificity ; Salinity ; Biomass ; *Ascomycota/physiology ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics ; },
abstract = {Interspecific interactions vary depending on environmental and genetic factors, with intraspecific variation potentially altering these relationships. Specifically, intraspecific variation within host plants and their endosymbionts may affect above- and belowground interactions depending on environmental conditions. We examined how intraspecific variation within the salt marsh foundation species Spartina alterniflora and a common fungal root endosymbiont (Lulworthia sp.) affected their interactions. We conducted a glasshouse experiment comparing interactions between Spartina growth forms (tall-form from low marsh and short-form from high marsh) and Lulworthia isolates from different marsh locations, and a laboratory experiment exposing Lulworthia isolates from both endpoints of a tidal elevation gradient to different salinities. Intraspecific variation affected fungal characteristics, plant traits, and plant-fungal interactions. Lulworthia isolates distinguished by a single-nucleotide polymorphism had distinct morphologies and different salinity-dependent growth rates. Spartina origin zone affected plant responses. Fungal treatment also affected plant performance: one isolate reduced Spartina density, height, biomass, and respiration - particularly for tall-form plants - whereas the other isolate had neutral to positive effects relative to the control. Our results highlight how intraspecific variation in both fungal isolates and plant genotypes shapes plant-fungal interactions and mediates the capacity of host plants to respond to changing conditions depending on plant ecotype.},
}
@article {pmid40521888,
year = {2025},
author = {Lesiczka, PM and Azagi, T and Krawczyk, AI and Scott, WT and Dirks, RP and Simo, L and Dobler, G and Nijsse, B and Schaap, PJ and Sprong, H and Koehorst, JJ},
title = {Deep sequencing of 16 Ixodes ricinus ticks unveils insights into their interactions with endosymbionts.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {e0050725},
pmid = {40521888},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {184.035.007//Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; //Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport/ ; },
mesh = {*Ixodes/microbiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; Female ; *Rickettsia/genetics/physiology ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Ixodes ricinus ticks act as vectors for numerous pathogens that present substantial health threats. Additionally, they harbor vertically transmitted symbionts, some of which have been linked to diseases. The difficulty of isolating and cultivating these symbionts has hampered our understanding of their biological role, their potential to cause disease, and their modes of transmission. To expand our understanding of the tick symbiont Midichloria mitochondrii and Rickettsia helvetica, which has been linked to disease in humans, we utilized deep sequencing on 16 individual adult female ticks collected from coastal dune and forested areas in the Netherlands. By employing a combination of second- and third-generation sequencing techniques, we successfully reconstructed the complete genomes of M. mitochondrii from 11 individuals, R. helvetica from eight individuals, and the mitochondrial genome from all ticks. Additionally, we visualized the location of R. helvetica in tick organs and constructed genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) of both symbionts to study their environmental dependencies. Our analysis revealed a strong cophylogeny between M. mitochondrii and mitochondrial genomes, suggesting frequent maternal transmission. In contrast, the absence of cophylogeny between R. helvetica and the mitochondrial genomes, coupled with its presence in the receptaculum seminis of I. ricinus females, raises the possibility of paternal transmission of R. helvetica. Notably, the genetic diversity of R. helvetica was found to be very low, except for the rickA virulence gene, where the presence of up to 13 insertions of a 33 nt-long repeat led to significant variability. However, this variation could not account for the differences in infection prevalence observed across eight distinct locations in the Netherlands. By employing deep sequencing, it becomes feasible to extract complete genomes and genetic data of symbionts directly from their host organisms. This methodology serves as a robust means to gain fresh insights into their interactions. Our observations, which suggest paternal transmission of R. helvetica, a relatively unexplored mode of transmission in ticks, require validation through experimental investigations. The genetic variations identified in the rickA virulence gene of R. helvetica have the potential to influence the infectivity and transmission dynamics of R. helvetica.IMPORTANCETicks are vectors of numerous human pathogens; however, the microbial interactions within ticks and the mechanisms governing pathogen transmission remain poorly understood. This study uses deep sequencing of individual Ixodes ricinus to reconstruct high-quality genomes of endosymbionts and the mitochondrion of the tick, revealing previously undetected microbial dynamics. Notably, we recovered low-abundance Rickettsia and Midichloria genomes from single ticks and present evidence that suggests paternal transmission of R. helvetica. These findings offer novel insights into the ecology and evolution of tick-associated microbes and have implications for understanding the origins and spread of tick-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid40523179,
year = {2025},
author = {Vaishally, and Pal, S and Thyagarajan, KR and Shukla, SP},
title = {An endosymbiotic origin of the crimson pigment from the lac insect.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {25},
pages = {e2501623122},
pmid = {40523179},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {Ramalingaswami Fellowship//Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India (DBT)/ ; SRG/2021/000600//Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India (DST)/ ; Partner Group Funding//Max Planck Society, Germany/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; *Pigments, Biological/metabolism/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Anthraquinones/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Symbioses with microorganisms expand the genetic and metabolic repertoire of many insects. The lac insect Kerria lacca (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) is a phloem-feeding scale insect that is brightly colored due to the presence of natural polyhydroxy-anthraquinone pigments called laccaic acids. The deep red pigments possibly provide defense against pathogens and predators and are commercially important as dyes in textiles, lacquerware, and cosmetics. Laccaic acids are categorized as polyketides comprising an anthraquinone backbone decorated with tyrosine or its derivatives. However, the genetic basis of these pigments remains unknown, as insects are not known to produce aromatic polyketides or tyrosine de novo. Here, we sequence the genome of the lac insect and its two endosymbionts-Wolbachia and a hitherto unidentified, transovarially transmitted yeast-like symbiont (YLS). We found no evidence for the host or Wolbachia to be able to synthesize the pigments. The pigments and their precursors were also not detected in the host plant. Genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses combined with fluorescence microscopy identified and characterized YLS as the sole producer of the pigment's polyketide backbone and tyrosine moiety, demonstrating an endosymbiotic origin of the lac pigments. A nonreducing polyketide synthase gene cluster encoding the laccaic acid backbone was identified. Furthermore, the YLS genome encoded essential amino acids and vitamins that are deficient in the insect's phloem diet. Experimental fungicide-treated insects exhibited reduced concentrations of laccaic acids and tyrosine, along with decreased body size and weight, indicating a mutualistic association between the lac insect and its YLS.},
}
@article {pmid40525492,
year = {2025},
author = {Yuan, E and Du, B and Sun, Y},
title = {Reduction of Buchnera with rifampicin impairs the density-dependent induction of winged morph in pea aphid.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70098},
pmid = {40525492},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {2022YFD1400800//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 32250002//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32400348//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2024M753220//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 2023IOZ0307//Initiative Scientific Research Program, Institute of Zoology, CAS/ ; },
abstract = {Wing dimorphism is a critical trait that helps insects better adapt to environments. High population density and poor nutrition are known to induce winged morph in aphids. Buchnera aphidicola, an obligate endosymbiont of aphids, supplies the host with essential amino acids and B vitamins, while the mechanistic basis of Buchnera's role in density-dependent production of winged aphids is largely unclear. Reduction of Buchnera from maternal aphids or the 1st instar nymphs with antibiotic rifampicin reduced the proportion of winged aphids. In contrast, for the 2nd instar nymphs, reduction of Buchnera failed to decline the proportion of winged aphids, suggesting the 1st instar is a critical period for wing plasticity. Genes associated with amino acid transport and insulin signaling were identified by RNA sequencing as differentially expressed genes between rifampicin and dimethyl sulfoxide-treated 1st instar nymphs. Proton-assisted amino acid transporter 1 (PAT1), was down-regulated by rifampicin. Knockdown of PAT1 in 1st instar nymphs reduced the proportion of winged aphids. In addition, reduction of Buchnera with rifampicin up-regulated several marker genes of the insulin signaling pathway, and reduced the phosphorylation level of forkhead transcription factor subgroup O (FOXO), a determinant of wing morph downstream of insulin signaling. Application of FOXO phosphorylation inhibitor LY2780301 decreased the proportion of winged aphids, while the agonist SC79 increased the proportion of winged aphids. These results revealed that reduction of Buchnera sharply declined the proportion of winged aphids, indicating that the vertical transmission of Buchnera could bring on a maternal signal of crowding perception, which was required for the production of winged offspring.},
}
@article {pmid40527400,
year = {2025},
author = {Clodfelter, EB and Doña, J and Walden, KKO and Johnson, KP},
title = {Metagenomic analyses reveal three supergroups of Wolbachia in a single genus of feather-feeding lice (Penenirmus).},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {211},
number = {},
pages = {108387},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108387},
pmid = {40527400},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification ; Metagenomics ; Symbiosis ; *Ischnocera/microbiology/genetics ; Feathers/parasitology ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Insects with nutritionally limited diets often harbor bacterial endosymbionts that supplement their nutritional requirements. However, not all interactions between bacteria and insects are mutually beneficial. Wolbachia is a genus of bacteria that frequently causes cytoplasmic incompatibility and other reproductive parasitic effects on many of its arthropod hosts. In nematodes and some insects, however, Wolbachia is a nutritional mutualist. A lineage of Wolbachia closely related to mutualist strains has previously been identified in parasitic lice, including the louse genus Penenirmus (Ischnocera), which specializes in feeding on feathers. In this study, we used genome-resolved metagenomics to examine the diversity of Wolbachia across the genus Penenirmus, with a focus on evidence of long term associations with their hosts, which could indicate a mutualistic relationship. Phylogenomic analysis of over 100 genes from Wolbachia provided a well-resolved phylogeny of this bacterial genus. Across diverse species of the louse genus Penenirmus, genome-resolved metagenomic assemblies of Wolbachia from these insects revealed the presence of three different supergroups (B, F, and V). Supergroup V had not previously been known from lice. Cophylogenetic analysis revealed significant congruence between the Wolbachia and louse trees, although some branches showed incongruence. The Wolbachia in Penenirmus species from supergroups F and B showed evidence of potential mutualism by having long branches, cophylogenetic congruence with their louse hosts, and comparatively smaller genome sizes. Long branch attraction may be affecting the phylogenetic position of two lineages of Wolbachia, but the relative position of all other samples was comparatively stable.},
}
@article {pmid40528998,
year = {2025},
author = {Tashyreva, D and Faktorová, D and Horák, A and Lukeš, J and Archibald, JM and Oatley, G and Sinclair, E and Santos, C and Paulini, M and Aunin, E and Gettle, N and Niu, H and McKenna, V and O'Brien, R and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The genome sequences of the diplonemid protist Rhynchopus euleeides YPF1915 and its bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Syngnamydia salmonis (Chlamydiota).},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {233},
pmid = {40528998},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {We present a genome assembly of the diplonemid Rhynchopus euleeides (Euglenozoa; Diplonemea; Diplonemea; Diplonemidae). The genome sequence is 199.0 megabases long, with most of the assembly scaffolded into 88 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The multipartite mitochondrial genome and the 2.0 megabase genome of Ca. Syngnamydia salmonis, a bacterial endosymbiont of R. euleeides, were also sequenced and assembled.},
}
@article {pmid40532926,
year = {2025},
author = {Ogier, JC and Gaudriault, S},
title = {Will anomalies in the field of EPN associated-bacteria lead to a new paradigm?.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {212},
number = {},
pages = {108387},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108387},
pmid = {40532926},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; *Nematoda/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Microbiota ; *Insecta/parasitology/microbiology ; *Bacteria ; },
abstract = {According to the prevailing monoxenic paradigm, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) form specific association with endosymbiotic bacteria. However, many anomalies have been observed over the last 60 years, with bacterial taxa other than the known endosymbiont isolated in culture-based approaches or detected by next-generation sequencing. We have reconsidered the role of this EPN-associated microbiota - known as the second bacterial circle - in the life-cycle of EPNs. In this review, we present arguments supporting a role for certain taxa in the death of the insect and propose hypotheses concerning other properties of the bacteria involved in their interactions with EPNs. Should these functional hypotheses be confirmed, then the bacterial "anomalies" would no longer be regarded as such. Instead, they would form the basis for the establishment of a new paradigm, the polyxenic paradigm.},
}
@article {pmid40534619,
year = {2025},
author = {Hoffmann, AA and Cooper, BS},
title = {Changes in the frequency of facultative endosymbionts in insect populations: overview and applications.},
journal = {Entomologia generalis},
volume = {45},
number = {2},
pages = {351-368},
pmid = {40534619},
issn = {2363-7102},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Many insect endosymbionts are facultative from the host perspective, and their population frequencies across time and space will depend on their transmission fidelity and effects on host fitness. These effects and transmission rates in turn depend on the environmental and host genetic contexts where the endosymbionts occur. Endosymbionts like Wolbachia and Cardinium affect host reproduction to produce transient or persistent presence/absence polymorphisms, while other endosymbionts like Regiella and Hamiltonella persist through providing host fitness benefits and transmitting horizontally. Evolutionary changes in hosts and endosymbionts affect these impacts and endosymbiont polymorphisms in host populations and host sexes. We review this diversity of endosymbiont-host interactions and their influence on the usefulness of endosymbionts for applied strategies. Current strategies focus on endosymbionts driving useful traits to fixation (particularly Wolbachia suppression of arbovirus transmission by mosquitoes) or endosymbionts suppressing populations due to infected males sterilising females. Transinfected endosymbionts sourced from one species and microinjected into another have proven effective in these Wolbachia-mosquito strategies. Novel strategies involving transinfected Rickettsiella, Regiella and Wolbachia may decrease the impacts of pest invertebrates by suppressing pest numbers, reducing the capacity of vector hosts to transmit plant viral diseases or bolstering the effectiveness of natural enemies. Because many endosymbionts are already present in the environment, their applied use raises fewer safety concerns when compared to genetic modification, as supported by more than 13 years of field experiences with Wolbachia in mosquitoes that have not raised major concerns.},
}
@article {pmid40535948,
year = {2025},
author = {Pollmann, M and Reinisch, R and von Berg, L and Avidan King, M and Geiselmann, M and Käppeler, LM and Leibson, R and Traub, N and Steidle, JLM and Gottlieb, Y},
title = {Male-dependent resistance to Spiroplasma-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {250545},
pmid = {40535948},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) caused by bacterial endosymbionts is an embryonic developmental failure between infected host males and uninfected females. Although even closely related hosts can have different CI phenotypes, little is known on the resistance mechanism in non-susceptible hosts. The parasitoid wasp species complex of Lariophagus distinguendus encompasses at least three species, termed clades A, B and C. All three species contain strains infected with the endosymbiotic bacterium Spiroplasma, which causes CI in clade A. We studied the relatedness of Spiroplasma in the species complex, the occurrence of CI in selected strains, and the effect of host strain and sex on CI induction. According to multi-locus sequence typing, all host species carry the same sDis strain. CI was absent in strains of clades B and C. Cross-transferring sDis revealed a male-dependent CI resistance in clade B. Together, this suggests a single infection event in the ancestor of all L. distinguendus clades. Some L. distinguendus strains are susceptible to CI, others are resistant. At least in one strain, resistance to CI is male-dependent, as theory predicts, supporting male-dependent traits as drivers for loss of CI-inducing bacteria. These results facilitate future studies on the mechanism of Spiroplasma-induced CI and its resistance.},
}
@article {pmid40552854,
year = {2025},
author = {Madsen, CS and Makela, AV and Maduka, CV and Greeson, EM and Tundo, A and Ural, E and Kulkarni, SH and Zarea, AA and Kiupel, M and Sayadi, M and Contag, CH},
title = {Engineered Endosymbionts that Modulate Primary Macrophage Function and Attenuate Tumor Growth by Shifting the Tumor Microenvironment.},
journal = {ACS applied bio materials},
volume = {8},
number = {7},
pages = {5938-5958},
pmid = {40552854},
issn = {2576-6422},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects ; Mice ; *Macrophages/metabolism/drug effects ; *Bacillus subtilis/genetics/metabolism ; Female ; *Biocompatible Materials/pharmacology/chemistry ; Humans ; Symbiosis ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects ; *Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Modulating gene expression in macrophages can be used to improve tissue regeneration and redirect tumor microenvironments (TMEs) toward positive therapeutic outcomes. We have developed Bacillus subtilis as an engineered endosymbiont (EES) capable of residing inside the eukaryotic host cell cytoplasm and controlling the fate of macrophages. Secretion of mammalian transcription factors (TFs) from B. subtilis that expresses listeriolysin O (LLO; allowing the EES to escape destruction by the macrophage) modulated expression of surface markers, cytokines, and chemokines, indicating functional changes in a macrophage/monocyte cell line. The engineered B. subtilis LLO TF strains were evaluated in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) by flow cytometry, chemokine/cytokine profiling, metabolic assays, and RNA-Seq delivery of TFs by the EES shifted BMDM gene expression, production of cytokine and chemokines, and metabolic patterns, indicating that the TF strains could guide primary macrophage function. Thereafter, the ability of the TF strains to alter the TME was characterized in vivo in an orthotopic murine model of triple-negative breast cancer to assess therapeutic effects. The TF strains altered the TME by shifting immune cell composition and attenuating tumor growth. Additionally, multiple doses of the TF strains were well-tolerated by the mice. The use of B. subtilis LLO TF strains as EES showed promise as a unique cancer immunotherapy by directing the immune function intracellularly. The uses of EES could be expanded to modulate other mammalian cells over a range of biomedical applications.},
}
@article {pmid40556890,
year = {2025},
author = {Ohata, Y and Tagami, Y},
title = {Antibiotic agrochemical treatment reduces endosymbiont infections and alters population dynamics in leafminers, thrips, and parasitoid wasps.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1605308},
pmid = {40556890},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The agricultural pests Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and Hercinothrips femoralis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) harbor the endosymbiont Wolbachia, which induces cytoplasmic incompatibility and thelytokous parthenogenesis (asexual reproduction of female offspring without fertilization), respectively. The parasitoid Neochrysocharis formosa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a natural enemy of leaf miners, is infected with Rickettsia, which also induces thelytokous parthenogenesis. Although symbionts can be eliminated in laboratory settings using antibiotics mixed with physical manipulation, the effects of agrochemical antibiotics designed for plant disease control on these insects and their symbionts remain unexplored. This study investigated the effects of MycoShield, a commercially available agrochemical containing 17% oxytetracycline, on symbiont-infected populations of these three insect species.<br><br>METHODS: MycoShield was applied to kidney bean plants or mixed into honey to expose L. trifolii, H. femoralis, and N. formosa to oxytetracycline. Offspring were screened for symbiont presence using PCR, and infection frequencies were compared across treatment concentrations. Additionally, H. femoralis populations were monitored in caged conditions under continuous exposure to treated plants.<br><br>RESULTS: At standard concentrations (1,000-fold dilution), MycoShield eliminated Wolbachia from L. trifolii and H. femoralis, resulting in L. trifolii producing uninfected offspring and H. femoralis producing only uninfected males. Similarly, Rickettsia was eliminated from N. formosa when adults ingested MycoShield-mixed honey. Additionally, N. formosa appeared to ingest the antibiotic indirectly by parasitizing L. trifolii larvae that had fed on treated leaves. Symbiont elimination was dose-dependent. Long-term exposure led to a substantial reduction in H. femoralis populations. Two out of eleven cages experienced complete extinction by day 100, likely due to genetic drift resulting from severe reproductive bottlenecks.<br><br>DISCUSSION: These findings demonstrate the potential of agrochemical antibiotics such as MycoShield as insecticidal agents targeting symbiont-mediated reproduction, with possible applications in sterile insect techniques. Further research is required to optimize efficacy and assess feasibility under field conditions.},
}
@article {pmid40558984,
year = {2025},
author = {Crane, YM and Crane, CF and Subramanyam, S and Schemerhorn, BJ},
title = {Shotgun Metagenome Analysis of Two Schizaphis graminum Biotypes over Time With and Without Carried Cereal Yellow Dwarf Virus.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40558984},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {5020-21000-000-D//USDA-ARS Research Project/ ; },
abstract = {The greenbug aphid (Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)) is a major pest of wheat and an important vector of wheat viruses. An RNA-seq study was conducted to investigate the microbial effects of two greenbug genotypes, the presence or absence of cereal yellow dwarf virus, and the condition of the wheat host over a 20-day time course of unrestricted greenbug feeding. Messenger RNA reads were mapped to ca. 47,000 bacterial, 1218 archaeal, 14,165 viral, 571 fungal, and 94 protozoan reference or representative genomes, plus greenbug itself and its wheat host. Taxon counts were analyzed with QIIME2 and DESeq2. Distinct early (days 1 through 10) and late (days 15 and 20) communities differed in the abundance of typical enteric genera (Shigella, Escherichia, Citrobacter), which declined in the late community, while the ratio of microbial to greenbug read counts declined 50% and diversity measures increased. The nearly universal aphid endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, accounted for less than 25% of the read counts in both communities. There were 302 differentially expressed (populated) genera with respect to early and late dates, while 25 genera differed between the greenbug genotypes and nine differed between carrier and virus-free greenbugs. The late community was likely responding to starvation as the wheat host succumbed to aphid feeding. Our results add to basic knowledge about aphid microbiomes and offer an attractive alternative method to assess insect microbiomes.},
}
@article {pmid40558985,
year = {2025},
author = {Hance, T and Hamidovic, A and Suraporn, S},
title = {Insight into the Microbiota of Orthopteran in Relation to Gut Compartmentalisation.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40558985},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {n/a//This project was financially supported by Mahasarakham University, Thailand and an ARES travel grant provided by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation as part of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM-DUO) programme./ ; },
abstract = {This review first provides an overview of the functional diversity of Orthoptera-associated microbiota and the services they provide to their hosts. However, data are widely scattered across the different families studied, making it difficult to establish whether a core microbiota is present. The abundance of some genera (Pantoea, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Acinetobacter) is associated with the degradation of cellulose compounds, although their clear contribution remains to be determined. In addition, P. agglomerans may play a role in the production of aggregation pheromones in the desert locust. In terms of gut compartmentalisation, the diversity of the bacterial community in the foregut appears to be highly variable between individuals and species, whereas it is more uniform in other parts of the gut. Metabolic pathways of the gut microbiota revealed differences in amino acid metabolism between the midgut and hindgut. Bacteria in the midgut are associated with amino acid synthesis and anaerobic metabolism, whereas pathways in the hindgut may be involved in amino acid catabolism and ace-tyl-CoA-mediated processes. Further research is needed to better understand these different components of the bacterial community in digestive processes, and to identify bacterial species of particular interest in explaining species' lifestyles or for bioconversion.},
}
@article {pmid40559638,
year = {2025},
author = {Lincoln, OJ and Houghton, JDR and Zakariya, M and Lauritano, C and D'Ambra, I},
title = {Chemical Defenses in Medusozoa.},
journal = {Marine drugs},
volume = {23},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {40559638},
issn = {1660-3397},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cnidaria/physiology/chemistry ; Antioxidants/pharmacology ; Symbiosis ; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Cnidarian defensive strategies are commonly associated with the toxins they synthesize. Because toxins have negative, sometimes lethal, effects on humans, research has focused on them for medical and biotechnological applications. However, Cnidaria possess a variety of defensive systems complementing toxins. In recent decades, ecological and biotechnological studies have shed light on these systems, particularly in Anthozoa, while the knowledge of defensive systems different from toxins has remained limited in Medusozoa (Cubozoa, Hydrozoa, Scyphozoa and Staurozoa). In this review, we collected the scattered information available in the literature and organized it into four main topics: UV-light protection compounds, antioxidants, antimicrobial peptides, and endosymbionts. Within the topics, we found the largest amount of data refers to antimicrobial activities, which suggests this line of research as a potential exploitation of this group of organisms often appearing in large aggregates. We also found that some Medusozoa have been studied in detail as model organisms, although the close phylogenetic relationship among classes suggests that some defensive strategies may be common to other members of different classes. Indeed, an integrated understanding of defensive systems has the potential to inform not only ecological and evolutionary frameworks, but also biotechnological applications-from the identification of novel antioxidants or antimicrobial agents to the valorization of Medusozoan biomass.},
}
@article {pmid40562331,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin, WF},
title = {ATP requirements for growth reveal the bioenergetic impact of mitochondrial symbiosis.},
journal = {Biochimica et biophysica acta. Bioenergetics},
volume = {1866},
number = {4},
pages = {149564},
pmid = {40562331},
issn = {1879-2650},
support = {101018894/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {*Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Energy Metabolism ; *Mitochondria/metabolism ; Humans ; Animals ; Amino Acids/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Studies by microbiologists in the 1970s provided robust estimates for the energy supply and demand of a prokaryotic cell. The amount of ATP needed to support growth was calculated from the chemical composition of the cell and known enzymatic pathways that synthesize its constituents from known substrates in culture. Starting in 2015, geneticists and evolutionary biologists began investigating the bioenergetic role of mitochondria at eukaryote origin and energy in metazoan evolution using their own, widely trusted-but hitherto unvetted-model for the costs of growth in terms of ATP per cell. The more recent model contains, however, a severe and previously unrecognized error that systematically overestimates the ATP cost of amino acid synthesis up to 200-fold. The error applies to all organisms studied by such models and leads to conspicuously false inferences, for example that the synthesis of an average amino acid in humans requires 30 ATP, which no biochemistry textbook will confirm. Their ATP 'cost' calculations would require that E. coli obtains ~100 ATP per glucose and that mammals obtain ~240 ATP per glucose, untenable propositions that invalidate and void all evolutionary inferences so based. By contrast, established methods for estimating the ATP cost of microbial growth show that the first mitochondrial endosymbionts could have easily doubled the host's available ATP pool, provided (i) that genes for growth on environmental amino acids were transferred from the mitochondrial symbiont to the archaeal host, and (ii) that the host for mitochondrial origin was an autotroph using the acetyl-CoA pathway. Stated in simple terms, the significance of these findings are this: Life is a chemical reaction. It requires energy release in order to proceed. The currency of energy in cells is adenosine triphosphate, ATP. Five decades ago, microbiologists were able to measure and understand the amount of ATP that cells require to grow. New studies by evolutionary biologists have appeared in the meantime that brush aside the older microbiological findings, using their own methods to calculate the ATP cost of growth instead. Science is, however, an imperfect undertaking. The new studies contain a major error, similar to conflating centimeters with yards. The error affects many publications and their conclusions. Using the old methods, we can still meaningfully study the role of energy in evolution, including the origin of complex, nucleus-bearing cells.},
}
@article {pmid40564954,
year = {2025},
author = {Stefano, GB and Buttiker, P and Michaelsen, MM and Esch, T},
title = {The Anatomical and Evolutionary Impact of Pain, Pleasure, Motivation, and Cognition: Integrating Energy Metabolism and the Mind-Body BERN (Behavior, Exercise, Relaxation, and Nutrition) Framework.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {40564954},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *Energy Metabolism ; *Exercise/physiology ; *Cognition/physiology ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; *Motivation ; *Pain/metabolism/physiopathology ; Animals ; *Pleasure/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {In this manuscript, we highlight the evolutionary origins of mitochondria from bacterial endosymbionts and explore their contributions to health, energy metabolism, and neural-immune communication. Mitochondrial adaptability and the roles played by these organelles in promoting oxygen-dependent ATP production provide critical regulation of cognition, motivation, and inflammation. Hypoxia has been identified as an important initiator of inflammation, neurodegeneration, and mitochondrial dysfunction, emphasizing the overall importance of oxygen homeostasis to health and well-being. The Behavior, Exercise, Relaxation, and Nutrition framework highlights these observations as tools that can be used to optimize mitochondrial efficiency. Interestingly, mitochondrial dysfunction may also be linked to psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia), a hypothesis that focuses on energy dynamics, a proposal that may extend our understanding of these disorders beyond traditional neurotransmitter-focused concepts. Collectively, these perspectives underscore the critical contributions of mitochondria to health and disease and offer a novel framework that may help to explain the connections featured in mind-body medicine.},
}
@article {pmid40569073,
year = {2025},
author = {Kobiałka, M and Świerczewski, D and Walczak, M and Urbańczyk, W},
title = {Extremely distinct microbial communities in closely related leafhopper subfamilies: Typhlocybinae and Eurymelinae (Cicadellidae, Hemiptera).},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {e0060325},
pmid = {40569073},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {2021/43/D/NZ8/02183//National Science Centre, Poland/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/classification ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Among the Hemiptera insects, a widespread way of feeding is sucking sap from host plants. Due to their nutrient-poor diet, these insects enter into obligate symbiosis with their microorganisms involved in the synthesis of components essential for host survival. However, within the Cicadellidae family, there is a relatively large group of mesophyll feeders-Typhlocybinae-that is considered to be devoid of obligate symbiotic companions. In this work, we examine the composition of microorganisms in this subfamily and compare the results with their close relatives-the Eurymelinae subfamily. To study the microbiome, we used high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS, Illumina) and advanced microscopic techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), in a confocal microscope. In the bodies of Typhlocybinae insects, we did not detect the presence of microorganisms deemed to be obligate symbionts. Their microbial communities consist of facultative symbionts, mainly alphaproteobacteria such as Wolbachia or Rickettsia as well as others that can be considered as facultative, including Spiroplasma, Acidocella, Arsenophonus, Sodalis, Lariskella, Serratia, Cardinium, and Asaia. On the other hand, the Eurymelinae group is characterized by a high diversity of microbial communities, both obligate and facultative, similar to other Cicadomorpha. We find co-symbionts involved in the synthesis of essential amino acids such as Karelsulcia, betaproteobacteria Nasuia, or gammaproteobacteria Sodalis. In other representatives, we observed symbiotic yeast-like fungi from the family Ophiocordycipitaceae or Arsenophonus bacteria inhabiting the interior of Karelsulcia bacteria. Additionally, we investigated some aspects of symbiont transmission and the phylogeny of symbiotic organisms and their hosts.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: The Typhlocybinae and Eurymelinae leafhoppers differ significantly in their symbiotic communities. They have different diets, as Typhlocybinae insects feed on parenchyma, which is richer in nutrients, while Eurymelinae, like most representatives of Auchenorrhyncha, consume sap from the phloem fibers of plants. Our work presents comprehensive studies of 42 species belonging to the two above-mentioned, and so far poorly known, Cicadomorpha subfamilies. Phylogenetic studies indicate that the insects from the studied groups have a common ancestor. The diet shift in the Typhlocybinae leafhoppers contributed to major changes in the composition of microorganisms inhabiting the body of these insects. Research on the impact of diet on the microbiome and the subsequent consequences on the evolution and adaptation of organisms plays an important role in the era of climate change.},
}
@article {pmid40569380,
year = {2025},
author = {Maeda, GP and Dang, V and Kelly, MK and Sundar, A and Arnott, RLW and Marcotte, EM and Moran, NA},
title = {Heritable symbiont producing nonribosomal peptide confers extreme heat sensitivity and antifungal protection on its host.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {26},
pages = {e2509873122},
pmid = {40569380},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R35 GM122480/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM131738/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; F-1515//Welch Foundation (The Welch Foundation)/ ; W911NF-12-1-0390//DOD | USA | AFC | CCDC | Army Research Office (ARO)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism ; *Antifungal Agents/metabolism/pharmacology ; Hot Temperature ; *Peptides/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Insects frequently form associations with maternally transmitted symbiotic bacteria. This transmission mode ensures that symbiont-conferred effects, both beneficial and negative, are passed onto offspring. Here, we report an extreme example of symbiont-mediated temperature sensitivity imposed by a vertically transmitted, defensive symbiont. Pea aphids infected with the bacterial endosymbiont, Fukatsuia symbiotica, resist infection by fungal pathogens but produce few or no offspring when moved from cool (15 °C) to mildly warmer temperatures (20 °C). This temperature-dependent reduction in host fitness is associated with increased symbiont abundance, disordered symbiont localization, and high expression of a horizontally acquired nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) locus. This NRPS operon is syntenic with the locus responsible for the production of Herbicolin A, a known antifungal produced by some plant-associated Erwiniaceae. Activity of chemical extracts from infected aphids is predictive of in vivo protection against entomopathogenic fungi, indicating that an Herbicolin A-like molecule is the likely source of Fukatsuia's protective effects against fungal pathogens. Injection of the same chemical extracts into naive aphids partially recapitulates developmental defects observed in natural infections at 20 °C, suggesting that increased levels of this compound contribute to disrupted embryonic development. Finally, the purification of the causal agent revealed Fukatsuia produces a compound similar but not identical to Herbicolin A, that exhibits both antifungal and hemolytic activity. These results suggest that F. symbiotica infection imposes a trade-off between antifungal defense and disrupted embryonic development, mediated by a single genetic locus.},
}
@article {pmid40569657,
year = {2025},
author = {Henry, Y and Dahirel, M and Wallisch, J and Ginesi, S and Vorburger, C},
title = {A test of specific adaptation to symbiont-conferred host resistance in natural populations of a parasitoid wasp.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {38},
number = {10},
pages = {1335-1346},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voaf083},
pmid = {40569657},
issn = {1420-9101},
support = {31003A_181969/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology/genetics ; *Aphids/parasitology/genetics/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Enterobacteriaceae/physiology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; },
abstract = {Parasitoids are important natural enemies of insects, imposing strong selection for the evolution of resistance. In aphids, the heritable endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa is a key determinant of resistance, making symbiont-conferred defence a potential target for specific adaptation by parasitoids. We tested this hypothesis in the aphid parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum and four of its host species, Aphis fabae fabae, A. hederae, A. urticata, and A. ruborum. The parasitoids show host-associated genetic differentiation indicative of host specialization, and each of these aphid species harbours their own 1-3 distinct strains of H. defensa. We introduced eight H. defensa strains from all four aphid species into a common host background (a laboratory strain of symbiont-free A. fabae fabae) and then tested the ability of 35 field-collected L. fabarum lines from the same four hosts to parasitize the H. defensa-carrying aphids. The origin of symbionts affected parasitism success, with strains from A. fabae fabae and A. hederae conferring strong protection, and strains from A. urticata and A. ruborum providing virtually no protection. For one strain each from A. fabae fabae and A. hederae, we found a signature of specific adaptation by parasitoids, as parasitoids able to overcome their protection mostly came from the same hosts as the symbiont strains. Two other strains were so strongly protective that they permitted very little parasitism independent of where parasitoids came from. While not fully conclusive, these results are consistent with specialized parasitoids adapting to certain defensive symbionts of their host species, supporting the notion of symbiont-mediated coevolution.},
}
@article {pmid40577049,
year = {2025},
author = {Mathews, KO and Phalen, D and Sheehy, PA and Herbert, CA and Brandimarti, ME and Conaty, JR and Bosward, KL},
title = {Molecular detection and characterization of Coxiella burnetii in Australian native wildlife species.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40577049},
issn = {1574-6968},
mesh = {*Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Animals ; Australia/epidemiology ; *Q Fever/veterinary/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Animals, Wild/microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Marsupialia/microbiology ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii with domestic ruminants considered the main infection source for humans. Coxiella burnetii infection in Australian native wildlife (ANW) species has been demonstrated, however their role as reservoirs remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. burnetii DNA in tissues, swabs, and secretions from ANW, (primarily marsupials from eastern Australia), and further understand the pathogenesis in these species by identifying tissues infected and potential shedding routes. The study utilized an optimized multiplex quantitative PCR assay targeting three C. burnetii genes and a stringent classification system that prioritized specificity to overcome false positives known to occur due to Coxiella-like endosymbiont species. Of the 141 animals examined, one eastern gray kangaroo cloacal swab tested positive for C. burnetii DNA (at ~11 genome equivalents per reaction) in all three genes. Four animals were classified as suspect with amplification in two genes at a lower copy number. Genotyping of the definitively positive animal returned a C. burnetii genotype previously associated with human Q fever cases, which underscores the importance of Q fever vaccination where available for individuals in contact with wildlife, given the potential severity of the disease in humans.},
}
@article {pmid40581745,
year = {2025},
author = {Richter, I and Büttner, H and Hertweck, C},
title = {Endofungal bacteria as hidden facilitators of biotic interactions.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {40581745},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 390713860//Germany's Excellence Strategy - EXC 2051/ ; 239748522//SFB 1127 ChemBioSys/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Fungi/physiology ; *Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification ; Humans ; Plants/microbiology ; *Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Animals ; *Microbial Interactions ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Fungi play pivotal roles in ecology and human health, driving nutrient cycling, supporting antibiotic production, and posing threats through toxin production. Less well-recognized, however, is their ability to harbour endosymbiotic bacteria. Advances in genomics and microscopy have revealed the prevalence of endofungal bacteria across diverse fungal phyla, though their functions are primarily inferred from genomic and transcriptomic studies. Recent functional research has begun to shed light on their influence on fungal pathogenicity, physiology, and ecology. These findings raise fundamental questions about the establishment and benefits of bacterial-fungal endosymbiosis, as well as the role of endosymbionts in mediating fungal interactions with other organisms. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in the establishment and persistence of these symbioses. It also summarizes the current understanding of how endofungal bacteria impact fungal interactions with other organisms. For instance, endofungal bacteria contribute to the beneficial effects of fungi on plant health and fitness, protect fungal hosts from fungivorous predators, and enhance fungal virulence against plants, animals, and humans. These discoveries highlight the need for holistic investigations into bacterial-fungal endosymbiosis to fully understand their role in natural ecosystems. A deeper understanding of these multipartite partnerships offers exciting opportunities to improve ecosystem management, food safety, disease control, and crop productivity.},
}
@article {pmid40586794,
year = {2025},
author = {Chadd, EF and Ergunay, K and Kumsa, B and Bourke, BP and Broomfield, BS and Long, LS and Linton, YM},
title = {Nanopore sequencing reveals a diversity of microorganisms in ticks from Ethiopia.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {124},
number = {7},
pages = {73},
pmid = {40586794},
issn = {1432-1955},
support = {FY23 Award # 23-101//Deployed Warfighter Protection (DWFP) Program/ ; Award # P0031_21_WR//Armed Forces Health Surveillance Division/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Ethiopia ; *Nanopore Sequencing ; Metagenomics ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Ticks/microbiology ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Viruses/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Metagenome ; Phylogeny ; *Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Ethiopia is home to a diverse group of ixodid ticks that are known to transmit disease to both animals and humans. Recent advances in metagenome sequencing show there is more microorganism diversity found in ticks than previously known. Compared to amplicon-based gene identification methods, agnostic metagenomic sequencing provides broader insights into the diversity of microorganisms in ticks, providing knowledge that will better enable public health measures in preventing the spread of zoonotic disease. In the present study, metagenomic sequencing was used to look at the microbial diversity of ticks collected from livestock in Ethiopia. This study identified six bacterial genera (Coxiella, Francisella, spotted-fever group (SFG) Rickettsia, Spiroplasma, Ehrlichia, and Borrelia), one genus of eukaryotic parasite (Babesia sp.), and one virus species (Parapoxvirus bovinestomatitis) from 154 tick pools representing 22 species of ticks among four genera (Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus). We were able to differentiate between pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms, highlighting concerns among traditional gene-targeted screening methods. Among all pooled samples, the predominant microorganisms included Coxiella-like endosymbionts (55.2%), SFG Rickettsia (38.3%), and nonpathogenic Francisella spp. (26.0%). Rickettsia africae was the predominant pathogenic agent detected, and phylogenetic analysis of two samples from A. gemma and A. variegatum confirmed the presence of R. africae. This study highlights the power of metagenomics applied to potential vectors of zoonotic disease, and it expands the knowledge on tick-pathogen associations in Ethiopia.},
}
@article {pmid40588254,
year = {2025},
author = {Boyd, BM and House, N and Toloza, AC and Reed, DL},
title = {HAPLOTYPE DIVERSITY IN ENDOSYMBIOTIC BACTERIA FOLLOWING A HOST SWITCH BY PARASITIC LICE.},
journal = {The Journal of parasitology},
volume = {111},
number = {4},
pages = {412-418},
doi = {10.1645/24-148},
pmid = {40588254},
issn = {1937-2345},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Haplotypes ; *Pediculus/microbiology ; *Lice Infestations/parasitology/veterinary ; Humans ; *Genetic Variation ; Genome, Bacterial ; Female ; },
abstract = {The sucking lice (Anoplura: Psocodea: Insecta) parasitize mammals, exclusively consuming blood, which does not contain sufficient quantities of B vitamins to support louse development. Lice are dependent on maternally inherited endosymbiotic bacteria, which can synthesize B vitamins and make them available to the louse. Although most louse species parasitize 1 mammal species, lice occasionally colonize a different mammal species. Despite endosymbiotic bacteria being essential for louse development, little is known about the impact, if any, of a louse colonizing a new mammal species on the louse's endosymbiotic bacteria. To address this knowledge gap, we sought to examine genomic diversity in maternally inherited and host-beneficial endosymbiotic bacteria in sucking lice following the likely colonization of a new host. Here, we examined the genomes of endosymbiotic bacteria, Candidatus Riesia pediculicola, from the human head louse, Pediculus humanus. Pediculus humanus (and their endosymbiotic bacteria) are found on humans and South American primate species. The association of P. humanus with humans predates the appearance of modern humans; however, P. humanus appears to have colonized South American primates more recently (likely following the arrival of humans in South America). We examined the genome of Candidatus Riesia from P. humanus isolated from humans (Homo sapiens) and South American black howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya). Here, we find that endosymbiont diversity in lice collected from black howler monkeys included one-half of all known haplogroups described from lice collected from humans. Furthermore, the endosymbiont haplotypes identified from lice on the black howler monkeys reflect the haplotype diversity of endosymbionts present in lice parasitizing humans in the same geographic region. It is not known if the genetic diversity in the endosymbionts of P. humanus parasitizing the black howler monkey is the result of the ongoing movement of lice from humans to black howler monkeys or from a single host switch involving a genetically diverse population of endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid40591018,
year = {2025},
author = {Pucciarelli, A and Cardillo, L and Viscardi, M and Picazio, G and D'Alessio, N and Sgroi, G and Rinaldi, A and Veneziano, V and Fusco, G and de Martinis, C},
title = {Development of TaqMan real-time PCR and droplet digital PCR protocols for the detection of Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii and evaluation of exposure among wildlife.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {49},
number = {4},
pages = {240},
pmid = {40591018},
issn = {1573-7446},
support = {grant number CUP C75E22000390001//Ministero della Salute/ ; grant number CUP C75E22000390001//Ministero della Salute/ ; grant number CUP C75E22000390001//Ministero della Salute/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary/methods ; Italy ; *Animals, Wild/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii (Ca. M. mitochondrii), an endosymbiont intracellular bacterium living in the mitochondria of several tick species, especially ixodid species, has been proposed as a potential marker for monitoring tick-bite exposure. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop two different diagnostic methods, TaqMan-based real-time PCR (rt-PCR) and Droplet Digital PCR (dd-PCR), targeting the 16 S rRNA gene and gyrB gene for the detection of Ca. M. mitochondrii in different wildlife species from several areas of southern Italy. Both techniques were validated using 10-fold serial dilutions of a sequenced positive control up to reach 10[-6] final dilution. Among wildlife field samples, both the techniques identified Ca. M. mitochondrii DNA, although dd-PCR showed higher sensitivity, being able to detect the target DNA in a higher dilution and in several spleen samples scored negative by rt-PCR. Noteworthy, these molecular methods revealed for the first time the presence of Ca. M. mitochondrii DNA in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), otters (Lutra lutra), porcupines (Hystrix cristata), European hares (Lepus europaeus), and alpacas (Vicugna pacos), suggesting a tick-bite exposure of these animals in the study area.},
}
@article {pmid40593332,
year = {2025},
author = {Flatau, R and Krawczyk, AI and Segoli, M and Barrick, JE and Hawlena, H},
title = {Continuously high Wolbachia incidence in flea populations may result from dual-strain infections with divergent effects.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {21720},
pmid = {40593332},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2023159//United States - Israel Binational Science Foundation/ ; 2023159//United States - Israel Binational Science Foundation/ ; 1391/15//Israel Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; Male ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {The continuously high incidence of some endosymbionts in arthropods despite potential conflicts with their hosts is often explained by obligatory relationships, in which the host is fully dependent on its endosymbiont, fitness advantages conferred on hosts by facultative endosymbionts, or reproductive manipulation of hosts by endosymbionts (typically facultative). Yet continuously endosymbiont high incidence is sometimes observed without clear evidence supporting any of these mechanisms. This situation could potentially be explained by the presence of several coinfecting strains of the same endosymbiont species, each affecting the host differently such that their effects counteract one another when studied collectively. Here, we investigated Wolbachia endosymbionts of fleas, which stably persist in high loads in all females, with no indication that any of the above mechanisms explain their continuously high incidence. We sequenced fleas and identified two Wolbachia strains, designated as wSc1 and wSc2. We then correlated the strain composition in fleas with measures of their reproductive success. We found that fleas with high wSc1 and low wSc2 loads had a higher reproductive success than fleas that had high loads of both strains, low loads of both strains, or no Wolbachia, suggesting that wSc1 may provide a direct fitness advantage to their hosts. Conversely, the number of males and total offspring was negatively correlated with wSc2 levels, supporting male killing. Our research demonstrates that endosymbionts' continuously high incidence may persist through intricate relationships in nature.},
}
@article {pmid40597572,
year = {2025},
author = {Meiring, C and Eygelaar, M and Fourie, J and Labuschagne, M},
title = {Tick genomics through a Nanopore: a low-cost approach for tick genomics.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {591},
pmid = {40597572},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {OPP1213344//Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genomics/methods/economics ; *Nanopore Sequencing/economics/methods ; *Nanopores ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; *Rhipicephalus/genetics ; Genome ; Computational Biology ; *Ticks/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The assembly of large and complex genomes can be costly since it typically requires the utilization of multiple sequencing technologies and access to high-performance computing, while creating a dependency on external service providers. The aim of this study was to independently generate draft genomes for the cattle ticks Rhipicephalus microplus and R. appendiculatus using Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology.<br><br>RESULTS: Exclusively, Oxford Nanopore sequence data were assembled with Shasta and finalized on the Amazon Web Services cloud platform, capitalizing on the availability of up to 90% discounted Spot instances. The assembled and polished R. microplus and R. appendiculatus genomes from our study were comparable to published tick genomes where multiple sequencing technologies and costly bioinformatic resources were utilized that are not readily accessible to low-resource environments. We predicted 52,412 genes for R. appendiculatus, with 31,747 of them being functionally annotated. The R. microplus annotation consisted of 60,935 predicted genes, with 32,263 being functionally annotated in the final file. The sequence data were also used to assemble and annotate genetically distinct Coxiella-like endosymbiont genomes for each tick species. The results indicated that each of the endosymbionts exhibited genome reductions. The Nanopore Q20&#x2009;+&#x2009;library kit and flow cell were used to sequence the >&#x2009;80% AT-rich mitochondrial DNA of both tick species. The sequencing generated accurate mitochondrial genomes, encountering imperfect base calling only in homopolymer regions exceeding 10 bases.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study presents an alternative approach for smaller laboratories with limited budgets to enter the field and participate in genomics without capital intensive investments, allowing for capacity building in a field normally exclusively accessible through collaboration and large funding opportunities.},
}
@article {pmid40597597,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, S and Bland, DM and Dahlstrom, E and Redekar, N and Guizzo, MG and Barbian, K and Hinnebusch, BJ and Ribeiro, JMC},
title = {An insight into the draft genome of the Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, together with its Wolbachia endosymbiont.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {621},
pmid = {40597597},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Xenopsylla/genetics/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Genome, Insect ; Rats ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Oriental rat flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, is a main vector of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Transcriptomic analysis of this insect and the interaction between Yersinia and the flea digestive tract have been the subject of several studies. However, to develop more refined studies on this vector in the future, we sequence and describe a draft genome of the rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis, discuss the physiological implications of its genetic features, and compare them with the only other sequenced member of the Siphonaptera, the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis.<br><br>RESULTS: Sequencing data from both long and short reads were assembled into 7,694 contigs, from which 95,638 putative coding sequences (CDSs) were extracted and functionally annotated, providing insights into various aspects of flea physiology. This includes the identification of putative salivary proteins, such as acid phosphatases and FS-H/I, associated with blood acquisition; classification of multiple serine peptidases likely representing the primary digestive enzymes of X.cheopis; and the identification of all enzymes involved in heme biosynthesis, as well as heme oxygenases and unique heme-binding proteins potentially involved in heme detoxification. Comparison of detoxification-related genes-namely those in the cytochrome P450, carboxylesterase, and glutathione S-transferase families-with homologs from the cat flea (C. felis) revealed the presence of a platelet-activating factor (PAF) acetyl hydrolase that appears to be unique to rat fleas, cat fleas, and human head and body lice, but is absent in other blood-feeding arthropods. Additionally, we identified key components of immune-related pathways known from other arthropods, including the Toll, IMD, and JAK/STAT pathways. Finally, a contig encoding a novel bacterium was discovered within the assembled flea genome. Phylogenetic analysis of the Wolbachia endosymbiont in X. cheopis suggests it is closely related to the Wolbachia strain found in Drosophila melanogaster.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The disclosure of the X. cheopis genome, together with its Wolbachia symbiont, should advance research on the biology of this vector.},
}
@article {pmid40601033,
year = {2025},
author = {Nariman, N and Entling, MH and Krehenwinkel, H and Kennedy, S},
title = {The Microbiome of an Invasive Spider: Reduced Bacterial Richness, but no Indication of Microbial-Mediated Dispersal Behaviour.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {70},
pmid = {40601033},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Introduced Species ; Symbiosis ; Europe ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Mermessus trilobatus, an invasive North American linyphiid spider, has expanded its invasion range up to 1400 km in Europe, accelerating its dispersal speed in less than 40 years. The high heritability of dispersal behaviour and the spatial sorting of high and low dispersers indicate a genetic basis of dispersal behaviour. However, microbial endosymbionts can moderate dispersal behaviour in related species (Rickettsia in Erigone atra). Hence, dispersal behaviour in M. trilobatus might also be dictated by the activity of dispersal-mediating endosymbionts. Here, we investigated the microbiome of invasive M. trilobatus spiders extracted from (1) high- and low-dispersive individuals and (2) spiders originating from locations close to the edge and core of the expansion. We examine the microbiomes for the presence of potential dispersal- and reproduction-mediating bacterial strains and compare the microbial assemblages of spiders based on their dispersal behaviour and locations of origin. The composition of microbial assemblages was similar among spiders of different geographic origins and dispersal behaviour. However, microbial richness was lower in high- than in low-dispersive individuals. Surprisingly, none of the known dispersal- or reproduction-altering endosymbionts of arthropods was identified in any tested spider. This contrasts with published results from North America, where M. trilobatus is a known host of Rickettsia and Wolbachia. Thus, the invasive European population appears to have lost its associated endosymbionts. As endosymbionts can reduce spider mobility, it is possible that their absence facilitates the spread of the invasive spider population. The absence of endosymbionts among the analysed individuals substantiates the role of genetic mechanisms behind the variable dispersal behaviour of invasive M. trilobatus in Europe.},
}
@article {pmid40601059,
year = {2025},
author = {Chao, LL and Shih, CM},
title = {Molecular Survey and Genetic Identification of Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Dwelling-Caught Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes from Taiwan.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {69},
pmid = {40601059},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {NSTC 113-2320-B-037-010; NSTC 114-2923-B-037-001//National Science and Technology Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Culex/microbiology ; Taiwan ; *Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Female ; Male ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {The genetic identity of Wolbachia endosymbionts was determined in dwelling-caught Culex quinquefasciatus from Taiwan. A total of 370 Cx. quinquefasciatus (245 females and 125 males) was initially screened for Wolbachia infection targeting the universal 16S gene, and the positive samples were further identified their genogroup by a nested-polymerase chain reaction assay to amplify the group-specific Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene. In general, 44.59% of Cx. quinquefasciatus was detected with Wolbachia endosymbionts, and 43.2% (54/125) in male and 45.31% (111/245) in female. The group-specific detection was observed in 2.16% (8/370), 41.35% (153/370), and 1.08% (4/370) with groups A, B, and co-infection (A&amp;B), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genetic identities of these Taiwan strains were genetically similar to the groups A and B of Wolbachia with the high sequence homogeneity of 98.7-100% and 96.5-99.8%, respectively. Genetic relatedness is clearly discriminated using both methods of maximum likelihood (ML) and unweighted pair group with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). This study demonstrates the initial genetic identity of Wolbachia endosymbionts with a low prevalence (2.16%) of group A and a high prevalence (41.35%) of group B in dwelling-caught Cx. quinquefasciatus of Taiwan. Because the Cx. quinquefasciatus had been known as a vector for various viral pathogens, the possible impacts of Wolbachia endosymbionts on vector competence of Cx. quinquefasciatus in Taiwan need to be further identified.},
}
@article {pmid40601071,
year = {2025},
author = {Su, J and Zhang, WB and Chen, YJ and Sun, B and Zhai, YP and Yuan, JM},
title = {Microbiome diversity in Haemaphysalis flava (life stage-host dependent) and Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks with zoonotic implications in Nantong, China.},
journal = {Acta parasitologica},
volume = {70},
number = {4},
pages = {142},
pmid = {40601071},
issn = {1896-1851},
support = {MSZ2024113//Research Project of Nantong City Science and Technology - Public Wellbeing Plan./ ; MSZ2024113//Research Project of Nantong City Science and Technology - Public Wellbeing Plan./ ; MSZ2024113//Research Project of Nantong City Science and Technology - Public Wellbeing Plan./ ; MSZ2024113//Research Project of Nantong City Science and Technology - Public Wellbeing Plan./ ; MSZ2024113//Research Project of Nantong City Science and Technology - Public Wellbeing Plan./ ; MSZ2024113//Research Project of Nantong City Science and Technology - Public Wellbeing Plan./ ; MS2023092//Research Project Foundation of the Nantong Health Commission/ ; MS2023092//Research Project Foundation of the Nantong Health Commission/ ; MS2023092//Research Project Foundation of the Nantong Health Commission/ ; MS2023092//Research Project Foundation of the Nantong Health Commission/ ; MS2023092//Research Project Foundation of the Nantong Health Commission/ ; MS2023092//Research Project Foundation of the Nantong Health Commission/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; China ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; *Microbiota ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Zoonoses/microbiology/transmission ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Humans ; Life Cycle Stages ; Nymph/microbiology ; Female ; Phylogeny ; Biodiversity ; Haemaphysalis longicornis ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: This study characterized the microbial communities of Haemaphysalis flava (H. flava) and Haemaphysalis longicornis (H. longicornis), in Nantong, China, and assessed the zoonotic implications.<br><br>METHODS: We collected both on-host and off-host ticks and performed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Subsequent bioinformatic analyses included taxonomic composition assessment, community diversity evaluation, differential abundance analysis, interspecies abundance correlation and functional inference.<br><br>RESULTS: Rickettsia dominated in H. flava (77.31%), while H. longicornis exhibited higher abundances of Stenotrophomonas (10.78%), Coxiella (10.04%), and Psychrobacter (9.70%). Comparative analyses of life stages and host associations were only performed for H. flava due to limited sample sizes of H. longicornis across developmental stages. Rickettsia was enriched in on-host H. flava (90.41-90.51%) compared to off-host specimens (46.12%). &#x3b1;-diversity analysis showed higher microbial richness in off-host nymphs than in on-host adults. &#x3b2;-diversity revealed strong species-specific clustering. Network analysis demonstrated more complex microbial interactions in adult ticks. Pathogen screening detected Rickettsia japonica (R. japonica, host-specific to H. flava), Ehrlichia ewingii (E. ewingii), and Anaplasma bovis (A. bovis). Functional prediction highlighted elevated B vitamin biosynthesis pathways in nymphs, aligning with Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs)'s putative nutritional role.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of enhanced tick surveillance and regular pathogen screening in domestic animals, particularly for&#xa0;spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia. CLEs may exhibit stage-specific abundance patterns aligned with the host's developmental nutritional requirements. These findings highlight the need for integrated One Health surveillance to mitigate tick-borne disease threats.},
}
@article {pmid40602405,
year = {2025},
author = {Helmlinger, L and Arthofer, P and Cyran, N and Collingro, A and Horn, M},
title = {The adaptation of chlamydiae to facultative host multicellularity.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {14},
pages = {3368-3380.e4},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.06.014},
pmid = {40602405},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Dictyostelium/microbiology/physiology ; },
abstract = {The phylum Chlamydiota consists of obligate intracellular bacteria comprising the human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis and a large variety of species infecting animals and protists. Despite their diversity, a feature shared by all known chlamydiae is their biphasic developmental cycle, consisting of intra- and extracellular stages with substantial differences in morphology and physiology. Here, we report the isolation of a social amoeba, Dictyostelium giganteum, naturally infected with a chlamydial symbiont. The social life cycle of dictyostelids is characterized by multicellular stages through aggregation of vegetative trophozoites, leading to the development of multicellular fruiting bodies and the formation of spores. Although dictyostelids undergo symbioses with various bacteria, chlamydiae have only recently been found to be associated with these amoebae. The chlamydial symbiont identified here represents a novel species, Reclusachlamydia socialis, and is retained in all stages of the host's social life cycle. Notably, the symbiont lacks a detectable extracellular form. Combining fluorescence microscopy and quantitative PCR, we show that transmission is entirely dependent on cell-to-cell contact during the host aggregation stage. The absence of an extracellular stage is further supported by transmission electron microscopy and the lack of genes essential for chlamydial developmental cycle regulation and extracellular survival. This variation of a highly conserved developmental feature that evolved more than a billion years ago illustrates the remarkable adaptability of chlamydiae. This study adds to our understanding of endosymbiosis in the face of facultative host multicellularity.},
}
@article {pmid40603415,
year = {2025},
author = {Thompson, RM and Del Carmen Montero-Calasanz, M and George, D and Fox, EM},
title = {From pollution to reforestation: the hidden microbiome of Alnus glutinosa nodules over 30 years.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {23373},
pmid = {40603415},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {NE/S007512/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; RYC2019-028468-I//Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MINECO)/ ; },
mesh = {*Alnus/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Metals, Heavy/toxicity ; Soil Microbiology ; Soil Pollutants ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; },
abstract = {Actinorhizal plants, such as Alnus glutinosa, play a critical role in ecosystem restoration, particularly in metal-contaminated soils, yet their nodule microbiome remains largely unexplored beyond Frankiaceae endosymbionts. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of A. glutinosa root nodules under heavy metal stress, focusing on a 30-year-old chronosequence planted upon opencast coal mine spoil. Microbial diversity analysis revealed that A. glutinosa nodules harbour a distinct and conserved microbiome, dominated by Frankiaceae but also enriched with plant growth-promoting bacteria such as Bradyrhizobium, Mycobacterium, and Actinoplanes. Additionally, despite similar beta diversity between the nodules and soil, significant compositional differences were observed, reinforcing the selective nature of the nodules. However, functional profiling indicated that metabolic pathways were largely shared between nodule and soil microbiomes. Overall, this study provides new insights into the resilience and specialisation of the A. glutinosa nodule microbiome and its potential role in bioremediation within heavy metal-contaminated environments.},
}
@article {pmid40606155,
year = {2025},
author = {Fu, Q and Wang, W and Chen, B and Hu, Y and Ma, R and Zhu, E and Jin, S and Cai, H and Xiao, G and Du, G},
title = {Longitudinal dynamics of intestinal bacteria in the life cycle and their effects on growth and development of potato tuber moth.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1542589},
pmid = {40606155},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an oligophagous pest that damages potatoes. Intestinal microorganisms play important roles in regulating the life activities of host insects. The gut of PTM is rich in microbials, but it is unclear that the dynamics of the structure and diversity of intestinal bacteria in the different development period of potato tuber moth. In this study, the dynamics of the intestinal bacterial community across the whole life cycle of PTM were evaluated using single molecule real-time sequencing. The intestinal microbiota of PTM is predominantly composed of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, and it is different with the difference of development stages. Wolbachia endosymbionts were the dominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in eggs and the first-instar larvae. Enterococcus mundtii was the dominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in the second, third, and the fourth instar larvae, as well as in both male and female pupae. Moreover, the predominant species of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in female adults is Enterobacter ludwigii, while the dominant bacterial species is Serratia rubidaea in male adults. Principal component analysis and non-metric Multi-dimensional scaling analysis confirmed the differences in intestinal symbiotic bacteria structure at different developmental stages. In addition, after reintroducing the bacteria following antibiotic treatment, it was found that the antibiotics significantly inhibited the development of the potato tuber moth, whereas the gut bacteria appeared to facilitate its growth. The findings of this study will enhance our understanding of intestinal microorganisms on the development of their host insects across the life cycle. Moreover, it will establish a foundation for elucidating the physiological functions of key microorganisms in the intestinal tract of the potato tuber moth, while also offering new insights and strategy to the biological control of this pest.},
}
@article {pmid40606169,
year = {2025},
author = {Mallick, S and Pavloudi, C and Saw, J and Eleftherianos, I},
title = {Heterorhabditis bacteriophora symbiotic and axenic nematodes modify the Drosophila melanogaster larval microbiome.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1598221},
pmid = {40606169},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The Drosophila melanogaster microbiome is crucial for regulating physiological processes, including immune system development and function. D. melanogaster offers distinct advantages over vertebrate models, allowing a detailed investigation of host-microbiota interactions and their effects on modulating host defense systems. It is an outstanding model for studying innate immune responses against parasites. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) activate immune signaling in the fly, leading to immune responses to combat infection. However, the impact of EPN infection on the host larval microbiome remains poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated whether EPN infection affects the D. melanogaster larval microbiome. We infected third-instar D. melanogaster larvae with Heterorhabditis bacteriophora symbiotic nematodes (containing Photorhabdus luminescens bacteria) and axenic nematodes (devoid of symbiotic bacteria). Drosophila melanogaster microbiome analysis revealed statistically significant differences in microbiome composition between uninfected and EPN-infected larvae. Notably, infection with axenic nematodes resulted in 68 unique species, causing a significant shift in the D. melanogaster larval microbiome and an increase in bacterial diversity compared to larvae infected with symbiotic nematodes. This suggests that the absence of the endosymbiont creates ecological niches for unique species and a more diverse microbiome in larvae infected with the axenic nematodes. This research will enhance our understanding of microbial species within the D. melanogaster microbiome that regulate homeostasis during nematode infection. These insights could be beneficial in developing innovative strategies for managing agricultural pests and disease vectors.},
}
@article {pmid40608492,
year = {2025},
author = {Ozuru, R and Yamagishi, J and Takeuchi, A and Date, Y and Fujii, T and Sugimoto, C and Nakajima, C and Suzuki, Y and Aoki, K and Fujii, J and Matsuba, T},
title = {Unification of symbiotic bacteria during larva-to-adult transition in Culicoides circumscriptus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae).},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {372},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf069},
pmid = {40608492},
issn = {1574-6968},
support = {24K13424//JSPS/ ; 18K16174//JSPS/ ; 21K16320//JSPS/ ; 24K10225//JSPS/ ; JP20wm0125008//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; JP223fa62700//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ceratopogonidae/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Larva/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; *Symbiosis ; Female ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Japan ; Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Blood-sucking midges such as Leptoconops and Culicoides are of medical importance due to their role in causing skin irritation and potentially transmitting pathogens. Investigating their bacterial communities, including possible endosymbionts, may help clarify ecological adaptations and interactions with hosts. Leptoconops nipponensis Tokunaga (Lnt) and Culicoides circumscriptus (Cc), blood-sucking midges, cause severe itching and inflammation in humans. Cc was collected from a small sample of an outbreak swarm of Lnt in the peninsula area of Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. This study compared the bacterial flora of Lnt and Cc, revealing distinct bacterial diversity shifts in these insect species between life stages. We analyzed the bacterial communities of adult and larval females of Cc and Lnt using MiSeq sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. Notably, alpha diversity in Cc adults was significantly reduced to 1.5 (n = 43), indicating that Cc adults were dominated by a single bacterial genus, compared to 14.9 in Cc larvae (n = 19). BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) analysis identified this dominant genus in adult Cc as Rickettsia (Candidatus Tisiphisa), which is known for transovarial transmission in arthropod vectors. In contrast, the bacterial diversity of Lnt showed no significant difference between adults (18.1, n = 32) and larvae (n = 15). These findings suggest that the dominance of Rickettsia in Cc (Candidatus Tisiphisa) adults is linked to their emergence, potentially reflecting differences in reproductive biology and ecological adaptations between these two insect species. Further research is needed to elucidate the functional role of Rickettsia in the life cycle and physiology of Cc.},
}
@article {pmid40609307,
year = {2025},
author = {Howard, J and Ramatla, T and Mofokeng, L and Mileng, K and Lekota, K and Thekisoe, O},
title = {Molecular detection of Coxiella species from Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi infesting sheep in Potchefstroom, South Africa.},
journal = {Research in veterinary science},
volume = {193},
number = {},
pages = {105788},
doi = {10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105788},
pmid = {40609307},
issn = {1532-2661},
mesh = {Animals ; South Africa/epidemiology ; Sheep ; *Rhipicephalus/microbiology ; *Sheep Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology/parasitology ; Female ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Coxiella/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; Male ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary ; },
abstract = {Coxiella species are emerging infectious bacteria of different animal hosts in South Africa, but knowledge regarding their occurrence and prevalence is limited. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine both the presence of non-pathogenic Coxiella spp. as well as its pathogenic relative Coxiella burnetti from ticks infesting sheep from small communal Matlwang village of Potchefstroom in South Africa. A total of 192 ticks (39 individual females and 38 pools of 153 males) were collected from sheep hosts. Morphologically identified ticks were confirmed by obtaining their cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene sequences and they were genetically screened for the presence of non-pathogenic Coxiella spp. as well as Coxiella burnetti by PCR and sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA and IS1111 gene fragments, respectively. Collected ticks were identified as Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi and the phylogenetic analysis using the CO1 gene supported the respective taxon in comparison to reference sequences from the NCBI GenBank database. The overall prevalence of Coxiella species was 66.23 % (51/77) for Coxiella-like endosymbionts and 10.39 % (8/77) for C. burnetii based on 16S rRNA and IS1111 PCR results, respectively. Although the primary transmission route of Coxiella spp. is through the inhalation of contaminated aerosols, its presence in ticks may suggest a health risk among animals. Moreover, the detection of C. burnetti in this study suggests that ticks may play a significant role in maintaining the bacterium within domestic farming reservoirs and serve as a potential source of environmental contamination, thereby, potentially contributing to occupational pathogen exposure among livestock herders, owners, veterinarians and villagers through an increased risk of aerosol transmission.},
}
@article {pmid40617274,
year = {2025},
author = {Orkun, &#xd6; and Gündoğdu, MN and Özdemir, T and Yiğit, M and Sarıkaya, E and Yılmaz, A and Yıldız, B and Bedir, H and Deniz, A and Vatansever, Z},
title = {Phylogeographic investigation of tick-borne pathogens in host-seeking Dermacentor marginatus in Anatolia: Significant correlation between population genetic structure and SFG rickettsiae.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {268},
number = {},
pages = {107730},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107730},
pmid = {40617274},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dermacentor/microbiology ; Phylogeography ; *Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Turkey ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology ; Genetics, Population ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Female ; },
abstract = {Characterizing the population structure of vector ticks and their associated microorganisms in natural foci is essential for understanding of the ecology of tick-borne disease (TBD) and developing effective control strategies. Dermacentor marginatus is an important vector species in the Palearctic realm, yet its vectorial role remains poorly defined, particularly due to the lack of studies integrating population genetics with pathogen data. In this study, we performed a phylogeographic analysis of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in host-seeking D. marginatus from natural foci across Anatolia, integrating these data with the population genetic information from the same specimens. A total of 696 ticks from 151 locations were screened. PCR and sequencing revealed that 58.8 % (409/696) of ticks carried at least one causative agent, including spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae (Rickettsia slovaca and R. raoultii), Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica, Francisella-like endosymbionts, Babesia spp. (B. occultans, B. vulpes, and B. bigemina), Theileria ovis, and Hepatozoon spp. (H. canis and two unidentified species). Our findings revealed distinct phylogeographic patterns of SFG rickettsiae between Central and Northeastern populations, providing the first evidence of a population-level evolutionary association between D. marginatus and R. slovaca/raoultii. Previously unrecognized natural foci of C. burnetii and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica associated with D. marginatus were also identified. Several novel tick-pathogen associations were documented. These results indicate a high prevalence of human-pathogenic agents in D. marginatus populations in Anatolia suggest that population genetic structure may influence silent tick-pathogen interactions. By integrating population genetics with pathogen screening, this study offers new insights into the ecology and evolutionary dynamics of D. marginatus and associated TBPs.},
}
@article {pmid40619778,
year = {2025},
author = {Bhide, AJ},
title = {Redefining the nitroplast: Recent insights into the endosymbiontto- organelle transition.},
journal = {Journal of biosciences},
volume = {50},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40619778},
issn = {0973-7138},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Photosynthesis/genetics ; *Plastids/genetics ; Cyanobacteria/genetics ; Rhodophyta/genetics ; Mitochondria/genetics ; Chlorophyta/genetics ; Alphaproteobacteria/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Evolution, Molecular ; Dinoflagellida/genetics ; },
abstract = {One of the most remarkable events in cellular evolution is the endosymbiosis of α-proteobacteria with a single archaean host cell, a rare evolutionary process, which eventually led to the transformation of symbionts into fully functional mitochondrial organelles in eukaryotes. Evolutionary events related to plants occurred almost 1.6 billion years ago, when eukaryotic heterotrophs acquired a β-cyanobacterium (containing 1B RUBISCO) in what is termed as primary endosymbiosis. Further, this composite cell lineage evolved into three photosynthetic lineages: green algae (plants), red algae and the glaucophytes. Thereafter, a secondary, and tertiary endosymbiosis event occurred giving rise to distinct kinds of green and red-derived photosynthetic plastids, which can be observed in a few haptophytes and dinoflagellates respectively. Eventually, these endosymbionts acquired characteristic cellular properties such as two/multiple envelope membranes and reduction of their genomes through either loss or concerted endosymbiotic gene transfer (EGT) into the nucleus, which ultimately led to the decline of more than three quarters of coding capacity and complete loss of several metabolic pathways. This loss, however, is partly compensated by import of nuclearencoded proteins as well as proteins acquired by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). For most proteins, specific transport mechanisms from nucleus/cytoplasm to organelle exist. The proteins are typically translated as a preprotein with specific signal sequences targeted to the organelle membrane. These membranes harbour receptors, in some cases soluble receptors, for recognition of these signal sequences. Proteins are then internalised using a set of translocation machineries (Gould et al. 2006).},
}
@article {pmid40623205,
year = {2025},
author = {Liesenfelt, T and Markee, A and Demard, EP and Diepenbrock, LM and Mongue, AJ},
title = {Genome report: genome sequence of the hibiscus mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead), an invasive pest of citrus.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {40623205},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {//University of Florida/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; *Genome, Insect ; *Citrus/parasitology ; Introduced Species ; *Genomics/methods ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Hibiscus/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Mealybugs are frequently known for being pest insects to both ornamental and large-scale agricultural crops. Yet despite their agricultural importance, the genomic resources for this group remain quite limited. One such species is the hibiscus mealybug, Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae). This invasive mealybug species has recently expanded throughout Florida and has spread across the state. Genomic resources would provide a new means to better understand the invasive nature of this insect, and thus, we present the de novo genome assembly for N. viridis. Our genome assembly is 289 Mb, in which 91.2% of this sequence assembled into 5 chromosomal scaffolds. We report 15,370 genes to be present within our genome. We found that repetitive elements in the genome accounted for 32.40% of the sequence. These statistics follow similar trends to other previously sequenced Pseudococcidae species.},
}
@article {pmid40629845,
year = {2025},
author = {Monnens, M and Artois, T and Briscoe, A and Diez, YL and Fraser, KPP and Leander, BS and Littlewood, DTJ and Santos, MJ and Smeets, K and Van Steenkiste, NWL and Vanhove, MPM},
title = {Signatures of Endosymbiosis in Mitochondrial Genomes of Rhabdocoel Flatworms.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {34},
number = {21},
pages = {e70015},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70015},
pmid = {40629845},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {1141817N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; GOH3817N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; NSERC 2019-03986//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; BOF15BL09//Special Research Fund (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds) UHasselt/ ; BOF20TT06//Special Research Fund (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds) UHasselt/ ; //Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee/ ; //Hakai Institute/ ; UIDB/04423/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; UIDP/04423/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Platyhelminths/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {The transition from a free-living lifestyle to endosymbiosis represents a large evolutionary shift, impacting various aspects of any organism's biology, including its molecular-genetic groundwork. So far, it has been impossible to generalise the impact this lifestyle shift has on genomic architecture. This study explores this phenomenon using a new model system: neodalyellid flatworms (Rhabdocoela), a diverse assemblage of free-living and independently evolved endosymbiotic lineages. A uniquely comprehensive mitochondrial genomic dataset, consisting of 50 complete or partial mitogenome sequences (47 of which are new to science), is constructed, increasing the genomic resources available for rhabdocoel flatworms over tenfold. A robust phylogenomic framework is built, enabling an in-depth exploration of the molecular-genetic signatures associated with evolutionary shifts towards endosymbiosis. To understand speciation influenced by host phylogeny, first steps are taken to unravel the host-switching history of the largest endosymbiotic group of neodalyellids. We test several hypotheses regarding the potential consequences of a symbiotic lifestyle and find marginally heightened AT content, more pronounced GC skew and relaxed selection on specific protein-coding genes in endosymbionts compared to their free-living counterparts. Numerous substitutions have accumulated in certain endosymbiotic lineages; however, the correlation with lifestyle remains uncertain. A high frequency of genetic rearrangements across all studied lineages is observed. Our findings affirm the variable nature of rhabdocoel mitogenomes and, for the first time, reveal distinct signatures of an endosymbiotic lifestyle in neodalyellid flatworms. This effort lays the groundwork for future research into the evolutionary and genomic consequences of a symbiotic lifestyle in this and other animal systems.},
}
@article {pmid40630086,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, S and Zhang, S and Ge, W and Yang, J and Peng, H and Gao, J and Zhang, M and Xiao, Y and Du, D and Kan, X},
title = {Comparative Genomics Insights Into the Evolutionary Disparities Between Nitroplast-Evolved Ecotype UCYN-A2 and Its Closest Relative UCYN-A1.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71739},
pmid = {40630086},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {UCYN-A is a phenomenal diazotrophic cyanobacterium with significant ecological importance. UCYN-A1 and UCYN-A2 are the two most abundant ecotypes. Recently, the striking discovery of nitroplast, a novel N2-fixing organelle in cultured B. bigelowii/UCYN-A2 endosymbiont, indicated the possibility that UCYN-A2 has evolved beyond endosymbiosis to an early phase of organellogenesis. This study addresses the following critical question: What evolutionary heterogeneity has emerged between UCYN-A1 and UCYN-A2? To investigate this issue, we comprehensively compared a total of seven genomes from UCYN-A2 and UCYN-A1. Under similar genome organizations, GC content, and gene composition, we still detected abundant genetic differences, including group-unique orthogroups, ANI below 85%, and 577 UCYN-A2-unique INDELs in single-copy orthologous genes (SCOGs). Moreover, we also focused on the orthologous genes of 40 metabolic-pathway genes in nitroplast. In addition to high-informative SNPs and INDELs possessing distinct interlineage differences, we traced abundant codon usage "signatures" that serve as lineage-unique molecular markers. Most notably, we successfully established a strain-level identification map for UCYN-A strains using codon aversion motifs, which represents the first case study of this approach in bacteria. In summary, all the comparative results reported here collectively indicate that UCYN-A1 and UCYN-A2 have evolved remarkable genomic heterogeneities. Furthermore, the findings of this work will definitely promote our current understanding of codon aversion and the evolution of UCYN-A.},
}
@article {pmid40631325,
year = {2025},
author = {Dregni, J and Lindsey, ARI and Ferrer-Suay, M and Celis, SL and Heimpel, GE},
title = {Wolbachia-mediated parthenogenesis induction in the aphid hyperparasitoid Alloxysta brevis (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Charipinae).},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40631325},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM150991/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Thelytokous parthenogenesis (thelytoky), in which females can produce female offspring without mating, can be caused by parthenogenesis-inducing endosymbiotic bacteria in the genus Wolbachia. This interaction is well known in hymenopteran parasitoids, where unfertilized eggs typically develop as males via haplo-diploidy in the absence of parthenogenesis-inducing bacteria. We report on a case of thelytoky in Alloxysta brevis (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a globally widespread aphid hyperparasitoid. A previous study had shown that sex ratios of this species collected in Minnesota (USA) were extremely female biased, and we found here that unmated females reared from field-collected hosts produced female offspring without exposure to males. This result demonstrated thelytoky, and we tested for the role of bacterial endosymbionts by comparing offspring production of unmated females fed the antibiotic rifampicin to offspring production of control females not fed antibiotics. Antibiotic-fed females produced almost exclusively male offspring, and control females produced mainly females. This result showed that antibiotic treatment facilitated male production by unmated Alloxysta brevis females, thus implicating bacterial symbiosis in the expression of thelytoky. We then used molecular analyses to determine the identity of the symbiont. These analyses identified a Wolbachia strain from supergroup B, and excluded other bacteria known to mediate parthenogenesis induction, such as Cardinium and Rickettsia. While Wolbachia had been previously detected by molecular analysis in this species, these are the first experiments demonstrating Wolbachia-mediated parthenogenesis in the figitid subfamily Charipinae.},
}
@article {pmid40637783,
year = {2025},
author = {Philippe, C and Denis, LA and Fonville, M and Devriendt, B and Dufrasne, FE and Obregon, D and Maître, A and Skičková, &#x160; and Cox, E and Sprong, H and Cruz, AC and Mori, M},
title = {Diversity of the Ixodes ricinus Microbiome Across Belgian Ecoregions and Its Association with Pathogen and Symbiont Presence.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {73},
pmid = {40637783},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {*Ixodes/microbiology ; Animals ; *Microbiota ; Belgium ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Nymph/microbiology ; Anaplasma phagocytophilum/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, and their presence can be influenced by the composition of the tick microbiome. In turn, this microbiome is shaped by environmental and ecological factors, as demonstrated in several studies conducted under controlled conditions. However, the extent of these influences under natural ecological conditions remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated the diversity of the microbiome and the prevalence of pathogens in Ixodes ricinus nymphs across three distinct Belgian ecoregions: Sandy Loam, Condroz, and Ardennes. Using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Oxford Nanopore 16S rRNA sequencing, we assessed how geography and pathogen presence influence tick-associated microbial communities. Our results revealed significant regional differences in microbiome composition and pathogen prevalence. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) was most prevalent in the Ardennes (9% (7.4-10.9) vs 3.8% (2.8-5.2) in the Condroz and 2.1% (1.4-3.2) in Sandy Loam) while Anaplasma phagocytophilum was more common in the Sandy Loam region (21.1% (18.7-23.8) vs 4% (3-5.4) in the Condroz and 3.2% (2.2-4.4) in the Ardennes). Endosymbionts such as Midichloria mitochondrii and Spiroplasma ixodetis also exhibited distinct geographic distributions. Network analysis identified potential pathogen-microbiota interactions, with certain bacterial taxa showing positive or negative associations with specific pathogens. Moreover, microbiome composition was influenced not only by ecoregion but also by microorganisms such as Rickettsia helvetica, suggesting that its colonization may actively shape microbial community structure, potentially through competition or facilitation mechanisms. Additionally, microbiome network robustness varied across ecoregions, highlighting the role of ecological context in shaping microbial interactions within ticks. These findings underscore the complex interplay between geography, pathogen presence, and microbial diversity in ticks, highlighting the importance of integrating these interactions to inform microbiome-based strategies for vector control and disease prevention.},
}
@article {pmid40637797,
year = {2025},
author = {Giani, NM and Lim, SJ and Anderson, LC and Paterson, AT and Engel, AS and Campbell, BJ},
title = {Variation in accessory and horizontal gene transfer-associated genes drives lucinid endosymbiont diversity.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {101},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40637797},
issn = {1574-6941},
support = {DEB-1342721//National Science Foundation/ ; DEB-1342785//National Science Foundation/ ; DEB-1342763//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Animals ; *Gammaproteobacteria/genetics/physiology/classification ; *Bivalvia/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Genetic Variation ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {Lucinid bivalves harbor environmentally acquired endosymbionts within the class Gammaproteobacteria and genus Candidatus Thiodiazotropha. Despite recent studies focused on lucinid endosymbiont genomic and functional diversity, processes influencing species diversity have been understudied. From the analysis of 333 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 40 host species across 8 waterbodies and 77 distinct locations, 272 were high quality MAGs of Ca. Thiodiazotropha endosymbionts that represented 11 genomospecies. Of those, two new genomospecies from lucinids collected from The Bahamas and Florida (USA) were identified, Ca. Thiodiazotropha fisheri and Ca. Thiodiazotropha grosi. Metabolic specialization was evident, such as potential adaptations to diverse carbon sources based on detection of one-carbon (C1) metabolic genes in eight genomospecies. Genes associated with defense, symbiosis/pathogenesis, and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) were also distinct across genomospecies. For instance, Ca. T. taylori exhibited lower abundances of HGT-associated genes compared to other genomospecies, particularly Ca. T. endolucinida, Ca. T. lotti, and Ca. T. weberae. HGT-associated genes were linked to previously unreported retron-type reverse transcriptases, dsDNA phages, and phage resistance. Collectively, the pangenome highlights how lucinid endosymbiont diversity has been shaped by geographic and host-specific interactions linked to gene loss and HGT through time.},
}
@article {pmid40644522,
year = {2025},
author = {Fercoq, F and Cormerais, C and Remion, E and Gal, J and Plisson, J and Fall, A and Alonso, J and Lhermitte-Vallarino, N and Hübner, MP and Kohl, L and Landmann, F and Martin, C},
title = {Host environment shapes filarial parasite fitness and Wolbachia endosymbionts dynamics.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {7},
pages = {e1013301},
pmid = {40644522},
issn = {1553-7374},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/immunology ; *Symbiosis/immunology ; Mice ; Female ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; *Filarioidea/microbiology/immunology ; *Filariasis/immunology/parasitology/microbiology ; *Host-Parasite Interactions/immunology ; Male ; },
abstract = {Filarial nematodes, responsible for diseases like lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, depend on symbiotic Wolbachia bacteria for reproduction and development. Using the Litomosoides sigmodontis rodent model, we investigated how host type-2 immunity influences Wolbachia dynamics and parasite development. Wild-type and type-2 immune-deficient (Il4rα[-]/[-]Il5[-]/[-]) BALB/c mice were infected with L. sigmodontis, and the distribution and abundance of Wolbachia were analyzed at different developmental stages using quantitative PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Our results show that type-2 immune environments selectively reduce germline Wolbachia in female filariae from wild-type mice, a change associated with disrupted oogenesis, embryogenesis, and microfilarial production, while somatic Wolbachia remain unaffected. Antibiotic treatments achieving systemic Wolbachia clearance result in similar reproductive impairments. Notably, Wolbachia-free microfilariae are observed shortly after Wolbachia depletion, suggesting that early-stage embryogenesis can proceed temporarily before progressive germline dysfunction ensues. Wolbachia-free microfilariae develop into infective larvae in the vector, but stall beyond the L4 stage in vertebrate hosts, showing arrested growth and reproductive organ maturation defects in both male and female larvae. These findings highlight the variable dependency on Wolbachia across life stages and provide insights into host-parasite-endosymbiont interactions shaped by environmental pressures.},
}
@article {pmid40650753,
year = {2025},
author = {Pascual, A and Calabresi, F and de la Fuente, D and Catalano, MI and Brentassi, ME},
title = {Transcriptome Analysis of the Fat Body of the Maize Pest Delphacodes kuscheli (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) Reveals Essential Roles of Fungal Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {74},
pmid = {40650753},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {PICT 2021- 00914//Comisi&#xf3;n de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICPBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas y T&#xe9;cnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), and Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n Cient&#xed;fica y Tecnol&#xf3;gica (ANPCyT) (PICT 2021- 00914)./ ; PICT 2021- 00914//Comisi&#xf3;n de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICPBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas y T&#xe9;cnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), and Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n Cient&#xed;fica y Tecnol&#xf3;gica (ANPCyT) (PICT 2021- 00914)./ ; PICT 2021- 00914//Comisi&#xf3;n de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICPBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas y T&#xe9;cnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), and Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n Cient&#xed;fica y Tecnol&#xf3;gica (ANPCyT) (PICT 2021- 00914)./ ; PICT 2021- 00914//Comisi&#xf3;n de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICPBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas y T&#xe9;cnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), and Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n Cient&#xed;fica y Tecnol&#xf3;gica (ANPCyT) (PICT 2021- 00914)./ ; PICT 2021- 00914//Comisi&#xf3;n de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICPBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas y T&#xe9;cnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), and Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n Cient&#xed;fica y Tecnol&#xf3;gica (ANPCyT) (PICT 2021- 00914)./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Zea mays/parasitology ; *Fat Body/microbiology/metabolism ; *Transcriptome ; *Hypocreales/genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The fat body of certain insects, in addition to performing essential biosynthetic and metabolic functions, harbors endosymbionts that play critical roles for their host. While knowledge of the diversity and functions of fungal endosymbionts harbored in the fat body of planthoppers is mostly limited to rice pests of Asia, our study presents a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of the fat body of Delphacodes kuscheli (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), an important agricultural pest of maize in Argentina. The dominant fungal endosymbionts, identified as yeast-like symbionts (YLS), include members of the genera Ophiocordyceps, Cordyceps, Hirsutella, and Tolypocladium (Ascomycota: Hypocreales). Transcriptomic data reveal that the fungal endosymbionts encode genes involved in vital metabolic processes for the host, such as essential amino acid biosynthesis, nitrogen recycling, and steroid biosynthesis. The genetic contribution of these endosymbionts to nutrient provision and metabolism supports a mutualistic obligate relationship with D. kuscheli. The results presented here provide insights into the evolutionary dynamics of endosymbiosis in the Delphacidae. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of YLS as promising targets for innovative pest control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid40655444,
year = {2025},
author = {Zapalski, MK and Król, JJ and Denayer, J and Zatoń, M},
title = {Parasitism as a Long-Lasting Interaction-First Evidence From Paleozoic Corals.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71804},
pmid = {40655444},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The peak of reef development in the middle Paleozoic (Silurian-Devonian) resulted in a dense network of interactions between corals and their symbionts. Due to their skeletonization, fossil corals and sponges preserved past interspecific relationships very effectively. Macrosymbionts of typical Paleozoic reef builders-corals and stromatoporoid sponges were traditionally interpreted as their commensals or parasites, despite their unclear systematic affinities. While the interpretations of parasitism were mostly based on alterations of the host's skeleton, one of the important features of parasitism, its long duration, remained unevidenced so far. Here we report on a Middle Devonian (approx. 395 Ma) alveolitid coral (Anthozoa: Tabulata), Mariusilites sp. (from Ardennes, Belgium), hosting numerous extracellular metazoan endosymbionts (Torquaysalpinx sp.) and displaying growth banding. The host (coral) growth banding allows an estimate of its growth rate as 3-4 mm per year, and as a result, the duration of the interaction appeared to be at least more than a year. The long duration of the interaction, together with the host's skeletal modification, suggests that these endosymbionts were parasites. This is the first case where the duration (longevity) of the parasitism can be determined in the hosting Paleozoic bioconstructing organisms.},
}
@article {pmid40659090,
year = {2025},
author = {Fricke, LC and Villalta, MD and Lindsey, AR},
title = {Endosymbionts interacting with sex-determining genes and processes.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {72},
number = {},
pages = {101410},
pmid = {40659090},
issn = {2214-5753},
support = {R35 GM150991/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Insecta/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; *Sex Determination Processes ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Insects are rich in reproductive diversity and in maternally inherited symbionts. Maternal inheritance has selected for a suite of microbial mechanisms that enhance host fitness and skew sex ratios in favor of females. Recently, there has been significant progress in characterizing the genetic and cellular mechanisms that these maternally transmitted symbionts use to manipulate insect sex. Significant advances include the identification of specific microbial effector proteins that lead to male-killing, parthenogenesis, and feminization in a range of model and nonmodel insects. Many of these effectors target similar host processes, such as dosage compensation and the sex determination cascade that leads to sex-specific splicing of genes, including transformer and doublesex. The independent origins of these endosymbionts and their induced phenotypes facilitate an enhanced understanding of convergent evolution and offer opportunities to investigate the mechanisms driving insect reproductive diversity.},
}
@article {pmid40660128,
year = {2025},
author = {Miyata, M and Nomura, M and Kageyama, D},
title = {Elusive origin of mitochondria shared by two sister species of Eurema butterflies.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {71},
pmid = {40660128},
issn = {2730-7182},
support = {18J21090//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; 23K26922//JSPS KAKENHI/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/genetics/microbiology/classification ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Mitochondria/genetics ; Haplotypes ; Japan ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia are maternally inherited arthropod endosymbionts known for their diverse effects on host reproduction, which serve to increase their prevalence in host populations. As Wolbachia spreads, the frequency of the associated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes tends to increase within the host population. Two distinct Wolbachia strains, wCI and wFem, are shared by two pierid butterfly sister species: Eurema mandarina and Eurema hecabe. The congruence of mtDNA phylogeny and Wolbachia infection status suggests hybrid introgression of mtDNA from E. hecabe to E. mandarina. This inference is based on the observation that uninfected E. mandarina have unique mtDNA haplotypes, distinct from the mtDNA haplotypes found in Wolbachia-infected E. mandarina and E. hecabe. In E. hecabe, Wolbachia infection has been considered fixed, with no expectation of uninfected individuals.<br><br>RESULTS: Unexpectedly, Wolbachia-free E. hecabe individuals were discovered on the Yonaguni Island of Japan. We included these individuals in the phylogenetic analyses to reassess the impact of Wolbachia infection on Eurema butterflies. The nuclear Triosephosphate isomerase gene-based phylogenetic tree formed two discrete clades corresponding to E. mandarina and E. hecabe. Contrastingly, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene-based tree consisted of three clades, Wolbachia-free E. mandarina, Wolbachia-free E. hecabe, and a clade consisting of Wolbachia-infected E. mandarina and E. hecabe, as well as two other Eurema species, Eurema ada and Eurema lacteola.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the mitochondria shared by E. mandarina and E. hecabe likely originate from a different species of Eurema (E. ada, E. lacteola, or others). Although the origin was not identified, our results indicate that Wolbachia provides significant evolutionary advantages to the associated mtDNA haplotypes across multiple Eurema species, leading to a complex mtDNA phylogeny.},
}
@article {pmid40674308,
year = {2025},
author = {Scott, CB and Schott, R and Matz, MV},
title = {Genetic clustering within massive Porites species complex is the primary driver of holobiont assembly.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0328479},
pmid = {40674308},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/genetics/microbiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Coral Reefs ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Australia ; Phylogeny ; Dinoflagellida/genetics ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {The fate of coral reefs in response to climate change depends on their ability to adapt to new environments. The coral animal is buffered from environmental stress by its algal endosymbionts and microbial partners (together, the "holobiont"). However, the flexibility of holobiont community assembly is not well understood, making it difficult to estimate its contribution to coral adaptation. To clarify these processes, we genetically profiled holobiont components (coral, algal symbiont, and microbiome) of massive Porites sampled across two size classes (small, < 30 cm and large, > 2 m) and ecologically distinct reef sites near Orpheus and Pelorus Islands, Australia. We recovered five major genetic clusters in the coral host. We estimated the relative contributions of the host genetic structure, site, and size class to holobiont community composition. Host genetic structure was the primary driver of both Symbiodiniaceae and microbial communities, indicating strong holobiont specificity in genetic clusters. In addition, the microbial community was associated with reef site and size class, unlike Symbiodiniaceae that were not significantly affected by either factor. As environmentally segregated, cryptic genetic lineages emerge as a common feature of scleractinian corals, these results emphasize that failure to assess cryptic genetic structure of the coral host may lead to dramatic overestimation of holobiont flexibility.},
}
@article {pmid40674775,
year = {2025},
author = {Katarzyna, Z and Katarzyna, S and Dorota, S and Iwona, K and Emilia, &#x141; and Adam, C},
title = {Methylobacterium oryzae as a growth biostimulant of Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum.},
journal = {Journal of plant physiology},
volume = {312},
number = {},
pages = {154564},
doi = {10.1016/j.jplph.2025.154564},
pmid = {40674775},
issn = {1618-1328},
mesh = {*Methylobacterium/physiology ; *Solanum lycopersicum/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; *Arabidopsis/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology ; Symbiosis ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Methylobacterium spp. bacteria occur commonly in the environment. The presence of some methylobacteria in the soil/plant have positive effect to the plants growth and can reduce or prevent the consequence of phytopathogens. We determined the effect of M. oryzae CBMB20 (rice endosymbiont) on different stages of Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum development. Protective properties against phytopathogenic bacteria of M. oryzae CBMB20 lipopolysaccharide were also determined. High resolution mass spectrometry was used to confirm presence of IAA in tomato extracts. Based on the obtained results we concluded that, M. oryzae CBMB20 had no significant effect on the germination percentage of both plants but increased the number of root hairs in A. thaliana and the length of S. lycopersicum sprouts and led to an increase in the fresh weight of the plants. LPS CBMB20 was able to strengthen a defence reaction in response to the presence of the phytopathogen. S. lycopersicum, treated with CBMB20, produced more IAA than plants that were not treated with the methylobacteria, which translates into an increase in fresh mass. These findings suggest that M. oryzae CBMB20 has potential as a component of biopreparations.},
}
@article {pmid40678899,
year = {2025},
author = {Ren, L and Men, YJ and Bing, XL and Hoffmann, A and Hong, XY},
title = {Transovarial transmission of Wolbachia bacteria via P44/Msp2-IMP2 mediated endocytosis.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70129},
pmid = {40678899},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {32020103011//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32202290//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a maternally inherited endosymbiont that stably localizes in oocytes of arthropods to ensure successful transovarial transmission. However, the source of Wolbachia in oocytes is unclear. Here, we obtained a Wolbachia strain that is transovarially transmitted with complete fidelity in the agricultural pest spider mite Tetranychus truncatus. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we showed that Wolbachia migrate from the digestive cells to the reproductive system as a female develops. When Wolbachia from T. truncatus was transferred to Aedes albopictus cells, we demonstrated that its cell-to-cell spread was regulated by the host's endocytosis system. By assaying the proteome, we identified a bacterial surface protein P44/Msp2 from Wolbachia that interacted with the host's integral membrane protein 2 (IMP2). RNA interference of IMP2 indicated that it facilitated entry of Wolbachia. Our results show that Wolbachia from somatic cells contribute to its transovarial transmission, and that Wolbachia also utilize the surface protein to invade new host cells. This extends our understanding of how Wolbachia is transmitted between cells and facilitates artificial transfection work.},
}
@article {pmid40689037,
year = {2025},
author = {Köhler, CF and Holding, ML and Fonville, M and Dirks, RP and Jansen, HJ and Moutailler, S and Heckmann, A and Zarka, J and Matthysen, E and Sprong, H and Krawczyk, AI},
title = {Midichloria mitochondrii stimulates the sylvatic cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) in Ixodes ricinus and contributes to Lyme disease risk.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology &amp; vector-borne diseases},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {100290},
pmid = {40689037},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {Sex and symbionts of arthropod vectors are potential modulators of infection with vector-borne pathogens. Here, we investigated the involvement of sex and presence of the bacterial symbiont Midichloria mitochondrii in immature stages of Ixodes ricinus ticks on the acquisition and abundance of the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato). There was no difference in the infection rate of M. mitochondrii between male and female larvae. The infection with M. mitochondrii but not tick sex increased the acquisition of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) by I. ricinus larvae feeding on naturally infected birds. The infection with B. burgdorferi (s.l.) in questing nymphs was positively associated with M. mitochondrii, but not with their sex. The infection rates of M. mitochondrii in field-collected ticks showed substantial spatial variation. In our field study, we observed that locations exhibiting higher M. mitochondrii prevalence in nymphs also have significantly higher infection rates with B. burgdorferi (s.l.). Thus, the M. mitochondrii symbiont appears to enhance the ability of immature I. ricinus ticks to acquire and/or maintain B. burgdorferi (s.l.) in nature and is therefore an additional factor that contributes to the spatial variation in Lyme disease risk.},
}
@article {pmid40696756,
year = {2025},
author = {Peretz, T and Cattan-Tsaushu, E and Conti, C and Rosental, B and Steindler, L and Avrani, S},
title = {Cyanophage Infections in a Sponge Intracellular Cyanobacterial Symbiont.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {7},
pages = {e70155},
pmid = {40696756},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {GBMF9352//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; 933/23//Israel Science Foundation/ ; 1386/20//Israel Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacteriophages/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Porifera/microbiology/virology ; *Synechococcus/virology/physiology/genetics ; Prophages/genetics ; *Cyanobacteria/virology ; Genome, Viral ; },
abstract = {Sponges are sessile animals that play crucial roles in marine ecosystems by facilitating nutrient cycling, enhancing biodiversity, and structuring benthic habitats. Microbial symbionts, including cyanobacteria, are vital to sponges, aiding in nutrient cycling, metabolism, and defence. However, due to the sponge's ability to concentrate phages from seawater, extracellular sponge symbionts are particularly vulnerable to phage infection. By contrast, little is known about the susceptibility of intracellular sponge symbionts to phage predation. Here, we present evidence that Candidatus Synechococcus feldmannii, a facultative, horizontally transmitted cyanobacterial endosymbiont of the sponge Petrosia ficiformis, is susceptible to cyanophages. We analysed four Ca. S. feldmannii genomes and found evidence for phage interactions in two, including CRISPR spacers matching sipho- and T4-like cyanophages. One genome harboured a prophage region resembling freshwater cyanobacterial prophages, featuring conserved regions associated with Type VI secretion systems, similar to Wolbachia endosymbionts prophages. Additionally, we developed a method for isolating cyanophages directly from purified sponge bacteriocytes (specialised sponge cells harbouring symbionts) and identified nine T4-like cyanophages with less than 60% similarity to known relatives. Collectively, our findings indicate that Ca. S. feldmannii is susceptible to cyanophages and suggest potential functional parallels between phages infecting endosymbionts across different animal hosts.},
}
@article {pmid40705355,
year = {2025},
author = {Mathieson, OL and Schultz, DL and Hunter, MS and Kleiner, M and Schmitz-Esser, S and Doremus, MR},
title = {The ecology, evolution, and physiology of Cardinium: a widespread heritable endosymbiont of invertebrates.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology reviews},
volume = {49},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40705355},
issn = {1574-6976},
support = {#2426306//National Science Foundation/ ; #2002987//National Science Foundation/ ; #2426304//National Science Foundation/ ; IOS #2426305//National Science Foundation/ ; IOS #2003107//National Science Foundation/ ; 2023-67012-39352//National Institute for Food and Agriculture-United States Department of Agriculture/ ; #2023-67013-39897//National Institute for Food and Agriculture-United States Department of Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; *Bacteroidetes/physiology/genetics ; *Invertebrates/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Candidatus Cardinium hertigii (Cardinium) are maternally transmitted obligate intracellular bacteria found in a wide range of invertebrate hosts, including arthropods and nematodes. Infection with Cardinium has substantial consequences for host biology, with many strains manipulating host reproduction to favor symbiont transmission by (i) feminizing male hosts, (ii) altering host sex allocation, (iii) inducing parthenogenesis, or (iv) causing cytoplasmic incompatibility. Other Cardinium strains can confer benefits to their host or alter host behavior. Cardinium-modified host phenotypes can result in selective sweeps of cytological elements through host populations and potentially reinforce host speciation. Cardinium has potential for applications in controlling arthropod pest species and arthropod-vectored disease transmission, although much remains to be explored regarding Cardinium physiology and host interactions. In this review, we provide an overview of Cardinium evolution and host distribution. We describe the various host phenotypes associated with Cardinium and how biological and environmental factors influence these symbioses. We also provide an overview of Cardinium metabolism, physiology, and potential mechanisms for interactions with hosts based on recent studies using genomics and transcriptomics. Finally, we discuss new methodologies and directions for Cardinium research, including improving our understanding of Cardinium physiology, response to environmental stress, and potential for controlling arthropod pest populations.},
}
@article {pmid40707698,
year = {2025},
author = {Wieczorek, K and Chłond, D and Chajec, &#x141; and Malik, K and Świątek, P and Jaroszewicz, J and Coulson, SJ and Jousselin, E},
title = {Integrative approach to the systematics of the endemic Svalbard aphid specis Macrosiphum calvulum (Hemiptera, Aphididae) using molecular morphological and reproductive system analysis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {26960},
pmid = {40707698},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/classification/genetics/physiology/anatomy &amp; histology/ultrastructure ; Phylogeny ; Female ; Male ; Reproduction ; Svalbard ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Peptide Elongation Factor 1/genetics ; },
abstract = {Aphids in the Svalbard archipelago are limited to a few highly specialized species adapted to extreme Arctic conditions. Among them, the endemic species historically identified as Sitobion (Metobion) calvulum remains poorly studied. Its systematic placement has been uncertain due to the lack of fresh material, and key aspects of its reproductive biology and endosymbionts remain unknown. Here, using an integrative approach combining molecular phylogenetics, morphology, and reproductive system analysis, we clarify its taxonomy and biology. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial COI and nuclear EF-1α sequences reveal its close relationship to Nearctic Macrosiphum species, leading to the establishment of the new taxon combination Macrosiphum calvulum comb. nov. Simultaneously, morphological observations uncover several atypical traits that challenge the established boundaries within Macrosiphini. Ultrastructural studies highlight unique reproductive adaptations, including secretion patterns in male accessory glands and oviparous female spermathecae. The absence of known facultative endosymbionts aligns M. calvulum with other aphids in Svalbard. We used SEM to detail the morphology of the sexual generation and applied TEM and, for the first time in aphids, micro-CT imaging to analyze their reproductive system. Given that Svalbard is among the most climate-threatened regions globally, studying M. calvulum is essential for understanding and conserving Arctic biodiversity.},
}
@article {pmid40708668,
year = {2025},
author = {Beavers, KM and Gutierrez-Andrade, D and Van Buren, EW and Emery, MA and Brandt, ME and Apprill, A and Mydlarz, LD},
title = {Machine learning reveals distinct gene expression signatures across tissue states in stony coral tissue loss disease.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {12},
number = {7},
pages = {241993},
pmid = {40708668},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has rapidly degraded Caribbean reefs, compounding climate-related stressors and threatening ecosystem stability. Effective intervention requires understanding the mechanisms driving disease progression and resistance. Here, we apply a supervised machine learning approach-support vector machine recursive feature elimination-combined with differential gene expression analysis to describe SCTLD in the reef-building coral Montastraea cavernosa and its dominant algal endosymbiont, Cladocopium goreaui. We analyse three tissue types: apparently healthy tissue on apparently healthy colonies, apparently healthy tissue on SCTLD-affected colonies and lesion tissue on SCTLD-affected colonies. This approach identifies genes with high classification accuracy and reveals processes associated with SCTLD resistance, such as immune regulation and lipid biosynthesis, as well as processes involved in disease progression, such as inflammation, cytoskeletal disruption and symbiosis breakdown. Our findings support evidence that SCTLD induces dysbiosis between the coral host and Symbiodiniaceae and describe the metabolic and immune shifts that occur as the holobiont transitions from healthy to diseased. This supervised machine learning methodology offers a novel approach to accurately assess the health states of endangered coral species, with potential applications in guiding targeted restoration efforts and informing early disease intervention strategies.},
}
@article {pmid40718815,
year = {2025},
author = {El Hamss, H and Ally, HM and Delatte, H and Omongo, CA and Colvin, J and Maruthi, MN},
title = {Outbreak-driven differences in the microbiome composition and diversity of two cassava whitefly Bemisia tabaci mitotypes SSA1-SG1 and SSA1-SG2.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1597836},
pmid = {40718815},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Since the 1990s, outbreaking populations of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex (Sub-Saharan Africa 1 and 2) have heavily infested cassava in Uganda and eastern Africa. These superabundant SSA1 whiteflies from outbreaking areas carry microbiomes that might influence their fitness. Nonetheless, the factors contributing to the surge of these populations and their connection to the whitefly microbiome remain uncertain. To explore microbiome structure, diversity, and potential contributions to outbreaks of B. tabaci SSA1 species, we performed 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. Endosymbionts (excluding Portiera) and the meta-microbiome were analyzed separately across 56 SSA 1 samples identified using a partial fragment of the mtCOI gene from 8 sites (32 outbreakings and 24 non-outbreakings). Two mitochondrial profiles were obtained within the samples named here as mitotypes SSA1-SG1 and SSA1-SG2. We investigated microbiome differences at two levels: (i) between two mitochondrial mitotypes, SSA1-SG1 and SSA1-SG2, and (ii) between outbreaking and non-outbreaking whitefly populations. Our results showed that the two mitotypes exhibited significantly different endosymbiont diversity (p < 0.0001), structures (p < 0.01, determined by ADONIS and Capscale), and co-occurrence networks. At the population level, significant differences in microbiome diversity were observed between outbreaking and non-outbreaking populations (Simpson index: p = 0.007; Shannon index: p = 0.006), with outbreaking populations showing reduced microbial diversity. Community structure also differed significantly (p = 0.001), as revealed by ADONIS and Capscale analyses using Bray-Curtis metrics. Outbreaking SSA1-SG1 whiteflies showed the highest microbial richness (mean = 63 ASVs), compared to an overall average of 45 ASVs across all samples. Co-occurrence patterns were highly structured, indicating non-random microbial interactions and shifts. Overall, our findings highlight the microbiome as a key factor in local invasions and epidemic emergence. Future research should focus on identifying specific bacterial contributors to better understand their role in outbreak dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid40721058,
year = {2025},
author = {Gerlin, L and Gaget, K and Lapetoule, G and Quivet, Y and Baa-Puyoulet, P and Rahioui, I and Ribeiro Lopes, M and Da Silva, P and Calevro, F and Charles, H},
title = {Quantifying supply and demand in the pea aphid-Buchnera symbiosis reveals the metabolic Achilles' heels of this interaction.},
journal = {Metabolic engineering},
volume = {92},
number = {},
pages = {284-299},
doi = {10.1016/j.ymben.2025.07.011},
pmid = {40721058},
issn = {1096-7184},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/metabolism/genetics/physiology ; *Buchnera/physiology/metabolism/genetics ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Amino Acids/biosynthesis/genetics/metabolism ; *Pisum sativum/parasitology ; *Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {Many herbivorous insects feed on unbalanced diets and rely on bacterial endosymbionts to meet all their nutritional needs. This is the case for the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), a plant pest whose remarkable growth and reproductive capacities cannot be sustained by its sole nutritional resource, the plant phloem sap, and which relies on a symbiotic relationship maintained over millions of years with the intracellular bacterium Buchnera aphidicola for the biosynthesis of amino acids and vitamins. Exploiting original experimental data and metabolic reconstructions, we have built a quantitative genome-scale metabolic model of B. aphidicola and used it to quantify amino acid exchanges between the bacterium and its host. We found metabolites that can rewire pathways, influencing the balance between selfish (growth-focused) and mutualist (amino acid synthesis) behavior. Among the products synthesized by Buchnera, phenylalanine, tyrosine and leucine are the main matter sinks and consume more than 60 % of imported glucose and serine. Finally, we compared the predicted bacterial supply to the aphid demand in amino acids. We found that the pea aphid may efficiently regulate its symbiont population density depending on its metabolic requirements, but that embryos are quantitatively not self-sustaining, with embryonic bacteria supply falling short of demand by 50 %. Overall, our study highlights candidate compounds and pathways to target for destabilizing this symbiosis or predicting its resilience to environmental or nutritional perturbations.},
}
@article {pmid40725334,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, H and Yin, XJ and Fan, ZH and Gu, XH and Su, ZQ and Luo, BR and Qiu, BL and Zhang, LH},
title = {Effects of Endosymbionts on the Nutritional Physiology and Biological Characteristics of Whitefly Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40725334},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Grant No.KJQN202400533//Science and Technology Research Program of Chongqing Municipal Education Commission/ ; Grant No.23XLB031//Chongqing Normal University Foundation/ ; CSTB2024TIAD-KPX0015//Chongqing Technological Innovation and Application Development Project/ ; },
abstract = {Insects and their endosymbionts have a close mutualistic relationship. However, the precise nature of the bacterial endosymbiont-mediated interaction between host plants and whitefly Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 is still unclear. In the present study, six populations of Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 sharing the same genetic background were established by rearing insects for ten generations on different host plants, including poinsettia, cabbage, cotton, tomato, and tobacco, and an additional population was reared on cotton and treated with antibiotics. The physiological and nutritional traits of the insects were found to be dependent on the host plant on which they had been reared. Systematic analysis was conducted on the endosymbiont titers, the amino acid molecules and contents, as well as developmental and oviposition changes in the MEAM1 populations reared on each host plant tested. The results indicate that B. tabaci contained the primary symbiont Portiera and the secondary symbionts Hamiltonella and Rickettsia. In addition, the titer of endosymbiotic bacteria in females is higher than that in males. Among the MEAM1 populations reared on each host plant, the variation pattern of Portiera titer generally corresponded with changes in biological characteristics (body length, weight and fecundity) and AA contents. This suggests that changes in the amino acid contents and biological characteristics of different B. tabaci populations may be due to changes in the Portiera content and the differences in the nutrition of the host plants themselves. Our findings were further confirmed by the reduction in Portiera with antibiotic treatment. The amino acids, body size, body weight, and fecundity of B. tabaci were all reduced with the decrease in the Portiera titer after antibiotic treatment. In summary, our research revealed that host plants can affect the content of symbiotic bacteria, particularly Portiera, and subsequently affect the nutrition (i.e., the essential amino acids content) of host insects, thus changing their biological characteristics.},
}
@article {pmid40731992,
year = {2025},
author = {Borza, T and Lumactud, RA and Shim, SY and Al-Mughrabi, K and Prithiviraj, B},
title = {Microbial Community Composition Associated with Potato Plants Displaying Early Dying Syndrome.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40731992},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {no number//New Brunswick Department Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries through Enabling Agricultural Research and Innovation program under Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership/ ; },
abstract = {Potato early dying disease complex (PED) leads to premature senescence and rapid decline in potato plants. Unlike potato wilt caused solely by Verticillium species, PED symptoms are more severe due to the synergistic effects of multiple pathogens, including root-lesion nematodes, fungi such as Colletotrichum and Fusarium, and soft-rot bacteria. To investigate the microbiome responsible for PED, soil and stem samples from healthy-looking and symptomatic plants were analyzed using amplicon-targeted next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq and PacBio technologies). Samples were collected from four locations in New Brunswick, Canada from fields previously rotated with barley or oat. Comparative analysis of the bacterial, fungal, and eukaryotic diversity in soil samples showed minimal differences, with only bacterial alpha diversity influenced by the plant health status. Verticillium dahliae was abundant in all soil samples, and its abundance was significantly higher in the stems of diseased plants. Additional fungal species implicated in PED, including Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Colletotrichum coccodes, Botrytis sp., and Alternaria alternata, were also identified in the stems. This study highlights the complex, plant-associated microbial interactions underlying PED and provides a foundation for microbiome-informed disease management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid40736175,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, Q and Wei, Z and Pang, J and Qudsi, AI and Wei, M and Zhang, Z and Zhang, Y and Wang, Z and Chen, K and Xu, X and Lu, X and Liang, Q},
title = {Achromobacter in the Conjunctival Sac Microbiota: Potential Association With Acanthamoeba Keratitis Related to Orthokeratology Lenses.},
journal = {Investigative ophthalmology &amp; visual science},
volume = {66},
number = {9},
pages = {71},
pmid = {40736175},
issn = {1552-5783},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; *Microbiota ; *Acanthamoeba Keratitis/microbiology/etiology ; *Conjunctiva/microbiology ; Adult ; *Achromobacter/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/physiology ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Orthokeratologic Procedures/adverse effects/instrumentation ; Acanthamoeba ; *Contact Lenses/adverse effects ; Young Adult ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/analysis ; Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Middle Aged ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe infection linked to orthokeratology lens use, whereas the involvement of conjunctival microbiota in AK remains poorly understood. This study investigates microbiota dysbiosis in AK pathogenesis to inform microbiota-based interventions.<br><br>METHODS: Conjunctival swabs from 14 patients with AK and 10 healthy controls underwent 16S rRNA sequencing. Microbiome analysis compared diversity, taxa, and metabolic pathways. Functional assays quantified Achromobacter-enhanced Acanthamoeba adhesion and migration. Metagenomics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with species-specific probes confirmed endosymbiosis.<br><br>RESULTS: Patients with AK showed reduced bacterial diversity compared with the healthy controls (P < 0.001) but similar richness. Relative abundance of Achromobacter in the AK group was higher compared to the healthy control group (P < 0.001). Achromobacter dominated microbiota among the AK group, being identified as a key biomarker via the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). In vitro, Achromobacter increased Acanthamoeba adhesion (P = 0.007) and the migration area (P < 0.05). Metagenomic analysis and FISH further showed Achromobacter spp. as potential endosymbionts of Acanthamoeba. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed upregulated phenylalanine, fatty acid, and propanoate metabolism in the AK group (all P < 0.001). MetaCyc highlighted enriched pyruvate fermentation to isobutanol, aerobic respiration I, and L-isoleucine biosynthesis II in the AK group (P < 0.001).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: AK-associated conjunctival dysbiosis features Achromobacter dominance, reduced diversity, and altered metabolism. Achromobacter is associated with enhanced adhesion and migration of Acanthamoeba, indicating a possible symbiotic interaction and its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.},
}
@article {pmid40739183,
year = {2025},
author = {Hirunkanokpun, S and Ahantarig, A and Baimai, V and Pramual, P and Rakthong, P and Trinachartvanit, W},
title = {Two novel rickettsiae (Candidatus Rickettsia isanensis and Candidatus Rickettsia ranongensis) and co-detections of bacteria and protozoa in Amblyomma ticks of reptiles from Thailand.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {463},
pmid = {40739183},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {DBG6180027//Thailand Research Fund-Chinese Academy of Science Grant/ ; BDC-PG3-163005//Center of Excellence on Biodiversity, Office of Higher Education Commission/ ; BDC-PG3-163005//Center of Excellence on Biodiversity, Office of Higher Education Commission/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Thailand ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; *Amblyomma/microbiology/parasitology ; *Reptiles/parasitology/microbiology ; Anaplasma/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Eucoccidiida/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; Francisella/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; Borrelia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites of considerable medical and veterinary importance, primarily due to their role in transmitting zoonotic pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, to humans and animals. This study investigates the molecular prevalence of microorganisms in reptile-associated ticks, evaluates their potential as vectors of human pathogens, and analyzes the phylogenetic relationships of the detected microorganisms.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 133 ticks from twelve reptile hosts in Thailand were identified as Amblyomma varanense (60.9%), A. helvolum (35.3%), and A. pattoni (3.8%). Molecular analysis detected five microorganisms: Rickettsia spp. (17.3%), Francisella sp. (4.5%), Borrelia sp. (1.5%), Anaplasma sp. (0.8%), and Hepatozoon sp. (5.3%). Two putative novel spotted fever group rickettsiae, "Candidatus Rickettsia isanensis" and "Candidatus Rickettsia ranongensis", were identified in northeastern and southern regions, respectively. Borrelia sp. in A. varanense was closely related to the reptile-associated group, and Francisella-like endosymbionts showed high similarity to strains previously found in Thai reptile ticks. Anaplasma sp. in A. varanense was genetically similar to a strain from Asian water monitor blood, while Hepatozoon sp. in A. helvolum was related to species from Indochinese rat and Asiatic water snakes. Co-detections involving two microorganisms occurred in 0.8-3.0% of ticks, with one case of triple detection.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We report three reptile tick species harboring microorganisms from four bacterial genera and one protozoan genus, with variable prevalence rates. Two putative novel species of spotted fever group rickettsiae (Ca. Rickettsia isanensis and Ca. Rickettsia ranongensis) were identified. Notably, A. pattoni was documented parasitizing the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) for the first time in Thailand. These findings enhance our understanding of tick and tick-borne pathogen diversity, host-vector relationships, and offer valuable information for managing vector-borne zoonotic risks in the region.},
}
@article {pmid40766464,
year = {2025},
author = {Holland, M and Ahmed, M and Young, JM and McFadyen, S and Drurey, JR and Ostrowski, EA and Levin, TC},
title = {Hypermutable hotspot enables the rapid evolution of self/non-self recognition genes in Dictyostelium.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40766464},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R01 GM074108/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM150681/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Cells require highly polymorphic receptors to perform accurate self/non-self recognition. In the amoeba Dicytostelium discoideum, polymorphic TgrB1 &amp; TgrC1 proteins are used to bind sister cells and exclude cheaters, but it remains unknown how cells continually generate this extreme genetic diversity. Here, we created a collection of chromosome-length, whole genome sequences from 10 Dictyostelium discoideum isolates and sister species to understand the evolution of the large tgr gene family. Our dataset includes AX2-214, a widely used D. discoideum lab strain, as well as complete genomes for two Chlamydia-like endosymbionts harbored within amoebae. We find that tgrB1 and C1 lie in a hypermutational hotspot, with haplotypes that undergo repeated intralocus recombination, duplications, transpositions, and inversions. These structural dynamics are highly localized adjacent to tgrB and C, resulting in the gain and loss of dozens of genes. The tgrBC genes themselves frequently duplicate and recombine, leading to the rapid generation of unique tgrBC repertoires. In the broader tgr gene family, some genes (e.g. tgrN) are single copy and syntenic across all the genomes, whereas others (e.g. tgrA) prolifically duplicate at similar rates to Dictyostelium transposons. Thus, the tgr genes are among the most rapidly evolving families genome-wide. We propose that the intense diversification within the tgrBC locus can help explain how these genes acquire such extreme levels of polymorphism, with parallels to the MHC immune genes in mammals and other allorecognition systems. This collection of amoeba genomes is also an ideal dataset for comparative genomics and molecular evolution in Amoebozoa.},
}
@article {pmid40770271,
year = {2025},
author = {Otieno, FG and Barreaux, P and Belvinos, AS and Makhulu, EE and Onchuru, TO and Wairimu, AW and Omboye, SM and King'ori, CN and Sokame, BM and Nyamache, AK and Herren, JK},
title = {The dissemination potential of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes is modulated by temperature.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {28839},
pmid = {40770271},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {INV0225840//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; SYMBIOVECTOR//Open Philanthropy/ ; SMBV-FFT//Children's Investment Fund Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/microbiology/parasitology/growth &amp; development ; *Temperature ; *Microsporidia/physiology ; Larva/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/parasitology ; Malaria/transmission/prevention &amp; control ; },
abstract = {Microsporidia MB, a vertically transmitted endosymbiont of Anopheles mosquitoes, shows strong potential as a malaria control agent due to its ability to inhibit Plasmodium development within the mosquito host. To support its deployment in malaria transmission reduction strategies, it is critical to understand how environmental factors, particularly temperature, influence its infection dynamics. In this study, we investigated the impact of four temperature regimes (22 °C, 27 °C, 32 °C, and 37 °C) on Microsporidia MB prevalence and infection intensity by rearing mosquito larvae under controlled laboratory conditions. Our results demonstrate that elevated temperatures, especially 32 °C, significantly enhance both larval growth and Microsporidia MB infection rates. Population growth modeling further indicates that at 32 °C, an infected mosquito population can reach 1000 offspring within 15-35 days, representing a 4.7-, 1.3-, and 1.7-fold increase in dissemination potential compared to 22 °C, 27 °C, and 37 °C, respectively. Although mortality at 32 °C was approximately 20% higher than at 27 °C, this temperature emerged as the most favorable for mass-rearing Microsporidia MB-infected larvae. These findings provide the first insights into temperature-mediated dynamics of Microsporidia MB and support its potential for scalable implementation in malaria-endemic regions.},
}
@article {pmid40770786,
year = {2025},
author = {Galambos, N and Parisot, N and Vallier, A and Bevilacqua, C and Balmand, S and Vincent-Monégat, C and Rebollo, R and Gillet, B and Hughes, S and Heddi, A and Zaidman-Rémy, A},
title = {Dual-transcriptomics on microdissected cells reveals functional specialisation of symbiont-bearing-cells and contrasted responses to nutritional stress in the cereal weevil.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {182},
pmid = {40770786},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Weevils/microbiology/genetics/physiology/metabolism ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism/isolation &amp; purification ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Transcriptome ; Stress, Physiological ; Laser Capture Microdissection ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Insects thriving on a nutritionally imbalanced diet often establish long-term relationships with intracellular symbiotic bacteria (endosymbionts), which complement their nutritional needs and improve their physiological performances. Endosymbionts are in host specialised cells, called the bacteriocytes, which in many insects group together to form a symbiotic organ, the bacteriome. The cereal weevil Sitophilus oryzae houses multiple bacteriomes at the adult mesenteric caeca.<br><br>RESULTS: Using microscopic cell imaging, we revealed that bacteriomes consist of several cell types, including progenitor cells, peripheral bacteriocytes, central bacteriocytes and epithelial cells. By combining laser capture microdissection and dual RNA-sequencing, we showed that both host cell types and their associated endosymbionts express distinct transcriptional profiles. The comparison between peripheral bacteriocytes and midgut cells from insects artificially deprived from endosymbionts (aposymbiotic) unravelled cellular pathways modulated by the presence of endosymbionts. The cell-specific response to endosymbionts in peripheral bacteriocytes includes a boost of fatty-acid and amino acid metabolisms. We found that central bacteriocytes overexpress transport and G-protein signalling-related genes when compared to peripheral bacteriocytes, indicating a signalling and/or transport function of these cells. Diet composition strongly impacts host and endosymbiont gene expression and reveals a molecular trade-off among metabolic pathways.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence on how endosymbionts interfere and enhance metabolic performances of insect bacteriocytes and highlights key genes involved in the bacteriocyte differentiation and metabolic pathways. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid40774611,
year = {2025},
author = {Mohammadi, MR and Moradkasani, S and Latifian, M and Esmaeili, S},
title = {Coxiella burnetii: Emerging threats, molecular insights, and advances in diagnosis and control measures.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {237},
number = {},
pages = {107213},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2025.107213},
pmid = {40774611},
issn = {1872-8359},
mesh = {*Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification/pathogenicity ; *Q Fever/diagnosis/prevention &amp; control/microbiology/epidemiology/transmission ; Animals ; Humans ; Disease Reservoirs/microbiology ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Zoonoses/microbiology/diagnosis/prevention &amp; control ; Ticks/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacterium and causative agent of Q fever, is a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen with a complex transmission cycle involving livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats), diverse terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, arthropod vectors (ticks and fleas), and resilient environmental reservoirs, such as free-living amoebae. Humans are mainly infected by inhaling contaminated aerosols, especially during parturition. This review offers an integrative synthesis of current research across six key domains: ecological reservoirs, diagnostic strategies, molecular epidemiology, therapeutic challenges, vaccine development, and the One Health approach. We first examined emerging insights into host and vector diversity, including underexplored aquatic and semi-aquatic species, and environmental factors sustaining endemicity. We then assessed recent diagnostic innovations, such as multiplex and digital PCR, LAMP, metagenomic sequencing, and immunohistochemistry, alongside conventional serological tools, such as ELISA and IFA. Given the taxonomic complexity introduced by genetically related Coxiella-like endosymbionts, we highlight the necessity of high-resolution molecular typing platforms, such as MLVA, MST, and SNP analysis, for accurate strain discrimination. In clinical and environmental contexts, sample matrices now include blood, milk, feces, urine, respiratory secretions, and ectoparasites, enabling more sensitive surveillance. Despite this progress, Q fever control remains challenging because of nonspecific symptoms, diagnostic delays, chronic complications, and reliance on prolonged antibiotic therapy. Advances in antimicrobial testing and evolving vaccine strategies offer hope; however, durable cross-strain protection remains elusive. Adopting a One Health approach, this review highlights the key knowledge gaps and strategic priorities for reducing the global burden of C. burnetii across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.},
}
@article {pmid40777272,
year = {2025},
author = {Berardi, L and Colvin, A and West, M and Odorizzi, G and Starai, VJ},
title = {Wbm0152, an outer membrane lipoprotein of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi, inhibits yeast ESCRT complex activity.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40777272},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R21 AI171573/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM149202/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Human pathogenic filarial nematodes of the family Onchocercidae, including Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus, cause debilitating filarial diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and river blindness. These mosquito-borne pathogens are obligately colonized by the gram-negative intracellular alphaproteobacterium, Wolbachia pipientis, which is essential for nematode sexual reproduction, long-term survival, and pathogenicity in the mammalian host. Like many intracellular bacteria, Wolbachia likely uses numerous surface-exposed and secreted effector proteins to regulate its ability to persist and replicate within nematode host cells. However, due to the inability to cultivate Wolbachia in the laboratory and the genetic intractability of both filarial nematodes and the bacterium, the molecular underpinnings that define the bacterium:nematode relationship are almost completely unknown. In this work, we show that the expression of a Wolbachia outer membrane lipoprotein, wBm0152, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae inhibits the activity of the conserved Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) complex and strongly disrupts endosomal maturation, leading to defects in ubiquitylated protein turnover. Using in vivo bimolecular fluorescence complementation, we find that Wbm0152 interacts with the Vps2p subunit of the ESCRT-III subcomplex as well as the Vps2p ortholog (BmVps2, Bm6583b) from a Wolbachia host nematode, Brugia malayi. These data suggest a novel role of ESCRT in Wolbachia persistence providing insight into the elusive relationship between these two organisms.},
}
@article {pmid40788126,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, H and Li, J and Li, C and Jiang, L and Qiao, G and Chen, J},
title = {Draft genome sequence of the obligate bacterial endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola of the aphid Uroleucon formosanum.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {e0044925},
pmid = {40788126},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {The genome of the obligate bacterial endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola from the aphid Uroleucon formosanum was sequenced and assembled using Illumina paired-end sequencing. Genomic functional analysis revealed that B. aphidicola can assist its host in counteracting oxidative stress induced by plant-derived sesquiterpene lactones.},
}
@article {pmid40791505,
year = {2025},
author = {Tobiasson, V and Luo, J and Wolf, YI and Koonin, EV},
title = {Dominant contribution of Asgard archaea to eukaryogenesis.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40791505},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {The origin of eukaryotes is one of the key problems in evolutionary biology [1,2]. The demonstration that the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA) already contained the mitochondrion, an endosymbiotic organelle derived from an alphaproteobacterium, and the discovery of Asgard archaea, the closest archaeal relatives of eukaryotes [3-7], inform and constrain evolutionary scenarios of eukaryogenesis [8]. We undertook a comprehensive analysis of the origins of core eukaryotic genes tracing to the LECA within a rigorous statistical framework centered around evolutionary hypotheses testing using constrained phylogenetic trees. The results reveal dominant contributions of Asgard archaea to the origin of most of the conserved eukaryotic functional systems and pathways. A limited contribution from Alphaproteobacteria was identified, primarily relating to the energy transformation systems and Fe-S cluster biogenesis, whereas ancestry from other bacterial phyla was scattered across the eukaryotic functional landscape, without clear consistent trends. These findings suggest a model of eukaryogenesis in which key features of eukaryotic cell organization evolved in the Asgard lineage leading to the LECA, followed by the capture of the Alphaproteobacterial endosymbiont, and augmented by numerous but sporadic horizontal acquisition of genes from other bacteria both before and after endosymbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid40793793,
year = {2025},
author = {Tamre, E and Fournier, G},
title = {Recent origin of iron oxidation in extant microbial groups and low clade fidelity of iron metabolisms.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {91},
number = {9},
pages = {e0166224},
pmid = {40793793},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {339603//Simons Foundation Collaboration on the Origins of Life/ ; },
mesh = {Oxidation-Reduction ; *Iron/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; *Bacteria/metabolism/genetics/classification ; Animals ; Bivalvia/microbiology ; Biological Evolution ; *Gammaproteobacteria/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Reduced iron was abundant in Earth's surface environments before their oxygenation, so iron oxidation could have been a common metabolism on the early Earth. Consequently, modern microbial iron oxidation is sometimes seen as a holdover from an earlier biosphere, but the continuity of involved lineages or the metabolic process itself has not been verified. Modern neutrophilic iron oxidizers use cytochrome-porin Cyc2 as the initial electron acceptor in iron oxidation. With the protein as a proxy for the metabolism, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of Cyc2 to understand the evolutionary history of this microbial iron oxidation pathway. In addition to known iron oxidizers, we identified Cyc2 orthologs in gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts of lucinid bivalves. These bivalves have a robust fossil record and rely on seagrass meadows that only appear in the Cretaceous, providing a valuable time calibration in the evolutionary history of Cyc2. Our molecular clock analysis shows that extant sampled Cyc2 diversity has surprisingly recent common ancestry, and iron oxidation metabolisms in Gallionellaceae, Zetaproteobacteria, and photoferrotrophic Chlorobi likely originated in the Neoproterozoic or the Phanerozoic via multiple transfer events. The groups responsible for microbial iron oxidation have thus changed over Earth history, possibly reflecting the instability of niches with sufficient reduced iron. We note that frequent transfer and changing taxonomic distribution may be a general pattern for traits which are selected sporadically across space and time. Based on iron metabolism and other processes, we explore this concept of a trait's "clade fidelity" (or lack thereof) and establish its evolutionary importance.IMPORTANCEBacteria can oxidize iron to produce energy. As there was plenty of reduced iron available on the early Earth and there is only a little today, it was sometimes thought that bacteria that oxidize iron today are a small remnant of a larger group that used to do it. We studied the evolutionary history of the iron oxidation pathway that modern bacteria use, and we found that they developed that pathway relatively recently: whatever did it in the past is no longer around today. It would probably be hard for any group of organisms to keep doing iron oxidation over billions of years since iron availability is so variable: they are likely to go extinct or lose this ability at some point. We suggest this as a general trend in evolution that traits which are only sporadically useful are commonly lost-and then re-invented or re-distributed-or the trait will go extinct.},
}
@article {pmid40794833,
year = {2025},
author = {Frail, S and Steele-Ogus, M and Doenier, J and Moulin, SLY and Braukmann, T and Xu, S and Yeh, E},
title = {Genomes of nitrogen-fixing eukaryotes reveal an alternate path for organellogenesis.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {33},
pages = {e2507237122},
pmid = {40794833},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {T32 GM007276/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; NA//Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI)/ ; S10 OD030441/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; NA//Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF)/ ; T32GM007276//HHS | NIH (NIH)/ ; T32 AI007328/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; 5T32AI007328-32//HHS | NIH (NIH)/ ; },
mesh = {Biological Evolution ; *Diatoms/genetics ; *Genome, Plastid ; Multigene Family ; Nitrogen Fixation ; *Organelle Biogenesis ; Origin of Life ; Proteome ; *Symbiosis ; *Transformation, Genetic ; Cyanobacteria/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic gene transfer (EGT) and import of host-encoded proteins have been considered hallmarks of organelles necessary for stable integration of two cells. However, newer endosymbiotic models have challenged the origin and timing of such genetic integration during organellogenesis. Epithemia diatoms contain diazoplasts, obligate endosymbionts derived from cyanobacteria that are closely phylogenetically related to UCYN-A, a recently described nitrogen-fixing organelle. Diazoplasts function as permanent membrane compartments in Epithemia hosts, but it is unknown if genetic integration has occurred. We report genomic analyses of two Epithemia diatom species, freshwater Epithemia clementina and marine E. pelagica, which are highly divergent but share a common ancestor at the origin of the endosymbiosis <35Mya. We find minimal evidence for genetic integration. Segments of fragmented and rearranged DNA from the diazoplast were detected integrated into the E. clementina nuclear genome, but the transfers that have occurred so far are nonfunctional. No DNA or gene transfers were detected in E. pelagica. In E. clementina, 6 host-encoded proteins of unknown function were identified in the diazoplast proteome, far fewer than detected in recently acquired endosymbiotic organelles. Overall, Epithemia diazoplasts are a valuable counterpoint to existing organelle models, demonstrating that endosymbionts can function as integral compartments-maintained over millions of years of host speciation-absent significant genetic integration. The minimal genetic integration makes diazoplasts valuable blueprints for bioengineering endosymbiotic compartments de novo.},
}
@article {pmid40796904,
year = {2025},
author = {Nowak, KH and Hartop, E and Prus-Frankowska, M and Buczek, M and Kolasa, MR and Roslin, T and Ovaskainen, O and Łukasik, P},
title = {What lurks in the dark? An innovative framework for studying diverse wild insect microbiota.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {186},
pmid = {40796904},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Animals ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Diptera/microbiology/classification ; Host Microbial Interactions ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbiotic microorganisms can profoundly impact insect biology, including their life history traits, population dynamics, and evolutionary trajectories. However, microbiota remain poorly understood in natural insect communities, especially in 'dark taxa'-hyperdiverse yet understudied clades.<br><br>RESULTS: Here, we implemented a novel multi-target amplicon sequencing approach to study microbiota in complex, species-rich communities. It combines four methodological innovations: (1) To establish a host taxonomic framework, we sequenced amplicons of the host marker gene (COI) and reconstructed barcodes alongside microbiota characterisation using 16S-V4 rRNA bacterial gene amplicons. (2) To assess microbiota abundance, we incorporated spike-in-based quantification. (3) To improve the phylogenetic resolution for the dominant endosymbiont, Wolbachia, we analysed bycatch data from the COI amplicon sequencing. (4) To investigate the primary drivers of host-microbe associations in massive multi-dimensional datasets, we performed Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities (HMSC). Applying this approach to 1842 wild-caught scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae) from northern Sweden, we organised them into 480 genotypes and 186 species and gained unprecedented insights into their microbiota. We found orders-of-magnitude differences in bacterial abundance and massive within-population variation in microbiota composition. Patterns and drivers differed among microbial functional categories: the distribution and abundance of facultative endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma) were shaped by host species, genotype, and sex. In contrast, many other bacterial taxa were broadly distributed across species and sites.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights facultative endosymbionts as key players in insect microbiota and reveals striking variations in distributional patterns of microbial clades. It also demonstrates the power of integrative sequencing approaches in uncovering the ecological complexity and significance of symbiotic microorganisms in multi-species natural communities. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid40804293,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, M and Zhai, R and Niu, G and Chen, J and Tan, B and Wu, D and Meng, G and Wei, M},
title = {Telomere-to-telomere genome assembly uncovers Wolbachia-driven recurrent male bottleneck effect and selection in a sawfly.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {1211},
pmid = {40804293},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {20232BAB215017//Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province (Jiangxi Province Natural Science Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; Animals ; Male ; *Telomere/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Female ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium, profoundly impacts insect hosts by distorting reproduction and population dynamics. Despite extensive laboratory research, its long-term effects on host evolution in nature remain poorly understood, especially the genomic consequences linked to disruptions in sex determination and reproductive processes. We present the first telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly of the sawfly Analcellicampa danfengensis and the complete genome of its symbiotic Wolbachia. Comparative population genomics across six Analcellicampa species revealed that Wolbachia-infected populations show starkly different demographic signals. While uninfected populations show similar demographic signals for both sexes, infected populations exhibit a lower apparent effective population size (Ne) in males, which may reflect a recurrent male bottleneck effect driven by Wolbachia-induced male scarcity. Genomic scans identified positively selected genes associated with reproductive functions, sensory perception, neural development, and longevity, suggesting that Wolbachia likely manipulates critical host pathways to promote its transmission. These findings provide direct genomic insights into Wolbachia as an evolutionary force, highlighting specific host genes and regions under selection resulting from these altered evolutionary dynamics. This work provides deeper insights into host-endosymbiont coevolution and has important implications for evolutionary theory and pest management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid40804622,
year = {2025},
author = {Tamuton, ACM and Mfopit, YM and Yusuf, AB and Mahbou, PY and Gouegni, EF and Amos, GA and Mamman, M and Adamu, A and Chechet, GD and Kabir, J},
title = {Spiroplasma, Wolbachia, Sodalis and trypanosome associations in Glossina Tachinoides from Yankari game reserve, Nigeria.},
journal = {BMC veterinary research},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {514},
pmid = {40804622},
issn = {1746-6148},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tsetse Flies/microbiology/parasitology ; *Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/physiology/genetics ; *Trypanosoma/isolation &amp; purification ; Nigeria/epidemiology ; *Spiroplasma/isolation &amp; purification ; *Enterobacteriaceae/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Insect Vectors/microbiology/parasitology ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies are vectors of African trypanosomiasis, a disease that affects both humans and animals. Trypanosomiasis remains a threat to lives and it is an impediment to socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. In spite of decades of chemotherapy and vector control, the disease has not been eradicated. Parasitic drug resistance has been developed to existing drugs, while vector control strategies are expensive and unsustainable. Therefore, there is a need to explore other control approaches, such as the transformation of tsetse fly endosymbionts to render the fly refractory to trypanosome infection. This research focused on investigating the prevalence and triparty association of infection of trypanosomes with some endosymbionts of tsetse flies from Yankari Game Reserve.<br><br>METHODS: Tsetse flies were captured using biconical traps, identified morphologically, dissected and their entire guts were isolated and used for DNA extraction. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used in confirming the identity of the tsetse flies by amplifying the cytochrome C oxidase-1 gene. PCR was also used to screen for the presence of endosymbionts (Sodalis glossinidius, Wolbachia, and Spiroplasma sp.) and trypanosomes.<br><br>RESULTS: Glossina tachinoides was the only vector species identified. Trypanosome infection rate was 10.70% with Trypanosoma grayi being the most prevalent (9.78%) amongst the three trypanosome species detected. The prevalence of Wolbachia and Spiroplasma species were 2.80% and 40.8% respectively in flies. Sodalis glossinidius was not detected. There was an association between the presence of trypanosomes and Wolbachia, while no association was depicted between trypanosomes and Spiroplasma.<br><br>CONCLUSION: It has been observed from this study that the presence of Wolbachia seems to favour trypanosome infections. Investigation on the Wolbachia genetic polymorphism in tsetse could help to better understand this association.},
}
@article {pmid40808288,
year = {2025},
author = {Rahimpour, H and Talebi, AA and Raz, A and Azarbad, H and Mehrabadi, M},
title = {Geographic variation and diversity of bacterial endosymbionts in Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, from Iran.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {12},
pages = {7919-7927},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70100},
pmid = {40808288},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Iran National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacteria/classification/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Iran ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Nymph/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; *Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Asian citrus psylla (ACP, Diaphorina citri), a destructive insect, poses a significant threat to citrus industries worldwide. As the primary vector of huanglongbing (HLB), ACP infestations have caused devastating economic losses and declines in citrus production across many regions. Despite the role of endosymbionts in psyllid biology and HLB transmission, their geographic distribution in Iran remains uncharacterized. In this study, the composition of bacterial endosymbiont communities associated with ACP was examined across four geographic regions in Iran (Sarbaz, Roudan, Faryab, and Jahrom).<br><br>RESULTS: Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), the presence and abundance of bacterial endosymbionts, including Carsonella, Profftella, and Wolbachia, were confirmed in both nymphal and adult stages of this insect across all populations. Other bacteria, such as Diplorickettsia, Hamiltonella, and Lactobacillus, were identified only in certain populations. Phylogenetic analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and heatmap clustering highlighted geographical variation in the abundance and diversity of endosymbionts, with the Jahrom population exhibited considerable geographical variation than other regions.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results revealed significant geographic variation in the prevalence of key bacterial taxa, including Wolbachia and Carsonella. In addition, we report for the first time the presence of Hamiltonella defensa and Diplorickettsia in this insect vector, offering potential targets for microbiome-based pest control strategies tailored to local ACP populations. These findings underscore the importance of understanding how endosymbionts shape ACP biology and its ability to transmit pathogens, and they highlight the potential for innovative pest control approaches, such as manipulating symbiont populations to reduce ACP fitness or disease transmission. &#xa9; 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid40808305,
year = {2025},
author = {Merk, LN and Jones, TA and Eddy, SR},
title = {Presence of group II introns in phage genomes.},
journal = {Nucleic acids research},
volume = {53},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {40808305},
issn = {1362-4962},
support = {/HHMI/Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; DGE 2140743//National Science Foundation/ ; T32GM008313//Harvard Molecular Biophysics/ ; R01-HG009116//National Institute of Health/ ; R01 HG009116/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM008313/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Introns ; *Genome, Viral ; *Bacteriophages/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; Nucleic Acid Conformation ; RNA, Viral/chemistry/genetics ; },
abstract = {Although bacteriophage genomes are under strong selective pressure for high coding density, they are still frequently invaded by mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Group II introns are MGEs that reduce host burden by autocatalytically splicing out of an RNA precursor. While widely known in bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic organellar genomes, group II introns have been considered absent in phage. Identifying group II introns in genome sequences has previously been challenging because of their lack of primary sequence similarity. Advances in RNA structure-based homology searches using covariance models has provided the ability to identify the conserved secondary structures of group II introns. Here, we discover that group II introns are widely found in phages from diverse phylogenetic backgrounds, from endosymbiont phage to jumbophage.},
}
@article {pmid40809050,
year = {2025},
author = {Crane, YM and Crane, CF and Webb, C and Schemerhorn, BJ},
title = {Biotype and host relatedness influence the composition of bacterial microbiomes in Schizaphis graminum aphids.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1614492},
pmid = {40809050},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The microbiome of greenbug aphid (Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)) was investigated in regard to greenbug biotype, collection date, host species, and host cultivar.<br><br>METHODS: DNA samples were collected from biotypes E and K feeding on 17 cultivars belonging to five host plant species, namely wheat, barley, rye, sorghum, and the goatgrass Aegilops triuncialis. Samples were taken immediately before infestation and two, four, and eight days thereafter. The V5-V7 hypervariable region of 16S rDNA was PCR amplified, Illumina sequenced, and aligned to a curated database of bacterial 16S rDNA sequences.<br><br>RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The almost universal intracellular endosymbiont of aphids, Buchnera aphidicola, comprised 78.24 to 99.99% of the read counts among samples, largely because of its high copy number of genomes per bacteroid. Abundant non-Buchnera genera included Pseudomonas, Rhodanobacter, Massilia, and Enterobacter. Read counts of eight of 78 examined genera were more than 90% restricted to a single replicate of a single treatment. Shannon entropy was highest in biotype K and on the barley host, but it did not vary significantly among dates post infestation. Unweighted UniFrac distances most significantly varied with biotype, host plant species, infestation time, and almost all of their interactions. Weighted UniFrac and Jaccard distances varied less significantly. By counts of differentially populated genera, the factors biotype, host plant species, infestation time, and host plant resistance genes to greenbug, were consecutively less important. Functional analysis with PICRUSt2 illustrated a diminution of respiratory electron transport and long-chain fatty acids in the Buchnera endosymbiont, reflecting adaptation to an intracellular environment.},
}
@article {pmid40815476,
year = {2025},
author = {Papaleo, S and Panelli, S and Bitar, I and Sterzi, L and Nodari, R and Comandatore, F},
title = {Nucleotide composition shapes gene expression in Wolbachia pipientis: a role for MidA methyltransferase?.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {10},
number = {9},
pages = {e0077925},
pmid = {40815476},
issn = {2379-5077},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/metabolism ; *Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; *Nucleotides/genetics/metabolism ; *Methyltransferases/genetics/metabolism ; DNA Methylation ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Wolbachia pipientis is an obligate intracellular bacterium, associated with several arthropods and filarial nematodes. Wolbachia establishes a variety of symbiotic relationships with its hosts, with consequent genomic rearrangements, variation in gene content, and loss of regulatory regions. Despite this, experimental studies show that Wolbachia gene expression is coordinated with host developmental stages, but the mechanism is still unknown. In this work, we analyzed published RNA-seq data of four Wolbachia strains, finding a correlation between gene nucleotide composition and gene expression. The strength and direction of this phenomenon changed with the expression of the S-adenosyl-methionine-dependent methyltransferase midA. Specifically, when midA is overexpressed, there is a negative relationship between gene adenine content and gene expression, while downregulation of midA reverses this trend. MidA is known to methylate protein arginine, with potential effect on protein affinity for substrates, including nucleic acids. To expand our understanding of this poorly characterized enzyme, we investigated its ability to methylate DNA expressing it in Escherichia coli. The experiment revealed that the Wolbachia MidA can methylate both adenine and cytosine. Lastly, we found upstream the midA gene, a conserved binding site for the Ccka/CtrA signaling transduction system, and we hypothesize that this mechanism could be involved in the communication between the host and the bacterium. Overall, these findings suggest a cascade mechanism in which the host activates the bacterium Ccka/CtrA signaling system, thus inducing the expression of the midA gene, with subsequent effect on the expression of several Wolbachia genes on the basis of their nucleotide composition.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Wolbachia pipientis is one of the most common intracellular bacteria in insects, and it is currently utilized as a tool for the control of vector-borne diseases. As for many other endosymbiont bacteria, Wolbachia experienced important genome rearrangements, gene content changes, and the loss of several regulatory sequences, affecting the integrity of operons and promoters. Nevertheless, experimental studies have shown that Wolbachia gene expression is coordinated with the host physiology (e.g., developmental stages), although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this work, based on in silico analyses and an experimental study on wOo methyltransferase, we propose that bacterial DNA methylation could be a key mechanism regulating Wolbachia gene expression. Additionally, we found evidence suggesting that the DNA methylation process in Wolbachia can be activated by the host.},
}
@article {pmid40817345,
year = {2025},
author = {Grillo, AC and Simancas-Giraldo, SM and Steinel, N and Longhini, CM and Soares, MO and Bejarano, S and Longo, GO},
title = {Ocean acidification and nitrate enrichment can mitigate negative effects of soft coral (Xenia) competition on hard coral (Stylophora pistillata) endosymbionts.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {29937},
pmid = {40817345},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology/growth &amp; development ; *Symbiosis ; *Nitrates/pharmacology ; *Seawater/chemistry ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Coral Reefs ; Photosynthesis ; Oceans and Seas ; Chlorophyll A/metabolism ; Ocean Acidification ; },
abstract = {The combination of ocean acidification (OA) and eutrophication can undermine the physiological performance of reef-building corals during competition for benthic space, leading to shifts towards non-accreting organisms like soft corals. We conducted a 28-day laboratory orthogonal experiment to test if acidification (950 µatm pCO2) and moderate to high nitrate enrichment (4 and 8 µmolL[-1]) negatively affect the hard coral Stylophora pistillata while physically competing with the soft coral Xenia spp. We measured photosynthetic efficiency (PE) in hard corals and growth rate, Symbiodiniaceae density, and chlorophyll-a concentration in both hard and soft corals as proxies for their condition and responses to competition. Competition with the soft coral reduced PE, Symbiodiniaceae and chlorophyll-a contents of S. pistillata, while acidification alone and coupled with nitrate enrichment mitigated endosymbiont responses. The growth and chlorophyll-a concentrations of Xenia spp. were decreased by competition, but the soft coral was consistently benefited under nitrate enrichment. These results highlight that competition alone has a stronger negative impact on hard corals than on soft corals. Our study provides experimental evidence on how OA and eutrophication interact and shape coral dynamics, an overlooked but urgent topic in predicting reef futures under environmental change.},
}
@article {pmid40822337,
year = {2025},
author = {Xin Yee Tan, K and Shigenobu, S},
title = {Targeted disruption of the cls gene in Buchnera aphidicola impairs membrane integrity and host symbiont dynamics.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {28},
number = {8},
pages = {113178},
pmid = {40822337},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {The obligate symbiosis between pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and Buchnera aphidicola represents metabolic interdependence between the host insect and its bacterial symbiont. Buchnera has a highly reduced genome that has lost nearly all phospholipid synthesis genes except cls, encoding a cardiolipin synthase homologue. We employed in vivo antisense, cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-conjugated synthetic peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to knock down cls in Buchnera. This intervention resulted in significant downregulation of cls expression, lowered Buchnera titers, pronounced morphological distortions, and reduced aphid reproduction. Notably, Buchnera cells were often detected in the aphid gut following anti-cls PNAs treatment, deviating from their typical intracellular niche within bacteriocytes. Collectively, the cls gene is critical for maintaining Buchnera integrity, proper cellular localization, and symbiont-host interactions. Given that the retention of cls is a common feature among many obligate endosymbionts despite massive gene loss, our findings offer key insights into the evolutionary principles shaping symbiotic relationships involving membrane biology.},
}
@article {pmid40822855,
year = {2025},
author = {Roman, FA and Byrne, T and Martin, RL and Mena-Aguilar, D and Smeltz, RE and Finkelstein, R and Pruden, A and Edwards, MA},
title = {Retrospective Analysis of Drinking Water Microcosm Microbiomes Reveals an Apparent Antagonistic Relationship between and.},
journal = {Environmental science &amp; technology letters},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {990-996},
pmid = {40822855},
issn = {2328-8930},
abstract = {(Lp) can sometimes establish in drinking water microbial communities and infect individuals inhaling contaminated aerosols. The premise plumbing portion of the drinking water distribution system is often especially vulnerable to Lp growth. Innovative approaches to intentionally manipulate the microbial ecology to control Lp have been proposed but remain elusive. Here, we retrospectively analyzed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences and droplet digital PCR data in samples derived from prior drinking water studies, wherein some inexplicable stochastic variations in the Lp occurrence were observed in replicate microcosms. We discovered an apparent antagonistic relationship between and . This relationship was noted across three water sources (Flint, Detroit, and Blacksburg) and was at least partially mediated by the presence of copper, through either copper pipes or a dosed range of 0-2000 μg/L total copper. The observations of this study, which was conducted under realistic drinking water conditions harboring mixed microbial communities, are consistent with recent pure culture studies reporting that amoebic uptake may be inhibited when are established as amoebal endosymbionts. The findings may help explain the apparent stochastic behavior of Lp in field and research settings and may open a door to new engineered ecological control strategies for Lp.},
}
@article {pmid40827214,
year = {2025},
author = {VanDieren, AJ and Barrick, JE},
title = {UltraCAST: A Flexible All-In-One Suicide Vector for Modifying Bacterial Genomes Using a CRISPR-Associated Transposon.},
journal = {microPublication biology},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40827214},
issn = {2578-9430},
abstract = {CRISPR-associated transposons (CASTs) are RNA-guided mobile genetic elements that are widespread in bacterial genomes. Here, we describe the UltraCAST, a suicide vector with the Vibrio cholerae Type I-F CAST system and Golden Gate assembly sites with fluorescent protein gene dropouts for guide RNA and a mini-transposon cargo cloning. We show an example of UltraCAST genome editing by disrupting a gene in the chromosome of Serratia symbiotica CWBI-2.3 [T] , a culturable relative of aphid endosymbionts. The UltraCAST can be used to flexibly insert DNA into specific genomic sites and facilitates testing this genome editing platform in non-model bacterial species that lack genetic tools.},
}
@article {pmid40828982,
year = {2025},
author = {Ryu, B and Avalon, NE and Cuau, M and Almaliti, J and Din, MO and Brennan, C and Glukhov, E and Knight, R and Gerwick, L and Gerwick, WH},
title = {Cyanobacteria Join the Kahalalide Conversation: Genome and Metabolite Evidence for Structurally Related Peptides.},
journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society},
volume = {147},
number = {35},
pages = {31800-31810},
pmid = {40828982},
issn = {1520-5126},
support = {F32 AT011475/AT/NCCIH NIH HHS/United States ; R01 GM107550/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AT013004/AT/NCCIH NIH HHS/United States ; U01 TW006634/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Cyanobacteria/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; *Depsipeptides/chemistry/metabolism ; Metabolomics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Molecular Structure ; },
abstract = {Kahalalide F is a cyclic depsipeptide with notable anticancer properties, initially discovered from the green alga Bryopsis sp. and its molluscan predator Elysia rufescens. Recent studies have pinpointed a bacterial endosymbiont of the green alga, Candidatus Endobryopsis kahalalidefaciens, as the true producer of kahalalide F. In the present work, we characterize a closely related kahalalide F analog, kahalalide Z5, from the marine cyanobacterium Limnoraphis sp. collected in the Las Perlas Islands, Panama, and propose the structures of several related compounds by detailed MS analysis. To uncover novel metabolites and prioritize them for targeted isolation from this organism, we employed a robust metabolomics strategy combining LC-MS/MS with SMART NMR and DeepSAT, artificial intelligence platforms trained to infer chemical structures from [1]H-[13]C HSQC NMR data. This integrated approach annotated a compound with structural similarities to kahalalide F, which we subsequently characterized using a suite of spectroscopic techniques and chemical degradation studies. Whole-genome sequencing of the producing strain further revealed a NRPS biosynthetic gene cluster that aligns with the structural features of kahalalide Z5. This study identifies the marine cyanobacterium Limnoraphis sp. as an independent source of kahalalide F-like molecules. This work broadens the phylogenetic spectrum of organisms capable of producing these bioactive compounds, reveals marine cyanobacteria as producers of an increased repertoire of unique natural products, and illustrates the potential of AI-enhanced metabolomic and genomic analyses to streamline the discovery and characterization of complex biomedically relevant natural products.},
}
@article {pmid40831140,
year = {2025},
author = {Renna, L and Papini, A and Mancuso, S and Brandizzi, F and Stefano, G},
title = {Plant plastids: from evolutionary origins to functional specialization and organelle interactions.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {77},
number = {1},
pages = {63-85},
pmid = {40831140},
issn = {1460-2431},
support = {//University of Florence/ ; PRIN2022//Ministero dell'Universit&#xe0; e della Ricerca/ ; 2022RYTHE3 to GS//Ministero dell'Universit&#xe0; e della Ricerca/ ; },
mesh = {*Plastids/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Biological Evolution ; Symbiosis ; *Plants/metabolism/genetics ; Organelles ; },
abstract = {Plastids are highly diverse organelles that play critical roles in supporting many forms of life on Earth. Among them, chloroplasts house the machinery for photosynthesis, providing phototrophic capabilities to eukaryotes such as plants, algae, and photosynthetic protists. The functions of plastids are indispensable for the survival and development of life, and they are widely recognized as endosymbiotic organelles with a single origin. They exhibit morphological diversity, tissue specificity, and the ability to adapt to specific cellular functions. Despite this level of understanding, significant questions remain unanswered, such as how genetic material from the endosymbiont was transferred and integrated into the host nucleus, the timeline for the full integration of the endosymbiont into the host cell, and the processes by which plastids specialized and adapted to various cell types. While plastids have unique features and specialized roles, they are neither autonomous nor physically isolated. Instead, they interact with other sub-cellular compartments through yet-to-be-characterized membrane domains or specialized structures. This review explores the origin and evolution of plastids, their protein-import machinery, compartmentalization, and interactions with other cellular compartments, and highlights key unanswered questions in these areas.},
}
@article {pmid40831189,
year = {2025},
author = {Piontkivska, D and Jorge, JMP and Mil-Homens, D and Martins, TM and Crespo, P and Morales, DP and Carvalho, D and Melo-Cristino, J and Sá-Leão, R and Goldman, GH and Silva Pereira, C},
title = {Hidden Allies: Decoding the Core Endohyphal Bacteriome of Aspergillus fumigatus.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {e70153},
pmid = {40831189},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {2023ARA0025//U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research Division,/ ; LANLF59T//U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research Division,/ ; Project N. 007317//Programa Operacional Regional de Lisboa 2020/ ; PPBI-POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022122//European Regional Development Fund/ ; LA/P/0087/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; LA/P/0140/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; PD/BD/138913/2018//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; PTDC/CTA-AMB/6587/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; UID/BIO/04565/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; UIDB/04612/2020, UIDP/04612/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; },
mesh = {*Aspergillus fumigatus/genetics/drug effects/physiology ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Hyphae ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; Virulence ; Spores, Fungal ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Bacterial-fungal interactions that influence the behaviour of one or both organisms are common in nature. Well-studied systems include endosymbiotic relationships that range from transient to long-term associations. Diverse endohyphal bacteria associate with fungal hosts, emphasising the need to better comprehend the fungal bacteriome. We evaluated the hypothesis that Aspergillus fumigatus harbours an endohyphal community of bacteria that influence the host phenotype. We analysed whether 38 A. fumigatus strains show stable association with diverse endohyphal bacteria; all derived from single-conidium cultures that were subjected to antibiotic and heat treatments. The fungal bacteriome, inferred through analysis of bacterial diversity within the fungal strains (short- and long- read sequencing methods), revealed the presence of core endohyphal bacterial genera. Microscopic analysis further confirmed the presence of endohyphal bacteria. The fungal strains exhibited high genetic diversity and phenotypic heterogeneity in drug susceptibility and in vivo virulence. No correlations were observed between genomic or functional traits and bacteriome diversity, but the abundance of some bacterial genera correlated with fungal virulence or posaconazole susceptibility. The observed endobacteriome may play functional roles, for example, nitrogen fixation. Our study emphasises the existence of complex interactions between fungi and endohyphal bacteria, possibly impacting the phenotype of the fungal host, including virulence.},
}
@article {pmid40831659,
year = {2025},
author = {Graham, JM and Klobusicky, J and Hague, MTJ},
title = {Stochastic Fluctuations of the Facultative Endosymbiont Wolbachia due to Finite Host Population Size.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e71989},
pmid = {40831659},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Many insects and other animals host heritable endosymbionts that alter host fitness and reproduction. The prevalence of facultative endosymbionts can fluctuate in host populations across time and geography for reasons that are poorly understood. This is particularly true for maternally transmitted Wolbachia bacteria, which infect roughly half of all insect species. For instance, the frequencies of several wMel-like Wolbachia, including wMel in host Drosophila melanogaster, fluctuate over time in certain host populations, but the specific conditions that generate temporal variation in Wolbachia prevalence are unresolved. We implemented a discrete generation model in the new R package symbiontmodeler to evaluate how finite-population stochasticity contributes to Wolbachia fluctuations over time in simulated host populations under a variety of conditions. Using empirical estimates from natural Wolbachia-Drosophila systems, we explored how stochasticity is determined by a broad range of factors, including host population size, maternal transmission rates, and Wolbachia effects on host fitness (modeled as fecundity) and reproduction (cytoplasmic incompatibility; CI). While stochasticity generally increases when host fitness benefits and CI are relaxed, we found that a decline in the maternal transmission rate had the strongest relative impact on increasing the size of fluctuations. We infer that non- or weak-CI-causing strains like wMel, which often show evidence of imperfect maternal transmission, tend to generate larger stochastic fluctuations compared to strains that cause strong CI, like wRi in D. simulans. Additional factors, such as fluctuating host fitness effects, are required to explain the largest examples of temporal variation in Wolbachia. The conditions we simulate here using symbiontmodeler serve as a jumping-off point for understanding drivers of temporal and spatial variation in the prevalence of Wolbachia, the most common endosymbionts found in nature.},
}
@article {pmid40831703,
year = {2025},
author = {Su, W and Gu, H and Zheng, J and Jia, H},
title = {A novel YGGT family protein is localized in the apicoplast and is essential for the organelle inheritance.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1642716},
pmid = {40831703},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Toxoplasma/genetics/growth &amp; development/metabolism ; *Apicoplasts/metabolism/genetics ; *Protozoan Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; Symbiosis ; Organelles/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite. Most apicomplexan parasites contain an endosymbiont-derived organelle called the apicoplast. This organelle is critical for the survival of parasites because it plays a role in several essential metabolic pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in maintaining the apicoplast have not been well understood. In this study, we investigated the function of an apicoplast-residing protein called TgYCAP in the inheritance of the apicoplast. Our results showed that conditional knockdown of TgYCAP severely inhibited the growth of the parasite and disrupted the inheritance of the apicoplast. In addition, the YGGT domain is essential for its function in the apicoplast.},
}
@article {pmid40832871,
year = {2025},
author = {Fu, J and Liu, Y and Yoshioka, T and Igai, K and Mabuchi, T and Kihara, K and Murakami, T and Lo, N and Ohkuma, M and Hongoh, Y},
title = {Functional division of labor in motility, lignocellulose digestion, and nitrogen metabolism revealed for the Mixotricha paradoxa holobiont.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {40832871},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {JPMJFS2112//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; GS009//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22241046//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 16H04840//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 20H02897//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 20H05584//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22&#xa0;K19342//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23H02553//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 17H01447//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 19H05689//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 14532219//JST-CREST/ ; JPMJGX23B0//JST-GteX/ ; },
mesh = {*Lignin/metabolism ; *Isoptera/microbiology/parasitology ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Nitrogen/metabolism ; Glycoside Hydrolases/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Bacteroidetes/genetics/metabolism/physiology/classification ; },
abstract = {Mixotricha paradoxa is a large cellulolytic flagellate present in the hindgut of the termite Mastotermes darwiniensis. This parabasalid flagellate is unique in its reliance on ectosymbiotic spirochetes for motility. We analyzed the transcriptome of M. paradoxa and the genomes of the ectosymbiotic spirochete Propulsinema mixotrichae ("Treponematales"), the rod-shaped ectosymbiont Synergitannerella mixotrichae (Bacteroidales), and the endosymbiont Endomicrobiellum mixotrichae (Endomicrobiales), all of which are obligately associated with M. paradoxa and were taxonomically described in this study. Mixotricha paradoxa highly expressed genes for diverse glycoside hydrolases (GHs) and likely ferments sugars to H2, CO2, acetate, ethanol, and glycerol. Similar to the case for parasitic parabasalids such as Trichomonas vaginalis, transcripts for biosynthesis of nucleotides and many amino acids were not detected in our analyses of M. paradoxa. Propulsinema mixotrichae possesses genes encoding proteins for the assembly of flagella and for those in pathways associated with chemotaxis and dinitrogen fixation. Such genes are absent in S. mixotrichae, which instead possesses numerous genes encoding glycoside hydrolase enzymes, which are largely complementary to the glycoside hydrolase repertoire of M. paradoxa. Endomicrobiellum mixotrichae appears to provide nucleotides and nine amino acids to its host, which in turn likely supplies three amino acids, including tryptophan, to E. mixotrichae. Because bacterial cells, in addition to wood particles, were observed in food vacuoles of M. paradoxa, these ecto- and endosymbionts may be digested by the flagellate host. Overall, the distinct roles of each symbiont highlight the efficient functional division of labor that has evolved in this holobiont.},
}
@article {pmid40852124,
year = {2025},
author = {Douglas S Stuehler, and Hunter, WB and Qureshi, JA and Cano, LM},
title = {Transcriptomic characterization of Wolbachia endosymbiont from Leuronota fagarae (Hemiptera: Psylloidae).},
journal = {Microbiome research reports},
volume = {4},
number = {2},
pages = {19},
pmid = {40852124},
issn = {2771-5965},
abstract = {Aim: Wolbachia species are among the most abundant intracellular endosymbionts of insects worldwide. The extensive distribution of Gram-negative Wolbachia among insects highlights their evolutionary success and close relationship with many insect host species. This study aimed to characterize a novel Wolbachia strain from the Wild Lime Psyllid, Leuronota fagarae (L. fagarae), to understand its evolutionary relationship with Wolbachia from psyllid pests like Diaphorina citri, the vector of Huanglongbing (HLB). Methods: Wild-caught L. fagarae colonies from Florida, USA, were maintained on Zanthoxylum fagara. RNA was extracted from the salivary glands, heads, and whole bodies of male and female adult L. fagarae. Four cDNA libraries were sequenced using short read technology and de novo transcriptome assembly was performed. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of nine conserved loci and wsp gene analysis classified the strain's phylogeny, while sequence mapping and functional annotation provided insight into host-microbe interactions. Results: The new Wolbachia strain, designated Wolbachia endosymbiont of Leuronota fagarae (wLfag-FL), was assigned to supergroup B, showing relation to Wolbachia strains of other related psyllids. Transcriptome analysis identified 1,359 Wolbachia transcripts with 465 assigned functions encompassing metabolic and secretion system pathways. Ankyrin domain proteins and a partial bacterioferritin sequence were detected, suggesting nutritional provisioning roles. Conclusion: The characterization of wLfag-FL expands the known Wolbachia host range and informs HLB-related pest biology. Its phylogenetic placement and transcript annotations offer insights into symbiotic interactions, potentially guiding environmentally safe pest control strategies targeting psyllid fitness and pathogen transmission.},
}
@article {pmid40872788,
year = {2025},
author = {Jeon, J and Kwon, M and Lee, BC and Kil, EJ},
title = {Comparative Endosymbiont Community Structures of Nonviruliferous and Rice Stripe Virus-Viruliferous Laodelphax striatellus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in Korea.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40872788},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {PJ01556601//Rural Development Administration/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/virology ; *Symbiosis ; *Tenuivirus/physiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Insect Vectors/microbiology/virology ; Republic of Korea ; Oryza/virology ; Wolbachia/genetics ; Plant Diseases/virology ; Burkholderia/genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Insects and their bacterial endosymbionts form intricate ecological relationships, yet their role in host-pathogen interactions are not fully elucidated. The small brown planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus), a polyphagous pest of cereal crops, acts as a key vector for rice stripe virus (RSV), a significant threat to rice production. This study aimed to compare the endosymbiont community structures of nonviruliferous and RSV-viruliferous L. striatellus populations using 16S rRNA gene sequencing with high-throughput sequencing technology. Wolbachia was highly dominant in both groups; however, the prevalence of other endosymbionts, specifically Rickettsia and Burkholderia, differed markedly depending on RSV infection. Comprehensive microbial diversity and composition analyses revealed distinct community structures between nonviruliferous and RSV-viruliferous populations, highlighting potential interactions and implications for vector competence and virus transmission dynamics. These findings contribute to understanding virus-insect-endosymbiont dynamics and could inform strategies to mitigate viral spread by targeting symbiotic bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid40885195,
year = {2025},
author = {Grujcic, V and Mehrshad, M and Vigil-Stenman, T and Lundin, D and Foster, RA},
title = {Stepwise genome evolution from a facultative symbiont to an endosymbiont in the N2-fixing diatom-Richelia symbioses.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {35},
number = {18},
pages = {4479-4493.e3},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.08.003},
pmid = {40885195},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Diatoms/genetics/physiology/microbiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; *Cyanobacteria/genetics/physiology ; },
abstract = {A few genera of diatoms that form stable partnerships with N2-fixing filamentous cyanobacteria Richelia spp. are widespread in the open ocean. A unique feature of the diatom-Richelia symbioses is the symbiont cellular location spans a continuum of integration (epibiont, periplasmic, and endobiont) that is reflected in the symbiont genome size and content. In this study, we analyzed genomes derived from cultures and environmental metagenome-assembled genomes of Richelia symbionts, focusing on characters indicative of genome evolution. Our results show an enrichment of short-length transposases and pseudogenes in the periplasmic symbiont genomes, suggesting an active and transitionary period in genome evolution. By contrast, genomes of endobionts exhibited fewer transposases and pseudogenes, reflecting advanced stages of genome reduction. Pangenome analyses identified that endobionts streamline their genomes and retain most genes in the core genome, whereas periplasmic symbionts and epibionts maintain larger flexible genomes, indicating higher genomic plasticity compared with the genomes of endobionts. Functional gene comparisons with other N2-fixing cyanobacteria revealed that Richelia endobionts have similar patterns of metabolic loss but are distinguished by the absence of specific pathways (e.g., cytochrome bd ubiquinol oxidase and lipid A) that increase both dependency and direct interactions with their respective hosts. In conclusion, our findings underscore the dynamic nature of genome reduction in N2-fixing cyanobacterial symbionts and demonstrate the diatom-Richelia symbioses as a valuable and rare model to study genome evolution in the transitional stages from a free-living facultative symbiont to a host-dependent endobiont.},
}
@article {pmid40898656,
year = {2025},
author = {Saeedi, S and Karimian, F and Moosa-Kazemi, SH and Nejati, J and Bavani, MM and Koosha, M and Choubdar, N and Khosravi, G and Oshaghi, MA},
title = {Wolbachia Infection in Iranian Malaria Vectors: Prevalence and Biocontrol Implications.},
journal = {Tropical medicine &amp; international health : TM &amp; IH},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {1236-1253},
doi = {10.1111/tmi.70031},
pmid = {40898656},
issn = {1365-3156},
support = {41418//Tehran University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; Iran/epidemiology ; *Anopheles/microbiology ; *Malaria/prevention &amp; control/transmission ; *Culex/microbiology ; Prevalence ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Mosquito Control/methods ; Pest Control, Biological ; Female ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia-based vector control is an emerging tool in malaria prevention research. This study evaluates Wolbachia infection in Iranian mosquitoes, focusing on seven known malaria vectors. Mosquitoes were collected from nine provinces of Iran (2016-2019), and Wolbachia infection status was analysed via PCR targeting eight genes: wsp, gatB, ftsZ, dnaA, groEL, gltA, CoxA and fbpA. We examined 1094 specimens from seven malaria vectors (Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901; Anopheles culicifacies s.l. James, 1901; Anopheles fluviatilis s.l. James, 1902; Anopheles maculipennis s.l. Meigen, 1818; Anopheles sacharovi Favr, 1903; Anopheles dthali Patton, 1905; Anopheles superpictus s.l. Grassi, 1899), four non-malaria vectors (Anopheles mongolensis Linton, Lee and Curtis, 2005; Anopheles hyrcanus Pallas, 1771; Anopheles claviger Meigen, 1804; Anopheles turkhudi Liston, 1901) and three Culex species (Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758; Culex perexiguus Theobald, 1903; Culex theileri Theobald, 1903). PCR revealed Wolbachia DNA exclusively in An. dthali and Culex species, with infection rates of 73.4% for An. dthali and 77.78%-96.77% for Culex, notably higher in males. Wolbachia was detected in all regions except one in the north. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Wolbachia strains in An. dthali and Culex belong to supergroup B, closely related to strains in An. moucheti and An. demeilloni. This suggests broader applications for biocontrol strategies. The high Wolbachia prevalence in An. dthali is promising for malaria prevention. Future research should confirm cytoplasmic incompatibility and explore wAdth's potential to block malaria transmission.},
}
@article {pmid40900750,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Zhang, S and Guo, Y and Xu, K and Zhang, X and Pan, M and Sun, Q and Zhang, Y and Fan, Y},
title = {Analysis of microbial diversity and functions in sediments and overlying water of the Shiliu River.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19979},
pmid = {40900750},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Rivers/microbiology ; *Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Fungi/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Biodiversity ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Water Microbiology ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: With the acceleration of urbanization, urban rivers have become a significant component of the urban ecosystem, attracting considerable attention regarding their ecological status and biodiversity. This study focuses on the Shiliu River, aiming to analyze the microbial diversity and functions present in the overlying water and sediments of severely polluted areas.<br><br>METHODS: This study investigated the Shiliu River. In August 2024, sediment and overlying water samples were collected from its severely polluted reaches. The NextSeq 2000 PE300 platform was employed for sequencing to detect bacterial and fungal taxa abundances. PICRUSt and FUNGuild predicted sample functional abundances using bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene sequences, respectively.<br><br>RESULTS: The findings demonstrate that sediments exhibit higher bacterial and fungal richness than overlying water, with significant discrepancies in bacterial and fungal community compositions. Dominant taxa differ at both phylum and genus levels: in sediments, the predominant bacterial phylum is Proteobacteria and genus norank_Anaerolineaceae, while the dominant fungal phylum is Rozellomycota and genus unclassified_Rozellomycota. In overlying water, the bacterial phylum remains Proteobacteria but the dominant genus shifts to Acinetobacter, whereas fungal phyla and genera (Rozellomycota and unclassified_Rozellomycota) are consistent with sediments. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional annotation identifies 25 metabolic pathways, with amino acid metabolism-related genes showing the highest abundance in both environments. Clusters of Orthologous Genes (COG) annotation reveals the highest abundance of [R] General function prediction in both sample groups, and FUNGuild analysis indicates that Animal Endosymbiont-Animal Pathogen-Plant Pathogen-Undefined Saprotroph is the most prevalent functional category in both sediments and overlying water. This study provides a microbiological foundation by clarifying microbial community structures (dominant phyla, functional taxa), decoding pollutant-degrading metabolic potentials (N/C cycling pathways), and identifying river health ecological indicators. This enables targeted bioremediation strategies (e.g., sediment microbial consortia for nutrient removal) and integrates microbial ecological data into urban river restoration.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the microbial community structures in the sediments and overlying water of the polluted Shiliu River, finding diverse patterns with higher richness in sediments, Proteobacteria and Ascomycota as dominants. Shared taxa have different abundances, indicating niche differentiation. Sediments have enriched nitrogen/carbon cycling pathways for pollutant degradation. These results offer a microbiological basis for urban river restoration, identify bioremediation-target taxa, and stress the integration of microbial ecology into pollution management.},
}
@article {pmid40904995,
year = {2025},
author = {Haque, MT and Paul, S and Herberstein, ME and Khan, MK},
title = {A parasitic or mutualistic conundrum: can symbiotic protists increase thermal tolerance in a semi-aquatic insect?.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {251061},
pmid = {40904995},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Rising temperatures and frequent heatwaves pose a major threat to ectotherms due to their reliance on environmental temperature for physiological processes. Thermal tolerance, the ability to withstand varying temperature, determines how effectively and efficiently individuals can survive under extreme conditions. Host-microbial symbiotic interactions can influence thermal tolerance in insects; however, we have limited information especially for some endosymbionts such as gregarines, a group of apicomplexan endoparasites, which are commonly found in the guts of many aquatic and terrestrial insects. Gregarines are often considered parasitic, while a few recent studies have shown beneficial effects on hosts. Here, we tested the impact of gregarines on thermal tolerance in Ischnura heterosticta damselflies. We found that damselflies naturally infected with gregarines had higher thermal tolerance than damselflies without gregarine infections. Our findings provide evidence in support of gregarines as an endosymbiont of I. heterosticta damselfly. Our study indicates that gregarine endosymbionts may assist damselfly and possibly other semi-aquatic insects to sustain extreme heat and highlights the importance of understanding host-symbiont interactions in the context of climate change and species conservation.},
}
@article {pmid40905388,
year = {2025},
author = {Nieves-Morión, M and Romero-García, R and Bardi, S and López-Maury, L and Hagemann, M and Flores, E and Foster, RA},
title = {Retention of a SulP-family bicarbonate transporter in a periplasmic N2-fixing cyanobacterial endosymbiont of an open ocean diatom.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {40905388},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {2018-04161//The Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsr&#xe5;det)/ ; 2022-03319//The Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsr&#xe5;det)/ ; //Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation/ ; //Regional Government of Analucia research contract (MNN)/ ; },
mesh = {*Nitrogen Fixation ; *Synechocystis/genetics/physiology ; *Sodium-Bicarbonate Symporters/genetics/metabolism ; *Cyanobacteria/genetics/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Photosynthesis ; Genes, Bacterial ; Genetic Complementation Test ; *Bicarbonates/metabolism ; Diatoms/genetics/microbiology/physiology ; Carbon Dioxide/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Symbioses between diatoms and the N2-fixing, heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria Richelia spp. are widespread and contribute to primary production. Unique to these symbioses is a variation in the symbiont location: one lives in the host cytoplasm (endobiont) vs. residing between the host frustule and plasmalemma (periplasmic endobiont). Both partners are photosynthetic, yet how the partners acquire, share, or compete for bicarbonate necessary for their photosynthesis is unknown. The genomes of both endobionts (ReuHH01 and RintRC01, respectively) contain genes encoding SulP-family proteins, which are oxyanion transporters. To study the possible involvement of these transporters in bicarbonate uptake, we used complementation in a Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 mutant that is unable to grow at air levels of CO2 because all five of its inorganic carbon uptake systems have been inactivated. Of the five genes tested, only one (RintRC_3892) from the periplasmic endobiont complemented the mutant to grow with air levels of CO2 or at low bicarbonate concentrations. The complemented strain showed strong sodium-dependent and low-affinity bicarbonate uptake that was consistent with bicarbonate concentrations expected in the diatom periplasm. Additionally, all the amino acids involved in the bicarbonate binding site of BicA from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 are conserved in RintRC_3892. Finally, the importance of the RintRC_3892 protein was confirmed by the consistent detection of its transcripts in wild Richelia populations from three different oceans. Combined our results showed no evidence for a bicarbonate transporter in the cytoplasmic endobiont, whereas the periplasmic endobiont has retained a SulP-type bicarbonate transporter for its own photosynthesis.},
}
@article {pmid40906071,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, X and Chen, J and Liu, G and Zhou, Y and Wang, L and Zhang, Y and Liu, S and Shao, Z},
title = {Host Shaping Associated Microbiota in Hydrothermal Vent Snails from the Indian Ocean Ridge.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40906071},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {2023YFC2812903, 2021YFF0501304, and 2018YFC0310702.//National Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Snails at hydrothermal vents rely on symbiotic bacteria for nutrition; however, the specifics of these associations in adapting to such extreme environments remain underexplored. This study investigated the community structure and metabolic potential of bacteria associated with two Indian Ocean vent snails, Chrysomallon squamiferum and Gigantopelta aegis. Using microscopic, phylogenetic, and metagenomic analyses, this study examines bacterial communities inhabiting the foot and gland tissues of these snails. G. aegis exhibited exceptionally low bacterial diversity (Shannon index 0.14-0.18), primarily Gammaproteobacteria (99.9%), including chemosynthetic sulfur-oxidizing Chromatiales using Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle and methane-oxidizing Methylococcales in the glands. C. squamiferum hosted significantly more diverse symbionts (Shannon indices 1.32-4.60). Its black variety scales were dominated by Campylobacterota (67.01-80.98%), such as Sulfurovum, which perform sulfur/hydrogen oxidation via the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle, with both Campylobacterota and Gammaproteobacteria prevalent in the glands. The white-scaled variety of C. squamiferum had less Campylobacterota but a higher diversity of heterotrophic bacteria, including Delta-/Alpha-Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes (classified as Desulfobacterota, Pseudomomonadota, Bacteroidota, and Bacillota in GTDB taxonomy). In C. squamiferum, Gammaproteobacteria, including Chromatiales, Thiotrichales, and a novel order "Endothiobacterales," were chemosynthetic, capable of oxidizing sulfur, hydrogen, or iron, and utilizing the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle for carbon fixation. Heterotrophic Delta- and Alpha-Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes potentially utilize organic matter from protein, starch, collagen, amino acids, thereby contributing to the holobiont community and host nutrition accessibility. The results indicate that host species and intra-species variation, rather than the immediate habitat, might shape the symbiotic microbial communities, crucial for the snails' adaptation to vent ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid40906125,
year = {2025},
author = {Basit, A and Haq, IU and Hyder, M and Humza, M and Younas, M and Akhtar, MR and Ghafar, MA and Liu, TX and Hou, Y},
title = {Microbial Symbiosis in Lepidoptera: Analyzing the Gut Microbiota for Sustainable Pest Management.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {40906125},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {National Natural Science Foundation of China (U22A20489; 32361143791).//National Natural Science Foundation of China (U22A20489; 32361143791)./ ; },
abstract = {Recent advances in microbiome studies have deepened our understanding of endosymbionts and gut-associated microbiota in host biology. Of those, lepidopteran systems in particular harbor a complex and diverse microbiome with various microbial taxa that are stable and transmitted between larval and adult stages, and others that are transient and context-dependent. We highlight key microorganisms-including Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, Bifidobacterium, and Wolbachia-that play critical roles in microbial ecology, biotechnology, and microbiome studies. The fitness implications of these microbial communities can be variable; some microbes improve host performance, while others neither positively nor negatively impact host fitness, or their impact is undetectable. This review examines the central position played by the gut microbiota in interactions of insects with plants, highlighting the functions of the microbiota in the manipulation of the behavior of herbivorous pests, modulating plant physiology, and regulating higher trophic levels in natural food webs. It also bridges microbiome ecology and applied pest management, emphasizing S. frugiperda as a model for symbiont-based intervention. As gut microbiota are central to the life history of herbivorous pests, we consider how these interactions can be exploited to drive the development of new, environmentally sound biocontrol strategies. Novel biotechnological strategies, including symbiont-based RNA interference (RNAi) and paratransgenesis, represent promising but still immature technologies with major obstacles to overcome in their practical application. However, microbiota-mediated pest control is an attractive strategy to move towards sustainable agriculture. Significantly, the gut microbiota of S. frugiperda is essential for S. frugiperda to adapt to a wide spectrum of host plants and different ecological niches. Studies have revealed that the microbiome of S. frugiperda has a close positive relationship with the fitness and susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi; therefore, targeting the S. frugiperda microbiome may have good potential for innovative biocontrol strategies in the future.},
}
@article {pmid40907454,
year = {2025},
author = {Tillmann, U and Gottschling, M and Wietkamp, S and Peeken, I and Wolny, J and Yamada, N},
title = {Diversity of Kryptoperidinium (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae): Morphological description and molecular phylogenetics of Kryptoperidinium secundum sp. nov.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {179},
number = {},
pages = {126120},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2025.126120},
pmid = {40907454},
issn = {1618-0941},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Dinoflagellida/classification/genetics/cytology ; Symbiosis ; Diatoms ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Kryptoperidinium belongs to a group of dinophytes hosting a diatom as an endosymbiont and is currently considered to comprise a single, putatively bloom-forming and harmful species only. Molecular phylogenetics indicate the existence of a second distinct lineage and therefore species new to science, which we here formally describe as Kryptoperidinium secundum sp. nov. We studied living and fixed material of unialgal strains in detail using light and electron microscopy and gained DNA sequences of the rRNA complex (hosts and endosymbionts, from which also psbA and rbcL sequence data were obtained). In a molecular phylogeny of the Bacillariophyceae, the endosymbionts of K. secundum have a divergent position from those of Kryptoperidinium triquetrum (=K. foliaceum) and show (once more) a close relationship to free-living diatoms. The cells of K. secundum were strongly dorso-ventrally compressed and exhibited the thecal plate formula po, X, 4', 2a, 7'', 5C, 6(?)S, 5''', 2''''. The distalmost precingular plate was consistently rectangular in shape and relatively broad, and this is the key diagnostic trait to distinguish K. secundum from the known K. triquetrum, which has a characteristically L-shaped plate with a thin and elongated base. The two species are clearly divergent in molecular phylogenetics (exhibiting long branches) and constitute a monophyletic group together with Dinothrix sharing the same thecal plate formula. The diatom phylogeny favours an evolutionary scenario of repeated plastid capture rather than strict co-divergence between dinophyte hosts and their endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid40907964,
year = {2025},
author = {Egizi, A and Bezhani, F and Jordan, RA and Price, DC},
title = {Parasitism of a US traveler by a nymphal Amblyomma tapirellum Dunn, 1933 (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and review of exotic tick interceptions on humans in the United States.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {62},
number = {5},
pages = {1358-1365},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjaf109},
pmid = {40907964},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {NE2443//USDA-NIFA Multistate/ ; //USDA/ ; NE2443//NIFA Multistate/ ; NJ08540//NIFA Multistate/ ; NJ08340//McIntire-Stennis/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Amblyomma/microbiology/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Nymph/microbiology/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Humans ; Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification ; New Jersey ; Travel ; Costa Rica ; Female ; Coxiella/isolation &amp; purification ; Male ; *Tick Infestations/parasitology ; },
abstract = {A resident of Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States removed an engorged nymphal tick after returning from travel to Costa Rica. The tick was identified by cox1 barcoding as Amblyomma tapirellum Dunn, 1933, a Central American species whose immature stages are undescribed. This species is associated with wet, tropical forests, and most host records come from Baird's tapirs (Tapirus bairdii), though feeding on other mammalian orders and on humans has been observed. To date, no human pathogens have been detected in A. tapirellum, although very few specimens have been tested. The A. tapirellum reported here was screened for Rickettsia spp. via qPCR and additionally for bacterial pathogens via 16S amplicon sequencing, and no pathogens were detected. However, we report the presence of a Coxiella-like endosymbiont, common among -Amblyomma spp. We also briefly review 29 published records comprising 14 exotic hard tick species removed from US travelers returning from abroad, most commonly Amblyomma spp. from Africa. Due to the near-worldwide distribution of ticks and tick-borne disease as well as the growing frequency of international tourism, travelers are urged to prevent tick bites and physicians are encouraged to be mindful not only of native tick-borne diseases but potential exposure to exotic tick-borne diseases. There is also a need to improve identification resources for ixodids and for existing resources to be made more accessible.},
}
@article {pmid40908282,
year = {2025},
author = {Nishida, H and Itakura, M and Win, KT and Li, F and Kakizaki, K and Suzuki, A and Ohkubo, S and Duc, LV and Sugawara, M and Takahashi, K and Shenton, M and Masuda, S and Shibata, A and Shirasu, K and Fujisawa, Y and Tsubokura, M and Akiyama, H and Shimoda, Y and Minamisawa, K and Imaizumi-Anraku, H},
title = {Genetic design of soybean hosts and bradyrhizobial endosymbionts reduces N2O emissions from soybean rhizosphere.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {8023},
pmid = {40908282},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {JPNP18016//New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)/ ; },
mesh = {*Glycine max/physiology ; *Rhizosphere ; *Symbiosis ; Nitrous Oxide/metabolism ; Greenhouse Gases ; Soil/chemistry ; Nitrogen Cycle/physiology ; Bradyrhizobium ; Crosses, Genetic ; Genes, Plant ; Phenotype ; *Soil Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Soybeans fix atmospheric N2 through symbiosis with rhizobia. The relationship between rhizobia and soybeans, particularly those with high nitrous oxide (N2O)-reducing (N2OR) activities, can be leveraged to reduce N2O emissions from agricultural soils. However, inoculating soybeans with these rhizobia under field conditions often fails because of the competition from indigenous rhizobia that possess low or no N2OR activity. In this work, we utilize natural incompatibility systems between soybean and rhizobia to address this challenge. Specifically, Rj2 and GmNNL1 inhibit certain rhizobial infections in response to NopP, an effector protein. By combining a soybean line with a hybrid accumulation of the Rj2 and GmNNL1 genes and bradyrhizobia lacking the nopP gene, we develop a soybean-bradyrhizobial symbiosis system in which strains with high N2OR activity predominantly infect. Our optimize symbiotic system substantially reduces N2O emissions in field and laboratory tests, presenting a promising approach for sustainable agricultural practices.},
}
@article {pmid40908936,
year = {2025},
author = {Oguchi, K and Munakata, M and Hiruta, C and Kakui, K},
title = {Intracellular Localization of the Bacterial Endosymbiont Cardinium in the Ostracod Heterocypris spadix.},
journal = {Zoological science},
volume = {42},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2108/zs250018},
pmid = {40908936},
issn = {0289-0003},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Crustacea/microbiology ; Female ; *Bacteroidetes/physiology ; },
abstract = {Symbiosis is a key driver of evolution in life-history traits and reproductive strategies. Some symbiotic microorganisms manipulate host reproduction to enhance their own transmission, a phenomenon well studied in insects but less understood in crustaceans. Among these microorganisms, Cardinium manipulates host reproductive systems, such as parthenogenesis, cytoplasmic incompatibility, and male killing in arthropods. However, its role in ostracods, small bivalve-shelled crustaceans, remains unclear. Some ostracod species reproduce via parthenogenesis, and high Cardinium infection rates in these lineages suggest a potential link between the symbiont and asexual reproduction. To investigate this relationship, we examined Cardinium localization in the parthenogenetic ostracod Heterocypris spadix from Japan. Using tissue clearing and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we visualized Cardinium within the ovaries. FISH observations revealed a widespread infection across the germarium, nurse cells, and oocytes. In early-stage oocytes, bacteria were evenly dispersed throughout the cytoplasm, whereas in more-developed oocytes, they clustered around the nucleus. Additionally, Cardinium was also detected in the hepatopancreas, indicating infection of both the reproductive and digestive systems. The presence of Cardinium in host reproductive structures, particularly the germarium, nurse cells, and developing oocytes, suggests its role in reproductive manipulation. To our knowledge, this study provides the first detailed localization of Cardinium in ostracods, reinforcing its potential influence on reproduction. Future research using antibiotics and genomic analysis will be crucial to confirm Cardinium's role in parthenogenesis induction.},
}
@article {pmid40909553,
year = {2025},
author = {Pujhari, S and Heebner, J and Raumann, E and Zhong, T and Rasgon, JL and Swulius, MT and Shaffer, CL and Kaplan, M},
title = {In situ architecture of the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40909553},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {P20 GM130456/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI116636/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM157116/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Hidden within host cells, the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis is the most prevalent bacterial infection in the animal kingdom. Scientific breakthroughs over the past century yielded fundamental mechanisms by which Wolbachia controls arthropod reproduction to shape dynamic ecological and evolutionary trajectories. However, the structure and spatial organization of symbiont machineries that underpin intracellular colonization and orchestrate maternal inheritance remain unknown. Here, we used cryo-electron tomography to directly image the nanoscale architecture of bacterial tools deployed for host manipulation and germline transmission. We discovered that Wolbachia assembles multiple structures at the host-endosymbiont interface including a filamentous ladder-like framework hypothesized to serve as a specialized motility mechanism that enables bacterial translocation to specific host cell compartments during embryogenesis and somatic tissue dissemination. In addition, we present the first in situ structure of the Rickettsiales vir homolog type IV secretion system (rvh T4SS). We provide evidence that the rvh T4SS nanomachine exhibits architectural similarities to the pED208-encoded T4SS apparatus including the biogenesis of rigid conjugative pili extending hundreds of nanometers beyond the bacterial cell surface. Coupled with integrative structural modeling, we demonstrate that in contrast to canonical T4SS architectures, the α-proteobacterial T4SS outer membrane complex assembles a periplasmic baseplate structure predicted to comprise VirB9 oligomers complexed with cognate VirB10 subunits that form extended antennae projections surrounding the translocation channel pore. Collectively, these studies provide an unprecedented view into Wolbachia structural cell biology and unveil the molecular blueprints for architectural paradigms that reinforce ancient host-microbe symbioses.},
}
@article {pmid40911652,
year = {2025},
author = {Serrato-Salas, J and Epelboin, Y and Bemplidaki, D and Roger, I and Gendrin, M},
title = {Extracellular microbes are required for mosquito development even in the presence of Wolbachia.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {9},
pages = {e0013481},
pmid = {40911652},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Culex/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Symbiosis ; *Escherichia coli/physiology ; Larva/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Female ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium infecting a wide array of invertebrates, has gained attention for its potential in vector control. Its capacity to colonise host populations primarily relies on vertical transmission and reproductive manipulation in arthropods. This endosymbiont is additionally mutualistic in some hosts, across several Wolbachia supergroups; notably, in nematodes and, as recently demonstrated, in planthoppers and bedbugs, it functions as an essential nutritional symbiont by providing vitamins to its host. Since mosquito larvae require microbe-derived nutrients for development, we investigated whether Wolbachia alone can support larval development in Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Our findings reveal that Wolbachia alone is insufficient to support larval development. Using transient colonisation with Escherichia coli, we developed a protocol to produce adult Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes harbouring Wolbachia only (germ-freeWol+). These results suggest that E. coli can support larval development in this species, which typically thrives in murky water; they also underscore the importance of extracellular microbes in larval growth. Furthermore, when Wolbachia infection was suppressed in germ-freeWol+ larvae using tetracycline treatment, we observed enhanced larval development, suggesting that Wolbachia acts as a metabolic parasite. In summary, this study opens the way for gnotobiology research in Culex quinquefasciatus and highlights the intricate interactions between Wolbachia and other members, which collectively influence mosquito development.},
}
@article {pmid40912681,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, Y and Wang, X and Zhong, L and Tian, J and Jie, R and Ma, Y and Gao, C and Zhang, B},
title = {Coxiella burnetii and Coxiella Endosymbiont in Ticks from Western China.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {25},
number = {11},
pages = {644-650},
doi = {10.1177/15303667251372150},
pmid = {40912681},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coxiella burnetii/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; China/epidemiology ; *Coxiella/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/physiology ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Q Fever/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Ticks/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Background: Coxiella spp. are widespread in ticks. Coxiella burnetii, the agents of Q fever, is vectored by ticks and is well known for its veterinary and medical importance. However, reports on C. burnetii in ticks from China have been quite few compared with other tick-borne pathogens. In addition to C. burnetii, more and more Coxiella endosymbionts of ticks have been described in China. Materials, Methods, and Results: In this study, ticks were collected from domestic animals in two provinces (Chongqing and Xinjiang) in western China, and the Coxiella spp. in them were molecularly studied. In the 168 ticks (all Hyalomma asiaticum) from Xinjiang, C. burnetii was detected with an overall positive rate of 76.19%. In contrast, in 96 ticks (all Rhipicephalus microplus) from Chongqing, only Coxiella endosymbiont was identified with an extremely high prevalence (97.92%). Conclusions: We propose that there may have been a tick-animal-tick circulation of C. burnetii in Xinjiang. The high positive rate of C. burnetii suggests a high risk to public health.},
}
@article {pmid40913463,
year = {2025},
author = {Kamal, MM and Cheng, YH and Chu, LW and Nguyen, PT and Liu, CJ and Liao, CW and Posch, T and Leu, JY},
title = {Environment-dependent mutualism-parasitism transitions in the incipient symbiosis between Tetrahymena utriculariae and Micractinium tetrahymenae.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {40913463},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {NSTC 113-2811-B-001-065//National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan/ ; NSTC 113-2326-B-001-002//National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan/ ; AS-GCS-113-L03//Academia Sinica of Taiwan/ ; AS-IA-110-L01//Academia Sinica of Taiwan/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Mitochondria/metabolism/genetics ; Photosynthesis/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {Mutualistic endosymbiosis is a cornerstone of evolutionary innovation, enabling organisms to exploit diverse niches unavailable to individual species. However, our knowledge about the early evolutionary stage of this relationship remains limited. The association between the ciliate Tetrahymena utriculariae and its algal endosymbiont Micractinium tetrahymenae indicates an incipient stage of photoendosymbiosis. Although T. utriculariae cells rely on endosymbiotic algae to grow in low-oxygen conditions, they gradually lose the endosymbionts in oxic conditions. In this study, comparative phylogenomics revealed accelerated evolution in mitochondrial DNA and nucleus-encoded mitochondrial genes in T. utriculariae. Symbiotic cells displayed elongated mitochondria that interacted intimately with endosymbionts. Inhibition of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation reduced host fitness but increased the endosymbiont population. Time-series transcriptomics revealed physiological fine-tuning of the host across day-night cycles, highlighting symbiosis-associated regulatory adjustments. Endosymbiotic algae downregulated photosynthesis-related genes compared with free-living cells, which correlated with reduced chlorophyll content, suggesting a shift toward host resource exploitation to compensate for diminished photosynthetic capacity. Under oxic conditions, symbiotic T. utriculariae cells exhibited lower fitness than aposymbiotic cells. Our results demonstrate that incipient endosymbioses employ mitochondrial remodeling and endosymbiont metabolic reprogramming to actively regulate transitions between mutualistic and parasitic states, revealing how symbiotic partnerships navigate environmental pressures during their incipient stage of evolutionary establishment.},
}
@article {pmid40919815,
year = {2025},
author = {VanDieren, AJ and Barrick, JE},
title = {Evolution in response to prophage activation attenuates the virulence of culturable Serratia symbiotica relatives of aphid endosymbionts.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {e0204125},
pmid = {40919815},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {W911NF-20-1-0195//Army Research Office/ ; },
mesh = {*Serratia/virology/genetics/pathogenicity/growth &amp; development/physiology ; *Aphids/microbiology ; Animals ; *Prophages/genetics/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Virulence ; *Virus Activation ; Biological Evolution ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Serratia symbiotica bacteria exhibit a range of relationships with aphids. They may be co-obligate mutualists, commensals, or even pathogens depending on the strain, aphid host species, and environment. Serratia symbiotica CWBI-2.3[T] (CWBI), a culturable member of this group, is transmitted to embryos transovarially when it is injected into pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum), the same route used by S. symbiotica strains that are vertically inherited endosymbionts. Yet, aphids colonized with CWBI die before they give birth to infected offspring. We evolved laboratory populations of CWBI through 15-30 serial passages at two different temperatures in rich media. These nutrient-replete conditions mimic aspects of environments within aphid hosts that lead to the evolution of reduced endosymbiont genomes. Unexpectedly, all S. symbiotica populations propagated at one temperature appeared to evolve slower growth after only a few days due to reactivation of a lytic prophage from the CWBI genome. Though these populations continued to reach saturating cell densities slower than cultures of the ancestor throughout the experiment, representative clones isolated from them had mutations affecting lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and were resistant to the phage. Some evolved strains exhibited less virulence when injected into aphids, and we observed instances of gene inactivation and loss mediated by insertion elements. Our results illustrate how transposons and prophages can dominate laboratory evolution of newly cultured bacteria, particularly those that are host-associated in nature and have genomes rife with selfish DNA elements. They also suggest that bacteria-phage coevolution can catalyze evolutionary paths that contribute to converting pathogens into stably inherited endosymbionts.IMPORTANCELaboratory experiments can be used to explore evolutionary innovations in how microbes associate with animal hosts. Serratia symbiotica bacteria exhibit a variety of interactions with aphids. Some strains are obligate endosymbionts. Others have facultative associations with benefits or costs depending on the environmental context. S. symbiotica CWBI-2.3[T] (CWBI) resembles aphid endosymbionts in how it can be transovarially transmitted to aphid embryos. However, adults injected with CWBI do not survive long enough to give birth to infected offspring. We evolved this aphid protosymbiont in rich media to see if this would attenuate its virulence and recapitulate genome reduction observed in endosymbionts. We observed large deletions and gene inactivation, but reactivation of a prophage from the CWBI genome and then evolution of phage resistance dominated. Some evolved strains became less virulent to aphids, suggesting that evolution driven by selfish DNA elements can contribute to the emergence of new endosymbionts from pathogen ancestors.},
}
@article {pmid40920875,
year = {2025},
author = {Chappell, L and Peguero, R and Conner, WR and Fowler, S and Cooper, BS and Pfarr, K and Hoerauf, A and Lustigman, S and Sakanari, J and Sullivan, W},
title = {Fexinidazole and Corallopyronin A target Wolbachia-infected sheath cells present in filarial nematodes.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {9},
pages = {e1012929},
pmid = {40920875},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/drug effects/ultrastructure ; Female ; Symbiosis/drug effects ; *Brugia pahangi/microbiology/drug effects/ultrastructure ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {The discovery of the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia as an obligate symbiont of. filarial nematodes has led to antibiotic-based treatments for filarial diseases. While lab. and clinical studies have yielded promising results, recent animal studies revealed that Wolbachia levels rebound following treatment with the antibiotic rifampicin. Previous work revealed that a potential source of the bacterial rebound in female worms were dense clusters of Wolbachia in ovarian tissue. The number, size, and density of these Wolbachia clusters were not diminished despite antibiotic treatment. Here we define the cellular characteristics of the Wolbachia clusters in Brugia pahangi (wBp) and identify drugs that target them. We show that the Wolbachia clusters originate from newly formed sheath cells adjacent to the distal tip cell. The dramatically enlarged volume of a Wolbachia-infected sheath cell is strikingly similar to endosymbiont-induced bacteriocytes found in many insect species. Ultrastructural analysis reveals that the clustered Wolbachia present within the sheath cells have a distinct morphology from those present within the oocytes, and that the sheath cell membrane appears to have interdigitations with the adjacent oocyte membrane. This includes membrane-based channels that provide a connection between Wolbachia-infected sheath cells and oocytes. We determined that the Wolbachia within the sheath cells are either quiescent or replicating at a very low rate. Screens of 11 known antibiotics and other drugs revealed that Fexinidazole, Corallopyronin A and Rapamycin reduced the number of Wolbachia clusters infecting sheath cells but only Fexinidazole and Corallopyronin A showed a highly significant difference (p < 0.0001) compared to the control group.},
}
@article {pmid40920925,
year = {2025},
author = {Marks, JC and Zampini, MC and Fitzpatrick, R and Kariunga, SH and Sitati, A and Samo, TJ and Weber, PK and Thomas, S and Hungate, BA and Ramon, CE and Wulf, M and Leshyk, VO and Schwartz, E and Pett-Ridge, J and Power, ME},
title = {Ecosystem consequences of a nitrogen-fixing proto-organelle.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {37},
pages = {e2503108122},
pmid = {40920925},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {2125088//NSF (NSF)/ ; DE-AC52-07NA27344//US Department of Energy/ ; },
mesh = {*Nitrogen Fixation/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Animals ; Food Chain ; Rivers ; *Diatoms/metabolism/physiology ; Carbon/metabolism ; Seasons ; Cyanobacteria/metabolism/physiology ; Nitrogen Isotopes ; Carbon Isotopes ; },
abstract = {Microscale symbioses can be critical to ecosystem functions, but the mechanisms of these interactions in nature are often cryptic. Here, we use a combination of stable isotope imaging and tracing to reveal carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) exchanges among three symbiotic primary producers that fuel a salmon-bearing river food web. Bulk isotope analysis, nanoSIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) isotope imaging, and density centrifugation for quantitative stable isotope probing enabled quantification of organism-specific C- and N-fixation rates from the subcellular scale to the ecosystem. After winters with riverbed-scouring floods, the macroalga Cladophora glomerata uses nutrients in spring runoff to grow streamers up to 10 m long. During summer flow recession, riverine N concentrations wane and Cladophora becomes densely epiphytized by three species of Epithemia, diatoms with N-fixing endosymbionts (proto-organelles) descended from a free-living Crocosphaera cyanobacterium. Over summertime epiphyte succession on Cladophora, N-fixation rates increased as Epithemia spp. became dominant, Cladophora C-fixation declined to near zero, and Epithemia C-fixation increased. Carbon transfer to caddisflies grazing on Cladophora with high densities of Epithemia was 10-fold higher than C transfer to caddisflies grazing Cladophora with low Epithemia loads. In response to demand for N, Epithemia allocates high levels of newly fixed C to its endosymbiont. Consequently, these endosymbionts have the highest rates of C and N accumulation of any taxon in this tripartite symbiosis during the biologically productive season and can produce one of the highest areal rates of N-fixation reported in any river ecosystem.},
}
@article {pmid40923351,
year = {2025},
author = {Stensvold, CR},
title = {Aspects of Genetic Diversity, Host Specificity and Public Health Significance of Single-Celled Intestinal Parasites Commonly Observed in Humans and Mostly Referred to as 'Non-Pathogenic'.},
journal = {APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica},
volume = {133},
number = {9},
pages = {e70036},
pmid = {40923351},
issn = {1600-0463},
mesh = {Humans ; *Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology ; *Genetic Variation ; *Host Specificity ; *Public Health ; Blastocystis/genetics ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Clinical microbiology involves the detection and differentiation of primarily bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi in patients with infections. Billions of people may be colonised by one or more species of common luminal intestinal parasitic protists (CLIPPs) that are often detected in clinical microbiology laboratories; still, our knowledge on these organisms' impact on global health is very limited. The genera Blastocystis, Dientamoeba, Entamoeba, Endolimax and Iodamoeba comprise CLIPPs species, the life cycles of which, as opposed to single-celled pathogenic intestinal parasites (e.g., microsporidia and sporozoa), do probably not include gut-invasive stages that could result in pathological processes and thereby disease (except for Entamoeba histolytica). All five genera are parasites in the sense that they use a host to complete their life cycle; still, by many specialists, these are considered to be of limited clinical relevance and could possibly be referred to as 'eukaryotic endobionts' or even 'endosymbionts', in case they would have health-protective effects. The articles included in this thesis exemplify the work and the data that support the view that it might be more relevant to study these genera in a public health and gut ecology context than in a clinical microbiology context. Essential to investigating the impact of intestinal parasites on health and disease are accurate diagnostic tools, including DNA-based technology such as PCR and sequencing, plus accurate reference databases. Small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes consistently present in both pro- and eukaryotic organisms are today avidly used as taxonomic markers. DNA-based methods have been developed for genetic characterisation of microorganisms and provided data on species/subtypes/genotypes, etc. Metagenomics and metabarcoding (the use of low-specific PCR coupled with next-generation sequencing) can provide information on co-infection/co-colonisation with other organisms and enable screening for genetic diversity, even in complex matrices. By developing and implementing sensitive and specific DNA-based diagnostic tools and typing assays primarily based on the SSU rRNA gene, we have increased insight into the diversity, distribution and significance of CLIPPs. With these tools, we have shown that the genera Blastocystis and Dientamoeba are far more common than previously thought. Only 10-15 years ago, hypotheses on their distribution typically relied on data generated by traditional parasitological diagnostic methods, such as light microscopy. Hence, we have shown that most older children in Nigeria host Blastocystis, and that most children in day-care institutions in Denmark, if not all, get colonised by Dientamoeba at some point. Single-celled non-pathogenic intestinal parasites can be hosted by patients with diarrhoea and functional or inflammatory bowel diseases. However, emerging data appear to suggest that CLIPPs are generally more common in gut-healthy individuals than in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. The research we have carried out on associations between CLIPPs and gut bacteria suggests that colonisation with these parasites is seen primarily in individuals with a healthy 'gut flora' (eubiosis). This observation should prompt future research projects focusing on the use of CLIPPs as biomarkers, and it should be investigated to which extent manipulation with CLIPPs could lead to changes in the gut flora and thereby be used as probiotics. In the event that it makes sense to speak of 'infection' by CLIPPs, we still lack tools to differentiate between colonisation and infection. We have known for decades that morphologically similar parasites can differ in terms of clinical impact and be genetically distinct, a feature that we refer to as 'cryptic genetic diversity'. One example is E. histolytica, which cannot be differentiated from Entamoeba dispar by cyst morphological features. However, whereas E. histolytica can be invasive and give rise to amoebic dysentery and amoebiasis, E. dispar is by most specialists considered non-invasive and generally non-pathogenic. This insight led us to investigate genetic diversity among other species of Entamoeba as well as other CLIPPs genera. If we could demonstrate similar-or higher-degrees of diversity within Blastocystis, Dientamoeba, Endolimax and Iodamoeba, these differences might be key to explaining differences in parasite phenotype and thereby differences in the ability of the parasites to cause symptoms. Despite the disclosure of striking genetic diversity among some CLIPPs, we have found little support for such theories; however, more studies are needed. As for Dientamoeba, we have observed a more or less clonal expansion of one of the two genotypes known to exist, and this genotype appears to have global predominance. In contrast, extensive genetic diversity is observed between and within subtypes of Blastocystis: to date, more than 30 species, the so-called subtypes, have been acknowledged. We, and many others, have sought to identify whether one or more of these subtypes could be linked to the development of intestinal symptoms, but there is little evidence to support this hypothesis. We know that Subtypes 1-4 reflect about 95% of Blastocystis colonisation in humans, and we have shown that individuals with zoonotic subtypes (e.g., ST6, ST7 and ST8) might typically experience symptoms. We have disclosed astonishing genetic variation among other CLIPPs, which has led to the recognition of Iodamoeba bütschlii, Endolimax nana, Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba hartmanni as species complexes, where each species should be regarded as a complex of species (referred to as 'subtypes' or 'ribosomal lineages') with overlapping morphology. And where E. histolytica and E. dispar differ by only 1%-2% diversity across the SSU rRNA gene, we have observed up to at least 10% and 30% genetic difference among ribosomal lineages within E. coli and I. bütschlii, respectively, challenging species concepts currently applied. Our research has resulted in the recognition of three ribosomal lineages within both E. coli and E. hartmanni, as well as two ribosomal lineages of E. nana and I. bütschlii. Moreover, we have discovered a new lineage of Entamoeba moshkovskii. Molecular characterisation of intestinal parasites collected from different host species (humans, non-human primates, other mammals, birds, etc.) can help identify opportunity for transmission between human and non-human hosts. We have shown that pigs can host a few species/lineages that can readily colonise humans, such as Entamoeba hartmanni and I. bütschlii. Many other species of larger mammals are common hosts of Blastocystis and Entamoeba. However, for the two latter genera, the species/genetic variants observed in non-human hosts are typically different from those observed in humans, which could indicate that many species of CLIPPs have adapted to their respective hosts over a long period, resulting in relatively high host specificity. For Blastocystis, we have shown that even though a given subtype may be found in more than one host species, it is possible to demonstrate cryptic host specificity at allele level. For instance, even though both human and non-human primates can be colonised by ST3, host species-specific strains of ST3 circulate within these two host populations. With regards to E. coli, it is possible that ST1 has adapted to human hosts, while E. coli ST2 has adapted to a broader host range, including non-human primates and rodents. It has become clear that CLIPPs are common colonisers of the human background population, and even though we cannot disprove the existence of infection by any of these, it should be reasonable to consider clinical and medical intervention redundant in most cases. Perhaps it might even be so that one should try not to eradicate these organisms from the gut when first established. However, more studies are warranted to elucidate the significance of the pronounced genetic diversity observed in some CLIPPs with regards to transmission patterns and clinical significance. Future research in CLIPPs should also include studies that can elucidate those factors that favour colonisation with CLIPPs and what role CLIPPs have in host-gut ecology, metabolism and overall health condition. Finally, as human and non-human hosts share these parasitic genera, and as some protozoa possibly contribute to overall gut function in ruminants, it would be interesting to study these in domesticated and wild animals to learn more about the role of these parasites in health and disease, including investigations into whether some CLIPPs might be endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid40924749,
year = {2025},
author = {Amoros, J and Buysse, M and Floriano, AM and Moumen, B and Vavre, F and Bouchon, D and Duron, O},
title = {Diversity and spread of cytoplasmic incompatibility genes among maternally inherited symbionts.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {21},
number = {9},
pages = {e1011856},
pmid = {40924749},
issn = {1553-7404},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/pathogenicity ; Arthropods/microbiology/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Cytoplasm/genetics ; *Maternal Inheritance/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {Cytoplasmic Incompatibility (CI) causes embryonic lethality in arthropods, resulting in a significant reduction in reproductive success. In most cases, this reproductive failure is driven by Wolbachia endosymbionts through their cifA-cifB gene pair, whose products disrupts arthropod DNA replication during embryogenesis. While a cif pair has been considered a hallmark of Wolbachia, its presence and functional significance in other bacterial lineages remains poorly investigated. Here, we conducted a comprehensive survey of 762 genomes spanning non-Wolbachia endosymbionts and their close relatives, revealing that the cif pair is far more widespread than previously recognized. We identified cif loci in 8.4% of the surveyed genomes, with a striking incidence of 17.4% in facultative symbionts. Beyond Wolbachia, cif pair occurs across eight bacterial genera spanning α-Proteobacteria, γ-Proteobacteria, Mollicutes, and Bacteroidota. Notably, cif pair has been identified in several intracellular pathogens of mammals showing high rate of transovarial transmission in their arthropod hosts, suggesting a potential role of cif pair and CI in vector-borne disease dynamics. Structural analyses further reveal that the PD(D/E)-XK nucleases and AAA-ATPase-like motifs are consistently conserved across cif pairs in all bacterial taxa. Moreover, cif pairs are frequently integrated within diverse mobile genetic elements, from transposons to large intact WO prophages in Wolbachia and RAGEs in Rickettsiaceae. Phylogenetic analyses reveal recent and potentially ongoing horizontal transfers of cif pair between distantly related bacterial lineages, a process potentially facilitated by mobile genetic elements. Indeed, the PDDEXK2 transposase exhibits a phylogenetic pattern consistent with the co-transmission of cif genes, suggesting that it may facilitate horizontal transfers of cif across bacterial lineages. Furthermore, the detection of endosymbionts harboring cif pair in arthropod groups where Wolbachia is scarce, such as ticks, suggests that CI may be more widespread than previously known, with significant implications for arthropod symbiosis, reproductive manipulation, and future biocontrol strategies.},
}
@article {pmid40926678,
year = {2025},
author = {Prabhu, D and Sureshan, M and Rajamanikandan, S and Jeyakanthan, J},
title = {Harnessing the potential of phytochemicals to design anti-filarial molecules targeting the MurE enzyme of Brugia malayi: a hierarchical virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulation study.},
journal = {SAR and QSAR in environmental research},
volume = {36},
number = {8},
pages = {753-773},
doi = {10.1080/1062936X.2025.2556512},
pmid = {40926678},
issn = {1029-046X},
mesh = {*Brugia malayi/enzymology/drug effects ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; *Phytochemicals/pharmacology/chemistry ; Animals ; Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship ; Drug Design ; *Ligases/antagonists &amp; inhibitors ; Wolbachia/enzymology ; *Enzyme Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Filaricides/pharmacology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Brugia malayi, a causative agent of lymphatic filariasis, relies on its endosymbiont Wolbachia for survival. MurE ligase, a key enzyme in Wolbachia peptidoglycan biosynthesis, serves as a promising drug target for anti-filarial therapy. In this study, we employed a hierarchical virtual screening pipeline to identify phytochemical inhibitors targeting the MurE enzyme of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of B. malayi (wBmMurE). A validated high-quality model of wBmMurE was used to screen 17,967 phytochemicals, and the identified hits were subjected to toxicity profiling, and ADME filters to select potent drug-like candidates. Five phytochemicals such as biotin, quisqualic acid, succinic acid, 9,14-dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid, and N-isovaleroylglycine with permissible ADME profiles showed favourable binding affinities (GlideScore range: -12.86 to -10.57 kcal/mol), and stable interactions with catalytically important residues were selected from screened hits. Comparative analysis with reported MurE inhibitors validated the superior affinity and drug-like behaviour of our identified leads. Molecular dynamics simulations of 300 ns confirmed the conformational stability of ligand-bound complexes, while MM-GBSA analysis supported their favourable binding free energies. The results revealed that the identified compounds have the tendency of binding within substrate binding cavity of wBmMurE. These findings suggest that selected phytochemicals could serve as starting points for the development of novel anti-filarial agents.},
}
@article {pmid40931264,
year = {2025},
author = {Mrabti, I and Grijja, H and Benzahra, H and Brhadda, N and Ziri, R and Kubaa, RA and Mokrini, F and Afechtal, M},
title = {Detection of Wolbachia in Natural Populations of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) Infesting Argan Fruits in Morocco.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {95},
pmid = {40931264},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ceratitis capitata/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification ; Morocco ; *Sapotaceae ; Fruit/parasitology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The argan tree (Argania spinosa L. Skeels), native to the sub-Saharan region of Morocco, is an endangered agroforestry species renowned for producing one of the world's most expensive and sought-after oils. However, this valuable resource is threatened by the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata (Wied.)), an invasive pest worldwide. Like other dipteran insects, C. capitata has developed mutualistic interactions with prokaryotic endosymbionts, including Wolbachia, a facultative intracellular bacterium that could play a role in the biology of this pest. Between 2022 and 2024, a field survey was conducted in the argan forests of Agadir, southern Morocco, to detect Wolbachia in natural populations of C. capitata and investigate its potential impact on this pest. A total of eighteen wild type specimens were captured to investigate the endosymbionts of this insect pest. Detection of Wolbachia was carried out by PCR using a primer pair targeting a specific fragment within the cox gene. Amplicons of the expected size were sequenced in both directions, and one sequence was deposited in the GenBank under accession Number PQ285444. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the obtained sequence belongs to the monophyletic clade of the Wolbachia B supergroup, known to infect a variety of insect species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the bacterium being detected and characterized in natural populations of the Mediterranean fruit fly infesting argan fruits in the country. These findings open new perspectives for integrated biological control strategies, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides for managing this insect pest species in Morocco.},
}
@article {pmid40932472,
year = {2025},
author = {Alimenti, C and Jiang, Y and Di Giuseppe, G and Pedrini, B and Luporini, P and Vallesi, A},
title = {Morphology and molecular basis of cell-cell recognition in Euplotes songi sp. nov., a phylogenetically early-emerging new species of Euplotes (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea).},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {75},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.006907},
pmid = {40932472},
issn = {1466-5034},
mesh = {*Euplotes/classification/genetics/cytology/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Italy ; *Seawater/parasitology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Euplotes songi sp. nov. is described as a new morphospecies of Euplotes, isolated from shallow interstitial waters off the southern Italian coast of the Adriatic Sea. Its small (49×33 µm) body has a slightly asymmetric elliptical shape, contains a relatively large hook-shaped macronucleus consistently associated with a single micronucleus and harbours γ-proteobacteria as endosymbionts. Formation of resting stages was not observed, either as a result of culture ageing or in response to conditions commonly inducing encystation. The dorsal surface features a silver-line system ('dargyrome') of the double type, with two longitudinal inter-kinety rows of argentophilic polygons that are markedly unequal in width. Four prominent longitudinal ridges, each bearing one kinety of 9-12 dikinetids, run along the dorsal body side, while two shorter kineties extend along the lateral cell margins. The ventral surface bears 10 fronto-ventral, five transverse, two stiff and elongated caudal cirri and a single short, highly motile marginal cirrus. The buccal field extends nearly four-fifths of the body length and is bordered by 28-31 adoral membranelles. In the Euplotes SSU rRNA gene-based phylogenetic tree, E. songi clusters with Euplotes huizhouensis, Euplotes petzi and Euplotes sinicus, forming the earliest emerging clade. Consistent with other Euplotes species, E. songi cells grow and mate under the control of a family of waterborne, cell-type-specific protein pheromones. Native pheromones, purified from genetically distinct cultures, are active at micromolar concentrations and consist of short 33-aa sequences, which include eight cysteine residues and fold into a bundle of three antiparallel helical segments. This bundle likely represents an evolutionary forerunner of the more complex helical bundles characteristic of pheromone families synthesized by phylogenetically derived Euplotes species. A simple organization is similarly exhibited by the macronuclear pheromone-coding genes, having full-length sequences of only 728 or 732 bp and an intron-free ORF.},
}
@article {pmid40937848,
year = {2025},
author = {Maurya, AK and Cadena, LR and Ehret, G and Nowack, ECM},
title = {Host-encoded ETP2 is involved in recruiting the dynamin-like protein ETP9 to the endosymbiont division site in trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {e0224725},
pmid = {40937848},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {MOI III//J&#xfc;rgen Manchot Stiftung/ ; MOI IV//J&#xfc;rgen Manchot Stiftung/ ; MOI V//J&#xfc;rgen Manchot Stiftung/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Trypanosomatina/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; *Cell Division ; *Protozoan Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Dynamins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: A single β-proteobacterial endosymbiont, Candidatus Kinetoplastibacterium crithidii, resides in the cytosol of the trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei and divides at a defined stage of its host's cell cycle. This endosymbiont has a highly reduced genome of 0.8 Mb and, notably, has lost most essential bacterial division genes, resulting in a loss of division autonomy. It has been previously demonstrated that a host-encoded dynamin-like protein, endosymbiont-targeted host protein (ETP)9, plays an indispensable role in the division of the endosymbiont. In this study, we identified a second nucleus-encoded component of the endosymbiont division machinery, termed ETP2, currently annotated as a "hypothetical protein." We observed that ETP2 arrives before ETP9 at the bacterial division site. ETP2 deletion or depletion results in division phenotypes with long, filamentous endosymbionts accompanied by severely distorted host cells or host daughter cells lacking endosymbionts. We found that ETP2 depletion results in mis-localization of ETP9, whereas ETP2 localization to the endosymbiont division site is independent of ETP9. In silico analyses revealed that ETP2 is found exclusively in endosymbiont-harboring trypanosomatids of the subfamily Strigomonadinae and is most likely an intrinsically disordered protein. Collectively, our data suggests that ETP2 is an integral component of the endosymbiont division machinery involved in recruiting ETP9 to the division site. This finding highlights the evolution of a complex host-derived molecular mechanism that exerts tight control over its endosymbiont without requiring gene transfers from the bacterium.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: The ancient uptake and transformation of free-living bacteria into eukaryotic organelles involved extensive structural, physiological, and genetic changes. More recently established endosymbioses offer a unique opportunity to observe intermediate stages in the complex process by which a prokaryote becomes genetically integrated into a eukaryotic cell. Hence, studying the molecular mechanisms that govern host-endosymbiont interactions holds the potential for uncovering the scenarios and molecular processes behind organelle formation. The trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei has been recently reported to manifest nuclear control over its endosymbiont's division. In this study, we identified and characterized a new nucleus-encoded component of the endosymbiont division machinery. This study further supports that a novel intermediate between endosymbiont and organelle evolved in A. deanei and provides new leverage to entangle the evolution of its fascinating nucleus-controlled endosymbiont division machinery.},
}
@article {pmid40938338,
year = {2025},
author = {Feckler, A and Bollinger, E and Katzenmeier, S and Adamovsky, O and Vespalcova, H and Budinska, E and Stoeck, T and Bundschuh, M},
title = {Antimicrobials Shape the Gut Microbiome Structure and Digestive Profile of Invertebrates.},
journal = {Environmental science &amp; technology},
volume = {59},
number = {37},
pages = {19667-19676},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c04159},
pmid = {40938338},
issn = {1520-5851},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects ; *Anti-Infective Agents ; Invertebrates ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiome is crucial for host well-being but is vulnerable to external stressors, such as antimicrobials. This study examined how an antibiotic, a fungicide, and their mixture affect the prokaryotic and fungal gut microbiome in Gammarus fossarum via dietary, waterborne, and combined exposure. Antimicrobial exposure altered the relative abundance of bacterial classes, including Verrucomicrobiae, Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria, with effect directions depending on the antimicrobial. These structural shifts were predicted to enhance lipid and energy metabolism, particularly under dietary and combined exposure, potentially influencing host physiology. Previous studies on the same species reported up to 25% higher biomass gain under these exposure routes, whereas waterborne exposure had negligible effects. As this study primarily relies on predictive models linking microbiome shifts to physiological changes, experimental validation is required to substantiate these findings. Likewise, several fungal classes were affected, but limited knowledge of the mycobiome hinders functional interpretation. Overall, dietary uptake emerged as a key driver of gut microbiome changes, while waterborne exposure played a minor role in the metabolic and physiological responses. Future research should investigate the mycobiome alongside its prokaryotic counterpart for a more comprehensive understanding of the gut digestive profile of invertebrates as a whole and its role in host health.},
}
@article {pmid40969690,
year = {2025},
author = {Soto-Patiño, J and Walden, KKO and Doña, J and D'Alessio, LM and Bush, SE and Clayton, DH and Dale, C and Johnson, KP},
title = {Independent and repeated acquisition of Sodalis endosymbiotic bacteria across the diversification of feather lice.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {251220},
pmid = {40969690},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Many parasitic insects, including lice, form close relationships with endosymbiotic bacteria that are crucial for their survival. In this study, we used genomic sequencing to investigate the distribution and evolutionary history of the bacterial genus Sodalis across a broad range of feather louse species spanning 140 genera. Phylogenomic analysis revealed significant diversity among Sodalis lineages in feather lice and robust evidence for their independent and repeated acquisition by different louse clades throughout their radiation. Among the 1020 louse genomes analysed, at least 22% contained Sodalis, distributed across 57 louse genera. Cophylogenetic analyses between the Sodalis and feather louse phylogenies indicated considerable mismatch. This phylogenetic incongruence between lice and Sodalis, along with the presence of distantly related Sodalis lineages in otherwise closely related louse species, strongly indicates repeated independent acquisition of this endosymbiont. Additionally, evidence of cospeciation among a few closely related louse species, coupled with frequent acquisition of these endosymbionts from free-living bacteria, further highlights the diverse evolutionary processes shaping Sodalis endosymbiosis in feather lice.},
}
@article {pmid40973063,
year = {2025},
author = {Renicke, C and Swinhoe, N and Henderson, C and Meier, E and Ling, L and Keat, GL and Maruyama, S and Rangarajan-Paul, M and Pringle, JR and Cleves, PA},
title = {Development of genetic tools for the sea anemone Aiptasia, a model system for coral biology.},
journal = {Genetics},
volume = {231},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/genetics/iyaf194},
pmid = {40973063},
issn = {1943-2631},
support = {LIFE677354//Simons Foundation/ ; NSF-IOS EDGE #1645164//National Science Foundation/ ; //Stanford School of Medicine Discovery and Innovation fund/ ; //Cleves laboratory/ ; NSF-IOS EDGE #2128073//Carnegie Institution for Science, a National Science Foundation/ ; //Pew Biomedical and Marine Fellow Award/ ; //Moore Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Sea Anemones/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Anthozoa/genetics ; Electroporation/methods ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; Dinoflagellida/physiology ; Plasmids/genetics ; Larva/genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering/genetics ; },
abstract = {The reef-building corals can thrive in nutrient-poor waters because of the mutualistic symbiosis between the animal hosts and their photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts. This symbiosis is threatened by climate change and other anthropogenic stressors, so that a deeper mechanistic understanding of its function is not only of great basic biological interest but also crucial for developing rational approaches to coral conservation. The small sea anemone Aiptasia is an attractive model system for studies of this symbiosis but has been limited to date by a lack of effective genetic methods. Here, we describe the use of a simple electroporation protocol to introduce various genetic constructs [plasmid DNAs, mRNAs, and short-hairpin (sh) RNAs] into Aiptasia zygotes. Plasmid-based expression of reporter constructs in the resulting larvae was highly mosaic. In contrast, electroporation of mRNAs into zygotes resulted in uniform expression within the larvae, and success rates were similar when single or multiple mRNAs were introduced. The shRNAs were effective in knocking down expression of both coelectroporated mRNAs and endogenous genes. In this way, we could confirm the previously reported role of BRACHYURY in cnidarian embryonic development. In addition, we could show that knockdown of an Aiptasia homologue of the lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 interfered with larval uptake and/or retention of a symbiosis-compatible algal strain. The ability to use Aiptasia larvae for such reverse-genetic studies should greatly enhance the power of this model system and serve as a starting point for further development of genetic tools in Aiptasia and other cnidarians.},
}
@article {pmid40973632,
year = {2025},
author = {Lefoulon, E and Bordenstein, SR and Carpenter, LR and Buchser, JL and Nowicki, CJ and Yakhnina, AA and Gutierrez, JB and Kaur, R and Imchen, M and Bordenstein, SR},
title = {Evolutionary Diversification and Functions of the Candidate Male Killing Gene wmk.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {17},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {40973632},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {AI179743/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //Pennsylvania State University/ ; R01 AI189624/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI189624/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI179743/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/genetics ; Male ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Female ; },
abstract = {Symbiont-mediated male killing (MK) is a mechanism that selectively eliminates male offspring, often by disrupting sex-specific developmental processes. In Drosophila melanogaster, the WO-mediated killing gene wmk from Wolbachia prophage WO transgenically reproduces the MK phenotype, yet how the gene evolves and functions across diverse Wolbachia has not been systematically investigated. We analyzed 32 Wolbachia genomes available in the NCBI database to study wmk homologs across different arthropod hosts, reproductive parasitism functions, and Wolbachia supergroups. First, we report at least five distinct wmk phylogenetic clusters (Types I to V), often organized in multigenic dyads or triads. Second, among MK Wolbachia, there is a significantly higher number of wmk genes and diversity in Lepidoptera strains than in Drosophila strains, which exclusively harbor wmk Types I and III. Third, there are three patterns of wmk sequence and genomic organizational changes in Drosophila MK strains that associate with different evolutionary trajectories underpinning the MK phenotype. Fourth, single and combinatory transgenic expression of Types I and III in D. melanogaster uncovers male-biased lethality associated with Type I; however, dual expression of the Types together elicits a major reduction in offspring number. Fifth, wmk genes have low expression level across D. melanogaster developmental stages relative to the cifA and cifB genes, which could explain why cytoplasmic incompatibility is expressed in this system. These findings establish a complex and phylogenetically informed genetic basis of wmk-induced lethality, highlighting the role of gene copy number and expression, wmk Types, and host background in shaping the phenotype.},
}
@article {pmid40982090,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharma, M and Sood, G and Chauhan, A},
title = {Bacterial Endophytes of Medicinal Plants: Applications and Recent Developments.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {11},
pages = {519},
pmid = {40982090},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {*Endophytes/physiology/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Plants, Medicinal/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; *Bacteria/metabolism/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Symbiosis ; Plant Development ; },
abstract = {Endophytic bacteria are endosymbionts that reside within plant tissues without causing apparent disease in the host. Bacteria employ various traits (lipopolysaccharides, flagella, pili, twitching motility, etc.) to colonize host plants. In this colonization process a variety of compounds released by plants in addition to bacteria play a key role in plant growth. Endophytes are in symbiotic association with their host plant and show beneficial effect on them using various direct and indirect mechanisms of plant growth promotion. In addition to plant growth promotion, endophytes also confer stress tolerance in the current scenario of climate change. Furthermore, endophytes have emerged as an important source of novel metabolites, enzymes of industrial importance and as stress alleviators of host plant, but still several features of endophytic associations are unknown. However, little is documented about plant growth-promoting endophytes (PGPE) of medicinal plants. Current review focused on the drivers of endophyte community structure with an attempt to relate it with plant growth promotion, its mechanisms and the current as well as future aspects of molecular techniques to reveal these communities. In-depth knowledge of the mechanism of host infection and role of endophytes could be exploited to enhance agricultural productivity in terms of plant growth promotion and biocontrol.},
}
@article {pmid40985409,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, YY and Li, YZ and Shi, ZJ},
title = {Host-Specific and Environment-Dependent Effects of Endophyte Alternaria oxytropis on Three Locoweed Oxytropis Species in China.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40985409},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {No. 32061123004//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFD1401103//National Key R &amp; D Program of China/ ; 20220104//National Forestry and Grassland Administration/ ; CARS-34//The Earmarked Fund for CARS/ ; },
abstract = {Plant-endophyte symbioses are widespread in grasslands. While symbiotic interactions often provide hosts with major fitness enhancements, the role of the endophyte Alternaria oxytropis, which produces swainsonine in locoweeds (Oxytropis and Astragalus spp.), remains enigmatic. We compared endophyte-infected (E+) and endophyte-free (E-) plants of three main Chinese locoweed species (O. kansuensis, O. glabra, and O. ochrocephala) under controlled conditions, and analyzed environmental factors at locoweed poisoning hotspots for herbivores. The results demonstrated significant species-specific effects: E+ plants of O. glabra and O. ochrocephala exhibited 26-39% reductions in biomass, net photosynthetic rate, and stomatal conductance, with elevated CO2 levels, while O. kansuensis showed no measurable impacts. Swainsonine concentrations were 16-20 times higher in E+ plants (122.6-151.7 mg/kg) than in E- plants. Geospatial analysis revealed that poisoning hotspots for herbivores consistently occurred in regions with extreme winter conditions (minimum temperatures ≤ -17 °C and precipitation ≤ 1 mm during the driest month), suggesting context-dependent benefits under abiotic stress. These findings suggest that the ecological role of A. oxytropis may vary depending on both host species and environmental context, highlighting a trade-off between growth costs and potential stress tolerance conferred by A. oxytropis. The study underscores the need for field validation to elucidate the adaptive mechanisms maintaining this symbiosis in harsh environments.},
}
@article {pmid40987851,
year = {2025},
author = {Du, LF and Shi, W and Cui, XM and Fan, H and Jiang, JF and Bian, C and Ye, RZ and Wang, Q and Zhang, MZ and Yuan, TT and Xia, LY and Ruan, XD and Chang, QC and Du, CH and Que, TC and Wang, X and Han, XH and Yang, TC and Jiang, BG and Chen, JY and Wang, XR and Tan, LF and Liu, YW and Deng, LL and Liu, Y and Zhu, Y and Pan, YS and Wang, N and Lin, ZT and Li, LF and Li, C and Shen, SJ and Liu, YT and Tian, D and Han, XY and Wang, J and Wang, YF and Gao, WY and Li, YY and Xiong, T and Wang, TH and Shi, XY and Zhu, DY and Zhu, JG and Wang, CC and Shi, WQ and Zhan, L and Liu, ZH and Feng, D and Zhao, L and Sun, Y and , and Wang, J and Jia, N and Zhao, F and Cao, WC},
title = {Genome-resolved metagenomics reveals microbiome diversity across 48 tick species.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {2631-2645},
pmid = {40987851},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {2019YFC1200501//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32025009//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Ticks/microbiology/classification/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; China ; Symbiosis ; Tick-Borne Diseases ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Host Microbial Interactions/genetics ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics ; },
abstract = {Ticks are arthropod vectors capable of transmitting a wide spectrum of pathogens affecting humans and animals. However, we have relatively limited information of their genomic characteristics and the diversity of associated microbiomes. Here we used long- and short-read sequencing on 1,479 samples from 48 tick species across eight genera from China to determine their genome and associated pathogens and microbiome. Through de novo assembly, we reconstructed 7,783 bacterial genomes representing 1,373 bacterial species, of which, 712 genomes represented 32 potentially pathogenic species. Computational analysis found nutritional endosymbionts to be prevalent and highly specific to tick genera. The microbiome genome-wide association study revealed host genetic variants linked to pathogen diversity, abundance and key biological pathways essential to tick biology, including blood-feeding and pathogen invasion. These findings provide a resource for studying the host-microbe interactions within ticks, paving the way for strategies to control tick populations and tick-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid40989152,
year = {2025},
author = {Köppen, K and Zmarlak-Feher, NM and Dörre, A and Hagedorn, P and Kohl, C and Heuner, K},
title = {Country-wide assessment of tick-borne pathogens collected in ticks between 2021 and 2024 in Germany, with a focus on Francisella: A one health pilot study.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {21},
number = {},
pages = {101190},
pmid = {40989152},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {Ticks are important vectors for several pathogens, among which Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica is the most relevant tularaemia-causing subspecies in Europe. The number of human tularaemia cases in Germany has increased in recent years, and ticks play an important role in disease transmission. The aim of this study was to perform a pilot study addressing the presence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks across Germany, with a special focus on Francisella. A total of 339 Dermacentor reticulatus ticks and 353 Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected in Germany between 2021 and 2024. DNA was extracted and analysed individually by multiplex qPCR assays detecting F. tularensis subsp. holarctica, Francisella-like endosymbionts, Rickettsia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, B. miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella spp., Babesia spp., and tick-borne encephalitis virus. PCR testing revealed a varying frequency of these pathogens depending on the tick species. The most frequently identified bacteria were Francisella-like endosymbionts (18-97 %), Rickettsia spp. (32-74 %), and B. burgdorferi (0-16 %). The occurrence of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica, B. miyamotoi, A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., and tick-borne encephalitis virus was observed at a low frequency in ticks (less than 10 % in either tick species). Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia spp., and Bartonella spp. were not detected in the investigated ticks. More than 70 % of D. reticulatus ticks and 19 % of I. ricinus ticks were positive for at least two pathogens. There was a significant co-occurrence of Francisella-like endosymbionts and Rickettsia spp. in both tick species. This pilot study offers a framework for the surveillance of common, rare, and newly emerging tick-borne pathogens in Germany.},
}
@article {pmid40998892,
year = {2025},
author = {Trillo, MC and Bidegaray-Batista, L and Aisenberg, A},
title = {Revealing parthenogenetic reproduction in a praying mantis inhabiting South American grasslands.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {32812},
pmid = {40998892},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {POS_NAC_2018_1_151161//Agencia Nacional de Investigaci&#xf3;n e Innovaci&#xf3;n/ ; BDDX_2021_1#39818985//Universidad de la Rep&#xfa;blica Uruguay/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Parthenogenesis/physiology ; Female ; Male ; Grassland ; *Mantodea/physiology/microbiology ; Uruguay ; Reproduction ; Wolbachia/physiology ; Sex Ratio ; Argentina ; },
abstract = {Mantids are charismatic insects due to their appearance and behaviors, but knowledge about them, in particular at the Neotropics, is scarce. Brunneria subaptera (Coptopterygidae) is the most abundant praying mantis species in Uruguay, inhabiting one of the world's largest natural grasslands. Data from collections and field observations indicated that Uruguayan samples of B. subaptera only included females, whereas both sexes were found in Argentina. This extreme-biased sex ratio could be explained through thelytokous parthenogenesis. Endosymbiotic bacteria, such as Wolbachia, can induce parthenogenesis, though their role in sex ratio distortions in diploid insects is understudied, with limited evidence from species like Mantis religiosa, where no phenotypic effects were observed. To test if B. subaptera females from Uruguay reproduce by parthenogenesis and evaluate Wolbachia infection as a possible cause, we bred virgin females in the laboratory. All produce viable offspring, confirming parthenogenesis in the studied Uruguayan localities. However, Wolbachia infection was not detected. Future studies will focus on studying other factors that may cause parthenogenesis in this species. These findings advance our understanding of mantids in the Neotropics, but will also constitute a very important step to unravel the reproductive biology and evolutionary processes behind reproduction in Neotropical mantids.},
}
@article {pmid41007378,
year = {2025},
author = {da Silva, MB and Medeiros, AB and Dos Anjos, AIM and Ferreira Cavalcante, JV and Santiago, BCF and Monteiro, SS and Vital, AC and Dalmolin, RJS and Lisboa, HM and Pasquali, MAB},
title = {Changes in the Microbiota of the Scale Insect (Diaspis echinocacti, Bouché, 1833) in Opuntia stricta Cladodes: Taxonomic and Metagenomic Analysis as a Function of Infestation Levels.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41007378},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {306165/2023-6//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; },
abstract = {Drought-tolerant cactus Opuntia stricta sustains livestock in Brazil's semi-arid Northeast but suffers yield losses from the armored scale insect Diaspis echinocacti. Symbiotic bacteria are thought to underpin scale fitness; however, their response to pest pressure remains unexplored. We characterized the bacterial communities of D. echinocacti collected from cladodes displaying low, intermediate, and high infestation (n = 3 replicates per level) using 16S-rRNA amplicon sequencing, processed with nf-core/ampliseq. Shannon diversity declined from low to high density, and Bray-Curtis ordination suggested compositional shifts, although group differences were not significant (Kruskal-Wallis and PERMANOVA, p > 0.05). The obligate endosymbiont "Candidatus Uzinura" dominated all samples (>85% relative abundance) irrespective of density, indicating a resilient core microbiome. PICRUSt2 predicted a contraction of metabolic breadth at higher infestations, with convergence on energy- and amino acid biosynthesis pathways. Taken together, increasing pest density was associated with modest loss of diversity and functional streamlining, rather than wholesale turnover. These baseline data can guide future work on microbiome-based strategies to complement existing scale-insect control in dryland cactus systems.},
}
@article {pmid41011450,
year = {2025},
author = {Saberi, E and Qureshi, JA and Brown, JK},
title = {Time-Course Gene Expression of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', Prophage, and Wolbachia Genes in Bactericera cockerelli from Ingestion to in Planta Transmission.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011450},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {CDRE 2018-70016-27411//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Psyllids are vectors of fastidious plant pathogenic 'Candidatus Liberibacter' species that infect both the psyllid vector and plant host. Understanding the molecular and cellular basis of 'Ca. Liberibacter' interactions with the psyllid host will aid in identification of effectors involved in invasion and multiplication and facilitate transmission to the host plant. The differential expression of previously identified genes/loci with predicted involvement in tomato host-plant- 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-prophage-Wolbachia endosymbiont dynamics was quantified by RT-qPCR amplification. Fifteen 'Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum genes and/or prophage loci and four predicted Wolbachia spp. loci were analyzed in potato psyllids in a 14-day time-course study, post-48-h acquisition-access period by potato psyllids on 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-infected tomato plants. The 'Ca. L. solanacearum'-infected tomato host plants were used as an infected host 'calibrator' species lacking involvement of psyllid effectors. 'Ca. L. solanacearum' genes with predicted functions in adhesion, motility, transport, and virulence that are associated with the prophage lysogenic lifestyle were differentially expressed. In contrast, the prophage-loci expression was synchronous with early or late phase of psyllid-'Ca. L. solanacearum' infection, respectively. The observations are consistent with the previously in silico-predicted 'Ca. L. solanacearum' gene and prophage/Wolbachia loci functions and time-course global expression patterns. Knockdown of 'Ca. L. solanacearum' genes involved in invasion, biofilm formation, and colonization would be expected to impair the vertical and horizontal transmission of 'Ca. L. solanacearum' to psyllid offspring and host plants, respectively.},
}
@article {pmid41011519,
year = {2025},
author = {Meli, ML and Meili, T and Pineroli, B and Boenzli, E and Eichenberger, RM and Willi, B and Hofmann-Lehmann, R},
title = {First Detection of Cytauxzoon spp. DNA in Questing Ixodes ricinus Ticks.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011519},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Feline cytauxzoonosis is an emerging tick-borne disease in Europe. While infections have been reported in different European countries, the tick vector remains unknown. This study investigated 665 ticks collected in 2019 (n = 160), 2022 (n = 7), and 2024 (n = 498) in a Cytauxzoon spp. hotspot region in central Switzerland (62 ticks from cats; 603 ticks from vegetation). Ticks were morphologically characterized, pooled by origin and life-stage, and screened for Cytauxzoon spp. 18S rRNA by qPCR and conventional PCR, and positive samples confirmed by sequencing. All ticks belonged to Ixodes ricinus (50 males, 83 females, 532 nymphs). Four tick pools from 2019 tested Cytauxzoon spp. positive: one pool of 3 non-engorged male ticks from two cats and three pools of 5-6 nymphs each from vegetation. All ticks collected in 2022 and 2024 tested negative. Amplification of the almost full-length (1535 bp, one pool) or partial (140-219 bp, three pools) 18S rRNA gene revealed a sequence identity of 98.6-100% with Cytauxzoon spp. previously detected in cats from this area. The detection of Cytauxzoon spp. in questing I. ricinus nymphs suggests a potential role of this tick species in the parasites' transmission cycle in Central Europe and raises the possibility of transstadial or potentially transovarial transmission. Mitochondrial gene sequencing was unsuccessful, but the detected Cytauxzoon spp. likely represent Cytauxzoon europaeus. Discrepancies between qPCR and conventional PCR results point to possible amplification of tick endosymbionts, highlighting the importance of confirmatory sequencing, particularly when testing tick-derived DNA. Thus, the 18S rRNA qPCR assay used appears suboptimal for screening tick samples, as its specificity in this matrix was limited. In conclusion, this is the first report of Cytauxzoon spp. in questing I. ricinus ticks in Europe. Our findings underscore the need for further research to confirm vector competence and clarify transmission dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid41024490,
year = {2025},
author = {Speijer, D},
title = {Eukaryogenesis From FECA to LECA: Radical Steps Along the Way.},
journal = {BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology},
volume = {47},
number = {11},
pages = {e70063},
pmid = {41024490},
issn = {1521-1878},
mesh = {Symbiosis ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Phylogeny ; Archaea/genetics ; *Eukaryota/genetics ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; *Biological Evolution ; Mitochondria/metabolism/genetics ; *Eukaryotic Cells ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The characteristics of the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) population and the root of the eukaryotic tree have been coming into focus lately. However, the trajectory taking the host, related to present-day Asgard archaea and the endosymbiont, related to present-day alphaproteobacteria, toward such fully integrated and complex organisms is still unclear. Here I marshal recent evidence supporting the early arrival of the "mitochondrion-to-be", setting up the evolutionary dynamic for a series of mutual adaptations leading to eukaryotes. Upon critical analysis of some presuppositions in phylogenomic reconstructions of eukaryogenesis, I again propose that pre-symbiosis, efficient ATP generation, internal reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and enhanced retention of genes supplied by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) interdependently allowed this unique transformation to occur.},
}
@article {pmid41025674,
year = {2026},
author = {Ste-Croix, DT and Gagnon, A&#xc8; and Mimee, B},
title = {The genome and stage-specific transcriptomes of the carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis, reveal adaptive mechanisms for host specialisation and symbiotic interactions.},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {126-138},
pmid = {41025674},
issn = {1365-2583},
support = {J-002846//Alternative Pest Management Solutions initiative/ ; //Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Weevils/genetics/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; *Symbiosis ; *Transcriptome ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Genome, Insect ; Host Specificity ; Female ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Throughout their evolution, insects have become specialised to occupy diverse ecological niches. The carrot weevil, Listronotus oregonensis, is an important agricultural pest that exhibits a very specific host range. In this study, we characterised the genome and transcriptomes of each developmental stage of L. oregonensis and its Wolbachia endosymbiont to gain deeper knowledge of the genetic determinants controlling its biology. We annotated 14,637 genes and showed expression profiles across the developmental stages. We also compared orthologous genes between L. oregonensis and nine other species, with particular focus on chemoreceptors and detoxification genes. We identified 24 distinct odorant-binding protein genes and 41 genes for receptors involved in stimulus perception, relatively low numbers compared with other species, which would be consistent with a narrow host range. In contrast, we found a high number of detoxification genes, with significant expansion of certain gene families. Among the annotated genes, 46 were putatively acquired through horizontal gene transfer, with 17 showing strong evidence for this, including several cell-wall degrading enzymes. The phylogeny of a cytolethal distending toxin gene also suggests an initial transfer from a prokaryotic source and vertical dissemination in members of Curculionidae through recent evolution. The presence of the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia (supergroup A) was confirmed in all tested L. oregonensis individuals from several regions in northeastern North America and showed very little diversity. This study enhances our understanding of the genomic, functional, and evolutionary aspects of a significant agricultural pest and makes important and useful databases available to the scientific community.},
}
@article {pmid41026000,
year = {2025},
author = {Walker, BJ and Smith, EN and Sweetlove, LJ},
title = {Move over endosymbionts, peroxisomes pass electrons too.},
journal = {Biochemical Society transactions},
volume = {53},
number = {5},
pages = {1259-1271},
pmid = {41026000},
issn = {1470-8752},
mesh = {*Peroxisomes/metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Electron Transport ; *Symbiosis ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; *Electrons ; *Plants/metabolism ; Chloroplasts/metabolism ; NADP/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The importance of the peroxisome as a site of oxidative metabolism in plants is well recognised, but the consequences of peroxisomal biochemistry for the broader metabolic network of plant cells are somewhat overlooked. In this review, we place a spotlight on the peroxisome as a redox-active organelle which mediates substantial flows of electrons. These electron flows not only have consequences within the peroxisome, but they also flow to and from the cytosol and at least two other major redox-active organelles, chloroplasts and mitochondria, with broad implications for metabolism and redox balance of electron carriers such as NADPH and NADH. We will outline the nature of these peroxisome-mediated electron flows and discuss the new appreciation of their quantitative significance derived from metabolic network flux analysis. We emphasise that the flows of reducing equivalents into and out of the peroxisome can be substantial - in some tissues equivalent to that to and from mitochondria. We also highlight key areas of uncertainty around specific redox reactions in the peroxisome and open questions about how redox state is balanced. Finally, we also consider the implications of peroxisomal electron flows in the context of re-engineering key metabolic processes such as photorespiration and lipid accumulation.},
}
@article {pmid41030195,
year = {2025},
author = {Vancaester, E and Oldrieve, GR and Reid, A and Koutsovoulos, G and Laetsch, DR and Makepeace, BL and Tanya, V and Poppert, S and Krücken, J and Wolstenholme, A and Blaxter, M},
title = {Ghosts of symbionts past: the hidden history of the dynamic association between filarial nematodes and their Wolbachia endosymbionts.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41030195},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 218328/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 206194/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Filarioidea/microbiology/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Many, but not all, parasitic filarial nematodes (Onchocercidae) carry intracellular, maternally transmitted, alphaproteobacterial Wolbachia symbionts. The association between filarial nematodes and Wolbachia is often portrayed as mutualist, where the nematode is reliant on Wolbachia for an essential but unknown service. Wolbachia are targets for antifilarial chemotherapeutic interventions for human disease. Wolbachia of Onchocercidae derive from four of the major supergroups (C, D, F, and J) defined within the genus. We explored the evolutionary history of the filarial nematode-Wolbachia symbiosis in 22 nematode species, 16 of which have current Wolbachia infections, by screening the nematode nuclear genome sequences for nuclear Wolbachia transfers, fragments of the Wolbachia genome that have been inserted into the nuclear genome. We identified Wolbachia insertions in 5 of the 6 species that have no current Wolbachia infection, showing they have previously had and have now lost Wolbachia infections. In currently infected species, we found a diversity of origins of the insertions, including many cases where they derived from a different supergroup to the current live infection. Mapping the origins of the insertions onto the filarial nematode phylogeny we derive a complex model of evolution of Wolbachia symbiosis. The history of association between Wolbachia and onchocercid nematodes includes not only cospeciation, as would be expected from a mutualist symbiosis, but also loss (in the 5 Wolbachia-free species), frequent symbiont replacement, and dual infection. This dynamic pattern is challenging to models that assume host-symbiont mutualism.},
}
@article {pmid41040656,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilkins, L and Yuen, B and Petersen, J and Oatley, G and Sinclair, E and Aunin, E and Gettle, N and Santos, C and Paulini, M and Niu, H and McKenna, V and O'Brien, R and , and , and , and , and , },
title = {The chromosomal genome sequence of the mollusc, Ctena decussata (O.G.Costa, 1829) and its bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Thiodiazotropha sp. CDECU1 (Chromatiales).},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {435},
pmid = {41040656},
issn = {2398-502X},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Ctena decussata (Mollusca; Bivalvia; Lucinida; Lucinidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 1,658.05 megabases. Most of the assembly (97.83%) is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 53.28 kilobases in length. The genome of Candidatus Thiodiazotropha sp. CDECU1, a bacterium associated with C. decussata was also assembled.},
}
@article {pmid41042234,
year = {2026},
author = {Sathe, S and Becks, L},
title = {Reciprocal effects of programmed cell death on fitness in unicellular endosymbiotic Chlorella and its ciliate host.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {39},
number = {1},
pages = {79-93},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voaf119},
pmid = {41042234},
issn = {1420-9101},
support = {//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Chlorella/physiology/genetics ; *Paramecium/physiology ; *Apoptosis ; *Genetic Fitness ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Programmed cell death (PCD), the genetically controlled active cellular suicide mechanism in multicellular organisms, also exists in unicellular organisms. However, explaining the evolution of PCD by natural selection in these organisms remains a challenge. PCD likely emerged during early endosymbiotic events as an initial antagonistic adaptation, enabling unicellular parasitic proto-endosymbionts to exploit their hosts, for example, by triggering host death in response to nutrient depletion or releasing offspring. Over time, during endosymbiont domestication and, as proposed, through horizontal gene transfer from endosymbionts to the host, PCD evolved in the host, providing benefits to both the host and the endosymbionts. However, the underlying assumption of this hypothesis, that PCD benefits and non-PCD (necrosis) harms the endosymbionts and/or the host, remains untested. Here, we investigated the fitness consequences of heat-shock-induced PCD in the endosymbiotic chlorophyte Chlorella variabilis and its facultative symbiotic ciliate host Paramecium bursaria, the non-symbiotic C. sorokiniana, and the predatory host P. duboscqui. Heat shock triggered PCD in C. variabilis and the two ciliate species, causing significant fitness consequences. The supernatant from C. variabilis PCD enhanced the growth of its own clones and endosymbiotic host while inhibiting the growth of the predatory host. The supernatants from necrotic C. variabilis reduced growth of both Chlorella and Paramecium. Similarly, PCD in the symbiotic Paramecium host benefited Chlorella, whereas PCD and necrosis in the predatory Paramecium host were detrimental. These results expand the understanding of unicellular PCD, highlighting its dual role in benefiting clonal populations and their specific endosymbiotic partners, thereby affecting endosymbiosis evolution.},
}
@article {pmid41048067,
year = {2026},
author = {Karpinska, B and Fiocchi, A and Biolatti, M and Manera, I and Foyer, CH},
title = {Seed-Borne Spirosoma pollinicola in Commercial Hazelnuts: A Global Survey of Microbial Presence and Allergen Diversity.},
journal = {Plant, cell &amp; environment},
volume = {49},
number = {1},
pages = {398-409},
pmid = {41048067},
issn = {1365-3040},
support = {//This study was financially supported by Soremartec Italia S.r.l. Ferrero Group./ ; },
mesh = {*Corylus/microbiology/immunology ; *Seeds/microbiology ; *Allergens/immunology ; Humans ; Proteomics ; Nut Hypersensitivity/immunology/microbiology ; Plant Proteins ; },
abstract = {Serious allergic reactions are increasing globally. Within this context, fatal anaphylaxis from hazelnut allergies is a critical public health concern. Hazelnuts, which are a common ingredient of many foods, contain many proteins that cause severe allergic reactions. Hazelnuts from all of the major commercial growing locations worldwide contained Spirosoma pollinicola sp. proteins. This endotoxin-producing bacterium is linked to the allergenicity of hazelnut pollen. We were unable to remove the contamination by S. pollinicola proteins, showing that this bacterium is a seed endosymbiont. Comparative proteomics revealed significant variations in the allergenic protein composition of nuts that correlated with patient immune responses. Hazelnuts from provenances 17 and 18 exhibited lower levels of key antigens, particularly Cor a 9 and Cor a 14, highlighting their potential as candidates for genetic modification to mitigate allergenicity. Moreover, Spirosoma protein persistence may influence hazelnut allergenicity and the patient's immune response.},
}
@article {pmid41050722,
year = {2025},
author = {Pfau, MJ and Weber, S and Kennedy, S and Krehenwinkel, H and Roderick, G and Gillespie, R},
title = {Invasive Spiders and Their Microbiomes: Patterns of Microbial Variation in Native and Invasive Species in Hawai'i.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {e72175},
pmid = {41050722},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive species can have detrimental impacts on the community structure and native species persistence, causing cascading impacts on ecosystem function. These effects are amplified in remote island ecosystems that are characterized by non-representative and often diverse biota. The mechanisms behind successful invasions, particularly of arthropods, are varied, but growing evidence suggests that invasive species escape from their native predators and competitors. Recent research has suggested that gut microbiota can play an important role in arthropod fitness, with vertically transmitted endosymbionts and horizontally acquired microbes performing different functions. Here, we explored the extent to which the microbiome may facilitate the ability of spiders to exploit and ultimately adapt to novel environments. We examined co-occurring pairs of native and invasive spiders across three locations in the Hawaiian Islands and compared them with mainland counterparts to test two core predictions: (1) gut microbiota would be shaped primarily by local environmental filters rather than invasion status, and (2) vertically transmitted endosymbionts would show stronger host-specificity and reduced diversity in invasives. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we found that the site explained 11.7% of gut-microbial compositional variance compared to 6.5% for host species. These results suggest that each spider maintains a species-specific level of α-diversity but reassembles taxonomic composition according to local microbial pools, thus indicating high context dependence in environmental filtering. Invasive species were found to have a lower relative abundance of gut endosymbiont taxa, with one species, Badumna longinqua, showing little to no endosymbiont presence across sites, and the other, Steatoda grossa, exhibiting low but site-specific abundance. We observed a strong localization effect, suggesting that these endosymbionts are also being acquired from local environments, not carried from ancestral ranges. These results suggest host-symbiont interactions have differential impacts on native and invasive species and that microbiota may facilitate the success of spiders in novel environments.},
}
@article {pmid41056267,
year = {2025},
author = {Sadowski, VA and Sapountzis, P and Kooij, PW and Boomsma, JJ and Adams, RMM},
title = {Bacterial communities of fungus-growing ant queens are species-specific and suggest vertical transmission.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {10},
pages = {e0306011},
pmid = {41056267},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Female ; Species Specificity ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Fungi/growth &amp; development ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Multipartite symbioses are inherently complex, involving dynamic ecological interactions between organisms with intertwined yet distinct evolutionary histories. The fungus-growing (attine) ants facilitate maintenance of a symbiotic species network through maternal vertical transmission of a fungal symbiont. While the gut microbiomes of fungus-growing ant species are remarkably simple, their fungus gardens support diverse microbial communities. Here, we focus on the garden pellet stored in the nest-founding queen's infrabuccal pocket-a food filter in the head that allows ants to expel large particles. The pellet is an inoculate of the new fungal garden but also contains other microbes. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to reconstruct the extent of vertical transmission of bacteria to new gardens via queen pellets in four sympatric fungus-growing ant species from Central Panama (Atta sexdens, Atta cephalotes, Acromyrmex echinatior, and Mycetomoellerius mikromelanos). We also characterized the bacterial communities associated with queen eggs and tissues (mesosomas, guts and ovaries) to assess whether queens are likely to transmit symbiotic bacteria, such as cuticular Actinomycetota and endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Mesoplasma, and Spiroplasma). We made within and between species comparisons, focusing on three hypotheses: (H1) Queens vertically transmit garden-associated bacteria in the garden pellet. (H2) Fungus-growing ant-associated bacteria are maintained through vertical transmission by queens. (H3) Vertically transmitted bacterial communities have host ant species-specificity. While we found mixed evidence for vertical transmission of garden bacteria, our results support maternal transmission as an important route for ant-associated symbionts. The ant species-specificity we see in queen bacterial microbiota mirrors patterns of known symbiont presence in workers from previous studies. Overall, our results suggest that vertical transmission of bacterial associates is mediated by the ant hosts, however the mechanism behind bacterial acquisition before a mating flight and dispersal is not yet understood.},
}
@article {pmid41059966,
year = {2025},
author = {Dittmer, J and Mahillon, M and Debonneville, C and Faoro, F and Foissac, X and Schumpp, O and Chouaia, B},
title = {The Endosymbiont Consortia of Two Cixiidae Planthoppers Reveal an Ancient Symbiosis With 'Candidatus Mirabilia Symbiotica'.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {e70204},
pmid = {41059966},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {2020/33/LES-Z II//Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture/ ; 792813//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Bacterial ; *Gammaproteobacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Insects of the suborder Auchenorrhyncha harbour multiple ancient endosymbionts that jointly produce essential nutrients lacking from the host's diet. Compared to cicadas, leafhoppers, and spittlebugs, our understanding of the multipartite symbioses among planthoppers, an extremely diverse insect group, is still very limited. Herein, we assembled the genomes of the primary endosymbionts of two planthopper species from the Cixiidae family, Cixius wagneri and Pentastiridius leporinus, both vectors of phytopathogenic Arsenophonus in Europe. Each species harboured a different tripartite endosymbiont consortium: while P. leporinus carried the well-known combination 'Candidatus Karelsulcia muelleri', 'Ca. Vidania fulgoroideae', and 'Ca. Purcelliella pentastirinorum', C. wagneri harboured a yet unknown Gammaproteobacterium in addition to Karelsulcia and Vidania. This new endosymbiont 'Ca. Mirabilia symbiotica' is likely much older than Purcelliella, considering its extremely reduced genome. In both species, Karelsulcia and Vidania jointly produce the 10 essential amino acids, whereas Purcelliella and Mirabilia provide the non-essential amino acid cysteine and slightly different gene sets encoding B vitamins. Our findings confirm the functional stability of multipartite planthopper endosymbiont consortia despite changing partners over evolutionary time. In addition, we describe a new Rickettsia strain from the Meloidae group colonising P. leporinus, highlighting the diversity of bacterial endosymbionts associated with planthoppers.},
}
@article {pmid41060240,
year = {2025},
author = {Toro-Delgado, E and Laetsch, DR and Hayward, A and Talavera, G and Lohse, K and Vila, R},
title = {Wolbachia Host Shifts and Widespread Occurrence of Reproductive Manipulation Loci in European Butterflies.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {34},
number = {21},
pages = {e70125},
pmid = {41060240},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {NE/L011522/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; 2021-SGR-00420//Departament de Recerca i Universitats, Generalitat de Catalunya/ ; 2021-SGR-01334//Departament de Recerca i Universitats, Generalitat de Catalunya/ ; FPU22/02358//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; PID2022-139689NB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; PID2023-152239NB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; BB/N020146/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; /ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification ; *Butterflies/microbiology/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Reproduction/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Male ; Female ; Europe ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is the most frequent bacterial endosymbiont of arthropods and nematodes. Although it is mostly vertically transmitted, from parent to offspring through the egg cytoplasm, horizontal transfer of Wolbachia is thought to be common over evolutionary timescales. However, the relative frequency of each transmission mechanism has not been studied systematically in closely related species. Additionally, while Wolbachia is generally regarded as a reproductive manipulator, it is unclear how frequently the symbiont induces such effects. In this study, we investigated the presence, phenotypes and phylogenetic relationships among Wolbachia strains in whole genome sequence data for 18 European butterfly sister-species pairs. We find that sister-species share Wolbachia strains more often than random species pairs and that the probability of strain sharing is higher for younger pairs of host species, especially those with greater range overlap. We also find that split times between Wolbachia strains that infect the same sister-species pair generally pre-date host divergence, ruling out co-divergence in favour of horizontal transfer. However, some strains are younger than the mitochondrial split times of their hosts, so introgressive transfer cannot be ruled out in some cases. In addition, all newly assembled Wolbachia genomes contained putative homologues of genes associated with cytoplasmic incompatibility and male killing. This supports the potential for reproductive manipulation in Wolbachia strains infecting European butterflies, which until now was only inferred from mitochondrial diversity patterns. Our results show that horizontal and introgressive transfer of Wolbachia are frequent even between recently speciated host taxa, suggesting the symbiont's turnover rate is higher than had been inferred previously from surveys of distantly related hosts.},
}
@article {pmid41071934,
year = {2025},
author = {Klimenko, V and Reiners, J and Applegate, V and Reimann, K and Popowicz, G and Hoeppner, A and Papadopoulos, A and Smits, SHJ and Nowack, ECM},
title = {The Paulinella chromatophore transit peptide part2 adopts a structural fold similar to the γ-glutamyl-cyclotransferase fold.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {199},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41071934},
issn = {1532-2548},
support = {1208//SFB/ ; 267205415//DFG/ ; SFB1535//DFG/ ; 458090666//DFG/ ; 417919780//DFG/ ; 208/761-1 FUGG//INST/ ; 208/740-1 FUGG//INST/ ; 208/868-1 FUGG//INST/ ; },
mesh = {Crystallography, X-Ray ; Protein Folding ; Amino Acid Sequence ; *Protozoan Proteins/chemistry/metabolism ; Models, Molecular ; },
abstract = {The chromatophores of the cercozoan amoeba Paulinella are photosynthetic organelles that evolved from a cyanobacterial endosymbiont. Many nucleus-encoded chromatophore-targeted proteins carry unusual N-terminal targeting signals termed crTPs, which are bipartite. crTPpart1 likely mediates trafficking through the secretory pathway and is cleaved off during import, but crTPpart2 remains attached to its cargo protein and its function is unknown. To unravel the functional role of crTPpart2, here we elucidated the structures of crTPpart2 from two different chromatophore-targeted proteins by X-ray crystallography at ∼2.3 Å resolution. Interestingly, the crTPpart2 of both proteins adopts a structural fold. Both structures share a conserved structured core and a flexible N-terminal arm. The structured core resembles proteins of the γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase superfamily within which crTPpart2 structures form a protein (sub)-family. The proposed catalytic center typical for proteins with cyclotransferase activity is not conserved in crTPpart2. A Cys pair that is conserved in crTPpart2 of many chromatophore-targeted proteins has been captured as a disulfide bridge. Together, our data suggest that chromatophore-targeted proteins are imported in their folded state and that the fold adopted by crTPpart2 plays a functional role during import. The characterization of its structure and flexibility provides important steps toward elucidating this protein translocation mechanism.},
}
@article {pmid41074217,
year = {2025},
author = {Martin, C and Rodrigues, J and Fercoq, F and Lhermitte-Vallarino, N and Sazmand, A and Kimura, D and Uni, S},
title = {Morphological redescription and taxonomic reassignment of Deraiophoronema evansi (Lewis, 1882) Romanovitch 1916 n. comb. (syn: Dipetalonema evansi) (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) from camels.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {406},
doi = {10.1186/s13071-025-07019-z},
pmid = {41074217},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {MHNN ATM project in 2022 and 2024//Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Camelus/parasitology ; Phylogeny ; Egypt ; Iran ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Female ; Wolbachia/genetics ; Male ; DNA, Helminth/genetics ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Filarioses are common nematode infections in camels (Camelus spp.). The most significant disease is caused by Deraiophoronema evansi, which impacts camel reproductive function, working ability, and productivity. The taxonomy of this onchocercid is equivocal, and its phylogenetic relationships within Onchocercidae are ambiguous.<br><br>METHODS: We analyzed D. evansi specimens from camels and examined their morphology. For comparative material, we analyzed fresh specimens from camels in Iran and specimens from Egypt deposited in the Mus&#xe9;um National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN) collections. Multi-locus sequence analyses based on seven genes (two mitochondrial genes cox1 and 12S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and five nuclear genes 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, MyoHC, rbp1, and hsp70) of these filarioids and six genes of Wolbachia (16S rDNA, ftsZ, dnaA, coxA, fbpA, and gatB) were analyzed.<br><br>RESULTS: Deraiophoronema evansi (Lewis, 1882) Romanovitch 1916 combinatio nova (n. comb.)(syn: Dipetalonema evansi) was described on the basis of morphological characteristics and its genetic divergence from congeners. Molecular characteristics of the new species revealed its close evolutionary relationship with Setaria sp. Wolbachia endosymbiont was not present in D. evansi.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We provide new molecular and morphological data on D. evansi, increasing the number of valid genera of Setariinae to four and setting up the taxonomic information regarding this species of veterinary importance.},
}
@article {pmid41079636,
year = {2025},
author = {He, W and Wang, M and Zhong, Z and Chen, H and Xi, S and Zhang, H and Li, M and Sun, W and Zhang, Y and Wang, Y and Guo, X and Li, L and Du, Z and Luan, Z and Li, C and Zhang, X},
title = {In situ semi-quantitative imaging of intracellular metabolic interaction by confocal Raman microscopy.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {28},
number = {10},
pages = {113558},
pmid = {41079636},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Non-destructive subcellular metabolite quantification can reveal critical insights into biological interactions (e.g., endosymbiont-host crosstalk). Therefore, we developed a multivariate semi-quantitative imaging method using internal standardization to resolve simultaneous subcellular distributions of multiple metabolites, leveraging confocal Raman microscopy's (CRM's) high spatial resolution. The method was applied to the endosymbiotic mussel Gigantidas platifrons, whose symbiotic interaction mechanism has not been elucidated because symbionts cannot be cultivated. The results showed that the aggregated distribution of distinct phenotypes of symbiont strains was characterized by different glycogen abundances, indicating niche-driven metabolic strategies. Our data may provide direct evidence suggesting that symbionts supply intermediates to the host for cholesterol synthesis, potentially via vesicular trafficking. This work demonstrates CRM's capacity for comparative, spatially resolved metabolite quantification across cellular compartments. While semi-quantitative, CRM emerges as a powerful non-invasive tool for probing metabolic network dynamics and compartmentalization in challenging biological systems where traditional methods are limited.},
}
@article {pmid41081364,
year = {2025},
author = {Barrinha, A and Loyola-Machado, AC and Mariano Dos Santos, MD and Carvalho, PC and de Souza, W and Valente, AP and Galina, A and Motta, MCM},
title = {Endosymbiosis in trypanosomatids: the bacterium regulates the intermediate and oxidative metabolism of the host cell.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {10},
number = {11},
pages = {e0045725},
pmid = {41081364},
issn = {2379-5042},
support = {305299/2022-0//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; E-26/201.011/2021//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Trypanosomatina/microbiology/metabolism ; Oxidative Phosphorylation ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Proteomics ; Glycolysis ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Endosymbiosis in trypanosomatids involves a mutualistic association between a symbiotic bacterium and a host protozoan and represents an excellent model for studying metabolic coevolution and the origin of organelles. This work investigated the influence of the symbiont on the metabolism of Angomonas deanei by comparing wild-type and aposymbiotic strains under different nutritional conditions. The presence of the symbiont enhanced cell proliferation in the medium containing a single carbon source and increased O2 consumption. Wild-type cells utilized oxidative phosphorylation to produce ATP, whereas aposymbiotic cells relied on substrate-level glycolysis, resulting in the excretion of greater amounts of fermentative products, such as acetate, succinate, and ethanol. Proteomic analysis revealed an increased expression of glycolytic and fermentative enzymes by the aposymbiotic strain and oxidative phosphorylation enzymes by symbiont-harboring cells. These findings highlight the role of the symbiotic bacterium in optimizing host metabolism and provide insights into the evolution of parasitism in trypanosomatids when A. deanei is compared with pathogenic species.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: This work provides groundbreaking insights into the metabolic and evolutionary dynamics of endosymbiosis, a topic of central importance to cellular evolution. Angomonas deanei, a trypanosomatid species, has become a paradigm for investigating the evolution of eukaryotic cells and the origin of organelles through endosymbiosis. Harbored in the cytoplasm of this protozoan, the symbiont engages in intricate metabolic exchanges, offering a time window to analyze the processes and evolutionary history that underlie the establishment of permanent endosymbiotic relationships. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, we have uncovered how the symbiotic bacterium regulates the oxidative metabolism of the trypanosomatid, integrating glucose catabolism and optimizing energy production. Our discoveries have broad implications for understanding the metabolic integration of organelles, such as mitochondria and glycosomes, with the bacterial endosymbiont. Beyond unravelling the complexities of metabolic adaptations during symbiosis, our work may contribute to the general understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of parasitism within the Trypanosomatidae family.},
}
@article {pmid41093184,
year = {2025},
author = {Antão, SC and Pavanelo, DB and Esteves, E and Nassar, MB and Alonso, BI and Vera, P and Labruna, MB and Kopáček, P and Daffre, S and Zurek, L and Dias da Silva, F and Farber, M and Fogaça, AC},
title = {Interactions between microbiota and immunity shape pathogen acquisition and fitness in Amblyomma spp. ticks.},
journal = {Developmental and comparative immunology},
volume = {172},
number = {},
pages = {105493},
doi = {10.1016/j.dci.2025.105493},
pmid = {41093184},
issn = {1879-0089},
mesh = {Animals ; *Amblyomma/microbiology/immunology ; *Microbiota/immunology ; *Francisella/physiology ; Female ; *Rickettsia rickettsii/immunology/physiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever/immunology ; Symbiosis ; Salivary Glands/microbiology ; Bacterial Load ; },
abstract = {Besides carrying pathogens, ticks also harbor commensal and mutualistic microorganisms that constitute their microbiota. This microbial community can modulate the tick immune system and influence pathogen acquisition, either facilitating or hindering colonization. Additionally, the microbiota may impact tick fitness. Although the ticks Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma aureolatum are important vectors of Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Brazilian spotted fever, A. sculptum is much less susceptible to infection than A. aureolatum. Intriguingly, while A. aureolatum midgut harbors an abundant microbiota, mostly composed of bacteria of the Francisella genus, A. sculptum presents a markedly reduced bacterial community. In the current study, we quantified the total bacterial load also in the salivary glands and ovaries of adult A. sculptum and A. aureolatum, besides midgut. Across all analyzed organs, bacterial loads were consistently lower in A. sculptum than in A. aureolatum, regardless of whether the ticks had fed on naïve or R. rickettsii-inoculated hosts. High-throughput sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene revealed that Francisella endosymbiont is the dominant taxon in all organs of control A. aureolatum, with the highest relative frequency in the ovaries and the lowest in the midgut. The highest relative frequency of Francisella in the ovaries correlates with the lower susceptibility of this organ to R. rickettsii, suggesting that the endosymbiosis may limit infection. No 16S rRNA gene sequences could be obtained for A. sculptum samples, likely due to their low bacterial content. To investigate the role played by the microbiota on rickettsial acquisition and tick fitness, A. aureolatum engorged females were treated with either tetracycline or ciprofloxacin. Tetracycline treatment significantly reduced bacterial loads and antimicrobial peptide transcript levels in the eggs, and this was followed by a higher acquisition of R. rickettsii by hatched larvae. Additionally, tetracycline negatively impacted tick development, reducing the molt success from the larval to the nymphal stage. These results suggest that maternal microbiota plays a role in shaping offspring immunity, pathogen susceptibility, and tick development. The multifaceted role of tick microbiota in both development and vector competence underscores its potential as a biotechnological resource for developing new strategies to control tick-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid41105260,
year = {2025},
author = {Phauk, S and Assentato, L and Sin, S and Uk, O and Hap, S and Terenius, O},
title = {Symbiont Diversity of Rice-Associated Leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) in the Tropical Floodplains of the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {109},
pmid = {41105260},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology/classification ; *Symbiosis ; *Oryza/parasitology ; Cambodia ; Female ; Lakes/microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Male ; Biodiversity ; Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Rice-associated leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) play a significant role in rice agroecosystems, contributing not only to direct crop damage but also to the transmission of plant pathogens. This study investigates the symbiont diversity of seventeen leafhopper species from the tropical floodplains of Tonle Sap Lake (TSL), Cambodia. The dominant symbiont across most species was Candidatus (Ca.) Karelsulcia muelleri, an obligate primary endosymbiont essential for nutrient synthesis. The co-obligate symbiont Ca. Nasuia deltocephalinicola was also consistently detected, particularly in Deltocephalinae hosts. In addition, several secondary symbionts, including Sodalis, Arsenophonus, Diplorickettsia, Rickettsia, Wolbachia, and Ca. Lariskella, were identified, showing species-specific associations and potential roles in host fitness and pathogen transmission. Variations in symbiont diversity were observed across cicadellid species, geographic origins, and between sex-associated symbionts, with notable differences in the bacterial composition of Nephotettix virescens. While geographical differences (Battambang vs. Kampong Thom) did not strongly affect microbial composition, sex-associated variations were evident in N. virescens. Females exhibited a higher abundance of Karelsulcia and Nasuia, suggesting possible microbial adaptation related to reproduction. This study highlights the complex and dynamic nature of cicadellid hosts-symbiont interactions and suggests that microbial communities are primarily structured by host species. While geographic distance can influence these communities, this effect is not the same for every species. These findings provide critical insights into the microbial diversity of rice-associated leafhoppers and their potential for ecological roles in rice farming systems. Further studies, including functional analysis and host-symbiont interactions, are crucial to understanding the ecological roles and evolutionary dynamics of these microbial communities.},
}
@article {pmid41118406,
year = {2025},
author = {Chatanga, E and Mohamed, WMA and Kelava, S and Hayashi, N and Ohari, Y and Moustafa, MAM and Magona, JW and Hayashida, K and Qiu, Y and Nonaka, N and Nakao, R},
title = {Mitogenomics of the tropical bont tick Amblyomma variegatum reveals vertical and horizontal transmission of Rickettsia africae.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {10},
pages = {e0013610},
pmid = {41118406},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; *Rickettsia/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Amblyomma/microbiology/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; *Rickettsia Infections/transmission/microbiology ; Africa ; Humans ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The tropical bont tick Amblyomma variegatum, which is widespread in Africa and the Caribbean islands, is of both medical and veterinary importance as the principal vector of intracellular bacterial pathogens Ehrlichia ruminantium, causing heartwater in animals, and Rickettsia africae, causing African tick bite fever (ATBF) in humans. This tick species is highly invasive and has been reported to expand its geographical distribution as well as host range. Rickettsia africae is also recognized as a common endosymbiont in A. variegatum, but its transmission dynamics within this tick population remain poorly understood.<br><br>METHODOLOGY: To investigate the co-phylogenetic patterns between A. variegatum and R. africae, we sequenced the complete mitogenomes of A. variegatum and performed multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of six housekeeping genes of R. africae. The resulting sequence data were used to examine the hypothesis that R. africae is predominantly transmitted vertically within A. variegatum populations, which would lead to congruent phylogenies between vector and pathogen.<br><br>RESULTS: There was geographical population sub-structuring in the mitogenomes of A. variegatum. The prevalence of R. africae in the examined ticks was 100%. The tanglegram showed non-strict co-cladogenesis between A. variegatum and R. africae. Furthermore, the Procrustes Application to Cophylogenetic (PACo) analysis and residuals of vector-pathogen associations showed no statistically significant association between A. variegatum and R. africae genotypes.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to examine the spread of pathogenic/endosymbiotic bacterium R. africae in the A. variegatum populations using a mitogenomic approach. The results support both vertical and horizontal transmission of R. africae within A. variegatum. These findings also highlight the potential of R. africae to adapt to multiple animal species, which may complicate efforts to control it as a human pathogen.},
}
@article {pmid41124367,
year = {2025},
author = {Oladipupo, SO and Hochstrasser, M},
title = {Deubiquitylases and nucleases in bacterial symbiont-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility.},
journal = {Biochemical Society transactions},
volume = {53},
number = {5},
pages = {1365-1375},
pmid = {41124367},
issn = {1470-8752},
support = {R35 GM136325/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R37 GM046904/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Male ; Female ; *Cytoplasm/metabolism/microbiology ; Spermatozoa/microbiology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {In myriad arthropod species, maternally transmitted symbiotic bacteria spread through populations by manipulating host reproduction, most frequently by a mechanism called cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI occurs when bacterially infected males fertilize uninfected females, typically causing paternal chromatin condensation and segregation defects and usually embryonic arrest in the first zygotic cell cycle. Embryos survive if the female is similarly infected, which promotes bacterial spread. The endosymbiont best known for CI is Wolbachia, now widely used against mosquitoes that vector viral diseases such as dengue fever. Although CI is induced by Wolbachia resident in testes, mature sperm carry no bacteria, indicating they alter sperm in a way that, following fertilization, interferes with embryogenesis. CI-inducing factors (Cifs) are expressed from syntenic Wolbachia cifA-cifB genes. CifB is required in the male germline to induce CI, while CifA expression in the host female is sufficient to rescue viability. Importantly, CifA suppresses lethality through its binding to CifB. Different CifB proteins have distinct CI-relevant enzymatic functions, in particular, deubiquitylase and nuclease activities. Consistent with these genetic data, CifB is packaged into sperm during spermiogenesis. While sperm morphological disruption has been observed in fruit flies carrying cif transgenes, a causal role in CI is unclear. Also not understood is how maternally provisioned CifA rescues embryo viability. Exciting new findings with diverse symbiotic bacteria reveal cifA-cifB-like operons on extrachromosomal plasmids. These results suggest far wider deployment of Wolbachia-related CI factors than previously thought and multiple mechanisms for lateral cif gene transfer.},
}
@article {pmid41124791,
year = {2025},
author = {Spiong, M and Prada-Polo, C and Martín-Pinto, P},
title = {Erosion barriers act as potential reservoirs for soil fungal species key for restoring areas affected by high-severity wildfire in Sierra de la Culebra (NW Spain).},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {1004},
number = {},
pages = {180725},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180725},
pmid = {41124791},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Soil Microbiology ; Spain ; *Wildfires ; *Fungi/classification ; *Soil Erosion ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Biodiversity ; Soil/chemistry ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; },
abstract = {A short-term consequence of increasingly frequent and severe wildfires in the Mediterranean Basin is runoff-induced soil erosion in areas where vegetation has been removed by high-intensity fires. To mitigate this problem, erosion control barriers are often installed in gullies to reduce runoff velocity. The potential impact of these barriers on soil fungal diversity and community composition has not been commonly studied. To assess this effect, we collected soil samples from plots with barriers and plots without barriers in an area affected by the 2022 megafire in the Sierra de la Culebra, Spain. Fungal operational taxonomic units were identified by sequencing the ITS1 region of fungal DNA in soil samples. Vegetation cover and substrate type were also recorded via transects at each sampling point. Our findings suggest that barriers create a microenvironment that supports greater fungal species richness. This may contribute positively to broader-scale diversity if these localized islands of richness serve as sources of soil fungi for the recolonization of surrounding areas. Fungal communities in plots with barriers were significantly different from those in plots without barriers and were enriched with animal endosymbionts, mycoparasites, and plant pathogens-functional guilds whose role in postfire recovery remains uncertain. However, certain species associated with barrier plots, such as Mortierella elongata and Mortierella alpina, may play a role in promoting vegetation recovery. This research highlights the adequacy of the use of soil erosion barriers as a postfire management tool that can have a positive impact both on direct preservation of soil fungal diversity and subsequent vegetation recovery of burned areas.},
}
@article {pmid41127630,
year = {2025},
author = {Kamau, M and Ergunay, K and Bourke, BP and Mutura, J and Lebunge, R and Ochieng, G and Gathii, K and Waitumbi, J and Mutai, B and Hassell, J and von Fricken, ME and Zimmerman, D and Murray, S and Jiang, L and Liao, HM and Grieco, JP and McDermott, EG and Achee, NL and Linton, YM},
title = {Potential spillover investigated by metagenome sequencing in Laikipia, Kenya reveals tick-borne pathogens and a novel bunyavirus.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {21},
number = {},
pages = {101226},
pmid = {41127630},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {Tick-borne infections continue to present a global public health threat, and require a One Health approach for successful mitigation. We conducted cross-sectional tick screening utilizing an agnostic metagenomic screening strategy based on nanopore sequencing (NS), in an area spanning a range of habitats with intensified human-livestock-wildlife interactions in central Kenya. We further used targeted amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence independent single primer amplification (SISPA) for confirmation and genome characterization, as necessary. We initially screened 44 ticks across pooled and individual samples belonging to seven species. Tick-associated bacteria-including spotted fever Rickettsia (13.3 %) and Coxiella-like endosymbionts, Francisella turcica and Francisella opportunistica, and tick-associated Borrelia-were detected in 86.6 % of samples. Viruses were detected in 93.3 % of samples, where Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) was observed as the most prevalent virus, detectable in 80 % of samples. A follow-up specific PCR confirmed JMTV virus detection in 75 %, associated with viral read abundance in NS. A complete JMTV genome was assembled from an Amblyomma sparsum tick, that displayed conserved motifs of putative structural and replication proteins. Maximum likelihood analyses placed the virus genome within a distinct clade in the proposed East African-Asian JMTV lineage. We further investigated a virus contig generated during the initial screening, with limited identities to Volzhskoe tick virus (VSTV). Subsequent NS and targeted PCR screening in an additional collection of 650 ticks from 11 species revealed a JMTV prevalence of 12.3 % in Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus species. Follow-up NS and SISPA generated viral genomic segments, encoding a putative replicase and glycoprotein precursor. Pairwise comparisons and phylogeny indicated a novel virus-herein named as the Mpala tick virus-which is related to but distinct from VSTV and placed among unclassified members of Bunyaviricetes. In conclusion, our approach provides an effective strategy to detect a wide range of tick-borne bacteria and viruses, facilitating identification of opportunistic or endosymbiotic bacteria as well as novel viruses.},
}
@article {pmid41129028,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, B and Wang, S and Li, X and Wang, J and Fang, C and Zhang, J and Su, J},
title = {The effects of the previous host on the adaptability of Tetranychus turkestani on soybean and its microbiome.},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {95},
number = {4},
pages = {52},
pmid = {41129028},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {2024B02003//Key Research and Development Project of the Xinjiang/ ; 2022B02043//Key Research and Development Project of Autonomous Region/ ; 2022ZD053//Guiding Science and Technology Plan Project of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Glycine max ; *Tetranychidae/microbiology/physiology/growth &amp; development ; *Microbiota ; Female ; Male ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Herbivory ; },
abstract = {Polyphagous pests often undergo the phenomenon of host-switching to expand their diet and enhance their environmental adaptability. The Tetranychus turkestani is the dominant mite pest in the northern Xinjiang region. To evaluate the influence of feeding experiences and its microbiome on the adaptation of T. turkestani to soybean hosts. we constructed age-stage two-sex life table and 16 S rDNA sequencing technology, the effects of the pre-host on the adaptability of T. turkestani to soybeans and the microbiome community were systematically evaluated, and the correlation between the two was further explored. The results show that: before host-switching, T. turkestani exhibited the highest intrinsic rate (0.277 d [-1]) and net reproductive rate (124.500) on the soybean host. The r (0.185 d[-1]) and R0 (37.488) of T. turkestani are lowest when reared on Amaranthus retroflexus. After the host was switched to soybean, both the r and R0 of T. turkestani increased. Similarly, the Chao1 index of T. turkestani exhibited a significant increase. When T. turkestani feeds on A. retroflexus, Wolbachia (97.01%), an insect endosymbiont, is the predominant microbiome. In contrast, when it feeds on Chenopodium album, Spiroplasma (54.59%) becomes the dominant microbiome. After the host was switched to soybean, the composition of microbiome in T. turkestani became similar to that of populations feeding on soybean. Correlation analysis revealed that Spiroplasma and Wolbachia were significantly positively correlated with both the oviposition period in host-switching of T. turkestani.},
}
@article {pmid41131131,
year = {2025},
author = {Corduneanu, A and Bendjeddou, ML and Sándor, AD and Mihalca, AD and Hornok, S and Péter, &#xc1; and Khelfaoui, F and Aželytè, J and Obregon, D and Mateos-Hernández, L and Maitre, A and Abuin-Denis, L and Wu-Chuang, A and Kratou, M and Ben Said, M and Cabezas-Cruz, A},
title = {Microbial network assembly in bat flies with differing host specificity from North Africa.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {8},
pages = {2929-2946},
pmid = {41131131},
issn = {1618-1905},
support = {14/2022-2024//Ministerul Cercet&#x103;rii &#x15f;i Inov&#x103;rii/ ; 1500107//Hungarian Research Network/ ; NTP-NFT&#xd6;-20-B-0094//Hungarian Ministry of Human Resources, Hungary/ ; SGCE - RAPPORT No 0300//Collectivit&#xe9; de Corse/ ; ANR-10-LABX-62-IBEID//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Diptera/microbiology ; *Host Specificity ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Microbiota ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Africa, Northern ; Algeria ; Phylogeny ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The study investigates the microbial composition of bat flies (Diptera: Nycteribiidae) collected from Myotis punicus in Algeria, focusing on the diversity and dynamics of their microbiota through network analysis. The analysis targets two genera, Nycteribia and Penicillidia, comparing oioxenous and stenoxenous species to understand host specificity's influence on microbial communities. Utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing, alpha and beta diversity metrics, and co-occurrence networks, the study assesses microbial diversity, community composition, and the impact of specific bacteria (endosymbionts, commensals, and pathogens) on network stability. Results reveal significant microbial community variations between genera and species, with N. latreillii exhibiting the most complex network. We showed that host specificity and feeding strategies significantly influence microbial diversity and interactions within bat flies. Robustness analysis through node removal simulations identifies the roles of key bacteria, such as Wolbachia, Arsenophonus, and Bartonella, in maintaining network stability. Findings highlight the complex interplay between these microorganisms and their hosts, offering insights into microbial ecology and vector-pathogen dynamics. The research underscores the importance of bat flies in shaping pathogen transmission networks, contributing valuable knowledge to wildlife ecology, disease control, and conservation strategies.},
}
@article {pmid41134208,
year = {2026},
author = {Koskimäki, JJ and Pohjanen, J and Ihantola, EL and Sutela, S and Pirttilä, AM},
title = {A shoot endosymbiont colonizes pine host by unique and rhizobia-like mechanisms boosted by surface-fixed methanol.},
journal = {Plant &amp; cell physiology},
volume = {67},
number = {1},
pages = {39-54},
pmid = {41134208},
issn = {1471-9053},
support = {//Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation/ ; //Tauno T&#xf6;nning Foundation/ ; //Niemi Foundation/ ; 355127//Research Council of Finland/ ; 343565//Research Council of Finland/ ; },
mesh = {*Methanol/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Pinus/microbiology/metabolism ; *Plant Shoots/microbiology/metabolism ; *Acetobacteraceae/physiology ; },
abstract = {Methylorubrum extorquens DSM13060 (Rhizobiales) has a specific capacity to live inside cells of bud meristems in pine trees. The bud niche is almost completely unstudied, although likely widespread in plants. It is unknown how the endosymbiotic methylotroph enters such crucial tissues of the plant. We hypothesized the bud colonization to occur mainly through the shoot epidermis enabled by host-produced methanol. We combined several microscopic methods to illustrate spatio-temporal colonization dynamics and methanol utilization by M. extorquens DSM13060 during the interaction. Our results showed that the endosymbiont mainly enters pine seedlings through cylindrical sheath, which is a layer of living cells surrounding primary root and transition zone. The cylindrical sheath played a central role in accumulation and proliferation of bacteria before entering deeper tissues. The endosymbiont also penetrated host through epidermis and stomatal apertures in stem and formed infection pocket-like structures upon entry. M. extorquens DSM13060 activated the mxaF-promoter on plant surfaces for methanol assimilation prior to shifting to the endosymbiotic lifestyle. Our results suggest that the surface-bound methanol was used for production of antioxidants that enable tissue penetration, documented earlier. Gradual cell-to-cell passage or formation of intracellular infection threads enabled the invasion past endodermis into the xylem. The xylem was observed to function as the main route to the apical meristem, where bacteria were present after 90 days of inoculation. Our study widens the previously known niches and reveals unique and rhizobia-like colonization mechanisms by the endosymbiont in the above and belowground parts of pine.},
}
@article {pmid41142305,
year = {2025},
author = {Rebecchi, F and Lattanzi, D and Abramovich, S and Ambrogini, P and Frontalini, F and Schmidt, C},
title = {Effects of low-level electric current on the growth of Amphistegina lobifera and its photosynthetic diatom endosymbionts.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e20160},
pmid = {41142305},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {*Photosynthesis ; *Diatoms/physiology/growth &amp; development ; *Symbiosis ; *Electricity ; *Foraminifera/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Animals ; *Electric Stimulation ; },
abstract = {Larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) are key carbonate producers and significantly contribute to carbonate reef sediments. As the ongoing climate change threatens the calcification capacity of many marine organisms, novel approaches are being explored to support reef resilience. Among these, low-voltage electric stimulation has shown promise in enhancing calcification in corals and other marine calcifiers by stimulating electrodeposition of calcium carbonate. However, the potential of this technique to support calcification in LBF has not yet been assessed. To close this gap, the present study investigates the effects of low electric current densities on the LBF species Amphistegina lobifera. To avoid inducing mortality, the current densities were carefully selected based on previous findings and were applied in two 30-day experiments. Pulse-Amplitude Modulation (PAM) fluorometry (Fv:Fm) was used to measure the photosynthetic efficiency of the diatom endosymbionts, and total pigment content (Chl a) was analysed via a plate reader to assess pigment changes due to the electric stimulation. Growth was analysed by measuring the maximum diameter and counting the formation of new chambers labelled with the fluorogenic dye calcein. The results of both experiments show that electric stimulation did not affect the maximum quantum yield (Fv:Fm) and Chl a content. Furthermore, all treatments exhibited positive growth, but no significant growth enhancement was observed compared to the controls. The highest growth and chamber formation rate were found at current densities of 1 and 1.43 µA/cm[2], which represent the highest growth rates obtained in the experiments, as an additional increase in current density to 2.86 µA/cm[2] did not seem to further enhance growth. These results suggest that low electric current can influence foraminiferal growth, and the conditions necessary for a significant enhancement remain to be investigated.},
}
@article {pmid41143858,
year = {2025},
author = {Suliman, Y and Li, Z and Sinha, A and Dyer, PD and Hartley, CS and Ettwiller, L and Darby, AC and Carlow, CK and Makepeace, BL},
title = {Cappable-Seq reveals the transcriptional landscape of stress responses in the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {11},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {41143858},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/drug effects/physiology ; Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Stress, Physiological/genetics ; Transcription Initiation Site ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Transcriptome ; Cell Line ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts are highly prevalent among invertebrate animals, in which they can confer fitness benefits such as pathogen defence and/or act as reproductive manipulators, inducing phenotypes including cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). For the alpha-proteobacterium Wolbachia, its wide distribution among macroparasites and disease-transmitting arthropods coupled with mutualistic roles, reduction of vector competence and CI has found recent applications in the control of several vector-borne tropical diseases. However, in common with other bacterial endosymbionts, which often lose regulatory elements during genomic erosion, the degree to which Wolbachia can respond to environmental or pharmacological stressors is poorly understood. Here, we apply Cappable-Seq methodology to achieve unprecedented depth and resolution of transcriptional start sites (TSS) in two Wolbachia strains (wMelPop-CLA and wAlbB) that have been used to transinfect mosquitoes for arbovirus control. We exposed Wolbachia in mosquito cell lines to temperature stress (both strains) or antibiotics (wAlbB only) and observed that all classes of TSS (including antisense) exhibited differential regulation, some of which were associated with mobile elements and may control ncRNA expression. Of the three antibiotics used as pharmacological stressors (doxycycline, rifampicin and moxifloxacin), doxycycline had the greatest impact on differential expression from primary TSS. Cappable-Seq also resolved the organization of the bicistronic cifA/cifB operon that is responsible for inducing CI in Wolbachia hosts. The use of Cappable-Seq in this study enabled the resolution of the primary transcriptome of an obligate intracellular bacterium in unparalleled detail. Moreover, this methodology shows great promise for revealing regulation of symbiont functions in whole invertebrates.},
}
@article {pmid41145239,
year = {2026},
author = {Haghbayan, N and Niyyati, M and Mahdavi, F and Nemati, S and Mohebbi, SR and Zabetpour Kurdi, H and Pourhosseingholi, MA and Mirjalali, H},
title = {Characterization of pathogenic endosymbionts in free-living amoebae isolated from indoor sport water complexes.},
journal = {International journal of environmental health research},
volume = {36},
number = {6},
pages = {1502-1513},
doi = {10.1080/09603123.2025.2579837},
pmid = {41145239},
issn = {1369-1619},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Amoeba/microbiology/virology ; *Swimming Pools ; *Fungi/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Acanthamoeba ; Viruses/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {This study aimed to investigate FLA and their endosymbionts in indoor sport water complexes (ISWCs). A total of 90 samples were collected from 15 ISWCs. After morphological and molecular detection, fungi and viral pathogens were investigated in isolated FLA using real-time PCR. Totally, 51 (56.7%) were positive for FLA, including Acanthamoeba sp. Vermamoeba sp. Vahlkampfiidae, and Thecamoeba spp. in 33 (36.7%), 20 (22.2%), 24 (26.7%), and 2 (2.2%) of samples, respectively. The number of positive samples was 17 in each sauna biofilm, Jacuzzi, and pool water. The genotypes T4, T5, and T11 were characterized in Acanthamoeba sp.. All Vermamoeba spp. were V. vermiformis and all family Vahlkampfiidae were characterized as Naegleria sp.. Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus were detected in two samples of pool water and Jacuzzi. The presence of AdV, NoV, and AsV was recorded in two Jacuzzi samples, in which AdV and NoV were detected in a sample at the same time. Our findings suggest that FLA can resist disinfectant used in ISWCs and high temperature of Jacuzzi. In addition, the presence of viral and fungal endosymbionts contributes to the important role of FLA in waterborne infections, particularly in places where people are in close contact with them.},
}
@article {pmid41147614,
year = {2025},
author = {Schultz, DL and Stouthamer, CM and Kelly, SE and Mathieson, OL and Kleiner, M and Hunter, MS and Schmitz-Esser, S},
title = {Comparative Genomics of the Endosymbiont Cardinium Causing Reproductive Manipulation in Encarsia Parasitoid Wasps.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {e70084},
pmid = {41147614},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {//This study was funded by NSF Awards #1256905, #2002934, and #2426306 to M. S. Hunter, #2002987 and #2426304 to S. Schmitz-Esser, and IOS #2426305 and IOS #2003107 to M. Kleiner./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Bacteroidetes/genetics/classification/physiology/isolation &amp; purification ; Genomics ; Reproduction ; Phylogeny ; Parthenogenesis ; },
abstract = {Many invertebrates harbor the vertically transmitted endosymbiotic bacterium Cardinium hertigii, and some display altered reproductive phenotypes due to manipulation by Cardinium. Despite their host impact, genomic information for reproductive manipulator strains of Cardinium is sparse. Of the three reproductive manipulation phenotypes Cardinium is known to induce in its hosts, only two genomes causing cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) are available, and genomes inducing other manipulation phenotypes are absent. In this study, we have sequenced and assembled four novel Cardinium genomes, three of which are associated with two different reproductive manipulation phenotypes, parthenogenesis induction and CI. Analysis of the genomes revealed that Cardinium associated with parasitoid wasp hosts in the genus Encarsia are generally more closely related to each other than to other Cardinium, but one strain, cEina2, is very similar to the whitefly-associated Cardinium strain cBtQ1. Further, unique and shared candidate genes for host interaction were identified, including putative zinc finger proteins shared by the parthenogenesis-associated strains cEper2 and cEhis1 and a large protein encoded by the CI Cardinium strain cEina3 with very distant similarity to the Wolbachia CI protein CidB. Finally, we predicted the presence of plasmids in three genomes. Also, despite the limited metabolic capacity of Cardinium, we identified potential horizontally transferred genes involved in central metabolism. These genomes will aid future studies to further our understanding of Cardinium-induced reproductive manipulation.},
}
@article {pmid41148908,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, X and Wang, Z and Feng, G and Xiao, Q and Tang, M},
title = {Temporal Dynamics of Bacterial Communities in Ectropis grisescens Following Cryogenic Mortality.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {41148908},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {31700613 and CAAS-ASTIP-TRICAAS//the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Innovative Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Ectropis grisescens (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a destructive pest in tea plantations, leading to significant economic losses through defoliation. Existing control strategies, including chemical insecticides and biological agents, are often limited by environmental concerns, resistance, and variable efficacy. Recent evidence suggests that bacteria influence insect physiology and could be leveraged for pest management, but the postmortem microbial ecology of E. grisescens remains uncharacterized. In this study, we employed 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate temporal changes in the bacterial communities of E. grisescens cadavers at 0, 7, and 21 days following cryogenic mortality. Our results indicate a time-dependent decline in microbial diversity, while species richness initially increased before subsequent reduction. The dominant endosymbiont Wolbachia gradually diminished after host death, whereas Enterobacter remained abundant. Notably, non-dominant genera including Lysinibacillus and Sporosarcina exhibited a transient increase in abundance at day 7 before reverting to control levels by day 21. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of postmortem microbial succession in a lepidopteran system, highlighting dynamic shifts in bacterial composition and offering potential avenues for microbiome-based pest management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid41152389,
year = {2025},
author = {Cutillas, C and Trujillo, I and Zurita, A and García-Sánchez, AM},
title = {Highlighting zoonotic importance of synanthropic fleas through microbiome analysis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {37651},
pmid = {41152389},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Cats ; Dogs ; *Zoonoses/microbiology/transmission ; *Flea Infestations/veterinary/parasitology ; Spain ; Humans ; Hedgehogs/parasitology ; },
abstract = {The role of domestic and peridomestic animals in vector-borne diseases is critical as they share a common environment with people having the potential to extend the network of pathogen transmission to humans. In the present study, amplicon sequencing was employed to characterize the microbial communities associated with five flea species (Archaeopsylla erinacei, Ctenocephalides felis, Spilopsyllus cuniculi, Pulex irritans and Ctenocephalides canis) collected from dogs, cats, and hedgehogs in Andalusia (Spain). The analysis focused on identifying the presence and infection rate of pathogenic bacteria within these synanthropic flea populations. The higher relative abundance of the Phylum Pseudomonadota was primarily attributed to the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia, along with consistently elevated levels of the genera Rickettsia and Bartonella across all flea species. This study reports, for the first time, the detection of Babesia sp. in all tested flea species, with the highest abundance observed in S. cuniculi collected from cats, emphasizing the need for further investigation into its potential implications as vectors. Our results also demonstrate that the microbiota composition of fleas is largely influenced by the host they parasitize. The study of microbiota allowed for the ecological separation of flea species, with individuals from these five species clustering distinctly each other.},
}
@article {pmid41153433,
year = {2025},
author = {Lalawmpuii, K and Jacob, SS and Tolenkhomba, TC and Behera, P and Lalmuanpuia, J and Lalremsanga, HT and Lalrintluanga, K and Lalchhandama, C and Biakzuala, L and Lalrinkima, H},
title = {Mitochondrial and Nuclear DNA Analyses of Rhipicephalus microplus from Mizoram, Northeast India: Insights into Genetic Diversity and Endosymbiont.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {41153433},
issn = {2073-4425},
mesh = {*Rhipicephalus/genetics ; Animals ; India ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *DNA/genetics ; *Cell Nucleus/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; *Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: In this study, we conducted molecular identification of R.microplus and explored the genetic diversity of R. microplus for the first time in Mizoram, a Northeastern Hill (NEH) state of India bordering Myanmar. Methods: To assess genetic variation and evolutionary relationships, we employed phylogenetic analyses, genetic divergence metrics, and haplotype network construction based on mitochondrial (COX1 and 16S rDNA) and nuclear (ITS-2 and 18S rDNA) markers. Additionally, multivariate Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) was used to visualize genetic differentiation among R. microplus populations. Results: Our analyses indicated that populations of R. microplus sensu lato from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan form a closely related matrilineal lineage distinct from R. microplus sensu stricto, clustering within clade C of the COX1-based phylogeny. Globally, 24 COX1 haplotypes were recovered, with 1 haplotype identified in India. The Mizoram population exhibited a single 16S rDNA haplotype; however, intraspecific divergence was evident across India, with seven matrilineal haplotypes detected and nineteen globally. Further, five haplotypes were identified within R. microplus using the ITS-2 marker, while five haplotypes were observed within the Rhipicephalus genus using the 18S rDNA marker. Moreover, this study revealed the presence of Coxiella-like endosymbionts in 95% of the tick specimens analyzed. Conclusions: This study fills a critical knowledge gap by providing the first molecular documentation of tick diversity in Mizoram, a strategic region along the Indo-Myanmar border, and offers novel insights into the phylogeography and symbiotic associations of R. microplus and related tick taxa.},
}
@article {pmid41156723,
year = {2025},
author = {Vranjković, MP and Vitko Havliček, A and Kramar, M and Balen Topić, M and Beck, D and Jurković Žilić, D and Gagović, E and Beck, R},
title = {Not a Dead-End Host: First Confirmed Persistent Microfilaremia in Human Dirofilaria repens Infection.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {41156723},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {We report the first confirmed case of persistent microfilaremia in a human host infected with Dirofilaria repens. A 54-year-old woman from an endemic area in Croatia presented with peripheral eosinophilia and dermatological symptoms. Over four months, microfilariae were repeatedly detected in her blood using thick smears and Knott's test, and the diagnosis was molecularly confirmed via COI gene sequencing and detection of Wolbachia endosymbionts. This case provides compelling evidence that D. repens can sustain a complete or near-complete life cycle in humans under specific conditions. Our findings have significant implications for clinical diagnostics, One Health surveillance, and public health interventions.},
}
@article {pmid41156827,
year = {2025},
author = {Yüksel, E and Lahlali, R and Barış, A and Sameeullah, M and Ulaş, F and Koca, AS and Ait Barka, E and İmren, M and Dababat, A},
title = {Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Bioactive Compounds of Their Bacterial Endosymbionts Act Synergistically in Combination with Spinosad to Kill Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a Serious Threat to Food Security.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {41156827},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {FAPD-2025-15290//Erciyes University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit/ ; },
abstract = {As a staple food, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (Solanaceae) is one of the most produced food crops to ensure food security. The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a major pest of potato, damaging both the growing and storage processes. In recent years, green pest control strategies have been gaining importance to reduce the adverse effects of chemicals and protect the environment. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their bacterial endosymbionts (Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus spp.) have been one of the top topics studied in sustainable pest control approaches. In the present study, the two most common EPN species, Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, and their bacterial associates, Xenorhabdus bovienii and Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. kayaii were evaluated against PTM larvae separately and in combination with spinosad. The survival rates of infective juveniles (IJs) of EPNs were over 92% after 72 h of direct exposure to spinosad. Co-application of EPNs and bioactive compounds (BACs) of endosymbiotic bacteria with spinosad induced synergistic interactions and achieved the maximum mortality (100%) in PTM larvae 48 h post-treatment. Spinosad and BAC combinations were highly efficient in controlling the PTM larvae and provided LT50 values below 23.0 h. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 29 compounds in total, 20 of which belonged to P. luminescens subsp. kayaii. The results indicate that the integration of EPNs and BACs of endosymbiotic bacteria with spinosad presents a synergistic interaction and enhances pest control efficacy.},
}
@article {pmid41160687,
year = {2025},
author = {Okada, K and Fujiwara, T and Hirooka, S and Kobayashi, Y and Onuma, R and Miyagishima, SY},
title = {The closed nutrient recycling system in the Paramecium-Chlorella photosymbiosis contributes to survival under oligotrophic conditions.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {44},
pages = {eadz0004},
pmid = {41160687},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Paramecium/physiology/metabolism ; *Chlorella/physiology/metabolism ; *Nutrients/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Light ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic relationships between a heterotrophic host and a unicellular algal endosymbiont are observed across many eukaryotic lineages. Although these relationships are prevalent in oligotrophic environments, how they function and provide an advantage under such conditions remains largely unknown. To address these issues, we examined the behavior of the ciliate Paramecium bursaria hosting Chlorella endosymbionts under nitrogen- and prey-depleted conditions. The Paramecium host survived for up to 5 weeks while maintaining the number of Chlorella endosymbionts, whereas aposymbiotic Paramecium and free-living Chlorella either died or bleached, respectively, under the same conditions. In the symbiotic state, the host continuously fed on the endosymbionts without excreting nitrogenous waste into the medium, while the remaining endosymbionts continued to proliferate using heterotrophic metabolites from the host and light energy. Thus, the cyclical farming of endosymbionts by the host maintains a high concentration of nutrients within the closed system, providing a selective advantage in oligotrophic environments.},
}
@article {pmid41161318,
year = {2025},
author = {Balmand, S and Rivard, C and Peignier, S and Santarella-Mellwig, R and Ghanem-Debbache, M and Maire, J and Engl, T and Galvão Ferrarini, M and Dell'Aglio, E and Soriano-Saiz, B and Dalverny, C and La Padula, V and Turunen, P and Rahioui, I and Vallier, A and Vincent-Monégat, C and Vierne, B and Parisot, N and Condemine, G and Da Silva, P and Jaurand, X and Schwab, Y and Kaltenpoth, M and Heddi, A and Zaidman-Rémy, A},
title = {Bacterial tubular networks channel carbohydrates in insect endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {188},
number = {26},
pages = {7355-7365.e16},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2025.10.001},
pmid = {41161318},
issn = {1097-4172},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; *Enterobacteriaceae/physiology/metabolism/ultrastructure ; *Insecta/microbiology ; *Carbohydrate Metabolism ; Carbohydrates ; },
abstract = {Symbiosis is widespread in nature and plays a fundamental role in organism adaptation and evolution. In nutritional endosymbiosis, host cells accommodate intracellular bacteria and act as a "metabolic factory," requiring extensive metabolic exchanges between host and endosymbiont. To investigate the mechanisms supporting these exchanges, we used the association between the bacterium Sodalis pierantonius and the insect Sitophilus spp. that thrives on an exclusive cereal diet. Volume electron microscopy uncovered that endosymbionts generate complex membranous tubular networks (tubenets) that connect bacteria and drastically increase their exchange surface with the host cytosol. In situ high spatial resolution chemical analysis indicated that tubenets are enriched in carbohydrates, which are the main substrate used by bacteria to generate nutrients for the host. Multiple membranous structures favoring nutrient absorption are described in multicellular organisms. This work demonstrates that bacteria have convergently evolved a similar "biostrategy" that enhances nutrient acquisition by increasing membrane interface.},
}
@article {pmid41162221,
year = {2026},
author = {Hodžić, A},
title = {The contribution of the Midichloria mitochondrii endosymbiont to Borrelia infection dynamics.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {42},
number = {1},
pages = {21-24},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2025.10.003},
pmid = {41162221},
issn = {1471-5007},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Borrelia/physiology ; *Lyme Disease/transmission/microbiology ; Humans ; *Arachnid Vectors/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Recent studies have revealed a positive correlation between the presence of the Midichloria mitochondrii endosymbiont and Borrelia species in the tick vector, suggesting potential interactions that may influence pathogen infection and the transmission dynamics of Lyme borreliosis. This article discusses the possible mechanistic pathways underlying these interactions.},
}
@article {pmid41166418,
year = {2025},
author = {Forrester, TJB and Lin, S and Lowary, TL and Kimber, MS},
title = {WrtF from Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 is a GT-A fold fucosyltransferase that binds its donor nonproductively.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {44},
pages = {e2512460122},
pmid = {41166418},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {RGPIN-2020-07113//Canadian Government | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)/ ; RGPIN-2018-04365//Canadian Government | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)/ ; FPE-194084//Canadian Government | Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)/ ; SD-1//UofA | Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet)/ ; },
mesh = {*Fucosyltransferases/metabolism/chemistry/genetics ; Fucose/metabolism/chemistry ; *Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/chemistry/genetics ; Guanosine Diphosphate Fucose/metabolism/chemistry ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; O Antigens/metabolism/chemistry ; Models, Molecular ; Protein Binding ; Substrate Specificity ; Rhizobium/enzymology ; },
abstract = {l-Fucose, a 6-deoxy-monosaccharide, is often incorporated into O-antigens in Rhizobia where it serves as an important marker for host recognition. Here, we biochemically and structurally characterize WrtF, an O-antigen polysaccharide l-fucosyltransferase from the plant endosymbiont Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899. We show that WrtF transfers l-fucose from its donor, guanosine 5'-diphospho-β-l-fucose (GDP-Fuc), to a nonreducing end glucose, creating an α-(1→4) linkage. We determined structures of WrtF at resolutions between 1.45 and 2.3 Å in the apo state, and in complex with GDP, GDP-Fuc, nonacetylated and acetylated trisaccharide acceptors, and with a tetrasaccharide product. WrtF has an N-terminal glycosyltransferase A (GT-A) fold and a unique C-terminal α-helical bundle domain. The structures, combined with activity assays, and sequence analysis show that WrtF is unusual in using neither divalent cations nor basic residues to coordinate and stabilize the donor pyrophosphate. In contrast to almost all previously characterized GT-A glycosyltransferases that use α-linked donors that present the donor monosaccharide axially, GDP-Fuc presents its monosaccharide equatorially. GDP-Fuc binds in a compact conformation with the l-fucose endocyclic oxygen and C6 methyl packed against ribose C5 and C4, respectively. This binding mode paradoxically shields the anomeric carbon from attack; superposition of the donor and acceptor complexes suggests that these substrates would sterically hinder one another and do not appropriately orient to form a Michaelis complex. We therefore propose that the donor l-fucose must reorient in the active site prior to turnover. The preferred occluded donor binding mode may serve to "prescreen" GDP-Fuc from structurally similar candidate donors, while also minimizing counterproductive donor hydrolysis.},
}
@article {pmid41170986,
year = {2025},
author = {Mallikaarachchi, KS and Huang, JL and Madras, S and Cuellar, RA and Huang, Z and Gega, A and Rathnayaka-Mudiyanselage, IW and Nandana, V and Al-Husini, N and Saldaña-Rivera, N and Ma, LH and Ng, E and Christensen, K and Pendar, N and Li, S and Deleon, NR and Chen, JC and Schrader, JM},
title = {Sinorhizobium meliloti BR-bodies promote fitness during host colonization.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {e0249025},
pmid = {41170986},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {T34 GM008574/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; SC3 GM096943/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R25 GM050078/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM124733/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T34 GM145400/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R16 GM153570/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Sinorhizobium meliloti/genetics/physiology/metabolism/growth &amp; development ; Symbiosis ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; RNA Stability ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; *Ribonucleoproteins/metabolism/genetics ; Endoribonucleases/metabolism/genetics ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Biomolecular condensates are non-membrane-bound assemblies of proteins and nucleic acids that facilitate specific cellular processes. Like eukaryotic P-bodies, the recently discovered bacterial ribonucleoprotein bodies (BR-bodies) organize the mRNA decay machinery in α-proteobacteria; however, the similarities in molecular and cellular functions across species have been poorly explored. Here, we examine the functions of BR-bodies in the nitrogen-fixing endosymbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti, which colonizes the roots of compatible legume plants. Similar to Caulobacter crescentus, assembly of BR-bodies into visible foci in S. meliloti cells requires the C-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of RNase E in vivo and in vitro, and foci fusion is readily observed in vivo, suggesting that they are liquid-like condensates that form via mRNA sequestration. Using Rif-seq to measure mRNA lifetimes, we found a global slowdown in mRNA decay in a mutant deficient in BR-bodies, indicating that compartmentalization of the degradation machinery promotes efficient mRNA turnover across α-proteobacteria. Although BR-bodies are constitutively present during exponential growth, the abundance of BR-bodies increases upon cell stress, whereby they promote resistance to environmental stresses. Finally, we show that BR-bodies enhance competitive fitness during Medicago truncatula root colonization and appear to be required for effective symbiosis, as mutants without BR-bodies failed to promote robust plant growth on nitrogen-free medium. These results suggest that BR-bodies provide a fitness advantage for bacteria during host colonization, perhaps by enabling better resistance against the host immune response.IMPORTANCEAlthough eukaryotes often organize their biochemical pathways in membrane-bound organelles, bacteria generally lack such subcellular structures. Instead, membraneless compartments called biomolecular condensates have recently been found in bacteria to organize and enhance biochemical activities. Bacterial ribonucleoprotein bodies (BR-bodies), as one of the most characterized bacterial biomolecular condensates identified to date, assemble the mRNA decay machinery via the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of proteins. However, the implications of such assemblies are unclear. Using a plant-associated symbiont, we show that the absence of BR-bodies results in slower mRNA decay, sensitivity to environmental stresses, and ineffective symbiosis, suggesting that BR-bodies play critical roles in regulating biochemical pathways and promoting fitness during host colonization.},
}
@article {pmid41190477,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Correction to "Infection dynamics of endosymbionts that manipulate arthropod reproduction".},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {101},
number = {1},
pages = {554},
doi = {10.1111/brv.70098},
pmid = {41190477},
issn = {1469-185X},
}
@article {pmid41198730,
year = {2025},
author = {Garrigós, M and García-Ruiz, O and Enkvist, CR and García-López, MJ and Moreno-Indias, I and Ruiz-López, MJ and Veiga, J and Figuerola, J and Videvall, E and Martínez-de la Puente, J},
title = {Effects of avian Plasmodium exposure on the microbiota of Culex pipiens.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {38898},
pmid = {41198730},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {PRE2021-098544//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; PU19/01925//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; FJC2021-048057-I//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; PID2020-118205GB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades/ ; PTA2022-021854-I//Agencia Estatal de Investigaci&#xf3;n/ ; PID2020-118921RJ-100/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//Agencia Estatal de Investigaci&#xf3;n/ ; CPII21/00013//Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ ; 2023-05026//Swedish Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Culex/microbiology/parasitology ; *Plasmodium/physiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Sparrows/parasitology ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/parasitology ; *Malaria, Avian/parasitology/transmission ; },
abstract = {Malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) are mosquito-borne parasites that infect humans and wildlife. Several studies support the role of mosquito microbiota as a major driver of Plasmodium transmission, although studies on wildlife malaria are typically neglected. Here, we used a 16S rRNA metabarcoding approach to assess whether the exposure to avian Plasmodium parasites affects the microbiota of their natural vector, Culex pipiens. Mosquitoes, captured in the field as larvae and grown in the laboratory, were allowed to feed on house sparrows (Passer domesticus) naturally infected with Plasmodium relictum (lineage SGS1) and uninfected birds. We analyzed the microbiota composition of the abdomens of individual mosquitoes and found 2,006 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs). Culex pipiens' microbiota was dominated by bacteria of the genus Wolbachia, followed by the genera Stenotrophomonas and Faecalibacterium. We observed no difference in alpha nor beta diversity between mosquitoes that fed on Plasmodium-infected birds (exposed mosquitoes) and those that fed on uninfected birds (unexposed mosquitoes). However, exposed mosquitoes had a higher relative abundance of bacteria of the family Bacteroidaceae and the genus Bacteroides than the unexposed mosquitoes. Excluding the intracellular endosymbiont Wolbachia from the analyses, we obtained similar results, and also found a higher relative abundance of bacteria of the family Rikenellaceae in exposed mosquitoes. A pathway enrichment analysis based on KEGG annotations revealed that the bacterial community in exposed mosquitoes was enriched in pathways mainly related to biosynthesis and metabolism. Our results suggest that Cx. pipiens exposed to avian Plasmodium have slightly different microbiota composition, although further research is needed to establish the causality of these effects.},
}
@article {pmid41198841,
year = {2025},
author = {Corretto, E and Štarhová Serbina, L and Dittmer, J and Michalik, A and Schuler, H},
title = {Evolutionary dynamics of obligate endosymbiosis in the psyllid genus Cacopsylla.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {1540},
pmid = {41198841},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; *Biological Evolution ; *Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/physiology/classification ; },
abstract = {Phloem-sucking hemipterans maintain obligate, heritable symbiotic bacteria to overcome nutritional deficiencies caused by their unbalanced diet. While some groups retain ancient primary symbionts, others supplement or replace them with additional symbionts conferring adaptive benefits. Here, we explore the diversity and evolutionary dynamics of multiple endosymbionts in psyllids of the genus Cacopsylla. While the primary symbiont Carsonella is found in all analysed species, the ancient co-primary symbiont Psyllophila is absent in Cacopsylla pyrisuga, which instead harbours a Sodalis symbiont with a larger genome, located in the syncytium of the bacteriome. Phylogenomic analyses demonstrated co-divergence of Carsonella and Psyllophila with their hosts, whereas the occurrence of closely related Sodalis across different psyllid lineages indicates several independent acquisitions. The presence of additional facultative Sodalis and Serratia symbionts further highlights the dynamic host-symbiont relationships in psyllids and their essential roles in insect niche adaptation and evolution.},
}
@article {pmid41201244,
year = {2025},
author = {Dregni, J and Lindsey, ARI and Ferrer-Suay, M and Celis, SL and Heimpel, GE},
title = {Wolbachia-mediated parthenogenesis induction in the aphid hyperparasitoid Alloxysta brevis (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Charipinae).},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {91},
number = {12},
pages = {e0130825},
pmid = {41201244},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {FJCI201421120//Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness/ ; 2016-2019//Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council/ ; 2017-2021//Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plant and Pest Center/ ; CIGE/2022/158//Spanish Council of Innovation, Universities, Science and Digital Society/ ; 2018-2019//University of Minnesota Rapid Agricultural Response Fund/ ; R35 GM150991/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; 2018-2024//University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station/ ; R35GM150991/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; *Parthenogenesis ; Female ; Symbiosis ; Male ; *Aphids/parasitology ; *Wasps/microbiology/physiology ; *Hymenoptera/microbiology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Thelytokous parthenogenesis (thelytoky), in which females can produce female offspring without mating, can be caused by parthenogenesis-inducing endosymbiotic bacteria in the genus Wolbachia. This interaction is well known in hymenopteran parasitoids, where unfertilized eggs typically develop as males via haplodiploidy in the absence of parthenogenesis-inducing bacteria. We report on a case of thelytoky in Alloxysta brevis (Thomson) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a globally widespread aphid hyperparasitoid. A previous study had shown that sex ratios of this species collected in Minnesota (USA) were extremely female-biased, and we found here that unmated females reared from field-collected hosts produced female offspring without exposure to males. This result demonstrated thelytoky, and we tested for the role of bacterial endosymbionts by comparing offspring production of unmated females fed the antibiotic rifampicin to offspring production of control females not fed antibiotics. Antibiotic-fed females produced almost exclusively male offspring, and control females produced mainly females. This result showed that antibiotic treatment facilitated male production by unmated A. brevis females, thus implicating bacterial symbiosis in the expression of thelytoky. We then used full-length 16S rRNA sequencing to determine the identity of the symbiont. These analyses identified a Wolbachia strain from supergroup B and excluded other bacteria known to mediate parthenogenesis induction, such as Cardinium and Rickettsia. While Wolbachia had been previously detected by molecular analysis in this species, these are the first experiments demonstrating Wolbachia-mediated parthenogenesis in the figitid subfamily Charipinae. To our knowledge, this also constitutes the first documented case of endosymbiont-mediated thelytoky in any hyperparasitoid species.IMPORTANCEParthenogenesis induction in insects can have important environmental and economic consequences. This is especially true if pests or their natural enemies are affected. The case of Alloxysta brevis is of particular interest, as this species is a hyperparasitoid of aphids, meaning that they attack and kill primary parasitoids of aphids. The populations of many species of pest aphids are controlled by primary parasitoid species, and hyperparasitoids thus have the potential to interfere with this mechanism of control. The role of hyperparasitoid parthenogenesis in the suppression of aphids by primary parasitoids remains unexplored. Thus, the results of this set of studies provide a starting point for determining whether parthenogenesis-inducing Wolbachia in hyperparasitoids should be expected to improve or hinder biological control of pest aphids by primary parasitoids. The focus on A. brevis as a model for these questions could be particularly instructive, since it is a species of worldwide distribution that is involved in numerous economically important aphid-parasitoid interactions.},
}
@article {pmid41201327,
year = {2025},
author = {DuBose, JG and Uhm, T and Bowen, J and Fiedorek, P and Hoogshagen, M and Haselkorn, TS and DiSalvo, S},
title = {The roles of dispersal limitation and pre-adaptation in shaping Paraburkholderia endosymbiont frequencies in social amoeba communities.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {91},
number = {12},
pages = {e0161525},
pmid = {41201327},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {P20 GM103429/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Burkholderiaceae/physiology/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Dictyostelium/microbiology/physiology ; Adaptation, Physiological ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Endosymbiotic interactions have long played fundamental roles in shaping the evolution and diversification of eukaryotes. However, we still have a limited understanding of how ecological processes govern the distribution of endosymbionts that are still segregating in host populations. To contribute to this understanding, here, we use the interactions between Paraburkholderia endosymbionts and their dictyostelid social amoeba hosts as a model system to investigate the role of dispersal, a fundamental ecological process, in shaping the distribution and evolution of endosymbiotic interactions. We first found that patterns of endosymbiont diversification were highly biogeographic, suggesting a significant degree of dispersal limitation. We then experimentally mediated the dispersal of several endosymbiont species into environments with multiple host species and found that each symbiont was able to sustain a high prevalence in each host population. The benefit/detriment of these mediated interactions did not change with increasing phylogenetic distance from what is suspected to be the focal amoeba host species in nature. Taken together, our findings suggest Paraburkholderia endosymbionts are generally pre-adapted to occupy a variety of dictyostelid host environments, and their distribution among host populations is subject to a high degree of dispersal limitation. Overall, our findings have significant implications for our understanding of how ecological processes facilitate and limit the evolution of endosymbiotic interactions.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: Endosymbiotic interactions are ubiquitous in complex eukaryotes, as organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts represent the remnants of what were once free-living prokaryotes. However, how ecological processes facilitate the transition from free-living to host-associated is less understood. Selection is the most commonly invoked process to explain this transition: symbionts that are better at infecting hosts and potentially confer some benefit rise in frequency because they are selected for (and otherwise selected against). However, this only describes one fundamental process that can shape the ecology of symbiotic interactions. Here, we present evidence that the importance of dispersal (and its limitations) likely exceeds that of selection in shaping the distribution and frequency of Paraburkholderia endosymbionts in their dictyostelid social amoeba host communities. These findings highlight the need to consider regional ecological processes that operate at a scale beyond the individual when studying ecology and evolution of endosymbiotic interactions.},
}
@article {pmid41211760,
year = {2025},
author = {Layton, EM and Vance, MT and Hardy, RW and Newton, ILG},
title = {Complete genome sequence of Wolbachia strain wMel colonizing Drosophila melanogaster JW18 cells.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {14},
number = {12},
pages = {e0064325},
pmid = {41211760},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {Wolbachia are widespread insect endosymbionts known for manipulating host reproduction, aiding vector-borne disease control, and influencing host evolution. Here, we provide the complete genome sequence of the Wolbachia strain wMel derived from the Drosophila melanogaster JW18 cell culture and assembled using a hybrid approach combining Illumina and Oxford Nanopore reads.},
}
@article {pmid41218775,
year = {2025},
author = {Schön, I and Chimileski, S and Mark Welch, J and Martens, K},
title = {Vertical transmission of Cardinium bacteria in parthenogenetic non-marine ostracods (Crustacea).},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2058},
pages = {20251193},
pmid = {41218775},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//NIH/ ; //NSF/ ; //Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; //Whitman/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Symbiosis ; *Parthenogenesis ; *Crustacea/microbiology/physiology ; *Bacteroidetes/physiology/genetics ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Ovary/microbiology ; Ovum/microbiology ; Microscopy, Confocal ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts are common in terrestrial arthropods, where they can manipulate host biology and reproduction, with Wolbachia and Cardinium as the best-known examples. Vertical transmission is a hallmark of such endosymbiosis. The high incidence of parthenogenesis makes non-marine ostracods (small, bivalved crustaceans) excellent models for exploring the potential effects of endosymbiosis on host reproduction in fully aquatic arthropods. Here, we complement DNA sequencing-based detection of Cardinium in non-marine ostracods with an imaging approach based on microdissection and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We use confocal microscopy to illustrate the location and spatial organization of Cardinium cells within female ovaries and eggs in natural, parthenogenetic populations of three species of ostracods with mixed reproduction. Our results provide evidence that these bacteria are stable endosymbionts and confirm vertical transmission of Cardinium in non-marine ostracods. The location of Cardinium in reproductive tissues of parthenogenetic females further indicates that these intracellular bacteria are potential reproductive manipulators in at least some non-marine ostracod species. Given that our knowledge on endosymbionts is still largely biased towards terrestrial arthropods with haplodiploidy, our results open the way to novel comparative studies of reproductive manipulation by endosymbionts in a much wider range of taxa.},
}
@article {pmid41225941,
year = {2025},
author = {Chang, C and Han, Y and Yang, K and Jiang, X and Zhang, X and Li, Z and Ge, F},
title = {Facultative Endosymbiont Serratia symbiotica Provides Fitness Benefits for Celery Aphid Semiaphis heraclei Collected from Plant Cnidium monnieri.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {21},
pages = {},
pmid = {41225941},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2023YSYY-006//Introducing Top Talent Program of Shandong/ ; 2023YFD1400800//National Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; 32202405//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; IPM2001//State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents/ ; CXGC2024F05//Agricultural Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Semiaphis heraclei Takahashi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) serves as a vital resource for natural enemies from functional plant Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson (Apiaceae), playing a crucial role in ecological dynamics. Endosymbionts influence the performance of their hosts. Here, we determined the communities of facultative endosymbionts in aphids from Lonicera japonica Thunb. (Caprifoliaceae), Apium graveolens L. (Apiaceae), and C. monnieri and assessed the performance of four aphid clones. The infection rates of Serratia symbiotica Moran (Gammaproteobacteria: Enterobacteriaceae) and Regiella insecticola Moran (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae) reached 100%. Notably, the infection rates of Spiroplasma and Rickettsia varied across host plants. Fitness assessment revealed that aphids performed better on their natal hosts, exhibiting shorter nymphal development times and higher fecundity. S. symbiotica had contrasting effects on aphids based on their origin. It prolonged the development duration and decreased the intrinsic rate of increase (rm), net reproductive rate (R0), and finite rate of increase (λ) in aphids collected from plant A. graveolens. However, for aphids collected from plant C. monnieri, it shortened the doubling time (DT) and improved rm, R0, and λ, while prolonging the mean generation time. Our studies are the first to investigate the infection status and role of facultative endosymbionts in aphid S. heraclei, extending the documented effects of plant diversity to fluctuations in the infection rate, with potentially far-reaching consequences for related endosymbionts' ecosystem processes.},
}
@article {pmid41245590,
year = {2025},
author = {Ansermin, E and Hoffmann, AA and Ross, PA},
title = {Changes in the behavior of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in response to predators after transinfection with Rickettsiella (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae) endosymbionts.},
journal = {Annals of the Entomological Society of America},
volume = {118},
number = {6},
pages = {502-512},
pmid = {41245590},
issn = {0013-8746},
abstract = {Infection with endosymbionts can cause changes in the phenotype of their insect hosts, particularly for life-history traits such as fecundity and temperature sensitivity. Economically important pests such as aphids carry different species of endosymbiotic bacteria, some of which have potential as biocontrol agents. The impact of newly transinfected bacteria on behavioral responses of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) has rarely been explored; however, traits such as microhabitat selection and response to predators could disrupt or reinforce the effectiveness of biocontrol. In this study we compared the behavior of green peach aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer, Hemiptera: Aphididae), with or without a transinfection of the facultative endosymbiont Candidatus Rickettsiella viridis (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae). In whole plants assays, we tested differences in microhabitat selection, leaf surface productivity and response to the predatory ladybird Hippodamia variegata (Goeze, Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The transinfection affected the variance but not the mean of leaf surface preference, with the infected line aphids being more consistent across days. Aphid productivity did not differ between surfaces nor was it affected by the infection. Choice tests suggested that ladybird preference was not affected by Rickettsiella. However, the aphid lines responded differently to the predator in that the infected aphids were relatively more common on the adaxial surface in the presence of the predator whereas uninfected aphids showed no difference. Our results suggest that transinfected Rickettsiella endosymbionts can change their hosts' behavior in subtle ways but their immediate impacts on the effectiveness of predator-based biocontrol are not necessarily clear.},
}
@article {pmid41251328,
year = {2026},
author = {Maynard, RH and Vasquez, YM and Bennett, GM},
title = {Hidden genetic diversity among Blochmanniella endosymbionts of closely related carpenter ant populations.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {39},
number = {1},
pages = {158-169},
pmid = {41251328},
issn = {1420-9101},
support = {GT15982/HHMI/Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; NSF-1347116//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/microbiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Carpenter ants (Family Formicidae; Genus Camponotus) are a globally distributed, arboreal clade. They harbor an intracellular obligate bacterial endosymbiont known as "Candidatus Blochmanniella spp." (hereafter Blochmanniella). The host ant species, C. vicinus, is geographically dispersed across the western United States of America and western Canada. To investigate how Blochmanniella have differentially evolved from related host-endosymbiont lineages, we sampled a C. vicinus population from California's Sierra Nevada mountains, California, U.S.A., at an elevation of 2,300 m. Using morphological characters and Cytochrome Oxidase I markers, we determined that this population is genetically distinct from geographically distributed lineages of C. vicinus from Central California and Western North America (Arizona, U.S.A. to British Columbia, Canada). Thus, we sequenced the genome of the Blochmanniella endosymbiont from this host to understand how closely related symbiont lineages evolve. While our newly sequenced lineage is syntenic with other Blochmanniella, it has lost genes involved in membrane maintenance, bacterial cell information, and nutrition synthesis. Protein-coding genes across its genome are highly divergent as well (average sequence similarity = 93.6%). Therefore, we refer to our novel lineage as the B. vicinus Sequoia lineage (BSEQ). BSEQ can provide 7 of the 10 essential amino acids required by its insect host. It can also help break down toxic urea and repair UV radiation-induced DNA damage. Tests of selection reveal that most protein-coding genes BSEQ and related lineages are under strong or relaxed purifying selection. Taken together, our results demonstrate that while BSEQ and related Blochmanniella lineages have highly conserved content, there is considerable evolutionary diversity between them.},
}
@article {pmid41253823,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, J and Guo, Q and Han, X and Zhang, W and Huang, Z and Dietrich, CH and Wei, C},
title = {Genome degradation results in nested symbiosis and endosymbiont replacement in cicadas.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {10104},
pmid = {41253823},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Animals ; *Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Gradual genome degradation and fragmentation in primary nutritional endosymbionts have required symbiont-dependent hosts periodically to replace such symbionts over evolutionary timescales, yet the processes involved in de novo emergence of endosymbiosis and symbiont replacement are challenging to ascertain. Here we show that phylogenetic relationships of two ancient vertically-transmitted bacterial endosymbionts of cicadas, Hodgkinia and Karelsulcia, mirror host phylogeny, particularly indicating a single ancestral infection of cicadas by Hodgkinia with subsequent host-symbiont codiversification before being replaced by yeast-like fungal symbionts (YLS). We demonstrate a case of co-existence of Hodgkinia with Karelsulcia and a YLS, representing an advanced ongoing symbiont replacement process. In some individuals of the cicada Chremistica ochracea, the Hodgkinia is highly degenerated but colonizes (instead of neighboring) its partner Karelsulcia. The physical fusion of these two bacterial endosymbionts yields a nested symbiosis while the new YLS is recruited, probably preserving essential metabolic pathways necessary for host nutrition and facilitating continued vertical symbiont transmission. Such fusion may have provided refuge for the degrading bacterial endosymbiont and delayed symbiont replacement. Our study sheds light on adaptive and non-adaptive evolutionary mechanisms involved in symbiont loss and replacement, offering fresh insights into endosymbiotic origins of cellular organelles.},
}
@article {pmid41258495,
year = {2025},
author = {Gutiérrez-Sarmiento, W and Fosado-Mendoza, M and Lozano-Flores, C and Varela-Echavarría, A},
title = {The Body Wall Microbiome of the Terrestrial Slug Deroceras laeve Reveals Potential Endosymbionts and Shares Core Organisms with Other Mollusks.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {136},
pmid = {41258495},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {CBF2023-2024-834//SECIHTI/ ; IN211322//DGAPA-UNAM PAPIIT/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; *Symbiosis ; *Gastropoda/microbiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Archaea/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Fungi/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Bacteriophages/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The marsh slug Deroceras laeve is an invasive mollusk found in gardens, field crops, and wetlands. It lacks a protective shell, suggesting that microbial communities are associated with its adaptability to the environment. Here, we used a whole shotgun metagenomic approach to analyse the complex microbiome of D. laeve and compared it to that of other mollusks. This demonstrated the presence in D. laeve of bacteriophages such as Erwinia phage, Certrevirus, and Machinavirus, which target plant pathogen bacteria. In the Archaea domain the halophilics Halovivax and Halobaculum predominated, but also present were the methanogens Methanobacterium, Methanobrevibacter, Methanocaldococcus, Methanococcus, and Methanosarcina, involved in phosphate solubilization and methanogenesis during decomposition of organic matter. The Bacteria domain was dominated by γ-Pseudomonadota such as Buttiauxella, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Leclercia, and Pseudomonas which are producers of enzymes that degrade biomass and complex carbohydrates. Regarding the fungal community, filamentous or yeast ascomycetes predominated such as Debaryomyces, Puccina, and Pyricularia known as plant pathogens or associated with decaying organic matter. Consistent with these findings, functional analysis revealed enrichment in genes involved in fermentation and carbohydrate metabolism. Remarkably, regardless of species, ecosystem, and tissue type, we found that the core microbiome of the mollusks in this study is mainly structured by the Phyla Uroviricota, Euryarchaeaota, Pseudomonadota, and Ascomycota, with diversity at the genus level. This suggests ancient symbiotic interactions of these mollusks with specific types of microbes which may have been critical for adaptability to their environment.},
}
@article {pmid41261892,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, M and Michalik, A and Deng, J and Hu, Y and Łukasik, P},
title = {Contrasting Genomic Trajectories of Bartonellaceae Symbionts of Planthoppers.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {17},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41261892},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {2018/30/E/NZ8/00880//Polish National Science Centr/ ; 202406040164//China Scholarship Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Symbioses with microorganisms have shaped the nutritional biology and evolution of many insects. For example, several ant clades have adapted to nutrient-poor diets through symbiosis with a specific clade of bacteria in the family Bartonellaceae (Hyphomicrobiales), notorious for also including virulent vertebrate pathogens. Here we show that Bartonellaceae phylogenetically placed within the clade that has only encompassed ant symbionts to date-Candidatus genus Tokpelaia-have established as symbionts in four different clades of planthoppers (Insecta: Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha). Genome size and contents indicate different levels of integration of these strains into the planthopper biology and their diverse roles. Symbionts infecting one of the clades have some of the largest genomes among Bartonellaceae, at ca. 2 Mb, two others are under 700 kb, and the fourth is reduced to barely 158 kb. The planthopper-associated Tokpelaia strains with larger genomes, similar to ant symbionts, encode multiple amino acid and vitamin biosynthesis genes, complementing the degraded nutritional capabilities of their hosts' ancient heritable endosymbionts. Strikingly, the smallest Tokpelaia genome lacks any genes linked to essential amino acid biosynthesis, in contrast to all other known insect-associated bacteria with genomes of comparable size. We identified a single vitamin biosynthesis gene and iron-sulfur cluster assembly genes as its only putative contributions to the host biology. Our results broaden the host spectrum of nonpathogenic Bartonellaceae, indicating that they have contributed to nutrition and symbiotic consortium function in diverse diet-restricted host clades. They also highlight an unexpectedly broad range of evolutionary outcomes for this important bacterial group.},
}
@article {pmid41265508,
year = {2025},
author = {Rosário, AAD and Posada-Lopez, L and Rocha, MF and Werneck, GL and Galvis-Ovallos, F},
title = {Natural occurrence of Wolbachia in Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais - Brazil.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {272},
number = {},
pages = {107920},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107920},
pmid = {41265508},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; Brazil ; *Psychodidae/microbiology ; Female ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; Leishmania/isolation &amp; purification ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Male ; },
abstract = {Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonosis of high epidemiological relevance, caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmaniinae subfamily, mainly of the Leishmania genus and transmitted by hematophagous phlebotomine sand flies. Vector-borne disease control faces significant challenges, and innovative strategies towards the vector - such as the use of the endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia - have gained prominence for their ability to manipulate the reproduction of their hosts and modulate their immunity, reducing pathogen transmission. However, little is known about natural Wolbachia infection in the sand fly population. This study aimed to assess the circulation of Wolbachia in sand flies from Montes Claros, a visceral leishmaniasis-endemic area in Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 1.191 females Lutzomyia longipalpis were analyzed, and Wolbachia DNA was detected in 30 samples (2.5%), with a homogeneous presence among the points sampled. DNA sequences revealed a single strain, wPup, that has not been previously described in sand flies. The positive Wolbachia samples were also tested for Leishmania spp, however, no DNA was detected.},
}
@article {pmid41266614,
year = {2025},
author = {Wiles, EL and Kakumanu, ML and Schal, C},
title = {Wolbachia-supplemented B-vitamins are critical for blood digestion in the bed bug Cimex lectularius.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {40962},
pmid = {41266614},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2023348287//National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program/ ; NC02639//U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bedbugs/microbiology/physiology/metabolism ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Riboflavin/pharmacology/metabolism ; *Digestion ; Symbiosis ; *Vitamin B Complex/pharmacology ; Biotin/pharmacology ; Female ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a bacterial endosymbiont, acts as an obligate nutritional mutualist in the bed bug, Cimex lectularius. Wolbachia in C. lectularius (wCle) supplements B-vitamins, namely riboflavin (B2) and biotin (B7), which are deficient in the bed bug's diet of vertebrate blood. Experimental elimination of wCle significantly impairs fitness in bed bugs, resulting in slow development, low egg production and egg hatch rate, and smaller adult body size. Although this obligatory symbiosis has been well-documented, the specific physiological mechanisms by which wCle-supplemented B-vitamins promote bed bug fitness remain unclear. We hypothesized that B-vitamin deficiency impairs digestion in aposymbiotic bed bugs, and in this study we investigated the effects of wCle elimination on three digestive processes in the bed bug - diuresis, erythrocyte (red blood cell) lysis, and protein catabolism. Our results show that wCle elimination significantly slows both diuresis and protein catabolism. We also demonstrate that riboflavin is critical for the breakdown of hemoglobin, the main protein component of red blood cells, but not albumin, the main protein component of plasma. We propose that the lack of wCle-supplemented riboflavin results in systemic protein deficiency, driving various fitness-related deficits in aposymbiotic bed bugs. These findings enhance our understanding of bed bug digestive physiology and the wCle-bed bug nutritional mutualism, with broader implications for other blood-feeding arthropods.},
}
@article {pmid41266970,
year = {2025},
author = {Jin, L and Xu, Q and Miao, C and Zhan, J and Zhang, Y and Li, M and Cheng, J and Liu, P and Yang, Y and Zhou, H and Hu, Z and Li, F and Wu, C},
title = {Dynamic multi-omics analysis reveals the correlation between aroma compounds and symbiotic microbial community during tobacco leaf aging process.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1745},
pmid = {41266970},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {110202102033//the Key Grant of China National Tobacco Corporation, China/ ; },
mesh = {Multiomics ; *Plant Leaves/microbiology/physiology/metabolism ; *Nicotiana/microbiology/physiology/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Odorants/analysis ; *Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; *Plant Senescence ; Proteomics ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Aging in crops like tea and tobacco involves the production of secondary metabolites, with symbiotic microbes playing a key role. However, their dynamic changes and correlation with metabolites during aging remain poorly understood. This study investigates changes in microbial communities, aroma compounds, and protein expression during tobacco leaf aging using artificial accelerated aging techniques, which combine GC-MS, metagenomics, and metaproteomics methods. We identified 62 aroma compounds with distinct change patterns and observed significant changes in the structure of symbiotic bacteria. Type one, represented by Wolbachia_endosymbiont_of_Diaphorina_citri, increased in abundance from the fourth month, correlating with compounds like 2-Furaldehyde. Type two, represented by Sphingomonas_sp_LK11, showed a bimodal abundance pattern, correlating with compounds like Tabanone. Metaproteomics revealed that protein functions were initially limited to cytoskeleton organization but diversified from the fourth month. Fungi also displayed two distinct clustering patterns, Rhizopus and Mortierella elongata were abundant early on, while Colletotrichum asianum and Trichophyton violaceum appeared later. Rhizopus and other fungi exhibited a significant positive correlation with 24 aroma compounds, including 5-Methylfuran-2(5 H)-one. Linderina pennispora and other fungi showed a significant positive correlation with 28 aroma compounds, including 2-Furaldehyde. The dynamic changes in microbial community structure during aging are closely related to the generation of aroma compounds. Overall, temporal shifts in microbial communities were closely linked to aroma formation. One set of microorganisms, such as Wolbachia_endosymbiont_of_Diaphorina_citri and Linderina pennispora, is positively correlated with 2-Furaldehyde, Isophorone, and 2-Methylbenzofuran. Another set, including Sphingomonas_sp_LK11 and Rhizopus, exhibits a positive correlation with 5-Methylfuran-2(5 H)-one and 1,2-Cyclohexanedione. These findings provide new insights into the biological mechanisms of tobacco leaf aging, and offer new research directions for the development and innovation of future tobacco products.},
}
@article {pmid41267536,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, J and Zhang, W and Guo, Q and Liu, X and Wei, C},
title = {Initially Coexisting Endosymbionts Migrate Into Different Tissues During Ontogeny of Host Cicadas.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {11},
pages = {e70185},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70185},
pmid = {41267536},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {32270496//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2025KYCXZ05//Northwest A&amp;F University Doctoral Candidates' Independent Innovation Research Project Funding/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Animals ; *Fungi/physiology ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts play pivotal roles in driving ecological and evolutionary diversification of many insects, yet the morphogenesis and evolutionary origin of their specialised symbiotic organs (e.g., bacteriomes) remain poorly understood. Here we investigated the bacteriome morphogenesis in Cicadidae using microscopy-based methods. We revealed that bacteriomes originate either from both the original bacteriocytes that emerged after anatrepsis and the novel bacteriocytes that appeared during katatrepsis, or solely from the latter. Bacteriomes expand via "budding" proliferation to increase the bacteriome unit number, and bacteriome developmental patterns closely correlate with the presence/absence of the yeast-like fungal symbionts (YLS) and their colonisation dynamics. The obligate endosymbiont Karelsulcia and YLS, coexisting in bacteriomes during early stages of host ontogeny, may compete for ecological niches, potentially resulting in translocation of YLS into fat bodies. This indicates that bacteriomes may have initially functioned as immune organs like fat bodies, but evolved specifically for accommodating bacterial endosymbionts. The translocation of YLS from bacteriomes to fat bodies during the later development of host cicadas indicates that immune-mediated regulation occurs in such symbiotic organs as host insects mature. This study sheds light on how symbiont-host interactions shape the symbiotic organogenesis, which provides insights into adaptive evolution of specialised symbiotic organs in plant sap-feeding insects.},
}
@article {pmid41285752,
year = {2025},
author = {Schulz, F and Yan, Y and Weiner, AKM and Ahsan, R and Katz, LA and Woyke, T},
title = {Single-cell genomics reveals complex microbial and viral associations in ciliates and testate amoebae.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {10336},
pmid = {41285752},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {R15 HG010409/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Single-Cell Analysis/methods ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Amoeba/virology/microbiology/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Metagenomics/methods ; *Ciliophora/virology/microbiology/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics/classification ; Genomics/methods ; Giant Viruses/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Viruses/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {Protists play important roles in nutrient cycling across ecosystems, yet the composition and function of their associated microbiomes remain poorly studied. Here, we use cultivation-independent single-cell isolation and genome-resolved metagenomics to investigate the microbiomes and viromes of more than 100 uncultivated ciliates and amoebae from diverse environments. Our findings reveal unique microbiome structures and complex associations with bacterial symbionts and viruses, with stark differences between ciliates and amoebae. We recover 117 microbial genomes affiliated with known eukaryotic endosymbionts, including Holosporales, Rickettsiales, Legionellales, Chlamydiae, and Babelota, and 258 genomes linked to host-associated Patescibacteriota. Many show genome reduction and genes related to toxin-antitoxin systems and nucleotide parasitism, indicating adaptation to intracellular lifestyles. We also identify more than 80 giant viruses from diverse lineages, some actively expressing genes in single-cell transcriptomes, along with other viruses predicted to infect eukaryotes or symbiotic bacteria. The frequent co-occurrence of giant viruses and microbial symbionts, especially in amoebae, suggests multipartite interactions. Together, our study highlights protists as hubs of microbial and viral associations and provides a broad view of the diversity, activity, and ecological importance of their hidden partners.},
}
@article {pmid41287058,
year = {2025},
author = {Khan, J and Lin, D and Al-Jawabreh, A and Aziz, A and Zhang, D and Tao, C and Qian, H},
title = {Population genetic diversity and natural Wolbachia infection in Aedes aegypti from Pakistan.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {486},
pmid = {41287058},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Aedes/microbiology/genetics/classification ; Pakistan/epidemiology ; *Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/genetics ; Haplotypes ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Genetics, Population ; Phylogeography ; Dengue/transmission/epidemiology ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti, the principal vector of dengue and other arboviruses, is widely distributed in Pakistan, yet its population genetics and endosymbiont status remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate the genetic structure, haplotype diversity, and phylogeographic patterns of Ae. aegypti in dengue-endemic regions of Pakistan, and to screen for natural Wolbachia infections to provide baseline data for surveillance and vector control.<br><br>METHODS: Ovitrap collections were conducted in 2021 across the provinces of Punjab (Bakkar) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Charsadda, DI Khan, Kohat, and two sites within Peshawar: Hayat Abad and Tarnab). Following the morphological identification of adult Ae. aegypti, we extracted genomic DNA from confirmed specimens to amplify and sequence a 658-bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. Phylogenetic analyses, haplotype network construction, and population differentiation statistics were performed. Additionally, 300 field-caught adult mosquitoes were screened for Wolbachia using validated conventional and quantitative PCR assays targeting the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene.<br><br>RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis of 166 COI sequences (92 from Pakistan) revealed a monophyletic Ae. aegypti clade with 99.65-100% sequence identity, with Pakistani isolates clustering with those from Saudi Arabia, Iran, and India. In total, 13 global haplotypes were identified, with Hap_3 dominating (53%) and shared across regions. Within Pakistan, eight haplotypes were detected, including region-specific variants, yielding high overall diversity (Hd&#x2009;0.69; &#x3c0;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.007). District-level analysis showed that DI Khan and Bakkar had the highest haplotype diversity (Hd&#x2009;0.73 and 0.71) but low nucleotide diversity (&#x3c0;&#xa0;=&#xa0;0.005-0.006), whereas Kohat exhibited no haplotype diversity. Population structure was higher in Pakistan (FST&#x2009;0.26; Nm&#x2009;0.7) than globally (FST&#x2009;0.17; Nm&#x2009;1.19), consistent with low gene flow among Pakistani populations. No natural Wolbachia infections were detected in Ae. aegypti.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Aedes aegypti in Pakistan belong to a globally monophyletic lineage and show moderate mitochondrial diversity with higher population structure than the global population. The lack of detected Wolbachia infections suggests that natural strains are either absent or occur at very low prevalence. These findings provide a baseline for surveillance and support integrating Wolbachia-based biocontrol alongside conventional interventions in Pakistan.},
}
@article {pmid41289084,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, H and Li, M and Zhong, Z and Seim, I and Wang, M and Lian, C and Zhuo, L and Wan, X and Wang, H and Han, G and Zhou, L and Zhang, H and Cao, L and Li, C},
title = {Function and Development of Deep-sea Mussel Bacteriocytes Revealed by SnRNA-seq and Spatial Transcriptomics.},
journal = {Genomics, proteomics &amp; bioinformatics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gpbjnl/qzaf109},
pmid = {41289084},
issn = {2210-3244},
abstract = {The deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems are among one of the most unusual ecosystems on Earth, where most megafauna form close symbiotic associations with chemosynthetic microbes to obtain nutrition and shelter from the toxic environment. Despite the diverse forms of symbiotic organs in these deep-sea holobionts, the function and development of bacteriocytes, the host cells harboring symbionts, are still largely uncharacterized. Here, we have conducted the in situ decolonization assay and state-of-the-art single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics to reveal the function and development of deep-sea mussel bacteriocytes. The bacteriocytes appear to optimize immune processes to facilitate recognition, engulfment, and elimination of endosymbionts. They also interact directly with them in carbohydrate and ammonia metabolism by exchanging metabolic intermediates via transporters such as SLC37A2 and RHBG-A. Bacteriocytes arise from three different proliferating cell types, and their successive development trajectory was delineated by multi-omics data and 3D reconstruction analyses. The molecular functions and the developmental processes of bacteriocytes were found to be guided by the same set of molluscan-conserved transcription factors and may be influenced by endosymbionts through sterol metabolism. The coordination in the functions and development of bacteriocytes and between the host and symbionts highlights the phenotypic plasticity of symbiotic cells, and underpins host-symbiont interdependence in adaptation to the deep sea.},
}
@article {pmid41289906,
year = {2026},
author = {Thongmeesee, K and Aung, A and Narapakdeesakul, D and Kamkong, P and Chatchaisuriya, A and Satidsommon, P and Kerdrojwongkul, S and Lilertlam, S and Charoensiri, S and Tiawsirisup, S},
title = {Incidental amplification of Wolbachia sequences in fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) collected from pets in Thailand using 16S rDNA universal primers for hemoplasma detection.},
journal = {Research in veterinary science},
volume = {198},
number = {},
pages = {105984},
doi = {10.1016/j.rvsc.2025.105984},
pmid = {41289906},
issn = {1532-2661},
mesh = {Animals ; Thailand ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Mycoplasma/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Cats ; Dogs ; Phylogeny ; Dog Diseases/microbiology/parasitology ; Cat Diseases/parasitology/microbiology ; DNA Primers/genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary ; },
abstract = {Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) are common ectoparasites of cats and dogs in Thailand, and they can serve as vectors for various pathogens with zoonotic potential [e.g., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., and hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (hemoplasmas)]. Bartonella and Rickettsia spp. have been well described in fleas collected from cats and dogs. Contrarily, only one study reported hemoplasmas in fleas collected from cats in Thailand, and information regarding hemoplasmas in fleas collected from dogs is limited. This study used 16S rDNA universal primers in a previous study to investigate hemoplasmas in fleas collected from cats and dogs. Unfortunately, the primers inadvertently amplified the partial sequences of Wolbachia spp. endosymbionts in fleas. All obtained sequences were analyzed using nucleotide BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. Based on the results, the Wolbachia sequences were placed into two subsupergroups (I-1 and I-2) with sequences from Ctenocephalides felis and C. orientis. Although these 16S rDNA primers used in this study might be capable of amplifying hemoplasmas in mammalian hosts, additional Sanger sequencing might be required to confirm PCR products as hemoplasma sequences when these primers are used for cPCR in arthropod samples.},
}
@article {pmid41297850,
year = {2026},
author = {Dell'Aglio, E and Ferrarini, MG and Rebollo, R},
title = {Epigenetics and non-coding RNAs in host-endosymbiont interactions: insights from Wolbachia and beyond.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {74},
number = {},
pages = {101464},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101464},
pmid = {41297850},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Epigenesis, Genetic ; *RNA, Untranslated/genetics/metabolism ; *Insecta/microbiology/genetics ; },
abstract = {Symbioses are widespread in nature and are among major evolutionary forces. Insects have recurrently established intracellular symbioses with bacteria, balancing between immune responses and homeostasis. The processes involved in endosymbiosis establishment, maintenance, and control have recently been associated with epigenetic pathways and non-coding RNAs, which are known to regulate a wide range of cellular processes, including development, differentiation, immune response, and metabolism. Using the well-studied Wolbachia-Aedes aegypti model as a reference, we summarize how these mechanisms influence host gene expression, endosymbiont maintenance, and antiviral defence. Beyond Wolbachia, only a few examples have provided functional evidence of the role of epigenetics in regulating natural insect-bacteria associations. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that epigenetic factors can act as mediators of host-endosymbiont coordination; however, determining if such factors are drivers or by-products of symbiosis establishment will require further investigation.},
}
@article {pmid41304320,
year = {2025},
author = {Tawidian, P and Tucker, BJ and Zembsch, TE and Ip, HS and Bartholomay, LC},
title = {Infection-Mediated Shifts in the Microbial Communities of Deer-Fed Ixodes scapularis Ticks.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {41304320},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {cooperative agreement U01CK000505/CC/CDC HHS/United States ; G21AC10134//United States Department of Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {The holobiont of the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) includes maternally inherited rickettsial endosymbionts and environmentally acquired microbes that may influence tick fitness and vector competence. While previous studies have focused on characterizing the microbiota of I. scapularis ticks, less is known about the influence of tick infection status on microbial assemblages. Here, we collected engorged female I. scapularis ticks from hunter-harvested white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) across 11 counties in Wisconsin during fall 2022. The ticks were maintained in laboratory conditions for oviposition and then frozen for nucleic acid extraction. The infection status of each tick was determined using qPCR, targeting Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., and Powassan virus. Bacterial and fungal communities were characterized through amplicon-based sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 region, respectively. Our targeted pathogen testing revealed that 14.1% of the collected ticks were infected with Babesia odocoilei and 23.3% with Borrelia burgdorferi. The microbial community composition of ticks was significantly influenced by infection status and pathogen identity. Notably, Borrelia-infected ticks exhibited distinct microbiota profiles and increased microbial network connectivity. These findings provide new insights into the microbial ecology of deer-fed I. scapularis ticks and highlight the role of infection in shaping both microbiota and mycobiota communities.},
}
@article {pmid41306926,
year = {2025},
author = {Melis, S and Gammuto, L and Castelli, M and Nardi, T and Bisaglia, B and Duron, O and Cafiso, A and Botman, J and Lambert, O and Olivieri, E and Sprong, H and Plantard, O and Sassera, D},
title = {Genetic and genomic variability of Spiroplasma and Midichloria endosymbionts associated with the tick Ixodes frontalis.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {ycaf202},
pmid = {41306926},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Ixodes frontalis, an ornithophilic tick species, is widely distributed all over Europe exhibiting two genetically diverging haplogroups based on differences in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene. Despite its broad distribution, little is known about the presence of symbiotic bacteria in I. frontalis, while symbionts are generally widespread in ixodid ticks and responsible for important effects on host fitness. We collected I. frontalis from France and Italy (n = 277) and assessed that the most prevalent haplogroup was A (73%). We then investigated the presence of the symbionts, Midichloria mitochondrii and Spiroplasma ixodetis. They were both found at a high prevalence in adult ticks (66% and 77% respectively), while the number of positive immature ticks was significantly lower (18% for both). The experimental analysis of larvae hatched from egg clutches obtained from four females hints at vertical transmission of both symbionts. We obtained three genomes of Spiroplasma and one of Midichloria, and used them to perform comparative genomic analysis. Average nucleotide identity among available Spiroplasma or Midichloria genomes from I. frontalis are all extremely high, suggesting low genetic variability for both symbionts. Gene presence/absence analysis confirmed the presence of B vitamin synthesis genes in the genome of M. mitochondrii, and also showed the presence of the ETX/MTX2 gene, the RIP family and a partial Spaid-like gene in S. ixodetis. This gene repertoire indicates a nutritional role for Midichloria, while for S. ixodetis we hypothesize a role of this bacterium as a defensive symbiont or a manipulator of the host reproduction.},
}
@article {pmid41311095,
year = {2025},
author = {Aoki, D and Saiki, H and Yamamoto, K and Suzuki, S and Hirakawa, Y},
title = {Nuclear genome sequencing reveals the highly intron-rich architecture of the chlorarachniophyte alga Amorphochlora amoebiformis.},
journal = {DNA research : an international journal for rapid publication of reports on genes and genomes},
volume = {32},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41311095},
issn = {1756-1663},
support = {21K06285//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI/ ; 25K02093//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI/ ; LA-2022-011//Institute for Fermentation, Osaka/ ; 2023-5024//Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant from the Japan Science Society/ ; JPMJSP2124//JST SPRING/ ; },
mesh = {*Introns ; *Cell Nucleus/genetics ; *Cercozoa/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Evolution, Molecular ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Genome ; },
abstract = {Chlorarachniophyte algae possess complex plastids derived from endosymbiosis between a cercozoan protist and green alga. As evidence of this event, remnant nucleus of the endosymbiont, nucleomorph, is present in the plastid intermembrane space. Chlorarachniophytes are excellent models to study genome evolution via endosymbiosis. Although the three organelle genomes of mitochondrion, plastid, and nucleomorph have been sequenced in several chlorarachniophyte species, nuclear genome information is currently limited to Bigelowiella natans. To gain insights into the genome diversity and evolution of chlorarachniophytes, we sequenced the nuclear genome of another chlorarachniophyte, Amorphochlora amoebiformis. Its size is approximately 214 Mb, which is more than twice that of B. natans. Remarkably, three-quarters of the nuclear genome encodes spliceosomal introns, indicating its highly intron-rich structure compared to other known eukaryotic genomes. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis revealed that A. amoebiformis possessed a diploid nuclear genome, unlike the haploid genome of B. natans. Additionally, we identified organellar DNA fragments within the nuclear genome, suggesting recent DNA migration from the three organelles to the nucleus. Overall, our findings reveal that chlorarachniophyte nuclear genomes differ substantially in size, structure, and ploidy across species, and provide evidence of ongoing endosymbiotic gene transfer.},
}
@article {pmid41313632,
year = {2025},
author = {Arai, H and Nishikawa, Y and Konagaya, T and Kogawa, M and Kifushi, M and Takeyama, H and Anbutsu, H and Kageyama, D},
title = {Single-cell genome analysis of a feminizing Wolbachia in Eurema butterflies reveals a shared origin with male-killing Wolbachia.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {11},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {41313632},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification ; *Butterflies/microbiology/genetics ; Male ; Female ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Feminization ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a ubiquitous endosymbiont in arthropods that is maternally transmitted and affects host reproduction in various ways. Among these, skewing the host sex ratio towards females, either by killing males (male killing) or producing exclusively functional females (feminization or parthenogenesis), is considered advantageous for Wolbachia. In the butterfly Eurema mandarina, individuals harbouring the Wolbachia strain wFem exclusively produce female offspring. This occurs through a two-step mechanism in which Wolbachia blocks the transmission of the Z chromosome from Z0 females and feminizes the resultant Z0 offspring. Given the unique characteristics of wFem, understanding its genomic features is crucial to uncover the evolution and mechanisms of Wolbachia-induced reproductive manipulation. However, technical challenges in isolating wFem from co-infecting, closely related, non-male-killing/non-feminizing wCI Wolbachia strain have hindered genomic analyses of wFem. In this study, we established a closed circular genome of wFem by developing a series of Wolbachia purification, cell sorting and single-cell genome sequencing techniques. wFem genome, ~1.3 Mb in size, specifically encodes male-killing gene homologues (Em-oscar and wmk) and other putative virulence factors that are absent in wCI. In addition, wFem carried prophage elements that showed high similarity to previously characterized male-killing-associated prophages in Wolbachia strains. This study highlights the shared functional genomic features between feminizing and male-killing Wolbachia in Lepidoptera and suggests a mechanistic link between these two Wolbachia-induced reproductive phenotypes.},
}
@article {pmid41315222,
year = {2025},
author = {Gassler, T and Giger, GH and Sintsova, A and Bossert, OX and Holderbusch, A and Bortfeld-Miller, M and Dehapiot, B and Sunagawa, S and Vorholt, JA},
title = {Induced endosymbiosis between a fungus and bacterium reveals a shift from antagonism to commensalism.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {10717},
pmid = {41315222},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {883077//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; *Rhizopus/physiology/genetics ; Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; *Antibiosis ; },
abstract = {Endosymbioses represent dynamic relationships between organisms that may involve antagonistic phases during their emergence. Here, we induced cell-in-cell interactions between the free-living bacterium Ralstonia pickettii and an endosymbiont-free strain of the fungus Rhizopus microsporus using fluidic force microscopy to investigate the early phase of endosymbiosis formation. Following the implantation of bacteria into the cytosol, the rapid proliferation of R. pickettii compromised host fitness, as evidenced by reduced fungal viability, and triggered immune responses characterized by upregulated expression of stress-related defense genes. Vertical transmission of bacteria across fungal generations enabled repeated rounds of selective passaging, ultimately resulting in transcriptional relaxation of the fungal defense response. High-throughput-imaging revealed that the propagated system accommodated higher bacterial loads within viable spores, with a corresponding reduction in fungal growth. The observed physiological changes and comparative fungal transcriptomic profiles indicated adaptive resilience and a shift from antagonism to commensalism. This transition was characterized by attenuated expression of genes involved in cell wall remodeling and reactive oxygen metabolism. Our experimental system provides insights into the early processes of endosymbiosis, supporting the hypothesis that facultative intracellular pathogens can serve as intermediates toward stable endosymbiotic relationships.},
}
@article {pmid41320831,
year = {2025},
author = {Abbot, B and Field, S and Carneal, L and White, RA and Buchan, A and West, C and Lee, L and Carter, ME},
title = {Comparative Genomics Reveals Multipartite Genomes Undergoing Loss in the Fungal Endosymbiotic Genus Mycetohabitans.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {17},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41320831},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Fungal ; *Rhizopus/genetics ; Genomics ; Phylogeny ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria extensively impact phenotypes of their eukaryotic hosts, while experiencing dramatic changes to their own genome as they become more host-restricted in lifestyle. Understanding the trajectory of such a genome has largely been done through the study of animal-associated bacteria, especially insect endosymbionts. Yet, endofungal bacteria provide another natural experimental model for investigating how microbial genomes change when living inside of a host cell. Mycetohabitans spp. are culturable bacterial endosymbionts of the Mucoromycota fungus Rhizopus microsporus. To investigate the genome dynamics resulting from the endohyphal nature of this emerging model genus, we long-read sequenced and assembled new complete genomes to combine with previous assemblies, creating a global dataset of 28 complete Mycetohabitans genomes. All genomes were between 3.3 and 3.9 Mbp in size and were multipartite, structured into two conserved replicons with some strains having an additional plasmid. Based on evolutionary rate and gene content analysis of the different replicons, we termed the two major ones a chromosome and chromid. The differential presence of a third, mobilome-rich plasmid in some strains and the proliferation of transposable elements provide putative mechanisms for recombination or gene loss. The conservation of intact prophage and putative toxin-antitoxin systems and extensive enrichment of secondary metabolite clusters in the Mycetohabitans genomes highlight the dynamic nature of this reducing genome. With fungal-bacterial symbioses becoming increasingly apparent phenomena, lessons learned from this symbiosis will inform our understanding of bacterial adaptation to novel hosts and the process of microbe-microbe coevolution.},
}
@article {pmid41322278,
year = {2025},
author = {Hao, T and Su, H and Quan, Z and Zhang, R and Yu, M and Xu, J and Li, J and Li, S and Warren, A and Al-Farraj, SA and Yi, Z},
title = {Distinct evolutionary origins and mixed-mode transmissions of methanogenic endosymbionts are revealed in anaerobic ciliated protists.},
journal = {Marine life science &amp; technology},
volume = {7},
number = {4},
pages = {700-716},
pmid = {41322278},
issn = {2662-1746},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Methanogenic endosymbionts are the only known intracellular archaeans and are especially common in anaerobic ciliated protists. Studies on the evolution of associations between anaerobic ciliates and their methanogenic endosymbionts offer an excellent opportunity to broaden our knowledge about symbiosis theory and adaptation of eukaryotes to anoxic environments. Here, the diversity of methanogenic endosymbionts was analyzed with the addition of nine anaerobic ciliate populations that were newly studied by various methods. Results showed that diverse anaerobic ciliates host methanogenic endosymbionts that are limited to a few genera in orders Methanomicrobiales, Methanobacteriales, and Methanosarcinales. For the first time, anaerobic ciliates of the classes Muranotrichea and Prostomatea were found to host methanogenic endosymbionts. Distinct origins of endosymbiosis were revealed for classes Armophorea and Plagiopylea. We posit that armophoreans and plagiopyleans might have harbored Methanoregula (order Methanomicrobiales) and Methanocorpusculum (order Methanomicrobiales), respectively, as methanogenic endosymbionts at the beginning of their evolution. Subsequently, independent endosymbiont replacement events occurred in methanogen-ciliate associations, probably due to ecological transitions, species radiation of ciliate hosts, and vertical transmission bottlenecks of endosymbionts. Our results shed light on the evolution of associations between anaerobic ciliates and methanogens, and identifies the necessary preconditions for illustrating mechanisms by which endosymbioses between these partners were established.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-025-00295-9.},
}
@article {pmid41326105,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, S and Li, S and Yang, D and Wen, C and Wen, J},
title = {Wolbachia-mediated regulation of EscrGST1 modulates pesticide resistance in Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus.},
journal = {Pesticide biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {216},
number = {Pt 1},
pages = {106743},
doi = {10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106743},
pmid = {41326105},
issn = {1095-9939},
mesh = {*Wolbachia ; Animals ; *Glutathione Transferase/genetics/metabolism ; Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; *Weevils/enzymology/genetics/microbiology ; *Insecticides ; Inactivation, Metabolic ; RNA Interference ; Symbiosis ; *Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Neonicotinoids ; Nitro Compounds ; Pyrethrins ; Thiazines ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a maternally transmitted intracellular symbiont widely distributed in arthropods, regulates diverse host functions including detoxification. Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) as a specialist borer pest of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, it exclusively damages the host tree through larval boring and adult supplemental feeding, constituting a major wood-boring insect in China's forestry ecosystems. This study investigated the role of Wolbachia in modulating the detoxification capacity of E. scrobiculatus. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses demonstrated that 21-day tetracycline treatment (15 mg/mL) effectively eliminated Wolbachia (99.96 % reduction). Compared to symbiotic controls, Wolbachia-depleted weevils exhibited significantly reduced activities of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), while carboxylesterase (CES) activity increased. Subsequently, transcriptomic analysis further revealed that Wolbachia-depleted weevils exhibited diminished expression of the detoxification gene EscrGST1 and reduced tolerance to the insecticides imidacloprid and cypermethrin. RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of EscrGST1 induced a compensatory increase in Wolbachia abundance during gene suppression, demonstrating a bidirectional regulatory mechanism between symbiont dynamics and host detoxification pathways. These findings demonstrate that Wolbachia mediates pesticide resistance in E. scrobiculatus by modulating EscrGST1 activity, providing novel strategies for controlling E. scrobiculatus, and offering new perspectives for developing pest control approaches through targeted disruption of symbiotic relationships.},
}
@article {pmid41328892,
year = {2025},
author = {Durmuş, Z&#xd6; and Milat, NS and Rajakumar, A and Rafiqi, AM},
title = {Endosymbiont Interactions With the Germline Underlie a Case of Evolutionary Novelty in Carpenter Ants.},
journal = {Evolution &amp; development},
volume = {27},
number = {4},
pages = {e70025},
doi = {10.1111/ede.70025},
pmid = {41328892},
issn = {1525-142X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Ants/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; *Germ Cells/metabolism ; *Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Evolutionary novelties often arise through complex interactions among genetic, developmental, and ecological processes, yet their origins remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the germline capsule in Camponotus (Carpenter ants) as a case of an evolutionary novelty. Using an integrated framework combining transcriptomic, morphological, and comparative developmental approaches, we characterize its molecular signatures, cellular architecture, and ontogeny. We show that germline gene-expressing cells adjacent to bacteriocytes fuse to form a multinucleated germline capsule, which subsequently contributes to the presumptive gonads, as revealed by label tracing. Despite harboring endosymbiotic bacteria like bacteriocytes, germline capsules exhibit distinct gene expression profiles. Furthermore, their phenotypic variation is developmentally modulated by bacterial presence. By examining the expression profile of germ-line specific gene (oskar) across multiple Camponotus species, we test the germline function of the capsule and its evolutionary conservation. Based on these findings, we propose a model in which the germline capsule evolved through cell fusion events enabled by developmental plasticity and shaped by interactions between host germline determinants and endosymbiotic bacteria. This study illustrates how integrating molecular, developmental, and ecological perspectives can illuminate the mechanisms underlying evolutionary innovation.},
}
@article {pmid41329508,
year = {2025},
author = {Suliman, Y and Li, Z and Sinha, A and Dyer, PD and Hartley, CS and Ettwiller, L and Darby, AC and Carlow, CK and Makepeace, BL},
title = {Erratum: Cappable-seq reveals the transcriptional landscape of stress responses in the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {11},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/mgen.0.001584},
pmid = {41329508},
issn = {2057-5858},
}
@article {pmid41340029,
year = {2026},
author = {Millán, J and Rodríguez-Pastor, R and Muñoz-Hernández, C and Sánchez-Sánchez, M and Moraga-Fernández, A and Fernández-Ruiz, N and Fernández de Mera, IG and Estrada-Peña, A},
title = {'Bites of Knowledge': Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Unveiled Through a Citizen Science Programme in Northern Spain.},
journal = {Zoonoses and public health},
volume = {73},
number = {2},
pages = {137-151},
doi = {10.1111/zph.70030},
pmid = {41340029},
issn = {1863-2378},
support = {FCT-20-15766//Fundaci&#xf3;n Espa&#xf1;ola para la Ciencia y la Tecnolog&#xed;a/ ; 2022-GRIN-34227//European Regional Development Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Spain/epidemiology ; *Citizen Science ; Humans ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Ticks/microbiology ; Child ; Animals, Wild ; *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: We present the findings of a citizen science project conducted in the Autonomous Region of Aragón (northern Spain), which engaged rural schoolchildren, wildlife rangers, hunters, and members of the general public.<br><br>METHODS: Over the course of one year (April 2022-April 2023; three months for the schoolchildren), participants collected a total of 913 ticks (98.8% adult specimens) representing 13 species from across the region. The contributions included 373 ticks collected by schoolchildren, 319 by hunters, 108 by rangers, 91 by other volunteers, and 22 by the research team. Of these, 54 ticks were gathered from vegetation, 422 from wildlife (spanning nine animal species), 362 from pets, 44 from humans, and 30 from livestock.<br><br>RESULTS: Species identified were Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.s., Rhipicephalus pusillus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Dermacentor marginatus, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes frontalis, Haemaphysalis punctata, Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haemaphysalis inermis, Hyalomma marginatum, and Hyalomma lusitanicum. DNA of a subset of 349 individual ticks was extracted and the presence of Rickettsia spp., Anaplasmataceae, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (the latter, only in Ixodes spp.) was analysed either individually (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;62) or in pools containing 2-5 ticks (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;79), of which 101 resulted positive: 88 were positive for Rickettsia spp., revealing the presence of Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia conorii subsp. raoultii, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia helvetica, and Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae; 34 for Anaplasmataceae (both Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp., but in many cases was identified as endosymbionts); and three for B. burgdorferi s.l., with only one readable sequence (Borrelia valaisiana). Pathogens detected in ticks from humans included R. massiliae (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;3), R. conorii raoultii, R. aeschlimannii and Ca. R. barbariae.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study identified previously unreported tick-host-pathogen associations and contributed to raising awareness about the public health significance of ticks and strategies for their prevention.},
}
@article {pmid41345534,
year = {2025},
author = {Abbà, S and Vallino, M and Cirrincione, S and Lamberti, C and Aiuto, B and Romaniello, F and Galetto, L and Marzachì, C and Bosco, D and Rossi, M},
title = {Rewiring the proteome of the Euscelidius variegatus holobiont in response to Flavescence dorée phytoplasma.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {1171},
pmid = {41345534},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Metodi Innovativi per la DIfesa e gestione della Flavescenza Dorata della vite 2 (MIDI-FD3)//Regione Piemonte/ ; 2022BPB5A8//PRIN 2022 Italian Ministry of University and Research/ ; },
mesh = {*Hemiptera/cytology/genetics/metabolism/microbiology ; *Phytoplasma/growth &amp; development/pathogenicity/physiology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology/prevention &amp; control ; Vitis/microbiology/parasitology ; *Host Microbial Interactions/drug effects ; Microbiota/physiology ; *Insect Vectors/cytology/genetics/metabolism/microbiology ; Mitochondria/microbiology ; *Proteome/drug effects/metabolism ; Proteomics/methods ; *Insect Proteins/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Gene Silencing ; Animals ; Symbiosis ; Agrochemicals/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {The leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus is a laboratory vector of the phytoplasma associated to Flavescence dorée, a severe grapevine disease that threatens viticulture in Europe. Transcriptomic studies have already provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of insect-phytoplasma interactions, but proteomics can offer immediate insights into the cellular functions and metabolic adaptations of the insect and its microbiome to the presence of this plant bacterium. Here, the generation of new genomic data of the E. variegatus holobiont was instrumental in elaborating the first comprehensive proteomic profile of its response to Flavescence dorée phytoplasma (FDp). Both data-dependent acquisition and data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry were used to explore the complex molecular interactions between the insect host, its microbial community, and the phytoplasma. Results indicated a critical role of the insect mitochondria as a shared interface exploited by phytoplasmas for survival and propagation. Additionally, it appeared that the presence of FDp had a detrimental impact on the reciprocal metabolic support between the insect host and its two primary endosymbionts, predominantly resulting in a perturbation in amino acid synthesis and exchange. Proteins upregulated in response to FDp may represent promising targets for disrupting phytoplasma acquisition and transmission, either through rationally designed agrochemicals or gene silencing approaches.},
}
@article {pmid41345699,
year = {2025},
author = {Yilmaz, A and Kasap, OE},
title = {Prevalence of Wolbachia in natural sand fly (diptera: psychodidae) populations from Türkiye and its potential role in mitochondrial divergence.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {16},
pmid = {41345699},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {2211-A National PhD Scholarship Program//T&#xdc;B&#x130;TAK/ ; 101057690//European Commission/ ; 10038150 and 10038150//UK Research and Innovation/ ; TBAG 105T205 and SBAG 114S999//T&#xfc;rkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Ara&#x15f;t&#x131;rma Kurumu/ ; 09D01601002 and 01001601001//Hacettepe University Scientific Research Unit/ ; W911QY-16-C-0160//AFHSB-GEIS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Psychodidae/microbiology/classification/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Phylogeny ; Female ; Male ; Prevalence ; *Mitochondria/genetics ; Insect Vectors/microbiology ; Phlebotomus/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Phlebotomine sand flies are vectors of various pathogens, most notably Leishmania spp. Symbiotic bacteria have recently gained considerable attention owing to their effects on hosts and on other organisms co-infecting the same host. In this study, we investigated the natural Wolbachia infection status of sand fly taxa distributed in Türkiye and examined its potential role in driving the deep mitochondrial divergence observed within certain taxa.<br><br>METHODS: We analysed 858 sand fly specimens, mostly collected between 2005 and 2016, with additional samples obtained in 2023. Specimens were morphologically identified, and the mitochondrial cox1 gene was sequenced for DNA barcoding. For selected taxa showing marked mitochondrial divergence, species delimitation methods were applied, and genetic diversity indices and neutrality tests were calculated. Wolbachia infection was detected via PCR amplification of the wsp gene, and strain diversity was characterised using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of five housekeeping genes. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between infection status and mitochondrial lineage, sex or collection period.<br><br>RESULTS: Wolbachia infection was detected in 16.67% of specimens, occurring exclusively in Phlebotomus papatasi, Ph. major s.l., Ph. tobbi, Ph. economidesi and Sergentomyia minuta. Analyses of wsp and MLST data identified all sequences as belonging to Supergroup A, with multiple strains present within and across host taxa. Infection among the five Ph. major s.l. lineages delineated by species delimitation was significantly associated with lineage, with lineages 3-5 showing a higher probability of infection. The reduced haplotype and nucleotide diversity, along with a significant negative deviation from neutrality observed in lineage 5, suggest a selective sweep likely driven by Wolbachia infection.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first comprehensive screening of Wolbachia infection in sand fly taxa distributed across T&#xfc;rkiye, during which several novel Wolbachia strains were identified. Our findings suggest a potential role of Wolbachia infection in driving lineage differentiation within certain sand fly taxa. However, further detailed investigations are required to elucidate the mechanisms by which Wolbachia influences sand fly diversification and to assess the broader epidemiological implications related to sand fly-borne diseases (SFBDs).},
}
@article {pmid41358162,
year = {2025},
author = {Nicolas-Asselineau, L and Speth, DR and Zeller, LM and Woodcroft, BJ and Singleton, CM and Liu, L and Dueholm, MKD and Milucka, J},
title = {Occurrence and temporal dynamics of denitrifying protist endosymbionts in the wastewater microbiome.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {ycaf209},
pmid = {41358162},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Effective wastewater treatment is of critical importance for preserving public health and protecting natural environments. Key processes in wastewater treatment, such as denitrification, are performed by a diverse community of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes. However, the diversity of the microbiome and the potential role of the different microbial taxa in some wastewater treatment plant setups is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the presence and diversity of denitrifying bacteria of the candidate family Azoamicaceae that form obligate symbioses with protists in wastewater treatment plants. Our analyses showed that denitrifying endosymbionts belonging to the Ca. Azoamicus genus are present in 20%-50% of wastewater treatment plants worldwide. Time-resolved amplicon data from four Danish WWTPs showed high temporal fluctuations in the abundance and composition of the denitrifying endosymbiont community. Twelve high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes of denitrifying endosymbionts, four of which were circular, were recovered. Genome annotation showed that a newly described, globally widespread species, Ca. Azoamicus parvus, lacked a nitrous oxide reductase, suggesting that its denitrification pathway is incomplete. This observation further expands the diversity of metabolic potentials found in denitrifying endosymbionts and indicates a possible involvement of microbial eukaryote holobionts in wastewater ecosystem dynamics of nitrogen removal and greenhouse gas production.},
}
@article {pmid41366724,
year = {2025},
author = {Papachristos, K and Miller, WJ and Klasson, L},
title = {A co-speciation dilemma and a lifestyle transition with genomic consequences in Wolbachia of Neotropical Drosophila.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {41},
pmid = {41366724},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/classification/physiology ; *Drosophila/microbiology/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Genetic Speciation ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Genomics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long-term persistent symbiotic associations may result in co-speciation and can be inferred if species trees of hosts and symbionts are congruent in topology and divergence times. Co-speciation has been seen to occur relatively frequently in obligate associations, but is less common in parasitic or facultative ones, mainly due to the difference in horizontal transmission rates. The long-term vertical inheritance and close host association of obligate endosymbionts also generally result in smaller genomes than in facultative endosymbionts. Here, we investigate co-speciation and genome reduction using highly similar strains of the endosymbiont Wolbachia infecting Drosophila species from the willistoni and saltans groups, where only one strain, wPau, infecting D. paulistorum, is obligate.<br><br>RESULTS: We sequenced the Wolbachia genomes from five species of the willistoni and saltans groups and constructed phylogenies. Topological congruence was found between these Wolbachia strains and the nuclear DNA of their hosts, except for wPau and D. paulistorum, but full topological congruence was observed between Wolbachia and the host mitochondrial DNA. However, assuming temporal congruence, we estimated extremely low evolutionary rates in Wolbachia of 10[-&#x2009;10]-10[-&#x2009;11] changes/site/year. Additionally, the obligate wPau strain was found to have a larger genome than closely related facultative strains, mainly due to an ongoing expansion of an IS4 element. Furthermore, wPau has lost a large proportion of its prophage WO genes, but the cif genes, known to be involved in the CI phenotype, are intact. Finally, nine of the eleven genes from the prophage WO-associated Undecim cluster are uniquely duplicated.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The congruent topologies between Wolbachia and their willistoni and saltans group hosts indicate co-speciation. However, the high similarity between Wolbachia strains, which results in low mutation rate estimates, challenges this interpretation. Contrary to the expectations of the genome reduction theory, we observed an increase in genome size in the obligate wPau strain, potentially driven by a decreased population size. Finally, the duplication of the Undecim cluster, despite a major loss of other prophage-associated genes, suggests that the genes in the Undecim cluster are under strong selection and potentially play a role in the obligate association between wPau and their D. paulistorum hosts.},
}
@article {pmid41370310,
year = {2025},
author = {Weiss, BL and Gstöttenmayer, F and Awuoche, E and Smallenberger, GM and Attardo, GM and Scolari, F and Koch, RT and Bruzzese, DJ and Echodu, R and Opiro, R and Malacrida, A and Abd-Alla, AMM and Aksoy, S},
title = {Endosymbiont hijacking of acylcarnitines regulates insect vector fecundity by suppressing the viability of stored sperm.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {21},
number = {12},
pages = {e1011974},
pmid = {41370310},
issn = {1553-7404},
support = {D43 TW011813/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI163969/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI158805/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI051584/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI139525/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Carnitine/analogs &amp; derivatives/metabolism ; *Tsetse Flies/microbiology/physiology/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Female ; Fertility/genetics ; *Spermatozoa/microbiology/metabolism/physiology ; *Insect Vectors/microbiology/physiology ; Spiroplasma/pathogenicity/physiology ; Carnitine O-Palmitoyltransferase/genetics/metabolism ; Fat Body/metabolism/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Competition between insects and their endosymbiotic bacteria for environmentally limited nutrients can compromise the fitness of both organisms. Tsetse flies, the vectors of pathogenic African trypanosomes, harbor a species and population-specific consortium of vertically transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria that range on the functional spectrum from mutualistic to parasitic. Tsetse's indigenous microbiota can include a member of the genus Spiroplasma, and infection with this bacterium causes fecundity-reducing phenotypes in the fly that include a prolonged gonotrophic cycle and a reduction in the motility of stored spermatozoa post-copulation. Herein we demonstrate that Spiroplasma and tsetse spermatozoa compete for fly-derived acylcarnitines, which in other bacteria and animals are used to maintain cell membranes and produce energy. The fat body of mated female flies increases acylcarnitine production in response to infection with Spiroplasma. Additionally, their spermathecae (sperm storage organs), and likely the sperm within, up-regulate expression of carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase-1, which is indicative of increased acylcarnitine metabolism and thus increased energy demand and energy production in this organ. These compensatory measures are insufficient to rescue the motility defect of spermatozoa stored in the spermathecae of Spiroplasma-infected females and thus results in reduced fly fecundity. Tsetse's taxonomically simple and highly tractable indigenous microbiota make the fly an efficient model system for studying the biological processes that facilitate the maintenance of bacterial endosymbioses, and how these relationships impact conserved mechanisms (mammalian spermatozoa also use acylcarnitines as an energy source) that regulated animal host fecundity. In the case of insect pests and vectors, a better understanding of the metabolic mechanisms that underlie these associations can lead to the development of novel control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid41371037,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, L and Li, Z and Hou, C and Xu, J},
title = {Heat shock protein and Cathepsin B genes play important roles in cadmium stress response in whitefly Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {1010},
number = {},
pages = {181162},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181162},
pmid = {41371037},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/physiology/drug effects/genetics ; *Cadmium/toxicity ; *Cathepsin B/genetics/metabolism ; *Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Female ; *Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Stress, Physiological ; },
abstract = {Cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal pollutant, rapidly accumulates and persists in organisms including the globally distributed agricultural pest Bemisia tabaci. While previous studies established that cadmium exposure increases whitefly mortality and reduces abundance of the beneficial endosymbiont Rickettsia, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly characterized. This study reveals cadmium's effects on Bemisia tabaci: cadmium stress significantly stimulated oviposition in B. tabaci females (+47.97-57.09 %) but markedly reduced egg hatchability (-34.94 %, p < 0.01) and Rickettsia abundance (13.38 % of controls, p < 0.01), concurrently inducing pathological nuclear pyknosis in tissue cells. Transcriptome profiling identified 529 differentially expressed genes, with enrichment analyses revealing pronounced regulation of heat shock protein genes (BtHSP1/BtHSP2) and cysteine cathepsin genes (BtCTSB1/BtCTSB2). Targeted RNAi silencing demonstrated that BtHSP1 knockdown significantly increased mortality in healthy adults (2.57-fold vs. dsEGFP controls, p < 0.01) and exacerbated cadmium-induced mortality and nuclear pyknosis. Conversely, BtCTSB2 silencing conferred protection against cadmium toxicity, reducing mortality by 63.27 % (p < 0.01) and alleviating cellular damage. Notably, BtHSP2 and BtCTSB1 silencing specifically enhanced oviposition (+77 % and +67 % respectively, p < 0.05). These results establish BtHSP1 as a cadmium-sensitivity factor and BtCTSB2 as a cadmium-resistance determinant, revealing their antagonistic roles in stress response and suggesting novel RNAi-based strategies for whitefly control in cadmium-contaminated agroecosystems. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Heavy metal pollution is detrimental to the health of humans and ecosystems. Heavy metals can accumulate in insects through the food chain and food web, poisoning them and impacting pest control strategies in farmland. This study uncovers the biological and physiological impacts of exposure to the heavy metal cadmium on the broadly distributed agriculture pest Bemisia tabaci. By elucidating key molecular responses, this research paves the way for RNAi-based strategies to control whiteflies in contaminated agricultural environments, highlighting the interconnected challenges of pollution control and sustainable pest management.},
}
@article {pmid41371560,
year = {2026},
author = {Silva, JG and Martins, KR and Rahal, NM and Schuch, LFD and Cunha, RC and Meireles, MCA},
title = {Detection and phylogenetic relationship of Neorickettsia risticii in horses from Southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.},
journal = {Journal of equine veterinary science},
volume = {156},
number = {},
pages = {105749},
doi = {10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105749},
pmid = {41371560},
issn = {0737-0806},
mesh = {Animals ; Horses ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Phylogeny ; *Horse Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Anaplasmataceae Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Neorickettsia risticii/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Snails/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Neorickettsia risticii, an obligate intracellular bacterium, is the causative agent of Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) - a systemic, acute, and potentially fatal diarrheal disease. This pathogen is an endosymbiont of digenetic trematodes, with freshwater snails playing a role in its biological cycle. The disease exhibits endemic and seasonal patterns, primarily affecting horses in wetlands during warmer months, and has been documented in the United States, Canada, Europe, and South America. Previous studies confirmed the pathogen's presence in herds from southern Brazil via serology and PCR; however, its genetic sequencing and phylogenetic classification remained unresolved.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to perform molecular diagnosis, genetic sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of N. risticii in naturally infected symptomatic horses, as well as to screen clinically healthy animals and Heleobia spp. snails from endemic farms.<br><br>METHODS: The agent's DNA was investigated in blood and snail samples using nested PCR.<br><br>RESULTS: Symptomatic animals yielded a 529-bp product (consistent with N. risticii), whereas clinically healthy horses and snails showed no amplification. We report the first genetic sequences of N. risticii from southern Brazil, along with a phylogenetic study of the pathogen.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis revealed high similarity among the obtained samples and other sequences from South America. Our findings confirm the agent's circulation in the region and, by enriching the genetic database, encourage further studies to elucidate the etiological agent's epidemiology.},
}
@article {pmid41379245,
year = {2025},
author = {Namadara, S and Pragadeesh, ARU and Uthandi, S and Rangasamy, A and Malaichamy, K and Venkatesan, M and Narayanan, MB and Murugaiyan, S},
title = {Comparative metagenomic analysis of bacterial communities associated with two mealybug species, Phenacoccus saccharifolii and Dysmicoccus carens infesting sugarcane in Tamil Nadu, India.},
journal = {World journal of microbiology &amp; biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {12},
pages = {504},
pmid = {41379245},
issn = {1573-0972},
support = {DABC/CPN001/ Kothari sugars-AGM,DNRM,CBE/2024//kothari sugars/ ; DABC/CPN001/ Kothari sugars-AGM,DNRM,CBE/2024//kothari sugars/ ; DABC/CPN001/ Kothari sugars-AGM,DNRM,CBE/2024//kothari sugars/ ; DABC/CPN001/ Kothari sugars-AGM,DNRM,CBE/2024//kothari sugars/ ; DABC/CPN001/ Kothari sugars-AGM,DNRM,CBE/2024//kothari sugars/ ; DABC/CPN001/ Kothari sugars-AGM,DNRM,CBE/2024//kothari sugars/ ; DABC/CPN001/ Kothari sugars-AGM,DNRM,CBE/2024//kothari sugars/ ; DABC/CPN001/ Kothari sugars-AGM,DNRM,CBE/2024//kothari sugars/ ; },
mesh = {*Saccharum/parasitology ; Animals ; India ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {This study presents a comparative metagenomic analysis of the gut bacterial communities of two sugarcane-infesting mealybug species, Phenacoccus saccharifolii (WR) and Dysmicoccus carens (RR), from Tamil Nadu, India. Using Oxford Nanopore sequencing of the 16s rRNA gene spanning the hypervariable regions V1 - V9 and predictive metagenomics, differences in microbial diversity, taxonomy, and functional potential were assessed to explore the ecological adaptations of the gut microbiota in mealybugs. The D. carens gut microbiome showed higher species richness than P. saccharifolii (WR) (125 vs. 45 species, p < 0.05) but lower community evenness (0.43 vs. 0.61, p < 0.05), resulting in similar overall Shannon diversity (2.08 vs. 2.30) despite markedly different community structures, which may be influenced by their different feeding niches, including the sugarcane crown region, leaf sheath tissues, and basal stem and root portions. Both mealybug species exhibited contrasting bacterial community structures. D. carens (RR) harbored high abundances of endosymbionts (43.8%), Gilliamella (22.3%), Enterobacter (18.3%), and Candidatus Tremblaya (9.3%), representing a symbiont-dominated microbiome typical of many hemipteran insects. P. saccharifolii (WR) displayed a distinct profile with Serratia as the dominant genus (43.2%), followed by Enterobacter (20.1%), Klebsiella (14.6%), and substantially reduced endosymbiont abundances (14.8%). Beta diversity analysis revealed distinct community clustering of species, highlighting the variation driven by feeding habitat and host genotype. Functional profiling indicated largely conserved metabolic capabilities dominated by amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, which was a key to compensate the nutrient-poor phloem sap diet. The core microbiome identified several genera that form complex ecological networks, emphasizing their importance in community stability. These findings provide insights into the role of symbiotic bacteria in mealybug adaptation to different ecological niches within the sugarcane agroecosystem. Understanding these host-microbiome interactions may facilitate the development of targeted, microbiome-based biocontrol strategies for sustainable mealybug management in sugarcane cultivation.},
}
@article {pmid41379883,
year = {2025},
author = {Berardi, L and Colvin, A and West, M and Odorizzi, G and Starai, VJ},
title = {Wbm0152, an outer membrane lipoprotein of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi, inhibits yeast ESCRT complex activity.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {12},
pages = {e1013383},
pmid = {41379883},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R21 AI171573/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM149202/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/metabolism/genetics ; *Brugia malayi/microbiology/metabolism ; Animals ; Symbiosis ; *Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport/metabolism/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/genetics ; *Saccharomyces cerevisiae/metabolism/genetics ; *Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Lipoproteins/metabolism/genetics ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Human pathogenic filarial nematodes of the family Onchocercidae, including Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus, cause debilitating filarial diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and river blindness. These arthropod-borne pathogens are obligately colonized by the Gram-negative intracellular alphaproteobacterium, Wolbachia, which is essential for nematode sexual reproduction, long-term survival, and pathogenicity in the mammalian host. Like many intracellular bacteria, Wolbachia likely uses numerous surface-exposed and secreted effector proteins to regulate its ability to persist and replicate within nematode host cells. However, due to the inability to cultivate Wolbachia in the laboratory and the genetic intractability of both filarial nematodes and the bacterium, the molecular underpinnings that define the bacterium:nematode relationship are almost completely unknown. In this work, we show that the expression of a Wolbachia outer membrane lipoprotein, wBm0152, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae inhibits the activity of the Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT), a highly conserved complex essential for autophagy, endosomal maturation, nuclear envelope repair and viral budding in eukaryotic cells. Wbm0152 expression strongly disrupts endosomal maturation, leading to defects in ubiquitylated protein turnover. Using in vivo bimolecular fluorescence complementation, we find that Wbm0152 interacts with the Vps2p subunit of the ESCRT-III subcomplex as well as the Vps2p ortholog (BmVps2, Bm6583b) from a Wolbachia host nematode, Brugia malayi. These data suggest a novel role of ESCRT in Wolbachia persistence, providing insight into the elusive relationship between these two organisms.},
}
@article {pmid41390508,
year = {2025},
author = {Niu, YD and Fan, QH and Wang, ZH and Wang, MK and Zhao, DS and Wang, MR and Wu, BX and Hong, XY and Bing, XL},
title = {Wolbachia enhances ovarian development in the rice planthopper Laodelphax striatellus through elevated energy production.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {931},
pmid = {41390508},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {32020103011//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32572809//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/growth &amp; development/metabolism/physiology ; Female ; Symbiosis/physiology ; *Energy Metabolism ; *Ovary/growth &amp; development/microbiology/metabolism ; Riboflavin/metabolism ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism/biosynthesis ; Fertility ; Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Oviposition/physiology ; Oryza/parasitology ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiont Wolbachia can both benefit host nutrition and manipulate host reproduction to its own advantage. However, the mechanisms of its nutritional benefits remain unclear. We show that Wolbachia enhances ovarian development in the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus by boosting energy production. Wolbachia-infected females have increased fecundity, accelerated ovarian development, and prolonged oviposition. Enhanced activity of mitochondrial complex I is linked to increased ATP production and the expression of energy metabolism-related genes. We further identify that Wolbachia-synthesized riboflavin is crucial for ATP production and ovarian development. A riboflavin transporter, slc52a3a, positively correlates with Wolbachia density and is required for normal ovarian maturation. Our findings demonstrate that Wolbachia-produced riboflavin drives energy production and accelerates ovarian maturation, thus improving host fecundity. This research reveals insights into symbiont-host metabolic interactions and underscores the role of nutrient delivery in symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid41390584,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Wang, S and Chen, Q and Zhou, C and Fan, Z and Lin, Y},
title = {Foraging strategies and geographic factors jointly shape gut microbiota of spiders in the Sichuan and Guizhou regions of China.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {86},
pmid = {41390584},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; China ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Predatory Behavior ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; *Feeding Behavior ; },
abstract = {Spiders, a keystone predatory group for terrestrial ecosystem balance, have underexplored gut microbiotas. We collected 1090 spiders from 34 families in southwestern China, performing 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate their gut microbiota. Wandering and ambushing spiders exhibited higher α-diversity, while web-building spiders showed the lowest α-diversity with the highest endosymbiont infection rates. Gut microbiota diversity was significantly higher in Guizhou-region spiders than in Sichuan-region spiders. All spiders showed high amount of endosymbiont ASVs, which varied with foraging strategies and regions. Additionally, closer geographic distances between spiders were associated with more similar gut microbiota diversity levels. Environmental factor analysis preliminary revealed a positive correlation between precipitation and gut microbiota diversity, though its generalizability is limited by geographic sampling. Random processes were the primary drivers of spiders' gut microbial community assembly. Our findings highlight that spider gut microbiota assembly is predominantly driven by stochastic processes but regulated by foraging strategies and geographic factors, providing a framework for understanding predator-microbe interactions in spiders.},
}
@article {pmid41390744,
year = {2025},
author = {Malik, K and Jousselin, E and Clamens, AL and Sugimoto, S and Wieczorek, K},
title = {Molecular phylogeny of the Acer-feeding aphid subfamily Drepanosiphinae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the evolution of its endosymbiotic consortia.},
journal = {Zoological letters},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {9},
pmid = {41390744},
issn = {2056-306X},
abstract = {The Drepanosiphinae is a Holarctic subfamily of Aphididae comprising six genera: Drepanaphis, Drepanosiphoniella, Drepanosiphum, Megalosiphonaphis, Shenahweum, and Yamatocallis, all of which exhibit strict host plant associations, primarily with Acer species. Despite long-standing taxonomic attention, evolutionary relationships within the group remain poorly resolved, and some important aspects of their biology, such as their patterns of association with symbionts, have been unexplored despite evidence that species in the subfamily might be involved in atypical nutritional symbioses. Here, we present a molecular phylogenetic reconstruction of this subfamily and investigate the evolution of its endosymbiotic consortia. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using multiple DNA markers, employing both Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) approaches. Endosymbionts were characterized using high-throughput sequencing of a fragment of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The resulting phylogenies are largely congruent across markers and methods and consistently support the monophyly of Drepanosiphinae. Drepanaphis and Drepanosiphum form a well-supported clade as sister to Drepanosiphoniella, while Yamatocallis and Megalosiphonaphis form a distinct, more distantly related clade. Within Drepanaphis, species group according to host plant use rather than traditional morphological groupings, revealing three host-associated clades: rubrum, saccharum, and grandidentatum. Endosymbiont characterization revealed that, in addition to the obligate symbiont Buchnera aphidicola, most Drepanosiphinae species also host a Sodalis-like bacterium, consistent with previous genomic evidence for a dual nutritional symbiosis with this bacterium. However, Sodalis was absent in most Yamatocallis species, indicating a complex and potentially dynamic evolutionary history of symbiotic relationships within the subfamily. Patterns of association with Wolbachia, Rickettsia, Fukatsuia, Serratia and Arsenophonus suggest a limited role in nutrition. By integrating phylogenetic reconstruction with symbiont profiling, this study provides the most comprehensive evolutionary framework to date for Drepanosiphinae and reinforces the view that nutritional symbioses in aphids are evolutionarily dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid41394392,
year = {2025},
author = {Norena-Caro, DA and Posada-Uribe, LF and Morales-Ibarria, MG and Canto-Encalada, G and Álvarez-Láinez, ML and Zúñiga, C},
title = {Natural color biofactories: advancing the spectrum of pigment production in phototrophic microbes.},
journal = {FEMS microbes},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {xtaf019},
pmid = {41394392},
issn = {2633-6685},
abstract = {Phototrophic microorganisms can produce all colors in the light spectrum, becoming pivotal players in implementing sustainable color biomanufacturing technologies from CO2 utilization. This review compiles information on metabolism and applications of phototrophic microorganisms relevant to the production of several valuable pigments. First, a comparative network analysis of the biological functions of oxygenic (OPs) and anoxygenic (APs) phototrophs was generated based on their pigment metabolism, while considering 19 taxonomic phyla, including microalgae, bacteria, bacterial endosymbionts, and archaea. Overall, the assessment comprised 84 pigments from 47 OPs subgroups and 68 pigments from 23 APs subgroups. The recent update of the nomenclature for cyanobacteria, microalgae, phototrophic bacteria, and phototrophic archaea has improved our understanding of carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, and microbial sunscreens, with applications as food ingredients, cosmetics, and engineered materials with enhanced functionalities. Second, this manuscript presents recent advances in bioprocess engineering, systems biology, and artificial intelligence to overcome challenges hindering economic feasibility at the industrial level. For example, culturing, extraction, and purification techniques, combined with model-driven methodologies, can nearly double pigment productivity, thereby accelerating biomass growth rates. These achievements have enabled rapid and reliable pigment identification and quantification, providing a thorough analysis that tackles critical aspects to enhance progress on sustainable color production.},
}
@article {pmid41394618,
year = {2025},
author = {Maeda, GP and Xue, AZ and Yu, EW and Sundar, A and Elijah Powell, J and Smith, TE and Moran, NA},
title = {A secreted endosymbiont protein essential for colonizing host cells.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2025.12.01.691566},
pmid = {41394618},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R35 GM131738/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM158145/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Intracellular bacterial symbioses have arisen myriad times in eukaryotes, with dozens known from insects alone [1,2] . Beginning with Buchnera , the obligate endosymbiont of aphids, genomes of endosymbionts have illuminated their evolutionary origins and metabolic contributions to hosts [3,4] . However, the mechanisms by which nonculturable endosymbionts enter host cells and suppress cellular immune processes have remained unknown. We show that an uncharacterized Buchnera protein, here designated SyeA, was present in the Buchnera ancestor, is secreted and homologous to secreted effectors of bacterial pathogens and is essential for Buchnera transmission. Buchnera is transmitted via expulsion from specialized maternal cells and uptake by embryos [5] . Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that SyeA levels peak upon colonization, accompanied by actin accumulation at the entry site. SyeA localizes outside the host-derived membrane and actin layer surrounding each Buchnera cell and colocalizes in host cytoplasm with Rho1, which regulates actin polymerization. syeA knockdown disrupts colonization and embryonic development and elevates lysosomal activity, leading to Buchnera destruction [6] . Our findings provide rare insight into how an anciently associated, mutualistic endosymbiont achieves its intracellular existence. SyeA is a vestige of pathogenic origins followed by evolution of increased host control and erosion of the original, more complex pathogenicity machinery.},
}
@article {pmid41400994,
year = {2025},
author = {Holland, M and Ahmed, M and Young, JM and Drurey, JR and McFadyen, S and Ostrowski, EA and Levin, TC},
title = {Hypermutable hotspot enables the rapid evolution of self/non-self recognition genes in Dictyostelium.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {51},
pages = {e2520843122},
pmid = {41400994},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R35 GM150681/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01-GM74108//HHS | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; 1176659//Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF)/ ; R35-GM150681//HHS | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; },
mesh = {*Dictyostelium/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Protozoan Proteins/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Genome, Protozoan ; Mutation ; Haplotypes ; },
abstract = {Cells require highly polymorphic receptors to perform accurate self/non-self recognition. In the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, polymorphic TgrB1 and TgrC1 proteins are used to bind sister cells and exclude cheaters, but it remains unknown how cells continually generate their extreme genetic diversity. Here, we created a collection of chromosome-length, whole genome sequences from 10 D. discoideum isolates and sister species to understand the evolution of the large tgr gene family. Our dataset includes AX2-214, a widely used D. discoideum lab strain, as well as complete genomes for two Chlamydia-like endosymbionts harbored within amoebae. We find that tgrB1 and C1 lie in a hypermutational hotspot, with haplotypes that undergo repeated intralocus recombination, duplications, transpositions, and inversions. These structural dynamics are highly localized adjacent to tgrB and C, resulting in the gain and loss of dozens of genes. The tgrBC genes themselves frequently duplicate and recombine, leading to the rapid generation of unique tgrBC repertoires. In the broader tgr gene family, some genes (e.g., tgrN) are single copy and syntenic across all the genomes, whereas others (e.g., tgrA) prolifically duplicate at similar rates to Dictyostelium transposons. Thus, the tgr genes are among the most rapidly evolving families genome-wide. We propose that the intense diversification within the tgrBC locus can help explain how these genes acquire such extreme levels of polymorphism, with parallels to the MHC immune genes in mammals and other allorecognition systems. This collection of amoeba genomes is also a useful resource for future comparative genomics and molecular evolution studies in Amoebozoa.},
}
@article {pmid41406967,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Glukhov, E and De Clerck, O and Gerwick, WH and Donia, MS},
title = {Environmentally controlled production of pagoamide A in marine macroalgae by an intracellular bacterial symbiont.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {63-79.e6},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.11.023},
pmid = {41406967},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Seaweed/microbiology/metabolism ; *Depsipeptides/metabolism/biosynthesis ; Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Marine algae are a rich source of diverse molecules, most of which are thought to be produced by the alga itself. We recently reported the discovery of pagoamide A from a cultured marine macroalga collected from American Samoa. Here, we found that the production of pagoamide A is conditional upon environmental temperature. Using comparative metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and metabolomic analyses of algal cultures, we identified a nonribosomal peptide synthetase biosynthetic gene cluster (NRPS BGC) in the algal microbiome that varies in abundance between producing and non-producing conditions and whose architecture and biosynthetic logic match pagoamide A (named pag). pag belongs to a bacterium that we named "Candidatus Bryopsidiphilus pagoamidifaciens BP1," a new genus in the family Amoebophilaceae and a relative of amoeba, arthropod, and nematode endosymbionts. Ca. B. pagoamidifaciens lives intracellularly in its Bryopsis sp. algal host, harbors a reduced genome (1.7 Mbp), has lost most genes essential for free living, and is enriched in genes containing eukaryotic domains. By quantitatively monitoring longitudinal algal cultures under varying conditions for 9 weeks, we found that the abundance of both Ca. B. pagoamidifaciens and pagoamide A undergoes dramatic fluctuations in response to temperature changes. Finally, we discovered three additional strains of Ca. B. pagoamidifaciens that vary in their NRPS BGCs and eukaryotic domain-containing genes from algal samples of diverse geographical origins. Our findings suggest that symbiont-derived production of algal molecules is more common than previously anticipated and provide a unique case of environmental control of both symbiont and chemical levels in marine algae.},
}
@article {pmid41408316,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Remue, L and Adriaens, N and Soto, A and Verwimp, S and van Bree, J and Trappeniers, K and Delang, L},
title = {Identification of a culturable fungal species and endosymbiotic bacteria in saliva of Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens and their impact on arbovirus infection in vitro.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {40},
pmid = {41408316},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {C22/18/007//KU Leuven/ ; C14/20/108//KU Leuven/ ; STG/19/008//KU Leuven/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Saliva/microbiology ; *Aedes/microbiology/virology ; *Bacteria/isolation &amp; purification/classification/genetics ; *Culex/microbiology/virology ; Symbiosis ; Arboviruses/physiology ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; Penicillium/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Arbovirus Infections/transmission ; *Fungi/isolation &amp; purification/classification/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Female ; Metagenomics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mosquito saliva plays a key role in arbovirus transmission and pathogenesis. It was shown that saliva contains several molecules that are essential for blood feeding. Recently, bacteria were also reported to be present in the saliva of Aedes albopictus and Anopheles mosquitoes. Nevertheless, information on the bacterial communities in Aedes and Culex saliva is still scarce.<br><br>METHODS: This study isolated and identified culturable fungal and bacterial colonies from saliva harvested from Aedes aegypti (laboratory strain) and Culex pipiens (field-collected) mosquitoes. 16S metagenomic sequencing was performed to identify bacterial communities in saliva and mosquito organs. Furthermore, it was assessed how these microbial communities were affected upon blood feeding and upon oral treatment with antibiotics and an antifungal drug.<br><br>RESULTS: The fungal species Penicillium crustosum was identified in mosquito saliva. Culturable bacteria detected in mosquito saliva included Serratia marcescens, Serratia nematodiphila, Enterobacter spp., and Klebsiella spp., which were previously identified as mosquito or insect endosymbionts in the midgut or other organs. Analysis with 16S metagenomics showed that bacterial communities in saliva were more diverse than those in the midgut. Blood feeding did not affect the fungal or bacterial load in mosquito saliva. Oral treatment of adult mosquitoes with antibiotics or an antifungal drug resulted in a significant reduction of bacteria or fungi present in the mosquito saliva. Notably, co-incubation of the mosquito-borne Semliki Forest virus with saliva from antibiotic- or antifungal-treated mosquitoes triggered a decrease in viral infection in human skin fibroblasts compared with nontreated saliva.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that bacteria and fungi can be present in mosquito saliva and provide a foundation for further exploration of the impact of salivary fungi and bacteria on both vector competence and arbovirus infection in the mammalian host.},
}
@article {pmid41420099,
year = {2025},
author = {Stansfield, AR and Booth, RK and Nelson, DM and Johnson, J},
title = {Recent Changes in the Use of Phototrophy by a Mixotrophic Testate Amoeba Inferred from δ[13]C Measurements from an Arctic Peat Core.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {30},
pmid = {41420099},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {College of Arts &amp; Sciences Dean's Research Fellowship//Lehigh University/ ; DEB-1802810//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; },
mesh = {Arctic Regions ; *Soil/chemistry/parasitology ; Carbon Isotopes/analysis ; Sphagnopsida ; Alaska ; *Amoeba/physiology ; *Phototrophic Processes ; Ecosystem ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {High-latitude ecosystems are undergoing rapid ecological changes in response to climate warming. While some changes are well studied, the responses of microbial communities remain less understood. Testate amoebae, shell-producing protists well preserved in peat, provide a means to reconstruct past microbial dynamics. Mixotrophic taxa such as Archerella flavum host algal endosymbionts (zoochlorellae), allowing both heterotrophic and phototrophic energy acquisition. Previous work has demonstrated that these pathways result in different δ[13]C values. We applied a novel stable isotope approach to a peat core from the North Slope of Alaska to reconstruct changes in phototrophy by Archerella flavum. δ[13]C values were measured on Archerella flavum tests (i.e. shells) and Sphagnum, and a two-endmember mixing model was used to estimate relative usage of phototrophy through time. δ[13]C values were compared with testate amoeba community composition, test size, vegetation, and historical climate. Archerella flavum δ[13]C values were consistently more positive than Sphagnum δ[13]C values in the peat core, and patterns indicated greater phototrophy use after the late 1980s CE. This shift was followed by expansion of Archerella flavum populations and a trend of decreasing test length in several testate amoeba taxa. Increased phototrophy was associated with higher peat C:N ratios, indicating more oligotrophic conditions. From 2007 to 2019 CE, the length of the snow-free growing season was correlated with estimates of phototrophy usage, with more phototrophy during longer growing seasons. δ[13]C analyses of mixotrophic testate amoebae are a powerful tool for reconstructing microbial nutritional strategies and responses to past environmental change.},
}
@article {pmid41422133,
year = {2025},
author = {Chang, CY and Topping-Brown, T and Rud, JL and Calvert, MB and Bencosme, G and Wood, CW},
title = {Biogeographic and Genomic Signatures of Thermal Adaptation in Facultative Symbionts.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {6},
pmid = {41422133},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {The Data-Driven Discovery Postdoctoral fellowship//University of Pennsylvania/ ; DEB2118397//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Medicago/microbiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; *Sinorhizobium/genetics/physiology/growth &amp; development/isolation &amp; purification ; Temperature ; Sinorhizobium meliloti/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Hot Temperature ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {Many plant endosymbionts are facultative, switching between host-associated and free-living stages. Extensive genomic and experimental studies suggest that adaptation during the saprophytic, off-host phase, rather than adaptation to hosts, primarily constrains the biogeographic distribution of these microbes. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the growth capacities and genomic features of 38 Sinorhizobium and Ensifer strains isolated from the nodules of Medicago lupulina (black medic), collected from two regions with distinct thermal environments. The warmer region is predominantly inhabited by S. meliloti, while S. medicae and Ensifer strains are more common in the cooler region. Laboratory assays demonstrated that at 40 °C, the upper temperature limit of their region of origin, S. meliloti remained viable, albeit with reduced growth, whereas S. medicae and Ensifer strains failed to grow under heat stress. Comparative genomics revealed isolation-by-distance in both the core and accessory genomes, particularly in S. meliloti in the warmer region, which exhibits less within-region thermal variation. This is consistent with an isolation-by-distance model where population divergence is governed by restricted gene flow. These findings suggest that metabolic constraints shape the regional distribution of this facultative microbial symbiont, while limited gene flow influences local population structure.},
}
@article {pmid41424891,
year = {2025},
author = {Vishwakarma, S and Chaudhry, V and Chand, S and Sagar, K and Gupta, KK and Bhardwaj, N and Prasad, R and Kumar, P and Chandra, H},
title = {The Potential of Fungal Endophytes in Plants: Sources of Bioactive Compounds.},
journal = {Indian journal of microbiology},
volume = {65},
number = {4},
pages = {1813-1827},
pmid = {41424891},
issn = {0046-8991},
abstract = {Natural interaction among the endosymbiont microorganisms specifically fungi with plants have been noticed with a great utility. It has been observed that there is presence of fungal endophytes in most of the plant tested for isolation of endophytic association. Such fungi have received attention recently due to their capacity to produce several unique bioactive chemicals that were previously unknown to biological systems. These endophytes could be an important source of secondary metabolites that can be explored for discovery of novel compounds which can be used as medicine or growth enhancers of plants or animals. The secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi have been reported for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic activity and offer protection against pathogens and pests and improve plant survival during the stress. The current review article highlights the significance of biologically active substances obtained from fungal diverse endophytes associated with plants.},
}
@article {pmid41428662,
year = {2025},
author = {Matsuo, L and Novák Vanclová, AMG and Pomiankowski, A and Lane, N and Dacks, JB},
title = {Eukaryotic Recombinases Duplicated After Divergence From Known Asgard Archaeal RadA: Implications for the Evolution of Sex During Eukaryogenesis.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {17},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41428662},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {//Genetics Society Summer Studentship/ ; BB/V003542/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; EP/F500351/1//Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council/ ; EP/I017909/1//Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council/ ; NE/X009734/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; inv-064683//Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; RES0043758//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; RES0046091//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Archaeal Proteins/genetics ; Meiosis/genetics ; *Archaea/genetics/enzymology ; *DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics ; *Rad51 Recombinase/genetics ; *Gene Duplication ; *Eukaryota/genetics ; *Cell Cycle Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {The origin of meiotic sex was a key milestone in the evolution of the eukaryotic cell. The paralogous DNA recombinases Rad51 and meiosis-specific DMC1 are nearly universal among eukaryotes and have been used previously to trace the timing and origins of the meiotic machinery. Here we perform comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses of Rad51 and DMC1 drawn from diverse eukaryotes with RadA recombinase sequences from a broad sampling of archaeal taxa, focusing on the recently sequenced diversity of Asgard archaeal taxa. We show that even with increased and new sampling, the eukaryotic Rad51 and DMC1 proteins still resolve separately from any archaeal RadA sequences. These findings suggest that the duplication of RadA into general and meiosis-specific paralogues occurred after the divergence of the eukaryotic progenitor and did not evolve at an earlier stage. These findings raise the important question of how the evolution of meiotic sex was linked to genome size expansion and the acquisition of the mitochondrial endosymbiont in early eukaryotes.},
}
@article {pmid41430013,
year = {2025},
author = {Wolfgang, A and Temme, N and Tilcher, R and Schumann, M and Berg, G},
title = {Wireworm-Associated Microbial Communities and their Implications on Biological Control.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {31},
pmid = {41430013},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/microbiology/immunology/growth &amp; development ; *Soil Microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Pest Control, Biological ; Larva/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Symbiosis ; Fungi/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; },
abstract = {Wireworms (larvae of different click beetles, Elateridae) are significant soil-borne pest species that can cause severe crop losses. They are difficult to control, and biocontrol using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) display variable field efficacy. To understand microbial interactions and improve biological control, we studied the interplay between insect and soil microbiota in four wireworm species (Agriotes spp.) at temporal and spatial scales. We found that microbiota associated with wireworms are species-specific and primarily soil-derived. Our results further indicate that ectosymbiotic bacterial community composition on wireworm cuticles is relatively stable over time in specimens not deceasing from spontaneous entomopathogen infection. Therefore, successful microbiome homeostasis on cuticles appears to be correlated with long-term survival of wireworms in soil. Interestingly, EPF were prevalent but low-abundant in all wireworm species as well as in soils. Therefore, we analyzed immune priming effects by low-abundant EPF in soil. Mortality was higher in naïve wireworms than in wireworms pre-exposed to EPFs, and molting frequency increased, indicating both developmental adaptations and immune priming as strategies for EPF avoidance in wireworms. This work disentangles the key components of wireworm microbiomes and highlights the importance of microbial interactions for biocontrol. Biocontrol of wireworms could be improved by considering their species-dependency in microbiome homeostasis as well as physiological and behavioral adaptations to soil-borne pathogens. The potential functional synergies between EPF and soil microbes need further exploration.},
}
@article {pmid41465441,
year = {2025},
author = {Seybold, DL and Contreras, GP and Chang, JF and Yeh, TY},
title = {Recent Advances in Biology, Host and Microbe Interactions of the Human Sexually Transmitted Parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {24},
pages = {},
pmid = {41465441},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {*Trichomonas vaginalis/physiology/pathogenicity/immunology ; Humans ; *Trichomonas Infections/parasitology/immunology ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Sexually Transmitted Diseases/parasitology/immunology ; Female ; Animals ; *Trichomonas Vaginitis/parasitology/immunology ; },
abstract = {Trichomoniasis is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection in humans, with over 200 million people affected each year. This disease is associated with pre-term birth, low birth weight, and premature membrane rupture. Its causal pathogen, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), is a prevalent sexually transmitted protozoan parasite that infects the urogenital tract through cytoadherence. TV infection alters TV gene expression and induces host immune responses, while TV-secreted exosomes carry RNA and protein cargoes that mediate extracellular signaling. This review summarizes recent discoveries of molecules that interact with host receptors involved in cytoadherence. We also discuss human innate and adaptive immune responses to TV infection via a variety of inflammatory mediators. Recent research on concurrent or endosymbiont relationships of TV with other urogenital microbes and cancers, is also examined. These studies not only highlight the necessity of understanding host-microbe interactions in TV pathogenesis but also provide a crucial insight into potential therapeutic targets of nitroimidazole-resistant TV strains.},
}
@article {pmid41465705,
year = {2025},
author = {Shapoval, NA and Nokkala, S and Nokkala, C and Shapoval, GN and Labina, ES and Romanovich, AE and Kuznetsova, VG},
title = {Genetic Differentiation of Bisexual and Parthenogenetic Populations of Plant Louse Cacopsylla ledi (Hemiptera, Psylloidea).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41465705},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {FZMW-2023- 0006//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; 125012901042-9//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; },
abstract = {The psyllid genus Cacopsylla comprises mainly bisexually reproducing species; however, some members of this genus exhibit a unisexual mode of reproduction. Using an integrative approach that combines molecular and cytogenetic methods, as well as Wolbachia screening, we conducted a comprehensive study of the Palaearctic species C. ledi. We show that this species uses various reproductive strategies (bisexual and parthenogenetic) across its distribution range. Our findings indicate that the bisexual mode of reproduction has emerged at least twice in the evolutionary history of C. ledi. Bisexual populations in southern Fennoscandia are of ancestral origin, whereas the bisexual mode of reproduction observed in northern Fennoscandia represents a recent secondary transition from parthenogenesis. We report that in the first case, parthenogenetic and bisexual lineages can be easily distinguished not only cytogenetically but also by DNA barcoding, while in the second case, "bisexual" individuals share DNA barcodes with parthenogenetic ones. A comprehensive Wolbachia screening (1140 specimens across the entire distribution range) revealed Wolbachia infection in every specimen of C. ledi, indicating a significant role of the endosymbiont in the biology and evolution of this species.},
}
@article {pmid41483182,
year = {2026},
author = {Caviedes-Triana, K and Vivero-Gómez, R and Duque-Granda, D and Junca, H and Cadavid-Restrepo, G and Moreno-Herrera, CX},
title = {Structure and Diversity of the Microbiome in Amazonian Sand Flies: Insights into Vector-Microbe Interactions.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {37},
pmid = {41483182},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {Scholarship Program of Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnolog&#xed;a e Innovaci&#xf3;n, Call 15, for Human Capital Development in the context of the Bicentennial and the 2021-2022 Biennial Plan.//Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnolog&#xed;a e Innovaci&#xf3;n/ ; Hermes 57545//Universidad Nacional de Colombia/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Psychodidae/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Insect Vectors/microbiology ; Female ; Male ; Brazil ; Biodiversity ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {This study uses high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and specific PCR to analyze the microbiome and identify secondary endosymbionts in sand flies from the Amazon region, important vectors of parasitic and viral diseases. Specimens of Psychodopygus, Trichophoromyia, Nyssomyia, Trichopygomyia and Brumptomyia were collected and analyzed. The results revealed that the richness, diversity, and composition of the microbiome are influenced by several factors, such as insect species specific composition, and insect sex. The core microbiome community was represented by 18 genera, with Novosphingobium, Cutibacterium, Methylobacterium and Staphylococcus being the most prevalent. The highest diversity at the genus level was observed in sand flies of epidemiological relevance as Psychodopygus and Nyssomyia, dominated by Novosphingobium (66.5%), Cutibacterium (29.4%) and Methylobacterium (20.4%), while in non-vectors such as Trichophoromyia, Delftia predominated (59.9%). Endosymbiont analysis showed a high prevalence of Cardinium (20%) and Wolbachia (33%), as well as the presence of Spiroplasma, Arsenophonus and Rickettsia. In addition, some bacterial genera related to the inhibition of parasite development, which have entomopathogenic activity and are involved in the degradation of insecticides were identified. Our results are relevant and contribute to the knowledge of the characterization of the microbiome and the endosymbionts in leishmaniasis vectors in the Amazon region and show promise for improving vector management, highlighting the importance of investigating their interaction with pathogens and their impact on vector biology.},
}
@article {pmid41496250,
year = {2026},
author = {Anyango, OV and Aool, OW and Lukindu, M and Nakayiki, T and Lutwama, J and Kayondo, JK and Phillips, CD and Lutomiah, J and Mutisya, J and Brelsfoard, CL and Onyango, MG},
title = {Molecular detection of medically important rickettsiae, including Rickettsia prowazekii in Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Hyalomma rufipes: A microbiome perspective.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {102596},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2025.102596},
pmid = {41496250},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Kenya ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis ; Uganda ; *Rhipicephalus/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; Female ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The East African region hosts more than 50 % of Africa livestock and 9 % of global cattle, creating an ideal environment for ticks to thrive and transmit pathogens. Little is known of the full spectrum of tick-associated bacterial pathogens that circulate in the vast pastoralist-intense regions of East Africa, the range of the pathogens and their genetic relationships. To define this, we need to first delineate the microbial composition of the medically and veterinary important East African tick species. This study focused on the likely vectors of Orthonairovirus haemorrhagiae in Kenya and Uganda, specifically H. rufipes and R. appendiculatus. To characterize the bacterial microbiome associated with these two tick species, the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced from a total of 25 R. appendiculatus and 24 H rufipes specimens using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Microbial abundance and diversity were subsequently analysed to assess the composition and structure of their bacterial communities. We observed a richer and balanced bacterial microbiome profile among the H. rufipes compared to that of the R. appendiculatus, which was mainly dominated by Coxiella-like endosymbionts. Furthermore, a few bacterial taxa were unique to each sampling site, while several were common across all sampling sites. This study identified several medically important Rickettsia species, including R. aeschlimannii, R. conorii, and, for the first time, R. prowazekii, the causative agent of epidemic typhus, in H. rufipes sampled from Northeast Kenya. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that R. africae exhibits a broad tick host tropism. Our present findings provide insights into the microbial community of medically important tick species of East Africa. The observation of a significant level of Coxiella-like endosymbionts in R. appendiculatus warrants an investigation into their transmissibility and impacts on the transmission of other pathogens. The identification of R. prowazekii in H. rufipes suggest that R. prowazekii is broadening its host tropism in Kenya.},
}
@article {pmid41500269,
year = {2026},
author = {Forni, G and Martelossi, J and Morel, B and Pistone, D and Bandi, C and Montagna, M},
title = {Large-scale phylogenomics reveals convergent genome evolution across repeated transitions to endosymbiosis in Enterobacterales.},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {217},
number = {},
pages = {108532},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2026.108532},
pmid = {41500269},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/classification ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {Symbiogenesis stands among the major transitions in the history of life on Earth. Over the past three decades, extensive research has focused on specific host-symbiont associations to investigate their genome evolution. However, the idiosyncratic sequence evolution of endosymbionts has made it challenging to establish a robust phylogenetic framework for identifying broad-scale evolutionary patterns. Here, we establish the first genome-scale phylogenomic resolution for the Enterobacterales order, encompassing both free-living and endosymbiont species, and provide an analysis of gene loss and acquisition dynamics at scale. By examining over 200 genomes, we show remarkable consistency in phenomena previously known from scattered observations: a spike in gene loss invariably accompanies the shift to endosymbiosis, followed by a slower but continuous rate of gene erosion; gene acquisition processes are reduced after the lifestyle shift. Furthermore, convergence in gene family loss across independent and distantly related symbiotic lineages is observed, with genes having conserved functions and evolving under strong constraints lost at lower rates. Our results unify scattered observations into a broad-scale view of the consequences of endosymbiont genome evolution and highlight the roles of gene essentiality and dispensability in shaping convergent evolutionary trajectories.},
}
@article {pmid41501863,
year = {2026},
author = {Noda, T and Harumoto, T and Katsuno, T and Moriyama, M and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Cockroach bacteriocytes migrate into the ovaries for vertical transmission of the bacterial endosymbiont Blattabacterium.},
journal = {Zoological letters},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {2},
pmid = {41501863},
issn = {2056-306X},
support = {JPMJER1902//Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology/ ; JP24H02294//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP24K08935//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP22KJ1191//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP21J20814//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
abstract = {Diverse insect groups are obligately associated with and dependent on specific microorganisms as essential mutualistic partners that are usually maintained in specialized cells or organs, called bacteriocytes or symbiotic organs. Many organisms with symbiotic microorganisms have developed elaborate vertical transmission mechanisms, which are thought to be important for the evolution of intimate symbiotic relationships with microorganisms. One such case is the cockroach-Blattabacterium endosymbiosis, in which the symbiotic bacteria have been evolutionarily conserved and co-speciated with the host insects with stable vertical symbiont transmission via ovarial passage. While classical histological descriptions and recent electron microscopic observations have reported the vertical symbiont transmission processes in some cockroach-Blattabacterium associations, the full picture of infection dynamics remains unclear. In this study, we conducted detailed histological and cytological observations of the localization of the bacteriocytes and the symbiotic bacteria during the post-embryonic development of the German cockroach Blattella germanica. We found that the symbiont-filled bacteriocytes migrate into and associate with nymphal ovaries and are subsequently eliminated from adult ovaries, suggesting that symbiont infection to the ovaries may only occur during nymphal stages. We also found that the symbiotic bacteria are localized in the space between each oocyte and surrounding follicle cells, the symbiont-localized space is interconnected between neighboring oocytes, and therefore the symbiotic bacteria can move across oocytes within the same ovariole, suggesting the possibility that the symbiont-infected oocytes may serve as the source of symbiont supply to developing young oocytes upstream in the same ovariole. Based on these observations, we provide a hypothesis as to how the post-embryonic developmental dynamics of the bacteriocytes are integrated into the vertical symbiont transmission and functioning in the cockroach-Blattabacterium endosymbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid41504597,
year = {2026},
author = {Larner, W and Thölke da Silva Grego, N and Panfilio, KA},
title = {Intraspecific microbiome dynamics across the life cycle of the milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41504597},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {Animals ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Heteroptera/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Female ; *Microbiota ; Life Cycle Stages ; Phylogeny ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Male ; Nymph/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The microbiome is an important part of the complete nutritional and genomic profile of insects. The species-rich insect order Hemiptera (aphids, cicadas and true bugs) is highly diverse for mode of microbiome acquisition, with the conundrum that species in the seed-feeding subfamily Lygaeinae have lost obvious anatomy for housing bacteria, either in bacteriocytes or midgut crypts. Here, we characterize the microbiome of the milkweed bug Oncopeltus fasciatus as a tractable lygaeinid, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We assess how bacterial taxa vary between the sexes and across life history stages in a controlled environment, focusing on maternal-to-embryo transmission and distinguishing egg-stage constituents that are superficial or internal (transovarially transmitted). Among a core microbiome of 28 genera, the egg stage shows the greatest diversity, with a particular expansion of the family Comamonadaceae. We also analyse inter-individual variability in nymphs and adults and validate structured, stage-specific detection of seed material. Comparative analysis identifies Rhizobium as a notable microbiome constituent in seed-feeding Hemiptera, which we had previously shown to lack nitrogen metabolism components in the genome. Overall, we provide a nuanced assessment of bacterial abundance dynamics between individuals and across the life cycle and discuss the implications for acquisition and potential relevance as nutritional endosymbionts. This will underpin comparative investigations in seed-feeding bugs and future work in O. fasciatus on tissue-specific and diet-specific microbiome profiles, including in natural populations.},
}
@article {pmid41508731,
year = {2026},
author = {Marteau, A and Brun, S and Izri, A and Akhoundi, M},
title = {Detection and Genetic Diversity of Heritable Bacterial Symbionts in Human Lice Based on 16S-rRNA Gene.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e70243},
pmid = {41508731},
issn = {1758-2229},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Animals ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; *Genetic Variation ; Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Lice Infestations/parasitology ; *Pediculus/microbiology ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Human lice are obligate bloodsucking ectoparasites harbouring endosymbiotic bacteria essential for their survival. Despite the medical significance of human lice, their endosymbionts remain understudied, and knowledge about their species identity, prevalence and genetic diversity is largely limited. Head, body and pubic louse specimens' collection from infested patients of various origins between 2019 and 2023 enabled molecular screening for distribution and genetic diversity of bacterial endosymbionts through conventional PCR targeting two fragments of 16S-rRNA. A total of 209 louse specimens isolated from infested patients, including 186 head lice, 11 body lice and 12 pubic lice were examined with 77.5%, 41.7% and 94.3% of the specimens found to be infested with Candidatus Riesia pediculicola, Candidatus Riesia pthiripubis and Wolbachia respectively. Inferred phylogenetic analysis of Candidatus Riesia and Wolbachia sequences revealed heterogeneity clustering into four and three clades respectively. No specific correlation was observed between these endosymbionts and lice ecological forms or geographical origin demonstrating that head, body and pubic lice share the same Candidatus Riesia and Wolbachia strains with independent adaptation and co-evolution, except Candidatus Riesia pthiripubis which was identified exclusively in pubic lice. These phylogenetic results were aligned by network analysis. These findings could be helpful in evolutionary and biological control investigations.},
}
@article {pmid41508941,
year = {2025},
author = {Putri, VS and Subandiyah, S and Putra, NS and Soffan, A},
title = {Effect of Doxycycline Antibiotic on the Interaction between Endosymbiont Bacteria Wolbachia and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in Diaphorina citri.},
journal = {Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS},
volume = {28},
number = {10},
pages = {632-639},
doi = {10.3923/pjbs.2025.632.639},
pmid = {41508941},
issn = {1812-5735},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Doxycycline/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Symbiosis/drug effects ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/drug effects ; *Wolbachia/drug effects ; *Liberibacter/drug effects ; Citrus/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Background and Objective: Diaphorina citri is the primary vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacterial pathogen responsible for Huanglongbing (HLB) disease in citrus. This psyllid also harbors endosymbionts such as Wolbachia, which may competitively interact with CLas within the insect's body. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of doxycycline treatment on the titers of Wolbachia and CLas in D. citri. Materials and Methods: This study analyzes the quantitative relationship between these microorganisms. Four treatment groups were used: Control, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/mL doxycycline. Absolute quantification was performed using qPCR targeting the wsp and CLas genes. These results reflect the effect of doxycycline antibiotic treatment up to a concentration of 10 mg/mL; therefore, interpretation is limited to this concentration range. Doxycycline effects on Wolbachia and CLas abundance were analyzed using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests, with pairwise t-tests in RStudio at α<0.05. Results: It showed that doxycycline concentrations did not significantly affect the titers of either bacterium based on Kruskal-Wallis tests (p>0.05). Nevertheless, biological trends were observed: Wolbachia titers increased with higher antibiotic concentrations, while CLas titers decreased. A polynomial non-linear regression model revealed a downward-opening parabolic relationship between Wolbachia and CLas titers, with the equation y = -0.0407x[2]+4,6881x-70,116 and R[2] = 0.8303, indicating that approximately 83% of the variation in CLas titers could be explained by Wolbachia abundance. Conclusion: These findings support the hypothesis that Wolbachia may suppress CLas proliferation through intracellular competition or microbiota modulation. This study provides a foundational insight into the potential of symbiont-based management strategies for HLB vector control.},
}
@article {pmid41519975,
year = {2026},
author = {Christoffersen, SN and Østergaard, SK and de Jonge, N and Pertoldi, C and Sørensen, JG and Noer, NK and Kristensen, TN and Nielsen, JL and Bahrndorff, S},
title = {Arctic Insects Show a Highly Dynamic Microbiome Shaped by Abiotic and Biotic Variables.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {43},
pmid = {41519975},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Microbiota ; Arctic Regions ; *Bacteria/classification/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Temperature ; Humidity ; Diet ; Seasons ; *Heteroptera/microbiology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Arctic regions are inhabited by terrestrial ectotherms that have adapted to an extreme environment where food resources are limited. The host associated microbiome may partly explain their ability to live under these conditions, but very little is known about the microbiome of Arctic ectotherms. We investigate how the bacterial community of the Greenlandic seed bug (Nysius groenlandicus) and damsel bug (Nabis flavomarginatus) is affected by different abiotic and biotic factors (time, acclimation temperature, humidity, and diet) under both field and laboratory conditions. We found large differences in the bacterial composition and diversity between the two species including species-specific presence of potentially symbiotic bacteria. The bacterial community of both species changed across the season, which may be explained by the changing climatic conditions, such as temperature and humidity. This was further supported by results from the laboratory experiments. We also found that diet changed the bacterial composition in both species and that bacteria could be transferred from prey to predator. Together, these results show that the bacterial community of some Arctic insects are highly dynamic and modulated by different abiotic and biotic factors, suggesting that the microbiome plays an important role for these organisms to persist in an extreme and resource-limited Arctic environment.},
}
@article {pmid41524921,
year = {2026},
author = {Nayab, GE and Ur Rahman, R and Hanan, F and Khan, I and Fahim, M},
title = {Metagenomic Exploration of the Bacteriome Reveals Natural Wolbachia Infections in Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes aegypti and Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {83},
number = {2},
pages = {133},
pmid = {41524921},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification/physiology ; *Aedes/microbiology/classification ; Phylogeny ; Female ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Metagenomics ; Pakistan ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Symbiosis ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; *Metagenome ; Microbiota ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Dengue and associated complications are spreading to non-endemic regions of Pakistan. Vector control, the foremost and widely adopted strategy for managing dengue has been implemented through various measures in Pakistan. Biological control through the use of Wolbachia, a bacterium naturally present in various insect genera, including Aedes, has demonstrated promising results globally. In this study we collected Aedes species and investigated its microbiomes with a particular focus on identifying the endosymbiont Wolbachia. Mosquitoes were collected via Gravitraps in the Peshawar region of Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest of Pakistan. The identity of the mosquitoes was initially confirmed through morphological characters followed by molecular identification using species-specific Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) primers. The DNA from female Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus was further subjected to 16 S rRNA sequencing. The hypervariable regions V3/V4 of 16 S rRNA were used for sequencing using the paired-end Illumina MiSeq platform. The phylogenetic analysis of the COI gene in our samples demonstrated similarity to Aedes species previously documented in Pakistan. In comparative analysis of the microbiomes, Ae. albopictus was found to harbor 921 bacterial species, while Ae. aegypti only had 239 species. The metagenomic analysis revealed single-strain Wolbachia pipientis infection in Ae. aegypti, while Ae. albopictus harbored a double-strain infection involving a supergroup A strain (referred to as Wolbachia pipientis in 16 S EzBioCloud database) and a supergroup B strain (referred to as Wolbachia bourtzisii in16S EzBioCloud database).},
}
@article {pmid41533915,
year = {2026},
author = {Pang, J and Wei, Z and Zhang, Z and Xu, X and Peng, Y and Chen, Q and Wei, Y and Liu, J and Zhang, Y and Shi, Q and Wang, Z and Zhang, Y and Chen, K and Zhou, M and Lu, X and Liang, Q},
title = {Genomic Landscape Reveals Correlation of Endosymbiont Ralstonia With Acanthamoeba Keratitis Severity.},
journal = {Investigative ophthalmology &amp; visual science},
volume = {67},
number = {1},
pages = {17},
pmid = {41533915},
issn = {1552-5783},
mesh = {Animals ; *Acanthamoeba Keratitis/microbiology/parasitology/diagnosis/genetics ; Mice ; *Acanthamoeba/genetics/microbiology ; *Ralstonia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Symbiosis ; Disease Models, Animal ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Humans ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Female ; Genome, Bacterial ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Male ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: To identify the basic genomic profile of Acanthamoeba, obtain information on Acanthamoeba endosymbionts, and analyze the correlation between these endosymbionts and the prognosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) patients.<br><br>METHODS: Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 30 cornea-derived Acanthamoeba strains. Pan-genome analysis was performed, and endosymbionts were identified by metagenomic analysis. Gimenez staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and transmission electron microscopy were used to prove the existence of endosymbionts. Linear discriminant analysis effect size was used to associate endosymbiont species with AK clinical prognosis. The correlation between the endosymbiont Ralstonia and pathogenicity was experimentally validated by assessing the biological characteristics of Acanthamoeba and by performing clinical and histopathological evaluations in AK mouse models.<br><br>RESULTS: Whole genome sequencing revealed that the Acanthamoeba genome size was 37.1-105.0 Mb and GC content was 53.9%-60.5%. Pan-genomic analysis indicated an open state of the Acanthamoeba genome. Metagenomic analysis identified the presence of endosymbionts within Acanthamoeba, notably the endosymbiont Ralstonia, which was associated with poor prognosis at the genus level (P = 0.047). Acanthamoeba harboring the endosymbiont Ralstonia exhibited an increased migration area, enhanced adhesion, and had a more pronounced cytopathic effect. The size of clinical scores and corneal ulcers showed a significant increase in mouse models induced by Acanthamoeba with endosymbiont Ralstonia.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Whole-genome sequencing highlighted the symbiotic relationship between Acanthamoeba and associated microorganisms. The presence of the endosymbiont Ralstonia influenced the biological characteristics of Acanthamoeba and was correlated with clinical poor prognosis in AK, suggesting its potential as a target for clinical intervention.},
}
@article {pmid41535068,
year = {2026},
author = {Kusakisako, K and Abdelbaset, AE and Umemiya-Shirafuji, R and Yamagishi, J and Nonaka, N and Ikadai, H and Nakao, R},
title = {Transcriptome of Coxiella-like endosymbionts in Haemaphysalis longicornis during blood feeding.},
journal = {The Journal of veterinary medical science},
volume = {88},
number = {3},
pages = {449-457},
pmid = {41535068},
issn = {1347-7439},
mesh = {Animals ; *Haemaphysalis longicornis/microbiology/physiology ; Female ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Transcriptome ; *Coxiella/genetics ; Ovary/microbiology ; Malpighian Tubules/microbiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) are obligate nutritional mutualists of ticks that are thought to supplement B vitamins and other essential metabolites that are deficient in the tick's blood meal. Extensive colonization of CLEs has been observed in the ovaries and Malpighian tubules of several tick species, including Haemaphysalis longicornis. Despite experimental evidence linking symbionts to host fitness, their roles in blood feeding remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of CLE genes in adult female H. longicornis ticks before and two days after feeding. CLE genes were identified by mapping RNA-seq data onto the putative CLE genomes derived from the draft genome assembly of H. longicornis. Our analysis explored the potential function of CLEs during the early stage of blood feeding. The results revealed abundant expression of genes involved in B vitamin biosynthesis and enrichment of Gene Ontology terms associated with biotin and ubiquinone biosynthesis. Although most expressed CLE genes were shared between the two organs, gene expression patterns in response to blood feeding differed between the Malpighian tubules and ovaries. These findings suggest that CLEs in the Malpighian tubules and ovaries exhibit distinct functions during the early stage of blood feeding. Overall, this study provides a fundamental basis for identifying potential targets in anti-tick control strategies and enhances our understanding of how blood feeding impacts tick physiology.},
}
@article {pmid41535464,
year = {2026},
author = {Tobiasson, V and Luo, J and Wolf, YI and Koonin, EV},
title = {Dominant contribution of Asgard archaea to eukaryogenesis.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {650},
number = {8100},
pages = {141-149},
pmid = {41535464},
issn = {1476-4687},
mesh = {Alphaproteobacteria/genetics ; Archaea/genetics/classification/metabolism/cytology ; *Biological Evolution ; *Eukaryota/genetics/cytology/classification ; Eukaryotic Cells/cytology/metabolism ; Mitochondria/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The origin of eukaryotes is one of the key problems in evolutionary biology[1,2]. The demonstration that the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) already contained the mitochondrion-an endosymbiotic organelle derived from an alphaproteobacterium-and the discovery of Asgard archaea-the closest archaeal relatives of eukaryotes[3-7]-inform and constrain evolutionary scenarios of eukaryogenesis[8]. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the origins of core eukaryotic genes tracing to the LECA within a rigorous statistical framework centred around evolutionary hypothesis testing using constrained phylogenetic trees. The results show dominant contributions of Asgard archaea to the origin of most of the conserved eukaryotic functional systems and pathways. A limited contribution from Alphaproteobacteria was identified, relating primarily to energy transformation systems and Fe-S cluster biogenesis, whereas ancestry from other bacterial phyla was scattered across the eukaryotic functional landscape, without clear, consistent trends. These findings imply a model of eukaryogenesis in which key features of eukaryotic cell organization evolved in the Asgard lineage leading to the LECA, followed by the capture of the alphaproteobacterial endosymbiont and augmented by numerous but sporadic horizontal acquisitions of genes from other bacteria both before and after endosymbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid41536992,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, YY and Shen, XY and Zhao, DS and Hoffmann, A and Hong, XY},
title = {Wolbachia-derived small non-coding RNAs exhibit cross-kingdom regulatory effects on host reproduction of a polyphagous mite.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {114419},
pmid = {41536992},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Wolbachia is a ubiquitous endosymbiont in arthropods that produces small non-coding RNAs, which function as regulators in both the bacterium and its host. Although recent studies have shown cross-kingdom communication between Wolbachia and its host through Wolbachia-derived small non-coding RNAs (WsnRNAs), the functions of WsnRNAs have not been systematically examined. Here, we identify WsnRNAs in Wolbachia-infected Tetranychus truncatus Ehara via RNA-seq and investigate their impacts on host reproductive fitness. A total of 12 WsnRNAs were identified, along with their predicted precursors and hairpin structures. The predicted target genes of five highly expressed WsnRNAs are involved in reproductive development, as revealed by enrichment analysis. Inhibition of WsnRNA-744 and WsnRNA-3640 reduced fecundity, whereas inhibition of WsnRNA-6108 promoted it, indicating that different WsnRNAs exert opposing effects on host fecundity. These findings suggest that WsnRNAs mediate host-endosymbiont communication across species and could represent promising targets for Wolbachia-based pest control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid41543305,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, C and Hellemans, S and Kinjo, Y and Mikhailova, AA and Aumont, C and Weng, YM and Buček, A and Husnik, F and Šobotník, J and Harrison, MC and McMahon, DP and Bourguignon, T},
title = {Recurrent horizontal gene transfers across diverse termite genomes.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {80},
number = {4},
pages = {751-764},
doi = {10.1093/evolut/qpag003},
pmid = {41543305},
issn = {1558-5646},
support = {//OIST/ ; //Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; //Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Isoptera/genetics/microbiology ; Cockroaches/genetics/microbiology ; *Genome, Insect ; Phylogeny ; Evolution, Molecular ; Pseudogenes ; },
abstract = {Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), the transmission of genetic material across species, is an important innovation source in prokaryotes. In contrast, its significance is unclear in many eukaryotes, including insects. Here, we used high-quality genomes of 45 termites and two cockroaches to investigate HGTs from non-metazoan organisms across blattodean genomes. We identified 289 genes and 2,494 pseudogenes classified into 168 orthologous groups originating from an estimated 281 HGT events. Wolbachia represented the primary HGT source, while termite gut bacteria and the cockroach endosymbiont Blattabacterium did not contribute meaningfully to HGTs. Most horizontally acquired genes descended from recent and species-specific HGTs, experienced frequent duplications and pseudogenizations, and accumulated substitutions faster than synonymous sites of native protein-coding genes. Genes frequently transferred horizontally to termite genomes included mobile genetic elements and genetic information processing genes. Our results indicate that termites continuously acquired genes through HGT, and that most horizontally acquired genes are specific to restricted lineages. Overall, genes acquired by HGT by termites and cockroaches seemed generally non-functional and bound to be lost.},
}
@article {pmid41546521,
year = {2026},
author = {Buzzoni, D and Lachs, L and Beauchamp, E and Bukurou, L and Bythell, J and Edwards, AJ and Golbuu, Y and Humanes, A and Martinez, HM and Mereb, G and Baum, JK and Guest, JR},
title = {Algal Symbionts Indicate Heatwave Vulnerability in Corals From Hotspots but Not From Thermal Refugia.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {e70243},
pmid = {41546521},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {SAS-2021-047//The Leverhulme Trust/ ; NFRFT-2020-00073-BIOSCAN//Government of Canada's New Frontiers in Research Fund/ ; //International Coral Reef Society/ ; 725848//HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council/ ; //University of Victoria/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Anthozoa/physiology/genetics ; Climate Change ; Hot Temperature ; Coral Reefs ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics/physiology ; Refugium ; Thermotolerance ; Palau ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; },
abstract = {Reef-building corals face continued declines due to climate change-amplified marine heatwaves. In addition to affecting coral heat tolerance, corals' algal endosymbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae) can reflect their prior heatwave exposure, although understanding is often limited to heatwave-induced shifts between symbiont genera. Here, we used ITS2 metabarcoding to characterise Symbiodiniaceae assemblages in 293 individuals of the common Indo-Pacific coral Acropora aff. digitifera in Palau (Western Pacific), between two outer-reef regions with contrasting heatwave histories. During the strongest recorded heatwaves, southwestern 'hotspot' reefs have typically accrued an additional 2°C-weeks of heat stress compared to thermal 'refugia' located 60 km north. In contrast to previous studies that observed declines in symbiont richness following heat stress, we found a greater diversity of symbiont taxa and low-abundance sequence variants in 'hotspot' corals, predominantly within the C40 lineage in genus Cladocopium. Combining these data with experimental heatwave performance from 168 of these corals revealed that approximately 10% of heat tolerance variability at hotspot reefs was associated with hosting different symbiont taxa. Compared to other hotspot corals, those hosting symbionts with the C15h sequence variant suffered bleaching mortality at 0.8°C-weeks lower heat stress. Despite higher variability in heat tolerance among corals from thermal refugia compared to hotspot reefs, we found no association between heat tolerance and the symbionts hosted by refugium corals. As the world's coral reefs are exposed to intensifying marine heatwaves under accelerating climate change, the low-abundance variants that characterise symbionts within genera or lineages may become increasingly important indicators of poor heatwave tolerance.},
}
@article {pmid41548770,
year = {2026},
author = {Park, E and Na, I and Closs, A and Hall, K and Froese, T and Currie-Olsen, D and Pontier, O and Steenkiste, NV and Keeling, PJ and Leander, BS},
title = {Single-cell phylogenomics identifies major groups of marine eugregarine endosymbionts (Apicomplexa).},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {217},
number = {},
pages = {108548},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2026.108548},
pmid = {41548770},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Apicomplexa/genetics/classification ; Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; British Columbia ; Annelida/parasitology ; Transcriptome ; Evolution, Molecular ; Bayes Theorem ; },
abstract = {Gregarines are a large group of apicomplexan parasites that infect a wide range of invertebrate hosts, including diverse and speciose groups, such as annelids and arthropods. Marine eugregarines represent the majority of gregarine diversity, but remain poorly understood, especially their deepest phylogenetic relationships. To expand knowledge of marine eugregarine diversity and their evolutionary history, we surveyed marine invertebrates, with a particular focus on annelids, across multiple locations in British Columbia, Canada. From this effort, we obtained high-quality, single-cell transcriptomes from 20 different species of marine eugregarines, including nine previously described species and 11 novel ones, which more than doubles the amount of phylogenomic data for the group. These data, which comprehensively represent the known diversity of marine gregarines in annelid hosts, allowed us to construct an expanded phylogenetic tree based on small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences and a phylogenomic tree inferred from 142 proteins and 44,802 amino acid sequences. Our analyses show that marine eugregarines form six major lineages, five of which include species infecting annelid hosts: The Ancoroidea, Lecudinoidea, Loxomorphoidea n. superfam., Paralecudinoidea n. superfam., and a distinct lineage represented by Belladina schistomeringa n. gen. et sp. These findings contribute to ongoing efforts to build a robust molecular phylogenetic framework for gregarine diversity and refine gregarine classification. However, some of the deepest evolutionary relationships among these superfamilies remain unresolved, highlighting the need for expanded taxon sampling to better capture the true diversity of eugregarine parasites.},
}
@article {pmid41553339,
year = {2026},
author = {Moreira, MM and Dias, LPB and Guzman, YC and Sena, LCP and de Almeida, JPP and Yotoko, K},
title = {Absence of cytoplasmic incompatibility and high vertical Wolbachia transmission in a neotropical drosophilid.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {39},
number = {4},
pages = {472-484},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voag002},
pmid = {41553339},
issn = {1420-9101},
support = {001//CAPES/ ; //CNPq/ ; //FAPEMIG/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Symbiont Induced Cytoplasmic Incompatibility ; Male ; *Drosophila/microbiology/physiology ; Female ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Intracellular endosymbionts such as Wolbachia are generally thought to persist in host populations by inducing reproductive phenotypes that enhance maternal transmission, often at the expense of male hosts. Here, we examined the fitness consequences of the Wolbachia strain wStv in Drosophila sturtevanti, a highly abundant Neotropical drosophilid. Samples from 2015 and 2016 showed that all individuals from the nearby sampled populations carried Wolbachia, suggesting the induction of a phenotype capable of maintaining high infection levels. We therefore established isofemale lines from a local population and used one of them in controlled crosses between infected and treated flies to assess symbiont-induced changes in reproduction within a single genetic background. Contrary to expectations, we detected no cytoplasmic incompatibility or other reproductive manipulation. Instead, infection decreased female fecundity and decreased larvae production in crosses with treated males. Additional samplings in 2019 and 2022 showed that the infection persists in the population, and wsp sequencing confirmed that all infections detected from 2015 to 2022 carried the same allele. We also found imperfect but high maternal transmission, which may help to explain both the high infection levels observed in 2015-16 and the persistence of the infection. Our findings provide a foundation for future studies seeking to understand this association more broadly. They also reveal that Neotropical host-symbiont interactions can involve unexpectedly complex dynamics, indicating that the processes traditionally used to explain Wolbachia persistence may not be sufficient in this system.},
}
@article {pmid41553672,
year = {2026},
author = {Visser, B and Scheifler, M},
title = {Insect Lipid Metabolism in the Presence of Symbiotic and Pathogenic Viruses and Bacteria.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1494},
number = {},
pages = {419-443},
pmid = {41553672},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lipid Metabolism ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Humans ; Wolbachia/metabolism/physiology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/metabolism/virology ; *Insecta/metabolism/microbiology/virology ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; *Viruses/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Insects, like most animals, have intimate interactions with microorganisms that can influence the insect host's lipid metabolism. In this chapter, we describe what is known so far about the role prokaryotic microorganisms play in insect lipid metabolism. We start exploring microbe-insect lipid interactions focusing on endosymbionts, and more specifically the gut microbiota that has been predominantly studied in Drosophila melanogaster. We then move on to an overview of the work done on the common and well-studied endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis, also in interaction with other microbes. Taking a slightly different angle, we then look at the effect of human pathogens, including dengue and other viruses, on the lipids of mosquito vectors. We extend the work on human pathogens and include interactions with the endosymbiont Wolbachia that was identified as a natural tool to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Research on lipid metabolism of plant disease vectors is up and coming and we end this chapter by highlighting current knowledge in that field.},
}
@article {pmid41554416,
year = {2026},
author = {Grostieta, E and Salceda-Sánchez, B and Zazueta-Islas, HM and Tenchipe-Márquez, M and Mondragon-Peña, LV and Benítez, J and Castillo, PYG and Miranda-Caballero, CI and Aguilar-Tipacamú, G and Alonso-Diaz, MA and Rodríguez-Vivas, RI and Chagoya-Fuentes, JL and Jácome-Sosa, E and Huerta, H and Becker, I and Sánchez-Montes, S},
title = {Molecular detection of Coxiella endosymbionts associated with ixodid ticks recovered from animals and man in Mexico: Phylogeography and haplotype diversity analysis.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {274},
number = {},
pages = {107984},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.107984},
pmid = {41554416},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coxiella/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Mexico ; Humans ; Dogs ; *Symbiosis ; Phylogeography ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Haplotypes ; Phylogeny ; Genetic Variation ; Amblyomma/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {For over 80 years, the genus Coxiella was considered monotypic, comprising only Coxiella burnetii, the aetiological agent of Q fever. Recent studies, however, have revealed several candidate species and genetic lineages associated with ticks, many of which act as endosymbionts that are essential for tick development. This association is particularly notable in the members of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex, where Candidatus Coxiella massiliensis (zoonotic) and Candidatus Coxiella mudrowiae (unknown pathogenicity) have been described. Given the close relationship between these ticks, domestic dogs, and humans, active surveillance for Coxiella species of medical and veterinary importance is crucial. This study evaluated the presence and diversity of Coxiella species in 812 hard ticks: Amblyomma mixtum (n = 23), Rhipicephalus linnaei (n = 762), and R. sanguineus sensu stricto (n = 27) collected from December 2018 to November 2024 parasitizing dogs (n = 418), humans (n = 18), cattle (n = 4), and one cat across 17 states of Mexico. A fragment (∼1500 base pair) of the Coxiella 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene was amplified, sequenced, and analysed phylogenetically. Additionally, published records of Coxiella endosymbionts associated with ticks parasitising dogs were compiled. Of 812 samples, 188 tested positive, revealing three Coxiella lineages closely related to known endosymbionts of Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma ticks. A review of 25 studies from across the globe identified four Coxiella taxa in 23 tick species from dogs across 19 countries. This is the first report of Coxiella lineages in dog-associated ticks in Mexico. Our findings expand the known diversity of the genus in the Neotropical region and underscore the need for further research to clarify their ecological roles and potential health implications.},
}
@article {pmid41554869,
year = {2026},
author = {Dermawan, DN and Supriyono, and Vernanda, MI and Satiti, H},
title = {First evidence of naturally vertically transmitted Coxiella-like endosymbionts in Haemaphysalis bispinosa from dairy cattle in Indonesia.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {4140},
pmid = {41554869},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coxiella/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Indonesia ; Cattle ; Phylogeny ; Female ; *Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {More and more studies have investigated the presence of potentially Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) in ticks. We collected ticks from one dairy cattle farm in an integrated dairy farm area in Bogor Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. Morphological identification established all ticks as Haemaphysalis bispinosa Neumann, 1987. For this study, three (3/29) engorged females were randomly selected to be reared to produce unfed larval progeny. The 16 S rRNA nucleotide sequences were detected molecularly by PCR in 100% of the three representative unfed larval pools. Similarity and phylogenetic analyses of the 16 S rRNA partial sequences suggested that all sequenced representative samples harboured CLEs. All sequences clustered with previous CLEs from H. bispinosa in Malaysia. Phylogenetic analyses also showed that CLEs from the same tick genera may not always be grouped in the same Coxiella genus clade. The location from which they were isolated could influence the designated clade. This suggests a significant relationship between CLEs and the species and geographic distributions of tick hosts. This study is also the first to document the presence of natural, vertically transmitted tick-specific endosymbionts in H. bispinosa in Indonesia, further questioning the importance of CLEs in this tick species.},
}
@article {pmid41566412,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, YY and Chen, YJ and Wang, HL and Zhu, CC and Lei, T and Liu, YQ},
title = {The reduced genome of Candidatus Portiera sp. in Bemisia afer: evolutionary trajectories and functional implications.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {205},
pmid = {41566412},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {S202510350038//Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program/ ; 25nya21//the Science &amp; Technology Project of Taizhou/ ; CARS-23-C05//Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; *Halomonadaceae/genetics/classification ; *Genomics/methods ; Base Composition ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bemisia afer is a globally distributed whitefly species and a significant agricultural pest, yet the genomic and functional roles of its obligate endosymbiont remain poorly understood. The primary endosymbiont of whiteflies belongs to the genus Candidatus Portiera. Portiera is essential for host survival, providing nutritional supplementation and facilitating ecological adaptation, but its evolutionary dynamics and host-specific adaptations in B. afer are largely unexplored. Comparative genomic studies of Portiera from other whitefly species have revealed distinct evolutionary patterns, yet no such data exist for B. afer, highlighting a critical knowledge gap. RESULTS: We present the first complete genome of Portiera BeAf, the obligate endosymbiont of B. afer. The genome exhibits classic signatures of reductive evolution, including extreme AT bias (25.3% GC content), high coding density (74.7%), and significant gene loss, particularly in DNA replication and repair pathway and lysine biosynthesis pathway. Average Nucleotide Identity values below the species threshold of 95% between Portiera BeAf and known symbionts support its designation as a novel species. Phylogenetic analyses place Portiera BeAf within a clade sister to B. tabaci-associated symbionts, yet reveal unique structural rearrangements and lineage-specific gene losses. Notably, Portiera BeAf harbors specific hypothetical proteins, including a putative ABCD4-like transporter, suggesting potential adaptations in nutrient transport or stress response. Comparative genomics further demonstrate weakened codon usage bias and accelerated substitution rates in Bemisia-associated Portiera, reflecting relaxed selection in their obligate symbiotic niche. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides foundational insights into the genomic architecture and evolutionary trajectory of Portiera in B. afer, revealing both conserved and divergent features compared to other whitefly symbionts. The loss of key metabolic and repair genes underscores the role of host compensation in maintaining symbiont functionality, while lineage-specific innovations may reflect adaptations to host ecological demands. These findings advance our understanding of Portiera's genomic diversity and highlight the complex interplay between reductive evolution and host-symbiont coadaptation in ancient symbiotic systems.},
}
@article {pmid41566919,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Q and Gill, A and Yu, W and Ross, PA and Chirgwin, E and Gu, X and Joglekar, C and Holland, OJ and Chang, J and Umina, PA and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {A Rickettsiella transinfection in Rhopalosiphum padi reduces fitness and alate production but not plant virus transmission.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {82},
number = {4},
pages = {3894-3906},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70508},
pmid = {41566919},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Hort Innovation/ ; //Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology/virology ; *Coxiellaceae/physiology ; *Luteovirus/physiology ; Plant Diseases/virology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Native bacterial endosymbionts in aphids have been studied for many years but it is only recently that transinfections across species are being investigated from an applied perspective. Here we consider the impact of a Rickettsiella viridis transinfection originally from the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, in an important pest of cereals, Rhopalosiphum padi, that causes feeding damage and transmits barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). Our main aims were to quantify the fitness and dispersal consequences of the transinfection, assess its transmission dynamics, and determine whether Rickettsiella influences BYDV acquisition or transmission.<br><br>RESULTS: The transinfected strain had fitness costs in its new aphid host, with an intrinsic rate of increase (rm) value around 20% lower, and showed horizontal transmission. Rickettsiella did not transmit vertically with complete fidelity, although it persisted in population cages for at least 11&#x2009;weeks. Although Rickettsiella did not affect transmission of BYDV, it reduced the production of alates by 10% or more depending on aphid density. Aphids carrying Rickettsiella showed a slower rate of movement to adjacent plants compared with those without Rickettsiella. The body colour of aphids with Rickettsiella was also darker.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This Rickettsiella transinfection imposes deleterious host effects, while retaining the capacity to persist in populations through horizontal transmission. Although it does not influence BYDV transmission, the reduced alate formation and slower movement suggest potential impacts on pest spread and population structure. These findings advance our understanding of symbiont-host interactions and highlight the potential for endosymbiont manipulations to influence aphid ecology and management. &#xa9; 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid41571976,
year = {2026},
author = {Nyckees, D and de Vega, RG and Sittinger, R and Clases, D and Freitak, D},
title = {Fitness related effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and glyphosate exposure on Cardiocondyla obscurior.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {33},
number = {5},
pages = {1622-1638},
pmid = {41571976},
issn = {1614-7499},
mesh = {*Titanium/toxicity ; Glyphosate ; Animals ; *Glycine/analogs &amp; derivatives/toxicity ; *Herbicides/toxicity ; *Ants/drug effects ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; *Metal Nanoparticles/toxicity ; *Nanoparticles ; },
abstract = {Insects are essential for ecosystem functioning and their rapid decline is alarming. While it is evident that various pollutants such as pesticides play a crucial role in the disappearance of insects, knowledge on the effects of specific inorganic compounds such as nanoparticles (NPs) are less investigated and little is known about their direct and indirect impacts. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are abundantly found in the environment but their effects on insects is little known, as well as their role as vectors for other chemical stressors. In this study, we investigated lethal and sublethal effects of TiO2NPs on Cardiocondyla obscurior ants alone or combined with the herbicide glyphosate. We measured survival, brood production, gut endosymbiont densities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, morphological features and elemental TiO2 distribution in ants chronically exposed to environmentally realistic concentrations of TiO2NPs and/or glyphosate. We found that proportional brood distribution was altered by the presence of the stressors and it was time dependent. Moreover, we observed a synergistic effect between TiO2NPs and glyphosate with bigger newly produced queens, altered gut endosymbionts densities and accumulation of TiO2NPs. These results shed light on the ecotoxicological effects of TiO2NPs ingestion and highlight the importance of understanding the synergistic effects of pollutants.},
}
@article {pmid41574543,
year = {2026},
author = {Brophy, M and Walker, KR and Adamson, J and Ravenscraft, A},
title = {Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) harbor non-divergent bacterial microbiomes in Arizona.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {63},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41574543},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {A18-0612-S006//Pacific Southwest Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Disease/ ; //University of Arizona BIO5 Institute Center for Insect Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Arizona ; *Microbiota ; Female ; *Bacteria/classification/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiology ; Male ; },
abstract = {Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) is a species complex of ticks that are important vectors of many diseases to humans and other animals. In Arizona, the ranges of the 2 primary genetic variants-the temperate and the tropical lineages-overlap. The temperate and tropical lineages of R. sanguineus s.l. have divergent strains of the obligate Coxiella-like endosymbiont; however, it is unknown whether the microbiomes of the temperate and tropical lineages are otherwise different. There is growing evidence that non-pathogenic bacteria may be important components of vector-borne disease dynamics, even at low abundance. This research utilized a blocking primer to prevent sequencing of Coxiella to enable a closer examination of bacterial community structure of R. sanguineus s.l. ticks in Arizona. There were many commonalities among bacterial genera found within R. sanguineus s.l. ticks across the state, but no clear distinctions in bacterial community composition based on lineage, sex, female engorgement level, or collection location. Keywords: acarology, insect-symbiont interaction, microbiology, medical entomology.},
}
@article {pmid41578329,
year = {2026},
author = {Pinton, F and Rimskaya-Korsakova, NN and Felbel, K and Grimmer, E and Hejnol, A},
title = {Absence of conserved immune signalling pathways and increased pathogen susceptibility associated to photosymbiosis in acoels.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {25},
pmid = {41578329},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {FlexPool//Deutsches Zentrum f&#xfc;r integrative Biodiversit&#xe4;tsforschung Halle-Jena-Leipzig/ ; 766053//H2020 Marie Sk&#x142;odowska-Curie Actions/ ; 519107654//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; P2022-05-002//Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Signal Transduction ; *Symbiosis ; *Vibrio/physiology ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Innate Immunity Recognition ; Photosynthesis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Host immunity plays an important role in coral symbiosis with dinoflagellates. Photosymbiosis (the association between hosts and photosynthetic endosymbionts) has evolved multiple times within animals, e.g. within acoels, which are soft-bodied marine invertebrates whose immunity remains so far undescribed.<br><br>RESULTS: Our predicted proteome searches show that acoels lack major signal transduction pathways usually involved in animal immunity. Their loss in acoels predates the occurrence of photosymbiosis in this clade. Immune challenges with the coral pathogen and bleaching agent, Vibrio coralliilyticus, increase acoel mortality and decrease symbiont abundance in adults of the photosymbiotic acoel Convolutriloba macropyga. Mortality in aposymbiotic C. macropyga juveniles or aposymbiotic species Hofstenia miamia is not affected. Ultrastructural studies of immune-challenged animals by transmission electron microscopy show damages at the cellular and organelle level, as well as a degradation of potential pathogens by the host. In situ hybridisation and differential gene expression analysis point to some areas of interaction between pattern recognition receptors and microbes, as well as to the involvement of acoel-specific or uncharacterised genes.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, photosymbiosis evolution in acoels could have been favoured by the loss of immune signalling pathways. Photosymbiosis in acoels seems to increase susceptibility to pathogen exposure and is disrupted by pathogens. Our data also suggests phagocytosis of pathogens and the possibility of a novel molecular immune response specific to acoels.},
}
@article {pmid41579616,
year = {2026},
author = {Lima, CR and Garrido, AG and Morim, B and de Assis Leite, DC and Zilberberg, C},
title = {Host species as key drivers of Symbiodiniaceae assemblages: Coral and free-living diversity in a Southwestern Atlantic oceanic island.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {216},
number = {},
pages = {107829},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107829},
pmid = {41579616},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology/classification ; *Coral Reefs ; *Biodiversity ; Atlantic Ocean ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Symbiodiniaceae is a diverse family of photosymbiont dinoflagellates known for forming mutualistic associations with reef-building corals and other marine invertebrates. This family comprises a diverse array of lineages with distinct physiological traits, enabling hosts to exhibit differential responses to environmental stressors. In addition to their endosymbiotic forms, Symbiodiniaceae also occur as free-living cells, potentially acting as environmental reservoirs that facilitate coral recolonization following bleaching events. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of Symbiodiniaceae assemblages, examining both endosymbiotic and free-living assemblages across three reef sites using ITS2 rDNA next-generation sequencing at Fernando de Noronha archipelago (SWA). Sequences primarily belonged to the genera Symbiodinium, Breviolum and Cladocopium across all reef compartments. Both coral hosts and Symbiodiniaceae ITS 2 types exhibited generalist traits, with multiple associations observed. Endosymbiotic community structure was strongly host-driven, with most coral species dominated by a single ITS2 type, indicating high partner fidelity. Free-living assemblage (seawater and sediment) displayed greater diversity and a more even community composition compared to endosymbionts. A limited overlap was detected between coral-associated and environmental ITS2 sequences, suggesting restricted exchange but potential environmental reservoirs for dominant types. Our work reinforce that the corals hosts are the primary drivers of Symbiodiniaceae community structure in this oceanic island ecosystem. This research provide an essential baseline data for understanding coral-symbiont dynamics in the Southwestern Atlantic, particularly in face of global climate changes.},
}
@article {pmid41582166,
year = {2026},
author = {Jones, BP and Wawman, DC and Johnson, N},
title = {Detection of Bartonella schoenbuchensis and a novel sigmavirus within the microbiome of deer keds (Lipoptena cervi) from the United Kingdom.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {89},
pmid = {41582166},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {SE0566//Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government/ ; BB/X018008/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bartonella/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; *Deer/parasitology/microbiology ; *Diptera/microbiology/virology ; *Microbiota ; United Kingdom ; Phylogeny ; Insect Vectors/microbiology/virology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Lipoptena cervi is a member of the Hippoboscidae family of insects and is a hematophagous ectoparasite of cervid species, commonly referred to as the deer ked. Lipoptena cervi has a wide geographical distribution and can be found from North America through Europe into East Asia. Deer keds occasionally bite humans and domestic animals and might act as disease vectors. The microbiome associated with this species of biting insect has not been investigated.<br><br>METHODS: Mass sequencing of both DNA and RNA extracted from L. cervi specimens collected from two locations in southern England was conducted to characterise the complete microbiome consisting of bacterial, viral and eukaryotic species. Three specimens were collected after landing on humans in Somerset, and three specimens were collected from European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Oxfordshire. Bioinformatic analysis investigated the host and microbial composition of each specimen.<br><br>RESULTS: Near-complete mitochondrial genomes were assembled from all six specimens confirming morphological speciation as L. cervi. Bacterial endosymbionts were the most dominant organisms identified with Candidatus Arsenophonus lipoptenae being most abundant. In specimens that had fed on deer, the pathogen Bartonella schoenbuchensis was detected. A novel sigmavirus was also detected in five samples, four of which yielded near-complete genomes. The closest relative of this virus was a sigmavirus found in a sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) sampled in the Russian Federation.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study will allow for a better baseline understanding of the microbiome of L. cervi and provide evidence for their role as vectors of zoonotic pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid41586614,
year = {2026},
author = {Latrofa, MS and Urso, I and Notario, E and Gissi, C and Maia, C and Marzano, M and Pesole, G and Otranto, D},
title = {Nuclear, mitochondrial, and Wolbachia endosymbiont genomes of Onchocerca lupi, Portugal.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {e0062525},
pmid = {41586614},
issn = {2379-5042},
mesh = {Animals ; *Onchocerca/genetics/microbiology/classification ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Portugal ; Phylogeny ; Dogs ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Genotype ; *Symbiosis ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Onchocerciasis/veterinary/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Zoonotic Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) has attracted the interest of the scientific community worldwide, by causing severe ocular infections in domestic animals (dogs, cats) and can infect wild carnivores (wolves, coyotes), as well as humans. Though recent advancements in scientific knowledge have been gained, gaps still remain about the biology of this filarioid, as well as its genetic structure. Based on mitochondrial genes, two highly divergent genotypes were identified, in the Iberian Peninsula (genotype 2) and Europe, Asia, and the United States (genotype 1), meanwhile only a draft nuclear genome of O. lupi from the United States is available. This study aimed to fill knowledge gaps about the genomic characterization of this filarioid and its Wolbachia endosymbiont. This study described the shotgun sequencing of an adult specimen of O. lupi isolated from a dog living in Portugal using the PacBio long-read sequencing technology. Three distinct genomes, such as the nuclear, mitochondrial, and Wolbachia endosymbiont, were assembled and analyzed. The assembled nuclear genome, Olupi_PT2024, exhibited high contiguity, accuracy, and completeness. Pairwise mitogenome comparative analyses among several Onchocerca species corroborated the high divergence between the two genotypes from Portugal and the USA, although the observed differences remained within the range of intra-species variation. The complete genome of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of O. lupi confirmed its classification within supergroup C and its close phylogenetic relationship with Wolbachia endosymbionts associated with the genus Onchocerca. The data on these three genomes may provide valuable resources for understanding the biology, population genetics, and phylogeography of this parasite.IMPORTANCEOnchocerca lupi, a zoonotic parasite, causes ocular onchocerciasis in both domestic and wild carnivores, as well as humans. Despite recent scientific advances, gaps remain in both the biology and genetic structure of this parasite. To date, two genotypes have been described (genotype 1 distributed in Europe, Asia, and the United States, and genotype 2 circulating in the Iberian Peninsula) based on mitochondrial gene analysis. This study provided three distinct genomes (nuclear, mitochondrial, and Wolbachia endosymbiont) of O. lupi isolated from a dog living in Portugal. Overall, the data presented here corroborate the divergence between the two genotypes and provide new insights into the identification of genes that could serve as novel therapeutic targets for this filarial disease.},
}
@article {pmid41590552,
year = {2026},
author = {Qin, F and Li, P and He, X and Zheng, S and Gao, L and Wang, S and Wang, X},
title = {Diverse PGRPs cooperatively maintain homeostasis of facultative symbiont Arsenophonus to promote reproduction of Nilaparvata lugens.},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {296-309},
doi = {10.1111/imb.70027},
pmid = {41590552},
issn = {1365-2583},
support = {32001896//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; JYTYB2024002//Scientific Research Project of Liaoning Educational Department/ ; 2021M692235//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Homeostasis ; *Enterobacteriaceae/physiology ; *Carrier Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Female ; Reproduction ; *Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) play a critical role in insect innate immunity in defending against pathogen invasion and regulating the homeostasis of endosymbionts. Arsenophonus, an emerging clade of intracellular symbionts, has been extensively studied for its roles in host reproductive manipulation and environmental adaptation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which host insects maintain Arsenophonus homeostasis through PGRPs remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the functional roles of PGRPs in regulating Arsenophonus homeostasis in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, a devastating pest of rice crops. While a previous study reported the existence of only two PGRPs (PGRP-LC and PGRP-LB) in N. lugens, we further determined that PGRP-LC produced two functional isoforms, PGRP-LCa and PGRP-LCb, respectively. PGRP-LCa and PGRP-LCb shared identical intracellular domains but possessed different extracellular domains. Simultaneously, Arsenophonus was observed to localize to the gut muscle layer, fat bodies and ovarian tissues by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Functional assays revealed that PGRP-LCa and PGRP-LCb bound not only peptidoglycan but also directly interacted with cultured Arsenophonus. Artificially transfected Arsenophonus upregulated the expression of PGRP-LCa, PGRP-LCb and Relish, while suppressing PGRP-LB. PGRP-LCa or Relish knockdown increased Arsenophonus density, whereas silencing PGRP-LCb reduced the symbiont load and female fecundity by the non-IMD pathway. Notably, inhibiting PGRP-LB not only elevated Arsenophonus density but also triggered symbiont dispersal from the gut muscle layer into epithelium. Our findings indicate that PGRPs cooperatively maintain Arsenophonus homeostasis to ensure the fecundity in N. lugens. These studies provide insight into the interaction of immunity between host and endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid41591226,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, K and Yang, X and Wang, J and Li, S and Zhao, X and Cai, S and Wu, L and An, G and Zhao, H and Piao, D and Xu, Q and Fan, Y and Li, J and Jiang, H},
title = {Brucella, Coxiella, and Theileria Species DNA in Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis Ticks Collected from Goats and Sheep in Qinghai Province, Northwest China.},
journal = {Tropical medicine and infectious disease},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41591226},
issn = {2414-6366},
support = {82361148725//National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; 102393240020020000003//the Youth Fund for Enhancing Capability of Infectious Disease Surveillance and Prevention/ ; },
abstract = {Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis is an endemic tick species distributed in the western plateau areas of China. Although they are three-host ticks, infesting multiple animals (including humans), the occurrence of various tick-borne agents has barely been investigated. In this study, we collected 136 H. qinghaiensis specimens from sheep and goats in Menyuan County in Qinghai Province, northwest China. The Brucella, Coxiella, and Theileria/Babesia species' DNA were detected by nested or hemi-nested PCR and further identified by amplifying their key genes. Brucella abortus and B. melitensis DNA were detected, with positive rates of 3.68% and 4.41%, respectively. This may be the first report that suggests that H. qinghaiensis harbors Brucella spp., the agents of human brucellosis. The Coxiella endosymbiont of Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, a non-pathogenic Coxiella, was identified with an extremely high positive rate of 97.06%. In addition, two Theileria species, Theileria luwenshuni (75.00%) and Theileria uilenbergi (16.18%), were detected. Our results suggest the circulation of Brucella spp. and Theileria spp. in goats and sheep in the study area. Whether H. qinghaiensis ticks play a role in the maintenance and transmission of these agents has yet to be determined. Due to their human pathogenicity and their high positive rates in ticks, surveillance in local populations with relative symptoms is necessary.},
}
@article {pmid41591679,
year = {2026},
author = {Xue, Y and Wang, W and Lu, Y and Chen, J and Zhang, G and Liu, W and Wan, F and He, Z and Zhang, Y},
title = {Genetic Diversity and Endosymbiont Infection Patterns of the Greenhouse Whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, in China.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {3},
pmid = {41591679},
issn = {1678-8052},
support = {110202401016(LS-06)//Major Special Projects for Green Pest Control, China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; *Genetic Variation ; China ; Phylogeny ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; },
abstract = {The greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a globally invasive pest that affects both horticultural and agricultural systems, causing substantial economic losses. However, comprehensive studies on its invasion genetics and associated symbiotic landscape in China are lacking. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and examined the infection patterns of six key secondary endosymbionts in 1702 individuals from 73 populations across 18 provinces in China. Phylogenetic analysis incorporating global sequences revealed that Chinese populations are comprised of ten haplotypes. Genetic diversity was extremely low, with haplotype H1 being overwhelmingly dominant (97.60% of individuals) and shared with global invasive lineages. Endosymbiont screening showed a high prevalence of Arsenophonus (78.56%) and Hamiltonella (44.98%), with frequent co-infections. These results suggest that the widespread invasion of T. vaporariorum in China likely originated from a limited number of founder individuals, resulting in a significant genetic bottleneck. The invasion success appears to be associated with a "genotype-symbiotype complex"-the dominant H1 maternal lineage combined with a beneficial symbiotic toolkit. These findings provide insights into the invasion dynamics of this pest and implications for targeted control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid41596684,
year = {2026},
author = {Tarlachkov, SV and Ryss, AY and Ilinsky, YY and Rodionov, DA and Evtushenko, LI and Subbotin, SA},
title = {Diversity of Cardinium Endosymbiont Genomes from Plant-Parasitic Nematodes.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41596684},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {AP23PPQS&amp; T00C125/23-0428 000-FR//USDA APHIS FarmBill grant/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Nematoda/microbiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Cytophagaceae/genetics/classification ; *Plants/parasitology ; Evolution, Molecular ; Biotin/biosynthesis ; Genomics/methods ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {Cardinium endosymbionts are obligate intracellular bacteria found in a wide range of invertebrate hosts. In this study, we generated ten new Cardinium genomes from plant-parasitic nematodes of the genera Amplimerlinius, Bursaphelenchus, Cactodera, Ditylenchus, Globodera, Meloidoderita, and Rotylenchus, revealing their broad ecological and phylogenetic distribution. Using an expanded set of genes, we clarified the relationship between previously defined Cardinium groups B and F from nematodes, showing that they are closely related and likely share a single evolutionary origin within nematode-associated Cardinium. Among the newly assembled Cardinium genomes obtained in this study, two genomes originating from strains associated with wood-inhabiting Bursaphelenchus species exhibited remarkable genome reduction, with estimated sizes of approximately 695 kb. Functional annotation of Cardinium genomes indicated an absence of or a reduction in several central metabolic pathways, including the biotin biosynthetic pathway. A complete biotin pathway was found only in D. weischeri, and this pathway is only partially encoded in Cactodera sp. The polA gene, which encodes DNA polymerase I, showed partial loss in several Cardinium strains. Phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses provided strong evidence that several carbohydrate, glycerophospholipid, and biotin metabolism genes in these endosymbionts have been acquired through horizontal gene transfer. Future research that integrates high-quality genome assemblies with functional analyses of host-symbiont interactions will be essential to elucidate how metabolic dependency, genome reduction, and horizontal gene transfer collectively shape the evolution and ecological diversification of Cardinium across nematode hosts.},
}
@article {pmid41598925,
year = {2026},
author = {Kang, JY and Jeong, G and An, IJ and Kim, K and Son, SH and Park, S},
title = {Endosymbiont Infections in Korean Insects: Patterns Across Orders and Habitat Types.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41598925},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {NIE-B-2025-38//National Institute of Ecology/ ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria influence the ecology and evolution of insects through complex associations within host cells. To explore how these relationships vary among environments and taxa, we examined 1028 insect specimens from 14 orders across Korea for infections by three representative endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Spiroplasma). Overall, 33.8% of specimens were infected, with single infections predominating and co-infections remaining relatively less common. Weak-to-modest but statistically significant associations were detected between several symbiont pairs (Rickettsia-Spiroplasma, Wolbachia-Spiroplasma, and Wolbachia-Rickettsia). Infection rates exhibited no significant variation among host orders except for Spiroplasma, and Wolbachia infections were more frequently detected in terrestrial than in aquatic insects. These results indicate that endosymbiont infection patterns might be shaped by factors operating at multiple biological scales, including host taxonomy and habitat types. As this study relied on polymerase chain reaction detection, infection frequencies should be interpreted as comparative rather than absolute measures. This survey provides baseline data that might help characterize regional patterns of endosymbiont distributions and their variation across taxonomic and ecological contexts.},
}
@article {pmid41603601,
year = {2026},
author = {Stairs, B and Johnson, H and Mondron, K and Syring, KC and Guerrero, A and Ballou, ER and King, JS and Pawlowska, TE and Adeleke, R and Stevens, DA and Uehling, JK},
title = {Genomic analyses of globally distributed Rhizopus microsporus populations indicate clinical isolates derived from environmental diversity reservoirs.},
journal = {Mycologia},
volume = {118},
number = {2},
pages = {316-329},
doi = {10.1080/00275514.2025.2594974},
pmid = {41603601},
issn = {1557-2536},
support = {NSF 2202410//National Science Foundation/ ; NSF 2030338//National Science Foundation/ ; BB/W002760/1//BBSRC/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhizopus/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Phylogeny ; *Mucormycosis/microbiology ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Humans ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Genetic Variation ; *Genome, Fungal ; DNA, Fungal/genetics ; },
abstract = {Mucormycosis is a group of diseases that is increasing in frequency. A common opportunistic human fungal pathogen in this group is Rhizopus microsporus, which is a globally distributed species present in soil-associated environments. A subset of isolates in this species host endobacteria that are hypothesized to influence fungal pathogenicity in both clinical and environmental settings. We have limited understanding of how clinically and environmentally derived isolates are related or how physiological attributes, including thermotolerance and endosymbiosis, are correlated with population structure. Traditional molecular barcodes used to assess intraspecific relationships, such as ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS-rDNA)-based markers, do not provide species-level resolution, necessitating analyses of whole genome data. In this study, we generated novel whole genome sequencing data for six R. microsporus isolates and combined these data with publicly available whole genome sequences of 46 R. microsporus isolates. We evaluated these sequences to understand the evolutionary relationships among clinical and environmental isolates using phylogenomic and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based population genomics methods. We further studied their relationships by quantifying and comparing potential physiological differences and endosymbiont presence in a subset of 16 isolates with live cultures. We found that clinical isolates that originate from environmental settings contain higher molecular diversity than subpopulations isolated from clinical settings. We observed that environmental isolates grow faster than clinical isolates at temperatures between 22 and 37 C and that 7 of 16 (44%) contain endobacteria in the genus Mycetohabitans (Burkholderiales). Lastly, we observed that genome assembly size in R. microsporus is variable and that long-read sequencing technologies greatly enhance our ability to investigate the underlying genomic features. Our study provides a valuable backdrop for probing the basic biology and applied biomedical importance of Rhizopus and related fungi that cause mucormycosis.},
}
@article {pmid41612194,
year = {2026},
author = {Ballandras, V and McNamara, L and Carolan, JC and Pichon, A and Byrne, S},
title = {Whole genome sequencing of 18 economically important aphid pests with photographic vouchers for taxonomic validation.},
journal = {BMC genomic data},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41612194},
issn = {2730-6844},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics/classification ; *Whole Genome Sequencing ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; *Genome, Insect ; Photography ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Accurate molecular identification in insect monitoring programs relies on validated genomic references, yet many pest species remain underrepresented or incorrectly annotated in public databases. This Data Note provides a curated genomic resource for 18 economically important aphid pests. For each species, we generated whole-genome shotgun sequences and captured high-resolution photographic vouchers of the sequenced individuals to ensure taxonomic verification. Specimens were collected from field or suction trap networks to incorporate intraspecific variation. This dataset will support the development of reliable DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, and mitochondrial metagenomic assays, and contribute to improved reference libraries for aphid pest surveillance. DATA DESCRIPTION: This dataset includes whole-genome shotgun sequencing data for 18 agriculturally important aphid pest species selected from suction trap monitoring programs. Specimens were morphologically identified using standard aphid identification keys, and diagnostic traits were documented with high-resolution Leica Flexacam C3 images to provide taxonomic verification. For each species, pooled individuals (up to 15 per species) were used for DNA extraction using the Monarch® Genomic DNA Purification Kit. Illumina 150 bp paired-end sequencing (10.1–22.7 Gb per species) was performed by Novogene. These data enable extraction of Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) barcodes, mitochondrial genomes, and associated endosymbiont sequences.},
}
@article {pmid41612704,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, Y and Guo, L and Fan, F and Zhao, X and Lu, Y and Jiao, M and Hou, Y},
title = {Bacteriocyte-specific antimicrobial peptides regulate the Rhynchophorus ferrugineus-Nardonella symbiosis and represent novel targets for symbiosis-based pest control.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {82},
number = {5},
pages = {4941-4954},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70604},
pmid = {41612704},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Antimicrobial Peptides/metabolism/genetics ; *Weevils/microbiology/physiology/genetics ; *Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; Amino Acid Sequence ; *Insect Control/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many beetles require tyrosine supplementation from endosymbiotic bacteria for exoskeleton synthesis. Weevils harbor the ancient endosymbiont Nardonella within specialized bacteriocytes, a mutualistic association maintained for >125 million years in which the bacterium exclusively preserves tyrosine biosynthetic capability. The red palm weevil, one of the world's most destructive invasive pests causing widespread devastation to palm industries across continents, depends on its Nardonella endosymbiont for survival. Disrupting this obligate symbiosis represents a promising pest control strategy, yet the molecular mechanisms maintaining host-symbiont homeostasis remain poorly understood. Although antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been implicated in symbiont regulation in some insects, their functions in this ancient weevil-Nardonella association remain unknown.<br><br>RESULTS: We identified two novel bacteriocyte-specific AMPs, RfAMP1 and RfAMP2. Unlike canonical immune AMPs, RfAMPs exhibited expression patterns that paralleled endosymbiont dynamics and responded specifically to symbiont presence rather than pathogenic infections. Both peptides localized to Nardonella membranes and cytoplasm. RNAi-mediated knockdown of either RfAMP1 or RfAMP2 resulted in endosymbiont escape into midgut tissues and increased endosymbiont abundance within bacteriocytes. At subinhibitory concentrations, RfAMPs significantly increased bacterial membrane permeability. Loss of RfAMP function through RNAi disrupted symbiotic homeostasis, impaired tyrosine biosynthesis and severely compromised larval survival.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: RfAMPs regulate endosymbiont homeostasis and spatial confinement, essential for tyrosine provisioning and host fitness. These findings reveal molecular mechanisms underlying the ancient weevil-Nardonella mutualism and highlight potential targets for red palm weevil management through symbiosis disruption. &#xa9; 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid41615983,
year = {2026},
author = {Gin, TE and Moore, CO and Tomlinson, T and Wilson, G and Gray, A and Sutherland, C and Miller, K and Li, K and Canfield, M and Herrin, B and Lashnits, E and Callahan, B},
title = {Pathogenic bacterial species and the microbiome of cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) inhabiting flea-infested homes.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {e0341824},
pmid = {41615983},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Cats ; *Ctenocephalides/microbiology ; *Microbiota/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Dogs ; Bartonella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; *Flea Infestations/veterinary/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ctenocephalides felis is a common ectoparasite of dogs and cats and can transmit a variety of pathogens including Bartonella and Rickettsia species. These bacteria, along with the known endosymbiont Wolbachia, are well-documented members of the C. felis microbiome, but species-level information is limited. Additionally, little is known about the variation in the C. felis microbiome in fleas from different sources and when different sequencing methods are applied to the same samples.<br><br>OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the flea microbiome using both short-read (V3/V4) and long-read (full-length) 16S rRNA gene sequencing, determine whether long-read sequencing improves species-level identification especially in known pathogenic genera, and evaluate differences in microbial composition between fleas collected from cats, dogs, and environmental traps.<br><br>METHODS: Fleas were collected from cats, dogs, and traps in flea-infested homes in Florida, pooled by source, and sequenced using short- (V3/V4) and long-read (full-length) 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Microbial prevalence and abundance were compared across sequencing approaches. Community composition was evaluated for differences between sources and houses. Candidate members of the flea microbiome were identified based on a combination of prevalence, abundance, and statistical signatures of potential contaminant origin. For Rickettsia and Bartonella, species-level taxonomic assignments were refined using a phylogenetic approach.<br><br>RESULTS: Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Bartonella were the most prevalent and abundant taxa. Spiroplasma was identified as a fourth core member of the flea microbiome. Long-read sequencing enabled better, but not perfect, species-level classification of Bartonella and Rickettsia compared to short-read sequencing. Important relationships between specific ASVs and flea sources were identified, for example fleas from cats harbored higher abundances of B. clarridgeiae and B. henselae than fleas from traps.},
}
@article {pmid41617710,
year = {2026},
author = {Shrestha, B and Romero, MF and Villada, JC and , and Blaby-Haas, CE and Schulz, F},
title = {Global metagenomics reveals plastid diversity and unexplored algal lineages.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41617710},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {DE-AC02-05CH11231//U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)/ ; },
mesh = {*Plastids/genetics ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Cyanobacteria/genetics ; Haptophyta/genetics/classification ; Cryptophyta/genetics/classification ; Alveolata/genetics/classification ; Genetic Variation ; Evolution, Molecular ; Stramenopiles/genetics ; Genome, Plastid ; },
abstract = {Photosynthetic organelles in eukaryotes originated through primary endosymbiosis with a cyanobacterium, an event that profoundly shaped the evolutionary landscape of the eukaryotic tree of life. Primary plastids in Archaeplastida, especially in cultivable plants and algae, contribute most to known plastid diversity. Secondary and higher-order endosymbiosis, involving eukaryotic hosts and algal endosymbionts, further spread photosynthesis among protists within the CASH lineages (Cryptophyta, Alveolata, Stramenopila, and Haptophyta). Despite various hypotheses explaining secondary plastid evolution and distribution, empirical support remains limited. Here, we employ cultivation-independent global metagenomics to expand plastid diversity and investigate plastid origins. We capture 1,027 plastid sequences, including 300 novel sequences belonging to previously unsequenced plastids and representing yet-to-be described microeukaryotes. This includes a new lineage that offers insights into plastid evolution in haptophytes and cryptophytes. Our results confirm that Archaeplastida plastids originate from an early branching cyanobacterial lineage closely related to Gloeomargaritales and identify the closest extant relative of Paulinella plastids. Additionally, our findings suggest two independent origins of secondary red-algal plastids, contributing to plastid diversity in CASH lineages and challenging the prevailing model of single secondary plastid origin. Our study highlights the importance of metagenomic data in uncovering biological diversity and advancing understanding of plastid relationships across photosynthetic eukaryotes.},
}
@article {pmid41618672,
year = {2026},
author = {Lindsey, ARI and Lue, CH and Davis, JS and Borjon, LJ and Mauthner, SE and Fricke, LC and Youtsey, A and Eads, L and Murphy, M and Drown, MK and Faulk, C and Buffington, ML and Tracey, WD},
title = {Genomics and reproductive biology of Leptopilina malgretoutensis (sp. nov.): an asexual parasitoid of Caribbean Drosophila.},
journal = {Genetics},
volume = {233},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41618672},
issn = {1943-2631},
support = {R35 GM150991/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35GM150991//National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health/ ; NIFA 2023-67034-40496//National Institute of Food and Agriculture Predoctoral Fellowship/ ; //Linda and Jack Gill Institute for Neuroscience Research Stipend/ ; //USDA/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila/parasitology ; *Wasps/genetics/classification/physiology/microbiology ; Female ; Phylogeny ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Wolbachia/genetics ; Genomics ; Reproduction, Asexual ; Caribbean Region ; Male ; },
abstract = {Drosophila and parasitic wasps in the genus Leptopilina have long been a model for understanding host-parasite interactions. Indeed, parasitic wasps are important drivers of ecological and evolutionary processes broadly, but we are generally lacking information about the diversity, natural history, and evolution of these relationships. We collected insects from the Caribbean Island of Saint Lucia, home to the eastern Caribbean dunni subgroup of Drosophila: a clade long appreciated for its recent patterns of speciation and adaptation. Here we present an integrative approach that incorporates natural history, taxonomy, physiology, and genomics to describe Leptopilina malgretoutensis Buffington, Lue, Davis &amp; Tracey sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a virulent parasitoid of dunni group flies, specifically Drosophila antillea. Leptopilina malgretoutensis is nested within an early-branching clade of Leptopilina, offering insights into the evolution of this important genus of Drosophila parasitoids. We present a high-quality assembly for this wasp's 1Gbp genome, and for its bacterial endosymbiont: Wolbachia strain "wLmal." Furthermore, we show that wLmal induces parthenogenesis in the wasp, and that these wasps are reliant upon their Wolbachia infections to produce female offspring. Finally, comparisons to historical museum specimens indicated that Leptopilina malgretoutensis had been collected approximately 40 years prior from the nearby island of Guadeloupe, and these wasps were also asexually reproducing. This work represents one of only a handful of studies in which field biology, taxonomy, systematics, genomics, and experimental biology are integrated into a species description: showcasing the possibilities for biodiversity research in the genomic era.},
}
@article {pmid41626866,
year = {2026},
author = {Nozaki, H and Matsuzaki, R and Takahashi, K and Ueki, N and Higashiyama, T and Kawachi, M and Tanabe, Y},
title = {Distribution of rickettsial endosymbionts and their possible transmission within the Pleodorina japonica (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae) population.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {62},
number = {2},
pages = {293-303},
doi = {10.1111/jpy.70131},
pmid = {41626866},
issn = {1529-8817},
support = {24K08946//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Japan ; *Chlorophyceae/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; *Genetic Variation ; *Rickettsia/physiology/genetics ; DNA, Algal/genetics/analysis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/analysis ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {The green alga Pleodorina japonica is an interesting volvocine species that harbors abundant rickettsial endosymbionts ("MIDORIKO") within its cytoplasm. However, the diversity and transmission of these endosymbionts within the species remain unclear. In this study, we examined the presence or absence of "MIDORIKO" and the genetic diversity in 21 culture strains of the host P. japonica population from various localities in Japan. Genomic polymerase chain reactions using "MIDORIKO"-specific primers and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole-staining demonstrated that only five of the 21 strains harbored "MIDORIKO." The 16S ribosomal DNA sequences of "MIDORIKO" from these five strains (1148 bp) were identical to each other and distinct from the sequences of the rickettsial endosymbionts harbored by other algal species and protists, suggesting that "MIDORIKO" from P. japonica is specific to P. japonica. The phylogenetic results for the 21 host strains, which were resolved based on three nuclear genes encoding oxygen-evolving enhancer protein 1, F1F0 ATP synthase subunit beta and actin disagreed significantly. None of the three gene phylogenies supported the close relationship of the five "MIDORIKO"-harboring strains. A recombination test using the three concatenated genes provided strong evidence of recombination. Therefore, gene flow by sexual reproduction has likely occurred in the natural habitats of P. japonica. The transmission of "MIDORIKO" among different P. japonica genotypes could also be considered to occur via sexual reproduction, although it is likely infrequent via that method given the sporadic nature of "MIDORIKO" within the P. japonica population. Although P. japonica exhibits homothallic sexual reproduction, the present genetic data demonstrate that it is undoubtedly a biological species.},
}
@article {pmid41639761,
year = {2026},
author = {Sovi, A and Ahouandjinou, MJ and Aïkpon, R and Totongnon, GS and Yovogan, B and Syme, T and Dembélé, A and Koukpo, CZ and Sagbohan, H and Ossè, R and Agbo-Ola, A and Gnanguenon, V and Toffodji, U and Megido, RC and Hougbe, SZ and Zoungbédji, DM and Konkon, AK and Cook, J and Padonou, GG and Protopopoff, N and Akogbéto, MC and Messenger, LA and Adoha, CJ},
title = {The L1014F Kdr mutation is associated with a higher prevalence and load of the Plasmodium-blocking symbiont Microsporidia MB In Anopheles Gambiae s.l. In Benin.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41639761},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/parasitology/microbiology/genetics ; Benin ; Mutation ; *Microsporidia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Genotype ; Prevalence ; Plasmodium falciparum/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Female ; Humans ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The Plasmodium transmission-blocking endosymbiont Microsporidia MB was previously identified in Anopheles gambiae s.l., but its association with the carriage of the genotypes of the L1014F kdr mutation, as well as the ecological factors driving its geographical distribution remain understudied. METHODS: Adult mosquitoes were field-collected using human landing catches (HLCs) across 60 villages in the Covè, Ouinhi, and Zangnanado communes of southern Benin. After morphological identification, a sub-sample of An. gambiae s.l. were molecularly speciated, and genotypied for the L1014F kdr mutation by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and qPCR were also used to assess infection with Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites and Microsporidia MB, respectively. The environmental variables that drive the habitat suitability for Microsporidia MB were also assessed using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modelling. RESULTS: The An. gambiae complex (N = 1040) was composed of 93.7% An. coluzzii, 4.4% An. gambiae s.s., 0.2% An. gambiae s.s./coluzzii hybrids, while the rest failed to amplify. Infection prevalence with Microsporidia MB was 1.6% (95% CI: 0.7–3.3) in An. coluzzii and 2.2% (95% CI: 0.1–13.2) in An. gambiae s.s. The P. falciparum sporozoite rate was 2% (95% CI: 1.2–3.1, N = 974) in An. coluzzii, and null in An. gambiae s.s. (N = 46). None of the mosquitoes infected with Microsporidia MB were infected with P. falciparum. The frequency of the L1014F kdr mutation was 75.1% (95% CI: 73.1–76.9) in An. coluzzii and 91.3% (95% CI: 83.1–95.9) in An. gambiae s.s. Microsporidia MB was absent in kdr-SS mosquitoes but was present in low proportions in both kdr-RS and kdr-RR mosquitoes (1.9%, 95% CI: 0.6–5.1). The mean load of Microsporidia MB DNA was higher in kdr-RR (23.23 ng/µl, 95% CI: 18.77–28.48) compared to kdr-RS (10.13 ng/µl, 95% CI: 7.36–13.91) mosquitoes. The elevation and soil contributed to explain, at 78% and 20% respectively, the habitat suitability for Microsporidia MB. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes bearing the L1014F kdr resistant allele was associated with a higher prevalence and load of Microsporidia MB than their susceptible counterparts. Moreover, the geographical distribution of Microsporidia MB was found to be influenced by certain environmental conditions, which warrant further large-scale investigations.},
}
@article {pmid41645059,
year = {2026},
author = {Elhai, J},
title = {Genomes of N2-fixing endosymbionts of unicellular eukaryotes and host-independence.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {189},
pmid = {41645059},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; *Diatoms/genetics/metabolism ; Cyanobacteria/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Genome ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Genomics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The projected 2.7-fold increase in population in sub-Saharan Africa by the end of the century demands consideration as to how agricultural output can keep pace. Augmenting nitrogen inputs is a practical necessity, but this must be accomplished in such a way that avoids the environmental costs of past advances and also places the resource in the hands of those who will be the most affected. Biological nitrogen fixation might play an important role. The realization that certain algae are able to provide for their own nitrogen needs by fixing atmospheric N2 raises the possibility that an endosymbiont responsible for the nitrogen might be transferred to crop plants. For this to take place, it is necessary that the endosymbionts be (or be made to be) sufficiently independent of their hosts so that they may establish themselves in crop plants appropriate to African agriculture.<br><br>RESULTS: Genomes from six endosymbionts from diatoms within the family Rhopalodiaceae were analyzed. They were compared to genomes from free-living cyanobacteria and to those of the nitroplast UCYN-A and chromatophore from Paulinella, to which they are related. Unlike the latter two endosymbionts, the six from Rhopalodia encode all the enzymes considered that underlie metabolic processes and provide the energy to power N-fixation. Some of the endosymbionts also appear able to synthesize cofactors essential for central metabolism. The analysis points to possible carbon sources the endosymbionts might take up from their hosts, including glycerol and chitobiose. Possible routes of nitrogen export to the host were also examined.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of genome analysis, some of the Rhopalodian endosymbionts appear to be metabolically independent of their hosts, except for requiring a carbon source. However, the choice of carbon source and the likely means of nitrogen export are not compatible with crop plants. Genetic modification would surely be necessary for any prospect of propagation of an endosymbiont in a plant of agricultural importance, and significant questions must first be answered in the laboratory. To this end, the endosymbiont of Epithemia clementina may be best suited for such investigations, eventually after transfer to the model diatom Phaeodactyllum tricornutum.},
}
@article {pmid41645062,
year = {2026},
author = {Horton, AL and Neighmond, H and Neighmond, A and Anderson, R and Lessard, M and Price, V and Leys, SP and Riesgo, A},
title = {Molecular and spatial integration of algal endosymbionts of the freshwater sponge, Ephydatia muelleri, throughout development in light and dark conditions.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41645062},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {#9332//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; #P20GM103423/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Porifera/genetics/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; Light ; Fresh Water ; Darkness ; Photosynthesis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Animal-algal photosymbioses are a unique group of symbiotic relationships in which animals harbor photosynthetic algae within their cells and tissues. Both marine and freshwater sponges host algal endosymbionts. In previous work, we demonstrated that freshwater sponges can acquire these endosymbionts horizontally through algal infection and that potentially conserved evolutionary pathways may lead to the establishment of the endosymbioses including those involved in endocytosis, ion transport, vesicle-mediated transport, innate immunity, redox regulation, and metabolic processes. RESULTS: Here, we show that algal symbionts can be transferred vertically from algal-bearing overwintering gemmules to adult sponges, and that their proliferation is enhanced by light. Sponges grown under light conditions harbored higher algal loads than those in the dark; however, algae were still able to proliferate and persist in sponges reared in the dark, occupying similar spatial locations to those grown in light. RNA-Seq analysis of algal-bearing sponges across developmental stages in light and dark conditions revealed putative genetic regulatory pathways involved in the transmission and establishment of the endosymbiosis, as well as those regulated by light. Differential expression analysis indicated that the endocytosis and SNARE pathways may regulate the internalization and transport of algae at the earliest stage of hatching under light conditions and later in development under dark conditions, potentially contributing to the recruitment of endosymbiotic algae. In sponges hatched in the dark, genes involved in vesicle acidification are regulated, alongside observable changes in the expression of genes in the pentose phosphate pathway – a key metabolic route involved in redox homeostasis and circadian rhythm regulation via NADPH metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: E. muelleri serves as a versatile model system, supported by robust genomic and transcriptomic resources, for studying host-symbiont interactions. It offers a unique opportunity to investigate the molecular signaling and environmental factors that shape symbiosis in a system where the host can exist with or without algal endosymbionts, symbionts can be acquired either horizontally or vertically, and proliferation of the algae can occur with or without photosynthesis.},
}
@article {pmid41645674,
year = {2026},
author = {Ryu, J and Lee, H and Lee, HK and Kang, K and Ro, CS and Han, JH and Suh, YD and Ryu, SE and Yoo, WG and Yeon, SC},
title = {Epidemiological survey of Dirofilaria immitis and its Wolbachia endosymbiont in wild raccoon dogs in Seoul, Korea, with emphasis on lung tissue-based detection.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1017/S0031182026101620},
pmid = {41645674},
issn = {1469-8161},
abstract = {In the ecologically diverse metropolitan area of Seoul, raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) coexist with humans and domestic animals, creating opportunities for vector-borne parasite transmission. Climate-driven shifts in mosquito populations may further enhance these risks, highlighting the need to monitor Dirofilaria immitis in urban wildlife for veterinary and public health. Among 51 raccoon dogs examined, D. immitis was identified in the pulmonary arteries and right ventricle of 13 animals (25.5%) by necropsy, with worm burdens ranging from 2 to 9. Lung tissue PCR revealed 4 additional subclinical infections, resulting in a final confirmed prevalence of 17 positives (33.3%). In contrast, whole-blood PCR detected only 11 positives (21.6%), all confirmed by necropsy, indicating higher sensitivity of lung tissue PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 sequences showed all isolates clustered with reference D. immitis across Asia and Europe, and haplotype analysis revealed low genetic diversity among Korean isolates. Wolbachia 16S ribosomal RNA sequences from raccoon dogs consistently grouped in supergroup C, confirming their association with D. immitis. These findings confirm natural infections of D. immitis and Wolbachia in wild raccoon dogs and highlight their potential role as urban wildlife reservoirs, while lung tissue-based molecular detection offers synergistic advantages for detecting subclinical infections and improving estimates of heartworm occurrence.},
}
@article {pmid41646371,
year = {2026},
author = {Malagon, D and Camper, B and Millard, S and Recuero, E and Caterino, M and Greene, M and Seekatz, A and Bordenstein, S and Bordenstein, S and Bewick, S},
title = {Host and Microbe Scale Processes Jointly Shape Spatial Variation in Aphaenogaster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)associated Wolbachia.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41646371},
issn = {2693-5015},
support = {P20 GM139769/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM146584/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The spatial distributions of host-associated (HA) microbes are shaped by the spatial processes of environmental selection and dispersal. However, unlike free-living organisms, HA microbes experience selection and dispersal at two separate spatial scales - the scale of the microbes and the scale of their hosts. Therefore, HA microbes must tolerate both the environment created by their host (microbe-scale environment) and the environment in which their host resides (host-scale environment). Likewise, HA microbes can disperse both between hosts through horizontal or vertical transmission (microbe-scale dispersal) and between locations through host movement (host-scale dispersal). In this paper, we examine how host- and microbe-scale spatial processes contribute to the spatial distribution of Wolbachia endosymbionts in Aphaenogaster fulva-rudis-texana (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) complex ants from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We begin by identifying significant spatial variation in Wolbachia relative abundance at both the host (across the landscape) and microbe (across host lineages) scales. We then demonstrate a correlation between host- and microbe-scale environmental selection, complicating efforts to isolate the independent effects of host- versus microbe-scale processes. To overcome this challenge, we leverage both the broad distributions of individual host lineages across different environments and sites of co-occurrence between different host lineages within the same environments. This allows us to assess how both host- and microbe-scale processes contribute to spatial variation in our system. Ultimately, our results shed light on the myriad of interacting factors governing spatial variation in HA microbes and why spatial variation in HA microbes is more challenging to understand than spatial variation in free-living organisms.},
}
@article {pmid41646643,
year = {2026},
author = {Tourani, AH and Katlav, A and Cook, JM and Hunt, J and Karan, S and Riegler, M},
title = {Common endosymbionts influence host sexual selection by shaping mating preferences via altered chemical communication.},
journal = {Evolution letters},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {77-90},
pmid = {41646643},
issn = {2056-3744},
abstract = {Maternally transmitted endosymbionts of arthropods are common and phylogenetically diverse. Several bacteria, including Wolbachia and Cardinium, have independently evolved the ability to induce cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) limiting the reproduction in females lacking the endosymbionts carried by their mates. While promoting endosymbiont spread, CI is costly to endosymbiont-free females. Such host-endosymbiont conflicts are expected to affect host mating preferences, yet this has scarcely been studied in hosts carrying multiple, potentially competing, endosymbionts. We investigated mate choice and chemical communication in a significant pest of citrus, Kelly's citrus thrips (Pezothrips kellyanus), naturally carrying CI-inducing Cardinium and Wolbachia. Unlike females with both endosymbionts (CW) that had no preference for males with particular endosymbiont associations, females with only Cardinium (C) preferred compatible C and endosymbiont-free males over incompatible CW males. In contrast, endosymbiont-free females showed no preference, despite experiencing similar CI risks when facing incompatible C and CW males. Male mating success, however, mostly depended on female receptivity and not on endosymbiont association. Furthermore, chemical analyses revealed that males with different endosymbiont associations had distinctly different cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles, with the CHC profile of CW males markedly including tridecane, a compound known to influence animal behavior. The results indicate that Cardinium enables females to avoid Wolbachia-induced CI based on the distinct chemical cues of incompatible males. Our findings highlight the role of common endosymbionts and their interactions in sexual selection through their effects on chemical and behavioral traits of hosts, emphasizing the importance of these factors in endosymbiont and host population dynamics, as well as endosymbiont-based pest control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid41654530,
year = {2026},
author = {Michalik, A and Franco, DC and Deng, J and Prus-Frankowska, M and Stroiński, A and Łukasik, P},
title = {Convergent extreme reductive evolution in ancient planthopper symbioses.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41654530},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {2017/26/D/NZ8/00799//Narodowe Centrum Nauki (National Science Centre)/ ; 2021/41/B/NZ8/04526//Narodowe Centrum Nauki (National Science Centre)/ ; 2018/30/E/NZ8/00880//Narodowe Centrum Nauki (National Science Centre)/ ; //Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Strictly heritable endosymbiotic bacteria that provide limiting nutrients to sap-sucking hemipteran insects are known for their highly reduced genomes conserved in organization and function. Here, we show how in ancestral endosymbionts of planthoppers, Sulcia and Vidania, which have been gradually losing genes during ~263 my of co-diversification with hosts, co-infections by additional microbes and host ecological switches coincided with more dramatic genomic changes. At its extremes, this has resulted in the smallest non-organellar bacterial genomes known, at barely 50-52 kb. Such minuscule Vidania genomes evolved convergently in two planthopper superfamilies, and are strikingly similar in gene contents, including the ability to produce a single amino acid (phenylalanine) for the host. Losing many additional cell-function genes places them very close to organelles of symbiotic origin in the level of host dependence, further blurring the bacteria-organelle boundary.},
}
@article {pmid41660251,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, T and Yan, G and Perez, M and He, X and Wong, WC and Xu, T and Lan, Y and Sun, J and Qian, PY},
title = {In situ transplantation and multiple omics reveal holobiont adaptation in deep-sea mussel Gigantidas haimaensis.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {2},
pages = {114681},
pmid = {41660251},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Deep-sea mussels Gigantidas haimaensis rely on methane-oxidizing bacteria (MOB) endosymbionts for nutrition in methane seeps, yet the molecular mechanisms enabling holobiont resilience to environmental fluctuations remain unclear. Here, we integrate a chromosome-scale genome of G. haimaensis with an in situ transplantation experiment and multi-omics analyses to investigate adaptive responses to methane limitation. Transplanting mussels to a low-methane environment for 6 days reduced MOB abundance by 30.6%. Meta-transcriptomics showed that MOB prioritized methane oxidation via upregulated pmoA/pmoB genes but downregulated amino acid biosynthesis and non-essential pathways, indicating metabolic resource reallocation. Concurrently, host transcriptomics revealed a shift from symbiont-dependent strategies ("farming" and "milking") to filter-feeding and extracellular matrix remodeling, indicating changes in trophic level. This dynamic interplay demonstrates how the holobiont balances symbiont maintenance with alternative energy acquisition under stress and highlights the vulnerability of chemosynthetic symbioses to methane fluctuations induced by environmental changes.},
}
@article {pmid41671977,
year = {2026},
author = {Tyler, RS and Colven, RB and McQueen, H and Batalis, N and Mills, AG and Curry, SR and Harris, CE and Charles, DW},
title = {Symbiont in circulation: Mycetohabitans endofungorum bacteremia heralding invasive mucormycosis.},
journal = {Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease},
volume = {115},
number = {1},
pages = {117308},
doi = {10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2026.117308},
pmid = {41671977},
issn = {1879-0070},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mucormycosis/diagnosis/microbiology/pathology/complications ; Middle Aged ; Male ; *Rhizopus/isolation &amp; purification ; *Bacteremia/microbiology/diagnosis/complications/pathology ; *Symbiosis ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/chemistry/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bacterial endosymbionts contribute to Mucorales virulence but are rarely recognized in human infection. We describe the first clinically characterized case of Mycetohabitans endofungorum isolated from blood preceding disseminated mucormycosis.<br><br>CASE: A 47-year-old immunocompetent man developed fulminant hepatitis. During pre-transplant evaluation, imaging revealed pulmonary nodules and a thoracic aortic mycotic aneurysm. Blood cultures grew an unidentifiable gram-negative coccobacillus with Vibrio-like morphology. Bronchoalveolar lavage and induced sputum cultures grew Rhizopus species. Despite maximal medical therapy, he was not a surgical candidate because of extensive vascular involvement. Subsequent 16S sequencing identified the bloodstream isolate as M. endofungorum, an obligate intracellular endosymbiont of Mucorales fungi.<br><br>DISCUSSION: Isolation of M. endofungorum in blood may signal invasive mucormycosis. Even in patients without published risk factors, transient physiologic stress and barrier disruption may permit fungal invasion. Early recognition of bacterial endosymbionts could provide a valuable diagnostic clue in invasive fungal disease.},
}
@article {pmid41673724,
year = {2026},
author = {Kiplagat, S and Matoke-Muhia, D and Owino, BO and Tchouassi, DP and Masiga, DK and Hurst, GDD and Villinger, J},
title = {Sand fly endosymbionts in Kenya: Rickettsia and Wolbachia associations with Leishmania and detection of Rickettsia africae.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41673724},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {AV/PP0018/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Kenya ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/physiology ; Female ; *Symbiosis ; Male ; *Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/physiology ; *Leishmania/isolation &amp; purification/physiology/genetics ; *Psychodidae/microbiology/parasitology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sand flies are small hematophagous insects known as leishmaniasis vectors. Similar to most arthropods, they harbor nonobligate endosymbionts that may influence host adaptation and pathogen transmission, but these symbiont communities remain poorly characterized in Leishmania-endemic African sand flies.<br><br>METHODS: We screened 1700 wild-caught phlebotomine sand flies (1266 females, 434 males) from Kenya's Baringo, Nakuru, and Kajiado counties, and 253 colony Phlebotomus duboscqi, for Rickettsia, Wolbachia, Spiroplasma, Cardinium, Arsenophonus, Microsporidia, and Leishmania by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing of PCR products.<br><br>RESULTS: In wild sand flies (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia spp.), Wolbachia spp. were most common (8.5%, 145/1700), with particularly high prevalences in Ph. mireillae (92.3%, 12/13), Ph. guggisbergi (73.2%, 82/112), and Ph. saevus (48.6%, 18/37), followed by Spiroplasma (1.4%, 23/1700), Rickettsia (0.7%, 12/1700), Cardinium (0.4%, 6/1700), Tubulinosema sp. (0.1%, 1/1700), and various gut bacteria (1.8%, 30/1700). In addition, we detected Rickettsia africae, a tick-borne pathogen causing African tick-bite fever (ATBF), in Ph. martini (4.7%, 5/106), Ph. guggisbergi (1.8%, 2/112), S. schwetzi (0.4%, 1/263), S. clydei (0.5%, 2/440), and Sergentomyia sp. (0.3%, 1/371). Notably, R. africae DNA was found in one male Ph. martini and Rickettsia sp. DNA in one male S. clydei and one male S. schwetzi, consistent with infection rather than blood-meal contamination. Furthermore, Rickettsia endosymbionts were positively associated with Leishmania DNA (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;20.31; 95% CI [4.93, 77.03]; P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.0001), including within Phlebotomus (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;13.54; 95% CI [2.33, 78.88]; P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.0017). Wolbachia also correlated with Leishmania overall (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;2.46; 95% CI [1.17, 4.79]; P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.011), though not within individual fly genera. Colony Ph. duboscqi harbored only Serratia and other gut bacteria.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Sand flies in Kenya harbored six endosymbionts, including the first detection of pathogenic R. africae in sand flies, and gut bacteria that may influence vector competence. The frequent co-occurrence of Rickettsia and Wolbachia endosymbionts with Leishmania indicates nonrandom associations between symbionts and parasite infection, without implying causality. These findings reveal previously undescribed sand-fly-microbe interactions, and highlight the need for experimental studies to test whether sand flies contribute to the ecology and potential transmission of ATBF.},
}
@article {pmid41673782,
year = {2026},
author = {Grassi, A and Pagliarani, I and Cantini, G and Avio, L and Giovannetti, M and Agnolucci, M and Turrini, A},
title = {Spore associated bacterial communities display patterns related to the arbuscular mycorrhizal host genotype in Mediterranean sand dunes.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41673782},
issn = {2524-6372},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial microorganisms establishing symbioses with the roots of most plants, supporting their nutrition and health, mainly in nutrient-poor and harsh environments. AMF spores host diverse bacterial communities whose distribution in the different taxa is poorly understood. To this aim we determined the entire diversity of spore associated bacteria thriving in Ammophila arenaria rhizosphere from Mediterranean maritime sand dunes by Illumina sequencing.<br><br>RESULTS: The two most abundant AMF species, Racocetra fulgida and Racocetra persica disclosed a highly heterogeneous composition of spore bacterial communities. The endosymbiont Ca. Moeniiplasma glomeromycotorum was abundant in both AMF species and detected in R. fulgida for the first time. Ca. Glomeribacter gigasporarum was present only in R. persica. Distinct highly diversified spore-associated bacterial communities were also identified, with 251 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) affiliated to 69 and 34 genera in case of R. persica and R. fulgida, respectively. The regular detection of Actinomycetota confirmed a relatively stable relationship with AMF spores. Most of the identified bacteria belonged to culturable genera and species, reported to possess key beneficial activities.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that different AMF genotypes differentially recruited highly diversified and rich spore associated bacterial communities in a natural sand dune system. The isolation in pure culture of such bacteria could boost in-depth studies aimed at revealing their functional role in the complex interactions between AMF, associated bacteria and host plants and their possible exploitation in harsh agroecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid41686700,
year = {2026},
author = {Ierardi, RA and Ericsson, AC and Lahmers, KK and Shen, Z and Raghavan, RK},
title = {Detection of Anaplasma marginale (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) in host-seeking adult Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae) on cattle pastures, Missouri, United States.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {63},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjag014},
pmid = {41686700},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {00081722//Taylor Geospatial Institute/ ; 7003929 and 7006485//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health projects/ ; //University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Research Scholars Program/ ; 58-2090-2-020//USDA Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Dermacentor/microbiology/physiology ; *Anaplasma marginale/isolation &amp; purification ; Cattle ; Male ; Missouri ; Anaplasmosis/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Bovine anaplasmosis is an economically important and globally distributed disease of cattle caused by a rickettsia, Anaplasma marginale Theiler, which infects bovine red blood cells. In the United States, A. marginale is transmitted by adult male Dermacentor spp. ticks. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of A. marginale among host-seeking D. variabilis Say males and describe tick activity on beef cow-calf grazing operations in Missouri. Ticks were collected by dragging a total of 348 750-meter transects on 5 field sites from May 2022 to August 2024. In total, 29,132 ticks were collected: 27,502 Amblyomma americanum Linnaeus, 1,504 D. variabilis, 101 Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann, and 25 individuals of uncommonly encountered species. A total of 692 adult male D. variabilis were divided into 154 pools of ≤5 ticks/pool for analysis. Anaplasma marginale was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 1 pool of 5 adult males (0.6%). Illumina sequencing detected an Anaplasma bovis (Donatien and Lestoquard 1936)-like sequence in 38 pools (24.7%). The endosymbionts Francisella spp. and Rickettsia spp. were detected in 100% and 32.5% of pools, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect A. marginale in host-seeking D. variabilis collected in the field. Our findings also represent the first reports of H. longicornis, an invasive species, in 4 Missouri counties.},
}
@article {pmid41686866,
year = {2026},
author = {Seidi, S and Mostafavi, E and Raz, A and Karimian, F and Khanzadeh, F and Hayati, Z and Maleki-Ravasan, N},
title = {Xenopsylla buxtoni fleas as a dominant species harboring multiple infections of Wolbachia lineages in the ancient plague epicenters of Iran.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {20},
number = {2},
pages = {e0013890},
pmid = {41686866},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; Iran/epidemiology ; Female ; Male ; *Xenopsylla/microbiology/classification/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Plague/epidemiology/transmission ; Genetic Variation ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Humans ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; Flea Infestations/parasitology ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology/classification ; Molecular Sequence Data ; },
abstract = {Fleas are permissive and euryxenous ectoparasites capable of transmitting numerous ancient and new pathogens among warm-blooded animals, including humans. Precise identification of flea species involved in disease transmission and understanding the highly specialized morphological characteristics associated with their ectoparasitic lifestyle is essential. Likewise, identifying endosymbionts such as Wolbachia-which have long-lasting and intimate relationships with their hosts-will enhance our knowledge of the epidemiology of flea-borne diseases and their control. Flea sampling was conducted in the western half of Iran, where the highest plague outbreaks have been reported over the past two centuries. A total of 1,439 fleas, comprising 623 males and 816 females, were detached from 223 hosts and were identified as Xenopsylla buxtoni, X. nuttalli, X. astia, Pulex irritans, Nosopsyllus iranus iranus, and Ctenophthalmus rettigi smiti. Also, 116 and 73 nucleotide sequences were analyzed to assess the genetic diversity and phylogenetic position of the fleas, and to determine their infection rate and Wolbachia supergroup. Molecular analysis of the COII and ITS2 genes confirmed the morphological distinctiveness of the six species. Xenopsylla buxtoni, the most abundant taxon, displayed Wolbachia infection rates of 62%-75% (x̄ = 69%). The Wolbachia sequences identified from the fleas were assigned to supergroups A, F, and B. The taxonomic position of X. buxtoni and its closely related species, X. nuttalli, in the conformis group was questioned due to significant genetic divergence. The impact of Wolbachia on flea ecology and its potential impact in controlling flea populations and flea-borne pathogens was highlighted.},
}
@article {pmid41692364,
year = {2026},
author = {Varón-Saavedra, N and Vivero-Gomez, RJ and Cadavid-Restrepo, G and Moreno-Herrera, CX},
title = {Gut microbiota, blood feeding sources, and Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Rhodnius colombiensis from center-west of Colombia.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {275},
number = {},
pages = {108024},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.108024},
pmid = {41692364},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; Colombia ; *Trypanosoma cruzi/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Rhodnius/parasitology/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Chagas Disease/transmission/parasitology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/chemistry ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry/genetics ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Chickens ; Blood ; },
abstract = {Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a major public health concern in Latin America. In Tolima, Colombia, the vector R. colombiensis has acquired epidemiological relevance due to its ability to colonize domiciliary environments and its high rates of T. cruzi infection, which increase transmission in areas where primary vectors such as R. prolixus have been controlled. In this study, we characterized the gut microbiome of R. colombiensis using culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene, specific detection of bacterial endosymbionts, identification of blood meal source, and molecular screening for T. cruzi. DNA Analysis of 151 specimens revealed Didelphis marsupialis and Gallus gallus as primary blood meal sources. DNA of T. cruzi was detected in 92% of samples, along with endosymbionts such as Cardinium spp. and the intracellular parasite Microsporidia (2.2%-4,4%). The phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria represented the dominant microbial community, with Gordonia spp., Lactococcus spp., and Enterobacter spp. as the predominant genera. Culture-based analyses revealed additional prevalent genera, including Staphylococcus sp. and Yokenella sp., which may play a role in microbial competition within the triatomine gut. Our findings provide the first comprehensive characterization of the gut microbiota, endosymbionts, blood meal sources, and T. cruzi infection in R. colombiensis, contributing to a better understanding of the vector-microbiota-parasite interactions relevant to the transmission of Chagas disease.},
}
@article {pmid41697852,
year = {2026},
author = {Pigeault, R and Dussert, Y and Jorge, R and Ulve, T and Panza, M and Raimond, M and Delaunay, C and Aucher, W and Berges, T and Ogereau, D and Moumen, B and Peccoud, J and Cordaux, R},
title = {Within-Host Environmental Heterogeneity Is Associated With Phenotypic but Not Genomic Diversity in Wolbachia Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e70286},
pmid = {41697852},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {ANR-21-CE02-0004//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-20-CE02-004//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/genetics/physiology/pathogenicity ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Genetic Variation ; Phenotype ; Genome, Bacterial ; Virulence ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; },
abstract = {Hosts represent complex environments where different tissues may act as distinct ecological niches, imposing different constraints that may shape parasite ecology and evolution. Such within-host heterogeneity can generate phenotypic diversity with consequences for virulence and transmission. Our aim was to determine whether the constraints associated with infecting different host tissues lead to the coexistence of multiple parasite sub-populations with distinct phenotypes. We tested this hypothesis using the widespread bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia. We injected bacteria isolated from three tissues of the common pill-bug into uninfected individuals and tracked temporal changes in Wolbachia load in the recipient host tissues, as well as the virulence associated with each bacterial source. Our results show that colonisation success depends on the tissue of origin of the injected Wolbachia. Genome resequencing did not detect any genetic variation associated with variation in bacterial replication rate, which thus likely results from phenotypic plasticity. Indeed, no recurrent tissue-specific variants were detected, and our conservative filtering pipeline retained only one substitution and one gene conversion event. These findings highlight the genomic stability of Wolbachia across host environments while demonstrating that within-host diversification can occur without genetic divergence. More broadly, they underscore how microenvironmental variation within hosts can shape parasite ecology.},
}
@article {pmid41698658,
year = {2026},
author = {Xiong, S and Demuth, J and Parchami, M and Daniel, G},
title = {Edible Fungi Are a Hidden Source of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {2},
pages = {e70259},
pmid = {41698658},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {2022-02404//Svenska Forskningsr&#xe5;det Formas/ ; 2022-02760//Svenska Forskningsr&#xe5;det Formas/ ; 2022-39//Ekhagastiftelsen/ ; 2017-02705//VINNOVA/ ; JCK22-0028//Kempestiftelserna/ ; },
mesh = {*Carbon Dioxide/metabolism/analysis ; *Carbon Monoxide/metabolism/analysis ; *Shiitake Mushrooms/metabolism/growth &amp; development ; *Pleurotus/metabolism/growth &amp; development ; },
abstract = {This study provides the first clear evidence that edible mushrooms, such as Lentinula edodes (shiitake), Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus eryngii, can generate carbon monoxide (CO) as part of their metabolic activity-independent of bacteria, illumination or oxygen limitation. Systematic measurements of CO and CO2 emissions were performed over 60 days using multiple fungal species, substrates and growth conditions. Microscopy observations (light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy) confirmed no extracellular and intracellular bacterial endosymbionts involved, supporting a fungal genesis of CO. CO emission patterns showed a parabola-shaped curve, correlating with CO2 levels regardless measurements by gas-analyser or GC-MS and peaking during full mycelial colonisation. Shiitake mushrooms grown on birch substrate released the highest CO compared to alder and aspen substrates and P. ostreatus and P. eryngii. These findings suggest that fungal respiration contributes to CO dynamics more than previously recognised and highlight the need for further research into its mechanisms and environmental and occupational health implications.},
}
@article {pmid41700107,
year = {2026},
author = {Speijer, D},
title = {Eukaryogenesis: Did an Oxidative Crucible Result in Misleading Bioinformatic Analyses?.},
journal = {BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology},
volume = {48},
number = {2},
pages = {e70115},
pmid = {41700107},
issn = {1521-1878},
mesh = {Gene Duplication ; *Computational Biology/methods ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Eukaryota/genetics ; Animals ; Oxidation-Reduction ; *Eukaryotic Cells/metabolism ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Recently, Nature published a large-scale analysis ("Dated gene duplications elucidate the evolutionary assembly of eukaryotes" by Christopher Kay and co-workers) that seems to put an end to symbiogenic models for eukaryogenesis. They state that the pre-mitochondrion arrives late, after practically all of the signature eukaryotic characteristics have evolved independently. However, this conclusion is based on reconstructed timescales for the gene duplications allowing these crucial eukaryotic cell functions. The reconstruction might be fundamentally flawed, because enhanced internal ROS formation upon endosymbiont entry would lead to both high mutation rates and strong selection for antioxidant as well as repair functions. As the endosymbiont had co-evolved with molecular oxygen, while the archaeal host had not, a phylogenetic analysis might misconstrue the higher rate of change in the host as indicative of much longer timescales for host gene duplications.},
}
@article {pmid41700603,
year = {2026},
author = {Dang, Y and Chen, W and Wang, X and Zhang, Y and Wei, K and Cao, L},
title = {Regulatory role of endosymbionts in parasitoid under thermal stress: a case study of Tetrastichus planipennisi.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {82},
number = {6},
pages = {5578-5586},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70662},
pmid = {41700603},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//National Natural Science Foundation of China (31971666, 32471875)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Moths/parasitology/physiology ; *Thermotolerance ; Hot Temperature ; Pest Control, Biological ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Climate warming poses a critical challenge to ectotherm survival. While endosymbionts are known to influence host thermal tolerance, the fitness consequences of this symbiosis under sustained warming, particularly for parasitoids used in biological control, remain unclear. Here, we investigated this phenomenon using the key endoparasitoid Tetrastichus planipennisi of the emerald ash borer - a destructive wood-boring pest across Asia, North America, and Europe.<br><br>RESULTS: The study of four T. planipennisi populations (Jilin, Liaoning, Xinjiang, and Beijing) revealed the Jilin population exhibited better heat tolerance with 100% endosymbiont infestation. At 40&#x2009;&#xb0;C, endosymbiont-negative (E[-]) wasps showed 3-h shorter survival than endosymbiont-positive (E[+]) counterparts, with weaker antioxidant capacity. Critically, elevated temperatures diminished parasitoid reproductive output and severely compromised vertical endosymbiont transmission efficiency.<br><br>CONCLUSION: While endosymbionts provide measurable thermal protection, their heat sensitivity creates an ecological trade-off that may disadvantage parasitoids under climate warming. These findings advance understanding of endosymbiont-mediated thermal adaptation in parasitoids and have important implications for optimizing biological control strategies in warming environments. &#xa9; 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid41707638,
year = {2026},
author = {Rakhshandeh, M and Khanjani, M},
title = {The First Report of Enterobacter Endosymbionts in the Dried Fruit Mite (Carpoglyphus lactis L.) (Acari, Acarida) Reared on Apricots in the Laboratory.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e70294},
pmid = {41707638},
issn = {1758-2229},
mesh = {Animals ; *Enterobacter/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification/physiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; *Acaridae/microbiology ; *Prunus armeniaca/parasitology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Carpoglyphus lactis (Linnaeus), a member of the family Carpoglyphidae, is recognised both as a common storage mite and a significant source of indoor allergens. Despite extensive studies on its biology and distribution, little is known about its associated microbiome. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the bacterial symbionts of C. lactis reared under sterile laboratory conditions on dried apricots. Following surface sterilisation, bacterial isolates were cultured and identified through biochemical tests and molecular analyses targeting the 16S rRNA and gapA genes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolated strains shared over 98% similarity with Enterobacter hormaechei and clustered specifically within the E. hormaechei subsp. xiangfangensis clade. These findings confirm the presence of Enterobacter species as endosymbionts in C. lactis for the first time. The symbiotic relationship may contribute to host stress tolerance, nutritional efficiency and modulation of allergenic properties. This discovery opens new avenues for exploring mite-microbe interactions and developing innovative strategies for biological control and allergy mitigation.},
}
@article {pmid41709267,
year = {2026},
author = {Baquer, F and Grillon, A},
title = {Interaction between tick and host microbiotas: a four-step waltz.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41709267},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Ticks/microbiology ; Skin Microbiome ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology/transmission ; *Microbiota ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Symbiosis ; *Arachnid Vectors/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Tick-borne diseases represent a growing public health concern worldwide, yet the microbial factors that govern pathogen transmission remain incompletely understood. Over the past decade, high-throughput metagenomics and functional studies have revealed that two distinct microbial communities-the vertebrate host's skin microbiota and the tick's own microbiome-act synergistically as key modulators of pathogen acquisition, persistence within the vector, and successful transmission to the vertebrate host. At the feeding site, the skin microbiota orchestrates local cutaneous immunity, influences inflammatory responses, and can either hinder or inadvertently facilitate dermal establishment of tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia species, Babesia spp., and tick-borne encephalitis virus. Tick feeding itself induces rapid and sometimes long-lasting dysbiosis of the skin microbial community, creating temporal windows of vulnerability for pathogen invasion. Concurrently, within the tick vector, a core set of endosymbiotic bacteria, including Rickettsia buchneri, Midichloria mitochondrii, Coxiella-like, and Francisella-like endosymbionts, engage in complex mutualistic, competitive, and facilitative interactions. These symbionts regulate vector competence through nutrient provisioning (especially B-vitamins), direct competition for niche space, and immune priming or suppression of the tick's innate immune system. Such interactions ultimately determine the maintenance, abundance, and transmissibility of tick-borne pathogens. By integrating these dual host-vector microbiome perspectives in a comprehensive review, we highlight emerging mechanistic insights into transmission ecology and biologically grounded targets for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases, including anti-microbiota vaccines and paratransgenic and microbiome-based approaches.},
}
@article {pmid41725037,
year = {2026},
author = {Butler, CC and Turnham, KE and Hess, A and LaJeunesse, TC},
title = {Resolving widespread and endemic dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) mutualistic with Indo-Pacific octocorals reveals differences in specificity based on host phylogeny.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {62},
number = {1},
pages = {191-204},
pmid = {41725037},
issn = {1529-8817},
support = {//Pennsylvania State University/ ; OCE-1636022//Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; DGE1255832//National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program/ ; //Penn State University Maskalick Biodiversity Seed Grant/ ; //Phycological Society of America/ ; IOB-0544854//Division of Integrative Organismal Systems/ ; IOS-1258058//Division of Integrative Organismal Systems/ ; //The Wilson Hewitt Foundation Endowed Chair/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology/classification/genetics ; *Anthozoa/physiology/parasitology/classification ; *Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; Pacific Ocean ; Indian Ocean ; Coral Reefs ; Host Specificity ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts in the dinoflagellate family Symbiodiniaceae can form mutualisms with a diverse array of host invertebrates, constituting a widespread and ecologically important family. While those associated with reef-building corals (order Scleractinia) have received considerable research attention, the diversity and ecology of zooxanthellae from soft coral hosts (Octocorallia) have remained understudied and unappreciated. To address this lack of understanding, octocoral zooxanthellae were sampled across the Indo-Pacific and genetic, morphological, ecological, and geographic evidence were utilized to formally characterize five new species in the genus Cladocopium. Four species were associated with hosts in the family Sarcophytidae that horizontally acquire their endosymbionts. Of these new species, C. fabriciae sp. nov. and C. peratum sp. nov. are widespread across the Indo-Pacific whereas C. zanzibariense sp. nov. and C. belauense sp. nov. are known only from their type localities in Zanzibar and Palau, respectively. The fifth species, C. bilineaum sp. nov., occurs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans associated with hosts in the families Xeniidae, which can display either horizontal or vertical mode of transmission and Lemnaliidae, which horizontally transmit their endosymbionts. Because soft coral abundances are increasing with ocean warming across many geographic provinces and in various reef habitats, formal species descriptions of their endosymbionts should facilitate future physiological and ecological research toward a more comprehensive understanding of their natural history and contributions to coral reef ecosystem productivity.},
}
@article {pmid41725836,
year = {2026},
author = {Khoule, A and Galon, C and Ngom, D and Ndoye, BB and Sene, O and Dia, I and Fall, G and Diallo, M and Moutailler, S and Diallo, D},
title = {Detection of Multiple Microorganisms in Ruminant Ticks in Senegal Using High-Throughput Microfluidic Real-Time PCR.},
journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {6292857},
pmid = {41725836},
issn = {1865-1682},
mesh = {Animals ; Senegal/epidemiology ; *Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary/methods ; Sheep ; *Ticks/microbiology ; Goats ; *Sheep Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology/microbiology ; Cattle ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; Female ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/veterinary/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Goat Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology/microbiology ; Cattle Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ticks are major vectors of numerous pathogens affecting both livestock and humans. In Senegal, data on the diversity of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in ruminant-associated ticks remain limited. In total, 1703 ticks were collected from goats, sheep, and cattle across three ecological zones of Senegal (Sudanian, Sahelian, and Sudano-Sahelian). Tick species were identified morphologically, and 300 individuals were screened for 36 microorganisms using a high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR system. DNA was successfully extracted and amplified from 289 ticks. The most abundant species were Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (32.3%), Hyalomma truncatum (19.6%), R. guilhoni (15.6%), H. rufipes (11.6%), and Amblyomma variegatum (11.0%). Among the screened ticks, 226 (78.9%) were positive for at least one microorganism. True pathogens of veterinary and/or zoonotic importance included Anaplasma ovis (30.8%), Coxiella spp. (23.9%), Rickettsia aeschlimannii (13.1%), Theileria spp. (11.1%), and Ehrlichia canis (4.8%), with sporadic detections of Anaplasma marginale, A. bovis, and Babesia spp. (0.3% each). In addition, non-pathogenic Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) were detected at high prevalence (37.4%) across all ecological zones. The presence of TBPs and/or endosymbionts was significantly associated only with the tick's host in the multivariable logistic regression model. Ticks collected from goats (OR = 7.82; p = 0.024) and sheep (OR = 7.70; p = 0.015) were significantly more likely to be infected than those collected from cattle (reference group). A total of 96 cases of microorganism co-occurrence were recorded across different tick species. Co-infections were more frequent in ticks collected from the Sudano-Sahelian zone (48.2%) and in those from sheep (32.0%). None of the detected microorganism species showed a significant associated with tick sex. This study represents the first large-scale molecular survey of TBPs in ruminant-associated ticks in Senegal, revealing both a high diversity of pathogens and a widespread presence of tick endosymbionts. While endosymbionts, such as FLEs, are not known to be pathogenic, their abundance may influence tick physiology and vector competence. The detection of zoonotic pathogens, such as E. canis and R. aeschlimannii, underscores the need to strengthen tick surveillance and investigate their potential public health implications.},
}
@article {pmid41726870,
year = {2026},
author = {Shropshire, JD and Conner, WR and Vanderpool, D and Hoffmann, AA and Turelli, M and Cooper, BS},
title = {Calibrating and documenting host-switching and evolution of incompatibility loci for two closely related Wolbachia clades.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41726870},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Maternally inherited Wolbachia alphaproteobacteria are the most common arthropod endosymbionts. Often Wolbachia spread to high frequencies through cytoplasmic incompatibility, in which cif loci act through sperm to kill embryos lacking Wolbachia. Closely related Wolbachia with diverse cif loci often associate with anciently diverged hosts, but the timescale of associations remains uncertain. We produce new calibrations based on filarial nematodes with vertically inherited Wolbachia that codiverge with their hosts. Applying these calibrations to Wolbachia variants closely related to pathogen-blocking wMel from Drosophila melanogaster, we demonstrate that over a timescale of 1-2 million years, a core set of single-copy Wolbachia loci evolve largely through bifurcation rather than by gene exchange with distant Wolbachia. Dating bifurcating core genomes, we show that "wMel-like" Wolbachia diverged 2.1×10[5]-2.4×10[6] years inhabit dipteran and hymenopteran hosts diverged more than 10[8] years. Previous published analysis of variants related to wRi from D. simulans, the first Wolbachia found in a drosophilid, concluded that "wRi-like" Wolbachia spread among different Drosophila in tens of thousands of years. However, our new calibrations suggest these estimates from a mutation-based calibration underestimated wRi-like spread by about a factor of seven. In addition, cif exchanges between wMel-like and wRi-like Wolbachia genomes have occurred over ~10[4]-10[6] years. Comparing intact cif loci found in various Wolbachia, we find function-preserving selection in their evolution. We discuss these results in light of theoretical predictions concerning selection on cytoplasmic incompatibility phenotypes within and among host lineages. The wMel variants analyzed may offer new options for Wolbachia-based biocontrol efforts.},
}
@article {pmid41730789,
year = {2026},
author = {Fernandez Goya, L and da Cruz Cabral, L and Scannapieco, AC and Confalonieri, VA and Lanteri, AA and Rodriguero, MS},
title = {Endosymbiont load dictates reproductive fate: Experimental validation for the bacterial dosage model in a parthenogenetic weevil (Coleoptera, Curculionidae).},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {310-322},
doi = {10.1111/imb.70030},
pmid = {41730789},
issn = {1365-2583},
support = {PICT 2016-0038//Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n Cient&#xed;fica y Tecnol&#xf3;gica/ ; PICT 2016-2798//Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n Cient&#xed;fica y Tecnol&#xf3;gica/ ; PICT 2021-0072.//Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n Cient&#xed;fica y Tecnol&#xf3;gica/ ; UBACyT 20020170200081BA//Universidad de Buenos Aires/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Parthenogenesis ; *Rickettsia/physiology ; Female ; *Symbiosis ; *Weevils/microbiology/physiology ; Reproduction ; Bacterial Load ; Tetracycline/pharmacology ; Clutch Size ; },
abstract = {In many arthropods, reproductive manipulations induced by maternally inherited symbionts appear to depend upon surpassing a bacterial density threshold. The Naupactini tribe harbours a diverse array of Neotropical weevils, many of which exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction linked to Wolbachia pipientis and Rickettsia sp., with parthenogenetic species typically displaying high Wolbachia and Rickettsia sp. densities, and sexually reproducing species characterized by either low density or absence of infections altogether. The main focus of this work was testing the bacterial dosage model, that is, that a threshold density of Wolbachia and/or Rickettsia sp. is required for parthenogenetic reproduction. Through tetracycline-curing experiments coupled with bacterial density quantification by real-time PCR, we analysed clutch viability in Pantomorus postfasciatus as a function of Wolbachia and Rickettsia sp. density. Clutch size was not affected by the antibiotic treatment, but clutch viability (proportion of eggs hatched) declined to zero, coinciding with a significant reduction in bacterial densities without complete clearance. Fitting a three-parameter log-logistic (Hill-type) model revealed a sigmoidal relationship between bacterial density and clutch viability, demonstrating a quantitative, dosage-dependent effect. In contrast, clutch viability of sexually reproducing females was unaffected by antibiotic treatment, confirming that the reduced egg hatching in parthenogenetic females results from symbiont depletion rather than direct drug effects. Additionally, Rickettsia sp. proved to be more susceptible to tetracycline than Wolbachia, while Wolbachia densities decreased more markedly in reproductive tissues-a pattern potentially linked to the observed collapse in clutch viability. This work highlights bacterial load as a key determinant of parthenogenetic reproduction within the Naupactini.},
}
@article {pmid41737676,
year = {2026},
author = {Hauer, MA and Klier, KM and Langwig, MV and Anantharaman, K and Beinart, RA},
title = {Phage-microbe interactions may contribute to the population structure and dynamics of hydrothermal vent symbionts.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag022},
pmid = {41737676},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems are sustained by chemoautotrophic bacteria that symbiotically provide organic matter to their animal hosts through the oxidation of chemical reductants in vent fluids. Hydrothermal vents also support unique viral communities that often exhibit high host-specificity and frequently integrate into host genomes as prophages; however, little is known about the role of viruses in influencing the chemosynthetic symbionts of vent foundation fauna. Here, we present a comprehensive examination of contemporary lysogenic and lytic bacteriophage infections, auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), and CRISPR spacers associated with the intracellular bacterial endosymbionts of snails and mussels at hydrothermal vents in the Lau Basin (Tonga). Our investigation of contemporary phage infection among bacterial symbiont species and across distant vent locations indicated that each symbiont species interacts with different phage species across a large geographic range. Surprisingly, prophages were absent from almost all symbiont genomes, suggesting that phage interactions with intracellular symbionts may differ from free-living microbes at vents. Altogether, these findings suggest that chemosynthetic symbionts primarily interact with species-specific phages via lytic infections, which may ultimately be important to the composition and dynamics of symbiont populations.},
}
@article {pmid41752625,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, QQ and Mohamed, SM and Hu, YL and Lian, YM and Ibrahim, A and Zhu, XZ and Chen, F and Lin, S},
title = {Developmental and Reproductive Impacts of Arsenophonus Symbiont on the Population of Nilaparvata lugens.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41752625},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2023ZD04062//Science and Technology Innovation 2030- "Agricultural Biological Breeding" major project/ ; 2023ZD04062//Science and Technology Innovation 2030- "Agricultural Biological Breeding" major project/ ; },
abstract = {The Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål.) (Hemiptera: Delphinidae), is one of the most destructive pests of rice. Its reproductive and developmental traits are influenced by various environmental and biological factors including endosymbiotic microorganisms. Arsenophonus, a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium of insects, can affect host fitness and metabolic processes. This study investigates the role of Arsenophonus in modulating the developmental and reproductive traits of N. lugens fed on transgenic cry30Fa1 rice (KF30-14) and its parent variety Minghui 86 (MH86). Life table analysis revealed that Arsenophonus infection (Ars[+]) increased the development time and reduced the reproductive capacity of N. lugens, especially those feeding on KF30-14. The first-instar nymphs in MH86 Ars[+] (infected) exhibited slower development compared to MH86 Ars[-] (uninfected). Similarly, the third and fourth-instar nymphs in KF30-14 Ars[+] exhibited prolonged development time compared to KF30-14 Ars[-]. In addition, KF30-14 Ars[+] females had significantly reduced reproductive capacity, smaller ovarian tubules and lower relative expression levels of reproduction-related genes including Trehalose transporter (Tret), Vitellogenin (Vg) and Cytochrome P450 hydroxylase (cyp314a1), while Juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) expression was upregulated. RNA sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of genes involved in lipid, amino acid, and vitamin metabolisms, with Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase implicated as a key regulator of lipid metabolism and reproductive fitness. These results highlight the complex interactions between endosymbionts, host plants and pest biology, offering a solid foundation for sustainable approaches to control N. lugens in rice production systems.},
}
@article {pmid41756466,
year = {2026},
author = {Brunner, A and Mahout, M and Amoros, J and Rahmoun, M and Jarry, M and Bordenstein, SR and Bordenstein, SR and Trouche, B and Reveillaud, J},
title = {Extensive mobilome dynamics in a widespread endosymbiont: long read metagenomics reveal dimeric plasmids and highly fragmented prophages in Wolbachia from Culex pipiens.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41756466},
issn = {2693-5015},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The obligate, intracellular bacteria Wolbachia have gained increasing interest due to their selfish modifications of host arthropod reproduction, impacts on host evolution, and utility in vector control efforts to reduce arbovirus transmission. Despite their highly reduced genomes, Wolbachia harbor a rich global mobilome that includes phages and plasmids in mosquito vectors. However, these mobile genetic elements are structurally complex, and standard genome assemblies often fail to resolve their organization and their functional relationships, leaving gaps in our understanding of how they evolve, mobilize, and influence host genomes.<br><br>RESULTS: Here, we present the first near-complete genome of Wolbachia and its mobile elements from the vector Culex pipiens molestus in Montpellier (France), reconstructed from Oxford Nanopore long read sequencing of single female ovaries without prior DNA amplification. Additional short reads from individuals of the same strain were used to assess and validate candidate mutations, particularly in repetitive regions. We report the assembly of a new dimeric form of the pWCP plasmid, providing evidence that the element is a replicating molecule and functionally active. We also observed extensive fragmentation of prophage WO regions despite long read sequencing, underscoring their structural complexity. Raw long read analyses recovered multiple alternative gene syntenies within WO regions, pointing to heterogeneous prophage architectures missed by the assembly and marked diversity of WO elements in Wolbachia of Culex pipiens (wPip) group strains.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results show the high dynamism of the endosymbiont genome that is shaped by integrated and episomal active mobile elements.},
}
@article {pmid41762158,
year = {2026},
author = {Lapadula, WJ and Cheang, R and Taracena-Agarwal, ML and Juri Ayub, M},
title = {Ancestral Wolbachia lineages are likely donors of ribotoxin genes in Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {39},
number = {5},
pages = {678-685},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voag014},
pmid = {41762158},
issn = {1420-9101},
support = {//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas y T&#xe9;cnicas/ ; PICT-2021-00107//Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n Cient&#xed;fica y Tecnol&#xf3;gica/ ; PROICO 02-1720//Universidad Nacional de San Luis/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/genetics/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Ribosome Inactivating Proteins/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are enzymes that irreversibly inhibit protein synthesis by depurinating a specific adenine residue in the ribosomal RNA. Although members of this gene family are widespread in plants and bacteria, their occurrence in metazoans is rare and restricted to a few insect lineages, including Culicinae mosquitoes. Previous studies suggested that these genes were acquired by mosquitoes via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacteria, but the source lineage remained unidentified. Here, we report the discovery of RIP-encoding genes in two Wolbachia strains. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the monophyletic relationship between Wolbachia and mosquito RIPs, implying Wolbachia as the donor of these genes. These results shed light on the evolutionary dynamics of RIPs and the dual role of Wolbachia as both a functional contributor and genetic donor. By bridging the gap between endosymbiont and host genomes, this work provides new evidence for HGT as a source of adaptive innovation in insects. The implications of these findings for the ongoing debate on HGT in metazoans are also discussed.},
}
@article {pmid41764142,
year = {2026},
author = {Brayley, ODM and McCready, K and Liu, S and Convey, P and Chen, Y and Ullah, S and Teets, N and Hayward, SAL},
title = {The Microbiome of an Invasive Antarctic insect, Eretmoptera Murphyi (Diptera: Chironomidae), and its Potential Role in Nutrient Cycling.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41764142},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {NE/S007350/1//NERC CENTA2/ ; NE/T009446/1//NSFGEO-NERC/ ; OPP-1850988//National Science Foundation/ ; 700545//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project/ ; RF-2024-396/2//Leverhulme Research Fellowship/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Antarctic Regions ; *Chironomidae/microbiology/growth &amp; development ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/metabolism ; *Archaea/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; Larva/microbiology ; Nutrients/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Eretmoptera murphyi Schaeffer 1914 is a flightless chironomid midge endemic to South Georgia in the sub-Antarctic. In the 1960s it was accidentally introduced to Signy Island (in the more extreme maritime Antarctic), where it is now considered an invasive species. Detritivorous E. murphyi larvae can increase soil nitrogen levels by up to five times compared with similar uncolonized substrates, although the mechanisms involved remain unknown. This study conducted the first larval microbiome characterisation of E. murphyi, with the aim of identifying groups of microorganisms that may contribute to the elevated nutrient availability associated with this species. We also compare the E. murphyi microbiome with information available for other Antarctic invertebrates. Dominant archaea and bacteria included Crenarchaeota, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria and Planctomycetota, many of which have known roles in nutrient cycling. The microbiome of E. murphyi appears more diverse than that of other Antarctic invertebrates studied to date and includes phyla (Chloroflexi and Mycococcota) not previously reported from Signy Island soils or other Antarctic terrestrial invertebrate species. Further research is needed to establish which of these taxa represent true endosymbionts and to confirm their functional roles. The impact of non-native species microbiomes on nutrient cycling has important implications for polar terrestrial ecosystems, as significant changes in nutrient availability could impact native microarthropod and plant communities, as well as open new pathways for future non-native species establishment.},
}
@article {pmid41764426,
year = {2026},
author = {Taş, P and Mouly, A and Lucek, K},
title = {A microbial view on secondary contact between two Alpine butterflies.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41764426},
issn = {2730-7182},
mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Female ; Wolbachia ; *Sympatry ; Species Specificity ; Male ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Widespread sympatry between sibling species can be limited if they are ecologically too close, potentially leading to the formation of narrow zones of secondary contact. While the ecological niche is commonly estimated using abiotic factors, the potential differentiation in gut microbial communities as a proxy for biotic niche differentiation is less well studied. We address this gap in research, focusing on two Alpine butterfly species of the genus Erebia that form a stable and very narrow contact zone.<br><br>RESULTS: Using a metabarcoding approach to sequence the adult gut microbial communities of our two focal species as well as capturing the microbial diversity found on three nectar plant species, we found that the microbial community i) significantly differed between species but not between sexes, that ii) the abundance of the heritable endosymbiont Wolbachia differed between species, where its high abundance resulted in the detection of fewer other microbial taxa, and that iii) microbes found on flowers largely but not completely overlapped with the ones found in the butterfly hosts, suggesting that intestinal environmental filtering occurs only to some degree.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with biotic niche differentiation, we uncovered species specific differences in the gut microbial communities, further highlighting the complex interactions between host biology and environmental factors in shaping the gut microbiota. The observed microbial differences could reflect local adaptation to different resources or microhabitats. Overall, our study highlights the utility of gut microbial metabarcoding to study ecological niche differentiation, also during secondary contact.},
}
@article {pmid41764643,
year = {2026},
author = {Zeller, LM and Schorn, S and Nicolas-Asselineau, L and Zopfi, J and Ahmerkamp, S and Schubert, CJ and Lepori, F and Kuypers, MMM and Graf, JS and Milucka, J},
title = {Redox gradients define the ecological niche of ciliates with denitrifying endosymbionts in anoxic lake waters.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41764643},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {//internal funds of Eawag/ ; //Max Planck Society/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Lakes/microbiology/chemistry ; *Ciliophora/microbiology/physiology ; Nitrates/metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Switzerland ; Phylogeny ; Oxygen/metabolism ; Anaerobiosis ; Denitrification ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Sulfides/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; Molecular Sequence Data ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts of the family Candidatus Azoamicaceae obligately associate with anaerobic ciliates belonging to the class Plagiopylea. The symbionts' unique role for their host involves anaerobic respiration of nitrate and generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), analogous to the role of mitochondria in aerobic eukaryotes. As this symbiosis remains so far uncultured, insights into its functioning have been mainly inferred from environmental metagenomes. Here, we investigated the distribution and environmental role of this symbiosis in the anoxic basins of two freshwater lakes, Zug and Lugano (Switzerland), over a course of several years. We found that the environmental niche of the ciliate host is defined by the combined effects of sulfide, oxygen, and nitrate, the latter of which is essential for the symbiont's respiratory function. Moreover, the distribution and abundance of ciliates with denitrifying endosymbionts in the water column suggest that they may substantially contribute to nitrate consumption in Lake Zug. Our microscopic analyses further demonstrated a coordinated division of the Ca. Azoamicus ciliaticola symbionts and their ciliate hosts, implying a vertical inheritance of denitrifying symbionts. These observations offer new insights into the evolution of ciliates with denitrifying endosymbionts and their ecological role in oxygen-depleted lake waters.},
}
@article {pmid41771376,
year = {2026},
author = {Kang, SF and Chen, J},
title = {Detection and localization of a new Wolbachia from supergroup W in Oppiella nova (Acari: Oribatida: Oppiidae) with potential impacts on host life-history traits.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {217},
number = {},
pages = {108579},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2026.108579},
pmid = {41771376},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; *Mites/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Life History Traits ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Female ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is one of the most abundant intracellular symbionts among arthropods, infecting approximately 40% to 60% of species. It can affect hosts reproductive strategies, provide nutritional support, enhance pathogen resistance, and influence both fecundity and developmental duration. Oribatid mites, a diverse group of small arthropods, exhibit complex reproductive strategies, with approximately 10% of species undergoing parthenogenesis. Research on endosymbionts in oribatid mites remains limited. Although Wolbachia has been detected in a few oribatid mite species, its impacts on the biological processes of oribatid mites are still poorly understood. In this study, O. nova individuals were collected from a single population, and subsequent detection revealed the coexistence of Wolbachia-infected (W+) and symbiont-free (W-) specimens. Phylogenetic analysis based on multiple genetic markers suggested that the Wolbachia infecting O. nova belongs to supergroup W. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed that Wolbachia is mainly distributed in the ovipositor of O. nova. Laboratory rearing experiments indicated that Wolbachia infection was associated with an increase in the reproductive output of O. nova, a reduction in the egg development period, and a faster overall developmental time, including the deutonymph stage.},
}
@article {pmid41773071,
year = {2026},
author = {Nozaki, T and Kobayashi, Y and Shigenobu, S},
title = {Non-Canonical, Somatic-Dependent Vertical Transmission of Wolbachia in an Aphid.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {e70269},
pmid = {41773071},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {19J01756//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22K14901//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 17H03717//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 17H06384//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 20H00478//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 25K18554//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Aphids/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Serratia/physiology/isolation &amp; purification ; Female ; Buchnera/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a widespread endosymbiotic bacterium that infects a broad range of arthropods and nematodes, relies on vertical transmission from mother to offspring. This process often involves colonisation of the host germline, subsequent transfer to developing oocytes, and utilisation of host yolk protein transport mechanisms such as vitellogenin uptake. However, the transmission strategies employed by Wolbachia in viviparous insects such as aphids are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a non-canonical Wolbachia transmission mode in the cedar bark aphid Cinara cedri: the somatic-dependent vertical transmission. After confirming consistent Wolbachia infection in C. cedri, we visualised the localization of Wolbachia, along with the obligate symbionts Buchnera aphidicola and Serratia symbiotica. Consistent with previous reports, Wolbachia in C. cedri were predominantly observed within maternal and embryonic bacteriocytes, the specialised cells housing obligate symbionts. Notably, Wolbachia cells were rarely detected in germline cells or early-stage embryos and were directly transmitted from maternal bacteriocytes to developing embryos, coinciding with obligate symbiont transfer. These results suggest that Wolbachia in C. cedri has evolved a unique "piggybacking" strategy, utilising the obligate symbiont transmission system. Our study highlights the diversity of endosymbiont maternal transmission strategies and provides new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of action.},
}
@article {pmid41775195,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, F and Chen, J and Zhao, Y and Zhou, Q and Hu, Z and Shu, L},
title = {Efficient inactivation of a broad spectrum of amoebae and endosymbionts by electrochemically generated peracetic acid.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {506},
number = {},
pages = {141598},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141598},
pmid = {41775195},
issn = {1873-3336},
mesh = {*Peracetic Acid/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Amoeba/drug effects/radiation effects ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Carbon/chemistry ; Symbiosis/drug effects ; Cellulose/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Waterborne emerging pathogens pose a significant threat to public health. Among these, amoebae have attracted considerable attention due to the health risks associated not only with the amoebae themselves but also with their endosymbionts. In this study, three distinct raw materials were employed to synthesize hydrothermal carbonation carbon (HTCC), including waste cartons, cellulose, and glucose. Subsequently, based on these HTCC materials, peracetic acid (PAA) was generated via in-situ catalysis under electrolytic conditions, and the inactivation efficacy against amoebae and their endosymbionts was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the combination of PAA with UV irradiation, catalyzed by cellulose-derived HTCC at 40 mA, achieved the highest inactivation of amoebae, with a reduction of 4.46-log. This method also approached nearly 100% efficiency in inactivating both free-living bacteria and amoeba endosymbionts. Microscopic observations indicated that the treatment did not cause severe damage to the cell membrane. Instead, inactivation was primarily attributed to the increase in intracellular pH. Importantly, the PAA/UV process exhibited broad-spectrum efficacy, achieving up to 4-log inactivation of amoebae and over 5-log reduction of their endosymbionts. This system exhibits favorable stability, yet its application in real water matrices still requires further optimization. In summary, our study presents a strategy with broad-spectrum efficacy for inactivating amoebae and their endosymbionts, which is characterized by low cost and high inactivation efficiency. With further optimization, this strategy could provide a highly promising technical solution for controlling the contamination of amoebae and their endosymbionts in water bodies. SYNOPSIS: A novel electrochemical peracetic acid strategy for broad-spectrum inactivation of amoebae and endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid41776170,
year = {2026},
author = {Hammond, M and Chmelová, &#x13d; and van Geelen-Kuenzel, NA and Maurya, AK and Ferreira, ER and Puente, V and Cadena, LR and Záhonová, K and Dowle, A and Mottram, JC and Nowack, ECM and Lukeš, J and Yurchenko, V},
title = {Subcellular proteomics reveals a blueprint for endosymbiont integration in trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41776170},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {25-15298S//Grantov&#xe1; Agentura &#x10c;esk&#xe9; Republiky (Grant Agency of the Czech Republic)/ ; 221944/A/20/Z//Wellcome Trust (Wellcome)/ ; SFB1535//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/physiology ; *Proteomics/methods ; *Trypanosomatina/microbiology/metabolism/genetics ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; *Protozoan Proteins/metabolism/genetics ; *Proteome/metabolism ; Microbodies/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The acquisition of endosymbionts is a fundamental process that has driven the evolution of eukaryotes. The tree of life is filled with cases of internalised prokaryotes that have become integrated into their hosts, often forming mutually beneficial relationships. The trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei is one such case, harbouring a single β-proteobacterial endosymbiont. This symbiotic relationship is highly advanced, as evidenced by the identification of host-encoded proteins that are targeted to the bacterium and control its division. To deeper understand this integration, we performed an in-depth subcellular proteomic analysis to determine the compartmental localisation of both host and endosymbiont proteins. Our analysis resolved over 5,000 host proteins and over 400 endosymbiont proteins. We used this rich dataset to identify several novel host-encoded proteins targeted to the bacterium, and validated our predictions using genetic manipulations and microscopy. By mapping the localised enzymatic repertoire, we were able to shed light on metabolic interplay between the two organisms. We confirmed an energetic basis for the previously observed association between the host's glycosomes and its endosymbiont, and discovered an interaction between the endosymbiont and the host's acidocalcisomes. This subcellular proteomic dataset provides a comprehensive foundation for future research into the remarkable process of bacterial integration.},
}
@article {pmid41786652,
year = {2026},
author = {Aung, A and Thongmeesee, K and Wechtaisong, W and Sri-In, C and Bui, TTH and Tiawsirisup, S},
title = {First Molecular Detection of the Potential Zoonotic Pathogen Rickettsia asembonensis in Client-Owned Dogs and Cats in Thailand.},
journal = {Zoonoses and public health},
volume = {73},
number = {3},
pages = {262-275},
doi = {10.1111/zph.70048},
pmid = {41786652},
issn = {1863-2378},
support = {//The second century fund, Chulalongkorn University/ ; CE68_053_3100_001//The Chulalongkorn University Center of Excellence/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; Cats ; Thailand/epidemiology ; *Dog Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Cat Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology ; *Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; *Rickettsia Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Zoonoses ; Bacterial Zoonoses ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Rickettsioses are predominantly zoonotic infections that circulate among animal populations and can be transmitted to humans, representing emerging vector-borne diseases spread through infected arthropod vectors. Rickettsia asembonensis displays a broad geographic distribution and is predominantly associated with fleas. Recent reports have identified R. asembonensis in febrile human patients in Malaysia, Peru, and Zambia, underscoring its emerging zoonotic potential. In Thailand, however, investigations of Rickettsia spp. have concentrated mainly on ticks and fleas, with comparatively little information regarding infections in pet dogs and cats.<br><br>METHODS: The present study examined Rickettsia spp. in 968 pets, 472 client-owned dogs, and 496 client-owned cats from the Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom regions, using the 17-kDa gene as a molecular marker. Genetic analyses of Rickettsia species were performed using maximum-likelihood phylogeny with IQ-TREE, Bayesian inference, pairwise sequence similarity assessment, and nucleotide sequence type network analysis.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 114 pets tested positive, corresponding to a prevalence of 11.8%, with 21.6% (102/472) in dogs and 2.4% (12/496) in cats. Of these, 48 samples were sequenced, leading to the identification of R. asembonensis and either uncultured Rickettsia spp. or the Rickettsia endosymbiont of Haemaphysalis bispinosa. Statistical analysis indicated significantly higher infection rates in pet dogs and cats from the Nakhon Pathom region. Phylogenetic reconstruction with maximum-likelihood and Bayesian-inference approaches revealed distinct clustering of R. asembonensis and uncultured Rickettsia spp. Furthermore, three nucleotide sequence types of R. asembonensis identified here were unique and not shared with isolates from other countries or host species, as demonstrated by phylogenetic and Templeton-Crandall-Sing network analyses.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This work provides the first documentation of R. asembonensis in client-owned urban dogs and cats in Thailand and highlights the need for increased awareness among veterinarians and pet owners, given its public health relevance.},
}
@article {pmid41803708,
year = {2026},
author = {Arai, H and Bodelle, L and Mahéo, F and Cloteau, R and Denis, G and Koga, R and Kageyama, D and Sugio, A and Simon, JC},
title = {Linking genomic variation in Spiroplasma endosymbionts to male production and male-killing in the pea aphid.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41803708},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {21J00895//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 23H02229//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JPJ009237//Cabinet Office, Government of Japan/ ; 30001959/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiroplasma/genetics/physiology/classification ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Male ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genomics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Phenotype ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Endosymbiotic bacteria of the genus Spiroplasma (Mollicutes) are widespread among arthropods and plants with some lineages inducing male killing in several insect hosts. In the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, three divergent clades of Spiroplasma ixodetis have been described, but male killing has been so far reported in only one clade. Here, we aimed to assess the distribution of male-killing phenotype among the three clades and investigated links between genomic variation and male-killing phenotypes in S. ixodetis infecting pea aphids. RESULTS: Field collections in eastern France revealed heterogeneous infection patterns across host-plant-associated biotypes, with 17% of established aphid lines carrying S. ixodetis strains spanning three clades. Sexual reproduction of these lines was induced under laboratory conditions to assess male production as a proxy for male killing, revealing a wide range of variation from complete absence of males to normal male production. Comparative genomic analyses of Spiroplasma strains associated with reduced or normal male production and from the different clades uncovered striking divergence in genome structure, including marked differences in synteny and gene content. Considerable variation was found in the copy number of putative virulence-associated genes amongst the clades, including those encoding ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), ankyrin repeat domains, and ovarian tumour (OTU) domains. Notably, none of the strains encoded Spaid, the effector responsible for male killing in S. poulsonii from Drosophila. Strains within the same clade exhibited highly similar gene repertoires yet differed in putative male killing phenotype, and no unique gene nor genomic feature could be linked to reduced male production. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the evolutionary dynamics and effects of Spiroplasma ixodetis infections on male production in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. Our findings provide insights into the diversity and potential evolutionary trajectories of Spiroplasma–aphid associations, laying the groundwork for elucidating the genetic basis of male killing in this system. Moreover, our results highlight the challenges of pinpointing the genetic determinants of reproductive manipulation across diverse symbiont–host systems.},
}
@article {pmid41803982,
year = {2026},
author = {Marques Alves, C and Lavarec, J and Agoulon, A and Guetta, F and Hubinois, C and Queney, G and Guillot, J},
title = {Ticks and associated pathogens recovered from dogs and cats during a longitudinal collection study at veterinary practices in France.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41803982},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; Dogs/parasitology ; Cats/parasitology ; France/epidemiology ; *Dog Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Cat Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; Longitudinal Studies ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/parasitology/classification ; Seasons ; Female ; Bacteria/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Documented changes in spatial and seasonal tick distribution highlight the importance of continuous surveillance. This paper documents results of a year-round sampling campaign in France, including identification of ticks and associated pathogens recovered from dogs and cats, as part of the European project "Protect Our Future Too."<br><br>METHODS: Ticks were collected from dogs and cats presented to 35 veterinary practices from 27 administrative French departments between April 2021 and July 2022. DNA extracted from each tick sample was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for simultaneous detection of 18 types of protozoan or bacterial microorganisms.<br><br>RESULTS: Among 777 collected ticks, 6 species were morphologically identified in descending prevalence order as: Ixodes ricinus (58.3%), Dermacentor reticulatus (24.2%, mainly on dogs), I.&#xa0;hexagonus (7.2%, mainly on cats), Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (3.6%, mainly on dogs), I.&#xa0;canisuga (one tick collected from a cat), and Haemaphysalis punctata (one tick from a dog). Geographical distribution varied by tick species: I.&#xa0;ricinus and D.&#xa0;reticulatus were more frequent in northeast France, whereas R.&#xa0;sanguineus (s.l.) was predominant in southeast France. Ticks were collected throughout the study period but peaked in spring and early summer for I.&#xa0;ricinus and late winter and spring for D.&#xa0;reticulatus. The ticks R.&#xa0;sanguineus (s.l.) were collected only during summer. In total, 71.0% of the ticks were positive for DNA of at least one microorganism. Anaplasma bacteria were most frequent (up to 75.3% in I.&#xa0;ricinus) followed by Rickettsia (up to 49.5% in D.&#xa0;reticulatus). Piroplasm DNA (Babesia/Theileria/Cytauxzoon spp.) was found in 6.4% of I.&#xa0;ricinus, 5.3% of D.&#xa0;reticulatus, and 3.6% of both I.&#xa0;hexagonus and R.&#xa0;sanguineus (s.l). Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato DNA was detected in 10.2% of I.&#xa0;ricinus. Mycoplasma haemominutum/haematoparvum DNA was detected in 21.8% of D.&#xa0;reticulatus, whereas M.&#xa0;turicensis DNA was detected in 14.3% of I.&#xa0;hexagonus.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study show that ticks are a year-round risk for dogs and cats in France, and tick-borne pathogens are present as mono- or coinfections at high frequencies. Tick control recommendations for veterinarians and dog and cat owners should incorporate these risks.},
}
@article {pmid41806308,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, K and He, Q and Lin, Z and Huang, S and Zhong, Z and Zhu, P and Gao, M and Zhao, L and Jin, H and Wu, G and Geoff, GM and Han, Q and Pang, R},
title = {Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Insect Genetics and Microbial Symbiont Effects on Susceptibility of Diaphorina citri to the Citrus Greening Pathogen, Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus.},
journal = {Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)},
volume = {13},
number = {29},
pages = {e17056},
pmid = {41806308},
issn = {2198-3844},
support = {32001903//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022ZDJS020//Guangdong Province Key Discipline Research Capacity Enhancement Project/ ; 2025A1515012591//Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; 2023KTSCX046//Guangdong Provincial Universities Characteristic Innovation Project/ ; 2024A04J4995//Guangzhou Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology ; *Citrus/microbiology ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology/genetics ; *Liberibacter/pathogenicity ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics ; *Rhizobiaceae/pathogenicity ; Microbiota/genetics ; },
abstract = {Insect-vectored pathogens pose a significant threat to global agriculture. The colonization efficiency of pathogens in vectors plays a central role in these pathosystems, yet studies of the factors that affect this aspect are limited. This study investigates the genetic and microbial symbiont factors influencing the susceptibility of Diaphorina citri to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the pathogen causing citrus greening disease (huanglongbing). Through a microbiome Genome Wide Association Study (mGWAS) based on 16S amplicon sequencing and genomic resequencing of 120 D. citri individuals from six populations, we identified 79 SNPs significantly associated with the relative abundance of CLas within insects. Additionally, some of these SNPs were also associated with the relative abundance of Candidatus Profftella armature, a key endosymbiont of D. citri. SNPs in the regulatory region of gene Dcitr04g11610.1 led to its overexpression in CLas-susceptible D. citri, and CLas infection further elevated its expression. Conversely, RNAi knockdown of Dcitr04g11610.1 reduced CLas infection rates and abundance, accompanied by increased abundance of Profftella. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Dcitr04g11610.1's high homology to Major Facilitator Superfamily-type transporter SLC18B1 proteins, suggesting a role in CLas polyamine utilization. These findings highlight the importance and potential interplay of insect genetics and symbiotic microbiota in insect-vectored plant pathogen systems.},
}
@article {pmid41806592,
year = {2026},
author = {Arroyo, LG and Borges, AS and Baird, JD and Perry, BD and Rikihisa, Y and Greiman, SE},
title = {Equine neorickettsiosis: A global perspective of the natural habitat of the bacteria and clinical disease.},
journal = {Veterinary microbiology},
volume = {316},
number = {},
pages = {110963},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetmic.2026.110963},
pmid = {41806592},
issn = {1873-2542},
mesh = {Animals ; Horses ; *Horse Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology/drug therapy/diagnosis ; *Anaplasmataceae Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/microbiology/drug therapy/diagnosis ; *Neorickettsia/physiology/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Female ; Trematoda/microbiology ; Ecosystem ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; United States/epidemiology ; Pregnancy ; South America/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Equine neorickettsiosis (EN) is an infectious, non-contagious systemic disease of horses caused by the closely related obligatory intracellular bacterial species Neorickettsia risticii and N. findlayensis. Clinical cases are considered endemic in multiple regions across the United States and Canada, as well as in parts of South America, including Uruguay and Brazil. Neorickettsia spp. are obligate endosymbionts of digenean trematodes, which have complex life cycles involving a molluscan first intermediate host, a wide range of invertebrate or vertebrate second intermediate hosts, and a vertebrate definitive host in which sexual reproduction occurs. Horses serve as aberrant hosts following ingestion of aquatic insects parasitized with Neorickettsia-infected trematodes. Horses develop nonspecific clinical signs such as fever, lethargy, and anorexia. Gastrointestinal manifestations including altered intestinal motility, colic, and watery diarrhea are common, and some horses experience acute laminitis and abortions in pregnant mares. Molecular detection of nucleic acids is currently the preferred diagnostic method due to its rapid turnaround time and high analytical sensitivity. Antibiotic treatment is recommended in suspected cases, particularly in endemic areas, even before confirmatory test results is obtained. Early therapy is associated with a favorable prognosis for EN-associated colitis. However, effective long-term disease prevention strategies remain limited, and the development of broadly protective vaccines capable of addressing strain diversity and providing durable immunity represents an important ongoing research priority.},
}
@article {pmid41808045,
year = {2026},
author = {Khogali, R and Bastos, A and Khamis, FM and Getange, D and Kabii, J and Yuko, E and Masiga, D and Villinger, J},
title = {Comparative tissue-specific microbiome analyses identify keystone endosymbionts shaping pathogen interactions in dromedary camel ticks.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41808045},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {Animals ; *Camelus/parasitology/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Female ; Salivary Glands/microbiology ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Ovary/microbiology ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Hemolymph/microbiology ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Saliva/microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; *Ticks/microbiology ; Coxiella/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ticks are blood-feeding arthropods that carry diverse pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms, yet their dynamics within tick tissues remain poorly understood. We compared the microbial communities in the haemolymph, saliva, ovaries, midgut, and salivary glands of individual Amblyomma gemma and Hyalomma rufipes sampled from dromedary camel using V1-V2 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. RESULTS: The haemolymph exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, followed by the saliva and ovaries, while the midgut and salivary glands had lower diversities. Keystone taxa exhibited varied connectivity across different tissues and played a crucial role in structuring microbial communities in both tick species. We exclusively detected Rickettsia africae in Am. gemma and Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Hy. rufipes. Both Rickettsia species showed negative correlations with dominant endosymbionts and environmental bacteria across multiple tissues. Coxiella endosymbionts were detected solely in Am. gemma and were most abundant in the salivary glands, while Francisella endosymbionts were dominant in Hy. rufipes’ salivary glands. Francisella endosymbionts were less abundant when R. aeschlimannii was high. In Am. gemma’s haemolymph and saliva, Wolbachia endosymbionts were prevalent, where they were inversely associated with R. africae at the individual tick level. In Hy. rufipes, Wolbachia endosymbionts were present in the ovaries, but not in the midgut. Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii was found in all tissues of Hy. rufipes and predominantly in saliva, but was only detected in the ovaries, midgut, and salivary glands of Am. gemma. Positive interactions were found between Ca. Midichloria mitochondrii and R. aeschlimannii in Hy. rufipes’ saliva and ovaries, and Ca. Midichloria mitochondrii and Francisella endosymbionts in Am. gemma’s ovaries. Rickettsiella spp. were found in the saliva and haemolymph but not the midgut in both tick species. Environmental bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium, whilst abundant in the haemolymph and saliva were scarce in other tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Tick tissue significantly influences bacterial composition, with tissue-specific interactions between pathogens and endosymbionts suggesting bacterial functional specialization. The complex interactions observed between key endosymbionts and Rickettsia pathogens across tissues, including negative correlations with Coxiella, Francisella, and Wolbachia endosymbionts, and positive correlations between Ca. Midichloria mitochondrii and R. aeschlimannii, require further investigation. Identified keystone taxa may serve as targets for anti-microbiota vaccines.},
}
@article {pmid41814402,
year = {2026},
author = {Perveen, N and Iliashevich, D and Muhammad, K and Ben Said, M and Sudalaimuthuasari, N and Mohteshamuddin, K and Aldarwich, A and Sparagano, OA and Kishore, U and Willingham, AL},
title = {Molecular detection and phylogenetic characterization of pathogenic and endosymbiont microorganisms in Hyalomma ticks collected from livestock.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41814402},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {Grant # G00003709//United Arab Emirates University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/parasitology ; Cattle/parasitology ; Goats/parasitology ; *Livestock/parasitology ; Camelus/parasitology ; *Symbiosis ; United Arab Emirates/epidemiology ; Sheep/parasitology ; Theileria/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Anaplasmataceae/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Francisella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology ; Female ; Ehrlichia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hyalomma ticks serve as vectors for a range of pathogens and harbor endosymbiotic bacteria that influence tick biology and the dynamics of pathogen transmission. In the United Arab Emirates, Hyalomma dromedarii and H. anatolicum are prevalent on livestock; yet, limited data exist on their microbial communities. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogenetic relationships of key bacterial endosymbionts and tick-borne pathogens in Hyalomma ticks collected from livestock across all seven Emirates.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 671 ticks (532 H. dromedarii and 139 H. anatolicum) were collected from camels, cattle, sheep, and goats between October 2022 and October 2023. DNA was extracted and screened using specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting Francisella-like endosymbionts, 'Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii,' Anaplasmataceae ('Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp.', uncultured Ehrlichia sp.), Theileria/Babesia, and Trypanosoma brucei. Representative amplicons were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed.<br><br>RESULTS: In H. anatolicum collected from cattle, the following microorganisms were detected: 'Ca. M. mitochondrii' (54.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 45.2-63.0), Francisella-like endosymbionts (1.7%; 95% CI 0.2-5.9), uncultured Ehrlichia sp. (6.7%; CI 3.0-12.8), and Theileria annulata (5.0%; CI 1.8-10.6). In contrast, H. dromedarii collected from camels harbored only 'Ca. M. mitochondrii' (0.6%; 95% CI 0.1-1.8), and Francisella-like endosymbionts (7.1%; 95% CI 5.1-9.7). 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp.' (9.1%; CI 0.3-41.3) was detected exclusively in H. anatolicum ticks collected from sheep. In addition, H. anatolicum ticks collected from goats were positive for endosymbionts, with a high prevalence of 'Ca. M. mitochondrii' and Francisella-like endosymbionts (50.0%; 95% CI 15.7-84.3). Trypanosoma brucei was not detected. Co-infections occurred in 2.1% of ticks, predominantly involving both endosymbionts. Phylogenetic analyses revealed host-specific clustering patterns, with camel-derived sequences forming distinct clades from the cattle/sheep/goat-derived isolates for most taxa.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first comprehensive molecular survey of Hyalomma-associated microorganisms in the UAE, revealing high endosymbiont prevalence and significant host specificity in microbial communities. The detection of T. annulata exclusively in ticks collected from cattle, along with the absence of T. brucei, provides important insights into regional surveillance and control strategies. These findings enhance our understanding of tick-microbe interactions in an arid environment and support targeted vector control approaches.},
}
@article {pmid41826186,
year = {2026},
author = {Boyd, BM and Bush, SE and Dale, C},
title = {Untangling nature's experiment with lice and endosymbiotic bacteria.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {42},
number = {4},
pages = {288-296},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2026.01.015},
pmid = {41826186},
issn = {1471-5007},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; *Phthiraptera/microbiology/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Phylogeny ; *Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Bacteria/genetics ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Insects have formed close relationships with endosymbiotic microorganisms, enabling adaptation and promoting diversification. In this review, we examined studies of endosymbiotic bacteria in parasitic lice (Psocodea: Phthiraptera). Lice and their endosymbionts lead fairly secluded lives, with each louse-host and louse-endosymbiont pair evolving in relative isolation. Consequently, each louse lineage and its associated endosymbiont represents natural replicates, useful for understanding how endosymbiosis arises and evolves under similar ecological conditions. While louse endosymbionts are vertically transmitted, they show surprisingly low levels of cospeciation with their louse hosts. Instead, phylogenomic evidence indicates repeated, independent acquisitions of endosymbionts from free-living progenitors. Following each acquisition, endosymbiont lineages experienced elevated evolutionary rates and genomic reduction, losing functionally redundant pathways while retaining functions necessary to maintain the symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid41826827,
year = {2026},
author = {Duduk, B and Galic, I and Stanojević, N and Stankovic, N and Rekanović, E},
title = {Microbial diversity of plant pathogens and insect endosymbionts in Reptalus artemisiae.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41826827},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {451-03-136/2025-03/200214//Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnolo&#x161;kog Razvoja/ ; 451-03-136/2025-03/200042//Ministarstvo Prosvete, Nauke i Tehnolo&#x161;kog Razvoja/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Phylogeny ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Plant Diseases/microbiology ; Metagenomics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Phloem-sap-feeding planthopper Reptalus artemisiae is an emerging vector of rubbery taproot disease (RTD) and syndrome basses richesses (SBR) in sugar beet, diseases associated with 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' and 'Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus', respectively. Despite studies on related cixiids, the microbiome of R. artemisiae remains uncharacterized. Using a PCR-free metagenomic long-read shotgun sequencing approach, this study investigates the bacterial diversity associated with R. artemisiae, and provides genomic insight into two plant pathogens 'Ca. P. solani' and 'Ca. A. phytopathogenicus'. RESULTS: Taxonomic assignment revealed six prokaryotic taxa in R. artemisiae: two plant pathogens ('Ca. P. solani' and 'Ca. A. phytopathogenicus') and four insect endosymbionts – three primary endosymbionts ('Candidatus Vidania', 'Candidatus Purcelliella', and 'Candidatus Karelsulcia') and a secondary endosymbiont (Wolbachia). Community profiles showed a consistent presence of all four endosymbionts across five evaluated R. artemisiae individuals. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences of primary endosymbionts confirmed strong congruence with the cytochrome oxidase subunit I phylogeny of the insect host, indicative of long coevolution and vertical transmission. In contrast, plant pathogen presence in R. artemisiae varied, with 'Ca. P. solani' and 'Ca. A. phytopathogenicus' each detected in three individuals. Genome assembly yielded a complete 774 kb circular chromosome for 'Ca. P. solani' with streamlined metabolism featuring limited biosynthetic pathways, but a full arsenal of genes related to host–pathogen interactions and pathogenicity typical for this biotrophs. The draft genome of 'Ca. A. phytopathogenicus' comprising 18 scaffolds totalling 3.11 Mb and two plasmids shows a self-sufficient metabolism with several missing metabolic modules and presence of genomic islands, virulence factors, and a dynamic mobilome indicating a bacterium in transition that is reorganizing its genetic material, possibly in response to host interactions. CONCLUSION: These findings represent the first in-depth characterization of R. artemisiae microbiome, highlighting a stable endosymbiont consortium and variable pathogen presence that emphasize ecological complexity in vector-pathogen-endosymbiont interactions. The assembled genomes enhance the understanding of microbial ecology, pathogen adaptation and transmission, offering resources for comparative genomics and potential applications in disease management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid41833509,
year = {2026},
author = {Brinker, P and Salles, JF and Beukeboom, LW and Fontaine, MC},
title = {Host-Associated Bacterial Community Changes After Laboratory Introduction Vary With Wolbachia Presence.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {e70265},
pmid = {41833509},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {//Adaptive Life scholarship of the University of Groningen, The Netherlands/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; *Wasps/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Female ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Translocating organisms from their natural habitats to laboratories can significantly alter their microbial communities, yet this impact is often overlooked. While common in research, the effects on microbiomes and how laboratory findings relate to natural field dynamics require further study. Symbionts may stabilise microbial communities or increase susceptibility to change, influencing results. This study investigates the effects of laboratory translocation on host-microbiome interactions using the parasitic wasp Asobara japonica and its endosymbiont Wolbachia. Three infected (asexual) and three uninfected (sexual) lines, each with seven iso-female lines, were introduced into the laboratory to track microbial community changes over four generations via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Our results show laboratory translocation reduces bacterial diversity, with stochastic processes driving changes in the microbial community. Changes in bacterial composition differed between sexual and asexual lines. Over four generations, the asexual wasps' bacterial community became more similar, while sexual wasps exhibited greater diversity. Notably, changes in bacterial communities emerged over generations rather than in the first generation. Finally, Wolbachia abundance varied following laboratory introduction, likely impacting bacterial community structure and assembly over time. Overall, our research highlights how laboratory conditions can affect host-associated microbial communities in different ways, potentially impacting their functions and host interactions.},
}
@article {pmid41836028,
year = {2026},
author = {Verbal, F and Rubilar, N and Marileo, AM and Fierro, H and Ramirez-Molina, OG and Pinto-Leon, A and Yevénes, GE and Fuentealba, J and Panes-Fernández, J},
title = {Current perspectives on circadian regulation of mitochondrial dynamics in mood disorders and perioperative stress.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1723748},
pmid = {41836028},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {Mitochondria act as a central integrative hub for oxidative phosphorylation, calcium homeostasis and metabolic signaling, reflecting their evolutionary origin from an α-proteobacterial endosymbiont. Although nearly 90% of their ancestral genes have been transferred to the nuclear genome, their role extends far beyond energy production. Emerging evidence positions mitochondria as active modulators of stress responses, which we term the "Mito-Mood Hypothesis." This framework proposes that mitochondrial dynamics actively regulate gene expression and signaling, thereby shaping vulnerability to mood disorders such as depression, dysthymia, and seasonal affective disorder. Consistent with this view, patients with major depressive disorders show altered expression of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes, linking bioenergetics directly to psychiatric risk. We further discuss how oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) modulates neurotransmitter cycles and how mitohormesis-adaptive responses to mild mitochondrial stress-can enhance resilience and cognition. Beyond psychiatry, mitochondrial vulnerability manifests in clinical settings: patients with mitochondrial diseases face elevated anesthetic risk, where agents such as propofol or volatile anesthetics may precipitate life-threatening metabolic crises. Collectively, these insights underscore mitochondria as central regulators of human health and highlight novel therapeutic opportunities bridging mood disorders and perioperative medicine.},
}
@article {pmid41848149,
year = {2026},
author = {Warring, SD and McGowan, J and Kilias, ES and Lipscombe, J and Alacid, E and Barker, T and Catchpole, L and Gharbi, K and McTaggart, S and Richards, TA and Swarbreck, D and Hall, N},
title = {Single-cell sequencing reveals unexpected genetic diversity among Bodo spp. flagellates and their bacterial endosymbionts.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {12},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41848149},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {Single-Cell Analysis/methods ; *Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; *Genetic Variation ; *Kinetoplastida/genetics/classification/microbiology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Bodo is a cosmopolitan genus of free-living bacterivorous single-celled flagellates in the class Kinetoplastea. Genus Bodo is considered the closest free-living lineage to the parasitic lineages Trypanosoma and Leishmania, the causative agents of the human diseases sleeping sickness, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Currently, a single genome exists for the one formally described species in the genus, Bodo saltans. Previous studies on B. saltans have shown that it is dependent on an endosymbiotic bacterium from the order Holosporales, 'Candidatus Bodocaedibacter vickermanii'. Using single-cell sequencing, we isolated, sequenced and assembled genomes for seven uncultured Bodo spp. cells from a freshwater sample from Royal Leamington Spa, UK. Using comparative genomics, we show that these seven cells represent three potentially novel Bodo species exhibiting unexpected levels of diversity at the genome level. Our results indicate that small subunit ribosomal DNA sequencing, often used to classify Bodo flagellates, is insufficient for determining species delimitation in this genus. In addition, we recovered a Holosporales bacterium genome from all seven Bodo spp. cells. Surprisingly, these seven endosymbionts also represent three novel species, congruent with the phylogeny of the host and exhibiting lineage-specific adaptations. This diversity and host-symbiont association would be indistinguishable in routinely used metabarcoding or bulk sequencing pipelines, thus demonstrating the power of single-cell sequencing to reveal diversity within lineages of microbial eukaryotes.},
}
@article {pmid41855935,
year = {2026},
author = {Hyams-Kaphzan, O and Almogi-Labin, A and Rilov, G and Panov, J and Kitin, M and Herut, B and Golomb, D and Guy-Haim, T},
title = {Macroalgal dynamics shape epiphytic foraminiferal assemblages in the eastern Mediterranean rocky reef.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {217},
number = {},
pages = {107976},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.107976},
pmid = {41855935},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {*Foraminifera/physiology ; Mediterranean Sea ; *Seaweed/physiology ; *Biodiversity ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Seasons ; *Coral Reefs ; Introduced Species ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Epiphytism of macroalgae by benthic foraminifera is a common commensal association in rocky intertidal and subtidal reefs. This interaction may be directly and indirectly influenced by climate change and bioinvasions. We investigated this association on rocky reefs of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, a recognized hotspot of biological invasions and rapid warming, with the aim of establishing a recent baseline of epiphytic foraminiferal dynamics for future monitoring. Epiphytic benthic foraminifera (EBF) attached to macroalgal hosts representing diverse species were collected across seasons and along a very shallow-to-intermediate depth gradient at several rocky reef sites between 2013 and 2017. Macroalgae from all surveyed reefs hosted diverse EBF assemblages composed of both native and alien species. Assemblages were largely dominated by the invasive, endosymbiont-bearing larger benthic foraminifer Amphistegina lobifera, together with native taxa including Pararotalia calcariformata, Textularia agglutinans, and Tretomphalus bulloides. The alien miliolids Sigmamiliolinella australis and Borelis schlumbergeri were recorded alive for the first time in this region, although the latter occurred at low abundances. Algal type and complexity, site, depth, season, and year significantly structured EBF assemblages, whereas no significant differences were detected between sites located inside and outside a marine protected area (MPA). The richest EBF communities occurred on Halopteris scoparia and Laurenciella marilzae, while Dictyota dichotoma and Liagora ceranoides supported the lowest diversity. Spring and summer exhibited the highest richness of larger benthic foraminifera. This study provides a dynamic baseline for epiphytic benthic foraminiferal communities associated with Levantine macroalgae, highlighting increasing invasion dominance and potential responses to ongoing warming.},
}
@article {pmid41859893,
year = {2026},
author = {Mugambi, K and Oliveira, J and Magurno, F and di Fossalunga, AS and Novero, M and Lanfranco, L and Ghignone, S and Yildirir, G and Wang, Y and Bonfante, P and Corradi, N},
title = {The 3D genome of Gigaspora margarita unveils stable chromatin and nucleolar organization and symbiont-dependent genome dynamics.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.71100},
pmid = {41859893},
issn = {1469-8137},
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widespread plant symbionts that enhance nutrient acquisition and influence ecosystem productivity. Previous chromosome-level assemblies of the model species Rhizophagus irregularis revealed a two-compartment genome architecture (active A and repressed B chromatin compartments), yet its conservation across evolutionarily distant AMF lineages remains unresolved. Here, we present a chromosome-scale and 3D genome assembly of Gigaspora margarita isolate BEG34 - the largest and most repeat-rich AMF genome to date - alongside that of its obligate endobacterium, Candidatus Glomerobacter gigasporarum (CaGg), using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing. The G. margarita genome comprises 43 chromosomes (792 Mb) organized into A/B compartments and Topologically Associating Domains, structures that are conserved across two AMF orders and remain stable irrespective of the presence of endobacteria in germinating spores. We uncover 21 divergent rDNA operons distributed across six chromosomes and show that these physically interact, suggesting conserved nucleolar organization. We also reveal that the CaGg genome is tripartite and mobilome-rich, encoding prophages, an orphan CRISPR array, and complete pathways for many novel and essential cofactors, including heme, which may enhance host bioenergetics. We also find that the endobacterium's presence modulates transposable elements expression in G. margarita. These findings reveal conserved principles of chromatin architecture in AMF symbionts and highlight the tight molecular interplay between fungal hosts and their endosymbionts, offering new insights into genome evolution and symbiotic adaptation.},
}
@article {pmid41866146,
year = {2026},
author = {Topchyan, M and Bala, MM and Johnson, KP and Walden, KKO and Boyd, BM},
title = {CONVERGENT EVOLUTION BETWEEN ENDOSYMBIOTIC BACTERIA IN FEATHER-FEEDING LICE.},
journal = {The Journal of parasitology},
volume = {112},
number = {2},
pages = {150-157},
doi = {10.1645/25-63},
pmid = {41866146},
issn = {1937-2345},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Feathers/parasitology ; *Enterobacter/genetics/physiology/classification ; Phylogeny ; *Biological Evolution ; *Enterobacteriaceae/genetics/physiology ; Genome, Bacterial ; Vitamin B Complex/biosynthesis ; *Pediculus/microbiology ; Amino Acids/biosynthesis ; DNA, Bacterial/chemistry/isolation &amp; purification ; Bird Diseases/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Parasitic feather-feeding lice have diets rich in amino acids but deficient in essential B vitamins. Around 22% of feather-feeding louse species are host to vertically inherited endosymbiotic bacteria belonging to the genus Sodalis. These endosymbiotic Sodalis species have undergone genome degeneration, with genes supporting amino acid synthesis being lost, while genes required for B vitamin synthesis are largely retained. However, several species of lice are host to endosymbionts belonging to proteobacteria genera other than Sodalis. It is unknown if these other endosymbionts have undergone a similar degenerative process. Here, we examine the genome of an endosymbiotic Enterobacter species, identified in a feather-feeding wing louse, asking if this endosymbiont arrived at a similar evolutionary outcome as Sodalis species. We find that this endosymbiotic Enterobacter species possesses a reduced genome and, similar to endosymbiotic Sodalis species, retains the genes required for the synthesis of B vitamins, complementing deficiencies in the louse's diet. This endosymbiont also lacks the ability to synthesize amino acids, which are abundant in the louse's diet. The data suggest that both Sodalis and Enterobacter species have independently converged on a common evolutionary solution in response to symbioses with feather-feeding lice. Thus, bacterial endosymbionts in these two different genera appear to be ecological replicates, providing lice with the same metabolic services in support of parasitism.},
}
@article {pmid41887099,
year = {2026},
author = {Versola, JJN and Rodriguez, IB},
title = {Physiological effects of zinc availability in the coral endosymbiont Cladocopium goreaui in a continuous culture system.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {228},
number = {},
pages = {119631},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119631},
pmid = {41887099},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {*Zinc/metabolism ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology ; Photosynthesis ; },
abstract = {The health and resilience of reefs largely depend on the capacity of coral holobionts to withstand environmental stressors and adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions. Central to this resilience is the symbiotic relationship between hosts and their photosynthetic symbionts from the family Symbiodiniaceae, and this can be disrupted by factors such as nutrient limitation, increases in sea temperatures, and other stressors. The impact of macronutrients on algal symbiont health and fitness has been widely studied. However, studies on the role of micronutrients including trace metals remain limited. Zinc (Zn) serves as a crucial cofactor for enzymes involved in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism and thus important in the growth of photosynthetic organisms. In this study, a thermo-tolerant Symbiodiniaceae strain, Cladocopium goreaui RT 152, was studied in a continuous culture to gain insights into how Zn influences its physiology. Zinc availability influenced its growth, as reflected by reduced cell density under limited (0.1 nM Zn) supply and subsequent recovery when conditions were enriched. Decreases in cell density coincided with lower chlorophyll a and carbohydrate levels, both of which improved once high Zn supply (10 nM Zn) was restored. Decrease in Zn triggered an increase in intracellular Fe and Mn, possibly as a compensatory response. In contrast, Co content remained unchanged, suggesting that it cannot substitute Zn in key metalloenzymes of the dinoflagellate. These findings shed light on the adaptative responses of C. goreaui to changing trace metal availability and contribute to a clearer understanding of its functional resilience as an algal symbiont.},
}
@article {pmid41889848,
year = {2026},
author = {Adegoke, A and Aspinwall, J and McNinch, C and Ho, MCW and Miranda, AX and Hoyt, F and Nair, V and Lack, J and Saito, TB},
title = {Insights into tick-pathogen interactions - a single cell RNA sequencing approach of transcriptional changes during ehrlichial infection.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41889848},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Tick-borne diseases represent a significant threat to human and animal health worldwide. In the United States, the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis (I. scapularis), serves as a competent vector for several bacterial pathogens, including Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (EME). The I. scapularis embryonic cell line (ISE6) is a valuable tool for propagating tick-borne pathogens and studying tick-pathogen interactions. In this study, we examined the cellular complexity of ISE6 cells and their response to EME infection. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed 15 distinct cell clusters present. Although ISE6 cells are heterogeneous, they do not display transcriptional similarity to any known tick tissues. Notably, this lack of similarity did not influence their susceptibility to EME infection. Our results demonstrated that EME infection induces time-dependent transcriptional changes in ISE6 cells: early infection is characterized by upregulation of genes associated with stress adaptation, mitochondrial function, and metabolic pathways, whereas late infection leads to broad downregulation of genes involved in the cell cycle, DNA replication, and cytoskeletal organization. These findings enhance our understanding of ehrlichial interactions with ISE6 cells and reinforce the utility of this cell line as a resource for isolating and propagating arthropod endosymbionts and tick-borne pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid41893575,
year = {2026},
author = {Magarlamov, TY and Malykin, GV},
title = {Gut Epithelium of the Highly Toxic Ribbon Worm Cephalothrix cf. simula (Palaeonemertea, Nemertea) Contains Tetrodotoxin-Positive Bacterial Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Toxins},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41893575},
issn = {2072-6651},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tetrodotoxin/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Intestinal Mucosa/microbiology/ultrastructure/metabolism ; *Invertebrates/microbiology ; *Bacteria/metabolism/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Tetrodotoxin (TTX), widely known as pufferfish venom, is a low-molecular-weight guanidinium neurotoxin. It can accumulate to extremely high concentrations in certain animals, including pufferfish, blue-ringed octopuses, flatworms, and nemerteans. However, the origin of TTX and the mechanisms that enable such extreme accumulation in these animals remain poorly understood. In this study, using confocal laser scanning microscopy combined with electron immunocytochemistry and ultrastructural analysis, we demonstrate the presence of TTX-positive bacteria associated with specialized cellular structures-type II phagosomes of gut enterocytes-in the highly toxic nemertean Cephalothrix cf. simula. We hypothesize that TTX production in C. cf. simula results from interactions between the nemertean host and its endosymbionts. These findings clarify the origin and accumulation of the toxin in nemerteans and have broader implications for other TTX-bearing species.},
}
@article {pmid41897965,
year = {2026},
author = {Aguilar-Elena, R and Rodríguez-Escolar, I and Collado-Cuadrado, M and González-Mohino, EI and Balmori-de la Puente, A and Gil-Abad, A and Morchón, R},
title = {Mapping Global Trends in Dirofilaria immitis Research Within the One Health Framework (1945-2025): A Bibliometric Perspective.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41897965},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {Dirofilaria immitis constitutes a significant global veterinary burden and an emerging zoonotic risk. Despite decades of study, the structural evolution of its scientific landscape remains unexplored. This study provides a comprehensive longitudinal analysis of global research on D. immitis to evaluate its trajectory, intellectual structure, and conceptual shifts over the last eight decades. A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines adapted for bibliometrics. Data were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus, covering the period from 1945 to 2025. After deduplication and manual screening, a final corpus of 3589 documents was analyzed using performance indicators and science mapping techniques to assess growth patterns, geographic leadership, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution. The field exhibits a mature profile with a sustained mean annual growth rate of 2.39%. Production is geographically polarized, with the United States and Italy acting as the primary research hubs, though international collaboration networks are increasingly integrating endemic regions in the Global South. Thematic analysis reveals a profound paradigm shift: while early research (1945-1980) focused on parasite morphology and clinical description, the 21st century is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach dominated by molecular biology, the study of the endosymbiont Wolbachia, and the genetic mechanisms of macrocyclic lactone resistance. The intellectual structure is currently organized into distinct but interconnected clusters, linking established clinical pathology with emerging genomic and environmental control strategies. Research on D. immitis has evolved from a classical parasitology discipline into a complex biomedical ecosystem aligned with the One Health framework. The persistence of the disease, driven by drug resistance and climate-mediated vector expansion, has catalyzed a transition toward integrative research models. Future control strategies must transcend geographic borders, combining advanced genomic surveillance with ecological modeling to mitigate the impact of this transboundary disease on both animal and human health.},
}
@article {pmid41901754,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, Q and Teng, Z and Lu, M and Cheng, Y and Qin, X and Dai, L and Liang, J and Qin, T and Xu, J},
title = {Genetic Diversity and Novel Lineages of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Coxiella-like Endosymbionts in Ticks from a Forest Ecosystem in Northeastern China.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41901754},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {2025ZD01900102//Prevention and Control of Emerging and Major Infectious Diseases-National Science and Tech-nology Major Project/ ; 2025ZD01900100//Prevention and Control of Emerging and Major Infectious Diseases-National Science and Tech-nology Major Project/ ; 2024NITFID504//National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases of China/ ; 2024NITFID402//National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases of China/ ; No. 102393240020020000003//Youth Fund for Enhancing Capability of Infectious Disease Surveillance and Prevention/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anaplasma/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; China ; Forests ; Phylogeny ; *Genetic Variation ; Symbiosis ; *Ehrlichia/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Coxiella/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Ticks/microbiology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Ticks are important vectors of bacterial pathogens with veterinary and public health significance. However, information on the diversity of tick-associated bacteria in forest ecosystems of northeastern China remains limited. In this study, 821 questing ticks were collected from Huoshankou National Forest Park in Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province, and identified as Haemaphysalis japonica, Hae. concinna, and Ixodes persulcatus. Molecular screening based on rrs gene amplification detected Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLE), which were further characterized using multilocus phylogenetic analyses. Anaplasma bovis was detected in Hae. concinna and exhibited two distinct genotypes. In addition, a potentially novel Anaplasma lineage was identified in I. persulcatus. Phylogenetic analyses based on the rrs, gltA, and groEL genes consistently placed this lineage in a separate clade from currently recognized Anaplasma species. Furthermore, two genetically distinct Ehrlichia lineages were detected in Hae. japonica and Hae. concinna. Two lineages of tick-associated CLE were also characterized using five genetic genes. Overall, these findings demonstrate considerable genetic diversity of tick-associated bacteria in forest ecosystems of northeastern China and expand current understanding of their molecular diversity. Further studies incorporating broader sampling and genome-based analyses will be necessary to clarify their taxonomic status and epidemiological relevance.},
}
@article {pmid41902850,
year = {2026},
author = {Esser, EA and Ervin, GN and Lucardi, RD and Severns, PM and Womack-Peoples, ED and Bullard, SH and Schulz, AN},
title = {Harnessing Allelopathic Autotoxicity for Invasive Plant Management: Knowledge Gaps and Future Research Directions.},
journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},
volume = {52},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41902850},
issn = {1573-1561},
support = {23JV11330160055//Southern Research Station/ ; MISZ-069550//McIntire-Stennis/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Allelopathy ; *Plants/metabolism/chemistry ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Nuisance species are typically managed using mechanical removal, biological, cultural, or chemical treatments, applied either individually or in combination. Applications of synthetic pesticides may result in significant non-target effects that reduce biodiversity or result in pesticide drift, and target organisms can rapidly develop pesticide resistance. Biological control has less physical impact on ecosystems than mechanical removal, and none of the human health concerns of synthetic pesticides, but relies on coevolved antagonists that are introduced to the invaded environments and can have non-target effects (e.g., outcompeting native species, switching to non-target native organisms, and ineffectively suppressing the target organism). Due to increasing restrictions, it is becoming more difficult to import, propagate, and release new biological control agents. These concerns, in combination with the increased rates of species invasion and economic and ecological costs of existing control methods, necessitate alternative means of nuisance species control. In this review, we examine an alternative control approach based on the principles of allelopathy and autotoxicity. Autotoxins used in this manner exploit secondary metabolites produced by a target species and/or their endosymbionts to inhibit growth or induce mortality with reduced non-target impacts. We synthesized autotoxicity-related literature to compare plant-derived autotoxins to traditional biological and chemical controls and discuss how further autotoxicity research and development can assist with the control of nuisance plant species. Although autotoxins provide a promising new frontier for nuisance species control, further research is necessary to effectively develop, test, and deploy these biochemical controls for species inhibition or mortality.},
}
@article {pmid41914961,
year = {2026},
author = {Maigoro, AY and Lee, JH and Heo, D-R and Yun, B-R and Lee, HI and Kwon, H-W},
title = {Spatiotemporal variation in the microbiome of Aedes vexans from Korea reveals regional markers linked to environmental risk factors.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {e0258725},
pmid = {41914961},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {Aedes vexans is a widespread mosquito species known to carry West Nile virus (WNV); however, our understanding of how its microbiome changes across different regions and seasons, particularly in temperate areas such as South Korea, remains limited. In this study, we examined the microbiome of Aedes vexans collected from 16 locations over 3 consecutive summer months. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we found that the microbiome was largely made up of Proteobacteria, but the specific genera present, like Dickeya, Spiroplasma, and members of Enterobacterales, varied depending on the location and time of collection. Dickeya, in particular, was more common in inland areas and stayed relatively stable over time, which suggests it could serve as a useful microbial marker. We also observed a significant absence of Wolbachia, a common endosymbiont in mosquitoes, which hypothesizes potential increased risk of WNV transmission. Diversity analyses showed clear differences in microbial communities by region, and we found seasonal patterns in genera like Asaia and Pseudomonas, which were correlated to mosquito abundance and local environmental conditions. These patterns held up when we looked at co-occurrence networks between microbes. Altogether, this is the first study to track Aedes vexans microbiome across both space and time in Korea, and our findings offer new insights into mosquito ecology and the potential use of bacteria in disease control strategies.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding the dynamics of the mosquito microbiome is essential for predicting disease risk and developing targeted vector control strategies. Aedes vexans, a globally distributed species and potential vector for West Nile virus (WNV), has seen a notable population increase in South Korea, yet its microbial ecology remains poorly characterized. This study provides the first comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis of Aedes vexans microbiota across Korea, identifying key microbial taxa that vary by region and season. The absence of Wolbachia, a known antiviral symbiont, and the dominance of Dickeya, a plant-associated genus with potential ecological implications, underscore the need for microbiome-informed surveillance tools. By highlighting native microbial signatures and their environmental drivers, this work lays the groundwork for microbiota-based monitoring of vector populations and opens new avenues for symbiont-based interventions in arbovirus control.},
}
@article {pmid41916998,
year = {2026},
author = {Krüsemer, R and Carvalho, ASP and Keller, J and Vogel, H and Dale, C and Engl, T and Kaltenpoth, M},
title = {Experimental Sodalis infection eliminates ancient insect symbiont.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41916998},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Coleoptera/microbiology ; Female ; *Enterobacteriaceae/physiology ; },
abstract = {Many insects benefit from ancient nutrient-supplementing endosymbionts. While symbiont losses and replacements occur on evolutionary timescales, their dynamics remain enigmatic due to the lack of experimentally tractable systems. Here, we report on the experimental establishment of the culturable bacterium Sodalis praecaptivus in a grain pest beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis) and its effect on the native symbiont Shikimatogenerans silvanidophilus, which produces the tyrosine precursor prephenate. Injection of Sodalis into female beetles led to systemic intracellular infection and efficient transovarial vertical transmission but reduced host survival and reproduction. Interestingly, Sodalis also invaded the host's bacteriomes, causing irregular morphology and rapid loss of Shikimatogenerans within three beetle generations. Transcriptomics revealed a strong upregulation of host immune effectors upon Sodalis infection, but little reaction from Shikimatogenerans, indicating that the ancient symbiont is incapable of responding adaptively to the introduced competitor. The rapid elimination of the native symbiont in O. surinamensis showcases the fragility of ancient beneficial symbioses and experimentally recapitulates a crucial step towards a functional symbiont replacement.},
}
@article {pmid41923606,
year = {2026},
author = {Zachar, I and Máté, J and Oszoli, I},
title = {The cell nucleus as a barrier against horizontal gene transfer in microbial endosymbioses.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences},
volume = {381},
number = {1947},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rstb.2025.0096},
pmid = {41923606},
issn = {1471-2970},
support = {//MTA Bolyai J&#xe1;nos Research Scholarship/ ; //John Templeton Foundation/ ; 152615//NKFI Hivatal/ ; },
mesh = {*Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Symbiosis ; *Cell Nucleus/genetics ; *Archaea/genetics/physiology ; Bacteria/genetics ; },
abstract = {The origin of eukaryotic cells remains a highly contested problem. While eukaryotes arose from the merger of a bacterial and an archaeal partner giving rise to mitochondria and the cell proper, the order of steps is not known, nor is it understood why it was a singular event. Prokaryotes engage in various cooperative interactions everywhere, yet there is no evidence that they could establish stable endosymbiotic relationships on their own. Many assume that mitochondria came first, and their critical presence and features enabled the complex cellular architecture, including the nucleus. Here we find support for the alternative, claiming that a nuclear compartment was a prerequisite for successful stable endosymbiosis. We review independent lines of evidence suggesting that the pre-existence of a nuclear membrane or equivalent mechanism to separate translation from transcription may have been essential to limit genetic inference owing to extensive horizontal gene transfer in the wake of pre-mitochondrial (endo)symbionts and to stabilize the host genome against foreign DNA, especially from (endo)symbiotic partners. We claim that an asymmetry in control potential between partners is required for successful integration of an endosymbiont. This would explain why there are no further prokaryotic endosymbioses known to us (extant or extinct). We propose predictions that can be tested to support the hypothesis. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolutionary genetics of mitochondria: on diverse and common evolutionary constraints across eukarya'.},
}
@article {pmid41923609,
year = {2026},
author = {Zania, A and Hogeweg, P and von der Dunk, S},
title = {The risk of sexual reproduction promotes the evolution of regulation between host and symbionts.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences},
volume = {381},
number = {1947},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rstb.2025.0077},
pmid = {41923609},
issn = {1471-2970},
support = {//Issachar Fund/ ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; Reproduction ; *Biological Evolution ; *Eukaryota/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Sexual reproduction is a widely spread feature of eukaryotes and was already present in the last eukaryotic common ancestor. While most extant eukaryotes inherit mitochondria from a single parent, the mechanisms enforcing uniparental inheritance vary widely. The first eukaryotes likely would not have evolved such mechanisms yet, so cellular fusion would have led to mitochondrial mixing (biparental inheritance). Here, we explore the evolutionary consequences of biparental inheritance of endosymbionts during host-symbiont coevolution using a multi-level, individual-based model of endosymbiosis. Our results show that biparental inheritance introduces evolutionary conflict, as it facilitates the spread of fast-replicating symbionts, which can drive host populations to extinction. However, in a diverse environment, proto-eukaryotes diversify and adapt to distinct niches, protecting the population from total collapse caused by selfish symbionts. Moreover, this conflict can be resolved through the evolution of signalling mechanisms that allow hosts to regulate symbiont cell cycles. In many cases, sexually reproducing populations not only survive but also outperform their asexual counterparts. We conclude that sexual reproduction could have appeared early during eukaryogenesis and may have facilitated the evolution of host control over the endosymbiont cell cycle. This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolutionary genetics of mitochondria: on diverse and common evolutionary constraints across eukarya'.},
}
@article {pmid41932335,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, P and Lim, ZH and Ettinger, CL and Quek, C and Nguyen, TA and Stajich, JE and Jedd, G},
title = {Evolution of a chloroplast subcompartment housing plastid DNA inside a cup-like starch granule.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {36},
number = {8},
pages = {2167-2177.e7},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.03.033},
pmid = {41932335},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {S10 OD016290/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Starch/metabolism ; *Chloroplasts/genetics/metabolism ; *DNA, Chloroplast/genetics/metabolism ; *Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Chloroplasts evolved from a cyanobacterial endosymbiont[1][,][2][,][3][,][4] and have retained bacterium-derived plastid DNA (ptDNA) that is typically found in dispersed nucleoid bodies.[5][,][6] Here, we investigate an enigmatic chloroplast subcompartment found in the green alga Caulerpa lentillifera and several closely related species where ptDNA is contained within a single cup-like starch granule.[7][,][8][,][9] We find that starch cup size and ptDNA ploidy scale closely with the development of unusually large C. lentillifera chloroplasts, suggesting that this compartment acts to increase the upper limit on chloroplast size. The purification of the starch cups combined with protein mass spectrometry and comparative genomics identifies a family of C. lentillifera-specific chloroplast cup (CCUP) genes that originated through the fusion of sequences encoding a starch-binding (CBM20) and DNA-binding (mTERF) domain. In vitro assays show that recombinant CCUP1 CBM20 and mTERF domains bind to starch and DNA, respectively, while a full-length version can recruit DNA to the surface of starch granules. Together, these data reveal the genetic origins and biochemical activities of starch-DNA tethering proteins associated with the evolution of a starch-delimited, nucleus-like compartment for ptDNA. Due to its unique structural and molecular features, we designate this chloroplast subcompartment as the starch nucleoid body (SNB).},
}
@article {pmid41940335,
year = {2026},
author = {Buysse, M and Ballinger, MJ and Bruley, M and Amoros, J and Grillet, J and Farassat, N and Serr, A and Lagrèze, WA and Wennerås, C and Grankvist, A and Schön, T and Berglund, J and Bell-Sakyi, L and Sprong, H and Duron, O},
title = {A human-associated Spiroplasma ixodetis lineage responsible for infantile cataracts and adult febrile illness.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {4},
pages = {115233},
pmid = {41940335},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Bacteria of the Spiroplasma ixodetis clade are well characterized as reproductive parasites and defensive endosymbionts of arthropods. Nevertheless, clinical evidence indicates that they can also infect humans, causing neonatal ocular disease and acute febrile illness in adults. Using metagenomic assembly and phylogenomic analyses of Spiroplasma ixodetis-related human infections (SiRHIs), combined with a systematic meta-analysis of public datasets, we identified 25 human cases across ten European countries. Despite the frequent detection of multiple S. ixodetis strains in ticks, our data provide no evidence implicating tick-associated strains in human infections. Instead, SiRHI constitute a distinct monophyletic lineage within the S. ixodetis clade, consistent with a shared evolutionary origin with arthropod-associated relatives. Notably, SiRHI genomes harbor horizontally acquired chaperone genes absent from most arthropod-associated Spiroplasma, while retaining conserved effector genes typical of endosymbionts, suggesting the preservation of ancestral symbiotic traits alongside newly acquired molecular adaptations.},
}
@article {pmid41946681,
year = {2026},
author = {Naffouje, SA and Tran, DB and Rademacher, DJ and Botti, V and Christov, K and Green, A and Li, W and Phong, NHT and Cannistraro, S and Bizzarri, AR and Das Gupta, TK and Yamada, T},
title = {Suppression of mitochondrial energy production by a photosynthetic bacterial cupredoxin peptide inhibits tumor growth.},
journal = {Signal transduction and targeted therapy},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41946681},
issn = {2059-3635},
support = {R21CA280814//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; R01CA289701//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; R01 CA272564/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R21 CA280814/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CA289701/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R01CA272564//U.S. Department of Health &amp; Human Services | NIH | National Cancer Institute (NCI)/ ; },
mesh = {*Mitochondria/drug effects/metabolism/genetics ; Animals ; Humans ; *Azurin/pharmacology/genetics/chemistry ; Photosynthesis/genetics/drug effects ; Mice ; Cell Line, Tumor ; *Peptides/pharmacology ; *Bacterial Proteins/pharmacology/genetics ; *Energy Metabolism/drug effects ; Male ; },
abstract = {Accumulating evidence shows that bacteria influence cancer homeostasis, yet the effects of tumor‑associated microbes and their products remain largely unexplored. We previously reported that P. aeruginosa-cancer crosstalk suppresses tumors via the bacterial cupredoxin azurin, and we developed an azurin‑derived peptide that was tested in clinical trials. Building on our previous studies, we studied tumor-resident bacteria for novel therapeutics and targets. Photosynthetic bacteria from the phylum Chloroflexota, including a member of the class Chloroflexia, identified in tumors, carry the cupredoxin auracyanin gene. Based on the structural and chemical characteristics of auracyanin, we designed a novel cell-penetrating peptide, aurB. Plant chloroplasts are thought to have evolved from a bacterial endosymbiont, and both chloroplasts and mitochondria possess shared proteins essential for ATP-dependent energy production, indicating that these bacterial-derived proteins may influence mitochondrial function. Consistent with this model, we demonstrated that aurB, a peptide from cupredoxin auracyanin B, localized at mitochondria, blocked energy production by targeting ATP synthase in prostate cancer cells, thereby significantly inhibiting tumor growth. More strikingly, combination treatment with aurB and radiation therapy significantly inhibited tumor growth in a tibial bone metastasis model. Moreover, the number of metastatic lesions in the lungs was also significantly lower upon aurB treatment. Multiplex RNA-expression profiling revealed that the inhibition of ATP production by aurB increased the efficacy of radiation therapy by modulating multiple pathways involving HIF-1α. Our findings indicate that electron transfer proteins could represent an important source of promising novel peptide-based agents that target the aberrantly activated mitochondrial energy system in cancer.},
}
@article {pmid41946897,
year = {2026},
author = {Nuzzo, G and Quaini, G and Albiani, F and Gallo, C and Landi, S and Carbone, D and Pescitelli, G and Castiglia, D and Manzo, E and d'Ippolito, G and Fontana, A},
title = {Jorumycidine, a hexacyclic bis-tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid from marine symbiosis reveals new biosynthetic logic for anticancer design.},
journal = {Communications chemistry},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41946897},
issn = {2399-3669},
abstract = {Marine opisthobranch mollusks are a valuable source of structurally diverse bioactive metabolites arising from de novo biosynthesis or dietary origins. Jorumycidine (4) is a novel bis-tetrahydroisoquinoline (bis-THIQ) alkaloid with an unprecedented hexacyclic skeleton, isolated together with jorumycin (2), renieramycin E (3), and new 21-deoxy analogues (5, 6) from the nudibranch Jorunna funebris and its dietary sponge Haliclona sp. The structure of jorumycidine, featuring a unique oxazolidine ring, was elucidated by spectroscopic, spectrometric, and chiroptical analyses. LC-MS/MS diagnostic fragmentation filtering (DFF), combined with re-annotation of the ren biosynthetic gene cluster recently identified in a Haliclona endosymbiont, supported a hybrid NRPS-PKS origin and revealed enzymatic conversion of sponge-derived renieramycins into jorumycins by the nudibranch. Jorumycidine exhibited potent nanomolar cytotoxicity (IC50 = 13.8 nM) against multiple myeloma cells, outperforming its congeners. These findings expand bis-THIQ chemical diversity and demonstrate how interspecies metabolic interplay can generate bioactive scaffolds with therapeutic potential.},
}
@article {pmid41947264,
year = {2026},
author = {Nasiri, Z and Moshavernia, S and Sayyadi, Z and Alipour, H},
title = {Molecular screening for Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Coxiella in head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) collected from primary school girls in Fars Province, Iran (2024).},
journal = {BMC research notes},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41947264},
issn = {1756-0500},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Female ; Iran ; *Pediculus/microbiology/genetics ; Child ; *Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Lice Infestations/microbiology ; *Coxiella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Anaplasma/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Schools ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Lice are obligate ectoparasites divided into two main families: Pediculidae and Phthiridae. Body lice are known vectors of bacterial pathogens like Rickettsia, which cause diseases such as epidemic typhus and trench fever. Although head lice are genetically similar to body lice, they have long been considered a nuisance rather than a medical threat. This is particularly concerning for primary school girls, a vulnerable group with high infestation rates. This study aimed to detect deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Coxiella, Rickettsia, and Anaplasma in head lice collected from female elementary school students in Fars, Iran, in 2024. Head lice were collected from the scalp of school-aged girls and pooled for molecular analysis, with each pool containing 10 lice. DNA was extracted, and specific primers were designed for the detection of each pathogen using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. RESULTS: Coxiella DNA was detected in pooled head lice samples collected from six of the seven surveyed cities, including Marvdasht, Kazerun, Sepidan, Shiraz, Firouzabad, and Kavar. Anaplasma DNA was detected only in pooled samples from Firouzabad. Rickettsia DNA was not detected in any of the examined samples. The absence of Rickettsia DNA in all surveyed locations may reflect a low prevalence or absence of detectable Rickettsia DNA in the sampled head lice populations. It should be noted that the PCR assay used in this study detects Coxiella spp. at the genus level and does not distinguish Coxiella burnetii from Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) commonly found in arthropods. Therefore, the detection of Coxiella DNA should be interpreted as molecular evidence of bacterial genetic material rather than confirmation of pathogenicity or public health risk.},
}
@article {pmid41947428,
year = {2026},
author = {Rinke, JL and Franke, L and He, D and Fischer, ML and Vizueta, J and Eicholt, LA and Larsen, RS and Xiong, Z and Cunningham, P and Henry, LM and Kaltenpoth, M and Gadau, J and Zhang, G and Boomsma, JJ and Schrader, L},
title = {Comparative analysis of 163 ant genomes reveals recurrent horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to ants.},
journal = {GigaScience},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41947428},
issn = {2047-217X},
support = {//DFG/ ; 502787686//German Research Foundation/ ; 25900//Villum Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Ants/genetics/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; *Bacteria/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome, Insect ; Genomics/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) from bacteria can drive phenotypic innovation and adaptation in eukaryotes. Ants are likely carriers of HGT-derived genes, as they have repeatedly established mutualistic associations with vertically transmitted bacterial symbionts with direct access to the germline. However, the prevalence of HGT across ants and most other insects remains virtually unexplored.<br><br>RESULTS: Here, we systematically investigated the genomes of over 160 species of ants and uncovered 497 protein-coding HGT events in 85 species, predominantly derived from intracellular symbionts. Among these, we identified several HGTs likely underpinning functional innovations, primarily by mediating immune-system adaptations or facilitating nutritional niche expansions. Several of these HGTs were conserved in sequence and synteny across multiple species, consistent with strong signatures of purifying selection over up to 40 million years. Functional and structural analysis of a horizontally acquired Xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase gene of&#xa0;Cardiocondyla ants reveals deep entrenchment of this protein in basic energy metabolism of the host, facilitated by the enzyme's substrate promiscuity.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights into the abundance and diversity of HGT from bacteria in the evolutionary history of ants. Furthermore, our comparative and functional analyses suggest that many of the horizontally acquired genes serve adaptive functions in ants, most prominently by expanding metabolic pathways or modulating immune responses.},
}
@article {pmid41954158,
year = {2026},
author = {Glass, BH and Aichelman, HE and Grupstra, CGB and Valadez-Ingersoll, M and Swank, A and Guerra, V and Gondola, P and Nagree, A and Schipfer, J and Gilmore, TD and Davies, SW},
title = {Legacy Effects of an Extreme Marine Heatwave on a Stress-Tolerant Coral.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {32},
number = {4},
pages = {e70853},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70853},
pmid = {41954158},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {//Boston University/ ; 1937650//National Science Foundation/ ; 2506815//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology/microbiology ; *Extreme Heat/adverse effects ; Symbiosis ; *Coral Bleaching ; Coral Reefs ; },
abstract = {During the 4th Global Coral Bleaching Event (GCBE4; January 2023-September 2025), an extreme marine heatwave occurred on the Bocas del Toro Reef Complex (BTRC) in Panama. We characterized how this heatwave impacted the health and holobiont communities of the stress-tolerant coral Siderastrea siderea at four sites across the BTRC. Tagged colonies at each site (N = 30-53 colonies per site) were visited before, during, and after the heatwave (early May 2022, mid-August 2023, and late April 2024, respectively), and images and DNA samples were collected at each time point. In situ temperature logger data showed that sites reached maxima of 32.1°C-33.9°C in October 2023, resulting in the accumulation of ~12-20 maximum degree-heating weeks (DHWs). Consequently, S. siderea colonies displayed widespread bleaching (i.e., the loss of algal endosymbionts), with an increase from 8.6% to 33% of colonies bleached per site in May 2022 to 33%-70% in August 2023, followed by a decline to 15%-63% by April 2024. Colony-level partial mortality increased significantly between 2022 and 2024 at three of the four sites, and was observed even in colonies that were not bleached in August 2023. Further, many corals hosting Cladocopium spp. algal symbionts in 2022 shifted towards less diverse communities dominated by heat-tolerant Breviolum and Durusdinium spp., and most of these corals continued to host modified symbiont communities for months. The heatwave also reshaped corals' bacterial microbiomes, including increases in α-diversity and abundances of potentially pathogenic taxa (e.g., Vibrionaceae), and these shifts were persistent following the heatwave. Together, these findings demonstrate that GCBE4 had lasting impacts on S. siderea holobiont health across the BTRC, underscoring that extreme heat events can compromise even stress-tolerant coral species and induce legacy effects that will likely affect their future resilience. Rapid action to minimize further ocean warming is thus necessary to safeguard reef ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid41959145,
year = {2026},
author = {Penunuri, G and Pepper-Tunick, E and McBroome, J and Corbett-Detig, R and Russell, SL},
title = {EMS Mutation and SNP Detection in Intracellular Wolbachia Genomes.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41959145},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia pose significant challenges to genetic and molecular investigation due to their obligate intracellular lifestyle and complex growth requirements. Current understanding of their protein biology relies heavily on functional assignments inferred by homology, which may not reflect the specific roles endosymbiont proteins play within the host. This work addresses the need for robust genetic perturbation by demonstrating the successful application and detection of chemical mutagenesis in the genome of the wMel strain of Wolbachia grown within a stably infected Drosophila melanogaster JW18 cell line. To accurately detect EMS-induced mutations in a large, unsorted cell culture population, in which mutations remain at very low allele frequency, we implemented an ultra-low error rate sequencing strategy, circle sequencing. This technique enables confident detection of EMS-induced single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that would be swamped by the inherent error rates of standard next-generation sequencing. Circle sequencing library preparations successfully revealed a clear EMS mutation signal in treated cells, characterized by a significant enrichment of canonical C/G>T/A transitions. Furthermore we present a model explaining observed EMS mutation rates across the genome for different sequence contexts. These findings show that EMS-treatment can successfully leave detectable mutation signals in intracellular genomes, and offer promise for the future development of protocols to make targeted edits in Wolbachia genomes.},
}
@article {pmid41959305,
year = {2026},
author = {Bagchi, B and Van Vlaenderen, L and Wheeler, T and Provencal, E and Conner, WR and McGuire, K and Cooper, BS and Shropshire, JD},
title = {Temperature-sensitive cytoplasmic incompatibility across divergent Wolbachia partly reflects cifB transcription, not endosymbiont density.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41959305},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {P20 GM103474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Maternally transmitted Wolbachia bacteria are common in insects, with many strains altering host reproduction through cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI kills embryos fertilized by Wolbachia-bearing males unless those embryos also carry Wolbachia, which favors females with Wolbachia and drives the endosymbiont to higher frequencies in host populations. Strong CI now underpins successful applications that rely on maintaining pathogen-blocking Wolbachia transinfections in vector populations to reduce arboviral disease transmission. Temperature modulates CI strength (the proportion of embryos killed), with consequences for Wolbachia prevalence in natural and transinfected populations. Yet the mechanisms regulating temperature-sensitive CI-strength variation are poorly understood. We quantified CI strength across eight divergent Drosophila-associated Wolbachia strains at four temperatures (18°C-26°C), while characterizing development time, Wolbachia and Wovirus densities, and transcription of the CI-inducing gene cifB. Four of eight Wolbachia strains exhibited temperature-sensitive CI, three of which induced CI at multiple temperatures. Of these three, two expressed significantly more cifB at the temperature yielding stronger CI, whereas testes Wolbachia density did not predict CI strength. Notably, cifB-transcript levels were consistently decoupled from Wolbachia and Wovirus densities, suggesting that cifB transcription is not regulated solely by symbiont abundance. We also report temperature-sensitive rescue of CI, Wolbachia-associated developmental acceleration, and strain-specific Wovirus-Wolbachia covariance. Our findings reveal temperature as a pervasive modulator of Wolbachia-host interactions at multiple levels and extend evidence that cifB transcription partly predicts variable CI strength across strain identities, male ages, and now temperatures. CI variation unaccounted for by cifB transcription points toward additional regulatory or post-transcriptional mechanisms that we discuss.},
}
@article {pmid41961820,
year = {2026},
author = {Ojaswini, and Pal, S and Dhibar, A and Chandra, K and Rangarajan, A and Shukla, SP},
title = {Cellular remodeling of ovarian follicular epithelial cells transmits an obligate nutritional endosymbiont in a scale insect.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {16},
pages = {e2532091123},
pmid = {41961820},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {Ramalingaswami Fellowship//Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India (DBT)/ ; SRG/2021/000600//Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India (DST)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology ; *Epithelial Cells/microbiology/metabolism/cytology ; *Ovarian Follicle/cytology/microbiology ; Oocytes/microbiology/metabolism/cytology ; },
abstract = {Many insects show complex associations with vertically transmitted endosymbionts. Here, we describe unique cellular remodeling of the oocyte's follicular epithelial cells into endosymbiont-bearing tubular structures in the ensign scale insect Insignorthezia insignis (Hemiptera: Ortheziidae). Vitellogenic oocytes develop a bulge-like distension at the posterior pole. Here, follicular epithelial cells undergo extensive cellular reorganization, remodeling their actin cytoskeleton and plasma membrane to produce cellular protrusions. These tubular protrusions, which are densely packed with the endosymbiont, subsequently detach from the epithelial layer and migrate along the developing embryonic germ band, thus facilitating the endosymbiont's transovarial transmission. We further report a flavobacterial endosymbiont with an eroded genome of 0.86 Mb that encodes genes for amino acids, vitamins, and fatty acid biosynthesis. Genes for pantothenate and biotin biosynthesis, which were absent from the endosymbiont genome, were found to be horizontally acquired by the host genome from bacteria other than the symbiont, demonstrating host-symbiont metabolic complementarity and genome coevolution. The symbiont's nutrient-provisioning genes were expressed both in the host's adult stage, which feeds exclusively on nutrient-deficient plant phloem, as well as in the embryonic stages. Notably, experimental depletion of the endosymbiont from the embryonic stage caused high mortality, while the surviving nymphs exhibited severe phenotypic abnormalities, including the absence of body wax. Our results highlight the intricate and synergetic coordination between endosymbionts and the developing embryo, indicating broader phenotypic consequences in scale insects via symbiont-mediated nutritional supplementation.},
}
@article {pmid41964491,
year = {2026},
author = {Ahmiane, Y and Lax, C and Béjar-González, S and Nicolás, FE and Camuña-Pardo, L and Figueras, MJ and Fernández-Bravo, A and Garre, V and Capilla, J and Sanchis, M},
title = {Light restores sporulation in Rhizopus microsporus cured of its endosymbionts, unveiling their role in fitness and virulence.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41964491},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033//ERDF/EU/ ; PID2021-128068NB-I00//ERDF/EU/ ; PID2021-124674NB-I00//ERDF/EU/ ; PID2024-160088NB-I00//ERDF/EU/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhizopus/pathogenicity/physiology/radiation effects/growth &amp; development/genetics ; Virulence ; *Spores, Fungal/radiation effects/growth &amp; development ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Light ; Mucormycosis/microbiology ; Mice ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Signal Transduction ; Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal ; },
abstract = {Rhizopus microsporus is a major cause of mucormycosis, an infection caused by Mucorales that increasingly affects immunocompromised individuals. Certain isolates of R. microsporus harbor bacterial endosymbionts that regulate key fungal functions, particularly asexual and sexual reproduction, but these effects have been explored exclusively in environmental isolates. Although some clinical isolates contain Mycetohabitans endosymbionts, their influence on fungal reproduction remains unknown. This dependence on endosymbionts for asexual spore formation in environmental isolates has established the Rhizopus-Mycetohabitans association as a model for studying fungal-bacterial endosymbiosis, but it has also constrained comparative studies across environmental and clinical backgrounds. We show that light exposure partially restores asexual sporulation in endosymbiont-cured environmental strains, enabling the generation of isogenic sporulating lines. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that both light and endobacteria modulate overlapping signal transduction pathways, regulating the expression of conserved genes involved in asexual development in Mucorales and other fungi. Functional assays demonstrated that asexual spores from cured strains are viable; however, the presence of endosymbionts accelerates spore formation, enhances osmotic stress tolerance, and helps maintain cell-wall integrity. Cured strains exhibit altered membrane composition, including reduced ergosterol levels, which may contribute to their resistance to macrophage phagocytosis. Despite these compensatory adaptations, cured strains showed attenuated virulence in a murine mucormycosis model, highlighting the role of bacterial endosymbionts in fungal pathogenicity. The discovery of light-induced sporulation in cured strains provides a valuable experimental framework for future comparative studies requiring asexual spores, offering new opportunities to explore the role of fungal-bacterial endosymbiosis in fungal biology and human disease.},
}
@article {pmid41967043,
year = {2026},
author = {Detcharoen, M and Saksongmuang, V and Nilsai, A},
title = {Phylogenomics, population structure, and symbiont diversity refine the systematics of Southeast Asian rice leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41967043},
issn = {1536-2442},
support = {SCI6502034S//Prince of Songkla University/ ; 2022-Sci07-011//Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Prince of Songkla University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology/classification ; *Symbiosis ; *Phylogeny ; Spiroplasma/physiology ; Wolbachia/physiology ; Thailand ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Leafhoppers of the genus Nephotettix (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) are major vectors of rice tungro disease in Southeast Asia. Despite their economic significance, their evolutionary history, genomic adaptations, and associations with microbial symbionts remain poorly understood. Here, we aim to resolve the phylogenomic placement of Nephotettix, characterize patterns of gene family evolution, assess population connectivity and document the prevalence of bacterial symbionts. Using transcriptomes from 30 species, we reconstructed a robust phylogeny of Cicadellidae, recovering Nephotettix as a strongly supported monophyletic clade in our Cicadellidae phylogeny. Comparative analyses revealed lineage-specific expansions and contractions of gene families, including calcium-binding proteins and membrane-trafficking factors, with several genes showing signatures of positive selection potentially linked to host adaptation. Sequences from individuals sampled across 8 Thai localities indicated shallow haplotype networks and low nucleotide diversity in Nephotettix virescens (Distant 1908) and Nephotettix nigropictus (Stål 1870), patterns consistent with recent expansion or high dispersal. Screening for symbionts revealed universal infections with the obligate symbionts Karelsulcia and Nasuia, while facultative symbionts, Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, occurred at low prevalence across species and sites. This integrative approach refines Nephotettix systematics, identifies candidate genes underlying adaptation, and provides insights into dispersal and symbiont associations. These findings expand genomic resources for rice leafhoppers and offer a framework for improved diagnostics and evidence-based management of tungro disease vectors.},
}
@article {pmid41982106,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, W and Zhou, J and Wang, J and Jiang, Y and Lu, Z and Lian, P and Li, Z and Yuan, F and Liu, X and Wei, C},
title = {Bacterial endosymbionts initiate morphogenesis of symbiotic organs at specific locations in auchenorrhynchan insects of Hemiptera.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70281},
pmid = {41982106},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {32270496//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32400366//Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Plant sap-feeding insects (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) with rich species diversity generally harbor obligate endosymbionts within their specialized symbiotic organs (i.e., bacteriomes) to supplement them with essential amino acids (EAAs) and B vitamins that are unavailable in their nutritionally unbalanced diet, representing a typical model of insect-microbe symbioses. However, the processes of symbiont translocation and morphogenesis of bacteriomes during embryonic development remain unclear in Auchenorrhyncha. Here, we assessed symbiont replacement events in representative species across the five auchenorrhynchan superfamilies, and investigated the symbiont communities of eggs and morphogenesis of symbiotic organs during embryonic development as well as nutritional roles that related obligate symbionts play using multiple approaches. We revealed differences in the provision of EAAs by the same obligate symbiont across various auchenorrhynchan lineages, and demonstrated that the morphogenesis of symbiotic organs is closely associated with the symbiont community: (i) hosts acquiring only obligate symbiotic bacteria form bacteriomes to harbor them; (ii) hosts having only a yeast-like fungal symbiont (YLS) form fat bodies to harbor the YLS cells, but no bacteriomes evolved; and (iii) hosts harboring both obligate symbiotic bacteria and YLS form bacteriomes to harbor bacteria, and YLS gradually migrate to the fat bodies with the development of the host insects, although they initially co-colonized the bacteriomes. The results indicate that only the obligate bacterial symbiont(s) initiate the morphogenesis and formation of the bacteriomes. It highlights adaptive mechanisms underlying the origin and evolution of symbiotic organs in plant sap-feeding insects and provides new insights into their co-evolution with microbial partners.},
}
@article {pmid41982879,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, R and Wang, X and Meng, Q and Liu, X and Yan, H and Zhang, Z and Fu, Y and Liang, A},
title = {Detection and functional analysis of horizontal gene transfer events in the ciliate Euplotes.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1782463},
pmid = {41982879},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), the movement of heritable materials between distantly related organisms, is a key evolutionary force shaping eukaryotic genomes. Euplotes are free-living unicellular eukaryotes belonging to the phylum Ciliophora, and are tended to establish endosymbiotic relationships with different bacteria. However, the scale of HGT in Euplotes, and its possible roles in driving their diversification and adaptation remains unexplored.<br><br>METHODS: A large-scale phylogeny-based bacterial HGT detection was performed across five genome sequenced Euplotes. Gene structure and expression of the HGT-acquired genes were analyzed based on the transcriptome data. Putative functions of these genes were annotated based on BLAST search in the protein family (Pfam), the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA interference (RNAi) were performed to validate the function of the prevalent HGT-acquired genes encoding mannan endo-1,4-&#x3b2;-mannosidase (Man) from E. amieti.<br><br>RESULTS: We systematically examined HGT in five Euplotes genomes and found that they acquired a total of 342 genes exhibiting diverse functions, including enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, sulfur metabolism, and the cell signaling. HGT-acquired genes displayed similar genomic features with the native genes, including GC content, the proportion of intron-contained gene, and coding sequences (CDS) length, implying ancient acquisition events. Five putative endosymbiont-derived genes encoding glycoside hydrolases from E. vannus were identified. Furthermore, among the 342 HGT candidates, only seven HGT families were putatively transferred into the last common ancestor of all five Euplotes. Further qPCR analysis showed that the mRNA levels of mannan endo-1,4-&#x3b2;-mannosidase A (Ea-ManA) and mannan endo-1,4-&#x3b2;-mannosidase B (Ea-ManB) increased after feeding with Chlorogonium elongatum in E. amieti. Knockdown of Ea-Man genes by RNAi increased mortality which suggested that Ea-Man genes are essential for E. amieti.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, we suggest that the endosymbionts of Euplotes are potential donor organisms for HGT-acquired genes, and HGT is a prevalent mechanism that is actively used in Euplotes to expand their adaptive capabilities.},
}
@article {pmid41986875,
year = {2026},
author = {Shropshire, JD and Conner, WR and Vanderpool, D and Hoffmann, AA and Turelli, M and Cooper, BS},
title = {Calibrating and documenting host-switching and evolution of incompatibility loci for two closely related Wolbachia clades.},
journal = {Genetics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41986875},
issn = {1943-2631},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Maternally inherited Wolbachia alphaproteobacteria are the most common arthropod endosymbionts. Often Wolbachia spread to high frequencies through cytoplasmic incompatibility, in which cif loci act through sperm to kill embryos lacking Wolbachia. Closely related Wolbachia with diverse cif loci often associate with anciently diverged hosts, but the timescale of associations remains uncertain. We produce new calibrations based on filarial nematodes with vertically inherited Wolbachia that codiverge with their hosts. Applying these calibrations to Wolbachia variants closely related to pathogen-blocking wMel from Drosophila melanogaster, we demonstrate that over a timescale of 1-2 million years, a core set of single-copy Wolbachia loci evolve largely through bifurcation rather than by gene exchange with distant Wolbachia. Dating bifurcating core genomes, we show that "wMel-like" Wolbachia diverged 2.1×105-2.4×106 years inhabit dipteran and hymenopteran hosts diverged more than 108 years. Previous published analysis of variants related to wRi from D. simulans, the first Wolbachia found in a drosophilid, concluded that "wRi-like" Wolbachia spread among different Drosophila in tens of thousands of years. However, our new calibrations suggest these estimates from a mutation-based calibration underestimated wRi-like spread by about a factor of seven. In addition, cif exchanges between wMel-like and wRi-like Wolbachia genomes have occurred over ∼104-106 years. Comparing intact cif loci found in various Wolbachia, we find function-preserving selection in their evolution. We discuss these results in light of theoretical predictions concerning selection on cytoplasmic incompatibility phenotypes within and among host lineages. The wMel variants analyzed may offer new options for Wolbachia-based biocontrol efforts.},
}
@article {pmid41987748,
year = {2026},
author = {Martín-Escolano, J and Marín, C and Tsaousis, AD and Pal, M and Martín-Escolano, R},
title = {Beyond the Sand Fly and the Macrophage: A Multidimensional Redefinition of the Leishmania Life Cycle to Overcome Therapeutic Persistence.},
journal = {ACS infectious diseases},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {1572-1585},
doi = {10.1021/acsinfecdis.6c00135},
pmid = {41987748},
issn = {2373-8227},
mesh = {Animals ; *Leishmania/drug effects/growth &amp; development/physiology/genetics ; Humans ; *Psychodidae/parasitology ; *Life Cycle Stages ; *Leishmaniasis/parasitology/drug therapy ; *Macrophages/parasitology ; *Antiprotozoal Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Leishmaniasis remains a major global health challenge, hampered by an antiquated therapeutic arsenal compromised by toxicity, resistance, and an inability to achieve a sterile cure. The high attrition rate in drug and vaccine development stems from a fundamental disconnect between traditional experimental models and the true biological complexity of the Leishmania life cycle. This review synthesizes recent breakthroughs that have reshaped our understanding of the parasite, arguing that these nonclassical traits are the primary obstacles to effective treatment. We deconstruct the updated life cycle, beginning with the vector stage, which involves reversible differentiation pathways and sexual recombination, generating highly virulent and drug-resistant hybrids. We then analyze the vector inoculum, a complex pro-infectious environment comprising saliva, exosomes, and viral endosymbionts that preconditions the host for infection. At the cellular level, we detail the three pillars of amastigote persistence: metabolic plasticity to survive in nutrient-scarce niches, genomic plasticity (mosaic aneuploidy) to rapidly adapt to drug pressure, and phenotypic plasticity, which generates quiescent persisters tolerant to chemotherapy. Furthermore, we explore the parasite's expanded host-cell tropism, including noncanonical reservoirs such as fibroblasts and adipocytes, which serve as pharmacological sanctuaries. Finally, we discuss how targeting these biological complexities, eradicating persisters, neutralizing the vector inoculum, and reaching cryptic reservoirs are prerequisites for the next generation of drugs and vaccines. This review posits that the era of ″one bug, one drug″ is over and that the path to a sterile cure for leishmaniasis lies in a biology-driven, precision-medicine approach.},
}
@article {pmid41989212,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, YW and Gong, L and Wang, W and Guo, SZ and Mao, LL and Zhang, R and Song, DD and Guan, YH and Jiang, YY and Yang, K and Liu, XS and Wu, M and Yang, GD and Qin, T and Wang, YH},
title = {Distinct Geographic Distribution of Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis and Rickettsia heilongjiangensis in Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks from Northeast and East-Central China.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {26},
number = {8},
pages = {466-473},
doi = {10.1177/15303667261428518},
pmid = {41989212},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Animals ; *Haemaphysalis longicornis/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; China/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Asian Haemaphysalis longicornis is capable of transmitting a wide range of zoonotic pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of major pathogens in questing H. longicornis ticks collected from two geographically and ecologically distinct regions in China.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 1004 questing H. longicornis ticks were collected from Liaoning Province (Northeast China; n = 882) and Anhui Province (Central and Eastern China; n = 122) and pooled into 670 mixed samples. Tick species were identified by mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequencing. Nucleic acid samples from all pools were first screened for Dabie bandavirus using RT-PCR and for bacteria using universal 16S rRNA primers. Bacteria-positive samples were further tested using polygenic seminested PCR for Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs). Phylogenetic analyses, including polygene sequence analysis, were performed to ensure the accuracy of species identification and to explore genetic relationships.<br><br>RESULTS: No Dabie bandavirus was detected in any samples. Among the 670 tick pools, 14 were positive for spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR), with an overall minimum infection rate (MIR) of 1.4% (14/1004). Notably, the detected SFGR species showed clear geographic segregation: Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis was detected only in Liaoning Province (MIR of 1.4%), while Rickettsia heilongjiangensis was found exclusively in Anhui Province (MIR of 1.6%). Additionally, CLEs (overall MIR of 2.0%) were identified in 20 tick pools, with a significantly higher prevalence in Anhui Province (10.7%) than in Liaoning Province (0.8%; p < 0.001).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This surveillance revealed a distinct geographical distribution pattern of SFGR species in H. longicornis populations in China and confirmed the presence of Ca. R. jingxinensis in the northeast and R. heilongjiangensis in the central and eastern regions. These findings, supported by polygenic evidence, provide essential epidemiological data for understanding regional tick-borne disease risks and highlight the need for continued region-specific surveillance.},
}
@article {pmid41989577,
year = {2026},
author = {Manjunatha, M and Dayalan, A and Br, JM and Pd, KJ},
title = {Endosymbiont-derived microbial volatiles mediate conspecific female attraction in the melon fruit fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {41989577},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Tephritidae/microbiology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Volatile Organic Compounds/metabolism/chemistry ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria/classification/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/metabolism/chemistry ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Microbial symbionts associated with phytophagous insects are increasingly recognised as key mediators of chemical communication and behaviour. In this study, we investigated the taxonomic diversity and attractancy potential of culturable bacterial symbionts associated with the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae), with the aim of identifying behaviourally active microbial volatiles with potential application in pest management. Bacteria were isolated from the gut, reproductive organs, and rectal glands of female melon flies from wild and laboratory-reared populations and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 54 bacterial isolates, predominantly belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria, were identified, with greater taxonomic diversity observed in wild flies than in laboratory-reared populations. Behavioural screening using four-arm olfactometer assays revealed that volatiles from seven bacterial isolates elicited significant attraction of female Z. cucurbitae. Subsequent laboratory cage and field bioassays further narrowed these to four consistently attractive isolates, among which Citrobacter portucalensis and Klebsiella oxytoca showed particularly strong and female-biased attraction under field conditions. Gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses identified 17 electrophysiologically active volatile compounds associated with the attractive bacterial isolates, including phenols, aromatic alcohols, ketones, alkanes, and indole. Behavioural assays with synthetic standards demonstrated that indole alone elicited significant attraction, with responses comparable to those induced by the corresponding bacterial volatile. In silico molecular docking further supported these findings by revealing selective and relatively strong interactions between behaviourally active volatiles and specific Z. cucurbitae odorant-binding proteins, providing molecular-level support for olfactory recognition of bacterial cues. Overall, the results demonstrate that bacterial endosymbionts of Z. cucurbitae play a critical role in mediating adult attraction through the production of behaviourally active volatiles. Exploitation of symbiont-derived semiochemicals offers a promising, environmentally sustainable avenue for developing novel lures and strengthening integrated pest management strategies for melon fly control.},
}
@article {pmid41995266,
year = {2026},
author = {Patel, V and Kucuk, RA and Haines-Eitzen, BR and Russell, JA and Oliver, KM},
title = {Emergent symbiont strains provide thermally robust protection against co-evolved and novel parasitoids of introduced pea aphids.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41995266},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/parasitology/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Enterobacteriaceae/physiology/virology/genetics ; Bacteriophages/genetics/physiology ; *Wasps/physiology ; },
abstract = {Climate change and biological invasions pose synergistic threats; however, organisms may rapidly adapt through microbial symbiosis. We investigated how defensive symbionts in invasive pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum, respond to emerging threats. Previously rare strains of the protective symbiont Hamiltonella defensa increased from <0.5% to 58% in aphid populations over just a few years. Bioassays revealed that these strains confer reciprocal, enemy-specific defences. One strain (C11) protected against Praon pequodorum, a native parasitoid that only began attacking pea aphids post-introduction, but provided no defence against the co-evolved parasitoid Aphidius ervi. Conversely, a closely related strain (C9) protected strongly against A. ervi but not P. pequodorum. When the Acyrthosiphon pisum secondary endosymbiont (APSE) bacteriophage was spontaneously lost from H. defensa C11 during cultivation, protection against P. pequodorum was completely eliminated, experimentally confirming the essential role of phage-encoded defences. Cultivation-assisted genomic analyses implicate divergent phage virulence cassettes in enemy-targeted defence, creating complementary protection portfolios within populations. The modular architecture of APSE phages enables rapid acquisition of novel capabilities through horizontal gene transfer. Critically, both strains maintained robust anti-parasitoid defence under simulated heat-wave conditions, in contrast to previous findings in which modest temperature increases disabled protection in other H. defensa strains. Our findings demonstrate the potential for heritable symbionts to provide rapid adaptive responses to anthropogenic stressors within ecological timescales, representing a widespread mechanism for host persistence under accelerating global change and having important implications for biological control and ecosystem management.},
}
@article {pmid41998093,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, YY and Shen, XY and Xiong, XH and Zhao, DS and Hong, XY},
title = {Wolbachia-driven host miRNAs mediate arthropod reproduction in a Wolbachia density-dependent manner.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41998093},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {32020103011, 32202290//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Symbiosis ; *MicroRNAs/metabolism ; *Tetranychidae/microbiology/physiology ; Reproduction ; Male ; Female ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a widespread endosymbiont and a promising tool for pest control due to its ability to manipulate arthropod reproduction. However, how Wolbachia shapes host microRNA regulation remains poorly understood. Here, we profile the Wolbachia-driven host miRNAs using small RNA-seq in spider mite Tetranychus truncatus to uncover their roles in reproduction and symbiosis. Enrichment analyses of predicted miRNA targets suggest that Wolbachia-driven miRNAs may be involved in Wolbachia-host interactions. Functional assays show that several Wolbachia-driven miRNAs influence host fecundity, with some also affecting Wolbachia density. Inhibition of novel-33 or novel-40 reduces host fecundity and is accompanied by reduced Wolbachia density, whereas inhibition of novel-65 reduces fecundity without altering density. These findings indicate that specific miRNAs contribute to the regulation of reproduction and Wolbachia density in T. truncatus, highlighting host miRNAs regulated by Wolbachia as a mechanism of host manipulation and offering opportunities for Wolbachia-based pest management.},
}
@article {pmid41998767,
year = {2026},
author = {Rungrojn, A and Chaisiri, K and Thaipadungpanit, J and Batty, EM and Blacksell, SD},
title = {Bacterial communities in Thai ticks: revealing geographical and methodological gaps in surveillance-a 25-year scoping review.},
journal = {Tropical medicine and health},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41998767},
issn = {1348-8945},
support = {JCPET02//Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene/ ; 220211/Z/20/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Ticks serve as key vectors for a diverse range of bacterial pathogens that affect humans and animals worldwide. In Thailand, a comprehensive understanding of tick-associated bacterial diversity remains limited. This scoping review synthesises published data on tick-borne bacteria across Thailand from 2001 to 2025, focusing on bacterial diversity, host-vector associations, geographic distribution, and molecular detection methods. Literature searches in NCBI, Embase, and Web of Science identified 402 studies (272 after duplicate removal), of which 39 met the inclusion criteria. Ticks were collected from animals, humans, and the environment across four zoogeographical regions. Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, and Amblyomma were the most commonly studied genera. Eighteen bacterial genera, including both pathogens and endosymbionts, were identified, with Coxiella-like endosymbionts, Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia being the predominant genera. Rhipicephalus ticks exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, while Rickettsia spp. were the most frequently detected pathogens. Conventional PCR remained the principal diagnostic method, with limited application of quantitative and metagenomic sequencing approaches. Geographic analysis revealed that most studies were concentrated in the Northern Peninsular and Central Peninsular regions, while the Continental section of the Indo-Chinese Mainland and Korat Plateau zones were under-represented, which may limit the accuracy of regional risk assessments, as surveillance gaps can underestimate both the diversity and prevalence of pathogenic organisms in these areas. This review emphasises the intricate nature of tick-host-pathogen interactions and highlights the importance of implementing standardised genomic surveillance nationwide within a One Health framework. The findings reveal key gaps in current surveillance efforts and advocate for incorporating genomic tick monitoring into Thailand's national One Health strategies to improve zoonotic disease preparedness.},
}
@article {pmid42002165,
year = {2026},
author = {Sato, N and Takano, H},
title = {Diverse origins of peptidoglycan biosynthesis enzymes in Glaucophyta and Viridiplantae.},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {108621},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2026.108621},
pmid = {42002165},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {*Peptidoglycan/biosynthesis/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; *Glaucophyta/genetics/enzymology/classification ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Cyanobacteria/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Chlorophyta/genetics/enzymology ; },
abstract = {Chloroplast peptidoglycan is considered a remnant inherited from the ancestral cyanobacterial endosymbionts and has served as visual evidence for the endosymbiotic theory of chloroplasts. While peptidoglycan has been identified in the glaucophyte Cyanophora paradoxa and the moss Physcomitrium patens, it is absent in red algae. To clarify the origins and phylogenetic relationship of peptidoglycan in various plant and algal groups, we examined the eleven major enzymes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis across the genomic data of 60 species within the Archaeplastida. Our findings revealed that peptidoglycan synthesis enzymes were present in many species of Glaucophyta and Viridiplantae. A complete set of eleven enzymes was found in many species of Streptophyta and Chlorophyta among green plants. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Glaucophyta and Viridiplantae are monophyletic in the trees of MurA, MraY, and MurJ, which are derived from gene transfers from Cyanobacteria. The two lineages are closely related but not monophyletic in the PBP1 tree, which originated from Cyanobacteria/Melainabacteria. The two lineages were also monophyletic in the trees of MurD and MurE, though these enzymes did not originate from Cyanobacteria. The origins of the other enzymes were more diverse: those from Glaucophyta and Viridiplantae were not monophyletic and had various bacterial origins. These results suggest that peptidoglycan is no longer evidence for the endosymbiotic theory of chloroplast origin. We discuss potential scenarios for how peptidoglycan synthesis enzymes might have been acquired, depending on whether we assume or do not assume a cyanobacterial origin of chloroplasts.},
}
@article {pmid42008146,
year = {2026},
author = {Qazi, H and Gu, X and Russell, J and Thia, JA and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia reduces longevity but seems essential for ongoing culture of the parasitoid wasp, Diadegma semiclausum, a commercially important biocontrol agent.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {137},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jambio/lxag097},
pmid = {42008146},
issn = {1365-2672},
support = {UOM1906-002RTX//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; UOM2404-006RT//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; ST23002//Hort Innovation Australia/ ; //Australian Grains and Horticulture Pest Innovation Program/ ; //University of Melbourne and Cesar Australia/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/microbiology/growth &amp; development/physiology/drug effects ; *Wolbachia/drug effects/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Longevity ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; *Moths/parasitology/microbiology ; Tetracycline/pharmacology ; Female ; Rifampin/pharmacology ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {AIMS: Diadegma semiclausum is an important parasitoid wasp and biological control agent of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. Diadegma semiclausum is naturally infected with the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia. In other hymenopterans, Wolbachia can influence host reproduction and fitness, but its effects in D. semiclausum are unknown.<br><br>METHODS AND RESULTS: Preliminary experiments suggested Wolbachia could not be cured from D. semiclausum with antibiotics, and multi-generational exposure to antibiotics ultimately crashed lines. This led us to infer that Wolbachia is essential for reproduction. We then examined phenotypic effects following partial suppression of Wolbachia using six antibiotic concentrations (0, 0.06, 0.6, 6, and 60 mg ml&#x207b;&#xb9; tetracycline and rifampicin) and a non-injected control. In the exposed G0 generation, control wasps exhibited negative associations between longevity and Wolbachia density, suggesting that high Wolbachia densities reduced life span. Antibiotic-treated G0 wasps exhibited reduced Wolbachia densities but did not exhibit associations between Wolbachia density and longevity. In the next G1 generation, Wolbachia densities generally recovered across treated groups and converged on longevity patterns seen in the control group.<br><br>CONCLUSION: We highlight the resilience of the Wolbachia infection in D. semiclausum wasps but also its potential costs at a high density. Future work could explore whether artificial selection could produce strains that exhibit better performance under mass-rearing conditions.},
}
@article {pmid42016983,
year = {2026},
author = {Nandi, S and Stephens, TG and Chille, EE and Goyen, S and Bay, LK and Bhattacharya, D},
title = {Metaproteome Analysis of Short-Term Thermal Stress in Three Sympatric Coral Species Reveals Divergent Host Responses.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {e73275},
pmid = {42016983},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Anthropogenic climate change has contributed to the accelerating loss of coral reefs worldwide. This crisis has led to a myriad of studies aimed at understanding the basis of coral resilience to support reef conservation. Here, we compare physiological, proteomic, and metabolomic responses to acute thermal stress to identify both diverged and conserved stress response strategies and molecular markers of bleaching susceptibility in three different coral species. We find species-specific responses with the thermally sensitive Acropora hyacinthus exhibiting a rapid decline in endosymbiont physiology (~19% decline in photosynthetic efficiency and a -1.88 fold change in abundance), coupled with one-third of proteins showing a reduction in abundance. In contrast, Porites lobata displayed a delayed physiological and proteomic (~5% initial; ~14% prolonged) response to stress, suggesting greater resilience. Stylophora pistillata initially showed shifts in the proteome (~11%) followed by colony "bail-out", that is, rapid tissue loss. Overall, we observed markedly different responses in most biochemical pathways in the three coral species. Nonetheless, some known biomarkers of stress, including heat-shock proteins, showed conserved, cross-species responses to thermal stress with differences in temporal abundance reflecting bleaching resistance. Metabolomic profiling revealed an increase in stress-associated dipeptides and free amino acids in all three species, although species-specific and temporally variable responses occurred. Our results underscore the species-specific nature of coral responses to thermal stress and highlight proteomic signatures associated with symbiosis breakdown, offering mechanistic insights into coral bleaching susceptibility and resilience. Overall, these findings enhance our ability to identify early-warning indicators of bleaching and underscore the challenges associated with the development of universal coral stress biomarkers.},
}
@article {pmid42018786,
year = {2026},
author = {Fernandes, J and Santos, WGD and Assis, MRDS and Brandão, ML and Oliveira, MB and Barreira, JD and Freitas, DES and Cordeiro, JLP and Oliveira, LFB and Lemos, ERS},
title = {Coxiella burnetii in free-living feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in Brazil.},
journal = {Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz},
volume = {121},
number = {},
pages = {e250284},
pmid = {42018786},
issn = {1678-8060},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coxiella burnetii/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/immunology ; Brazil/epidemiology ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; *Q Fever/veterinary/diagnosis ; Swine ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; *Sus scrofa/microbiology ; Animals, Wild/microbiology ; *Swine Diseases/diagnosis/microbiology/epidemiology ; Antibodies, Bacterial/blood ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis ; Female ; *Ticks/microbiology ; Male ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of coxiellosis in animals and Q fever in humans, is a zoonotic pathogen of global relevance that can infect a wide range of species. Although several domestic and wild animals are involved in the natural cycle, the role of wildlife hosts remains poorly understood.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to investigate the presence of C. burnetii in feral pigs hunted in Brazilian Pantanal wetland.<br><br>METHODS: In this study, 36 free-living feral pigs legally hunted in Mato Grosso State, Brazil, were sampled. Sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and spleen, liver, sera and tick samples were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).<br><br>FINDINGS: Serological evidence of exposure was detected in 22.2% [8/36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 11.7% - 38.1%], while C. burnetii DNA was found in one spleen sample (1/36 - 2.8%; 95% CI: 0.1% - 14.5%). Only Coxiella-like endosymbiont was detected in Amblyomma sculptum ticks (9/23 - 39.13%; 95% CI: 22.2% - 59.2%).<br><br>MAIN CONCLUSIONS: These results represent the first detection of C. burnetii in free-living feral pigs in Brazil and suggest potential exposure of this invasive mammal species to the pathogen. The findings underscore the need for broader surveillance of C. burnetii at the wildlife-livestock-human interface in Brazil.},
}
@article {pmid42020953,
year = {2026},
author = {Flatau, R and Bickley, CD and Altamia, MA and Gasser, MT and Distel, DL},
title = {Metabolic potential structures gill symbiont communities in two common shipworm species.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42020953},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {R01 AI162943/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AR062083/AR/NIAMS NIH HHS/United States ; U19 TW008163/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Gills/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Bivalvia/microbiology ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification/metabolism/enzymology ; Metagenome ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Shipworms (Bivalvia: Teredinidae) are the most prolific wood consumers in marine environments. These wormlike marine bivalves digest wood using carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) produced by intracellular bacterial endosymbionts housed within their gills. Although several shipworm species are known to host multiple co-occurring symbiont species, the factors that influence symbiont community assembly, including the phylogenetic identity and metabolic capabilities of the symbionts, remain poorly understood. We sequenced gill symbiont metagenomes from multiple specimens of two shipworm species, Teredo bartschi (22 specimens) and Lyrodus pedicellatus (14 specimens), which have sympatric distribution in the wild, and which were reared together in laboratory co-culture. From these metagenomes, we assembled 90 metagenome-assembled genomes representing seven distinct symbiont species. The metagenome of each host specimen contained between one and five symbiont species, with each including at least one nitrogen-fixing symbiont. Six of the seven identified symbiont species were found in both host species, demonstrating a lack of host species specificity in these symbioses. We identified patterns of symbiont occurrence and co-occurrence in these two hosts and used these patterns to constrain the core set of CAZyme and nitrogen-fixation gene classes necessary to support host survival. Our results indicate that, in these two host species, symbiont community composition reflects the symbionts' capabilities for carbohydrate degradation and nitrogen fixation, rather than strict species-specific mechanisms of host and symbiont sorting.},
}
@article {pmid42023878,
year = {2026},
author = {Conte, CA and Rivarola, M and Gonzalez, S and Milla, FH and Soria, C and Giardini, MC and Segura, DF and Handler, AM and Bourtzis, K and Ragoussis, J and Lanzavecchia, SB},
title = {De novo whole-genome assembly of the Wolbachia sp. endosymbiont from Anastrepha fraterculus using long- and short-read metagenomic data.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e0042526},
pmid = {42023878},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {A whole-genome assembly and annotation of Wolbachia sp. infecting Anastrepha fraterculus sp. 1 were generated by a metagenomic analysis of sequencing reads from a host genome project. This study contributes to the characterization of this endosymbiotic bacterium and provides valuable insights for research on host-symbiont interactions and pest management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid42025326,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, X and Nakanishi, M and Han, J and Hemmi, H and Chen, F},
title = {Evolution of trans-isoprenyl diphosphate synthases in the plant kingdom.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiag238},
pmid = {42025326},
issn = {1532-2548},
abstract = {Terpenoid metabolism is essential across all life forms. Trans-isoprenyl diphosphate synthases (IDSs) are universally conserved enzymes that produce isoprenyl diphosphates of varying chain lengths, serving as precursors for diverse terpenoid metabolites. However, the evolution of IDS genes within the plant kingdom (Archaeplastida) remains unresolved. Here, we reconstruct the evolutionary trajectory of IDS genes in Archaeplastida using comprehensive genomic mining and phylogenetic analyses. We infer that the last common ancestor of the plant kingdom possessed four distinct IDS genes: two from the eukaryotic host encoding farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) and polyprenyl diphosphate synthase using farnesyl diphosphate as substrate (PPPSF), and two from the cyanobacterial endosymbiont encoding geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) and polyprenyl diphosphate synthase using geranylgeranyl diphosphate as a substrate (PPPSGG). While all the cyanobacterial-derived genes have been retained, the host-derived GGPPS was lost in the Archaeplastida ancestor. Most IDSs are nuclear-encoded, yet GGPPS in glaucophytes and PPPSGG in both glaucophytes and rhodophytes are plastid-encoded, indicating lineage-specific endosymbiotic gene transfer. One representative plastid-encoded PPPSGG shares catalytic properties with its nuclear-encoded counterparts. Among different lineages of the plant kingdom, the GGPPS subfamily is substantially expanded in vascular plants, consistent with the diversification of terpenoid metabolism in these later diverged lineages of land plants. Together, these findings reveal a dual origin and a complex evolutionary trajectory of IDS genes in the plant kingdom, shaped by endosymbiotic gene transfer, differential gene retention, and lineage-specific expansion.},
}
@article {pmid42025863,
year = {2026},
author = {Chepkemoi, L and Cheseto, X and Nyanjom, SG and Herren, JK and Tchouassi, DP},
title = {Behaviour of the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis infected with the endosymbiont Microsporidia MB: host seeking and cuticular hydrocarbons associated with mating.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {278},
number = {},
pages = {108102},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.108102},
pmid = {42025863},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/physiology/microbiology/chemistry ; *Hydrocarbons/analysis/metabolism ; Male ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Humans ; Female ; Feeding Behavior ; Malaria/transmission ; Odorants ; },
abstract = {The Plasmodium transmission blocking symbiont Microsporidia MB has shown potential for the control of malaria. However, there is limited information about the symbiont's physiological and behavioural impact on the mosquito vector, which is important for determining the potential impact of a Microsporidia MB-based malaria intervention. We asked whether Microsporidia MB infection i) alters the attraction of Anopheles arabiensis to human odours; ii) is associated with variation in the types of blood-meal sources utilised, and iii) changes the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of male mosquitoes known to impact mating behaviour. Blood fed An. arabiensis collected in CDC light traps were analysed by PCR for blood meal sources and Microsporidia MB infection. Another engorged cohort aspirated inside selected houses were allowed to oviposit to generate Microsporidia MB isolines which were used for behavioural assays and in the extraction of cuticular hydrocarbons. In olfactometer assays, Microsporidia MB infected An. arabiensis exhibited no preferential attraction to extract of human over cattle odours. Logistic regression model showed no association between mosquitoes that harboured the endosymbiont and selective feeding on humans over other vertebrate hosts (livestock, bird, and monkey). Chemical analysis revealed differences in the CHC profile between Microsporidia MB infected and non-infected male mosquitoes; however, multicollinearity among the CHC constituents was evident with infection status predicted not to be strongly driven by a specific hydrocarbon, based on random forest models. We conclude that under the experimental conditions tested, the symbiont's presence imposes no cost on mosquito host-seeking behaviour to bite humans but may affect chemical signaling and mating behaviour via changes in cuticular hydrocarbon composition.},
}
@article {pmid42030426,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, YM and Merondun, J and Corpuz, RL and Kauwe, AN and Geib, SM and Sim, SB},
title = {Chromosome-level genome assembly of the Erythrina gall wasp, Quadrastichus erythrinae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42030426},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {//Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education/ ; //USDA-ARS/ ; //USDA-ARS SCINet/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome, Insect ; Female ; *Wasps/genetics ; Genomics/methods ; *Chromosomes, Insect ; DNA Transposable Elements ; Genome Size ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The Erythrina gall wasp, Quadrastichus erythrinae, is an invasive gall-inducing chalcidoid wasp and a major pest of the endemic wiliwili tree (Erythrina sandwicensis) in Hawai'i. As a foundation for associated research, we generated a chromosome-level genome assembly from a wild-collected female measuring <2 mm. The final assembly consists of 5 scaffolds representing the 5 autosomes totaling 399 Mb (N50 = 75.6 Mb) and 1 unplaced 16 kb contig. BUSCO analysis recovers 91.1% of conserved Hymenoptera orthologs, representing the first chromosome-scale genome for the genus Quadrastichus. Comparative genomic analyses reveal syntenic conservation across Hymenoptera despite deep evolutionary divergence, with strongest collinearity to the chalcidoid Nasonia vitripennis. Genome size variation is largely explained by repeat content, and Q. erythrinae exhibits high proportions of unclassified transposable elements similar to the cynipid gall inducer. We also assembled a complete genome of its endosymbiont, Wolbachia pipientis. Together, these genomic resources provide a foundation for comparative, evolutionary, and applied research aimed at managing this invasive pest.},
}
@article {pmid42033197,
year = {2026},
author = {Haldar, I and Arif, W and Devaraju, P and Sihag, KK and Srirama, S and Balakrishnan, V and Srinivasan, P and Ramasamy, A and Rahi, M},
title = {First report of Culex flavivirus and its association with Wolbachia in Culex quinquefasciatus from Puducherry, India.},
journal = {Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/trstmh/trag047},
pmid = {42033197},
issn = {1878-3503},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbiotic insect-specific viruses, such as Culex flavivirus (CxFV), are increasingly recognized for their ability to modulate arboviral replication in mosquitoes. However, the prevalence of CxFV in Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from Puducherry, India-a region previously endemic for filariasis-and its interaction with the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis, remain unexplored.<br><br>METHODS: Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were collected from villages in and around Puducherry. A total of 150 pools were screened for CxFV by PCR targeting the NS-5 gene and the amplicons were sequenced. Further, 100 individual mosquitoes were tested for both CxFV and the relative density of Wolbachia.<br><br>RESULTS: The study identified a CxFV prevalence of 3.73% (95% CI 2.27-5.46) among the mosquito pools by Bayesian estimation approach. Phylogenetic analysis classified the circulating strain as genotype 2 of CxFV. The median relative density of Wolbachia was observed to be 0.170 (IQR 0.009-0.683) in CxFV-positive mosquitoes and 0.132 (IQR 0.021-0.570) in CxFV-negative mosquitoes, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Thus, with the first report on the circulation of CxFV-infected mosquitoes in Puducherry, the study highlights a probable lack of association between the relative density of Wolbachia and CxFV.<br><br>ACCESSION NUMBERS: The raw sequence reads have been deposited in GenBank (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/) with the following accession numbers: PQ586414, PQ586415, PQ586416, PQ586417, PQ586418, PQ586419, PQ586420, PQ586421, PQ586422, PQ586423.},
}
@article {pmid42035580,
year = {2026},
author = {Showler, AT and Swarts, H and Murry, M and Nelson, A and Kneubehl, AR and Gunter, SM},
title = {Ixodid and flea infestations and associated bacteria on two sympatric felid species in South Texas.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {102639},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2026.102639},
pmid = {42035580},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Texas/epidemiology ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology/classification ; *Flea Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/classification/physiology ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; Female ; *Felidae/parasitology ; Nymph/microbiology/growth &amp; development/physiology ; *Bacteria/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/classification ; Male ; Sympatry ; },
abstract = {Ixodid ticks and fleas parasitize wild felids and can transmit pathogens of veterinary and public health concern. We identified ixodid and flea species collected from sympatric South Texas bobcats, L. rufus, and ocelots, L. pardalis. Greater diversities of ixodids were found on both felids than in previous reports, with seven species in three genera on L. rufus and six species in three genera on L. pardalis. We report first findings of tropical horse tick, Dermacentor nitens, on L. rufus in Texas, and Ixodes keiransi on both felids in Texas. Although false cayenne tick, Amblyomma tenellum, nymphs were the most abundant ixodids on L. pardalis, this is the first record from that host in the United States. Regarding fleas, the felids were predominantly (>99 %) infested with peccary fleas, Pulex porcinus. One cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, was found on L. pardalis; the first from that felid species in Texas. Molecular analyses detected Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Borrelia spp., and Rickettsia spp. bacteria in ixodids collected from the felids. Although members of each bacterial group were in some ixodids on both felid species, the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis, on L. rufus, and the plain amblyomma, Amblyomma inornatum, on L. pardalis, were particularly prone to harboring Anaplasmataceae and Rickettsia spp. bacteria, respectively. While some of the bacteria might be pathogenic to vertebrates, many are likely endosymbionts, and our findings suggest that both felid species currently face a low risk of clinical tick-borne disease. These results have important implications for public and veterinary health in the U.S.-Mexico border region, where expanding tick distributions, climate-driven habitat shifts, and increasing human-wildlife interface heighten the potential for pathogen spillover.},
}
@article {pmid42053896,
year = {2026},
author = {Mrabti, I and Grijja, H and Benzahra, H and Abou Kubaa, R and Azenzem, R and Brhadda, N and Ziri, R and Haddi, K and Afechtal, M},
title = {Host-Associated Occurrence of Wolbachia in Natural Populations of the Pyriform Scale Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell, 1894) in Moroccan Orchards.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42053896},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Animals ; Morocco ; *Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Population Dynamics ; Persea ; Citrus ; },
abstract = {Scale insects are a highly diverse group of phloem-feeding pest insects that cause economic losses in a wide range of cultivated crops worldwide. Among these pests, Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Cockerell, 1894), recently reported in Morocco, represents an emerging threat to citrus (Citrus spp.) and avocado (Persea americana) production, two strategically important crops in the country. Like other hemipterans, P. pyriformis maintains close associations with prokaryotic endosymbionts, particularly Wolbachia, a facultative intracellular bacterium capable of influencing host reproduction, population dynamics, and interactions with host plants. Between June 2023 and March 2025, a survey was conducted in two adjacent avocado and citrus orchards in Kénitra, northwestern Morocco, to detect the presence of Wolbachia in natural populations of scale insects and assess its potential role in their population dynamics. A total of 180 individuals were collected (150 from Citrus sinensis and 30 from P. americana var. Hass) and subjected to molecular analyses. Detection of Wolbachia was performed by PCR targeting the coxA gene. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Moroccan isolate belongs to the A supergroup of Wolbachia. Only P. pyriformis collected from citrus tested positive for Wolbachia, with 90% prevalence, whereas specimens from avocado, despite high infestations, were negative. Within the citrus-avocado system examined, infection was observed only in populations associated with citrus, suggesting a host-associated pattern in this specific context. This study provides the first global evidence of Wolbachia infection in P. pyriformis in Moroccan orchards and provides a foundation for future research aimed at exploring the ecological significance of this association.},
}
@article {pmid42058539,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, N and Buil, J and Li, QR and Chowdhary, A and Zhou, SQ and Kang, YQ and de Hoog, S},
title = {Lineage-specific endosymbiosis in Mucorales: restriction of Mycetohabitans to the genus Rhizopus.},
journal = {Current research in microbial sciences},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {100595},
pmid = {42058539},
issn = {2666-5174},
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria have been reported in mucoralean fungi, yet their taxonomic distribution, range of ecological niches, and host specificity remain incompletely understood. Clarifying the occurrence of these bacterial partners across clinical and environmental Mucorales is essential for understanding their evolutionary and biological significance. In this study, we screened 578 isolates of Mucorales from both clinical and fermented food sources, including 360 from mucormycosis patients in The Netherlands, 40 from COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) patients in India, and 178 foodborne isolates from fermented soybean foods in China. Although 16S rRNA gene amplification revealed the presence of bacteria in sixteen mucoralean isolates, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated intracellular localization in only five of them. In all five cases, the endobacteria were identified as Mycetohabitans, and all corresponding fungal hosts belonged to Rhizopus species, suggesting that bacterial endosymbiosis within Mucorales is primarily restricted to this genus. Notably, a Rhizopus homothallicus isolate was found to harbor Mycetohabitans sp., with 98.37% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type of M. rhizoxinica, forming a separate phylogenetic clade and potentially representing a novel lineage. Endosymbionts were not detected in foodborne Mucorales from China, consistent with the predominance of Mucor species in these samples. Together, these results demonstrate a lineage-specific association between Mycetohabitans and Rhizopus species and highlight a lineage-dependent pattern across ecological niches. This study provides a systematic approach to evaluating fungal-bacterial symbiosis and offers a basis for future investigations into the functional and ecological roles of endosymbiotic bacteria in Mucorales.},
}
@article {pmid42059617,
year = {2026},
author = {Jacobs, J and Lum, A and Mina, E and Morey, CN and Lee, DD and Gutierrez, E and Dionisio, J and Mirchandani, C and Sylvester, L and Nakamoto, A and Loucks, H and Wanket, C and Cisneros, A and Calicchio, A and Enstrom, AN and Headrick, C and Okamoto, F and Heath, HD and Malukhina, K and Russell, P and Nag, S and Gillespie, T and Sobolewski, W and Truong, Z and Russell, SL},
title = {Complete de novo assembly of Wolbachia endosymbiont of contemporary Drosophila simulans using long-read genome sequencing.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {e0099225},
pmid = {42059617},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {R00GM135583, R35GM157189/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; T32HG012344/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {We present a contemporary high-quality, complete de novo assembly of Wolbachia pipientis (wRi Merrill 23, OZ411647), an alphaproteobacterial endosymbiont of Drosophila simulans (D. simulans). This assembly was generated using long-read sequencing of wRi-infected D. simulans embryos collected from Merrill College at the University of California, Santa Cruz, in October 2023.},
}
@article {pmid42069539,
year = {2026},
author = {Hagenbeek, A and Masukagami, Y and Palanichamy, P and Husnik, F},
title = {Genome-resolved metagenomics reveals unexpected diversity and host range of Candidatus Lariskella (Rickettsiales: Midichloriaceae).},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42069539},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {RGEC29/2024;DOI:https://doi.org/10.52044/HFSP.RGEC292024.pc.gr.194160//Human Frontier Science Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Nematoda/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Host Specificity/genetics ; *Rickettsiales/genetics/classification/physiology ; Symbiosis ; *Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {The intracellular endosymbiont Candidatus Lariskella (Alphaproteobacteria, Candidatus Midichloriaceae) has been found across a wide diversity of terrestrial arthropods, including ticks, true bugs, beetles, fleas, wasps and moths. Despite its prevalence, little is known about the biology of Ca. Lariskella, nor do we grasp the full extent of its host range. Here, we report the first known occurrence of Ca. Lariskella infecting a population of free-living marine nematodes (Enoplida, Thoracostomopsideae). This novel nematode-infecting Ca. Lariskella was found to be closely related to insect-infecting strains, despite the drastic shift in both host taxonomy and habitat. TEM and FISH microscopy showed Ca. Lariskella is localized within both the nematode somatic cells and developing oocytes, confirming its status as a nematode endosymbiont and strongly suggesting maternal transmission. This finding led us to reassess the host range of Ca. Lariskella. We screened the SRA database for Ca. Lariskella sequences and performed genome-resolved metagenomics on SRA entries positive for Ca. Lariskella. We recovered 16 novel Ca. Lariskella metagenome-assembled genomes from SRA entries, including from novel hosts such as ants and treehoppers. However, we did not encounter further instances of Ca. Lariskella within nematodes or marine invertebrates, which we attribute to the relatively poor sampling of these groups. Overall, our findings illustrate the ability of Ca. Lariskella to infect both arthropods and nematodes as well as hosts from both terrestrial and marine environments.},
}
@article {pmid42070045,
year = {2026},
author = {Protasov, E and Mies, US and Spröer, C and Bunk, B and Treitli, SC and Platt, K and Brune, A},
title = {Convergent evolution of intestinal lineages in the phylum Methanobacteriota.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42070045},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Evolution, Molecular ; Methanobrevibacter/genetics/classification ; Genome, Archaeal ; *Intestines/microbiology ; Base Composition ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Representatives of the phylum Methanobacteriota occur in various anoxic environments, but only members of the genera Methanosphaera and Methanobrevibacter exclusively colonize the digestive tract of animals. Recent phylogenomic analyses revealed that the genus Methanobrevibacter, which harbors the majority of the intestinal species, is severely underclassified and represents a family-level taxon, "Methanobrevibacteraceae", that evolved entirely in the digestive tract of animals.<br><br>RESULTS: Comparative genome analysis of 158 species of Methanobacteriota, including uncultured representatives in the Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB), demonstrated that the intestinal lineages are clearly separated from the remaining members of the phylum. They differ from the non-intestinal lineages in genome size, GC content, coding density, an increased number of pseudogenes and adhesin-like proteins, and show numerous adaptations to the copiotrophic gut environment. A decreased biosynthetic potential led to a dependence on other community members and limits the dispersal of intestinal species into other habitats, which is reflected in coevolutionary patterns with their major host groups among arthropods, ungulates, and primates. Certain lineages even engaged in symbiotic associations with intestinal protists, presumably benefiting from the H2 produced by the hydrogenosomes of their anaerobic hosts.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal that the transition of free-living Methanobacteriota to a host-associated lifestyle involves the same genomic changes that were previously recognized in gut bacteria and bacterial endosymbionts of protists, reflecting resemblances between the two prokaryotic domains that are caused by evolutionary convergence in similar environments.},
}
@article {pmid42079431,
year = {2026},
author = {Giovannini, M and Gammuto, L and Alonso-Vásquez, T and Gogoleva, N and Bellinzona, G and Potekhin, A and Petroni, G and Castelli, M},
title = {Facultative mutualism between Paramecium and the intracellular Rickettsiales bacterium Megaera mediated by a horizontally acquired biotin operon.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag079},
pmid = {42079431},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {The Rickettsiales are an alphaproteobacterial lineage engaging in ancient associations with a variety of eukaryotic hosts and with a wide spectrum of effects. They include vector-borne pathogens, as well as Wolbachia, which ranges from a reproductive manipulator to a mutualist in arthropods and nematodes. The majority of Rickettsiales are associated with aquatic protists, but these interactions are poorly understood. Here, we explored by dual RNA-Seq the effect of the host-generalist Rickettsiales bacterium Megaera polyxenophila on the protist Paramecium primaurelia. Megaera induces substantial changes in host gene expression, in particular, increased expression levels of certain cell replication-related functions, consistent with the higher growth observed in previous experiments. Conversely, the co-occurring reduction of catabolism and energy metabolism can be explained by the capability of the bacterium to efficiently exert the same pathways also for the host's benefit. Therefore, Megaera likely behaves as a facultative mutualist, consistent with its predicted ability to provide the host with Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and biotin, the latter synthesized, thanks to a recently horizontally acquired operon. At the same time, this bacterium expresses several genes involved in host cell invasion and possibly toxicity. Accordingly, it is envisioned that the overall effect of Megaera on its host is rather plastic, being the fine-tuned sum of supportive and parasitic actions, likely resulting in flexibility according to host and symbiont genotypes and environmental conditions, and subjected to evolutionary changes. Such flexibility may also explain the broad host range of Megaera and, from a more general perspective, hints for shared traits and analogies among other protist-associated Rickettsiales.},
}
@article {pmid42079871,
year = {2026},
author = {Sanei-Dehkordi, A and Roozitalab, AH and Shahabi, S and Rahimi, M and Rousta, Z and Shahheidari, R and Golestani, E and Paksa, A},
title = {Phylogeny of Wolbachia strains in populations of Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens in Hormozgan Province, South of Iran.},
journal = {Parasite epidemiology and control},
volume = {33},
number = {},
pages = {e00495},
pmid = {42079871},
issn = {2405-6731},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Aedes aegypti, and Culex pipiens are the primary vector of human arboviral diseases, which represent an important public health problem. Controlling mosquitoes with Wolbachia as an endosymbiont bacterium is a new approach in this field. This study was conducted to detect Wolbachia infection in Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens in Hormozgan Province, South of Iran.<br><br>MATERIAL AND METHOD: Specimens of Ae. aegypti and Cx. pipiens were collected from 10 localities in Bandar Abbas City, Hormozgan province of southern Iran. All samples were identified using valid identification keys. After DNA identification by Collin's method, genomic DNA of the mosquitoes were used for detection of Wolbachia infection by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of Wolbachia surface protein (wsp gene).<br><br>RESULTS: In this study, a total, 460 Ae. aegypti and 716 Cx. pipiens were collected. From a total of 358 adult Cx. pipiens screened using the wsp primer, 212 (59.22%) Cx. pipiens mosquitoes infected Wolbachia. The Cx. pipiens wsp sample sequences were similar to Wolbachia strains belonging to supergroups B. Out of a total of 230 Ae. aegypti investigations of Wolbachia infection, the results showed that there is no Wolbachia infection in this species.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: By utilizing wsp molecular maker, our study demonstrated the presence of supergroup B strain of Wolbachia in individual Cx. pipiens samples. Although no Wolbachia infection in Ae. aegypti was detected in present study but it is possible to introduce Wolbachia populations with Wolbachia-free populations by infecting this species and it can be used as a promising tool for controlling vectors and reducing the transmission of arboviral diseases by cytoplasmic incompatibility.},
}
@article {pmid42081569,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, HY and Chen, BY and Chen, YT and Huang, WK and Yang, CH and Wu, YC and Wan, MH and Yeh, WS and Goh, FG and Hou, X and Toh, PK and Ng, SH and Cai, Y and Li, JC and Chen, CH and Liu, WL},
title = {Establishment and characterization of a Wolbachia (wAlbB)-infected Aedes aegypti line (Tw-Kao) for dengue control.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0014222},
pmid = {42081569},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/virology ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Female ; Male ; Dengue Virus/physiology ; *Dengue/prevention &amp; control/transmission ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; Taiwan ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; Symbiont Induced Cytoplasmic Incompatibility ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; },
abstract = {Global trade and climate change are driving the geographic expansion of dengue vectors, contributing to the global spread of dengue. Conventional vector control measures have proven insufficient to prevent substantial disease burdens, highlighting the need for innovative and sustainable strategies. The release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes offers a promising alternative for dengue suppression. Here, we developed a locally derived Ae. aegypti line carrying the wAlbB strain (wAlbB-Tw-Kao) and systematically evaluated its fitness, viral interference, and potential for vector population control. The strain was generated through embryonic microinjection of cytoplasm containing the intact wAlbB endosymbiont from field-collected Ae. albopictus in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, resulting in a stably infected mosquito line with 100% maternal transmission. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed a high similarity to the reference wAlbB genome. Cross-mating experiments demonstrated complete cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI, 0% egg hatch) when wAlbB-Tw-Kao males were mated with uninfected females. Antiviral assays against dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) and Zika virus showed significant reductions in viral titers in the midgut, salivary glands, and saliva. In cage experiments, increasing release ratios of wAlbB-Tw-Kao males led to significant suppression of wild-type populations, achieving up to approximately 90% reduction in egg hatch. These findings demonstrate the successful development of a locally derived wAlbB-infected Ae. aegypti line with strong CI, stable maternal transmission, and effective DENV and ZIKV blocking. These properties provide a foundation for future field-relevant evaluation under both suppression and replacement deployment frameworks.},
}
@article {pmid42085885,
year = {2026},
author = {Volkova, E and Mishagin, D and Kudryavtsev, A},
title = {Intraspecific variability of Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis (Page, 1970).},
journal = {European journal of protistology},
volume = {104},
number = {},
pages = {126199},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejop.2026.126199},
pmid = {42085885},
issn = {1618-0429},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Amoebozoa/genetics/classification/cytology/ultrastructure ; Species Specificity ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {Neoparamoeba pemaquidensis (Amoebozoa, Dactylopodida), initially described by F.C. Page in the genus Paramoeba, is mainly free-living and is one of the most sequenced species of the genus Neoparamoeba. However, the boundaries of this species are still unclear due to its poorly studied morphological features. In this study, we present an integrative analysis of molecular, morphological, and morphometric data to examine diversity within N. pemaquidensis and to clarify species boundaries between N. pemaquidensis and N. aestuarina. We studied nine newly isolated strains of N. pemaquidensis. Morphological and ultrastructural characteristics vary both within and between strains, without any regular patterns. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on three different loci showed that only the COI gene, the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, and a two-gene analysis (18S rDNA and COI gene) reliably separate N. pemaquidensis and N. aestuarina. All three markers reveal three clades of genetically diverse strains within N. pemaquidensis; however, the variability of nuclear markers within clades is comparable to putative intragenomic variability. These clades are stable in composition and congruent across different markers, although higher-level relationships between them are poorly resolved. The Perkinsela amoebae-like (PLO) endosymbionts of N. pemaquidensis also cluster into three main clades, mostly congruent with the corresponding clades of host amoebae.},
}
@article {pmid42086246,
year = {2026},
author = {Brenninger, FA and Martin, SH and Kokko, H},
title = {Dispersal evolution in a population infected with a male-killing endosymbiont.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {293},
number = {2070},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2026.0004},
pmid = {42086246},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Royal Society/ ; //Universit&#xe4;t Z&#xfc;rich/ ; //Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Symbiosis ; *Spiroplasma/physiology ; *Biological Evolution ; Female ; *Butterflies/microbiology/physiology ; *Animal Distribution ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; },
abstract = {Host dispersal influences how frequently a parasite encounters new susceptible hosts, which translates into potential conflict between parasite and host interests regarding dispersal. In vertically transmitted parasites, the impact of host dispersal on parasite spread appears limited. Here, it is less intuitive whether parasites can benefit by manipulating host dispersal and, if so, whether they would evolve to increase or decrease host dispersal. We examine host-parasite conflict over dispersal using the case of the African monarch butterfly (Danaus chrysippus) and the male-killing Spiroplasma as inspiration. Male-killing endosymbionts transmit vertically from host females to their offspring and infected male offspring die. We contrast spread of a male-killing endosymbiont with a hypothetical scenario in which the parasite can additionally manipulate host dispersal. We show that a dispersal-manipulating male killer can switch the system from an overall male-biased dispersal pattern to a female-biased one. Interestingly, while infected females disperse most, the strongest evolutionary response occurs in uninfected females, which evolve towards philopatry (relative to a scenario where parasites cannot manipulate hosts). Our work thus uncovers a novel context where the phenotypic effect of parasitism is strongest in individuals that are not at risk of ever being parasitized.},
}
@article {pmid42088068,
year = {2026},
author = {Zolfaghari, A and Seyedyousefi, S and Shahmoradi, Z and Zaker, E and Esboei, BR},
title = {Leishmania RNA Virus and Its Impact on Drug Response and Clinical Outcomes in Leishmaniasis: A Comprehensive Review.},
journal = {Journal of parasitology research},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {9924037},
pmid = {42088068},
issn = {2090-0023},
abstract = {Leishmania RNA viruses (LRVs) have emerged as significant modulators of disease severity, therapeutic response, and clinical outcomes in various forms of leishmaniasis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge surrounding LRV1 and LRV2, focusing on their taxonomy, molecular biology, epidemiological patterns, and pathogenic roles across Leishmania species. LRV1, predominantly infecting New World Leishmania (Viannia) species such as L. guyanensis and L. braziliensis, and LRV2, primarily associated with Old World species such as L. major, L. tropica, and L. infantum as viral endosymbionts, have both been associated with increased mucocutaneous dissemination, treatment failure, and disease relapse. Mechanistically, these viruses enhance parasite virulence through immune modulation-particularly via Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-leading to chronic inflammation and host tissue damage. The presence of LRV has been correlated with unresponsiveness to first-line treatments such as meglumine antimoniate and amphotericin B, especially in endemic regions. Furthermore, LRV may serve as a prognostic biomarker, and its detection could guide therapeutic decision-making in high-risk patients. The review also discusses emerging therapeutic strategies targeting viral components, such as capsid proteins and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, as well as vaccine development using recombinant viral antigens. Finally, it emphasizes the urgent need for expanded surveillance, standardized diagnostics, and deeper exploration of host-virus-parasite interactions to better understand the clinical and epidemiological impact of LRV-positive leishmaniasis.},
}
@article {pmid42098841,
year = {2026},
author = {Nadia, N and Numan, M and Khan, AH and Rahman, S and Batoool, S and Sun, Z and Alotaibi, AF and Almutairi, MM and Ali, A and Aljasham, AT},
title = {Identification of Ctenocephalides felis felis and the detection and characterization of associated Wolbachia endosymbiont in Pakistan.},
journal = {BMC veterinary research},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42098841},
issn = {1746-6148},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ctenocephalides/microbiology/genetics ; Pakistan ; *Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Cats ; Dogs ; Cat Diseases/parasitology ; Dog Diseases/parasitology ; Symbiosis ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Female ; Flea Infestations/veterinary/parasitology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Fleas are holometabolous, blood-feeding ectoparasites capable of transmitting diverse pathogens of significant veterinary and public health concerns. Their occurrence and abundance within a given habitat depend on environmental factors and the availability of suitable hosts. In Pakistan, research on flea fauna and their associated pathogens has been neglected. To date, no reports have documented the molecular characterization of Ctenocephalides felis felis and their associated bacteria in Pakistan. In the present study, three hundred and eighty morphologically identified C. felis felis specimens-comprising 184 collected from free roaming (stray) dogs (n = 69) and 196 from cats (n = 86), were subjected to DNA extraction followed by amplification of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) and citrate synthase gene (gltA) for flea identity confirmation and screening for the presence of associated bacteria, respectively. Amplicons of appropriate base pair sizes were sequenced and submitted to BLASTn and subsequently subjected to phylogenetic analyses. The obtained cox1 sequence from the morphologically identified C. felis felis in this study showed 100% identity and phylogenetically clustered with C. felis felis sequences from India, Australia, Thailand, China, and Laos in GenBank. Similarly, gltA sequences showed 100% identity with the Wolbachia endosymbiont of C. felis reported from the United Kingdom. This study provides the first genetic characterization of C. felis felis infesting dogs and cats, and their associated Wolbachia endosymbiont in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. These findings provide baseline molecular data and highlight the need for systematic surveillance and management measures to mitigate any potential veterinary and public health threats.},
}
@article {pmid42104726,
year = {2026},
author = {Mackevicius-Dubickaja, V and White, JA and Williams, EE and Klement, E and Gottlieb, Y and Doremus, MR},
title = {Elevated Temperatures Disrupt Wolbachia-Induced Feminisation and Reshape Microbial Community Dynamics Across Generations in a Spider Host.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {9},
pages = {e70371},
pmid = {42104726},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {1953223//National Science Foundation/ ; 201697//Binational, USA-Israel, Science Foundation (BSF)/ ; 1020740//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 7007679//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2023-67012-39352//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 2809/23//Israel Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Symbiosis ; *Spiders/microbiology/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Female ; Temperature ; *Feminization/microbiology ; Phenotype ; *Hot Temperature ; Sex Ratio ; },
abstract = {Longitudinal microbial interactions within a host are challenging to study, leading to a focus on constructed microbial communities in vitro settings. Here, we take advantage of a naturally defined microbial community within a spider host to study how elevated temperatures influence microbial dynamics and phenotypes across host generations. The spider Mermessus fradeorum hosts up to five endosymbionts, including a Wolbachia strain, W1, which induces feminisation, causing genetic males to develop as phenotypic females, skewing sex ratios and promoting symbiont spread. Despite this, Wolbachia 1 persists at intermediate frequencies in wild populations. We hypothesised that elevated temperatures might reduce penetration of the feminisation phenotype, potentially by altering symbiont dynamics and maternal transmission. We exposed spiderlings co-infected with Wolbachia 1 to elevated temperatures for one generation and measured feminisation rate, symbiont transmission, and titre across three generations. Feminisation was unaffected in the exposed (F1) generation but declined in subsequent generations (F2, F3) that were not directly exposed. This multigenerational effect was linked to shifts in symbiont community dynamics: low feminisation coincided with high abundance of one symbiont, Rickettsiella, a decline in Wolbachia 1 transmission, and complete loss of another symbiont, Tisiphia. Our findings demonstrate how environmental history shapes the evolutionary stability of microbial communities and their induced phenotype in their natural host.},
}
@article {pmid42107830,
year = {2026},
author = {Ccamasacari, C and Ames, C and Loyola, S},
title = {Global landscape and phylogenetic relationships of Rickettsia asembonensis: Insights from a multi-marker analysis of publicly available data.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {279},
number = {},
pages = {108134},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.108134},
pmid = {42107830},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {*Rickettsia/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Animals ; *Phylogeny ; *Rickettsia Infections/epidemiology/microbiology ; Humans ; Genetic Variation ; Genes, Bacterial ; Phylogeography ; },
abstract = {Rickettsiosis is an emerging disease caused by bacteria of the genus Rickettsia transmitted by arthropods. Rickettsia asembonensis, first described in 2013, has been widely detected in vectors and, more recently, in animals and humans. Despite the growing number of reports, its epidemiology and the genetic relationships among reported strains remain poorly understood. This study provides an updated global overview of R. asembonensis by analyzing sequences, geographic distribution, host range, and temporal patterns using publicly available data for three conserved genes (17-kDa, gltA, and rrs) and three variable genes (ompA, ompB, and sca4). The study was conducted using genetic records available up to June 30, 2025, in the National Center for Biotechnology Information nucleotide database. A total of 477 genetic records of R. asembonensis and highly similar agents non-annotated as R. asembonensis were analyzed, including 368 conserved and 109 variable gene sequences. Among conserved genes, gltA and 17-kDa were most frequently reported, whereas ompB and ompA predominated among variable targets. Open reading frames coverage varied, with full-length sequences being uncommon. Phylogenetic analyses consistently grouped R. asembonensis entries with Rickettsia sp. and Rickettsia endosymbiont sequences, suggesting close genetic relationships but limited bootstrap support. Most records originated from the Americas (37.8%), with some also reported in Africa, Europe and Asia. Fleas were the principal hosts, and most sequences were reported between 2009 and 2020. Overall, these findings reveal the unequal availability and heterogeneity of genetic data and highlight the need for broader, standardized genomic surveillance to clarify its evolutionary relationships and distribution.},
}
@article {pmid42108676,
year = {2026},
author = {de la Fuente, D and Catalano, MI and Carpane, P and Toledo, AV and Brentassi, ME},
title = {Obligate endosymbionts as promising targets for planthopper pest control: Exploring their effect on probing behavior.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70897},
pmid = {42108676},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Agencia Nacional de Promoci&#xf3;n de la Investigaci&#xf3;n, el Desarrollo Tecnol&#xf3;gico y la Innovaci&#xf3;n/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Planthoppers (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) are sap-sucking insects that have emerged as major pests of economically important agricultural crops worldwide. These insects establish an obligate mutualistic relationship with fungal endosymbionts (yeast-like symbionts, YLS) which play a key role in their nutrition and physiology. Despite this, the influence of YLS on host probing behavior remains poorly understood. In this study, we experimentally reduced YLS abundance in the maize planthopper Delphacodes kuscheli, the main vector of Mal de Río Cuarto virus in the Neotropical region, by exposing host plants to systemic fungicides. We then evaluated the effects of YLS depletion on female probing behavior using the electrical penetration graph technique.<br><br>RESULTS: Sub-symbiotic females showed longer non-probing periods (mean values, 95% CI 70.80&#x2009;min, 46.3-108) than control females (19.59&#x2009;min, 12.8-30). They also required more probes and more time to reach the phloem and allocated less time to phloem sap ingestion (113.82&#x2009;min, 84.9-153) than control females (180.96&#x2009;min, 136.4-240). Additionally, sub-symbiotic females exhibited a higher proportion of probing time spent in pathway activities (32.52%, 26.30-39.42) than control females (22.38%, 17.13-28.70).<br><br>CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that nutritional symbionts may play an overlooked role in shaping probing behavior in D. kuscheli females. Our results highlight the ecological significance of YLS in these phloem-feeding insects and provide novel insights into symbiont-vector-plant interactions. The ability to alter probing behavior through reduction of obligate mutualistic symbionts in an agricultural pest opens new avenues for the development of integrated pest management strategies. &#xa9; 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid42111288,
year = {2026},
author = {Sanches, P and Mescher, MC and De Moraes, CM},
title = {Endosymbionts affect plant virus transmission by winged and wingless aphids.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag096},
pmid = {42111288},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Vector-borne pathogens frequently modify host-vector interactions, and their influence can be modulated by other microbial symbionts. We recently documented endosymbiont effects on aphid traits involved in plant virus transmission, showing that facultative endobacteria-particularly Hamiltonella defensa-enhanced transmission of pea enation mosaic virus. Here, we examine transmission steps and associated molecular signatures in winged and wingless aphid morphs. Consistent with our previous findings, we observed enhanced pea enation mosaic virus transmission, as well as elevated viral titer in wingless aphids harboring H. defensa. However, winged aphids with this endosymbiont displayed similar effects on virus titer but not transmission. Furthermore, whereas wingless aphids exhibited higher transmission than winged aphids when H. defensa was present, this pattern was reversed for aphids harboring only the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola; in parallel, we observed no differences between morphs of lines harboring other facultative endosymbionts. Subsequent experiments comparing lines harboring H. defensa versus the obligate symbiont alone revealed divergent effects on winged and wingless morphs on (i) virus inoculation efficiency (i.e., delivery of acquired virus; H. defensa), (ii) key salivary proteins (carbonic anhydrases, CAs; both lines), and (iii) plant defense-related marker transcripts (PR-1, salicylic acid pathway; LOX, jasmonic acid pathway; both lines). The correspondence of these patterns to the observed transmission effects suggests that endosymbiont-mediated effects on transmission may reflect changes in salivary secretions and related feeding traits. Our findings highlight the role of vector endosymbionts in disease transmission and provide insights into candidate processes by which they may influence virus-vector-host interactions.},
}
@article {pmid42111295,
year = {2026},
author = {Nielsen, DA and Heraud, P and Haydon, TD and Petrou, K},
title = {Heat stress reproportions distinct metabolic sub-populations of coral-algal endosymbionts.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag099},
pmid = {42111295},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Increasing occurrences of mass heat-induced coral bleaching around the globe have propelled research effort into enhancing coral resilience. Yet, significant progress in this space is hampered by an incomplete understanding of the inter-cellular processes sustaining the delicate, animal-algal symbiosis that underlie coral health. To elucidate links between changes in the symbiotic algal physiology and bleaching, we measured metabolic fingerprints of >1500 endosymbiotic algal cells from four coral species exposed to control and heat-stress conditions. We detected four co-occurring endosymbiont metabolomes based on spectral features, finding strong parallels across species. Clear temporal shifts in the dominance of each metabolome helped link metabolic profiles to cellular physiological states within the coral colony endosymbiotic landscape. We found two profiles common to healthy endosymbionts and two profiles reflective of physiological stress. In the absence of heat-stress, the most prevalent metabolic profiles were differentiated by high protein, high nucleic acid content and low carbon (lipid and/or carbohydrate) content. Whereas during late-stage bleaching, the dominant metabolic profiles exhibited comparatively low protein, but high carbon content. This work has uncovered the existence of endosymbiont metabolic sub-populations within coral colonies and shown their dynamic yet predictable reproportioning during heat stress conditions across different coral species. In identifying a physiological cascade of single-cell metabolomes in response to heat stress, this research highlights promising metabolic markers for detecting the onset of heat stress and dysbiosis within individual endosymbiotic coral cells.},
}
@article {pmid42120241,
year = {2026},
author = {Shaw, RJ and Ganley, IG and Prudent, J and Hardie, DG},
title = {AMPK: a master regulator of mitochondrial quality and quantity.},
journal = {Trends in cell biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tcb.2026.04.008},
pmid = {42120241},
issn = {1879-3088},
abstract = {The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) may have arisen soon after the endosymbiosis event that generated eukaryotes, perhaps to allow the archaeal host to communicate its requirements for ATP to the bacterial endosymbionts that became mitochondria. Consistent with this, AMPK is now known to regulate most aspects of the mitochondrial life cycle. It drives fragmentation of the network by promoting fission and inhibiting fusion, increasing mitochondrial number while allowing isolation of dysfunctional fragments from the network. It promotes the biogenesis of new mitochondrial components while also regulating mitophagy, promoting the degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria and inhibiting the removal of functional mitochondria. We will discuss these new findings and propose that the regulation of mitochondria was an ancient function of AMPK originating in the early eukaryote.},
}
@article {pmid42123332,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, Q and Wang, X and Zhao, K and Wang, S and Basit, A and Liu, F and Zhao, Y},
title = {Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Molecular Mechanisms of Wolbachia-Plant Association.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {42123332},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {32260676//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31860508//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022CB002-06//Bingtuan Science and Technology Program/ ; 2024DA018//Bingtuan Science and Technology Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology ; Animals ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Photosynthesis/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Transcriptome ; *Gossypium/genetics/microbiology/metabolism/parasitology ; Tetranychidae/microbiology ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Leaves/genetics/microbiology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria in insects are known to influence plant-insect interactions by altering host plant physiology. This study reveals that the endosymbiont Wolbachia significantly impairs photosynthesis in cotton plants. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of cotton leaves infested by Wolbachia-infected spider mites (Tt-I) and uninfected spider mites (Tt-UI) identified 1912 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Photosynthesis was the most adversely affected biological process, with 17 genes downregulated in the photosynthesis pathway (e.g., key genes psbW and PETF), as supported by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Gene co-expression network analysis further highlighted core genes involved in photosynthesis disruption and carbon fixation. Physiological assessments showed that Wolbachia infection led to significantly reduced chlorophyll content and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, inducing oxidative stress. These findings demonstrate that Wolbachia disrupts cotton photosynthesis through transcriptional repression and ROS-mediated oxidative stress, providing novel insights into plant-insect-symbiont interactions and a theoretical basis for managing mite pests in cotton.},
}
@article {pmid42129797,
year = {2026},
author = {Ibáñez-Justicia, A and Lucati, F and Lesiczka, PM and Warbroek, T and Ontiveros, VJ and Caner, J and Bueno-Marí, R and Aranda, C and Albieri, A and van de Vossenberg, B and Palmer, JRB and Bartumeus, F and Ventura, M and Stroo, A},
title = {Evidence of kinship, overwintering, and Wolbachia presence in Aedes albopictus in urban areas and points of entry in the Netherlands.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42129797},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {853271/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/microbiology/genetics/physiology ; *Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics/physiology ; Netherlands ; Genetic Variation ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Seasons ; Genotype ; *Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/genetics ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an aggressive invasive vector responsible for transmitting important arboviruses. Its global spread has been largely facilitated by human-mediated transport, especially through trade and road networks. Since its first detection in the Netherlands in 2005, repeated introductions have occurred via pathways such as lucky bamboo imports, used tires, aircraft, and ground traffic. Despite ongoing surveillance and elimination efforts, uncertainties remain about the origins, recurrence, and establishment potential of these introductions.<br><br>METHODS: We analyzed 200 Ae. albopictus specimens collected from 21 locations in the Netherlands from 2014 to 2023, including detections in residential areas and points of entry (PoEs). Samples were genotyped at 19 specific microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity and kinship were studied to better understand genetic structure, relatedness between and within locations, and local overwintering. We also determined the presence of Wolbachia endosymbiont strains in the specimens by sequencing Wolbachia markers.<br><br>RESULTS: Genetic structure and kinship analyses revealed multiple independent introductions, genetic diversity among sites, and evidence of local overwintering at both residential and PoE locations, including used tire storage sites. Close-kin relationships were identified in 63 specimen dyads. Among these, one dyad confirmed overwintering at a used tire storage facility, four indicated kinship within a residential area, and two between two locations. Genetic assignment results also highlighted successful elimination of the species in one Dutch residential area. A total of 16 Dutch locations (76.19%) tested positive for the presence of Wolbachia. Overall, 48.86% specimens analyzed tested positive for at least one strain, and 35 close-kin dyads showed complete concordance in Wolbachia infection status.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the complex invasion dynamics of Ae. albopictus in the Netherlands. Our results demonstrate that microsatellite analysis, combined with kinship assessment, is an efficient approach for investigating kinship among individuals within and between urban areas and PoEs, providing evidence of local overwintering, and assessing the genetic structure of Ae. albopictus at introduction sites. The widespread presence of Wolbachia, which is known to reduce mitochondrial diversity, suggests that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-based population analyses may be limited for the species.},
}
@article {pmid42133089,
year = {2026},
author = {Detcharoen, M and Arthofer, W and Steiner, FM and Schlick-Steiner, BC},
title = {Three decades of analyzing Wolbachia bacterial endosymbionts in arthropods: Trends and gaps.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {125},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42133089},
issn = {1432-1955},
mesh = {*Wolbachia/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; *Arthropods/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Symbiont Induced Cytoplasmic Incompatibility ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are the most pervasive bacterial endosymbionts yet described, infecting half of all arthropod species. These bacteria trigger outstanding phenotypes in their hosts including cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), which has also been used as a mechanism to control pest species. Here, we analyzed peer-reviewed articles published in the 30 years from 1995 to 2024. Our results show that most studies continue to use traditional methods such as PCR and Sanger sequencing, approaches that remain sufficient and appropriate in many cases, particularly when working with well-characterized strains or applied systems. Only a smaller proportion of studies have employed newer genome-based techniques, which are increasingly important for exploring Wolbachia diversity and uncovering novel mechanisms. Research has focused mainly on a small number of insect groups and a limited set of Wolbachia strains. In addition, most work focuses on CI, especially since the discovery of cif genes related to this trait. Although the use of Wolbachia in pest and disease control is expanding, other possible effects and interactions with different microbes remain less explored. Our analysis shows how the field has advanced through some key discoveries, while many studies continue to use established approaches and concentrate on a limited set of hosts and strains. To make further progress, we suggest using a wider range of methods and sampling a broader set of hosts, alongside integrating genetic tools with studies of natural populations. This work outlines clear areas where more research is needed and points to ways the field can develop a fuller understanding of Wolbachia and its roles in nature.},
}
@article {pmid42142801,
year = {2026},
author = {Gerlei, M and Villéger, R and Pailler, L and Lafitte, A and Linder, M and Braquart-Varnier, C},
title = {Sex and Wolbachia endosymbiont modulate lipid profiles in terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {218},
number = {},
pages = {108651},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2026.108651},
pmid = {42142801},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Most eukaryotic organisms live in close association with microorganisms known as symbionts, which influence host evolution, physiology, and ecosystem functioning. Among these, Wolbachia pipientis, a vertically transmitted endosymbiont widespread in arthropods, can manipulate host reproduction, such as feminizing genetic males in isopod crustaceans, raising the possibility that it also modulates host metabolism. Here, we investigated the impact of Wolbachia infection on the lipid composition of the woodlouse Armadillidium vulgare. Lipid profiling using TLC-FID, RP-LC-RI and GC-FID was performed on asymbiotic males, asymbiotic females, and Wolbachia-symbiotic females. Our results show that both sex and symbiont infection shape the quantitative distribution of lipid classes despite a largely conserved fatty acid spectrum. Males had higher proportions of polar (44.25%) and saturated (22.42%) lipids, whereas females accumulated more neutral lipids (46.39%), a trend amplified by Wolbachia carriage (53.58%). These shifts likely reflect targeted manipulation of host lipid metabolism by Wolbachia, altering hydrocarbon abundance, optimizing energy storage, and adjusting membrane composition to promote its persistence. Overall, our findings highlight the intersecting roles of sex and symbiont carriage in shaping the lipid landscape of woodlice and suggest that lipid remodeling is a key mechanism by which Wolbachia ensures its viability and reproductive success.},
}
@article {pmid42146066,
year = {2026},
author = {Matsushima, Y and Himi, E and Kitashima, M and Ogura, K and Kotani, S and Hino, A and Inoue, K and Hosoya, H},
title = {A defined synthetic algal medium enables lettuce-free culturing of unfed Paramecium bursaria while preserving host-associated microbiome composition.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1821058},
pmid = {42146066},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Paramecium bursaria is widely cultured using undefined plant-based infusions such as lettuce extract, yet the variable composition of these media remains a major obstacle to experimental reproducibility and microbiome research. Here, we tested whether a chemically defined synthetic algal medium (AF-6) can replace conventional lettuce infusion while maintaining host physiology and associated microbial communities. An unfed clonal strain of P. bursaria, established in 2023 and capable of growth without external nutrient supplementation, proliferated comparably in AF-6 and lettuce media. To confirm that these results were not specific to unfed conditions, we additionally examined a publicly maintained algae-fed strain (NIES-2891), which exhibited similar growth patterns across both media. Cell size, compression-induced extension, and symbiotic algal abundance showed no significant differences between culture conditions. rbcL metataxonomic analysis revealed that Chlorella variabilis was the sole algal endosymbiont detected in all samples. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that host-associated bacterial community composition remained largely conserved after replacement of lettuce infusion with AF-6 within each strain, although clear differences were observed between strains. Together, these findings establish an "unfed strain + defined algal medium" framework as a reproducible experimental platform for investigating tripartite interactions among ciliate hosts, symbiotic algae, and associated bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid42146069,
year = {2026},
author = {Robinson, JD and Thorp, DT and Van Cleve, J and White, JA},
title = {Symbiont-mediated feminization imposes unavoidable host fitness costs.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1798411},
pmid = {42146069},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts such as Wolbachia are common in arthropods. Some serve as reproductive manipulators, favoring the production of infected females in host populations despite possible fitness costs to the host. One such manipulation is feminization, in which the symbiont turns genetic males into functional females. To date, all described cases of feminization occur in host systems that are either female heterogametic (ZW-female/ZZ-male) or where females are diploid and males are haploid for sex chromosomes (XX-female/X0-male). Here we test potential fitness costs associated with feminization in the spider Mermessus fradeorum (Linyphiidae), which has a type of XX/X0 sex determination. In addition to a feminizing Wolbachia, this spider can be co-infected with up to four additional maternally-inherited bacterial endosymbionts. Using a series of increasingly speciose symbiont co-infections, including three containing the feminizing Wolbachia, we measured female fecundity and the proportion of developed versus undeveloped offspring. We found that fitness costs were associated only with the feminizing Wolbachia, but not with any of the other symbionts. Eggmasses infected with this Wolbachia had 16% fewer eggs, and 20% of those eggs failed to develop, compared to only 4% failure in eggmasses from other symbiotypes. We hypothesize that the reduced egg viability results from the production of inviable 00 zygotes by feminized X0 individuals, which can provision X chromosomes to only half of their eggs. These results suggest that fitness costs may be an unavoidable consequence of feminization in hosts with an XX/X0 sex determination system, potentially limiting the distribution of this reproductive manipulation phenotype.},
}
@article {pmid42155847,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, HB and Zong, Q and Naisaierding, P and Wang, YF},
title = {Wolbachia-induced proteostasis remodeling in ovaries supports cytoplasmic incompatibility rescue in Drosophila.},
journal = {Journal of insect physiology},
volume = {172},
number = {},
pages = {104993},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinsphys.2026.104993},
pmid = {42155847},
issn = {1879-1611},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; *Ovary/microbiology/metabolism ; *Symbiont Induced Cytoplasmic Incompatibility ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology/metabolism ; *Proteostasis ; Male ; Drosophila Proteins/metabolism ; Testis/microbiology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiont Wolbachia can modulate host reproduction to promote its own spread through host populations. Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is a prevalent reproductive strategy induced by Wolbachia in insects, wherein embryos from infected males and uninfected females cannot develop normally; however, infected females rescue this embryonic lethality, thereby favoring its maternal transmission. The ovarian mechanisms that facilitate Wolbachia transmission and enable CI rescue remain largely unclear. Here, we integrated ovarian proteomics and ubiquitin-proteomics, and compared these datasets with published testis multi-omics data to characterize gonad-specific regulation by Wolbachia in Drosophila melanogaster. We identified 326 distinct proteins and 101 distinct ubiquitinated proteins in ovaries with and without wMel. Most of these proteins showed higher abundance or were detected only in Wolbachia-infected ovaries. Among these changes, many proteins were associated with processes related to translation and oogenesis. Wolbachia infection was associated with a significant decrease in proteasome activity in fly testes but a significant increase in ovaries. Comparative analysis further identified 57 proteins with opposite Wolbachia-associated abundance patterns between testes and ovaries, including the ER translocon subunit Sec61β. Overexpression of Sec61β in either Wolbachia-infected testes or uninfected ovaries rescued CI. These results suggest that Wolbachia infection induces widespread alterations in ovarian protein abundance through modulation of translation and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP)-mediated proteolysis. This finding provides new evidence for the host modification model of CI and for the preferential colonization of the ovary by Wolbachia to ensure its vertical transmission.},
}
@article {pmid42159387,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X-R},
title = {mSphere of Influence: How a gut microbiota study reshaped my thinking on tick-borne pathogens.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {e0021326},
pmid = {42159387},
issn = {2379-5042},
mesh = {Animals ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Rickettsia/pathogenicity ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; Immunity, Innate ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Xin-Ru Wang works in tick biology and intracellular bacterial pathogenesis. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how "Gut microbiota of the tick vector Ixodes scapularis modulate colonization of the Lyme disease spirochete" by Narasimhan et al. (2014) reshaped her understanding of vector competence by placing pathogen colonization within the ecological context of the tick microbiome. Her laboratory studies Rickettsia-tick cell interactions, including autophagy, apoptosis, and innate immune signaling. Here, she examines how this ecological framework extends to the intracellular level, where pathogenic Rickettsia may encounter cellular environments already shaped by resident endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid42162257,
year = {2026},
author = {Týč, J and Robbertse, L and Salburg, A and Šedivá, T and Bílý, T and Urbanová, V and Kitzberger, F and Svobodová, M and Tashyreva, D and Livingston, S and Keeling, PJ and Vancová, M and Lukeš, J and Perner, J},
title = {Volume electron microscopy reveals bacterial endosymbiosis within host mitochondria.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s42003-026-10301-0},
pmid = {42162257},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {22-18424M//Grantov&#xe1; Agentura &#x10c;esk&#xe9; Republiky (Grant Agency of the Czech Republic)/ ; ERC CZ LL2503//Ministerstvo &#x160;kolstv&#xed;, Ml&#xe1;de&#x17e;e a T&#x11b;lov&#xfd;chovy (Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports)/ ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts can inhabit certain eukaryotic compartments, yet their direct associations with mitochondria have remained poorly understood. Using a multiscale volumetric electron microscopy (vEM) framework spanning whole-cell reconstructions to subnanometer-scale electron tomography, we investigated mitochondria of two phylogenetically distinct eukaryotes: the tick Ixodes ricinus and the marine protist Diplonema japonicum. We show that Midichloria mitochondrii, the maternally-transmitted symbiont of I. ricinus, penetrates into the intracristal space of host mitochondria, inducing ≥60-fold expansion of mitochondrial cristae, with individual cristae exceeding 1 µm in width. In D. japonicum, we observed staged endosymbiotic interactions with the host mitochondrion, including cases of complete engulfment by both mitochondrial membranes. To describe the phenomenon of bacterial residency within mitochondria or in tight association with mitochondria, we introduce the term mitobiosis. Together, these findings establish mitochondria as niches for endosymbiotic bacteria and highlight vEM as a powerful tool for uncovering hidden organelle-microbe interactions.},
}
@article {pmid42178890,
year = {2026},
author = {Laursen, SF and Ross, PA and de Jonge, N and Hoffmann, AA and Kristensen, TN},
title = {Exploring the potential of using male-killing endosymbionts to induce female-biased insect populations for enhanced biomass production.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70303},
pmid = {42178890},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {58645//Villum Fonden/ ; },
abstract = {Insect production for feed and food is rapidly expanding, driven by the efficiency by which some insect species can convert waste-products into valuable and sustainably produced protein sources. This study proposes a novel way to enhance production of insect cultures by using male-killing (MK) endosymbionts to manipulate sex ratios in insect populations which may lead to increased productivity. Our hypothesis is that female-biased populations, induced by MK endosymbionts, can have higher biomass output. First, we show that female larvae of the black soldier (Hermetia illucens) (BSF), are generally larger, grow faster, and have higher feed conversion efficiency than males, supporting the potential of female-biased BSF populations within this species. As a proof of concept, we next provide data from experiments with Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila pseudotakahashii-model insect populations harboring the MK endosymbionts Spiroplasma and Wolbachia, respectively-demonstrating that MK-infected lines can have extreme female-biased sex ratios. Depending on the species, these populations exhibit higher prepupal mass, faster development, and improved feed efficiency, indicating a potential for greater biomass yield in infected lines. Combined, our results suggest that sex ratio manipulation via endosymbionts may offer a biological tool that can boost insect production for food and feed, thus serving as a basis for further investigation. We suggest that this technology may contribute significantly to insect farming by increasing efficiency and sustainability.},
}
@article {pmid42179917,
year = {2026},
author = {Seddigh, S},
title = {Gene network modeling and pathway analysis of Bemisia tabaci midgut proteins and symbionts interact with Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) transmission.},
journal = {3 Biotech},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {215},
pmid = {42179917},
issn = {2190-572X},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The objective of this study was to understand key genes and molecular processes that are supposedly involved in the transmission of Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) by its vector whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, considering its midgut proteins and its endosymbionts. Two midgut proteins were selected based on their participation in virus transmission: thioredoxin-like protein (Accession no. AQM74407) and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (Accession no. AFQ62605). Furthermore, the GroEL protein of the primary endosymbiont Candidatus portiera aleyrodidarum was considered for the study to assess interactions with viral particles. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed and subjected to functional enrichment analyses utilizing GO and KEGG database analysis to establish the important genes and biological pathways involved. Network clustering revealed functionally enriched subnetworks linked with virus transmission. The hub genes identified from these analyses were involved in various biological processes such as protein folding, stress response, and membrane transport, all of which may assist in helping the virus survive and translocate in the insect vector. GroEL-related subnetworks exhibited strong relationships with viral coat proteins which may suggest that GroEL provides some protective function during transit through hemolymph. This study contributes significantly to a new understanding of the highly complex relationship between the insect vector, endosymbionts, and plant viruses. These findings will therefore add to the understanding of the transmission of CLCuV and may be useful in designing virus control interventions for crop protection.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04740-z.},
}
@article {pmid42182399,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, X and Brisson, JA},
title = {A chromatin accessibility map of pea aphid brain and embryo identifies tissue-specific regulatory elements.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42182399},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {The pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) is an important model organism for studying complex biological traits, including wing polyphenism and host-symbiont interactions, yet its regulatory genomic landscape remains largely uncharacterized. Here we present the first genome-wide chromatin accessibility map of the pea aphid, generated using the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin followed by sequencing (ATAC-seq). We profiled open chromatin regions (OCRs) in adult brains and late-stage embryos from winged and wingless morphs maintained under solitary or crowded conditions. We also paired ATAC-seq with RNA-seq in embryonic samples to examine the relationship between chromatin accessibility and gene expression. Libraries showed a high abundance of reads from the aphid endosymbionts Spiroplasma and Buchnera, reflecting preferential Tn5 transposase insertion into nucleosome-free bacterial DNA. After computational removal of these reads, the remaining aphid-mapping libraries displayed hallmarks of high-quality ATAC-seq data. We identified a consensus set of 37,127 OCRs enriched at promoters and distal regulatory elements, with substantial overlap with computationally predicted enhancers and enrichment for transcription factor binding motifs. Tissue identity was the dominant driver of chromatin variation, accounting for 85% of variance along the first principal component, with 19,513 differentially accessible regions distinguishing brain from embryo samples. By contrast, differences associated with wing morph or crowding treatment were modest. Promoter accessibility was significantly and positively correlated with gene expression genome-wide. Together, these data constitute a foundational regulatory genomics resource for the pea aphid and establish a framework for mechanistic studies of gene regulation in this ecologically and economically important insect.},
}
@article {pmid42185948,
year = {2026},
author = {Michalik, A and Majewska, E and Andriienko, V and Nowak, KH and Stroiński, A and Łukasik, P},
title = {Stable nutritional endosymbiosis across cryptic diversity of a leafhopper species complex.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12864-026-12986-3},
pmid = {42185948},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {2021/41/B/NZ8/04526//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; 2018/31/B/NZ8/01158//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ancient nutritional symbioses underpin the ecological success of many sap-feeding insects. In 'true hoppers' - the hemipteran suborder Auchenorrhyncha, obligate bacterial partners provide essential amino acids lacking in plant phloem diets. However, the stability and persistence of such associations across the diversity of hoppers are poorly understood, and investigations are often complicated by insufficiently resolved host identity.<br><br>RESULTS: Here, we combined multitarget amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, and microscopy to assess the compositional and functional diversity of the microbiota across Polish, Swedish, and Austrian populations of leafhoppers morphologically identified as Verdanus abdominalis. Host COI data revealed pronounced cryptic genetic diversity, indicating several deeply divergent lineages within the characterized collection, but limited microbiota variation among populations. 16S rRNA amplicon data confirmed the consistent presence of the ancient bacterial endosymbionts Candidatus Sulcia muelleri and Candidatus Nasuia deltocephalinicola, and metagenomics showed that their reduced but complementary genomes jointly encode the complete set of essential amino acid biosynthesis pathways required by the host. Other microbes were uncommon in these symbioses. Microscopy corroborated these findings, revealing conserved bacteriome organization and spatial separation of Sulcia and Nasuia within distinct bacteriocytes.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the Sulcia-Nasuia dual symbiosis remains evolutionarily stable across cryptic Verdanus diversity, underscoring the robustness of ancient nutritional partnerships despite ongoing host diversification.},
}
@article {pmid42185992,
year = {2026},
author = {Reyes-Prieto, M and Martínez-Cano, DJ and Llabrés, M and Palmer-Rodríguez, P and Vargas-Chávez, C and Delaye, L and Gil, R and Moya, A},
title = {Evolutionary signals in metabolic networks of insect endosymbionts revealed through comparative topological modeling.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12864-026-12869-7},
pmid = {42185992},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {PGC2018-096956-B-C43//FEDER/MICINN/AEI/ ; PID2019-105969GB-I00//FEDER/MICINN/AEI/ ; PID2021-126114NB-C44//MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by "ERDF/EU"/ ; CIPROM/2021/042//Conselleria de Cultura, Educaci&#xf3;n y Ciencia, Generalitat Valenciana/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding the organization and evolution of metabolic networks is essential for uncovering how organisms adapt to changing environments. Whereas free-living bacteria typically maintain robust and redundant metabolic systems, endosymbiotic bacteria undergo extreme genome reduction during their adaptation to intracellular life. This process results in highly streamlined and interconnected metabolic networks, in some cases smaller than the theoretical minimum required for sustaining independent cellular function.<br><br>RESULTS: Using a large-scale comparative framework, we analyzed 101 genomes of insect endosymbiotic bacteria by computing two metabolic network models: metabolite- and reaction-based. We found strong correlations between genome size and key topological properties, including clustering coefficient, network diameter, and number of nodes, indicating that genome reduction directly constrains metabolic network architecture. Despite extensive gene loss, endosymbiotic metabolic networks retain scale-free organization, suggesting the preservation of essential connectivity and robustness. Furthermore, clustering analyses revealed that network topology reflects phylogenetic relationships across bacterial taxa, demonstrating that metabolic organization retains evolutionary signals even in the most reduced genomes.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the metabolic networks of insect endosymbiotic bacteria preserve clear evolutionary imprints, revealing a deep connection between genomic reduction, network structure, and phylogenetic history. The complementary use of metabolite- and reaction-based models provide a powerful framework for exploring how symbiotic evolution reshapes metabolic systems while maintaining essential biological organization.},
}
@article {pmid42186555,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, T and Vďačný, P},
title = {Morpho-molecular characterization of Trichodina chlorophora Richards, 1948 (Protista: Ciliophora), a central component in the 'snail‒ciliate‒zoochlorellae' hyper-symbiotic system.},
journal = {Marine life science &amp; technology},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {371-386},
pmid = {42186555},
issn = {2662-1746},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: In the mantle cavity of the heterobranch snail Physella acuta, collected from a lake in Slovakia (Central Europe), we identified the peritrich ciliate Trichodina chlorophora harboring endosymbiotic green algae. To elucidate the evolutionary origins of this tripartite consortium, we determined the phylogenetic affiliations of all three partners and conducted a detailed morpho-molecular characterization of the ciliate, a central component of this hyper-symbiotic system. The European population of T. chlorophora closely matched North American populations previously described from physinine snails. The diagnostic features of T. chlorophora include: body diameter of 41-83 μm after dry silver nitrate impregnation; denticle ring 23-39 μm wide, with 23-30 denticles and 9-11 radial pins per denticle; denticles 5.7-7.8 μm long; adoral ciliary spiral performing ~ 1.13 turns (390°-409°) around peristomial disc; and a horseshoe-shaped macronucleus. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that: (1) the host snails are closely related to North American conspecifics, reflecting the human-mediated introduction of this invasive gastropod to Europe; (2) trichodinids colonized aquatic snails multiple times independently from poikilothermic vertebrate hosts, with T. chlorophora clustering with freshwater congeners from frogs, snails, and planarians; and (3) the endosymbiotic green algae comprise two species: Chlorella sp., closely related to endosymbionts of heliozoans and cnidarians, and Jaagichlorella geometrica, which clusters with epiphytic congeners. While the algae exhibit low host specificity, snail-dwelling Trichodina species show high phylogenetic host specificity. The parallel emergence of green algae-bearing trichodinids in physinine and planorbid snails suggests co-evolutionary processes that independently gave rise to interdependent associations among aquatic snails, ciliates, and zoochlorellae.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-026-00359-4.},
}
@article {pmid42188200,
year = {2026},
author = {Kang, JY and Jeong, G and An, IJ and Kim, K and Son, SH and Park, S},
title = {Correction: Kang et al. Endosymbiont Infections in Korean Insects: Patterns Across Orders and Habitat Types. Insects 2026, 17, 71.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42188200},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Additional Affiliation(s) [...].},
}
@article {pmid42188855,
year = {2026},
author = {Hiep, NV and Bondarenko, TA and Anh, LTL and Stukolova, OA and Mo, LT and Sycheva, KA and Chien, VC and Viskontene, AL and Dung, NT and Dubrovskiy, DV and Toan, TX and Sokolova, MI and Ngan, TT and Lisyukova, IP and Skripnichenko, DD and Bulanenko, VP and Fedakova, YV and Akimkin, VG and Makenov, MT},
title = {New Data on Ixodid Ticks and Their Infection with Borrelia and Coxiella burnetii in Vietnam.},
journal = {Tropical medicine and infectious disease},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42188855},
issn = {2414-6366},
abstract = {The distribution of medically significant ticks in Vietnam requires ongoing monitoring. This study presents data on tick distribution and molecular screening for Borrelia spp. and Coxiella burnetii DNA. Ticks were collected from domestic animals and vegetation in four provinces over the period of 2024-2025. Species identification was performed based on morphology and confirmed by sequencing mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes. A total of 2347 ticks were collected, representing eight species from the genera Haemaphysalis, Rhipicephalus, and Amblyomma. The study provides new distribution records for H. bispinosa, H. cornigera, A. integrum, and several rarely reported species (H. lagrangei, H. hystricus, and H. wellingtoni). PCR screening revealed a relatively high detection rate of Borrelia DNA in H. cornigera from Cao Bang province. Sequencing identified the pathogen as B. theileri, the agent of bovine borreliosis. Borrelia theileri was also detected in R. microplus in other regions, indicating wider circulation. PCR screening for Coxiella burnetii was positive for 13 ticks from cattle in Cao Bang province. To rule out false-positive results due to detection of DNA from Coxiella-like endosymbionts, we sequenced a fragment of the IS1111 element for three positive samples. The sequences confirmed that the DNA belongs to bacteria of the genus Coxiella, but the data do not allow confident assignment to C. burnetii at the species level. These positive ticks originated from eight neighboring households, suggesting a potential localized focus that requires further assessment in livestock and humans to determine the epidemiological significance. This research enhances the understanding of Vietnam's tick fauna and associated pathogens of medical and veterinary importance.},
}
@article {pmid42188913,
year = {2026},
author = {Aziz, MU and Cassens, J and Allawaï-Sanigue, J and Lontsi-Demano, M and Tchuinkam, T and Sparagano, OA and Oliver, JD and Butaye, P},
title = {Diversity and Distribution of Hyalomma Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Dromedary Camels in Chad.},
journal = {Veterinary sciences},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {42188913},
issn = {2306-7381},
support = {9380166//City University of Hong Kong/ ; GSP246//Research Talent Hub Hong Kong/ ; No. 2025-0037//Hong Kong Jockey Club Foundation, JC STEM Lab of Integrated Microbial Genomics/ ; },
abstract = {Ticks of the genus Hyalomma are major ectoparasites of dromedary camels and serve as important vectors for diverse tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) affecting both animals and humans. In this study, we determined the tick species diversity and distribution and estimated the prevalence of TBPs in those ticks. A total of 780 ticks collected from camels in Bol, Chad, were identified into four species: Hyalomma dromedarii (49.0%), H. rufipes (22.6%), H. impeltatum (19.1%), and H. truncatum (9.4%). Sixty ticks were selected proportionally across the four Hyalomma species and screened for TBPs using PCR. Coxiella burnetii was detected in 11.7% of the ticks, and Rickettsia aeschlimannii in 1.7%. Anaplasmataceae-specific 16S rRNA primers detected Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii, a tick endosymbiont, in 10% of the ticks. No protozoan pathogens (Theileria or Babesia) were detected. This study highlights the need for integrated surveillance of ticks and their associated microorganisms in Chadian camels to mitigate zoonotic and veterinary risks. Strengthening such efforts will support camel health and pastoral livelihoods in the region.},
}
@article {pmid42202780,
year = {2026},
author = {Montoya, AP and Jensen, KT and Griffitts, JS and Porter, SS},
title = {The evolutionary genomics of novel endosymbiosis in wild rhizobia bacteria.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {36},
number = {12},
pages = {2967-2979.e4},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2026.04.071},
pmid = {42202780},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; *Rhizobium/genetics/physiology ; Genomics ; *Biological Evolution ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Interspersed Repetitive Sequences ; },
abstract = {The advent of endosymbiosis underlies evolutionary innovation and ecosystem function. However, whether free-living partners tend to benefit or exploit each other during the early stages of novel endosymbiosis remains a dilemma. Rhizobia soil bacteria can initiate root nodules and fix nitrogen for host plants as endosymbionts due to genes carried on mobile genetic elements such as the symbiosis island (SI). We conjugated marked SIs into the genomes of non-nodulating strains, which was sufficient to generate de novo root nodule-forming endosymbionts. Most novel endosymbionts originated as commensals that incurred no detectable costs to host plants, in contrast to predictions of exploitation. In fact, a third of novel endosymbionts originated as nitrogen-fixing mutualists. Consistent with phylogenetic limits to transfer of mobile genetic element function, novel endosymbionts derived from more closely related SI donor and recipient strains showed greater nitrogen fixation. However, consistent with selection on the SI for broad horizontal transfer, we did not detect phylogenetic limits to SI transmission, and the SI was able to displace other genomic elements residing at its characteristic tRNA gene insertion site. We thus provide genetic, genomic, and functional evidence of how mobile genetic elements can potentiate and constrain major evolutionary transitions to expand bacterial niches, with cascading impacts on the fitness of host organisms.},
}
@article {pmid42203372,
year = {2026},
author = {McCann, P and Megaw, J and Gobert, GN},
title = {Parasite-associated microbiomes: An unseen microenvironment.},
journal = {Advances in parasitology},
volume = {131},
number = {},
pages = {31-70},
doi = {10.1016/bs.apar.2026.03.001},
pmid = {42203372},
issn = {2163-6079},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Microbiota ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Parasites/microbiology/physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Parasites harbor diverse microbial ecosystems that include not only bacteria but also archaea, fungi, viruses and microbial eukaryotes. These parasite-associated microbiomes, long overlooked, are now recognized as important determinants of parasite development, fitness, virulence and interactions with hosts across medical, veterinary, agricultural and ecological systems. However, current understanding of parasite-associated microbiomes remains fragmented, with most studies focusing on a narrow set of human parasites, relying heavily on bacterial surveys and rarely capturing the full multi-kingdom diversity of microbial partners. Important challenges include expanding research to encompass neglected parasite groups and their non-bacterial associates, establishing causal links between microbiome members and parasite phenotypes, and overcoming the technical barriers posed by low-biomass, host-contaminated and/or experimentally intractable systems. Progress will also depend on developing robust reference genomes and analytical tools that can resolve multi-kingdom communities and integrate parasite and symbiont biology. This chapter synthesizes current knowledge across helminths, protozoa, ectoparasites and plant-infecting parasites. We consider how microbiome manipulation may contribute to parasite control while recognizing the evolutionary and ecological complexities involved in altering host-parasite-microbiome interactions. Embracing an explicitly multi-kingdom, holobiont-focused perspective promises to illuminate fundamental aspects of parasitism. Such knowledge may contribute to new avenues for mitigating the impact of parasitic diseases on human and animal health, food security and ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid42210355,
year = {2026},
author = {Perfilyeva, YV and Mashzhan, AS and Kuatbek, MM and Ostapchuk, YO and Dosmagambet, ZM and Zhigailov, AV and Kuligin, AV and Bissenbay, AO and Kuatbekova, SA and Kan, SA and Lushova, AV and Abdolla, N and Nizkorodova, AS and Shapiyeva, ZZ and Sayakova, ZZ and Perfilyeva, AV and Berdygulova, ZA and Maltseva, ER and Skiba, YA and Dmitrovskiy, AM},
title = {Q fever in Kazakhstan: seroepidemiology, molecular evidence, and spatial distribution across livestock and ticks.},
journal = {BMC veterinary research},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42210355},
issn = {1746-6148},
support = {AP23487856//Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and High Education of Kazakhstan/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Q Fever/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; Kazakhstan/epidemiology ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Cattle ; Coxiella burnetii/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Cattle Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology ; Sheep ; *Ticks/microbiology ; *Sheep Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology ; Risk Factors ; Livestock/microbiology ; Antibodies, Bacterial/blood ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, remains a neglected zoonosis in Kazakhstan, with limited epidemiological data available. This study assessed the occurrence, spatial distribution, and risk factors of Q fever nationwide.<br><br>RESULTS: Between 2019 and 2024, 1,314 cattle and 1,689 small ruminants were sampled from 115 to 149 villages/cities, respectively, and 3,073 ticks were collected from 39 districts across Kazakhstan. Blood serum samples were screened for anti-C. burnetii antibodies by ELISA, while DNA from sheep milk and ticks was analyzed by qPCR, followed by partial sequencing of the 16&#xa0;S rRNA and IS1111 genes. Multiple spacer sequence typing was performed on selected C. burnetii - positive samples. Risk factors were evaluated in a GEE model, and spatial risk maps were generated via inverse distance weighting interpolation. The apparent individual seroprevalence was significantly higher in small ruminants (30.6%; 95% CI: 28.4 - 32.9) than in cattle (6.6%; 95% CI: 5.3 - 8.1; p < 0.0001). Herd-level prevalence was 12.9% (95% CI: 8.4 - 17.6) in cattle and 60.2% (95% CI: 52.5 - 67.6; p < 0.0001) in small ruminants. Pavlodar oblast exhibited the highest individual and herd-level seroprevalence in both species, whereas low seroprevalence (&#x2264; 11%) was observed in Atyrau, Mangystau, East Kazakhstan, and North Kazakhstan oblasts. Herd size was identified as a significant risk factor in both cattle and small ruminants. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in three of 77 (4%; 95% CI: 0.8 - 10.9) tested sheep milk samples. Overall, 7.6% of ticks (234/3,073; 95% CI: 6.7 - 8.6) tested positive for Coxiella spp., primarily H. scupense and D. niveus, likely including non-pathogenic endosymbionts. Thirteen samples were successfully sequenced and showed 99.7%-100% nucleotide identity in the IS1111 gene with reference C. burnetii isolates. The allele profile identified in the present study for the loci Cox2 - Cox5 - Cox18 was 3-8-15.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Q fever should be regarded as a potentially underrecognized and underreported infection in Kazakhstan. The exceptionally high prevalence observed in Pavlodar oblast in small ruminants and cattle underscores the urgent need to initiate monitoring of Q fever in the human population.},
}
@article {pmid42210512,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, MK and Wang, MR and Niu, YD and Bing, XL and Hong, XY},
title = {Silencing LsAtg8 reduces female fecundity and elevates Wolbachia density in embryos of the rice planthopper Laodelphax striatellus.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70934},
pmid = {42210512},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Key Research and Development Project of Hainan Province/ ; //National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; //National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Autophagy is essential for insect reproduction and endosymbiont homeostasis, with Atg8 serving as a key autophagy-related gene. However, the specific role of LsAtg8 in reproduction and endosymbiont regulation in Laodelphax striatellus has not been fully examined.<br><br>RESULTS: In this study, we discovered that LsAtg8 is expressed at higher levels in the fat body and&#xa0;ovaries of L.&#x2009;striatellus compared to other autophagy-related genes, regardless of endosymbiont Wolbachia infection status. Knockdown of LsAtg8 using RNA interference significantly reduced female fecundity and delayed oocyte development in Wolbachia-infected females, but not in uninfected females. RNA-seq analysis revealed that LsAtg8 interference caused significant changes in the fatty acid metabolism pathway in the ovary, and the expression of several genes, including trifunctional enzyme subunit alpha (HADHA), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acyl-CoA delta (11) desaturase (FAD&#x394;11), was altered. Additionally, LsAtg8 silencing increased Wolbachia levels in embryos and altered its dynamics of density during the development of nymphs without affecting the lifespan or reproductive capacity of the offspring.<br><br>CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a multifaceted role for Atg8 in the host-symbiont system and provide insights into pest management strategies targeting endosymbionts. &#xa9; 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid42212590,
year = {2026},
author = {Kwak, Y and Bennett, GM},
title = {Intrahost mutational dynamics parallel long-term genome evolution in endosymbionts.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {43},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42212590},
issn = {1537-1719},
support = {DBI-2214038//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/genetics ; *Mutation ; Genetic Variation ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Obligate endosymbionts of insects undergo extreme genome evolution, marked by accelerated molecular evolution, severe base-pair compositional bias, and massive gene loss. However, the microevolutionary processes driving these patterns remain poorly understood, as they occur at intrahost population scales that are rarely captured. To address this gap, we measured intrahost genetic diversity of two endosymbionts, Karelsulcia and Nasuia, from the aster leafhopper, Macrosteles quadrilineatus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Contrary to the theoretical expectation of strict clonality, we found that both endosymbionts harbor measurable intrahost genetic variation, with lineage-specific mutational dynamics that parallel long-term evolutionary trends. Karelsulcia showed sparse intrahost variation dominated by repeat-associated indels, while Nasuia exhibited more abundant single-nucleotide mutations that appear to shape genome-wide A + T bias. Mitochondrial heteroplasmy did not covary with endosymbiont nucleotide diversity, indicating that these patterns are not driven by host-level dynamics. Notably, recurrent nonsynonymous variants in Nasuia affect essential genes for amino acid biosynthesis and translation. The intrahost mutational patterns we observed in endosymbionts are consistent with long-term sequence changes between our population founder genome and contemporary endosymbiont populations after ∼11 years of maintenance. Taken together, our results demonstrate how distinct mutational processes operating at the intrahost population scale drive macroevolutionary patterns in endosymbiont genomes. Moreover, our study establishes that laboratory endosymbiont systems provide a powerful framework for dissecting and understanding these fundamental evolutionary processes.},
}
@article {pmid42218921,
year = {2026},
author = {Guo, F and Fu, W and Topalović, O and Zhang, Q and Li, K and Li, H and Qing, X},
title = {Genomic insights into nematode microbiomes reveal novel endosymbionts Rickettsiella.},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {223},
number = {},
pages = {108650},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2026.108650},
pmid = {42218921},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Nematoda/microbiology/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Coxiellaceae/genetics/classification ; Wolbachia/genetics/classification ; Genome, Bacterial ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Metagenome ; Genomics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Bacteroidetes/genetics/classification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bacterial endosymbionts are key drivers of invertebrate ecology and evolution. While the diversity and functional role of the nematode microbiome remain poorly explored.<br><br>METHODOLOGY: We reconstructed and characterized 108 metagenome-assembled genomes from 10 published and 15 newly sequenced nematode genomes.<br><br>PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We report the first evidence of Rickettsiella in nematodes and discovered novel endosymbionts Cardinium and Wolbachia in plant-parasitic nematodes. The nematode microbiome is enriched with genes for carbohydrate metabolism and the biosynthesis of essential amino acids and vitamins, indicating a potential primary role in host nutrition. Notably, mobile genetic elements like prophages and insertion sequences (IS) are widespread and carry passenger genes involved in vitamin biosynthesis, suggesting horizontal gene transfer facilitates metabolic adaptation. Genomic reduction in the nematode Rickettsiella lineage, reveals extensive gene loss, particularly in amino acid biosynthesis. Crucially, we find no evidence of purifying selection on its residual nutritional pathways, and thus cannot clearly support a mutualistic role for this association.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our findings expand the known host range of major endosymbiont groups and reveal a spectrum of symbiotic relationships in nematodes, from putative mutualism driven by nutritional supplementation to associations with neutral or parasitic traits, shaped by pervasive horizontal gene transfer and reductive genome evolution.},
}
@article {pmid42225012,
year = {2026},
author = {Nonnis, F and Corda, A and Zeinoun, P and Cavallo, L and Corda, F and Cubeddu, F and Rocca, S and Parpaglia, MLP and Mollica, A and Amatori, MA and Pentcheva, P and Careddu, GM and Arru, F and Gentile, C and Seu, E and Pede, A and Tamponi, C and Scala, A and Gabrielli, S and Varcasia, A},
title = {Feline heartworm disease in endemic settings: an integrated diagnostic approach.},
journal = {Research in veterinary science},
volume = {209},
number = {},
pages = {106280},
doi = {10.1016/j.rvsc.2026.106280},
pmid = {42225012},
issn = {1532-2661},
mesh = {Animals ; Cats ; *Dirofilariasis/epidemiology/diagnosis/parasitology ; *Cat Diseases/epidemiology/diagnosis/parasitology ; *Dirofilaria immitis/isolation &amp; purification/immunology ; Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Italy/epidemiology ; Female ; Male ; Echocardiography/veterinary ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary ; Antigens, Helminth/blood ; *Endemic Diseases/veterinary ; Prevalence ; Antibodies, Helminth/blood ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Feline heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is an emerging concern in endemic regions, although its epidemiology remains poorly defined due to diagnostic limitations. In Italy, available data on feline D. immitis infection are limited and largely based on serological investigations. The aim of the present study was to provide an epidemiological assessment of infection in cats across Sardinia, a region where canine dirofilariosis is endemic. A total of 141 cats were evaluated using a multimodal diagnostic approach including echocardiography, antigen detection, and the modified Knott's test. In addition, antibody detection by in-house ELISA and PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis were performed to deeply investigate the infection features. All cats underwent physical examination and clinical findings were recorded. Evidence of D. immitis infection was detected in 2.8% of cats by echocardiography, corresponding to the overall prevalence observed in the study, and in 2.1% by antigen detection, while microfilariae of D. immitis were detected in 0.7% of cats. Antibodies to Dirofilaria spp. were found in 14.9% of animals, indicating broader exposure. Wolbachia DNA was identified in 1.4% of samples. A significant association was observed between D. immitis positivity and the presence of compatible clinical signs such as coughing, dyspnea, and vomiting (P = 0.016). These findings confirm the presence of feline heartworm infection in Sardinia, highlighting the diagnostic complexity of the disease and the importance of prevention in endemic areas, given the severity of this parasitosis in cats and the current lack of an effective therapy.},
}
@article {pmid42228521,
year = {2026},
author = {Csorba, AB and Fora, CG and Balog, A},
title = {Diversity analyses of corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) endosymbiotic microbiome and soil microbiome-preliminary results.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {26},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42228521},
issn = {1536-2442},
support = {PN-III-P4-PCE-2021-0543//UEFISCDI Romania/ ; //Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technologies/ ; //University of Life Sciences/ ; //Timi&#x219;oara/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Symbiosis ; *Soil Microbiology ; Zea mays ; Europe ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; },
abstract = {The corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch (Hemiptera: Aphididae), microbial symbiont and 9 soil-type microbial diversities were genetically analyzed along a gradient of maize management systems that includes 3 different crop control strategies from 3 climatic regions. The central point of interest was to assess whether any similarity could be detected between the corn leaf aphid's rapid distribution increase throughout mainland Europe and variation in its endosymbiont microbiome diversity. According to the results, it was detected that the bacterial community differs between regions. The obligate symbiont Buchnera aphidicola dominated across all climate regions, while facultative symbionts such as Serratia symbiotica and Wolbachia varied in relative abundance under different temperature conditions. Fewer effects of soil types were detected. Our study comprises analyses about a pest aphid and its associated symbiont community in relation to ambient temperature conditions, and as such, we believe it may well help in the development of new control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid42228801,
year = {2025},
author = {Hanson, NB and Bates, AE and Dufour, SC},
title = {Ultrastructural Bacteriocyte Characterization among Chemosymbiotic Alviniconcha Snails from Hydrothermal Vents in the Indo-Pacific Oceans.},
journal = {The Biological bulletin},
volume = {248},
number = {2-3},
pages = {110-126},
doi = {10.1086/741341},
pmid = {42228801},
issn = {1939-8697},
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; Pacific Ocean ; *Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology ; *Snails/microbiology/ultrastructure ; Indian Ocean ; *Bacteria/ultrastructure ; },
abstract = {AbstractSymbiotic associations between deep-sea invertebrates and chemoautotrophic bacteria vary widely in terms of symbiont type, localization, and host nutritional strategy, yet host-symbiont dynamics remain poorly understood in some taxa. Here we advance knowledge of host-symbiont interactions within the snail genus Alviniconcha, which are abundant members of hydrothermal vent communities in the Indian and West Pacific Oceans. Using electron microscopy, we use comparative analyses based on the ultrastructural characteristics of the host bacteriocytes and bacterial symbionts. Despite previous assumptions that all Alviniconcha host endosymbiotic bacteria, we find that A. boucheti hosts episymbiotic bacteria, which densely populate the microvilli of bacteriocytes and appear to be endocytosed. Alviniconcha may also use species-specific organizational and nutritional strategies within bacteriocytes, supporting differences in symbiont maintenance and digestion. Alviniconcha adamantis and A. hessleri hosted endosymbionts in individual vacuoles with little evidence of symbiont digestion, A. kojimai and A. strummeri housed their symbionts similarly but with comparatively more evidence of digestion, and A. marisindica and A. boucheti stored symbionts in large multibacterial vacuoles, with the highest apparent degree of digestion in A. boucheti. Host species also differed in the density and morphotype of symbionts present, with all species hosting one to three morphotypes of symbionts resembling thiotrophic bacteria. In addition, both A. adamantis and A. hessleri harbored symbionts resembling methanotrophic bacteria, which genetic studies (16S rRNA amplicon and genomic) to date have not detected. This study provides the first genus-wide comparison of host-symbiont interactions in Alviniconcha, revealing key cellular features and advancing understanding of the diverse associations between hosts and their bacterial symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid42253138,
year = {2026},
author = {Steegmüller, T and Walch, S and Gschwendtner, S and Klingl, A and French, LE and Flaig, M and Clanner-Engelshofen, BM},
title = {Third Generation Genome Sequencing of the Endobacterium Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii subsp. demodicis Reveals Details of Its Microbe-Host-Interaction With the Most Complex Human Commensal, Demodex folliculorum.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {e70374},
pmid = {42253138},
issn = {1758-2229},
support = {//Medical &amp; Clinician Scientist Program (MCSP) at LMU Munich/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Symbiosis ; *Corynebacterium/genetics/physiology/metabolism/classification ; *Mites/microbiology ; Humans ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; },
abstract = {Demodex mites inhabit the pilosebaceous unit despite harsh environmental conditions including UV radiation, variable salinity, and cosmetics. Their recently characterized endobacterium may contribute to this resilience. This study aimed to elucidate mechanisms of the microbe-host interaction that help mites withstand environmental stress. The genome of Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii subsp. demodicis was sequenced using PacBio technology and annotated via MicroScope. Metabolic and symbiotic traits were analyzed using KEGG and compared with the Demodex folliculorum secretome from published transcriptome data. The complete 2,456,075 bp genome contains 2034 coding sequences and exhibits reduced variable genes compared to other Corynebacterium species. Primary metabolism comprises an almost complete minimal gene set but lacks two tRNA synthetases and genes for phosphatidylethanolamine and NAD[+] biosynthesis. Carbohydrate pathways are incomplete and fatty acid synthase I is absent. Secondary metabolism includes complete mevalonate and β-carotene biosynthetic pathways, while the methylerythritol phosphate pathway is missing. UV protection and oxidative stress tolerance are supported by β-carotene, ClpB, RecN, MsrA, KatA, SodA, and manganese transporter SitB. The secretome contains hydrolases likely aiding mite digestion. These findings provide genomic insights into mite-bacterium symbiosis and follicular adaptation. All functional inferences are based on genomic data and in silico predictions; experimental validation remains to be established.},
}
@article {pmid42256121,
year = {2026},
author = {Scheffer, SJ and Lewis, ML and Davies, KA and Giblin-Davis, RM and Taylor, GS and Nelson, LA and Purcell, MF and Makinson, JR and Ye, W and Omland, KE and Yeates, DK},
title = {Widespread Lateral Transmission in Fergusonina Galling Flies (Diptera: Fergusoninidae) and Their Obligate Nematode Mutualists Does Not Preclude an Overall Pattern of Cospeciation.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {e73511},
pmid = {42256121},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Cospeciation between symbionts or other tightly associated organisms is believed to occur primarily in the case of strict vertical transmission of the interaction from parents to offspring. In a unique and obligate mutualism, Fergusonina flies and Fergusobia nematodes together form galls on plants in the Myrtaceae, primarily in Australia. The intimate biology of this interaction strongly suggests the presence of strict vertical transmission of nematodes from female flies to daughters. We obtained both fly and nematode mitochondrial sequences from extractions from 136 female flies from 118 galls of Fergusonina daviesae, Fergusonina omlandi, and Fergusonina taylori, all of which feed on overlapping hosts and are broadly sympatric to syntopic. In each of these three focal species, there were many cases of multiple fly haplotypes associated with a single nematode haplotype and vice versa. In the haplotype networks and phylogenies within each species pair, the only case of related fly haplotypes being exclusively associated with related nematode haplotypes was for F. taylori where there was a largely concordant split between fly and nematode haplotypes from Tasmania and mainland Australia. Despite strong evidence of widespread lateral transfer of nematodes within fly species, there was no direct evidence of heterospecific transfer of nematodes. Consistent with this, phylogenetic analyses of 29 Fergusonina and Fergusobia pairs found highly concordant fly and nematode phylogenies indicative of an evolutionary history dominated by cospeciation. In Fergusonina and Fergusobia, what appears to be widespread breakdown of strict vertical transmission within several species does not preclude substantial cospeciation in these groups.},
}
@article {pmid42278533,
year = {2026},
author = {Ramadan, YN and Bukhari, SQ and Alatawi, Z and Oriquat, G and Ellah, NHA and Mohamedosman, EHA and Ahmed, R and Hetta, HF},
title = {Evolutionary Genomics of Human Gut Bacteria: Ecological Plasticity Across the Mutualism-Pathogenicity Spectrum.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {42278533},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *Symbiosis ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics/pathogenicity ; *Genomics/methods ; Animals ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Adaptation, Physiological ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {The human gut microbiome comprises a diverse community of bacteria whose interactions with the host range from beneficial mutualism to opportunistic pathogenicity. These interactions are shaped by genomic plasticity and ecological pressures that influence whether microbes support host health, remain conditionally harmless, or contribute to disease. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these shifts is essential for clarifying the balance between cooperation and pathogenicity within the gut ecosystem. This review explores the genomic and evolutionary mechanisms that shape microbial adaptation across the mutualism-pathogenicity spectrum in the human gut. Key processes, including horizontal gene transfer (HGT), host-mediated selection, and niche specialization, enable microbes to acquire, regulate, or retain traits that influence colonization, metabolic function, and virulence. These adaptive mechanisms allow gut bacteria to respond dynamically to ecological pressures such as inflammation, antibiotic exposure, and dietary change, resulting in context-dependent microbial behaviors. The review also considers how concepts from insect endosymbiosis may provide insight into gut microbial adaptation. While both systems exhibit host specialization, major differences in transmission mode, ecological flexibility, and genome evolution limit direct comparisons. Rather than following a fixed progression toward parasitism, gut microbes exhibit flexible adaptive strategies shaped by host and environmental conditions. By integrating ecological and evolutionary perspectives, this review presents a balanced framework for understanding how genomic adaptation influences microbial behavior in the gut. This perspective improves our understanding of dysbiosis and microbial pathogenesis and may support the development of microbiome-informed therapeutic strategies for maintaining host health.},
}
@article {pmid42281171,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, YX and Duan, YX and Wang, XY and Zhou, XL and Chen, L and Du, YZ},
title = {Wolbachia strain wLhui induces temperature-dependent incomplete cytoplasmic incompatibility in the invasive pest Liriomyza huidobrensis with biocontrol potential.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.71028},
pmid = {42281171},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Natural Science Foundation of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region/ ; //Young and Middle-aged Academic Leaders of the "Qinglan Project" of Yangzhou University/ ; //National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is a maternally inherited endosymbiont that manipulates host reproduction through cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), offering promising opportunities for biocontrol of agricultural pests. The leaf-miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) is a globally invasive and highly polyphagous pest with a high incidence of Wolbachia infection; however, its reproductive effects remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the reproductive manipulation induced by the Wolbachia strain wLhui using genomics analyses and crossing assays.<br><br>RESULTS: wLhui localized primarily to the reproductive tissues of both female and male adults and maintained a 100% infection prevalence across three host generations under both low (15 and 20&#x2009;&#xb0;C) and moderate (25&#x2009;&#xb0;C) temperatures. Crossing assays showed that wLhui induced incomplete CI, reducing egg hatch by approximately 30% in incompatible crosses. Both CI strength (sh) and wLhui density varied with host rearing temperature. Genome sequencing revealed that wLhui (approximately 1.27&#x2009;Mb) belongs to supergroup A and harbors two pairs of CI factor genes (cifA and cifB). These Cif proteins are classified as Type I and exhibit substantial phylogenetic and structural divergence. Expression of CifB-pair1 caused growth defects in yeast, suggesting that CifB-pair1 exhibits toxicity. However, no direct interaction between CifA and CifB was detected by yeast two-hybrid assays.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These findings elucidate the role and molecular basis of wLhui-induced reproductive manipulation and highlight its potential for developing Wolbachia-based biocontrol strategies against leaf-miner pests. &#xa9; 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid42282843,
year = {2026},
author = {Brenner, AE and Raghavan, R},
title = {Stepwise assembly of virulence-associated traits in the intracellular pathogen Coxiella burnetii.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42282843},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Coxiella burnetii is the only member of the order Legionellales known to primarily infect vertebrates. The Q fever pathogen is also unusual in that it replicates within an acidified phagolysosome-like vacuole. The evolutionary origins of the virulence determinants underlying this lifestyle remain unclear. More broadly, little is known about how virulence-related traits arise in specialized intracellular lineages, where access to foreign-origin DNA may be more episodic. To address this question, we used Legionellales-wide comparative phylogenomics to reconstruct the gain and loss of traits affecting host interaction, immune evasion, intracellular survival, and metabolism. We found that many virulence-associated traits in C. burnetii predate the modern pathogen and were assembled stepwise in ancestors that likely occupied niches distinct from the acidified vacuolar niche of modern C. burnetii. The common ancestor shared with soft-tick Coxiella endosymbionts likely encoded most C. burnetii type IVB secretion system effectors, indicating that much of the host-manipulation repertoire in C. burnetii was already present before the emergence of the modern pathogen. Distinctive lipopolysaccharide features associated with immune evasion also appear to have accumulated progressively within the Coxiella lineage, including genes implicated in synthesis of virenose, a unique O-antigen sugar critical for C. burnetii virulence. Traits likely to support replication in the acidic Coxiella-containing vacuole likewise accumulated gradually, with generalized stress-tolerance functions predating acquisition of an Mrp cation/proton antiporter that may have further supported pH homeostasis. Additional changes in sugar transport and catabolism, glycolytic control, and respiratory metabolism likely enhanced metabolic flexibility and access to diverse substrates in this nutrient-rich niche. Together, these findings support a model in which vertebrate pathogenicity in C. burnetii emerged through stepwise remodeling of an ancestral host-associated lineage and provide a framework for understanding how virulence-related traits evolve in specialized intracellular pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid42288294,
year = {2026},
author = {Gilliland, CA and Degnan, PH and Hansen, AK},
title = {Small RNAs and beyond: regulatory architectures of bacterial endosymbionts in insect hosts.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {77},
number = {},
pages = {101558},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2026.101558},
pmid = {42288294},
issn = {2214-5753},
abstract = {Insects frequently harbor intracellular bacterial symbionts whose genomes have undergone varying degrees of extreme reduction. This process eliminates many microbial genes required for a free-living lifestyle, including canonical transcription factors, sigma factors, and other regulatory proteins typically responsible for dynamic transcriptional and translational control. Despite this erosion of regulatory machinery, some obligate symbionts may still adjust metabolic output to meet host developmental, nutritional, and environmental demands. How gene expression is modulated in these streamlined genomes remains an open question. One proposed mechanism is post-transcriptional regulation mediated by bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs). Although some symbionts with moderately reduced genomes retain limited transcriptional responsiveness, symbionts with extremely reduced genomes often exhibit minimal variation in mRNA abundance across host conditions. In several systems, however, sRNAs are expressed, conserved across evolutionary timescales, and in some cases experimentally validated as functional regulators. These observations suggest that RNA-based mechanisms may compensate, at least in part, for the loss of canonical transcriptional control. Here, we synthesize current evidence for sRNA-mediated regulation in insect-associated bacteria, examine how genome reduction reshapes regulatory architectures, and outline conceptual and methodological challenges that remain for disentangling transcriptional and post-transcriptional control in obligate symbionts. We argue that integrative approaches, including multi-omics methods and in vitro genetic methods, will be essential to resolve how highly reduced symbiont genomes achieve regulatory flexibility despite severe constraints on conventional gene regulatory networks.},
}
@article {pmid42288432,
year = {2026},
author = {Lau, JY and Nakada-Tsukui, K and Fan, NW and Zaongo, SD and Hsu, BM and Ji, DD},
title = {First identification of Holosporales endosymbionts in Acanthamoeba spp. isolated from keratitis patients in Taiwan.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection = Wei mian yu gan ran za zhi},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jmii.2026.05.007},
pmid = {42288432},
issn = {1995-9133},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebas commonly found in various environmental settings and are recognized as opportunistic pathogens in humans. Endosymbiosis within Acanthamoeba, particularly involving bacteria, can enhance the pathogenic potential of both the host and symbiont, influencing human health risks. This study aims to characterize the clinical Acanthamoeba isolate and to identify and localize the Acanthamoeba endosymbiont.<br><br>METHODS: Environmental and clinical Acanthamoeba isolates were collected and identified through morphological analysis and 18S rRNA gene sequencing. The presence of bacterial endosymbionts was determined using PCR amplification targeting 16S rRNA and gltA genes. Phylogenetic analysis characterized Acanthamoeba and the bacterial endosymbiont.<br><br>RESULTS: PCR and cultivation methods identified Acanthamoeba in 40% of clinical samples, with phylogenetic analysis revealing that all isolated clinical strains belonged to the T4 genotype, while environmental strains were classified as T3, T4, and T5. Phylogenetic analysis of the DF3 region in Acanthamoeba 18S rDNA classified clinical and environmental isolates into six T4 sub-genotypes. Two clinical isolates harbored bacterial endosymbionts from the order Holosporales, as supported by 16S rRNA and gltA gene analyses. Fluorescence microscopy revealed the intracellular DNA-containing structures consistent with endosymbiont localization.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our study reveals the genetic diversity of Acanthamoeba isolates from clinical and environmental sources and highlights the widespread presence of bacterial endosymbionts. These findings underscore the need for continued surveillance and advanced genomic studies to understand endosymbiont-Acanthamoeba interactions and their potential impact on public health.},
}
@article {pmid42293174,
year = {2026},
author = {Sunantaraporn, S and Khositharattanakool, P and Somwang, P and Leemingsawat, P and Pattrapruettada, P and Ariyaskul, D and Hongboontry, T and Cherdchoochart, C and Boonserm, R and Pataradool, T and Siriyasatien, P},
title = {Molecular identification and characterization of Wolbachia and Cardinium with co-occurrence of Leishmania spp. in Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from leishmaniasis-affected areas of Thailand.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology &amp; vector-borne diseases},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {100387},
pmid = {42293174},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {Biting midges of the genus Culicoides have been identified as potential vectors for the transmission of species of the Leishmania subgenus Mundinia, the causative agents of autochthonous leishmaniasis in Thailand. Vector competence may be potentially affected by bacterial endosymbionts; however, there is no known correlation between these endosymbionts and Leishmania parasites in Culicoides biting midges. In this study, we aimed to explore the prevalence and association of bacterial endosymbionts and the detection of Leishmania DNA in Culicoides spp. Female midges were captured at five sampling sites in areas with autochthonous leishmaniasis in northern and southern Thailand. Culicoides species were identified using both morphological characteristics and cox1 sequencing. The presence of Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Leishmania DNA in individual midges was molecularly screened targeting the wsp and 16S rRNA genes, and the ITS1 region, respectively. All amplification products were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. A total of 593 female midges were collected, comprising 21 species of Culicoides and one species of Culicoides (Trithecoides). The Wolbachia isolates from infected Culicoides spp. were phylogenetically classified into supergroups A, B, and F. Six Wolbachia putative strains belonged to clade Wol-b (Wol-b1 to Wol-b6), two to clade Wol-a (Wol-a1 and Wol-a2), and one to clade Wol-f (Wol-f1). Three Wolbachia strains were identified as wKerlac, wBeva_B, and wCauA. Moreover, both Cardinium groups A and C were identified. It is noteworthy that co-infections between bacterial endosymbionts and Leishmania spp. showed a significant association. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of Wolbachia and Cardinium in Culicoides spp. from leishmaniasis-affected areas in Thailand. Detecting bacterial endosymbionts co-occurring with Leishmania spp. in Culicoides biting midges may suggest a potential, but unconfirmed, antagonistic effect on Leishmania. This provides preliminary data that could inform the development of new vector control strategies for diseases transmitted by Culicoides spp. in Thailand.},
}
@article {pmid42296358,
year = {2026},
author = {Ewart, KM and Adams, MWD and Zhang, Z and Baker, L and Fujiwara, K and Hayashi, Y and Featherstone, LA and Lu, OL and Helbling, JES and Moral, M and Maekawa, K and Rose, H and Jex, A and Ho, SYW and Lo, N},
title = {Uncovering thousands of endosymbiont DNA transfer events within single cockroach genomes.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {25},
pages = {e2604240123},
pmid = {42296358},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {FT160100463//Australian Research Council/ ; DP220103265//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Cockroaches/genetics/microbiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Genome, Insect ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between organisms can be a valuable source of genetic variation and innovation. Research on HGT in eukaryotes has hitherto focused on transfers of coding sequences; insertions of noncoding DNA remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated HGT in cockroaches, which have a long-standing evolutionary relationship with the transovarially transmitted endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti, making them a valuable system for assessing the potential scale of HGT. We aligned 150-bp genomic fragments of B. cuenoti to 23 cockroach and termite genomes, including 8 genomes newly sequenced, and revealed pervasive endosymbiont DNA transfer events. Australian panesthiine and geoscapheine cockroaches were consistently found to harbor >3000 HGT inserts, more than an order of magnitude higher than the previous maximum estimate in other eukaryotes, excluding rotifers. Some inserts appear to have persisted for ≥28.7 million years in this group, which may reflect functional roles. We identified numerous chimeric inserts comprising up to nine short segments from different locations in the B. cuenoti genome. Our findings indicate pervasive HGT in eukaryote genomes, with potentially far-reaching implications for adaptation and speciation.},
}
@article {pmid42301021,
year = {2026},
author = {Echeverry-Pérez, JS and Castelli, M and Muñoz-Leal, S and Nava, S and Sassera, D and Sánchez-Vialas, A and Olmeda, AS and Valcárcel, F and Uribe, JE},
title = {Genomic evolution of Francisella: metabolic innovation, endosymbiotic transitions to ticks, and biogeographic history.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evag135},
pmid = {42301021},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Ticks (Ixodida) are the second most important vectors of infectious diseases in vertebrates, after mosquitoes. Beyond vector roles, they maintain mutualistic associations with bacteria, including endosymbionts that provide essential B vitamins lacking in their blood-based diet. The most extensively studied endosymbionts belong to the genera Coxiella, Midichloria, and Francisella. The genus Francisella encompasses endosymbionts (FE), pathogens (FP), opportunistic pathogens (FO) and free-living environmental strains (FL), making it a powerful system for evolutionary and comparative genomic analyses. In this study, total DNA from six adult female ticks of the genera Hyalomma and Amblyomma was sequenced to generate new FE genomes. Seven deeply sequenced public metagenomes were also assembled, yielding 71 Francisella and three Allofrancisella strains. This dataset supported phylogenomic reconstruction and comparison of genomic features, including vitamin biosynthesis and virulence pathways, with a focus on transitions to tick endosymbiosis. A densely sampled MLST phylogeny was constructed to explore biogeographic patterns. Our results show that, except for FE, no ecological trait is monophyletic, supporting an origin of Francisella diversity from free-living ancestors. Biogeography suggests Palearctic and Afrotropical FE strains are derived and may involve horizontal transfers. Francisella comparative genomics reveals two contrasting profiles: environmental generalists and host-restricted specialists. These findings reinforce the role of tick FEs as nutritional mutualists, retaining key pathways such as riboflavin, shikimate, and biotin biosynthesis. In contrast, virulence is not ancestrally conserved but an innovation in pathogenic lineages, largely degraded in tick FEs. These results advance understanding of endosymbiont evolution and provide genomic insights with potential for disease control.},
}
@article {pmid42310879,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, B and Pan, Y and Harefa, AMS and Zhou, H and Li, J and Wang, Y and Hansen, PJ and Lundholm, N and Altenburger, A and Li, Q},
title = {Decoding a Multigenomic Symphony: Divergent Evolutionary Tempos Across the Four Genomic Compartments of Teleaulax Cryptophytes.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {12},
pages = {e70441},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70441},
pmid = {42310879},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {SKJC-2024-01-002//Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City/ ; 32370666//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 4181-00484//Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond/ ; SYSPG20241211173844007//Shenzhen Science and Technology Program/ ; },
mesh = {*Cryptophyta/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Genome, Plastid/genetics ; *Genome, Plant ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Phylogeny ; Plastids/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Secondary endosymbiosis drives eukaryotic diversification by integrating genetic compartments from disparate lineages, yet how the host and endosymbiont genomes co-evolve over deep time remains poorly understood. Cryptophytes provide a compelling model to dissect this integration, as they uniquely retain four distinct genomes within a single cell: the host nucleus and mitochondrion, alongside a red algal-derived plastid and its relict nucleus (nucleomorph). Here, we investigate the evolutionary and regulatory dynamics of these four coexisting genomes in two ecologically important cryptophytes, Teleaulax amphioxeia and Teleaulax acuta. We reveal a striking decoupling of evolutionary tempos across these genomic compartments. Plastid genomes exhibit structural and functional stasis, while mitochondrial genomes, despite also maintaining high synteny, show faster sequence evolution and mobile element invasion. Nucleomorph genomes evolves even more rapidly, but their gene expression is rigid, with regulatory flexibility limited to a small, conserved set of plastid-supporting genes. Intriguingly, Teleaulax host nuclear genomes have undergone massive expansion, likely driven by ancient whole-genome duplication that might explain their greatest divergence among the four genomic compartments. This divergence is further characterised by differential expansion of gene families (e.g., PHYB-like photoreceptors and motor-related proteins) potentially linked to ecological adaptation. Diel transcriptomic analyses highlight conserved core metabolic responses across both species, but also unveil lineage-specific adaptations, such as enhanced circadian regulation in T. acuta associated with PHYB-like gene expansion. Overall, our findings uncover a constraint gradient from plastid stasis to high evolutionary flexibility toward nucleus, highlighting how secondary plastid-bearing cells achieve a balance between long-term stability and adaptive innovation.},
}
@article {pmid42312182,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Z and Zhu, Y and Liu, X and Li, Z and Bai, J and Zou, M and Zhang, C and Liu, Y and Li, F and He, K},
title = {iSymBase: an integrative functional-genomic platform for ecological exploration of insect symbionts.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {ycag128},
pmid = {42312182},
issn = {2730-6151},
abstract = {Insect symbionts play essential roles in host biology, influencing nutrition, immunity, reproduction, and environmental adaptation, ultimately shaping insect physiology, ecology, and evolution. With the rapid growth of functional and genomic datasets on insect symbionts, there remains a critical need for a dedicated platform to systematically compile, organize, and analyze these datasets from an integrative ecological perspective. Here, we developed an insect Symbiont database, named as iSymBase, by manually curating functional records and genomic datasets of insect symbionts from published academic literature. Currently, iSymBase contains over 2657 insect symbiont functional records spanning 795 host species, along with 1494 metagenomes, 14 992 amplicon datasets, and standardized genome and gene catalogs, providing a comprehensive resource for ecological and comparative insect symbiont researches. iSymBase offers standardized query functionalities, such as data browsing, keyword associative search, sequence alignment, data download, and submission. Beyond conventional database functionalities, iSymBase provides several innovative tools: insect-symbiont interaction network for host-symbiont ecological relationships, a batch annotation tool for detecting ecologically functional symbionts from microbiome profiles, and an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot iSymSeek designed to assist researchers with related knowledge queries. Taken together, iSymBase will serve as an open-access and continually updated platform for storing, querying, and analyzing insect symbiont data, supporting ecological exploration of host-symbiont interactions, symbiont functional diversity, and microbiome-driven adaptation. Database URL: http://symbiont.insect-genome.com/.},
}
@article {pmid42314065,
year = {2026},
author = {Wilson, J and Wedell, N},
title = {Do interactions between different Selfish Genetic Elements matter?.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voag045},
pmid = {42314065},
issn = {1420-9101},
abstract = {Most organisms carry mobile DNA that enhance their own transmission to subsequent generations, generating conflict with the host genome. The selfish transmission invoked by these selfish genetic elements (SGEs) has promoted a variety of countermeasures by the host genome to reduce their impact. Maternally inherited endosymbionts are common in arthropods and frequently manipulate host reproduction, and transposable elements (TEs) are an exceptionally abundant and diverse group of SGEs. Their activity and abundance vary drastically between even closely related species and can generate evolutionary consequences of both lethal and beneficial effects. Yet, despite their plentitude, many questions remain regarding the potential interactions between different SGEs. This is in part a methodological problem as TEs, for example, often reside in highly repetitive genomic regions, making them difficult to detect. Innovations in genomics have driven renewed interest, particularly with long-read sequencing resolving repetitive regions. We can now begin to define and answer important outstanding questions. For instance, it is unclear how different types of SGEs, including TEs, may interact within host genomes. For example, while different SGEs may compete for host resources (such as availability of molecular machinery), they may also cooperate or even behave parasitically toward each other, as in the case of some TEs. Here we take an "ecology of the genome" approach to examine such interactions that, together with choice examples, may help further our understanding of how interactions between different SGE shape genome evolution.},
}
@article {pmid42316931,
year = {2026},
author = {Dias, JT and Santos, AD and Alves, MAPMS and de Souza, CWO and Pilau, EJ and Rodrigues-Filho, E},
title = {Anthraquinones From Epicoccum sp., a Fungus Isolated From Gut of Dione juno That Feeds on Passifloras.},
journal = {Chemistry &amp; biodiversity},
volume = {23},
number = {6},
pages = {e71431},
pmid = {42316931},
issn = {1612-1880},
support = {311152/2016-3//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; 304867/2017-9//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; 408558/2024-5//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; 001//Coordena&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Aperfei&#xe7;oamento de Pessoal de N&#xed;vel Superior/ ; 2019/04900-2//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo/ ; },
mesh = {*Anthraquinones/chemistry/isolation &amp; purification/pharmacology ; Animals ; *Ascomycota/chemistry/metabolism ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation &amp; purification ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Molecular Structure ; },
abstract = {Among The insects that visit Passifloras, adults of Dione juno juno lay its eggs on leaves where the recent born larva feeds and grow during great part of their life-cycle, causing important negative impact on plant development. Recently, we decided to investigate the intestinal microbiota of the larva stage of this butterfly, in order to figure out how these microorganisms interact with each other. In the present study, during one of these microorganisms isolation it was obtained the fungus Epicoccum sp. along with five bacteria. Studies toward the discover of natural substances produced by this Epicoccum using mass spectrometry (MS/MS, molecular network by GNPS) and NMR spectroscopy of isolated compounds, resulted in the annotation and identification of 11 compounds belonging to the anthraquinone class of natural products. The major isolated anthraquinones were paquibasin (1), chrysophanol (2), paquibasic acid (3), and phomarin (4), two of which (1 and 2) were tested for their activity against five putatively Bacillus bacterial strains (L-409, L-410, L-411, 412, and L-414) which were co-isolated with the fungus Epicoccum, being three bacteria susceptible, with compounds 1 and 2 shown to be the greater inhibitors, c.a. 30% of the amoxicillin potency.},
}
@article {pmid42324209,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Q and Ross, PA and Gill, A and Gu, X and Durugkar, N and Chang, J and Holland, OJ and Umina, PA and Vorburger, C and Kristensen, TN and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Native Regiella Endosymbionts Provide Strong Parasitoid Protection With Limited Impacts on Fitness and Virus Transmission in Myzus persicae.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {6},
pages = {e70357},
pmid = {42324209},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {UOM1906-002RTX//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; UOM2404-006RT//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; ST23002//Hort Innovation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/virology/parasitology/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Wasps/physiology ; Australia ; Luteoviridae/physiology ; },
abstract = {A substantial literature has developed on facultative endosymbionts of insects, often portrayed as having large effects on their hosts, ranging from mutualistic to parasitic. The aphid endosymbiont Regiella insecticola occurs naturally in Myzus persicae and has potential biocontrol applications. Here, we examined the effects of native Regiella in two clones of M. persicae from Australia collected two decades apart, to assess whether these effects could explain the persistence of Regiella in natural populations. Genome sequencing revealed > 99.99% similarity between the Regiella strains from these clones. Regiella was stable in laboratory cultures and transmitted horizontally on excised leaves and intact plants. Fitness assays showed Regiella had modest costs to aphid reproduction but provided some benefits under heat stress, with no host-plant-specific effects. Regiella did not impact transmission of turnip yellows virus. Regiella provided strong protection against parasitism by two common parasitoid wasps, Diaeretiella rapae and Aphidius colemani. These findings indicate that while Regiella has limited fitness effects on M. persicae in the absence of parasitoids, its strong protection against parasitism underscores an important ecological function. However, these effects alone are not sufficient to explain the low incidence of Regiella in natural M. persicae populations, despite evidence for horizontal transfer.},
}
@article {pmid42328691,
year = {2026},
author = {Loku Gamage, N and Ranasinghe, K and Rodrigo, W},
title = {Molecular Characterization of Wolbachia Endosymbionts and Their Association With Canine Dirofilariasis in Colombo District, Sri Lanka.},
journal = {Journal of parasitology research},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {9996613},
pmid = {42328691},
issn = {2090-0023},
abstract = {Canine dirofilariasis is caused by Dirofilaria, a type of filarial parasite that can also infect humans and is becoming a growing concern in Sri Lanka. Previous studies have noted that Sri Lanka has some of the highest numbers of dirofilariasis cases in Asia. This study was aimed at detecting Wolbachia bacteria-which are found inside Dirofilaria parasites-using molecular methods and also at identifying which Dirofilaria species are present in dogs in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Blood was collected from 368 dogs of various breeds between May and December 2025. Of these, only 35 samples (9.51%) tested positive for microfilaria using a microscope. These samples were then analyzed using DNA extraction and PCR with both general Dirofilaria and species-specific primers. At the same time, samples were also screened for Wolbachia, a bacterium that is important for Dirofilaria survival and reproduction, using Wolbachia-specific primers (wsp). Of the 35 microfilaria-positive samples, 18 (51.43%) were positive for Dirofilaria, and of those 18, only three (16.67%) were positive for Wolbachia. Among the Dirofilaria-positive samples, one (5.56%) was identified as Dirofilaria immitis, 11 (61.11%) as Dirofilaria repens, and three (16.67%) as Dirofilaria asiatica; a few samples did not match any of the species-specific primers. The PCR products for both Dirofilaria and Wolbachia were verified by gel electrophoresis and sequencing. The sequence results showed the presence of D. repens and D. asiatica in dogs. Importantly, this is the first molecular evidence of D. immitis in Sri Lanka and the first molecular identification of Wolbachia in Dirofilaria species in the country. The study also found that both D. repens and D. immitis can infect the same dog. These findings provide new information about canine dirofilariasis in Sri Lanka and highlight the need for Wolbachia-targeted parasite control and accurate molecular diagnosis to guide treatment and control efforts.},
}
@article {pmid42331868,
year = {2026},
author = {Kernif, T and Lozano, C and Khardine, FA and Medrouh, B and Hachid, A and Fernandez, B and Eddaikra, N and Delbecq, S and Armengaud, J and Sereno, D and Holzmuller, P},
title = {Pilot metaproteomic profiling reveals bacterial diversity and potential medical and veterinary relevance of tick microbiomes in northern Algeria.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-58580-1},
pmid = {42331868},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {LeiSHeild-RISE MATI Grant N&#xb0;778298//Horizon 2020 Framework Programme/ ; },
abstract = {Ticks are major ectoparasites and vectors of pathogens affecting humans, livestock, and wildlife. They harbor diverse microbial communities that may influence tick biology and interactions with microorganisms; however, functional information on tick-associated microbiomes remains limited, particularly in North Africa. In this pilot study, we applied a metaproteomic approach based on high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry to characterize bacterial communities associated with three tick species collected in Algeria: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Hyalomma aegyptium, and Hyalomma dromedarii. Peptide spectra were assigned to taxa using a two-step database search strategy based on NCBInr, and bacterial composition and relative abundance were compared across tick species and sampling locations. A total of 40 bacterial genera belonging to 32 families and four phyla were identified. Microbiome composition differed significantly between tick genera and collection locations, suggesting an influence of species-specific and geographical factors on microbial community structure. Dominant genera included Streptomyces, Bacillus, Clostridium, Escherichia, Flavobacterium, Paenibacillus, and Providencia. Peptides related to Coxiella spp. were frequently detected, consistent with previous reports of Coxiella-like endosymbionts in ticks. This pilot study provides a first metaproteomic characterization of tick-associated communities in Algeria. The results reveal species- and location-associated differences in microbial composition and highlight the potential of metaproteomics for exploring tick-associated microbiomes in North Africa.},
}
@article {pmid42332854,
year = {2026},
author = {Bell-Sakyi, L and Koivisto, E and Strunov, A and Hartley, C and Khoo, JJ and Chrostek, E and Hua-Van, A and Makepeace, BL and Miller, WJ},
title = {New cell lines derived from larvae of the neotropical fruit fly Drosophila willistoni persistently infected with Wolbachia.},
journal = {Fly},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {2690767},
pmid = {42332854},
issn = {1933-6942},
support = {223743/Z/21/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/physiology/isolation &amp; purification ; *Drosophila/microbiology/cytology ; Cell Line/microbiology ; Larva/microbiology/cytology ; Symbiosis ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; },
abstract = {Although several hundred continuous cell lines have been generated from Drosophila spp. fruit flies over the past half-century, nearly all are derived from a single species, Drosophila melanogaster, and none are derived from neotropical flies. To address this deficit, a simplified protocol was used to generate three primary cell cultures from larvae of Drosophila willistoni originating from Costa Rica. All three primary cultures developed into continuous cell lines, and all three cell lines, designated DWL/LULS68, DWL/LULS70 and DWL/LULS72, were found to be persistently infected with the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia. Sublines free of Wolbachia were generated from all three cell lines by prolonged tetracycline treatment. Molecular analysis, karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed species origin of the cells as D. willistoni and identified the Wolbachia as the strain wWil. Wolbachia wWil was successfully transferred from D. willistoni cells to heterologous cell lines derived from the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, the biting midge Culicoides sonorensis and the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans, but not to cell lines derived from ticks or triatomine bugs. The new D. willistoni cell lines are expected to facilitate many aspects of research into this species and its bacterial symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid42334427,
year = {2026},
author = {Garber, AI and Nwachukwu, J and Stikeleather, R and York, C and McCutcheon, JP},
title = {The transcriptional and translational outcomes for pseudogenes in bacterial endosymbionts.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {43},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42334427},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {*Pseudogenes ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Protein Biosynthesis ; Animals ; Ribosomes/metabolism ; Transcription, Genetic ; *Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Intracellular bacteria in the early stages of host adaptation often show extraordinarily disrupted genomes, where up to half of their ancestral genes are found in a pseudogenized state. The mealybug Pseudococcus longispinus hosts two bacterial endosymbionts with high pseudogene loads, Symbiopectobacterium endolongispinus and Sodalis endolongispinus. Here, we measure transcript abundance, ribosome-associated RNA, and protein abundance in these bacterial symbionts to understand how bacteria avoid (or fail to avoid) accumulating large amounts of non-functional RNAs and proteins from these pseudogenes. Consistent with previous work, we show that pseudogene transcripts remain detectable, but at lower levels compared to those from intact and functional genes, and that relatively few pseudogenes yield detectable proteins in proteomic data. However, we find that many pseudogene transcripts still bind to Symbiopectobacterium ribosomes, and uncover a possible role for the tmRNA ribosome rescue system in the targeting of pseudogene proteins for degradation. Our results suggest a possible mechanism by which bacterial endosymbionts remove aberrant pseudogene-derived proteins during the critical time when many pseudogenes have formed but not enough time has passed for sequence evolution to erode ribosome binding sites from pseudogene transcripts.},
}
@article {pmid42338749,
year = {2026},
author = {O'Connor, LM and Singh, A and Luallen, RJ and Zhang, G and Andersen, EC},
title = {Searching for vertically transmitted endosymbionts in over 4,000 wild strains of three self-fertilizing Caenorhabditis species.},
journal = {microPublication biology},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42338749},
issn = {2578-9430},
abstract = {Vertically transmitted endosymbionts are microbes that live inside host cells and are transmitted between parent and offspring. Free-living nematodes interact with a wide variety of microbes but no vertically transmitted microbes have been discovered. To identify vertically transmitted microbes in Caenorhabditis briggsae , Caenorhabditis elegans , and Caenorhabditis tropicalis wild strains, we isolated DNA and sequenced over 4,000 different wild strains where horizontally transmitted microbes were removed. Then, we taxonomically classified unaligned sequence reads and experimentally probed strains with possible vertically transmitted microbes. We found no experimental evidence of vertically transmitted microbes in any of these strains.},
}
@article {pmid42340023,
year = {2026},
author = {Pei, T and Nwanade, CF and Liang, X and Zhang, Y and Wang, Z and Liu, Z and Dai, Y and Zhang, X and Yu, Z},
title = {Environmental Low Temperatures Dynamically Reshape the Microbial Diversity and Community Structure of the Vector Tick Haemaphysalis longicornis.},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {122},
number = {2},
pages = {e70182},
pmid = {42340023},
issn = {1520-6327},
support = {2026ZD01909100//National Science and Technology Major Project/ ; 32071510//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; *Cold Temperature ; *Haemaphysalis longicornis/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Arachnid Vectors/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Low temperature is a key abiotic factor shaping tick-associated microbial communities, which in turn influence host physiology, vector competence, and environmental adaptation. However, the impact of prolonged cold exposure, such as overwintering conditions, on the microbiome of the invasive tick Haemaphysalis longicornis remains insufficiently characterized in terms of its microbial response. In this study, unfed adult ticks were subjected to a gradient of low temperatures (8°C, 4°C, 0°C, -4°C) for 7 days, while a control group was maintained at 27°C. The bacterial communities of whole ticks were characterized using Illumina NovaSeq-based 16S rRNA gene sequencing, followed by comprehensive bioinformatics analyses to evaluate alpha diversity, beta diversity, taxonomic composition, and differentially abundant taxa. The results showed that cold exposure markedly reshaped the microbial community structure, with an overall increase in alpha diversity (Shannon index) observed in several treatment groups. Across all samples, the dominant bacterial phyla included Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota. Notable shifts were detected at the genus level, particularly in Coxiella endosymbiont and Pseudomonas, whose relative abundances changed substantially under low-temperature conditions. In addition, microbial responses exhibited clear sex-specific patterns: Escherichia-Shigella and Serratia were enriched in certain cold-treated groups, whereas Staphylococcus showed a reduction in males exposed to low temperatures. The endosymbiont Coxiella was significantly enriched in male ticks at 8°C (p = 0.009). Beta diversity analysis further demonstrated distinct clustering of the -4°C male group relative to all other groups. Collectively, these findings indicate that sustained low temperatures drive pronounced and sex-dependent restructuring of the bacterial microbiome in H. longicornis. The enrichment of specific taxa, including putative nutritional symbionts such as Coxiella, under cold stress conditions suggests a potential role for microbial communities in facilitating host adaptation to low-temperature environments, thereby providing new insights into the ecological dynamics and adaptive capacity of this invasive vector species.},
}
@article {pmid42347222,
year = {2026},
author = {Asrat, Y and Bayleyegn, B and Willcox, M and Carnt, N and Rayamajhee, B},
title = {The Implication of Horizontal Gene Transfer Between Acanthamoeba and Its Intracellular Microbes on Pathogenicity: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42347222},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {*Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Acanthamoeba/genetics/pathogenicity ; Humans ; Virulence/genetics ; Animals ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba is a free-living protozoan widely distributed in the environment and causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, skin, and brain disease. Acanthamoeba can exchange genes, potentially increasing antimicrobial resistance and virulence. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to summarize published studies on horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between Acanthamoeba and its intracellular microorganisms and to evaluate the impact of HGTs on the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba.<br><br>METHODS: This systematic review was conducted following the recommended reporting guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement guideline. The electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were used to search for relevant published research articles.<br><br>RESULTS: Nineteen studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. A total of 14 (73.6%) studies reported evidence of HGT involving Acanthamoeba, and five studies of the nineteen (26.3%) analysed the presence of intracellular microorganisms on the pathological effects of the host Acanthamoeba. Horizontally transferred genes were predominantly reported from Pseudomonas species, Legionella pneumophila, and Chlamydia species.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: HGT can occur among intracellular microorganisms and their host Acanthamoeba. Acanthamoeba harbouring intracellular microbes showed enhanced pathogenic effects on human corneal epithelial cells and in a mouse model. However, heterogeneity among the included studies precluded meta-analysis. Studies using clinical and environmental samples are needed to characterize the horizontal transfer of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes.},
}
@article {pmid42347253,
year = {2026},
author = {Yean, S and Prasetyo, DB and Chao, S and Vuth, L and Prot, M and Baidaliuk, A and Bonnet, S and Simon-Loriere, E and Boyer, S},
title = {Combining PCR and Metagenomic Approaches to Reveal Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Collected from Livestock and Companion Animals in Cambodia.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42347253},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Animals ; Cambodia/epidemiology ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/veterinary/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; *Livestock/parasitology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Cattle ; *Ticks/microbiology/virology/parasitology ; Dogs ; Tick Infestations/veterinary ; Bacteria/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; },
abstract = {In Cambodia, livestock production plays an important role in the national economy and food security, yet tick-borne diseases remain an underrecognized constraint on animal health and productivity. Domestic animals may also serve as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens in this predominantly rural setting. To address the lack of baseline molecular data on tick-borne pathogens in Cambodia, we conducted a cross-sectional study of ticks collected from November 2022 to April 2023 across 24 provinces. Ticks were collected from various hosts and environments, including cats, cattle, dogs, goats, pangolins, pythons, wild pigs, and bat cave floors, representing urban, rural, farm, wildlife rescue center, and forest fringe habitats. A total of 1526 ticks belonging to nine species were pooled into 352 samples and screened using conventional PCR (cPCR) targeting Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, and Coxiella. Additionally, a subset of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks was analyzed using metatranscriptomic next-generation sequencing (NGS). Rhipicephalus microplus ticks collected from cattle tested positive for Anaplasma marginale (1.1% of pools) and Ehrlichia minasensis (0.9% of pools), whereas Rhipicephalus linnaei ticks collected from dogs were positive for Anaplasma platys (0.3% of pools) and Babesia canis (2.0% of pools). A high prevalence of Coxiella-like endosymbionts (15.6% of pools) was found in R. microplus from both cattle and goats. Metatranscriptomic analysis also identified six tick-associated viruses in R. microplus from cattle; with Guangdong tick manly virus being the most dominant (32.5% of samples); followed by Zhangzhou Totiv tick virus 1 (15.0%), Jingmen tick virus (5.0%), and Mogiana tick virus; Rhipicephalus-associated rhabdo-like virus; and Rhipicephalus-associated flavi-like virus; each at 2.5%. These findings provide the first molecular evidence of numerous bacterial, protozoal, and viral pathogens circulating in R. microplus and R. linnaei in Cambodia. The study highlights the need for integrated One Health surveillance to better understand, prevent, and control tick-borne diseases in the region.},
}
@article {pmid42347259,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, ZY and Chen, GQ and Xue, J and Chi, YX and Jian, R and Guo, WP},
title = {Molecular Detection of Coxiella-like Endosymbionts in Ticks in Hebei, China.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42347259},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {C2022406003//Hebei Natural Science Foundation/ ; BJ2020024//Young Talent Program of Higher School in Hebei Province/ ; 202001//Scientific Research Foundation for High-level Talents of Chengde Medical University/ ; 213777109D//Key Research and Development Program of Hebei Province/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; China ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Coxiella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/classification ; *Symbiosis ; *Haemaphysalis longicornis/microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Chaperonin 60/genetics ; *Ticks/microbiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Ticks are widely distributed in China and can carry and transmit a variety of pathogens that potential to cause serious impacts on public health and the economy. Little is known about the broader spectrum of Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) in ticks under natural conditions in China. The aim of this study was to detect, analyze, and characterize phylogenetically CLE found in ticks in Hebei Province, China. A total of 947 ticks collected from Hebei Province were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis based on morphological characteristics and cytochrome c oxidase gene PCR analysis of extracted DNA. Subsequently, DNA was analyzed via PCR for the IS1111 gene (frequently associated with Coxiella burnetii), and the amplified DNA was then sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically using a set of primers targeting the 16S rRNA, groEL, and rpoB genes. A total of 8.24% (78/947) of ticks from the Chengde, Baoding, and Cangzhou regions were positive in the IS1111 PCR. Phylogenetic analysis using the 16S rRNA, groEL, and rpoB genes revealed the presence of CLE in Ha. longicornis ticks from these regions and the formation of two distinct clades, suggesting horizontal gene transfer events. Our results strengthen the growing evidence that CLE, not Coxiella burnetii, is ubiquitously associated with ticks across diverse geographic locations-a distinction critical for accurately interpreting tick microbiome surveys and avoiding false assumptions of zoonotic risk.},
}
@article {pmid42355318,
year = {2026},
author = {Masood, M and Iqbal, Z and Mustafa, R and Al Hashedi, SA and AlShoaibi, A and Briddon, RW},
title = {Prevalence and Distribution of Endosymbionts in Bemisia tabaci Populations from Pakistan: Dominance of Arsenophonus in Indigenous Asia II-1 Population.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {42355318},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Bemisia tabaci is a globally destructive agricultural pest and an efficient vector of begomoviruses, which cause recurrent epidemics across South Asia, including cotton leaf curl disease in Pakistan. Increasing evidence shows that bacterial endosymbionts play a central role in shaping whitefly biology, population dynamics, and vector competence. However, the distribution of these symbionts remains poorly resolved in Pakistan, a region where begomoviruses are persistent and widespread. This study investigated the cryptic species diversity, secondary endosymbiont composition and their infection frequency in B. tabaci populations collected from major agricultural regions of Pakistan. A total of 274 adult whiteflies belonging to Asia II-1 (n = 199), MEAM-1 (n = 67), Asia I (n = 7), and Asia II-8 (n = 1) were screened using a symbiont-specific PCR assay for six endosymbionts. The primary endosymbiont Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum was detected in all individuals, whereas five secondary endosymbionts (Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Hamiltonella, Wolbachia and Rickettsia) were identified with distinct cryptic species- and region-specific patterns. Notably, Arsenophonus was the most prevalent endosymbiont, occurring in 68% of Asia II-1, 100% of Asia I, and 21% of MEAM-1 individuals, with the highest regional prevalence in Punjab (80%) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (77%). Logistic regression analyses confirmed significantly higher infection probabilities in indigenous Asia II-1 populations. Network analysis revealed structured co-occurrence patterns, including strong negative associations between Arsenophonus and Hamiltonella. Phylogenetic analyses revealed close relatedness of Pakistani Arsenophonus strains to those reported from neighboring regions, indicating regional community rather than unique local diversification. The dominance of Arsenophonus in Pakistani whitefly populations is of particular significance, given its role in protecting begomoviruses within the insect vector and its implication in facilitating virus persistence and transmission. This study, for the first time in Pakistan, provides a comprehensive assessment of endosymbiont-cryptic species associations in Pakistani B. tabaci populations and highlights the dominant prevalence of Arsenophonus as a potential key player in local virus vector dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid42357833,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Correction to 'Initially Coexisting Endosymbionts Migrate Into Different Tissues During Ontogeny of Host Cicadas'.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {7},
pages = {e70363},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.70363},
pmid = {42357833},
issn = {1462-2920},
}
@article {pmid42360299,
year = {2026},
author = {Drahun, I and Chukwunta, A and Ayodele, A and Pilling, BG and van Herk, WG and Cassone, BJ},
title = {Bacteriomes, cryptic forms and evolution of a common wireworm pest species, Hypnoidus bicolor.},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/imb.70054},
pmid = {42360299},
issn = {1365-2583},
support = {//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
abstract = {Like other insects, coleopterans harbour dynamic bacteriomes that shape core aspects of their life history. The bacteriomes of several wireworm species (Coleoptera: Elateridae) have been described; however, little research has been undertaken to determine the factors that influence their structure and composition. These soil-dwelling larvae of click beetles are significant agricultural pests in the Canadian Prairies, with the most ubiquitous species, Hypnoidus bicolor, delineated into two genetically distinct clades and both sexual and parthenogenetic populations. In this study, we collected 69 H. bicolor adults and larvae from nine populations spanning three Prairie provinces and subjected them to Sanger and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine their clade and characterize their bacteriome, respectively. Combined with long-term surveillance, we provide compelling evidence that the parthenogenetic and sexual populations are associated with different clades. Development, sampling location and host genetics all contributed to the plasticity of H. bicolor bacteriomes. These differences are largely attributed to gut bacterial community composition of larvae, whereas, in adults, they appear driven by overall community structure as well as differences in the presence/absence of taxa and within-clade/population variance. Several notable genera emerged from our study, including Alphaproteobacteria and Rickettsiella endosymbionts that predominated in the parthenogenetic clade. Incorporation of this research into integrative pest management and reclassification of H. bicolor into a cryptic species complex is also discussed. Overall, this study advances our understanding of Elateridae bacteriomes, including factors that contribute to their richness and community composition.},
}
@article {pmid42361234,
year = {2026},
author = {Alimu, A and Zhong, X and Gao, Y and Lu, Y},
title = {The secondary symbiont Arsenophonus improves thermal tolerance of Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) exposed to extreme heat stress.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvag071},
pmid = {42361234},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {CARS-15-19//China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology/physiology/growth &amp; development ; *Symbiosis ; *Thermotolerance ; *Enterobacteriaceae/physiology/drug effects ; Hot Temperature ; Heat-Shock Response ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts are ubiquitous in insects and play a critical role in host ecology, including adaptability to thermal extremes. The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major agricultural pest in China that harbours diverse microbial symbionts. However, the contribution of Arsenophonus, a key secondary symbiont in A. gossypii, to the host's thermal tolerance remains poorly understood. In this study, we used antibiotics to eliminate Arsenophonus from A. gossypii and evaluated the effects on host thermal tolerance by comparing the life-history traits of an Arsenophonus-infected line (A-infected) and an antibiotic-cured, Arsenophonus-deleted line (A-deleted) across a temperature gradient (26-35 °C). Our results revealed that while host performance declined for both lines as temperatures increased, the magnitude of these fitness costs was significantly modulated by infection status. No significant differences in fitness parameters were observed at 26 °C or 29 °C. Furthermore, at 32 °C, the A-infected line exhibited significantly extended adult longevity compared with the A-deleted line. Under extreme heat stress (35 °C), the infected line surpassed the cured line in both longevity and fecundity. These results confirm the dependency of A. gossypii on Arsenophonus for a conditional fitness advantage at high temperatures, effectively broadening its thermal niche. Ultimately, this symbiont-mediated heat tolerance provides new insight regarding the ecological resilience and population stability of this pest in warming agricultural environments.},
}
@article {pmid42364677,
year = {2026},
author = {Martinson, VG and Baine, Q and Londoño-Gaviria, M and Sikora, HE and Gulisija, I and White, BE and Martinson, EO},
title = {Rapid ecological speciation in gall inducers.},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {223},
number = {},
pages = {108670},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2026.108670},
pmid = {42364677},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {Animals ; *Genetic Speciation ; *Tephritidae/genetics/classification ; *Plant Tumors/parasitology ; Sympatry ; Phylogeny ; Reproductive Isolation ; },
abstract = {Ecological speciation in phytophagous insects is often mediated by adaptation to the host plant (e.g., chemical defenses, phenology) -which can subsequently lead to non-random mating on divergent hosts. However, the strength of ecological selection may vary across insect guilds. For those whose habitat is largely contained within or upon a host, including gall-inducing insects and parasites more broadly, selection can be particularly intense, potentially driving rapid diversification as organisms adapt to host defenses and physiology. Here, we investigate the divergence between Aciurina bigeloviae and A. trixa, two sympatric tephritid flies that induce morphologically distinct galls on different varieties of a single host plant species, Ericameria nauseosa. Host-use assays and hybrid crosses reveal strong "immigrant inviability" (i.e., premating isolation due to poor adaptation to non-native habitats) with purebred flies unable to induce galls on novel hosts and decreased gall induction success in both F1 and F2 generations. Together these findings indicate Aciurina species have high genetic specialization and suggest that mismatches in gene networks between fly and plant lead to reduced fitness. Genomic analyses revealed high genetic differentiation (FST) and low gene flow, despite an estimated divergence time of only 72-110 kya. Endosymbionts, while potentially important in reproductive isolation, were inconsistently present. Together, our results support the hypothesis that gall inducers experience elevated rates of ecological speciation due to their intimate developmental integration with host plants. This work highlights the role of host plant genotype in driving insect diversification and underscores how rapid reproductive isolation can arise in gall-inducing systems.},
}
@article {pmid42367988,
year = {2026},
author = {Hill, HJ and Sullivan, W and Cooper, BS},
title = {Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility produces heritable chromatin modifications that suppress position-effect variegation.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42367988},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Maternally transmitted Wolbachia often cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), a sperm modification that kills host embryos lacking the endosymbiont. CI produces defects in paternal chromosome replication, condensation, and segregation during the first zygotic cell cycle, but a significant fraction of embryos progress normally through this and subsequent cycles and only exhibit defects at later developmental stages. These results, together with documented CI-induced epigenetic chromatin modifications, suggest heritable chromatin modifications are responsible for the developmentally delayed defects. Here, we conducted a Position-Effect Variegation (PEV) screen in Drosophila melanogaster using In(1)w [m4] to test for persistent effects on heterochromatin-mediated silencing in adults that survived CI. We show that Wolbachia acts as a variegation suppressor, or Su(var), increasing eye pigment when present in CI-inducing fathers, a reproducible effect observed across several maternal genotypes that differed in CI strength. That is, passage of the In(1)w [m4] through Wolbachia-infected males limits the spread of heterochromatin into the neighboring euchromatin in the progeny. This effect is consistent with disruption of heterochromatin establishment at the mid-blastula transition, when stochastic spreading of heterochromatin determines whether the displaced white gene is silenced. Surprisingly, maternal Wolbachia did not revert the PEV modification, and in one genotype, Wolbachia increased suppression. Together, our results demonstrate that Wolbachia-mediated chromatin effects persist to adulthood, are not corrected by CifA-dependent rescue, and can be compounded by maternal Wolbachia. These findings establish that rescue is incomplete at the level of heterochromatin-mediated silencing and suggest that CI-specific and constitutive Wolbachia chromatin effects may operate through at least partially independent pathways.},
}
@article {pmid42374673,
year = {2026},
author = {Perkowski, K and Dybicz, M and Szubińska-Lelonkiewicz, DM and Szaflik, J and Kuligowska, A and Łazicka-Gałecka, ME and Conn, DB and Zawadzki, P and Szostakowska, B and Baltaza, W and Zadurska, M and Chomicz, L},
title = {Intraoral microbiome components identified in Polish patients assessed in terms of threats to human health with infectious factors.},
journal = {Annals of agricultural and environmental medicine : AAEM},
volume = {33},
number = {2},
pages = {161-166},
doi = {10.26444/aaem/218097},
pmid = {42374673},
issn = {1898-2263},
mesh = {Humans ; Poland ; *Microbiota ; Adult ; *Mouth/microbiology/parasitology ; Female ; Young Adult ; *Bacteria/isolation &amp; purification/classification/genetics ; Adolescent ; Middle Aged ; *Fungi/isolation &amp; purification/classification/genetics ; Male ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The human oral cavity, the main part of masticatory system, is a dynamic environment still requiring quality research. The aim of the study is assessment of the status of the oral cavity and composition of intraoral microbiome of Polish patients in terms of threats to human health with infectious factors.<br><br>MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study utilised the data of generally healthy persons: 30 young aged 16-26 years and 30 middle-aged patients, aged 42-52 years. Intraoral swabs were assessed microscopically and by in vitro culture methods to detect/ identify microbiota.<br><br>RESULTS: Different microorganisms occurr in the oral cavity, including non-resident species. Parasitic protozoans Trichomonas tenax and Entamoeba gingivalis, facultative parasitic Acanthamoeba strains, yeast-like fungi of Candida albicans group, opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria, including endosymbionts, were identified with various frequency in particular regions of the oral cavity. Higher prevalences of bacteria and fungi strains occurred in middle-aged patients.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between microbiota of the human oral cavity remains a rare subject of research. This study has shown the ability of different microorganisms to coexist intraorally. These components may pose clinically important threat that should be taken into account as infectious factors. Recognition of microbiome components as potentially contagious, early identification/monitoring/assessment of concomitant species, preventive elimination of the infectious strains during the treatment should be taken into consideration. Further quality research on the intraoral microbiome species that may pose severe local/general clinical diseases are needed to reduce the risk to human health.},
}
@article {pmid42376393,
year = {2026},
author = {Alrikabi, A and Al-Khafaji, AMA},
title = {Co-occurrence of Francisella-like endosymbionts and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii with Theileria annulata in Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq, Hyalomma ticks.},
journal = {Open veterinary journal},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {999-1011},
pmid = {42376393},
issn = {2218-6050},
mesh = {Animals ; *Theileria annulata/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Iraq ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/parasitology ; Female ; Cattle ; *Symbiosis ; Male ; *Francisella/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ticks are significant vectors of pathogens, and their nonpathogenic intracellular bacteria, known as endosymbionts, influence tick physiology and may interact with tick-borne pathogens. Such relationships can affect transmission dynamics, and understanding them is essential for designing strategies that control tick-borne diseases and reduce their impact on human and animal health.<br><br>AIM: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and density of two key endosymbiotic bacteria, Francisella-like endosymbiont (FLE) and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii (Ca. M. mitochondrii), and to investigate possible correlations between these symbionts and the protozoan parasite Theileria annulata in Hyalomma anatolicum ticks.<br><br>METHODS: Between January and October 2024, 116 ticks were collected from cattle in the Diwaniyah province, Iraq. The morphological examination was followed by molecular confirmation using mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequencing. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect and quantify FLE, Ca. M. mitochondrii, and T. annulata in H. anatolicum.<br><br>RESULTS: Hyalomma anatolicum was the predominant species, representing 86% of ticks, whereas H. excavatum accounted for 13%. Mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences confirmed species identity and showed 99.48%-100% similarity to reference isolates from China, Pakistan, Turkey, India, and Russia. FLE was detected in 100% of H. anatolicum, with mean loads of 7.9 &#xd7; 10[3] copies per tick. Ca. M. mitochondrii was detected in 99% of specimens, with mean loads of 3.7&#xd7;10[2] copies per tick. FLE densities tended to be higher in females compared to males (9.7 &#xd7; 10&#xb3; copies vs. 1.8 &#xd7; 10&#xb3; copies), but the difference was not statistically significant. Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii loads also differed significantly (4.8 &#xd7; 10&#xb2; copies vs. 1.3 &#xd7; 10&#xb9; copies). Theileria annulata was present in all ticks, with the highest copy numbers in semi-engorged females (1.9 &#xd7; 10[4] copies), followed by males (2.8 &#xd7; 10&#xb3; copies). Our findings revealed a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between T. annulata and Ca. M. mitochondrii, whereas no significant correlation was observed between T. annulata and FLE.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The presence of FLE and Ca. M. mitochondrii in H. anatolicum from the Diwaniyah province was documented. Evidence indicated associations between symbiont density and T. annulata infection, and the results point toward a possible role of endosymbiotic bacteria in pathogen persistence and the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid42382354,
year = {2026},
author = {Hernandez-Gonzalez, JJ and Arechiga-Carvajal, ET and Rutiaga-Quiñones, OM and Gonzalez-Lozano, KJ},
title = {Endosymbiotic interactions in the fungal kingdom: a framework for progressive endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1864871},
pmid = {42382354},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Endosymbiotic interactions in fungi are fundamental to ecological and evolutionary processes; however, despite their potential to elucidate key mechanisms of biological integration, they remain insufficiently explored. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence on these associations across major fungal lineages, encompassing their composition, functional attributes, and breadth across diverse model systems. Additionally, the current state of artificial endosymbiosis is examined, together with its applications in multiple areas of biotechnology, spanning both natural and engineered systems. Finally, a framework of progressive endosymbiosis is proposed to describe the continuum of integration states of endosymbionts within fungal hosts. Together, these insights highlight the central role of fungal endosymbiosis in biological integration and underscore its value as a model for understanding evolutionary transitions and developing innovative biotechnological applications.},
}
@article {pmid42386324,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, CM and Panchali, MJL and Lee, YM and Yun, NR and Kim, DM},
title = {Molecular detection of Bartonella species and Coxiella endosymbiont in human-biting Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks in Korea.},
journal = {Parasites, hosts and diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3347/PHD.26010},
pmid = {42386324},
issn = {2982-6799},
abstract = {Bartonella species are vector-borne pathogens that infect a wide range of hosts, including humans. Although several Bartonella species have been identified in rodents and arthropods in Korea, information on Bartonella detection in ticks removed from human patients remains limited. This study investigated the presence of Bartonella species DNA in human-biting ticks collected in Korea and screened for other tick-associated bacteria, including Coxiella endosymbiont. From January to December 2018, 35 ticks were removed from 29 tick-bitten patients in Jeollanam-do and Gwangju, Korea. Ticks were identified morphologically and molecularly by 16S rRNA gene PCR. The presence of Bartonella species was assessed using nested PCR targeting the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The ticks were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis (17/35, 48.6%), Amblyomma testudinarium (14/35, 40.0%), and Ixodes nipponensis (4/35, 11.4%). Two H. longicornis ticks tested positive for Bartonella species. Sequencing revealed 99.5% identity with B. bacilliformis isolate GJRITS124 in one tick and 98.9% identity with B. taylorii isolate 190731_HC2 in the other, both previously identified in Apodemus agrarius rodents in Korea. One B. bacilliformis-positive tick was also positive for Coxiella spp., and sequence analysis indicated a Coxiella endosymbiont showing 100.0% identity with the Coxiella-like endosymbiont strain 580. Phylogenetic analysis supported these findings; however, bacterial cultures from PCR-positive tick lysates were negative. This study provides baseline evidence of B. bacilliformis and B. taylorii, as well as Coxiella endosymbiont DNA in human-biting H. longicornis ticks in Korea and highlights the need for continued surveillance.},
}
@article {pmid42386962,
year = {2026},
author = {Maeda, GP and Xue, AZ and Yu, EW and Sundar, A and Kamp, DL and Elijah Powell, J and Smith, TE and Moran, NA},
title = {A secreted endosymbiont protein essential for colonizing host cells.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42386962},
issn = {1476-4687},
abstract = {Intracellular bacterial symbioses have arisen myriad times in eukaryotes, with dozens known from insects alone[1,2]. Beginning with Buchnera, the obligate endosymbiont of aphids, genomes of endosymbionts have illuminated their evolutionary origins and metabolic contributions to hosts[3,4]. However, the mechanisms by which non-culturable endosymbionts enter host cells and suppress cellular immune processes have remained unclear. Here we show that an uncharacterized Buchnera protein, designated SyeA, was present in the Buchnera ancestor, is secreted into the host cytoplasm, is homologous to secreted effectors of bacterial pathogens and is essential for Buchnera transmission. Buchnera is transmitted through expulsion from specialized maternal cells and uptake by embryos[5]. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we found elevated SyeA levels after colonization of the embryonic cell, accompanied by actin accumulation at the entry site. SyeA localizes outside the host-derived membrane and actin layer surrounding each Buchnera cell within host cytoplasm. Knockdown of syeA expression disrupts colonization of embryos and embryonic development and elevates lysosomal activity, leading to Buchnera destruction[6]. Our findings provide insights into how an anciently associated, mutualistic endosymbiont achieves its intracellular existence. SyeA represents a vestige of pathogenic origins that was followed by evolution of increased host control and erosion of the original, more complex pathogenicity machinery.},
}
@article {pmid42390218,
year = {2026},
author = {Wright, R and Abbot, B and Yonemura, T and Carter, M},
title = {Identifying effective cryoprotection agents for non-model bacterial species.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0393925},
doi = {10.1128/spectrum.03939-25},
pmid = {42390218},
issn = {2165-0497},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Host-associated bacteria live amongst eukaryotes within varied niches and form relationships ranging from facultative to obligate. With advancement in the studies of such symbiotic associations, fastidious bacteria are increasingly becoming targets for genetic manipulation. However, there are limited resources for screening possible agents, enabling in vitro culturing and storage of these microbes. In this study, we present a simple protocol for optimizing cryopreservation of non-model organisms in laboratory settings using conventional chemicals. Our initial motivation for this observation was to discover a cryoprotection agent for independently cultured Mycetohabitans spp., fungal endosymbionts. We tested several common bacterial cryoprotection agents like glycerol, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) over an ultralow freeze-thaw cycle to determine an adequate method of cryoprotection for assorted bacteria. We observed different recovery rates across bacterial species and cryopreservation methods, and identified cryoprotectants that reliably resulted in viable bacteria for each of the strains tested. We present this as a resource for those working with other fastidious and host-associated bacteria that may be missing effective cryopreservation methods.<br><br>IMPORTANCE: The ability to cryopreserve bacteria is important for optimizing laboratory procedures, preserving strains that have been genetically manipulated, and growing fresh cultures of microorganisms without in vitro evolution from serial subculturing. There are several known cryoprotection agents of bacteria, but there are limited accessible studies that collect these together and screen them for effectiveness with new bacteria studied in laboratory settings. With several fastidious and host-associated microorganisms emerging as new model systems, we aim to generate a resource for determining long-term storage solutions for novel organisms of interest.},
}
@article {pmid42392792,
year = {2026},
author = {Abbà, S and Vallino, M and Cicerone, A and Cirrincione, S and Aiuto, B and Galetto, L and Rossi, M},
title = {Multi-Omics Profiling of the Scaphoideus titanus Yeast-Like Symbiont Guides the Bioinformatic Discovery of Related Fungal Symbioses in Insects.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {28},
number = {7},
pages = {e70361},
pmid = {42392792},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {CUP B17G23000320005//Ministero dell'Agricoltura, della Sovranit&#xe0; Alimentare e delle Foreste; Project MICOTI/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Computational Biology ; Multiomics ; Proteomics ; *Hypocreales/genetics/classification ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic partnerships have opened new ecological niches and contributed to the remarkable diversification of insects. The leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus, a phloem-feeding insect known to be the primary vector of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma, harbours two primary endosymbionts: the bacterium 'Candidatus Karelsulcia muelleri' and a yeast-like symbiont (YLS). While most studies on insect-associated microorganisms have focused on obligate bacterial symbionts, fungal endosymbionts, although documented for almost a century, are only now gaining renewed attention for their evolutionary and ecological significance. In this study, we integrated genomic and proteomic data with phylogenetic analyses to elucidate the functional and evolutionary features of the YLS associated with S. titanus. Using a data-independent proteomic approach supported by a newly sequenced symbiont genome, we defined the proteins expressed by the YLS that may contribute to host physiology. Comparative analyses across the five currently available YLS genomes enabled a proteome-wide phylogenetic reconstruction within the genus Ophiocordyceps, refining the evolutionary placement of these symbioses. Finally, large-scale mining of NCBI transcriptomic Sequence Read Archive datasets using a novel computational workflow, combined with an extensive literature survey, identified several new candidate insect hosts and provided a comprehensive inventory of species harbouring these fungal partners.},
}
@article {pmid42394763,
year = {2026},
author = {Tahir, D and Dupuis, S and Geolier-Lapeyronie, V and Sibari, A and El-Ouatik, Y and Collignon, C and Favy, S and Blondel, T and Crippa, A and Malandrin, L and Ferquel, E and Varloud, M and Choumet, V},
title = {Tick-borne pathogens in dogs and their ticks in France: Molecular and serological evidence from a multicenter participatory study.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {101487},
pmid = {42394763},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {Canine tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are expanding globally, representing an increasing concern for both veterinary and public health. Dogs, due to their close contact with humans and frequent exposure to ticks, may serve as valuable sentinels for zoonotic risk. Between December 2022 and December 2023, we conducted a year-long multicenter participatory pilot survey in France involving veterinary clinics, dog owners, and research laboratories. Ticks and blood samples were collected from 82 dogs presented in 41 veterinary practices across 34 departments. Tick species were identified morphologically, and genomic DNA extracted from ticks and canine blood and/or serum samples was screened for selected tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) using PCR and sequencing. Serological analyses were also performed. A total of 165 ticks were collected from enrolled dogs, including Dermacentor reticulatus (29.7%), Ixodes ricinus (18.2%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (16.4%), I. hexagonus (6.7%), and D. marginatus (0.6%). Tick submissions were recorded throughout the study period, with temporal variations observed among tick genera. Molecular screening identified several TBPs in dogs, including Borrelia garinii (n = 5) and Babesia canis canis (n = 5). Serological analyses revealed antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. in one and three dogs, respectively. Several infected dogs were asymptomatic. In ticks, the main TBPs detected included B. garinii, B. canis canis, Rickettsia massiliae, and R. raoultii, as well as several endosymbionts. This multicenter participatory pilot study supports the feasibility of a One Health surveillance approach based on veterinary networks for monitoring tick species and TBPs. Although the study was not designed to assess national prevalence or validate dogs as sentinels through comparison with human surveillance data, the findings provide proof-of-concept for the potential value of integrating veterinary and public health surveillance systems to improve our understanding of TBP circulation in France.},
}
@article {pmid42398814,
year = {2026},
author = {Uni, S and Rodrigues, J and Low, VL and Agatsuma, T and Junker, K and Udin, ASM and Fukuda, M and Takaoka, H and Kimura, D and Yanai, T and Martin, C},
title = {Further morphological features, molecular characterization, and Wolbachia endosymbionts of Dirofilaria ursi Yamaguti, 1941 (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) from the Japanese black bear Ursus thibetanus japonicus Schlegel (Carnivora: Ursidae).},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108215},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.108215},
pmid = {42398814},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {Dirofilaria ursi Yamaguti, 1941 (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) was originally described from the Japanese black bear Ursus thibetanus japonicus and later reported from the American black bear U. americanus in North America. Both D. ursi and D. ursi-like species have been implicated in human zoonosis in Japan and North America. This study aimed to revise the morphological characteristics of D. ursi in Japan and determine its phylogeny using multi-locus sequence analyses. We investigated the genotypes of Wolbachia endosymbionts harbored by Japanese D. ursi and compared them with those of American D. ursi to assess genetic variation. A pre-esophageal cuticular ring was observed in both juvenile and adult D. ursi specimens and compared with a similar structure previously reported in D. immitis to evaluate its morphological relationship within the genus. Molecular analyses placed D. ursi within the monophyletic clade ONC3, consisting of the genera Dirofilaria and Onchocerca in the subfamily Onchocercinae; Dirofilaria species formed a monophyletic clade in ONC3. Within the species cluster of the genus Dirofilaria, species of the subgenera Dirofilaria (cardiovascular species) and Nochtiella (species inhabiting subcutaneous and connective tissues) did not form separate monophyletic groups. Japanese D. ursi harbored Wolbachia endosymbionts of the supergroup C, and the genotypes exhibited a high sequence similarity to those identified in American D. ursi. Consequently, we consider that Japanese and American D. ursi are closely related at the molecular level, despite differences in host species and geographic distribution.},
}
@article {pmid42405599,
year = {2026},
author = {O'Keefe, KP and Boice, MN and Samuel, AM and Andrade, CC},
title = {Detection of Ehrlichia, Francisella, and Rickettsia in Dermacentor Ticks in Eastern Washington.},
journal = {Journal of vector ecology : journal of the Society for Vector Ecology},
volume = {51},
number = {1},
pages = {27-38},
doi = {10.52707/1081-1710-51.1-27},
pmid = {42405599},
issn = {1948-7134},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dermacentor/microbiology ; *Francisella/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Ehrlichia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; Washington ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; },
abstract = {Dermacentor ticks are widespread in eastern Washington and are known vectors of bacterial pathogens and harborers of endosymbionts belonging to the genera Francisella and Rickettsia. Some Dermacentor species can become infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis Anderson et al. (Rickettsiales: Ehrlichiaceae); it remains unclear if any are competent vectors for this bacterial pathogen. This study reports the abundance of Dermacentor species and prevalence of select tick-borne bacterial pathogens collected from two conservation areas popular among hikers in Spokane County, Washington. In total, DNA from 599 adult ticks was analyzed using PCR; 87.8% (526/599) were identified as Dermacentor andersoni Stiles and 12.2% (73/599) as D. similis Lado, Glon and Klompen (Ixodida: Ixodidae). Ticks were also screened for the presence of bacterial DNA using genus- or species-specific primers targeting Rickettsia spp., Francisella spp., and E. chaffeensis. Rickettsia endosymbionts, R. peacockii Niebylski et al. or R. rhipicephali (Burgdorfer et al.) Weiss and Moulder (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), were found in 4.0% (21/526) of D. andersoni. Francisella-like endosymbionts were detected in 65.9% (395/599) of all ticks. No species known to be pathogenic belonging to either Rickettsia or Francisella were detected. However, E. chaffeensis was detected in 15.3% (12/73) of D. similis, which to our knowledge is the first report of ticks harboring this species of bacteria in Washington state. These findings contribute to understanding the microbial ecology of ticks in the Inland Northwest.},
}
@article {pmid42405770,
year = {2026},
author = {Penunuri, G and Pepper-Tunick, E and McBroome, J and Corbett-Detig, R and Russell, SL},
title = {EMS mutation and SNP detection in intracellular Wolbachia genomes.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0066026},
doi = {10.1128/msystems.00660-26},
pmid = {42405770},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia pose significant challenges to genetic and molecular investigation due to their obligate intracellular lifestyle and complex growth requirements. Current understanding of their protein biology relies heavily on functional assignments inferred by homology, which may not reflect the specific roles endosymbiont proteins play within the host. This work addresses the need for robust genetic perturbation by demonstrating the successful application and detection of chemical mutagenesis in the genome of the wMel strain of Wolbachia grown within a stably infected Drosophila melanogaster JW18 cell line. To accurately detect ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutations in a large, unsorted cell culture population, in which mutations remain at very low allele frequency, we implemented an ultra-low error rate sequencing strategy, circle sequencing. This technique enables confident detection of EMS-induced single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that would be swamped by the inherent error rates of standard next-generation sequencing. Circle sequencing library preparations successfully revealed a clear EMS mutation signal in treated cells, characterized by a significant enrichment of canonical C/G > T/A transitions. Furthermore, we present a model explaining observed EMS mutation rates across the genome for different sequence contexts. These findings show that EMS-treatment can successfully leave detectable mutation signals in intracellular genomes and offer promise for the future development of protocols to make targeted edits in Wolbachia genomes.IMPORTANCEAs the use of intracellular symbionts for bioengineering projects grows, so does the need for foundational protocols for the genetic manipulation of intracellular genomes. Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), a chemical mutagen, has been a research tool for initial genomic analysis of gene function in plant and animal systems for decades and represents an established way of generating mutations for future functional testing. This study demonstrates that EMS can be used to induce mutations in the genome of the unculturable symbiont Wolbachia. This approach may help overcome a key barrier in Wolbachia biology-namely, the lack of forward genetic tools-and could provide a foundation for genetic manipulation of intracellular symbionts, including those used in pest and disease control.},
}
@article {pmid42423295,
year = {2026},
author = {Parola, P and Hasnaoui, B and Ouarti, B and Amirat, Z and Bouledroua, R and Almeras, L and Gerbeau, E and Masotti, N and Bérenger, JM and Stachurski, F and Diarra, AZ},
title = {"Giant tick" attacks: dynamics of Hyalomma lusitanicum and detection of Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae in southern France.},
journal = {Parasite (Paris, France)},
volume = {33},
number = {},
pages = {38},
pmid = {42423295},
issn = {1776-1042},
support = {ANR-10-IAHU-03//National research agency/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; France/epidemiology ; *Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification/genetics ; *Ixodidae/microbiology/physiology/classification ; Rabbits/parasitology ; Female ; Seasons ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; Ixodes/microbiology ; Rhipicephalus/microbiology ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Since 2019, media reports have raised concerns about the emergence of "giant ticks" in Europe, particularly Hyalomma marginatum, due to its potential to transmit the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). In 2022, following several reports of unusually large ticks displaying aggressive behaviour toward humans in the Étang de Bolmon area (Bouches-du-Rhône, southern France), a popular area for walking and nature exploration, an investigation was conducted to characterise the local tick fauna, their seasonal activity, and associated microorganisms. Between 2022 and 2025, a total of 2,940 ticks were collected through environmental and host-based sampling, with 89% obtained from the ground and 11% from rabbits. Morphological, molecular, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analyses were carried out and four species were identified: Hyalomma lusitanicum (78%), Rhipicephalus pusillus (22%), Haemaphysalis hispanica (<1%), and Ixodes ventalloi (<1%). The "giant ticks" were identified as H. lusitanicum, not H. marginatum. Molecular screening revealed Rickettsia sibirica mongolitimonae in H. lusitanicum, suggesting its role in the ecology of this emerging human pathogen, along with the endosymbiont Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii. This work also confirmed the accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS as a reliable tool for rapid tick identification and highlights the re-emergence of H. lusitanicum in southern France, while indicating that the associated risk to human public health currently remains relatively limited.},
}
@article {pmid42427614,
year = {2026},
author = {Mirchandani, C and Pepper-Tunick, E and Gozashti, L and Russell, S and Corbett-Detig, R},
title = {Ultra-accurate sequencing reveals an extreme transmission bottleneck in a deep-sea clam symbiosis.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.06.29.735038},
pmid = {42427614},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {Vertically transmitted symbionts experience progressive genome degradation driven by transmission bottlenecks each host generation that reduce genetic diversity and promote fixation of deleterious mutations. Direct estimates remain rare because inference requires scarce parent-offspring samples and sequencing sensitive enough to detect rare variants. Here, we investigate symbiont transmission bottlenecks in a vesicomyid clam by deeply sampling within-host endosymbiont genetic diversity using two ultra-accurate sequencing methods. Demographic modeling revealed an effective bottleneck size of approximately eight symbionts (95% CI: 1-17 genomes) per host generation. This estimate is sharply reduced relative to prior cytological estimates of bottleneck census size, with important implications for understanding the rate and dynamics of endosymbiont genome degradation.},
}
@article {pmid42429741,
year = {2026},
author = {Koraimann, G and Hölzl, N and Koller, M and Zarfel, G and Treiber, F},
title = {A complete Candidatus walczuchella monophlebidarum genome assembled from citrus leaf metagenomic sequences.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0062026},
doi = {10.1128/mra.00620-26},
pmid = {42429741},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {We present the complete de novo assembly of a Candidatus Walczuchella monophlebidarum genome (286,606 bp), a flavobacterial endosymbiont of the giant-scale insect Icerya purchasi. The genome was assembled from metagenomic short read Illumina sequences obtained from DNA of citrus leaves collected in Carinthia, Austria in November 2024.},
}
@article {pmid42445239,
year = {2026},
author = {Qazi, H and Thia, JA and Zhao, J and Edley, S and Umina, PA and Kaur, J and Perry, KD and Baxter, SW and Hoffmann, AA and Yang, Q},
title = {The Diversity of Bacterial Symbionts in Major Agricultural Lepidopteran Pests in Australia.},
journal = {International journal of microbiology},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {6897546},
pmid = {42445239},
issn = {1687-918X},
abstract = {Lepidopteran pests are among the most destructive insects in agriculture, causing major yield losses across a wide range of crops worldwide. With growing emphasis on reducing chemical pesticide use, there is increasing interest in understanding their associated microbiomes and endosymbiotic bacteria. These microbial associates can influence host physiology, fitness, and pesticide/thermal resistance traits, and may provide novel opportunities for developing sustainable pest management strategies. Here, we characterized the diversity and distribution of various endosymbionts and other microbiota in agriculturally important lepidopteran pest species in Australia. In total, we screened 21 field-collected and one commercially reared species of Lepidoptera. Our results indicate that endosymbiont infections were relatively rare and polymorphic in Australian Lepidoptera species. Wolbachia was the most prevalent endosymbiont in field-collected and commercially available pest species. This symbiont can manipulate host reproduction through mechanisms such as cytoplasmic incompatibility and sex-ratio distortion, with potential relevance for pest control. Our MLST analysis suggested that the Wolbachia belonged to Supergroups A and B. Targeted microbiota were present across various species, with a particularly high abundance of Enterococcus mundtii in Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith); this gut bacterium may play a role in pesticide resistance. Distance-based compositional principal component analysis conducted on selected species (Plutella xylostella and Helicoverpa spp.) showed that there was no significant difference in bacterial composition between the Helicoverpa species, or between the host crops/geographic locations where these taxa were collected. These findings provide a basis for future investigations on the phenotypic effects of endosymbionts and gut microbiota in local pests, with long-term potential to suppress pest populations sustainably.},
}
@article {pmid42448797,
year = {2026},
author = {Carrizo, D and Sánchez-García, L and Sánchez-España, J and Prieto-Ballesteros, O and Herreros, I and Schizas, NV and Guzman, G and Gacitua, A and Molina, A and Laguna-Castro, M and Tiemblo, MA and Rivera-Osorio, K and Herrero, &#xd3;E and Baca, V and Wu, AYX and González-Silva, C and Azua-Bustos, R and Palmer, A and Hubric, C and Kowald, WS and Rivera, M and Vargas, C and Wierzchos, J and Azua-Bustos, A},
title = {Discovery of a novel sulfur-oxidizing endosymbiont (Ca. Vesicomyosocius atacamensis) associated with a newly described Archivesica species from the Atacama Trench.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-62097-y},
pmid = {42448797},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Here we report the microbiome composition and lipid (molecular and isotopic) profile of gills from Archivesica sp. Atacama., a new species of deep-sea bivalve family Vesicomyidae collected at 2839 m depth on the eastern slope of the Atacama Trench. Metabarcoding unveiled that 99.44% of the microbial ASVs (Amplicon Sequence Variant) obtained from this bivalve's gills belonged to Ca. Vesicomyosocius sp. atacamensis, a bacterium closely related to symbionts of other vesicomycoids based on the 16 S rRNA phylogeny (a putative chemoautotrophic sulfide-oxidizing bacterium Form I RubisCO). Additional ASVs included microbes from taxa known for their ability to oxidize sulfur. Consistent with the microbiome composition, the analysis of lipid biomarkers in the gills revealed a high abundance of C16:1ω7 and C18:1ω7 fatty acids, well-known markers of sulfide-oxidizing (thiotrophic) bacterial metabolisms. The δ[13]C values of the bivalve's bulk gills (-35.5‰) and of individual fatty acids (-40.0 to -46.5‰) were typical of bivalves hosting thiotrophic endosymbionts utilizing form I RubisCO for carbon fixation. In addition, nearby sediments showed a significant presence of terminal branched (iso/anteiso C13-C17), mid branched (10Me-C16 and 10Me-C18) and cyclopropyl (Cy17 and Cy19) fatty acids, coherent with sulfate-reducing bacterial (SRB) communities found by metabarcoding. These findings confirm that thiotrophic symbiosis provides energy for the new deep-sea Archivesica bivalve reported here.},
}
@article {pmid42450580,
year = {2026},
author = {Zamudio-López, A and García-De la Peña, C and Álvarez-Hernández, G and Barraza-Guerrero, SI and Meza-Herrera, CA and Sánchez-Loera, MG and Luna-Zapién, EA and Salazar-Nevárez, DE and Carrillo-Campos, J},
title = {Geographic Variation in the Bacterial Microbiota of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari, Ixodidae) Across Environmentally Contrasting Regions of Mexico.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology15131032},
pmid = {42450580},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {917536//Ministry of Sciences, Humanities, Technology and Innovation/ ; },
abstract = {Geographic and ecological variations are frequently associated with differences in the microbiota of arthropod vectors, with potential implications for pathogen transmission and public health. This study characterized and compared the bacterial microbiota associated with the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) across three ecologically contrasting regions of Mexico: Cancun (Quintana Roo), Comarca Lagunera (Durango-Coahuila), and Hermosillo (Sonora). Non-engorged ticks collected from stray dogs were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4) sequencing. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) generated in QIIME2 were used for taxonomic, diversity, and predictive functional analyses. Proteobacteria dominated all samples, with Coxiella-like bacteria tentatively assigned as Coxiella mudrowiae identified as a dominant taxon across all localities. Significant geographic differences were observed in alpha and beta diversity, with Comarca Lagunera showing the highest diversity and Hermosillo the lowest. Sequences tentatively assigned to Rickettsia rickettsii were detected exclusively in two pools from Hermosillo. Functional predictions revealed a conserved metabolic repertoire alongside geographic variation in pathway abundance. Overall, the results support the existence of a stable symbiotic component accompanied by a geographically variable bacterial fraction associated with ecologically contrasting regions. These findings highlight the importance of geographic context in shaping tick-associated bacterial communities.},
}
@article {pmid42464363,
year = {2026},
author = {Daniel, IK and Kelly, MA and Ramos, RAN and Hakimi, H and Kattoor, JJ and Wilkes, RP and Sidouin, MK and Nare, RNB and Oaukou, PT and Saleh, MN and Haynes, E and Cleveland, CA and Yabsley, MJ and Garabed, R and Tritten, L and Verocai, GG},
title = {Vector-borne pathogen profiling and phylogeny of ticks infesting domestic dogs in Chad, Africa, using targeted next-generation sequencing and DNA barcoding.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s13071-026-07566-z},
pmid = {42464363},
issn = {1756-3305},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding the range of vectors and pathogen diversity in sub-Saharan Africa is crucial for efficient disease prevention and control efforts. Domestic dogs are susceptible to many vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) and serve as sentinels for several human pathogens. Yet, critical surveillance gaps in canine VBPs persist in Central Africa, where the tropical climate and pastoral agro-livelihoods create unique transmission risks.<br><br>METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from September to October 2021, collecting 4238 ticks from 1254 domestic dogs across 56 villages in Chad, Africa. All ticks were identified morphologically and/or by sequence analysis of 16S rDNA, 12S rDNA, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene regions. A representative subset (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;618) was subsequently screened for comprehensive, simultaneous detection of 21 VBPs using a targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) assay. Logistic regression models were used to assess associations between potential risk factors and pathogen detection.<br><br>RESULTS: Five tick species belonging to four genera were identified: Rhipicephalus linnaei (89.8%; 3805/4238), Rhipicephalus muhsamae (9.4%; 400/4238), Amblyomma variegatum (0.6%; 26/4238), Haemaphysalis leachi (0.1%; 4/4238), and Hyalomma truncatum (0.1%; 3/4238). Overall, 59.1% (365/618; 95% CI 55.1&#xa0;-&#xa0;62.9%) of the ticks were positive for at least one pathogen. We detected 14 pathogens, with the most prevalent being Hepatozoon canis (47.6%, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;294/618), followed by Ehrlichia canis (8.4%, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;52/618), Coxiella-like endosymbionts (5.3%, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;33/618), Rickettsia spp. (4.7%, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;29/618), Anaplasma platys (4.4%, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;27/618), Anaplasma spp. (3.7%, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;23/618), hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (1.5%, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;9/618), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.1%, n&#x2009;=&#x2009;7/618). Babesia caballi, Hepatozoon felis, Rickettsia conorii, and Rickettsia massiliae were each identified in&#x2009;<&#x2009;1% of the ticks. The highest pathogen diversity was detected in R. linnaei, although R. muhsamae harbored the highest diversity of zoonotic Rickettsia species. Independent predictors for VBP infections included tick species for E. canis (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.02) and H. canis (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001), and geographic region for E. canis (P&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.01).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides a comprehensive molecular characterization of canine VBPs in ticks from Central Africa using deep sequencing. The high pathogen prevalence and diversity highlight the need for expanded surveillance and control strategies in Chad, including educating dog owners on ectoparasite prevention.},
}
@article {pmid33715441,
year = {2021},
author = {Cornwell, BH and Hernández, L},
title = {Genetic structure in the endosymbiont Breviolum 'muscatinei' is correlated with geographical location, environment and host species.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {288},
number = {1946},
pages = {20202896},
pmid = {33715441},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {P30 CA093373/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD018223/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/genetics ; Coral Reefs ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Genetic Structures ; *Sea Anemones ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Corals and cnidarians form symbioses with dinoflagellates across a wide range of habitats from the tropics to temperate zones. Notably, these partnerships create the foundation of coral reef ecosystems and are at risk of breaking down due to climate change. This symbiosis couples the fitness of the partners, where adaptations in one species can benefit the holobiont. However, the scales over which each partner can match their current-and future-environment are largely unknown. We investigated population genetic patterns of temperate anemones (Anthopleura spp.) and their endosymbiont Breviolum 'muscatinei', across an extensive geographical range to identify the spatial scales over which local adaptation is possible. Similar to previously published results, two solitary host species exhibited isolation by distance across hundreds of kilometres. However, symbionts exhibited genetic structure across multiple spatial scales, from geographical location to depth in the intertidal zone, and host species, suggesting that symbiont populations are more likely than their hosts to adaptively mitigate the impact of increasing temperatures.},
}
@article {pmid33716790,
year = {2021},
author = {Martins, M and Ramos, LFC and Murillo, JR and Torres, A and de Carvalho, SS and Domont, GB and de Oliveira, DMP and Mesquita, RD and Nogueira, FCS and Maciel-de-Freitas, R and Junqueira, M},
title = {Comprehensive Quantitative Proteome Analysis of Aedes aegypti Identifies Proteins and Pathways Involved in Wolbachia pipientis and Zika Virus Interference Phenomenon.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {642237},
pmid = {33716790},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Zika virus (ZIKV) is a global public health emergency due to its association with microcephaly, Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis in children and adults. A total of 87 countries have had evidence of autochthonous mosquito-borne transmission of ZIKV, distributed across four continents, and no antivirus therapy or vaccines are available. Therefore, several strategies have been developed to target the main mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti, to reduce the burden of different arboviruses. Among such strategies, the use of the maternally-inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis has been applied successfully to reduce virus susceptibility and decrease transmission. However, the mechanisms by which Wolbachia orchestrate resistance to ZIKV infection remain to be elucidated. In this study, we apply isobaric labeling quantitative mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics to quantify proteins and identify pathways altered during ZIKV infection; Wolbachia infection; co-infection with Wolbachia/ZIKV in the A. aegypti heads and salivary glands. We show that Wolbachia regulates proteins involved in reactive oxygen species production, regulates humoral immune response, and antioxidant production. The reduction of ZIKV polyprotein in the presence of Wolbachia in mosquitoes was determined by MS and corroborates the idea that Wolbachia helps to block ZIKV infections in A. aegypti. The present study offers a rich resource of data that may help to elucidate mechanisms by which Wolbachia orchestrate resistance to ZIKV infection in A. aegypti, and represents a step further on the development of new targeted methods to detect and quantify ZIKV and Wolbachia directly in complex tissues.},
}
@article {pmid33723272,
year = {2021},
author = {Pröschold, T and Rieser, D and Darienko, T and Nachbaur, L and Kammerlander, B and Qian, K and Pitsch, G and Bruni, EP and Qu, Z and Forster, D and Rad-Menendez, C and Posch, T and Stoeck, T and Sonntag, B},
title = {An integrative approach sheds new light onto the systematics and ecology of the widespread ciliate genus Coleps (Ciliophora, Prostomatea).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {5916},
pmid = {33723272},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {I 2238/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 28333/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Biodiversity ; Biological Variation, Population ; Ciliophora/*classification/cytology/*genetics ; DNA, Protozoan/chemistry/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry/genetics ; Ecology ; Ecosystem ; Lakes ; Nucleic Acid Conformation ; Phenotype ; Phylogeny ; Seasons ; Symbiosis ; Water/*parasitology ; },
abstract = {Species of the genus Coleps are one of the most common planktonic ciliates in lake ecosystems. The study aimed to identify the phenotypic plasticity and genetic variability of different Coleps isolates from various water bodies and from culture collections. We used an integrative approach to study the strains by (i) cultivation in a suitable culture medium, (ii) screening of the morphological variability including the presence/absence of algal endosymbionts of living cells by light microscopy, (iii) sequencing of the SSU and ITS rDNA including secondary structures, (iv) assessment of their seasonal and spatial occurrence in two lakes over a one-year cycle both from morphospecies counts and high-throughput sequencing (HTS), and, (v) proof of the co-occurrence of Coleps and their endosymbiotic algae from HTS-based network analyses in the two lakes. The Coleps strains showed a high phenotypic plasticity and low genetic variability. The algal endosymbiont in all studied strains was Micractinium conductrix and the mutualistic relationship turned out as facultative. Coleps is common in both lakes over the whole year in different depths and HTS has revealed that only one genotype respectively one species, C. viridis, was present in both lakes despite the different lifestyles (mixotrophic with green algal endosymbionts or heterotrophic without algae). Our results suggest a future revision of the species concept of the genus Coleps.},
}
@article {pmid33730185,
year = {2021},
author = {Arab, DA and Lo, N},
title = {Evolutionary Rates are Correlated Between Buchnera Endosymbionts and the Mitochondrial Genomes of Their Aphid Hosts.},
journal = {Journal of molecular evolution},
volume = {89},
number = {4-5},
pages = {238-248},
pmid = {33730185},
issn = {1432-1432},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; Bacteroidetes ; *Buchnera/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The evolution of bacterial endosymbiont genomes is strongly influenced by host-driven selection. Factors affecting host genome evolution will potentially affect endosymbiont genomes in similar ways. One potential outcome is correlations in molecular rates between the genomes of the symbiotic partners. Recently, we presented the first evidence of such correlations between the mitochondrial genomes of cockroaches and the genomes of their endosymbiont (Blattabacterium cuenoti). Here we investigate whether similar patterns are found in additional host-symbiont partners. We use partial genome data from multiple strains of the bacterial endosymbionts Buchnera aphidicola and Sulcia muelleri, and the mitochondrial genomes of their sap-feeding insect hosts. Both endosymbionts show phylogenetic congruence with the mitochondria of their hosts, a result that is expected due to their identical mode of inheritance. We compared root-to-tip distances and branch lengths of phylogenetically independent species pairs. Both analyses showed a highly significant correlation of molecular rates between the genomes of Buchnera and the mitochondrial genomes of their hosts. A similar correlation was detected between Sulcia and their hosts, but was not statistically significant. Our results indicate that evolutionary rate correlations between hosts and long-term symbionts may be a widespread phenomenon.},
}
@article {pmid33731867,
year = {2021},
author = {Otto, G},
title = {A new bacterial endosymbiont.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Microbiology},
volume = {19},
number = {5},
pages = {283},
pmid = {33731867},
issn = {1740-1534},
}
@article {pmid33732075,
year = {2021},
author = {Pachla, A and Ptaszyńska, AA and Wicha, M and Kunat, M and Wydrych, J and Oleńska, E and Małek, W},
title = {Insight into probiotic properties of lactic acid bacterial endosymbionts of Apis mellifera L. derived from the Polish apiary.},
journal = {Saudi journal of biological sciences},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {1890-1899},
pmid = {33732075},
issn = {1319-562X},
abstract = {Taking into account that fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) can play an important role in the health of honey bees and can be used as probiotics, phenotypic properties of probiotic interest of Lactobacillus kunkeei (12 strains) and Fructobacillus fructossus bacteria (2 strains), isolated from Apis mellifera gastrointestinal tract, have been studied. We have evaluated survival of tested FLAB in honey bee gut, their susceptibility to antibiotics (ampicillin, erythromycin, tylosin), cell surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation ability, co-aggregation with model pathogenic bacteria, biofilm formation capacity, and effect of studied FLAB, added to sucrose syrup bee diet, on longevity of honey bees. The tested FLAB exhibited good gastrointestinal tract tolerance and high antibiotic susceptibility, which are important criteria in the screening of probiotic candidates. It was also found that all FLAB studied have high cell surface hydrophobicity and fulfil next selection criterion for their use as probiotics. Symbionts of A. mellifera showed also auto- and co-aggregation capacities regarded as valuable features for biofilm formation and inhibition of pathogens adhesion to the bee gut cells. Biofilm-development ability is a desired characteristic of probiotic lactic acid bacteria. As indicated by quantitative crystal violet-stained microplate assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging, all studied A. mellifera gut isolates exhibit a biofilm positive phenotype. Moreover, it was also documented, on honey bees kept in cages, that supplementation of A. mellifera sucrose diet with FLAB decreases mortality and improves significantly longevity of honey bees. Presented research showed that A. mellifera FLAB symbionts are good candidates for application as probiotics.},
}
@article {pmid33739376,
year = {2021},
author = {Tria, FDK and Brueckner, J and Skejo, J and Xavier, JC and Kapust, N and Knopp, M and Wimmer, JLE and Nagies, FSP and Zimorski, V and Gould, SB and Garg, SG and Martin, WF},
title = {Gene Duplications Trace Mitochondria to the Onset of Eukaryote Complexity.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {33739376},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Eukaryota/*genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Gene Duplication ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genes, Archaeal ; Genes, Bacterial ; Mitochondria/*genetics ; },
abstract = {The last eukaryote common ancestor (LECA) possessed mitochondria and all key traits that make eukaryotic cells more complex than their prokaryotic ancestors, yet the timing of mitochondrial acquisition and the role of mitochondria in the origin of eukaryote complexity remain debated. Here, we report evidence from gene duplications in LECA indicating an early origin of mitochondria. Among 163,545 duplications in 24,571 gene trees spanning 150 sequenced eukaryotic genomes, we identify 713 gene duplication events that occurred in LECA. LECA's bacterial-derived genes include numerous mitochondrial functions and were duplicated significantly more often than archaeal-derived and eukaryote-specific genes. The surplus of bacterial-derived duplications in LECA most likely reflects the serial copying of genes from the mitochondrial endosymbiont to the archaeal host's chromosomes. Clustering, phylogenies and likelihood ratio tests for 22.4 million genes from 5,655 prokaryotic and 150 eukaryotic genomes reveal no evidence for lineage-specific gene acquisitions in eukaryotes, except from the plastid in the plant lineage. That finding, and the functions of bacterial genes duplicated in LECA, suggests that the bacterial genes in eukaryotes are acquisitions from the mitochondrion, followed by vertical gene evolution and differential loss across eukaryotic lineages, flanked by concomitant lateral gene transfer among prokaryotes. Overall, the data indicate that recurrent gene transfer via the copying of genes from a resident mitochondrial endosymbiont to archaeal host chromosomes preceded the onset of eukaryotic cellular complexity, favoring mitochondria-early over mitochondria-late hypotheses for eukaryote origin.},
}
@article {pmid33740894,
year = {2021},
author = {Pyrih, J and Žárský, V and Fellows, JD and Grosche, C and Wloga, D and Striepen, B and Maier, UG and Tachezy, J},
title = {The iron-sulfur scaffold protein HCF101 unveils the complexity of organellar evolution in SAR, Haptista and Cryptista.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {46},
pmid = {33740894},
issn = {2730-7182},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cryptosporidiosis ; *Cryptosporidium ; Iron ; *Iron-Sulfur Proteins/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Sulfur ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nbp35-like proteins (Nbp35, Cfd1, HCF101, Ind1, and AbpC) are P-loop NTPases that serve as components of iron-sulfur cluster (FeS) assembly machineries. In eukaryotes, Ind1 is present in mitochondria, and its function is associated with the assembly of FeS clusters in subunits of respiratory Complex I, Nbp35 and Cfd1 are the components of the cytosolic FeS assembly (CIA) pathway, and HCF101 is involved in FeS assembly of photosystem I in plastids of plants (chHCF101). The AbpC protein operates in Bacteria and Archaea. To date, the cellular distribution of these proteins is considered to be highly conserved with only a few exceptions.<br><br>RESULTS: We searched for the genes of all members of the Nbp35-like protein family and analyzed their targeting sequences. Nbp35 and Cfd1 were predicted to reside in the cytoplasm with some exceptions of Nbp35 localization to the mitochondria; Ind1was found in the mitochondria, and HCF101 was predicted to reside in plastids (chHCF101) of all photosynthetically active eukaryotes. Surprisingly, we found a second HCF101 paralog in all members of Cryptista, Haptista, and SAR that was predicted to predominantly target mitochondria (mHCF101), whereas Ind1 appeared to be absent in these organisms. We also identified a few exceptions, as apicomplexans possess mHCF101 predicted to localize in the cytosol and Nbp35 in the mitochondria. Our predictions were experimentally confirmed in selected representatives of Apicomplexa (Toxoplasma gondii), Stramenopila (Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Thalassiosira pseudonana), and Ciliophora (Tetrahymena thermophila) by tagging proteins with a transgenic reporter. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that chHCF101 and mHCF101 evolved from a common ancestral HCF101 independently of the Nbp35/Cfd1 and Ind1 proteins. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis supports rather a lateral gene transfer of ancestral HCF101 from bacteria than its acquisition being associated with either &#x3b1;-proteobacterial or cyanobacterial endosymbionts.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our searches for Nbp35-like proteins across eukaryotic lineages revealed that SAR, Haptista, and Cryptista possess mitochondrial HCF101. Because plastid localization of HCF101 was only known thus far, the discovery of its mitochondrial paralog explains confusion regarding the presence of HCF101 in organisms that possibly lost secondary plastids (e.g., ciliates, Cryptosporidium) or possess reduced nonphotosynthetic plastids (apicomplexans).},
}
@article {pmid33761023,
year = {2021},
author = {Clausi, M and Leone, D and Strano, A and Lizio, A and Rappazzo, G and Mulder, C and Conti, E},
title = {Effects of tetracycline on entomopathogenic nematodes and their bacterial symbionts.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology (London, England)},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {705-710},
pmid = {33761023},
issn = {1573-3017},
mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/toxicity ; Bacteria ; Humans ; *Moths ; *Rhabditida ; Tetracyclines ; },
abstract = {Among the new contaminants relevant for environment, one of the most significant roles is played by pharmaceuticals like antibiotic products for either human or veterinary use. Their presence could cause serious damage to bacteria and microfauna, like nematodes. Within the widely investigated nematodes, very little is known about the interaction between antibiotics and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). EPNs have been used for biological control of crops, due to their ability to penetrate arthropod pests and kill their hosts thanks to a complex symbiotic mechanism with specific gram-negative bacteria. Tetracycline is an antibiotic used in human and veterinary medicine, both for therapeutic purposes and for the growth of livestock. Since its action against gram-negative bacteria is documented, we verified in this study the survival, growth and pathogenicity of two species of EPNs, Steinernema vulcanicum and S. feltiae. All tests were performed with tetracycline in 1% ethanol solution and up to 300 mg/L. Apparently, this incubation did not harm the vitality of EPNs. Both S. vulcanicum as S. feltiae recovered their vitality and entomopathogenic ability after 48 h. Moreover, the latter EPN species did not grow nor reproduce in the hemolymph of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella, and their endosymbionts did not grow on MacConkey Agar. Our results suggest that the first EPN species has always retained all its abilities and that endosymbionts have acquired resistance to tetracycline, while experiments with the second EPN species provided some contrasting results in time that will require further investigations.},
}
@article {pmid33762724,
year = {2021},
author = {Schalm, G and Bruns, K and Drachenberg, N and Geyer, N and Foulkes, NS and Bertolucci, C and Gerlach, G},
title = {Finding Nemo's clock reveals switch from nocturnal to diurnal activity.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {6801},
pmid = {33762724},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Circadian Clocks/*genetics ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology/radiation effects ; Coral Reefs ; DNA Repair/genetics ; Larva/genetics/metabolism ; Light ; Locomotion ; Perciformes/*genetics/growth &amp; development/physiology ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Timing mechanisms play a key role in the biology of coral reef fish. Typically, fish larvae leave their reef after hatching, stay for a period in the open ocean before returning to the reef for settlement. During this dispersal, larvae use a time-compensated sun compass for orientation. However, the timing of settlement and how coral reef fish keep track of time via endogenous timing mechanisms is poorly understood. Here, we have studied the behavioural and genetic basis of diel rhythms in the clown anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris. We document a behavioural shift from nocturnal larvae to diurnal adults, while juveniles show an intermediate pattern of activity which potentially indicates flexibility in the timing of settlement on a host anemone. qRTPCR analysis of six core circadian clock genes (bmal1, clocka, cry1b, per1b, per2, per3) reveals rhythmic gene expression patterns that are comparable in larvae and juveniles, and so do not reflect the corresponding activity changes. By establishing an embryonic cell line, we demonstrate that clown anemonefish possess an endogenous clock with similar properties to that of the zebrafish circadian clock. Furthermore, our study provides a first basis to study the multi-layered interaction of clocks from fish, anemones and their zooxanthellae endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid33763389,
year = {2021},
author = {Solbach, MD and Bonkowski, M and Dumack, K},
title = {Novel Endosymbionts in Rhizarian Amoebae Imply Universal Infection of Unrelated Free-Living Amoebae by Legionellales.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {642216},
pmid = {33763389},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Amoeba ; *Amoebida ; Bacteria ; Humans ; *Legionella ; *Legionnaires' Disease ; },
abstract = {Legionellales-infected water is a frequent cause of local outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Decontaminations are difficult because Legionellales reproduce in eukaryotic microorganisms (protists). Most often, Legionellales have been isolated from amoebae; however, the culture-based sampling methods are taxonomically biased. Sequencing studies show that amoebae in the cercozoan class Thecofilosea are dominant in soils and wastewater treatment plants, prompting us to screen their capability to serve as potential hosts of endosymbiotic bacteria. Environmental isolates of Thecofilosea contained a surprising richness of endosymbiotic Legionellales, including Legionella. Considering the widespread dispersal of Legionellales in apparently unrelated amoeboid protist taxa, it appears that the morphotype and not the evolutionary origin of amoebae determines their suitability as hosts for Legionellales. We further provide a protocol for gnotobiotic cultivation of Legionellales and their respective hosts, facilitating future genomic and transcriptomic research of host-symbiont relationships.},
}
@article {pmid33764469,
year = {2021},
author = {Pilgrim, J and Thongprem, P and Davison, HR and Siozios, S and Baylis, M and Zakharov, EV and Ratnasingham, S and deWaard, JR and Macadam, CR and Smith, MA and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Torix Rickettsia are widespread in arthropods and reflect a neglected symbiosis.},
journal = {GigaScience},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {33764469},
issn = {2047-217X},
support = {BB/M011186/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods/genetics ; Base Sequence ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Rickettsia are intracellular bacteria best known as the causative agents of human and animal diseases. Although these medically important Rickettsia are often transmitted via haematophagous arthropods, other Rickettsia, such as those in the Torix group, appear to reside exclusively in invertebrates and protists with no secondary vertebrate host. Importantly, little is known about the diversity or host range of Torix group Rickettsia.<br><br>RESULTS: This study describes the serendipitous discovery of Rickettsia amplicons in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), a sequence database specifically designed for the curation of mitochondrial DNA barcodes. Of 184,585 barcode sequences analysed, Rickettsia is observed in &#x223c;0.41% of barcode submissions and is more likely to be found than Wolbachia (0.17%). The Torix group of Rickettsia are shown to account for 95% of all unintended amplifications from the genus. A further targeted PCR screen of 1,612 individuals from 169 terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species identified mostly Torix strains and supports the "aquatic hot spot" hypothesis for Torix infection. Furthermore, the analysis of 1,341 SRA deposits indicates that Torix infections represent a significant proportion of all Rickettsia symbioses found in arthropod genome projects.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study supports a previous hypothesis that suggests that Torix Rickettsia are overrepresented in aquatic insects. In addition, multiple methods reveal further putative hot spots of Torix Rickettsia infection, including in phloem-feeding bugs, parasitoid wasps, spiders, and vectors of disease. The unknown host effects and transmission strategies of these endosymbionts make these newly discovered associations important to inform future directions of investigation involving the understudied Torix Rickettsia.},
}
@article {pmid33765083,
year = {2021},
author = {Reverte, M and Eren, RO and Jha, B and Desponds, C and Snäkä, T and Prevel, F and Isorce, N and Lye, LF and Owens, KL and Gazos Lopes, U and Beverley, SM and Fasel, N},
title = {The antioxidant response favors Leishmania parasites survival, limits inflammation and reprograms the host cell metabolism.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {e1009422},
pmid = {33765083},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R01 AI031078/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI130222/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Host-Parasite Interactions/*physiology ; Inflammation/immunology/metabolism ; Leishmania/immunology/*metabolism ; Leishmaniasis/immunology/*metabolism ; Mice ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology/*metabolism ; Oxidative Stress/*physiology ; Signal Transduction/immunology ; },
abstract = {The oxidative burst generated by the host immune system can restrict intracellular parasite entry and growth. While this burst leads to the induction of antioxidative enzymes, the molecular mechanisms and the consequences of this counter-response on the life of intracellular human parasites are largely unknown. The transcription factor NF-E2-related factor (NRF2) could be a key mediator of antioxidant signaling during infection due to the entry of parasites. Here, we showed that NRF2 was strongly upregulated in infection with the human Leishmania protozoan parasites, its activation was dependent on a NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and SRC family of protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) signaling pathway and it reprogrammed host cell metabolism. In inflammatory leishmaniasis caused by a viral endosymbiont inducing TNF-α in chronic leishmaniasis, NRF2 activation promoted parasite persistence but limited TNF-α production and tissue destruction. These data provided evidence of the dual role of NRF2 in protecting both the invading pathogen from reactive oxygen species and the host from an excess of the TNF-α destructive pro-inflammatory cytokine.},
}
@article {pmid33769570,
year = {2021},
author = {Katlav, A and Nguyen, DT and Cook, JM and Riegler, M},
title = {Constrained sex allocation after mating in a haplodiploid thrips species depends on maternal condition.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {75},
number = {6},
pages = {1525-1536},
doi = {10.1111/evo.14217},
pmid = {33769570},
issn = {1558-5646},
mesh = {Animals ; Body Size ; Crosses, Genetic ; Female ; Fertilization ; Genetic Fitness ; Male ; Ovum ; Paternal Inheritance ; Reproduction ; *Sex Ratio ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; Thysanoptera/*genetics/physiology ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {In females of haplodiploid animals, female production requires fertilization, whereas male production does not. Therefore, haplodiploid species can display extraordinary sex ratios. Constrained sex allocation occurs when a female cannot produce daughters. This can be due to virginity but may also occur after mating due to insemination failure, selfish genetic elements or physiological constraints. Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying constrained sex allocation in Pezothrips kellyanus. In this species some mated females produce highly female-biased broods, yet, for unknown reasons, others produce extremely male-biased broods. Using crossing experiments controlled for maternally inherited endosymbionts we confirmed that constrained females were successfully inseminated. Furthermore, male-biased offspring production was not paternally inherited, ruling out paternal sex ratio elements previously identified as sex ratio distorters in some parasitoid wasps. Next, we excluded mating time and paternal fitness effects (male size) on sex allocation. However, we found that constrained sex allocation only occurred in small females producing smaller eggs than large females producing larger eggs and female-biased broods. Consequently, the bimodal sex allocation pattern correlates with maternal condition, and may have arisen (adaptively or non-adaptively) in association with an egg size-mediated fertilization mechanism recently detected in some haplodiploids, with egg size positively affecting fertilization success.},
}
@article {pmid33774874,
year = {2021},
author = {Chen, H and Wang, M and Li, M and Lian, C and Zhou, L and Zhang, X and Zhang, H and Zhong, Z and Wang, H and Cao, L and Li, C},
title = {A glimpse of deep-sea adaptation in chemosynthetic holobionts: Depressurization causes DNA fragmentation and cell death of methanotrophic endosymbionts rather than their deep-sea Bathymodiolinae host.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {30},
number = {10},
pages = {2298-2312},
doi = {10.1111/mec.15904},
pmid = {33774874},
issn = {1365-294X},
mesh = {Acclimatization ; Animals ; Cell Death ; DNA Fragmentation ; *Hydrothermal Vents ; *Mytilidae ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Bathymodiolinae mussels are typical species in deep-sea cold seeps and hydrothermal vents and an ideal model for investigating chemosynthetic symbiosis and the influence of high hydrostatic pressure on deep-sea organisms. Herein, the potential influence of depressurization on DNA fragmentation and cell death in Bathymodiolinae hosts and their methanotrophic symbionts were surveyed using isobaric and unpressurized samples. As a hallmark of cell death, massive DNA fragmentation was observed in methanotrophic symbionts from unpressurized Bathymodiolinae while several endonucleases and restriction enzymes were upregulated. Additionally, genes involved in DNA repair, glucose/methane metabolism as well as two-component regulatory system were also differentially expressed in depressurized symbionts. DNA fragmentation and programmed cell death, however, were rarely detected in the host bacteriocytes owing to the orchestrated upregulation of inhibitor of apoptosis genes and downregulation of caspase genes. Meanwhile, diverse host immune recognition receptors were promoted during depressurization, probably enabling the regain of symbionts. When the holobionts were subjected to a prolonged acclimation at atmospheric pressure, alternations in both the DNA fragmentation and the expression atlas of aforesaid genes were continuously observed in symbionts, demonstrating the persistent influence of depressurization. Contrarily, the host cells demonstrated certain tolerance against depressurization stress as expression level of some immune-related genes returned to the basal level in isobaric samples. Altogether, the present study illustrates the distinct stress responses of Bathymodiolinae hosts and their methanotrophic symbionts against depressurization, which could provide further insight into the deep-sea adaptation of Bathymodiolinae holobionts while highlighting the necessity of using isobaric sampling methods in deep-sea research.},
}
@article {pmid33776981,
year = {2021},
author = {Flatau, R and Segoli, M and Hawlena, H},
title = {Wolbachia Endosymbionts of Fleas Occur in All Females but Rarely in Males and Do Not Show Evidence of Obligatory Relationships, Fitness Effects, or Sex-Distorting Manipulations.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {649248},
pmid = {33776981},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The widespread temporal and spatial persistence of endosymbionts in arthropod host populations, despite potential conflicts with their hosts and fluctuating environmental conditions, is puzzling. Here, we disentangled three main mechanisms that are commonly proposed to explain such persistence, namely, obligatory relationships, in which the host is fully dependent on its endosymbiont, fitness advantages conferred by the endosymbiont, and reproductive manipulations imposed by the endosymbiont. Our model system reflects an extreme case, in which the Wolbachia endosymbiont persists in all female flea hosts but rarely in male ones. We cured fleas of both sexes of Wolbachia but found no indications for either lower reproduction, offspring survival, or a change in the offspring sex ratio, compared to Wolbacia-infected fleas. These results do not support any of the suggested mechanisms. We highlight future directions to advance our understanding of endosymbiont persistence in fleas, as well as in other model systems, with extreme sex-differences in endosymbiont persistence. Insights from such studies are predicted to shed light on the evolution and ecology of arthropod-endosymbiont interactions in nature.},
}
@article {pmid33785618,
year = {2021},
author = {Ledermann, R and Emmenegger, B and Couzigou, JM and Zamboni, N and Kiefer, P and Vorholt, JA and Fischer, HM},
title = {Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens Requires Chemical Chaperones To Cope with Osmotic Stress during Soybean Infection.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {33785618},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Amino Acids, Diamino/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Betaine/metabolism ; Bradyrhizobium/genetics/*metabolism ; Osmotic Pressure ; Plant Root Nodulation ; Root Nodules, Plant/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Glycine max/growth &amp; development/*microbiology ; Trehalose/*metabolism ; },
abstract = {When engaging in symbiosis with legume hosts, rhizobia are confronted with environmental changes, including nutrient availability and stress exposure. Genetic circuits allow responding to these environmental stimuli to optimize physiological adaptations during the switch from the free-living to the symbiotic life style. A pivotal regulatory system of the nitrogen-fixing soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens for efficient symbiosis is the general stress response (GSR), which relies on the alternative sigma factor σ[EcfG] However, the GSR-controlled process required for symbiosis has not been identified. Here, we demonstrate that biosynthesis of trehalose is under GSR control, and mutants lacking the respective biosynthetic genes otsA and/or otsB phenocopy GSR-deficient mutants under symbiotic and selected free-living stress conditions. The role of trehalose as a cytoplasmic chemical chaperone and stress protectant can be functionally replaced in an otsA or otsB mutant by introducing heterologous genetic pathways for biosynthesis of the chemically unrelated compatible solutes glycine betaine and (hydroxy)ectoine. Alternatively, uptake of exogenously provided trehalose also restores efficient symbiosis and tolerance to hyperosmotic and hyperionic stress of otsA mutants. Hence, elevated cytoplasmic trehalose levels resulting from GSR-controlled biosynthesis are crucial for B. diazoefficiens cells to overcome adverse conditions during early stages of host infection and ensure synchronization with root nodule development.IMPORTANCE The Bradyrhizobium-soybean symbiosis is of great agricultural significance and serves as a model system for fundamental research in bacterium-plant interactions. While detailed molecular insight is available about mutual recognition and early nodule organogenesis, our understanding of the host-imposed conditions and the physiology of infecting rhizobia during the transition from a free-living state in the rhizosphere to endosymbiotic bacteroids is currently limited. In this study, we show that the requirement of the rhizobial general stress response (GSR) during host infection is attributable to GSR-controlled biosynthesis of trehalose. Specifically, trehalose is crucial for an efficient symbiosis by acting as a chemical chaperone to protect rhizobia from osmostress during host infection.},
}
@article {pmid33786050,
year = {2021},
author = {Ertabaklar, H and Malatyali, E and Özün Özbay, EP and Yildiz, &#x130; and Sinecen, M and Ertuğ, S and Bozdoğan, B and Güçlü, &#xd6;},
title = {Microsatellite-Based Genotyping, Analysis of Population Structure, Presence of Trichomonas vaginalis Virus (TVV) and Mycoplasma hominis in T. vaginalis Isolates from Southwest of Turkey.},
journal = {Iranian journal of parasitology},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {81-90},
pmid = {33786050},
issn = {1735-7020},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to determine genetic diversity of Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) isolates with microsatellite markers in Turkey (Nov 2015 to 2016) and to create a web-based microsatellite typing (MT) approach for the global interpretation of the data. In addition, the endosymbiosis of Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) and T. vaginalis virus (TVV) in the isolates was also examined.<br><br>METHODS: The allele sizes for each locus were calculated and microsatellite types were determined according to the allele profiles. The population structure was examined with Bayesian clustering method. A website (http://mttype.adu.edu.tr) was created for collection and sharing of microsatellite data. Presence of TVV and M. hominis in T. vaginalis isolates were investigated with electrophoresis and PCR.<br><br>RESULTS: Of 630 vaginal samples T. vaginalis was detected in 30 (4.7%) and those were used for further analysis. The structure produced by a clustering algorithm revealed eight genetic groups. The typing of isolates according to microsatellites revealed 23 different microsatellite types. Three clones were determined among isolates (MT10 16.7%; MT18 10% and MT3 6.7%). The frequency of TVV and M. hominis was 16.6% (n=5) and 20% (n=6), respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Presence of three clones among 30 T. vaginalis isolates indicated that microsatellite-based genotyping was efficient to determine the clonal distribution of T. vaginalis isolates. Therefore, a promising tool might be developed further and adapted to the studies dealing with molecular epidemiology of T. vaginalis. Microsatellite data from forthcoming studies will be deposited and presented on the website. In addition, we also presented the frequency of two endosymbionts in T. vaginalis isolates for the first time in Turkey.},
}
@article {pmid33786972,
year = {2021},
author = {Shang, J and Yao, YS and Zhu, XZ and Wang, L and Li, DY and Zhang, KX and Gao, XK and Wu, CC and Niu, L and Ji, JC and Luo, JY and Cui, JJ},
title = {Evaluation of sublethal and transgenerational effects of sulfoxaflor on Aphis gossypii via life table parameters and 16S rRNA sequencing.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {77},
number = {7},
pages = {3406-3418},
doi = {10.1002/ps.6385},
pmid = {33786972},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; Humans ; Life Tables ; Pyridines ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sulfur Compounds/toxicity ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aphis gossypii, a polyphagous and recurrent pest induced by pesticides, causes tremendous loss crop yields each year. Previous studies on the mechanism of pesticide-induced sublethal effects mainly focus on the gene level. The symbiotic bacteria are also important participants of this mechanism, but their roles in hormesis are still unclear.<br><br>RESULTS: In this study, life table parameters and 16S rRNA sequencing were applied to evaluate the sublethal and transgenerational effects of sulfoxaflor on adult A. gossypii after 24-h LC20 (6.96&#x2009;mg&#x2009;L[-1]) concentration exposure. The results indicated that the LC20 of sulfoxaflor significantly reduced the finite rate of increase (&#x3bb;) and net reproductive rate (R0) of parent generation (G0), and significantly increased mean generation time (T) of G1 and G2, but not of G3 and G4. Both reproductive period and fecundity of G1 and G2 were significantly higher than those of the control. Furthermore, our sequencing data revealed that more than 95% bacterial communities were dominated by the phylum Proteobacteria, in which the maximum proportion genus was the primary symbiont Buchnera and the facultative symbiont Arsenophonus. Compared to those of the control, the abundance and composition of symbiotic bacteria of A. gossypii for three successive generations (G0-G2) were changed after G0 A. gossypii was exposed to sulfoxaflor: the diversity of the bacterial community was decreased, but the abundance of Buchnera was increased (G0), while the abundance of Arsenophonus was decreased. Contrary to G0, G1 and G2 cotton aphid exhibited an increased relative abundance of Arsenophonus in the sublethal treatment group.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results provide an insight into the interactions among pesticide resistance, aphids, and symbionts, which will eventually help to better manage the resurgence of A. gossypii. &#xa9; 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid33787747,
year = {2021},
author = {Ribeiro, MF and Carvalho, VR and Favoreto, AL and De Marchi, BR and Jordan, C and Zanuncio, JC and Soares, MA and Zanuncio, AJV and Wilcken, CF},
title = {Yersinia massiliensis (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae) in the host Anaphes nitens (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae): first report of association with insects.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia},
volume = {82},
number = {},
pages = {e237098},
doi = {10.1590/1519-6984.237098},
pmid = {33787747},
issn = {1678-4375},
mesh = {Animals ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; *Hymenoptera/genetics ; *Weevils ; Yersinia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiont bacteria can affect biological parameters and reduce the effectiveness of natural enemies in controlling the target insect. The objective of this work was to identify endosymbiont bacteria in Anaphes nitens (Girault, 1928) (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), the main natural enemy used to manage Gonipterus platensis (Marelli, 1926) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Genomic DNA from six A. nitens populations was extracted and polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed with the primers to detect endosymbiont bacteria in this insect. The PCR products were amplified, sequenced, and compared with sequences deposited in the GenBank for the bacteria identification. All A. nitens populations had the bacterium Yersinia massiliensis (Enterobacteriales: Enterobacteriaceae). This bacterium was originally described as free-living, and it is associated with and composes part of the A. nitens microbiota. This is the first report of Y. massiliensis in an insect host.},
}
@article {pmid33793664,
year = {2021},
author = {Nooroong, P and Trinachartvanit, W and Baimai, V and Anuracpreeda, P and Ahantarig, A},
title = {Partial DnaK protein expression from Coxiella-like endosymbiont of Rhipicephalus annulatus tick.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {e0249354},
pmid = {33793664},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Adenosine Triphosphatases/classification/genetics/immunology/*metabolism ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/classification/genetics/immunology/*metabolism ; Coxiella burnetii/isolation &amp; purification/*metabolism ; DNA, Bacterial/chemistry/metabolism ; Databases, Genetic ; Epitopes/analysis/immunology ; Haplotypes ; Mutation ; Phylogeny ; Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis/chemistry/isolation &amp; purification ; Rhipicephalus/*microbiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Q fever is one of the most important zoonotic diseases caused by the obligate intracellular bacteria, Coxiella burnetii. This bacterial infection has been frequently reported in both humans and animals, especially ruminants. Ticks are important ectoparasite and serve as reservoir hosts of Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs). In this study, we have attempted to express chaperone-coding genes from CLEs of Rhipicephalus annulatus ticks collected fromcow path. The partial DnaK coding sequence has been amplified and expressed by Escherichia coli. Amino acid sequences have been analyzed by MS-MS spectrometry and the UniProt database. Despites nucleotide sequences indicating high nucleotide variation and diversity, many nucleotide substitutions are synonymous. In addition, amino acid substitutions compensate for the physicochemical properties of the original amino acids. Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (IEDB-AR) was employed to indicate the antigenicity of the partial DnaK protein and predict the epitopes of B-and T-cells. Interestingly, some predicted HLA-A and B alleles of the MHC-I and HLA-DR alleles belonging to MHC-II were similar to T-cell responses to C. burnetii in Q fever patients. Therefore, the partial DnaK protein of CLE from R. annulatus could be considered a vaccine candidate and immunogenic marker with future prospects.},
}
@article {pmid33794350,
year = {2021},
author = {Konecka, E and Olszanowski, Z},
title = {Wolbachia supergroup E found in Hypochthonius rufulus (Acari: Oribatida) in Poland.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {91},
number = {},
pages = {104829},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104829},
pmid = {33794350},
issn = {1567-7257},
mesh = {Animals ; Mites/*microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Poland ; Wolbachia/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Data on the spread of intracellular bacteria in oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) are scarce. Our work fills a gap in the research on endosymbionts in this group of invertebrates and provides information on Wolbachia infection in Hypochthonius rufulus (Acari: Oribatida) from soil, litter and moss sample collected in south-eastern Poland. This is the first report of Wolbachia in H. rufulus. Phylogeny based on the analysis of the 16S rRNA, gatB, fbpA, gltA, ftsZ and hcpA gene sequences revealed that Wolbachia from H. rufulus represented supergroup E and was related to bacterial endosymbionts of Collembola. The unique sequence within Wolbachia supergroup E was detected for the 16S rRNA gene of the bacteria from H. rufulus. The sequences of Wolbachia 16S rRNA and housekeeping genes have been deposited in publicly available databases and are an important source of molecular data for comparative studies.},
}
@article {pmid33800543,
year = {2021},
author = {Moelling, K and Broecker, F},
title = {Viroids and the Origin of Life.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {22},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {33800543},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Animals ; Gene Silencing ; Genetic Complementation Test ; Humans ; Meteoroids ; Nucleic Acid Conformation ; *Origin of Life ; Plant Diseases/virology ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Catalytic/*genetics ; RNA, Viral/*genetics ; Ribosomes/chemistry/*genetics ; Symbiosis ; Viroids/*genetics ; Virus Diseases/metabolism ; *Virus Replication ; },
abstract = {Viroids are non-coding circular RNA molecules with rod-like or branched structures. They are often ribozymes, characterized by catalytic RNA. They can perform many basic functions of life and may have played a role in evolution since the beginning of life on Earth. They can cleave, join, replicate, and undergo Darwinian evolution. Furthermore, ribozymes are the essential elements for protein synthesis of cellular organisms as parts of ribosomes. Thus, they must have preceded DNA and proteins during evolution. Here, we discuss the current evidence for viroids or viroid-like RNAs as a likely origin of life on Earth. As such, they may also be considered as models for life on other planets or moons in the solar system as well as on exoplanets.},
}
@article {pmid33801932,
year = {2021},
author = {Gałęcki, R and Jaroszewski, J and Bakuła, T and Galon, EM and Xuan, X},
title = {Molecular Detection of Selected Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Deer Keds (Lipoptena fortisetosa).},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {33801932},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {"Regional initiative of Excellence" Project No. 010/RID/2018/19//Ministerstwo Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wy&#x17c;szego/ ; },
abstract = {Deer keds are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites of birds and mammals. Cervids serve as specific hosts for these insects. However, ked infestations have been observed in non-specific hosts, including humans, companion animals, and livestock. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a weakly studied ectoparasite, but there is evidence to indicate that it continues to spread across Europe. The existing knowledge on deer keds' impact on wildlife is superficial, and their veterinary importance is enigmatic. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a species with vectorial capacity, but potential pathogen transmission has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of selected pathogens in L. fortisetosa collected from cervids and host-seeking individuals in the environment. Out of 500 acquired samples, 307 (61.4%) had genetic material from at least one tested pathogen. Our research suggests that L. fortisetosa may be a potential vector of several pathogens, including A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Borellia spp., Coxiella-like endosymbionts, Francisiella tularensis, Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., and Theileria spp.; however, further, more extensive investigations are required to confirm this. The results of the study indicate that keds can be used as biological markers for investigating the prevalence of vector-borne diseases in the population of free-ranging cervids.},
}
@article {pmid33803682,
year = {2021},
author = {Boularias, G and Azzag, N and Galon, C and Šimo, L and Boulouis, HJ and Moutailler, S},
title = {High-Throughput Microfluidic Real-Time PCR for the Detection of Multiple Microorganisms in Ixodid Cattle Ticks in Northeast Algeria.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {33803682},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {Microfluidic_2020-2021//Agence Nationale de S&#xe9;curit&#xe9; Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail/ ; grant no. ANR-10-LABX-62-IBEID//the French Government's Investissement d'Avenir program, Laboratoire d'Excellence "Integra-tive Biology of Emerging Infectious Diseases"/ ; },
abstract = {Ixodid ticks are hematophagous arthropods considered to be prominent ectoparasite vectors that have a negative impact on cattle, either through direct injury or via the transmission of several pathogens. In this study, we investigated the molecular infection rates of numerous tick-borne pathogens in ticks sampled on cattle from the Kabylia region, northeastern Algeria, using a high-throughput microfluidic real-time PCR system. A total of 235 ticks belonging to seven species of the genera Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, and Ixodes were sampled on cattle and then screened for the presence of 36 different species of bacteria and protozoans. The most prevalent tick-borne microorganisms were Rickettsia spp. at 79.1%, followed by Francisella-like endosymbionts (62.9%), Theileria spp. (17.8%), Anaplasma spp. (14.4%), Bartonella spp. (6.8%), Borrelia spp. (6.8%), and Babesia spp. (2.5%). Among the 80.4% of ticks bearing microorganisms, 20%, 36.6%, 21.7%, and 2.1% were positive for one, two, three, and four different microorganisms, respectively. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma detritum, and Rhipicephalus bursa ticks. Rickettsia massiliae was found in Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Rickettsiamonacensis and Rickettsia helvetica were detected in Ixodesricinus. Anaplasma marginale was found in all identified tick genera, but Anaplasma centrale was detected exclusively in Rhipicephalus spp. ticks. The DNA of Borrelia spp. and Bartonella spp. was identified in several tick species. Theileria orientalis was found in R. bursa, R. sanguineus, H. detritum, H. marginatum, and I. ricinus and Babesia bigemina was found in Rhipicephalus annulatus and R. sanguineus. Our study highlights the importance of tick-borne pathogens in cattle in Algeria.},
}
@article {pmid33806260,
year = {2021},
author = {Zepeda-Paulo, F and Lavandero, B},
title = {Effect of the Genotypic Variation of an Aphid Host on the Endosymbiont Associations in Natural Host Populations.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {12},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {33806260},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {3140299//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Cient&#xed;fico y Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; 1140632//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Cient&#xed;fico y Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding the role of facultative endosymbionts on the host's ecology has been the main aim of the research in symbiont-host systems. However, current research on host-endosymbiont dynamics has failed to examine the genetic background of the hosts and its effect on host-endosymbiont associations in real populations. We have addressed the seasonal dynamic of facultative endosymbiont infections among different host clones of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae, on two cereal crops (wheat and oat) and whether their presence affects the total hymenopteran parasitism of aphid hosts at the field level. We present evidence of rapid seasonal shifts in the endosymbiont frequency, suggesting a positive selection of endosymbionts at the host-level (aphids) through an agricultural growing season, by two mechanisms; (1) an increase of aphid infections with endosymbionts over time, and (2) the seasonal replacement of host clones within natural populations by increasing the prevalence of aphid clones closely associated to endosymbionts. Our results highlight how genotypic variation of hosts can affect the endosymbiont prevalence in the field, being an important factor for understanding the magnitude and direction of the adaptive and/or maladaptive responses of hosts to the environment.},
}
@article {pmid33806926,
year = {2021},
author = {Greczek-Stachura, M and Leśnicka, PZ and Tarcz, S and Rautian, M and Możdżeń, K},
title = {Genetic Diversity of Symbiotic Green Algae of Paramecium bursaria Syngens Originating from Distant Geographical Locations.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {33806926},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {BN.XX//Pedagogical University of Krakow, Krak&#xf3;w, Poland/ ; },
abstract = {Paramecium bursaria (Ehrenberg 1831) is a ciliate species living in a symbiotic relationship with green algae. The aim of the study was to identify green algal symbionts of P. bursaria originating from distant geographical locations and to answer the question of whether the occurrence of endosymbiont taxa was correlated with a specific ciliate syngen (sexually separated sibling group). In a comparative analysis, we investigated 43 P. bursaria symbiont strains based on molecular features. Three DNA fragments were sequenced: two from the nuclear genomes-a fragment of the ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2 region and a fragment of the gene encoding large subunit ribosomal RNA (28S rDNA), as well as a fragment of the plastid genome comprising the 3'rpl36-5'infA genes. The analysis of two ribosomal sequences showed the presence of 29 haplotypes (haplotype diversity Hd = 0.98736 for ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2 and Hd = 0.908 for 28S rDNA) in the former two regions, and 36 haplotypes in the 3'rpl36-5'infA gene fragment (Hd = 0.984). The following symbiotic strains were identified: Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella variabilis, Chlorella sorokiniana and Micractinium conductrix. We rejected the hypotheses concerning (i) the correlation between P. bursaria syngen and symbiotic species, and (ii) the relationship between symbiotic species and geographic distribution.},
}
@article {pmid33813285,
year = {2021},
author = {Daveu, R and Laurence, C and Bouju-Albert, A and Sassera, D and Plantard, O},
title = {Symbiont dynamics during the blood meal of Ixodes ricinus nymphs differ according to their sex.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {101707},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101707},
pmid = {33813285},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Ixodes/growth &amp; development/*microbiology ; Male ; Nymph/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Rickettsiales/*physiology ; Sex Factors ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Ticks harbour rich and diverse microbiota and, among the microorganisms associated with them, endosymbionts are the subject of a growing interest due to their crucial role in the biology of their arthropod host. Midichloria mitochondrii is the main endosymbiont of the European tick Ixodes ricinus and is found in abundance in all I. ricinus females, while at a much lower density in males, where it is even absent in 56 % of the individuals. This endosymbiont is also known to increase in numbers after the blood meal of larvae, nymphs or females. Because of this difference in the prevalence of M. mitochondrii between the two sexes, surveying the density of these bacteria in nymphs that will become either females or males could help to understand the behaviour of Midichloria in its arthropod host. To this aim, we have set up an experimental design by building 3 groups of unfed nymphs based on their scutum and hypostome lengths. After engorgement, weighing and moulting of a subset of the nymphs, a significant difference in sex-ratio among the 3 groups was observed. In parallel, Midichloria load in individual nymphs was quantified by qPCR both before and after engorgement. No difference in either body mass or Midichloria load was observed at the unfed stage, but following engorgement, both features were significantly different between each size group. Our results demonstrate that symbiont dynamics during nymphal engorgement is different between the two sexes, resulting in a significantly higher Midichloria load in nymphs that will become females. The consequences of those findings on our understanding of the interplay between the endosymbiont and its arthropod host are discussed.},
}
@article {pmid33817579,
year = {2021},
author = {Row, S and Huang, YC and Deng, WM},
title = {Developmental regulation of oocyte lipid intake through 'patent' follicular epithelium in Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {24},
number = {4},
pages = {102275},
pmid = {33817579},
issn = {2589-0042},
support = {R01 CA224381/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 CA227789/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 GM072562/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD021685/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Epithelia form protective permeability barriers that selectively allow the exchange of material while maintaining tissue integrity under extreme mechanical, chemical, and bacterial loads. Here, we report in the Drosophila follicular epithelium a developmentally regulated and evolutionarily conserved process "patency", wherein a breach is created in the epithelium at tricellular contacts during mid-vitellogenesis. In Drosophila, patency exhibits a strict temporal range potentially delimited by the transcription factor Tramtrack69 and a spatial pattern influenced by the dorsal-anterior signals of the follicular epithelium. Crucial for growth and lipid uptake by the oocyte, patency is also exploited by endosymbionts such as Spiroplasma pulsonii. Our findings reveal an evolutionarily conserved and developmentally regulated non-typical epithelial function in a classic model system.},
}
@article {pmid33823812,
year = {2021},
author = {Vera-Ponce León, A and Dominguez-Mirazo, M and Bustamante-Brito, R and Higareda-Alvear, V and Rosenblueth, M and Martínez-Romero, E},
title = {Functional genomics of a Spiroplasma associated with the carmine cochineals Dactylopius coccus and Dactylopius opuntiae.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {240},
pmid = {33823812},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {019-000012-01EXTV-00267//Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnolog&#xed;a/ ; IN207718//Programa de Apoyo a Proyectos de Investigaci&#xf3;n e Innovaci&#xf3;n Tecnol&#xf3;gica (PAPIIT)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Carmine ; Female ; Genomics ; *Hemiptera ; Male ; *Spiroplasma/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Spiroplasma is a widely distributed endosymbiont of insects, arthropods, and plants. In insects, Spiroplasma colonizes the gut, hemolymph, and reproductive organs of the host. Previous metagenomic surveys of the domesticated carmine cochineal Dactylopius coccus and the wild cochineal D. opuntiae reported sequences of Spiroplasma associated with these insects. However, there is no analysis of the genomic capabilities and the interaction of this Spiroplasma with Dactylopius.<br><br>RESULTS: Here we present three Spiroplasma genomes independently recovered from metagenomes of adult males and females of D. coccus, from two different populations, as well as from adult females of D. opuntiae. Single-copy gene analysis showed that these genomes were&#x2009;>&#x2009;92% complete. Phylogenomic analyses classified these genomes as new members of Spiroplasma ixodetis. Comparative genome analysis indicated that they exhibit fewer genes involved in amino acid and carbon catabolism compared to other spiroplasmas. Moreover, virulence factor-encoding genes (i.e., glpO, spaid and rip2) were found incomplete in these S. ixodetis genomes. We also detected an enrichment of genes encoding the type IV secretion system (T4SS) in S. ixodetis genomes of Dactylopius. A metratranscriptomic analysis of D. coccus showed that some of these T4SS genes (i.e., traG, virB4 and virD4) in addition to the superoxide dismutase sodA of S. ixodetis were overexpressed in the ovaries.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The symbiont S. ixodetis is a new member of the bacterial community of D. coccus and D. opuntiae. The recovery of incomplete virulence factor-encoding genes in S. ixodetis of Dactylopius suggests that this bacterium is a non-pathogenic symbiont. A high number of genes encoding the T4SS, in the S. ixodetis genomes and the overexpression of these genes in the ovary and hemolymph of the host suggest that S. ixodetis use the T4SS to interact with the Dactylopius cells. Moreover, the transcriptional differences of S. ixodetis among the gut, hemolymph and ovary tissues of D. coccus indicate that this bacterium can respond and adapt to the different conditions (e.g., oxidative stress) present within the host. All this evidence proposes that there is a strong interaction and molecular signaling in the symbiosis between S. ixodetis and the carmine cochineal Dactylopius.},
}
@article {pmid33824193,
year = {2021},
author = {Daisley, BA and Reid, G},
title = {BEExact: a Metataxonomic Database Tool for High-Resolution Inference of Bee-Associated Microbial Communities.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {33824193},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing technologies have robust potential to improve our understanding of bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)-associated microbial communities and their impact on hive health and disease. Despite recent computation algorithms now permitting exact inferencing of high-resolution exact amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), the taxonomic classification of these ASVs remains a challenge due to inadequate reference databases. To address this, we assemble a comprehensive data set of all publicly available bee-associated 16S rRNA gene sequences, systematically annotate poorly resolved identities via inclusion of 618 placeholder labels for uncultivated microbial dark matter, and correct for phylogenetic inconsistencies using a complementary set of distance-based and maximum likelihood correction strategies. To benchmark the resultant database (BEExact), we compare performance against all existing reference databases in silico using a variety of classifier algorithms to produce probabilistic confidence scores. We also validate realistic classification rates on an independent set of ∼234 million short-read sequences derived from 32 studies encompassing 50 different bee types (36 eusocial and 14 solitary). Species-level classification rates on short-read ASVs range from 80 to 90% using BEExact (with ∼20% due to "bxid" placeholder names), whereas only ∼30% at best can be resolved with current universal databases. A series of data-driven recommendations are developed for future studies. We conclude that BEExact (https://github.com/bdaisley/BEExact) enables accurate and standardized microbiota profiling across a broad range of bee species-two factors of key importance to reproducibility and meaningful knowledge exchange within the scientific community that together, can enhance the overall utility and ecological relevance of routine 16S rRNA gene-based sequencing endeavors.IMPORTANCE The failure of current universal taxonomic databases to support the rapidly expanding field of bee microbiota research has led to many investigators relying on "in-house" reference sets or manual classification of sequence reads (usually based on BLAST searches), often with vague identity thresholds and subjective taxonomy choices. This time-consuming, error- and bias-prone process lacks standardization, cripples the potential for comparative cross-study analysis, and in many cases is likely to incorrectly sway study conclusions. BEExact is structured on and leverages several complementary bioinformatic techniques to enable refined inference of bee host-associated microbial communities without any other methodological modifications necessary. It also bridges the gap between current practical outcomes (i.e., phylotype-to-genus level constraints with 97% operational taxonomic units [OTUs]) and the theoretical resolution (i.e., species-to-strain level classification with 100% ASVs) attainable in future microbiota investigations. Other niche habitats could also likely benefit from customized database curation via implementation of the novel approaches introduced in this study.},
}
@article {pmid33826895,
year = {2021},
author = {Özsoy, &#x15e; and Vujovic, F and Simonian, M and Valova, V and Hunter, N and Farahani, RM},
title = {Cannibalized erythroblasts accelerate developmental neurogenesis by regulating mitochondrial dynamics.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {108942},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108942},
pmid = {33826895},
issn = {2211-1247},
support = {512524.3/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Chick Embryo ; Erythroblasts/*metabolism ; Guanosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; Heme/metabolism ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; *Mitochondrial Dynamics ; Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism ; Neural Tube/metabolism ; *Neurogenesis ; Protein Stability ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Transcription, Genetic ; beta Catenin/metabolism ; Mice ; },
abstract = {Metabolic support was long considered to be the only developmental function of hematopoiesis, a view that is gradually changing. Here, we disclose a mechanism triggered during neurulation that programs brain development by donation of sacrificial yolk sac erythroblasts to neuroepithelial cells. At embryonic day (E) 8.5, neuroepithelial cells transiently integrate with the endothelium of yolk sac blood vessels and cannibalize intravascular erythroblasts as transient heme-rich endosymbionts. This cannibalistic behavior instructs precocious neuronal differentiation of neuroepithelial cells in the proximity of blood vessels. By experiments in vitro, we show that access to erythroblastic heme accelerates the pace of neurogenesis by induction of a truncated neurogenic differentiation program from a poised state. Mechanistically, the poised state is invoked by activation of the mitochondrial electron transport chain that leads to amplified production of reactive oxygen species in addition to omnipresent guanosine triphosphate (GTP) with consequential upregulation of pro-differentiation β-catenin.},
}
@article {pmid33831149,
year = {2021},
author = {Pers, D and Hansen, AK},
title = {The boom and bust of the aphid's essential amino acid metabolism across nymphal development.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {11},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {33831149},
issn = {2160-1836},
mesh = {Amino Acids, Essential ; Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; *Buchnera/genetics ; Plants ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Within long-term symbioses, animals integrate their physiology and development with their symbiont. In a model nutritional mutualism, aphids harbor the endosymbiont, Buchnera, within specialized bacteriocyte cells. Buchnera synthesizes essential amino acids (EAAs) and vitamins for their host, which are lacking from the aphid's plant sap diet. It is unclear if the aphid host differentially expresses aphid EAA metabolism pathways and genes that collaborate with Buchnera for the production of EAA and vitamins throughout nymphal development when feeding on plants. It is also unclear if aphid bacteriocytes are differentially methylated throughout aphid development as DNA methylation may play a role in gene regulation. By analyzing aphid gene expression, we determined that the bacteriocyte is metabolically more active in metabolizing Buchnera's EAAs and vitamins early in nymphal development compared to intermediate or later immature and adult lifestages. The largest changes in aphid bacteriocyte gene expression, especially for aphid genes that collaborate with Buchnera, occurred during the 3rd to 4th instar transition. During this transition, there is a huge shift in the bacteriocyte from a high energy "nutrient-consuming state" to a "recovery and growth state" where patterning and signaling genes and pathways are upregulated and differentially methylated, and de novo methylation is reduced as evidenced by homogenous DNA methylation profiles after the 2nd instar. Moreover, bacteriocyte number increased and Buchnera's titer decreased throughout aphid nymphal development. These data suggest in combination that bacteriocytes of older nymphal and adult lifestages depend less on the nutritional symbiosis compared to early nymphal lifestages.},
}
@article {pmid33837831,
year = {2021},
author = {Joseph, R and Keyhani, NO},
title = {Fungal mutualisms and pathosystems: life and death in the ambrosia beetle mycangia.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {105},
number = {9},
pages = {3393-3410},
pmid = {33837831},
issn = {1432-0614},
support = {2019-05150//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Ambrosia ; Animals ; *Coleoptera ; Hong Kong ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; *Weevils ; },
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles and their microbial communities, housed in specialized structures termed mycangia, represent one of the oldest and most diverse systems of mutualism and parasitism described thus far. Comprised of core filamentous fungal members, but also including bacteria and yeasts, the mycangia represent a unique adaptation that allows beetles to store and transport their source of nutrition. Although perhaps the most ancient of "farmers," the nature of these interactions remains largely understudied, with the exception of a handful of emerging pathosystems, where the fungal partner acts as a potentially devastating tree pathogen. Such virulence is often seen during "invasions," where (invasive) beetles carrying the fungal symbiont/plant pathogen expand into new territories and presumably "naïve" trees. Here, we summarize recent findings on the phylogenetic relationships between beetles and their symbionts and advances in the developmental and genetic characterization of the mechanisms that underlie insect-fungal-plant interactions. Results on genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic aspects of these relationships are described. Although many members of the fungal Raffaelea-beetle symbiont genera are relatively harmless to host trees, specialized pathosystems including wilt diseases of laurel and oak, caused by specific subspecies (R. lauricola and R. quercus, in the USA and East Asia, respectively), have emerged as potent plant pathogens capable of killing healthy trees. With the development of genetic tools, coupled to biochemical and microscopic techniques, the ambrosia beetle-fungal symbiont is establishing itself as a unique model system to study the molecular determinants and mechanisms that underlie the convergences of symbioses, mutualism, parasitism, and virulence. KEY POINTS: • Fungal-beetle symbioses are diverse and ancient examples of microbial farming. • The mycangium is a specialized structure on insects that houses microbial symbionts. • Some beetle symbiotic fungi are potent plant pathogens vectored by the insect.},
}
@article {pmid33842580,
year = {2021},
author = {Beliavskaia, A and Hönig, V and Erhart, J and Vyhlidalova, T and Palus, M and Cerny, J and Kozlova, I and Ruzek, D and Palomar, AM and Bell-Sakyi, L},
title = {Spiroplasma Isolated From Third-Generation Laboratory Colony Ixodes persulcatus Ticks.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {659786},
pmid = {33842580},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {Spiroplasma are vertically-transmitted endosymbionts of ticks and other arthropods. Field-collected Ixodes persulcatus have been reported to harbour Spiroplasma, but nothing is known about their persistence during laboratory colonisation of this tick species. We successfully isolated Spiroplasma from internal organs of 6/10 unfed adult ticks, belonging to the third generation of an I. persulcatus laboratory colony, into tick cell culture. We screened a further 51 adult male and female ticks from the same colony for presence of Spiroplasma by genus-specific PCR amplification of fragments of the 16S rRNA and rpoB genes; 100% of these ticks were infected and the 16S rRNA sequence showed 99.8% similarity to that of a previously-published Spiroplasma isolated from field-collected I. persulcatus. Our study shows that Spiroplasma endosymbionts persist at high prevalence in colonised I. persulcatus through at least three generations, and confirms the usefulness of tick cell lines for isolation and cultivation of this bacterium.},
}
@article {pmid33848483,
year = {2021},
author = {Lhee, D and Bhattacharya, D and Yoon, HS},
title = {Independent evolution of the thioredoxin system in photosynthetic Paulinella species.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {31},
number = {7},
pages = {R328-R329},
pmid = {33848483},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {80NSSC19K0462/NSSC/Shared Services Center NASA/United States ; },
mesh = {Amoeba ; Chromatophores ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Photosynthesis ; Phylogeny ; Plastids ; *Rhizaria/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Thioredoxins/*metabolism ; },
abstract = {Redox regulation allows phytoplankton to monitor and stabilize metabolic pathways under changing conditions[1]. In plastids, the thioredoxin (TRX) system is linked to photosynthetic electron transport and fine tuning of metabolic pathways to fluctuating light levels. Expansion of the number of redox signal transmitters and their protein targets, as seen in plants, is believed to increase cell robustness[2]. In this study, we searched for genes related to redox regulation in the photosynthetic amoeba Paulinella micropora KR01 (hereafter, KR01). The genus Paulinella includes testate filose amoebae, in which a single clade acquired a photosynthetic organelle, the chromatophore, from an alpha-cyanobacterial donor[3]. This independent primary endosymbiosis occurred relatively recently (∼124 million years ago) when compared to Archaeplastida (>1 billion years ago), making photosynthetic Paulinella a valuable model for studying the early stages of primary endosymbiosis[4]. Our comparative analysis demonstrates that this lineage has evolved a TRX system similar to other algae, relying, however, on genes with diverse phylogenetic origins (including the endosymbiont, host, bacteria, and red algae). One TRX of eukaryotic provenance is targeted to the chromatophore, implicating host-endosymbiont coordination of redox regulation. A chromatophore-targeted glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) of red algal origin suggests that Paulinella exploited the existing redox regulation system in Archaeplastida to foster integration. Our study elucidates the independent evolution of the TRX system in photosynthetic Paulinella, whose parts derive from the existing genetic toolkit in diverse organisms.},
}
@article {pmid33848694,
year = {2021},
author = {Pang, HE and Poquita-Du, RC and Jain, SS and Huang, D and Todd, PA},
title = {Among-genotype responses of the coral Pocillopora acuta to emersion: implications for the ecological engineering of artificial coastal defences.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {168},
number = {},
pages = {105312},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105312},
pmid = {33848694},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/genetics ; Chlorophyll A ; Coral Reefs ; Genotype ; Salinity ; Sunlight ; },
abstract = {Stony corals are promising transplant candidates for the ecological engineering of artificial coastal defences such as seawalls as they attract and host numerous other organisms. However, seawalls are exposed to a wide range of environmental stressors associated with periods of emersion during low tide such as desiccation and changes in salinity, temperature, and solar irradiance. All of these variables have known deleterious effects on coral physiology, growth, and fitness. In this study, we performed parallel experiments (in situ and ex situ) to examine among-genotype responses of Pocillopora acuta to emersion by quantifying growth, photophysiological metrics (Fv/Fm, non-photochemical quenching [NPQ], endosymbiont density, and chlorophyll [chl] a concentration) and survival, following different emersion periods. Results showed that coral fragments emersed for longer durations (>2 h) exhibited reduced growth and survival. Endosymbiont density and NPQ, but not Fv/Fm and chl a concentration, varied significantly among genotypes across different durations of emersion. Overall, the ability of P. acuta to tolerate emersion for up to 2 h suggests its potential to serve as a 'starter species' for transplantation efforts on seawalls. Further, careful characterisation and selection of genotypes with a high capacity to withstand emersion can help maximise the efficacy of ecological engineering using coral transplants.},
}
@article {pmid33850043,
year = {2021},
author = {Cui, WJ and Zhang, B and Zhao, R and Liu, LX and Jiao, J and Zhang, Z and Tian, CF},
title = {Lineage-Specific Rewiring of Core Pathways Predating Innovation of Legume Nodules Shapes Symbiotic Efficiency.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {33850043},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {The interkingdom coevolution innovated the rhizobium-legume symbiosis. The application of this nitrogen-fixing system in sustainable agriculture is usually impeded by incompatible interactions between partners. However, the progressive evolution of rhizobium-legume compatibility remains elusive. In this work, deletions of rhcV encoding a structural component of the type three secretion system allow related Sinorhizobium strains to nodulate a previously incompatible soybean cultivar (Glycine max). These rhcV mutants show low to medium to high symbiotic efficiency on the same cultivated soybean while being indistinguishable on wild soybean plants (Glycine soja). The dual pantranscriptomics reveals nodule-specific activation of core symbiosis genes of Sinorhizobium and Glycine genes associated with genome duplication events along the chronogram. Unexpectedly, symbiotic efficiency is in line with lineage-dependent transcriptional profiles of core pathways which predate the diversification of Fabaceae and Sinorhizobium. This is supported by further physiological and biochemical experiments. Particularly, low-efficiency nodules show disordered antioxidant activity and low-energy status, which restrict nitrogen fixation activity. Collectively, the ancient core pathways play a crucial role in optimizing the function of later-evolved mutualistic arsenals in the rhizobium-legume coevolution.IMPORTANCE Significant roles of complex extracellular microbiota in environmental adaptation of eukaryotes in ever-changing circumstances have been revealed. Given the intracellular infection ability, facultative endosymbionts can be considered pioneers within complex extracellular microbiota and are ideal organisms for understanding the early stage of interkingdom adaptation. This work reveals that the later innovation of key symbiotic arsenals and the lineage-specific network rewiring in ancient core pathways, predating the divergence of legumes and rhizobia, underline the progressive evolution of rhizobium-legume compatibility. This insight not only is significant for improving the application benefits of rhizobial inoculants in sustainable agriculture but also advances our general understanding of the interkingdom coevolution which is theoretically explored by all host-microbiota interactions.},
}
@article {pmid33850182,
year = {2021},
author = {Tekle, YI and Lyttle, JM and Blasingame, MG and Wang, F},
title = {Comprehensive comparative genomics reveals over 50 phyla of free-living and pathogenic bacteria are associated with diverse members of the amoebozoa.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {8043},
pmid = {33850182},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {R15 GM116103/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Genomics/methods ; *Bacteria/genetics/classification ; *Amoebozoa/genetics ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Humans ; Transcriptome ; Genome, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {The Amoebozoa, a group containing predominantly amoeboid unicellular protists has been shown to play an important ecological role in controlling environmental bacteria. Amoebozoans not only graze bacteria but also serve as a safe niche for bacterial replication and harbor endosymbiotic bacteria including dangerous human pathogens. Despite their importance, only a few lineages of Amoebozoa have been studied in this regard. In this research, we conducted a comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic study with expansive taxon sampling by including representatives from the three known clades of the Amoebozoa. We used culture independent whole culture and single cell genomics/transcriptomics to investigate the association of bacteria with diverse amoebozoans. Relative to current published evidence, we recovered the largest number of bacterial phyla (64) and human pathogen genera (51) associated with the Amoebozoa. Using single cell genomics/transcriptomics we were able to determine up to 24 potential endosymbiotic bacterial phyla, some potentially endosymbionts. This includes the majority of multi-drug resistant pathogens designated as major public health threats. Our study demonstrates amoebozoans are associated with many more phylogenetically diverse bacterial phyla than previously recognized. It also shows that all amoebozoans are capable of harboring far more dangerous human pathogens than presently documented, making them of primal public health concern.},
}
@article {pmid33853946,
year = {2021},
author = {Carrier, TJ and Leigh, BA and Deaker, DJ and Devens, HR and Wray, GA and Bordenstein, SR and Byrne, M and Reitzel, AM},
title = {Microbiome reduction and endosymbiont gain from a switch in sea urchin life history.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {118},
number = {16},
pages = {},
pmid = {33853946},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R01 AI132581/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Adaptation, Biological/genetics ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Gastrointestinal Tract/*microbiology/physiology ; Microbiota/genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sea Urchins/genetics/*microbiology ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Animal gastrointestinal tracts harbor a microbiome that is integral to host function, yet species from diverse phyla have evolved a reduced digestive system or lost it completely. Whether such changes are associated with alterations in the diversity and/or abundance of the microbiome remains an untested hypothesis in evolutionary symbiosis. Here, using the life history transition from planktotrophy (feeding) to lecithotrophy (nonfeeding) in the sea urchin Heliocidaris, we demonstrate that the lack of a functional gut corresponds with a reduction in microbial community diversity and abundance as well as the association with a diet-specific microbiome. We also determine that the lecithotroph vertically transmits a Rickettsiales that may complement host nutrition through amino acid biosynthesis and influence host reproduction. Our results indicate that the evolutionary loss of a functional gut correlates with a reduction in the microbiome and the association with an endosymbiont. Symbiotic transitions can therefore accompany life history transitions in the evolution of developmental strategies.},
}
@article {pmid33854192,
year = {2021},
author = {Maire, J and Girvan, SK and Barkla, SE and Perez-Gonzalez, A and Suggett, DJ and Blackall, LL and van Oppen, MJH},
title = {Correction to: Intracellular bacteria are common and taxonomically diverse in cultured and in hospite algal endosymbionts of coral reefs.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {2168-2170},
doi = {10.1038/s41396-021-00970-6},
pmid = {33854192},
issn = {1751-7370},
}
@article {pmid33855055,
year = {2021},
author = {Palomar, AM and Veiga, J and Portillo, A and Santibáñez, S and Václav, R and Santibáñez, P and Oteo, JA and Valera, F},
title = {Novel Genotypes of Nidicolous Argas Ticks and Their Associated Microorganisms From Spain.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {637837},
pmid = {33855055},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {The knowledge of the distribution, richness and epidemiological importance of soft ticks of the genus Argas is incomplete. In Spain, five Argas species have been recorded, including three ornitophilic nidicolous ticks, but their associated microorganisms remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate ticks from bird nests and their microorganisms. Ticks were collected extensively from natural cavities and nest-boxes used by European rollers (Coracias garrulus) and little owls (Athene noctua) in Southeastern and Central Spain. Ticks were morphologically and genetically identified and corresponding DNA/RNA tick extracts were analyzed [individually (n = 150) or pooled (n = 43)] using specific PCR assays for bacteria (Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella, Borrelia, Coxiella/Rickettsiella, and Rickettsia spp.), viruses (Flaviviruses, Orthonairoviruses, and Phenuiviruses), and protozoa (Babesia/Theileria spp.). Six Argas genotypes were identified, of which only those of Argas reflexus (n = 8) were identified to the species level. Two other genotypes were closely related to each other and to Argas vulgaris (n = 83) and Argas polonicus (n = 33), respectively. These two species have not been previously reported from Western Europe. Two additional genotypes (n = 4) clustered with Argas persicus, previously reported in Spain. The remaining genotype (n = 22) showed low sequence identity with any Argas species, being most similar to the African Argas africolumbae. The microbiological screening revealed infection with a rickettsial strain belonging to Rickettsia fournieri and Candidatus Rickettsia vini group in 74.7% of ticks, mainly comprising ticks genetically related to A. vulgaris and A. polonicus. Other tick endosymbionts belonging to Coxiella, Francisella and Rickettsiella species were detected in ten, one and one tick pools, respectively. In addition, one Babesia genotype, closely related to avian Babesia species, was found in one tick pool. Lastly, Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella, Borrelia, and viruses were not detected. In conclusion, five novel Argas genotypes and their associated microorganisms with unproven pathogenicity are reported for Spain. The re-use of nests between and within years by different bird species appears to be ideal for the transmission of tick-borne microorganisms in cavity-nesting birds of semiarid areas. Further work should be performed to clarify the taxonomy and the potential role of soft Argas ticks and their microorganisms in the epidemiology of zoonoses.},
}
@article {pmid33857428,
year = {2021},
author = {Moore, WM and Chan, C and Ishikawa, T and Rennie, EA and Wipf, HM and Benites, V and Kawai-Yamada, M and Mortimer, JC and Scheller, HV},
title = {Reprogramming sphingolipid glycosylation is required for endosymbiont persistence in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {31},
number = {11},
pages = {2374-2385.e4},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2021.03.067},
pmid = {33857428},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Glucosamine ; Glycosylation ; Inositol ; *Medicago truncatula/genetics/metabolism ; *Mycorrhizae/metabolism ; Plant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Plant Roots/metabolism ; Sphingolipids ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Plant endosymbiosis relies on the development of specialized membranes that encapsulate the endosymbiont and facilitate nutrient exchange. However, the identity and function of lipids within these membrane interfaces is largely unknown. Here, we identify GLUCOSAMINE INOSITOL PHOSPHORYLCERAMIDE TRANSFERASE1 (GINT1) as a sphingolipid glycosyltransferase highly expressed in Medicago truncatula root nodules and roots colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and further demonstrate that this enzyme functions in the synthesis of N-acetyl-glucosamine-decorated glycosyl inositol phosphoryl ceramides (GIPCs) in planta. MtGINT1 expression was developmentally regulated in symbiotic tissues associated with the development of symbiosome and periarbuscular membranes. RNAi silencing of MtGINT1 did not affect overall root growth but strongly impaired nodulation and AM symbiosis, resulting in the senescence of symbiosomes and arbuscules. Our results indicate that, although M. truncatula root sphingolipidome predominantly consists of hexose-decorated GIPCs, local reprogramming of GIPC glycosylation by MtGINT1 is required for the persistence of endosymbionts within the plant cell.},
}
@article {pmid33857432,
year = {2021},
author = {Walker, T and Quek, S and Jeffries, CL and Bandibabone, J and Dhokiya, V and Bamou, R and Kristan, M and Messenger, LA and Gidley, A and Hornett, EA and Anderson, ER and Cansado-Utrilla, C and Hegde, S and Bantuzeko, C and Stevenson, JC and Lobo, NF and Wagstaff, SC and Nkondjio, CA and Irish, SR and Heinz, E and Hughes, GL},
title = {Stable high-density and maternally inherited Wolbachia infections in Anopheles moucheti and Anopheles demeilloni mosquitoes.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {31},
number = {11},
pages = {2310-2320.e5},
pmid = {33857432},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; R21 AI124452/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI129507/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI138074/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; BB/T001240/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; V011278/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/genetics ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; *Malaria ; Maternal Inheritance ; Mosquito Vectors ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a widespread bacterium that can reduce pathogen transmission in mosquitoes, has recently been reported to be present in Anopheles (An.) species. In wild populations of the An. gambiae complex, the primary vectors of Plasmodium malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa, Wolbachia DNA sequences at low density and infection frequencies have been detected. As the majority of studies have used highly sensitive nested PCR as the only method of detection, more robust evidence is required to determine whether Wolbachia strains are established as endosymbionts in Anopheles species. Here, we describe high-density Wolbachia infections in geographically diverse populations of An. moucheti and An. demeilloni. Fluorescent in situ hybridization localized a heavy infection in the ovaries of An. moucheti, and maternal transmission was observed. Genome sequencing of both Wolbachia strains obtained genome depths and coverages comparable to those of other known infections. Notably, homologs of cytoplasmic incompatibility factor (cif) genes were present, indicating that these strains possess the capacity to induce the cytoplasmic incompatibility phenotype, which allows Wolbachia to spread through host populations. These strains should be further investigated as candidates for use in Wolbachia biocontrol strategies in Anopheles aiming to reduce the transmission of malaria.},
}
@article {pmid33857748,
year = {2021},
author = {Bermúdez, S and Martínez-Mandiche, J and Domínguez, L and Gonzalez, C and Chavarria, O and Moreno, A and Góndola, J and Correa, N and Rodríguez, I and Castillo, B and Smith, D and Martínez, AA},
title = {Diversity of Rickettsia in ticks collected from wild animals in Panama.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {101723},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101723},
pmid = {33857748},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Amblyomma/*microbiology/physiology ; Animals ; *Iguanas ; Ixodes/*microbiology/physiology ; *Mammals ; *Microbiota ; Panama ; Rickettsia/classification/*isolation &amp; purification ; Tick Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary ; },
abstract = {This paper presents new data about Rickettsia species detected in ticks collected from wild animals, using 16S rRNA, gltA and ompA. Rickettsia DNA was found in 66 of 101 ticks. Using EZ BioCloud libraries were produced reads that identified Rickettsia aeschlimannii, and Illumina BaseSpace produced reads of Rickettsia rickettsii group, Rickettsia bellii group, and unclassified Rickettsia. Using gltA and ompA gene-specific primers, R. aeschlimannii could not be confirmed, but detection of Rickettsia amblyommatis was achieved in Amblyomma auricularium, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma mixtum, and Amblyomma pacae; R. bellii from Amblyomma dissimile, "Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi" from A. dissimile, Rickettsia spp. closely related to R. raoultii from A. geayi, Rickettsia tamurae from A. dissimile, and Rickettsia endosymbionts of Ixodes from Ixodes affinis. There were no databases available specifically for 16S rRNA of Neotropical Rickettsia, highlighting the need to use species primers over only 16S rRNA primers to achieve more accurate interpretations and identifications. These findings increase the number of Rickettsia species detected in Panama and highlight the need to establish isolates to further characterize the nature of Rickettsia in the area.},
}
@article {pmid33860546,
year = {2021},
author = {Brandeis, M},
title = {Were eukaryotes made by sex?: Sex might have been vital for merging endosymbiont and host genomes giving rise to eukaryotes.},
journal = {BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology},
volume = {43},
number = {6},
pages = {e2000256},
doi = {10.1002/bies.202000256},
pmid = {33860546},
issn = {1521-1878},
mesh = {Archaea/genetics ; *Biological Evolution ; *Eukaryota/genetics ; Eukaryotic Cells ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {I hypothesize that the appearance of sex facilitated the merging of the endosymbiont and host genomes during early eukaryote evolution. Eukaryotes were formed by symbiosis between a bacterium that entered an archaeon, eventually giving rise to mitochondria. This entry was followed by the gradual transfer of most bacterial endosymbiont genes into the archaeal host genome. I argue that the merging of the mitochondrial genes into the host genome was vital for the evolution of genuine eukaryotes. At the time this process commenced it was unprecedented and required a novel mechanism. I suggest that this mechanism was meiotic sex, and that its appearance might have been THE crucial step that enabled the evolution of proper eukaryotes from early endosymbiont containing proto-eukaryotes. Sex might continue to be essential today for keeping genome insertions in check. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/aVMvWMpomac.},
}
@article {pmid33868697,
year = {2021},
author = {Jeffries, CL and Cansado-Utrilla, C and Beavogui, AH and Stica, C and Lama, EK and Kristan, M and Irish, SR and Walker, T},
title = {Evidence for natural hybridization and novel Wolbachia strain superinfections in the Anopheles gambiae complex from Guinea.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {8},
number = {4},
pages = {202032},
pmid = {33868697},
issn = {2054-5703},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a widespread bacterium which can influence mosquito-borne pathogen transmission, has recently been detected within Anopheles (An.) species that are malaria vectors in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although studies have reported Wolbachia strains in the An. gambiae complex, apparent low density and prevalence rates require confirmation. In this study, wild Anopheles mosquitoes collected from two regions of Guinea were investigated. In contrast with previous studies, RNA was extracted from adult females (n = 516) to increase the chances for the detection of actively expressed Wolbachia genes, determine Wolbachia prevalence rates and estimate relative strain densities. Molecular confirmation of mosquito species and Wolbachia multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were carried out to analyse phylogenetic relationships of mosquito hosts and newly discovered Wolbachia strains. Strains were detected in An. melas (prevalence rate of 11.6%-16/138) and hybrids between An. melas and An. gambiae sensu stricto (prevalence rate of 40.0%-6/15) from Senguelen in the Maferinyah region. Furthermore, a novel high-density strain, termed wAnsX, was found in an unclassified Anopheles species. The discovery of novel Wolbachia strains (particularly in members, and hybrids, of the An. gambiae complex) provides further candidate strains that could be used for future Wolbachia-based malaria biocontrol strategies.},
}
@article {pmid33875732,
year = {2021},
author = {Kwarteng, A and Asiedu, E and Sylverken, A and Larbi, A and Mubarik, Y and Apprey, C},
title = {In silico drug repurposing for filarial infection predicts nilotinib and paritaprevir as potential inhibitors of the Wolbachia 5'-aminolevulinic acid synthase.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {8455},
pmid = {33875732},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {5-Aminolevulinate Synthetase/*antagonists &amp; inhibitors ; Amino Acid Sequence ; *Computer Simulation ; Cyclopropanes/*pharmacology ; Drug Repositioning/*methods ; Enzyme Inhibitors/*pharmacology ; Humans ; Lactams, Macrocyclic/*pharmacology ; Proline/*analogs &amp; derivatives/pharmacology ; Pyrimidines/*pharmacology ; Sequence Homology ; Sulfonamides/*pharmacology ; Wolbachia/*drug effects/enzymology/growth &amp; development ; },
abstract = {Filarial infections affect millions of individuals and are responsible for some notorious disabilities. Current treatment options involve repeated mass drug administrations, which have been met with several challenges despite some successes. Administration of doxycycline, an anti-Wolbachia agent, has shown clinical effectiveness but has several limitations, including long treatment durations and contraindications. We describe the use of an in silico drug repurposing approach to screening a library of over 3200 FDA-approved medications against the filarial endosymbiont, Wolbachia. We target the enzyme which catalyzes the first step of heme biosynthesis in the Wolbachia. This presents an opportunity to inhibit heme synthesis, which leads to depriving the filarial worm of heme, resulting in a subsequent macrofilaricidal effect. High throughput virtual screening, molecular docking and molecular simulations with binding energy calculations led to the identification of paritaprevir and nilotinib as potential anti-Wolbachia agents. Having higher binding affinities to the catalytic pocket than the natural substrate, these drugs have the structural potential to bind and engage active site residues of the wolbachia 5'-Aminolevulinic Acid Synthase. We hereby propose paritaprevir and nilotinib for experimental validations as anti-Wolbachia agents.},
}
@article {pmid33876478,
year = {2021},
author = {Smith, AH and O'Connor, MP and Deal, B and Kotzer, C and Lee, A and Wagner, B and Joffe, J and Woloszynek, S and Oliver, KM and Russell, JA},
title = {Does getting defensive get you anywhere?-Seasonal balancing selection, temperature, and parasitoids shape real-world, protective endosymbiont dynamics in the pea aphid.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {30},
number = {10},
pages = {2449-2472},
doi = {10.1111/mec.15906},
pmid = {33876478},
issn = {1365-294X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; Genotype ; Pisum sativum ; Seasons ; Symbiosis ; Temperature ; *Wasps/genetics ; },
abstract = {Facultative, heritable endosymbionts are found at intermediate prevalence within most insect species, playing frequent roles in their hosts' defence against environmental pressures. Focusing on Hamiltonella defensa, a common bacterial endosymbiont of aphids, we tested the hypothesis that such pressures impose seasonal balancing selection, shaping a widespread infection polymorphism. In our studied pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) population, Hamiltonella frequencies ranged from 23.2% to 68.1% across a six-month longitudinal survey. Rapid spikes and declines were often consistent across fields, and we estimated that selection coefficients for Hamiltonella-infected aphids changed sign within this field season. Prior laboratory research suggested antiparasitoid defence as the major Hamiltonella benefit, and costs under parasitoid absence. While a prior field study suggested these forces can sometimes act as counter-weights in a regime of seasonal balancing selection, our present survey showed no significant relationship between parasitoid wasps and Hamiltonella prevalence. Field cage experiments provided some explanation: parasitoids drove modest ~10% boosts to Hamiltonella frequencies that would be hard to detect under less controlled conditions. They also showed that Hamiltonella was not always costly under parasitoid exclusion, contradicting another prediction. Instead, our longitudinal survey - and two overwintering studies - showed temperature to be the strongest predictor of Hamiltonella prevalence. Matching some prior lab discoveries, this suggested that thermally sensitive costs and benefits, unrelated to parasitism, can shape Hamiltonella dynamics. These results add to a growing body of evidence for rapid, seasonal adaptation in multivoltine organisms, suggesting that such adaptation can be mediated through the diverse impacts of heritable bacterial endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid33882275,
year = {2021},
author = {Liu, XC and Li, ZX},
title = {Transmission of the wMel Wolbachia strain is modulated by its titre and by immune genes in Drosophila melanogaster (Wolbachia density and transmission).},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {181},
number = {},
pages = {107591},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2021.107591},
pmid = {33882275},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics/*immunology ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are common intracellular endosymbionts of arthropods, but the interactions between Wolbachia and arthropods are only partially understood. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is a model insect for understanding Wolbachia-host interactions. Here the native wMel strain of D. melanogaster was isolated and then different initial titres of wMel were artificially transferred back into antibiotics-treated fruit flies. Our purpose was to examine the interactions between the injected wMel in a density gradient and the recipient host during trans-generational transmission. The results showed that the trans-generational transmission rates of wMel and titres of wMel exhibited a fluctuating trend over nine generations, and the titres of wMel displayed a similar fluctuating trans-generational trend. There was a significant positive correlation between the transmission rate and the titre of wMel. Reciprocal crossings between wMel-transinfected and uninfected fruit flies revealed that wMel could induce cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) at different initial titres, but the intensity of CI was not significantly correlated with the initial titre of wMel. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that the immune genes Drsl5 and Spn38F displayed a significant transcriptional response to wMel transfection, with an obvious negative correlation with the titre of wMel at the 3rd and 4th generations. Furthermore, RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Drsl5 and Spn38F elicited a drastic increase in the titre of wMel. In combination, our study suggests that the trans-generational transmission of wMel is modulated by its density, and the immune genes are involved in the regulation of Wolbachia density.},
}
@article {pmid33882628,
year = {2021},
author = {Wolfe, TM and Bruzzese, DJ and Klasson, L and Corretto, E and Lečić, S and Stauffer, C and Feder, JL and Schuler, H},
title = {Comparative genome sequencing reveals insights into the dynamics of Wolbachia in native and invasive cherry fruit flies.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {30},
number = {23},
pages = {6259-6272},
pmid = {33882628},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {P 31441/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Tephritidae/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a maternally inherited obligate endosymbiont that can induce a wide spectrum of effects in its host, ranging from mutualism to reproductive parasitism. At the genomic level, recombination within and between strains, transposable elements, and horizontal transfer of strains between host species make Wolbachia an evolutionarily dynamic bacterial system. The invasive cherry fruit fly Rhagoletis cingulata arrived in Europe from North America ~40 years ago, where it now co-occurs with the native cherry pest R. cerasi. This shared distribution has been proposed to have led to the horizontal transfer of different Wolbachia strains between the two species. To better understand transmission dynamics, we performed a comparative genome study of the strain wCin2 in its native United States and invasive European populations of R. cingulata with wCer2 in European R. cerasi. Previous multilocus sequence genotyping (MLST) of six genes implied that the source of wCer2 in R. cerasi was wCin2 from R. cingulata. However, we report genomic evidence discounting the recent horizontal transfer hypothesis for the origin of wCer2. Despite near identical sequences for the MLST markers, substantial sequence differences for other loci were found between wCer2 and wCin2, as well as structural rearrangements, and differences in prophage, repetitive element, gene content, and cytoplasmic incompatibility inducing genes. Our study highlights the need for whole-genome sequencing rather than relying on MLST markers for resolving Wolbachia strains and assessing their evolutionary dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid33892498,
year = {2021},
author = {Knopp, M and Stockhorst, S and van der Giezen, M and Garg, SG and Gould, SB},
title = {The Asgard Archaeal-Unique Contribution to Protein Families of the Eukaryotic Common Ancestor Was 0.3.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {33892498},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Archaea/*genetics ; Bacteria/*genetics ; Eukaryota/*genetics ; *Multigene Family ; },
abstract = {The identification of the asgard archaea has fueled speculations regarding the nature of the archaeal host in eukaryogenesis and its level of complexity prior to endosymbiosis. Here, we analyzed the coding capacity of 150 eukaryotes, 1,000 bacteria, and 226 archaea, including the only cultured member of the asgard archaea. Clustering methods that consistently recover endosymbiotic contributions to eukaryotic genomes recover an asgard archaeal-unique contribution of a mere 0.3% to protein families present in the last eukaryotic common ancestor, while simultaneously suggesting that this group's diversity rivals that of all other archaea combined. The number of homologs shared exclusively between asgard archaea and eukaryotes is only 27 on average. This tiny asgard archaeal-unique contribution to the root of eukaryotic protein families questions claims that archaea evolved complexity prior to eukaryogenesis. Genomic and cellular complexity remains a eukaryote-specific feature and is best understood as the archaeal host's solution to housing an endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid33895462,
year = {2021},
author = {Zurita, A and Benkacimi, L and El Karkouri, K and Cutillas, C and Parola, P and Laroche, M},
title = {New records of bacteria in different species of fleas from France and Spain.},
journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases},
volume = {76},
number = {},
pages = {101648},
doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101648},
pmid = {33895462},
issn = {1878-1667},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics ; *Ctenocephalides/microbiology ; Europe ; *Flea Infestations/epidemiology/veterinary ; France ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology ; Spain/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {In this study, we assessed the presence of vector-borne microorganisms in different species of fleas collected from different hosts in diverse areas of South-Western Europe by molecular methods. A total of 319 fleas belonging to eight different species was tested for the presence of eight microorganisms. Wolbachia spp. endosymbionts were detected in Ctenocephalides felis, Pulex irritans, Archaeopsylla erinacei and Ctenophthalmus baeticus boisseauorum specimens. Rickettsia felis, an emerging pathogen, was detected in C. felis, A. erinacei and Ct. b. boisseauorum. Rickettsia typhi, the agent of murine typhus was detected for the first time in A. erinacei and Mycobacterium spp. were detected for the first time in fleas (C. felis, P. irritans and A. erinacei). Lastly, five different species of Bartonella were detected in fleas' DNA in this study, including a possible new bacterium belonging to this genus. With this study, we updated the knowledge of the flea-borne bacteria present in the South-West of Europe reinforcing the idea about the necessity to expand and increase the current knowledge on flea-borne pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid33901257,
year = {2021},
author = {Nichols, HL and Goldstein, EB and Saleh Ziabari, O and Parker, BJ},
title = {Intraspecific variation in immune gene expression and heritable symbiont density.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {e1009552},
pmid = {33901257},
issn = {1553-7374},
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/classification/genetics/immunology/*microbiology ; Bacterial Load/*genetics/physiology ; Enterobacteriaceae/classification/cytology/genetics/*immunology ; Gene Expression ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Genes, Insect/genetics ; Genetic Variation/physiology ; Host Microbial Interactions/genetics/immunology ; Immunity, Innate/*genetics ; Species Specificity ; *Symbiosis/genetics/immunology ; },
abstract = {Host genetic variation plays an important role in the structure and function of heritable microbial communities. Recent studies have shown that insects use immune mechanisms to regulate heritable symbionts. Here we test the hypothesis that variation in symbiont density among hosts is linked to intraspecific differences in the immune response to harboring symbionts. We show that pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) harboring the bacterial endosymbiont Regiella insecticola (but not all other species of symbionts) downregulate expression of key immune genes. We then functionally link immune expression with symbiont density using RNAi. The pea aphid species complex is comprised of multiple reproductively-isolated host plant-adapted populations. These 'biotypes' have distinct patterns of symbiont infections: for example, aphids from the Trifolium biotype are strongly associated with Regiella. Using RNAseq, we compare patterns of gene expression in response to Regiella in aphid genotypes from multiple biotypes, and we show that Trifolium aphids experience no downregulation of immune gene expression while hosting Regiella and harbor symbionts at lower densities. Using F1 hybrids between two biotypes, we find that symbiont density and immune gene expression are both intermediate in hybrids. We propose that in this system, Regiella symbionts are suppressing aphid immune mechanisms to increase their density, but that some hosts have adapted to prevent immune suppression in order to control symbiont numbers. This work therefore suggests that antagonistic coevolution can play a role in host-microbe interactions even when symbionts are transmitted vertically and provide a clear benefit to their hosts. The specific immune mechanisms that we find are downregulated in the presence of Regiella have been previously shown to combat pathogens in aphids, and thus this work also highlights the immune system's complex dual role in interacting with both beneficial and harmful microbes.},
}
@article {pmid33912718,
year = {2021},
author = {Shemshadian, A and Vatandoost, H and Oshaghi, MA and Abai, MR and Djadid, ND and Karimian, F},
title = {Relationship between Wolbachia infection in Culex quinquefasciatus and its resistance to insecticide.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {7},
number = {4},
pages = {e06749},
pmid = {33912718},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {Many studies have been done on the various factors affecting resistance to insecticides. The relationship between Wolbachia bacteria and resistance to insecticides is one of the factors that has attracted a lot of attentions. Wolbachia are obligatory intracellular endosymbionts that naturally occur in a wide range of arthropods and nematodes, including the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. Initially, the presence of bacteria was proved by molecular assays. Then the resistance level of this species was evaluated in adults against DDT 4.0% and deltamethrin 0.05% using the standard WHO guideline. After elimination of Wolbachia by tetracycline and its proof by molecular assays, the susceptibility tests were conducted again on uninfected line. Finally, the two lines were compared in terms of responding to insecticides. The findings indicated that there is no significant correlation between susceptibility of two lines in response to DDT 4.0% while they represented a significant correlation for deltamethrin (P =0.00). We propose that Wolbachia bacteria increase the susceptibility to deltamethrin but they show neutral effect on DDT susceptibility in Cx. quinquefasciatus. However, more studies on other vectors and insecticides still need to be done.},
}
@article {pmid33914388,
year = {2021},
author = {Wong, KH and Goodbody-Gringley, G and de Putron, SJ and Becker, DM and Chequer, A and Putnam, HM},
title = {Brooded coral offspring physiology depends on the combined effects of parental press and pulse thermal history.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {27},
number = {13},
pages = {3179-3195},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.15629},
pmid = {33914388},
issn = {1365-2486},
mesh = {Acclimatization ; Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Chlorophyll A ; Coral Reefs ; Hot Temperature ; },
abstract = {Reef-building corals respond to the temporal integration of both pulse events (i.e., heat waves) and press thermal history (i.e., local environment) via physiological changes, with ecological consequences. We used a "press-pulse-press" experimental framework to expose the brooding coral Porites astreoides to various thermal histories to understand the physiological response of temporal dynamics within and across generations. We collected adult colonies from two reefs (outer Rim reef and inner Patch reef) in Bermuda with naturally contrasting thermal regimes as our initial "press" scenario, followed by a 21-day ex situ "pulse" thermal stress of 30.4°C during larval brooding, and a "press" year-long adult reciprocal transplant between the original sites. Higher endosymbiont density and holobiont protein was found in corals originating from the lower thermal variability site (Rim) compared to the higher thermal variability site (Patch). The thermal pulse event drove significant declines in photosynthesis, endosymbiont density, and chlorophyll a, with bleaching phenotype convergence for adults from both histories. Following the reciprocal transplant, photosynthesis was higher in previously heated corals, indicating recovery from the thermal pulse. The effect of origin (initial press) modulated the response to transplant site for endosymbiont density and chlorophyll a, suggesting contrasting acclimation strategies. Higher respiration and photosynthetic rates were found in corals originating from the Rim site, indicating greater energy available for reproduction, supported by larger larvae released from Rim corals post-transplantation. Notably, parental exposure to the pulse thermal event resulted in increased offspring plasticity when parents were transplanted to foreign sites, highlighting the legacy of the pulse event and the importance of the environment during recovery in contributing to cross-generational or developmental plasticity. Together, these findings provide novel insight into the role of historical disturbance events in driving differential outcomes within and across generations, which is of critical importance in forecasting reef futures.},
}
@article {pmid33914801,
year = {2021},
author = {Masson, F and Rommelaere, S and Marra, A and Schüpfer, F and Lemaitre, B},
title = {Dual proteomics of Drosophila melanogaster hemolymph infected with the heritable endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {e0250524},
pmid = {33914801},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Drosophila melanogaster/*genetics/immunology/microbiology ; Female ; Hemolymph/microbiology ; Oogenesis/genetics ; Proteome/*genetics ; *Proteomics ; Signal Transduction/genetics/immunology ; Spiroplasma/*genetics/pathogenicity ; Symbiosis/genetics/immunology ; },
abstract = {Insects are frequently infected with heritable bacterial endosymbionts. Endosymbionts have a dramatic impact on their host physiology and evolution. Their tissue distribution is variable with some species being housed intracellularly, some extracellularly and some having a mixed lifestyle. The impact of extracellular endosymbionts on the biofluids they colonize (e.g. insect hemolymph) is however difficult to appreciate because biofluid composition can depend on the contribution of numerous tissues. Here we investigate Drosophila hemolymph proteome changes in response to the infection with the endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii. S. poulsonii inhabits the fly hemolymph and gets vertically transmitted over generations by hijacking the oogenesis in females. Using dual proteomics on infected hemolymph, we uncovered a weak, chronic activation of the Toll immune pathway by S. poulsonii that was previously undetected by transcriptomics-based approaches. Using Drosophila genetics, we also identified candidate proteins putatively involved in controlling S. poulsonii growth. Last, we also provide a deep proteome of S. poulsonii, which, in combination with previously published transcriptomics data, improves our understanding of the post-transcriptional regulations operating in this bacterium.},
}
@article {pmid33919688,
year = {2021},
author = {He, W and Pan, L and Han, W and Wang, X},
title = {Isothiazolinones as Novel Candidate Insecticides for the Control of Hemipteran Insects.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {33919688},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {31925033//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; CARS-23-D07//China Agricultural Research System/ ; },
abstract = {Hemipteran insects, such as whiteflies, aphids and planthoppers, resemble one of the most important pest groups threating food security. While many insecticides have been used to control these pests, many issues such as insecticide resistance have been found, highlighting the urgent need to develop novel insecticides. Here, we first observed that a commercial tetramycin solution was highly effective in killing whitefly. The major bioactive constituents were identified to be isothiazolinones, a group of biocides. We then tested the toxicity of several isothiazolinones to five hemipteran insects. The results show that Kathon, a widely used biocide against microorganisms, and its two constituents, chloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT), can cause considerable levels of mortality to whiteflies and aphids when applied at concentrations close to, or lower than, the upper limit of these chemicals permitted in cosmetic products. The results also indicate that two other isothiazolinones, benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and octylisothiazolinone (OIT) can cause considerable levels of mortality to whitefly and aphids but are less toxic than Kathon. Further, we show that Kathon marginally affects whitefly endosymbionts, suggesting its insecticidal activity is independent of its biocidal activity. These results suggest that some isothiazolinones are promising candidates for the development of a new class of insecticides for the control of hemipteran pests.},
}
@article {pmid33925663,
year = {2021},
author = {Cantanhêde, LM and Mata-Somarribas, C and Chourabi, K and Pereira da Silva, G and Dias das Chagas, B and de Oliveira R Pereira, L and Côrtes Boité, M and Cupolillo, E},
title = {The Maze Pathway of Coevolution: A Critical Review over the Leishmania and Its Endosymbiotic History.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {33925663},
issn = {2073-4425},
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Humans ; Leishmania/*genetics ; Leishmaniasis/parasitology ; Phylogeny ; RNA Viruses/genetics ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; },
abstract = {The description of the genus Leishmania as the causative agent of leishmaniasis occurred in the modern age. However, evolutionary studies suggest that the origin of Leishmania can be traced back to the Mesozoic era. Subsequently, during its evolutionary process, it achieved worldwide dispersion predating the breakup of the Gondwana supercontinent. It is assumed that this parasite evolved from monoxenic Trypanosomatidae. Phylogenetic studies locate dixenous Leishmania in a well-supported clade, in the recently named subfamily Leishmaniinae, which also includes monoxenous trypanosomatids. Virus-like particles have been reported in many species of this family. To date, several Leishmania species have been reported to be infected by Leishmania RNA virus (LRV) and Leishbunyavirus (LBV). Since the first descriptions of LRVs decades ago, differences in their genomic structures have been highlighted, leading to the designation of LRV1 in L. (Viannia) species and LRV2 in L. (Leishmania) species. There are strong indications that viruses that infect Leishmania spp. have the ability to enhance parasitic survival in humans as well as in experimental infections, through highly complex and specialized mechanisms. Phylogenetic analyses of these viruses have shown that their genomic differences correlate with the parasite species infected, suggesting a coevolutionary process. Herein, we will explore what has been described in the literature regarding the relationship between Leishmania and endosymbiotic Leishmania viruses and what is known about this association that could contribute to discussions about the worldwide dispersion of Leishmania.},
}
@article {pmid33927044,
year = {2021},
author = {Park, J and Xi, H and Park, J},
title = {Complete Genome Sequence of a Blochmannia Endosymbiont of Colobopsis nipponica.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {10},
number = {17},
pages = {},
pmid = {33927044},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {Blochmannia endosymbionts (Gammaproteobacteria) live in bacteriocytes, which are specialized cells found in the genus Camponotus and its neighbor genera. In this announcement, we describe the complete genome sequence of the Blochmannia endosymbiont of Colobopsis nipponica, which originated from a colony collected in the Republic of Korea.},
}
@article {pmid33927399,
year = {2021},
author = {Nand, A and Zhan, Y and Salazar, OR and Aranda, M and Voolstra, CR and Dekker, J},
title = {Genetic and spatial organization of the unusual chromosomes of the dinoflagellate Symbiodinium microadriaticum.},
journal = {Nature genetics},
volume = {53},
number = {5},
pages = {618-629},
pmid = {33927399},
issn = {1546-1718},
support = {R01 HG003143/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; /HHMI/Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; },
mesh = {Base Composition/genetics ; Benzimidazoles/pharmacology ; Chromosomes/*genetics ; Cross-Linking Reagents/chemistry ; Dinoflagellida/drug effects/*genetics ; Diterpenes/pharmacology ; Epoxy Compounds/pharmacology ; Gene Dosage ; Genome ; Phenanthrenes/pharmacology ; Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid/genetics ; Telomere/genetics ; Transcription, Genetic/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Dinoflagellates are main primary producers in the oceans, the cause of algal blooms and endosymbionts of marine invertebrates. Much remains to be understood about their biology, including their peculiar crystalline chromosomes. We assembled 94 chromosome-scale scaffolds of the genome of the coral endosymbiont Symbiodinium microadriaticum and analyzed their organization. Genes are enriched towards the ends of chromosomes and are arranged in alternating unidirectional blocks. Some chromosomes are enriched for genes involved in specific biological processes. The chromosomes fold as linear rods and each is composed of a series of structural domains separated by boundaries. Domain boundaries are positioned at sites where transcription of two gene blocks converges and disappear when cells are treated with chemicals that block transcription, indicating correlations between gene orientation, transcription and chromosome folding. The description of the genetic and spatial organization of the S. microadriaticum genome provides a foundation for deeper exploration of the extraordinary biology of dinoflagellates and their chromosomes.},
}
@article {pmid33930290,
year = {2021},
author = {Buysse, M and Duron, O},
title = {Evidence that microbes identified as tick-borne pathogens are nutritional endosymbionts.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {184},
number = {9},
pages = {2259-2260},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2021.03.053},
pmid = {33930290},
issn = {1097-4172},
mesh = {Animals ; DNA, Bacterial ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Ticks ; },
}
@article {pmid33930291,
year = {2021},
author = {Jia, N and Wang, J and Du, L and Shi, W and Zhao, F and Cao, WC},
title = {Reply to Evidence that microbes identified as tick-borne pathogens are nutritional endosymbionts.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {184},
number = {9},
pages = {2261-2262},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2021.03.054},
pmid = {33930291},
issn = {1097-4172},
mesh = {Animals ; DNA, Bacterial ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Ticks ; },
}
@article {pmid33940005,
year = {2021},
author = {Das, A and Roy, A and Mandal, A and Mondal, HA and Hess, D and Kundu, P and Das, S},
title = {Inhibition of Bemisia tabaci vectored, GroEL mediated transmission of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus by garlic leaf lectin (Allium sativum leaf agglutinin).},
journal = {Virus research},
volume = {300},
number = {},
pages = {198443},
doi = {10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198443},
pmid = {33940005},
issn = {1872-7492},
mesh = {Agglutinins ; Animals ; *Aphids ; *Begomovirus/genetics ; Chromatography, Liquid ; *Garlic ; *Hemiptera ; Lectins ; Plant Diseases ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; },
abstract = {GroEL or symbionin synthesized by the endosymbionts of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)/ aphids play a cardinal role in the persistent, circulative transmission of plant viruses by binding to viral coat protein/ read-through protein. Allium sativum leaf agglutinin (ASAL), a Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA)- related mannose-binding lectin from garlic leaf has been reported as a potent controlling agent against hemipteran insects including whitefly and aphids. GroEL related chaperonin- symbionin was previously identified as a receptor of ASAL by the present group in the brush border membrane vesicle (BBMV) of mustard aphid. In the present study similar GroEL receptor of ASAL has been identified through LC-MS/MS in the BBMV of B. tabaci which serves as a vector for several plant viruses including tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). Ligand blot analysis of ASAL-fed B. tabaci showed that when GroEL is pre-occupied by ASAL, it completely blocks its further binding to ToLCNDV coat protein (ToLCNDV-CP). Prior feeding of ASAL hindered the co-localization of ToLCNDV-CP and GroEL in the midgut of B. tabaci. Immunoprecipitation followed by western blot with ASAL-fed B. tabaci yielded similar result. Moreover, ASAL feeding inhibited viral transmission by B. tabaci. Together, these results confirmed that the interaction of ASAL with GroEL interferes with the binding of ToLCNDV-CP and inhibits further B. tabaci mediated viral transmission.},
}
@article {pmid33945798,
year = {2021},
author = {Kaur, R and Shropshire, JD and Cross, KL and Leigh, B and Mansueto, AJ and Stewart, V and Bordenstein, SR and Bordenstein, SR},
title = {Living in the endosymbiotic world of Wolbachia: A centennial review.},
journal = {Cell host &amp; microbe},
volume = {29},
number = {6},
pages = {879-893},
pmid = {33945798},
issn = {1934-6069},
support = {F32 AI140694/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI132581/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI143725/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteriophages/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Feminization ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; Host Specificity ; Humans ; Male ; Phenotype ; Phylogeny ; Preventive Medicine ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/*cytology/*physiology/*virology ; },
abstract = {The most widespread intracellular bacteria in the animal kingdom are maternally inherited endosymbionts of the genus Wolbachia. Their prevalence in arthropods and nematodes worldwide and stunning arsenal of parasitic and mutualistic adaptations make these bacteria a biological archetype for basic studies of symbiosis and applied outcomes for curbing human and agricultural diseases. Here, we conduct a summative, centennial analysis of living in the Wolbachia world. We synthesize literature on Wolbachia's host range, phylogenetic diversity, genomics, cell biology, and applications to filarial, arboviral, and agricultural diseases. We also review the mobilome of Wolbachia including phage WO and its essentiality to hallmark reproductive phenotypes in arthropods. Finally, the Wolbachia system is an exemplar for discovery-based science education using biodiversity, biotechnology, and bioinformatics lessons. As we approach a century of Wolbachia research, the interdisciplinary science of this symbiosis stands as a model for consolidating and teaching the integrative rules of endosymbiotic life.},
}
@article {pmid33947218,
year = {2021},
author = {Hague, MTJ and Woods, HA and Cooper, BS},
title = {Pervasive effects of Wolbachia on host activity.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {20210052},
pmid = {33947218},
issn = {1744-957X},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila ; Locomotion ; Reproduction ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Heritable symbionts have diverse effects on the physiology, reproduction and fitness of their hosts. Maternally transmitted Wolbachia are one of the most common endosymbionts in nature, infecting about half of all insect species. We test the hypothesis that Wolbachia alter host behaviour by assessing the effects of 14 different Wolbachia strains on the locomotor activity of nine Drosophila host species. We find that Wolbachia alter the activity of six different host genotypes, including all hosts in our assay infected with wRi-like Wolbachia strains (wRi, wSuz and wAur), which have rapidly spread among Drosophila species in about the last 14 000 years. While Wolbachia effects on host activity were common, the direction of these effects varied unpredictably and sometimes depended on host sex. We hypothesize that the prominent effects of wRi-like Wolbachia may be explained by patterns of Wolbachia titre and localization within host somatic tissues, particularly in the central nervous system. Our findings support the view that Wolbachia have wide-ranging effects on host behaviour. The fitness consequences of these behavioural modifications are important for understanding the evolution of host-symbiont interactions, including how Wolbachia spread within host populations.},
}
@article {pmid33955029,
year = {2021},
author = {Pilgrim, J and Siozios, S and Baylis, M and Venter, G and Garros, C and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Identifying potential candidate Culicoides spp. for the study of interactions with Candidatus Cardinium hertigii.},
journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {501-506},
doi = {10.1111/mve.12517},
pmid = {33955029},
issn = {1365-2915},
support = {BB/M011186/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteroidetes ; *Ceratopogonidae ; Mosquito Vectors ; Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors responsible for the transmission of several viruses of veterinary importance. Previous screens of Culicoides have described the presence of the endosymbiont Candidatus Cardinium hertigii (Bacteroidetes). However, any impacts of this microbe on vectorial capacity, akin to those conferred by Wolbachia in mosquitoes, are yet to be uncovered and await a suitable system to study Cardinium-midge interactions. To identify potential candidate species to investigate these interactions, accurate knowledge of the distribution of the endosymbiont within Culicoides populations is needed. We used conventional and nested PCR assays to screen Cardinium infection in 337 individuals of 25 Culicoides species from both Palearctic and Afrotropical regions. Infections were observed in several vector species including C. imicola and the Pulicaris complex (C. pulicaris, C. bysta, C. newsteadi and C. punctatus) with varying prevalence. Phylogenetic analysis based on the Gyrase B gene grouped all new isolates within 'group C' of the genus, a clade that has to date been exclusively described in Culicoides. Through a comparison of our results with previous screens, we suggest C. imicola and C. sonorensis represent good candidates for onward study of Cardinium-midge interactions.},
}
@article {pmid33956519,
year = {2021},
author = {Hensley, JR and Zambrano, ML and Williams-Newkirk, AJ and Dasch, GA},
title = {Detection of Rickettsia Species, and Coxiella-Like and Francisella-Like Endosymbionts in Amblyomma americanum and Amblyomma maculatum from a Shared Field Site in Georgia, United States of America.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {21},
number = {7},
pages = {509-516},
doi = {10.1089/vbz.2020.2683},
pmid = {33956519},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Amblyomma ; Animals ; Coxiella ; Dogs ; *Ehrlichia chaffeensis ; *Francisella/genetics ; Georgia/epidemiology ; *Ixodidae ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Two abundant species of aggressive ticks commonly feed on humans in Georgia: the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) and the Lone Star tick (A. americanum). A. maculatum is the primary host of Rickettsia parkeri, "Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae," and a Francisella-like endosymbiont (AmacFLE), whereas A. americanum is the primary host for R. amblyommatis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and a Coxiella-like endosymbiont (AamCLE). Horizontal transmission of R. parkeri from A. maculatum to A. americanum by co-feeding has been described, and R. amblyommatis has been found infrequently in A. maculatum ticks. We assessed the prevalence of these agents and whether exchange of tick-associated bacteria is common between A. maculatum and A. americanum collected from the same field site. Unengorged ticks were collected May-August 2014 in west-central Georgia from a 4.14 acre site by flagging and from humans and canines traversing that site. All DNA samples were screened with quantitative PCR assays for the bacteria found in both ticks, and the species of any Rickettsia detected was identified by species-specific TaqMan assays or sequencing of the rickettsial ompA gene. Only R. amblyommatis (15) and AamCLE (39) were detected in 40 A. americanum, while the 74 A. maculatum only contained R. parkeri (30), "Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae" (3), and AmacFLE (74). Neither tick species had either Ehrlichia species. Consequently, we obtained no evidence for the frequent exchange of these tick-borne agents in a natural setting despite high levels of carriage of each agent and the common observance of infestation of both ticks on both dogs and humans at this site. Based on these data, exchange of these Rickettsia, Coxiella, and Francisella agents between A. maculatum and A. americanum appears to be an infrequent event.},
}
@article {pmid33958407,
year = {2021},
author = {Park, J and Lee, SH and Kim, JH},
title = {Complete Genome Sequence of the Endosymbiotic Bacterium "Candidatus Riesia pediculicola".},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {10},
number = {18},
pages = {},
pmid = {33958407},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {Human head and body lice host the obligate endosymbiotic bacterium "Candidatus Riesia pediculicola." In this announcement, we describe the complete genome sequence of a "Ca. Riesia pediculicola" strain isolated from the human head louse, Pediculus humanus subsp. capitis The inter- and intraspecific variations of endosymbiont genomes were investigated, and this strain was found to display high-level variations in its genome.},
}
@article {pmid33962669,
year = {2021},
author = {Manoj, RRS and Latrofa, MS and Epis, S and Otranto, D},
title = {Wolbachia: endosymbiont of onchocercid nematodes and their vectors.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {245},
pmid = {33962669},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; Arthropods/microbiology/physiology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Nematoda/growth &amp; development/immunology/*microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/genetics/*physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular maternally transmitted, gram-negative bacterium which forms a spectrum of endosymbiotic relationships from parasitism to obligatory mutualism in a wide range of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes, respectively. In arthropods Wolbachia produces reproductive manipulations such as male killing, feminization, parthenogenesis and cytoplasmic incompatibility for its propagation and provides an additional fitness benefit for the host to protect against pathogens, whilst in onchocercid nematodes, apart from the mutual metabolic dependence, this bacterium is involved in moulting, embryogenesis, growth and survival of the host.<br><br>METHODS: This review details the molecular data of Wolbachia and its effect on host biology, immunity, ecology and evolution, reproduction, endosymbiont-based treatment and control strategies exploited for filariasis. Relevant peer-reviewed scientic papers available in various authenticated scientific data bases were considered while writing the review.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The information presented provides an overview on Wolbachia biology and its use in the control and/or treatment of vectors, onchocercid nematodes and viral diseases of medical and veterinary importance. This offers the development of new approaches for the control of a variety of vector-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid33963405,
year = {2021},
author = {Skejo, J and Garg, SG and Gould, SB and Hendriksen, M and Tria, FDK and Bremer, N and Franjević, D and Blackstone, NW and Martin, WF},
title = {Evidence for a Syncytial Origin of Eukaryotes from Ancestral State Reconstruction.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {33963405},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Archaea/genetics ; *Biological Evolution ; *Eukaryota/genetics ; Eukaryotic Cells ; Phylogeny ; Prokaryotic Cells ; },
abstract = {Modern accounts of eukaryogenesis entail an endosymbiotic encounter between an archaeal host and a proteobacterial endosymbiont, with subsequent evolution giving rise to a unicell possessing a single nucleus and mitochondria. The mononucleate state of the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) is seldom, if ever, questioned, even though cells harboring multiple (syncytia, coenocytes, and polykaryons) are surprisingly common across eukaryotic supergroups. Here, we present a survey of multinucleated forms. Ancestral character state reconstruction for representatives of 106 eukaryotic taxa using 16 different possible roots and supergroup sister relationships, indicate that LECA, in addition to being mitochondriate, sexual, and meiotic, was multinucleate. LECA exhibited closed mitosis, which is the rule for modern syncytial forms, shedding light on the mechanics of its chromosome segregation. A simple mathematical model shows that within LECA's multinucleate cytosol, relationships among mitochondria and nuclei were neither one-to-one, nor one-to-many, but many-to-many, placing mitonuclear interactions and cytonuclear compatibility at the evolutionary base of eukaryotic cell origin. Within a syncytium, individual nuclei and individual mitochondria function as the initial lower-level evolutionary units of selection, as opposed to individual cells, during eukaryogenesis. Nuclei within a syncytium rescue each other's lethal mutations, thereby postponing selection for viable nuclei and cytonuclear compatibility to the generation of spores, buffering transitional bottlenecks at eukaryogenesis. The prokaryote-to-eukaryote transition is traditionally thought to have left no intermediates, yet if eukaryogenesis proceeded via a syncytial common ancestor, intermediate forms have persisted to the present throughout the eukaryotic tree as syncytia but have so far gone unrecognized.},
}
@article {pmid33963929,
year = {2021},
author = {Yang, F and Zhang, J and Cai, Z and Zhou, J and Li, Y},
title = {Exploring the oxygenase function of Form II Rubisco for production of glycolate from CO2.},
journal = {AMB Express},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {65},
pmid = {33963929},
issn = {2191-0855},
support = {31470231//Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The oxygenase activity of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) converts ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) into 2-phosphoglycolate, which in turn channels into photorespiration, resulting in carbon and energy loss in higher plants. We observed that glycolate can be accumulated extracellularly when two genes encoding the glycolate dehydrogenase of cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 were inactivated. This inspired us to explore the oxygenase function of Rubisco for production of glycolate, an important industrial chemical, from CO2 by engineered cyanobacteria. Since the oxygenase activity of Rubisco is generally low in CO2-rich carboxysome of cyanobacteria, we introduced Form II Rubisco, which cannot be assembled in carboxysome, into the cytoplasm of cyanobacteria. Heterologous expression of a Form II Rubisco from endosymbiont of tubeworm Riftia pachyptila (RPE Rubisco) significantly increased glycolate production. We show that the RPE Rubisco is expressed in the cytoplasm. Glycolate production increased upon addition of NaHCO3 but decreased upon supplying CO2. The titer of glycolate reached 2.8 g/L in 18 days, a 14-fold increase compared with the initial strain with glycolate dehydrogenase inactivated. This is also the highest glycolate titer biotechnologically produced from CO2 ever reported. Photosynthetic production of glycolate demonstrated the oxygenase activity of Form II Rubisco can be explored for production of chemicals from CO2.},
}
@article {pmid33975971,
year = {2021},
author = {Domínguez-Santos, R and Pérez-Cobas, AE and Cuti, P and Pérez-Brocal, V and García-Ferris, C and Moya, A and Latorre, A and Gil, R},
title = {Interkingdom Gut Microbiome and Resistome of the Cockroach Blattella germanica.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {6},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {33975971},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Cockroaches are intriguing animals with two coexisting symbiotic systems, an endosymbiont in the fat body, involved in nitrogen metabolism, and a gut microbiome whose diversity, complexity, role, and developmental dynamics have not been fully elucidated. In this work, we present a metagenomic approach to study Blattella germanica populations not treated, treated with kanamycin, and recovered after treatment, both naturally and by adding feces to the diet, with the aim of better understanding the structure and function of its gut microbiome along the development as well as the characterization of its resistome.IMPORTANCE For the first time, we analyze the interkingdom hindgut microbiome of this species, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses. Network analysis reveals putative cooperation between core bacteria that could be key for ecosystem equilibrium. We also show how antibiotic treatments alter microbiota diversity and function, while both features are restored after one untreated generation. Combining data from B. germanica treated with three antibiotics, we have characterized this species' resistome. It includes genes involved in resistance to several broad-spectrum antibiotics frequently used in the clinic. The presence of genetic elements involved in DNA mobilization indicates that they can be transferred among microbiota partners. Therefore, cockroaches can be considered reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and potential transmission vectors.},
}
@article {pmid33976379,
year = {2021},
author = {Kiefer, JST and Batsukh, S and Bauer, E and Hirota, B and Weiss, B and Wierz, JC and Fukatsu, T and Kaltenpoth, M and Engl, T},
title = {Inhibition of a nutritional endosymbiont by glyphosate abolishes mutualistic benefit on cuticle synthesis in Oryzaephilus surinamensis.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {554},
pmid = {33976379},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {Animal Scales/metabolism ; Animals ; Coleoptera/*metabolism/physiology ; Glycine/*analogs &amp; derivatives/metabolism/pharmacology ; Herbicides ; Phylogeny ; Shikimic Acid/metabolism ; Symbiosis/drug effects/*physiology ; Glyphosate ; },
abstract = {Glyphosate is widely used as a herbicide, but recent studies begin to reveal its detrimental side effects on animals by targeting the shikimate pathway of associated gut microorganisms. However, its impact on nutritional endosymbionts in insects remains poorly understood. Here, we sequenced the tiny, shikimate pathway encoding symbiont genome of the sawtoothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis. Decreased titers of the aromatic amino acid tyrosine in symbiont-depleted beetles underscore the symbionts' ability to synthesize prephenate as the precursor for host tyrosine synthesis and its importance for cuticle sclerotization and melanization. Glyphosate exposure inhibited symbiont establishment during host development and abolished the mutualistic benefit on cuticle synthesis in adults, which could be partially rescued by dietary tyrosine supplementation. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses indicate that the shikimate pathways of many nutritional endosymbionts likewise contain a glyphosate sensitive 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase. These findings highlight the importance of symbiont-mediated tyrosine supplementation for cuticle biosynthesis in insects, but also paint an alarming scenario regarding the use of glyphosate in light of recent declines in insect populations.},
}
@article {pmid33981744,
year = {2021},
author = {Körner, S and Makert, GR and Ulbert, S and Pfeffer, M and Mertens-Scholz, K},
title = {The Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Hard Ticks in Europe and Their Role in Q Fever Transmission Revisited-A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {655715},
pmid = {33981744},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {The zoonosis Q fever is caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Besides the main transmission route via inhalation of contaminated aerosols, ticks are discussed as vectors since the first isolation of the pathogen from a Dermacentor andersonii tick. The rare detection of C. burnetii in ticks and the difficult differentiation of C. burnetii from Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) are questioning the relevance of ticks in the epidemiology of Q fever. In this review, literature databases were systematically searched for recent prevalence studies concerning C. burnetii in ticks in Europe and experimental studies evaluating the vector competence of tick species. A total of 72 prevalence studies were included and evaluated regarding DNA detection methods and collection methods, country, and tested tick species. Specimens of more than 25 different tick species were collected in 23 European countries. Overall, an average prevalence of 4.8% was determined. However, in half of the studies, no Coxiella-DNA was detected. In Southern European countries, a significantly higher prevalence was observed, possibly related to the abundance of different tick species here, namely Hyalomma spp. and Rhipicephalus spp. In comparison, a similar proportion of studies used ticks sampled by flagging and dragging or tick collection from animals, under 30% of the total tick samples derived from the latter. There was no significant difference in the various target genes used for the molecular test. In most of the studies, no distinction was made between C. burnetii and CLEs. The application of specific detection methods and the confirmation of positive results are crucial to determine the role of ticks in Q fever transmission. Only two studies were available, which assessed the vector competence of ticks for C. burnetii in the last 20 years, demonstrating the need for further research.},
}
@article {pmid33984469,
year = {2021},
author = {Chow, LH and De Grave, S and Tsang, LM},
title = {Evolution of protective symbiosis in palaemonid shrimps (Decapoda: Caridea) with emphases on host spectrum and morphological adaptations.},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {162},
number = {},
pages = {107201},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107201},
pmid = {33984469},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {Adaptation, Biological/*genetics ; Animals ; *Host Specificity ; Palaemonidae/*classification/*genetics ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Palaemonidae is the most speciose caridean shrimp family, with its huge biodiversity partially generated via symbiosis with various marine invertebrates. Previous studies have provided insights into the evolution of protective symbiosis in this family with evidence for frequent inter-phyla host switches, but the comprehensiveness of evolutionary pathways is hampered by the resolution of the previous phylogenetic trees as well as the taxon coverage. Furthermore, several critical issues related to the evolution of a symbiotic lifestyle, including the change in host spectrum and corresponding morphological adaptations, remain largely unresolved. We therefore performed a much extended phylogenetic comparative study on Palaemonidae, rooted in a comprehensive phylogeny reconstructed by a supermatrix-supertree approach based on a total of three mitochondrial and five nuclear markers. Ancestral state reconstruction of host associations revealed at least three independent evolutions into symbiosis, with potentially a drive to seek protection fuelling incipient symbiosis. Yet, most of the observed symbiotic species diversity was radiated from a single cnidarian associate. The evolution of mandibles and ambulatory dactyli suggests a general lack of correlation with host affiliation (except sponge endosymbionts), implying limited morphological adaptations following host switching, despite being putatively a major adaptive consequence of symbiosis. Our analyses of host spectrum, in terms of basic and taxonomic specificity, revealed no apparent phylogenetic signal but instead resolved a dynamic pattern attributable to frequent host switching. Uncoupling between host spectrum and the degree of morphological specialisation is the norm in palaemonids, suggesting that morphological characters are not fully in tune with host spectrum, in addition to host affiliation. This study demonstrates the complexity in the evolution of symbiosis, pointing to the presence of cryptic adaptations determining host spectrum and governing host switch diversification, and provides a clear direction for the evolutionary study of symbiosis in other marine symbiotic groups involving host switching.},
}
@article {pmid34003269,
year = {2021},
author = {Baião, GC and Janice, J and Galinou, M and Klasson, L},
title = {Comparative Genomics Reveals Factors Associated with Phenotypic Expression of Wolbachia.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {34003269},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; Cytoplasm/genetics ; Female ; Genomics ; Male ; Phenotype ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a widespread, vertically transmitted bacterial endosymbiont known for manipulating arthropod reproduction. Its most common form of reproductive manipulation is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), observed when a modification in the male sperm leads to embryonic lethality unless a compatible rescue factor is present in the female egg. CI attracts scientific attention due to its implications for host speciation and in the use of Wolbachia for controlling vector-borne diseases. However, our understanding of CI is complicated by the complexity of the phenotype, whose expression depends on both symbiont and host factors. In the present study, we perform a comparative analysis of nine complete Wolbachia genomes with known CI properties in the same genetic host background, Drosophila simulans STC. We describe genetic differences between closely related strains and uncover evidence that phages and other mobile elements contribute to the rapid evolution of both genomes and phenotypes of Wolbachia. Additionally, we identify both known and novel genes associated with the modification and rescue functions of CI. We combine our observations with published phenotypic information and discuss how variability in cif genes, novel CI-associated genes, and Wolbachia titer might contribute to poorly understood aspects of CI such as strength and bidirectional incompatibility. We speculate that high titer CI strains could be better at invading new hosts already infected with a CI Wolbachia, due to a higher rescue potential, and suggest that titer might thus be a relevant parameter to consider for future strategies using CI Wolbachia in biological control.},
}
@article {pmid34006882,
year = {2021},
author = {Schrader, L and Pan, H and Bollazzi, M and Schiøtt, M and Larabee, FJ and Bi, X and Deng, Y and Zhang, G and Boomsma, JJ and Rabeling, C},
title = {Relaxed selection underlies genome erosion in socially parasitic ant species.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {2918},
pmid = {34006882},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Animals ; Ants/classification/*genetics/physiology ; Evolution, Molecular ; Female ; Gene Rearrangement/genetics ; Genome, Insect/*genetics ; Genomics/methods ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Insect Proteins/classification/genetics ; Male ; Parasites/classification/*genetics/physiology ; Phylogeny ; Receptors, Odorant/classification/genetics ; *Social Behavior ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {Inquiline ants are highly specialized and obligate social parasites that infiltrate and exploit colonies of closely related species. They have evolved many times convergently, are often evolutionarily young lineages, and are almost invariably rare. Focusing on the leaf-cutting ant genus Acromyrmex, we compared genomes of three inquiline social parasites with their free-living, closely-related hosts. The social parasite genomes show distinct signatures of erosion compared to the host lineages, as a consequence of relaxed selective constraints on traits associated with cooperative ant colony life and of inquilines having very small effective population sizes. We find parallel gene losses, particularly in olfactory receptors, consistent with inquiline species having highly reduced social behavioral repertoires. Many of the genomic changes that we uncover resemble those observed in the genomes of obligate non-social parasites and intracellular endosymbionts that branched off into highly specialized, host-dependent niches.},
}
@article {pmid34007993,
year = {2021},
author = {Nadolny, RM and Kennedy, AC and Rodgers, JM and Vincent, ZT and Cornman, H and Haynes, SA and Casal, C and Robbins, RG and Richards, AL and Jiang, J and Farris, CM},
title = {Carios kelleyi (Acari: Ixodida: Argasidae) Infected With Rickettsial Agents Documented Infesting Housing in Kansas, United States.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {58},
number = {6},
pages = {2398-2405},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjab069},
pmid = {34007993},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Animals ; Argasidae/growth &amp; development/*microbiology ; Female ; Housing ; Kansas ; Male ; Nymph/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Rickettsia/*isolation &amp; purification ; Tick Infestations/*parasitology ; },
abstract = {During September-December 2018, 25 live ticks were collected on-post at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in a home with a history of bat occupancy. Nine ticks were sent to the Army Public Health Center Tick-Borne Disease Laboratory and were identified as Carios kelleyi (Cooley and Kohls, 1941), a species that seldom bites humans but that may search for other sources of blood meals, including humans, when bats are removed from human dwellings. The ticks were tested for numerous agents of human disease. Rickettsia lusitaniae was identified by multilocus sequence typing to be present in two ticks, marking the first detection of this Rickettsia agent in the United States and in this species of tick. Two other Rickettsia spp. were also detected, including an endosymbiont previously associated with C. kelleyi and a possible novel Rickettsia species. The potential roles of C. kelleyi and bats in peridomestic Rickettsia transmission cycles warrant further investigation.},
}
@article {pmid34008202,
year = {2021},
author = {Speijer, D},
title = {Zombie ideas about early endosymbiosis: Which entry mechanisms gave us the "endo" in different endosymbionts?.},
journal = {BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology},
volume = {43},
number = {7},
pages = {e2100069},
doi = {10.1002/bies.202100069},
pmid = {34008202},
issn = {1521-1878},
mesh = {Bacteria/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Eukaryota ; *Eukaryotic Cells ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Recently, a review regarding the mechanics and evolution of mitochondrial fission appeared in Nature. Surprisingly, it stated authoritatively that the mitochondrial outer membrane, in contrast with the inner membrane of bacterial descent, was acquired from the host, presumably during uptake. However, it has been known for quite some time that this membrane was also derived from the Gram-negative, alpha-proteobacterium related precursor of present-day mitochondria. The zombie idea of the host membrane still surrounding the endosymbiont is not only wrong, but more importantly, might hamper the proper conception of possible scenarios of eukaryogenesis. Why? Because it steers the imagination not only with regard to possible uptake mechanisms, but also regarding what went on before. Here I critically discuss both the evidence for the continuity of the bacterial outer membrane, the reasons for the persistence of the erroneous host membrane hypothesis and the wider implications of these misconceptions for the ideas regarding events occurring during the first steps towards the evolution of the eukaryotes and later major eukaryotic differentiations. I will also highlight some of the latest insights regarding different instances of endosymbiont evolution.},
}
@article {pmid34009306,
year = {2021},
author = {Brenner, AE and Muñoz-Leal, S and Sachan, M and Labruna, MB and Raghavan, R},
title = {Coxiella burnetii and Related Tick Endosymbionts Evolved from Pathogenic Ancestors.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {34009306},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {R03 AI123464/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R03 AI133023/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R15 AI126385/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Argasidae/microbiology ; Coxiella/genetics ; *Coxiella burnetii/genetics ; Symbiosis ; *Ticks ; },
abstract = {Both symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria in the family Coxiellaceae cause morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. For instance, Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) improve the reproductive success of ticks-a major disease vector, while Coxiella burnetii causes human Q fever, and uncharacterized coxiellae infect both animals and humans. To better understand the evolution of pathogenesis and symbiosis in this group of intracellular bacteria, we sequenced the genome of a CLE present in the soft tick Ornithodoros amblus (CLEOA) and compared it to the genomes of other bacteria in the order Legionellales. Our analyses confirmed that CLEOA is more closely related to C. burnetii, the human pathogen, than to CLEs in hard ticks, and showed that most clades of CLEs contain both endosymbionts and pathogens, indicating that several CLE lineages have evolved independently from pathogenic Coxiella. We also determined that the last common ancestorof CLEOA and C. burnetii was equipped to infect macrophages and that even though horizontal gene transfer (HGT) contributed significantly to the evolution of C. burnetii, most acquisition events occurred primarily in ancestors predating the CLEOA-C. burnetii divergence. These discoveries clarify the evolution of C. burnetii, which previously was assumed to have emerged when an avirulent tick endosymbiont recently gained virulence factors via HGT. Finally, we identified several metabolic pathways, including heme biosynthesis, that are likely critical to the intracellular growth of the human pathogen but not the tick symbiont, and show that the use of heme analog is a promising approach to controlling C. burnetii infections.},
}
@article {pmid34012059,
year = {2021},
author = {Ulrich, GF and Zemp, N and Vorburger, C and Boulain, H},
title = {Quantitative trait locus analysis of parasitoid counteradaptation to symbiont-conferred resistance.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {127},
number = {2},
pages = {219-232},
pmid = {34012059},
issn = {1365-2540},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; Enterobacteriaceae ; Female ; Quantitative Trait Loci ; Symbiosis ; *Wasps/genetics ; },
abstract = {Insect hosts and parasitoids are engaged in an intense struggle of antagonistic coevolution. Infection with heritable bacterial endosymbionts can substantially increase the resistance of aphids to parasitoid wasps, which exerts selection on parasitoids to overcome this symbiont-conferred protection (counteradaptation). Experimental evolution in the laboratory has produced counteradapted populations of the parasitoid wasp Lysiphlebus fabarum. These populations can parasitize black bean aphids (Aphis fabae) protected by the bacterial endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa, which confers high resistance against L. fabarum. We used two experimentally evolved parasitoid populations to study the genetic architecture of the counteradaptation to symbiont-conferred resistance by QTL analysis. With simple crossing experiments, we showed that the counteradaptation is a recessive trait depending on the maternal genotype. Based on these results, we designed a customized crossing scheme to genotype a mapping population phenotyped for the ability to parasitize Hamiltonella-protected aphids. Using 1835 SNP markers obtained by ddRAD sequencing, we constructed a high-density linkage map consisting of six linkage groups (LGs) with an overall length of 828.3 cM and an average marker spacing of 0.45 cM. We identified a single QTL associated with the counteradaptation to Hamiltonella in L. fabarum on linkage group 2. Out of 120 genes located in this QTL, several genes encoding putative venoms may represent candidates for counteradaptation, as parasitoid wasps inject venoms into their hosts during oviposition.},
}
@article {pmid34013860,
year = {2021},
author = {Huebl, L and Tappe, D and Giese, M and Mempel, S and Tannich, E and Kreuels, B and Ramharter, M and Veletzky, L and Jochum, J},
title = {Recurrent Swelling and Microfilaremia Caused by Dirofilaria repens Infection after Travel to India.},
journal = {Emerging infectious diseases},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {1701-1704},
pmid = {34013860},
issn = {1080-6059},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dirofilaria repens ; *Dirofilariasis ; Germany ; Humans ; India ; Travel ; },
abstract = {Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis is an emerging mosquitoborne zoonosis. A traveler returning to Germany from India experienced Dirofilaria infection with concomitant microfilaremia. Molecular analysis indicated Dirofilaria repens nematodes of an Asian genotype. Microfilaremia showed no clear periodicity. Presence of Wolbachia endosymbionts enabled successful treatment with doxycycline.},
}
@article {pmid34015229,
year = {2021},
author = {Mioduchowska, M and Nitkiewicz, B and Roszkowska, M and Kačarević, U and Madanecki, P and Pinceel, T and Namiotko, T and Gołdyn, B and Kaczmarek, &#x141;},
title = {Taxonomic classification of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia based on next-generation sequencing: is there molecular evidence for its presence in tardigrades?.},
journal = {Genome},
volume = {64},
number = {10},
pages = {951-958},
doi = {10.1139/gen-2020-0036},
pmid = {34015229},
issn = {1480-3321},
mesh = {Animals ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Tardigrada/*microbiology ; *Wolbachia/classification ; },
abstract = {We used high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA to test whether tardigrade species are infected with Wolbachia parasites. We applied SILVA and Greengenes databases that allowed taxonomic classification of bacterial sequences to OTUs. The results obtained from both databases differed considerably in the number of OTUs, and only the Greengenes database allowed identification of Wolbachia (infection was also supported by comparison of sequences to NCBI database). The putative bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia was discovered only in adult eutardigrades, while bacteria identified down to the order Rickettsiales were detected in both eutardigrade eggs and adult specimens. Nevertheless, the frequency of Wolbachia in the bacterial communities of the studied eutardigrades was low. Similarly, in our positive control, i.e., a fairy shrimp Streptocephalus cafer, which was found to be infected with Wolbachia in our previous study using Sanger sequencing, only the Rickettsiales were detected. We also carried out phylogenetic reconstruction using Wolbachia sequences from the SILVA and Greengenes databases, Alphaproteobacteria putative endosymbionts and Rickettsiales OTUs obtained in previous studies on the microbial community of tardigrades, and Rickettsiales and Wolbachia OTUs obtained in the current study. Our discovery of Wolbachia in tardigrades can fuel new research to uncover the specifics of this interaction.},
}
@article {pmid34018613,
year = {2021},
author = {Stephens, TG and Gabr, A and Calatrava, V and Grossman, AR and Bhattacharya, D},
title = {Why is primary endosymbiosis so rare?.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {231},
number = {5},
pages = {1693-1699},
pmid = {34018613},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {80NSSC19K0462/NSSC/Shared Services Center NASA/United States ; },
mesh = {*Amoeba ; Biological Evolution ; Eukaryota ; Phylogeny ; Plastids ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiosis is a relationship between two organisms wherein one cell resides inside the other. This affiliation, when stable and beneficial for the 'host' cell, can result in massive genetic innovation with the foremost examples being the evolution of eukaryotic organelles, the mitochondria and plastids. Despite its critical evolutionary role, there is limited knowledge about how endosymbiosis is initially established and how host-endosymbiont biology is integrated. Here, we explore this issue, using as our model the rhizarian amoeba Paulinella, which represents an independent case of primary plastid origin that occurred c. 120 million yr ago. We propose the 'chassis and engine' model that provides a theoretical framework for understanding primary plastid endosymbiosis, potentially explaining why it is so rare.},
}
@article {pmid34020585,
year = {2021},
author = {Lucek, K and Bouaouina, S and Jospin, A and Grill, A and de Vos, JM},
title = {Prevalence and relationship of endosymbiotic Wolbachia in the butterfly genus Erebia.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {95},
pmid = {34020585},
issn = {2730-7182},
mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies ; Phylogeny ; Prevalence ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is an endosymbiont common to most invertebrates, which can have significant evolutionary implications for its host species by acting as a barrier to gene flow. Despite the importance of Wolbachia, still little is known about its prevalence and diversification pattern among closely related host species. Wolbachia strains may phylogenetically coevolve with their hosts, unless horizontal host-switches are particularly common. We address these issues in the genus Erebia, one of the most diverse Palearctic butterfly genera.<br><br>RESULTS: We sequenced the Wolbachia genome from a strain infecting Erebia cassioides and showed that it belongs to the Wolbachia supergroup B, capable of infecting arthropods from different taxonomic orders. The prevalence of Wolbachia across 13 closely related Erebia host species based on extensive population-level genetic data revealed that multiple Wolbachia strains jointly infect all investigated taxa, but with varying prevalence. Finally, the phylogenetic relationships of Wolbachia strains are in some cases significantly associated to that of their hosts, especially among the most closely related Erebia species, demonstrating mixed evidence for phylogenetic coevolution.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Closely related host species can be infected by closely related Wolbachia strains, evidencing some phylogenetic coevolution, but the actual pattern of infection more often reflects historical or contemporary geographic proximity among host species. Multiple processes, including survival in distinct glacial refugia, recent host shifts in sympatry, and a loss of Wolbachia during postglacial range expansion seem to have jointly shaped the complex interactions between Wolbachia evolution and the diversification of its host among our studied Erebia species.},
}
@article {pmid34022346,
year = {2021},
author = {Kohli, S and Gulati, P and Narang, A and Maini, J and Shamsudheen, KV and Pandey, R and Scaria, V and Sivasubbu, S and Brahmachari, V},
title = {Genome and transcriptome analysis of the mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus: Correlation with its unique phenotypes.},
journal = {Genomics},
volume = {113},
number = {4},
pages = {2483-2494},
doi = {10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.05.014},
pmid = {34022346},
issn = {1089-8646},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Genome ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Male ; Phenotype ; Symbiosis ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Mealybugs are aggressive pests with world-wide distribution and are suitable for the study of different phenomena like genomic imprinting and epigenetics. Genomic approaches facilitate these studies in absence of robust genetics in this system. We sequenced, de novo assembled, annotated Maconellicoccus hirsutus genome. We carried out comparative genomics it with four mealybug and eight other insect species, to identify expanded, specific and contracted gene classes that relate to pesticide and desiccation resistance. We identified horizontally transferred genes adding to the mutualism between the mealybug and its endosymbionts. Male and female transcriptome analysis indicates differential expression of metabolic pathway genes correlating with their physiology and the genes for sexual dimorphism. The significantly lower expression of endosymbiont genes in males relates to the depletion of endosymbionts in males during development.},
}
@article {pmid34040152,
year = {2021},
author = {Fukuda, K and Yamasaki, K and Ogura, Y and Kawanami, T and Ikegami, H and Noguchi, S and Akata, K and Katsura, K and Yatera, K and Mukae, H and Hayashi, T and Taniguchi, H},
title = {A human respiratory tract-associated bacterium with an extremely small genome.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {628},
pmid = {34040152},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {Bacteria/genetics ; Base Composition/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial/*genetics ; Genome, Human/genetics ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Respiratory System/*microbiology ; Respiratory Tract Diseases/genetics/microbiology ; Rickettsiales/*genetics/pathogenicity ; Whole Genome Sequencing/methods ; },
abstract = {Recent advances in culture-independent microbiological analyses have greatly expanded our understanding of the diversity of unculturable microbes. However, human pathogenic bacteria differing significantly from known taxa have rarely been discovered. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of an uncultured bacterium detected in human respiratory tract named IOLA, which was determined by developing a protocol to selectively amplify extremely AT-rich genomes. The IOLA genome is 303,838 bp in size with a 20.7% GC content, making it the smallest and most AT-rich genome among known human-associated bacterial genomes to our best knowledge and comparable to those of insect endosymbionts. While IOLA belongs to order Rickettsiales (mostly intracellular parasites), the gene content suggests an epicellular parasitic lifestyle. Surveillance of clinical samples provides evidence that IOLA can be predominantly detected in patients with respiratory bacterial infections and can persist for at least 15 months in the respiratory tract, suggesting that IOLA is a human respiratory tract-associated bacterium.},
}
@article {pmid34044867,
year = {2021},
author = {Jiao, J and Lu, Z and Yu, Y and Ou, Y and Fu, M and Zhao, Y and Wu, N and Zhao, M and Liu, Y and Sun, Y and Wen, B and Zhou, D and Yuan, Q and Xiong, X},
title = {Identification of tick-borne pathogens by metagenomic next-generation sequencing in Dermacentor nuttalli and Ixodes persulcatus in Inner Mongolia, China.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {287},
pmid = {34044867},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {5204039//Beijing Natural Science Foundation/ ; 2019YFC1200500//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 31970178//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32000139//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32000140//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Anaplasma/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Animals ; Arthropod Vectors/genetics ; Babesia/genetics ; Babesiosis/diagnosis ; Cattle ; Dermacentor/*genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/*methods ; Ixodes/classification/*genetics ; Ixodidae/genetics ; *Metagenomics ; Mongolia ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rickettsia/genetics ; Rickettsia Infections/diagnosis/veterinary ; Tick-Borne Diseases/*diagnosis/parasitology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hard ticks act as arthropod vectors in the transmission of human and animal pathogens and are widely distributed in northern China. The aim of this study is to screen the important tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) carried by hard ticks in Inner Mongolia using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and to estimate the risk of human infection imposed by tick bites.<br><br>METHODS: The adult Dermacentor nuttalli (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;203) and Ixodes persulcatus (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;36) ticks feeding on cattle were collected. The pooled DNA samples prepared from these ticks were sequenced as the templates for mNGS to survey the presence of TBPs at the genus level. Individual tick DNA samples were detected by genus--specific or group-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of these TBPs and combined with DNA sequencing assay to confirm the results of mNGS.<br><br>RESULTS: R. raoultii (45.32%, 92/203), Candidatus R. tarasevichiae (5.42%, 11/203), Anaplasma sp. Mongolia (26.60%, 54/203), Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) (53.69%, 109/203), and Babesia venatorum (7.88%, 16/203) were detected in D. nuttalli, while R. raoultii (30.56%, 11/36), Anaplasma sp. Mongolia (27.80%, 10/36), and CLE (27.80%, 10/36) were detected in I. persulcatus. The double- and triple-pathogen/endosymbiont co-infections were detected in 40.39% of D. nuttalli and 13.89% of I. persulcatus, respectively. The dual co-infection with R. raoultii and CLE (14.29%, 29/203) and triple co-infection with R. raoultii, Anaplasma sp. Mongolia, and CLE (13.79%, 28/203) were most frequent in D. nuttalli.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into the microbial diversity of D. nuttalli and I. persulcatus in Inner Mongolia, China, reporting for the first time that Candidatus R. tarasevichiae had been found in D. nuttalli in China, and for the first time in the world that Anaplasma sp. Mongolia has been detected in I. persulcatus. This study proves that various vertically transmitted pathogens co-inhabit D. nuttalli and I. persulcatus, and indicates that cattle in Inner Mongolia are exposed to several TBPs.},
}
@article {pmid34047357,
year = {2021},
author = {Ün, &#xc7; and Schultner, E and Manzano-Marín, A and Flórez, LV and Seifert, B and Heinze, J and Oettler, J},
title = {Cytoplasmic incompatibility between Old and New World populations of a tramp ant.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {75},
number = {7},
pages = {1775-1791},
doi = {10.1111/evo.14261},
pmid = {34047357},
issn = {1558-5646},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Cytoplasm ; Reproduction ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Reproductive manipulation by endosymbiotic Wolbachia can cause unequal inheritance, allowing the manipulator to spread and potentially impacting evolutionary dynamics in infected hosts. Tramp and invasive species are excellent models to study the dynamics of host-Wolbachia associations because introduced populations often diverge in their microbiomes after colonizing new habitats, resulting in infection polymorphisms between native and introduced populations. Ants are the most abundant group of insects on earth, and numerous ant species are classified as highly invasive. However, little is known about the role of Wolbachia in these ecologically dominant insects. Here, we provide the first description of reproductive manipulation by Wolbachia in an ant. We show that Old and New World populations of the cosmotropic tramp ant Cardiocondyla obscurior harbor distinct Wolbachia strains, and that only the Old World strain manipulates host reproduction by causing cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in hybrid crosses. By uncovering a symbiont-induced mechanism of reproductive isolation in a social insect, our study provides a novel perspective on the biology of tramp ants and introduces a new system for studying the evolutionary consequences of CI.},
}
@article {pmid34052226,
year = {2021},
author = {Maeda, I and Kudou, S and Iwai, S},
title = {Efficient isolation and cultivation of endosymbiotic Chlorella from Paramecium bursaria on agar plates by co-culture with yeast cells.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {186},
number = {},
pages = {106254},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106254},
pmid = {34052226},
issn = {1872-8359},
mesh = {Chlorella/growth &amp; development/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; Coculture Techniques/*methods ; Paramecium/*parasitology/physiology ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics/*growth &amp; development ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Paramecium bursaria is a ciliate that harbors Chlorella-like unicellular green algae as endosymbionts. The relationship between the host P. bursaria and the endosymbiotic Chlorella is facultative; therefore, both partners can be cultured independently and re-combined to re-establish symbiosis, making this system suitable for studying algal endosymbiosis. However, despite many previous studies, cultivation of endosymbiotic Chlorella remains difficult, particularly on agar plates. Here we describe a simple agar plate method for efficiently isolating and culturing cells of the endosymbiotic alga Chlorella variabilis from an individual P. bursaria cell, by co-culturing them with yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The co-culture with the yeast significantly improved the colony-forming efficiency of the alga on agar. Growth assays suggest that the main role of the co-cultured yeast cells is not to provide nutrients for the algal cells, but to protect the algal cells from some environmental stresses on the agar surface. Using the algal cells grown on the plates and a set of specially designed primers, direct colony PCR can be performed for screening of multiple endosymbiont clones isolated from a single host ciliate. These methods may provide a useful tool for studying endosymbiotic Chlorella species within P. bursaria and various other protists.},
}
@article {pmid34054743,
year = {2021},
author = {Chandra, S and Harvey, E and Emery, D and Holmes, EC and Šlapeta, J},
title = {Unbiased Characterization of the Microbiome and Virome of Questing Ticks.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {627327},
pmid = {34054743},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Due to their vector capacity, ticks are ectoparasites of medical and veterinary significance. Modern sequencing tools have facilitated tick-associated microbiota studies, but these have largely focused on bacterial pathogens and symbionts. By combining 16S rRNA gene sequencing with total RNA-sequencing methods, we aimed to determine the complete microbiome and virome of questing, female Ixodes holocyclus recovered from coastal, north-eastern New South Wales (NSW), Australia. We present, for the first time, a robust and unbiased method for the identification of novel microbes in ticks that enabled us to identify bacteria, viruses, fungi and eukaryotic pathogens. The dominant bacterial endosymbionts were Candidatus Midichloria sp. Ixholo1 and Candidatus Midichloria sp. Ixholo2. Candidatus Neoehrlichia australis and Candidatus Neoehrlichia arcana were also recovered, confirming that these bacteria encompass I. holocyclus' core microbiota. In addition, seven virus species were detected-four previously identified in I. holocyclus and three novel species. Notably, one of the four previously identified virus species has pathogenic potential based on its phylogenetic relationship to other tick-associated pathogens. No known pathogenic eukaryotes or fungi were identified. This study has revealed the microbiome and virome of female I. holocyclus from the environment in north-eastern NSW. We propose that future tick microbiome and virome studies utilize equivalent methods to provide an improved representation of the microbial diversity in ticks globally.},
}
@article {pmid34056878,
year = {2021},
author = {Wang, S and Hua, X and Cui, L},
title = {Characterization of microbiota diversity of engorged ticks collected from dogs in China.},
journal = {Journal of veterinary science},
volume = {22},
number = {3},
pages = {e37},
pmid = {34056878},
issn = {1976-555X},
support = {2017YFC1200202//National Key Research and Development Program of China/China ; PKJ2018-N02//Shanghai Pudong New Area Science and Technology Development Fund/China ; },
mesh = {*Animal Distribution ; Animals ; Bacteria/classification/*isolation &amp; purification ; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; China ; Dogs ; Female ; Ixodidae/*microbiology ; Male ; *Microbiota ; RNA, Bacterial/analysis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; Sex Factors ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ticks are one of the most common external parasites in dogs, and are associated with the transmission of a number of major zoonoses, which result in serious harm to human health and even death. Also, the increasing number of pet dogs and pet owners in China has caused concern regarding human tick-borne illnesses. Accordingly, studies are needed to gain a complete understanding of the bacterial composition and diversity of the ticks that parasitize dogs.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: To date, there have been relatively few reports on the analysis of the bacterial community structure and diversity in ticks that parasitize dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate the microbial composition and diversity of parasitic ticks of dogs, and assessed the effect of tick sex and geographical region on the bacterial composition in two tick genera collected from dogs in China.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 178 whole ticks were subjected to a 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) next generation sequencing analysis. The Illumina MiSeq platform targeting the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was used to characterize the bacterial communities of the collected ticks. Sequence analysis and taxonomic assignment were performed using QIIME 2 and the GreenGene database, respectively. After clustering the sequences into taxonomic units, the sequences were quality-filtered and rarefied.<br><br>RESULTS: After pooling 24 tick samples, we identified a total of 2,081 operational taxonomic units, which were assigned to 23 phyla and 328 genera, revealing a diverse bacterial community profile. The high, moderate and low prevalent taxa include 46, 101, and 182 genera, respectively. Among them, dominant taxa include environmental bacterial genera, such as Psychrobacter and Burkholderia. Additionally, some known tick-associated endosymbionts were also detected, including Coxiella, Rickettsia, and Ricketssiella. Also, the potentially pathogenic genera Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas were detected in the tick pools. Moreover, our preliminary study found that the differences in microbial communities are more dependent on the sampling location than tick sex in the tick specimens collected from dogs.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study support the need for future research on the microbial population present in ticks collected from dogs in China.},
}
@article {pmid34058098,
year = {2021},
author = {Paredes, GF and Viehboeck, T and Lee, R and Palatinszky, M and Mausz, MA and Reipert, S and Schintlmeister, A and Maier, A and Volland, JM and Hirschfeld, C and Wagner, M and Berry, D and Markert, S and Bulgheresi, S and König, L},
title = {Anaerobic Sulfur Oxidation Underlies Adaptation of a Chemosynthetic Symbiont to Oxic-Anoxic Interfaces.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {6},
number = {3},
pages = {e0118620},
pmid = {34058098},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {P 28743/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P28953//Austrian Science Fund (FWF)/ ; P28743//Austrian Science Fund (FWF)/ ; DK plus grant W1257: Microbial Nitrogen Cycling//Austrian Science Fund (FWF)/ ; },
abstract = {Chemosynthetic symbioses occur worldwide in marine habitats, but comprehensive physiological studies of chemoautotrophic bacteria thriving on animals are scarce. Stilbonematinae are coated by thiotrophic Gammaproteobacteria. As these nematodes migrate through the redox zone, their ectosymbionts experience varying oxygen concentrations. However, nothing is known about how these variations affect their physiology. Here, by applying omics, Raman microspectroscopy, and stable isotope labeling, we investigated the effect of oxygen on "Candidatus Thiosymbion oneisti." Unexpectedly, sulfur oxidation genes were upregulated in anoxic relative to oxic conditions, but carbon fixation genes and incorporation of [13]C-labeled bicarbonate were not. Instead, several genes involved in carbon fixation were upregulated under oxic conditions, together with genes involved in organic carbon assimilation, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, and urea utilization. Furthermore, in the presence of oxygen, stress-related genes were upregulated together with vitamin biosynthesis genes likely necessary to withstand oxidative stress, and the symbiont appeared to proliferate less. Based on its physiological response to oxygen, we propose that "Ca. T. oneisti" may exploit anaerobic sulfur oxidation coupled to denitrification to proliferate in anoxic sand. However, the ectosymbiont would still profit from the oxygen available in superficial sand, as the energy-efficient aerobic respiration would facilitate carbon and nitrogen assimilation. IMPORTANCE Chemoautotrophic endosymbionts are famous for exploiting sulfur oxidization to feed marine organisms with fixed carbon. However, the physiology of thiotrophic bacteria thriving on the surface of animals (ectosymbionts) is less understood. One longstanding hypothesis posits that attachment to animals that migrate between reduced and oxic environments would boost sulfur oxidation, as the ectosymbionts would alternatively access sulfide and oxygen, the most favorable electron acceptor. Here, we investigated the effect of oxygen on the physiology of "Candidatus Thiosymbion oneisti," a gammaproteobacterium which lives attached to marine nematodes inhabiting shallow-water sand. Surprisingly, sulfur oxidation genes were upregulated under anoxic relative to oxic conditions. Furthermore, under anoxia, the ectosymbiont appeared to be less stressed and to proliferate more. We propose that animal-mediated access to oxygen, rather than enhancing sulfur oxidation, would facilitate assimilation of carbon and nitrogen by the ectosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid34059765,
year = {2021},
author = {Detcharoen, M and Schilling, MP and Arthofer, W and Schlick-Steiner, BC and Steiner, FM},
title = {Differential gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster and D. nigrosparsa infected with the same Wolbachia strain.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {11336},
pmid = {34059765},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila melanogaster/*metabolism/*microbiology ; Female ; *Gene Expression ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Species Specificity ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are maternally inherited endosymbionts that infect nearly half of all arthropod species. Wolbachia manipulate their hosts to maximize their transmission, but they can also provide benefits such as nutrients and resistance against viruses to their hosts. The Wolbachia strain wMel was recently found to increase locomotor activities and possibly trigger cytoplasmic incompatibility in the transinfected fly Drosophila nigrosparsa. Here, we investigated, in females of both D. melanogaster and D. nigrosparsa, the gene expression between animals uninfected and infected with wMel, using RNA sequencing to see if the two Drosophila species respond to the infection in the same or different ways. A total of 2164 orthologous genes were used. The two fly species responded to the infection in different ways. Significant changes shared by the fly species belong to the expression of genes involved in processes such as oxidation-reduction process, iron-ion binding, and voltage-gated potassium-channel activity. We discuss our findings also in the light of how Wolbachia survive within both the native and the novel host.},
}
@article {pmid34061185,
year = {2021},
author = {Garber, AI and Kupper, M and Laetsch, DR and Weldon, SR and Ladinsky, MS and Bjorkman, PJ and McCutcheon, JP},
title = {The Evolution of Interdependence in a Four-Way Mealybug Symbiosis.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {34061185},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {P50 AI150464/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Betaproteobacteria/genetics ; *Gammaproteobacteria/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Mealybugs are insects that maintain intracellular bacterial symbionts to supplement their nutrient-poor plant sap diets. Some mealybugs have a single betaproteobacterial endosymbiont, a Candidatus Tremblaya species (hereafter Tremblaya) that alone provides the insect with its required nutrients. Other mealybugs have two nutritional endosymbionts that together provision these same nutrients, where Tremblaya has gained a gammaproteobacterial partner that resides in its cytoplasm. Previous work had established that Pseudococcus longispinus mealybugs maintain not one but two species of gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts along with Tremblaya. Preliminary genomic analyses suggested that these two gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts have large genomes with features consistent with a relatively recent origin as insect endosymbionts, but the patterns of genomic complementarity between members of the symbiosis and their relative cellular locations were unknown. Here, using long-read sequencing and various types of microscopy, we show that the two gammaproteobacterial symbionts of P. longispinus are mixed together within Tremblaya cells, and that their genomes are somewhat reduced in size compared with their closest nonendosymbiotic relatives. Both gammaproteobacterial genomes contain thousands of pseudogenes, consistent with a relatively recent shift from a free-living to an endosymbiotic lifestyle. Biosynthetic pathways of key metabolites are partitioned in complex interdependent patterns among the two gammaproteobacterial genomes, the Tremblaya genome, and horizontally acquired bacterial genes that are encoded on the mealybug nuclear genome. Although these two gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts have been acquired recently in evolutionary time, they have already evolved codependencies with each other, Tremblaya, and their insect host.},
}
@article {pmid34061893,
year = {2021},
author = {Yamashita, H and Koike, K and Shinzato, C and Jimbo, M and Suzuki, G},
title = {Can Acropora tenuis larvae attract native Symbiodiniaceae cells by green fluorescence at the initial establishment of symbiosis?.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {e0252514},
pmid = {34061893},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Alveolata/*physiology ; Animals ; Anthozoa/*physiology ; Coral Reefs ; Dinoflagellida/physiology ; *Fluorescence ; Larva/*physiology ; Phototaxis/physiology ; Symbiosis/*physiology ; Ultraviolet Rays ; },
abstract = {Most corals acquire symbiodiniacean symbionts from the surrounding environment to initiate symbiosis. The cell densities of Symbiodiniaceae in the environment are usually low, and mechanisms may exist by which new coral generations attract suitable endosymbionts. Phototaxis of suitable symbiodiniacean cells toward green fluorescence in corals has been proposed as one such mechanism. In the present study, we observed the phototaxis action wavelength of various strains of Symbiodiniaceae and the fluorescence spectra of aposymbiotic Acropora tenuis larvae at the time of endosymbiont uptake. The phototaxis patterns varied among the Symbiodiniaceae species and "native" endosymbionts-commonly found in Acropora juveniles present in natural environments; that is, Symbiodinium microadriaticum was attracted to blue light rather than to green light. Another native endosymbiont, Durusdinium trenchii, showed no phototaxis specific to any wavelength. Although the larvae exhibited green and broad orange fluorescence under blue-violet excitation light, the maximum green fluorescence peak did not coincide with that of the phototaxis action spectrum of S. microadriaticum. Rather, around the peak wavelength of larval green fluorescence, this native endosymbiont showed slightly negative phototaxis, suggesting that the green fluorescence of A. tenuis larvae may not play a role in the initial attraction of native endosymbionts. Conversely, broad blue larval fluorescence under UV-A excitation covered the maximum phototaxis action wavelength of S. microadriaticum. We also conducted infection tests using native endosymbionts and aposymbiotic larvae under red LED light that does not excite visible larval fluorescence. Almost all larvae failed to acquire S. microadriaticum cells, whereas D. trenchii cells were acquired by larvae even under red illumination. Thus, attraction mechanisms other than visible fluorescence might exist, at least in the case of D. trenchii. Our results suggest that further investigation and discussion, not limited to green fluorescence, would be required to elucidate the initial attraction mechanisms.},
}
@article {pmid34063663,
year = {2021},
author = {Manocha, E and Caruso, A and Caccuri, F},
title = {Viral Proteins as Emerging Cancer Therapeutics.},
journal = {Cancers},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {34063663},
issn = {2072-6694},
abstract = {Viruses are obligatory intracellular parasites that originated millions of years ago. Viral elements cover almost half of the human genome sequence and have evolved as genetic blueprints in humans. They have existed as endosymbionts as they are largely dependent on host cell metabolism. Viral proteins are known to regulate different mechanisms in the host cells by hijacking cellular metabolism to benefit viral replication. Amicable viral proteins, on the other hand, from several viruses can participate in mediating growth retardation of cancer cells based on genetic abnormalities while sparing normal cells. These proteins exert discreet yet converging pathways to regulate events like cell cycle and apoptosis in human cancer cells. This property of viral proteins could be harnessed for their use in cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss viral proteins from different sources as potential anticancer therapeutics.},
}
@article {pmid34065848,
year = {2021},
author = {Lyu, D and Msimbira, LA and Nazari, M and Antar, M and Pagé, A and Shah, A and Monjezi, N and Zajonc, J and Tanney, CAS and Backer, R and Smith, DL},
title = {The Coevolution of Plants and Microbes Underpins Sustainable Agriculture.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {9},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {34065848},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {RGPIN 2020-07047.//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
abstract = {Terrestrial plants evolution occurred in the presence of microbes, the phytomicrobiome. The rhizosphere microbial community is the most abundant and diverse subset of the phytomicrobiome and can include both beneficial and parasitic/pathogenic microbes. Prokaryotes of the phytomicrobiome have evolved relationships with plants that range from non-dependent interactions to dependent endosymbionts. The most extreme endosymbiotic examples are the chloroplasts and mitochondria, which have become organelles and integral parts of the plant, leading to some similarity in DNA sequence between plant tissues and cyanobacteria, the prokaryotic symbiont of ancestral plants. Microbes were associated with the precursors of land plants, green algae, and helped algae transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments. In the terrestrial setting the phytomicrobiome contributes to plant growth and development by (1) establishing symbiotic relationships between plant growth-promoting microbes, including rhizobacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, (2) conferring biotic stress resistance by producing antibiotic compounds, and (3) secreting microbe-to-plant signal compounds, such as phytohormones or their analogues, that regulate aspects of plant physiology, including stress resistance. As plants have evolved, they recruited microbes to assist in the adaptation to available growing environments. Microbes serve themselves by promoting plant growth, which in turn provides microbes with nutrition (root exudates, a source of reduced carbon) and a desirable habitat (the rhizosphere or within plant tissues). The outcome of this coevolution is the diverse and metabolically rich microbial community that now exists in the rhizosphere of terrestrial plants. The holobiont, the unit made up of the phytomicrobiome and the plant host, results from this wide range of coevolved relationships. We are just beginning to appreciate the many ways in which this complex and subtle coevolution acts in agricultural systems.},
}
@article {pmid34066350,
year = {2021},
author = {Liu, Q and Zhang, H and Zeng, L and Yu, Y and Lin, X and Huang, X},
title = {Coexistence of Three Dominant Bacterial Symbionts in a Social Aphid and Implications for Ecological Adaptation.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {34066350},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {31970446//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2016YFE0203100//National Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Aphids are associated with an array of symbionts that have diverse ecological and evolutionary effects on their hosts. To date, symbiont communities of most aphid species are still poorly characterized, especially for the social aphids. In this study, high-throughput 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing was used to assess the bacterial communities of the social aphid Pseudoregma bambucicola, and the differences in bacterial diversity with respect to ant attendance and time series were also assessed. We found that the diversity of symbionts in P. bambucicola was low and three dominant symbionts (Buchnera, Pectobacterium and Wolbachia) were stably coexisting. Pectobacterium may help P. bambucicola feed on the hard bamboo stems, and genetic distance analysis suggests that the Pectobacterium in P. bambucicola may be a new symbiont species. Wolbachia may be associated with the transition of reproduction mode or has a nutritional role in P. bambucicola. Statistical tests on the diversity of bacterial communities in P. bambucicola suggest that aphid populations attended by ants usually have a significantly higher evenness than populations without ant attendance but there was no significant difference among aphid populations from different seasons.},
}
@article {pmid34067814,
year = {2021},
author = {Vallino, M and Rossi, M and Ottati, S and Martino, G and Galetto, L and Marzachì, C and Abbà, S},
title = {Bacteriophage-Host Association in the Phytoplasma Insect Vector Euscelidius variegatus.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {34067814},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {773567//Horizon H2020 Research and Innovation Programme/ ; Project Phaser//Department of Biology, agriculture and food sciences - CNR/ ; },
abstract = {Insect vectors transmit viruses and bacteria that can cause severe diseases in plants and economic losses due to a decrease in crop production. Insect vectors, like all other organisms, are colonized by a community of various microorganisms, which can influence their physiology, ecology, evolution, and also their competence as vectors. The important ecological meaning of bacteriophages in various ecosystems and their role in microbial communities has emerged in the past decade. However, only a few phages have been described so far in insect microbiomes. The leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus is a laboratory vector of the phytoplasma causing Flavescence dorée, a severe grapevine disease that threatens viticulture in Europe. Here, the presence of a temperate bacteriophage in E. variegatus (named Euscelidius variegatus phage 1, EVP-1) was revealed through both insect transcriptome analyses and electron microscopic observations. The bacterial host was isolated in axenic culture and identified as the bacterial endosymbiont of E. variegatus (BEV), recently assigned to the genus Candidatus Symbiopectobacterium. BEV harbors multiple prophages that become active in culture, suggesting that different environments can trigger different mechanisms, finely regulating the interactions among phages. Understanding the complex relationships within insect vector microbiomes may help in revealing possible microbe influences on pathogen transmission, and it is a crucial step toward innovative sustainable strategies for disease management in agriculture.},
}
@article {pmid34070926,
year = {2021},
author = {Mandon, K and Nazaret, F and Farajzadeh, D and Alloing, G and Frendo, P},
title = {Redox Regulation in Diazotrophic Bacteria in Interaction with Plants.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {34070926},
issn = {2076-3921},
support = {LABEX SIGNALIFE: program reference # ANR-11-LABX-0028-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; program reference 42938YA//Hubert Curien Gundishapur program/ ; },
abstract = {Plants interact with a large number of microorganisms that greatly influence their growth and health. Among the beneficial microorganisms, rhizosphere bacteria known as Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria increase plant fitness by producing compounds such as phytohormones or by carrying out symbioses that enhance nutrient acquisition. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, either as endophytes or as endosymbionts, specifically improve the growth and development of plants by supplying them with nitrogen, a key macro-element. Survival and proliferation of these bacteria require their adaptation to the rhizosphere and host plant, which are particular ecological environments. This adaptation highly depends on bacteria response to the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), associated to abiotic stresses or produced by host plants, which determine the outcome of the plant-bacteria interaction. This paper reviews the different antioxidant defense mechanisms identified in diazotrophic bacteria, focusing on their involvement in coping with the changing conditions encountered during interaction with plant partners.},
}
@article {pmid34071987,
year = {2021},
author = {Sato, N},
title = {Are Cyanobacteria an Ancestor of Chloroplasts or Just One of the Gene Donors for Plants and Algae?.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {34071987},
issn = {2073-4425},
mesh = {Chlorophyta/*genetics ; Chloroplasts/*genetics ; Cyanobacteria/*genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Peptidoglycan/genetics ; },
abstract = {Chloroplasts of plants and algae are currently believed to originate from a cyanobacterial endosymbiont, mainly based on the shared proteins involved in the oxygenic photosynthesis and gene expression system. The phylogenetic relationship between the chloroplast and cyanobacterial genomes was important evidence for the notion that chloroplasts originated from cyanobacterial endosymbiosis. However, studies in the post-genomic era revealed that various substances (glycolipids, peptidoglycan, etc.) shared by cyanobacteria and chloroplasts are synthesized by different pathways or phylogenetically unrelated enzymes. Membranes and genomes are essential components of a cell (or an organelle), but the origins of these turned out to be different. Besides, phylogenetic trees of chloroplast-encoded genes suggest an alternative possibility that chloroplast genes could be acquired from at least three different lineages of cyanobacteria. We have to seriously examine that the chloroplast genome might be chimeric due to various independent gene flows from cyanobacteria. Chloroplast formation could be more complex than a single event of cyanobacterial endosymbiosis. I present the "host-directed chloroplast formation" hypothesis, in which the eukaryotic host cell that had acquired glycolipid synthesis genes as an adaptation to phosphate limitation facilitated chloroplast formation by providing glycolipid-based membranes (pre-adaptation). The origins of the membranes and the genome could be different, and the origin of the genome could be complex.},
}
@article {pmid34073039,
year = {2021},
author = {Zhou, X and Ling, X and Guo, H and Zhu-Salzman, K and Ge, F and Sun, Y},
title = {Serratia symbiotica Enhances Fatty Acid Metabolism of Pea Aphid to Promote Host Development.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {22},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {34073039},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {31870394//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31770452//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/metabolism/microbiology ; Fatty Acids/*metabolism ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; Serratia/*physiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Bacterial symbionts associated with insects are often involved in host development and ecological adaptation. Serratia symbiotica, a common facultative endosymbiont harbored in pea aphids, improves host fitness and heat tolerance, but studies concerning the nutritional metabolism and impact on the aphid host associated with carrying Serratia are limited. In the current study, we showed that Serratia-infected aphids had a shorter nymphal developmental time and higher body weight than Serratia-free aphids when fed on detached leaves. Genes connecting to fatty acid biosynthesis and elongation were up-regulated in Serratia-infected aphids. Specifically, elevated expression of fatty acid synthase 1 (FASN1) and diacylglycerol-o-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) could result in accumulation of myristic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and arachidic acid in fat bodies. Impairing fatty acid synthesis in Serratia-infected pea aphids either by a pharmacological inhibitor or through silencing FASN1 and DGAT2 expression prolonged the nymphal growth period and decreased the aphid body weight. Conversely, supplementation of myristic acid (C14:0) to these aphids restored their normal development and weight gain. Our results indicated that Serratia promoted development and growth of its aphid host through enhancing fatty acid biosynthesis. Our discovery has shed more light on nutritional effects underlying the symbiosis between aphids and facultative endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid34078265,
year = {2021},
author = {Alickovic, L and Johnson, KP and Boyd, BM},
title = {The reduced genome of a heritable symbiont from an ectoparasitic feather feeding louse.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {108},
pmid = {34078265},
issn = {2730-7182},
support = {DEB-1239788//Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences and National Science Foundation awards/ ; DEB-1342604//Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences and National Science Foundation awards/ ; DEB-1855812//Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences and National Science Foundation awards/ ; DEB-1926919//Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences and National Science Foundation awards/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; *Ischnocera ; *Parasites ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Feather feeding lice are abundant and diverse ectoparasites that complete their entire life cycle on an avian host. The principal or sole source of nutrition for these lice is feathers. Feathers appear to lack four amino acids that the lice would require to complete development and reproduce. Several insect groups have acquired heritable and intracellular bacteria that can synthesize metabolites absent in an insect's diet, allowing insects to feed exclusively on nutrient-poor resources. Multiple species of feather feeding lice have been shown to harbor heritable and intracellular bacteria. We expected that these bacteria augment the louse's diet with amino acids and facilitated the evolution of these diverse and specialized parasites. Heritable symbionts of insects often have small genomes that contain a minimal set of genes needed to maintain essential cell functions and synthesize metabolites absent in the host insect's diet. Therefore, we expected the genome of a bacterial endosymbiont in feather lice would be small, but encode pathways for biosynthesis of amino acids.<br><br>RESULTS: We sequenced the genome of a bacterial symbiont from a feather feeding louse (Columbicola wolffhuegeli) that parasitizes the Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor) and used its genome to predict metabolism of amino acids based on the presence or absence of genes. We found that this bacterial symbiont has a small genome, similar to the genomes of heritable symbionts described in other insect groups. However, we failed to identify many of the genes that we expected would support metabolism of amino acids in the symbiont genome. We also evaluated other gene pathways and features of the highly reduced genome of this symbiotic bacterium.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data collected in this study, it does not appear that this bacterial symbiont can synthesize amino acids needed to complement the diet of a feather feeding louse. Our results raise additional questions about the biology of feather chewing lice and the roles of symbiotic bacteria in evolution of diverse avian parasites.},
}
@article {pmid34082325,
year = {2021},
author = {Gao, X and Hu, F and Zhang, S and Luo, J and Zhu, X and Wang, L and Zhang, K and Li, D and Ji, J and Niu, L and Wu, C and Cui, J},
title = {Glyphosate exposure disturbs the bacterial endosymbiont community and reduces body weight of the predatory ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {790},
number = {},
pages = {147847},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147847},
pmid = {34082325},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; Body Weight ; *Coleoptera ; Crops, Agricultural ; Glycine/analogs &amp; derivatives ; Larva ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; Predatory Behavior ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Glyphosate ; },
abstract = {The predatory ladybird beetle, Harmonia axyridis, is a predominant natural enemy of pest insects in cotton fields. Commercialization of genetically modified crops has promoted the increased use of the herbicide glyphosate. In this study, to assess potential negative effects of glyphosate on beneficial non-target organisms in cotton fields, we first examined how glyphosate exposure affected the development and endosymbiotic bacterial community of H. axyridis. The results showed that the survival rate, development duration, pupation rate and emergence rate of H. axyridis under low and high concentrations of glyphosate exposure were not significantly changed, but glyphosate did significantly reduce the body weight of H. axyridis. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing, there were no significant differences in the diversity or richness of the endosymbiotic bacteria of H. axyridis before and after glyphosate exposure. The dominant bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria and genera Staphylococcus and Enterobacter remained the same regardless of treatment with glyphosate, however the abundance and copy number of these bacteria were altered. Glyphosate treatment significantly reduced the abundance and gene copy number of Staphylococcus and increased the abundance and gene copy number of Enterobacter. This is the first report demonstrating that glyphosate can reduce the body weight H. axyridis and alter the bacterial endosymbiont community by affecting the abundance and gene copy number of dominant bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid34084554,
year = {2021},
author = {Huffmyer, AS and Johnson, CJ and Epps, AM and Lemus, JD and Gates, RD},
title = {Feeding and thermal conditioning enhance coral temperature tolerance in juvenile Pocillopora acuta.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {8},
number = {5},
pages = {210644},
pmid = {34084554},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Scleractinian corals form the foundation of coral reefs by acquiring autotrophic nutrition from photosynthetic endosymbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) and use feeding to obtain additional nutrition, especially when the symbiosis is compromised (i.e. bleaching). Juvenile corals are vulnerable to stress due to low energetic reserves and high demand for growth, which is compounded when additional stressors occur. Therefore, conditions that favour energy acquisition and storage may enhance survival under stressful conditions. To investigate the influence of feeding on thermal tolerance, we exposed Pocillopora acuta juveniles to temperature (ambient, 27.4°C versus cool, 25.9°C) and feeding treatments (fed versus unfed) for 30 days post-settlement and monitored growth and physiology, followed by tracking survival under thermal stress. Feeding increased growth and resulted in thicker tissues and elevated symbiont fluorescence. Under high-temperature stress (31-60 days post-settlement; ca 30.1°C), corals that were fed and previously exposed to cool temperature had 33% higher survival than other treatment groups. These corals demonstrated reduced symbiont fluorescence, which may have provided protective effects under thermal stress. These results highlight that the impacts of feeding on coral physiology and stress tolerance are dependent on temperature and as oceans continue to warm, early life stages may experience shifts in feeding strategies to survive.},
}
@article {pmid34096774,
year = {2022},
author = {Killiny, N},
title = {Made for Each Other: Vector-Pathogen Interfaces in the Huanglongbing Pathosystem.},
journal = {Phytopathology},
volume = {112},
number = {1},
pages = {26-43},
doi = {10.1094/PHYTO-05-21-0182-FI},
pmid = {34096774},
issn = {0031-949X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Citrus ; *Hemiptera ; Insect Vectors ; Plant Diseases ; *Rhizobiaceae ; },
abstract = {Citrus greening, or huanglongbing (HLB), currently is the most destructive disease of citrus. HLB disease is putatively caused by the phloem-restricted α-proteobacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus'. This bacterium is transmitted primarily by the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Most animal pathogens are considered pathogenic to their insect vectors, whereas the relationships between plant pathogens and their insect vectors are variable. Lately, the relationship of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' with its insect vector, D. citri, has been well investigated at the molecular, biochemical, and biological levels in many studies. Herein, the findings concerning this relationship are discussed and molecular features of the acquisition of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' from the plant host and its growth and circulation within D. citri, as well as its transmission to plants, are presented. In addition, the effects of 'Ca. L. asiaticus' on the energy metabolism (respiration, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and adenosine triphosphate production), metabolic pathways, immune system, endosymbionts, and detoxification enzymes of D. citri are discussed together with other impacts such as shorter lifespan, altered feeding behavior, and higher fecundity. Overall, although 'Ca. L. asiaticus' has significant negative effects on its insect vector, it increases its vector fitness, indicating that it develops a mutualistic relationship with its vector. This review will help in understanding the specific interactions between 'Ca. L. asiaticus' and its psyllid vector in order to design innovative management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid34103228,
year = {2022},
author = {Elston, KM and Leonard, SP and Geng, P and Bialik, SB and Robinson, E and Barrick, JE},
title = {Engineering insects from the endosymbiont out.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {30},
number = {1},
pages = {79-96},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2021.05.004},
pmid = {34103228},
issn = {1878-4380},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Ecosystem ; *Insecta/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; },
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.},
}
@article {pmid34107000,
year = {2021},
author = {Yang, L and Weiss, BL and Williams, AE and Aksoy, E and de Silva Orfano, A and Son, JH and Wu, Y and Vigneron, A and Karakus, M and Aksoy, S},
title = {Paratransgenic manipulation of a tsetse microRNA alters the physiological homeostasis of the fly's midgut environment.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {e1009475},
pmid = {34107000},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R01 AI139525/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR001863/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Animals, Genetically Modified ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Genes, Insect ; Homeostasis/*physiology ; Insect Vectors/genetics/parasitology ; Intestines/*physiology ; MicroRNAs/*genetics ; Trypanosoma ; Trypanosomiasis, African/*parasitology ; Tsetse Flies/*genetics/*parasitology ; },
abstract = {Tsetse flies are vectors of parasitic African trypanosomes, the etiological agents of human and animal African trypanosomoses. Current disease control methods include fly-repelling pesticides, fly trapping, and chemotherapeutic treatment of infected people and animals. Inhibiting tsetse's ability to transmit trypanosomes by strengthening the fly's natural barriers can serve as an alternative approach to reduce disease. The peritrophic matrix (PM) is a chitinous and proteinaceous barrier that lines the insect midgut and serves as a protective barrier that inhibits infection with pathogens. African trypanosomes must cross tsetse's PM in order to establish an infection in the fly, and PM structural integrity negatively correlates with trypanosome infection outcomes. Bloodstream form trypanosomes shed variant surface glycoproteins (VSG) into tsetse's gut lumen early during the infection establishment, and free VSG molecules are internalized by the fly's PM-producing cardia. This process results in a reduction in the expression of a tsetse microRNA (miR275) and a sequential molecular cascade that compromises PM integrity. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that are critical in regulating many physiological processes. In the present study, we investigated the role(s) of tsetse miR275 by developing a paratransgenic expression system that employs tsetse's facultative bacterial endosymbiont, Sodalis glossinidius, to express tandem antagomir-275 repeats (or miR275 sponges). This system induces a constitutive, 40% reduction in miR275 transcript abundance in the fly's midgut and results in obstructed blood digestion (gut weights increased by 52%), a significant increase (p-value < 0.0001) in fly survival following infection with an entomopathogenic bacteria, and a 78% increase in trypanosome infection prevalence. RNA sequencing of cardia and midgut tissues from paratransgenic tsetse confirmed that miR275 regulates processes related to the expression of PM-associated proteins and digestive enzymes as well as genes that encode abundant secretory proteins. Our study demonstrates that paratransgenesis can be employed to study microRNA regulated pathways in arthropods that house symbiotic bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid34108021,
year = {2021},
author = {Novelo, M and Audsley, MD and McGraw, EA},
title = {The effects of DENV serotype competition and co-infection on viral kinetics in Wolbachia-infected and uninfected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {314},
pmid = {34108021},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {R01 AI143758/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Aedes/*microbiology/physiology/*virology ; Animals ; Dengue Virus/chemistry/classification/genetics/*physiology ; Female ; Kinetics ; Mosquito Vectors/*microbiology/physiology/*virology ; Viral Load ; Virus Replication ; Wolbachia/genetics/*physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for the transmission of several medically important arthropod-borne viruses, including multiple serotypes of dengue virus (DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4). Competition within the mosquito between DENV serotypes can affect viral infection dynamics, modulating the transmission potential of the pathogen. Vector control remains the main method for limiting dengue fever. The insect endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis is currently being trialed in field releases globally as a means of biological control because it reduces virus replication inside the mosquito. It is not clear how co-infection between DENV serotypes in the same mosquito might alter the pathogen-blocking phenotype elicited by Wolbachia in Ae. aegypti.<br><br>METHODS: Five- to 7-day-old female Ae. aegypti from two lines, namely, with (wMel) and without Wolbachia infection (WT), were fed virus-laden blood through an artificial membrane with either a mix of DENV-2 and DENV-3 or the same DENV serotypes singly. Mosquitoes were subsequently incubated inside environmental chambers and collected on the following days post-infection: 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13. Midgut, carcass, and salivary glands were collected from each mosquito at each timepoint and individually analyzed to determine the percentage of DENV infection and viral RNA load via RT-qPCR.<br><br>RESULTS: We saw that for WT mosquitoes DENV-3 grew to higher viral RNA loads across multiple tissues when co-infected with DENV-2 than when it was in a mono-infection. Additionally, we saw a strong pathogen-blocking phenotype in wMel mosquitoes independent of co-infection status.<br><br>CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that the wMel mosquito line is capable of blocking DENV serotype co-infection in a systemic way across the mosquito body. Moreover, we showed that for WT mosquitoes, serotype co-infection can affect infection frequency in a tissue- and time-specific manner and that both viruses have the potential of being transmitted simultaneously. Our findings suggest that the long-term efficacy of Wolbachia pathogen blocking is not compromised by arthropod-borne virus co-infection.},
}
@article {pmid34117067,
year = {2021},
author = {Muñoz-Gómez, SA and Kreutz, M and Hess, S},
title = {A microbial eukaryote with a unique combination of purple bacteria and green algae as endosymbionts.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {7},
number = {24},
pages = {},
pmid = {34117067},
issn = {2375-2548},
abstract = {Oxygenic photosynthesizers (cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae) have repeatedly become endosymbionts throughout evolution. In contrast, anoxygenic photosynthesizers (e.g., purple bacteria) are exceedingly rare as intracellular symbionts. Here, we report on the morphology, ultrastructure, lifestyle, and metagenome of the only "purple-green" eukaryote known. The ciliate Pseudoblepharisma tenue harbors green algae and hundreds of genetically reduced purple bacteria. The latter represent a new candidate species of the Chromatiaceae that lost known genes for sulfur dissimilation. The tripartite consortium is physiologically complex because of the versatile energy metabolism of each partner but appears to be ecologically specialized as it prefers hypoxic sediments. The emergent niche of this complex symbiosis is predicted to be a partial overlap of each partners' niches and may be largely defined by anoxygenic photosynthesis and possibly phagotrophy. This purple-green ciliate thus represents an extraordinary example of how symbiosis merges disparate physiologies and allows emergent consortia to create novel ecological niches.},
}
@article {pmid34121858,
year = {2021},
author = {Ibrahim, S and Gupta, RK and War, AR and Hussain, B and Kumar, A and Sofi, T and Noureldeen, A and Darwish, H},
title = {Degradation of chlorpyriphos and polyethylene by endosymbiotic bacteria from citrus mealybug.},
journal = {Saudi journal of biological sciences},
volume = {28},
number = {6},
pages = {3214-3224},
pmid = {34121858},
issn = {1319-562X},
abstract = {Chlorpyriphos is one of the major organophosphorus pesticides used widely to control a range of insect pests across several crops. This insecticide is hazardous to the environment and toxic to mammals, thus, it is essential to remove the same from the environment. Similarly, use of polythene is also increasing day by day. Therefore, it is highly important to identify ways to degrade chlorpyriphos and other pesticides from the environment. We studied the degradation of chlorpyriphos and polyethylene by Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) bacterial endosymbionts such as Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas cereus, Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis. This investigation revealed that bacterial endosymbionts use the polythene as a source of carbon and solubilize them by their enzymatic machinery. The degradation of polyethylene by endosymbionts showed a significant reduction in weight of polyethylene sheet after 15, 30 and 45 days of treatment. The SEM images showed localized degradation of the polyethylene around the bacterial cells in the biofilm. Further, the tensile strength (percentage elongation) was significantly reduced after 45 days of incubation. The weight of paraffin wax showed significant reduction in B. cereus. A significant reduction in total amount of chlorpyriphos in soil was observed at an interval of 7, 14 and 21 days after treatment by the bacterial isolates. Among the bacteria, B. cereus and P. putida were found to be most effective. The results from this study show that endosymbionts can be significantly implicated in degrading chlorpyriphos and polyethylene from the environment.},
}
@article {pmid34122367,
year = {2021},
author = {Demirbas-Uzel, G and Augustinos, AA and Doudoumis, V and Parker, AG and Tsiamis, G and Bourtzis, K and Abd-Alla, AMM},
title = {Interactions Between Tsetse Endosymbionts and Glossina pallidipes Salivary Gland Hypertrophy Virus in Glossina Hosts.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {653880},
pmid = {34122367},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Tsetse flies are the sole cyclic vector for trypanosomosis, the causative agent for human African trypanosomosis or sleeping sickness and African animal trypanosomosis or nagana. Tsetse population control is the most efficient strategy for animal trypanosomosis control. Among all tsetse control methods, the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is one of the most powerful control tactics to suppress or eradicate tsetse flies. However, one of the challenges for the implementation of SIT is the mass production of target species. Tsetse flies have a highly regulated and defined microbial fauna composed of three bacterial symbionts (Wigglesworthia, Sodalis and Wolbachia) and a pathogenic Glossina pallidipes Salivary Gland Hypertrophy Virus (GpSGHV) which causes reproduction alterations such as testicular degeneration and ovarian abnormalities with reduced fertility and fecundity. Interactions between symbionts and GpSGHV might affect the performance of the insect host. In the present study, we assessed the possible impact of GpSGHV on the prevalence of tsetse endosymbionts under laboratory conditions to decipher the bidirectional interactions on six Glossina laboratory species. The results indicate that tsetse symbiont densities increased over time in tsetse colonies with no clear impact of the GpSGHV infection on symbionts density. However, a positive correlation between the GpSGHV and Sodalis density was observed in Glossina fuscipes species. In contrast, a negative correlation between the GpSGHV density and symbionts density was observed in the other taxa. It is worth noting that the lowest Wigglesworthia density was observed in G. pallidipes, the species which suffers most from GpSGHV infection. In conclusion, the interactions between GpSGHV infection and tsetse symbiont infections seems complicated and affected by the host and the infection density of the GpSGHV and tsetse symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid34122387,
year = {2021},
author = {Fujiwara, Y and Kawamura, I and Reimer, JD and Parkinson, JE},
title = {Zoantharian Endosymbiont Community Dynamics During a Stress Event.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {674026},
pmid = {34122387},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Coral reefs are complex ecosystems composed of many interacting species. One ecologically important group consists of zoantharians, which are closely related to reef-building corals. Like corals, zoantharians form mutualistic symbioses with dinoflagellate micro-algae (family Symbiodiniaceae), but their associations remain underexplored. To examine the degree to which zoantharians exhibit altered symbiont dynamics under changing environmental conditions, we reciprocally transplanted colonies of Zoanthus sansibaricus between intertidal (2 m) and subtidal (26 m) depths within a reef in Okinawa, Japan. At this location, Z. sansibaricus can associate with three Symbiodiniaceae species from two genera distributed along a light and depth gradient. We developed species-specific molecular assays and sampled colonies pre- and post-transplantation to analyze symbiont community diversity. Despite large environmental differences across depths, we detected few symbiont compositional changes resulting from transplantation stress. Colonies sourced from the intertidal zone associated with mixtures of a "shallow" Symbiodinium sp. and a "shallow" Cladocopium sp. independent of whether they were transplanted to shallow or deep waters. Colonies sourced from the subtidal zone were dominated by a "deep" Cladocopium sp. regardless of transplant depth. Subtidal colonies brought to shallow depths did not transition to the presumably high-light adapted shallow symbionts present in the new environment, but rather bleached and died. These patterns mirror observations of highly stable coral-algal associations subjected to depth transplantation. Our results indicate that Zoanthus-Symbiodiniaceae symbioses remain stable despite stress, suggesting these important reef community members have relatively low capacity to shuffle to more stress-tolerant micro-algae in response to ongoing climate change.},
}
@article {pmid34124939,
year = {2021},
author = {Baaziz, H and Compton, KK and Hildreth, SB and Helm, RF and Scharf, BE},
title = {McpT, a Broad-Range Carboxylate Chemoreceptor in Sinorhizobium meliloti.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {203},
number = {17},
pages = {e0021621},
pmid = {34124939},
issn = {1098-5530},
mesh = {Bacterial Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Carboxylic Acids/chemistry/metabolism ; Chemotactic Factors/genetics/*metabolism ; Chemotaxis ; Gene Deletion ; Glyoxylates/metabolism ; Ligands ; Sinorhizobium meliloti/genetics/*metabolism ; },
abstract = {Chemoreceptors enable the legume symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti to detect and respond to specific chemicals released from their host plant alfalfa, which allows the establishment of a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis. The periplasmic region (PR) of transmembrane chemoreceptors act as the sensory input module for chemotaxis systems via binding of specific ligands, either directly or indirectly. S. meliloti has six transmembrane and two cytosolic chemoreceptors. However, the function of only three of the transmembrane receptors have been characterized so far, with McpU, McpV, and McpX serving as general amino acid, short-chain carboxylate, and quaternary ammonium compound sensors, respectively. In the present study, we analyzed the S. meliloti chemoreceptor McpT. High-throughput differential scanning fluorimetry assays, using Biolog phenotype microarray plates, identified 15 potential ligands for McpT[PR], with the majority classified as mono-, di-, and tricarboxylates. S. meliloti exhibited positive chemotaxis toward seven selected carboxylates, namely, α-ketobutyrate, citrate, glyoxylate, malate, malonate, oxalate, and succinate. These carboxylates were detected in seed exudates of the alfalfa host. Deletion of mcpT resulted in a significant decrease of chemotaxis to all carboxylates except for citrate. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that McpT[PR] bound preferentially to the monocarboxylate glyoxylate and with lower affinity to the dicarboxylates malate, malonate, and oxalate. However, no direct binding was detected for the remaining three carboxylates that elicited an McpT-dependent chemotaxis response. Taken together, these results demonstrate that McpT is a broad-range carboxylate chemoreceptor that mediates chemotactic response via direct ligand binding and an indirect mechanism that needs to be identified. IMPORTANCE Nitrate pollution is one of the most widespread and challenging environmental problems that is mainly caused by the agricultural overapplication of nitrogen fertilizers. Biological nitrogen fixation by the endosymbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti enhances the growth of its host Medicago sativa (alfalfa), which also efficiently supplies the soil with nitrogen. Establishment of the S. meliloti-alfalfa symbiosis relies on the early exchange and recognition of chemical signals. The present study contributes to the disclosure of this complex molecular dialogue by investigating the underlying mechanisms of carboxylate sensing in S. meliloti. Understanding individual steps that govern the S. meliloti-alfalfa molecular cross talk helps in the development of efficient, commercial bacterial inoculants that promote the growth of alfalfa, which is the most cultivated forage legume in the world, and improves soil fertility.},
}
@article {pmid34125088,
year = {2021},
author = {Dukes, HE and Dyer, JE and Ottesen, EA},
title = {Establishment and Maintenance of Gnotobiotic American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana).},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {171},
pages = {},
pmid = {34125088},
issn = {1940-087X},
support = {R35 GM133789/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Germ-Free Life ; *Periplaneta/microbiology ; Rats ; },
abstract = {Gnotobiotic animals are a powerful tool for the study of controls on microbiome structure and function. Presented here is a protocol for the establishment and maintenance of gnotobiotic American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana). This approach includes built-in sterility checks for ongoing quality control. Gnotobiotic insects are defined here as cockroaches that still contain their vertically transmitted endosymbiont (Blattabacterium) but lack other microbes that normally reside on their surface and in their digestive tract. For this protocol, egg cases (oothecae) are removed from a (nonsterile) stock colony and surface sterilized. Once collected and sterilized, the oothecae are incubated at 30 °C for approximately 4-6 weeks on brain-heart infusion (BHI) agar until they hatch or are removed due to contamination. Hatched nymphs are transferred to an Erlenmeyer flask containing a BHI floor, sterile water, and sterile rat food. To ensure that the nymphs are not housing microbes that are unable to grow on BHI in the given conditions, an additional quality control measure uses restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) to test for nonendosymbiotic microbes. Gnotobiotic nymphs generated using this approach can be inoculated with simple or complex microbial communities and used as a tool in gut microbiome studies.},
}
@article {pmid34134631,
year = {2021},
author = {Kaech, H and Dennis, AB and Vorburger, C},
title = {Triple RNA-Seq characterizes aphid gene expression in response to infection with unequally virulent strains of the endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {449},
pmid = {34134631},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; Gene Expression ; RNA-Seq ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Wasps ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Secondary endosymbionts of aphids provide benefits to their hosts, but also impose costs such as reduced lifespan and reproductive output. The aphid Aphis fabae is host to different strains of the secondary endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa, which encode different putative toxins. These strains have very different phenotypes: They reach different densities in the host, and the costs and benefits (protection against parasitoid wasps) they confer to the host vary strongly.<br><br>RESULTS: We used RNA-Seq to generate hypotheses on why four of these strains inflict such different costs to A. fabae. We found different H. defensa strains to cause strain-specific changes in aphid gene expression, but little effect of H. defensa on gene expression of the primary endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola. The highly costly and over-replicating H. defensa strain H85 was associated with strongly reduced aphid expression of hemocytin, a marker of hemocytes in Drosophila. The closely related strain H15 was associated with downregulation of ubiquitin-related modifier 1, which is related to nutrient-sensing and oxidative stress in other organisms. Strain H402 was associated with strong differential regulation of a set of hypothetical proteins, the majority of which were only differentially regulated in presence of H402.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our results suggest that costs of different strains of H. defensa are likely caused by different mechanisms, and that these costs are imposed by interacting with the host rather than the host's obligatory endosymbiont B. aphidicola.},
}
@article {pmid34140946,
year = {2021},
author = {Williams, TJ and Allen, MA and Ivanova, N and Huntemann, M and Haque, S and Hancock, AM and Brazendale, S and Cavicchioli, R},
title = {Genome Analysis of a Verrucomicrobial Endosymbiont With a Tiny Genome Discovered in an Antarctic Lake.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {674758},
pmid = {34140946},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Organic Lake in Antarctica is a marine-derived, cold (-13∘C), stratified (oxic-anoxic), hypersaline (>200 gl[-1]) system with unusual chemistry (very high levels of dimethylsulfide) that supports the growth of phylogenetically and metabolically diverse microorganisms. Symbionts are not well characterized in Antarctica. However, unicellular eukaryotes are often present in Antarctic lakes and theoretically could harbor endosymbionts. Here, we describe Candidatus Organicella extenuata, a member of the Verrucomicrobia with a highly reduced genome, recovered as a metagenome-assembled genome with genetic code 4 (UGA-to-Trp recoding) from Organic Lake. It is closely related to Candidatus Pinguicocccus supinus (163,218 bp, 205 genes), a newly described cytoplasmic endosymbiont of the freshwater ciliate Euplotes vanleeuwenhoeki (Serra et al., 2020). At 158,228 bp (encoding 194 genes), the genome of Ca. Organicella extenuata is among the smallest known bacterial genomes and similar to the genome of Ca. Pinguicoccus supinus (163,218 bp, 205 genes). Ca. Organicella extenuata retains a capacity for replication, transcription, translation, and protein-folding while lacking any capacity for the biosynthesis of amino acids or vitamins. Notably, the endosymbiont retains a capacity for fatty acid synthesis (type II) and iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster assembly. Metagenomic analysis of 150 new metagenomes from Organic Lake and more than 70 other Antarctic aquatic locations revealed a strong correlation in abundance between Ca. Organicella extenuata and a novel ciliate of the genus Euplotes. Like Ca. Pinguicoccus supinus, we infer that Ca. Organicella extenuata is an endosymbiont of Euplotes and hypothesize that both Ca. Organicella extenuata and Ca. Pinguicocccus supinus provide fatty acids and Fe-S clusters to their Euplotes host as the foundation of a mutualistic symbiosis. The discovery of Ca. Organicella extenuata as possessing genetic code 4 illustrates that in addition to identifying endosymbionts by sequencing known symbiotic communities and searching metagenome data using reference endosymbiont genomes, the potential exists to identify novel endosymbionts by searching for unusual coding parameters.},
}
@article {pmid34141272,
year = {2021},
author = {Zhao, C and Miao, S and Yin, Y and Zhu, Y and Nabity, P and Bansal, R and Liu, C},
title = {Tripartite parasitic and symbiotic interactions as a possible mechanism of horizontal gene transfer.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {11},
number = {11},
pages = {7018-7028},
pmid = {34141272},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Herbivory is a highly sophisticated feeding behavior that requires abilities of plant defense suppression, phytochemical detoxification, and plant macromolecule digestion. For plant-sucking insects, salivary glands (SGs) play important roles in herbivory by secreting and injecting proteins into plant tissues to facilitate feeding. Little is known on how insects evolved secretory SG proteins for such specialized functions. Here, we investigated the composition and evolution of secretory SG proteins in the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and identified a group of secretory SG phospholipase C (PLC) genes with highest sequence similarity to the bacterial homologs. Further analyses demonstrated that they were most closely related to PLCs of Xenorhabdus, a genus of Gammaproteobacteria living in symbiosis with insect-parasitizing nematodes. These suggested that H. halys might acquire these PLCs from Xenorhabdus through the mechanism of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), likely mediated by a nematode during its parasitizing an insect host. We also showed that the original HGT event was followed by gene duplication and expansion, leading to functional diversification of the bacterial-origin PLC genes in H. halys. Thus, this study suggested that an herbivore might enhance adaptation through gaining genes from an endosymbiont of its parasite in the tripartite parasitic and symbiotic interactions.},
}
@article {pmid34143770,
year = {2021},
author = {Duarte, EH and Carvalho, A and López-Madrigal, S and Costa, J and Teixeira, L},
title = {Forward genetics in Wolbachia: Regulation of Wolbachia proliferation by the amplification and deletion of an addictive genomic island.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {e1009612},
pmid = {34143770},
issn = {1553-7404},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Load ; Dicistroviridae/growth &amp; development/pathogenicity ; Drosophila melanogaster/immunology/*microbiology/virology ; Female ; Gene Editing/methods ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Genomic Islands ; Longevity/*immunology ; Male ; Phenotype ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; Wolbachia/*genetics/growth &amp; development/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is one of the most prevalent bacterial endosymbionts, infecting approximately 40% of terrestrial arthropod species. Wolbachia is often a reproductive parasite but can also provide fitness benefits to its host, as, for example, protection against viral pathogens. This protective effect is currently being applied to fight arboviruses transmission by releasing Wolbachia-transinfected mosquitoes. Titre regulation is a crucial aspect of Wolbachia biology. Higher titres can lead to stronger phenotypes and fidelity of transmission but can have a higher cost to the host. Since Wolbachia is maternally transmitted, its fitness depends on host fitness, and, therefore, its cost to the host may be under selection. Understanding how Wolbachia titres are regulated and other aspects of Wolbachia biology has been hampered by the lack of genetic tools. Here we developed a forward genetic screen to identify new Wolbachia over-proliferative mutant variants. We characterized in detail two new mutants, wMelPop2 and wMelOctoless, and show that the amplification or loss of the Octomom genomic region lead to over-proliferation. These results confirm previous data and expand on the complex role of this genomic region in the control of Wolbachia proliferation. Both new mutants shorten the host lifespan and increase antiviral protection. Moreover, we show that Wolbachia proliferation rate in Drosophila melanogaster depends on the interaction between Octomom copy number, the host developmental stage, and temperature. Our analysis also suggests that the life shortening and antiviral protection phenotypes of Wolbachia are dependent on different, but related, properties of the endosymbiont; the rate of proliferation and the titres near the time of infection, respectively. We also demonstrate the feasibility of a novel and unbiased experimental approach to study Wolbachia biology, which could be further adapted to characterize other genetically intractable bacterial endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid34146106,
year = {2021},
author = {Ying, L and Baiming, L and Hongran, L and Tianbo, D and Yunli, T and Dong, C},
title = {Effect of Cardinium Infection on the Probing Behavior of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) MED.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {21},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {34146106},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; Bacterial Infections ; *Behavior ; *Hemiptera/microbiology/physiology ; Host Microbial Interactions/*physiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Facultative endosymbionts can affect the growth, physiology, and behavior of their arthropod hosts. There are several endosymbionts in the invasive whitefly Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED, Q biotype) that influence host fitness by altering stylet probing behavior. We investigated the probing behavior of B. tabaci MED infected with the facultative endosymbiont Candidatus Cardinium hertigii (Cardinium (Sphingobacteriales: Flexibacteraceae)). We generated genetically similar Cardinium-infected (C*+) and uninfected (C-) clonal sublines and analyzed the probing behavior of newly emerged adult on cotton (Malvales: Malvaceae), Gossypium hirsutum L., using electropenetrography (EPG). The C- subline demonstrated a longer duration of E2 (2.81-fold) and more events of E2 (2.22-fold) than the C*+ subline, indicating a greater level of sustained ingestion of plant phloem. These findings provide insight into the fitness costs (fitness of a particular genotype is lower than the average fitness of the population) of the Cardinium-infected B. tabaci.},
}
@article {pmid34149652,
year = {2021},
author = {Xiao, B and Li, D and Liao, B and Zheng, H and Yang, X and Xie, Y and Xie, Z and Li, C},
title = {Effects of Microplastics Exposure on the Acropora sp. Antioxidant, Immunization and Energy Metabolism Enzyme Activities.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {666100},
pmid = {34149652},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Microplastic pollution in marine environments has increased rapidly in recent years, with negative influences on the health of marine organisms. Scleractinian coral, one of the most important species in the coral ecosystems, is highly sensitive to microplastic. However, whether microplastic causes physiological disruption of the coral, via oxidative stress, immunity, and energy metabolism, is unclear. In the present study, the physiological responses of the coral Acropora sp. were determined after exposure to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide 66 (PA66), and polyethylene (PE) microplastic for 96 h. The results showed that there were approximately 4-22 items/nubbin on the surface of the coral skeleton and 2-10 items/nubbin on the inside of the skeleton in the MPs exposure groups. The density of endosymbiont decreased (1.12 × 10[5]-1.24 × 10[5] cell/cm[2]) in MPs exposure groups compared with the control group. Meanwhile, the chlorophyll content was reduced (0.11-0.76 μg/cm[2]) after MPs exposure. Further analysis revealed that the antioxidant enzymes in coral tissues were up-regulated (Total antioxidant capacity T-AOC 2.35 × 10[-3]-1.05 × 10[-2] mmol/mg prot, Total superoxide dismutase T-SOD 3.71-28.67 U/mg prot, glutathione GSH 10.21-10.51 U/mg prot). The alkaline phosphatase (AKP) was inhibited (1.44-4.29 U/mg prot), while nitric oxide (NO) increased (0.69-2.26 μmol/g prot) for cell signal. Moreover, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was down-regulated in the whole experiment period (0.19-0.22 U/mg prot), and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) for cell the phosphate pentoses pathway was also reduced (0.01-0.04 U/mg port). Results showed that the endosymbiont was released and chlorophyll was decreased. In addition, a disruption could occur under MPs exposure, which was related to anti-oxidant, immune, and energy metabolism.},
}
@article {pmid34152527,
year = {2021},
author = {Dângelo, RAC and Michereff-Filho, M and Inoue-Nagata, AK and da Silva, PS and Chediak, M and Guedes, RNC},
title = {Area-wide insecticide resistance and endosymbiont incidence in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (B biotype): A Neotropical context.},
journal = {Ecotoxicology (London, England)},
volume = {30},
number = {6},
pages = {1056-1070},
pmid = {34152527},
issn = {1573-3017},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera ; Humans ; Incidence ; Insecticide Resistance ; *Insecticides/toxicity ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Agriculture insecticides are used against insect pest species, but are able to change community structure in contaminated habitats, and also the genetic pool of exposed individuals. In fact, the latter effect is a relevant tool to in situ biomonitoring of pollutant contamination and impact, besides its practical economic and management concerns. This takes place because the emergence of individuals with resistance to insecticides is particularly frequent among insect pest species and usually enhances insecticide overuse and crop losses. Pest insects of global prominence such as whiteflies are a focus of attention due to problems with insecticide resistance and association with endosymbionts, as the case of the invasive putative species Bemisia tabaci MEAM1. The scenario is particularly complex in the Neotropics, where insecticide use is ubiquitous, but whose spatial scale of occurrence is usually neglected. Here we explored the spatial-dependence of both phenomena in MEAM1 whiteflies recording resistance to two widely used insecticides, lambda-cyhalothrin and spiromesifen, and endosymbiont co-occurrence. Resistance to both insecticides was frequent exhibiting low to moderate frequency of lambda-cyhalothrin resistance and moderate to high frequency of spiromesifen resistance. Among the prevailing whitefly endosymbionts, Wolbachia, Cardinium and Arsenophonus were markedly absent. In contrast, Hamiltonella and Rickettsia prevailed and their incidence was correlated. Furthermore, Rickettsia endosymbionts were particularly associated with lambda-cyhalothrin susceptibility. These traits were spatially dependent with significant variation taking place within an area of about 700 Km[2]. Such findings reinforce the notion of endosymbiont-associated resistance to insecticides, and also of their local incidence allowing spatial mapping and locally-targeted mitigation.},
}
@article {pmid34157872,
year = {2021},
author = {Scucchia, F and Malik, A and Zaslansky, P and Putnam, HM and Mass, T},
title = {Combined responses of primary coral polyps and their algal endosymbionts to decreasing seawater pH.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {288},
number = {1953},
pages = {20210328},
pmid = {34157872},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/genetics ; Coral Reefs ; Ecosystem ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Oceans and Seas ; Seawater ; },
abstract = {With coral reefs declining globally, resilience of these ecosystems hinges on successful coral recruitment. However, knowledge of the acclimatory and/or adaptive potential in response to environmental challenges such as ocean acidification (OA) in earliest life stages is limited. Our combination of physiological measurements, microscopy, computed tomography techniques and gene expression analysis allowed us to thoroughly elucidate the mechanisms underlying the response of early-life stages of corals, together with their algal partners, to the projected decline in oceanic pH. We observed extensive physiological, morphological and transcriptional changes in surviving recruits, and the transition to a less-skeleton/more-tissue phenotype. We found that decreased pH conditions stimulate photosynthesis and endosymbiont growth, and gene expression potentially linked to photosynthates translocation. Our unique holistic study discloses the previously unseen intricate net of interacting mechanisms that regulate the performance of these organisms in response to OA.},
}
@article {pmid34159734,
year = {2021},
author = {Haselkorn, TS and Jimenez, D and Bashir, U and Sallinger, E and Queller, DC and Strassmann, JE and DiSalvo, S},
title = {Novel Chlamydiae and Amoebophilus endosymbionts are prevalent in wild isolates of the model social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {708-719},
pmid = {34159734},
issn = {1758-2229},
mesh = {*Amoeba ; Bacteria ; Bacteroidetes ; *Dictyostelium/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Amoebae interact with bacteria in multifaceted ways. Amoeba predation can serve as a selective pressure for the development of bacterial virulence traits. Bacteria may also adapt to life inside amoebae, resulting in symbiotic relationships. Indeed, particular lineages of obligate bacterial endosymbionts have been found in different amoebae. Here, we screened an extensive collection of Dictyostelium discoideum wild isolates for the presence of these bacterial symbionts using endosymbiont specific PCR primers. We find that these symbionts are surprisingly common, identified in 42% of screened isolates (N = 730). Members of the Chlamydiae phylum are particularly prevalent, occurring in 27% of the amoeba isolated. They are novel and phylogenetically distinct from other Chlamydiae. We also found Amoebophilus symbionts in 8% of screened isolates (N = 730). Antibiotic-cured amoebae behave similarly to their Chlamydiae or Amoebophilus-infected counterparts, suggesting that these endosymbionts do not significantly impact host fitness, at least in the laboratory. We found several natural isolates were co-infected with multiple endosymbionts, with no obvious fitness effect of co-infection under laboratory conditions. The high prevalence and novelty of amoeba endosymbiont clades in the model organism D. discoideum opens the door to future research on the significance and mechanisms of amoeba-symbiont interactions.},
}
@article {pmid34177846,
year = {2021},
author = {Tláskal, V and Pylro, VS and Žifčáková, L and Baldrian, P},
title = {Ecological Divergence Within the Enterobacterial Genus Sodalis: From Insect Symbionts to Inhabitants of Decomposing Deadwood.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {668644},
pmid = {34177846},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The bacterial genus Sodalis is represented by insect endosymbionts as well as free-living species. While the former have been studied frequently, the distribution of the latter is not yet clear. Here, we present a description of a free-living strain, Sodalis ligni sp. nov., originating from decomposing deadwood. The favored occurrence of S. ligni in deadwood is confirmed by both 16S rRNA gene distribution and metagenome data. Pangenome analysis of available Sodalis genomes shows at least three groups within the Sodalis genus: deadwood-associated strains, tsetse fly endosymbionts and endosymbionts of other insects. This differentiation is consistent in terms of the gene frequency level, genome similarity and carbohydrate-active enzyme composition of the genomes. Deadwood-associated strains contain genes for active decomposition of biopolymers of plant and fungal origin and can utilize more diverse carbon sources than their symbiotic relatives. Deadwood-associated strains, but not other Sodalis strains, have the genetic potential to fix N2, and the corresponding genes are expressed in deadwood. Nitrogenase genes are located within the genomes of Sodalis, including S. ligni, at multiple loci represented by more gene variants. We show decomposing wood to be a previously undescribed habitat of the genus Sodalis that appears to show striking ecological divergence.},
}
@article {pmid34187119,
year = {2020},
author = {Chigurupati, S and Vijayabalan, S and Selvarajan, KK and Alhowail, A and Kauser, F},
title = {Bacterial endosymbiont inhabiting Leucaena leucocephala leaves and their antioxidant and antidiabetic potential.},
journal = {Journal of complementary &amp; integrative medicine},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {319-325},
doi = {10.1515/jcim-2020-0203},
pmid = {34187119},
issn = {1553-3840},
mesh = {Animals ; *Antioxidants/pharmacology ; Bacteria ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy ; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; Plant Leaves ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rats ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Research on endosymbionts is emerging globally and is considered as a potential source of bioactive phytochemicals. The present study examines the antioxidant and antidiabetic of the endophytic crude extract isolated from Leucaena leucocephala leaves.<br><br>METHODS: Endophytic bacteria were isolated from the leaves of L.&#xa0;leucocephala and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to establish their identity. The in vitro antioxidant effect of endophytic crude extract (LL) was evaluated using 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging methods. The in vitro antidiabetic properties of LL were evaluated using &#x3b1;-amylase and &#x3b1;-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assay.<br><br>RESULTS: The isolated endophytic bacteria were identified as Cronobacter sakazakii. LL displayed potent free radical scavenging effect against ABTS and DPPH radicals with an inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) value of 17.49&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.06 and 11.3&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.1&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL respectively. LL exhibited &#x3b1;-amylase and &#x3b1;-glucosidase inhibition with an IC50 value of 23.3&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.08 and 23.4&#xa0;&#xb1;&#xa0;0.1&#xa0;&#x3bc;g/mL respectively compared to the standard drug (acarbose). Both glucose loaded normoglycemic rats and STZ induced diabetic rats treated with LL (200&#xa0;mg/kg) exhibited a considerable reduction in blood glucose levels p<0.01 after 8&#xa0;h of treatment when compared to normal and diabetic control rats respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the study shows that LL has a wellspring of natural source of antioxidants, and antidiabetic agents and phytoconstituents present in endophytes could be the rich source for bioactive compounds.},
}
@article {pmid34188937,
year = {2021},
author = {Page, CE and Leggat, W and Heron, SF and Fordyce, AJ and Ainsworth, TD},
title = {High flow conditions mediate damaging impacts of sub-lethal thermal stress on corals' endosymbiotic algae.},
journal = {Conservation physiology},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {coab046},
pmid = {34188937},
issn = {2051-1434},
abstract = {The effects of thermal anomalies on tropical coral endosymbiosis can be mediated by a range of environmental factors, which in turn ultimately influence coral health and survival. One such factor is the water flow conditions over coral reefs and corals. Although the physiological benefits of living under high water flow are well known, there remains a lack of conclusive experimental evidence characterizing how flow mitigates thermal stress responses in corals. Here we use in situ measurements of flow in a variety of reef habitats to constrain the importance of flow speeds on the endosymbiosis of an important reef building species under different thermal regimes. Under high flow speeds (0.15 m s[-1]) and thermal stress, coral endosymbionts retained photosynthetic function and recovery capacity for longer compared to low flow conditions (0.03 m s[-1]). We hypothesize that this may be due to increased rates of mass transfer of key metabolites under higher flow, putatively allowing corals to maintain photosynthetic efficiency for longer. We also identified a positive interactive effect between high flow and a pre-stress, sub-lethal pulse in temperature. While higher flow may delay the onset of photosynthetic stress, it does not appear to confer long-term protection; sustained exposure to thermal stress (eDHW accumulation equivalent to 4.9°C weeks) eventually overwhelmed the coral meta-organism as evidenced by eventual declines in photo-physiological function and endosymbiont densities. Investigating flow patterns at the scale of metres within the context of these physiological impacts can reveal interesting avenues for coral reef management. This study increases our understanding of the effects of water flow on coral reef health in an era of climate change and highlights the potential to learn from existing beneficial bio-physical interactions for the effective preservation of coral reefs into the future.},
}
@article {pmid34190587,
year = {2021},
author = {Leitner, M and Bishop, C and Asgari, S},
title = {Transcriptional Response of Wolbachia to Dengue Virus Infection in Cells of the Mosquito Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {6},
number = {3},
pages = {101128msphere0043321},
pmid = {34190587},
issn = {2379-5042},
support = {DP190102048//Australian Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {Aedes aegypti transmits one of the most significant mosquito-borne viruses, dengue virus (DENV). The absence of effective vaccines and clinical treatments and the emergence of insecticide resistance in A. aegypti necessitate novel vector control strategies. A new approach uses the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis to reduce the spread of arboviruses. However, the Wolbachia-mediated antiviral mechanism is not well understood. To shed light on this mechanism, we investigated an unexplored aspect of Wolbachia-virus-mosquito interaction. We used RNA sequencing to examine the transcriptional response of Wolbachia to DENV infection in A. aegypti Aag2 cells transinfected with the wAlbB strain of Wolbachia. Our results suggest that genes encoding an endoribonuclease (RNase HI), a regulator of sigma 70-dependent gene transcription (6S RNA), essential cellular, transmembrane, and stress response functions and primary type I and IV secretion systems were upregulated, while a number of transport and binding proteins of Wolbachia, ribosome structure, and elongation factor-associated genes were downregulated due to DENV infection. Furthermore, bacterial retrotransposon, transposable, and phage-related elements were found among the up- and downregulated genes. We show that Wolbachia elicits a transcriptional response to virus infection and identify differentially expressed Wolbachia genes mostly at the early stages of virus infection. These findings highlight Wolbachia's ability to alter its gene expression in response to DENV infection of the host cell. IMPORTANCE Aedes aegypti is a vector of several pathogenic viruses, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses, which are of importance to human health. Wolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacterium currently used in transinfected mosquitoes to suppress replication and transmission of dengue viruses. However, the mechanism of Wolbachia-mediated virus inhibition is not fully understood. While several studies have shown mosquitoes' transcriptional responses to dengue virus infection, none have investigated these responses in Wolbachia, which may provide clues to the inhibition mechanism. Our results suggest changes in the expression of a number of functionally important Wolbachia genes upon dengue virus infection, including those involved in stress responses, providing insights into the endosymbiont's reaction to virus infection.},
}
@article {pmid34190607,
year = {2021},
author = {Leonard, JM and Mitchell, J and Beinart, RA and Delaney, JA and Sanders, JG and Ellis, G and Goddard, EA and Girguis, PR and Scott, KM},
title = {Cooccurring Activities of Two Autotrophic Pathways in Symbionts of the Hydrothermal Vent Tubeworm Riftia pachyptila.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {87},
number = {17},
pages = {e0079421},
pmid = {34190607},
issn = {1098-5336},
mesh = {Animals ; Autotrophic Processes ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Citric Acid Cycle ; Gammaproteobacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology/parasitology ; Photosynthesis ; Polychaeta/*microbiology/physiology ; Sulfides/metabolism ; Sulfur/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Genome and proteome data predict the presence of both the reductive citric acid cycle (rCAC; also called the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle) and the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle (CBB) in "Candidatus Endoriftia persephonae," the autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacterial endosymbiont from the giant hydrothermal vent tubeworm Riftia pachyptila. We tested whether these cycles were differentially induced by sulfide supply, since the synthesis of biosynthetic intermediates by the rCAC is less energetically expensive than that by the CBB. R. pachyptila was incubated under in situ conditions in high-pressure aquaria under low (28 to 40 μmol · h[-1]) or high (180 to 276 μmol · h[-1]) rates of sulfide supply. Symbiont-bearing trophosome samples excised from R. pachyptila maintained under the two conditions were capable of similar rates of CO2 fixation. Activities of the rCAC enzyme ATP-dependent citrate lyase (ACL) and the CBB enzyme 1,3-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) did not differ between the two conditions, although transcript abundances for ATP-dependent citrate lyase were 4- to 5-fold higher under low-sulfide conditions. δ[13]C values of internal dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) pools were varied and did not correlate with sulfide supply rate. In samples taken from freshly collected R. pachyptila, δ[13]C values of lipids fell between those collected for organisms using either the rCAC or the CBB exclusively. These observations are consistent with cooccurring activities of the rCAC and the CBB in this symbiosis. IMPORTANCE Previous to this study, the activities of the rCAC and CBB in R. pachyptila had largely been inferred from "omics" studies of R. pachyptila without direct assessment of in situ conditions prior to collection. In this study, R. pachyptila was maintained and monitored in high-pressure aquaria prior to measuring its CO2 fixation parameters. Results suggest that ranges in sulfide concentrations similar to those experienced in situ do not exert a strong influence on the relative activities of the rCAC and the CBB. This observation highlights the importance of further study of this symbiosis and other organisms with multiple CO2-fixing pathways, which recent genomics and biochemical studies suggest are likely to be more prevalent than anticipated.},
}
@article {pmid34192342,
year = {2021},
author = {Salsbery, ME and DeLong, JP},
title = {Thermal adaptation in a holobiont accompanied by phenotypic changes in an endosymbiont.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {75},
number = {8},
pages = {2074-2084},
doi = {10.1111/evo.14301},
pmid = {34192342},
issn = {1558-5646},
mesh = {Acclimatization ; Adaptation, Physiological ; *Ciliophora ; *Paramecium ; Symbiosis ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {How and if organisms can adapt to changing temperatures has drastic consequences for the natural world. Thermal adaptation involves finding a match between temperatures permitting growth and the expected temperature distribution of the environment. However, if and how this match is achieved, and how tightly linked species change together, is poorly understood. Paramecium bursaria is a ciliate that has a tight physiological interaction with endosymbiotic green algae (zoochlorellae). We subjected a wild population of P. bursaria to a cold and warm climate (20 and 32℃) for ∼300 generations. We then measured the thermal performance curve (TPC) for intrinsic rate of growth (rmax) for these evolved lines across temperatures. We also evaluated number and size of the zoochlorellae populations within paramecia cells. TPCs for warm-adapted populations were shallower and broader than TPCs of cold-adapted populations, indicating that the warm populations adapted by moving along a thermal generalist/specialist trade off rather than right-shifting the TPC. Zoochlorellae populations within cold-adapted paramecia had fewer and larger zoochlorellae than hot-adapted paramecia, indicating phenotypic shifts in the endosymbiont accompany thermal adaptation in the host. Our results provide new and novel insight into how species involved in complex interactions will be affected by continuing increasing global temperatures.},
}
@article {pmid34194462,
year = {2021},
author = {Hoecker, N and Hennecke, Y and Schrott, S and Marino, G and Schmidt, SB and Leister, D and Schneider, A},
title = {Gene Replacement in Arabidopsis Reveals Manganese Transport as an Ancient Feature of Human, Plant and Cyanobacterial UPF0016 Proteins.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {697848},
pmid = {34194462},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {The protein family 0016 (UPF0016) is conserved through evolution, and the few members characterized share a function in Mn[2+] transport. So far, little is known about the history of these proteins in Eukaryotes. In Arabidopsis thaliana five such proteins, comprising four different subcellular localizations including chloroplasts, have been described, whereas non-photosynthetic Eukaryotes have only one. We used a phylogenetic approach to classify the eukaryotic proteins into two subgroups and performed gene-replacement studies to investigate UPF0016 genes of various origins. Replaceability can be scored readily in the Arabidopsis UPF0016 transporter mutant pam71, which exhibits a functional deficiency in photosystem II. The N-terminal region of the Arabidopsis PAM71 was used to direct selected proteins to chloroplast membranes. Transgenic pam71 lines overexpressing the closest plant homolog (CMT1), human TMEM165 or cyanobacterial MNX successfully restored photosystem II efficiency, manganese binding to photosystem II complexes and consequently plant growth rate and biomass production. Thus AtCMT1, HsTMEM165, and SynMNX can operate in the thylakoid membrane and substitute for PAM71 in a non-native environment, indicating that the manganese transport function of UPF0016 proteins is an ancient feature of the family. We propose that the two chloroplast-localized UPF0016 proteins, CMT1 and PAM71, in plants originated from the cyanobacterial endosymbiont that gave rise to the organelle.},
}
@article {pmid34197116,
year = {2021},
author = {Hanke, W and Patt, J and Alenfelder, J and Voss, JH and Zdouc, MM and Kehraus, S and Kim, JB and Grujičić, GV and Namasivayam, V and Reher, R and Müller, CE and Kostenis, E and Crüsemann, M and König, GM},
title = {Feature-Based Molecular Networking for the Targeted Identification of Gq-Inhibiting FR900359 Derivatives.},
journal = {Journal of natural products},
volume = {84},
number = {7},
pages = {1941-1953},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00194},
pmid = {34197116},
issn = {1520-6025},
mesh = {Ardisia/chemistry ; Chromobacterium/chemistry ; Depsipeptides/*pharmacology ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Molecular Structure ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/*antagonists &amp; inhibitors ; Signal Transduction/*drug effects ; },
abstract = {Both the soil bacterium Chromobacterium vaccinii and the bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Burkholderia crenata of the plant Ardisia crenata are producers of FR900359 (FR). This cyclic depsipeptide is a potent and selective Gq protein inhibitor used extensively to investigate the intracellular signaling of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). In this study, the metabolomes of both FR producers were investigated and compared using feature-based molecular networking (FBMN). As a result, 30 previously unknown FR derivatives were identified, one-third being unique to C. vaccinii. Guided by MS, a novel FR derivative, FR-6 (compound 1), was isolated, and its structure unambiguously established. In a whole-cell biosensing assay based on detection of dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) as readout for Gq inhibition, FR-6 suppressed Gq signaling with micromolar potency (pIC50 = 5.56). This functional activity was confirmed in radioligand binding assays (pKi = 7.50). This work demonstrates the power of molecular networking, guiding the way to a novel Gq-inhibiting FR derivative and underlining the potency of FR as a Gq inhibitor.},
}
@article {pmid34197460,
year = {2021},
author = {Kupritz, J and Martin, J and Fischer, K and Curtis, KC and Fauver, JR and Huang, Y and Choi, YJ and Beatty, WL and Mitreva, M and Fischer, PU},
title = {Isolation and characterization of a novel bacteriophage WO from Allonemobius socius crickets in Missouri.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {e0250051},
pmid = {34197460},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteriophages/classification/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Capsid Proteins/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/chemistry/metabolism ; DNA, Viral/chemistry/metabolism ; Female ; *Genome, Viral ; Gryllidae/*microbiology/virology ; Membrane Proteins/genetics ; Missouri ; Open Reading Frames/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/virology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are endosymbionts of numerous arthropod and some nematode species, are important for their development and if present can cause distinct phenotypes of their hosts. Prophage DNA has been frequently detected in Wolbachia, but particles of Wolbachia bacteriophages (phage WO) have been only occasionally isolated. Here, we report the characterization and isolation of a phage WO of the southern ground cricket, Allonemobius socius, and provided the first whole-genome sequence of phage WO from this arthropod family outside of Asia. We screened A. socius abdomen DNA extracts from a cricket population in eastern Missouri by quantitative PCR for Wolbachia surface protein and phage WO capsid protein and found a prevalence of 55% and 50%, respectively, with many crickets positive for both. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against Wolbachia surface protein showed many Wolbachia clusters in the reproductive system of female crickets. Whole-genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore MinION and Illumina technology allowed for the assembly of a high-quality, 55 kb phage genome containing 63 open reading frames (ORF) encoding for phage WO structural proteins and host lysis and transcriptional manipulation. Taxonomically important regions of the assembled phage genome were validated by Sanger sequencing of PCR amplicons. Analysis of the nucleotides sequences of the ORFs encoding the large terminase subunit (ORF2) and minor capsid (ORF7) frequently used for phage WO phylogenetics showed highest homology to phage WOAu of Drosophila simulans (94.46% identity) and WOCin2USA1 of the cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cingulata (99.33% identity), respectively. Transmission electron microscopy examination of cricket ovaries showed a high density of phage particles within Wolbachia cells. Isolation of phage WO revealed particles characterized by 40-62 nm diameter heads and up to 190 nm long tails. This study provides the first detailed description and genomic characterization of phage WO from North America that is easily accessible in a widely distributed cricket species.},
}
@article {pmid34199688,
year = {2021},
author = {Vivero, RJ and Castañeda-Monsalve, VA and Romero, LR and D Hurst, G and Cadavid-Restrepo, G and Moreno-Herrera, CX},
title = {Gut Microbiota Dynamics in Natural Populations of Pintomyia evansi under Experimental Infection with Leishmania infantum.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {9},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {34199688},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {47050//Universidad Nacional de Colombia/ ; AV/PP0018/1//Global Challenges Research Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Pintomyia evansi is recognized by its vectorial competence in the transmission of parasites that cause fatal visceral leishmaniasis in rural and urban environments of the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The effect on and the variation of the gut microbiota in female P. evansi infected with Leishmania infantum were evaluated under experimental conditions using 16S rRNA Illumina MiSeq sequencing. In the coinfection assay with L. infantum, 96.8% of the midgut microbial population was composed mainly of Proteobacteria (71.0%), followed by Cyanobacteria (20.4%), Actinobacteria (2.7%), and Firmicutes (2.7%). In insect controls (uninfected with L. infantum) that were treated or not with antibiotics, Ralstonia was reported to have high relative abundance (55.1-64.8%), in contrast to guts with a high load of infection from L. infantum (23.4-35.9%).&amp;nbsp;ASVs that moderately increased in guts infected with Leishmania were Bacillus and Aeromonas. Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric variance statistical inference showed statistically significant intergroup differences in the guts of P. evansi infected and uninfected with L. infantum (p < 0.05), suggesting that some individuals of the microbiota could induce or restrict Leishmania infection. This assay also showed a negative effect of the antibiotic treatment and L. infantum infection on the gut microbiota diversity. Endosymbionts, such as Microsporidia infections (<2%), were more often associated with guts without Leishmania infection, whereas Arsenophonus was only found in guts with a high load of Leishmania infection and treated with antibiotics. Finally, this is the first report that showed the potential role of intestinal microbiota in natural populations of P. evansi in susceptibility to L. infantum infection.},
}
@article {pmid34200026,
year = {2021},
author = {Skalický, T and Alves, JMP and Morais, AC and Režnarová, J and Butenko, A and Lukeš, J and Serrano, MG and Buck, GA and Teixeira, MMG and Camargo, EP and Sanders, M and Cotton, JA and Yurchenko, V and Kostygov, AY},
title = {Endosymbiont Capture, a Repeated Process of Endosymbiont Transfer with Replacement in Trypanosomatids Angomonas spp.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {34200026},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {20-07186S//Grantov&#xe1; Agentura &#x10c;esk&#xe9; Republiky/ ; CZ.02.1.01/16_019/0000759//European Regional Development Fund/ ; SGS/PrF/2021//Ostravsk&#xe1; Univerzita v Ostrav&#x11b;/ ; &#x410;&#x410;&#x410;&#x410;-&#x410;19-119031390116-9//State Assignment for ZIN RAS/ ; R01 AI050196/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Trypanosomatids of the subfamily Strigomonadinae bear permanent intracellular bacterial symbionts acquired by the common ancestor of these flagellates. However, the cospeciation pattern inherent to such relationships was revealed to be broken upon the description of Angomonas ambiguus, which is sister to A. desouzai, but bears an endosymbiont genetically close to that of A. deanei. Based on phylogenetic inferences, it was proposed that the bacterium from A. deanei had been horizontally transferred to A. ambiguus. Here, we sequenced the bacterial genomes from two A. ambiguus isolates, including a new one from Papua New Guinea, and compared them with the published genome of the A. deanei endosymbiont, revealing differences below the interspecific level. Our phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the endosymbionts of A. ambiguus were obtained from A. deanei and, in addition, demonstrated that this occurred more than once. We propose that coinfection of the same blowfly host and the phylogenetic relatedness of the trypanosomatids facilitate such transitions, whereas the drastic difference in the occurrence of the two trypanosomatid species determines the observed direction of this process. This phenomenon is analogous to organelle (mitochondrion/plastid) capture described in multicellular organisms and, thereafter, we name it endosymbiont capture.},
}
@article {pmid34204648,
year = {2021},
author = {Frangoulidis, D and Kahlhofer, C and Said, AS and Osman, AY and Chitimia-Dobler, L and Shuaib, YA},
title = {High Prevalence and New Genotype of Coxiella burnetii in Ticks Infesting Camels in Somalia.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {34204648},
issn = {2076-0817},
abstract = {Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever. It can infect animals, humans, and birds, as well as ticks, and it has a worldwide geographical distribution. To better understand the epidemiology of C. burnetii in Somalia, ticks infesting camels were collected from five different regions, including Bari, Nugaal, Mudug, Sool, and Sanaag, between January and March 2018. Collected ticks were tested for C. burnetii and Coxiella-like endosymbiont DNA by using IS1111, icd, and Com1-target PCR assays. Moreover, sequencing of the 16S-rRNA was conducted. Molecular characterization and typing were done by adaA-gene analysis and plasmid-type identification. Further typing was carried out by 14-marker Multi-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeats (MLVA/VNTR) analysis. The investigated ticks (n = 237) were identified as Hyalomma spp. (n = 227, 95.8%), Amblyomma spp. (n = 8, 3.4%), and Ripicephalus spp. (n = 2, 0.8%), and 59.1% (140/237) of them were positive for Coxiella spp. While Sanger sequencing and plasmid-type identification revealed a C. burnetii that harbours the QpRS-plasmid, MLVA/VNTR genotyping showed a new genotype which was initially named D21. In conclusion, this is the first report of C. burnetii in ticks in Somalia. The findings denote the possibility that C. burnetii is endemic in Somalia. Further epidemiological studies investigating samples from humans, animals, and ticks within the context of "One Health" are warranted.},
}
@article {pmid34205691,
year = {2021},
author = {Kobayashi, T and Chatanga, E and Qiu, Y and Simuunza, M and Kajihara, M and Hang'ombe, BM and Eto, Y and Saasa, N and Mori-Kajihara, A and Simulundu, E and Takada, A and Sawa, H and Katakura, K and Nonaka, N and Nakao, R},
title = {Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Coxiella-Like Endosymbionts in Ticks Collected from Animals and Vegetation in Zambia.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {34205691},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {16H06431, 19H03118, 19F19097, 20K21358, 20KK0151//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 20wm0225016j0001//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; JP20jm0110019//Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development/ ; },
abstract = {Ticks are obligate ectoparasites as they require to feed on their host blood during some or all stages of their life cycle. In addition to the pathogens that ticks harbor and transmit to vertebrate hosts, they also harbor other seemingly nonpathogenic microorganisms including nutritional mutualistic symbionts. Tick nutritional mutualistic symbionts play important roles in the physiology of the host ticks as they are involved in tick reproduction and growth through the supply of B vitamins as well as in pathogen maintenance and propagation. Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) are the most widespread endosymbionts exclusively reported in ticks. Although CLEs have been investigated in ticks in other parts of the world, there is no report of their investigation in ticks in Zambia. To investigate the occurrence of CLEs, their maintenance, and association with host ticks in Zambia, 175 ticks belonging to six genera, namely Amblyomma, Argas, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ornithodoros, and Rhipicephalus, were screened for CLEs, followed by characterization of CLEs by multi-locus sequence typing of the five Coxiella housekeeping genes (dnaK, groEL, rpoB, 16S rRNA, and 23S rRNA). The results showed that 45.7% (n = 80) were positive for CLEs. The comparison of the tick 16S rDNA phylogenetic tree with that of the CLEs concatenated sequences showed that there was a strong correlation between the topology of the trees. The results suggest that most of the CLEs have evolved within tick species, supporting the vertical transmission phenomenon. However, the negative results for CLE in some ticks warrants further investigations of other endosymbionts that the ticks in Zambia may also harbor.},
}
@article {pmid34208681,
year = {2021},
author = {Ourry, M and Crosland, A and Lopez, V and Derocles, SAP and Mougel, C and Cortesero, AM and Poinsot, D},
title = {Influential Insider: Wolbachia, an Intracellular Symbiont, Manipulates Bacterial Diversity in Its Insect Host.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {9},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {34208681},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {SE 0000282 MP-P10026 EB06//Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique/ ; },
abstract = {Facultative intracellular symbionts like the α-proteobacteria Wolbachia influence their insect host phenotype but little is known about how much they affect their host microbiota. Here, we quantified the impact of Wolbachia infection on the bacterial community of the cabbage root fly Delia radicum by comparing the microbiota of Wolbachia-free and infected adult flies of both sexes. We used high-throughput DNA sequencing (Illumina MiSeq, 16S rRNA, V5-V7 region) and performed a community and a network analysis. In both sexes, Wolbachia infection significantly decreased the diversity of D. radicum bacterial communities and modified their structure and composition by reducing abundance in some taxa but increasing it in others. Infection by Wolbachia was negatively correlated to 8 bacteria genera (Erwinia was the most impacted), and positively correlated to Providencia and Serratia. We suggest that Wolbachia might antagonize Erwinia for being entomopathogenic (and potentially intracellular), but would favor Providencia and Serratia because they might protect the host against chemical plant defenses. Although they might seem prisoners in a cell, endocellular symbionts can impact the whole microbiota of their host, hence its extended phenotype, which provides them with a way to interact with the outside world.},
}
@article {pmid34209060,
year = {2021},
author = {Getange, D and Bargul, JL and Kanduma, E and Collins, M and Bodha, B and Denge, D and Chiuya, T and Githaka, N and Younan, M and Fèvre, EM and Bell-Sakyi, L and Villinger, J},
title = {Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Associated with Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Northern Kenya.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {9},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {34209060},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {BB/L019019/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; NUF/ NRF-BBSRC CALL 1/1/02//Kenya's National Research Fund (NRF)/ ; DEL-15-011//DELTAS Africa Initiative/ ; Newton-Utafiti Fund project BB/S004890/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 107742/Z/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; BB/P024270/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/P024378/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Ticks and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are major constraints to camel health and production, yet epidemiological data on their diversity and impact on dromedary camels remain limited. We surveyed the diversity of ticks and TBPs associated with camels and co-grazing sheep at 12 sites in Marsabit County, northern Kenya. We screened blood and ticks (858 pools) from 296 camels and 77 sheep for bacterial and protozoan TBPs by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing of PCR products. Hyalomma (75.7%), Amblyomma (17.6%) and Rhipicephalus (6.7%) spp. ticks were morphologically identified and confirmed by molecular analyses. We detected TBP DNA in 80.1% of blood samples from 296 healthy camels. "Candidatus Anaplasma camelii", "Candidatus Ehrlichia regneryi" and Coxiella burnetii were detected in both camels and associated ticks, and Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii and Coxiella endosymbionts were detected in camel ticks. We also detected Ehrlichia ruminantium, which is responsible for heartwater disease in ruminants, in Amblyomma ticks infesting camels and sheep and in sheep blood, indicating its endemicity in Marsabit. Our findings also suggest that camels and/or the ticks infesting them are disease reservoirs of zoonotic Q fever (C. burnetii), ehrlichiosis (E. chaffeensis) and rickettsiosis (R. africae), which pose public health threats to pastoralist communities.},
}
@article {pmid34212028,
year = {2021},
author = {Choi, NJ and Xi, H and Park, J},
title = {A Comparative Analyses of the Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Fungal Endosymbionts in Sogatella furcifera, White-Backed Planthoppers.},
journal = {International journal of genomics},
volume = {2021},
number = {},
pages = {6652508},
pmid = {34212028},
issn = {2314-4378},
abstract = {Sogatella furcifera Horvath, commonly known as the white-backed planthoppers (WBPH), is an important pest in East Asian rice fields. Fungal endosymbiosis is widespread among planthoppers in the infraorder Fulgoromorpha and suborder Auchenorrhyncha. We successfully obtained complete mitogenome of five WBPH fungal endosymbionts, belonging to the Ophiocordycipitaceae family, from next-generation sequencing (NGS) reads obtained from S. furcifera samples. These five mitogenomes range in length from 55,390 bp to 55,406 bp, which is shorter than the mitogenome of the fungal endosymbiont found in Ricania speculum, black planthoppers. Twenty-eight protein-coding genes (PCGs), 12 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs were found in the mitogenomes. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms, two insertions, and three deletions were identified among the five mitogenomes, which were fewer in number than those of four species of Ophiocordycipitaceae, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, Hirsutella thompsonii, Hirsutella rhossiliensis, and Tolypocladium inflatum. Noticeably short lengths (up to 18 bp) of simple sequence repeats were identified in the five WBPH fungal endosymbiont mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analysis based on conserved PCGs across 25 Ophiocordycipitaceae mitogenomes revealed that the five mitogenomes were clustered with that of R. speculum, forming an independent clade. In addition to providing the full mitogenome sequences, obtaining complete mitogenomes of WBPH endosymbionts can provide insights into their phylogenetic positions without needing to isolate the mtDNA from the host. This advantage is of value to future studies involving fungal endosymbiont mitogenomes.},
}
@article {pmid34213555,
year = {2021},
author = {Thairu, MW and Meduri, VRS and Degnan, PH and Hansen, AK},
title = {Natural Selection Shapes Maintenance of Orthologous sRNAs in Divergent Host-Restricted Bacterial Genomes.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {38},
number = {11},
pages = {4778-4791},
pmid = {34213555},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {Animals ; *Buchnera/genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Genome, Bacterial ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; RNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Selection, Genetic ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Historically it has been difficult to study the evolution of bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) across distantly related species. For example, identifying homologs of sRNAs is often difficult in genomes that have undergone multiple structural rearrangements. Also, some types of regulatory sRNAs evolve at rapid rates. The high degree of genomic synteny among divergent host-restricted bacterial lineages, including intracellular symbionts, is conducive to sRNA maintenance and homolog identification. In turn, symbiont genomes can provide us with novel insights into sRNA evolution. Here, we examine the sRNA expression profile of the obligate symbiont of psyllids, Carsonella ruddii, which has one of the smallest cellular genomes described. Using RNA-seq, we identified 36 and 32 antisense sRNAs (asRNAs) expressed by Carsonella from the psyllids Bactericera cockerelli (Carsonella-BC) and Diaphorina citri (Carsonella-DC), respectively. The majority of these asRNAs were associated with genes that are involved in essential amino acid biosynthetic pathways. Eleven of the asRNAs were conserved in both Carsonella lineages and the majority were maintained by selection. Notably, five of the corresponding coding sequences are also the targets of conserved asRNAs in a distantly related insect symbiont, Buchnera. We detected differential expression of two asRNAs for genes involved in arginine and leucine biosynthesis occurring between two distinct Carsonella-BC life stages. Using asRNAs identified in Carsonella, Buchnera, and Profftella which are all endosymbionts, and Escherichia coli, we determined that regions upstream of these asRNAs encode unique conserved patterns of AT/GC richness, GC skew, and sequence motifs which may be involved in asRNA regulation.},
}
@article {pmid34215695,
year = {2021},
author = {Uwizeye, C and Mars Brisbin, M and Gallet, B and Chevalier, F and LeKieffre, C and Schieber, NL and Falconet, D and Wangpraseurt, D and Schertel, L and Stryhanyuk, H and Musat, N and Mitarai, S and Schwab, Y and Finazzi, G and Decelle, J},
title = {Cytoklepty in the plankton: A host strategy to optimize the bioenergetic machinery of endosymbiotic algae.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {118},
number = {27},
pages = {},
pmid = {34215695},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Carbon Cycle ; Cell Division ; Cell Nucleus/metabolism ; *Energy Metabolism ; Haptophyta/*metabolism ; Microalgae/cytology ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; Plankton/*cytology ; Plastids/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Endosymbioses have shaped the evolutionary trajectory of life and remain ecologically important. Investigating oceanic photosymbioses can illuminate how algal endosymbionts are energetically exploited by their heterotrophic hosts and inform on putative initial steps of plastid acquisition in eukaryotes. By combining three-dimensional subcellular imaging with photophysiology, carbon flux imaging, and transcriptomics, we show that cell division of endosymbionts (Phaeocystis) is blocked within hosts (Acantharia) and that their cellular architecture and bioenergetic machinery are radically altered. Transcriptional evidence indicates that a nutrient-independent mechanism prevents symbiont cell division and decouples nuclear and plastid division. As endosymbiont plastids proliferate, the volume of the photosynthetic machinery volume increases 100-fold in correlation with the expansion of a reticular mitochondrial network in close proximity to plastids. Photosynthetic efficiency tends to increase with cell size, and photon propagation modeling indicates that the networked mitochondrial architecture enhances light capture. This is accompanied by 150-fold higher carbon uptake and up-regulation of genes involved in photosynthesis and carbon fixation, which, in conjunction with a ca.15-fold size increase of pyrenoids demonstrates enhanced primary production in symbiosis. Mass spectrometry imaging revealed major carbon allocation to plastids and transfer to the host cell. As in most photosymbioses, microalgae are contained within a host phagosome (symbiosome), but here, the phagosome invaginates into enlarged microalgal cells, perhaps to optimize metabolic exchange. This observation adds evidence that the algal metamorphosis is irreversible. Hosts, therefore, trigger and benefit from major bioenergetic remodeling of symbiotic microalgae with potential consequences for the oceanic carbon cycle. Unlike other photosymbioses, this interaction represents a so-called cytoklepty, which is a putative initial step toward plastid acquisition.},
}
@article {pmid34216527,
year = {2021},
author = {Yang, K and Yuan, MY and Liu, Y and Guo, CL and Liu, TX and Zhang, YJ and Chu, D},
title = {First evidence for thermal tolerance benefits of the bacterial symbiont Cardinium in an invasive whitefly, Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {77},
number = {11},
pages = {5021-5031},
doi = {10.1002/ps.6543},
pmid = {34216527},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//First class grassland science discipline programme in Shandong Province/ ; 31872030//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; tsqn20161040//Taishan Scholar Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; Female ; Fertility ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Longevity ; Male ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUD: Cardinium symbiont is a maternally inherited bacterial endosymbiont and widely spreads in arthropods including Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). However, the potential role of Cardinium played in the biology of their hosts is largely unknown. In two genetic lines (i.e. LS and SG lines) of B. tabaci MED, collected from different locations in China, we tested the effects of Cardinium on the performance of the host whitefly under a constant high temperature (31 °C) using the age-stage two-sex life table method, and explored the genes influenced by Cardinium-infection by RNA-sequencing.<br><br>RESULTS: We found that Cardinium did provide protection of B. tabaci against heat stress under 31&#x2009;&#xb0;C. However, there was a significant connection between Cardinium-infection and whitefly genetic backgrounds. Performance revealed that Cardinium infection can increase the longevity of both female and male adults and oviposition periods in both lines, but it also conferred benefits of fecundity and pre-adult period to LS line. Additionally, the population parameters such as intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (&#x3bb;) and mean generation time (T) demonstrated that Cardinium infection conferred fitness benefits to LS line but not to SG line. Transcriptome analysis indicated that several genes related to homeostasis and metamorphosis such as ubiquitin-related genes were highly expressed in Cardinium-infected B. tabaci.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The research provided the first evidence that Cardinium can increase the thermal tolerance of whitefly, which may be associated with host genetic background.},
}
@article {pmid34220782,
year = {2021},
author = {Obert, T and Rurik, I and Vd'ačný, P},
title = {Diversity and Eco-Evolutionary Associations of Endosymbiotic Astome Ciliates With Their Lumbricid Earthworm Hosts.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {689987},
pmid = {34220782},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Coevolution of endosymbionts with their hosts plays an important role in the processes of speciation and is among the most fascinating topics in evolutionary biology. Astome ciliates represent an interesting model for coevolutionary studies because they are so tightly associated with their host organisms that they completely lost the cell oral apparatus. In the present study, we used five nuclear markers (18S rRNA gene, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region, and 28S rRNA gene) and two mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA gene and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) to explore the diversity of astomes inhabiting the digestive tract of lumbricid earthworms at temperate latitudes in Central Europe and to cast more light on their host specificity and coevolution events that shaped their diversification. The present coevolutionary and phylogenetic interaction-adjusted similarity analyses suggested that almost every host switch leads to speciation and firm association with the new host. Nevertheless, the suggested high structural host specificity of astomes needs to be tested with increased earthworm sampling, as only 52 out of 735 lumbricid earthworms (7.07%) were inhabited by ciliates. On the other hand, the diversification of astomes associated with megascolecid and glossoscolecid earthworms might have been driven by duplication events without host switching.},
}
@article {pmid34229954,
year = {2021},
author = {Johnston, KL and Hong, WD and Turner, JD and O'Neill, PM and Ward, SA and Taylor, MJ},
title = {Anti-Wolbachia drugs for filariasis.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {37},
number = {12},
pages = {1068-1081},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2021.06.004},
pmid = {34229954},
issn = {1471-5007},
support = {MR/R025401/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; NC/M00175X/1/NC3RS_/National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Drug Discovery ; *Elephantiasis, Filarial/drug therapy ; Humans ; *Nematode Infections/drug therapy ; *Onchocerciasis/drug therapy ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {The mutualistic association between Wolbachia endosymbionts and their filarial nematode hosts has been exploited as a validated drug target delivering macrofilaricidal outcomes. Limitations of existing antibiotics to scale-up have driven the search for new drugs, which are effective in shorter regimens of 7 days or less. Here, we review the last 14 years of anti-Wolbachia drug discovery by the anti-Wolbachia (A·WOL) consortium, which has screened more than two million compounds, delivering thousands of hit compounds. Refined screening models integrated with robust pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) driven optimisation and selection strategies have delivered the first two drug candidates specifically designed to target Wolbachia. AWZ1066S and ABBV-4083 are currently progressing through clinical trials with the aim of delivering safe and effective macrofilaricides to support the elimination of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.},
}
@article {pmid34235554,
year = {2022},
author = {Buysse, M and Binetruy, F and Leibson, R and Gottlieb, Y and Duron, O},
title = {Ecological Contacts and Host Specificity Promote Replacement of Nutritional Endosymbionts in Ticks.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {83},
number = {3},
pages = {776-788},
pmid = {34235554},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {EVOSYM//Ministry of Science and Technology, Israel/ ; EVOSYM//centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS)/ ; ANR-10-LAX-25-01//Agence Nationale de la Recherche (FR)/ ; ISF No. 1074/18//Israel science foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Francisella ; Host Specificity ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; *Ticks ; },
abstract = {Symbiosis with vitamin-provisioning microbes is essential for the nutrition of animals with some specialized feeding habits. While coevolution favors the interdependence between symbiotic partners, their associations are not necessarily stable: Recently acquired symbionts can replace ancestral symbionts. In this study, we demonstrate successful replacement by Francisella-like endosymbionts (-LE), a group of B-vitamin-provisioning endosymbionts, across tick communities driven by horizontal transfers. Using a broad collection of Francisella-LE-infected tick species, we determined the diversity of Francisella-LE haplotypes through a multi-locus strain typing approach and further characterized their phylogenetic relationships and their association with biological traits of their tick hosts. The patterns observed showed that Francisella-LE commonly transfer through similar ecological networks and geographic distributions shared among different tick species and, in certain cases, through preferential shuffling across congeneric tick species. Altogether, these findings reveal the importance of geographic, ecological, and phylogenetic proximity in shaping the replacement pattern in which new nutritional symbioses are initiated.},
}
@article {pmid34247634,
year = {2021},
author = {Endersby-Harshman, NM and Ali, A and Alhumrani, B and Alkuriji, MA and Al-Fageeh, MB and Al-Malik, A and Alsuabeyl, MS and Elfekih, S and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Voltage-sensitive sodium channel (Vssc) mutations associated with pyrethroid insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti (L.) from two districts of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: baseline information for a Wolbachia release program.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {361},
pmid = {34247634},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Aedes/*drug effects/*genetics ; Animals ; Biological Assay/methods/statistics &amp; numerical data ; Dengue/prevention &amp; control/transmission ; Female ; Insecticide Resistance/*genetics ; Insecticides/*pharmacology ; Mosquito Control/methods/statistics &amp; numerical data ; *Mutation ; Pyrethrins/*pharmacology ; Saudi Arabia ; Sodium Channels/*genetics ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dengue suppression often relies on control of the mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti, through applications of insecticides of which the pyrethroid group has played a dominant role. Insecticide resistance is prevalent in Ae. aegypti around the world, and the resulting reduction of insecticide efficacy is likely to exacerbate the impact of dengue. Dengue has been a public health problem in Saudi Arabia, particularly in Jeddah, since its discovery there in the 1990s, and insecticide use for vector control is widespread throughout the city. An alternative approach to insecticide use, based on blocking dengue transmission in mosquitoes by the endosymbiont Wolbachia, is being trialed in Jeddah following the success of this approach in Australia and Malaysia. Knowledge of insecticide resistance status of mosquito populations in Jeddah is a prerequisite for establishing a Wolbachia-based dengue control program as releases of Wolbachia mosquitoes succeed when resistance status of the release population is similar to that of the wild population.<br><br>METHODS: WHO resistance bioassays of mosquitoes with deltamethrin, permethrin and DDT were used in conjunction with TaqMan[&#xae;] SNP Genotyping Assays to characterize mutation profiles of Ae. aegypti.<br><br>RESULTS: Screening of the voltage-sensitive sodium channel (Vssc), the pyrethroid target site, revealed mutations at codons 989, 1016 and 1534 in Ae. aegypti from two districts of Jeddah. The triple mutant homozygote (1016G/1534C/989P) was confirmed from Al Safa and Al Rawabi. Bioassays with pyrethroids (Type I and II) and DDT showed that mosquitoes were resistant to each of these compounds based on WHO definitions. An association between Vssc mutations and resistance was established for the Type II pyrethroid, deltamethrin, with one genotype (989P/1016G/1534F) conferring a survival advantage over two others (989S/1016V/1534C and the triple heterozygote). An indication of synergism of Type I pyrethroid activity with piperonyl butoxide suggests that detoxification by cytochrome P450s accounts for some of the pyrethroid resistance response in Ae. aegypti populations from Jeddah.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The results provide a baseline for monitoring and management of resistance as well as knowledge of Vssc genotype frequencies required in Wolbachia release populations to ensure homogeneity with the target field population. Vssc mutation haplotypes observed show some similarity with those from Ae. aegypti in southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, but the presence of the triple mutant haplotype in three genotypes indicates that the species in this region may have a unique population history.},
}
@article {pmid34249780,
year = {2021},
author = {Reyes, JIL and Suzuki, Y and Carvajal, T and Muñoz, MNM and Watanabe, K},
title = {Intracellular Interactions Between Arboviruses and Wolbachia in Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {690087},
pmid = {34249780},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Aedes ; Animals ; *Arboviruses ; Humans ; Mosquito Vectors ; *Wolbachia ; *Zika Virus ; *Zika Virus Infection ; },
abstract = {Aedes aegypti is inherently susceptible to arboviruses. The geographical expansion of this vector host species has led to the persistence of Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya human infections. These viruses take advantage of the mosquito's cell to create an environment conducive for their growth. Arboviral infection triggers transcriptomic and protein dysregulation in Ae. aegypti and in effect, host antiviral mechanisms are compromised. Currently, there are no existing vaccines able to protect human hosts from these infections and thus, vector control strategies such as Wolbachia mass release program is regarded as a viable option. Considerable evidence demonstrates how the presence of Wolbachia interferes with arboviruses by decreasing host cytoskeletal proteins and lipids essential for arboviral infection. Also, Wolbachia strengthens host immunity, cellular regeneration and causes the expression of microRNAs which could potentially be involved in virus inhibition. However, variation in the magnitude of Wolbachia's pathogen blocking effect that is not due to the endosymbiont's density has been recently reported. Furthermore, the cellular mechanisms involved in this phenotype differs depending on Wolbachia strain and host species. This prompts the need to explore the cellular interactions between Ae. aegypti-arboviruses-Wolbachia and how different Wolbachia strains overall affect the mosquito's cell. Understanding what happens at the cellular and molecular level will provide evidence on the sustainability of Wolbachia vector control.},
}
@article {pmid34252087,
year = {2021},
author = {Noroy, C and Meyer, DF},
title = {The super repertoire of type IV effectors in the pangenome of Ehrlichia spp. provides insights into host-specificity and pathogenesis.},
journal = {PLoS computational biology},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {e1008788},
pmid = {34252087},
issn = {1553-7358},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins ; Computational Biology ; *Ehrlichia/genetics/pathogenicity ; Ehrlichiosis/microbiology ; Genome, Bacterial/*genetics ; Host Specificity/*genetics ; Humans ; Type IV Secretion Systems/*genetics ; Virulence/*genetics ; },
abstract = {The identification of bacterial effectors is essential to understand how obligatory intracellular bacteria such as Ehrlichia spp. manipulate the host cell for survival and replication. Infection of mammals-including humans-by the intracellular pathogenic bacteria Ehrlichia spp. depends largely on the injection of virulence proteins that hijack host cell processes. Several hypothetical virulence proteins have been identified in Ehrlichia spp., but one so far has been experimentally shown to translocate into host cells via the type IV secretion system. However, the current challenge is to identify most of the type IV effectors (T4Es) to fully understand their role in Ehrlichia spp. virulence and host adaptation. Here, we predict the T4E repertoires of four sequenced Ehrlichia spp. and four other Anaplasmataceae as comparative models (pathogenic Anaplasma spp. and Wolbachia endosymbiont) using previously developed S4TE 2.0 software. This analysis identified 579 predicted T4Es (228 pT4Es for Ehrlichia spp. only). The effector repertoires of Ehrlichia spp. overlapped, thereby defining a conserved core effectome of 92 predicted effectors shared by all strains. In addition, 69 species-specific T4Es were predicted with non-canonical GC% mostly in gene sparse regions of the genomes and we observed a bias in pT4Es according to host-specificity. We also identified new protein domain combinations, suggesting novel effector functions. This work presenting the predicted effector collection of Ehrlichia spp. can serve as a guide for future functional characterisation of effectors and design of alternative control strategies against these bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid34253453,
year = {2022},
author = {Massey, JH and Newton, ILG},
title = {Diversity and function of arthropod endosymbiont toxins.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {30},
number = {2},
pages = {185-198},
pmid = {34253453},
issn = {1878-4380},
support = {R01 AI144430/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods ; Male ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsia ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts induce dramatic phenotypes in their arthropod hosts, including cytoplasmic incompatibility, feminization, parthenogenesis, male killing, parasitoid defense, and pathogen blocking. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown but recent evidence suggests that protein toxins secreted by the endosymbionts play a role. Here, we describe the diversity and function of endosymbiont proteins with homology to known bacterial toxins. We focus on maternally transmitted endosymbionts belonging to the Wolbachia, Rickettsia, Arsenophonus, Hamiltonella, Spiroplasma, and Cardinium genera because of their ability to induce the above phenotypes. We identify at least 16 distinct toxin families with diverse enzymatic activities, including AMPylases, nucleases, proteases, and glycosyltransferases. Notably, several annotated toxins contain domains with homology to eukaryotic proteins, suggesting that arthropod endosymbionts mimic host biochemistry to manipulate host physiology, similar to bacterial pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid34255082,
year = {2021},
author = {Sun, Y and Sun, J and Yang, Y and Lan, Y and Ip, JC and Wong, WC and Kwan, YH and Zhang, Y and Han, Z and Qiu, JW and Qian, PY},
title = {Genomic Signatures Supporting the Symbiosis and Formation of Chitinous Tube in the Deep-Sea Tubeworm Paraescarpia echinospica.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {38},
number = {10},
pages = {4116-4134},
pmid = {34255082},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {Animals ; Chitin ; Ecosystem ; Genomics ; *Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology ; Proteomics ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Vestimentiferan tubeworms are iconic animals that present as large habitat-forming chitinized tube bushes in deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems. They are gutless and depend entirely on their endosymbiotic sulfide-oxidizing chemoautotrophic bacteria for nutrition. Information on the genomes of several siboglinid endosymbionts has improved our understanding of their nutritional supplies. However, the interactions between tubeworms and their endosymbionts remain largely unclear due to a paucity of host genomes. Here, we report the chromosome-level genome of the vestimentiferan tubeworm Paraescarpia echinospica. We found that the genome has been remodeled to facilitate symbiosis through the expansion of gene families related to substrate transfer and innate immunity, suppression of apoptosis, regulation of lysosomal digestion, and protection against oxidative stress. Furthermore, the genome encodes a programmed cell death pathway that potentially controls the endosymbiont population. Our integrated genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses uncovered matrix proteins required for the formation of the chitinous tube and revealed gene family expansion and co-option as evolutionary mechanisms driving the acquisition of this unique supporting structure for deep-sea tubeworms. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the host's support system that has enabled tubeworms to establish symbiosis, thrive in deep-sea hot vents and cold seeps, and produce the unique chitinous tubes in the deep sea.},
}
@article {pmid34272286,
year = {2021},
author = {Osvatic, JT and Wilkins, LGE and Leibrecht, L and Leray, M and Zauner, S and Polzin, J and Camacho, Y and Gros, O and van Gils, JA and Eisen, JA and Petersen, JM and Yuen, B},
title = {Global biogeography of chemosynthetic symbionts reveals both localized and globally distributed symbiont groups.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {118},
number = {29},
pages = {},
pmid = {34272286},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {DOC 69/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; S10 OD010786/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Autotrophic Processes ; Biodiversity ; Biological Evolution ; Bivalvia/classification/*microbiology/physiology ; Gammaproteobacteria/*classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; Host Specificity ; Phylogeny ; Phylogeography ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {In the ocean, most hosts acquire their symbionts from the environment. Due to the immense spatial scales involved, our understanding of the biogeography of hosts and symbionts in marine systems is patchy, although this knowledge is essential for understanding fundamental aspects of symbiosis such as host-symbiont specificity and evolution. Lucinidae is the most species-rich and widely distributed family of marine bivalves hosting autotrophic bacterial endosymbionts. Previous molecular surveys identified location-specific symbiont types that "promiscuously" form associations with multiple divergent cooccurring host species. This flexibility of host-microbe pairings is thought to underpin their global success, as it allows hosts to form associations with locally adapted symbionts. We used metagenomics to investigate the biodiversity, functional variability, and genetic exchange among the endosymbionts of 12 lucinid host species from across the globe. We report a cosmopolitan symbiont species, Candidatus Thiodiazotropha taylori, associated with multiple lucinid host species. Ca. T. taylori has achieved more success at dispersal and establishing symbioses with lucinids than any other symbiont described thus far. This discovery challenges our understanding of symbiont dispersal and location-specific colonization and suggests both symbiont and host flexibility underpin the ecological and evolutionary success of the lucinid symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid34272503,
year = {2021},
author = {Russell, A and Borrelli, S and Fontana, R and Laricchiuta, J and Pascar, J and Becking, T and Giraud, I and Cordaux, R and Chandler, CH},
title = {Evolutionary transition to XY sex chromosomes associated with Y-linked duplication of a male hormone gene in a terrestrial isopod.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {127},
number = {3},
pages = {266-277},
pmid = {34272503},
issn = {1365-2540},
mesh = {Animals ; Evolution, Molecular ; Female ; Genome ; Hormones ; Humans ; *Isopoda/genetics ; Male ; Sex Chromosomes/genetics ; Sex Determination Processes/genetics ; },
abstract = {Sex chromosomes are highly variable in some taxonomic groups, but the evolutionary mechanisms underlying this diversity are not well understood. In terrestrial isopod crustaceans, evolutionary turnovers in sex chromosomes are frequent, possibly caused by Wolbachia, a vertically-transmitted endosymbiont causing male-to-female sex reversal. Here, we use surgical manipulations and genetic crosses, plus genome sequencing, to examine sex chromosomes in the terrestrial isopod Trachelipus rathkei. Although an earlier cytogenetics study suggested a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system in this species, we surprisingly find multiple lines of evidence that in our study population, sex is determined by an XX/XY system. Consistent with a recent evolutionary origin for this XX/XY system, the putative male-specific region of the genome is small. The genome shows evidence of Y-linked duplications of the gene encoding the androgenic gland hormone, a major component of male sexual differentiation in isopods. Our analyses also uncover sequences horizontally acquired from past Wolbachia infections, consistent with the hypothesis that Wolbachia may have interfered with the evolution of sex determination in T. rathkei. Overall, these results provide evidence for the co-occurrence of multiple sex chromosome systems within T. rathkei, further highlighting the relevance of terrestrial isopods as models for the study of sex chromosome evolution.},
}
@article {pmid34273392,
year = {2021},
author = {Gangwar, M and Jha, R and Goyal, M and Srivastava, M},
title = {Biochemical characterization of Recombinase A from Wolbachia endosymbiont of filarial nematode Brugia malayi (wBmRecA).},
journal = {International journal for parasitology},
volume = {51},
number = {10},
pages = {841-853},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.02.007},
pmid = {34273392},
issn = {1879-0135},
mesh = {Animals ; *Brugia malayi ; *Elephantiasis, Filarial ; Female ; Humans ; Microfilariae ; Rec A Recombinases/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/chemistry/*metabolism ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating disease that affects over 890 million people in 49 countries. A lack of vaccines, non-availability of adulticidal drugs, the threat of emerging drug resistance against available chemotherapeutics and an incomplete understanding of the immunobiology of the disease have sustained the problem. Characterization of Wolbachia proteins, the bacterial endosymbiont which helps in the growth and development of filarial worms, regulates fecundity in female worms and mediates immunopathogenesis of Lymphatic Filariasis, is an important approach to gain insights into the immunopathogenesis of the disease. In this study, we carried out extensive biochemical characterization of Recombinase A from Wolbachia of the filarial nematode Brugia malayi (wBmRecA) using an Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay, an ATP binding and hydrolysis assay, DNA strand exchange reactions, DAPI displacement assay and confocal microscopy, and evaluated anti-filarial activity of RecA inhibitors. Confocal studies showed that wBmRecA was expressed and localised within B. malayi microfilariae (Mf) and uteri and lateral chord of adult females. Recombinant wBmRecA was biochemically active and showed intrinsic binding capacity towards both single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA that were enhanced by ATP, suggesting ATP-induced cooperativity. wBmRecA promoted ATP hydrolysis and DNA strand exchange reactions in a concentration-dependent manner, and its binding to DNA was sensitive to temperature, pH and salt concentration. Importantly, the anti-parasitic drug Suramin, and Phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (PcTs)-based inhibitors Fe-PcTs and 3,4-Cu-PcTs, inhibited wBmRecA activity and affected the motility and viability of Mf. The addition of Doxycycline further enhanced microfilaricidal activity of wBmRecA, suggesting potential synergism. Taken together, the omnipresence of wBmRecA in B. malayi life stages and the potent microfilaricidal activity of RecA inhibitors suggest an important role of wBmRecA in filarial pathogenesis.},
}
@article {pmid34276617,
year = {2021},
author = {Huang, J and Dai, Z and Zheng, Z and da Silvia, PA and Kumagai, L and Xiang, Q and Chen, J and Deng, X},
title = {Bacteriomic Analyses of Asian Citrus Psyllid and Citrus Samples Infected With "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" in Southern California and Huanglongbing Management Implications.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {683481},
pmid = {34276617},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB; yellow shoot disease) is associated with an unculturable α-proteobacterium "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas). HLB was found in southern California in 2012, and the current management strategy is based on suppression of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) that transmits CLas and removal of confirmed CLas-positive trees. Little is known about Asian citrus psyllid-associated bacteria and citrus-associated bacteria in the HLB system. Such information is important in HLB management, particularly for accurate detection of CLas. Recent advancements in next-generation sequencing technology provide new opportunities to study HLB through genomic DNA sequence analyses (metagenomics). In this study, HLB-related bacteria in Asian citrus psyllid and citrus (represented by leaf midrib tissues) samples from southern California were analyzed. A metagenomic pipeline was developed to serve as a prototype for future bacteriomic research. This pipeline included steps of next-generation sequencing in Illumina platform, de novo assembly of Illumina reads, sequence classification using the Kaiju tool, acquisition of bacterial draft genome sequences, and taxonomic validation and diversity evaluation using average nucleotide identity. The identified bacteria in Asian citrus psyllids and citrus together included Bradyrhizobium, Buchnera, Burkholderia, "Candidatus Profftella armature," "Candidatus Carsonella ruddii," CLas, Mesorhizobium, Paraburkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Wolbachia. The whole genome of a CLas strain recently found in San Bernardino County was sequenced and classified into prophage typing group 1 (PTG-1), one of the five known CLas groups in California. Based on sequence similarity, Bradyrhizobium and Mesorhizobium were identified as possible source that could interfere with CLas detection using the 16S rRNA gene-based PCR commonly used for HLB diagnosis, particularly at low or zero CLas titer situation.},
}
@article {pmid34287117,
year = {2021},
author = {Palomares-Rius, JE and Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez, C and Mota, M and Bert, W and Claeys, M and Yushin, VV and Suzina, NE and Ariskina, EV and Evtushenko, LI and Subbotin, SA and Castillo, P},
title = {'Candidatus Xiphinematincola pachtaicus' gen. nov., sp. nov., an endosymbiotic bacterium associated with nematode species of the genus Xiphinema (Nematoda, Longidoridae).},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {71},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {34287117},
issn = {1466-5034},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Base Composition ; Burkholderiaceae/*classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Citrus/parasitology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Fatty Acids/chemistry ; Female ; Genes, Bacterial ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Nematoda/*microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rhizosphere ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Spain ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {An intracellular bacterium, strain IAS[T], was observed to infect several species of the plant-parasitic nematode genus Xiphinema (Xiphinema astaregiense, Xiphinema incertum, Xiphinema madeirense, Xiphinema pachtaicum, Xiphinema parapachydermum and Xiphinema vallense). The bacterium could not be recovered on axenic medium. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of IAS[T] was found to be new, being related to the family Burkholderiaceae, class Betaproteobacteria. Fungal endosymbionts Mycoavidus cysteinexigens B1-EB[T] (92.9 % sequence identity) and 'Candidatus Glomeribacter gigasporarum' BEG34 (89.8 % identity) are the closest taxa and form a separate phylogenetic clade inside Burkholderiaceae. Other genes (atpD, lepA and recA) also separated this species from its closest relatives using a multilocus sequence analysis approach. These genes were obtained using a partial genome of this bacterium. The localization of the bacterium (via light and fluorescence in situ hybridization microscopy) is in the X. pachtaicum females clustered around the developing oocytes, primarily found embedded inside the epithelial wall cells of the ovaries, from where they are dispersed in the intestine. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations supported the presence of bacteria inside the nematode body, where they occupy ovaries and occur inside the intestinal epithelium. Ultrastructural analysis of the bacterium showed cells that appear as mostly irregular, slightly curved rods with rounded ends, 0.8-1.2 µm wide and 2.5-6.0 µm long, possessing a typical Gram-negative cell wall. The peptidoglycan layer is, however, evident only occasionally and not detectable by TEM in most cells. Another irregularly occurring shell surrounding the endosymbiont cells or the cell clusters was also revealed, probably originating from the host cell membrane. Flagella or spore-like cells do not occur and the nucleoid is diffusely distributed throughout the cell. This endosymbiont is transmitted vertically through nematode generations. These results support the proposal of IAS[T] as a new species, although its obligate intracellular and obligate endosymbiont nature prevented isolation of a definitive type strain. Strain IAS[T] is therefore proposed as representing 'Candidatus Xiphinematincola pachtaicus' gen. nov., sp. nov.},
}
@article {pmid34288947,
year = {2021},
author = {Tyagi, K and Tyagi, I and Kumar, V},
title = {Interspecific variation and functional traits of the gut microbiome in spiders from the wild: The largest effort so far.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {e0251790},
pmid = {34288947},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology/physiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Phylogeny ; Species Specificity ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Spiders being one of the most diverse group in phylum arthropod are of great importance due to their role as predators, silk producer, and in medicinal applications. Spiders in prey-predator relationships play a crucial role in balancing the food-chain of any ecosystem; therefore it is essential to characterize the gut microbiota of spiders collected from natural environments. In the present work, the largest effort so far has been made to characterize the gut microbiota of 35 spider species belonging to four different families using 16S amplicon targeting sequencing. Further, we compared the gut microbiota composition including endosymbiont abundance in spider species collected from different geographical locations. The results obtained revealed the presence of genera like Acinetobacter (15%), V7clade (9%), Wolbachia (8%), Pseudomonas (5%), Bacillus (6%). Although comparative analysis revealed that the gut bacterial composition in all the spider families has a similar pattern, in terms of community richness and evenness. The bacterial diversity in the spider family, Lycosidae are more diverse than in Salticidae, Tetragnathidae and Araneidae. Furthermore, it was observed that the abundance of endosymbiont genera, i.e. Wolbachia and Rickettsia, leads to shift in the abundance of other bacterial taxa and may cause sexual alterations in spider species. Moreover, predicted functional analysis based on PICRUSt2 reveals that gut microbiota of spider species were involved in functions like metabolism of carbohydrates, cofactors and vitamins, amino acids; biosynthesis of organic compounds, fatty acids, lipids etc. Based on the results obtained, it can be said that different locations do not correlate with community composition of gut microbiota in spider species collected from natural environments.},
}
@article {pmid34292377,
year = {2021},
author = {Manoj, RRS and Latrofa, MS and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Otranto, D},
title = {Molecular detection of Wolbachia endosymbiont in reptiles and their ectoparasites.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {120},
number = {9},
pages = {3255-3261},
pmid = {34292377},
issn = {1432-1955},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; *Mites/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Reptiles/*microbiology/parasitology ; *Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a maternally transmitted Gram-negative endosymbiont of onchocercid nematodes and arthropods, has a role in the biology of their host; thus it has been exploited for the filariasis treatment in humans. To assess the presence and prevalence of this endosymbiont in reptiles and their ectoparasites, blood and tail tissue as well as ticks and mites collected from them were molecularly screened for Wolbachia DNA using two sets of primers targeting partial 16S rRNA and Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) genes. Positive samples were screened for the partial 12S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) genes for filarioids. Of the different species of lizards (Podarcis siculus, Podarcis muralis and Lacerta bilineata) and snakes (Elaphe quatuorlineata and Boa constrictor constrictor) screened from three collection sites, only P. siculus scored positive for Wolbachia 16S rRNA. Among ectoparasites collected from reptiles (Ixodes ricinus ticks and Neotrombicula autumnalis, Ophionyssus sauracum and Ophionyssus natricis mites), I. ricinus (n = 4; 2.8%; 95% CI, 0.9-7) from P. siculus, N. autumnalis (n = 2 each; 2.8%; 95% CI, 0.9-6.5) from P. siculus and P. muralis and O. natricis (n = 1; 14.3%; 95% CI, 0.7-55.4) from Boa constrictor constrictor scored positive for Wolbachia DNA. None of the positive Wolbachia samples scored positive for filarioids. This represents the first report of Wolbachia in reptilian hosts and their ectoparasites, which follows a single identification in the intestinal cells of a filarioid associated with a gecko. This data could contribute to better understand the reptile filarioid-Wolbachia association and to unveil the evolutionary pattern of Wolbachia in its filarial host.},
}
@article {pmid34293581,
year = {2021},
author = {Krueger, S and Moritz, G},
title = {Sperm ultrastructure in arrhenotokous and thelytokous Thysanoptera.},
journal = {Arthropod structure &amp; development},
volume = {64},
number = {},
pages = {101084},
doi = {10.1016/j.asd.2021.101084},
pmid = {34293581},
issn = {1873-5495},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Insecta ; Male ; Parthenogenesis ; Reproduction ; Spermatozoa ; *Thysanoptera ; },
abstract = {Thysanoptera are haplo-diploid insects that reproduce either via arrhenotoky or thelytoky. Beside genetically based thelytoky, this reproduction mode can also be endosymbiont induced. The recovery of these females from their infection again leads to the development of males. Functionality of these males ranges widely, and this might be associated with sperm structure. We analyzed the sperm ultrastructure in three different species belonging to both suborders with different reproduction systems via electron microscopy. Beside the different reproduction modes, and adaptations to their life style, the arrhenotokous species Suocerathrips linguis (Thysanoptera: Tubulifera) and Echinothrips americanus (Thysanoptera: Terebrantia) possess typical thysanopteran-like sperm structure. But endosymbiont-cured males from the thelytokous species Hercinothrips femoralis (Thysanoptera: Terebrantia) possess several malformed spermatozoa and a large amount of secretions in their testes. Spermiophagy seems to be typical. It indicates a highly conserved mechanism of the male developmental pathways, despite the observed decay. However, this decay would explain why in some species no stable arrhenotokous line can be re-established.},
}
@article {pmid34294881,
year = {2022},
author = {Szabó, G and Schulz, F and Manzano-Marín, A and Toenshoff, ER and Horn, M},
title = {Evolutionarily recent dual obligatory symbiosis among adelgids indicates a transition between fungus- and insect-associated lifestyles.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {247-256},
pmid = {34294881},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {P 22533/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Fungi ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Insecta ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Adelgids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Adelgidae) form a small group of insects but harbor a surprisingly diverse set of bacteriocyte-associated endosymbionts, which suggest multiple replacement and acquisition of symbionts over evolutionary time. Specific pairs of symbionts have been associated with adelgid lineages specialized on different secondary host conifers. Using a metagenomic approach, we investigated the symbiosis of the Adelges laricis/Adelges tardus species complex containing betaproteobacterial ("Candidatus Vallotia tarda") and gammaproteobacterial ("Candidatus Profftia tarda") symbionts. Genomic characteristics and metabolic pathway reconstructions revealed that Vallotia and Profftia are evolutionary young endosymbionts, which complement each other's role in essential amino acid production. Phylogenomic analyses and a high level of genomic synteny indicate an origin of the betaproteobacterial symbiont from endosymbionts of Rhizopus fungi. This evolutionary transition was accompanied with substantial loss of functions related to transcription regulation, secondary metabolite production, bacterial defense mechanisms, host infection, and manipulation. The transition from fungus to insect endosymbionts extends our current framework about evolutionary trajectories of host-associated microbes.},
}
@article {pmid34295000,
year = {2021},
author = {Cano-Calle, D and Saldamando-Benjumea, CI and Vivero-Gómez, RJ and Moreno-Herrera, CX and Arango-Isaza, RE},
title = {Two New Strains of Wolbachia Affecting Natural Avocado Thrips.},
journal = {Indian journal of microbiology},
volume = {61},
number = {3},
pages = {348-354},
pmid = {34295000},
issn = {0046-8991},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular bacterium with a high frequency of infection and a continental distribution in arthropods and nematodes. This endosymbiont can induce various reproductive phenotypes in their hosts and has been previously found naturally in several pests including thrips (Thripidae). These insects cause physical fruit damage and economic losses in avocado. The presence of Wolbachia was evaluated for the first time in avocado thrips populations of Frankliniella sp. and Scirtothrips hansoni sp.n. from eastern Antioquia. DNA from adult thrips individuals was used to assess the detection of Wolbachia by amplifying a fragment (600 bp) of the Wolbachia major surface protein (wsp) gene. Results confirmed the presence of two new Wolbachia strains in these two thrips species, with a higher percentage of natural infection in S. hansoni sp.n. The first Wolbachia species was found in Frankliniella sp. and belongs to supergroup A and the second was detected in S. hansoni sp.n. and is part of supergroup B. Wolbachia was more frequently found in females (32.73%), and only found in one male. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships, suggests that the two new Wolbachia sequences (wFran: Frankliniella and wShan: Scirtothrips hansoni) detected here represent two new groups for this endosymbiont. The haplotype network shows the presence of two possible haplotypes for each strain. Future studies to evaluate the possible use of Wolbachia as a control agent in avocado thrips are necessary.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-021-00951-5.},
}
@article {pmid34305877,
year = {2021},
author = {Zhu, YX and Song, ZR and Zhang, YY and Hoffmann, AA and Hong, XY},
title = {Spider Mites Singly Infected With Either Wolbachia or Spiroplasma Have Reduced Thermal Tolerance.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {706321},
pmid = {34305877},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Heritable symbionts play an essential role in many aspects of host ecology in a temperature-dependent manner. However, how temperature impacts the host and their interaction with endosymbionts remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the impact of moderate (20°C) and high (30 and 35°C) temperatures on symbioses between the spider mite Tetranychus truncatus and two maternally inherited endosymbionts (Wolbachia and Spiroplasma). We found that the thermal tolerance of mites (as measured by survival after heat exposure) was lower for mites that were singly infected with either Wolbachia or Spiroplasma than it was for co-infected or uninfected mites. Although a relatively high temperature (30°C) is thought to promote bacterial replication, rearing at high temperature (35°C) resulted in losses of Wolbachia and particularly Spiroplasma. Exposing the mites to 20°C reduced the density and transmission of Spiroplasma but not Wolbachia. The four spider mite strains tested differed in the numbers of heat shock genes (Hsps) induced under moderate or high temperature exposure. In thermal preference (Tp) assays, the two Wolbachia-infected spider mite strains preferred a lower temperature than strains without Wolbachia. Our results show that endosymbiont-mediated spider mite responses to temperature stress are complex, involving a combination of changing endosymbiont infection patterns, altered thermoregulatory behavior, and transcription responses.},
}
@article {pmid34308025,
year = {2021},
author = {Neiers, F and Saliou, JM and Briand, L and Robichon, A},
title = {Adaptive Variation of Buchnera Endosymbiont Density in Aphid Host Acyrthosiphon pisum Controlled by Environmental Conditions.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {6},
number = {28},
pages = {17902-17914},
pmid = {34308025},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {The scarcity of transcriptional regulatory genes in Buchnera aphidicola, an obligate endosymbiont in aphids, suggests the stability of expressed gene patterns and metabolic pathways. This observation argues in favor of the hypothesis that this endosymbiont bacteria might contribute little to the host adaptation when aphid hosts are facing challenging fluctuating environment. Finding evidence for the increased expression or silenced genes involved in metabolic pathways under the pressure of stress conditions and/or a given environment has been challenging for experimenters with this bacterial symbiotic model. Transcriptomic data have shown that Buchnera gene expression changes are confined to a narrow range when the aphids face brutal environmental variations. In this report, we demonstrate that instead of manipulating individual genes, the conditions may act on the relative mass of endosymbiont corresponding to the needs of the host. The control of the fluctuating number of endosymbiont cells per individual host appears to be an unexpected regulatory modality that contributes to the adaptation of aphids to their environment. This feature may account for the success of the symbiotic advantages in overcoming the drastic changes in temperature and food supplies during evolution.},
}
@article {pmid34311575,
year = {2021},
author = {Nicoud, Q and Barrière, Q and Busset, N and Dendene, S and Travin, D and Bourge, M and Le Bars, R and Boulogne, C and Lecroël, M and Jenei, S and Kereszt, A and Kondorosi, E and Biondi, EG and Timchenko, T and Alunni, B and Mergaert, P},
title = {Sinorhizobium meliloti Functions Required for Resistance to Antimicrobial NCR Peptides and Bacteroid Differentiation.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {e0089521},
pmid = {34311575},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Antimicrobial Peptides/genetics/*metabolism/*pharmacology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Medicago truncatula/*chemistry/microbiology ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Sinorhizobium meliloti/*drug effects/genetics/*metabolism ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Legumes of the Medicago genus have a symbiotic relationship with the bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti and develop root nodules housing large numbers of intracellular symbionts. Members of the nodule-specific cysteine-rich peptide (NCR) family induce the endosymbionts into a terminal differentiated state. Individual cationic NCRs are antimicrobial peptides that have the capacity to kill the symbiont, but the nodule cell environment prevents killing. Moreover, the bacterial broad-specificity peptide uptake transporter BacA and exopolysaccharides contribute to protect the endosymbionts against the toxic activity of NCRs. Here, we show that other S. meliloti functions participate in the protection of the endosymbionts; these include an additional broad-specificity peptide uptake transporter encoded by the yejABEF genes and lipopolysaccharide modifications mediated by lpsB and lpxXL, as well as rpoH1, encoding a stress sigma factor. Strains with mutations in these genes show a strain-specific increased sensitivity profile against a panel of NCRs and form nodules in which bacteroid differentiation is affected. The lpsB mutant nodule bacteria do not differentiate, the lpxXL and rpoH1 mutants form some seemingly fully differentiated bacteroids, although most of the nodule bacteria are undifferentiated, while the yejABEF mutants form hypertrophied but nitrogen-fixing bacteroids. The nodule bacteria of all the mutants have a strongly enhanced membrane permeability, which is dependent on the transport of NCRs to the endosymbionts. Our results suggest that S. meliloti relies on a suite of functions, including peptide transporters, the bacterial envelope structures, and stress response regulators, to resist the aggressive assault of NCR peptides in the nodule cells. IMPORTANCE The nitrogen-fixing symbiosis of legumes with rhizobium bacteria has a predominant ecological role in the nitrogen cycle and has the potential to provide the nitrogen required for plant growth in agriculture. The host plants allow the rhizobia to colonize specific symbiotic organs, the nodules, in large numbers in order to produce sufficient reduced nitrogen for the plants' needs. Some legumes, including Medicago spp., produce massively antimicrobial peptides to keep this large bacterial population in check. These peptides, known as NCRs, have the potential to kill the rhizobia, but in nodules, they rather inhibit the division of the bacteria, which maintain a high nitrogen-fixing activity. In this study, we show that the tempering of the antimicrobial activity of the NCR peptides in the Medicago symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti is multifactorial and requires the YejABEF peptide transporter, the lipopolysaccharide outer membrane, and the stress response regulator RpoH1.},
}
@article {pmid34311584,
year = {2021},
author = {Atwal, S and Chuenklin, S and Bonder, EM and Flores, J and Gillespie, JJ and Driscoll, TP and Salje, J},
title = {Discovery of a Diverse Set of Bacteria That Build Their Cell Walls without the Canonical Peptidoglycan Polymerase aPBP.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {e0134221},
pmid = {34311584},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {R01 AI043006/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI152219/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI146773/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R56 AI148645/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI156762/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; /WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 220211/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; R21 AI052108/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI144385/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Bacterial Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; Cell Division ; Cell Wall/*metabolism ; Humans ; Penicillin-Binding Proteins/classification/genetics/*metabolism ; Peptidoglycan/*metabolism ; Rickettsiaceae/classification/*enzymology/genetics/*metabolism ; },
abstract = {Peptidoglycan (PG) is a highly cross-linked peptide-glycan mesh that confers structural rigidity and shape to most bacterial cells. Polymerization of new PG is usually achieved by the concerted activity of two membrane-bound machineries, class-A penicillin binding proteins (aPBPs) and class-B penicillin binding proteins (bPBPs) in complex with shape, elongation, division, and sporulation (SEDS) proteins. Here, we have identified four phylogenetically distinct groups of bacteria that lack any identifiable aPBPs. We performed experiments on a panel of species within one of these groups, the Rickettsiales, and found that bacteria lacking aPBPs build a PG-like cell wall with minimal abundance and rigidity relative to cell walls of aPBP-containing bacteria. This reduced cell wall may have evolved to minimize the activation of host responses to pathogens and endosymbionts while retaining the minimal PG-biosynthesis machinery required for cell elongation and division. We term these "peptidoglycan-intermediate" bacteria, a cohort of host-associated species that includes some human pathogens. IMPORTANCE Peptidoglycan (PG) is a large, cross-linked polymer that forms the cell wall of most bacterial species and confers shape, rigidity, and protection from osmotic shock. It is also a potent stimulator of the immune response in animals. PG is normally polymerized by two groups of enzymes, aPBPs and bPBPs working together with shape, elongation, division, and sporulation (SEDS) proteins. We have identified a diverse set of host-associated bacteria that have selectively lost aPBP genes while retaining bPBP/SEDS and show that some of these build a minimal PG-like structure. It is expected that these minimal cell walls built in the absence of aPBPs improve the evolutionary fitness of host-associated bacteria, potentially through evasion of PG-recognition by the host immune system.},
}
@article {pmid34312980,
year = {2021},
author = {Herran, B and Houdelet, C and Raimond, M and Delaunay, C and Cerveau, N and Debenest, C and Grève, P and Bertaux, J},
title = {Feminising Wolbachia disrupt Armadillidium vulgare insulin-like signalling pathway.},
journal = {Cellular microbiology},
volume = {23},
number = {11},
pages = {e13381},
doi = {10.1111/cmi.13381},
pmid = {34312980},
issn = {1462-5822},
support = {//European Regional Development Fund/ ; //National Centre for Scientific Research/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Feminization ; Humans ; Insulin ; *Isopoda ; Male ; Signal Transduction ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiont Wolbachia feminises male isopods by making them refractory to the insulin-like masculinising hormone, which shunts the autocrine development of the androgenic glands. It was, therefore, proposed that Wolbachia silences the IR receptors, either by preventing their expression or by inactivating them. We describe here the two IR paralogs of Armadillidium vulgare. They displayed a conventional structure and belonged to a family widespread among isopods. Av-IR1 displayed an ubiquist expression, whereas the expression of Av-IR2 was restricted to the gonads. Both were constitutively expressed in males and females and throughout development. However, upon silencing, altered gland physiology and gene expression therein suggested antagonistic roles for Av-IR1 (androinhibiting) and Av-IR2 (androstimulating). They may function in tandem with regulating neurohormones, as a conditional platform that conveys insulin signalling. Wolbachia infection did not alter their expression patterns: leaving the IRs unscathed, the bacteria would suppress the secretion of the neurohormones, thus inducing body-wide IR deactivation and feminisation. Adult males injected with Wolbachia acquired an intersexed physiology. Their phenotypes and gene expressions mirrored the silencing of Av-IR1 only, suggesting that imperfect feminisation stems from a flawed invasion of the androstimulating centre, whereas in fully feminised males invasion would be complete in early juveniles. TAKE AWAY: Two antagonistic Insulin Receptors were characterised in Armadillidium vulgare. The IRs were involved in androstimulating and androinhibiting functions. Wolbachia-induced feminisation did not prevent the expression of the IRs. Imperfectly feminised intersexes phenocopied the silencing of Av-IR1 only. Wolbachia would deactivate the IRs by suppressing neurosecretory co-factors.},
}
@article {pmid34315897,
year = {2021},
author = {Zhang, M and Wang, C and Oberstaller, J and Thomas, P and Otto, TD and Casandra, D and Boyapalle, S and Adapa, SR and Xu, S and Button-Simons, K and Mayho, M and Rayner, JC and Ferdig, MT and Jiang, RHY and Adams, JH},
title = {The apicoplast link to fever-survival and artemisinin-resistance in the malaria parasite.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {4563},
pmid = {34315897},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {098051/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; F32 AI112271/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI094973/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI117017/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Apicoplasts/drug effects/*metabolism ; Artemisinins/*pharmacology ; *Drug Resistance/drug effects ; Fever/*parasitology ; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects ; Heat-Shock Response/drug effects ; Malaria, Falciparum/*parasitology ; Mutation/genetics ; Parasites/drug effects/*physiology ; Phenotype ; Plasmodium falciparum/genetics ; Signal Transduction/drug effects ; Temperature ; Terpenes/metabolism ; Transcription, Genetic/drug effects ; Unfolded Protein Response/drug effects ; },
abstract = {The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to front-line antimalarial artemisinin-combination therapies (ACT) threatens to erase the considerable gains against the disease of the last decade. Here, we develop a large-scale phenotypic screening pipeline and use it to carry out a large-scale forward-genetic phenotype screen in P. falciparum to identify genes allowing parasites to survive febrile temperatures. Screening identifies more than 200 P. falciparum mutants with differential responses to increased temperature. These mutants are more likely to be sensitive to artemisinin derivatives as well as to heightened oxidative stress. Major processes critical for P. falciparum tolerance to febrile temperatures and artemisinin include highly essential, conserved pathways associated with protein-folding, heat shock and proteasome-mediated degradation, and unexpectedly, isoprenoid biosynthesis, which originated from the ancestral genome of the parasite's algal endosymbiont-derived plastid, the apicoplast. Apicoplast-targeted genes in general are upregulated in response to heat shock, as are other Plasmodium genes with orthologs in plant and algal genomes. Plasmodium falciparum parasites appear to exploit their innate febrile-response mechanisms to mediate resistance to artemisinin. Both responses depend on endosymbiont-derived genes in the parasite's genome, suggesting a link to the evolutionary origins of Plasmodium parasites in free-living ancestors.},
}
@article {pmid34322098,
year = {2021},
author = {Stravoravdis, S and Shipway, JR and Goodell, B},
title = {How Do Shipworms Eat Wood? Screening Shipworm Gill Symbiont Genomes for Lignin-Modifying Enzymes.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {665001},
pmid = {34322098},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Shipworms are ecologically and economically important mollusks that feed on woody plant material (lignocellulosic biomass) in marine environments. Digestion occurs in a specialized cecum, reported to be virtually sterile and lacking resident gut microbiota. Wood-degrading CAZymes are produced both endogenously and by gill endosymbiotic bacteria, with extracellular enzymes from the latter being transported to the gut. Previous research has predominantly focused on how these animals process the cellulose component of woody plant material, neglecting the breakdown of lignin - a tough, aromatic polymer which blocks access to the holocellulose components of wood. Enzymatic or non-enzymatic modification and depolymerization of lignin has been shown to be required in other wood-degrading biological systems as a precursor to cellulose deconstruction. We investigated the genomes of five shipworm gill bacterial symbionts obtained from the Joint Genome Institute Integrated Microbial Genomes and Microbiomes Expert Review for the production of lignin-modifying enzymes, or ligninases. The genomes were searched for putative ligninases using the Joint Genome Institute's Function Profile tool and blastp analyses. The resulting proteins were then modeled using SWISS-MODEL. Although each bacterial genome possessed at least four predicted ligninases, the percent identities and protein models were of low quality and were unreliable. Prior research demonstrates limited endogenous ability of shipworms to modify lignin at the chemical/molecular level. Similarly, our results reveal that shipworm bacterial gill-symbiont enzymes are unlikely to play a role in lignin modification during lignocellulose digestion in the shipworm gut. This suggests that our understanding of how these keystone organisms digest and process lignocellulose is incomplete, and further research into non-enzymatic and/or other unknown mechanisms for lignin modification is required.},
}
@article {pmid34324516,
year = {2021},
author = {Rangel-Chávez, CP and Galán-Vásquez, E and Pescador-Tapia, A and Delaye, L and Martínez-Antonio, A},
title = {RNA polymerases in strict endosymbiont bacteria with extreme genome reduction show distinct erosions that might result in limited and differential promoter recognition.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {e0239350},
pmid = {34324516},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases/genetics/metabolism ; *Promoter Regions, Genetic ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial ; Escherichia coli/genetics ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Genome Size ; },
abstract = {Strict endosymbiont bacteria present high degree genome reduction, retain smaller proteins, and in some instances, lack complete functional domains compared to free-living counterparts. Until now, the mechanisms underlying these genetic reductions are not well understood. In this study, the conservation of RNA polymerases, the essential machinery for gene expression, is analyzed in endosymbiont bacteria with extreme genome reductions. We analyzed the RNA polymerase subunits to identify and define domains, subdomains, and specific amino acids involved in precise biological functions known in Escherichia coli. We also perform phylogenetic analysis and three-dimensional models over four lineages of endosymbiotic proteobacteria with the smallest genomes known to date: Candidatus Hodgkinia cicadicola, Candidatus Tremblaya phenacola, Candidatus Tremblaya Princeps, Candidatus Nasuia deltocephalinicola, and Candidatus Carsonella ruddii. We found that some Hodgkinia strains do not encode for the RNA polymerase α subunit. The rest encode genes for α, β, β', and σ subunits to form the RNA polymerase. However, 16% shorter, on average, respect their orthologous in E. coli. In the α subunit, the amino-terminal domain is the most conserved. Regarding the β and β' subunits, both the catalytic core and the assembly domains are the most conserved. However, they showed compensatory amino acid substitutions to adapt to changes in the σ subunit. Precisely, the most erosive diversity occurs within the σ subunit. We identified broad amino acid substitution even in those recognizing and binding to the -10-box promoter element. In an overall conceptual image, the RNA polymerase from Candidatus Nasuia conserved the highest similarity with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and their σ70. It might be recognizing the two main promoter elements (-10 and -35) and the two promoter accessory elements (-10 extended and UP-element). In Candidatus Carsonella, the RNA polymerase could recognize all the promoter elements except the -10-box extended. In Candidatus Tremblaya and Hodgkinia, due to the α carboxyl-terminal domain absence, they might not recognize the UP-promoter element. We also identified the lack of the β flap-tip helix domain in most Hodgkinia's that suggests the inability to bind the -35-box promoter element.},
}
@article {pmid34324610,
year = {2021},
author = {Rothman, JA and Loope, KJ and McFrederick, QS and Wilson Rankin, EE},
title = {Microbiome of the wasp Vespula pensylvanica in native and invasive populations, and associations with Moku virus.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {e0255463},
pmid = {34324610},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/virology/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Introduced Species ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Hawaii ; Bacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Symbiosis ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Invasive species present a worldwide concern as competition and pathogen reservoirs for native species. Specifically, the invasive social wasp, Vespula pensylvanica, is native to western North America and has become naturalized in Hawaii, where it exerts pressures on native arthropod communities as a competitor and predator. As invasive species may alter the microbial and disease ecology of their introduced ranges, there is a need to understand the microbiomes and virology of social wasps. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the microbiome of V. pensylvanica samples pooled by colony across two geographically distinct ranges and found that wasps generally associate with taxa within the bacterial genera Fructobacillus, Fructilactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, and Zymobacter, and likely associate with environmentally-acquired bacteria. Furthermore, V. pensylvanica harbors-and in some cases were dominated by-many endosymbionts including Wolbachia, Sodalis, Arsenophonus, and Rickettsia, and were found to contain bee-associated taxa, likely due to scavenging on or predation upon honey bees. Next, we used reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR to assay colony-level infection intensity for Moku virus (family: Iflaviridae), a recently-described disease that is known to infect multiple Hymenopteran species. While Moku virus was prevalent and in high titer, it did not associate with microbial diversity, indicating that the microbiome may not directly interact with Moku virus in V. pensylvanica in meaningful ways. Collectively, our results suggest that the invasive social wasp V. pensylvanica associates with a simple microbiome, may be infected with putative endosymbionts, likely acquires bacterial taxa from the environment and diet, and is often infected with Moku virus. Our results suggest that V. pensylvanica, like other invasive social insects, has the potential to act as a reservoir for bacteria pathogenic to other pollinators, though this requires experimental demonstration.},
}
@article {pmid34326342,
year = {2021},
author = {Wang, B and Lin, YC and Vasquez-Rifo, A and Jo, J and Price-Whelan, A and McDonald, ST and Brown, LM and Sieben, C and Dietrich, LEP},
title = {Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 produces R-bodies, extendable protein polymers with roles in host colonization and virulence.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {4613},
pmid = {34326342},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {R01 AI103369/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Biofilms/growth &amp; development ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; Phylogeny ; Pseudomonas Infections/genetics/metabolism/*microbiology ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/cytology/genetics/*metabolism/*pathogenicity ; Virulence ; Virulence Factors/genetics/*metabolism ; },
abstract = {R-bodies are long, extendable protein polymers formed in the cytoplasm of some bacteria; they are best known for their role in killing of paramecia by bacterial endosymbionts. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14, an opportunistic pathogen of diverse hosts, contains genes (referred to as the reb cluster) with potential to confer production of R-bodies and that have been implicated in virulence. Here, we show that products of the PA14 reb cluster associate with R-bodies and control stochastic expression of R-body structural genes. PA14 expresses reb genes during colonization of plant and nematode hosts, and R-body production is required for full virulence in nematodes. Analyses of nematode ribosome content and immune response indicate that P. aeruginosa R-bodies act via a mechanism involving ribosome cleavage and translational inhibition. Our observations provide insight into the biology of R-body production and its consequences during P. aeruginosa infection.},
}
@article {pmid34327796,
year = {2021},
author = {Orlofsky, E and Zabari, L and Bonito, G and Masaphy, S},
title = {Changes in soil bacteria functional ecology associated with Morchella rufobrunnea fruiting in a natural habitat.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {23},
number = {11},
pages = {6651-6662},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.15692},
pmid = {34327796},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Ascomycota ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Soil ; Soil Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Morchella rufobrunnea is a saprobic edible mushroom, found in a range of ecological niches, indicating nutritional adjustment to different habitats and possible interaction with soil prokaryotic microbiome (SPM). Using the 16S rRNA gene, we examined the SPM of M. rufobrunnea that appeared in a natural habitat in Northern Israel. Three sample types were included: bare soil without mushroom, soil beneath young mushroom initials and soil beneath the mature fruiting body. Morchella rufobrunnea developmental stage was significantly associated with changes in bacterial populations (PERMANOVA, p < 0.0005). Indicator analysis with point-biserial correlation coefficient found 180 operational taxonomic units (OTU) uniquely associated with distinct stages of development. The Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxonomy (FAPROTAX) database helped to infer ecological roles for indicator OTU. The functional ecological progression begins with establishment of a photoautotrophic N-fixing bacterial mat on bare soil. Pioneer heterotrophs including oligotrophs, acidifying nutrient mobilizers and nitrifiers are congruent with appearance of young M. rufobrunnea initials. Under the mature fruiting body, the population changed to saprobes, organic-N degraders, denitrifiers, insect endosymbionts and fungal antagonists. Based on this work, M. rufobrunnea may be able to influence SPM and change the soil nutritional profile.},
}
@article {pmid34328183,
year = {2022},
author = {Koskimäki, JJ and Pohjanen, J and Kvist, J and Fester, T and Härtig, C and Podolich, O and Fluch, S and Edesi, J and Häggman, H and Pirttilä, AM},
title = {The meristem-associated endosymbiont Methylorubrum extorquens DSM13060 reprograms development and stress responses of pine seedlings.},
journal = {Tree physiology},
volume = {42},
number = {2},
pages = {391-410},
pmid = {34328183},
issn = {1758-4469},
mesh = {Endophytes/physiology ; Meristem ; *Pinus/genetics ; *Pinus sylvestris ; Seedlings ; },
abstract = {Microbes living in plant tissues-endophytes-are mainly studied in crop plants where they typically colonize the root apoplast. Trees-a large carbon source with a high capacity for photosynthesis-provide a variety of niches for endophytic colonization. We have earlier identified a new type of plant-endophyte interaction in buds of adult Scots pine, where Methylorubrum species live inside the meristematic cells. The endosymbiont Methylorubrum extorquens DSM13060 significantly increases needle and root growth of pine seedlings without producing plant hormones, but by aggregating around host nuclei. Here, we studied gene expression and metabolites of the pine host induced by M. extorquens DSM13060 infection. Malic acid was produced by pine to potentially boost M. extorquens colonization and interaction. Based on gene expression, the endosymbiont activated the auxin- and ethylene (ET)-associated hormonal pathways through induction of CUL1 and HYL1, and suppressed salicylic and abscisic acid signaling of pine. Infection by the endosymbiont had an effect on pine meristem and leaf development through activation of GLP1-7 and ALE2, and suppressed flowering, root hair and lateral root formation by downregulation of AGL8, plantacyanin, GASA7, COW1 and RALFL34. Despite of systemic infection of pine seedlings by the endosymbiont, the pine genes CUL1, ETR2, ERF3, HYL, GLP1-7 and CYP71 were highly expressed in the shoot apical meristem, rarely in needles and not in stem or root tissues. Low expression of MERI5, CLH2, EULS3 and high quantities of ononitol suggest that endosymbiont promotes viability and protects pine seedlings against abiotic stress. Our results indicate that the endosymbiont positively affects host development and stress tolerance through mechanisms previously unknown for endophytic bacteria, manipulation of plant hormone signaling pathways, downregulation of senescence and cell death-associated genes and induction of ononitol biosynthesis.},
}
@article {pmid34329639,
year = {2021},
author = {Cirino, L and Tsai, S and Wen, ZH and Wang, LH and Chen, HK and Cheng, JO and Lin, C},
title = {Lipid profiling in chilled coral larvae.},
journal = {Cryobiology},
volume = {102},
number = {},
pages = {56-67},
doi = {10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.07.012},
pmid = {34329639},
issn = {1090-2392},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Coral Reefs ; Cryopreservation/methods ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; Larva ; Lipids ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are disappearing worldwide as a result of several harmful human activities. The establishment of cryobanks can secure a future for these ecosystems. To design effective cryopreservation protocols, basic proprieties such as chilling tolerance and lipid content must be assessed. In the present study, we investigated chilling sensitivity and the effect of chilling exposure on the lipid content and composition of larvae belonging to 2 common Indo-Pacific corals: Seriatopora caliendrum and Pocillopora verrucosa. The viability of coral larvae incubated with 0.5, 1, and 2 M ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PG), dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO), methanol, or glycerol and kept at 5 °C for different time periods was documented. In addition, we investigated the content of cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG), wax ester (WE), sterol ester (SE), lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and several fatty acid (FA) classes in coral propagules incubated with 1 M PG or EG and kept at 5 °C for 6 h. Moreover, we examined seasonal changes in the aforementioned lipid classes in coral larvae. S. caliendrum incubated with 0.5 M PG or Me2SO and chilled for 2 h exhibited a viability rate of 11 ± 11%, whereas P. verrucosa exhibited a viability rate of 22 ± 14% after being chilled for 4 h. Furthermore, the results indicated that chilling exposure did not affect the content of any investigated lipid class in either species. The higher concentration of SE in P. verrucosa compared to S. caliendrum larvae may have contributed to the different cryotolerance displayed by the 2 larval species. A year-round lipid analysis of both coral larvae species revealed trends of homeoviscous adaptation and seasonal enhancement of lipid fluxes from symbionts to the host. During winter, the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio significantly increased, and P. verrucosa larvae exhibited an averagely decrease in FA chain lengths. During spring and summer, intracellular lipid content in the form of TAGs and WEs significantly increased in both species, and the average content of Symbiodiniaceae-derived FAs increased in P. verrucosa larvae. We concluded that the low cryotolerance displayed by S. caliendrum and P. verrucosa larvae is attributable to their chilling-sensitive membrane lipid profile and the high intracellular lipid content provided by their endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid34335311,
year = {2021},
author = {Yue, L and Guan, Z and Zhong, M and Zhao, L and Pang, R and Liu, K},
title = {Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Amino Acid Polyamine Organocation Transporter Family Genes Reveal Their Role in Fecundity Regulation in a Brown Planthopper Species (Nilaparvata lugens).},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {708639},
pmid = {34335311},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera:Delphacidae), is one of the most destructive pests of rice worldwide. As a sap-feeding insect, the BPH is incapable of synthesizing several amino acids which are essential for normal growth and development. Therefore, the insects have to acquire these amino acids from dietary sources or their endosymbionts, in which amino acid transporters (AATs) play a crucial role by enabling the movement of amino acids into and out of insect cells. In this study, a common amino acid transporter gene family of amino acid/polyamine/organocation (APC) was identified in BPHs and analyzed. Based on a homology search and conserved functional domain recognition, 20 putative APC transporters were identified in the BPH genome. Molecular trait analysis showed that the verified BPH APC family members were highly variable in protein features, conserved motif distribution patterns, and exon/intron organization. Phylogenetic analysis of five hemipteran species revealed an evolutionary pattern of interfamily conservation and lineage-specific expansion of this gene family. Moreover, stage- and tissue-specific expression analysis revealed diverse expression patterns in the 20 BPH APC transporter genes. Lastly, a potential BPH fecundity regulatory gene of NlAPC09 was identified and shown to participate in the fecundity regulation through the use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA inference experiments. Our results provide a basis for further functional investigations of APC transporters in BPH.},
}
@article {pmid34339868,
year = {2021},
author = {Hilander, T and Jackson, CB and Robciuc, M and Bashir, T and Zhao, H},
title = {The roles of assembly factors in mammalian mitoribosome biogenesis.},
journal = {Mitochondrion},
volume = {60},
number = {},
pages = {70-84},
doi = {10.1016/j.mito.2021.07.008},
pmid = {34339868},
issn = {1872-8278},
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Mammals/*genetics/*physiology ; Mitochondrial Ribosomes/*physiology ; },
abstract = {As ancient bacterial endosymbionts of eukaryotic cells, mitochondria have retained their own circular DNA as well as protein translation system including mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes). In recent years, methodological advancements in cryoelectron microscopy and mass spectrometry have revealed the extent of the evolutionary divergence of mitoribosomes from their bacterial ancestors and their adaptation to the synthesis of 13 mitochondrial DNA encoded oxidative phosphorylation complex subunits. In addition to the structural data, the first assembly pathway maps of mitoribosomes have started to emerge and concomitantly also the assembly factors involved in this process to achieve fully translational competent particles. These transiently associated factors assist in the intricate assembly process of mitoribosomes by enhancing protein incorporation, ribosomal RNA folding and modification, and by blocking premature or non-native protein binding, for example. This review focuses on summarizing the current understanding of the known mammalian mitoribosome assembly factors and discussing their possible roles in the assembly of small or large mitoribosomal subunits.},
}
@article {pmid34346878,
year = {2021},
author = {Karatepe, M and Aksoy, S and Karatepe, B},
title = {Wolbachia spp. and Spiroplasma spp. in Musca spp.: Detection Using Molecular Approaches.},
journal = {Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi},
volume = {45},
number = {3},
pages = {211-215},
doi = {10.4274/tpd.galenos.2021.35229},
pmid = {34346878},
issn = {2146-3077},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Spiroplasma/genetics ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to detect the presence of Wolbachia and Spiroplasma endosymbionts in Musca flies through molecular approaches.<br><br>METHODS: In total, 40 Musca spp. (20 female and 20 male) were used. Before DNA extraction, the flies were dissected and their heads, wings and legs were detached from their bodies under a stereomicroscope. Genomic DNA was analysed by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers against Musca beta-tubulin. Afterward, the samples were examined for the presence of Wolbachia spp. using primers against Wolbachia wsp and GroEL. Furthermore, the DNA samples were analysed by PCR to detect the presence of Spiroplasma using primers against the 16S rRNA.<br><br>RESULTS: No Wolbachia positivity was detected in Musca flies, as shown by the negative PCR results for wsp and GroEL. Spiroplasma positivity was detected in 5% (1/20) of the female Musca flies but not in the male flies (0/20).<br><br>CONCLUSION: Wolbachia spp. were not detected in Musca flies. Of the total Musca flies, only one was positive for Spiroplasma spp. To our knowledge, this is the first study to detect the presence of Spiroplasma in Musca flies.},
}
@article {pmid34349734,
year = {2021},
author = {Herrera, M and Liew, YJ and Venn, A and Tambutté, E and Zoccola, D and Tambutté, S and Cui, G and Aranda, M},
title = {New Insights From Transcriptomic Data Reveal Differential Effects of CO2 Acidification Stress on Photosynthesis of an Endosymbiotic Dinoflagellate in hospite.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {666510},
pmid = {34349734},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Ocean acidification (OA) has both detrimental as well as beneficial effects on marine life; it negatively affects calcifiers while enhancing the productivity of photosynthetic organisms. To date, many studies have focused on the impacts of OA on calcification in reef-building corals, a process particularly susceptible to acidification. However, little is known about the effects of OA on their photosynthetic algal partners, with some studies suggesting potential benefits for symbiont productivity. Here, we investigated the transcriptomic response of the endosymbiont Symbiodinium microadriaticum (CCMP2467) in the Red Sea coral Stylophora pistillata subjected to different long-term (2 years) OA treatments (pH 8.0, 7.8, 7.4, 7.2). Transcriptomic analyses revealed that symbionts from corals under lower pH treatments responded to acidification by increasing the expression of genes related to photosynthesis and carbon-concentrating mechanisms. These processes were mostly up-regulated and associated metabolic pathways were significantly enriched, suggesting an overall positive effect of OA on the expression of photosynthesis-related genes. To test this conclusion on a physiological level, we analyzed the symbiont's photochemical performance across treatments. However, in contrast to the beneficial effects suggested by the observed gene expression changes, we found significant impairment of photosynthesis with increasing pCO2. Collectively, our data suggest that over-expression of photosynthesis-related genes is not a beneficial effect of OA but rather an acclimation response of the holobiont to different water chemistries. Our study highlights the complex effects of ocean acidification on these symbiotic organisms and the role of the host in determining symbiont productivity and performance.},
}
@article {pmid34349742,
year = {2021},
author = {Zhang, Y and Liu, S and Jiang, R and Zhang, C and Gao, T and Wang, Y and Liu, C and Long, Y and Zhang, Y and Yang, Y},
title = {Wolbachia Strain wGri From the Tea Geometrid Moth Ectropis grisescens Contributes to Its Host's Fecundity.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {694466},
pmid = {34349742},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Members of the Wolbachia genus manipulate insect-host reproduction and are the most abundant bacterial endosymbionts of insects. The tea Geometrid moth Ectropis grisescens (Warren) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is the most devastating insect pest of tea plants [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] in China. However, limited data on the diversity, typing, or phenotypes of Wolbachia in E. grisescens are available. Here, we used a culture-independent method to compare the gut bacteria of E. grisescens and other tea Geometridae moths. The results showed that the composition of core gut bacteria in larvae of the three Geometridae moth species was similar, except for the presence of Wolbachia. Moreover, Wolbachia was also present in adult female E. grisescens samples. A Wolbachia strain was isolated from E. grisescens and designated as wGri. Comparative analyses showed that this strain shared multilocus sequence types and Wolbachia surface protein hypervariable region profiles with cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI)-inducing strains in supergroup B; however, the wGri-associated phenotypes were undetermined. A reciprocal cross analysis showed that Wolbachia-uninfected females mated with infected males resulted in 100% embryo mortality (0% eggs hatched per female). Eggs produced by mating between uninfected males and infected females hatched normally. These findings indicated that wGri induces strong unidirectional CI in E. grisescens. Additionally, compared with uninfected females, Wolbachia-infected females produced approximately 30-40% more eggs. Together, these results show that this Wolbachia strain induces reproductive CI in E. grisescens and enhances the fecundity of its female host. We also demonstrated that wGri potential influences reproductive communication between E. grisescens and Ectropis obliqua through CI.},
}
@article {pmid34351459,
year = {2021},
author = {Balaji, S and Deepthi, KNG and Prabagaran, SR},
title = {Native Wolbachia influence bacterial composition in the major vector mosquito Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {203},
number = {8},
pages = {5225-5240},
pmid = {34351459},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Aedes ; Animals ; Female ; Mosquito Vectors ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Bacterial species that inhabit mosquito microbiota play an essential role in determining vector competence. In addition to critical factors such as host genotype, feeding habit and geography, intracellular endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis modulates microbial composition considerably. In the present study, we assessed the midgut bacterial diversity of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that is either naturally carrying Wolbachia (wAegB[+]) or antibiotic cured (wAegB[-]) through a culture-independent approach. Towards this, 16S rRNA gene libraries were constructed from midgut bacterial DNA of laboratory-reared larvae and adult female mosquitoes fed with sugar or blood. Among them 33 genera comprising 65 distinct species were identified, where > 75% of bacterial taxa were commonly shared by both groups (wAegB[+] and wAegB[-]), implying a subtle shift in the bacterial composition influenced by Wolbachia. Though the change was mostly restricted to minimally represented species, predominant taxa were observed unaltered except for certain genera. While Serratia sp. was abundant in Wolbachia carrying mosquitoes, Pseudomonas sp. and Acinetobacter sp. were predominant in Wolbachia free mosquitoes. This result demonstrates the influence of Wolbachia that could modulate the colonization of certain resident bacterial taxa through competitive interactions. Overall, this study shed more light on the impact of wAegB in altering the gut microbiota of Ae. aegypti mosquito, which might challenge host fitness and vector competence.},
}
@article {pmid34357349,
year = {2021},
author = {Bellés-Sancho, P and Lardi, M and Liu, Y and Eberl, L and Zamboni, N and Bailly, A and Pessi, G},
title = {Metabolomics and Dual RNA-Sequencing on Root Nodules Revealed New Cellular Functions Controlled by Paraburkholderia phymatum NifA.},
journal = {Metabolites},
volume = {11},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {34357349},
issn = {2218-1989},
support = {31003A_179322//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F&#xf6;rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; },
abstract = {Paraburkholderia phymatum STM815 is a nitrogen-fixing endosymbiont that nodulate the agriculturally important Phaseolus vulgaris and several other host plants. We previously showed that the nodules induced by a STM815 mutant of the gene encoding the master regulator of nitrogen fixation NifA showed no nitrogenase activity (Fix[-]) and increased in number compared to P. vulgaris plants infected with the wild-type strain. To further investigate the role of NifA during symbiosis, nodules from P. phymatum wild-type and nifA mutants were collected and analyzed by metabolomics and dual RNA-Sequencing, allowing us to investigate both host and symbiont transcriptome. Using this approach, several metabolites' changes could be assigned to bacterial or plant responses. While the amount of the C4-dicarboxylic acid succinate and of several amino acids was lower in Fix[-] nodules, the level of indole-acetamide (IAM) and brassinosteroids increased. Transcriptome analysis identified P. phymatum genes involved in transport of C4-dicarboxylic acids, carbon metabolism, auxin metabolism and stress response to be differentially expressed in absence of NifA. Furthermore, P. vulgaris genes involved in autoregulation of nodulation (AON) are repressed in nodules in absence of NifA potentially explaining the hypernodulation phenotype of the nifA mutant. These results and additional validation experiments suggest that P. phymatum STM815 NifA is not only important to control expression of nitrogenase and related enzymes but is also involved in regulating its own auxin production and stress response. Finally, our data indicate that P. vulgaris does sanction the nifA nodules by depleting the local carbon allocation rather than by mounting a strong systemic immune response to the Fix[-] rhizobia.},
}
@article {pmid34364896,
year = {2021},
author = {Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Gabrielli, S and Cascio, A and Manoj, RRS and Bezerra-Santos, MA and Benelli, G and Brianti, E and Latrofa, MS and Otranto, D},
title = {Zoonotic Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens infection in humans and an integrative approach to the diagnosis.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {223},
number = {},
pages = {106083},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106083},
pmid = {34364896},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dirofilaria immitis/genetics ; *Dirofilaria repens/genetics ; *Dirofilariasis/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Dog Diseases/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Dogs ; Humans ; Islands ; Italy ; Phylogeny ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; *Zoonoses/diagnosis/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Dirofilariosis by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens is endemic in dogs from countries of the Mediterranean basin. Both species may infect humans, with most of the infected patients remaining asymptomatic. Based on the recent description of the southernmost hyperendemic European focus of heartworm disease in dogs from the Pelagie archipelagos, we performed a serological and molecular survey in human population of that area. Human blood samples were collected in the islands of Linosa (n=101) and Lampedusa (n=296) and tested by ELISA and molecular test for the detection of D. immitis and D. repens. Samples were also screened for filarioid-associated endosymbionts, Wolbachia sp. The seroprevalence of D. immitis and D. repens was, respectively, 7.9% and 3.96% in Linosa, and 7.77% and 19.93% in Lampedusa. Out of 397 human blood samples tested molecularly, 4 scored positive (1%) for Dirofilaria spp. by qPCR (i.e., three for D. immitis and one for D. repens) and 6 (1.5%) for Wolbachia. Of the qPCR positive for Dirofilaria spp., only D. repens was amplified by cPCR and was positive for Wolbachia. In the phylogenetic analysis, the sequence of Wolbachia detected in D. repens positive samples clustered along with other C supergroup filarioids. Our results overlap with the recent prevalence data collected on dogs from the same area, where D. immitis is prevalent in Linosa and D. repens prevails in Lampedusa. Molecular detection of D. immitis in human blood is quite unusual considering that humans are dead-end hosts for dirofilarial infection and most of the human cases described so far in Europe were ascribed to D. repens. An integrative diagnostic approach using serum analysis and Wolbachia detection is also presented. In endemic areas for canine dirofilarioses humans are exposed to the infection, suggesting the importance of One Health approach in diagnosing, treating and controlling this zoonotic parasitosis.},
}
@article {pmid34367558,
year = {2021},
author = {Wheeler, TB and Thompson, V and Conner, WR and Cooper, BS},
title = {Wolbachia in the spittlebug Prosapia ignipectus: Variable infection frequencies, but no apparent effect on host reproductive isolation.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {11},
number = {15},
pages = {10054-10065},
pmid = {34367558},
issn = {2045-7758},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Animals serve as hosts for complex communities of microorganisms, including endosymbionts that live inside their cells. Wolbachia bacteria are perhaps the most common endosymbionts, manipulating host reproduction to propagate. Many Wolbachia cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), which results in reduced egg hatch when uninfected females mate with infected males. Wolbachia that cause intense CI spread to high and relatively stable frequencies, while strains that cause weak or no CI tend to persist at intermediate, often variable, frequencies. Wolbachia could also contribute to host reproductive isolation (RI), although current support for such contributions is limited to a few systems. To test for Wolbachia frequency variation and effects on host RI, we sampled several local Prosapia ignipectus (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) spittlebug populations in the northeastern United States over two years, including closely juxtaposed Maine populations with different monomorphic color forms, "black" and "lined." We discovered a group-B Wolbachia (wPig) infecting P. ignipectus that diverged from group-A Wolbachia-like model wMel and wRi strains in Drosophila-6 to 46 MYA. Populations of the sister species Prosapia bicincta (Say) from Hawaii and Florida are uninfected, suggesting that P. ignipectus acquired wPig after their initial divergence. wPig frequencies were generally high and variable among sites and between years. While phenotyping wPig effects on host reproduction is not currently feasible, the wPig genome contains three divergent sets of CI loci, consistent with high wPig frequencies. Finally, Maine monomorphic black and monomorphic lined populations of P. ignipectus share both wPig and mtDNA haplotypes, implying no apparent effect of wPig on the maintenance of this morphological contact zone. We hypothesize P. ignipectus acquired wPig horizontally as observed for many Drosophila species, and that significant CI and variable transmission produce high but variable wPig frequencies.},
}
@article {pmid34370055,
year = {2022},
author = {Travanty, NV and Vargo, EL and Apperson, CS and Ponnusamy, L},
title = {Colonization by the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta, Modifies Soil Bacterial Communities.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {84},
number = {1},
pages = {240-256},
pmid = {34370055},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/microbiology ; Bacteria/genetics ; Ecosystem ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Soil ; },
abstract = {The long-standing association between insects and microorganisms has been especially crucial to the evolutionary and ecological success of social insect groups. Notably, research on the interaction of the two social forms (monogyne and polygyne) of the red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren, with microbes in its soil habitat is presently limited. In this study, we characterized bacterial microbiomes associated with RIFA nest soils and native (RIFA-negative) soils to better understand the effects of colonization of RIFA on soil microbial communities. Bacterial community fingerprints of 16S rRNA amplicons using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed significant differences in the structure of the bacterial communities between RIFA-positive and RIFA-negative soils at 0 and 10 cm depths. Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons provided fine-scale analysis to test for effects of RIFA colonization, RIFA social form, and soil depth on the composition of the bacterial microbiomes of the soil and RIFA workers. Our results showed the bacterial community structure of RIFA-colonized soils to be significantly different from native soil communities and to evidence elevated abundances of several taxa, including Actinobacteria. Colony social form was not found to be a significant factor in nest or RIFA worker microbiome compositions. RIFA workers and nest soils were determined to have markedly different bacterial communities, with RIFA worker microbiomes being characterized by high abundances of a Bartonella-like endosymbiont and Entomoplasmataceae. Cloning and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene revealed the Bartonella sp. to be a novel bacterium.},
}
@article {pmid34371395,
year = {2021},
author = {Ferreira, V and Pavlaki, MD and Martins, R and Monteiro, MS and Maia, F and Tedim, J and Soares, AMVM and Calado, R and Loureiro, S},
title = {Effects of nanostructure antifouling biocides towards a coral species in the context of global changes.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {799},
number = {},
pages = {149324},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149324},
pmid = {34371395},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; *Biofouling/prevention &amp; control ; Coral Reefs ; *Disinfectants/toxicity ; Ecosystem ; *Nanostructures/toxicity ; Thiazoles ; },
abstract = {Biofouling prevention is one of the biggest challenges faced by the maritime industry, but antifouling agents commonly impact marine ecosystems. Advances in antifouling technology include the use of nanomaterials. Herein we test an antifouling nano-additive based on the encapsulation of the biocide 4,5-dichloro-2-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (DCOIT) in engineered silica nanocontainers (SiNC). The work aims to assess the biochemical and physiological effects on the symbiotic coral Sarcophyton cf. glaucum caused by (1) thermal stress and (2) DCOIT exposure (free or nanoencapsulated forms), in a climate change scenario. Accordingly, the following hypotheses were addressed: (H1) ocean warming can cause toxicity on S. cf. glaucum; (H2) the nanoencapsulation process decreases DCOIT toxicity towards this species; (H3) the biocide toxicity, free or encapsulated forms, can be affected by ocean warming. Coral fragments were exposed for seven days to DCOIT in both free and encapsulated forms, SiNC and negative controls, under two water temperature regimes (26 °C and 30.5 °C). Coral polyp behavior and photosynthetic efficiency were determined in the holobiont, while biochemical markers were assessed individually in the endosymbiont and coral host. Results showed transient coral polyp retraction and diminished photosynthetic efficiency in the presence of heat stress or free DCOIT, with effects being magnified in the presence of both stressors. The activity of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase were modulated by temperature in each partner of the symbiosis. The shifts in enzymatic activity were more pronounced in the presence of free DCOIT, but to a lower extent for encapsulated DCOIT. Increased levels of oxidative damage were detected under heat conditions. The findings highlight the physiological constrains elicited by the increase of seawater temperature to symbiotic corals and demonstrate that DCOIT toxicity can be minimized through encapsulation in SiNC. The presence of both stressors magnifies toxicity and confirm that ocean warming enhances the vulnerability of tropical photosynthetic corals to local stressors.},
}
@article {pmid34379678,
year = {2021},
author = {Fakhour, S and Renoz, F and Ambroise, J and Pons, I and Noël, C and Gala, JL and Hance, T},
title = {Insight into the bacterial communities of the subterranean aphid Anoecia corni.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e0256019},
pmid = {34379678},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/*microbiology ; Bacteria/*classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; *Biodiversity ; *Biological Evolution ; *Genetic Variation ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Microbiota ; Morocco ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Many insect species are associated with bacterial partners that can significantly influence their evolutionary ecology. Compared to other insect groups, aphids harbor a bacterial microbiota that has the reputation of being poorly diversified, generally limited to the presence of the obligate nutritional symbiont Buchnera aphidicola and some facultative symbionts. In this study, we analyzed the bacterial diversity associated with the dogwood-grass aphid Anoecia corni, an aphid species that spends much of its life cycle in a subterranean environment. Little is known about the bacterial diversity associated with aphids displaying such a lifestyle, and one hypothesis is that close contact with the vast microbial community of the rhizosphere could promote the acquisition of a richer bacterial diversity compared to other aphid species. Using 16S rRNA amplicon Illumina sequencing on specimens collected on wheat roots in Morocco, we identified 10 bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) corresponding to five bacterial genera. In addition to the obligate symbiont Buchnera, we identified the facultative symbionts Serratia symbiotica and Wolbachia in certain aphid colonies. The detection of Wolbachia is unexpected as it is considered rare in aphids. Moreover, its biological significance remains unknown in these insects. Besides, we also detected Arsenophonus and Dactylopiibacterium carminicum. These results suggest that, despite its subterranean lifestyle, A. corni shelter a bacterial diversity mainly limited to bacterial endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid34388986,
year = {2021},
author = {Morrow, JL and Riegler, M},
title = {Genome analyses of four Wolbachia strains and associated mitochondria of Rhagoletis cerasi expose cumulative modularity of cytoplasmic incompatibility factors and cytoplasmic hitchhiking across host populations.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {616},
pmid = {34388986},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Cytoplasm ; Humans ; Mitochondria ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Tephritidae ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The endosymbiont Wolbachia can manipulate arthropod reproduction and invade host populations by inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). Some host species are coinfected with multiple Wolbachia strains which may have sequentially invaded host populations by expressing different types of modular CI factor (cif) genes. The tephritid fruit fly Rhagoletis cerasi is a model for CI and Wolbachia population dynamics. It is associated with at least four Wolbachia strains in various combinations, with demonstrated (wCer2, wCer4), predicted (wCer1) or unknown (wCer5) CI phenotypes.<br><br>RESULTS: We sequenced and assembled the draft genomes of the Wolbachia strains wCer1, wCer4 and wCer5, and compared these with the previously sequenced genome of wCer2 which currently invades R. cerasi populations. We found complete cif gene pairs in all strains: four pairs in wCer2 (three Type I; one Type V), two pairs in wCer1 (both Type I) and wCer4 (one Type I; one Type V), and one pair in wCer5 (Type IV). Wolbachia genome variant analyses across geographically and genetically distant host populations revealed the largest diversity of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in wCer5, followed by wCer1 and then wCer2, indicative of their different lengths of host associations. Furthermore, mitogenome analyses of the Wolbachia genome-sequenced individuals in combination with SNP data from six European countries revealed polymorphic mitogenome sites that displayed reduced diversity in individuals infected with wCer2 compared to those without.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Coinfections with Wolbachia are common in arthropods and affect options for Wolbachia-based management strategies of pest and vector species already infected by Wolbachia. Our analyses of Wolbachia genomes of a host naturally coinfected&#xa0;by several strains unravelled signatures of the evolutionary dynamics in both Wolbachia and host mitochondrial genomes as a consequence of repeated invasions. Invasion of already infected populations by new Wolbachia strains requires new sets of functionally different cif genes and thereby may select for a cumulative modularity of cif gene diversity in invading strains. Furthermore, we demonstrated at the mitogenomic scale that repeated CI-driven Wolbachia invasions of hosts result in reduced mitochondrial diversity and hitchhiking effects. Already resident Wolbachia strains may experience similar cytoplasmic hitchhiking effects caused by the invading Wolbachia strain.},
}
@article {pmid34390609,
year = {2021},
author = {Towett-Kirui, S and Morrow, JL and Close, S and Royer, JE and Riegler, M},
title = {Host-endoparasitoid-endosymbiont relationships: concealed Strepsiptera provide new twist to Wolbachia in Australian tephritid fruit flies.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {23},
number = {9},
pages = {5587-5604},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.15715},
pmid = {34390609},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; *Symbiosis ; *Tephritidae/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are widespread endosymbionts that affect arthropod reproduction and fitness. Mostly maternally inherited, Wolbachia are occasionally transferred horizontally. Previously, two Wolbachia strains were reported at low prevalence and titres across seven Australian tephritid species, possibly indicative of frequent horizontal transfer. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing of field-caught Wolbachia-positive flies. Unexpectedly, we found complete mitogenomes of an endoparasitic strepsipteran, Dipterophagus daci, suggesting that Wolbachia in the flies are linked to concealed parasitization. We performed the first genetic characterization of D. daci and detected D. daci in Wolbachia-positive flies not visibly parasitized, and most but not all Wolbachia-negative flies were D. daci-negative, presumably reflecting polymorphism for the Wolbachia infections in D. daci. We dissected D. daci from stylopized flies and confirmed that Wolbachia infects D. daci, but also found Wolbachia in stylopized fly tissues, likely somatic, horizontally transferred, non-heritable infections. Furthermore, no Wolbachia cif and wmk genes were detected and very low mitogenomic variation in D. daci across its distribution. Therefore, Wolbachia may influence host fitness without reproductive manipulation. Our study of 13 tephritid species highlights that concealed early stages of strepsipteran parasitization led to the previous incorrect assignment of Wolbachia co-infections to tephritid species, obscuring ecological studies of this common endosymbiont and its horizontal transmission by parasitoids.},
}
@article {pmid34390927,
year = {2021},
author = {Calderon, RH and Strand, &#xc5;},
title = {How retrograde signaling is intertwined with the evolution of photosynthetic eukaryotes.},
journal = {Current opinion in plant biology},
volume = {63},
number = {},
pages = {102093},
doi = {10.1016/j.pbi.2021.102093},
pmid = {34390927},
issn = {1879-0356},
mesh = {Biological Evolution ; *Eukaryota ; Photosynthesis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Plastids/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Chloroplasts and mitochondria evolved from free-living prokaryotic organisms that entered the eukaryotic cell through endosymbiosis. The gradual conversion from endosymbiont to organelle during the course of evolution was accompanied by the development of a communication system between the host and the endosymbiont, referred to as retrograde signaling or organelle-to-nucleus signaling. In higher plants, plastid-to-nucleus signaling involves multiple signaling pathways necessary to coordinate plastid function and cellular responses to developmental and environmental stimuli. Phylogenetic reconstructions using sequence information from evolutionarily diverse photosynthetic eukaryotes have begun to provide information about how retrograde signaling pathways were adopted and modified in different lineages over time. A tight communication system was likely a major facilitator of plants conquest of the land because it would have enabled the algal ancestors of land plants to better allocate their cellular resources in response to high light and desiccation, the major stressor for streptophyte algae in a terrestrial habitat. In this review, we aim to give an evolutionary perspective on plastid-to-nucleus signaling.},
}
@article {pmid34392954,
year = {2020},
author = {Ciuca, L and Vismarra, A and Lebon, W and Beugnet, F and Morchon, R and Rinaldi, L and Cringoli, G and Kramer, L and Genchi, M},
title = {New insights into the biology, diagnosis and immune response to Dirofilaria repens in the canine host.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {277S},
number = {},
pages = {100029},
doi = {10.1016/j.vpoa.2020.100029},
pmid = {34392954},
issn = {1873-2550},
abstract = {Dogs are the primary host for Dirofilaria repens, therefore it is mandatory to accurately diagnose the canine infection and to expand our current knowledge on parasite biology and the immune response of the infected host for a better prevention.Thus, the aim of the present study was to provide new insights from experimental infections of dogs with D. repens, focusing on the evaluation of: 1) the pre-patent period and 2) the antibody response against D. repens somatic antigens and against the Wolbachia endosymbiont. Briefly, on Day 0, twenty purpose-bred Beagle dogs were experimentally infected with 50 infective larvae (L3) of D. repens. Starting from Day 58 until the last day of the study (Day 281), blood samples were collected on a monthly basis for detection of antibodies against D. repens (Dr) and recombinant Wolbachia surface protein (rWSP) by non-commercial IgG-ELISAs. Additional samples were collected on Days 220, 245 and 281 for the detection of microfilariae (mff) using the modified Knott's test and biomolecular analysis, following two PCR protocols: Gioia et al. (2010; protocol A) and Rishniw et al. (2006- protocol B). The results were analysed by univariate statistical analyses using 2×2 contingency tables and K Cohen was calculated to assess the agreement among all the diagnostic techniques. Overall, the outcome of the study revealed that out of the 20 dogs experimentally infected with D. repens, 16 (80 %) were microfilaraemic, 17 (85 %) were positive at DNA detection in the blood, 18 (90 %) had D. repens antibodies and 16 (80 %) had Wolbachia antibodies on the last day of the study. The overall k agreement between Knott's and PCR protocol B was 0.442 (P=0.0001) and increased throughout the study, reaching 0.828 (P=0.0001) on Day 281. To the authors knowledge, this is only the second study reporting antibody response to D. repens somatic antigen in experimentally infected dogs. ELISA results showed that an antibody response develops before the onset of patency, and steadily increases with time. Results would suggest that the development of an immunological response to infection could lead to application in epidemiological studies, risk assessment and as an aid in the diagnostic approach in dogs, in particular for early infections without mff.},
}
@article {pmid34394061,
year = {2021},
author = {Gesto, JSM and Pinto, SB and Dias, FBS and Peixoto, J and Costa, G and Kutcher, S and Montgomery, J and Green, BR and Anders, KL and Ryan, PA and Simmons, CP and O'Neill, SL and Moreira, LA},
title = {Large-Scale Deployment and Establishment of Wolbachia Into the Aedes aegypti Population in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {711107},
pmid = {34394061},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Traditional methods of vector control have proven insufficient to reduce the alarming incidence of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya in endemic countries. The bacterium symbiont Wolbachia has emerged as an efficient pathogen-blocking and self-dispersing agent that reduces the vectorial potential of Aedes aegypti populations and potentially impairs arboviral disease transmission. In this work, we report the results of a large-scale Wolbachia intervention in Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. wMel-infected adults were released across residential areas between August 2017 and March 2020. Over 131 weeks, including release and post-release phases, we monitored the wMel prevalence in field specimens and analyzed introgression profiles of two assigned intervention areas, RJ1 and RJ2. Our results revealed that wMel successfully invaded both areas, reaching overall infection rates of 50-70% in RJ1 and 30-60% in RJ2 by the end of the monitoring period. At the neighborhood-level, wMel introgression was heterogeneous in both RJ1 and RJ2, with some profiles sustaining a consistent increase in infection rates and others failing to elicit the same. Correlation analysis revealed a weak overall association between RJ1 and RJ2 (r = 0.2849, p = 0.0236), and an association at a higher degree when comparing different deployment strategies, vehicle or backpack-assisted, within RJ1 (r = 0.4676, p < 0.0001) or RJ2 (r = 0.6263, p < 0.0001). The frequency knockdown resistance (kdr) alleles in wMel-infected specimens from both areas were consistently high over this study. Altogether, these findings corroborate that wMel can be successfully deployed at large-scale as part of vector control intervention strategies and provide the basis for imminent disease impact studies in Southeastern Brazil.},
}
@article {pmid34399629,
year = {2021},
author = {Zakharova, A and Saura, A and Butenko, A and Podešvová, L and Warmusová, S and Kostygov, AY and Nenarokova, A and Lukeš, J and Opperdoes, FR and Yurchenko, V},
title = {A New Model Trypanosomatid, Novymonas esmeraldas: Genomic Perception of Its "Candidatus Pandoraea novymonadis" Endosymbiont.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {e0160621},
pmid = {34399629},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Bacteria/classification/*genetics/*metabolism ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Genomics ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; Trypanosoma/classification/*metabolism/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {The closest relative of human pathogen Leishmania, the trypanosomatid Novymonas esmeraldas, harbors a bacterial endosymbiont "Candidatus Pandoraea novymonadis." Based on genomic data, we performed a detailed characterization of the metabolic interactions of both partners. While in many respects the metabolism of N. esmeraldas resembles that of other Leishmaniinae, the endosymbiont provides the trypanosomatid with heme, essential amino acids, purines, some coenzymes, and vitamins. In return, N. esmeraldas shares with the bacterium several nonessential amino acids and phospholipids. Moreover, it complements its carbohydrate metabolism and urea cycle with enzymes missing from the "Ca. Pandoraea novymonadis" genome. The removal of the endosymbiont from N. esmeraldas results in a significant reduction of the overall translation rate, reduced expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial respiratory activity, and downregulation of several aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, enzymes involved in the synthesis of some amino acids, as well as proteins associated with autophagy. At the same time, the genes responsible for protection against reactive oxygen species and DNA repair become significantly upregulated in the aposymbiotic strain of this trypanosomatid. By knocking out a component of its flagellum, we turned N. esmeraldas into a new model trypanosomatid that is amenable to genetic manipulation using both conventional and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated approaches. IMPORTANCENovymonas esmeraldas is a parasitic flagellate of the family Trypanosomatidae representing the closest insect-restricted relative of the human pathogen Leishmania. It bears symbiotic bacteria in its cytoplasm, the relationship with which has been established relatively recently and independently from other known endosymbioses in protists. Here, using the genome analysis and comparison of transcriptomic profiles of N. esmeraldas with and without the endosymbionts, we describe a uniquely complex cooperation between both partners on the biochemical level. We demonstrate that the removal of bacteria leads to a decelerated growth of N. esmeraldas, substantial suppression of many metabolic pathways, and increased oxidative stress. Our success with the genetic transformation of this flagellate makes it a new model trypanosomatid species that can be used for the dissection of mechanisms underlying the symbiotic relationships between protists and bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid34402109,
year = {2021},
author = {Arif, S and Gerth, M and Hone-Millard, WG and Nunes, MDS and Dapporto, L and Shreeve, TG},
title = {Evidence for multiple colonisations and Wolbachia infections shaping the genetic structure of the widespread butterfly Polyommatus icarus in the British Isles.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {30},
number = {20},
pages = {5196-5213},
doi = {10.1111/mec.16126},
pmid = {34402109},
issn = {1365-294X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Genetic Structures ; Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; Phylogeography ; Refugium ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {The paradigm of isolation in southern refugia during glacial periods followed by expansions during interglacials, producing limited genetic differentiation in northern areas, dominates European phylogeography. However, the existence of complex structured populations in formerly glaciated areas, and islands connected to mainland areas during glacial maxima, call for alternative explanations. We reconstructed the mtDNA phylogeography of the widespread Polyommatus Icarus butterfly with an emphasis on the formerly glaciated and connected British Isles. We found distinct geographical structuring of CO1 haplogroups, with an ancient lineage restricted to the marginal European areas, including Northern Scotland and Outer Hebrides. Population genomic analyses, using ddRADSeq genomic markers, also reveal substantial genetic structuring within Britain. However, there is negligble mito-nuclear concordance consistent with independent demographic histories of mitochondrial versus nuclear DNA. While mtDNA-Wolbachia associations in northern Britain could account for the geographic structuring of mtDNA across most of the British Isles, for nuclear DNA markers (derived from ddRADseq data) butterflies from France cluster between northern and southern British populations - an observation consistent with a scenario of multiple recolonisation. Taken together our results suggest that contemporary mtDNA structuring in the British Isles (and potentially elsewhere in Europe) largely results from Wolbachia infections, however, nuclear genomic structuring suggests a history of at least two distinct colonisations. This two-stage colonisation scenario has previously been put forth to explain genetic diversity and structuring in other British flora and fauna. Additionally, we also present preliminary evidence for potential Wolbachia-induced feminization in the Outer Hebrides.},
}
@article {pmid34413841,
year = {2021},
author = {Vaccaro, L and Gomes, TS and Izquierdo, F and Magnet, A and Llorens Berzosa, S and Ollero, D and Salso, S and Alhambra, A and Gómez, C and López Cano, M and Pelaz, C and Bellido Samaniego, B and Del Aguila, C and Fenoy, S and Hurtado-Marcos, C},
title = {Legionella feeleii: Ubiquitous Pathogen in the Environment and Causative Agent of Pneumonia.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {707187},
pmid = {34413841},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {L. feeleii is one of the most frequent Legionella species isolated from natural pools of the central region of Spain. This study aimed to evaluate its ecology and to identify this Legionella species as a respiratory pathogen. A PCR assay for detecting the L. feeleii mip gene was developed to identify it in clinical and environmental samples. Culture and PCR were performed in environmental samples from four drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Free L. feeleii was only detected in raw water samples (3.4%), while L. feeleii as an Acanthamoeba endosymbiont was found in 30.7% of raw water, 11.5% of decanter biofilm, and 32% of finished water samples. Therefore, Acanthamoeba spp. plays an essential role in the multiplication, persistence, and spread of Legionella species in the environment. The first case of Legionnaires' disease caused by L. feeleii in Spain is described in this study. The case was diagnosed in an older woman through PCR and sequencing from urine and sputum samples. A respiratory infection could be linked with health care procedures, and the patient presented several risk factors (age, insulin-dependent diabetes, and heart disease). The detection of non-L. pneumophila, such as L. feeleii, is a factor that must be considered when establishing or reviewing measures for the control and prevention of legionellosis.},
}
@article {pmid34422675,
year = {2021},
author = {Fichorova, RN and DeLong, AK and Cu-Uvin, S and King, CC and Jamieson, DJ and Klein, RS and Sobel, JD and Vlahov, D and Yamamoto, HS and Mayer, KH},
title = {Protozoan-Viral-Bacterial Co-Infections Alter Galectin Levels and Associated Immunity Mediators in the Female Genital Tract.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {649940},
pmid = {34422675},
issn = {2235-2988},
support = {P30 AI042853/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI079085/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R56 AI091889/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; RC1 AI086788/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Bacteria ; *Coinfection ; Female ; Galectin 3 ; Humans ; Prevotella ; *Trichomonas Vaginitis ; *Virus Diseases ; },
abstract = {Co-infections with sexually transmittable pathogens are common and more likely in women with disturbed vaginal bacteriome. Among those pathogens, the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is most common after accounting for the highly persistent DNA viruses human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes. The parasitic infection often concurs with the dysbiotic syndrome diagnosed as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and both are associated with risks of superimposed viral infections. Yet, the mechanisms of microbial synergisms in evading host immunity remain elusive. We present clinical and experimental evidence for a new role of galectins, glycan-sensing family of proteins, in mixed infections. We assessed participants of the HIV Epidemiology Research Study (HERS) at each of their incident TV visits (223 case visits) matched to controls who remained TV-negative throughout the study. Matching criteria included age, race, BV (by Nugent score), HIV status, hysterectomy, and contraceptive use. Non-matched variables included BV status at 6 months before the matched visit, and variables examined at baseline, within 6 months of and/or at the matched visit e.g. HSV-2, HPV, and relevant laboratory and socio-demographic parameters. Conditional logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations calculated odds ratios (OR) for incident TV occurrence with each log10 unit higher cervicovaginal concentration of galectins and cytokines. Incident TV was associated with higher levels of galectin-1, galectin-9, IL-1β and chemokines (ORs 1.53 to 2.91, p <0.001). Galectin-9, IL-1β and chemokines were up and galectin-3 down in TV cases with BV or intermediate Nugent versus normal Nugent scores (p <0.001). Galectin-9, IL-1β and chemokines were up in TV-HIV and down in TV-HPV co-infections. In-vitro, TV synergized with its endosymbiont Trichomonasvirus (TVV) and BV bacteria to upregulate galectin-1, galectin-9, and inflammatory cytokines. The BV-bacterium Prevotella bivia alone and together with TV downregulated galectin-3 and synergistically upregulated galectin-1, galectin-9 and IL-1β, mirroring the clinical findings of mixed TV-BV infections. P. bivia also downregulated TVV+TV-induced anti-viral response e.g. IP-10 and RANTES, providing a mechanism for conducing viral persistence in TV-BV co-infections. Collectively, the experimental and clinical data suggest that galectin-mediated immunity may be dysregulated and exploited by viral-protozoan-bacterial synergisms exacerbating inflammatory complications from dysbiosis and sexually transmitted infections.},
}
@article {pmid34426845,
year = {2021},
author = {Kinjo, Y and Lo, N and Martín, PV and Tokuda, G and Pigolotti, S and Bourguignon, T},
title = {Enhanced Mutation Rate, Relaxed Selection, and the "Domino Effect" are associated with Gene Loss in Blattabacterium, A Cockroach Endosymbiont.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {38},
number = {9},
pages = {3820-3831},
pmid = {34426845},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteroidetes/*genetics ; Cockroaches/*microbiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Mutation Rate ; Selection, Genetic ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Intracellular endosymbionts have reduced genomes that progressively lose genes at a timescale of tens of million years. We previously reported that gene loss rate is linked to mutation rate in Blattabacterium, however, the mechanisms causing gene loss are not yet fully understood. Here, we carried out comparative genomic analyses on the complete genome sequences of a representative set of 67 Blattabacterium strains, with sizes ranging between 511 and 645 kb. We found that 200 of the 566 analyzed protein-coding genes were lost in at least one lineage of Blattabacterium, with the most extreme case being one gene that was lost independently in 24 lineages. We found evidence for three mechanisms influencing gene loss in Blattabacterium. First, gene loss rates were found to increase exponentially with the accumulation of substitutions. Second, genes involved in vitamin and amino acid metabolism experienced relaxed selection in Cryptocercus and Mastotermes, possibly triggered by their vertically inherited gut symbionts. Third, we found evidence of epistatic interactions among genes leading to a "domino effect" of gene loss within pathways. Our results highlight the complexity of the process of genome erosion in an endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid34429226,
year = {2022},
author = {Maire, J and van Oppen, MJH},
title = {A role for bacterial experimental evolution in coral bleaching mitigation?.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {30},
number = {3},
pages = {217-228},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2021.07.006},
pmid = {34429226},
issn = {1878-4380},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Bacteria/genetics ; Climate Change ; *Coral Bleaching ; Coral Reefs ; Seawater ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are rapidly declining because of widespread mass coral bleaching causing extensive coral mortality. Elevated seawater temperatures are the main drivers of coral bleaching, and climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of destructive marine heatwaves. Efforts to enhance coral thermal bleaching tolerance can be targeted at the coral host or at coral-associated microorganisms (e.g., dinoflagellate endosymbionts and bacteria). The literature on experimental evolution of bacteria suggests that it has value as a tool to increase coral climate resilience. We provide a workflow on how to experimentally evolve coral-associated bacteria to confer thermal tolerance to coral hosts and emphasize the value of implementing this approach in coral reef conservation and restoration efforts.},
}
@article {pmid34429360,
year = {2021},
author = {Perreau, J and Zhang, B and Maeda, GP and Kirkpatrick, M and Moran, NA},
title = {Strong within-host selection in a maternally inherited obligate symbiont: Buchnera and aphids.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {118},
number = {35},
pages = {},
pmid = {34429360},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R01 GM116853/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/genetics/*microbiology ; Buchnera/*physiology ; *Genetic Drift ; Genome ; *Haplotypes ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; *Maternal Inheritance ; Phylogeny ; Reproduction ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Numerous animal lineages have maternally inherited symbionts that are required for host reproduction and growth. Endosymbionts also pose a risk to their hosts because of the mutational decay of their genomes through genetic drift or to selfish mutations that favor symbiont fitness over host fitness. One model for heritable endosymbiosis is the association of aphids with their obligate bacterial symbiont, Buchnera We experimentally established heteroplasmic pea aphid matrilines containing pairs of closely related Buchnera haplotypes and used deep sequencing of diagnostic markers to measure haplotype frequencies in successive host generations. These frequencies were used to estimate the effective population size of Buchnera within hosts (i.e., the transmission bottleneck size) and the extent of within-host selection. The within-host effective population size was in the range of 10 to 20, indicating a strong potential for genetic drift and fixation of deleterious mutations. Remarkably, closely related haplotypes were subject to strong within-host selection, with selection coefficients as high as 0.5 per aphid generation. In one case, the direction of selection depended on the thermal environment and went in the same direction as between-host selection. In another, a new mutant haplotype had a strong within-host advantage under both environments but had no discernible effect on host-level fitness under laboratory conditions. Thus, within-host selection can be strong, resulting in a rapid fixation of mutations with little impact on host-level fitness. Together, these results show that within-host selection can drive evolution of an obligate symbiont, accelerating sequence evolution.},
}
@article {pmid34436602,
year = {2021},
author = {Petrů, M and Dohnálek, V and Füssy, Z and Doležal, P},
title = {Fates of Sec, Tat, and YidC Translocases in Mitochondria and Other Eukaryotic Compartments.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {38},
number = {12},
pages = {5241-5254},
pmid = {34436602},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {*Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics ; *Eukaryota/genetics/metabolism ; Evolution, Molecular ; Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Mitochondria/genetics/metabolism ; Mitochondrial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Protein Transport ; },
abstract = {Formation of mitochondria by the conversion of a bacterial endosymbiont was a key moment in the evolution of eukaryotes. It was made possible by outsourcing the endosymbiont's genetic control to the host nucleus, while developing the import machinery for proteins synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes. The original protein export machines of the nascent organelle remained to be repurposed or were completely abandoned. This review follows the evolutionary fates of three prokaryotic inner membrane translocases Sec, Tat, and YidC. Homologs of all three translocases can still be found in current mitochondria, but with different importance for mitochondrial function. Although the mitochondrial YidC homolog, Oxa1, became an omnipresent independent insertase, the other two remained only sporadically present in mitochondria. Only a single substrate is known for the mitochondrial Tat and no function has yet been assigned for the mitochondrial Sec. Finally, this review compares these ancestral mitochondrial proteins with their paralogs operating in the plastids and the endomembrane system.},
}
@article {pmid34438657,
year = {2021},
author = {Silva, RXG and Cartaxana, P and Calado, R},
title = {Prevalence and Photobiology of Photosynthetic Dinoflagellate Endosymbionts in the Nudibranch Berghia stephanieae.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {34438657},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {UIDP/50017/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; UIDB/50017/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; CEECIND/01434/2018//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; },
abstract = {Berghia stephanieae is a stenophagous sea slug that preys upon glass anemones, such as Exaiptasia diaphana. Glass anemones host photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts that sea slugs ingest when consuming E. diaphana. However, the prevalence of these photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts in sea slugs appears to be short-lived, particularly if B.stephanieae is deprived of prey that host these microalgae (e.g., during bleaching events impacting glass anemones). In the present study, we investigated this scenario, along with food deprivation, and validated the use of a non-invasive and non-destructive approach employing chlorophyll fluorescence as a proxy to monitor the persistence of the association between sea slugs and endosymbiotic photosynthetic dinoflagellates acquired through the consumption of glass anemones. Berghia stephanieae deprived of a trophic source hosting photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts (e.g., through food deprivation or by feeding on bleached E. diaphana) showed a rapid decrease in minimum fluorescence (Fo) and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) when compared to sea slugs fed with symbiotic anemones. A complete loss of endosymbionts was observed within 8 days, confirming that no true symbiotic association was established. The present work opens a new window of opportunity to rapidly monitor in vivo and over time the prevalence of associations between sea slugs and photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts, particularly during bleaching events that prevent sea slugs from incorporating new microalgae through trophic interactions.},
}
@article {pmid34442312,
year = {2021},
author = {Barman, M and Samanta, S and Thakur, H and Chakraborty, S and Samanta, A and Ghosh, A and Tarafdar, J},
title = {Effect of Neonicotinoids on Bacterial Symbionts and Insecticide-Resistant Gene in Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {12},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {34442312},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a major threat to field and horticultural crops worldwide. Persistent use of insecticides for the management of this pest is a lingering problem. In the present study, the status of sensitivity of B. tabaci to two neonicotinoids, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, was evaluated. The expression pattern of two cytochrome P450 (cyp) genes and changes in the relative amount of symbionts in insecticide-treated B. tabaci were also assessed. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) studies indicate that the CYP6CM1 and CYP6CX1 genes were always expressed higher in imidacloprid-treated whitefly, suggesting a correlation between gene expression and the insect's ability to detoxify toxic compounds such as insecticides. In addition, the thiamethoxam-treated population harbored higher Portiera and lower Rickettsia titers, whereas the imidacloprid-treated population harbored more Rickettsia at different time intervals. Interestingly, we also examined that an increase in exposure to both the insecticides resulted in a reduction in the mutualistic partners from their insect host. These differential responses of endosymbionts to insecticide exposure imply the complex interactions among the symbionts inside the host insect. The results also provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism of resistance development that might be useful for formulating effective management strategies to control B. tabaci by manipulating symbionts and detoxifying genes.},
}
@article {pmid34442816,
year = {2021},
author = {Osuna-Mascaró, C and Doña, J and Johnson, KP and de Rojas, M},
title = {Genome-Resolved Metagenomic Analyses Reveal the Presence of a Putative Bacterial Endosymbiont in an Avian Nasal Mite (Rhinonyssidae; Mesostigmata).},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {9},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {34442816},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {V//V Plan Propio de Investigaci&#xf3;n of the University of Seville, Spain/ ; DEB-1926919//NSF/ ; DEB-1925487//NSF/ ; },
abstract = {Rhinonyssidae (Mesostigmata) is a family of nasal mites only found in birds. All species are hematophagous endoparasites, which may damage the nasal cavities of birds, and also could be potential reservoirs or vectors of other infections. However, the role of members of Rhinonyssidae as disease vectors in wild bird populations remains uninvestigated, with studies of the microbiomes of Rhinonyssidae being almost non-existent. In the nasal mite (Tinaminyssus melloi) from rock doves (Columba livia), a previous study found evidence of a highly abundant putatively endosymbiotic bacteria from Class Alphaproteobacteria. Here, we expanded the sample size of this species (two different hosts- ten nasal mites from two independent samples per host), incorporated contamination controls, and increased sequencing depth in shotgun sequencing and genome-resolved metagenomic analyses. Our goal was to increase the information regarding this mite species and its putative endosymbiont. We obtained a metagenome assembled genome (MAG) that was estimated to be 98.1% complete and containing only 0.9% possible contamination. Moreover, the MAG has characteristics typical of endosymbionts (namely, small genome size an AT bias). Overall, our results support the presence of a potential endosymbiont, which is the first described for avian nasal mites to date, and improve the overall understanding of the microbiota inhabiting these mites.},
}
@article {pmid34446060,
year = {2021},
author = {Bergman, A and Hesson, JC},
title = {Wolbachia prevalence in the vector species Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium in a Sindbis virus-endemic region of Sweden.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {428},
pmid = {34446060},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {874735//Horizon 2020/ ; },
mesh = {Alphavirus Infections/*epidemiology/virology ; Animals ; Culex/classification/*microbiology ; Endemic Diseases ; Mosquito Vectors/*microbiology ; Prevalence ; Sindbis Virus/physiology ; Sweden/epidemiology ; Wolbachia/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia pipientis are endosymbiotic bacteria present in a large proportion of terrestrial arthropods. The species is known to sometimes affect the ability of its host to transmit vector-borne pathogens. Central Sweden is endemic for Sindbis virus (SINV), where it is mainly transmitted by the vector species Culex pipiens and Culex torrentium, with the latter established as the main vector. In this study we investigated the Wolbachia prevalence in these two vector species in a region highly endemic for SINV.<br><br>METHODS: Culex mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps baited with carbon dioxide over 9 years at 50 collection sites across the River Dal&#xe4;lven floodplains in central Sweden. Mosquito genus was determined morphologically, while a molecular method was used for reliable species determination. The presence of Wolbachia was determined through PCR using general primers targeting the wsp gene and sequencing of selected samples.<br><br>RESULTS: In total, 676 Cx. pipiens and 293 Cx. torrentium were tested for Wolbachia. The prevalence of Wolbachia in Cx. pipiens was 97% (95% CI 94.8-97.6%), while only 0.7% (95% CI 0.19-2.45%) in Cx. torrentium. The two Cx. torrentium mosquitoes that were infected with Wolbachia carried different types of the bacteria.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The main vector of SINV in the investigated endemic region, Cx. torrentium, was seldom infected with Wolbachia, while it was highly prevalent in the secondary vector, Cx. pipiens. The presence of Wolbachia could potentially have an impact on the vector competence of these two species. Furthermore, the detection of Wolbachia in Cx. torrentium could indicate horizontal transmission of the endosymbiont between arthropods of different species.},
}
@article {pmid34448004,
year = {2021},
author = {Cruz, LNPD and Carvalho-Costa, LF and Rebêlo, JMM},
title = {Molecular Evidence Suggests That Wolbachia pipientis (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) is Widely Associated With South American Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae).},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {58},
number = {6},
pages = {2186-2195},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjab130},
pmid = {34448004},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis ; Psychodidae/*physiology ; Wolbachia/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis (Hertig) is an endosymbiotic microorganism widespread among arthropods and other invertebrate hosts, and employed in strategies to reduce the incidence of arthropod-borne diseases. Here, we used a PCR-based approach for 16S RNA and wsp genes to investigate the prevalence, geographical distribution, and strains of Wolbachia in sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), the main vectors of the causative agents of leishmaniasis, from three biomes in Brazil: Amazon, Cerrado, and Caatinga. We found that: 1) Wolbachia DNA is present in most (66.7%) of the sampled sand fly species, including vectors of Leishmania spp. (Ross, Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae), 2) the prevalence of Wolbachia DNA varies among species and populations, 3) some strains of Wolbachia may have wider geographical and host range in South America, and 4) two phylogenetic distinct wsp sequences might represent two novel strains for Wolbachia in South America sand flies. Those findings increase the basic knowledge about Wolbachia in South American sand flies and might foster further researches on its use to reduce the transmission of sand fly-borne parasites.},
}
@article {pmid34450656,
year = {2021},
author = {Verster, KI and Tarnopol, RL and Akalu, SM and Whiteman, NK},
title = {Horizontal Transfer of Microbial Toxin Genes to Gall Midge Genomes.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {34450656},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {R35 GM119816/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM132022/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; *Diptera/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genome ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {A growing body of evidence has underscored the role of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in animal evolution. Previously, we discovered the horizontal transfer of the gene encoding the eukaryotic genotoxin cytolethal distending toxin B (cdtB) from the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum secondary endosymbiont (APSE) phages to drosophilid and aphid nuclear genomes. Here, we report cdtB in the nuclear genome of the gall-forming "swede midge" Contarinia nasturtii (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) via HGT. We searched all available gall midge genome sequences for evidence of APSE-to-insect HGT events and found five toxin genes (aip56, cdtB, lysozyme, rhs, and sltxB) transferred horizontally to cecidomyiid nuclear genomes. Surprisingly, phylogenetic analyses of HGT candidates indicated APSE phages were often not the ancestral donor lineage of the toxin gene to cecidomyiids. We used a phylogenetic signal statistic to test a transfer-by-proximity hypothesis for animal HGT, which suggested that microbe-to-insect HGT was more likely between taxa that share environments than those from different environments. Many of the toxins we found in midge genomes target eukaryotic cells, and catalytic residues important for toxin function are conserved in insect copies. This class of horizontally transferred, eukaryotic cell-targeting genes is potentially important in insect adaptation.},
}
@article {pmid34451405,
year = {2021},
author = {Kisten, D and Brinkerhoff, J and Tshilwane, SI and Mukaratirwa, S},
title = {A Pilot Study on the Microbiome of Amblyomma hebraeum Tick Stages Infected and Non-Infected with Rickettsia africae.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {34451405},
issn = {2076-0817},
abstract = {Variation in tick microbiota may affect pathogen acquisition and transmission but for many vector species, including Amblyomma hebraeum, components and determinants of the microbiome are unidentified. This pilot study aimed to determine baseline microbial community within A. hebraeum nymphs infected- and non-infected with Rickettsia africae from the environment, and within adult ticks infected- and non-infected with R. africae collected from cattle sampled from two locations in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Adult A. hebraeum ticks (N = 13) and A. hebraeum nymph (N = 15) preliminary screened for R. africae were randomly selected and subjected to Illumina sequencing targeting the v3-v4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. No significant difference in microbial community composition, as well as rarefied OTU richness and diversity were detected between adults and nymphs. Nymphs showed a higher richness of bacterial taxa indicating blood-feeding could have resulted in loss of microbial diversity during the moulting stage from nymph to adult. Core OTUs that were in at least 50% of nymphs and adults negative and positive for Rickettsia at 1% minimum relative abundance were Rickettsia, Coxiella and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 with a single genus Arsenophonus occurring only in nymphs negative for Rickettsia. Ehrlichia spp. was present in only four nymphal ticks positive for Rickettsia. Interestingly, Rickettsia&amp;nbsp;aeschlimannii was found in one nymph and one adult, indicating the first ever detection of the species in A. hebraeum. Furthermore, A. hebraeum harboured a Coxiella-like endosymbiont, which should be investigated further as Coxiella may affect the viability and transmission of other organisms.},
}
@article {pmid34455644,
year = {2022},
author = {Bruzzese, DJ and Schuler, H and Wolfe, TM and Glover, MM and Mastroni, JV and Doellman, MM and Tait, C and Yee, WL and Rull, J and Aluja, M and Hood, GR and Goughnour, RB and Stauffer, C and Nosil, P and Feder, JL},
title = {Testing the potential contribution of Wolbachia to speciation when cytoplasmic incompatibility becomes associated with host-related reproductive isolation.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {31},
number = {10},
pages = {2935-2950},
pmid = {34455644},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {J 3527/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 31441/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cytoplasm/genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Drosophila/genetics ; Male ; Reproductive Isolation ; *Tephritidae/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiont-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) may play an important role in arthropod speciation. However, whether CI consistently becomes associated or coupled with other host-related forms of reproductive isolation (RI) to impede the transfer of endosymbionts between hybridizing populations and further the divergence process remains an open question. Here, we show that varying degrees of pre- and postmating RI exist among allopatric populations of two interbreeding cherry-infesting tephritid fruit flies (Rhagoletis cingulata and R. indifferens) across North America. These flies display allochronic and sexual isolation among populations, as well as unidirectional reductions in egg hatch in hybrid crosses involving southwestern USA males. All populations are infected by a Wolbachia strain, wCin2, whereas a second strain, wCin3, only co-infects flies from the southwest USA and Mexico. Strain wCin3 is associated with a unique mitochondrial DNA haplotype and unidirectional postmating RI, implicating the strain as the cause of CI. When coupled with nonendosymbiont RI barriers, we estimate the strength of CI associated with wCin3 would not prevent the strain from introgressing from infected southwestern to uninfected populations elsewhere in the USA if populations were to come into secondary contact and hybridize. In contrast, cytoplasmic-nuclear coupling may impede the transfer of wCin3 if Mexican and USA populations were to come into contact. We discuss our results in the context of the general paucity of examples demonstrating stable Wolbachia hybrid zones and whether the spread of Wolbachia among taxa can be constrained in natural hybrid zones long enough for the endosymbiont to participate in speciation.},
}
@article {pmid34463330,
year = {2021},
author = {Álvarez-Lagazzi, AP and Cabrera, N and Francis, F and Ramírez, CC},
title = {Bacillus subtilis (Bacillales, Bacillaceae) Spores Affect Survival and Population Growth in the Grain Aphid Sitobion avenae (Hemiptera, Aphididae) in Relation to the Presence of the Facultative Bacterial Endosymbiont Regiella insecticola (Enterobacteriales, Enterobacteriaceae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {114},
number = {5},
pages = {2043-2050},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toab164},
pmid = {34463330},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids ; *Bacillaceae ; *Bacillales ; Bacillus subtilis ; Enterobacteriaceae ; Population Growth ; Spores, Bacterial ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The grain aphid Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) is one of the most important cereal pests, damaging crops through sap sucking and virus transmission. Sitobion avenae harbors the secondary endosymbiont Regiella insecticola, which is highly prevalent in populations in south-central Chile and other regions of the world. In order to develop ecological alternatives for biological control, we studied the effect of applying the spores of a strain of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis on the survival and fecundity of the most prevalent genotype of S. avenae in central Chile. The strain selected was one that in previous studies had shown the ability to outcompete other bacteria. Using clones of this aphid genotype infected and uninfected with R. insecticola, we found that applying B. subtilis spores through artificial diets and spraying on leaves decreased both adult survival and nymph production. The detection of spores within the aphid body was negatively correlated with nymph production and was lower in the presence of R. insecticola when applied in diets. B. subtilis spores applied on leaves reduced the number of aphids, an effect that was stronger on aphids harboring R. insecticola. A possible interaction between endosymbiotic bacteria and bacterial antagonists within the aphid body is discussed.},
}
@article {pmid34466651,
year = {2021},
author = {Pupić-Bakrač, A and Pupić-Bakrač, J and Beck, A and Jurković, D and Polkinghorne, A and Beck, R},
title = {Dirofilaria repens microfilaremia in humans: Case description and literature review.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {100306},
pmid = {34466651},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Dirofilaria repens is a vector-borne filaroid helminth of carnivorous animals, primarily domesticated dogs. Humans are considered to be accidental hosts in which D. repens rarely reach sexual maturity but induce local inflammation, mainly in subcutaneous and ocular tissues.<br><br>METHODS: In the current study, we present the detection of multiple adults of D. repens, endosymbiont Wolbachia sp. and microfilariae by molecular analysis in peripheral tissues and bloodstream of a human host. A subsequent meta-analysis of published literature identified 21 cases of human infection with adult D. repens producing microfilariae.<br><br>RESULTS: Within the study population, there were 13 (59.09%) males, eight (36.36%) females and, in one (4.55%) case, sex was not reported. A total of 11 (50.00%) cases had subcutaneous dirofilariasis, six (27.27%) had ocular dirofiliariasis, with single cases (4.55% each) of genital, mammary, lymphatic and a combination of subcutaneous and pulmonary dirofilariasis described. In one (4.55%) case, the primary anatomical site of adult D. repens could not be found. D. repens microfilariae were detected in the local tissue (local microfilariasis) in 11 (50.00%) cases and the peripheral blood (microfilaremia) in 11 (50.50%) cases. Final identification of D. repens microfilariae was based on morphological detection in 14 (63.64%) cases, and molecular detection in eight (36.36%) cases.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that humans may act as a final host for D. repens, however its role as a source of D. repens infection is less clear.},
}
@article {pmid34470970,
year = {2022},
author = {Sasaki, T and Moi, ML and Saito, K and Isawa, H and Takasaki, T and Sawabe, K},
title = {Aedes albopictus Strain and Dengue Virus Serotype in the Dengue Fever Outbreaks in Japan: Implications of Wolbachia Infection.},
journal = {Japanese journal of infectious diseases},
volume = {75},
number = {2},
pages = {140-143},
doi = {10.7883/yoken.JJID.2021.376},
pmid = {34470970},
issn = {1884-2836},
mesh = {*Aedes/genetics/virology ; Anaplasmataceae Infections/microbiology/virology ; Animals ; *Dengue/epidemiology/immunology/virology ; *Dengue Virus/genetics/immunology ; *Disease Outbreaks ; Disease Susceptibility ; Japan/epidemiology ; Serogroup ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/genetics/virology ; },
abstract = {From August 27 to October 15, 2014, a dengue fever outbreak with 158 autochthonous cases occurred after nearly 70 years of no reports of autochthonous cases in Japan. The most competent mosquito vector for dengue virus (DENV) transmission in Japan is Aedes albopictus. Since A. albopictus is widely distributed throughout Japan, we examined the susceptibility of this species to infection by DENV and the relationship of the endosymbiont Wolbachia (wAlbA and wAlbB) with susceptibility to DENV. The A. albopictus YYG strain, collected from the Yoyogi Park in 2014, the epicenter of the dengue fever outbreak, was found to have lower susceptibility to DENV 1 and 3 than that of the indigenous Japanese strains A. albopictus EBN 201808 (F1 from the field) and A. albopictus ISG 201603. Furthermore, the A. albopictus EBN 201808 strain showed the same susceptibility to DENV3 as the A. albopictus ISG 201603tet strain (Wolbachia-free). Susceptibility to DENV3 was not related to Wolbachia strains wAlbA or wAlbB in the A. albopictus ISG 201603 strain.},
}
@article {pmid34474788,
year = {2021},
author = {Krishnamoorthy, P and Sudhagar, S and Goudar, AL and Jacob, SS and Suresh, KP},
title = {Molecular survey and phylogenetic analysis of tick-borne pathogens in ticks infesting cattle from two South Indian states.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports},
volume = {25},
number = {},
pages = {100595},
doi = {10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100595},
pmid = {34474788},
issn = {2405-9390},
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; *Cattle Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology ; India/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; *Rhipicephalus/microbiology ; *Tick Infestations/epidemiology/veterinary ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary ; },
abstract = {In this study, the molecular survey of cattle ticks and tick-borne pathogens in various agroclimatic zones in Karnataka and Kerala states, India, and phylogenetic analysis of gene sequences were accomplished. Overall, 240 pooled tick DNA samples from two states were used for the identification of three tick genera and nine tick-borne pathogens by using the PCR method and sequencing. The distribution of Haemaphysalis (Ha.), Hyalomma (Hy.), and Rhipicephalus (R.) species were 5.0, 17.5, and 65.8% in Karnataka and 5.8, 11.7, and 65.0% in Kerala, respectively. The prevalence of Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bovis, Rickettsia species, and Trypanosoma evansi was 8.3, 0.8, 6.7, and 0.0% in Karnataka and 14.2, 0.0, 8.3, and 8.3% in Kerala, respectively. The pooled tick DNA samples were negative for Bartonella species, Borrelia species, Coxiella burnetti, Pasteurella multocida, and Theileria species. The season-wise analysis revealed a high occurrence of Ha. species in all seasons except for post-monsoon, Hy. and Rhipicephalus species in monsoon season in Karnataka, and all three tick genera were present in monsoon season in Kerala. The sequence analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene facilitated the identification of tick species namely, Ha. bispinosa, Ha. japonica, Hy. excavatum, R. annulatus, R. decoloratus, R. microplus, and R. sanguineus. The Rhipicephalus species was a major tick in these two states, and Rickettsia endosymbiont and Trypanosoma evansi in tick were detected in this study. This study represents the first report about the presence of Rickettsia massiliae in Ha. bispinosa in Karnataka and Trypanosoma evansi in R. species in Kerala. Phylogenetic analysis revealed sequence homology between the different isolates from India and neighbouring countries. Thus, the study provides key information on the distribution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens of cattle in Karnataka and Kerala, which will aid in developing and strategizing effective control measures.},
}
@article {pmid34475861,
year = {2021},
author = {Mosquera, KD and Martinez Villegas, LE and Pidot, SJ and Sharif, C and Klimpel, S and Stinear, TP and Moreira, LA and Tobias, NJ and Lorenzo, MG},
title = {Multi-Omic Analysis of Symbiotic Bacteria Associated With Aedes aegypti Breeding Sites.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {703711},
pmid = {34475861},
issn = {1664-302X},
support = {MR/N017455/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Mosquito breeding sites are complex aquatic environments with wide microbial diversity and physicochemical parameters that can change over time during the development of immature insect stages. Changes in biotic and abiotic conditions in water can alter life-history traits of adult mosquitos but this area remains understudied. Here, using microbial genomic and metabolomics analyses, we explored the metabolites associated with Aedes aegypti breeding sites as well as the potential contribution of Klebsiella sp., symbiotic bacteria highly associated with mosquitoes. We sought to address whether breeding sites have a signature metabolic profile and understand the metabolite contribution of the bacteria in the aquatic niches where Ae. aegypti larvae develop. An analysis of 32 mosquito-associated bacterial genomes, including Klebsiella, allowed us to identify gene clusters involved in primary metabolic pathways. From them, we inferred metabolites that could impact larval development (e.g., spermidine), as well as influence the quality assessment of a breeding site by a gravid female (e.g., putrescine), if produced by bacteria in the water. We also detected significant variance in metabolite presence profiles between water samples representing a decoupled oviposition event (oviposition by single females and manually deposited eggs) versus a control where no mosquito interactions occurred (PERMANOVA: p < 0.05; R [2] = 24.64% and R [2] = 30.07%). Five Klebsiella metabolites were exclusively linked to water samples where oviposition and development occurred. These data suggest metabolomics can be applied to identify compounds potentially used by female Ae. aegypti to evaluate the quality of a breeding site. Elucidating the physiological mechanisms by which the females could integrate these sensory cues while ovipositing constitutes a growing field of interest, which could benefit from a more depurated list of candidate molecules.},
}
@article {pmid34479645,
year = {2021},
author = {Zhou, K and Xu, Y and Zhang, R and Qian, PY},
title = {Arms race in a cell: genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic insights into intracellular phage-bacteria interplay in deep-sea snail holobionts.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {182},
pmid = {34479645},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Bacteriophages/genetics ; Genomics ; Proteomics ; Snails ; Transcriptome/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Deep-sea animals in hydrothermal vents often form endosymbioses with chemosynthetic bacteria. Endosymbionts serve essential biochemical and ecological functions, but the prokaryotic viruses (phages) that determine their fate are unknown.<br><br>RESULTS: We conducted metagenomic analysis of a deep-sea vent snail. We assembled four genome bins for Caudovirales phages that had developed dual endosymbiosis with sulphur-oxidising bacteria (SOB) and methane-oxidising bacteria (MOB). Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) spacer mapping, genome comparison, and transcriptomic profiling revealed that phages Bin1, Bin2, and Bin4 infected SOB and MOB. The observation of prophages in the snail endosymbionts and expression of the phage integrase gene suggested the presence of lysogenic infection, and the expression of phage structural protein and lysozyme genes indicated active lytic infection. Furthermore, SOB and MOB appear to employ adaptive CRISPR-Cas systems to target phage DNA. Additional expressed defence systems, such as innate restriction-modification systems and dormancy-inducing toxin-antitoxin systems, may co-function and form multiple lines for anti-viral defence. To counter host defence, phages Bin1, Bin2, and Bin3 appear to have evolved anti-restriction mechanisms and expressed methyltransferase genes that potentially counterbalance host restriction activity. In addition, the high-level expression of the auxiliary metabolic genes narGH, which encode nitrate reductase subunits, may promote ATP production, thereby benefiting phage DNA packaging for replication.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new insights into phage-bacteria interplay in intracellular environments of a deep-sea vent snail. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid34488624,
year = {2021},
author = {Urban, JM and Foulk, MS and Bliss, JE and Coleman, CM and Lu, N and Mazloom, R and Brown, SJ and Spradling, AC and Gerbi, SA},
title = {High contiguity de novo genome assembly and DNA modification analyses for the fungus fly, Sciara coprophila, using single-molecule sequencing.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {643},
pmid = {34488624},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {T32 GM007601/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103418/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; GM121455/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T32-GM 007601/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 GM121455/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {DNA ; Female ; Fungi ; *High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; Male ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *X Chromosome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The lower Dipteran fungus fly, Sciara coprophila, has many unique biological features that challenge the rule of genome DNA constancy. For example, Sciara undergoes paternal chromosome elimination and maternal X chromosome nondisjunction during spermatogenesis, paternal X elimination during embryogenesis, intrachromosomal DNA amplification of DNA puff loci during larval development, and germline-limited chromosome elimination from all somatic cells. Paternal chromosome elimination in Sciara was the first observation of imprinting, though the mechanism remains a mystery. Here, we present the first draft genome sequence for Sciara coprophila to take a large step forward in addressing these features.<br><br>RESULTS: We assembled the Sciara genome using PacBio, Nanopore, and Illumina sequencing. To find an optimal assembly using these datasets, we generated 44 short-read and 50 long-read assemblies. We ranked assemblies using 27 metrics assessing contiguity, gene content, and dataset concordance. The highest-ranking assemblies were scaffolded using BioNano optical maps. RNA-seq datasets from multiple life stages and both sexes facilitated genome annotation. A set of 66 metrics was used to select the first draft assembly for Sciara. Nearly half of the Sciara genome sequence was anchored into chromosomes, and all scaffolds were classified as X-linked or autosomal by coverage.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We determined that X-linked genes in Sciara males undergo dosage compensation. An entire bacterial genome from the Rickettsia genus, a group known to be endosymbionts in insects, was co-assembled with the Sciara genome, opening the possibility that Rickettsia may function in sex determination in Sciara. Finally, the signal level of the PacBio and Nanopore data support the presence of cytosine and adenine modifications in the Sciara genome, consistent with a possible role in imprinting.},
}
@article {pmid34488648,
year = {2021},
author = {Prazeres, M and Roberts, TE and Ramadhani, SF and Doo, SS and Schmidt, C and Stuhr, M and Renema, W},
title = {Diversity and flexibility of algal symbiont community in globally distributed larger benthic foraminifera of the genus Amphistegina.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {243},
pmid = {34488648},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {Coral Reefs ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; Diatoms/genetics ; *Ecosystem ; Foraminifera/classification/*genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Oceans and Seas ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding the specificity and flexibility of the algal symbiosis-host association is fundamental for predicting how species occupy a diverse range of habitats. Here we assessed the algal symbiosis diversity of three species of larger benthic foraminifera from the genus Amphistegina and investigated the role of habitat and species identity in shaping the associated algal community.<br><br>RESULTS: We used next-generation sequencing to identify the associated algal community, and DNA barcoding to identify the diatom endosymbionts associated with species of A. lobifera, A. lessonii, and A. radiata, collected from shallow habitats (<&#x2009;15&#x2009;m) in 16 sites, ranging from the Mediterranean Sea to French Polynesia. Next-generation sequencing results showed the consistent presence of Ochrophyta as the main algal phylum associated with all species and sites analysed. A significant proportion of phylotypes were classified as Chlorophyta and Myzozoa. We uncovered unprecedented diversity of algal phylotypes found in low abundance, especially of the class Bacillariophyta (i.e., diatoms). We found a significant influence of sites rather than host identity in shaping algal communities in all species. DNA barcoding revealed the consistent presence of phylotypes classified within the order Fragilariales as the diatoms associated with A. lobifera and A. lessonii, while A. radiata specimens host predominately diatoms of the order Triceratiales.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We show that local habitat is the main factor influencing the overall composition of the algal symbiont community. However, host identity and the phylogenetic relationship among hosts is relevant in shaping the specific endosymbiont diatom community, suggesting that the relationship between diatom endosymbiont and hosts plays a crucial role in the evolutionary history of the genus Amphistegina. The capacity of Amphistegina species to associate with a diverse array of diatoms, and possibly other algal groups, likely underpins the ecological success of these crucial calcifying organisms across their extensive geographic range.},
}
@article {pmid34495683,
year = {2021},
author = {Li, TP and Zha, SS and Zhou, CY and Xia, X and Hoffmann, AA and Hong, XY},
title = {Two Newly Introduced Wolbachia Endosymbionts Induce Cell Host Differences in Competitiveness and Metabolic Responses.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {87},
number = {22},
pages = {e0147921},
pmid = {34495683},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {2016YFC1201200//MOST | National Key Research and Development Program of China (973 Program)/ ; 32020103011//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; },
mesh = {Aedes/microbiology ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Hemiptera/*microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/classification/growth &amp; development ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia endosymbionts can induce multiple reproductive manipulations in their hosts, with cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) being one of the most common manipulations. Two important agricultural pests, the white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera) and the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), are usually infected with CI-inducing Wolbachia strain wFur and non-CI-inducing Wolbachia strain wLug, respectively. The biological effects of these infections when present in a host cell are unknown. Here, we introduced the two Wolbachia strains into an Aedes albopictus cell line to stably establish a wFur-infected cell line (WFI) and a wLug-infected cell line (WLI). In a mixed culture, WFI cells were completely replaced by WLI cells, pointing to a stronger competitiveness of the WLI cell line. We found that infection by both Wolbachia strains reduced cell growth rates, but WLI had a higher cell growth rate than WFI, and this difference in cell growth rate combined with possible Wolbachia differences in diffusivity may have affected cell competitiveness. By examining gene expression and metabolites in the two lines, we found that some genes and key metabolites responded to differences in cell competitiveness. These results point to potential mechanisms that could contribute to the relative performance of hosts infected by these strains and also highlight the substantial impact of a non-CI Wolbachia on metabolism, which may in turn influence the fitness of its native host. IMPORTANCEWolbachia transinfection in insects can be used to suppress pests and block virus transmission. We stably introduced two Wolbachia strains from rice planthoppers into cell lines of an important arbovirus mosquito vector, Aedes albopictus. The levels of competitiveness of host cells from the lines infected by the two Wolbachia strains were different, as were metabolic responses of the cell lines. These results suggest potential metabolic effects of Wolbachia on native hosts that could be exploited when they are transinfected into novel hosts for pest control.},
}
@article {pmid34504005,
year = {2021},
author = {Büttner, H and Niehs, SP and Vandelannoote, K and Cseresnyés, Z and Dose, B and Richter, I and Gerst, R and Figge, MT and Stinear, TP and Pidot, SJ and Hertweck, C},
title = {Bacterial endosymbionts protect beneficial soil fungus from nematode attack.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {118},
number = {37},
pages = {},
pmid = {34504005},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {P40 OD010440/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Anthelmintics/*pharmacology ; Burkholderiaceae/*physiology ; Genomics ; Lactones/*pharmacology ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; *Metagenome ; Mortierella/drug effects/*physiology ; Nematoda/*drug effects/pathogenicity ; Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Soil Microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Fungi of the genus Mortierella occur ubiquitously in soils where they play pivotal roles in carbon cycling, xenobiont degradation, and promoting plant growth. These important fungi are, however, threatened by micropredators such as fungivorous nematodes, and yet little is known about their protective tactics. We report that Mortierella verticillata NRRL 6337 harbors a bacterial endosymbiont that efficiently shields its host from nematode attacks with anthelmintic metabolites. Microscopic investigation and 16S ribosomal DNA analysis revealed that a previously overlooked bacterial symbiont belonging to the genus Mycoavidus dwells in M. verticillata hyphae. Metabolic profiling of the wild-type fungus and a symbiont-free strain obtained by antibiotic treatment as well as genome analyses revealed that highly cytotoxic macrolactones (CJ-12,950 and CJ-13,357, syn necroxime C and D), initially thought to be metabolites of the soil-inhabiting fungus, are actually biosynthesized by the endosymbiont. According to comparative genomics, the symbiont belongs to a new species (Candidatus Mycoavidus necroximicus) with 12% of its 2.2 Mb genome dedicated to natural product biosynthesis, including the modular polyketide-nonribosomal peptide synthetase for necroxime assembly. Using Caenorhabditis elegans and the fungivorous nematode Aphelenchus avenae as test strains, we show that necroximes exert highly potent anthelmintic activities. Effective host protection was demonstrated in cocultures of nematodes with symbiotic and chemically complemented aposymbiotic fungal strains. Image analysis and mathematical quantification of nematode movement enabled evaluation of the potency. Our work describes a relevant role for endofungal bacteria in protecting fungi against mycophagous nematodes.},
}
@article {pmid34504301,
year = {2021},
author = {Kiefer, JST and Batsukh, S and Bauer, E and Hirota, B and Weiss, B and Wierz, JC and Fukatsu, T and Kaltenpoth, M and Engl, T},
title = {Author Correction: Inhibition of a nutritional endosymbiont by glyphosate abolishes mutualistic benefit on cuticle synthesis in Oryzaephilus surinamensis.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {1079},
pmid = {34504301},
issn = {2399-3642},
}
@article {pmid34506949,
year = {2022},
author = {Zhang, T and Vd'ačný, P},
title = {Multiple independent losses of cell mouth in phylogenetically distant endosymbiotic lineages of oligohymenophorean ciliates: A lesson from Clausilocola.},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {166},
number = {},
pages = {107310},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2021.107310},
pmid = {34506949},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {*Ciliophora/genetics ; Mouth ; *Oligohymenophorea ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The cell mouth is a property of the vast majority of free-living and endosymbiotic/epibiotic ciliates of the class Oligohymenophorea. Cytostome, however, naturally absents in the whole endosymbiotic subclass Astomatia and was naturally or experimentally lost in a few members of the subclass Hymenostomatia. This poses a question of how homoplastic might be the lack of oral structures in the oligohymenophorean evolution. To address this question, we used two mitochondrial genes, five nuclear markers, and detailed morphological data from an enigmatic mouthless ciliate, Clausilocola apostropha, which we re-discovered after more than half of a century. According to the present phylogenetic analyses, astomy evolved at least three times independently and in different time frames of the oligohymenophorean phylogeny, ranging from the Paleozoic to the Cenozoic period. Mouthless endosymbionts inhabiting mollusks (represented by Clausilocola), planarians (Haptophrya), and annelids ('core' astomes) never clustered together. Haptophrya grouped with the scuticociliate genus Conchophthirus, 'core' astomes were placed in a sister position to the scuticociliate orders Philasterida and Pleuronematida, and Clausilocola was robustly nested within the hymenostome family Tetrahymenidae. The tetrahymenid origin of Clausilocola is further corroborated by the existence of mouthless Tetrahymena mutants and the huge phenotypic plasticity in the cytostome size in tetrahymenids.},
}
@article {pmid34509839,
year = {2022},
author = {Sun, Y and Wang, M and Zhong, Z and Chen, H and Wang, H and Zhou, L and Cao, L and Fu, L and Zhang, H and Lian, C and Sun, S and Li, C},
title = {Adaption to hydrogen sulfide-rich environments: Strategies for active detoxification in deep-sea symbiotic mussels, Gigantidas platifrons.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {804},
number = {},
pages = {150054},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150054},
pmid = {34509839},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; *Hydrogen Sulfide ; *Hydrothermal Vents ; *Mytilidae ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The deep-sea mussel Gigantidas platifrons is a representative species that relies on nutrition provided by chemoautotrophic endosymbiotic bacteria to survive in both hydrothermal vent and methane seep environments. However, vent and seep habitats have distinct geochemical features, with vents being more harsh than seeps because of abundant toxic chemical substances, particularly hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Until now, the adaptive strategies of G. platifrons in a heterogeneous environment and their sulfide detoxification mechanisms are still unclear. Herein, we conducted 16S rDNA sequencing and metatranscriptome sequencing of G. platifrons collected from a methane seep at Formosa Ridge in the South China Sea and a hydrothermal vent at Iheya North Knoll in the Mid-Okinawa Trough to provide a model for understanding environmental adaption and sulfide detoxification mechanisms, and a three-day laboratory controlled Na2S stress experiment to test the transcriptomic responses under sulfide stress. The results revealed the active detoxification of sulfide in G. platifrons gills. First, epibiotic Campylobacterota bacteria were more abundant in vent mussels and contributed to environmental adaptation by active oxidation of extracellular H2S. Notably, a key sulfide-oxidizing gene, sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (sqr), derived from the methanotrophic endosymbiont, was significantly upregulated in vent mussels, indicating the oxidization of intracellular sulfide by the endosymbiont. In addition, transcriptomic comparison further suggested that genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial sulfide oxidization pathway played important roles in the sulfide tolerance of the host mussels. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis of Na2S stressed mussels confirmed the upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation and sulfide oxidization genes in response to sulfide exposure. Overall, this study provided a systematic transcriptional analysis of both the active bacterial community members and the host mussels, suggesting that the epibionts, endosymbionts, and mussel host collaborated on sulfide detoxification from extracellular to intracellular space to adapt to harsh H2S-rich environments.},
}
@article {pmid34512702,
year = {2021},
author = {Aroney, STN and Poole, PS and Sánchez-Cañizares, C},
title = {Rhizobial Chemotaxis and Motility Systems at Work in the Soil.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {725338},
pmid = {34512702},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Bacteria navigate their way often as individual cells through their chemical and biological environment in aqueous medium or across solid surfaces. They swim when starved or in response to physical and chemical stimuli. Flagella-driven chemotaxis in bacteria has emerged as a paradigm for both signal transduction and cellular decision-making. By altering motility, bacteria swim toward nutrient-rich environments, movement modulated by their chemotaxis systems with the addition of pili for surface movement. The numbers and types of chemoreceptors reflect the bacterial niche and lifestyle, with those adapted to complex environments having diverse metabolic capabilities, encoding far more chemoreceptors in their genomes. The Alpha-proteobacteria typify the latter case, with soil bacteria such as rhizobia, endosymbionts of legume plants, where motility and chemotaxis are essential for competitive symbiosis initiation, among other processes. This review describes the current knowledge of motility and chemotaxis in six model soil bacteria: Sinorhizobium meliloti, Agrobacterium fabacearum, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Azorhizobium caulinodans, Azospirillum brasilense, and Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens. Although motility and chemotaxis systems have a conserved core, rhizobia possess several modifications that optimize their movements in soil and root surface environments. The soil provides a unique challenge for microbial mobility, since water pathways through particles are not always continuous, especially in drier conditions. The effectiveness of symbiont inoculants in a field context relies on their mobility and dispersal through the soil, often assisted by water percolation or macroorganism movement or networks. Thus, this review summarizes the factors that make it essential to consider and test rhizobial motility and chemotaxis for any potential inoculant.},
}
@article {pmid34513731,
year = {2021},
author = {Salazar, MM and Pupo, MT and Brown, AMV},
title = {Co-Occurrence of Viruses, Plant Pathogens, and Symbionts in an Underexplored Hemipteran Clade.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {715998},
pmid = {34513731},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids ; *Bacteriophages ; Phylogeny ; *Plant Viruses ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Interactions between insect symbionts and plant pathogens are dynamic and complex, sometimes involving direct antagonism or synergy and sometimes involving ecological and evolutionary leaps, as insect symbionts transmit through plant tissues or plant pathogens transition to become insect symbionts. Hemipterans such as aphids, whiteflies, psyllids, leafhoppers, and planthoppers are well-studied plant pests that host diverse symbionts and vector plant pathogens. The related hemipteran treehoppers (family Membracidae) are less well-studied but offer a potentially new and diverse array of symbionts and plant pathogenic interactions through their distinct woody plant hosts and ecological interactions with diverse tending hymenopteran taxa. To explore membracid symbiont-pathogen diversity and co-occurrence, this study performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing on 20 samples (16 species) of treehopper, and characterized putative symbionts and pathogens using a combination of rapid blast database searches and phylogenetic analysis of assembled scaffolds and correlation analysis. Among the 8.7 billion base pairs of scaffolds assembled were matches to 9 potential plant pathogens, 12 potential primary and secondary insect endosymbionts, numerous bacteriophages, and other viruses, entomopathogens, and fungi. Notable discoveries include a divergent Brenneria plant pathogen-like organism, several bee-like Bombella and Asaia strains, novel strains of Arsenophonus-like and Sodalis-like symbionts, Ralstonia sp. and Ralstonia-type phages, Serratia sp., and APSE-type phages and bracoviruses. There were several short Phytoplasma and Spiroplasma matches, but there was no indication of plant viruses in these data. Clusters of positively correlated microbes such as yeast-like symbionts and Ralstonia, viruses and Serratia, and APSE phage with parasitoid-type bracoviruses suggest directions for future analyses. Together, results indicate membracids offer a rich palette for future study of symbiont-plant pathogen interactions.},
}
@article {pmid34518054,
year = {2021},
author = {Voolstra, CR and Aranda, M and Zhan, Y and Dekker, J},
title = {Symbiodinium microadriaticum (coral microalgal endosymbiont).},
journal = {Trends in genetics : TIG},
volume = {37},
number = {11},
pages = {1044-1045},
doi = {10.1016/j.tig.2021.08.008},
pmid = {34518054},
issn = {0168-9525},
support = {R01 HG003143/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Coral Reefs ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics ; *Microalgae/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
}
@article {pmid34521754,
year = {2021},
author = {Jenkins, BH and Maguire, F and Leonard, G and Eaton, JD and West, S and Housden, BE and Milner, DS and Richards, TA},
title = {Emergent RNA-RNA interactions can promote stability in a facultative phototrophic endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {118},
number = {38},
pages = {},
pmid = {34521754},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; WT107791/Z/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Chlorella/genetics ; Chloroplasts/genetics ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Paramecium/genetics ; Phototrophic Processes/*genetics ; Plastids/genetics ; RNA/*genetics ; RNA Interference/physiology ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Eukaryote-eukaryote endosymbiosis was responsible for the spread of chloroplast (plastid) organelles. Stability is required for the metabolic and genetic integration that drives the establishment of new organelles, yet the mechanisms that act to stabilize emergent endosymbioses-between two fundamentally selfish biological organisms-are unclear. Theory suggests that enforcement mechanisms, which punish misbehavior, may act to stabilize such interactions by resolving conflict. However, how such mechanisms can emerge in a facultative endosymbiosis has yet to be explored. Here, we propose that endosymbiont-host RNA-RNA interactions, arising from digestion of the endosymbiont population, can result in a cost to host growth for breakdown of the endosymbiosis. Using the model facultative endosymbiosis between Paramecium bursaria and Chlorella spp., we demonstrate that this mechanism is dependent on the host RNA-interference (RNAi) system. We reveal through small RNA (sRNA) sequencing that endosymbiont-derived messenger RNA (mRNA) released upon endosymbiont digestion can be processed by the host RNAi system into 23-nt sRNA. We predict multiple regions of shared sequence identity between endosymbiont and host mRNA, and demonstrate through delivery of synthetic endosymbiont sRNA that exposure to these regions can knock down expression of complementary host genes, resulting in a cost to host growth. This process of host gene knockdown in response to endosymbiont-derived RNA processing by host RNAi factors, which we term "RNAi collisions," represents a mechanism that can promote stability in a facultative eukaryote-eukaryote endosymbiosis. Specifically, by imposing a cost for breakdown of the endosymbiosis, endosymbiont-host RNA-RNA interactions may drive maintenance of the symbiosis across fluctuating ecological conditions.},
}
@article {pmid34525260,
year = {2022},
author = {Chen, F and Schenkel, M and Geuverink, E and van de Zande, L and Beukeboom, LW},
title = {Absence of complementary sex determination in two Leptopilina species (Figitidae, Hymenoptera) and a reconsideration of its incompatibility with endosymbiont-induced thelytoky.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {29},
number = {3},
pages = {900-914},
pmid = {34525260},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {824.15.015//Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)/ ; 201506300038//China Scholarship Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Diploidy ; Female ; Haploidy ; *Hymenoptera/genetics/microbiology ; Male ; Parthenogenesis ; *Wasps/genetics/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Complementary sex determination (CSD) is a widespread sex determination mechanism in haplodiploid Hymenoptera. Under CSD, sex is determined by the allelic state of one or multiple CSD loci. Heterozygosity at one or more loci leads to female development, whereas hemizygosity of haploid eggs and homozygosity of diploid eggs results in male development. Sexual (arrhenotokous) reproduction normally yields haploid male and diploid female offspring. Under asexual reproduction (thelytoky), diploidized unfertilized eggs develop into females. Thelytoky is often induced by bacterial endosymbionts that achieve egg diploidization by gamete duplication. As gamete duplication leads to complete homozygosity, endosymbiont-induced thelytokous reproduction is presumed to be incompatible with CSD, which relies on heterozygosity for female development. Previously, we excluded CSD in four Asobara (Braconidae) species and proposed a two-step mechanism for Wolbachia-induced thelytoky in Asobara japonica. Here, we conclusively reject CSD in two cynipid wasp species, Leptopilina heterotoma and Leptopilina clavipes. We further show that thelytoky in L. clavipes depends on Wolbachia titer but that diploidization and feminization steps cannot be separated, unlike in A. japonica. We discuss what these results reveal about the sex determination mechanism of L. clavipes and the presumed incompatibility between CSD and endosymbiont-induced thelytoky in the Hymenoptera.},
}
@article {pmid34525331,
year = {2021},
author = {Zhong, Z and Zhong, T and Peng, Y and Zhou, X and Wang, Z and Tang, H and Wang, J},
title = {Symbiont-regulated serotonin biosynthesis modulates tick feeding activity.},
journal = {Cell host &amp; microbe},
volume = {29},
number = {10},
pages = {1545-1557.e4},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2021.08.011},
pmid = {34525331},
issn = {1934-6069},
mesh = {Animals ; Blood/parasitology ; Coxiella/*physiology ; Feeding Behavior ; Humans ; Serotonin/*biosynthesis ; *Symbiosis ; Ticks/*microbiology/*physiology ; Tryptophan/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods. Blood feeding ensures that ticks obtain nutrients essential for their survival, development, and reproduction while providing routes for pathogen transmission. However, the effectors that determine tick feeding activities remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that reduced abundance of the symbiont Coxiella (CHI) in Haemaphysalis longicornis decreases blood intake. Providing tetracycline-treated ticks with the CHI-derived tryptophan precursor chorismate, tryptophan, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) restores the feeding defect. Mechanistically, CHI-derived chorismate increases tick 5-HT biosynthesis by stimulating the expression of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD), which catalyzes the decarboxylation of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) to 5-HT. The increased level of 5-HT in the synganglion and midgut promotes tick feeding. Inhibition of CHI chorismate biosynthesis by treating the colonized tick with the herbicide glyphosate suppresses blood-feeding behavior. Taken together, our results demonstrate an important function of the endosymbiont Coxiella in the regulation of tick 5-HT biosynthesis and feeding.},
}
@article {pmid34527601,
year = {2021},
author = {Altinli, M and Schnettler, E and Sicard, M},
title = {Symbiotic Interactions Between Mosquitoes and Mosquito Viruses.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {694020},
pmid = {34527601},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Animals ; *Arboviruses ; *Culicidae ; Female ; Humans ; *Insect Viruses ; Metagenomics ; *Viruses ; },
abstract = {Mosquitoes not only transmit human and veterinary pathogens called arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) but also harbor mosquito-associated insect-specific viruses (mosquito viruses) that cannot infect vertebrates. In the past, studies investigating mosquito viruses mainly focused on highly pathogenic interactions that were easier to detect than those without visible symptoms. However, the recent advances in viral metagenomics have highlighted the abundance and diversity of viruses which do not generate mass mortality in host populations. Over the last decade, this has facilitated the rapid growth of virus discovery in mosquitoes. The circumstances around the discovery of mosquito viruses greatly affected how they have been studied so far. While earlier research mainly focused on the pathogenesis caused by DNA and some double-stranded RNA viruses during larval stages, more recently discovered single-stranded RNA mosquito viruses were heavily studied for their putative interference with arboviruses in female adults. Thus, many aspects of mosquito virus interactions with their hosts and host-microbiota are still unknown. In this context, considering mosquito viruses as endosymbionts can help to identify novel research areas, in particular in relation to their long-term interactions with their hosts (e.g. relationships during all life stages, the stability of the associations at evolutionary scales, transmission routes and virulence evolution) and the possible context-dependent range of interactions (i.e. beneficial to antagonistic). Here, we review the symbiotic interactions of mosquito viruses considering different aspects of their ecology, such as transmission, host specificity, host immune system and interactions with other symbionts within the host cellular arena. Finally, we highlight related research gaps in mosquito virus research.},
}
@article {pmid34529074,
year = {2022},
author = {Roeder, AHK and Otegui, MS and Dixit, R and Anderson, CT and Faulkner, C and Zhang, Y and Harrison, MJ and Kirchhelle, C and Goshima, G and Coate, JE and Doyle, JJ and Hamant, O and Sugimoto, K and Dolan, L and Meyer, H and Ehrhardt, DW and Boudaoud, A and Messina, C},
title = {Fifteen compelling open questions in plant cell biology.},
journal = {The Plant cell},
volume = {34},
number = {1},
pages = {72-102},
pmid = {34529074},
issn = {1532-298X},
support = {BB/P01979X/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; R01 GM134037/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139552/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Cell Biology ; Plant Cells/*physiology ; Plant Development ; *Plant Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {As scientists, we are at least as excited about the open questions-the things we do not know-as the discoveries. Here, we asked 15 experts to describe the most compelling open questions in plant cell biology. These are their questions: How are organelle identity, domains, and boundaries maintained under the continuous flux of vesicle trafficking and membrane remodeling? Is the plant cortical microtubule cytoskeleton a mechanosensory apparatus? How are the cellular pathways of cell wall synthesis, assembly, modification, and integrity sensing linked in plants? Why do plasmodesmata open and close? Is there retrograde signaling from vacuoles to the nucleus? How do root cells accommodate fungal endosymbionts? What is the role of cell edges in plant morphogenesis? How is the cell division site determined? What are the emergent effects of polyploidy on the biology of the cell, and how are any such "rules" conditioned by cell type? Can mechanical forces trigger new cell fates in plants? How does a single differentiated somatic cell reprogram and gain pluripotency? How does polarity develop de-novo in isolated plant cells? What is the spectrum of cellular functions for membraneless organelles and intrinsically disordered proteins? How do plants deal with internal noise? How does order emerge in cells and propagate to organs and organisms from complex dynamical processes? We hope you find the discussions of these questions thought provoking and inspiring.},
}
@article {pmid34529715,
year = {2021},
author = {Son, JH and Weiss, BL and Schneider, DI and Dera, KM and Gstöttenmayer, F and Opiro, R and Echodu, R and Saarman, NP and Attardo, GM and Onyango, M and Abd-Alla, AMM and Aksoy, S},
title = {Infection with endosymbiotic Spiroplasma disrupts tsetse (Glossina fuscipes fuscipes) metabolic and reproductive homeostasis.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {e1009539},
pmid = {34529715},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {UL1 TR001863/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI163969/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; D43 TW007391/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI051584/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI139525/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI068932/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Insect Vectors/*microbiology/*physiology ; Male ; *Spiroplasma ; Symbiosis/*physiology ; Tsetse Flies/*microbiology/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) house a population-dependent assortment of microorganisms that can include pathogenic African trypanosomes and maternally transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria, the latter of which mediate numerous aspects of their host's metabolic, reproductive, and immune physiologies. One of these endosymbionts, Spiroplasma, was recently discovered to reside within multiple tissues of field captured and laboratory colonized tsetse flies grouped in the Palpalis subgenera. In various arthropods, Spiroplasma induces reproductive abnormalities and pathogen protective phenotypes. In tsetse, Spiroplasma infections also induce a protective phenotype by enhancing the fly's resistance to infection with trypanosomes. However, the potential impact of Spiroplasma on tsetse's viviparous reproductive physiology remains unknown. Herein we employed high-throughput RNA sequencing and laboratory-based functional assays to better characterize the association between Spiroplasma and the metabolic and reproductive physiologies of G. fuscipes fuscipes (Gff), a prominent vector of human disease. Using field-captured Gff, we discovered that Spiroplasma infection induces changes of sex-biased gene expression in reproductive tissues that may be critical for tsetse's reproductive fitness. Using a Gff lab line composed of individuals heterogeneously infected with Spiroplasma, we observed that the bacterium and tsetse host compete for finite nutrients, which negatively impact female fecundity by increasing the length of intrauterine larval development. Additionally, we found that when males are infected with Spiroplasma, the motility of their sperm is compromised following transfer to the female spermatheca. As such, Spiroplasma infections appear to adversely impact male reproductive fitness by decreasing the competitiveness of their sperm. Finally, we determined that the bacterium is maternally transmitted to intrauterine larva at a high frequency, while paternal transmission was also noted in a small number of matings. Taken together, our findings indicate that Spiroplasma exerts a negative impact on tsetse fecundity, an outcome that could be exploited for reducing tsetse population size and thus disease transmission.},
}
@article {pmid34533888,
year = {2021},
author = {Nagase, H and Watanabe, T and Koshikawa, N and Yamamoto, S and Takenaga, K and Lin, J},
title = {Mitochondria: Endosymbiont bacteria DNA sequence as a target against cancer.},
journal = {Cancer science},
volume = {112},
number = {12},
pages = {4834-4843},
pmid = {34533888},
issn = {1349-7006},
support = {//The Tokyo Biochemical Research Foundation/ ; //the Princess Takamatsu Cancer Research Fund/ ; 18ae0101051//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; 21ek0109495//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; 21zf0127001//Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development/ ; 17H03602//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP16H01579//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP20H03540//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; JP26290060//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Genome, Mitochondrial/drug effects ; Humans ; Mitochondria/drug effects/*genetics ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Mutation ; Neoplasms/drug therapy/*genetics ; Organophosphorus Compounds/chemistry/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {As the energy factory for the cell, the mitochondrion, through its role of adenosine triphosphate production by oxidative phosphorylation, can be regarded as the guardian of well regulated cellular metabolism; the integrity of mitochondrial functions, however, is particularly vulnerable in cancer due to the lack of superstructures such as histone and lamina folds to protect the mitochondrial genome from unintended exposure, which consequently elevates risks of mutation. In cancer, mechanisms responsible for enforcing quality control surveillance for identifying and eliminating defective mitochondria are often poorly regulated, and certain uneliminated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and polymorphisms can be advantageous for the proliferation, progression, and metastasis of tumor cells. Such pathogenic mtDNA aberrations are likely to increase and occasionally be homoplasmic in cancer cells and, intriguingly, in normal cells in the proximity of tumor microenvironments as well. Distinct characteristics of these abnormalities in mtDNA may provide a new path for cancer therapy. Here we discuss a promising novel therapeutic strategy, using the sequence-specific properties of pyrrole-imidazole polyamide-triphenylphosphonium conjugates, against cancer for clearing abnormal mtDNA by reactivating mitochondrial quality control surveillance.},
}
@article {pmid34539600,
year = {2021},
author = {Price, DRG and Bartley, K and Blake, DP and Karp-Tatham, E and Nunn, F and Burgess, STG and Nisbet, AJ},
title = {A Rickettsiella Endosymbiont Is a Potential Source of Essential B-Vitamins for the Poultry Red Mite, Dermanyssus gallinae.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {695346},
pmid = {34539600},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Many obligate blood-sucking arthropods rely on symbiotic bacteria to provision essential B vitamins that are either missing or at sub-optimal levels in their nutritionally challenging blood diet. The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae, an obligate blood-feeding ectoparasite, is a serious threat to the hen egg industry. Poultry red mite infestation has a major impact on hen health and welfare and causes a significant reduction in both egg quality and production. Thus far, the identity and biological role of nutrient provisioning bacterial mutualists from D. gallinae are little understood. Here, we demonstrate that an obligate intracellular bacterium of the Rickettsiella genus is detected in D. gallinae mites collected from 63 sites (from 15 countries) across Europe. In addition, we report the genome sequence of Rickettsiella from D. gallinae (Rickettsiella - D. gallinae endosymbiont; Rickettsiella DGE). Rickettsiella DGE has a circular 1.89Mbp genome that encodes 1,973 proteins. Phylogenetic analysis confirms the placement of Rickettsiella DGE within the Rickettsiella genus, related to a facultative endosymbiont from the pea aphid and Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) from blood feeding ticks. Analysis of the Rickettsiella DGE genome reveals that many protein-coding sequences are either pseudogenized or lost, but Rickettsiella DGE has retained several B vitamin biosynthesis pathways, suggesting the importance of these pathways in evolution of a nutritional symbiosis with D. gallinae. In silico metabolic pathway reconstruction revealed that Rickettsiella DGE is unable to synthesize protein amino acids and, therefore, amino acids are potentially provisioned by the host. In contrast, Rickettsiella DGE retains biosynthetic pathways for B vitamins: thiamine (vitamin B1) via the salvage pathway; riboflavin (vitamin B2) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and the cofactors: flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and coenzyme A (CoA) that likely provision these nutrients to the host.},
}
@article {pmid34547433,
year = {2021},
author = {Tang, W and Guo, M and Jiang, X and Xu, H},
title = {Expression, purification, and biochemical characterization of an NAD[+]-dependent homoserine dehydrogenase from the symbiotic Polynucleobacter necessarius subsp. necessarius.},
journal = {Protein expression and purification},
volume = {188},
number = {},
pages = {105977},
doi = {10.1016/j.pep.2021.105977},
pmid = {34547433},
issn = {1096-0279},
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Aspartic Acid/analogs &amp; derivatives/*biosynthesis/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/biosynthesis/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Burkholderiaceae/chemistry/*enzymology/genetics ; Chromatography, Gel ; Cloning, Molecular ; Escherichia coli/genetics/metabolism ; Euplotes/microbiology ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Vectors/chemistry/metabolism ; Homoserine/metabolism ; Homoserine Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Kinetics ; Molecular Weight ; NAD/*metabolism ; NADP/metabolism ; Protein Multimerization ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins/biosynthesis/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Sequence Alignment ; Sequence Homology, Amino Acid ; Small Ubiquitin-Related Modifier Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis/physiology ; },
abstract = {Homoserine dehydrogenase (HSD), encoded by the hom gene, is a key enzyme in the aspartate pathway, which reversibly catalyzes the conversion of l-aspartate β-semialdehyde to l-homoserine (l-Hse), using either NAD(H) or NADP(H) as a coenzyme. In this work, we presented the first characterization of the HSD from the symbiotic Polynucleobacter necessaries subsp. necessarius (PnHSD) produced in Escherichia coli. Sequence analysis showed that PnHSD is an ACT domain-containing monofunctional HSD with 436 amnio acid residues. SDS-PAGE and Western blot demonstrated that PnHSD could be overexpressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) cell as a soluble form by using SUMO fusion technique. It could be purified to apparent homogeneity for biochemical characterization. Size-exclusion chromatography revealed that the purified PnHSD has a native molecular mass of ∼160 kDa, indicating a homotetrameric structure. The oxidation activity of PnHSD was studied in this work. Kinetic analysis revealed that PnHSD displayed an up to 1460-fold preference for NAD[+] over NADP[+], in contrast to its homologs. The purified PnHSD displayed maximal activity at 35 °C and pH 11. Similar to its NAD[+]-dependent homolog, neither NaCl and KCl activation nor L-Thr inhibition on the enzymatic activity of PnHSD was observed. These results will contribute to a better understanding of the coenzyme specificity of the HSD family and the aspartate pathway of P. necessarius.},
}
@article {pmid34548405,
year = {2021},
author = {Beckmann, JF and Van Vaerenberghe, K and Akwa, DE and Cooper, BS},
title = {A single mutation weakens symbiont-induced reproductive manipulation through reductions in deubiquitylation efficiency.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {118},
number = {39},
pages = {},
pmid = {34548405},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cytoplasm/microbiology/*pathology ; Deubiquitinating Enzymes/metabolism ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics/*microbiology ; Embryo, Nonmammalian/metabolism/*microbiology ; Female ; Male ; *Mutation ; *Symbiosis ; *Ubiquitination ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Animals interact with microbes that affect their performance and fitness, including endosymbionts that reside inside their cells. Maternally transmitted Wolbachia bacteria are the most common known endosymbionts, in large part because of their manipulation of host reproduction. For example, many Wolbachia cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that reduces host embryonic viability when Wolbachia-modified sperm fertilize uninfected eggs. Operons termed cifs control CI, and a single factor (cifA) rescues it, providing Wolbachia-infected females a fitness advantage. Despite CI's prevalence in nature, theory indicates that natural selection does not act to maintain CI, which varies widely in strength. Here, we investigate the genetic and functional basis of CI-strength variation observed among sister Wolbachia that infect Drosophila melanogaster subgroup hosts. We cloned, Sanger sequenced, and expressed cif repertoires from weak CI-causing wYak in Drosophila yakuba, revealing mutations suspected to weaken CI relative to model wMel in D. melanogaster A single valine-to-leucine mutation within the deubiquitylating (DUB) domain of the wYak cifB homolog (cidB) ablates a CI-like phenotype in yeast. The same mutation reduces both DUB efficiency in vitro and transgenic CI strength in the fly, each by about twofold. Our results map hypomorphic transgenic CI to reduced DUB activity and indicate that deubiquitylation is central to CI induction in cid systems. We also characterize effects of other genetic variation distinguishing wMel-like cifs Importantly, CI strength determines Wolbachia prevalence in natural systems and directly influences the efficacy of Wolbachia biocontrol strategies in transinfected mosquito systems. These approaches rely on strong CI to reduce human disease.},
}
@article {pmid34552138,
year = {2021},
author = {Figueroa, RI and Howe-Kerr, LI and Correa, AMS},
title = {Direct evidence of sex and a hypothesis about meiosis in Symbiodiniaceae.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {18838},
pmid = {34552138},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Coral Reefs ; DNA/genetics ; Dinoflagellida/genetics/*physiology ; Flow Cytometry ; *Meiosis/physiology ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Mitosis/physiology ; Recombination, Genetic ; Reproduction ; Zygote/physiology ; },
abstract = {Dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae are obligate endosymbionts of diverse marine invertebrates, including corals, and impact the capacity of their hosts to respond to climate change-driven ocean warming. Understanding the conditions under which increased genetic variation in Symbiodiniaceae arises via sexual recombination can support efforts to evolve thermal tolerance in these symbionts and ultimately mitigate coral bleaching, the breakdown of the coral-Symbiodiniaceae partnership under stress. However, direct observations of meiosis in Symbiodiniaceae have not been reported, despite various lines of indirect evidence that it occurs. We present the first cytological evidence of sex in Symbiodiniaceae based on nuclear DNA content and morphology using Image Flow Cytometry, Cell Sorting and Confocal Microscopy. We show the Symbiodiniaceae species, Cladocopium latusorum, undergoes gamete conjugation, zygote formation, and meiosis within a dominant reef-building coral in situ. On average, sex was detected in 1.5% of the cells analyzed (N = 10,000-40,000 cells observed per sample in a total of 20 samples obtained from 3 Pocillopora colonies). We hypothesize that meiosis follows a two-step process described in other dinoflagellates, in which diploid zygotes form dyads during meiosis I, and triads and tetrads as final products of meiosis II. This study sets the stage for investigating environmental triggers of Symbiodiniaceae sexuality and can accelerate the assisted evolution of a key coral symbiont in order to combat reef degradation.},
}
@article {pmid34555085,
year = {2021},
author = {Lau, MJ and Hoffmann, AA and Endersby-Harshman, NM},
title = {A diagnostic primer pair to distinguish between wMel and wAlbB Wolbachia infections.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {e0257781},
pmid = {34555085},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Aedes/*microbiology ; Anaplasmataceae Infections/*diagnosis/veterinary ; Animals ; DNA Primers/*genetics ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Wolbachia/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Detection of the Wolbachia endosymbiont in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes through real-time polymerase chain reaction assays is widely used during and after Wolbachia releases in dengue reduction trials involving the wMel and wAlbB strains. Although several different primer pairs have been applied in current successful Wolbachia releases, they cannot be used in a single assay to distinguish between these strains. Here, we developed a new diagnostic primer pair, wMwA, which can detect the wMel or wAlbB infection in the same assay. We also tested current Wolbachia primers and show that there is variation in their performance when they are used to assess the relative density of Wolbachia. The new wMwA primers provide an accurate and efficient estimate of the presence and density of both Wolbachia infections, with practical implications for Wolbachia estimates in field collected Ae. aegypti where Wolbachia releases have taken place.},
}
@article {pmid34557206,
year = {2021},
author = {Jorrin, B and Maluk, M and Atoliya, N and Kumar, SC and Chalasani, D and Tkacz, A and Singh, P and Basu, A and Pullabhotla, SV and Kumar, M and Mohanty, SR and East, AK and Ramachandran, VK and James, EK and Podile, AR and Saxena, AK and Rao, D and Poole, PS},
title = {Genomic Diversity of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) Endosymbionts in India and Selection of Potential Strains for Use as Agricultural Inoculants.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {680981},
pmid = {34557206},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) is a legume crop resilient to climate change due to its tolerance to drought. It is grown by millions of resource-poor farmers in semiarid and tropical subregions of Asia and Africa and is a major contributor to their nutritional food security. Pigeon pea is the sixth most important legume in the world, with India contributing more than 70% of the total production and harbouring a wide variety of cultivars. Nevertheless, the low yield of pigeon pea grown under dry land conditions and its yield instability need to be improved. This may be done by enhancing crop nodulation and, hence, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by supplying effective symbiotic rhizobia through the application of "elite" inoculants. Therefore, the main aim in this study was the isolation and genomic analysis of effective rhizobial strains potentially adapted to drought conditions. Accordingly, pigeon pea endosymbionts were isolated from different soil types in Southern, Central, and Northern India. After functional characterisation of the isolated strains in terms of their ability to nodulate and promote the growth of pigeon pea, 19 were selected for full genome sequencing, along with eight commercial inoculant strains obtained from the ICRISAT culture collection. The phylogenomic analysis [Average nucleotide identity MUMmer (ANIm)] revealed that the pigeon pea endosymbionts were members of the genera Bradyrhizobium and Ensifer. Based on nodC phylogeny and nod cluster synteny, Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense was revealed as the most common endosymbiont, harbouring nod genes similar to those of Bradyrhizobium cajani and Bradyrhizobium zhanjiangense. This symbiont type (e.g., strain BRP05 from Madhya Pradesh) also outperformed all other strains tested on pigeon pea, with the notable exception of an Ensifer alkalisoli strain from North India (NBAIM29). The results provide the basis for the development of pigeon pea inoculants to increase the yield of this legume through the use of effective nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, tailored for the different agroclimatic regions of India.},
}
@article {pmid34557283,
year = {2021},
author = {Husain, DR and Wardhani, R},
title = {Antibacterial activity of endosymbiotic bacterial compound from Pheretima sp. earthworms inhibit the growth of Salmonella Typhi and Staphylococcus aureus: in vitro and in silico approach.},
journal = {Iranian journal of microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {537-543},
pmid = {34557283},
issn = {2008-3289},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Earthworms coexist with various pathogenic microorganisms; thus, their immunity mechanisms have developed through a long process of adaptation, including through endogenous bacterial symbionts. This study aims to identify earthworm endosymbiont bacteria compounds and their antibacterial activity through an in vitro approach supported by an in silico approach.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research was conducted using the in vitro inhibition test through agar diffusion and the in silico test using molecular docking applications, namely, PyRx and Way2Drugs Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS).<br><br>RESULTS: The in vitro results showed a potent inhibition activity with a clear zone diameter of 21.75 and 15.5 mm for Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhi, respectively. These results are supported by chromatography and in silico tests, which showed that several compounds in endosymbiotic bacteria, cyclo (phenylalanyl-prolyl) and sedanolide, have high binding affinity values with several antibiotic-related target proteins in both pathogenic bacteria. Cyclo (phenylalanyl-prolyl) has the highest binding affinity of -6.0 to dihydropteroate synthase, -8.2 to topoisomerase, and -8.2 to the outer membrane, whereas sedanolide has the highest binding affinity to DNA gyrase with approximately -7.3. This antibiotic activity was also clarified through the Way2Drugs PASS application.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Ten active compounds of endosymbiont bacteria, Cyclo (phenylalanyl-prolyl) and sedanolide were potential candidates for antibacterial compounds based on the inhibition test of the agar diffusion method and the results of reverse docking and Way2Drugs PASS.},
}
@article {pmid34562300,
year = {2021},
author = {Ramírez, CS and Tolmie, C and Opperman, DJ and González, PJ and Rivas, MG and Brondino, CD and Ferroni, FM},
title = {Copper nitrite reductase from Sinorhizobium meliloti 2011: Crystal structure and interaction with the physiological versus a nonmetabolically related cupredoxin-like mediator.},
journal = {Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {2310-2323},
pmid = {34562300},
issn = {1469-896X},
mesh = {Azurin/*chemistry ; Bacterial Proteins/*chemistry ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; Nitrite Reductases/*chemistry ; Protein Domains ; Sinorhizobium meliloti/*enzymology ; },
abstract = {We report the crystal structure of the copper-containing nitrite reductase (NirK) from the Gram-negative bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti 2011 (Sm), together with complex structural alignment and docking studies with both non-cognate and the physiologically related pseudoazurins, SmPaz1 and SmPaz2, respectively. S. meliloti is a rhizobacterium used for the formulation of Medicago sativa bionoculants, and SmNirK plays a key role in this symbiosis through the denitrification pathway. The structure of SmNirK, solved at a resolution of 2.5 Å, showed a striking resemblance with the overall structure of the well-known Class I NirKs composed of two Greek key β-barrel domains. The activity of SmNirK is ~12% of the activity reported for classical NirKs, which could be attributed to several factors such as subtle structural differences in the secondary proton channel, solvent accessibility of the substrate channel, and that the denitrifying activity has to be finely regulated within the endosymbiont. In vitro kinetics performed in homogenous and heterogeneous media showed that both SmPaz1 and SmPaz2, which are coded in different regions of the genome, donate electrons to SmNirK with similar performance. Even though the energetics of the interprotein electron transfer (ET) process is not favorable with either electron donors, adduct formation mediated by conserved residues allows minimizing the distance between the copper centers involved in the interprotein ET process.},
}
@article {pmid34563127,
year = {2021},
author = {Deng, J and Assandri, G and Chauhan, P and Futahashi, R and Galimberti, A and Hansson, B and Lancaster, LT and Takahashi, Y and Svensson, EI and Duplouy, A},
title = {Wolbachia-driven selective sweep in a range expanding insect species.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {181},
pmid = {34563127},
issn = {2730-7182},
mesh = {Animals ; Cyprus ; *DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Odonata/*genetics/*microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Evolutionary processes can cause strong spatial genetic signatures, such as local loss of genetic diversity, or conflicting histories from mitochondrial versus nuclear markers. Investigating these genetic patterns is important, as they may reveal obscured processes and players. The maternally inherited bacterium Wolbachia is among the most widespread symbionts in insects. Wolbachia typically spreads within host species by conferring direct fitness benefits, and/or by manipulating its host reproduction to favour infected over uninfected females. Under sufficient selective advantage, the mitochondrial haplotype associated with the favoured maternally-inherited symbiotic strains will spread (i.e. hitchhike), resulting in low mitochondrial genetic variation across the host species range.<br><br>METHOD: The common bluetail damselfly (Ischnura elegans: van der Linden, 1820) has recently emerged as a model organism for genetics and genomic signatures of range expansion during climate change. Although there is accumulating data on the consequences of such expansion on the genetics of I. elegans, no study has screened for Wolbachia in the damselfly genus Ischnura. Here, we present the biogeographic variation in Wolbachia prevalence and penetrance across Europe and Japan (including samples from 17 populations), and from close relatives in the Mediterranean area (i.e. I. genei: Rambur, 1842; and I. saharensis: Aguesse, 1958).<br><br>RESULTS: Our data reveal (a) multiple Wolbachia-strains, (b) potential transfer of the symbiont through hybridization, (c) higher infection rates at higher latitudes, and (d) reduced mitochondrial diversity in the north-west populations, indicative of hitchhiking associated with the selective sweep of the most common strain. We found low mitochondrial haplotype diversity in the Wolbachia-infected north-western European populations (Sweden, Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Italy) of I. elegans, and, conversely, higher mitochondrial diversity in populations with low penetrance of Wolbachia (Ukraine, Greece, Montenegro and Cyprus). The timing of the selective sweep associated with infected lineages was estimated between 20,000 and 44,000&#xa0;years before present, which is consistent with the end of the last glacial period about 20,000 years.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide an example of how endosymbiont infections can shape spatial variation in their host evolutionary genetics during postglacial expansion. These results also challenge population genetic studies that do not consider the prevalence of symbionts in many insects, which we show can impact geographic patterns of mitochondrial genetic diversity.},
}
@article {pmid34564160,
year = {2021},
author = {De Rinaldis, G and Leone, A and De Domenico, S and Bosch-Belmar, M and Slizyte, R and Milisenda, G and Santucci, A and Albano, C and Piraino, S},
title = {Biochemical Characterization of Cassiopea andromeda (Forsskål, 1775), Another Red Sea Jellyfish in the Western Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {Marine drugs},
volume = {19},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {34564160},
issn = {1660-3397},
support = {AFD9B120//POR PUGLIA FESR-FSE 2014 / 2020 - Research for Innovation REFIN/ ; 774499//European Commission, H2020 program, Research and Innovation Action Project "GoJelly - A gelatinous solution to plastic pollution"/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Antioxidants ; Aquatic Organisms ; *Dietary Supplements ; Ecosystem ; Mediterranean Sea ; *Scyphozoa ; },
abstract = {Increasing frequency of native jellyfish proliferations and massive appearance of non-indigenous jellyfish species recently concur to impact Mediterranean coastal ecosystems and human activities at sea. Nonetheless, jellyfish biomass may represent an exploitable novel resource to coastal communities, with reference to its potential use in the pharmaceutical, nutritional, and nutraceutical Blue Growth sectors. The zooxanthellate jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda, Forsskål, 1775 (Cnidaria, Rhizostomeae) entered the Levant Sea through the Suez Canal and spread towards the Western Mediterranean to reach Malta, Tunisia, and recently also the Italian coasts. Here we report on the biochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of C. andromeda specimens with a discussion on their relative biological activities. The biochemical characterization of the aqueous (PBS) and hydroalcoholic (80% ethanol) soluble components of C. andromeda were performed for whole jellyfish, as well as separately for umbrella and oral arms. The insoluble components were hydrolyzed by sequential enzymatic digestion with pepsin and collagenase. The composition and antioxidant activity of the insoluble and enzymatically digestible fractions were not affected by the pre-extraction types, resulting into collagen- and non-collagen-derived peptides with antioxidant activity. Both soluble compounds and hydrolyzed fractions were characterized for the content of proteins, phenolic compounds, and lipids. The presence of compounds coming from the endosymbiont zooxanthellae was also detected. The notable yield and the considerable antioxidant activity detected make this species worthy of further study for its potential biotechnological sustainable exploitation.},
}
@article {pmid34564228,
year = {2021},
author = {Xu, X and Ridland, PM and Umina, PA and Gill, A and Ross, PA and Pirtle, E and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {High Incidence of Related Wolbachia across Unrelated Leaf-Mining Diptera.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {34564228},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {MT16004//Hort Innovation/ ; },
abstract = {The maternally inherited endosymbiont, Wolbachia pipientis, plays an important role in the ecology and evolution of many of its hosts by affecting host reproduction and fitness. Here, we investigated 13 dipteran leaf-mining species to characterize Wolbachia infections and the potential for this endosymbiont in biocontrol. Wolbachia infections were present in 12 species, including 10 species where the Wolbachia infection was at or near fixation. A comparison of Wolbachia relatedness based on the wsp/MLST gene set showed that unrelated leaf-mining species often shared similar Wolbachia, suggesting common horizontal transfer. We established a colony of Liriomyza brassicae and found adult Wolbachia density was stable; although Wolbachia density differed between the sexes, with females having a 20-fold higher density than males. Wolbachia density increased during L. brassicae development, with higher densities in pupae than larvae. We removed Wolbachia using tetracycline and performed reciprocal crosses between Wolbachia-infected and uninfected individuals. Cured females crossed with infected males failed to produce offspring, indicating that Wolbachia induced complete cytoplasmic incompatibility in L. brassicae. The results highlight the potential of Wolbachia to suppress Liriomyza pests based on approaches such as the incompatible insect technique, where infected males are released into populations lacking Wolbachia or with a different incompatible infection.},
}
@article {pmid34568917,
year = {2021},
author = {Ettinger, CL and Byrne, FJ and Collin, MA and Carter-House, D and Walling, LL and Atkinson, PW and Redak, RA and Stajich, JE},
title = {Improved draft reference genome for the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis), a vector for Pierce's disease.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {11},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {34568917},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {S10 OD016290/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome, Insect ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Metagenome ; Pilot Projects ; *Xylella ; },
abstract = {Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), known as the glassy-winged sharpshooter, is a xylem feeding leafhopper and an important agricultural pest as a vector of Xylella fastidiosa, which causes Pierce's disease in grapes and a variety of other scorch diseases. The current H. vitripennis reference genome from the Baylor College of Medicine's i5k pilot project is a 1.4-Gb assembly with 110,000 scaffolds, which still has significant gaps making identification of genes difficult. To improve on this effort, we used a combination of Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing technology combined with Illumina sequencing reads to generate a better assembly and first-pass annotation of the whole genome sequence of a wild-caught Californian (Tulare County) individual of H. vitripennis. The improved reference genome assembly for H. vitripennis is 1.93-Gb in length (21,254 scaffolds, N50 = 650 Mb, BUSCO completeness = 94.3%), with 33.06% of the genome masked as repetitive. In total, 108,762 gene models were predicted including 98,296 protein-coding genes and 10,466 tRNA genes. As an additional community resource, we identified 27 orthologous candidate genes of interest for future experimental work including phenotypic marker genes like white. Furthermore, as part of the assembly process, we generated four endosymbiont metagenome-assembled genomes, including a high-quality near complete 1.7-Mb Wolbachia sp. genome (1 scaffold, CheckM completeness = 99.4%). The improved genome assembly and annotation for H. vitripennis, curated set of candidate genes, and endosymbiont MAGs will be invaluable resources for future research of H. vitripennis.},
}
@article {pmid34578149,
year = {2021},
author = {Cantanhêde, LM and Mattos, CB and Cruz, AK and Ikenohuchi, YJ and Fernandes, FG and Medeiros, EHRT and da Silva-Júnior, CF and Cupolillo, E and Ferreira, GEM and Ferreira, RGM},
title = {Overcoming the Negligence in Laboratory Diagnosis of Mucosal Leishmaniasis.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {10},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {34578149},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {Elisa Cupolillo - Finance Code 001//Coordena&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Aperfei&#xe7;oamento de Pessoal de N&#xed;vel Superior/ ; Elisa Cupolillo - Researcher Fellow - 302622/2017-9//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; Elisa Cupolillo - CNE, E26-202.569/2019//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; Instituto Nacional de Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia da Amaz&#xf4;nia Ocidental - INCT EpiAmO (465657/2014-1)//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; Universal Fapero 003/2015 (01.1331.00032.029/2015), PAP-PRO-RO (01133100038-0000.75/2016); PPSUS 003/2016 (01133100051-0000.83/2015), Chamada 009/2016 (33621.506.20448.26082016)//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo ao Desenvolvimento das A&#xe7;&#xf5;es Cient&#xed;ficas e Tecnol&#xf3;gicas e &#xe0; Pesquisa - FAPERO/ ; },
abstract = {The northern region of Brazil, which has the largest number of cases of tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) in the country, is also the region that has the highest diversity of species of vectors and Leishmania parasites. In this region, cases of mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), a clinical form of TL, exceed the national average of cases, reaching up to 12% of the total annual TL notifications. ML is associated with multiple factors, such as the parasite species and the viral endosymbiont Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1). Being a chronic parasitological disease, laboratory diagnosis of ML poses a challenge for health services. Here, we evaluated more than 700 clinical samples from patients with clinical suspicion of TL, including patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and mucosal leishmaniasis, comparing the results of parasitological tests-direct parasitological examination by microscopy (DP) and conventional PCR (cPCR) targeting of both kDNA and hsp70. The DP was performed by collecting material from lesions through biopsies (mucosal lesions) or scarification (cutaneous lesions); for PCR, a cervical brush was used for sample collection. Blood samples were tested employing standardized real-time PCR (qPCR) protocol targeting the HSP70 gene. PCR tests showed higher sensitivity than DP for both CL and ML samples. Considering ML samples only (N = 89), DP showed a sensitivity of 49.4% (N = 44) against 98.8% (N = 88) for kDNA PCR. The qPCR hsp70 for blood samples from patients with ML (N = 14) resulted in superior sensitivity (50%; N = 7) compared to DP (21.4%; N = 3) for samples from the same patients. Our results reinforced the need to implement a molecular test for the diagnosis of ML, in addition to proposing methods less invasive for collecting material from TL patients. Sample collection using a cervical brush in lesions observed in CL and ML patients is easy to perform and less invasive, compared to scarification and biopsies. Blood samples could be a good source for qPCR diagnosis for ML patients. Thus, we propose here a standardized method for collection and for performing of molecular diagnosis of clinical samples from suspicious ML patients that can be applied in reference services for improving ML diagnosis.},
}
@article {pmid34579766,
year = {2021},
author = {Lee, H and Seo, MG and Lee, SH and Oem, JK and Kim, SH and Jeong, H and Kim, Y and Jheong, WH and Kwon, OD and Kwak, D},
title = {Relationship among bats, parasitic bat flies, and associated pathogens in Korea.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {503},
pmid = {34579766},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {NIER-2019-01-01-006//national institute of environmental research/ ; NRF-2016R1D1A1B02015366//National Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/classification/*genetics/pathogenicity ; Chiroptera/*parasitology ; Diptera/anatomy &amp; histology/classification/*microbiology/*parasitology ; Disease Reservoirs/microbiology/parasitology ; Disease Vectors ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Male ; Parasites/classification/*genetics/pathogenicity ; Phylogeny ; Republic of Korea ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bats are hosts for many ectoparasites and act as reservoirs for several infectious agents, some of which exhibit zoonotic potential. Here, species of bats and bat flies were identified and screened for microorganisms that could be mediated by bat flies.<br><br>METHODS: Bat species were identified on the basis of their morphological characteristics. Bat flies associated with bat species were initially morphologically identified and further identified at the genus level by analyzing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Different vector-borne pathogens and endosymbionts were screened using PCR to assess all possible relationships among bats, parasitic bat flies, and their associated organisms.<br><br>RESULTS: Seventy-four bat flies were collected from 198 bats; 66 of these belonged to Nycteribiidae and eight to Streblidae families. All Streblidae bat flies were hosted by Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, known as the most common Korean bat. Among the 74 tested bat flies, PCR and nucleotide sequencing data showed that 35 (47.3%) and 20 (27.0%) carried Wolbachia and Bartonella bacteria, respectively, whereas tests for Anaplasma, Borrelia, Hepatozoon, Babesia, Theileria, and Coxiella were negative. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Wolbachia endosymbionts belonged to two different supergroups, A and F. One sequence of Bartonella was identical to that of Bartonella isolated from Taiwanese bats.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The vectorial role of bat flies should be checked by testing the same pathogen and bacterial organisms by collecting blood from host bats. This study is of great interest in the fields of disease ecology and public health owing to the bats' potential to transmit pathogens to humans and/or livestock.},
}
@article {pmid34580706,
year = {2021},
author = {Bubnell, JE and Fernandez-Begne, P and Ulbing, CKS and Aquadro, CF},
title = {Diverse wMel variants of Wolbachia pipientis differentially rescue fertility and cytological defects of the bag of marbles partial loss of function mutation in Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {11},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {34580706},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {R01 GM095793/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Calcium Carbonate ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; Female ; Fertility/genetics ; Loss of Function Mutation ; Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {In Drosophila melanogaster, the maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis interacts with germline stem cell genes during oogenesis. One such gene, bag of marbles (bam) is the key switch for differentiation and also shows signals of adaptive evolution for protein diversification. These observations have led us to hypothesize that W. pipientis could be driving the adaptive evolution of bam for control of oogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we must understand the specificity of the genetic interaction between bam and W. pipientis. Previously, we documented that the W. pipientis variant, wMel, rescued the fertility of the bamBW hypomorphic mutant as a transheterozygote over a bam null. However, bamBW was generated more than 20 years ago in an uncontrolled genetic background and maintained over a balancer chromosome. Consequently, the chromosome carrying bamBW accumulated mutations that have prevented controlled experiments to further assess the interaction. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer the same single amino acid bam hypomorphic mutation (bamL255F) and a new bam null disruption mutation into the w1118 isogenic background. We assess the fertility of wildtype bam, bamL255F/bamnull hypomorphic, and bamL255F/bamL255F mutant females, each infected individually with 10 W. pipientis wMel variants representing three phylogenetic clades. Overall, we find that all of the W. pipientis variants tested here rescue bam hypomorphic fertility defects with wMelCS-like variants exhibiting the strongest rescue effects. In addition, these variants did not increase wildtype bam female fertility. Therefore, both bam and W. pipientis interact in genotype-specific ways to modulate female fertility, a critical fitness phenotype.},
}
@article {pmid34588907,
year = {2021},
author = {Tyagi, K and Tyagi, I and Kumar, V},
title = {Insights into the gut bacterial communities of spider from wild with no evidence of phylosymbiosis.},
journal = {Saudi journal of biological sciences},
volume = {28},
number = {10},
pages = {5913-5924},
pmid = {34588907},
issn = {1319-562X},
abstract = {In the present study, an effort has been made to elucidate the gut bacterial diversity of twelve species of the family Araneidae under three subfamilies collected from 5 states of India along with their predicted metabolic role in functional metabolism. Further, we also compared the host species phylogeny based on partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences with the gut bacteria composition dendrogram to decipher the phylosymbiotic relationships. Analysis revealed the presence of 22 bacterial phyla, 145 families, and 364 genera in the gut, with Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Deinococcus-Thermus as the highest abundant phyla. Moreover, phylum Bacteriodetes was dominated only in Cyclosa mulmeinensis and Chlamydiae in Neoscona bengalensis. At the genus level, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Cutibacterium, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus were the most dominant genera. Furthermore, the genus Prevotella was observed only in Cyclosa mulmeinensis, and endosymbiont Wolbachia only in Eriovixia laglaizei. The differential abundance analysis (DeSeq2) revealed the 19 significant ASVs represented by the genera like Acinetobacter, Vagoccoccus, Prevotella, Staphylococcus, Curvibacter, Corynebacterium, Paracoccus, Streptococcus, Microbacterium, and Pseudocitrobacter. The inter- and intra-subfamilies comparison based on diversity indices (alpha and beta diversity) revealed that the subfamily Araneinae have high richness and diversity than Argiopinae and Gasteracanthinae. The phylosymbiotic analysis revealed that there is no congruence between the gut bacteria composition dendrogram with their host phylogeny.},
}
@article {pmid34595249,
year = {2017},
author = {Kageyama, D},
title = {Quantification of Densities of Bacterial Endosymbionts of Insects by Real-time PCR.},
journal = {Bio-protocol},
volume = {7},
number = {19},
pages = {e2566},
pmid = {34595249},
issn = {2331-8325},
abstract = {Increased attention has been paid to the endosymbiotic bacteria of insects. Because most insect endosymbionts are uncultivable, quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a practical and convenient method to quantify endosymbiont titers. Here we report a protocol for real-time qPCR based on SYBR Green I fluorescence as well as some tips to prevent possible pitfalls.},
}
@article {pmid34596262,
year = {2021},
author = {Guo, C and Peng, X and Wang, H and Zheng, X and Hu, P and Zhou, J and Ding, Z and Wang, X and Yang, Z},
title = {Bacterial diversity of Leptocybe invasa Fisher &amp; La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from different geographical conditions in China.},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {108},
number = {4},
pages = {e21847},
doi = {10.1002/arch.21847},
pmid = {34596262},
issn = {1520-6327},
support = {2018GXNSFAA138099//Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province/ ; 2018GXNSFDA281004//Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province/ ; 2018GXNSFAA294008//Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Province/ ; 31560212//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31870634//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31971664//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Acclimatization ; Animals ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Genes, Bacterial ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Metagenomics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Symbiosis ; Wasps/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {Insects harbor numerous endosymbionts, including bacteria, fungi, yeast, and viruses, which could affect the ecology and behavior of their hosts. However, data regarding the effect of environmental factors on endosymbiotic bacteria of Leptocybe invasa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) are quite rare. In this study, we assessed the diversity of endosymbiotic bacteria of L. invasa from 10 different geographic populations collected across China through the Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 547 OTUs were generated, which were annotated into 19 phyla, 33 classes, 75 orders, 137 families, and 274 genera. The dominant bacteria detected in L. invasa were Rickettsia, and Pantoea, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Bacillus were also annotated among each population. Nevertheless, the endosymbiotic bacterial abundance and diversity varied among different populations, which was related to the local climate (annual mean high temperature). The bacterial function prediction analysis showed that these endosymbiotic bacteria were concentrated in metabolism, such as carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism. Overall, the results provide a comprehensive description of the endosymbiotic bacteria in 10 different populations of an important eucalyptus pest L. invasa, and help to understand the endosymbiotic bacterial diversity and adaptation of various conditions.},
}
@article {pmid34599211,
year = {2021},
author = {Hertaeg, C and Risse, M and Vorburger, C and De Moraes, CM and Mescher, MC},
title = {Aphids harbouring different endosymbionts exhibit differences in cuticular hydrocarbon profiles that can be recognized by ant mutualists.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {19559},
pmid = {34599211},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants ; Aphids/*microbiology/*physiology ; Behavior, Animal ; Hydrocarbons/chemistry/*metabolism ; Species Specificity ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have important communicative functions for ants, which use CHC profiles to recognize mutualistic aphid partners. Aphid endosymbionts can influence the quality of their hosts as ant mutualists, via effects on honeydew composition, and might also affect CHC profiles, suggesting that ants could potentially use CHC cues to discriminate among aphid lines harbouring different endosymbionts. We explored how several strains of Hamiltonella defensa and Regiella insecticola influence the CHC profiles of host aphids (Aphis fabae) and the ability of aphid-tending ants (Lasius niger) to distinguish the profiles of aphids hosting different endosymbionts. We found significant compositional differences between the CHCs of aphids with different infections. Some endosymbionts changed the proportions of odd-chain linear alkanes, while others changed primarily methyl-branched compounds, which may be particularly important for communication. Behavioural assays, in which we trained ants to associate CHC profiles of endosymbiont infected or uninfected aphids with food rewards, revealed that ants readily learned to distinguish differences in aphid CHC profiles associated with variation in endosymbiont strains. While previous work has documented endosymbiont effects on aphid interactions with antagonists, the current findings support the hypothesis that endosymbionts also alter traits that influence communicative interactions with ant mutualists.},
}
@article {pmid34612500,
year = {2021},
author = {Colosimo, G and Jackson, AC and Benton, A and Varela-Stokes, A and Iverson, J and Knapp, CR and Welch, M},
title = {Correlated Population Genetic Structure in a Three-Tiered Host-Parasite System: The Potential for Coevolution and Adaptive Divergence.},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {112},
number = {7},
pages = {590-601},
doi = {10.1093/jhered/esab058},
pmid = {34612500},
issn = {1465-7333},
mesh = {Animals ; Genetics, Population ; *Iguanas ; *Lizards ; *Parasites ; },
abstract = {Three subspecies of Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas, Cyclura cychlura, are currently recognized: C. c. cychlura, restricted to Andros Island, and C. c. figginsi and C. c. inornata, native to the Exuma Island chain. Populations on Andros are genetically distinct from Exuma Island populations, yet genetic divergence among populations in the Exumas is inconsistent with the 2 currently recognized subspecies from those islands. The potential consequences of this discrepancy might include the recognition of a single subspecies throughout the Exumas rather than 2. That inference also ignores evidence that populations of C. cychlura are potentially adaptively divergent. We compared patterns of population relatedness in a three-tiered host-parasite system: C. cychlura iguanas, their ticks (genus Amblyomma, preferentially parasitizing these reptiles), and Rickettsia spp. endosymbionts (within tick ectoparasites). Our results indicate that while C. c. cychlura on Andros is consistently supported as a separate clade, patterns of relatedness among populations of C. c. figginsi and C. c. inornata within the Exuma Island chain are more complex. The distribution of the hosts, different tick species, and Rickettsia spp., supports the evolutionary independence of C. c. inornata. Further, these patterns are also consistent with two independent evolutionarily significant units within C. c. figginsi. Our findings suggest coevolutionary relationships between the reptile hosts, their ectoparasites, and rickettsial organisms, suggesting local adaptation. This work also speaks to the limitations of using neutral molecular markers from a single focal taxon as the sole currency for recognizing evolutionary novelty in populations of endangered species.},
}
@article {pmid34613411,
year = {2022},
author = {Uthanumallian, K and Iha, C and Repetti, SI and Chan, CX and Bhattacharya, D and Duchene, S and Verbruggen, H},
title = {Tightly Constrained Genome Reduction and Relaxation of Purifying Selection during Secondary Plastid Endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {39},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {34613411},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {*Dinoflagellida/genetics ; Genome ; *Genome, Plastid ; Phylogeny ; Plastids/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiosis, the establishment of a former free-living prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell as an organelle inside a host cell, can dramatically alter the genomic architecture of the endosymbiont. Plastids or chloroplasts, the light-harvesting organelle of photosynthetic eukaryotes, are excellent models to study this phenomenon because plastid origin has occurred multiple times in evolution. Here, we investigate the genomic signature of molecular processes acting through secondary plastid endosymbiosis-the origination of a new plastid from a free-living eukaryotic alga. We used phylogenetic comparative methods to study gene loss and changes in selective regimes on plastid genomes, focusing on green algae that have given rise to three independent lineages with secondary plastids (euglenophytes, chlorarachniophytes, and Lepidodinium). Our results show an overall increase in gene loss associated with secondary endosymbiosis, but this loss is tightly constrained by the retention of genes essential for plastid function. The data show that secondary plastids have experienced temporary relaxation of purifying selection during secondary endosymbiosis. However, this process is tightly constrained, with selection relaxed only relative to the background in primary plastids. Purifying selection remains strong in absolute terms even during the endosymbiosis events. Selection intensity rebounds to pre-endosymbiosis levels following endosymbiosis events, demonstrating the changes in selection efficiency during different origin phases of secondary plastids. Independent endosymbiosis events in the euglenophytes, chlorarachniophytes, and Lepidodinium differ in their degree of relaxation of selection, highlighting the different evolutionary contexts of these events. This study reveals the selection-drift interplay during secondary endosymbiosis and evolutionary parallels during organellogenesis.},
}
@article {pmid34614366,
year = {2022},
author = {Vorburger, C},
title = {Defensive Symbionts and the Evolution of Parasitoid Host Specialization.},
journal = {Annual review of entomology},
volume = {67},
number = {},
pages = {329-346},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-072621-062042},
pmid = {34614366},
issn = {1545-4487},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology ; Food Chain ; Host Specificity ; Symbiosis ; *Wasps ; },
abstract = {Insect host-parasitoid interactions abound in nature and are characterized by a high degree of host specialization. In addition to their behavioral and immune defenses, many host species rely on heritable bacterial endosymbionts for defense against parasitoids. Studies on aphids and flies show that resistance conferred by symbionts can be very strong and highly specific, possibly as a result of variation in symbiont-produced toxins. I argue that defensive symbionts are therefore an important source of diversifying selection, promoting the evolution of host specialization by parasitoids. This is likely to affect the structure of host-parasitoid food webs. I consider potential changes in terms of food web complexity, although the nature of these effects will also be influenced by whether maternally transmitted symbionts have some capacity for lateral transfer. This is discussed in the light of available evidence for horizontal transmission routes. Finally, I propose that defensive mutualisms other than microbial endosymbionts may also exert diversifying selection on insect parasitoids.},
}
@article {pmid34620940,
year = {2021},
author = {Kuroyanagi, A and Irie, T and Kinoshita, S and Kawahata, H and Suzuki, A and Nishi, H and Sasaki, O and Takashima, R and Fujita, K},
title = {Decrease in volume and density of foraminiferal shells with progressing ocean acidification.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {19988},
pmid = {34620940},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Rapid increases in anthropogenic atmospheric CO2 partial pressure have led to a decrease in the pH of seawater. Calcifying organisms generally respond negatively to ocean acidification. Foraminifera are one of the major carbonate producers in the ocean; however, whether calcification reduction by ocean acidification affects either foraminiferal shell volume or density, or both, has yet to be investigated. In this study, we cultured asexually reproducing specimens of Amphisorus kudakajimensis, a dinoflagellate endosymbiont-bearing large benthic foraminifera (LBF), under different pH conditions (pH 7.7-8.3, NBS scale). The results suggest that changes in seawater pH would affect not only the quantity (i.e., shell volume) but also the quality (i.e., shell density) of foraminiferal calcification. We proposed that pH and temperature affect these growth parameters differently because (1) they have differences in the contribution to the calcification process (e.g., Ca[2+]-ATPase and Ω) and (2) pH mainly affects calcification and temperature mainly affects photosynthesis. Our findings also suggest that, under the IPCC RCP8.5 scenario, both ocean acidification and warming will have a significant impact on reef foraminiferal carbonate production by the end of this century, even in the tropics.},
}
@article {pmid34621258,
year = {2021},
author = {Jiao, J and Zhang, J and He, P and OuYang, X and Yu, Y and Wen, B and Sun, Y and Yuan, Q and Xiong, X},
title = {Identification of Tick-Borne Pathogens and Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in Rhipicephalus microplus in Yunnan Province, China.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {736484},
pmid = {34621258},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Rhipicephalus microplus, a vector that can transmit many pathogens to humans and domestic animals, is widely distributed in Yunnan province, China. However, few reports on the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in Rh. microplus in Yunnan are available. The aim of this study was to detect TBPs in Rh. microplus in Yunnan and to analyze the phylogenetic characterization of TBPs detected in these ticks. The adult Rh. microplus (n = 516) feeding on cattle were collected. The pooled DNA samples of these ticks were evaluated using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and then TBPs in individual ticks were identified using genus- or group-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with DNA sequencing assay. As a result, Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis (24.61%, 127/516), Anaplasma marginale (13.18%, 68/516), Coxiella burnetii (3.10%, 16/516), and Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) (8.33%, 43/516) were detected. The dual coinfection with Ca. R. jingxinensis and A. marginale and the triple coinfection with Ca. R. jingxinensis, A. marginale, and CLE were most frequent and detected in 3.68% (19/516) and 3.10% (16/516) of these ticks, respectively. The results provide insight into the diversity of TBPs and their coinfections in Rh. microplus in Yunnan province of China, reporting for the first time that C. burnetii had been found in Rh. microplus in China. Multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis with 6 loci (MLVA-6) discriminated the C. burnetii detected in Rh. microplus in Yunnan into MLVA genotype 1, which is closely related to previously described genotypes found primarily in tick and human samples from different regions of the globe, indicating a potential public health threat posed by C. burnetii in Rh. microplus in Yunnan.},
}
@article {pmid34623904,
year = {2022},
author = {Simon, C and Cooley, JR and Karban, R and Sota, T},
title = {Advances in the Evolution and Ecology of 13- and 17-Year Periodical Cicadas.},
journal = {Annual review of entomology},
volume = {67},
number = {},
pages = {457-482},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-072121-061108},
pmid = {34623904},
issn = {1545-4487},
mesh = {Animals ; Ecology ; Ecosystem ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology ; Humans ; Life Cycle Stages ; Phylogeography ; },
abstract = {Apart from model organisms, 13- and 17-year periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada) are among the most studied insects in evolution and ecology. They are attractive subjects because they predictably emerge in large numbers; have a complex biogeography shaped by both spatial and temporal isolation; and include three largely sympatric, parallel species groups that are, in a sense, evolutionary replicates. Magicicada are also relatively easy to capture and manipulate, and their spectacular, synchronized mass emergences facilitate outreach and citizen science opportunities. Since the last major review, studies of Magicicada have revealed insights into reproductive character displacement and the nature of species boundaries, provided additional examples of allochronic speciation, found evidence for repeated and parallel (but noncontemporaneous) evolution of 13- and 17-year life cycles, quantified the amount and direction of gene flow through time, revealed phylogeographic patterning resulting from paleoclimate change, examined the timing of juvenile development, and created hypotheses for the evolution of life-cycle control and the future effects of climate changeon Magicicada life cycles. New ecological studies have supported and questioned the role of prime numbers in Magicicada ecology and evolution, found bidirectional shifts in population size over generations, quantified the contribution of Magicicada to nutrient flow in forest ecosystems, and examined behavioral and biochemical interactions between Magicicada and their fungal parasites and bacterial endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid34627407,
year = {2021},
author = {McGorum, BC and Chen, Z and Glendinning, L and Gweon, HS and Hunt, L and Ivens, A and Keen, JA and Pirie, RS and Taylor, J and Wilkinson, T and McLachlan, G},
title = {Equine grass sickness (a multiple systems neuropathy) is associated with alterations in the gastrointestinal mycobiome.},
journal = {Animal microbiome},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {70},
pmid = {34627407},
issn = {2524-4671},
support = {G1016//The Horse Trust/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a multiple systems neuropathy of grazing horses of unknown aetiology. An apparently identical disease occurs in cats, dogs, rabbits, hares, sheep, alpacas and llamas. Many of the risk factors for EGS are consistent with it being a pasture mycotoxicosis. To identify potential causal fungi, the gastrointestinal mycobiota of EGS horses were evaluated using targeted amplicon sequencing, and compared with those of two control groups. Samples were collected post mortem from up to 5 sites in the gastrointestinal tracts of EGS horses (EGS group; 150 samples from 54 horses) and from control horses that were not grazing EGS pastures and that had been euthanased for reasons other than neurologic and gastrointestinal diseases (CTRL group; 67 samples from 31 horses). Faecal samples were also collected from healthy control horses that were co-grazing pastures with EGS horses at disease onset (CoG group; 48 samples from 48 horses).<br><br>RESULTS: Mycobiota at all 5 gastrointestinal sites comprised large numbers of fungi exhibiting diverse taxonomy, growth morphology, trophic mode and ecological guild. FUNGuild analysis parsed most phylotypes as ingested environmental microfungi, agaricoids and yeasts, with only 1% as gastrointestinal adapted animal endosymbionts. Mycobiota richness varied throughout the gastrointestinal tract and was greater in EGS horses. There were significant inter-group and inter-site differences in mycobiota structure. A large number of phylotypes were differentially abundant among groups. Key phylotypes (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;56) associated with EGS were identified that had high abundance and high prevalence in EGS samples, significantly increased abundance in EGS samples, and were important determinants of the inter-group differences in mycobiota structure. Many key phylotypes were extremophiles and/or were predicted to produce cytotoxic and/or neurotoxic extrolites.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported molecular characterisation of the gastrointestinal mycobiota of grazing horses. Key phylotypes associated with EGS were identified. Further work is required to determine whether neurotoxic extrolites from key phylotypes contribute to EGS aetiology or whether the association of key phylotypes and EGS is a consequence of disease or is non-causal.},
}
@article {pmid34634928,
year = {2021},
author = {Jiménez, NE and Gerdtzen, ZP and Olivera-Nappa, &#xc1; and Salgado, JC and Conca, C},
title = {Novel Symbiotic Genome-Scale Model Reveals Wolbachia's Arboviral Pathogen Blocking Mechanism in Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {e0156321},
pmid = {34634928},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Aedes/*microbiology/*virology ; Amino Acids/metabolism ; Animals ; Arboviruses/metabolism/*pathogenicity ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Host Microbial Interactions ; Lipid Metabolism ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; Virus Replication/physiology ; Wolbachia/*genetics/metabolism/*virology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are endosymbiont bacteria known to infect arthropods causing different effects, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility and pathogen blocking in Aedes aegypti. Although several Wolbachia strains have been studied, there is little knowledge regarding the relationship between this bacterium and their hosts, particularly on their obligate endosymbiont nature and its pathogen blocking ability. Motivated by the potential applications on disease control, we developed a genome-scale model of two Wolbachia strains: wMel and the strongest Dengue blocking strain known to date: wMelPop. The obtained metabolic reconstructions exhibit an energy metabolism relying mainly on amino acids and lipid transport to support cell growth that is consistent with altered lipid and cholesterol metabolism in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes. The obtained metabolic reconstruction was then coupled with a reconstructed mosquito model to retrieve a symbiotic genome-scale model accounting for 1,636 genes and 6,408 reactions of the Aedes aegypti-Wolbachia interaction system. Simulation of an arboviral infection in the obtained novel symbiotic model represents a metabolic scenario characterized by pathogen blocking in higher titer Wolbachia strains, showing that pathogen blocking by Wolbachia infection is consistent with competition for lipid and amino acid resources between arbovirus and this endosymbiotic bacteria. IMPORTANCE Arboviral diseases such as Zika and Dengue have been on the rise mainly due to climate change, and the development of new treatments and strategies to limit their spreading is needed. The use of Wolbachia as an approach for disease control has motivated new research related to the characterization of the mechanisms that underlie its pathogen-blocking properties. In this work, we propose a new approach for studying the metabolic interactions between Aedes aegypti and Wolbachia using genome-scale models, finding that pathogen blocking is mainly influenced by competition for the resources required for Wolbachia and viral replication.},
}
@article {pmid34636935,
year = {2021},
author = {Wackerow-Kouzova, ND and Myagkov, DV},
title = {Clarification of the Taxonomic Position of Paramecium caudatum Micronucleus Symbionts.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {78},
number = {12},
pages = {4098-4102},
pmid = {34636935},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {*Holosporaceae/genetics ; *Paramecium caudatum/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Bacteria of genus Holospora (order Holosporales, class Alphaproteobacteria) are obligate intranuclear symbionts of ciliates Paramecium spp. with strict host species and nuclear (macronucleus or micronucleus) specificity. However, three species under study Holospora undulata, Holospora elegans and 'Holospora recta' occupy the same ecological niche-micronucleus of Paramecium caudatum and demonstrate some differences in morphology of infectious form. The genetic diversity of holosporas by rrs and rpoB sequence analysis was determined. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analysis of Holospora spp., as well as some phenotypic features indicate that there is no distinctive difference supporting studied micronuclear endosymbionts as distinct species. Therefore, Holospora elegans and 'Holospora recta' should be considered subspecies of Holospora undulata (ex Haffkine 1890) Gromov and Ossipov 1981, which was described first. Thus, we confirmed the evolutionary aspects of the development of symbiotic relationships: holosporas have a strict specificity to the host species and the type of nucleus.},
}
@article {pmid34642800,
year = {2021},
author = {Ngwewondo, A and Scandale, I and Specht, S},
title = {Onchocerciasis drug development: from preclinical models to humans.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {120},
number = {12},
pages = {3939-3964},
pmid = {34642800},
issn = {1432-1955},
mesh = {Humans ; Neglected Diseases/drug therapy/prevention &amp; control ; *Onchocerciasis/drug therapy ; *Pharmaceutical Preparations ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Twenty diseases are recognized as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by World Health Assembly resolutions, including human filarial diseases. The end of NTDs is embedded within the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, under target 3.3. Onchocerciasis afflicts approximately 20.9 million people worldwide with > 90% of those infected residing in Africa. Control programs have made tremendous efforts in the management of onchocerciasis by mass drug administration and aerial larviciding; however, disease elimination is not yet achieved. In the new WHO roadmap, it is recognized that new drugs or drug regimens that kill or permanently sterilize adult filarial worms would significantly improve elimination timelines and accelerate the achievement of the program goal of disease elimination. Drug development is, however, handicapped by high attrition rates, and many promising molecules fail in preclinical development or in subsequent toxicological, safety and efficacy testing; thus, research and development (R&amp;D) costs are, in aggregate, very high. Drug discovery and development for NTDs is largely driven by unmet medical needs put forward by the global health community; the area is underfunded and since no high return on investment is possible, there is no dedicated drug development pipeline for human filariasis. Repurposing existing drugs is one approach to filling the drug development pipeline for human filariasis. The high cost and slow pace of discovery and development of new drugs has led to the repurposing of "old" drugs, as this is more cost-effective and allows development timelines to be shortened. However, even if a drug is marketed for a human or veterinary indication, the safety margin and dosing regimen will need to be re-evaluated to determine the risk in humans. Drug repurposing is a promising approach to enlarging the pool of active molecules in the drug development pipeline. Another consideration when providing new treatment options is the use of combinations, which is not addressed in this review. We here summarize recent advances in the late preclinical or early clinical stage in the search for a potent macrofilaricide, including drugs against the nematode and against its endosymbiont, Wolbachia pipientis.},
}
@article {pmid34643449,
year = {2021},
author = {Lefoulon, E and Truchon, A and Clark, T and Long, C and Frey, D and Slatko, BE},
title = {Greenhead (Tabanus nigrovittatus) Wolbachia and Its Microbiome: A Preliminary Study.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {e0051721},
pmid = {34643449},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Diptera/*microbiology ; *Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; Wolbachia/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria are known to influence the host physiology, microbiota composition, and dissemination of pathogens. We surveyed a population of Tabanus nigrovittatus, commonly referred to as "greenheads," from Crane Beach (Ipswich, MA, USA) for the presence of the alphaproteobacterial symbiont Wolbachia. We studied the COI (mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase) marker gene to evaluate the phylogenetic diversity of the studied specimens. The DNA sequences show strong similarity (between 99.9 and 98%) among the collected specimens but lower similarity to closely related entries in the NCBI database (only between 96.3 and 94.7%), suggesting a more distant relatedness. Low levels of Wolbachia presence necessitated a nested PCR approach, and using 5 markers (ftsZ, fbpA, dnaA, coxA, and gatB), we determined that two recognized "supergroups" of Wolbachia species were represented in the studied specimens, members of clades A and B. Using next-generation sequencing, we also surveyed the insect gut microbiomes of a subset of flies, using Illumina and PacBio 16S rRNA gene sequencing with barcoded primers. The composition of Proteobacteria also varied from fly to fly, with components belonging to Gammaproteobacteria making up the largest percentage of organisms (30 to 70%) among the microbiome samples. Most of the samples showed the presence of Spiroplasma, a member of the phylum Mollicutes, although the frequency of its presence was variable, ranging from 2 to 57%. Another noteworthy bacterial phylum consistently identified was Firmicutes, though the read abundances were typically below 10%. Of interest is an association between Wolbachia presence and higher Alphaproteobacteria representation in the microbiomes, suggesting that the presence of Wolbachia affects the host microbiome. IMPORTANCE Tabanus nigrovittatus greenhead populations contain two supergroups of Wolbachia endosymbionts, members of supergroups A and B. Analysis of the greenhead microbiome using next-generation sequencing revealed that the majority of bacterial species detected belonged to Gammaproteobacteria, with most of the samples also showing the presence of Spiroplasma, a member of the Mollicutes phylum also known to infect insects. An association between Wolbachia presence and higher Alphaproteobacteria representation in the microbiomes suggests that Wolbachia presence affects the host microbiome composition.},
}
@article {pmid34657608,
year = {2021},
author = {Maffo, CGT and Sandeu, MM and Fadel, AN and Tchouakui, M and Nguete, DN and Menze, B and Kusimo, MO and Njiokou, F and Hughes, GL and Wondji, CS},
title = {Molecular detection and maternal transmission of a bacterial symbiont Asaia species in field-caught Anopheles mosquitoes from Cameroon.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {539},
pmid = {34657608},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {MR/P027873/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MR/P027873/1//Medical Research Council, UK, and Global Challenges Research Fund, through the PIIVeC/ ; },
mesh = {Acetobacteraceae/classification/*genetics ; Animals ; Anopheles/classification/*microbiology ; Cameroon ; Female ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; Insecticide Resistance ; Mosquito Control ; Mosquito Vectors/*microbiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malaria control relies mainlyon insecticide-based tools. However, the effectiveness of these tools is threatened by widespread insecticide resistance in malaria vectors, highlighting the need for alternative control approaches. The endosymbiont Asaia has emerged as a promising candidate for paratransgenic control of malaria, but its biology and genetics still need to be further analyzed across Africa. Here, we investigated the prevalence of Asaia and its maternal transmission in the natural population of Anopheles mosquitoes in Cameroon.<br><br>METHODS: Indoor-resting adult mosquitoes belonging to four species (An. coluzzii, An. arabiensis, An. funestus and An. gambiae) were collected from eight localities across Cameroon from July 2016 to February 2020. PCR was performed on the Asaia-specific 16S ribosomal RNA gene, and samples positive by PCR for Asaia were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The vertical transmission of Asaia was investigated by screening F1 mosquitoes belonging to F0 Asaia-positive females.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 895 mosquitoes were screened. We found 43% (384) Asaia infection prevalence in four mosquito species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Asaia from Cameroon clustered together with the strains of Asaia isolated from other parts of the world. In addition, seven nucleotide sequence variants were found with low genetic diversity (&#x3c0;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.00241) and nucleotide sequence variant diversity (Hd&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.481). Asaia was vertically transmitted with high frequency (range from 42.5 to 100%).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides field-based evidence of the presence of Asaia in Anopheles mosquitoes in Cameroon for exploitation as a symbiont in the control of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.},
}
@article {pmid34659172,
year = {2021},
author = {Shan, HW and Liu, SS},
title = {The Costs and Benefits of Two Secondary Symbionts in a Whitefly Host Shape Their Differential Prevalence in the Field.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {739521},
pmid = {34659172},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Insects commonly harbor maternally inherited intracellular symbionts in nature, and the microbial partners often exert influence on host reproduction and fitness to promote their prevalence. Here, we investigated composition of symbionts and their biological effects in the invasive Bemisia tabaci MED species of a whitefly complex. Our field surveys revealed that populations of the MED whitefly, in addition to the primary symbiont Portiera, mainly contain two secondary symbionts Hamiltonella, which is nearly fixed in the host populations, and Cardinium with infection frequencies ranging from 0 to 86%. We isolated and established Cardinium-positive and Cardinium-free whitefly lines with a similar nuclear genetic background from a field population, and compared performance of the two whitefly lines. The infection of Cardinium incurred significant fitness costs on the MED whitefly, including reduction of fecundity and egg viability as well as delay in development. We then selectively removed Hamiltonella from the Cardinium-free whitefly line and compared performance of two whitefly lines, one harboring both Portiera and Hamiltonella and the other harboring only Portiera. While depletion of Hamiltonella had little or only marginal effects on the fecundity, developmental rate, and offspring survival, the Hamiltonella-free whitefly line produced very few female offspring, often reducing the progeny female ratio from about 50% to less than 1%. Our findings indicate that the varying costs and benefits of the association between these two symbionts and the MED whitefly may play an important role in shaping their differential prevalence in the field.},
}
@article {pmid34659173,
year = {2021},
author = {Kwak, Y and Sun, P and Meduri, VR and Percy, DM and Mauck, KE and Hansen, AK},
title = {Uncovering Symbionts Across the Psyllid Tree of Life and the Discovery of a New Liberibacter Species, "Candidatus" Liberibacter capsica.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {739763},
pmid = {34659173},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Sap-feeding insects in the order Hemiptera associate with obligate endosymbionts that are required for survival and facultative endosymbionts that can potentially modify resistance to stress, enemies, development, and reproduction. In the superfamily Psylloidea, the jumping plant lice (psyllids), less is known about the diversity and prevalence of their endosymbionts compared to other sap-feeding pests such as aphids (Aphididae). To address this knowledge gap, using 16S rRNA sequencing we identify symbionts across divergent psyllid host lineages from around the world. Taking advantage of a new comprehensive phylogenomic analyses of Psylloidea, we included psyllid samples from 44 species of 35 genera of five families, collected from 11 international locations for this study. Across psyllid lineages, a total of 91 OTUs were recovered, predominantly of the Enterobacteriaceae (68%). The diversity of endosymbionts harbored by each psyllid species was low with an average of approximately 3 OTUs. Two clades of endosymbionts (clade 1 and 2), belonging to Enterobacteriaceae, were identified that appear to be long term endosymbionts of the psyllid families Triozidae and Psyllidae, respectively. We also conducted high throughput metagenomic sequencing on three Ca. Liberibacter infected psyllid species (Russelliana capsici, Trichochermes walkeri, and Macrohomotoma gladiata), initially identified from 16S rRNA sequencing, to obtain more genomic information on these putative Liberibacter plant pathogens. The phylogenomic analyses from these data identified a new Ca. Liberibacter species, Candidatus Liberibacter capsica, that is a potential pathogen of solanaceous crops. This new species shares a distant ancestor with Ca. L. americanus, which occurs in the same range as R. capsici in South America. We also detected the first association between a psyllid specializing on woody hosts and the Liberibacter species Ca. L. psyllaurous, which is a globally distributed pathogen of herbaceous crop hosts in the Solanaceae. Finally, we detected a potential association between a psyllid pest of figs (M. gladiata) and a Ca. Liberibacter related to Ca. L. asiaticus, which causes severe disease in citrus. Our findings reveal a wider diversity of associations between facultative symbionts and psyllids than previously reported and suggest numerous avenues for future work to clarify novel associations of ecological, evolutionary, and pathogenic interest.},
}
@article {pmid34659281,
year = {2021},
author = {Sarkar, S and Dey, A and Kumar, V and Batiha, GE and El-Esawi, MA and Tomczyk, M and Ray, P},
title = {Fungal Endophyte: An Interactive Endosymbiont With the Capability of Modulating Host Physiology in Myriad Ways.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {701800},
pmid = {34659281},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Endophytic fungi ubiquitously dwell inside the tissue-spaces of plants, mostly asymptomatically. They grow either intercellularly or intracellularly in a particular host plant to complete the whole or part of their life cycle. They have been found to be associated with almost all the plants occurring in a natural ecosystem. Due to their important role in the survival of plants (modulate photosynthesis, increase nutrient uptake, alleviate the effect of various stresses) they have been selected to co-evolve with their hosts through the course of evolution. Many years of intense research have discovered their tremendous roles in increasing the fitness of the plants in both normal and stressed conditions. There are numerous literature regarding the involvement of various endophytic fungi in enhancing plant growth, nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, etc. But, there are scant reports documenting the specific mechanisms employed by fungal endophytes to manipulate plant physiology and exert their effects. In this review, we aim to document the probable ways undertaken by endophytic fungi to alter different physiological parameters of their host plants. Our objective is to present an in-depth elucidation about the impact of fungal endophytes on plant physiology to make this evolutionarily conserved symbiotic interaction understandable from a broader perspective.},
}
@article {pmid34662426,
year = {2022},
author = {Hill, T and Unckless, RL and Perlmutter, JI},
title = {Positive Selection and Horizontal Gene Transfer in the Genome of a Male-Killing Wolbachia.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {39},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {34662426},
issn = {1537-1719},
support = {P20 GM103418/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103638/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R00 GM114714/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI139154/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila/genetics/microbiology ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genome ; Male ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are a genus of widespread bacterial endosymbionts in which some strains can hijack or manipulate arthropod host reproduction. Male killing is one such manipulation in which these maternally transmitted bacteria benefit surviving daughters in part by removing competition with the sons for scarce resources. Despite previous findings of interesting genome features of microbial sex ratio distorters, the population genomics of male-killers remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we uncover several unique features of the genome and population genomics of four Arizonan populations of a male-killing Wolbachia strain, wInn, that infects mushroom-feeding Drosophila innubila. We first compared the wInn genome with other closely related Wolbachia genomes of Drosophila hosts in terms of genome content and confirm that the wInn genome is largely similar in overall gene content to the wMel strain infecting D. melanogaster. However, it also contains many unique genes and repetitive genetic elements that indicate lateral gene transfers between wInn and non-Drosophila eukaryotes. We also find that, in line with literature precedent, genes in the Wolbachia prophage and Octomom regions are under positive selection. Of all the genes under positive selection, many also show evidence of recent horizontal transfer among Wolbachia symbiont genomes. These dynamics of selection and horizontal gene transfer across the genomes of several Wolbachia strains and diverse host species may be important underlying factors in Wolbachia's success as a male-killer of divergent host species.},
}
@article {pmid34666103,
year = {2021},
author = {Poopandi, S and Sundaraj, R and Rajmichael, R and Thangaraj, S and Dhamodharan, P and Biswal, J and Malaisamy, V and Jeyaraj Pandian, C and Jeyaraman, J},
title = {Computational screening of potential inhibitors targeting MurF of Brugia malayi Wolbachia through multi-scale molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM-GBSA analysis.},
journal = {Molecular and biochemical parasitology},
volume = {246},
number = {},
pages = {111427},
doi = {10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111427},
pmid = {34666103},
issn = {1872-9428},
mesh = {Animals ; *Brugia malayi ; *Elephantiasis, Filarial/parasitology ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; *Wolbachia/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by the worms Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and Brugia timori. Three anti-filarial drugs namely Diethylcarbamazine, Ivermectin and Albendazole and their combinations are used as the control strategies for filariasis. The disease has received much attention in drug discovery due to the unavailability of vaccines and the toxic pharmaceutical properties of the existing drugs. In Wolbachia endosymbiont Brugia malayi, the UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-tripeptide-d-alanyl-d-alanine ligase (MurF) plays a key role in peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathway and therefore can be considered as effective drug target against filariasis disease. Therefore, in the present study, MurF was selected as the therapeutic target to identify specific inhibitors against filariasis. Homology modeling was performed to predict the three-dimensional structure of MurF due to the absence of the experimental structure. Further molecular dynamics simulation and structure-based high throughput virtual screening with three different chemical databases (Zinc, Maybridge and Specs) were carried out to identify potent inhibitors and also to check their conformations inside the binding site of MurF, respectively. Top three compounds with high docking score and high relative binding affinity against MurF were selected. Further, validation studies, including predicted ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) assessment, binding free energy using MM-GBSA (Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area) and DFT (Density Functional Theory) calculations were performed for the top three compounds. From the results, it was observed that all the three compounds were predicted to show high reactivity, acceptable range of pharmacokinetic properties and high binding affinity with the drug target MurF. Overall, the results could provide more understanding on the inhibition of MurF enzyme and the screened compounds could lead to the development of new specific anti-filarial drugs.},
}
@article {pmid34668578,
year = {2022},
author = {Zülfikaroğlu, T and Turgay-İzzetoğlu, G and Yikilmaz, MS and İzzetoğlu, S},
title = {Demonstrating the general structure and cell types of the fat body in Blatta orientalis (Oriental Cockroach).},
journal = {Anatomia, histologia, embryologia},
volume = {51},
number = {1},
pages = {23-35},
doi = {10.1111/ahe.12748},
pmid = {34668578},
issn = {1439-0264},
support = {FYL-2018-20133//Ege University Scientific Research Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Adipocytes ; Adipose Tissue ; Animals ; *Cockroaches ; *Fat Body ; },
abstract = {The fat body is a tissue that originates from mesoderm in insects. It consists of several cell types. The basic cell of the fat body is trophocyte. Glycogen, protein and lipid which are required for energy are stored in these cells. Mycetocyte, urocyte, chromotocyte and haemoglobin cells are the other cell types which originate from differentiated trophocytes. Of the cells found in cockroaches, mycetocytes contain an endosymbiont species of bacteria while urocytes are specialized cells for storing and discharging uric acid. Oenocyte, which is not the fat body cell type but associated with epidermis and the fat body cells, is also found in cockroaches. In this research, the fat body distribution was shown for the first time in three selected sections (thorax, beginning and end of abdomen) in all stages of Blatta orientalis (Linnaeus, 1758). In addition, the fat body cell types and distribution were determined by histological, histochemical and ultrastructural studies. As a result, trophocytes, mycetocytes, urocytes of the fat body and oenocytes which are related to the fat body were determined in B. orientalis. Also, it was revealed that the fat body content increased in the selected regions of the stages depending on the development. We hope that these findings will contribute to data about the fat body and give some directions to insecticide studies.},
}
@article {pmid34669447,
year = {2022},
author = {Mendiola, SY and Stoy, KS and DiSalvo, S and Wynn, CL and Civitello, DJ and Gerardo, NM},
title = {Competitive Exclusion of Phytopathogenic Serratia marcescens from Squash Bug Vectors by the Gut Endosymbiont Caballeronia.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {e0155021},
pmid = {34669447},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {1R01 AI150774-01//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; R01 AI150774/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; NIFA 2019-67013-29371//U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/ ; RC Lewontin Graduate Research Excellence//Society for the Study of Evolution (SSE)/ ; NSF IOS-1755002//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; DGE-1444932//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Burkholderiaceae ; *Heteroptera ; Insecta ; Serratia marcescens ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Many insects harbor microbial symbiotic partners that offer protection against pathogens, parasitoids, and other natural enemies. Mounting evidence suggests that these symbiotic microbes can play key roles in determining infection outcomes in insect vectors, making them important players in the quest to develop novel vector control strategies. Using the squash bug Anasa tristis, we investigated how the presence of Caballeronia symbionts affected the persistence and intensity of phytopathogenic Serratia marcescens within the insect vector. We reared insects aposymbiotically and with different Caballeronia isolates, infected them with S. marcescens, and then sampled the insects periodically to assess the intensity and persistence of pathogen infection. Squash bugs harboring Caballeronia consistently had much lower-intensity infections and cleared S. marcescens significantly faster than their aposymbiotic counterparts. These patterns held even when we reversed the timing of exposure to symbiont and pathogen. Taken together, these results indicate that Caballeronia symbionts play an essential role in S. marcescens infection outcomes in squash bugs and could be used to alter vector competence to enhance agricultural productivity in the future. IMPORTANCE Insect-microbe symbioses have repeatedly been shown to profoundly impact an insect's ability to vector pathogens to other hosts. The use of symbiotic microbes to control insect vector populations is of growing interest in agricultural settings. Our study examines how symbiotic microbes affect the dynamics of a plant pathogen infection within the squash bug vector Anasa tristis, a well-documented pest of squash and other cucurbit plants and a vector of Serratia marcescens, the causative agent of cucurbit yellow vine disease. We provide evidence that the symbiont Caballeronia prevents successful, long-term establishment of S. marcescens in the squash bug. These findings give us insight into symbiont-pathogen dynamics within the squash bug that could ultimately determine its ability to transmit pathogens and be leveraged to interrupt disease transmission in this system.},
}
@article {pmid34677126,
year = {2021},
author = {Perlmutter, JI and Meyers, JE and Bordenstein, SR},
title = {A single synonymous nucleotide change impacts the male-killing phenotype of prophage WO gene wmk.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {34677126},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {R21 AI133522/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; F31 AI143152/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103418/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Drosophila melanogaster/*microbiology ; Male ; Microorganisms, Genetically-Modified/genetics/physiology ; Prophages/*genetics ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/genetics/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are the most widespread bacterial endosymbionts in animals. Within arthropods, these maternally transmitted bacteria can selfishly hijack host reproductive processes to increase the relative fitness of their transmitting females. One such form of reproductive parasitism called male killing, or the selective killing of infected males, is recapitulated to degrees by transgenic expression of the prophage WO-mediated killing (wmk) gene. Here, we characterize the genotype-phenotype landscape of wmk-induced male killing in D. melanogaster using transgenic expression. While phylogenetically distant wmk homologs induce no sex-ratio bias, closely-related homologs exhibit complex phenotypes spanning no death, male death, or death of all hosts. We demonstrate that alternative start codons, synonymous codons, and notably a single synonymous nucleotide in wmk can ablate killing. These findings reveal previously unrecognized features of transgenic wmk-induced killing and establish new hypotheses for the impacts of post-transcriptional processes in male killing variation. We conclude that synonymous sequence changes are not necessarily silent in nested endosymbiotic interactions with life-or-death consequences.},
}
@article {pmid34680622,
year = {2021},
author = {Shapoval, NA and Nokkala, S and Nokkala, C and Kuftina, GN and Kuznetsova, VG},
title = {The Incidence of Wolbachia Bacterial Endosymbiont in Bisexual and Parthenogenetic Populations of the Psyllid Genus Cacopsylla (Hemiptera, Psylloidea).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {34680622},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {19-14-00202//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is one of the most common intracellular bacteria; it infects a wide variety of insects, other arthropods, and some nematodes. Wolbachia is ordinarily transmitted vertically from mother to offspring and can manipulate physiology and reproduction of their hosts in different ways, e.g., induce feminization, male killing, and parthenogenesis. Despite the great interest in Wolbachia, many aspects of its biology remain unclear and its incidence across many insect orders, including Hemiptera, is still poorly understood. In this report, we present data on Wolbachia infection in five jumping plant-lice species (Hemiptera, Psylloidea) of the genus Cacopsylla Ossiannilsson, 1970 with different reproductive strategies and test the hypothesis that Wolbachia mediates parthenogenetic and bisexual patterns observed in some Cacopsylla species. We show that the five species studied are infected with a single Wolbachia strain, belonging to the supergroup B. This strain has also been found in different insect orders (Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Plecoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera) and even in acariform mites (Trombidiformes), suggesting extensive horizontal transmission of Wolbachia between representatives of these taxa. Our survey did not reveal significant differences in infection frequency between parthenogenetic and bisexual populations or between males and females within bisexual populations. However, infection rate varied notably in different Cacopsylla species or within distinct populations of the same species. Overall, we demonstrate that Wolbachia infects a high proportion of Cacopsylla individuals and populations, suggesting the essential role of this bacterium in their biology.},
}
@article {pmid34680640,
year = {2021},
author = {Bell-Sakyi, L and Beliavskaia, A and Hartley, CS and Jones, L and Luu, L and Haines, LR and Hamilton, JGC and Darby, AC and Makepeace, BL},
title = {Isolation in Natural Host Cell Lines of Wolbachia Strains wPip from the Mosquito Culex pipiens and wPap from the Sand Fly Phlebotomus papatasi.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {34680640},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {BBS/E/I/00002118/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BBS/E/I/00007039/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 204806/Z/16/Z and 080961/Z/06/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; BB/P024270/1, BBS/E/I/00002118 and BBS/E/I/00007039/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/P024270/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic intracellular bacteria of the genus Wolbachia are harboured by many species of invertebrates. They display a wide range of developmental, metabolic and nutritional interactions with their hosts and may impact the transmission of arboviruses and protozoan parasites. Wolbachia have occasionally been isolated during insect cell line generation. Here, we report the isolation of two strains of Wolbachia, wPip and wPap, during cell line generation from their respective hosts, the mosquito Culex pipiens and the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi. wPip was pathogenic for both new C. pipiens cell lines, CPE/LULS50 and CLP/LULS56, requiring tetracycline treatment to rescue the lines. In contrast, wPap was tolerated by the P. papatasi cell line PPL/LULS49, although tetracycline treatment was applied to generate a Wolbachia-free subline. Both Wolbachia strains were infective for a panel of heterologous insect and tick cell lines, including two novel lines generated from the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis, LLE/LULS45 and LLL/LULS52. In all cases, wPip was more pathogenic for the host cells than wPap. These newly isolated Wolbachia strains, and the novel mosquito and sand fly cell lines reported here, will add to the resources available for research on host-endosymbiont relationships, as well as on C. pipiens, P. papatasi, L. longipalpis and the pathogens that they transmit.},
}
@article {pmid34680677,
year = {2021},
author = {Horgan, FG and Peñalver Cruz, A and Arida, A and Ferrater, JB and Bernal, CC},
title = {Adaptation by the Brown Planthopper to Resistant Rice: A Test of Female-Derived Virulence and the Role of Yeast-like Symbionts.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {34680677},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {OPP52303//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {The adaptation by planthoppers to feed and develop on resistant rice is a challenge for pest management in Asia. We conducted a series of manipulative experiments with the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)) on the resistant rice variety IR62 (BPH3/BPH32 genes) to assess behavioral and bionomic changes in planthoppers exhibiting virulence adaptation. We also examined the potential role of yeast-like symbionts (YLS) in virulence adaptation by assessing progeny fitness (survival × reproduction) following controlled matings between virulent males or females and avirulent males or females, and by manipulating YLS densities in progeny through heat treatment. We found virulence-adapted planthoppers developed faster, grew larger, had adults that survived for longer, had female-biased progeny, and produced more eggs than non-selected planthoppers on the resistant variety. However, feeding capacity-as revealed through honeydew composition-remained inefficient on IR62, even after 20+ generations of exposure to the resistant host. Virulence was derived from both the male and female parents; however, females contributed more than males to progeny virulence. We found that YLS are essential for normal planthopper development and densities are highest in virulent nymphs feeding on the resistant host; however, we found only weak evidence that YLS densities contributed more to virulence. Virulence against IR62 in the brown planthopper, therefore, involves a complex of traits that encompass a series of behavioral, physiological, and genetic mechanisms, some of which are determined only by the female parent.},
}
@article {pmid34680698,
year = {2021},
author = {Chen, XD and Kaur, N and Horton, DR and Cooper, WR and Qureshi, JA and Stelinski, LL},
title = {Crude Extracts and Alkaloids Derived from Ipomoea-Periglandula Symbiotic Association Cause Mortality of Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {34680698},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is an important economic pest of citrus crops because it vectors the causal pathogen of huanglongbing (HLB; aka citrus greening). Population suppression of D. citri with insecticides has been disproportionally relied on for HLB management and a greater diversity of more sustainable tools is needed. Periglandula spp. is a fungal endosymbiont (family Clavicipitaceae) that forms a mutualistic relationship with members of plants in family Convolvulaceae. This association results in the production of ergot alkaloids that were previously documented as having psyllicidal properties. We investigated the mortality and behavior of D. citri exposed to crude extracts from morning glories in the plant family Convolvulaceae, as well as synthetic ergot alkaloids. Nymphs and adults were exposed to the crude plant extracts from Periglandula positive species of Convolvulaceae, as well as five synthetic ergot alkaloids. Treatments were prepared by exposing clippings of citrus to 100 ng/µL of crude extract from Periglandula-positive species of Ipomoea (I. imperati, I. leptophylla, I. pandurata and I. tricolor), and Turbina corymbosa, and from one Periglandula-negative species (I. alba) (100 ng/µL). Mortality of adult and nymphal D. citri was significantly higher than the control after exposure to extracts from I. tricolor and I. imperati. The synthetic ergot alkaloids, lysergol (10-100 ng/µL), ergonovine maleate (100 ng/µL), agroclavine (10-100 ng/µL), and ergosine (10-100 ng/µL) increased mortality of D. citri nymphs, while ergosine (100 ng/µL) and agroclavine (100 ng/µL) increased mortality of adults compared to water controls. Fewer D. citri adults settled on plants treated with crude extracts or synthetic ergot alkaloids than on water controls at 48 h after release. D. citri that fed on citrus leaves treated with 10 ng/μL solution of crude extract from the Periglandula-positive species Ipomoea (I. imperati, I. leptophylla, I. pandurata, I. tricolor), and Turbina corymbosa excreted significantly less honeydew compared with a negative water control and extract from Periglandula-negative species (I. alba). Our results indicate that crude extracts and ergot alkaloids exhibit toxic and sub-lethal effects on D. citri that could be useful for management of this pest.},
}
@article {pmid34681115,
year = {2021},
author = {Muñoz-Benavent, M and Latorre, A and Alemany-Cosme, E and Marín-Miret, J and Domínguez-Santos, R and Silva, FJ and Gil, R and García-Ferris, C},
title = {Gut Microbiota Cannot Compensate the Impact of (quasi) Aposymbiosis in Blattella germanica.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {34681115},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {PGC2018-099344-B-I00//European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades (MICINN, Spain)/ ; PROMETEO/2018/133//Conselleria d'Educaci&#xf3;, Generalitat Valenciana (Spain)/ ; },
abstract = {Blattella germanica presents a very complex symbiotic system, involving the following two kinds of symbionts: the endosymbiont Blattabacterium and the gut microbiota. Although the role of the endosymbiont has been fully elucidated, the function of the gut microbiota remains unclear. The study of the gut microbiota will benefit from the availability of insects deprived of Blattabacterium. Our goal is to determine the effect of the removal (or, at least, the reduction) of the endosymbiont population on the cockroach's fitness, in a normal gut microbiota community. For this purpose, we treated our cockroach population, over several generations, with rifampicin, an antibiotic that only affects the endosymbiont during its extracellular phase, and decreases its amount in the following generation. As rifampicin also affects gut bacteria that are sensitive to this antibiotic, the treatment was performed during the first 12 days of the adult stage, which is the period when the endosymbiont infects the oocytes and lacks bacteriocyte protection. We found that after this antibiotic treatment, the endosymbiont population remained extremely reduced and only the microbiota was able to recover, although it could not compensate for the endosymbiont role, and the host's fitness was drastically affected. This accomplished reduction, however, is not homogenous and requires further study to develop stable quasi-aposymbiotic cockroaches.},
}
@article {pmid34683491,
year = {2021},
author = {Al-Ameeli, ZT and Al-Sammak, MA and DeLong, JP and Dunigan, DD and Van Etten, JL},
title = {Catalysis of Chlorovirus Production by the Foraging of Bursaria truncatella on Paramecia bursaria Containing Endosymbiotic Algae.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {34683491},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {1736030//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Chloroviruses are large viruses that replicate in chlorella-like green algae and normally exist as mutualistic endosymbionts (referred to as zoochlorellae) in protists such as Paramecium bursaria. Chlorovirus populations rise and fall in indigenous waters through time; however, the factors involved in these virus fluctuations are still under investigation. Chloroviruses attach to the surface of P. bursaria but cannot infect their zoochlorellae hosts because the viruses cannot reach the zoochlorellae as long as they are in the symbiotic phase. Predators of P. bursaria, such as copepods and didinia, can bring chloroviruses into contact with zoochlorellae by disrupting the paramecia, which results in an increase in virus titers in microcosm experiments. Here, we report that another predator of P. bursaria, Bursaria truncatella, can also increase chlorovirus titers. After two days of foraging on P. bursaria, B. truncatella increased infectious chlorovirus abundance about 20 times above the controls. Shorter term foraging (3 h) resulted in a small increase of chlorovirus titers over the controls and more foraging generated more chloroviruses. Considering that B. truncatella does not release viable zoochlorellae either during foraging or through fecal pellets, where zoochlorellae could be infected by chlorovirus, we suggest a third pathway of predator virus catalysis. By engulfing the entire protist and digesting it slowly, virus replication can occur within the predator and some of the virus is passed out through a waste vacuole. These results provide additional support for the hypothesis that predators of P. bursaria are important drivers of chlorovirus population sizes and dynamics.},
}
@article {pmid34687882,
year = {2021},
author = {Chen, H and Wang, M and Zhang, H and Wang, H and Zhou, L and Zhong, Z and Cao, L and Lian, C and Sun, Y and Li, C},
title = {microRNAs facilitate comprehensive responses of Bathymodiolinae mussel against symbiotic and nonsymbiotic bacteria stimulation.},
journal = {Fish &amp; shellfish immunology},
volume = {119},
number = {},
pages = {420-431},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2021.10.025},
pmid = {34687882},
issn = {1095-9947},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Hydrothermal Vents ; *MicroRNAs/genetics ; *Mytilidae/genetics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Bathymodiolinae mussels are dominant species in cold seeps and hydrothermal vents and could harbor endosymbionts in gill bacteriocytes. However, mechanisms underlying the symbiosis have remained largely undisclosed for years. In the present study, the global expression pattern of immune-related genes and miRNAs were surveyed in Gigantidas platifrons during bacterial challenges using enriched symbiotic methane oxidation bacteria MOBs or nonsymbiotic Vibrio. As a result, multiple pattern recognition receptors were found differentially expressed at 12 h and 24 h post bacteria challenges and distinctly clustered between stimulations. Dozens of immune effectors along with signal transducers were also modulated simultaneously during MOB or Vibrio challenge. A total of 459 miRNAs were identified in the gill while some were differentially expressed post MOB or nonsymbiotic bacteria challenge. A variety of immune-related genes were annotated as target genes of aforesaid differentially expressed miRNAs. As a result, biological processes including the immune recognition, lysosome activity and bacteria engulfment were suggested to be dynamically modulated by miRNAs in either symbiotic or nonsymbiotic bacteria challenge. It was suggested that G. platifrons mussels could maintain a robust immune response against invading pathogens while establishing symbiosis with chemosynthetic bacteria with the orchestra of immune-related genes and miRNAs.},
}
@article {pmid34695269,
year = {2021},
author = {Gimmi, E and Vorburger, C},
title = {Strong genotype-by-genotype interactions between aphid-defensive symbionts and parasitoids persist across different biotic environments.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {34},
number = {12},
pages = {1944-1953},
pmid = {34695269},
issn = {1420-9101},
support = {31003A_181969/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; Genotype ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Symbiosis ; *Wasps/genetics ; },
abstract = {The dynamics of coevolution between hosts and parasites are influenced by their genetic interactions. Highly specific interactions, where the outcome of an infection depends on the precise combination of host and parasite genotypes (G × G interactions), have the potential to maintain genetic variation by inducing negative frequency-dependent selection. The importance of this effect also rests on whether such interactions are consistent across different environments or modified by environmental variation (G × G × E interaction). In the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae, resistance to its parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum is largely determined by the possession of a heritable bacterial endosymbiont, Hamiltonella defensa, with strong G × G interactions between H. defensa and L. fabarum. A key environmental factor in this system is the host plant on which the aphid feeds. Here, we exposed genetically identical aphids harbouring three different strains of H. defensa to three asexual genotypes of L. fabarum and measured parasitism success on three common host plants of A. fabae, namely Vicia faba, Chenopodium album and Beta vulgaris. As expected, we observed the pervasive G × G interaction between H. defensa and L. fabarum, but despite strong main effects of the host plants on average rates of parasitism, this interaction was not altered significantly by the host plant environment (no G × G × E interaction). The symbiont-conferred specificity of resistance is thus likely to mediate the coevolution of A. fabae and L. fabarum, even when played out across diverse host plants of the aphid.},
}
@article {pmid34699520,
year = {2021},
author = {Miller, AK and Westlake, CS and Cross, KL and Leigh, BA and Bordenstein, SR},
title = {The microbiome impacts host hybridization and speciation.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {19},
number = {10},
pages = {e3001417},
pmid = {34699520},
issn = {1545-7885},
support = {F32 AI140694/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genetic Speciation ; Genome ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/*genetics ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Microbial symbiosis and speciation profoundly shape the composition of life's biodiversity. Despite the enormous contributions of these two fields to the foundations of modern biology, there is a vast and exciting frontier ahead for research, literature, and conferences to address the neglected prospects of merging their study. Here, we survey and synthesize exemplar cases of how endosymbionts and microbial communities affect animal hybridization and vice versa. We conclude that though the number of case studies remain nascent, the wide-ranging types of animals, microbes, and isolation barriers impacted by hybridization will likely prove general and a major new phase of study that includes the microbiome as part of the functional whole contributing to reproductive isolation. Though microorganisms were proposed to impact animal speciation a century ago, the weight of the evidence supporting this view has now reached a tipping point.},
}
@article {pmid34704919,
year = {2021},
author = {Ortiz-Baez, AS and Shi, M and Hoffmann, AA and Holmes, EC},
title = {RNA virome diversity and Wolbachia infection in individual Drosophila simulans flies.},
journal = {The Journal of general virology},
volume = {102},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {34704919},
issn = {1465-2099},
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila simulans/*microbiology/virology ; Female ; Phylogeny ; RNA Viruses/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; Symbiosis ; Virome/genetics/*physiology ; Wolbachia/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiont bacteria of the genus Wolbachia are associated with multiple mutualistic effects on insect biology, including nutritional and antiviral properties. Members of the genus Wolbachia naturally occur in fly species of the genus Drosophila, providing an operational model host for studying how virome composition may be affected by its presence. Drosophila simulans populations can carry a variety of strains of members of the genus Wolbachia, with the wAu strain associated with strong antiviral protection under experimental conditions. We used D. simulans sampled from the Perth Hills, Western Australia, to investigate the potential virus protective effect of the wAu strain of Wolbachia on individual wild-caught flies. Our data revealed no appreciable variation in virus composition and abundance between individuals infected or uninfected with Wolbachia associated with the presence or absence of wAu. However, it remains unclear whether wAu might affect viral infection and host survival by increasing tolerance rather than inducing complete resistance. These data also provide new insights into the natural virome diversity of D. simulans. Despite the small number of individuals sampled, we identified a repertoire of RNA viruses, including nora virus, galbut virus, thika virus and La Jolla virus, that have been identified in other species of the genus Drosophila. Chaq virus-like sequences associated with galbut virus were also detected. In addition, we identified five novel viruses from the families Reoviridae, Tombusviridae, Mitoviridae and Bunyaviridae. Overall, this study highlights the complex interaction between Wolbachia and RNA virus infections and provides a baseline description of the natural virome of D. simulans.},
}
@article {pmid34708258,
year = {2021},
author = {Deng, S and Liu, Y and Deng, Z and Huang, Y},
title = {Isolation of actinobacterial endophytes from wheat sprouts as biocontrol agents to control seed pathogenic fungi.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {203},
number = {10},
pages = {6163-6171},
pmid = {34708258},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {31700288//chinese national natural science foundation/ ; 31971384//chinese national natural science foundation/ ; QNYC20170103//youth elite project of guangzhou university of chinese medicine/ ; },
mesh = {*Endophytes ; Fungi ; Plant Diseases ; Seeds ; *Streptomyces ; Triticum ; },
abstract = {Seed-borne Streptomyces can transmit vertically from generation to generation and be a mutualism between the endosymbionts and hosts. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize endophytic Streptomyces strains from wheat sprouts, and to investigate their protection against wheat seed pathogenic fungi Penicillium. Endophytic Streptomyces sp. F6 and Streptomyces sp. F39 were isolated from wheat sprouts germinated under sterile conditions. Both Streptomyces strains could produce siderophores, and showed antagonistic activities against the seed pathogenic fungi Penicillium sp. Z17. The inoculation of Streptomyces sp. F39 and F6 could protect wheat seed germination and promote seedling growth under Penicillium sp. Z17 infection. However, the protection efficiency was impacted by the Streptomyces spore concentrations, the concentration ratios of Streptomyces spores to pathogen spores, and inoculation methods. The results suggested that wheat sprouts harbored diverse endophytic Streptomyces species which derived from wheat seeds, these strains should be more likely transmitted to the next generation, and confer competitive ability to pathogens on the offspring. Owing to the more intimate correlation between sprout endophytic flora with host plants, these strains are more suitable for mature plant interiors compared with those from rhizosphere soils and root interiors.},
}
@article {pmid34719095,
year = {2022},
author = {Malkeyeva, D and Kiseleva, E and Fedorova, SA},
title = {Loss of Hsp67Bc leads to autolysosome enlargement in the Drosophila brain.},
journal = {Cell biology international},
volume = {46},
number = {2},
pages = {203-212},
doi = {10.1002/cbin.11721},
pmid = {34719095},
issn = {1095-8355},
support = {0259-2021-0011//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Brain/metabolism ; *Drosophila/genetics ; *Drosophila Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Drosophila melanogaster/metabolism ; Heat-Shock Proteins/metabolism ; Lysosomes/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Hsp67Bc is a small heat shock protein found in Drosophila melanogaster. Apart from performing a function (common for all small heat shock proteins) of preventing aggregation of misfolded proteins, it is involved in macroautophagy regulation alongside the Starvin protein. Overexpression of the D. melanogaster Hsp67Bc gene has been shown to stimulate macroautophagy in S2 cell culture. Nonetheless, it has been unknown how the absence of the Hsp67Bc gene may affect it. Here, we studied the effect of Hsp67Bc gene deletion on the macroautophagy induced by the pathogenic Wolbachia wMelPop strain in D. melanogaster. We detected Wolbachia inside autophagic vacuoles in fly neurons, thereby proving that these endosymbionts were being eliminated via macroautophagy. Nevertheless, we did not register any difference in brain bacterial load between Hsp67Bc-null and control flies at all tested stages of ontogenesis. Moreover, the abundance of autophagic vacuoles was similar between neurons of the mutant and control flies, yet the cross-sectional area of autolysosomes on ultrathin sections was more than 1.5-fold larger in Hsp67Bc-null fly brains than in the control line. Our findings suggest that the product of the Hsp67Bc gene does not participate in the initiation of endosymbiont-induced macroautophagy but may mediate autophagosome maturation: the deletion of the Hsp67Bc gene leads to the increase in autolysosome size.},
}
@article {pmid34724941,
year = {2021},
author = {Pesante, G and Sabbadin, F and Elias, L and Steele-King, C and Shipway, JR and Dowle, AA and Li, Y and Busse-Wicher, M and Dupree, P and Besser, K and Cragg, SM and Bruce, NC and McQueen-Mason, SJ},
title = {Characterisation of the enzyme transport path between shipworms and their bacterial symbionts.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {233},
pmid = {34724941},
issn = {1741-7007},
support = {BB/H531543/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/L001926/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; *Bivalvia ; Phylogeny ; *Proteomics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Shipworms are marine xylophagus bivalve molluscs, which can live on a diet solely of wood due to their ability to produce plant cell wall-degrading enzymes. Bacterial carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), synthesised by endosymbionts living in specialised shipworm cells called bacteriocytes and located in the animal's gills, play an important role in wood digestion in shipworms. However, the main site of lignocellulose digestion within these wood-boring molluscs, which contains both endogenous lignocellulolytic enzymes and prokaryotic enzymes, is the caecum, and the mechanism by which bacterial enzymes reach the distant caecum lumen has remained so far mysterious. Here, we provide a characterisation of the path through which bacterial CAZymes produced in the gills of the shipworm Lyrodus pedicellatus reach the distant caecum to contribute to the digestion of wood.<br><br>RESULTS: Through a combination of transcriptomics, proteomics, X-ray microtomography, electron microscopy studies and in vitro biochemical characterisation, we show that wood-digesting enzymes produced by symbiotic bacteria are localised not only in the gills, but also in the lumen of the food groove, a stream of mucus secreted by gill cells that carries food particles trapped by filter feeding to the mouth. Bacterial CAZymes are also present in the crystalline style and in the caecum of their shipworm host, suggesting a unique pathway by which enzymes involved in a symbiotic interaction are transported to their site of action. Finally, we characterise in vitro four new bacterial glycosyl hydrolases and a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase identified in our transcriptomic and proteomic analyses as some of the major bacterial enzymes involved in this unusual biological system.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Based on our data, we propose that bacteria and their enzymes are transported from the gills along the food groove to the shipworm's mouth and digestive tract, where they aid in wood digestion.},
}
@article {pmid34726490,
year = {2021},
author = {Hubert, J and Nesvorna, M and Klimov, PB and Erban, T and Sopko, B and Dowd, SE and Scully, ED},
title = {Interactions of the Intracellular Bacterium Cardinium with Its Host, the House Dust Mite Dermatophagoides farinae, Based on Gene Expression Data.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {6},
number = {6},
pages = {e0091621},
pmid = {34726490},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {19-09998S//Grantov&#xe1; Agentura &#x10c;esk&#xe9; Republiky (GA&#x10c;R)/ ; RO0418//Ministerstvo Zem&#x11b;d&#x11b;lstv&#xed; (Ministry of Agriculture)/ ; 19-14-00004//Russian Science Foundation (RSF)/ ; },
abstract = {Dermatophagoides farinae is inhabited by an intracellular bacterium, Cardinium. Using correlations between host and symbiont gene expression profiles, we identified several important molecular pathways that potentially regulate/facilitate their interactions. The expression of Cardinium genes collectively explained 95% of the variation in the expression of mite genes assigned to pathways for phagocytosis, apoptosis, the MAPK signaling cascade, endocytosis, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) pathway, the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway, lysozyme, and the Toll/Imd pathway. In addition, expression of mite genes explained 76% of the variability in Cardinium gene expression. In particular, the expression of the Cardinium genes encoding the signaling molecules BamD, LepA, SymE, and VirD4 was either positively or negatively correlated with the expression levels of mite genes involved in endocytosis, phagocytosis, and apoptosis. We also found that Cardinium possesses a complete biosynthetic pathway for lipoic acid and may provide lipoate, but not biotin, to mites. Cardinium gene expression collectively explained 84% of the variation in expression related to several core mite metabolic pathways, and, most notably, a negative correlation was observed between bacterial gene expression and expression of mite genes assigned to the glycolysis and citric acid cycle pathways. Furthermore, we showed that Cardinium gene expression is correlated with expression levels of genes associated with terpenoid backbone biosynthesis. This pathway is important for the synthesis of pheromones, thus providing an opportunity for Cardinium to influence mite reproductive behavior to facilitate transmission of the bacterium. Overall, our study provided correlational gene expression data that can be useful for future research on mite-Cardinium interactions. IMPORTANCE The molecular mechanisms of mite-symbiont interactions and their impacts on human health are largely unknown. Astigmatid mites, such as house dust and stored-product mites, are among the most significant allergen sources worldwide. Although mites themselves are the main allergen sources, recent studies have indicated that mite-associated microbiomes may have implications for allergen production and human health. The major medically important house dust mite, D. farinae, is known to harbor a highly abundant intracellular bacterium belonging to the genus Cardinium. Expression analysis of the mite and symbiont genes can identify key mite molecular pathways that facilitate interactions with this endosymbiont and possibly shed light on how this bacterium affects mite allergen production and physiology in general.},
}
@article {pmid34726818,
year = {2022},
author = {Urrutia, A and Mitsi, K and Foster, R and Ross, S and Carr, M and Ward, GM and van Aerle, R and Marigomez, I and Leger, MM and Ruiz-Trillo, I and Feist, SW and Bass, D},
title = {Txikispora philomaios n. sp., n. g., a micro-eukaryotic pathogen of amphipods, reveals parasitism and hidden diversity in Class Filasterea.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {69},
number = {2},
pages = {e12875},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.12875},
pmid = {34726818},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {747789/MCCC_/Marie Curie/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Amphipoda/parasitology ; Animals ; Eukaryota ; Eukaryotic Cells ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; },
abstract = {This study provides a morphological, ultrastructural, and phylogenetic characterization of a novel micro-eukaryotic parasite (2.3-2.6 µm) infecting amphipod genera Echinogammarus and Orchestia. Longitudinal studies across two years revealed that infection prevalence peaked in late April and May, reaching 64% in Echinogammarus sp. and 15% in Orchestia sp., but was seldom detected during the rest of the year. The parasite infected predominantly hemolymph, connective tissue, tegument, and gonad, although hepatopancreas and nervous tissue were affected in heavier infections, eliciting melanization and granuloma formation. Cell division occurred inside walled parasitic cysts, often within host hemocytes, resulting in hemolymph congestion. Small subunit (18S) rRNA gene phylogenies including related environmental sequences placed the novel parasite as a highly divergent lineage within Class Filasterea, which together with Choanoflagellatea represent the closest protistan relatives of Metazoa. We describe the new parasite as Txikispora philomaios n. sp. n. g., the first confirmed parasitic filasterean lineage, which otherwise comprises four free-living flagellates and a rarely observed endosymbiont of snails. Lineage-specific PCR probing of other hosts and surrounding environments only detected T. philomaios in the platyhelminth Procerodes sp. We expand the known diversity of Filasterea by targeted searches of metagenomic datasets, resulting in 13 previously unknown lineages from environmental samples.},
}
@article {pmid34728194,
year = {2022},
author = {Sun, Y and Jiang, L and Gong, S and Diaz-Pulido, G and Yuan, X and Tong, H and Huang, L and Zhou, G and Zhang, Y and Huang, H},
title = {Changes in physiological performance and protein expression in the larvae of the coral Pocillopora damicornis and their symbionts in response to elevated temperature and acidification.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {807},
number = {Pt 2},
pages = {151251},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151251},
pmid = {34728194},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Ecosystem ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Larva ; Proteomics ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Climate change causes ocean warming and acidification, which threaten coral reef ecosystems. Ocean warming and acidification cause bleaching and mortality, and decrease calcification in adult corals, leading to changes in the composition of coral communities; however, their interactive effects on coral larvae are not comprehensively understood. To examine the underlying molecular mechanisms of larval responses to elevated temperature and pCO2, we examined the physiological performance and protein expression profiles of Pocillopora damicornis at two temperatures (29 and 33 °C) and pCO2 levels (500 and 1000 μatm) for 5 d. Extensive physiological and proteomic changes were observed in coral larvae. The results indicated a significant decrease in net photosynthesis (PNET) and autotrophic capability (PNET/RD) of larvae exposed to elevated temperature but a marked increase in PNET and PNET/RD of larvae exposed to high pCO2 levels. Elevated temperature significantly reduced endosymbiont densities by 70% and photochemical efficiency, indicating that warming impaired host-symbiont symbiosis. Expression of photosynthesis-related proteins, the photosystem (PS) I reaction center subunits IV and XI as well as oxygen-evolving enhancer 1, was downregulated at higher temperatures in symbionts, whereas expression of the PS I iron‑sulfur center protein was increased under high pCO2 conditions. Furthermore, expression of phosphoribulokinase (involved in the Calvin cycle) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (related to the C4 pathway) was downregulated in symbionts under thermal stress; this finding suggests reduced carbon fixation at high temperatures. The abundance of carbonic anhydrase-associated proteins, which are predicted to exert biochemical roles in dissolved inorganic carbon transport in larvae, was reduced in coral host and symbionts at high temperatures. These results elucidate potential mechanisms underlying the responses of coral larvae exposed to elevated temperature and acidification and suggest an important role of symbionts in the response to warming and acidification.},
}
@article {pmid34730808,
year = {2022},
author = {Cummings, TFM and Gori, K and Sanchez-Pulido, L and Gavriilidis, G and Moi, D and Wilson, AR and Murchison, E and Dessimoz, C and Ponting, CP and Christophorou, MA},
title = {Citrullination Was Introduced into Animals by Horizontal Gene Transfer from Cyanobacteria.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {39},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {34730808},
issn = {1537-1719},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; MC_UU_00007/15/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MC_UU_12008/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; 105642/A/14/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Citrullination ; Conserved Sequence ; *Cyanobacteria/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Protein posttranslational modifications add great sophistication to biological systems. Citrullination, a key regulatory mechanism in human physiology and pathophysiology, is enigmatic from an evolutionary perspective. Although the citrullinating enzymes peptidylarginine deiminases (PADIs) are ubiquitous across vertebrates, they are absent from yeast, worms, and flies. Based on this distribution PADIs were proposed to have been horizontally transferred, but this has been contested. Here, we map the evolutionary trajectory of PADIs into the animal lineage. We present strong phylogenetic support for a clade encompassing animal and cyanobacterial PADIs that excludes fungal and other bacterial homologs. The animal and cyanobacterial PADI proteins share functionally relevant primary and tertiary synapomorphic sequences that are distinct from a second PADI type present in fungi and actinobacteria. Molecular clock calculations and sequence divergence analyses using the fossil record estimate the last common ancestor of the cyanobacterial and animal PADIs to be less than 1 billion years old. Additionally, under an assumption of vertical descent, PADI sequence change during this evolutionary time frame is anachronistically low, even when compared with products of likely endosymbiont gene transfer, mitochondrial proteins, and some of the most highly conserved sequences in life. The consilience of evidence indicates that PADIs were introduced from cyanobacteria into animals by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). The ancestral cyanobacterial PADI is enzymatically active and can citrullinate eukaryotic proteins, suggesting that the PADI HGT event introduced a new catalytic capability into the regulatory repertoire of animals. This study reveals the unusual evolution of a pleiotropic protein modification.},
}
@article {pmid34733585,
year = {2021},
author = {Solak, CN and Gastineau, R and Lemieux, C and Turmel, M and Gorecka, E and Trobajo, R and Rybak, M and Yılmaz, E and Witkowski, A},
title = {Nitzschia anatoliensis sp. nov., a cryptic diatom species from the highly alkaline Van Lake (Turkey).},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {e12220},
pmid = {34733585},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {In this article we describe Nitzschia anatoliensis Górecka, Gastineau &amp; Solak sp. nov., an example of a diatom species inhabiting extreme habitats. The new species has been isolated and successfully grown from the highly alkaline Van Lake in East Turkey. The description is based on morphology (light and scanning electron microscopy), the sequencing of its organellar genomes and several molecular phylogenies. This species could easily be overlooked because of its extreme similarity to Nitzschia aurariae but molecular phylogenies indicate that they are only distantly related. Furthermore, molecular data suggest that N. anatoliensis may occur in several alkaline lakes of Asia Minor and Siberia, but was previously misidentified as Nitzschia communis. It also revealed the very close genetic proximity between N. anatoliensis and the endosymbiont of the dinotom Kryptoperidinium foliaceum, providing additional clues on what might have been the original species of diatoms to enter symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid34737333,
year = {2021},
author = {Marzonie, M and Flores, F and Sadoun, N and Thomas, MC and Valada-Mennuni, A and Kaserzon, S and Mueller, JF and Negri, AP},
title = {Toxicity thresholds of nine herbicides to coral symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {21636},
pmid = {34737333},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Anthozoa/*drug effects/*metabolism ; Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Coral Reefs ; Ecosystem ; Herbicides/*adverse effects/pharmacology/toxicity ; Photosynthesis/drug effects ; Photosystem II Protein Complex/drug effects ; Symbiosis/physiology ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Over 30 herbicides have been detected in catchments and waters of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and their toxicity to key tropical species, including the coral endosymbiotic algae Symbiodiniaceae, is not generally considered in current water quality guideline values (WQGVs). Mutualistic symbionts of the family Symbiodiniaceae are essential for the survival of scleractinian corals. We tested the effects of nine GBR-relevant herbicides on photosynthetic efficiency (ΔF/Fm') and specific growth rate (SGR) over 14 days of cultured coral endosymbiont Cladocopium goreaui (formerly Symbiodinium clade C1). All seven Photosystem II (PSII) herbicides tested inhibited ΔF/Fm' and SGR, with toxicity thresholds for SGR ranging between 2.75 and 320 µg L[-1] (no effect concentration) and 2.54-257 µg L[-1] (EC10). There was a strong correlation between EC50s for ΔF/Fm' and SGR for all PSII herbicides indicating that inhibition of ΔF/Fm' can be considered a biologically relevant toxicity endpoint for PSII herbicides to this species. The non-PSII herbicides haloxyfop and imazapic did not affect ΔF/Fm' or SGR at the highest concentrations tested. The inclusion of this toxicity data for Symbiodiniaceae will contribute to improving WQGVs to adequately inform risk assessments and the management of herbicides in tropical marine ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid34739816,
year = {2021},
author = {Kaur, H and Kalia, A and Sharma, SP},
title = {Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes, Metal Oxide and Hydroxy-Apatite Nanoparticles Enhanced Plant Growth Promoting Capabilities of Root Endosymbionts of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.).},
journal = {Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {3634-3649},
doi = {10.1166/jnn.2021.18995},
pmid = {34739816},
issn = {1533-4899},
mesh = {Apatites ; *Nanoparticles ; *Nanotubes, Carbon ; Oxides ; *Vigna ; },
abstract = {The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of three different nanomaterials (NMs) on the growth, physiology and protein profile of the endosymbiotic bacteria isolated from the root nodules of vegetable cowpea. The alterations in growth and viability of the bacterial cells, their indole-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophore production abilities, phosphate solubilization potential and total protein content were assessed. Further, the isolates were also analyzed for changes in their exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and secretion behavior with exposure to different concentrations of the NMs. The NM supplementation of the broth improved the growth, viable cell count, IAA content, siderophore production and potential to solubilize tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) as sole phosphorus (P)-source. The NMs also improved the total protein content of the bacterial cells indicating the improved physiology and biochemistry of the treated bacterial cells. The treated cells produced significantly high EPS compared to untreated control cultures. The present investigation revealed that the NMs improved plant growth abilities of cowpea root endosymbiotic bacteria, though the impact varied across various isolates as well as NM concentrations.},
}
@article {pmid34744550,
year = {2022},
author = {Milenovic, M and Ghanim, M and Hoffmann, L and Rapisarda, C},
title = {Whitefly endosymbionts: IPM opportunity or tilting at windmills?.},
journal = {Journal of pest science},
volume = {95},
number = {2},
pages = {543-566},
pmid = {34744550},
issn = {1612-4758},
abstract = {Whiteflies are sap-sucking insects responsible for high economic losses. They colonize hundreds of plant species and cause direct feeding damage and indirect damage through transmission of devastating viruses. Modern agriculture has seen a history of invasive whitefly species and populations that expand to novel regions, bringing along fierce viruses. Control efforts are hindered by fast virus transmission, insecticide-resistant populations, and a wide host range which permits large natural reservoirs for whiteflies. Augmentative biocontrol by parasitoids while effective in suppressing high population densities in greenhouses falls short when it comes to preventing virus transmission and is ineffective in the open field. A potential source of much needed novel control strategies lays within a diverse community of whitefly endosymbionts. The idea to exploit endosymbionts for whitefly control is as old as identification of these bacteria, yet it still has not come to fruition. We review where our knowledge stands on the aspects of whitefly endosymbiont evolution, biology, metabolism, multitrophic interactions, and population dynamics. We show how these insights are bringing us closer to the goal of better integrated pest management strategies. Combining most up to date understanding of whitefly-endosymbiont interactions and recent technological advances, we discuss possibilities of disrupting and manipulating whitefly endosymbionts, as well as using them for pest control.},
}
@article {pmid34749528,
year = {2021},
author = {Mancini, MV and Ant, TH and Herd, CS and Martinez, J and Murdochy, SM and Gingell, DD and Mararo, E and Johnson, PCD and Sinkins, SP},
title = {High Temperature Cycles Result in Maternal Transmission and Dengue Infection Differences Between Wolbachia Strains in Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {e0025021},
pmid = {34749528},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {108508/A/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 202888/Z/16/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Aedes/growth &amp; development/*microbiology/virology ; Animals ; Dengue/transmission/virology ; Dengue Virus/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Humans ; Larva/*growth &amp; development/microbiology/virology ; Male ; Mosquito Control ; Mosquito Vectors/growth &amp; development/*microbiology/virology ; Population Dynamics ; Temperature ; Wolbachia/genetics/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Environmental factors play a crucial role in the population dynamics of arthropod endosymbionts, and therefore in the deployment of Wolbachia symbionts for the control of dengue arboviruses. The potential of Wolbachia to invade, persist, and block virus transmission depends in part on its intracellular density. Several recent studies have highlighted the importance of larval rearing temperature in modulating Wolbachia densities in adults, suggesting that elevated temperatures can severely impact some strains, while having little effect on others. The effect of a replicated tropical heat cycle on Wolbachia density and levels of virus blocking was assessed using Aedes aegypti lines carrying strains wMel and wAlbB, two Wolbachia strains currently used for dengue control. Impacts on intracellular density, maternal transmission fidelity, and dengue inhibition capacity were observed for wMel. In contrast, wAlbB-carrying Ae. aegypti maintained a relatively constant intracellular density at high temperatures and conserved its capacity to inhibit dengue. Following larval heat treatment, wMel showed a degree of density recovery in aging adults, although this was compromised by elevated air temperatures. IMPORTANCE In the past decades, dengue incidence has dramatically increased all over the world. An emerging dengue control strategy utilizes Aedes aegypti mosquitoes artificially transinfected with the bacterial symbiont Wolbachia, with the ultimate aim of replacing wild mosquito populations. However, the rearing temperature of mosquito larvae is known to impact on some Wolbachia strains. In this study, we compared the effects of a temperature cycle mimicking natural breeding sites in tropical climates on two Wolbachia strains, currently used for open field trials. When choosing the Wolbachia strain to be used in a dengue control program it is important to consider the effects of environmental temperatures on invasiveness and virus inhibition. These results underline the significance of understanding the impact of environmental factors on released mosquitoes, in order to ensure the most efficient strategy for dengue control.},
}
@article {pmid34765121,
year = {2021},
author = {Gupta, M and Kaur, R and Gupta, A and Raychoudhury, R},
title = {Are ecological communities the seat of endosymbiont horizontal transfer and diversification? A case study with soil arthropod community.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {11},
number = {21},
pages = {14490-14508},
pmid = {34765121},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Maternally inherited endosymbionts of arthropods are one of the most abundant and diverse group of bacteria. These bacterial endosymbionts also show extensive horizontal transfer to taxonomically unrelated hosts and widespread recombination in their genomes. Such horizontal transfers can be enhanced when different arthropod hosts come in contact like in an ecological community. Higher rates of horizontal transfer can also increase the probability of recombination between endosymbionts, as they now share the same host cytoplasm. However, reports of community-wide endosymbiont data are rare as most studies choose few host taxa and specific ecological interactions among the hosts. To better understand endosymbiont spread within host populations, we investigated the incidence, diversity, extent of horizontal transfer, and recombination of three endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Arsenophonus) in a specific soil arthropod community. Wolbachia strains were characterized with MLST genes whereas 16S rRNA gene was used for Cardinium and Arsenophonus. Among 3,509 individual host arthropods, belonging to 390 morphospecies, 12.05% were infected with Wolbachia, 2.82% with Cardinium and 2.05% with Arsenophonus. Phylogenetic incongruence between host and endosymbiont indicated extensive horizontal transfer of endosymbionts within this community. Three cases of recombination between Wolbachia supergroups and eight incidences of within-supergroup recombination were also found. Statistical tests of similarity indicated supergroup A Wolbachia and Cardinium show a pattern consistent with extensive horizontal transfer within the community but not for supergroup B Wolbachia and Arsenophonus. We highlight the importance of extensive community-wide studies for a better understanding of the spread of endosymbionts across global arthropod communities.},
}
@article {pmid34773705,
year = {2022},
author = {Hitchcock, TJ and Gardner, A and Ross, L},
title = {Sexual antagonism in haplodiploids.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {76},
number = {2},
pages = {292-309},
doi = {10.1111/evo.14398},
pmid = {34773705},
issn = {1558-5646},
mesh = {Alleles ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Diploidy ; Female ; *Inbreeding ; Inheritance Patterns ; Male ; },
abstract = {Females and males may face different selection pressures, such that alleles conferring a benefit in one sex may be deleterious in the other. Such sexual antagonism has received a great deal of theoretical and empirical attention, almost all of which has focused on diploids. However, a sizeable minority of animals display an alternative haplodiploid mode of inheritance, encompassing both arrhenotoky, whereby males develop from unfertilized eggs, and paternal genome elimination (PGE), whereby males receive but do not transmit a paternal genome. Alongside unusual genetics, haplodiploids often exhibit social ecologies that modulate the relative value of females and males. Here, we develop a series of evolutionary-genetic models of sexual antagonism for haplodiploids, incorporating details of their molecular biology and social ecology. We find that: (1) PGE promotes female-beneficial alleles more than arrhenotoky, and to an extent determined by the timing of elimination-and degree of silencing of-the paternal genome; (2) sib-mating relatively promotes female-beneficial alleles, as do other forms of inbreeding including limited male-dispersal, oedipal-mating, and the pseudo-hermaphroditism of Icerya purchasi; (3) resource competition between related females inhibits the invasion of female-beneficial alleles; and (4) sexual antagonism foments conflicts between parents and offspring, endosymbionts and hosts, and maternal- and paternal-origin genes.},
}
@article {pmid34781749,
year = {2021},
author = {Benhamou, S and Rahioui, I and Henri, H and Charles, H and Da Silva, P and Heddi, A and Vavre, F and Desouhant, E and Calevro, F and Mouton, L},
title = {Cytotype Affects the Capability of the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci MED Species To Feed and Oviposit on an Unfavorable Host Plant.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {e0073021},
pmid = {34781749},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Amino Acids/chemistry ; Animals ; Feeding Behavior ; Fertility ; Hemiptera/classification/*physiology ; Hibiscus/chemistry/*parasitology/physiology ; Host Specificity ; Lantana/chemistry/*parasitology/physiology ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; Oviposition ; Symbiosis ; Nicotiana/chemistry/*parasitology/physiology ; },
abstract = {The acquisition of nutritional obligate primary endosymbionts (P-symbionts) allowed phloemo-phageous insects to feed on plant sap and thus colonize novel ecological niches. P-symbionts often coexist with facultative secondary endosymbionts (S-symbionts), which may also influence their hosts' niche utilization ability. The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a highly diversified species complex harboring, in addition to the P-symbiont "Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum," seven S-symbionts whose roles remain poorly understood. Here, we compare the phenotypic and metabolic responses of three B. tabaci lines differing in their S-symbiont community, reared on three different host plants, hibiscus, tobacco, or lantana, and address whether and how S-symbionts influence insect capacity to feed and produce offspring on those plants. We first show that hibiscus, tobacco, and lantana differ in their free amino acid composition. Insects' performance, as well as free amino acid profile and symbiotic load, were shown to be plant dependent, suggesting a critical role for the plant nutritional properties. Insect fecundity was significantly lower on lantana, indicating that it is the least favorable plant. Remarkably, insects reared on this plant show a specific amino acid profile and a higher symbiont density compared to the two other plants. In addition, this plant was the only one for which fecundity differences were observed between lines. Using genetically homogeneous hybrids, we demonstrate that cytotype (mitochondria and symbionts), and not genotype, is a major determinant of females' fecundity and amino acid profile on lantana. As cytotypes differ in their S-symbiont community, we propose that these symbionts may mediate their hosts' suitable plant range. IMPORTANCE Microbial symbionts are universal in eukaryotes, and it is now recognized that symbiotic associations represent major evolutionary driving forces. However, the extent to which symbionts contribute to their hosts' ecological adaptation and subsequent diversification is far from being fully elucidated. The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a sap feeder associated with multiple coinfecting intracellular facultative symbionts. Here, we show that plant species simultaneously affect whiteflies' performance, amino acid profile, and symbiotic density, which could be partially explained by differences in plant nutritional properties. We also demonstrate that, on lantana, the least favorable plant used in our study, whiteflies' performance is determined by their cytotype. We propose that the host plant utilization in B. tabaci is influenced by its facultative symbiont community composition, possibly through its impact on the host dietary requirements. Altogether, our data provide new insights into the impact of intracellular microorganisms on their animal hosts' ecological niche range and diversification.},
}
@article {pmid34788070,
year = {2022},
author = {Hirayama, H and Takaki, Y and Abe, M and Imachi, H and Ikuta, T and Miyazaki, J and Tasumi, E and Uematsu, K and Tame, A and Tsuda, M and Tanaka, K and Matsui, Y and Watanabe, HK and Yamamoto, H and Takai, K},
title = {Multispecies Populations of Methanotrophic Methyloprofundus and Cultivation of a Likely Dominant Species from the Iheya North Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Field.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {88},
number = {2},
pages = {e0075821},
pmid = {34788070},
issn = {1098-5336},
mesh = {Animals ; Methane/metabolism ; *Methylococcaceae/genetics/metabolism ; *Microbiota ; *Mytilidae/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The Methyloprofundus clade is represented by uncultivated methanotrophic bacterial endosymbionts of deep-sea bathymodiolin mussels, but only a single free-living species has been cultivated to date. This study reveals the existence of free-living Methyloprofundus variants in the Iheya North deep-sea hydrothermal field in the mid-Okinawa Trough. A clade-targeted amplicon analysis of the particulate methane monooxygenase gene (pmoA) detected 647 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of the Methyloprofundus clade in microbial communities newly formed in in situ colonization systems. Such systems were deployed at colonies of bathymodiolin mussels and a galatheoid crab in diffuse-flow areas. These ASVs were classified into 161 species-like groups. The proportion of the species-like groups representing endosymbionts of mussels was unexpectedly low. A methanotrophic bacterium designated INp10, a likely dominant species in the Methyloprofundus population in this field, was enriched in a biofilm formed in a methane-fed cultivation system operated at 10°C. Genomic characterization with the gene transcription data set of INp10 from the biofilm suggested traits advantageous to niche competition in environments, such as mobility, chemotaxis, biofilm formation, offensive and defensive systems, and hypoxia tolerance. The notable metabolic traits that INp10 shares with some Methyloprofundus members are the use of lanthanide-dependent XoxF as the sole methanol dehydrogenase due to the absence of the canonical MxaFI, the glycolytic pathway using fructose-6-phosphate aldolase instead of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase, and the potential to perform partial denitrification from nitrate under oxygen-limited conditions. These findings help us better understand the ecological strategies of this possibly widespread marine-specific methanotrophic clade. IMPORTANCE The Iheya North deep-sea hydrothermal field in the mid-Okinawa Trough is characterized by abundant methane derived from organic-rich sediments and diverse chemosynthetic animal species, including those harboring methanotrophic bacterial symbionts, such as bathymodiolin mussels Bathymodiolus japonicus and "Bathymodiolus" platifrons and a galatheoid crab, Shinkaia crosnieri. Symbiotic methanotrophs have attracted significant attention, and yet free-living methanotrophs in this environment have not been studied in detail. We focused on the free-living Methyloprofundus spp. that thrive in this hydrothermal field and identified an unexpectedly large number of species-like groups in this clade. Moreover, we enriched and characterized a methanotroph whose genome sequence indicated that it corresponds to a new species in the genus Methyloprofundus. This species might be a dominant member of the indigenous Methyloprofundus population. New information on free-living Methyloprofundus populations suggests that the hydrothermal field is a promising locale at which to investigate the adaptive capacity and associated genetic diversity of Methyloprofundus spp.},
}
@article {pmid34789815,
year = {2021},
author = {Georgiou, A and Sieber, S and Hsiao, CC and Grayfer, T and Gorenflos López, JL and Gademann, K and Eberl, L and Bailly, A},
title = {Leaf nodule endosymbiotic Burkholderia confer targeted allelopathy to their Psychotria hosts.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {22465},
pmid = {34789815},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Sinergia grant CRSII3_154430//Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F&#xf6;rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung/ ; },
mesh = {Allelopathy/*physiology ; Arabidopsis/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Burkholderia/*metabolism ; Cyclohexanols/*pharmacology ; Germination/drug effects ; Lactuca/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Meristem/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Mustard Plant/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Pheromones/*pharmacology ; Phylogeny ; Plant Extracts/*pharmacology ; Plant Leaves/*chemistry/metabolism/*microbiology ; Psychotria/*chemistry/metabolism/*microbiology ; Seedlings/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Seeds/drug effects/growth &amp; development ; Symbiosis/*physiology ; },
abstract = {After a century of investigations, the function of the obligate betaproteobacterial endosymbionts accommodated in leaf nodules of tropical Rubiaceae remained enigmatic. We report that the α-D-glucose analogue (+)-streptol, systemically supplied by mature Ca. Burkholderia kirkii nodules to their Psychotria hosts, exhibits potent and selective root growth inhibiting activity. We provide compelling evidence that (+)-streptol specifically affects meristematic root cells transitioning to anisotropic elongation by disrupting cell wall organization in a mechanism of action that is distinct from canonical cellulose biosynthesis inhibitors. We observed no inhibitory or cytotoxic effects on organisms other than seed plants, further suggesting (+)-streptol as a bona fide allelochemical. We propose that the suppression of growth of plant competitors is a major driver of the formation and maintenance of the Psychotria-Burkholderia association. In addition to potential agricultural applications as a herbicidal agent, (+)-streptol might also prove useful to dissect plant cell and organ growth processes.},
}
@article {pmid34791181,
year = {2022},
author = {Mostoufi, SL and Singh, ND},
title = {Diet-induced changes in titer support a discrete response of Wolbachia-associated plastic recombination in Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {34791181},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {T32 GM007413/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila melanogaster/physiology ; Phenotype ; Plastics ; Recombination, Genetic ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Plastic recombination in Drosophila melanogaster has been associated with a variety of extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as temperature, starvation, and parasite infection. The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis has also been associated with plastic recombination in D. melanogaster. Wolbachia infection is pervasive in arthropods and this infection induces a variety of phenotypes in its hosts, the strength of which can depend on bacterial titer. Here, we test the hypothesis that the magnitude of Wolbachia-associated plastic recombination in D. melanogaster depends on titer. To manipulate titer, we raised Wolbachia-infected and uninfected flies on diets that have previously been shown to increase or decrease Wolbachia titer relative to controls. We measured recombination in treated and control individuals using a standard backcrossing scheme with two X-linked visible markers. Our results recapitulate previous findings that Wolbachia infection is associated with increased recombination rate across the yellow-vermillion interval of the X chromosome. Our data show no significant effect of diet or diet by Wolbachia interactions on recombination, suggesting that diet-induced changes in Wolbachia titer have no effect on the magnitude of plastic recombination. These findings represent one of the first steps toward investigating Wolbachia-associated plastic recombination and demonstrate that the phenotype is a discrete response rather than a continuous one.},
}
@article {pmid34791442,
year = {2022},
author = {Kundu, A and Mishra, S and Kundu, P and Jogawat, A and Vadassery, J},
title = {Piriformospora indica recruits host-derived putrescine for growth promotion in plants.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {188},
number = {4},
pages = {2289-2307},
pmid = {34791442},
issn = {1532-2548},
mesh = {*Basidiomycota ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Roots/metabolism ; *Putrescine/metabolism/pharmacology ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; },
abstract = {Growth promotion induced by the endosymbiont Piriformospora indica has been observed in various plants; however, except growth phytohormones, specific functional metabolites involved in P. indica-mediated growth promotion are unknown. Here, we used a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolite analysis to identify tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) metabolites whose levels were altered during P. indica-mediated growth promotion. Metabolomic multivariate analysis revealed several primary metabolites with altered levels, with putrescine (Put) induced most significantly in roots during the interaction. Further, our results indicated that P. indica modulates the arginine decarboxylase (ADC)-mediated Put biosynthesis pathway via induction of SlADC1 in tomato. Piriformospora indica did not promote growth in Sladc1-(virus-induced gene silencing of SlADC1) lines of tomato and showed less colonization. Furthermore, using LC-MS/MS we showed that Put promoted growth by elevation of auxin (indole-3-acetic acid) and gibberellin (GA4 and GA7) levels in tomato. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) adc knockout mutants, P. indica colonization also decreased and showed no plant growth promotion, and this response was rescued upon exogenous application of Put. Put is also important for hyphal growth of P. indica, indicating that it is co-adapted by both host and microbe. Taken together, we conclude that Put is an essential metabolite and its biosynthesis in plants is crucial for P. indica-mediated plant growth promotion and fungal growth.},
}
@article {pmid34798529,
year = {2022},
author = {Mumcuoglu, KY and Arslan-Akveran, G and Aydogdu, S and Karasartova, D and Kosar, N and Gureser, AS and Shacham, B and Taylan-Ozkan, A},
title = {Pathogens in ticks collected in Israel: I. Bacteria and protozoa in Hyalomma aegyptium and Hyalomma dromedarii collected from tortoises and camels.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {101866},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101866},
pmid = {34798529},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Camelus/parasitology ; Israel/epidemiology ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; *Rickettsia ; *Ticks/microbiology ; *Turtles ; },
abstract = {Ticks were collected from 30 Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca), and 10 Arabian camels (dromedary) (Camelus dromedarius) in Israel. All those collected from Greek tortoises belonged to Hyalomma aegyptium, while all specimens collected from the camels belonged to Hyalomma dromedarii. Out of 84 specimens of H. aegyptium, 31 pools were examined by PCR, while from 75 H. dromedarii specimens nine pools were studied. Out of 31 pools of H. aegyptium 26 were positive for pathogens or endosymbiont; 14 for one, 11 for two and one for three pathogens. Out of nine pools prepared from H. dromedarii, seven were positive for pathogens (two for C. burnetii and five for Leishmania infantum). In H. aegyptium, Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia endosymbiont, Coxiella burnetii, Hemolivia mauritanica, Babesia microti, Theileria sp., and Leishmania infantum was detected, while in H. dromedarii C. burnetii and L. infantum were found. None of the ticks were positive for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia, Listeria monocytogenes, Bartonella spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. H Rickettsia endosymbionts, C. burnetii, B. microti, Theileria sp. and L. infantum are reported for the first time in H. aegyptium, and C. burnetii and L. infantum for the first time in H. dromedarii.},
}
@article {pmid34800866,
year = {2022},
author = {Duan, DY and Liu, YK and Liu, L and Liu, GH and Cheng, TY},
title = {Microbiome analysis of the midguts of different developmental stages of Argas persicus in China.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {101868},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101868},
pmid = {34800866},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; *Argas/genetics ; Chickens/parasitology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Female ; *Microbiota ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Argas persicus is an ectoparasite of poultry. The bacterial community structure and the pathogenic bacteria associated with different developmental stages of A. persicus have implications for control. Argas persicus were collected from chickens in the city of Jiuquan in Gansu, China. Bacterial DNA was extracted from the midgut contents of blood engorged larvae, nymphs and adult females. The V3-V4 hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA genes were sequenced using the IonS5™XL platform. Identification of Rickettsia spp. and detection of Coxiella burnetii were performed using PCR on target genes. The bacterial diversity within larvae was the highest and the bacterial diversity within nymphs was greater than that of adults. At different classification levels, seven bacterial phyla were common phyla, 27 genera were common genera, and 18 species were common species in the three samples. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria showed a marked predominance in all samples. Rickettsia, Stenotrophomonas, Spiroplasma, and Coxiella were the dominant bacteria at the genus level. The Rickettsia species in A. persicus was identified as Rickettsia hoogstraalii and the Coxiella species was identified as a Coxiella-like endosymbiont. Additionally, some bacterial species such as Pseudomonas geniculata, Sphingomonas koreensis, and Acinetobacter haemolyticus were reported here for the first time in A. persicus.},
}
@article {pmid34807291,
year = {2022},
author = {Chowdanayaka, R and Basappa, RN},
title = {Rapid Divergence of Key Spermatogenesis Genes in nasuta-Subgroup of Drosophila.},
journal = {Journal of molecular evolution},
volume = {90},
number = {1},
pages = {2-16},
pmid = {34807291},
issn = {1432-1432},
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila/genetics ; Humans ; Hybridization, Genetic ; *Infertility, Male/genetics ; Male ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Spermatogenesis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The crosses between closely related Drosophila species usually produce sterile hybrid males with spermatogenesis disrupted at post-meiotic phase, especially in sperm individualization stage than the pre-meiotic stage. This is possibly due to the rapid interspecies divergence of male sex and reproduction-related genes. Here we annotated 11 key spermatogenesis genes in 35 strains of species belonging to nasuta-subgroup of Drosophila, where many interspecies crosses produce sterile males. We characterized the divergence and polymorphism in the protein coding regions by employing gene-wide, codon-wide, and lineage-specific selection analysis to test the mode and strength of selection acting on these genes. Our analysis showed signature of positive selection at bag of marbles (bam) and benign gonial cell neoplasma (bgcn) despite the selection constrains and the absence of endosymbiont infection which could potentially drive rapid divergence due to an arms race while roughex (rux) showed lineage-specific rapid divergence in frontal sheen complex of nasuta-subgroup. cookie monster (comr) showed rapid divergence consistent with the possibility of meiotic arrest observed in sterile hybrids of Drosophila species. Rapid divergence observed at don juan (dj) and Mst98Ca-like was consistent with fused sperm-tail abnormality observed in the hybrids of Drosophila nasuta and Drosophila albomicans. These findings highlight the potential role of rapid nucleotide divergence in bringing about hybrid incompatibility in the form of male sterility; however, additional genetic manipulation studies can widen our understanding of hybrid incompatibilities. Furthermore, our study emphasizes the importance of young species belonging to nasuta-subgroup of Drosophila in studying post-zygotic reproductive isolation mechanisms.},
}
@article {pmid34820166,
year = {2021},
author = {Price, DC and Brennan, JR and Wagner, NE and Egizi, AM},
title = {Comparative hologenomics of two Ixodes scapularis tick populations in New Jersey.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {e12313},
pmid = {34820166},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {Tick-borne diseases, such as those transmitted by the blacklegged tick Ixodes scapularis, are a significant and growing public health problem in the US. There is mounting evidence that co-occurring non-pathogenic microbes can also impact tick-borne disease transmission. Shotgun metagenome sequencing enables sampling of the complete tick hologenome-the collective genomes of the tick and all of the microbial species contained therein, whether pathogenic, commensal or symbiotic. This approach simultaneously uncovers taxonomic composition and allows the detection of intraspecific genetic variation, making it a useful tool to compare spatial differences across tick populations. We evaluated this approach by comparing hologenome data from two tick samples (N = 6 ticks per location) collected at a relatively fine spatial scale, approximately 23 km apart, within a single US county. Several intriguing variants in the data between the two sites were detected, including polymorphisms in both in the tick's own mitochondrial DNA and that of a rickettsial endosymbiont. The two samples were broadly similar in terms of the microbial species present, including multiple known tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi, Babesia microti, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum), filarial nematodes, and Wolbachia and Babesia species. We assembled the complete genome of the rickettsial endosymbiont (most likely Rickettsia buchneri) from both populations. Our results provide further evidence for the use of shotgun metagenome sequencing as a tool to compare tick hologenomes and differentiate tick populations across localized spatial scales.},
}
@article {pmid34820894,
year = {2022},
author = {Guo, J and Hao, G and Hatt, S and Wang, Z and Francis, F},
title = {Host plant adaptability and proteomic differences of diverse Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) lineages.},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {109},
number = {1},
pages = {e21853},
doi = {10.1002/arch.21853},
pmid = {34820894},
issn = {1520-6327},
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/*metabolism/microbiology/physiology ; Enterobacteriaceae/metabolism ; Hordeum/parasitology ; Insect Proteins/metabolism ; Plant Leaves/parasitology ; *Proteome ; Serratia/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Zea mays/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) can feed on various cereal crops and transmit viruses that may cause serious economic losses. To test the impact of both host plant species and age on R. maidis, as well as the proteomic difference of diverse populations, we first investigated the survival and reproduction of six R. maidis populations (i.e., LF, HF, GZ, DY, BJ, and MS) via a direct observation method in the laboratory on 10 and 50 cm high maize seedlings, and 10 cm high barley seedlings. Then a proteomic approach was implemented to identify the differentially expressed proteins from both aphids and endosymbionts of BJ and MS populations. Results indicated that the BJ population performed significantly better than the others on both barley and 50 cm high maize seedlings, while no population could survive on 10 cm high maize seedlings. The proteomic results demonstrated that the expression levels of myosin heavy chain (muscle isoform X12) (spot 781) and peroxidase (spot 1383) were upregulated, while ATP-dependent protease Hsp 100 (spot 2137) from Hamiltonella defensa and protein SYMBAF (spot 2703) from Serratia symbiotica were downregulated in the BJ population when compared to expression levels of the MS population. We hypothesize that the fatalness observed on 10 cm high maize seedlings may be caused by secondary metabolites that are synthesized by the seedlings and the MS population of R. maidis should be more stress-resistant than the BJ population. Our results also provide insights for understanding the interaction between host plants and aphids.},
}
@article {pmid34821769,
year = {2021},
author = {Thorpe, CJ and Wang, XR and Munderloh, UG and Kurtti, TJ},
title = {Tick Cell Culture Analysis of Growth Dynamics and Cellular Tropism of Rickettsia buchneri, an Endosymbiont of the Blacklegged Tick, Ixodes scapularis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {34821769},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {R01 AI049424/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01AI049424//US National Institutes of Health/ ; R01AI81690//US National Institutes of Health/ ; },
abstract = {The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, a species of significant importance to human and animal health, harbors an endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri sensu stricto. The symbiont is largely restricted to the ovaries, but all life stages can harbor various quantities or lack R. buchneri entirely. The endosymbiont is cultivable in cell lines isolated from embryos of Ixodes ticks. Rickettsia buchneri most readily grows and is maintained in the cell line IRE11 from the European tick, Ixodes ricinus. The line was characterized by light and electron microscopy and used to analyze the growth dynamics of wildtype and GFPuv-expressing R. buchneri. qPCR indicated that the genome copy doubling time in IRE11 was >7 days. Measurements of fluorescence using a plate reader indicated that the amount of green fluorescent protein doubled every 11 days. Two 23S rRNA probes were tested via RNA FISH on rickettsiae grown in vitro and adapted to evaluate the tissue tropism of R. buchneri in field-collected female I. scapularis. We observed strong positive signals of R. buchneri in the ovaries and surrounding the nucleus of the developing oocytes. Tissue tropism in I. scapularis and in vitro growth dynamics strengthen the contemporary understanding of R. buchneri as a transovarially transmitted, non-pathogenic endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid34823581,
year = {2021},
author = {Bleidorn, C and Henze, K},
title = {A new primer pair for barcoding of bees (Hymenoptera: Anthophila) without amplifying the orthologous coxA gene of Wolbachia bacteria.},
journal = {BMC research notes},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {427},
pmid = {34823581},
issn = {1756-0500},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; Bees/genetics ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; Hip ; *Hymenoptera ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: DNA barcoding became an effective method for the identification and monitoring of bees. However, standard primer pairs used for barcoding often result in (co-) amplification of bacterial endosymbionts of the genus Wolbachia, which are widespread among bee species. Here we designed a new primer pair and compared it with the performance of the standard Folmer-primers for a small sample set of bees representing the main taxonomic groups of bees.<br><br>RESULTS: The newly designed primer pair (BeeCox1F1/BeeCox1R2) outperformed the standard barcoding primer (LCO1490/HCO2198). By generating barcodes for a small test set of bees we found that the new primer pair produced high-quality sequences in all cases for unambiguous species identification using BOLD. Conversely, the standard barcoding primers often co-amplified the homologous Wolbachia gene and resulted in mixed chromatogram signals. These sequences showed high similarity with the bacterial endosymbiont instead of the host.},
}
@article {pmid34829911,
year = {2021},
author = {Kwofie, SK and Broni, E and Yunus, FU and Nsoh, J and Adoboe, D and Miller, WA and Wilson, MD},
title = {Molecular Docking Simulation Studies Identifies Potential Natural Product Derived-Antiwolbachial Compounds as Filaricides against Onchocerciasis.},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {9},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {34829911},
issn = {2227-9059},
abstract = {Onchocerciasis is the leading cause of blindness and severe skin lesions which remain a major public health problem, especially in tropical areas. The widespread use of antibiotics and the long duration required for effective treatment continues to add to the increasing global menace of multi-resistant pathogens. Onchocerca volvulus harbors the endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia, essential for the normal development of embryos, larvae and long-term survival of the adult worm, O. volvulus. We report here results of using structure-based drug design (SBDD) approach aimed at identifying potential novel Wolbachia inhibitors from natural products against the Wolbachia surface protein (WSP). The protein sequence of the WSP with UniProtKB identifier Q0RAI4 was used to model the three-dimensional (3D) structure via homology modelling techniques using three different structure-building algorithms implemented in Modeller, I-TASSER and Robetta. Out of the 15 generated models of WSP, one was selected as the most reasonable quality model which had 82, 15.5, 1.9 and 0.5% of the amino acid residues in the most favored regions, additionally allowed regions, generously allowed regions and disallowed regions, respectively, based on the Ramachandran plot. High throughput virtual screening was performed via Autodock Vina with a library comprising 42,883 natural products from African and Chinese databases, including 23 identified anti-Onchocerca inhibitors. The top six compounds comprising ZINC000095913861, ZINC000095486235, ZINC000035941652, NANPDB4566, acetylaleuritolic acid and rhemannic acid had binding energies of -12.7, -11.1, -11.0, -11, -10.3 and -9.5 kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations including molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann (MMPBSA) calculations reinforced the stability of the ligand-WSP complexes and plausible binding mechanisms. The residues Arg45, Tyr135, Tyr148 and Phe195 were predicted as potential novel critical residues required for ligand binding in pocket 1. Acetylaleuritolic acid and rhemannic acid (lantedene A) have previously been shown to possess anti-onchocercal activity. This warrants the need to evaluate the anti-WSP activity of the identified molecules. The study suggests the exploitation of compounds which target both pockets 1 and 2, by investigating their potential for effective depletion of Wolbachia. These compounds were predicted to possess reasonably good pharmacological profiles with insignificant toxicity and as drug-like. The compounds were computed to possess biological activity including antibacterial, antiparasitic, anthelmintic and anti-rickettsials. The six natural products are potential novel antiwolbachial agents with insignificant toxicities which can be explored further as filaricides for onchocerciasis.},
}
@article {pmid34831890,
year = {2021},
author = {Rousseau, R and Vanwambeke, SO and Boland, C and Mori, M},
title = {The Isolation of Culturable Bacteria in Ixodes ricinus Ticks of a Belgian Peri-Urban Forest Uncovers Opportunistic Bacteria Potentially Important for Public Health.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {18},
number = {22},
pages = {},
pmid = {34831890},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; Belgium ; Forests ; Humans ; *Ixodes ; Public Health ; },
abstract = {Most bacteria found in ticks are not pathogenic to humans but coexist as endosymbionts and may have effects on tick fitness and pathogen transmission. In this study, we cultured and isolated 78 bacteria from 954 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in 7 sites of a Belgian peri-urban forest. Most isolated species were non-pathogenic environmental microorganisms, and were from the Firmicutes (69.23%), Actinobacteria (17.95%) and Proteobacteria (3.84%) phyla. One bacterium isolate was particularly noteworthy, Cedecea davisae, a rare opportunistic bacterium, naturally resistant to various antibiotics. It has never been isolated from ticks before and this isolated strain was resistant to ampicillin, cefoxitin and colistin. Although cultivable bacteria do not represent the complete tick microbiota, the sites presented variable bacterial compositions and diversities. This study is a first attempt to describe the culturable microbiota of ticks collected in Belgium. Further collections and analyses of ticks of different species, from various areas and using other bacterial identification methods would strengthen these results. However, they highlight the importance of ticks as potential sentinel for opportunistic bacteria of public health importance.},
}
@article {pmid34838119,
year = {2021},
author = {Hamlili, FZ and Bérenger, JM and Diarra, AZ and Parola, P},
title = {Molecular and MALDI-TOF MS identification of swallow bugs Cimex hirundinis (Heteroptera: Cimicidae) and endosymbionts in France.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {587},
pmid = {34838119},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bedbugs/classification/microbiology ; Birds ; France ; Humans ; Pathology, Molecular ; Phylogeny ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization/methods ; Swallows/*parasitology ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/*isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Cimicidae are obligatory blood-feeding ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. We aim in the current study to assess the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify Cimex hirundinis swallow bugs collected in house martin nests.<br><br>METHODS: Swallow bugs were picked out from abandoned nests of house martin swallows and identified morphologically to the species level. The bugs were randomly selected, dissected and then subjected to MALDI-TOF MS and molecular analyses.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 65 adults and 50 nymphs were used in the attempt to determine whether this tool could identify the bug species and discriminate their developmental stages. Five adults and four nymphs of C. hirundinis specimens were molecularly identified to update our MS homemade arthropod database. BLAST analysis of COI gene sequences from these C. hirundinis revealed 98.66-99.12% identity with the corresponding sequences of C. hirundinis of the GenBank. The blind test against the database supplemented with MS reference spectra showed 100% (57/57) C. hirundinis adults and 100% (46/46) C. hirundinis nymphs were reliably identified and in agreement with morphological identification with logarithmic score values between 1.922 and 2.665. Ninety-nine percent of C. hirundinis specimens tested were positive for Wolbachia spp. The sequencing results revealed that they were identical to Wolbachia massiliensis, belonging to the new T-supergroup strain and previously isolated from C. hemipterus.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We report for the first time to our knowledge a case of human infestation by swallow bugs (C. hirundinis) in France. We also show the usefulness of MALDI-TOF MS in the rapid identification of C. hirundinis specimens and nymphs with minimal sample requirements. We phylogenetically characterized the novel Wolbachia strain (W. massiliensis) infecting C. hirundinis and compared it to other recognized Wolbachia clades.},
}
@article {pmid34843507,
year = {2021},
author = {Singh, I and Kaur, R and Kumar, A and Singh, S and Sharma, A},
title = {Differential expression of gut protein genes and population density of Arsenophonus contributes to sex-biased transmission of Bemisia tabaci vectored Cotton leaf curl virus.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {16},
number = {11},
pages = {e0259374},
pmid = {34843507},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Begomovirus/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Cyclophilins/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/genetics/metabolism ; Digestive System/*metabolism ; Female ; Gammaproteobacteria/*growth &amp; development/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Gene Silencing ; HSP40 Heat-Shock Proteins/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/genetics/metabolism ; Haplotypes ; Hemiptera/*virology ; Insect Proteins/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/genetics/*metabolism ; Insect Vectors/virology ; Male ; Plant Diseases/virology ; RNA, Double-Stranded/metabolism ; Sex Factors ; Symbiosis ; Viral Load ; },
abstract = {Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important pest of cotton causing direct damage as sap feeder and vector of Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV). Previous few studies suggest that female whiteflies are more efficient vector of begomovirusthan males, however the sex-biased transmission efficiency is still not clearly understood. Present studies with B. tabaci AsiaII-1 haplotype showed higher virus transmission efficiency of females compared to males. This variable begomovirus transmission efficiency has been related to previously identifiedkey factors associated with B. tabaci. The higher density of endosymbiont Arsenophonus and variable expression of some midgut proteins genes i.e. Cyclophilin, Knottin, Hsp40, Hsp70 may be possibly imparting higher vector competency to the females compared to males. The present studies suggest low abundance of Arsenophonus spp. as well as lower expressionof Cyclophilin genein males as compared to females. This is further supplemented by overexpression of Knottin, Hsp40, and Hsp70 genes in males compared to females and thus collectively all these factors might be playing a key role in low virus transmission efficiency of males. The relative density of Arsenophonus spp. and expression of midgut proteins genes in male and female whitefly first time enriches our understanding about sex-biased transmission efficiency of begomovirus.},
}
@article {pmid34843992,
year = {2022},
author = {Manoj, RRS and Latrofa, MS and Bezerra-Santos, MA and Sgroi, G and Samarelli, R and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Otranto, D},
title = {Molecular detection and characterization of the endosymbiont Wolbachia in the European hedgehog flea, Archaeopsylla erinacei.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {97},
number = {},
pages = {105161},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105161},
pmid = {34843992},
issn = {1567-7257},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/analysis ; Female ; Italy ; Male ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Bacterial/analysis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; Siphonaptera/*microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, the endosymbiont of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes is present in many medically important insect species, being also considered for the indirect control of parasitic ones. Archaeopsylla erinacei is a flea species infesting hedgehogs acting as vector of Rickettsia felis, Bartonella henselae, and Rickettsia helvetica, thus having public health relevance. The Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) and 16S rRNA genes were used to determine the presence, prevalence and molecular typing of Wolbachia in this flea species collected in two regions of southern Italy. Of the 45 fleas tested (n = 16 males, 35.6%; n = 29 females, 64.4%), 43 (95.6%; 95% CI: 84.8-99.2) scored positive for Wolbachia, of which 15 (33.3%) and 28 (62.2%) were males and females, respectively. The sex-wise prevalence of this endosymbiont was almost equal in both sexes (males 93.8%; 95% CI: 69.5-99.7; females 96.7%; 95% CI: 83.1-99.8). Single locus sequence analysis (SLST) of Wolbachia revealed two sequence types for 16S rRNA gene, named as wAr_15227 and wAr_15234, which came from two different areas, equally distributed in male and female fleas, whilst only one sequence type was identified for wsp gene. The phylogenetic analysis placed the two 16S rRNA sequence types in paraphyletic clades belonging to the supergroup A and B, respectively. Whilst, the tree of wsp gene clustered the corresponding sequence in the same clade including those of Wolbachia supergroup A. In MLST analyses, both Wolbachia sequence types clustered in a monophyletic clade with Drosophila nikananu (wNik) and Drosophila sturtevanti (wStv) from supergroup A. ClonalFrame analysis revealed a recombination event in the wAr_15234 strain which came from Apulia region. Scientific knowledge of the presence/prevalence of Wolbachia among medically important fleas, may contribute to develop an alternative biological method for the vector control.},
}
@article {pmid34845838,
year = {2022},
author = {Watanabe, K and Motonaga, A and Tachibana, M and Shimizu, T and Watarai, M},
title = {Francisella novicida can utilize Paramecium bursaria as its potential host.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {50-59},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.13029},
pmid = {34845838},
issn = {1758-2229},
mesh = {*Chlorella ; *Francisella ; *Paramecium/microbiology ; *Tularemia/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Francisella novicida is a facultative intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of tularemia. Although cases of infection caused by exposure to contaminated water have been reported, its natural host and ecology in the environment remain unclear. In this study, we investigated in vitro the possibility that Paramecium bursaria may be a useful tool as a protist host model of F. novicida. Experimental infection with F. novicida resulted in a stable intracellular relationship within P. bursaria. This symbiotic intracellular relationship was not observed in experimental infections with other Francisella species and Legionella pneumophila. We found that F. novicida showed similar behaviour to that of the eukaryotic endosymbiont of P. bursaria, the green algae Chlorella, in the internalization process. In addition, stable intracellular localization of F. novicida was possible only when Chlorella was not present. Although we investigated the type VI secretion system of F. novicida as a candidate for the bacterial factor, we found that it was not involved in the establishment of an intracellular relationship with P. bursaria. These results suggested that P. bursaria is potentially a protist host model for F. novicida and may be a useful tool for understanding the relationship between protist hosts and their symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid34846757,
year = {2022},
author = {Kuo, CC and Lee, PL and Wang, HC},
title = {Molecular identification of Rickettsia spp. in chigger mites in Taiwan.},
journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {223-229},
doi = {10.1111/mve.12560},
pmid = {34846757},
issn = {1365-2915},
mesh = {Animals ; *Mite Infestations/veterinary ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Rodent Diseases ; Rodentia ; *Scrub Typhus/microbiology/veterinary ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology ; Taiwan ; *Ticks ; *Trombiculidae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The genus Rickettsia is the causative agent of several rickettsial diseases that are primarily transmitted by hard ticks. The occurrence of Rickettsia in chigger mites, which are vectors of scrub typhus in the western Pacific region, has been infrequently investigated. We identified Rickettsia spp. in chiggers collected from small mammals in six counties of Taiwan. Moreover, by capitalising on parallel Rickettsia detections on small mammals and their infested ticks and fleas, we were able to identify Rickettsia spp. that suggested more intimate associations with chigger mites. Rickettsia detection rates in 318 pools of chiggers were 21.7% and 22.3% when based on the ompB and gltA gene, respectively. Overall, we identified six (based on the ompB gene) and eight (gltA gene) Rickettsia species. Approximately half of the sequenced species were most similar to Rickettsia sp. clone MB74-1 (ompB gene) and Rickettsia sp. TwKM02 (gltA gene). Furthermore, both species were either infrequently or never identified in small mammals, ticks and fleas, which suggests that chigger mites might be the primary host of both rickettsiae. Whether both species are pathogenic to humans remains to be studied. They may also be microbial endosymbionts of chigger mites, with their potential effects on the pathogenicity of the aetiologic agent of scrub typhus deserving further investigations.},
}
@article {pmid34849818,
year = {2021},
author = {Bauer DuMont, VL and White, SL and Zinshteyn, D and Aquadro, CF},
title = {Molecular population genetics of Sex-lethal (Sxl) in the Drosophila melanogaster species group: a locus that genetically interacts with Wolbachia pipientis in Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {34849818},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {R01 GM095793/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics/metabolism ; Female ; Genetics, Population ; RNA-Binding Proteins ; *Wolbachia/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Sex-lethal (Sxl) is the sex determination switch in Drosophila, and also plays a critical role in germ-line stem cell daughter differentiation in Drosophila melanogaster. Three female-sterile alleles at Sxl in D. melanogaster were previously shown to genetically interact to varying degrees with the maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. Given this genetic interaction and W. pipientis' ability to manipulate reproduction in Drosophila, we carried out a careful study of both the population genetics (within four Drosophila species) and molecular evolutionary analysis (across 20 Drosophila species) of Sxl. Consistent with earlier studies, we find that selective constraint has played a prominent role in Sxl's molecular evolution within Drosophila, but we also observe patterns that suggest both episodic bursts of protein evolution and recent positive selection at Sxl. The episodic nature of Sxl's protein evolution is discussed in light of its genetic interaction with W. pipientis.},
}
@article {pmid34861071,
year = {2022},
author = {Armstrong, EE and Perez-Lamarque, B and Bi, K and Chen, C and Becking, LE and Lim, JY and Linderoth, T and Krehenwinkel, H and Gillespie, RG},
title = {A holobiont view of island biogeography: Unravelling patterns driving the nascent diversification of a Hawaiian spider and its microbial associates.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {31},
number = {4},
pages = {1299-1316},
doi = {10.1111/mec.16301},
pmid = {34861071},
issn = {1365-294X},
mesh = {Animals ; Geography ; Hawaii ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Spiders/genetics ; },
abstract = {The diversification of a host lineage can be influenced by both the external environment and its assemblage of microbes. Here, we use a young lineage of spiders, distributed along a chronologically arranged series of volcanic mountains, to investigate how their associated microbial communities have changed as the spiders colonized new locations. Using the stick spider Ariamnes waikula (Araneae, Theridiidae) on the island of Hawai'i, and outgroup taxa on older islands, we tested whether each component of the "holobiont" (spider hosts, intracellular endosymbionts and gut microbial communities) showed correlated signatures of diversity due to sequential colonization from older to younger volcanoes. To investigate this, we generated ddRAD data for the host spiders and 16S rRNA gene amplicon data from their microbiota. We expected sequential colonizations to result in a (phylo)genetic structuring of the host spiders and in a diversity gradient in microbial communities. The results showed that the host A. waikula is indeed structured by geographical isolation, suggesting sequential colonization from older to younger volcanoes. Similarly, the endosymbiont communities were markedly different between Ariamnes species on different islands, but more homogeneous among A. waikula populations on the island of Hawai'i. Conversely, the gut microbiota, which we suspect is generally environmentally derived, was largely conserved across all populations and species. Our results show that different components of the holobiont respond in distinct ways to the dynamic environment of the volcanic archipelago. This highlights the necessity of understanding the interplay between different components of the holobiont, to properly characterize its evolution.},
}
@article {pmid34863611,
year = {2022},
author = {Nobs, SJ and MacLeod, FI and Wong, HL and Burns, BP},
title = {Eukarya the chimera: eukaryotes, a secondary innovation of the two domains of life?.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {30},
number = {5},
pages = {421-431},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2021.11.003},
pmid = {34863611},
issn = {1878-4380},
mesh = {Archaea/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Biological Evolution ; *Eukaryota/genetics ; Eukaryotic Cells ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {One of the most significant events in the evolution of life is the origin of the eukaryotic cell, an increase in cellular complexity that occurred approximately 2 billion years ago. Ground-breaking research has centered around unraveling the characteristics of the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA) and the nuanced archaeal and bacterial contributions in eukaryogenesis, resulting in fundamental changes in our understanding of the Tree of Life. The archaeal and bacterial roles are covered by theories of endosymbiogenesis wherein an ancestral host archaeon and a bacterial endosymbiont merged to create a new complex cell type - Eukarya - and its mitochondrion. Eukarya is often regarded as a unique and distinct domain due to complex innovations not found in archaea or bacteria, despite housing a chimeric genome containing genes of both archaeal and bacterial origin. However, the discovery of complex cell machineries in recently described Asgard archaeal lineages, and the growing support for diverse bacterial gene transfers prior to and during the time of LECA, is redefining our understanding of eukaryogenesis. Indeed, the uniqueness of Eukarya, as a domain, is challenged. It is likely that many microbial syntrophies, encompassing a 'microbial village', were required to 'raise' a eukaryote during the process of eukaryogenesis.},
}
@article {pmid34864906,
year = {2022},
author = {Cooper, WR and Horton, DR and Swisher-Grimm, K and Krey, K and Wildung, MR},
title = {Bacterial Endosymbionts of Bactericera maculipennis and Three Mitochondrial Haplotypes of B. cockerelli (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae).},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {51},
number = {1},
pages = {94-107},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvab133},
pmid = {34864906},
issn = {1938-2936},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; Haplotypes ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; *Rhizobiaceae ; *Solanum tuberosum/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Insects harbor bacterial endosymbionts that provide their hosts with nutritional benefit or with protection against natural enemies, plant defenses, insecticides, or abiotic stresses. We used directed sequencing of 16S rDNA to identify and compare endosymbionts of Bactericera maculipennis (Crawford) and the western, central, and northwestern haplotypes of B. cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae). Both species are native to North America, are known to harbor the plant pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' and develop on shared host plants within the Convolvulaceae. The Old-World species Heterotrioza chenopodii (Reuter) (Psylloidea: Triozidae), now found in North America, was included as an outgroup. 16S sequencing confirmed that both Bactericera species harbor 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' and revealed that both species harbor unique strains of Wolbachia and Sodalis. However, the presence of Wolbachia and Sodalis varied among haplotypes of B. cockerelli. The central and western haplotypes harbored the same strains of Wolbachia, which was confirmed by Sanger sequencing of the wsp and ftsZ genes. Wolbachia was also detected in very low abundance from the northwestern haplotype by high-throughput sequencing of 16S but was not detected from this haplotype by PCR screening. The northwestern and central haplotypes also harbored Sodalis, which was not detected in the western haplotype. Heterotrioza chenopodii harbored an entirely different community of potential endosymbionts compared with the Bactericera spp. that included Rickettsia and an unidentified bacterium in the Enterobacteriaceae. Results of this study provide a foundation for further research on the interactions between psyllids and their bacterial endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid34869220,
year = {2021},
author = {Ding, L and Zhang, SD and Haidar, AK and Bajimaya, M and Guo, Y and Larsen, TO and Gram, L},
title = {Polycyclic Tetramate Macrolactams-A Group of Natural Bioactive Metallophores.},
journal = {Frontiers in chemistry},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {772858},
pmid = {34869220},
issn = {2296-2646},
abstract = {New infectious diseases and increase in drug-resistant microbial pathogens emphasize the need for antibiotics with novel mode-of-action. Tetramates represented by fungi-derived tenuazonic acid and bacterial polycyclic tetramate macrolactams (PTMs) are an important family of natural products with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities. Despite their potential application as new antibiotics, it remains unknown how PTMs function. In this study, genomic mining revealed that PTM biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are widespread in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and we investigated a sponge endosymbiont Actinoalloteichus hymeniacidonis harboring a potential PTM-BGC. Xanthobaccin A that previously has only been isolated from a Gram-negative bacterium was obtained after a scale-up fermentation, isolation, and structure elucidation through mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Xanthobaccin A as well as two previously reported tetramates, equisetin and ikarugamycin, exhibited antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis. In addition, these three tetramates were for the first time to be confirmed as metallophores and the stoichiometry of the complexes were shown to be Fe(III)(equisetin)3/Fe(III)(equisetin)2 and Fe(III)(ikarugamycin)2, respectively. Meanwhile, we found that all three tetramates could reduce ferric into ferrous iron, which triggers the Fenton chemistry reaction. Their antibacterial activity was reduced by adding the radical scavenger, vitamin C. Altogether, our work demonstrates that equisetin and PTMs can act as metallophores and their antimicrobial mechanism is possibly mediated through Fenton chemistry.},
}
@article {pmid34878113,
year = {2022},
author = {Byrne, S and Schughart, M and Carolan, JC and Gaffney, M and Thorpe, P and Malloch, G and Wilkinson, T and McNamara, L},
title = {Genome sequence of the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae and its endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {12},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {34878113},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 05621/Z/14/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; *Buchnera/genetics ; Genome ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Triticum/genetics ; },
abstract = {The English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, is a major agricultural pest of wheat, barley and oats, and one of the principal vectors of barley yellow dwarf virus leading to significant reductions in grain yield, annually. Emerging resistance to and increasing regulation of insecticides has resulted in limited options for their control. Using PacBio HiFi data, we have produced a high-quality draft assembly of the S. avenae genome; generating a primary assembly with a total assembly size of 475.7 Mb, and an alternate assembly with a total assembly size of 430.8 Mb. Our primary assembly was highly contiguous with only 326 contigs and a contig N50 of 15.95 Mb. Assembly completeness was estimated at 97.7% using BUSCO analysis and 31,007 and 29,037 protein-coding genes were predicted from the primary and alternate assemblies, respectively. This assembly, which is to our knowledge the first for an insecticide resistant clonal lineage of English grain aphid, will provide novel insight into the molecular and mechanistic determinants of resistance and will facilitate future research into mechanisms of viral transmission and aphid behavior.},
}
@article {pmid34878815,
year = {2022},
author = {Horn, CJ and Yoon, T and Mierzejewski, MK and Luong, LT},
title = {Endosymbiotic Male-Killing Spiroplasma Affects the Physiological and Behavioral Ecology of Macrocheles-Drosophila Interactions.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {88},
number = {3},
pages = {e0197221},
pmid = {34878815},
issn = {1098-5336},
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Male ; Phylogeny ; *Spiroplasma/physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {While many arthropod endosymbionts are vertically transmitted, phylogenetic studies reveal repeated introductions of hemolymph-dwelling Spiroplasma into Drosophila. Introductions are often attributed to horizontal transmission via ectoparasite vectors. Here, we test if mites (Macrocheles subbadius) prefer to infect Spiroplasma poulsonii MSRO (Melanogaster sex ratio organism)-infected flies and if MSRO infection impairs fly resistance against secondary mite attack. First, we tested if mites prefer MSRO[+] or MSRO[-] flies using pairwise choice tests across fly ages. We then tested whether mite preferences are explained by changes in fly physiology, specifically increased metabolic rate (measured as CO2 production). We hypothesize that this preference is due in part to MSRO[+] flies expressing higher metabolic rates. However, our results showed mite preference depended on an interaction between fly age and MSRO status: mites avoided 14-day-old MSRO[+] flies relative to MSRO[-] flies (31% infection) but preferred MSRO[+] flies (64% infection) among 26-day-old flies. Using flowthrough respirometry, we found 14-day-old MSRO[+] flies had higher CO2 emissions than MSRO[-] flies (32% greater), whereas at 26 days old the CO2 production among MSRO[+] flies was 20% lower than that of MSRO[-] flies. Thus, mite preferences for high-metabolic-rate hosts did not explain the infection biases in this study. To assess changes in susceptibility to infection, we measured fly endurance using geotaxis assays. Older flies had lower endurance consistent with fly senescence, and this effect was magnified among MSRO[+] flies. Given the biological importance of male-killing Spiroplasma, potential changes in the interactions of hosts and potential vectors could impact the ecology and evolution of host species. IMPORTANCE Male-killing endosymbionts are transmitted from mother to daughter and kill male offspring. Despite these major ecological effects, how these endosymbionts colonize new host species is not always clear. Mites are sometimes hypothesized to transfer these bacteria between hosts/host species. Here, we test if (i) mites prefer to infect flies that harbor Spiroplasma poulisoni MSRO and (ii) flies infected with MSRO are less able to resist mite infection. Our results show that flies infected with MSRO have weaker anti-mite resistance, but the mite preference/aversion for MSRO[+] flies varied with fly age. Given the fitness and population impacts of male-killing Spiroplasma, changes in fly-mite interactions have implications for the ecology and evolution of these symbioses.},
}
@article {pmid34881320,
year = {2021},
author = {Takhampunya, R and Sakolvaree, J and Chanarat, N and Youngdech, N and Phonjatturas, K and Promsathaporn, S and Tippayachai, B and Tachavarong, W and Srinoppawan, K and Poole-Smith, BK and McCardle, PW and Chaorattanakawee, S},
title = {The Bacterial Community in Questing Ticks From Khao Yai National Park in Thailand.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {764763},
pmid = {34881320},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {Ticks are known vectors for a variety of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. In this study, bacterial communities were investigated in active life stages of three tick genera (Haemaphysalis, Dermacentor, and Amblyomma) collected from Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. Four hundred and thirty-three questing ticks were selected for pathogen detection individually using real-time PCR assays, and 58 of these were subjected to further metagenomics analysis. A total of 62 ticks were found to be infected with pathogenic bacteria, for a 14.3% prevalence rate, with Amblyomma spp. exhibiting the highest infection rate (20.5%), followed by Haemaphysalis spp. (14.5%) and Dermacentor spp. (8.6%). Rickettsia spp. were the most prevalent bacteria (7.9%) found, followed by Ehrlichia spp. (3.2%), and Anaplasma spp. and Borrelia spp. each with a similar prevalence of 1.6%. Co-infection between pathogenic bacteria was only detected in three Haemaphysalis females, and all co-infections were between Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasmataceae (Ehrlichia spp. or Anaplasma spp.), accounting for 4.6% of infected ticks or 0.7% of all examined questing ticks. The prevalence of the Coxiella-like endosymbiont was also investigated. Of ticks tested, 65.8% were positive for the Coxiella-like endosymbiont, with the highest infection rate in nymphs (86.7%), followed by females (83.4%). Among tick genera, Haemaphysalis exhibited the highest prevalence of infection with the Coxiella-like endosymbiont. Ticks harboring the Coxiella-like endosymbiont were more likely to be infected with Ehrlichia spp. or Rickettsia spp. than those without, with statistical significance for Ehrlichia spp. infection in particular (p-values = 0.003 and 0.917 for Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp., respectively). Profiling the bacterial community in ticks using metagenomics revealed distinct, predominant bacterial taxa in tick genera. Alpha and beta diversities analyses showed that the bacterial community diversity and composition in Haemaphysalis spp. was significantly different from Amblyomma spp. However, when examining bacterial diversity among tick life stages (larva, nymph, and adult) in Haemaphysalis spp., no significant difference among life stages was detected. These results provide valuable information on the bacterial community composition and co-infection rates in questing ticks in Thailand, with implications for animal and human health.},
}
@article {pmid34889195,
year = {2021},
author = {Gürelli, G and Mohamed, ARA},
title = {Comparative Study of Rumen Ciliate Fauna of Goat and Sheep in Libya.},
journal = {Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi},
volume = {45},
number = {4},
pages = {274-279},
doi = {10.4274/tpd.galenos.2021.39974},
pmid = {34889195},
issn = {2146-3077},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ciliophora ; *Goats ; Laboratories ; Libya/epidemiology ; Rumen ; Sheep ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide comparative information on the rumen ciliate fauna of goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) living in Zawiya, Libya.<br><br>METHODS: We obtained rumen samples from 16 goats and 17 sheep after the slaughter in Zawiya, Libya between June and August 2016. We immediately fixed the well-mixed samples with an equal volume of 18.5% formalin. We filtered and stained the samples in the laboratory with methyl green formalin saline solution to determine the nuclei and added 2% Lugol's iodine solution to visualize the skeletal plates.<br><br>RESULTS: We found that the mean number (&#xb1; standard deviation) of ciliates in the rumen contents from goats and sheep was 70.9&#xb1;61.6&#xd7;10[4] cells mL[-1] (minimum-maximum value, 4.0-187.0&#xd7;10[4] cells mL[-1]) and 96.3&#xb1;49.3&#xd7;10[4] cells mL[-1] (minimum-maximum value, 19.5-235.0&#xd7;10[4] cells mL[-1]), respectively. Results also showed that the total number of species per goat and sheep was 1-17 (mean, 8.2&#xb1;4.7) and 1-13 (mean, 7.9&#xb1;3.8), respectively. We identified 10 genera, 19 species, and 11 morphotypes in goats and 9 genera, 16 species, and 13 morphotypes in sheep. Additionally, we found that Entodinium simulans prevalence in all goats and sheep was 100%. On the other hand, we observed Hsiungia triciliata and Ostracodinium gracile in only one goat (6.3% prevalence) and Polyplastron multivesiculatum in only one sheep (5.9% prevalence). Overall, the ruminal ciliate fauna of goat and sheep in Libya comprised Entodinium species (mean for goats, 85.9%; mean for sheep, 83.5%).<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study recorded Hsiungia triciliata as a new endosymbiont in goats. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report all of the species detected in goats from Libya. Similarly, this is the first to detect Diplodinium anisacanthum, Entodinium bursa, E. ellipsoideum, E. longinucleatum, E. simulans, Isotricha prostoma, Ophryoscolex caudatus, Ostracodinium gracile, and Polyplastron multivesiculatum in sheep from Libya.},
}
@article {pmid34893862,
year = {2022},
author = {de Oliveira, AL and Mitchell, J and Girguis, P and Bright, M},
title = {Novel Insights on Obligate Symbiont Lifestyle and Adaptation to Chemosynthetic Environment as Revealed by the Giant Tubeworm Genome.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {39},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {34893862},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {Acclimatization ; Animals ; *Gammaproteobacteria/genetics ; *Polychaeta/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The mutualism between the giant tubeworm Riftia pachyptila and its endosymbiont Candidatus Endoriftia persephone has been extensively researched over the past 40 years. However, the lack of the host whole-genome information has impeded the full comprehension of the genotype/phenotype interface in Riftia. Here, we described the high-quality draft genome of Riftia, its complete mitogenome, and tissue-specific transcriptomic data. The Riftia genome presents signs of reductive evolution, with gene family contractions exceeding expansions. Expanded gene families are related to sulfur metabolism, detoxification, antioxidative stress, oxygen transport, immune system, and lysosomal digestion, reflecting evolutionary adaptations to the vent environment and endosymbiosis. Despite the derived body plan, the developmental gene repertoire in the gutless tubeworm is extremely conserved with the presence of a near intact and complete Hox cluster. Gene expression analyses establish that the trophosome is a multifunctional organ marked by intracellular digestion of endosymbionts, storage of excretory products, and hematopoietic functions. Overall, the plume and gonad tissues both in contact to the environment harbor highly expressed genes involved with cell cycle, programed cell death, and immunity indicating a high cell turnover and defense mechanisms against pathogens. We posit that the innate immune system plays a more prominent role into the establishment of the symbiosis during the infection in the larval stage, rather than maintaining the symbiostasis in the trophosome. This genome bridges four decades of physiological research in Riftia, whereas it simultaneously provides new insights into the development, whole organism functions, and evolution in the giant tubeworm.},
}
@article {pmid34903056,
year = {2021},
author = {Shropshire, JD and Hamant, E and Cooper, BS},
title = {Male Age and Wolbachia Dynamics: Investigating How Fast and Why Bacterial Densities and Cytoplasmic Incompatibility Strengths Vary.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {e0299821},
pmid = {34903056},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cytoplasm/genetics/*microbiology ; Drosophila/genetics/immunology/*microbiology/physiology ; Drosophila melanogaster ; Female ; Male ; Species Specificity ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/genetics/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts can influence host reproduction and fitness to favor their maternal transmission. For example, endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria often cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that kills uninfected embryos fertilized by Wolbachia-modified sperm. Infected females can rescue CI, providing them a relative fitness advantage. Wolbachia-induced CI strength varies widely and tends to decrease as host males age. Since strong CI drives Wolbachia to high equilibrium frequencies, understanding how fast and why CI strength declines with male age is crucial to explaining age-dependent CI's influence on Wolbachia prevalence. Here, we investigate if Wolbachia densities and/or CI gene (cif) expression covary with CI-strength variation and explore covariates of age-dependent Wolbachia-density variation in two classic CI systems. wRi CI strength decreases slowly with Drosophila simulans male age (6%/day), but wMel CI strength decreases very rapidly (19%/day), yielding statistically insignificant CI after only 3 days of Drosophila melanogaster adult emergence. Wolbachia densities and cif expression in testes decrease as wRi-infected males age, but both surprisingly increase as wMel-infected males age, and CI strength declines. We then tested if phage lysis, Octomom copy number (which impacts wMel density), or host immune expression covary with age-dependent wMel densities. Only host immune expression correlated with density. Together, our results identify how fast CI strength declines with male age in two model systems and reveal unique relationships between male age, Wolbachia densities, cif expression, and host immunity. We discuss new hypotheses about the basis of age-dependent CI strength and its contributions to Wolbachia prevalence. IMPORTANCEWolbachia bacteria are the most common animal-associated endosymbionts due in large part to their manipulation of host reproduction. Many Wolbachia cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that kills uninfected host eggs. Infected eggs are protected from CI, favoring Wolbachia spread in natural systems and in transinfected mosquito populations where vector-control groups use strong CI to maintain pathogen-blocking Wolbachia at high frequencies for biocontrol of arboviruses. CI strength varies considerably in nature and declines as males age for unknown reasons. Here, we determine that CI strength weakens at different rates with age in two model symbioses. Wolbachia density and CI gene expression covary with wRi-induced CI strength in Drosophila simulans, but neither explain rapidly declining wMel-induced CI in aging D. melanogaster males. Patterns of host immune gene expression suggest a candidate mechanism behind age-dependent wMel densities. These findings inform how age-dependent CI may contribute to Wolbachia prevalence in natural systems and potentially in transinfected systems.},
}
@article {pmid34906073,
year = {2021},
author = {Cotroneo, CE and Gormley, IC and Shields, DC and Salter-Townshend, M},
title = {Computational modelling of chromosomally clustering protein domains in bacteria.},
journal = {BMC bioinformatics},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {593},
pmid = {34906073},
issn = {1471-2105},
mesh = {Archaea/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Cluster Analysis ; Computer Simulation ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome, Archaeal ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Protein Domains ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In bacteria, genes with related functions-such as those involved in the metabolism of the same compound or in infection processes-are often physically close on the genome and form groups called clusters. The enrichment of such clusters over various distantly related bacteria can be used to predict the roles of genes of unknown function that cluster with characterised genes. There is no obvious rule to define a cluster, given their variability in size and intergenic distances, and the definition of what comprises a "gene", since genes can gain and lose domains over time. Protein domains can cluster within a gene, or in adjacent genes of related function, and in both cases these are chromosomally clustered. Here, we model the distances between pairs of protein domain coding regions across a wide range of bacteria and archaea via a probabilistic two component mixture model, without imposing arbitrary thresholds in terms of gene numbers or distances.<br><br>RESULTS: We trained our model using matched gene ontology terms to label functionally related pairs and assess the stability of the parameters of the model across 14,178 archaeal and bacterial strains. We found that the parameters of our mixture model are remarkably stable across bacteria and archaea, except for endosymbionts and obligate intracellular pathogens. Obligate pathogens have smaller genomes, and although they vary, on average do not show noticeably different clustering distances; the main difference in the parameter estimates is that a far greater proportion of the genes sharing ontology terms are clustered. This may reflect that these genomes are enriched for complexes encoded by clustered core housekeeping genes, as a proportion of the total genes. Given the overall stability of the parameter estimates, we then used the mean parameter estimates across the entire dataset to investigate which gene ontology terms are most frequently associated with clustered genes.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Given the stability of the mixture model across species, it may be used to predict bacterial gene clusters that are shared across multiple species, in addition to giving insights into the evolutionary pressures on the chromosomal locations of genes in different species.},
}
@article {pmid34919808,
year = {2022},
author = {Hague, MTJ and Shropshire, JD and Caldwell, CN and Statz, JP and Stanek, KA and Conner, WR and Cooper, BS},
title = {Temperature effects on cellular host-microbe interactions explain continent-wide endosymbiont prevalence.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {32},
number = {4},
pages = {878-888.e8},
pmid = {34919808},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; Host Microbial Interactions ; Prevalence ; Temperature ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Endosymbioses influence host physiology, reproduction, and fitness, but these relationships require efficient microbe transmission between host generations to persist. Maternally transmitted Wolbachia are the most common known endosymbionts,[1] but their frequencies vary widely within and among host populations for unknown reasons.[2][,][3] Here, we integrate genomic, cellular, and phenotypic analyses with mathematical models to provide an unexpectedly simple explanation for global wMel Wolbachia prevalence in Drosophila melanogaster. Cooling temperatures decrease wMel cellular abundance at a key stage of host oogenesis, producing temperature-dependent variation in maternal transmission that plausibly explains latitudinal clines of wMel frequencies on multiple continents. wMel sampled from a temperate climate targets the germline more efficiently in the cold than a recently differentiated tropical variant (∼2,200 years ago), indicative of rapid wMel adaptation to climate. Genomic analyses identify a very narrow list of wMel alleles-most notably, a derived stop codon in the major Wolbachia surface protein WspB-that underlie thermal sensitivity of cellular Wolbachia abundance and covary with temperature globally. Decoupling temperate wMel and host genomes further reduces transmission in the cold, a pattern that is characteristic of host-microbe co-adaptation to a temperate climate. Complex interactions among Wolbachia, hosts, and the environment (GxGxE) mediate wMel cellular abundance and maternal transmission, implicating temperature as a key determinant of Wolbachia spread and equilibrium frequencies, in conjunction with Wolbachia effects on host fitness and reproduction.[4][,][5] Our results motivate the strategic use of locally selected wMel variants for Wolbachia-based biocontrol efforts, which protect millions of individuals from arboviruses that cause human disease.[6].},
}
@article {pmid34925404,
year = {2021},
author = {Suzuki, S and Kawachi, M and Tsukakoshi, C and Nakamura, A and Hagino, K and Inouye, I and Ishida, KI},
title = {Unstable Relationship Between Braarudosphaera bigelowii (= Chrysochromulina parkeae) and Its Nitrogen-Fixing Endosymbiont.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {749895},
pmid = {34925404},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Marine phytoplankton are major primary producers, and their growth is primarily limited by nitrogen in the oligotrophic ocean environment. The haptophyte Braarudosphaera bigelowii possesses a cyanobacterial endosymbiont (UCYN-A), which plays a major role in nitrogen fixation in the ocean. However, host-symbiont interactions are poorly understood because B. bigelowii was unculturable. In this study, we sequenced the complete genome of the B. bigelowii endosymbiont and showed that it was highly reductive and closely related to UCYN-A2 (an ecotype of UCYN-A). We succeeded in establishing B. bigelowii strains and performed microscopic observations. The detailed observations showed that the cyanobacterial endosymbiont was surrounded by a single host derived membrane and divided synchronously with the host cell division. The transcriptome of B. bigelowii revealed that B. bigelowii lacked the expression of many essential genes associated with the uptake of most nitrogen compounds, except ammonia. During cultivation, some of the strains completely lost the endosymbiont. Moreover, we did not find any evidence of endosymbiotic gene transfer from the endosymbiont to the host. These findings illustrate an unstable morphological, metabolic, and genetic relationship between B. bigelowii and its endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid34928947,
year = {2021},
author = {Vivero-Gomez, RJ and Castañeda-Monsalve, VA and Atencia, MC and Hoyos-Lopez, R and Hurst, GD and Cadavid-Restrepo, G and Moreno-Herrera, CX},
title = {Molecular phylogeny of heritable symbionts and microbiota diversity analysis in phlebotominae sand flies and Culex nigripalpus from Colombia.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {15},
number = {12},
pages = {e0009942},
pmid = {34928947},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteroidetes/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Biodiversity ; Colombia ; Culex/*microbiology/physiology ; *Microbiota ; Microsporidia/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Phylogeny ; Psychodidae/*microbiology/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Secondary symbionts of insects include a range of bacteria and fungi that perform various functional roles on their hosts, such as fitness, tolerance to heat stress, susceptibility to insecticides and effects on reproduction. These endosymbionts could have the potential to shape microbial communites and high potential to develop strategies for mosquito-borne disease control.<br><br>The relative frequency and molecular phylogeny of Wolbachia, Microsporidia and Cardinium were determined of phlebotomine sand flies and mosquitoes in two regions from Colombia. Illumina Miseq using the 16S rRNA gene as a biomarker was conducted to examine the microbiota. Different percentages of natural infection by Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Microsporidia in phlebotomines and mosquitoes were detected. Phylogenetic analysis of Wolbachia shows putative new strains of Lutzomyia gomezi (wLgom), Brumptomyia hamata (wBrham), and a putative new group associated with Culex nigripalpus (Cnig) from the Andean region, located in Supergroup A and Supergroup B, respectively. The sequences of Microsporidia were obtained of Pi. pia and Cx. nigripalpus, which are located on phylogeny in the IV clade (terrestrial origin). The Cardinium of Tr. triramula and Ps. shannoni were located in group C next to Culicoides sequences while Cardinium of Mi. cayennensis formed two putative new subgroups of Cardinium in group A. In total were obtained 550 bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and 189 taxa to the genus level. The microbiota profiles of Sand flies and mosquitoes showed mainly at the phylum level to Proteobacteria (67.6%), Firmicutes (17.9%) and Actinobacteria (7.4%). High percentages of relative abundance for Wolbachia (30%-83%) in Lu. gomezi, Ev. dubitans, Mi. micropyga, Br. hamata, and Cx. nigripalpus were found. ASVs assigned as Microsporidia were found in greater abundance in Pi. pia (23%) and Cx. nigripalpus (11%). An important finding is the detection of Rickettsia in Pi. pia (58,8%) and Bartonella sp. in Cx. nigripalpus.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We found that Wolbachia infection significantly decreased the alpha diversity and negatively impacts the number of taxa on sand flies and Culex nigripalpus. The Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) is consistent, which showed statistically significant differences (PERMANOVA, F = 2.4744; R2 = 0.18363; p-value = 0.007) between the microbiota of sand flies and mosquitoes depending on its origin, host and possibly for the abundance of some endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Rickettsia).},
}
@article {pmid34932865,
year = {2022},
author = {Wheelhouse, N and Hearn, J and Livingstone, M and Flockhart, A and Dagleish, M and Longbottom, D},
title = {Identification of Parachlamydiaceae DNA in nasal and rectal passages of healthy dairy cattle.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {132},
number = {4},
pages = {2642-2648},
doi = {10.1111/jam.15422},
pmid = {34932865},
issn = {1365-2672},
support = {//Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS)/ ; //Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)/ ; BB/J015083/1//Zoetis Industrial Partnership Award/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; *Chlamydiales/genetics ; DNA ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis/genetics ; Female ; Pregnancy ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {AIMS: The order Chlamydiales comprises a broad range of bacterial pathogens and endosymbionts, which infect a wide variety of host species. Within this order, members of the family Parachlamydiaceae, which includes Parachlamydia and Neochlamydia species, have been particularly associated with infections in both humans and cattle, including having a potential pathogenic role in cases of bovine abortion. While the route of transmission has yet to be defined, it has been hypothesised that asymptomatic carriage and contamination of the immediate environment may be a route of inter-animal transmission. We investigated the asymptomatic carriage of Chlamydia-related organisms in healthy cattle.<br><br>METHODS &amp; RESULTS: DNA was isolated from nasal and rectal swabs obtained from 38&#xa0;healthy dairy heifers. A Chlamydiales sp. 16S rRNA qPCR was performed on each sample. A total of 18/38 nasal samples and all 38/38 rectal samples were identified as positive for Chlamydiales sp. Each positive sample was sequenced confirming the presence of DNA belonging to the Parachlamydiaceae.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Parachlamydiaceae DNA in nasal and rectal swab samples of healthy cattle provides evidence for the asymptomatic carriage of parachlamydial organisms within cattle.<br><br>The study provides evidence of potential routes of environmental contamination that could provide a route for inter-animal and animal transmission of Parachlamydiaceae.},
}
@article {pmid34933456,
year = {2021},
author = {Smith, TE and Lee, M and Person, MD and Hesek, D and Mobashery, S and Moran, NA},
title = {Horizontal-Acquisition of a Promiscuous Peptidoglycan-Recycling Enzyme Enables Aphids To Influence Symbiont Cell Wall Metabolism.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {e0263621},
pmid = {34933456},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {R35 GM131685/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; F32 GM126706/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM131738/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/*enzymology/genetics/microbiology/physiology ; Bacterial Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Buchnera/*enzymology/genetics/metabolism ; Cell Wall/genetics/*metabolism ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Insect Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; N-Acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine Amidase/*genetics/metabolism ; Peptidoglycan/*biosynthesis ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {During evolution, enzymes can undergo shifts in preferred substrates or in catalytic activities. An intriguing question is how enzyme function changes following horizontal gene transfer, especially for bacterial genes that have moved to animal genomes. Some insects have acquired genes that encode enzymes for the biosynthesis of bacterial cell wall components and that appear to function to support or control their obligate endosymbiotic bacteria. In aphids, the bacterial endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola provides essential amino acids for aphid hosts but lacks most genes for remodeling of the bacterial cell wall. The aphid genome has acquired seven genes with putative functions in cell wall metabolism that are primarily expressed in the aphid cells harboring Buchnera. In analyses of aphid homogenates, we detected peptidoglycan (PGN) muropeptides indicative of the reactions of PGN hydrolases encoded by horizontally acquired aphid genes but not by Buchnera genes. We produced one such host enzyme, ApLdcA, and characterized its activity with both cell wall derived and synthetic PGN. Both ApLdcA and the homologous enzyme in Escherichia coli, which functions as an l,d-carboxypeptidase in the cytoplasmic PGN recycling pathway, exhibit turnover of PGN substrates containing stem pentapeptides and cross-linkages via l,d-endopeptidase activity, consistent with a potential role in cell wall remodeling. Our results suggest that ApLdcA derives its functions from the promiscuous activities of an ancestral LdcA enzyme, whose acquisition by the aphid genome may have enabled hosts to influence Buchnera cell wall metabolism as a means to control symbiont growth and division. IMPORTANCE Most enzymes are capable of performing biologically irrelevant side reactions. During evolution, promiscuous enzyme activities may acquire new biological roles, especially after horizontal gene transfer to new organisms. Pea aphids harbor obligate bacterial symbionts called Buchnera and encode horizontally acquired bacterial genes with putative roles in cell wall metabolism. Though Buchnera lacks cell wall endopeptidase genes, we found evidence of endopeptidase activity among peptidoglycan muropeptides purified from aphids. We characterized a multifunctional, aphid-encoded enzyme, ApLdcA, which displays l,d-endopeptidase activities considered promiscuous for the Escherichia coli homolog, for which these activities do not contribute to its native role in peptidoglycan recycling. These results exemplify the roles of enzyme promiscuity and horizontal gene transfer in enzyme evolution and demonstrate how aphids influence symbiont cell wall metabolism.},
}
@article {pmid34939561,
year = {2021},
author = {Moran, NA},
title = {Microbe Profile: Buchnera aphidicola: ancient aphid accomplice and endosymbiont exemplar.},
journal = {Microbiology (Reading, England)},
volume = {167},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {34939561},
issn = {1465-2080},
support = {R35 GM131738/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids ; *Buchnera/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Buchnera aphidicola is an obligate endosymbiont of aphids that cannot be cultured outside of hosts. It exists as diverse strains in different aphid species, and phylogenetic reconstructions show that it has been maternally transmitted in aphids for >100 million years. B. aphidicola genomes are highly reduced and show conserved gene order and no gene acquisition, but encoded proteins undergo rapid evolution. Aphids depend on B. aphidicola for biosynthesis of essential amino acids and as an integral part of embryonic development. How B. aphidicola populations are regulated within hosts remains little known.},
}
@article {pmid34946034,
year = {2021},
author = {Sonenshine, DE and Stewart, PE},
title = {Microbiomes of Blood-Feeding Arthropods: Genes Coding for Essential Nutrients and Relation to Vector Fitness and Pathogenic Infections. A Review.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {9},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {34946034},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Blood-feeding arthropods support a diverse array of symbiotic microbes, some of which facilitate host growth and development whereas others are detrimental to vector-borne pathogens. We found a common core constituency among the microbiota of 16 different arthropod blood-sucking disease vectors, including Bacillaceae, Rickettsiaceae, Anaplasmataceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Moraxellaceae and Staphylococcaceae. By comparing 21 genomes of common bacterial symbionts in blood-feeding vectors versus non-blooding insects, we found that certain enteric bacteria benefit their hosts by upregulating numerous genes coding for essential nutrients. Bacteria of blood-sucking vectors expressed significantly more genes (p < 0.001) coding for these essential nutrients than those of non-blooding insects. Moreover, compared to endosymbionts, the genomes of enteric bacteria also contained significantly more genes (p < 0.001) that code for the synthesis of essential amino acids and proteins that detoxify reactive oxygen species. In contrast, microbes in non-blood-feeding insects expressed few gene families coding for these nutrient categories. We also discuss specific midgut bacteria essential for the normal development of pathogens (e.g., Leishmania) versus others that were detrimental (e.g., bacterial toxins in mosquitoes lethal to Plasmodium spp.).},
}
@article {pmid34953157,
year = {2022},
author = {Røed, ES and Engelstädter, J},
title = {Cytoplasmic incompatibility in hybrid zones: infection dynamics and resistance evolution.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {240-253},
doi = {10.1111/jeb.13974},
pmid = {34953157},
issn = {1420-9101},
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods ; Cytoplasm ; Female ; Male ; Reproduction ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Cytoplasmic incompatibility is an endosymbiont-induced mating incompatibility common in arthropods. Unidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility impairs crosses between infected males and uninfected females, whereas bidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility occurs when two host lineages are infected with reciprocally incompatible endosymbionts. Bidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility is unstable in unstructured populations, but may be stable in hybrid zones. Stable coexistence of incompatible host lineages should generate frequent incompatible crosses. Therefore, hosts are expected to be under selection to resist their endosymbionts. Here, we formulate a mathematical model of hybrid zones where two bidirectionally incompatible host lineages meet. We expand this model to consider the invasion of a hypothetical resistance allele. To corroborate our mathematical predictions, we test each prediction with stochastic, individual-based simulations. Our models suggest that hybrid zones may sustain stable coinfections of bidirectionally incompatible endosymbiont strains. Over a range of conditions, hosts are under selection for resistance against cytoplasmic incompatibility. Under asymmetric migration, a resistance allele can facilitate infection turnover and subsequently either persist or become lost. The predictions we present may inform our understanding of the cophylogenetic relationship between the endosymbiont Wolbachia and its hosts.},
}
@article {pmid34954414,
year = {2022},
author = {Namias, A and Sicard, M and Weill, M and Charlat, S},
title = {From Wolbachia genomics to phenotype: molecular models of cytoplasmic incompatibility must account for the multiplicity of compatibility types.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {49},
number = {},
pages = {78-84},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2021.12.005},
pmid = {34954414},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; Antidotes ; Genomics ; Male ; Models, Molecular ; Phenotype ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia endosymbionts commonly induce cytoplasmic incompatibility, making infected males' sperm lethal to the embryos unless these are rescued by the same bacterium, inherited from their mother. Causal genes were recently identified but two families of mechanistic models are still opposed. In the toxin-antidote model, interaction between the toxin and the antidote is required for rescuing the embryos. In host modification models, a host factor is misregulated in sperm and rescue occurs through compensation or withdrawal of this modification. While these models have been thoroughly discussed, the multiplicity of compatibility types, that is, the existence of many mutually incompatible strains, as seen in Culex mosquitoes, has not received sufficient attention. To explain such a fact, host modification models must posit that the same embryonic defects can be induced and rescued through a large variety of host targets. Conversely, the toxin-antidote model simply accommodates this pattern in a lock-key fashion, through variations in the toxin-antidote interaction sites.},
}
@article {pmid34955690,
year = {2021},
author = {Sánchez-Suárez, J and Garnica-Agudelo, M and Villamil, L and Díaz, L and Coy-Barrera, E},
title = {Bioactivity and Biotechnological Overview of Naturally Occurring Compounds from the Dinoflagellate Family Symbiodiniaceae: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {TheScientificWorldJournal},
volume = {2021},
number = {},
pages = {1983589},
pmid = {34955690},
issn = {1537-744X},
mesh = {Biological Products/*pharmacology ; *Biotechnology ; Dinoflagellida/*chemistry ; },
abstract = {Marine invertebrates are a significant source of biologically active compounds. Recent studies have highlighted the role of microbiota associated with marine invertebrates in the production of bioactive compounds. Corals and sponges are the main marine invertebrates producing bioactive substances, and Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates are well-recognized endosymbionts with corals and sponges playing vital functions. The biological properties of Symbiodiniaceae-derived compounds have garnered attention in the past decades owing to their ecological implications and potentiality for bioprospecting initiatives. This study aims to systematically review studies on bioactivities and potential biotechnological applications of Symbiodiniaceae-derived compounds. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Our study showed that anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive activities of Symbiodiniaceae-derived compounds have been the most investigated. However, very few studies have been published, with in vitro culturing of Symbiodiniaceae being the most significant challenge. Therefore, we surveyed for the metabolites reported so far, analyzed their chemodiversity, and discussed approaches to overcome culturing-related limitations.},
}
@article {pmid34967937,
year = {2021},
author = {Singh, PP and Srivastava, D and Shukla, S and Varsha, },
title = {Rhizophagus proliferus genome sequence reiterates conservation of genetic traits in AM fungi, but predicts higher saprotrophic activity.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {204},
number = {1},
pages = {105},
pmid = {34967937},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {"EMR/2017/000657"//science and engineering research board (serb), department of science and technology (dst), india/ ; },
mesh = {Fungi ; Genome, Fungal ; Genomics ; Humans ; *Mycorrhizae/genetics ; Plants ; Soil ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are ubiquitous endosymbionts of terrestrial plants. It helps plants to extract more nutrients from the soil and enhances the plant tolerance to various ecological stress factors. The AM fungal genome sequence helps to identify the gene repertoires that are crucial for adaptation to different habitat and mechanisms for interaction with host plant. The present work comprises the first draft of the genome sequence of Rhizophagus proliferus, which is an important AM species present in biofertilizer consortia for agricultural purpose. The estimated genome size of R. proliferus is ~ 110 Mbps and its genomic assembly is 94.35% complete. Genome mining was carried out to identify putative gene families important for biological functions. A total of 22,526 protein-coding genes were estimated in the genome, with an abundance of kinases and reduced number of glycoside hydrolases as compared to other fungal classes. A striking finding in the R. proliferus genome was higher number of carbohydrate esterases (CE), which may suggest towards presence of higher saprotrophic activity in this species as compared to the previously reported AM fungi, which may indicate towards its role as a link between plants and soil mineral nutrients. The genome sequence and annotation of R. proliferus presented here would serve as an important reference for functional genomics studies required for developing biofertilizer formulations in future. In addition, the findings from this work may also prove important in deciphering molecular mechanisms in AM fungi that govern the host-specific interaction and associated agriculture benefits.},
}
@article {pmid34980289,
year = {2022},
author = {Yang, Y and Sun, J and Chen, C and Zhou, Y and Van Dover, CL and Wang, C and Qiu, JW and Qian, PY},
title = {Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses reveal minor-yet-crucial roles of gut microbiome in deep-sea hydrothermal vent snail.},
journal = {Animal microbiome},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {3},
pmid = {34980289},
issn = {2524-4671},
support = {DY135-E2-1-03//China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association/ ; GML2019ZD0409//the Key Special Project for Introduced Talents Team of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)/ ; 2019B030302004-04//the Major Basic and Applied Basic Research Projects of Guangdong Province/ ; SMSEGL20SC01//the Hong Kong Branch of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)/ ; 91951201//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Marine animals often exhibit complex symbiotic relationship with gut microbes to attain better use of the available resources. Many animals endemic to deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems host chemoautotrophic bacteria endocellularly, and they are thought to rely entirely on these symbionts for energy and nutrition. Numerous investigations have been conducted on the interdependence between these animal hosts and their chemoautotrophic symbionts. The provannid snail Alviniconcha marisindica from the Indian Ocean hydrothermal vent fields hosts a Campylobacterial endosymbiont in its gill. Unlike many other chemosymbiotic animals, the gut of A. marisindica is reduced but remains functional; yet the contribution of gut microbiomes and their interactions with the host remain poorly characterised.<br><br>RESULTS: Metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses showed that the gut microbiome of A. marisindica plays key nutritional and metabolic roles. The composition and relative abundance of gut microbiota of A. marisindica were different from those of snails that do not depend on endosymbiosis. The relative abundance of microbial taxa was similar amongst three individuals of A. marisindica with significant inter-taxa correlations. These correlations suggest the potential for interactions between taxa that may influence community assembly and stability. Functional profiles of the gut microbiome revealed thousands of additional genes that assist in the use of vent-supplied inorganic compounds (autotrophic energy source), digest host-ingested organics (carbon source), and recycle the metabolic waste of the host. In addition, members of five taxonomic classes have the potential to form slime capsules&#xa0;to protect themselves from the host immune system, thereby contributing to homeostasis. Gut microbial ecology and its interplay with the host thus contribute to the nutritional and metabolic demands of A. marisindica.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The findings advance the understanding of how deep-sea chemosymbiotic animals use available resources through contributions from gut microbiota. Gut microbiota may be critical in the survival of invertebrate hosts with autotrophic endosymbionts in extreme environments.},
}
@article {pmid34981990,
year = {2022},
author = {Peta, V and Tantely, LM and Potts, R and Girod, R and Pietri, JE},
title = {A Francisella tularensis-Like Bacterium in Tropical Bed Bugs from Madagascar.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {58-61},
doi = {10.1089/vbz.2021.0079},
pmid = {34981990},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bedbugs/microbiology ; *Francisella ; Insect Vectors/microbiology ; Madagascar/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {The genus Francisella includes several highly virulent human pathogens and some tick endosymbionts. Francisella infections are acquired by humans through contact with vertebrate animal reservoirs or contaminated water or dust. The species Francisella tularensis can also be transmitted by arthropods including ticks, mosquitoes, and flies. For the first time, we describe the molecular detection of an F. tularensis-like bacterium in bed bugs from samples collected in rural Madagascar. This finding suggests a potential involvement of bed bugs in the ecology of Francisella. The role of bed bugs as possible hosts, reservoirs, or vectors of Francisella spp. should be further investigated.},
}
@article {pmid34991281,
year = {2005},
author = {Donner, SD and Skirving, WJ and Little, CM and Oppenheimer, M and Hoegh-Guldberg, O},
title = {Global assessment of coral bleaching and required rates of adaptation under climate change.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {11},
number = {12},
pages = {2251-2265},
doi = {10.1111/j.1365-2486.2005.01073.x},
pmid = {34991281},
issn = {1365-2486},
abstract = {Elevated ocean temperatures can cause coral bleaching, the loss of colour from reef-building corals because of a breakdown of the symbiosis with the dinoflagellate Symbiodinium. Recent studies have warned that global climate change could increase the frequency of coral bleaching and threaten the long-term viability of coral reefs. These assertions are based on projecting the coarse output from atmosphere-ocean general circulation models (GCMs) to the local conditions around representative coral reefs. Here, we conduct the first comprehensive global assessment of coral bleaching under climate change by adapting the NOAA Coral Reef Watch bleaching prediction method to the output of a low- and high-climate sensitivity GCM. First, we develop and test algorithms for predicting mass coral bleaching with GCM-resolution sea surface temperatures for thousands of coral reefs, using a global coral reef map and 1985-2002 bleaching prediction data. We then use the algorithms to determine the frequency of coral bleaching and required thermal adaptation by corals and their endosymbionts under two different emissions scenarios. The results indicate that bleaching could become an annual or biannual event for the vast majority of the world's coral reefs in the next 30-50 years without an increase in thermal tolerance of 0.2-1.0°C per decade. The geographic variability in required thermal adaptation found in each model and emissions scenario suggests that coral reefs in some regions, like Micronesia and western Polynesia, may be particularly vulnerable to climate change. Advances in modelling and monitoring will refine the forecast for individual reefs, but this assessment concludes that the global prognosis is unlikely to change without an accelerated effort to stabilize atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.},
}
@article {pmid34995739,
year = {2022},
author = {Cejp, B and Ravara, A and Aguado, MT},
title = {First mitochondrial genomes of Chrysopetalidae (Annelida) from shallow-water and deep-sea chemosynthetic environments.},
journal = {Gene},
volume = {815},
number = {},
pages = {146159},
doi = {10.1016/j.gene.2021.146159},
pmid = {34995739},
issn = {1879-0038},
mesh = {Animals ; Codon Usage ; Ecosystem ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; *Phylogeny ; Polychaeta/*genetics ; Proteins/genetics ; RNA, Transfer/genetics ; *Selection, Genetic ; Symbiosis ; Water ; },
abstract = {Among Annelida, Chrysopetalidae is an ecologically and morphologically diverse group, which includes shallow-water, deep-sea, free-living, and symbiotic species. Here, the four first mitochondrial genomes of this group are presented and described. One of the free-living shallow-water species Chrysopetalum debile (Chrysopetalinae), one of the yet undescribed free-living deep-sea species Boudemos sp., and those of the two deep-sea bivalve endosymbionts Craseoschema thyasiricola and Iheyomytilidicola lauensis (Calamyzinae). An updated phylogeny of Chrysopetalidae is performed, which supports previous phylogenetic hypotheses within Chrysopetalinae and indicates a complex ecological evolution within Calamyzinae. Additionally, analyses of natural selection pressure in the four mitochondrial genomes and additional genes from the two shallow-water species Bhawania goodei and Arichlidon gathofi were performed. Relaxed selection pressure in the mitochondrion of deep-sea and symbiotic species was found, with many sites under selection identified in the COX3 gene of deep-sea species.},
}
@article {pmid34996906,
year = {2022},
author = {Neupane, S and Bonilla, SI and Manalo, AM and Pelz-Stelinski, KS},
title = {Complete de novo assembly of Wolbachia endosymbiont of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) using long-read genome sequencing.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {125},
pmid = {34996906},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {D19AP00013//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; D19AP00013//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; D19AP00013//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; D19AP00013//Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cell Line ; *Chromosomes, Bacterial ; DNA, Bacterial/*genetics ; DNA, Circular/*genetics ; *Genes, Bacterial ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Hemiptera/*microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Symbiosis ; *Whole Genome Sequencing ; Wolbachia/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a gram-negative [Formula: see text]-proteobacterium, is an endosymbiont found in some arthropods and nematodes. Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, the vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas), are naturally infected with a strain of Wolbachia (wDi), which has been shown to colocalize with the bacteria pathogens CLas, the pathogen associated with huanglongbing (HLB) disease of citrus. The relationship between wDi and CLas is poorly understood in part because the complete genome of wDi has not been available. Using high-quality long-read PacBio circular consensus sequences, we present the largest complete circular wDi genome among supergroup-B members. The assembled circular chromosome is 1.52 megabases with 95.7% genome completeness with contamination of 1.45%, as assessed by checkM. We identified Insertion Sequences (ISs) and prophage genes scattered throughout the genomes. The proteins were annotated using Pfam, eggNOG, and COG that assigned unique domains and functions. The wDi genome was compared with previously sequenced Wolbachia genomes using pangenome and phylogenetic analyses. The availability of a complete circular chromosome of wDi will facilitate understanding of its role within the insect vector, which may assist in developing tools for disease management. This information also provides a baseline for understanding phylogenetic relationships among Wolbachia of other insect vectors.},
}
@article {pmid35003655,
year = {2021},
author = {El Hamss, H and Ghosh, S and Maruthi, MN and Delatte, H and Colvin, J},
title = {Microbiome diversity and reproductive incompatibility induced by the prevalent endosymbiont Arsenophonus in two species of African cassava Bemisia tabaci whiteflies.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {11},
number = {24},
pages = {18032-18041},
pmid = {35003655},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {A minimum of 13 diverse whitefly species belonging to the Bemisia tabaci (B. tabaci) species complex are known to infest cassava crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), designated as SSA1-13. Of these, the SSA1 and SSA2 are the predominant species colonizing cassava crops in East Africa. The SSA species of B. tabaci harbor diverse bacterial endosymbionts, many of which are known to manipulate insect reproduction. One such symbiont, Arsenophonus, is known to drive its spread by inducing reproductive incompatibility in its insect host and are abundant in SSA species of B. tabaci. However, whether Arsenophonus affects the reproduction of SSA species is unknown. In this study, we investigated both the reproductive compatibility between Arsenophonus infected and uninfected whiteflies by inter-/intraspecific crossing experiments involving the sub-group three haplotypes of the SSA1 (SSA1-SG3), SSA2 species, and their microbial diversity. The number of eggs, nymphs, progenies produced, hatching rate, and survival rate were recorded for each cross. In intra-specific crossing trials, both male and female progenies were produced and thus demonstrated no reproductive incompatibility. However, the total number of eggs laid, nymphs hatched, and the emerged females were low in the intra-species crosses of SSA1-SG3A+, indicating the negative effect of Arsenophonus on whitefly fitness. In contrast, the inter-species crosses between the SSA1-SG3 and SSA2 produced no female progeny and thus demonstrated reproductive incompatibility. The relative frequency of other bacteria colonizing the whiteflies was also investigated using Illumina sequencing of 16S rDNA and diversity indices were recorded. Overall, SSA1-SG3 and SSA2 harbored high microbial diversity with more than 137 bacteria discovered. These results described for the first time the microbiome diversity and the reproductive behaviors of intra-/inter-species of Arsenophonus in whitefly reproduction, which is crucial for understanding the invasion abilities of cassava whiteflies.},
}
@article {pmid35006065,
year = {2022},
author = {Leitner, M and Etebari, K and Asgari, S},
title = {Transcriptional response of Wolbachia-transinfected Aedes aegypti mosquito cells to dengue virus at early stages of infection.},
journal = {The Journal of general virology},
volume = {103},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {35006065},
issn = {1465-2099},
mesh = {Aedes/microbiology/*virology ; Animals ; Dengue/*virology ; Dengue Virus/*genetics/physiology ; Host Microbial Interactions ; Humans ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; RNA, Long Noncoding ; Sumoylation ; Virus Replication ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Mosquito-borne flaviviruses are responsible for viral infections and represent a considerable public health burden. Aedes aegypti is the principal vector of dengue virus (DENV), therefore understanding the intrinsic virus-host interactions is vital, particularly in the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia, which blocks virus replication in mosquitoes. Here, we examined the transcriptional response of Wolbachia-transinfected Ae. aegypti Aag2 cells to DENV infection. We identified differentially expressed immune genes that play a key role in the activation of anti-viral defence such as the Toll and immune deficiency pathways. Further, genes encoding cytosine and N[6]-adenosine methyltransferases and SUMOylation, involved in post-transcriptional modifications, an antioxidant enzyme, and heat-shock response were up-regulated at the early stages of DENV infection and are reported here for the first time. Additionally, several long non-coding RNAs were among the differentially regulated genes. Our results provide insight into Wolbachia-transinfected Ae. aegypti's initial virus recognition and transcriptional response to DENV infection.},
}
@article {pmid35006317,
year = {2022},
author = {Schlabe, S and Korir, P and Lämmer, C and Landmann, F and Dubben, B and Koschel, M and Albers, A and Debrah, LB and Debrah, AY and Hübner, MP and Pfarr, K and Klarmann-Schulz, U and Hoerauf, A},
title = {A qPCR to quantify Wolbachia from few Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae as a surrogate for adult worm histology in clinical trials of antiwolbachial drugs.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {121},
number = {4},
pages = {1199-1206},
pmid = {35006317},
issn = {1432-1955},
support = {OPPGH5342//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; TI 07.001_Schlabe_00//Deutsches Zentrum f&#xfc;r Infektionsforschung, Clinical Leave Stipend/ ; TI 07.001_Schlabe_01//Deutsches Zentrum f&#xfc;r Infektionsforschung, Clinical Leave Stipend/ ; TI 03.907//Deutsches Zentrum f&#xfc;r Infektionsforschung/ ; EXC2151 - 390873048//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Filarioidea ; Microfilariae ; Onchocerca ; *Onchocerca volvulus/genetics ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Wolbachia/drug effects/genetics ; },
abstract = {The filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus causes onchocerciasis (river blindness), a neglected tropical disease affecting 21 million people, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Targeting the endosymbiont Wolbachia with antibiotics leads to permanent sterilization and killing of adult worms. The gold standard to assess Wolbachia depletion is the histological examination of adult worms in nodules beginning at 6 months post-treatment. However, nodules can only be used once, limiting the time points to monitor Wolbachia depletion. A diagnostic to longitudinally monitor Wolbachia depletion from microfilariae (MF) at more frequent intervals < 6 months post-treatment would accelerate clinical trials of antiwolbachials. We developed a TaqMan qPCR amplifying the single-copy gene wOvftsZ to quantify Wolbachia from as few as one MF that had migrated from skin biopsies and compared quantification using circular and linearized plasmids or synthetic dsDNA (gBlock®). qPCR for MF from the rodent nematode Litomosoides sigmodontis was used to support the reproducibility and validate the principle. The qPCR using as few as 2 MF from O. volvulus and L. sigmodontis reproducibly quantified Wolbachia. Use of a linearized plasmid standard or synthesized dsDNA resulted in numbers of Wolbachia/MF congruent with biologically plausible estimates in O. volvulus and L. sigmodontis MF. The qPCR assay yielded a median of 48.8 (range 1.5-280.5) Wolbachia/O. volvulus MF. The qPCR is a sensitive tool for quantifying Wolbachia in a few MF from skin biopsies and allows for establishing the qPCR as a surrogate parameter for monitoring Wolbachia depletion in adult worms of new antiwolbachial candidates.},
}
@article {pmid35013476,
year = {2022},
author = {Towett-Kirui, S and Morrow, JL and Riegler, M},
title = {Substantial rearrangements, single nucleotide frameshift deletion and low diversity in mitogenome of Wolbachia-infected strepsipteran endoparasitoid in comparison to its tephritid hosts.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {477},
pmid = {35013476},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2018 E.A. Southee Award//Hawkesbury Foundation/ ; IC150100026//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Australia ; Frameshift Mutation ; Gene Rearrangement ; *Genome, Insect ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Insect Proteins/genetics ; Sequence Deletion ; Tephritidae/classification/*genetics/*microbiology/physiology ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Insect mitogenome organisation is highly conserved, yet, some insects, especially with parasitic life cycles, have rearranged mitogenomes. Furthermore, intraspecific mitochondrial diversity can be reduced by fitness-affecting bacterial endosymbionts like Wolbachia due to their maternal coinheritance with mitochondria. We have sequenced mitogenomes of the Wolbachia-infected endoparasitoid Dipterophagus daci (Strepsiptera: Halictophagidae) and four of its 22 known tephritid fruit fly host species using total genomic extracts of parasitised flies collected across > 700 km in Australia. This halictophagid mitogenome revealed extensive rearrangements relative to the four fly mitogenomes which exhibited the ancestral insect mitogenome pattern. Compared to the only four available other strepsipteran mitogenomes, the D. daci mitogenome had additional transpositions of one rRNA and two tRNA genes, and a single nucleotide frameshift deletion in nad5 requiring translational frameshifting or, alternatively, resulting in a large protein truncation. Dipterophagus daci displays an almost completely endoparasitic life cycle when compared to Strepsiptera that have maintained the ancestral state of free-living adults. Our results support the hypothesis that the transition to extreme endoparasitism evolved together with increased levels of mitogenome changes. Furthermore, intraspecific mitogenome diversity was substantially smaller in D. daci than the parasitised flies suggesting Wolbachia reduced mitochondrial diversity because of a role in D. daci fitness.},
}
@article {pmid35019223,
year = {2022},
author = {Richardson, KM and Schiffer, M and Ross, PA and Thia, JA and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Characterization of the first Wolbachia from the genus Scaptodrosophila, a male-killer from the rainforest species S. claytoni.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {29},
number = {5},
pages = {1401-1413},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.13000},
pmid = {35019223},
issn = {1744-7917},
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila/genetics ; Female ; Male ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Phylogeny ; Rainforest ; Tetracyclines ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {The Scaptodrosophila genus represents a large group of drosophilids with a worldwide distribution and a predominance of species in Australia, but there is little information on the presence and impacts of Wolbachia endosymbionts in this group. Here we describe the first Wolbachia infection from this group, wClay isolated from Scaptodrosophila claytoni (van Klinken), a species from the east coast of Australia. The infection is polymorphic in natural populations, occurring at a frequency of around 6%-10%. wClay causes male killing, producing female-biased lines; most lines showed 100% male killing, though in 1 line it was <80%. The lines need to be maintained through the introduction of males unless the infection is removed by tetracycline treatment. wClay is transmitted at a high fidelity (98.6%) through the maternal lineage and has been stable in 2 laboratory lines across 24 generations, suggesting it is likely to persist in populations. The infection has not been previously described but is closely related to the male-killing Wolbachia recently described from Drosophila pandora based on multilocus sequence typing and the wsp gene. Male-killing Wolbachia are likely to be common in drosophilids but remain difficult to detect because the infections can often be at a low frequency.},
}
@article {pmid35019702,
year = {2022},
author = {Cibichakravarthy, B and Oses-Prieto, JA and Ben-Yosef, M and Burlingame, AL and Karr, TL and Gottlieb, Y},
title = {Comparative Proteomics of Coxiella like Endosymbionts (CLEs) in the Symbiotic Organs of Rhipicephalus sanguineus Ticks.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {e0167321},
pmid = {35019702},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {P41 GM103481/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD016229/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Coxiella/genetics/*metabolism ; Dogs ; Female ; Gene Ontology ; Malpighian Tubules ; Ovary ; *Proteomics ; Rhipicephalus ; Rhipicephalus sanguineus ; Symbiosis/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Maternally transmitted obligatory endosymbionts are found in the female gonads as well as in somatic tissue and are expected to provide missing metabolite to their hosts. These deficiencies are presumably complemented through specific symbiotic microorganisms such as Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) of Rhipicephalus ticks. CLEs are localized in specialized host tissue cells within the Malpighian tubules (Mt) and the ovaries (Ov) from which they are maternally transmitted to developing oocytes. These two organs differ in function and cell types, but the role of CLEs in these tissues is unknown. To probe possible functions of CLEs, comparative proteomics was performed between Mt and Ov of R. sanguineus ticks. Altogether, a total of 580 and 614 CLE proteins were identified in Mt and Ov, respectively. Of these, 276 CLE proteins were more abundant in Mt, of which 12 were significantly differentially abundant. In Ov, 290 CLE proteins were more abundant, of which 16 were significantly differentially abundant. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that most of the proteins enriched in Mt are related to cellular metabolic functions and stress responses, whereas in Ov, the majority were related to cell proliferation suggesting CLEs function differentially and interdependently with host requirements specific to each organ. The results suggest Mt CLEs provide essential nutrients to its host and Ov CLEs promote proliferation and vertical transmission to tick progeny. IMPORTANCE Here we compare the Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) proteomes from Malpighian tubule (Mt) and the ovaries (Ov) of the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Our results support the hypothesis that CLEs function interdependently with host requirements in each of the organs. The different functional specificity of CLE in the same host suggest that metabolic capabilities evolved according to the constrains imposed by the specific organ function and requirements. Our findings provide specific CLE protein targets that can be useful for future studies of CLE biology with a focus on tick population control.},
}
@article {pmid35023810,
year = {2022},
author = {Udayan, S and Stamou, P and Crispie, F and Hickey, A and Floyd, AN and Hsieh, CS and Cotter, PD and O'Sullivan, O and Melgar, S and O'Toole, PW and Newberry, RD and Rossini, V and Nally, K},
title = {Identification of Gut Bacteria such as Lactobacillus johnsonii that Disseminate to Systemic Tissues of Wild Type and MyD88-/- Mice.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {2007743},
pmid = {35023810},
issn = {1949-0984},
support = {R01 DK097317/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AI163073/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Dendritic Cells/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Gastrointestinal Tract/microbiology ; Lactobacillus johnsonii/genetics/*physiology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/*deficiency/genetics ; },
abstract = {In healthy hosts the gut microbiota is restricted to gut tissues by several barriers some of which require MyD88-dependent innate immune sensor pathways. Nevertheless, some gut taxa have been reported to disseminate to systemic tissues. However, the extent to which this normally occurs during homeostasis in healthy organisms is still unknown. In this study, we recovered viable gut bacteria from systemic tissues of healthy wild type (WT) and MyD88[-/-] mice. Shotgun metagenomic-sequencing revealed a marked increase in the relative abundance of L. johnsonii in intestinal tissues of MyD88[-/-] mice compared to WT mice. Lactobacillus johnsonii was detected most frequently from multiple systemic tissues and at higher levels in MyD88[-/-] mice compared to WT mice. Viable L. johnsonii strains were recovered from different cell types sorted from intestinal and systemic tissues of WT and MyD88[-/-] mice. L. johnsonii could persist in dendritic cells and may represent murine immunomodulatory endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid35024989,
year = {2022},
author = {Cicuttin, GL and De Salvo, MN and Venzal, JM and Nava, S},
title = {Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia sp. and Candidatus Midichloria sp. associated to ticks from a protected urban area in Buenos Aires City (Argentina).},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {86},
number = {2},
pages = {271-282},
pmid = {35024989},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {Clinical and Epidemiological Research 2016-2018//Fundaci&#xf3;n Alberto J. Roemmers/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Argentina ; Ehrlichia/genetics ; *Ixodes/genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; },
abstract = {The aim of this study was to determine the infection with Rickettsiales in ticks and birds from the main protected urban area of Buenos Aires City (Argentina). One Amblyomma aureolatum (0.2%) and one Ixodes auritulus (0.1%) were positive by PCR targeting Rickettsia 23S-5S rRNA intergenic spacer. Phylogenetic analysis shows to findings in A. aureolatum are closely to Rickettsia bellii and for I. auritulus are related to 'Candidatus Rickettsia mendelii'. One I. auritulus (0.1%) and three A. aureolatum (0.6%) were positive by PCR for a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of the Anaplasmataceae family. The sequences obtained from A. aureolatum were phylogenetically related to Midichloriaceae endosymbionts. The sequence from I. auritulus s.l. had 100% identity with Ehrlichia sp. Magellanica from Chile and two genotypes of Ehrlichia sp. from Uruguay. The results of our study show that Rickettsia and Ehrlichia are present in ticks in the main protected urban area of Buenos Aires City.},
}
@article {pmid35042972,
year = {2022},
author = {Prokopchuk, G and Korytář, T and Juricová, V and Majstorović, J and Horák, A and Šimek, K and Lukeš, J},
title = {Trophic flexibility of marine diplonemids - switching from osmotrophy to bacterivory.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {1409-1419},
pmid = {35042972},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Bacteria/genetics ; *Ecosystem ; *Eukaryota ; Feeding Behavior ; Plankton ; },
abstract = {Diplonemids are one of the most abundant groups of heterotrophic planktonic microeukaryotes in the world ocean and, thus, are likely to play an essential role in marine ecosystems. So far, only few species have been introduced into a culture, allowing basic studies of diplonemid genetics, morphology, ultrastructure, metabolism, as well as endosymbionts. However, it remains unclear whether these heterotrophic flagellates are parasitic or free-living and what are their predominant dietary patterns and preferred food items. Here we show that cultured diplonemids, maintained in an organic-rich medium as osmotrophs, can gradually switch to bacterivory as a sole food resource, supporting positive growth of their population, even when fed with a low biovolume of bacteria. We further observed remarkable differences in species-specific feeding patterns, size-selective grazing preferences, and distinct feeding strategies. Diplonemids can discriminate between low-quality food items and inedible particles, such as latex beads, even after their ingestion, by discharging them in the form of large waste vacuoles. We also detected digestion-related endogenous autofluorescence emitted by lysosomes and the activity of a melanin-like material. We present the first evidence that these omnipresent protists possess an opportunistic lifestyle that provides a considerable advantage in the generally food resource-limited marine environments.},
}
@article {pmid35045070,
year = {2022},
author = {Yang, CJ and Hu, JM},
title = {Molecular phylogeny of Asian Ardisia (Myrsinoideae, Primulaceae) and their leaf-nodulated endosymbionts, Burkholderia s.l. (Burkholderiaceae).},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {e0261188},
pmid = {35045070},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Plant Leaves/microbiology ; Burkholderia/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Ardisia/genetics/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {The genus Ardisia (Myrsinoideae, Primulaceae) has 16 subgenera and over 700 accepted names, mainly distributed in tropical Asia and America. The circumscription of Ardisia is not well-defined and sometimes confounded with the separation of some small genera. A taxonomic revision focusing on Ardisia and allies is necessary. In the Ardisia subgenus Crispardisia, symbiotic association with leaf-nodule bacteria is a unique character within the genus. The endosymbionts are vertically transmitted, highly specific and highly dependent on the hosts, suggesting strict cospeciation may have occurred in the evolutionary history. In the present study, we aimed to establish a phylogenetic framework for further taxonomic revision. We also aimed to test the cospeciation hypothesis of the leaf-nodulate Ardisia and their endosymbiotic bacteria. Nuclear ITS and two chloroplast intergenic spaces were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of Asian Ardisia and relatives in Myrsinoideae, Primulaceae. The 16S-23S rRNA were used to reconstruct the bacterial symbionts' phylogeny. To understand the evolutionary association of the Ardisia and symbionts, topology tests and cophylogenetic analyses were conducted. The molecular phylogeny suggested Ardisia is not monophyletic, unless Sardiria, Hymenandra, Badula and Oncostemum are included. The results suggest the generic limit within Myrsinoideae (Primulaceae) needs to be further revised. The subgenera Crispardisia, Pimelandra, and Stylardisia were supported as monophyly, while the subgenus Bladhia was separated into two distant clades. We proposed to divide the subgenus Bladhia into subgenus Bladhia s.str. and subgenus Odontophylla. Both of the cophylogenetic analyses and topology tests rejected strict cospeciation hypothesis between Ardisia hosts and symbiotic Burkholderia. Cophylogenetic analyses showed general phylogenetic concordance of Ardisia and Burkholderia, and cospeciation events, host-switching events and loss events were all inferred.},
}
@article {pmid35046559,
year = {2022},
author = {Grupstra, CGB and Howe-Kerr, LI and Veglia, AJ and Bryant, RL and Coy, SR and Blackwelder, PL and Correa, AMS},
title = {Thermal stress triggers productive viral infection of a key coral reef symbiont.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {1430-1441},
pmid = {35046559},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {#1635798//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; #2000009651//National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine | National Academy of Sciences (NAS)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Coral Reefs ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics ; Symbiosis ; *Virus Diseases ; },
abstract = {Climate change-driven ocean warming is increasing the frequency and severity of bleaching events, in which corals appear whitened after losing their dinoflagellate endosymbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae). Viral infections of Symbiodiniaceae may contribute to some bleaching signs, but little empirical evidence exists to support this hypothesis. We present the first temporal analysis of a lineage of Symbiodiniaceae-infecting positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses ("dinoRNAVs") in coral colonies, which were exposed to a 5-day heat treatment (+2.1 °C). A total of 124 dinoRNAV major capsid protein gene "aminotypes" (unique amino acid sequences) were detected from five colonies of two closely related Pocillopora-Cladocopium (coral-symbiont) combinations in the experiment; most dinoRNAV aminotypes were shared between the two coral-symbiont combinations (64%) and among multiple colonies (82%). Throughout the experiment, seventeen dinoRNAV aminotypes were found only in heat-treated fragments, and 22 aminotypes were detected at higher relative abundances in heat-treated fragments. DinoRNAVs in fragments of some colonies exhibited higher alpha diversity and dispersion under heat stress. Together, these findings provide the first empirical evidence that exposure to high temperatures triggers some dinoRNAVs to switch from a persistent to a productive infection mode within heat-stressed corals. Over extended time frames, we hypothesize that cumulative dinoRNAV production in the Pocillopora-Cladocopium system could affect colony symbiotic status, for example, by decreasing Symbiodiniaceae densities within corals. This study sets the stage for reef-scale investigations of dinoRNAV dynamics during bleaching events.},
}
@article {pmid35048168,
year = {2023},
author = {Boscaro, V and Manassero, V and Keeling, PJ and Vannini, C},
title = {Single-cell Microbiomics Unveils Distribution and Patterns of Microbial Symbioses in the Natural Environment.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {85},
number = {1},
pages = {307-316},
pmid = {35048168},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Humans ; Phylogeny ; *Ciliophora/microbiology ; Bacteria/genetics ; Environment ; Symbiosis ; Rickettsiales ; *Euplotes/microbiology ; *Burkholderiaceae ; },
abstract = {Protist-bacteria associations are extremely common. Among them, those involving ciliates of the genus Euplotes are emerging as models for symbioses between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and a great deal of information is available from cultured representatives of this system. Even so, as for most known microbial symbioses, data on natural populations is lacking, and their ecology remains largely unexplored; how well lab cultures represent actual diversity is untested. Here, we describe a survey on natural populations of Euplotes based on a single-cell microbiomic approach, focusing on taxa that include known endosymbionts of this ciliate. The results reveal an unexpected variability in symbiotic communities, with individual hosts of the same population harboring different sets of bacterial endosymbionts. Co-occurring Euplotes individuals of the same population can even have different essential symbionts, Polynucleobacter and "Candidatus Protistobacter," which might suggest that replacement events could be more frequent in nature than previously hypothesized. Accessory symbionts are even more variable: some showed a strong affinity for one host species, some for a sampling site, and two ("Candidatus Cyrtobacter" and "Candidatus Anadelfobacter") displayed an unusual pattern of competitive exclusion. These data represent the first insight into the prevalence and patterns of bacterial symbionts in natural populations of free-living protists.},
}
@article {pmid35049085,
year = {2022},
author = {Cao, Y and Dietrich, CH},
title = {Phylogenomics of flavobacterial insect nutritional endosymbionts with implications for Auchenorrhyncha phylogeny.},
journal = {Cladistics : the international journal of the Willi Hennig Society},
volume = {38},
number = {1},
pages = {38-58},
doi = {10.1111/cla.12474},
pmid = {35049085},
issn = {1096-0031},
support = {DEB 16-39601//U.S. National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Flavobacteriaceae/genetics ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Insecta/genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {"Candidatus Sulcia muelleri" (Sulcia) is a diverse lineage of intracellular nutritional endosymbiotic bacteria strictly associated with auchenorrhynchous hemipteran insects. Sulcia has undergone long-term codiversification with its insect hosts but the phylogeny of these endosymbionts, their relationships to other bacteria, and the extent of their occurrence within various groups of Auchenorrhyncha remain inadequately explored. Comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of Sulcia and related bacteria were performed to elucidate its position relative to other members of Phylum Bacteroidetes and the degree of congruence to the phylogeny of its auchenorrhynchous hosts. Maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony (MP) analyses of Flavobacteriales based on genomic data from 182 bacterial strains recover a monophyletic Sulcia within a larger clade of flavobacterial insect endosymbionts, closely related to Weeksellaceae. Molecular divergence time analysis of Sulcia dates the origin of Sulcia at approximately 339.95 million years ago (Myr) and the initial divergence within Sulcia at approximately 256.91 Myr but these are considered underestimates due to the tendency for endosymbionts to evolve at higher rates compared to their free-living relatives. Screening of 96 recently sequenced hemipteran transcriptomes revealed that 73 of these species, all Auchenorrhyncha, harbored Sulcia. Phylogenetic analysis of 131 orthologous genes plus 16S rRNA for 101 Sulcia strains, representing six fulgoroid families and all the families of Cicadomorpha except Tettigarctidae, recover largely congruent phylogenies between Sulcia and Auchenorrhyncha. The phylogeny of Sulcia strongly supports the superfamily relationships Fulgoroidea + (Cicadoidea + (Cercopoidea + Membracoidea)). Relationships within individual superfamilies are also largely concordant, with the few areas of apparent incongruence between Sulcia and insect genes attributable to low branch support in one or both datasets. These results suggest that analysis of Sulcia phylogeny may contribute to resolution of contentious aspects of Auchenorrhyncha phylogeny.},
}
@article {pmid35050159,
year = {2022},
author = {Fernando, K and Reddy, P and Guthridge, KM and Spangenberg, GC and Rochfort, SJ},
title = {A Metabolomic Study of Epichloë Endophytes for Screening Antifungal Metabolites.},
journal = {Metabolites},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {35050159},
issn = {2218-1989},
support = {na//DairyBio/ ; },
abstract = {Epichloë endophytes, fungal endosymbionts of Pooidae grasses, are commonly utilized in forage and turf industries because they produce beneficial metabolites that enhance resistance against environmental stressors such as insect feeding and disease caused by phytopathogen infection. In pastoral agriculture, phytopathogenic diseases impact both pasture quality and animal production. Recently, bioactive endophyte strains have been reported to secrete compounds that significantly inhibit the growth of phytopathogenic fungi in vitro. A screen of previously described Epichloë-produced antifeedant and toxic alkaloids determined that the antifungal bioactivity observed is not due to the production of these known metabolites, and so there is a need for methods to identify new bioactive metabolites. The process described here is applicable more generally for the identification of antifungals in new endophytes. This study aims to characterize the fungicidal potential of novel, 'animal friendly' Epichloë endophyte strains NEA12 and NEA23 that exhibit strong antifungal activity using an in vitro assay. Bioassay-guided fractionation, followed by metabolite analysis, identified 61 metabolites that, either singly or in combination, are responsible for the observed bioactivity. Analysis of the perennial ryegrass-endophyte symbiota confirmed that NEA12 and NEA23 produce the prospective antifungal metabolites in symbiotic association and thus are candidates for compounds that promote disease resistance in planta. The "known unknown" suite of antifungal metabolites identified in this study are potential biomarkers for the selection of strains that enhance pasture and turf production through better disease control.},
}
@article {pmid35051873,
year = {2022},
author = {Gomaa, F and Utter, DR and Loo, W and Lahr, DJG and Cavanaugh, CM},
title = {Exploring the protist microbiome: The diversity of bacterial communities associated with Arcella spp. (Tubulina: Amoebozoa).},
journal = {European journal of protistology},
volume = {82},
number = {},
pages = {125861},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejop.2021.125861},
pmid = {35051873},
issn = {1618-0429},
mesh = {*Amoebozoa ; Bacteria/genetics ; Humans ; *Microbiota ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Tubulina ; },
abstract = {Research on protist-bacteria interactions is increasingly relevant as these associations are now known to play important roles in ecosystem and human health. Free-living amoebae are abundant in all environments and are frequent hosts for bacterial endosymbionts including pathogenic bacteria. However, to date, only a small fraction of these symbionts have been identified, while the structure and composition of the total symbiotic bacterial communities still remains largely unknown. Here, we use the testate amoeba Arcella spp. as model organisms to investigate the specificity and diversity of Arcella-associated microbial communities. High-throughputamplicon sequencing from the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene revealed high diversity in the bacterial communities associated with the wild Arcella spp. To investigate the specificity of the associated bacterial community with greater precision, we investigated the bacterial communities of two lab-cultured Arcella species, A. hemispherica and A. intermedia, grown in two different media types. Our results suggest that Arcella-bacteria associations are species-specific, and that the associated bacterial community of lab-cultured Arcella spp. remains distinct from that of the surrounding media. Further, each host Arcella species could be distinguished based on its bacterial composition. Our findings provide insight into the understanding of eukaryotic-bacterial symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid35053126,
year = {2022},
author = {Castelo, MK and Crespo, JE},
title = {Microorganismal Cues Involved in Host-Location in Asilidae Parasitoids.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {35053126},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {PIP 2014 11220130100368CO//Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cient&#xed;ficas y T&#xe9;cnicas/ ; UBACyT 2020 20020190100059BA and 2017 20020160100019BA//Universidad de Buenos Aires/ ; },
abstract = {Parasitoids are organisms that kill their host before completing their development. Typical parasitoids belong to Hymenoptera, whose females search for the hosts. But some atypical Diptera parasitoids also have searching larvae that must orientate toward, encounter, and accept hosts, through cues with different levels of detectability. In this work, the chemical cues involved in the detection of the host by parasitoid larvae of the genus Mallophora are shown with a behavioral approach. Through olfactometry assays, we show that two species of Mallophora orient to different host species and that chemical cues are produced by microorganisms. We also show that treating potential hosts with antibiotics reduces attractiveness on M. ruficauda but not to M. bigoti suggesting that endosymbiotic bacteria responsible for the host cues production should be located in different parts of the host. In fact, we were able to show that M. bigoti is attracted to frass from the most common host. Additionally, we evaluated host orientation under a context of interspecific competence and found that both parasitoid species orient to Cyclocephaala signaticollis showing that host competition could occur in the field. Our work shows how microorganisms mediate orientation to hosts but differences in their activity or location in the host result in differences in the attractiveness of different cues. We show for the first time that M. bigoti behaves similar to M. ruficauda extending and reinforcing that all Mallophora species have adopted a parasitoid lifestyle.},
}
@article {pmid35055852,
year = {2021},
author = {Du, S and Ye, F and Wang, Q and Liang, Y and Wan, W and Guo, J and Liu, W},
title = {Multiple Data Demonstrate That Bacteria Regulating Reproduction Could Be Not the Cause for the Thelytoky of Diglyphus&amp;nbsp;wani (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {35055852},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Grant No. 31772236 and No. 31972344//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Grant No. caascx-2017-2022-IAS//the Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences/ ; Grant No. 2021YFC2600400//the National Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {In Hymenoptera parasitoids, the reproductive mode is arrhenotoky, while a few species reproduce by thelytoky. The thelytoky of Hymenoptera parasitoids is generally genetically determined by the parasitoids themselves or induced by bacteria, including Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Rickettsia. Diglyphus&amp;nbsp;wani (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a recently reported thelytokous species is a main parasitoid attacking agromyzid leafminers. To assess whether endosymbionts induce thelytoky in D.&amp;nbsp;wani, we performed universal PCR detection and sequenced the V3-V4 region of 16S ribosomal RNA gene. In addition, bacteria were removed through high-temperature and antibiotic treatments, and the localized bacteria were detected using FISH. Based on general PCR detection, Wolbachia, Cardinium, Rickettsia, Arsenophonus, Spiroplasma, and Microsporidia were absent in laboratory and field individuals of thelytokous D.&amp;nbsp;wani. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the dominant endosymbionts in thelytokous D.&amp;nbsp;wani were not reproductive manipulators. High-temperature and antibiotic treatment for five consecutive generations cannot reverse the thelytokous pattern of D.&amp;nbsp;wani, and no male offspring were produced. Moreover, no bacterial spots were found in the ovaries of D.&amp;nbsp;wani. Thus, it is considered that the thelytoky of D. wani does not result in the presence of endosymbionts. This species is thus the second reported eulophid parasitoid whose thelytoky appears not to be associated with endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid35055928,
year = {2022},
author = {Lai, C and Hou, Y and Hao, P and Pang, K and Yu, X},
title = {Detection of Yeast-like Symbionts in Brown Planthopper Reared on Different Resistant Rice Varieties Combining DGGE and Absolute Quantitative Real-Time PCR.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {35055928},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {31901874//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; LQ18C140002 and LY20C140005//Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2019C02015//Key R &amp; D Projects in Zhejiang Province/ ; 2022C02047//Zhejiang Lingyan R &amp; D Project/ ; 2020YW27//Basic Scientific Research Business Fee Project of China Jiliang University - landmark development project of scientific research (Science and Technology)/ ; },
abstract = {The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is a serious pest of rice throughout Asia. Yeast-like symbionts (YLS) are endosymbionts closely linked with the development of BPH and the adapted mechanism of BPH virulence to resistant plants. In this study, we used semi-quantitative DGGE and absolute quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to quantify the number of the three YLS strains (Ascomycetes symbionts, Pichia-like symbionts, and Candida-like symbionts) that typically infect BPH in the nymphal stages and in newly emerged female adults. The quantities of each of the three YLS assessed increased in tandem with the developing nymphal instar stages, peaking at the fourth instar stage, and then declined significantly at the fifth instar stage. However, the amount of YLS present recovered sharply within the emerging adult females. Additionally, we estimated the quantities of YLS for up to eight generations after their inoculation onto resistant cultivars (Mudgo, ASD7, and RH) to reassociate the dynamics of YLS with the fitness of BPH. The minimum number of each YLS was detected in the second generation and gradually increased from the third generation with regard to resistant rice varieties. In addition, the Ascomycetes symbionts of YLS were found to be the most abundant of the three YLS strains tested for all of the development stages of BPH.},
}
@article {pmid35056571,
year = {2022},
author = {Oborník, M},
title = {Organellar Evolution: A Path from Benefit to Dependence.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {35056571},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {21-03224S//Czech Science Foundation/ ; CZ.02.1.01 /0.0/0.0/16_019/0000759//European Regional Development Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Eukaryotic organelles supposedly evolved from their bacterial ancestors because of their benefits to host cells. However, organelles are quite often retained, even when the beneficial metabolic pathway is lost, due to something other than the original beneficial function. The organellar function essential for cell survival is, in the end, the result of organellar evolution, particularly losses of redundant metabolic pathways present in both the host and endosymbiont, followed by a gradual distribution of metabolic functions between the organelle and host. Such biological division of metabolic labor leads to mutual dependence of the endosymbiont and host. Changing environmental conditions, such as the gradual shift of an organism from aerobic to anaerobic conditions or light to dark, can make the original benefit useless. Therefore, it can be challenging to deduce the original beneficial function, if there is any, underlying organellar acquisition. However, it is also possible that the organelle is retained because it simply resists being eliminated or digested untill it becomes indispensable.},
}
@article {pmid35057842,
year = {2022},
author = {Perveen, N and Muzaffar, SB and Vijayan, R and Al-Deeb, MA},
title = {Microbial composition in Hyalomma anatolicum collected from livestock in the United Arab Emirates using next-generation sequencing.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {30},
pmid = {35057842},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {UPAR grant # G00002604//United Arab Emirates university/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/classification/*genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Genetic Variation ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/*methods ; Ixodidae/*microbiology ; Livestock/*parasitology ; Male ; Microbiota/*genetics ; Tick Infestations/epidemiology/*veterinary ; Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology/transmission ; United Arab Emirates/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hyalomma anatolicum is a widely distributed tick species that acts as a vector transmitting tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in livestock. Such pathogens affect the health of livestock and consequently reduce their productivity. Knowledge about the microbial communities (pathogens and endosymbionts) of ticks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is scarce. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to quantify microbial diversity in H. anatolicum using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology.<br><br>METHODS: Hyalomma anatolicum ticks were collected from livestock in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE during 2019. DNA was extracted from 175 male ticks sampled from livestock (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;78) and subjected to NGS. The 16S rRNA gene was analyzed using the Illumina MiSeq platform to determine the bacterial communities. Principal coordinates analysis (PCA) was performed to identify patterns of diversity in the bacterial communities.<br><br>RESULTS: Twenty-six bacterial families with high relative abundance were identified, of which the most common were Staphylococcaceae, Francisellaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae, Bacillaceae, Halomonadaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Enterococcaceae, Actinomycetaceae and Streptococcaceae. The diversity of the microbial communities in terms of richness and evenness was different at the three study locations, with the PCA showing clear clusters separating the microbial communities in ticks collected at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The presence of bacterial families harboring pathogenic genera showed that H. anatolicum could pose a potential threat to livestock and food security in the UAE.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The study is the first to document important data on the microbial communities associated with H. anatolicum in the UAE. This knowledge will facilitate a better understanding of the distribution pattern of microbes in livestock ticks in the UAE and, ultimately, will aid in deciphering the relationships between microbes and in the exploration of potential factors towards developing effective management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid35066589,
year = {2022},
author = {Hidayanti, AK and Gazali, A and Tagami, Y},
title = {Effect of Quorum Sensing Inducers and Inhibitors on Cytoplasmic Incompatibility Induced by Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) in American Serpentine Leafminer (Diptera: Agromyzidae): Potential Tool for the Incompatible Insect Technique.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {35066589},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; *Diptera/microbiology ; Ovum ; *Pest Control, Biological ; *Quorum Sensing ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Agricultural crops around the world are attacked by approximately 3,000-10,000 species of pest insect. There is increasing interest in resolving this problem using environmentally friendly approaches. Wolbachia (Hertig), an insect endosymbiont, can modulate host reproduction and offspring sex through cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). The incompatible insect technique (IIT) based on CI-Wolbachia is a promising biological control method. Previous studies have reported an association between CI and Wolbachia density, which may involve a quorum sensing (QS) mechanism. In this study, we investigated the effect of manipulating QS in Wolbachia using several chemicals including 3O-C12-HSL; C2HSL; spermidine (QS inducers), 4-phenylbutanoyl; and 4-NPO (QS inhibitors) on American serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii [Burgess]), an agricultural pest. The results showed that inducing QS with 3O-C12-HSL decreased the proportion of hatched eggs and increased Wolbachia density, whereas QS inhibition with 4-phenylbutanoyl had the opposite effects. Thus, manipulating QS in Wolbachia can alter cell density and the proportion of hatched eggs in the host L. trifolii, thereby reducing the number of insect progeny. These findings provide evidence supporting the potential efficacy of the IIT based on CI-Wolbachia for the environmentally friendly control of insect pest populations.},
}
@article {pmid35071375,
year = {2021},
author = {Cull, B and Burkhardt, NY and Wang, XR and Thorpe, CJ and Oliver, JD and Kurtti, TJ and Munderloh, UG},
title = {The Ixodes scapularis Symbiont Rickettsia buchneri Inhibits Growth of Pathogenic Rickettsiaceae in Tick Cells: Implications for Vector Competence.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {748427},
pmid = {35071375},
issn = {2297-1769},
support = {R01 AI049424/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI081690/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI049424/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Ixodes scapularis is the primary vector of tick-borne pathogens in North America but notably does not transmit pathogenic Rickettsia species. This tick harbors the transovarially transmitted endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri, which is widespread in I. scapularis populations, suggesting that it confers a selective advantage for tick survival such as providing essential nutrients. The R. buchneri genome includes genes with similarity to those involved in antibiotic synthesis. There are two gene clusters not found in other Rickettsiaceae, raising the possibility that these may be involved in excluding pathogenic bacteria from the tick. This study explored whether the R. buchneri antibiotic genes might exert antibiotic effects on pathogens associated with I. scapularis. Markedly reduced infectivity and replication of the tick-borne pathogens Anaplasma phagocytophilum, R. monacensis, and R. parkeri were observed in IRE11 tick cells hosting R. buchneri. Using a fluorescent plate reader assay to follow infection dynamics revealed that the presence of R. buchneri in tick cells, even at low infection rates, inhibited the growth of R. parkeri by 86-100% relative to R. buchneri-free cells. In contrast, presence of the low-pathogenic species R. amblyommatis or the endosymbiont R. peacockii only partially reduced the infection and replication of R. parkeri. Addition of host-cell free R. buchneri, cell lysate of R. buchneri-infected IRE11, or supernatant from R. buchneri-infected IRE11 cultures had no effect on R. parkeri infection and replication in IRE11, nor did these treatments show any antibiotic effect against non-obligate intracellular bacteria E. coli and S. aureus. However, lysate from R. buchneri-infected IRE11 challenged with R. parkeri showed some inhibitory effect on R. parkeri infection of treated IRE11, suggesting that challenge by pathogenic rickettsiae may induce the antibiotic effect of R. buchneri. This research suggests a potential role of the endosymbiont in preventing other rickettsiae from colonizing I. scapularis and/or being transmitted transovarially. The confirmation that the observed inhibition is linked to R. buchneri's antibiotic clusters requires further investigation but could have important implications for our understanding of rickettsial competition and vector competence of I. scapularis for rickettsiae.},
}
@article {pmid35076268,
year = {2022},
author = {Perez-Lamarque, B and Krehenwinkel, H and Gillespie, RG and Morlon, H},
title = {Limited Evidence for Microbial Transmission in the Phylosymbiosis between Hawaiian Spiders and Their Microbiota.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {e0110421},
pmid = {35076268},
issn = {2379-5077},
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; Hawaii ; *Spiders ; *Microbiota ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; },
abstract = {The degree of similarity between the microbiotas of host species often mirrors the phylogenetic proximity of the hosts. This pattern, referred to as phylosymbiosis, is widespread in animals and plants. While phylosymbiosis was initially interpreted as the signal of symbiotic transmission and coevolution between microbes and their hosts, it is now recognized that similar patterns can emerge even if the microbes are environmentally acquired. Distinguishing between these two scenarios, however, remains challenging. We recently developed HOME (host-microbiota evolution), a cophylogenetic model designed to detect vertically transmitted microbes and host switches from amplicon sequencing data. Here, we applied HOME to the microbiotas of Hawaiian spiders of the genus Ariamnes, which experienced a recent radiation on the archipelago. We demonstrate that although Hawaiian Ariamnes spiders display a significant phylosymbiosis, there is little evidence of microbial vertical transmission. Next, we performed simulations to validate the absence of transmitted microbes in Ariamnes spiders. We show that this is not due to a lack of detection power because of the low number of segregating sites or an effect of phylogenetically driven or geographically driven host switches. Ariamnes spiders and their associated microbes therefore provide an example of a pattern of phylosymbiosis likely emerging from processes other than vertical transmission. IMPORTANCE How host-associated microbiotas assemble and evolve is one of the outstanding questions of microbial ecology. Studies aiming at answering this question have repeatedly found a pattern of "phylosymbiosis," that is, a phylogenetic signal in the composition of host-associated microbiotas. While phylosymbiosis was often interpreted as evidence for vertical transmission and host-microbiota coevolution, simulations have now shown that it can emerge from other processes, including host filtering of environmentally acquired microbes. However, distinguishing the processes driving phylosymbiosis in nature remains challenging. We recently developed a cophylogenetic method that can detect vertical transmission. Here, we applied this method to the microbiotas of recently diverged spiders from the Hawaiian archipelago, which display a clear phylosymbiosis pattern. We found that none of the bacterial operational taxonomic units is vertically transmitted. We show with simulations that this result is not due to methodological artifacts. Thus, we provide a striking empirical example of phylosymbiosis emerging from processes other than vertical transmission.},
}
@article {pmid35087493,
year = {2021},
author = {Flemming, FE and Grosser, K and Schrallhammer, M},
title = {Natural Shifts in Endosymbionts' Occurrence and Relative Frequency in Their Ciliate Host Population.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {791615},
pmid = {35087493},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The role of bacterial endosymbionts harbored by heterotrophic Paramecium species is complex. Obligate intracellular bacteria supposedly always inflict costs as the host is the only possible provider of resources. However, several experimental studies have shown that paramecia carrying bacterial endosymbionts can benefit from their infection. Here, we address the question which endosymbionts occur in natural paramecia populations isolated from a small lake over a period of 5 years and which factors might explain observed shifts and persistence in the symbionts occurrence. One hundred and nineteen monoclonal strains were investigated and approximately two-third harbored intracellular bacteria. The majority of infected paramecia carried the obligate endosymbiotic "Candidatus Megaira polyxenophila", followed by Caedimonas varicaedens, and Holospora undulata. The latter was only detected in a single strain. While "Ca. M. polyxenophila" was observed in seven out of 13 samplings, C. varicaedens presence was limited to a single sampling occasion. After the appearance of C. varicaedens, "Ca. M. polyxenophila" prevalence dramatically dropped with some delay but recovered to original levels at the end of our study. Potential mechanisms explaining these observations include differences in infectivity, host range, and impact on host fitness as well as host competitive capacities. Growth experiments revealed fitness advantages for infected paramecia harboring "Ca. M. polyxenophila" as well as C. varicaedens. Furthermore, we showed that cells carrying C. varicaedens gain a competitive advantage from the symbiosis-derived killer trait. Other characteristics like infectivity and overlapping host range were taken into consideration, but the observed temporal persistence of "Ca. M. polyxenophila" is most likely explained by the positive effect this symbiont provides to its host.},
}
@article {pmid35092614,
year = {2022},
author = {Rodrigues, LR and Zélé, F and Santos, I and Magalhães, S},
title = {No evidence for the evolution of mating behavior in spider mites due to Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {76},
number = {3},
pages = {623-635},
doi = {10.1111/evo.14429},
pmid = {35092614},
issn = {1558-5646},
support = {COMPCON GA 725419//H2020 European Research Council/ ; SFRH/BD/87628/2012//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; EXPL/BIA-EVL/0131/2021//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; FCT-ANR//BIA- EVF/0013/2012//FCT-ANR collaboration/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods ; Cytoplasm ; Female ; Male ; Reproduction ; *Tetranychidae/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Arthropods are often infected with Wolbachia inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), whereby crosses between uninfected females and infected males yield unviable fertilized offspring. Although uninfected females benefit from avoiding mating with Wolbachia-infected males, this behavior is not always present in host populations and its evolution may hinge upon various factors. Here, we used spider mites to test whether CI could select for mate preference in uninfected females in absence of kin recognition. We found that uninfected females from several field-derived populations showed no preference for infected or uninfected males, nor evolved a preference after being exposed to CI for 12-15 generations by maintaining uninfected females with both infected and uninfected males (i.e., stable "infection polymorphism"). This suggests that Wolbachia-mediated mate choice evolution may require very specific conditions in spider mites. However, after experimental evolution, the copulation duration of Wolbachia-infected control males was significantly higher than that of uninfected control males, but not than that of uninfected males from the "infection polymorphism" regime. This result illustrates how gene flow may oppose Wolbachia-driven divergence between infected and uninfected hosts in natural populations.},
}
@article {pmid35107338,
year = {2022},
author = {Stephens, ME and Benjamino, J and Graf, J and Gage, DJ},
title = {Simultaneous Single-Cell Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing of Termite Hindgut Protists Reveals Metabolic and Evolutionary Traits of Their Endosymbionts.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {e0002122},
pmid = {35107338},
issn = {2379-5042},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; Carbon/metabolism ; Eukaryota/genetics ; *Isoptera/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Some of the protist species which colonize the hindguts of wood-feeding Reticulitermes termites are associated with endosymbiotic bacteria belonging to the genus Endomicrobium. In this study, we focused on the endosymbionts of three protist species from Reticulitermes flavipes, as follows: Pyrsonympha vertens, Trichonympha agilis, and Dinenympha species II. Since these protist hosts represented members of different taxa which colonize separate niches within the hindguts of their termite hosts, we investigated if these differences translated to differential gene content and expression in their endosymbionts. Following assembly and comparative genome and transcriptome analyses, we discovered that these endosymbionts differed with respect to some possible niche-specific traits, such as carbon metabolism. Our analyses suggest that species-specific genes related to carbon metabolism were acquired by horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and may have come from taxa which are common in the termite hind gut. In addition, our analyses suggested that these endosymbionts contain and express genes related to natural transformation (competence) and recombination. Taken together, the presence of genes acquired by HGT and a putative competence pathway suggest that these endosymbionts are not cut off from gene flow and that competence may be a mechanism by which members of Endomicrobium can acquire new traits. IMPORTANCE The composition and structure of wood, which contains cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, prevent most organisms from using this common food source. Termites are a rare exception among animals, and they rely on a complex microbiota housed in their hindguts to use wood as a source of food. The lower termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, houses a variety of protists and prokaryotes that are the key players in the disassembly of lignocellulose. Here, we describe the genomes and the gene expression profiles of five Endomicrobium endosymbionts living inside three different protist species from R. flavipes. Data from these genomes suggest that these Endomicrobium species have different mechanisms for using carbon. In addition, they harbor genes that may be used to import DNA from their environment. This process of DNA uptake may contribute to the high levels of horizontal gene transfer noted previously in Endomicrobium species.},
}
@article {pmid35108076,
year = {2022},
author = {Giannotti, D and Boscaro, V and Husnik, F and Vannini, C and Keeling, PJ},
title = {The "Other" Rickettsiales: an Overview of the Family "Candidatus Midichloriaceae".},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {88},
number = {6},
pages = {e0243221},
pmid = {35108076},
issn = {1098-5336},
mesh = {*Alphaproteobacteria/genetics ; Animals ; Bacteria ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsiales ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The family "Candidatus Midichloriaceae" constitutes the most diverse but least studied lineage within the important order of intracellular bacteria Rickettsiales. "Candidatus Midichloriaceae" endosymbionts are found in many hosts, including terrestrial arthropods, aquatic invertebrates, and protists. Representatives of the family are not documented to be pathogenic, but some are associated with diseased fish or corals. Different genera display a range of unusual features, such as full sets of flagellar genes without visible flagella or the ability to invade host mitochondria. Since studies on "Ca. Midichloriaceae" tend to focus on the host, the family is rarely addressed as a unit, and we therefore lack a coherent picture of its diversity. Here, we provide four new midichloriaceae genomes, and we survey molecular and ecological data from the entire family. Features like genome size, ecological context, and host transitions vary considerably even among closely related midichloriaceae, suggesting a high frequency of such shifts, incomplete sampling, or both. Important functional traits involved in energy metabolism, flagella, and secretion systems were independently reduced multiple times with no obvious correspondence to host or habitat, corroborating the idea that many features of these "professional symbionts" are largely independent of host identity. Finally, despite "Ca. Midichloriaceae" being predominantly studied in ticks, our analyses show that the clade is mainly aquatic, with a few terrestrial offshoots. This highlights the importance of considering aquatic hosts, and protists in particular, when reconstructing the evolution of these endosymbionts and by extension all Rickettsiales. IMPORTANCE Among endosymbiotic bacterial lineages, few are as intensely studied as Rickettsiales, which include the causative agents of spotted fever, typhus, and anaplasmosis. However, an important subgroup called "Candidatus Midichloriaceae" receives little attention despite accounting for a third of the diversity of Rickettsiales and harboring a wide range of bacteria with unique features, like the ability to infect mitochondria. Midichloriaceae are found in many hosts, from ticks to corals to unicellular protozoa, and studies on them tend to focus on the host groups. Here, for the first time since the establishment of this clade, we address the genomics, evolution, and ecology of "Ca. Midichloriaceae" as a whole, highlighting trends and patterns, the remaining gaps in our knowledge, and its importance for the understanding of symbiotic processes in intracellular bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid35112871,
year = {2022},
author = {Deutsch, JM and Mandelare-Ruiz, P and Yang, Y and Foster, G and Routhu, A and Houk, J and De La Flor, YT and Ushijima, B and Meyer, JL and Paul, VJ and Garg, N},
title = {Metabolomics Approaches to Dereplicate Natural Products from Coral-Derived Bioactive Bacteria.},
journal = {Journal of natural products},
volume = {85},
number = {3},
pages = {462-478},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c01110},
pmid = {35112871},
issn = {1520-6025},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/metabolism/pharmacology ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Biological Products/metabolism/pharmacology ; Metabolomics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Stony corals (Scleractinia) are invertebrates that form symbiotic relationships with eukaryotic algal endosymbionts and the prokaryotic microbiome. The microbiome has the potential to produce bioactive natural products providing defense and resilience to the coral host against pathogenic microorganisms, but this potential has not been extensively explored. Bacterial pathogens can pose a significant threat to corals, with some species implicated in primary and opportunistic infections of various corals. In response, probiotics have been proposed as a potential strategy to protect corals in the face of increased incidence of disease outbreaks. In this study, we screened bacterial isolates from healthy and diseased corals for antibacterial activity. The bioactive extracts were analyzed using untargeted metabolomics. Herein, an UpSet plot and hierarchical clustering analyses were performed to identify isolates with the largest number of unique metabolites. These isolates also displayed different antibacterial activities. Through application of in silico and experimental approaches coupled with genome analysis, we dereplicated natural products from these coral-derived bacteria from Florida's coral reef environments. The metabolomics approach highlighted in this study serves as a useful resource to select probiotic candidates and enables insights into natural product-mediated chemical ecology in holobiont symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid35113477,
year = {2022},
author = {Bourland, W and Pomahač, O and Čepička, I},
title = {Morphology and phylogeny of two anaerobic freshwater ciliates: Brachonella comma sp. nov. and the widely distributed but little-known caenomorphid, Ludio parvulus Penard, 1922.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {69},
number = {3},
pages = {e12892},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.12892},
pmid = {35113477},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {19-19297S//Czech Science Foundation/ ; 365021//Charles University Grant Agency/ ; },
mesh = {Anaerobiosis ; *Ciliophora/genetics ; Fresh Water ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Hypoxic, sulfidic freshwater sediments typically support a diffuse consortium of distinctive ciliated protists, including caenomorphids, metopids, and odontostomatids among others. A recent resurgence of interest in these important members of sapropelic food webs has resulted in the description of many new species and an effort, still in its infancy, to characterize them from a morphologic, molecular, and metabolic standpoint and to determine their phylogenetic relationships. Their seemingly invariable association with prokaryotic endosymbionts and, less commonly, ectosymbionts has become a focus for many researchers. In this report, based on morphologic and molecular data, we describe a Brachonella species (Ciliophora, Metopida) new to science and analyze its phylogeny. We also provide a morphologic and molecular characterization of the smallest representative of the Caenomorphidae Poche, 1913, Ludio parvulus Penard, 1922. The phylogenetic analysis confirms the inclusion of this species in the Caenomorphidae.},
}
@article {pmid35115648,
year = {2022},
author = {Katlav, A and Nguyen, DT and Morrow, JL and Spooner-Hart, RN and Riegler, M},
title = {Endosymbionts moderate constrained sex allocation in a haplodiploid thrips species in a temperature-sensitive way.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {128},
number = {3},
pages = {169-177},
pmid = {35115648},
issn = {1365-2540},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteroidetes ; Female ; Male ; Sex Ratio ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Temperature ; *Thysanoptera/genetics/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts that affect host fitness are common in nature. Some endosymbionts colonise host populations by reproductive manipulations (such as cytoplasmic incompatibility; CI) that increase the reproductive fitness of infected over uninfected females. Theory predicts that CI-inducing endosymbionts in haplodiploid hosts may also influence sex allocation, including in compatible crosses, however, empirical evidence for this is scarce. We examined the role of two common CI-inducing endosymbionts, Cardinium and Wolbachia, in the sex allocation of Pezothrips kellyanus, a haplodiploid thrips species with a split sex ratio. In this species, irrespective of infection status, some mated females are constrained to produce extremely male-biased broods, whereas other females produce extremely female-biased broods. We analysed brood sex ratio of females mated with males of the same infection status at two temperatures. We found that at 20 °C the frequency of constrained sex allocation in coinfected pairs was reduced by 27% when compared to uninfected pairs. However, at 25 °C the constrained sex allocation frequency increased and became similar between coinfected and uninfected pairs, resulting in more male-biased population sex ratios at the higher temperature. This temperature-dependent pattern occurred without changes in endosymbiont densities and compatibility. Our findings indicate that endosymbionts affect sex ratios of haplodiploid hosts beyond the commonly recognised reproductive manipulations by causing female-biased sex allocation in a temperature-dependent fashion. This may contribute to a higher transmission efficiency of CI-inducing endosymbionts and is consistent with previous models that predict that CI by itself is less efficient in driving endosymbiont invasions in haplodiploid hosts.},
}
@article {pmid35126998,
year = {2022},
author = {Markalanda, SH and McFadden, CJ and Cassidy, ST and Wood, CW},
title = {The soil microbiome increases plant survival and modifies interactions with root endosymbionts in the field.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {e8283},
pmid = {35126998},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Evidence is accumulating that the soil microbiome-the community of microorganisms living in soils-has a major effect on plant traits and fitness. However, most work to date has taken place under controlled laboratory conditions and has not experimentally disentangled the effect of the soil microbiome on plant performance from the effects of key endosymbiotic constituents. As a result, it is difficult to extrapolate from existing data to understand the role of the soil microbiome in natural plant populations. To address this gap, we performed a field experiment using the black medick Medicago lupulina to test how the soil microbiome influences plant performance and colonization by two root endosymbionts (the mutualistic nitrogen-fixing bacteria Ensifer spp. and the parasitic root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla) under natural conditions. We inoculated all plants with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and factorially manipulated the soil microbiome and nematode infection. We found that plants grown in microbe-depleted soil exhibit greater mortality, but that among the survivors, there was no effect of the soil microbiome on plant performance (shoot biomass, root biomass, or shoot-to-root ratio). The soil microbiome also impacted parasitic nematode infection and affected colonization by mutualistic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in a plant genotype-dependent manner, increasing colonization in some plant genotypes and decreasing it in others. Our results demonstrate the soil microbiome has complex effects on plant-endosymbiont interactions and may be critical for survival under natural conditions.},
}
@article {pmid35127049,
year = {2022},
author = {Kaech, H and Jud, S and Vorburger, C},
title = {Similar cost of Hamiltonella defensa in experimental and natural aphid-endosymbiont associations.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {e8551},
pmid = {35127049},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Endosymbiont-conferred resistance to parasitoids is common in aphids, but comes at a cost to the host in the absence of parasitoids. In black bean aphids (Aphis fabae), costs in terms of reduced lifespan and lifetime reproduction were demonstrated by introducing 11 isolates of the protective symbiont Hamiltonella defensa into previously uninfected aphid clones. Transfection of H. defensa isolates into a common genetic background allows to compare the costs of different endosymbiont isolates unconfounded by host genetic variation, but has been suggested to overestimate the realized costs of the endosymbiont in natural populations, because transfection creates new and potentially maladapted host-symbiont combinations that would be eliminated by natural selection in the field. In this experiment, we show that removing H. defensa isolates from their natural host clones with antibiotics results in a fitness gain that is comparable to the fitness loss from their introduction into two new clones. This suggests that estimating cost by transfecting endosymbiont isolates into a shared host genotype does not lead to gross overestimates of their realized costs, at least not in the two recipient genotypes used here. By comparing our data with data reported in previous publications using the same lines, we show that symbiont-induced costs may fluctuate over time. Thus, costs estimated after extended culture in the laboratory may not always be representative of the costs at the time of collection in the field. Finally, we report the accidental observation that two isolates from a distinct haplotype of H. defensa could not be removed by cefotaxime treatment, while all isolates from two other haplotypes were readily eliminated, which is suggestive of variation in susceptibility to this antibiotic in H. defensa.},
}
@article {pmid35127053,
year = {2022},
author = {Travers Cook, TJ and Skirgaila, C and Martin, OY and Buser, CC},
title = {Infection by dsRNA viruses is associated with enhanced sporulation efficiency in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {e8558},
pmid = {35127053},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Upon starvation diploid cells of the facultative sexual yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergo sporulation, forming four metabolically quiescent and robust haploid spores encased in a degradable ascus. All endosymbionts, whether they provide net benefits or costs, utilize host resources; in yeast, this should induce an earlier onset of sporulation. Here, we tested whether the presence of endosymbiotic dsRNA viruses (M satellite and L-A helper) correspond with higher sporulation rate of their host, S. cerevisiae. We find that S. cerevisiae hosting both the M and L-A viruses (so-called "killer yeasts") have significantly higher sporulation efficiency than those without. We also found that the removal of the M virus did not reduce sporulation frequency, possibly because the L-A virus still utilizes host resources with and without the M virus. Our findings indicate that either virulent resource use by endosymbionts induces sporulation, or that viruses are spread more frequently to sporulating strains. Further exploration is required to distinguish cause from effect.},
}
@article {pmid35129273,
year = {2022},
author = {Chang, CY and Sun, XW and Tian, PP and Miao, NH and Zhang, YL and Liu, XD},
title = {Plant secondary metabolite and temperature determine the prevalence of Arsenophonus endosymbionts in aphid populations.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {24},
number = {8},
pages = {3764-3776},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.15929},
pmid = {35129273},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Amino Acids ; Animals ; *Aphids ; *Gammaproteobacteria ; *Gossypol ; Plants ; Prevalence ; Symbiosis ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Transmission rate and role in hosts contribute to the prevalence of an endosymbiont. However, factors affecting transmission and role of facultative endosymbionts are still not well understood. Here, we illustrated that host plants and environmental temperatures affected the transmission, relative abundance and role of Arsenophonus in the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii. The transmission rate of this endosymbiont from mother aphids to offspring was relatively lower. High temperatures impeded the transmission, and infection rates declined as aphids were exposed to 30°C. Contents of amino acids and secondary metabolites were remarkably different among host plants. Aphids feeding on zucchini leaves containing a higher titre of amino acids and lower secondary metabolites harboured a relatively lower abundance of Arsenophonus. Concentrations of an amino acid and a plant secondary metabolite, cucurbitacin B, in aphid diet were not associated with Arsenophonus abundance. However, gossypol, another plant secondary metabolite, was strongly related with the abundance. Arsenophonus imparted a fitness benefit to aphids, and the benefit was dependent on host plants and gossypol concentration. In sum, plant secondary metabolite and environmental temperature affect transmission, relative abundance and role of Arsenophonus, which determine the endosymbiont prevalence in aphid populations.},
}
@article {pmid35132118,
year = {2022},
author = {Scharfenstein, HJ and Chan, WY and Buerger, P and Humphrey, C and van Oppen, MJH},
title = {Evidence for de novo acquisition of microalgal symbionts by bleached adult corals.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {1676-1679},
pmid = {35132118},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/genetics ; Coral Reefs ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics ; *Microalgae ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Early life stages of most coral species acquire microalgal endosymbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) from the environment, but whether exogenous symbiont uptake is possible in the adult life stage is unclear. Deep sequencing of the Symbiodiniaceae ITS2 genetic marker has revealed novel symbionts in adult corals following bleaching; however these strains may have already been present at densities below detection limits. To test whether acquisition of symbionts from the environment occurs, we subjected adult fragments of corals (six species in four families) to a chemical bleaching treatment (menthol and DCMU). The treatment reduced the native microalgal symbiont abundance to below 2% of their starting densities. The bleached corals were then inoculated with a cultured Cladocopium C1[acro] strain. Genotyping of the Symbiodiniaceae communities before bleaching and after reinoculation showed that fragments of all six coral species acquired the Cladocopium C1[acro] strain used for inoculation. Our results provide strong evidence for the uptake of Symbiodiniaceae from the environment by adult corals. We also demonstrate the feasibility of chemical bleaching followed by reinoculation to manipulate the Symbiodiniaceae communities of adult corals, providing an innovative approach to establish new symbioses between adult corals and heat-evolved microalgal symbionts, which could prove highly relevant to coral reef restoration efforts.},
}
@article {pmid35134189,
year = {2022},
author = {Grodowitz, MJ and Gundersen-Rindal, DE and Elliott, B and Evans, R and Sparks, ME and Reed, DA and Miles, GP and Allen, ML and Perring, TM},
title = {Trypanosomatids Associated in the Alimentary Canal of Bagrada hilaris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {35134189},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/parasitology ; *Trypanosoma/classification ; },
abstract = {Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) is an invasive pest of economically important crops in the United States. During physiological investigations of B. hilaris, a flagellated protozoan was discovered in the alimentary canal of many specimens. This manuscript characterizes the morphology and molecular identification of the trypanosomatid, which appears similar to trypanosomatids identified in other stink bug species. It has been identified as a species in the Blastocrithidia genus based on morphological characteristics and molecular analyses.},
}
@article {pmid35134329,
year = {2022},
author = {Itabangi, H and Sephton-Clark, PCS and Tamayo, DP and Zhou, X and Starling, GP and Mahamoud, Z and Insua, I and Probert, M and Correia, J and Moynihan, PJ and Gebremariam, T and Gu, Y and Ibrahim, AS and Brown, GD and King, JS and Ballou, ER and Voelz, K},
title = {A bacterial endosymbiont of the fungus Rhizopus microsporus drives phagocyte evasion and opportunistic virulence.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {32},
number = {5},
pages = {1115-1130.e6},
pmid = {35134329},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {BB/S010122/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 211241/Z/18/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; R01 AI063503/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; BB/M014525/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 102705/Z/13/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; BB/M01116X/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 102705/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; MR/N006364/2/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; 108387/Z/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 097377/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; MR/V033417/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Amoeba ; Animals ; Bacteria ; *Dictyostelium ; Fungi ; Humans ; Mammals ; Mice ; Phagocytes ; Rhizopus ; Virulence ; Zebrafish ; },
abstract = {Opportunistic infections by environmental fungi are a growing clinical problem, driven by an increasing population of people with immunocompromising conditions. Spores of the Mucorales order are ubiquitous in the environment but can also cause acute invasive infections in humans through germination and evasion of the mammalian host immune system. How they achieve this and the evolutionary drivers underlying the acquisition of virulence mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that a clinical isolate of Rhizopus microsporus contains a Ralstonia pickettii bacterial endosymbiont required for virulence in both zebrafish and mice and that this endosymbiosis enables the secretion of factors that potently suppress growth of the soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, as well as their ability to engulf and kill other microbes. As amoebas are natural environmental predators of both bacteria and fungi, we propose that this tri-kingdom interaction contributes to establishing endosymbiosis and the acquisition of anti-phagocyte activity. Importantly, we show that this activity also protects fungal spores from phagocytosis and clearance by human macrophages, and endosymbiont removal renders the fungal spores avirulent in vivo. Together, these findings describe a new role for a bacterial endosymbiont in Rhizopus microsporus pathogenesis in animals and suggest a mechanism of virulence acquisition through environmental interactions with amoebas.},
}
@article {pmid35145076,
year = {2022},
author = {Schvarcz, CR and Wilson, ST and Caffin, M and Stancheva, R and Li, Q and Turk-Kubo, KA and White, AE and Karl, DM and Zehr, JP and Steward, GF},
title = {Overlooked and widespread pennate diatom-diazotroph symbioses in the sea.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {799},
pmid = {35145076},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Cyanobacteria/physiology ; Diatoms/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; Ecosystem ; Nitrogen ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Pacific Ocean ; Phylogeny ; Seawater/*microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Persistent nitrogen depletion in sunlit open ocean waters provides a favorable ecological niche for nitrogen-fixing (diazotrophic) cyanobacteria, some of which associate symbiotically with eukaryotic algae. All known marine examples of these symbioses have involved either centric diatom or haptophyte hosts. We report here the discovery and characterization of two distinct marine pennate diatom-diazotroph symbioses, which until now had only been observed in freshwater environments. Rhopalodiaceae diatoms Epithemia pelagica sp. nov. and Epithemia catenata sp. nov. were isolated repeatedly from the subtropical North Pacific Ocean, and analysis of sequence libraries reveals a global distribution. These symbioses likely escaped attention because the endosymbionts lack fluorescent photopigments, have nifH gene sequences similar to those of free-living unicellular cyanobacteria, and are lost in nitrogen-replete medium. Marine Rhopalodiaceae-diazotroph symbioses are a previously overlooked but widespread source of bioavailable nitrogen in marine habitats and provide new, easily cultured model organisms for the study of organelle evolution.},
}
@article {pmid35162074,
year = {2022},
author = {Skinner, KM and Underwood, J and Ghosh, A and Oliva Chavez, AS and Brelsfoard, CL},
title = {Wolbachia Impacts Anaplasma Infection in Ixodes scapularis Tick Cells.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {35162074},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {*Anaplasma phagocytophilum ; *Anaplasmosis ; Animals ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {The specific interactions of members of tick bacterial microbiota and their effects on pathogen transmission remains relatively unexplored. Here, we introduced a novel Wolbachia infection type into Ixodes scapularis tick cells and examined the antipathogenic effects on the intracellular pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum. An increase in A. phagocytophilum replication was observed in Wolbachia-infected tick cells. However, Wolbachia infection densities decreased when cells were serially passaged and ultimately the infection was lost. Host-cell immune response was also examined as an additional factor that could have affected A. phagocytophilum replication in Wolbachia-infected cells. In early passages post-Wolbachia infection, a decreased immune response was observed, but in later passages of cells with low Wolbachia densities, there was no change in the immune response. The results are discussed in relation to the importance of studying the interactions of the tick microbiota, the host cell, and the pathogen and the development of novel tick and tick-borne disease-control approaches.},
}
@article {pmid35163408,
year = {2022},
author = {Bueno, E and Mania, D and Mesa, S and Bedmar, EJ and Frostegård, &#xc5; and Bakken, LR and Delgado, MJ},
title = {Regulation of the Emissions of the Greenhouse Gas Nitrous Oxide by the Soybean Endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {23},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {35163408},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Bradyrhizobium/*metabolism ; Greenhouse Gases/*metabolism ; Nitrous Oxide/*metabolism ; Glycine max/*microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) has strong potential to drive climate change. Soils are a major source of N2O, with microbial nitrification and denitrification being the primary processes involved in such emissions. The soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens is a model microorganism to study denitrification, a process that depends on a set of reductases, encoded by the napEDABC, nirK, norCBQD, and nosRZDYFLX genes, which sequentially reduce nitrate (NO3[-]) to nitrite (NO2[-]), nitric oxide (NO), N2O, and dinitrogen (N2). In this bacterium, the regulatory network and environmental cues governing the expression of denitrification genes rely on the FixK2 and NnrR transcriptional regulators. To understand the role of FixK2 and NnrR proteins in N2O turnover, we monitored real-time kinetics of NO3[-], NO2[-], NO, N2O, N2, and oxygen (O2) in a fixK2 and nnrR mutant using a robotized incubation system. We confirmed that FixK2 and NnrR are regulatory determinants essential for NO3[-] respiration and N2O reduction. Furthermore, we demonstrated that N2O reduction by B. diazoefficiens is independent of canonical inducers of denitrification, such as the nitrogen oxide NO3[-], and it is negatively affected by acidic and alkaline conditions. These findings advance the understanding of how specific environmental conditions and two single regulators modulate N2O turnover in B. diazoefficiens.},
}
@article {pmid35163495,
year = {2022},
author = {Fish, M and Nash, D and German, A and Overton, A and Jelokhani-Niaraki, M and Chuong, SDX and Smith, MD},
title = {New Insights into the Chloroplast Outer Membrane Proteome and Associated Targeting Pathways.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {23},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {35163495},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {PGSD3//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council/ ; 05437//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Chloroplast Proteins/chemistry/*metabolism ; Chloroplasts/*metabolism ; Intracellular Membranes/*metabolism ; Protein Transport ; Proteome/*metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; },
abstract = {Plastids are a dynamic class of organelle in plant cells that arose from an ancient cyanobacterial endosymbiont. Over the course of evolution, most genes encoding plastid proteins were transferred to the nuclear genome. In parallel, eukaryotic cells evolved a series of targeting pathways and complex proteinaceous machinery at the plastid surface to direct these proteins back to their target organelle. Chloroplasts are the most well-characterized plastids, responsible for photosynthesis and other important metabolic functions. The biogenesis and function of chloroplasts rely heavily on the fidelity of intracellular protein trafficking pathways. Therefore, understanding these pathways and their regulation is essential. Furthermore, the chloroplast outer membrane proteome remains relatively uncharted territory in our understanding of protein targeting. Many key players in the cytosol, receptors at the organelle surface, and insertases that facilitate insertion into the chloroplast outer membrane remain elusive for this group of proteins. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of well-characterized chloroplast outer membrane protein targeting pathways as well as provide new insights into novel targeting signals and pathways more recently identified using a bioinformatic approach. As a result of our analyses, we expand the known number of chloroplast outer membrane proteins from 117 to 138.},
}
@article {pmid35170217,
year = {2022},
author = {Breusing, C and Castel, J and Yang, Y and Broquet, T and Sun, J and Jollivet, D and Qian, PY and Beinart, RA},
title = {Global 16S rRNA diversity of provannid snail endosymbionts from Indo-Pacific deep-sea hydrothermal vents.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {299-307},
pmid = {35170217},
issn = {1758-2229},
mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; *Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Snails/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Symbioses between invertebrate animals and chemosynthetic bacteria build the foundation of deep-sea hydrothermal ecosystems worldwide. Despite the importance of these symbioses for ecosystem functioning, the diversity of symbionts within and between host organisms and geographic regions is still poorly understood. In this study we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to determine the diversity of gill endosymbionts in provannid snails of the genera Alviniconcha and Ifremeria, which are key species at deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Our analysis of 761 snail samples across the distributional range of these species confirms previous findings that symbiont lineages are strongly partitioned by host species and broad-scale geography. Less structuring was observed within geographic regions, probably due to insufficient strain resolution of the 16S rRNA gene. Symbiont richness in individual hosts appeared to be unrelated to host size, suggesting that provannid snails might acquire their symbionts only during a permissive time window in early developmental stages in contrast to other vent molluscs that obtain their symbionts throughout their lifetime. Despite the extent of our dataset, symbiont accumulation curves did not reach saturation, highlighting the need for increased sampling efforts to uncover the full diversity of symbionts within these and other hydrothermal vent species.},
}
@article {pmid35171977,
year = {2022},
author = {Gagalova, KK and Whitehill, JGA and Culibrk, L and Lin, D and Lévesque-Tremblay, V and Keeling, CI and Coombe, L and Yuen, MMS and Birol, I and Bohlmann, J and Jones, SJM},
title = {The genome of the forest insect pest Pissodes strobi reveals genome expansion and evidence of a Wolbachia endosymbiont.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {35171977},
issn = {2160-1836},
mesh = {Animals ; Forests ; Insecta ; *Picea/genetics ; *Weevils/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {The highly diverse insect family of true weevils, Curculionidae, includes many agricultural and forest pests. Pissodes strobi, commonly known as the spruce weevil or white pine weevil, is a major pest of spruce and pine forests in North America. Pissodes strobi larvae feed on the apical shoots of young trees, causing stunted growth and can destroy regenerating spruce or pine forests. Here, we describe the nuclear and mitochondrial Pissodes strobi genomes and their annotations, as well as the genome of an apparent Wolbachia endosymbiont. We report a substantial expansion of the weevil nuclear genome, relative to other Curculionidae species, possibly driven by an abundance of class II DNA transposons. The endosymbiont observed belongs to a group (supergroup A) of Wolbachia species that generally form parasitic relationships with their arthropod host.},
}
@article {pmid35172009,
year = {2022},
author = {Rutins, I and Schannauer, S and Orellana, S and Laukhuff, H and Lang, E and Becker, T and McKinney, E and Thomas, K and Tilden, V and Swartz, M and Blair, JE},
title = {Genetic Diversity and Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) Prevalence Within a Remnant Population of Regal Fritillary, Argynnis idalia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), in South-Central Pennsylvania.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {35172009},
issn = {1536-2442},
support = {//Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs/ ; //Bureau of Environmental Management/ ; //Franklin &amp; Marshall College Committee on Grants/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/genetics/microbiology ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Pennsylvania ; Prevalence ; United States ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Eastern populations of the North American regal fritillary, Argynnis idalia Drury (1773), have been largely extirpated over the past half century. Here we report on the last remaining population of eastern regal fritillaries, located within a military installation in south-central Pennsylvania. Samples were obtained from field specimens during two years of annual monitoring, and from females collected for captive rearing over a five year period. Nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial sequence data do not suggest subdivision within this population, but excess nuclear homozygosity indicates negative impacts on genetic diversity likely due to small population size and potential inbreeding effects. Molecular assays did not detect Wolbachia endosymbionts in field specimens of regal fritillary, but sympatric Argynnis sister species showed high prevalence of Wolbachia infected individuals. Our results inform ongoing conservation and reintroduction projects, designed to protect the last remaining regal fritillary population from extirpation in the eastern United States.},
}
@article {pmid35175127,
year = {2022},
author = {Gharabigloozare, Y and Wähling, A and Bleidorn, C},
title = {Whole-Genome Sequence of the Wolbachia Strain wTcon, an Endosymbiont of the Confused Flour Beetle, Tribolium confusum.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {e0114421},
pmid = {35175127},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {Up to 60% of insects are infected with symbiont intracellular alphaproteobacteria of the genus Wolbachia, which are often able to manipulate their host's reproduction. Here, we report the annotated draft genome sequence of strain wTcon from the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum, based on long- and short-read sequence data. The assembled genome is located on 12 contigs with a total size of 1,418,452 bp.},
}
@article {pmid35183553,
year = {2022},
author = {Konecka, E},
title = {Fifty shades of bacterial endosymbionts and some of them still remain a mystery: Wolbachia and Cardinium in oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida).},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {189},
number = {},
pages = {107733},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2022.107733},
pmid = {35183553},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; Bacteroidetes ; *Mites/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is the most abundant intracellular symbiont among terrestrial Arthropoda. This bacterium together with other microorganisms, i.e., Cardinium, gained fame mainly as the causative agent of host sex-ratio distortion. Across the impressive diversity of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida), the microbes have been found in both parthenogenetic (Oppiella nova, Ceratozetes thienemanni, Hypochthonius rufulus) as well as sexually-reproducing (Gustavia microcephala, Achipteria coleoptrata, Microzetorchestes emeryi, Damaeus onustus) species. Wolbachia found in Oribatida represents supergroup E and is related to bacterial endosymbionts of springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola). Cardinium identified in O. nova and M. emeryi belongs to phylogenetic group A. In turn, Cardinium from A. coleoptrata constitutes a new separate group E. The occurrence of these bacterial endosymbionts in parthenogenetic and sexual oribatid mites species may suggests a different function other than manipulating host reproduction. Indeed, endosymbionts may have various "shades" of functions in invertebrate hosts, some of which cannot be excluded in the oribatid mites, e.g., enriching a nutrient-limited diet with B vitamins or contributing to host adaptation to colder and harsher climates. Nevertheless, the mystery behind the roles of bacteria in Oribatida still needs required to be unraveled.},
}
@article {pmid35186508,
year = {2022},
author = {Lefoulon, E and Campbell, N and Stock, SP},
title = {Identification of novel prophage regions in Xenorhabdus nematophila genome and gene expression analysis during phage-like particle induction.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {e12956},
pmid = {35186508},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Prophages/genetics ; *Bacteriophages/genetics ; *Xenorhabdus/genetics ; Mitomycin/pharmacology ; Insecta/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Entomopathogenic Xenorhabdus bacteria are endosymbionts of Steinernema nematodes and together they form an insecticidal mutualistic association that infects a wide range of insect species. Xenorhabdus produce an arsenal of toxins and secondary metabolites that kill the insect host. In addition, they can induce the production of diverse phage particles. A few studies have focused on one integrated phage responsible for producing a phage tail-like bacteriocin, associated with an antimicrobial activity against other Xenorhabdus species. However, very little is known about the diversity of prophage regions in Xenorhabdus species.<br><br>METHODS: In the present study, we identified several prophage regions in the genome of Xenorhabdus nematophila AN6/1. We performed a preliminary study on the relative expression of genes in these prophage regions. We also investigated some genes (not contained in prophage region) known to be involved in SOS bacterial response (recA and lexA) associated with mitomycin C and UV exposure.<br><br>RESULTS: We described two integrated prophage regions (designated Xnp3 and Xnp4) not previously described in the genome of Xenorhabdus nematophila AN6/1. The Xnp3 prophage region appears very similar to complete Mu-like bacteriophage. These prophages regions are not unique to X. nematophila species, although they appear less conserved among Xenorhabdus species when compared to the previously described p1 prophage region. Our results showed that mitomycin C exposure induced an up-regulation of recA and lexA suggesting activation of SOS response. In addition, mitomycin C and UV exposure seems to lead to up-regulation of genes in three of the four integrated prophages regions.},
}
@article {pmid35190334,
year = {2022},
author = {Yessinou, RE and Katja, MS and Heinrich, N and Farougou, S},
title = {Prevalence of Coxiella-infections in ticks - review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {101926},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101926},
pmid = {35190334},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Coxiella/genetics ; *Coxiella burnetii/genetics ; Prevalence ; *Q Fever/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary ; *Ticks/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Q fever is a global zoonotic infection caused by the intracellular Gram-negative bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Historically, it is considered a vector-borne disease, but the role of ticks in transmission has not fully been elucidated yet. Excretion of C. burnetii in tick feces and saliva is well documented but the role of these findings or the epidemiological context is discussed controversially. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of C. burnetii DNA in ticks to clarify the potential role of tick species for maintenance of C. burnetii infection. A literature review was performed using Google scholar, Agora, Science Direct, PubMed and Scopus to identify original studies on C. burnetii DNA presence in ticks. The search was limited to literature published from 2009 to 2020 in English and French and focused on data obtained by molecular detection of C. burnetii DNA in ticks. Overall, the prevalence of C. burnetii in ticks collected in Africa varied from 2.91% to 13.97%, in Europe from 2.46% to 10.52% and the Middle East from 4.76% to 12.53%. Ticks collected from animals showed a prevalence of 8% (95% CI: 6%-10%), followed by ticks collected from the environment and animals of 7% (95% CI: 5%-10%). C. burnetii DNA has been found in samples of many tick species with the highest prevalence in Rhipicephalus evertsi and Amblyomma variegatum. However, most of these studies did not include a differentiation between C. burnetii and Coxiella-like endosymbionts making it finally difficult to estimate the potential role that ticks play in the epidemiology of Q fever. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the vector competence of different tick species to transmit C. burnetii. Knowledge of the vector and reservoir competence of ticks is important for taking adequate preventive measures to limit infection risks.},
}
@article {pmid35192040,
year = {2023},
author = {Detcharoen, M and Nilsai, A},
title = {Low Endosymbiont Incidence in Drosophila Species Across Peninsula Thailand.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {85},
number = {2},
pages = {730-736},
pmid = {35192040},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {SCI6404008S//Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Drosophila ; Incidence ; Thailand ; Symbiosis ; Bacteroidetes ; *Wolbachia ; *Spiroplasma ; *Rickettsia ; },
abstract = {Arthropods are known to harbor several endosymbionts, such as Cardinium, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma, and Wolbachia. Wolbachia, for example, are the most widespread known endosymbionts in the world, which are found in about half of all arthropod species. To increase their transmission, these endosymbionts must manipulate their hosts in several ways such as cytoplasmic incompatibility and male killing. In tropical regions, endosymbiont diversity has not been studied exhaustively. Here, we checked four endosymbionts, including Cardinium, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma, and Wolbachia, in eleven Drosophila species found in Thai Peninsula. The Wolbachia strain wRi-like was found in all populations of Drosophila ananassae and Drosophila simulans. Furthermore, we found two new strains, wMalA and wMalB, in two populations of Drosophila malerkotliana. Besides Wolbachia, we did not find any of the above endosymbionts in all fly species. This work reveals the hidden diversity of endosymbionts in Drosophila and is the first exhaustive study on Drosophila in the region.},
}
@article {pmid35194678,
year = {2022},
author = {Dos Santos, DL and Virginio, VG and Berté, FK and Lorenzatto, KR and Marinho, DR and Kwitko, S and Locatelli, CI and Freitas, EC and Rott, MB},
title = {Clinical and molecular diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis in contact lens wearers in southern Brazil reveals the presence of an endosymbiont.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {121},
number = {5},
pages = {1447-1454},
pmid = {35194678},
issn = {1432-1955},
mesh = {*Acanthamoeba/genetics ; *Acanthamoeba Keratitis/diagnosis/etiology ; *Amebiasis/complications ; Brazil ; *Contact Lenses/adverse effects ; Genotype ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is an infection that is mostly observed in contact lens wearers. It is often misdiagnosed causing delays in the administration of the correct treatment. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of clinical and molecular diagnosis of AK cases during the summer of 2019 in the southern region of Brazil. Three suspected cases of AK were discovered after an ophthalmic examination at a public hospital in the city of Porto Alegre. These cases were then confirmed through laboratory diagnosis (cell culture and molecular analysis by PCR and sequencing). In each of the three clinical sample cell cultures of corneal scraping and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Acanthamoeba spp., all belonging to the morphological group II and to the genotype T4, which is the most common genotype associated with AK. In addition, Acanthamoeba spp. isolated from one of the clinical samples was found to harbor the Candidatus Paracaedibacter acanthamoeba, a bacterial endosymbiont. The presence of Ca. Paracaedibacter acanthamoeba in clinical isolates requires further research to reveal its possible role in the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba infections.},
}
@article {pmid35196357,
year = {2022},
author = {Ross, PA and Robinson, KL and Yang, Q and Callahan, AG and Schmidt, TL and Axford, JK and Coquilleau, MP and Staunton, KM and Townsend, M and Ritchie, SA and Lau, MJ and Gu, X and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {A decade of stability for wMel Wolbachia in natural Aedes aegypti populations.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {e1010256},
pmid = {35196357},
issn = {1553-7374},
mesh = {*Aedes ; Animals ; *Arboviruses ; Australia ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia endosymbionts are being released in many countries for arbovirus control. The wMel strain of Wolbachia blocks Aedes-borne virus transmission and can spread throughout mosquito populations by inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying wMel were first released into the field in Cairns, Australia, over a decade ago, and with wider releases have resulted in the near elimination of local dengue transmission. The long-term stability of Wolbachia effects is critical for ongoing disease suppression, requiring tracking of phenotypic and genomic changes in Wolbachia infections following releases. We used a combination of field surveys, phenotypic assessments, and Wolbachia genome sequencing to show that wMel has remained stable in its effects for up to a decade in Australian Ae. aegypti populations. Phenotypic comparisons of wMel-infected and uninfected mosquitoes from near-field and long-term laboratory populations suggest limited changes in the effects of wMel on mosquito fitness. Treating mosquitoes with antibiotics used to cure the wMel infection had limited effects on fitness in the next generation, supporting the use of tetracycline for generating uninfected mosquitoes without off-target effects. wMel has a temporally stable within-host density and continues to induce complete cytoplasmic incompatibility. A comparison of wMel genomes from pre-release (2010) and nine years post-release (2020) populations show few genomic differences and little divergence between release locations, consistent with the lack of phenotypic changes. These results indicate that releases of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes for population replacement are likely to be effective for many years, but ongoing monitoring remains important to track potential evolutionary changes.},
}
@article {pmid35207577,
year = {2022},
author = {Latorre, A and Domínguez-Santos, R and García-Ferris, C and Gil, R},
title = {Of Cockroaches and Symbionts: Recent Advances in the Characterization of the Relationship between Blattella germanica and Its Dual Symbiotic System.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {35207577},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {PGC2018-099344-B-I00//European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and MInisterio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades (MICINN, Spain)/ ; PROMETEO/2018/133//Conselleria d'Educaci&#xf3;, Generalitat Valenciana (Spain)/ ; },
abstract = {Mutualistic stable symbioses are widespread in all groups of eukaryotes, especially in insects, where symbionts have played an essential role in their evolution. Many insects live in obligate relationship with different ecto- and endosymbiotic bacteria, which are needed to maintain their hosts' fitness in their natural environment, to the point of even relying on them for survival. The case of cockroaches (Blattodea) is paradigmatic, as both symbiotic systems coexist in the same organism in two separated compartments: an intracellular endosymbiont (Blattabacterium) inside bacteriocytes located in the fat body, and a rich and complex microbiota in the hindgut. The German cockroach Blattella germanica is a good model for the study of symbiotic interactions, as it can be maintained in the laboratory in controlled populations, allowing the perturbations of the two symbiotic systems in order to study the communication and integration of the tripartite organization of the host-endosymbiont-microbiota, and to evaluate the role of symbiotic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in host control over their symbionts. The importance of cockroaches as reservoirs and transmission vectors of antibiotic resistance sequences, and their putative interest to search for AMPs to deal with the problem, is also discussed.},
}
@article {pmid35208930,
year = {2022},
author = {Liu, X and Zhao, J and Jiang, P},
title = {Easy Removal of Epiphytic Bacteria on Ulva (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta) by Vortex with Silica Sands.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {35208930},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2018YFD0901500//National Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; 41776153//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; COMS2019Q05//Key Deployment Project of Centre for Ocean Mega-Research of Science, Chinese Academy of Science/ ; 2019GSF107012//Key R&amp;D Program of Shandong Province/ ; XDA23050302, XDB42030302//Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Macroalgae-associated bacteria play an important role in their algal hosts' biological processes. They are localized on surfaces of the host thalli, as well as between and even within algal cells. To examine the differences in community structures and functions between epi- and endo- bacteria, an effective approach for maximizing epiphyte removal from delicate seaweeds while retaining endophyte fidelity must be developed. In this study, a variety of surface sterilization methods for Ulva prolifera were compared, including mechanical, chemical, and enzymatical treatments. According to the results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis, almost complete removal of epiphytic bacteria on Ulva was obtained simply by co-vortex of seaweeds with silica sands, causing minimal disturbance to endosymbionts when compared to previous published methods. In addition, the adaptability was also confirmed in additional U. prolifera strains and Ulva species with blade-like or narrow tubular thallus shapes. This easy mechanical method would enable the analysis of community composition and host specificity for Ulva-associated epi- and endo-bacteria separately.},
}
@article {pmid35211975,
year = {2022},
author = {Gabr, A and Zournas, A and Stephens, TG and Dismukes, GC and Bhattacharya, D},
title = {Evidence for a robust photosystem II in the photosynthetic amoeba Paulinella.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {234},
number = {3},
pages = {934-945},
doi = {10.1111/nph.18052},
pmid = {35211975},
issn = {1469-8137},
mesh = {*Amoeba/genetics ; *Chromatophores ; Light ; Photosynthesis/genetics ; Photosystem II Protein Complex ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Paulinella represents the only known case of an independent primary plastid endosymbiosis, outside Archaeplastida, that occurred c. 120 (million years ago) Ma. These photoautotrophs grow very slowly in replete culture medium with a doubling time of 6-7 d at optimal low light, and are highly sensitive to photodamage under moderate light levels. We used genomic and biophysical methods to investigate the extreme slow growth rate and light sensitivity of Paulinella, which are key to photosymbiont integration. All photosystem II (PSII) genes except psb28-2 and all cytochrome b6 f complex genes except petM and petL are present in Paulinella micropora KR01 (hereafter, KR01). Biophysical measurements of the water oxidation complex, variable chlorophyll fluorescence, and photosynthesis-irradiance curves show no obvious evidence of PSII impairment. Analysis of photoacclimation under high-light suggests that although KR01 can perform charge separation, it lacks photoprotection mechanisms present in cyanobacteria. We hypothesize that Paulinella species are restricted to low light environments because they are deficient in mitigating the formation of reactive oxygen species formed within the photosystems under peak solar intensities. The finding that many photoprotection genes have been lost or transferred to the host-genome during endosymbiont genome reduction, and may lack light-regulation, is consistent with this hypothesis.},
}
@article {pmid35215074,
year = {2022},
author = {Kumar, D and Downs, LP and Adegoke, A and Machtinger, E and Oggenfuss, K and Ostfeld, RS and Embers, M and Karim, S},
title = {An Exploratory Study on the Microbiome of Northern and Southern Populations of Ixodes scapularis Ticks Predicts Changes and Unique Bacterial Interactions.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {35215074},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {P20 GM103476/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20GM103476//NIH NIGMS/ ; NA//United States Agency for International Development/ ; },
abstract = {The black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is the primary vector of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease in North America. However, the prevalence of Lyme borreliosis is clustered around the Northern States of the United States of America. This study utilized a metagenomic sequencing approach to compare the microbial communities residing within Ix. scapularis populations from northern and southern geographic locations in the USA. Using a SparCC network construction model, we performed potential interactions between members of the microbial communities from Borrelia burgdorferi-infected tissues of unfed and blood-fed ticks. A significant difference in bacterial composition and diversity was found between northern and southern tick populations. The network analysis predicted a potential antagonistic interaction between endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The network analysis, as expected, predicted significant positive and negative microbial interactions in ticks from these geographic regions, with the genus Rickettsia, Francisella, and Borreliella playing an essential role in the identified clusters. Interactions between Rickettsia buchneri and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato need more validation and understanding. Understanding the interplay between the microbiome and tick-borne pathogens within tick vectors may pave the way for new strategies to prevent tick-borne infections.},
}
@article {pmid35222085,
year = {2022},
author = {Cotinat, P and Fricano, C and Toullec, G and Röttinger, E and Barnay-Verdier, S and Furla, P},
title = {Intrinsically High Capacity of Animal Cells From a Symbiotic Cnidarian to Deal With Pro-Oxidative Conditions.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {819111},
pmid = {35222085},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {The cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis is a mutualistic intracellular association based on the photosynthetic activity of the endosymbiont. This relationship involves significant constraints and requires co-evolution processes, such as an extensive capacity of the holobiont to counteract pro-oxidative conditions induced by hyperoxia generated during photosynthesis. In this study, we analyzed the capacity of Anemonia viridis cells to deal with pro-oxidative conditions by in vivo and in vitro approaches. Whole specimens and animal primary cell cultures were submitted to 200 and 500 μM of H2O2 during 7 days. Then, we monitored global health parameters (symbiotic state, viability, and cell growth) and stress biomarkers (global antioxidant capacity, oxidative protein damages, and protein ubiquitination). In animal primary cell cultures, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were also evaluated under H2O2 treatments. At the whole organism scale, both H2O2 concentrations didn't affect the survival and animal tissues exhibited a high resistance to H2O2 treatments. Moreover, no bleaching has been observed, even at high H2O2 concentration and after long exposure (7 days). Although, the community has suggested the role of ROS as the cause of bleaching, our results indicating the absence of bleaching under high H2O2 concentration may exculpate this specific ROS from being involved in the molecular processes inducing bleaching. However, counterintuitively, the symbiont compartment appeared sensitive to an H2O2 burst as it displayed oxidative protein damages, despite an enhancement of antioxidant capacity. The in vitro assays allowed highlighting an intrinsic high capacity of isolated animal cells to deal with pro-oxidative conditions, although we observed differences on tolerance between H2O2 treatments. The 200 μM H2O2 concentration appeared to correspond to the tolerance threshold of animal cells. Indeed, no disequilibrium on redox state was observed and only a cell growth decrease was measured. Contrarily, the 500 μM H2O2 concentration induced a stress state, characterized by a cell viability decrease from 1 day and a drastic cell growth arrest after 7 days leading to an uncomplete recovery after treatment. In conclusion, this study highlights the overall high capacity of cnidarian cells to cope with H2O2 and opens new perspective to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in this peculiar resistance.},
}
@article {pmid35229443,
year = {2022},
author = {Ashraf, HJ and Ramos Aguila, LC and Akutse, KS and Ilyas, M and Abbasi, A and Li, X and Wang, L},
title = {Comparative microbiome analysis of Diaphorina citri and its associated parasitoids Tamarixia radiata and Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis reveals Wolbachia as a dominant endosymbiont.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {24},
number = {3},
pages = {1638-1652},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.15948},
pmid = {35229443},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; *Citrus/microbiology ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Wasps ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Microbiome analysis in a host-parasitoid interaction network was conducted to compare the taxonomic composition of bacterial communities of Diaphornia citri, Tamarixia radiata, and Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis. The comparative analysis revealed differences in the composition and diversity of the symbiont populations across the host and its associated parasitoids. Proteobacteria was the most dominant phylum, representing 67.80% of the total bacterial community, while Candidatus Profftella armature and Wolbachia were the dominant genera across the host and parasitoids. There were clear differences observed in alpha and beta diversity of microbiota through the host and its associated parasitoids. The function prediction of bacterial communities and Pearson correlation analysis showed that specific bacterial communities displayed positive correlations with the carbohydrate metabolism pathway. Furthermore, when symbiotic bacteria were eliminated using a broad-spectrum antibiotic, tetracycline hydrochloride, the parasitoids' median survival time and longevity were significantly reduced. We confirmed the physiological effects of symbiotic bacteria on the fitness of parasitoids and demonstrated the effect of antibiotics in decreasing the food intake and measurement of amino acids in the hemolymph. This study sheds light on basic information about the mutualism between parasitoids and bacteria, which may be a potential source for biocontrol strategies for citrus psyllid, especially D. citri.},
}
@article {pmid35232465,
year = {2022},
author = {Marinov, GK and Chen, X and Wu, T and He, C and Grossman, AR and Kundaje, A and Greenleaf, WJ},
title = {The chromatin organization of a chlorarachniophyte nucleomorph genome.},
journal = {Genome biology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {65},
pmid = {35232465},
issn = {1474-760X},
support = {RM1 HG007735/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; DP2 CA228042/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; U01 HG009431/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HG008140/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; U19 AI057266/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P50 HG007735/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 HG009436/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 HG009442/HG/NHGRI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Chromatin ; Chromosomes ; *Cryptophyta/genetics ; Eukaryota/genetics ; *Genome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nucleomorphs are remnants of secondary endosymbiotic events between two eukaryote cells wherein the endosymbiont has retained its eukaryotic nucleus. Nucleomorphs have evolved at least twice independently, in chlorarachniophytes and cryptophytes, yet they have converged on a remarkably similar genomic architecture, characterized by the most extreme compression and miniaturization among all known eukaryotic genomes. Previous computational studies have suggested that nucleomorph chromatin likely exhibits a number of divergent features.<br><br>RESULTS: In this work, we provide the first maps of open chromatin, active transcription, and three-dimensional organization for the nucleomorph genome of the chlorarachniophyte Bigelowiella natans. We find that the B. natans nucleomorph genome exists in a highly accessible state, akin to that of ribosomal DNA in some other eukaryotes, and that it is highly transcribed over its entire length, with few signs of polymerase pausing at transcription start sites (TSSs). At the same time, most nucleomorph TSSs show very strong nucleosome positioning. Chromosome conformation (Hi-C) maps reveal that nucleomorph chromosomes interact with one other at their telomeric regions and show the relative contact frequencies between the multiple genomic compartments of distinct origin that B. natans cells contain.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We provide the first study of a nucleomorph genome using modern functional genomic tools, and derive numerous novel insights into the physical and functional organization of these unique genomes.},
}
@article {pmid35237241,
year = {2021},
author = {Li, J and Wei, X and Huang, D and Xiao, J},
title = {The Phylosymbiosis Pattern Between the Fig Wasps of the Same Genus and Their Associated Microbiota.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {800190},
pmid = {35237241},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Microbial communities can be critical for many metazoans, which can lead to the observation of phylosymbiosis with phylogenetically related species sharing similar microbial communities. Most of the previous studies on phylosymbiosis were conducted across the host families or genera. However, it is unclear whether the phylosymbiosis signal is still prevalent at lower taxonomic levels. In this study, 54 individuals from six species of the fig wasp genus Ceratosolen (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae) collected from nine natural populations and their associated microbiota were investigated. The fig wasp species were morphologically identified and further determined by mitochondrial CO1 gene fragments and nuclear ITS2 sequences, and the V4 region of 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to analyze the bacterial communities. The results suggest a significant positive correlation between host genetic characteristics and microbial diversity characteristics, indicating the phylosymbiosis signal between the phylogeny of insect hosts and the associated microbiota in the lower classification level within a genus. Moreover, we found that the endosymbiotic Wolbachia carried by fig wasps led to a decrease in bacterial diversity of host-associated microbial communities. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of host phylogeny, as well as the role of endosymbionts in shaping the host-associated microbial community.},
}
@article {pmid35243727,
year = {2022},
author = {Fujishima, M and Kodama, Y},
title = {Mechanisms for establishing primary and secondary endosymbiosis in Paramecium.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {69},
number = {5},
pages = {e12901},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.12901},
pmid = {35243727},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {20K06768//Institute for Fermentation, Osaka/ ; //Tokubetsukeihi from MEXT/ ; 17K07513//Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from JSPS/ ; },
mesh = {*Chlorella ; *Paramecium/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Primary (eukaryote and procaryote) and secondary (eukaryote and eukaryote) endosymbioses are driving forces in eukaryotic cell evolution. These phenomena are still contributing to acquire new cell structures and functions. To understand mechanisms for establishment of each endosymbiosis, experiments that can induce endosymbiosis synchronously by mixing symbionts isolated from symbiont-bearing host cells and symbiont-free host cells are indispensable. Recent progress on endosymbiosis using Paramecium and their endonuclear symbiotic bacteria Holospora or symbiotic green alga Chlorella has been remarkable, providing excellent opportunities for elucidating host-symbiont interactions. These organisms are now becoming model organisms to know the mechanisms for establishing primary and secondary endosymbioses. Based on experiments of many researchers, we introduce how these endosymbionts escape from the host lysosomal fusion, how they migrate in the host cytoplasm to localize specific locations within the host, how their species specificity and strain specificity of the host cells are controlled, how their life cycles are controlled, how they escape from the host cell to infect more young host cell, how they affect the host viability and gene expression, what kind of substances are needed in these phenomena, and what changes had been induced in the symbiont and the host genomes.},
}
@article {pmid35247466,
year = {2022},
author = {Bojko, J and McCoy, KA and Blakeslee, AMH},
title = {'Candidatus Mellornella promiscua' n. gen. n. sp. (Alphaproteobacteria: Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae): An intracytoplasmic, hepatopancreatic, pathogen of the flatback mud crab, Eurypanopeus depressus.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {190},
number = {},
pages = {107737},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2022.107737},
pmid = {35247466},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {*Alphaproteobacteria/genetics ; *Anaplasmataceae/genetics ; Animals ; *Brachyura/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rickettsiales/genetics ; },
abstract = {Bacterial pathogens are a long-standing threat to the longevity and survival of crustacean hosts. Their presence and continuing emergence require close monitoring to understand their impact on fished, cultured, and wild crustacean populations. We describe a new bacterial pathogen belonging to the Anaplasmataceae family (Alphaproteobacteria: Rickettsiales), providing pathological, ultrastructural, phylogenetic, and genomic evidence to determine a candidate genus and species ('Candidatus Mellornella promiscua'). This bacterium was found to infect the mud crab, Eurypanopeus depressus, on the North Carolina coastline (USA) at a prevalence of 10.8%. 'Candidatus Mellornella promiscua' was often observed in co-infection with the rhizocephalan barnacle, Loxothylacus panopaei. The bacterium was only found in the hepatopancreas of the mud crab host, causing cytoplasmic hypertrophy, tubule necrosis, large plaques within the cytoplasm of the host cell, and an abundance of sex-pili. The circular genome of the bacterium is 1,013,119 bp and encodes 939 genes in total. Phylogenetically, the new bacterium branches within the Anaplasmataceae. The genome is dissimilar from other described bacteria, with 16S gene similarity observed at a maximum of 85.3% to a Wolbachia endosymbiont. We explore this novel bacterial pathogen using genomic, phylogenetic, ultrastructural, and pathological methods, discussing these results in light of current bacterial taxonomy, similarity to other bacterial pathogens, and the potential impact upon the surrounding disease ecology of the host and benthic ecosystem.},
}
@article {pmid35248159,
year = {2022},
author = {Hammoud, A and Louni, M and Missé, D and Cortaredona, S and Fenollar, F and Mediannikov, O},
title = {Phylogenetic relationship between the endosymbiont "Candidatus Riesia pediculicola" and its human louse host.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {73},
pmid = {35248159},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anoplura/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Genes, Mitochondrial ; Humans ; *Pediculus/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The human louse (Pediculus humanus) is a haematophagous ectoparasite that is intimately related to its host. It has been of great public health concern throughout human history. This louse has been classified into six divergent mitochondrial clades (A, D, B, F, C and E). As with all haematophagous lice, P. humanus directly depends on the presence of a bacterial symbiont, known as "Candidatus Riesia pediculicola", to complement their unbalanced diet. In this study, we evaluated the codivergence of human lice around the world and their endosymbiotic bacteria. Using molecular approaches, we targeted lice mitochondrial genes from the six diverged clades and Candidatus Riesia pediculicola housekeeping genes.<br><br>METHODS: The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb) of lice was selected for molecular analysis, with the aim to identify louse clade. In parallel, we developed four PCR primer pairs targeting three housekeeping genes of Candidatus Riesia pediculicola: ftsZ, groEL and two regions of the rpoB gene (rpoB-1 and rpoB-2).<br><br>RESULTS: The endosymbiont phylogeny perfectly mirrored the host insect phylogeny using the ftsZ and rpoB-2 genes, in addition to showing a significant co-phylogenetic congruence, suggesting a strict vertical transmission and a host-symbiont co-speciation following the evolutionary course of the human louse.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results unequivocally indicate that louse endosymbionts have experienced a similar co-evolutionary history and that the human louse clade can be determined by their endosymbiotic bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid35251878,
year = {2022},
author = {Pawar, MM and Shivanna, B and Prasannakumar, MK and Parivallal, PB and Suresh, K and Meenakshi, NH},
title = {Spatial distribution and community structure of microbiota associated with cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch).},
journal = {3 Biotech},
volume = {12},
number = {3},
pages = {75},
pmid = {35251878},
issn = {2190-572X},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Aphid populations were collected on cowpea, dolichos, redgram and black gram from Belagavi and Udupi locations. The samples were shotgun sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 system to understand the spatial distribution and community structure of microbiota (especially bacteria) associated with aphids. In the present study, we identified obligatory nutritional symbiont Buchnera aphidicola and facultative symbionts Rickettsia sp. and Bacteroidetes endosymbiont of Geopemphigus sp. in all the aphid samples studied, although in varied abundance. On the other hand, Serratia symbiotica, Arsenophonus sp. and Acinetobacter sp. were only found in aphids on specific host plants, suggesting that host plants might influence the bacterial community structure. Furthermore, our study revealed that microbiota other than bacteria were highly insignificant in the aphid populations. Additionally, functional annotation of aphid metagenomes identified several pathways and enzymes involved in various physiological and ecological functions. Amino acid and vitamin biosynthesis-related pathways were predominant than carbohydrate metabolism, owing to their feeding habit and nutritional requirement. Chaperones related to stress tolerance such as GroEL and DnaK were identified. Enzymes involved in toxic chemical metabolisms such as glutathione transferase, phosphodiesterases and ABC transferases were observed. These enzymes may confer resistance to pesticides in the aphid populations. Overall, our results support the importance of host plants in structuring bacterial communities in aphids and show the functional roles of symbionts in aphid survival and development. Thus, these findings can be the basis for further detailed investigations and devising better strategies to manage the pests in field conditions.<br><br>SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03142-1.},
}
@article {pmid35252590,
year = {2021},
author = {Roquis, D and Cosseau, C and Brener Raffalli, K and Romans, P and Masanet, P and Mitta, G and Grunau, C and Vidal-Dupiol, J},
title = {The tropical coral Pocillopora acuta displays an unusual chromatin structure and shows histone H3 clipping plasticity upon bleaching.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {195},
pmid = {35252590},
issn = {2398-502X},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Background: Pocillopora acuta is a hermatypic coral with strong ecological importance. Anthropogenic disturbances and global warming are major threats that can induce coral bleaching, the disruption of the mutualistic symbiosis between the coral host and its endosymbiotic algae. Previous works have shown that somaclonal colonies display different levels of survival depending on the environmental conditions they previously faced. Epigenetic mechanisms are good candidates to explain this phenomenon. However, almost no work had been published on the P. acuta epigenome, especially on histone modifications. In this study, we aim at providing the first insight into chromatin structure of this species. Methods: We aligned the amino acid sequence of P. acuta core histones with histone sequences from various phyla. We developed a centri-filtration on sucrose gradient to separate chromatin from the host and the symbiont. The presence of histone H3 protein and specific histone modifications were then detected by western blot performed on histone extraction done from bleached and healthy corals. Finally, micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestions were undertaken to study nucleosomal organization. Results: The centri-filtration enabled coral chromatin isolation with less than 2% of contamination by endosymbiont material. Histone sequences alignments with other species show that P. acuta displays on average ~90% of sequence similarities with mice and ~96% with other corals. H3 detection by western blot showed that H3 is clipped in healthy corals while it appeared to be intact in bleached corals. MNase treatment failed to provide the usual mononucleosomal digestion, a feature shared with some cnidarian, but not all; suggesting an unusual chromatin structure. Conclusions: These results provide a first insight into the chromatin, nucleosome and histone structure of P. acuta. The unusual patterns highlighted in this study and partly shared with other cnidarian will need to be further studied to better understand its role in corals.},
}
@article {pmid35255163,
year = {2022},
author = {Gabr, A and Stephens, TG and Bhattacharya, D},
title = {Hypothesis: Trans-splicing Generates Evolutionary Novelty in the Photosynthetic Amoeba Paulinella.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {58},
number = {3},
pages = {392-405},
pmid = {35255163},
issn = {1529-8817},
mesh = {*Amoeba/genetics/metabolism ; Biological Evolution ; RNA, Spliced Leader/genetics/metabolism ; *Rhizaria ; Trans-Splicing ; },
abstract = {Plastid primary endosymbiosis has occurred twice, once in the Archaeplastida ancestor and once in the Paulinella (Rhizaria) lineage. Both events precipitated massive evolutionary changes, including the recruitment and activation of genes that are horizontally acquired (HGT) and the redeployment of existing genes and pathways in novel contexts. Here we address the latter aspect in Paulinella micropora KR01 (hereafter, KR01) that has independently evolved spliced leader (SL) trans-splicing (SLTS) of nuclear-derived transcripts. We investigated the role of this process in gene regulation, novel gene origination, and endosymbiont integration. Our analysis shows that 20% of KR01 genes give rise to transcripts with at least one (but in some cases, multiple) sites of SL addition. This process, which often occurs at canonical cis-splicing acceptor sites (internal introns), results in shorter transcripts that may produce 5'-truncated proteins with novel functions. SL-truncated transcripts fall into four categories that may show: (i) altered protein localization, (ii) altered protein function, structure, or regulation, (iii) loss of valid alternative start codons, preventing translation, or (iv) multiple SL addition sites at the 5'-terminus. The SL RNA genes required for SLTS are putatively absent in the heterotrophic sister lineage of photosynthetic Paulinella species. Moreover, a high proportion of transcripts derived from genes of endosymbiotic gene transfer (EGT) and HGT origin contain SL sequences. We hypothesize that truncation of transcripts by SL addition may facilitate the generation and expression of novel gene variants and that SLTS may have enhanced the activation and fixation of foreign genes in the host genome of the photosynthetic lineages, playing a key role in primary endosymbiont integration.},
}
@article {pmid35259567,
year = {2022},
author = {Tang, J and Cai, W and Yan, Z and Zhang, K and Zhou, Z and Zhao, J and Lin, S},
title = {Interactive effects of acidification and copper exposure on the reproduction and metabolism of coral endosymbiont Cladocopium goreaui.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {177},
number = {},
pages = {113508},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113508},
pmid = {35259567},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; Copper/metabolism/toxicity ; Coral Reefs ; Ecosystem ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Reproduction ; Seawater/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Ocean acidification resulting from increased CO2 and pollution from land-sourced toxicants such as copper have been linked to coral cover declines in coastal reef ecosystems. The impacts of ocean acidification and copper pollution on corals have been intensively investigated, whereas research on their effects on coral endosymbiont Symbiodiniaceae is limited. In this study, reproduction, photosynthetic parameters, nutrient accumulation and metabolome of Symbiodiniaceae Cladocopium goreaui were investigated after a weeklong treatment with acute CO2-induced acidification and copper ion. Acidification promoted algal reproduction through increased nutrients assimilation, upregulated citrate cycle and biomolecular biosynthesis pathway, while copper exposure repressed algal reproduction through toxic effects. The combined acidification and copper exposure caused the same decline in algal reproduction as copper exposure alone, but the upregulation of pentose phosphate pathway and the downregulation of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis. These results suggest that copper pollution could override the positive effects of acidification on the symbiodiniacean reproduction.},
}
@article {pmid35259985,
year = {2022},
author = {Perez, M and Breusing, C and Angers, B and Beinart, RA and Won, YJ and Young, CR},
title = {Divergent paths in the evolutionary history of maternally transmitted clam symbionts.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {289},
number = {1970},
pages = {20212137},
pmid = {35259985},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Bivalvia/genetics ; *Gammaproteobacteria/genetics ; Genome Size ; Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Vertical transmission of bacterial endosymbionts is accompanied by virtually irreversible gene loss that results in a progressive reduction in genome size. While the evolutionary processes of genome reduction have been well described in some terrestrial symbioses, they are less understood in marine systems where vertical transmission is rarely observed. The association between deep-sea vesicomyid clams and chemosynthetic Gammaproteobacteria is one example of maternally inherited symbioses in the ocean. Here, we assessed the contributions of drift, recombination and selection to genome evolution in two extant vesicomyid symbiont clades by comparing 15 representative symbiont genomes (1.017-1.586 Mb) to those of closely related bacteria and the hosts' mitochondria. Our analyses suggest that drift is a significant force driving genome evolution in vesicomyid symbionts, though selection and interspecific recombination appear to be critical for maintaining symbiont functional integrity and creating divergent patterns of gene conservation. Notably, the two symbiont clades possess putative functional differences in sulfide physiology, anaerobic respiration and dependency on environmental vitamin B12, which probably reflect adaptations to different ecological habitats available to each symbiont group. Overall, these results contribute to our understanding of the eco-evolutionary processes shaping reductive genome evolution in vertically transmitted symbioses.},
}
@article {pmid35264574,
year = {2022},
author = {Klimov, PB and Chetverikov, PE and Dodueva, IE and Vishnyakov, AE and Bolton, SJ and Paponova, SS and Lutova, LA and Tolstikov, AV},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria of the gall-inducing mite Fragariocoptes setiger (Eriophyoidea) and phylogenomic resolution of the eriophyoid position among Acari.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {3811},
pmid = {35264574},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; Biological Evolution ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; *Mites/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Plants ; },
abstract = {Eriophyoid mites represent a hyperdiverse, phytophagous lineage with an unclear phylogenetic position. These mites have succeeded in colonizing nearly every seed plant species, and this evolutionary success was in part due to the mites' ability to induce galls in plants. A gall is a unique niche that provides the inducer of this modification with vital resources. The exact mechanism of gall formation is still not understood, even as to whether it is endogenic (mites directly cause galls) or exogenic (symbiotic microorganisms are involved). Here we (i) investigate the phylogenetic affinities of eriophyoids and (ii) use comparative metagenomics to test the hypothesis that the endosymbionts of eriophyoid mites are involved in gall formation. Our phylogenomic analysis robustly inferred eriophyoids as closely related to Nematalycidae, a group of deep-soil mites belonging to Endeostigmata. Our comparative metagenomics, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and electron microscopy experiments identified two candidate endosymbiotic bacteria shared across samples, however, it is unlikely that they are gall inducers (morphotype1: novel Wolbachia, morphotype2: possibly Agrobacterium tumefaciens). We also detected an array of plant pathogens associated with galls that may be vectored by the mites, and we determined a mite pathogenic virus (Betabaculovirus) that could be tested for using in biocontrol of agricultural pest mites.},
}
@article {pmid35264613,
year = {2022},
author = {El Karkouri, K and Ghigo, E and Raoult, D and Fournier, PE},
title = {Genomic evolution and adaptation of arthropod-associated Rickettsia.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {3807},
pmid = {35264613},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Gammaproteobacteria ; Genomics ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis ; },
abstract = {Rickettsia species are endosymbionts hosted by arthropods and are known to cause mild to fatal diseases in humans. Here, we analyse the evolution and diversity of 34 Rickettsia species using a pangenomic meta-analysis (80 genomes/41 plasmids). Phylogenomic trees showed that Rickettsia spp. diverged into two Spotted Fever groups, a Typhus group, a Canadensis group and a Bellii group, and may have inherited their plasmids from an ancestral plasmid that persisted in some strains or may have been lost by others. The results suggested that the ancestors of Rickettsia spp. might have infected Acari and/or Insecta and probably diverged by persisting inside and/or switching hosts. Pangenomic analysis revealed that the Rickettsia genus evolved through a strong interplay between genome degradation/reduction and/or expansion leading to possible distinct adaptive trajectories. The genus mainly shared evolutionary relationships with α-proteobacteria, and also with γ/β/δ-proteobacteria, cytophagia, actinobacteria, cyanobacteria, chlamydiia and viruses, suggesting lateral exchanges of several critical genes. These evolutionary processes have probably been orchestrated by an abundance of mobile genetic elements, especially in the Spotted Fever and Bellii groups. In this study, we provided a global evolutionary genomic view of the intracellular Rickettsia that may help our understanding of their diversity, adaptation and fitness.},
}
@article {pmid35266572,
year = {2022},
author = {Matthews, ML and Covey, HO and Drolet, BS and Brelsfoard, CL},
title = {Wolbachia wAlbB inhibits bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic fever viruses in Culicoides midge cells.},
journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {320-328},
pmid = {35266572},
issn = {1365-2915},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bluetongue ; *Bluetongue virus/physiology ; *Ceratopogonidae/physiology ; *Dengue Virus/genetics ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary ; Sheep ; *Sheep Diseases ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Culicoides midges are hematophagous insects that transmit arboviruses of veterinary importance. These viruses include bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic fever virus (EHDV). The endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis Hertig spreads rapidly through insect host populations and has been demonstrated to inhibit viral pathogen transmission in multiple mosquito vectors. Here, we have demonstrated a replication inhibitory effect on BTV and EHDV in a Wolbachia (wAlbB strain)-infected Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones W8 cell line. Viral replication was significantly reduced by day 5 for BTV and by day 2 for EHDV as detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) of the non-structural NS3 gene of both viruses. Evaluation of innate cellular immune responses as a cause of the inhibitory effect showed responses associated with BTV but not with EHDV infection. Wolbachia density also did not play a role in the observed pathogen inhibitory effects, and an alternative hypothesis is suggested. Applications of Wolbachia-mediated pathogen interference to impact disease transmission by Culicoides midges are discussed.},
}
@article {pmid35271765,
year = {2022},
author = {Mao, B and Zhang, W and Zheng, Y and Li, D and Chen, MY and Wang, YF},
title = {Comparative phosphoproteomics reveal new candidates in the regulation of spermatogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {29},
number = {6},
pages = {1703-1720},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.13031},
pmid = {35271765},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {31672352//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31872288//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Female ; Male ; Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; Proteomics ; Semen ; Spermatogenesis ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Phosphoproteins ; },
abstract = {The most common phenotype induced by the endosymbiont Wolbachia in insects is cytoplasmic incompatibility, where none or fewer progenies can be produced when Wolbachia-infected males mate with uninfected females. This suggests that some modifications are induced in host sperms during spermatogenesis by Wolbachia. To identify the proteins whose phosphorylation states play essential roles in male reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster, we applied isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomic strategy combined with titanium dioxide (TiO2) enrichment to compare the phosphoproteome of Wolbachia-infected with that of uninfected male reproductive systems in D. melanogaster. We identified 182 phosphopeptides, defining 140 phosphoproteins, that have at least a 1.2 fold change in abundance with a P-value of <0.05. Most of the differentially abundant phosphoproteins (DAPPs) were associated with microtubule cytoskeleton organization and spermatid differentiation. The DAPPs included proteins already known to be associated with spermatogenesis, as well as many not previously studied during this process. Six genes coding for DAPPs were knocked down, respectively, in Wolbachia-free fly testes. Among them, Slmap knockdown caused the most severe damage in spermatogenesis, with no mature sperm observed in seminal vesicles. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the formation of individualization complex composed of actin cones was completely disrupted. These results suggest that Wolbachia may induce wide changes in the abundance of phosphorylated proteins which are closely related to male reproduction. By identifying phospho-modulated proteins we also provide a significant candidate set for future studies on their roles in spermatogenesis.},
}
@article {pmid35273583,
year = {2022},
author = {Qin, M and Chen, J and Jiang, L and Qiao, G},
title = {Insights Into the Species-Specific Microbiota of Greenideinae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) With Evidence of Phylosymbiosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {828170},
pmid = {35273583},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Aphids and their symbionts represent an outstanding model for studies of insect-symbiont interactions. The aphid microbiota can be shaped by aphid species, geography and host plants. However, the relative importance of phylogenetic and ecological factors in shaping microbial community structures is not well understood. Using Illumina sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene, we characterized the microbial compositions of 215 aphid colonies representing 53 species of the aphid subfamily Greenideinae from different regions and plants in China, Nepal, and Vietnam. The primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola and secondary symbiont Serratia symbiotica dominated the microbiota of Greenideinae. We simultaneously explored the relative contribution of host identity (i.e., aphid genus and aphid species), geography and host plant to the structures of bacterial, symbiont and secondary symbiont communities. Ordination analyses and statistical tests highlighted the strongest impact of aphid species on the microbial flora in Greenideinae. Furthermore, we found a phylosymbiosis pattern in natural Greenideinae populations, in which the aphid phylogeny was positively correlated with microbial community dissimilarities. These findings will advance our knowledge of host-associated microbiota assembly across both host phylogenetic and ecological contexts.},
}
@article {pmid35283769,
year = {2022},
author = {Lefoulon, E and McMullen, JG and Stock, SP},
title = {Transcriptomic Analysis of Steinernema Nematodes Highlights Metabolic Costs Associated to Xenorhabdus Endosymbiont Association and Rearing Conditions.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {821845},
pmid = {35283769},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Steinernema have a mutualistic relationship with bacteria of the genus Xenorhabdus and together they form an antagonist partnership against their insect hosts. The nematodes (third-stage infective juveniles, or IJs) protect the bacteria from the external environmental stressors and vector them from one insect host to another. Xenorhabdus produce secondary metabolites and antimicrobial compounds inside the insect that protect the cadaver from soil saprobes and scavengers. The bacteria also become the nematodes' food, allowing them to grow and reproduce. Despite these benefits, it is yet unclear what the potential metabolic costs for Steinernema IJs are relative to the maintenance and vectoring of Xenorhabdus. In this study, we performed a comparative dual RNA-seq analysis of IJs of two nematode-bacteria partnerships: Steinernema carpocapsae-Xenorhabdus nematophila and Steinernema. puntauvense-Xenorhbdus bovienii. For each association, three conditions were studied: (1) IJs reared in the insect (in vivo colonized), (2) colonized IJs reared on liver-kidney agar (in vitro colonized), and (3) IJs depleted by the bacteria reared on liver-kidney agar (in vitro aposymbiotic). Our study revealed the downregulation of numerous genes involved in metabolism pathways, such as carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism when IJs were reared in vitro, both colonized and without the symbiont. This downregulation appears to impact the longevity pathway, with the involvement of glycogen and trehalose metabolism, as well as arginine metabolism. Additionally, a differential expression of the venom protein known to be secreted by the nematodes was observed when both Steinernema species were depleted of their symbiotic partners. These results suggest Steinernema IJs may have a mechanism to adapt their virulence in absence of their symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid35284894,
year = {2021},
author = {Bermúdez C, SE and Félix, ML and Domínguez A, L and Kadoch, N and Muñoz-Leal, S and Venzal, JM},
title = {Molecular screening for tick-borne bacteria and hematozoa in Ixodes cf. boliviensis and Ixodes tapirus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) from western highlands of Panama.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology &amp; vector-borne diseases},
volume = {1},
number = {},
pages = {100034},
pmid = {35284894},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {The first molecular screening for Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Babesia and Hepatozoon was carried out in questing Ixodes cf. boliviensis and Ixodes tapirus from Talamanca Mountains, Panama, using specific primers, sequencing and phylogeny. Phylogenetic analyses for the microorganisms in Ixodes cf. boliviensis confirmed the presence of Rickettsia sp. strain IbR/CRC endosymbiont (26/27 ticks), three genotypes of the Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) complex (4/27 ticks), Babesia odocoilei (1/27 ticks), and Hepatozoon sp. (2/27 ticks), tentatively designated Hepatozoon sp. strain Chiriquensis. Phylogenetic analyses for the microorganisms in I. tapirus revealed an undescribed Rickettsia sp., tentatively designated Rickettsia sp. strain Itapirus LQ (6/6 ticks), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (2/6 ticks). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) complex, A. phagocytophilum, B. odocoilei, and Hepatozoon sp. in Ixodes ticks from Central America, and also the first detection of Rickettsia spp. in Ixodes species in Panama. In light of the importance of these findings, further studies are needed focusing on the role of I. tapirus and I. cf. boliviensis as vectors, and the vertebrates acting as reservoirs.},
}
@article {pmid35286393,
year = {2022},
author = {Ndiaye, EHI and Diatta, G and Diarra, AZ and Berenger, JM and Bassene, H and Mediannikov, O and Bouganali, C and Sokhna, C and Parola, P},
title = {Morphological, Molecular and MALDI-TOF MS Identification of Bedbugs and Associated Wolbachia Species in Rural Senegal.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {59},
number = {3},
pages = {1019-1032},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjac019},
pmid = {35286393},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bedbugs/anatomy &amp; histology ; *Ectoparasitic Infestations ; Senegal ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Bed bugs are known to carry several microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of bed bug infestation in two rural areas of Senegal and determine the species present in the population. A screening was conducted to detect some arthropod associated pathogenic bacteria in bed bugs and to evaluate the prevalence of endosymbiont carriage. One survey took place in 17 villages in Niakhar and two surveys in Dielmo and Ndiop and surroundings area in the same 20 villages. Bed bugs collected were identified morphologically and by MALDI-TOF MS tools. Microorganisms screening was performed by qPCR and confirmed by sequencing. During the survey in the Niakhar region, only one household 1/255 (0.4%) in the village of Ngayokhem was found infested by bed bugs. In a monitoring survey of the surroundings of Dielmo and Ndiop area, high prevalence was found during the two rounds of surveys in 65/314 (21%) in 16/20 villages (January-March) and 93/351 (26%) in 19/20 villages (December). All bed bugs were morphologically identified as the species Cimex hemipterus, of which 285/1,637 (17%) were randomly selected for MALDI-TOF MS analysis and bacteria screening. Among the Bacteria tested only Wolbachia (Alphaproteobacteria, Rickettsiales, Rickettsiaceae) DNA was found in 248/276 (90%) of the bedbugs. We briefly describe a high level of non-generalized bed bug infestation in rural Senegal and the diversity of Wolbachia strains carried by C. hemipterus. This study opens perspectives for raising household awareness of bed bug infestations and possibilities for appropriate control.},
}
@article {pmid35292086,
year = {2022},
author = {Weck, BC and Serpa, MCA and Ramos, VN and Luz, HR and Costa, FB and Ramirez, DG and Benatti, HR and Piovezan, U and Szabó, MPJ and Marcili, A and Krawczak, FS and Muñoz-Leal, S and Labruna, MB},
title = {Novel genotypes of Hepatozoon spp. in small mammals, Brazil.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {87},
pmid = {35292086},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {2013/18046-7//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo/ ; 2017/04249-4//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Carnivora ; *Eucoccidiida/genetics ; Haplotypes ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Small mammals (rodents and marsupials) have been poorly explored for the occurrence of apicomplexan (genus Hepatozoon and genera of the order Piroplasmorida) and Anaplasmataceae agents in Brazil. Thus, this study investigated the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp., Piroplasmorida, and Anaplasmataceae agents in small mammals in seven forest fragments in Brazil.<br><br>METHODS: During 2015-2018, small mammals were captured in six forest fragments in the State of S&#xe3;o Paulo (Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes) and one fragment in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (Pantanal biome). Mammal blood, liver, spleen, and lung samples were tested molecularly for the presence of DNA of Hepatozoon, Piroplasmorida, and Anaplasmataceae agents.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 524 mammals were captured, comprising seven species of marsupials, 14 rodents, two carnivores, and one Cingulata. Four novel haplotypes (1, 2, 3, 4) of Hepatozoon spp. were detected in small mammals from different biomes. In S&#xe3;o Paulo state, haplotype 1 was detected in rodents from Cerrado and a transition area of Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes, whereas haplotype 2 was detected in rodents from the Atlantic Forest biome. On the other hand, haplotypes 3 and 4 were restricted to rodents and marsupials, respectively, from the Pantanal biome of Mato Grosso do Sul. No host species shared more than one haplotype. Despite these distinct geographical and host associations, our phylogenetic analyses indicated that the four Hepatozoon haplotypes belonged to the same clade that contained nearly all haplotypes previously reported on rodents and marsupials, in addition to several reptile-associated haplotypes from different parts of the world. No mammal samples yielded detectable DNA of Piroplasmorida agents. On the other hand, the Anaplasmataceae-targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay amplified a sequence 100% identical to the Wolbachia pipientis endosymbiont of the rodent filarid Litomosoides galizai.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We report a variety of Hepatozoon haplotypes associated with small mammals in three Brazilian biomes: Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, and Pantanal. Through phylogenetic analyses, the Hepatozoon agents grouped in the rodent-marsupial-reptile large clade of Hepatozoon spp. from the world. The detection of a W. pipientis associated with the rodent filarid L. galizai indicates that the rodent was infected by filarial nematodes.},
}
@article {pmid35293790,
year = {2022},
author = {Shaffer, JP and Carter, ME and Spraker, JE and Clark, M and Smith, BA and Hockett, KL and Baltrus, DA and Arnold, AE},
title = {Transcriptional Profiles of a Foliar Fungal Endophyte (Pestalotiopsis, Ascomycota) and Its Bacterial Symbiont (Luteibacter, Gammaproteobacteria) Reveal Sulfur Exchange and Growth Regulation during Early Phases of Symbiotic Interaction.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {e0009122},
pmid = {35293790},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {K12 GM068524/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Symbiosis ; Endophytes ; Pestalotiopsis ; *Gammaproteobacteria ; *Type VI Secretion Systems ; *Ascomycota/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Fungi, Unclassified ; *Xanthomonadaceae ; Plants ; Methionine ; },
abstract = {Symbiosis with bacteria is widespread among eukaryotes, including fungi. Bacteria that live within fungal mycelia (endohyphal bacteria) occur in many plant-associated fungi, including diverse Mucoromycota and Dikarya. Pestalotiopsis sp. strain 9143 is a filamentous ascomycete isolated originally as a foliar endophyte of Platycladus orientalis (Cupressaceae). It is infected naturally with the endohyphal bacterium Luteibacter sp. strain 9143, which influences auxin and enzyme production by its fungal host. Previous studies have used transcriptomics to examine similar symbioses between endohyphal bacteria and root-associated fungi such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant pathogens. However, currently there are no gene expression studies of endohyphal bacteria of Ascomycota, the most species-rich fungal phylum. To begin to understand such symbioses, we developed methods for assessing gene expression by Pestalotiopsis sp. and Luteibacter sp. when grown in coculture and when each was grown axenically. Our assays showed that the density of Luteibacter sp. in coculture was greater than in axenic culture, but the opposite was true for Pestalotiopsis sp. Dual-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) data demonstrate that growing in coculture modulates developmental and metabolic processes in both the fungus and bacterium, potentially through changes in the balance of organic sulfur via methionine acquisition. Our analyses also suggest an unexpected, potential role of the bacterial type VI secretion system in symbiosis establishment, expanding current understanding of the scope and dynamics of fungal-bacterial symbioses. IMPORTANCE Interactions between microbes and their hosts have important outcomes for host and environmental health. Foliar fungal endophytes that infect healthy plants can harbor facultative endosymbionts called endohyphal bacteria, which can influence the outcome of plant-fungus interactions. These bacterial-fungal interactions can be influential but are poorly understood, particularly from a transcriptome perspective. Here, we report on a comparative, dual-RNA-seq study examining the gene expression patterns of a foliar fungal endophyte and a facultative endohyphal bacterium when cultured together versus separately. Our findings support a role for the fungus in providing organic sulfur to the bacterium, potentially through methionine acquisition, and the potential involvement of a bacterial type VI secretion system in symbiosis establishment. This work adds to the growing body of literature characterizing endohyphal bacterial-fungal interactions, with a focus on a model facultative bacterial-fungal symbiosis in two species-rich lineages, the Ascomycota and Proteobacteria.},
}
@article {pmid35294495,
year = {2022},
author = {Bhattacharya, T and Yan, L and Crawford, JM and Zaher, H and Newton, ILG and Hardy, RW},
title = {Differential viral RNA methylation contributes to pathogen blocking in Wolbachia-colonized arthropods.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {e1010393},
pmid = {35294495},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R01 AI144430/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 GM112641/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 GM141474/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI153785/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {5-Methylcytosine/metabolism ; *Aedes ; *Alphavirus/genetics ; Animals ; *Arthropods/genetics ; *Flavivirus/genetics ; Methylation ; Methyltransferases/genetics/metabolism ; RNA, Viral/genetics/metabolism ; Virus Replication ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {Arthropod endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis is part of a global biocontrol strategy to reduce the replication of mosquito-borne RNA viruses such as alphaviruses. We previously demonstrated the importance of a host cytosine methyltransferase, DNMT2, in Drosophila and viral RNA as a cellular target during pathogen-blocking. Here we report a role for DNMT2 in Wolbachia-induced alphavirus inhibition in Aedes species. Expression of DNMT2 in mosquito tissues, including the salivary glands, is elevated upon virus infection. Notably, this is suppressed in Wolbachia-colonized animals, coincident with reduced virus replication and decreased infectivity of progeny virus. Ectopic expression of DNMT2 in cultured Aedes cells is proviral, increasing progeny virus infectivity, and this effect of DNMT2 on virus replication and infectivity is dependent on its methyltransferase activity. Finally, examining the effects of Wolbachia on modifications of viral RNA by LC-MS show a decrease in the amount of 5-methylcytosine modification consistent with the down-regulation of DNMT2 in Wolbachia colonized mosquito cells and animals. Collectively, our findings support the conclusion that disruption of 5-methylcytosine modification of viral RNA is a vital mechanism operative in pathogen blocking. These data also emphasize the essential role of epitranscriptomic modifications in regulating fundamental alphavirus replication and transmission processes.},
}
@article {pmid35295292,
year = {2022},
author = {Yan, K and Pei, Z and Meng, L and Zheng, Y and Wang, L and Feng, R and Li, Q and Liu, Y and Zhao, X and Wei, Q and El-Sappah, AH and Abbas, M},
title = {Determination of Community Structure and Diversity of Seed-Vectored Endophytic Fungi in Alpinia zerumbet.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {814864},
pmid = {35295292},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Endophytic fungi act as seed endosymbiont, thereby playing a very crucial role in the growth and development of seeds. Seed-vectored endophytic fungi establish an everlasting association with seeds and travel from generation to generation. To explore the composition and diversity of endophytic fungi in Alpinia zerumbet seeds, high-throughput Illumina MiSeq sequencing was employed for the following stages: fruit formation period (YSJ1), young fruit period (YSJ2), early mature period (YSJ3), middle mature period (YSJ4), and late mature period (YSJ5). A total of 906,694 sequence reads and 745 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained and further classified into 8 phyla, 30 classes, 73 orders, 163 families, 302 genera, and 449 species. The highest endophytic fungal diversity was observed at YSJ5. The genera with the highest abundance were Cladosporium, Kodamaea, Hannaella, Mycothermus, Gibberella, Sarocladium, and Neopestalotiopsis. Functional Guild (FUNGuild) analysis revealed that endophytic fungi were undefined saprotroph, plant pathogens, animal pathogen-endophyte-lichen parasite-plant pathogen-wood saprotroph, and soil saprotrophs. Alternaria, Fusarium, Cladosporium, and Sarocladium, which are potential probiotics and can be used as biocontrol agents, were also abundant. This study is part of the Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations Organization (UNO) to "Establish Good Health and Well-Being."},
}
@article {pmid35299660,
year = {2022},
author = {Madeira, C and Dias, M and Ferreira, A and Gouveia, R and Cabral, H and Diniz, MS and Vinagre, C},
title = {Does Predation Exacerbate the Risk of Endosymbiont Loss in Heat Stressed Hermatypic Corals? Molecular Cues Provide Insights Into Species-Specific Health Outcomes in a Multi-Stressor Ocean.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {801672},
pmid = {35299660},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Ocean warming has been a major driver of coral reef bleaching and mass mortality. Coupled to other biotic pressures, corals' ability for acclimatization and adaptation may become compromised. Here, we tested the combined effects of warming scenarios (26, 30, and 32°C) and predation (wound vs. no wound) in coral health condition (paleness, bleaching, and mortality), cellular stress responses (heat shock protein 70 kDa Hsp70, total ubiquitin Ub, and total antioxidant capacity TAC), and physiological state (integrated biomarker response index, IBR) of seven Scleractinian coral species, after being exposed for 60 days. Results show that although temperature was the main factor driving coral health condition, thermotolerant species (Galaxea fascicularis, Psammocora contigua, and Turbinaria reniformis) displayed increased paleness, bleaching, and mortality in predation treatments at high temperature, whereas thermosensitive species (Acropora tenuis, Echinopora lamellosa, and Montipora capricornis brown and green morphotypes) all died at 32°C, regardless of predation condition. At the molecular level, results show that there were significant main and interactive effects of species, temperature, and predation in the biomarkers assessed. Temperature affected Hsp70, Ub, and TAC, evidencing the role of protein folding and turnover, as well as reactive oxygen species scavenging in heat stress management. Predation increased Hsp70 and Ub, suggesting the activation of the pro-phenoloxidase system and cytokine activity, whereas the combination of both stressors mainly affected TAC during moderate stress and Ub under severe stress, suggesting that redox balance and defense of homeostasis are crucial in tissue repair at high temperature. IBR levels showed an increasing trend at 32°C in predated coral fragments (although non-significant). We conclude that coral responses to the combination of high temperature and predation pressure display high inter-species variability, but these stressors may pose a higher risk of endosymbiont loss, depending on species physiology and stress intensity.},
}
@article {pmid35303931,
year = {2022},
author = {Hosseini, SH and Manshori-Ghaishghorshagh, F and Ramezani, M and Nayebzadeh, H and Ahoo, MB and Eslamian, A and Soltani, M and Jamshidi, S and Bezerra-Santos, MA and Jalousian, F and Sazmand, A and Otranto, D},
title = {Canine microfilaraemia in some regions of Iran.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {90},
pmid = {35303931},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {Fateme Manshori-Ghaishghorshagh//University of Tehran/ ; Ahdieh Eslamian Theses//University of Tehran/ ; Mohammad Ramezani thesis//Lorestan University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Dirofilaria immitis/genetics ; *Dirofilaria repens/genetics ; *Dog Diseases/parasitology ; Dogs ; Iran/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are vector-borne zoonotic parasites which affect mainly dogs and humans worldwide. In Iran, information about the distribution of those nematodes is scant in several regions. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of these filarial parasites in stray dogs from five Iranian provinces where no information about these parasites is available.<br><br>METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 344 stray dogs in five provinces of Iran (i.e. Mazandaran, Gilan, Esfahan, Qazvin and Loresan). The presence of microfilariae was assessed using direct smear, modified Knott's test, molecular detection of filarial DNA (cox1 gene) and Wolbachia endosymbiont of parasitic nematodes (ftsZ gene) by conventional PCR (cPCR).&#xa0;All of the PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetic&#xa0;analysis was&#xa0;performed.<br><br>RESULTS: In total, 75 dogs (21.8%) were found to be positive for D. immitis by cPCR. Infection was detected in all provinces, with the highest prevalence in Gilan province (22/28; 78.6%). Acanthocheilonema reconditum was diagnosed in five dogs (1.4%) from three provinces (i.e. Esfahan, Mazandaran, Gilan). Two dogs were infected with both parasites and three were only infected with A. reconditum. Dirofilaria repens infection was not found in the examined population. Representative sequences of the D. immitis cox1 gene from dogs from the northern provinces (Mazandaran, Gilan, Qazvin) were grouped together and distinctly separate from the ones from western and central provinces (Lorestan and Esfahan), suggesting that different nematode populations are present in the country.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The data reported herein fill existing gaps in knowledge about canine filarial infection in two Iranian provinces and record the highest prevalence of D. immitis ever reported in the country (i.e. 78.6%). A geographical review of the literature about Dirofilaria spp. and A. reconditum infections in dogs and humans has also been summarized, indicating that D. immitis and D. repens are distributed in 22 of 31 provinces in Iran, whereas A. reconditum is present in fewer regions. Effective control strategies are advocated for owned dogs, and a national program for the management of stray dogs is needed to minimize the risk of infection in animals and humans.},
}
@article {pmid35305557,
year = {2022},
author = {Purkiss, SA and Khudr, MS and Aguinaga, OE and Hager, R},
title = {Symbiont-conferred immunity interacts with effects of parasitoid genotype and intraguild predation to affect aphid immunity in a clone-specific fashion.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {33},
pmid = {35305557},
issn = {2730-7182},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; Clone Cells ; Genotype ; *Parasites ; Predatory Behavior ; *Wasps/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Host-parasite interactions represent complex co-evolving systems in which genetic and associated phenotypic variation within a species can significantly affect selective pressures on traits, such as host immunity, in the other. While often modelled as a two-species interaction between host and parasite, some systems are more complex due to effects of host enemies, intraguild predation, and endosymbionts, all of which affect host immunity. However, it remains unclear how these factors, combined with genetic variation in the host and the parasitoid, affect host immunity. We address this question in an important agricultural pest system, the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, which shows significant intraspecific variability in immunity to the parasitoid wasp Aphidius ervi. In a complex experiment, we use a quantitative genetic design in the parasitoid, two ecologically different aphid lineages and the aphid lion Chrysoperla carnea as an intraguild predator to unravel the complex interdependencies.<br><br>RESULTS: We demonstrate that aphid immunity as a key trait of this complex host-parasite system is affected by intraspecific genetic variation in the parasitoid and the aphid, the interaction of intraspecific genetic variation with intraguild predation, and differences in defensive endosymbionts between aphid lineages. Further, aphid lineages differ in their altruistic behaviour whereby infested aphids move away from the clonal colony to facilitate predation.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide new insights into the influence of endosymbiosis and genetic variability in an important host-parasitoid system which is influenced by natural enemies of the parasitoid and the aphid, including its endosymbiont communities. We show that endosymbiosis can mediate or influence the evolutionary arms race between aphids and their natural enemies. The outcome of these complex interactions between species has significant implications for understanding the evolution of multitrophic systems, including eco-agricultural settings.},
}
@article {pmid35323529,
year = {2022},
author = {Majeed, MZ and Sayed, S and Bo, Z and Raza, A and Ma, CS},
title = {Bacterial Symbionts Confer Thermal Tolerance to Cereal Aphids Rhopalosiphum padi and Sitobion avenae.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {35323529},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {31620103914, 31772156//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; Y2017LM10//Fundamental Research Funds of CAAS/ ; CAAS-ZDRW202108, CAAS-ZDRW202012//The Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program/ ; TURSP-2020/92//Taif University Researchers Supporting Project/ ; },
abstract = {High-temperature events are evidenced to exert significant influence on the population performance and thermal biology of insects, such as aphids. However, it is not yet clear whether the bacterial symbionts of insects mediate the thermal tolerance traits of their hosts. This study is intended to assess the putative association among the chronic and acute thermal tolerance of two cereal aphid species, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) and Sitobion avenae (F.), and the abundance of their bacterial symbionts. The clones of aphids were collected randomly from different fields of wheat crops and were maintained under laboratory conditions. Basal and acclimated CTmax and chronic thermal tolerance indices were measured for 5-day-old apterous aphid individuals and the abundance (gene copy numbers) of aphid-specific and total (16S rRNA) bacterial symbionts were determined using real-time RT-qPCR. The results reveal that R. padi individuals were more temperature tolerant under chronic exposure to 31 °C and also exhibited about 1.0 °C higher acclimated and basal CTmax values than those of S. avenae. Moreover, a significantly higher bacterial symbionts' gene abundance was recorded in temperature-tolerant aphid individuals than the susceptible ones for both aphid species. Although total bacterial (16S rRNA) abundance per aphid was higher in S. avenae than R. padi, the gene abundance of aphid-specific bacterial symbionts was nearly alike for both of the aphid species. Nevertheless, basal and acclimated CTmax values were positively and significantly associated with the gene abundance of total symbiont density, Buchnera aphidicola, Serratia symbiotica, Hamilton defensa, Regiella insecticola and Spiroplasma spp. for R. padi, and with the total symbiont density, total bacteria (16S rRNA) and with all aphid-specific bacterial symbionts (except Spiroplasma spp.) for S. avenae. The overall study results corroborate the potential role of the bacterial symbionts of aphids in conferring thermal tolerance to their hosts.},
}
@article {pmid35325496,
year = {2022},
author = {Rotterová, J and Edgcomb, VP and Čepička, I and Beinart, R},
title = {Anaerobic ciliates as a model group for studying symbioses in oxygen-depleted environments.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {69},
number = {5},
pages = {e12912},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.12912},
pmid = {35325496},
issn = {1550-7408},
support = {//Simons Foundation/ ; 19-19297S//Czech Science Foundation/ ; MCB-0604084//NSF/ ; 9342//Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Anaerobiosis ; *Ciliophora/genetics ; Ecosystem ; *Oxygen ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Anaerobiosis has independently evolved in multiple lineages of ciliates, allowing them to colonize a variety of anoxic and oxygen-depleted habitats. Anaerobic ciliates commonly form symbiotic relationships with various prokaryotes, including methanogenic archaea and members of several bacterial groups. The hypothesized functions of these ecto- and endosymbionts include the symbiont utilizing the ciliate's fermentative end products to increase the host's anaerobic metabolic efficiency, or the symbiont directly providing the host with energy by denitrification or photosynthesis. The host, in turn, may protect the symbiont from competition, the environment, and predation. Despite rapid advances in sampling, molecular, and microscopy methods, as well as the associated broadening of the known diversity of anaerobic ciliates, many aspects of these ciliate symbioses, including host specificity and coevolution, remain largely unexplored. Nevertheless, with the number of comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses targeting anaerobic ciliates and their symbionts on the rise, insights into the nature of these symbioses and the evolution of the ciliate transition to obligate anaerobiosis continue to deepen. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge regarding the complex nature of symbioses in anaerobic ciliates, the diversity of these symbionts, their role in the evolution of ciliate anaerobiosis and their significance in ecosystem-level processes.},
}
@article {pmid35328804,
year = {2022},
author = {Pacheco, PJ and Cabrera, JJ and Jiménez-Leiva, A and Bedmar, EJ and Mesa, S and Tortosa, G and Delgado, MJ},
title = {Effect of Copper on Expression of Functional Genes and Proteins Associated with Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens Denitrification.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {23},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {35328804},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {*Bradyrhizobium/genetics/metabolism ; *Copper/metabolism/pharmacology ; Denitrification/genetics ; Nitrates/metabolism/pharmacology ; Nitrite Reductases/genetics/metabolism ; Nitrogen Oxides/metabolism ; Soil ; },
abstract = {Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Denitrification is one of the largest sources of N2O in soils. The soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens is a model for rhizobial denitrification studies since, in addition to fixing N2, it has the ability to grow anaerobically under free-living conditions by reducing nitrate from the medium through the complete denitrification pathway. This bacterium contains a periplasmic nitrate reductase (Nap), a copper (Cu)-containing nitrite reductase (NirK), a c-type nitric oxide reductase (cNor), and a Cu-dependent nitrous oxide reductase (Nos) encoded by the napEDABC, nirK, norCBQD and nosRZDFYLX genes, respectively. In this work, an integrated study of the role of Cu in B. diazoefficiens denitrification has been performed. A notable reduction in nirK, nor, and nos gene expression observed under Cu limitation was correlated with a significant decrease in NirK, NorC and NosZ protein levels and activities. Meanwhile, nap expression was not affected by Cu, but a remarkable depletion in Nap activity was found, presumably due to an inhibitory effect of nitrite accumulated under Cu-limiting conditions. Interestingly, a post-transcriptional regulation by increasing Nap and NirK activities, as well as NorC and NosZ protein levels, was observed in response to high Cu. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, the role of Cu in transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of B. diazoefficiens denitrification. Thus, this study will contribute by proposing useful strategies for reducing N2O emissions from agricultural soils.},
}
@article {pmid35336091,
year = {2022},
author = {Petrone, JR and Muñoz-Beristain, A and Glusberger, PR and Russell, JT and Triplett, EW},
title = {Unamplified, Long-Read Metagenomic Sequencing Approach to Close Endosymbiont Genomes of Low-Biomass Insect Populations.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {35336091},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {CRDF: 60100000-209- 2200-CRRNTG000780-GRANTP0004552-1//CRDF/ ; },
abstract = {With the current advancements in DNA sequencing technology, the limiting factor in long-read metagenomic assemblies is now the quantity and quality of input DNA. Although these requirements can be met through the use of axenic bacterial cultures or large amounts of biological material, insect systems that contain unculturable bacteria or that contain a low amount of available DNA cannot fully utilize the benefits of third-generation sequencing. The citrus greening disease insect vector Diaphorina citri is an example that exhibits both of these limitations. Although endosymbiont genomes have mostly been closed after the short-read sequencing of amplified template DNA, creating de novo long-read genomes from the unamplified DNA of an insect population may benefit communities using bioinformatics to study insect pathosystems. Here all four genomes of the infected D. citri microbiome were sequenced to closure using unamplified template DNA and two long-read sequencing technologies. Avoiding amplification bias and using long reads to assemble the bacterial genomes allowed for the circularization of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Diaphorina citri for the first time and paralleled the annotation context of all four reference genomes without utilizing a traditional hybrid assembly. The strategies detailed here are suitable for the sequencing of other insect systems for which the input DNA, time, and cost are an issue.},
}
@article {pmid35336121,
year = {2022},
author = {Neyaz, M and Gardner, DR and Creamer, R and Cook, D},
title = {Localization of the Swainsonine-Producing Chaetothyriales Symbiont in the Seed and Shoot Apical Meristem in Its Host Ipomoea carnea.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {35336121},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Several species of fungi from the orders Chaetothyriales and Pleosporales have been reported to produce swainsonine and be associated as symbionts with plants of the Convolvulaceae and Fabaceae, respectively. An endosymbiont belonging to the Chaetothyriales produces swainsonine and grows as an epibiont on the adaxial leaf surfaces of Ipomoea carnea, but how the symbiont passes through plant growth and development is unknown. Herein, different types of microscopy were used to localize the symbiont in seeds and in cross sections of plant parts. The symbiont was found in several tissues including the hilum, the sclereids, and the hypocotyl of seeds. In five-day old seedlings and mature plants, the symbiont was found in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) and the adaxial surface of immature folded leaves. The mycelia generally formed a close association with peltate glandular trichomes. This report provides further data explaining the relationship between the seed transmitted Chaetothyriales symbiont and Ipomoea carnea. These results provide a possible explanation for how this symbiont, and others like Periglandula may persist and are transmitted over time.},
}
@article {pmid35339983,
year = {2022},
author = {Tashyreva, D and Simpson, AGB and Prokopchuk, G and Škodová-Sveráková, I and Butenko, A and Hammond, M and George, EE and Flegontova, O and Záhonová, K and Faktorová, D and Yabuki, A and Horák, A and Keeling, PJ and Lukeš, J},
title = {Diplonemids - A Review on "New" Flagellates on the Oceanic Block.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {173},
number = {2},
pages = {125868},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2022.125868},
pmid = {35339983},
issn = {1618-0941},
mesh = {Animals ; *Euglenozoa/genetics ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Oceans and Seas ; *Parasites ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Diplonemids are a group of flagellate protists, that belong to the phylum Euglenozoa alongside euglenids, symbiontids and kinetoplastids. They primarily inhabit marine environments, though are also found in freshwater lakes. Diplonemids have been considered as rare and unimportant eukaryotes for over a century, with only a handful of species described until recently. However, thanks to their unprecedented diversity and abundance in the world oceans, diplonemids now attract increased attention. Recent improvements in isolation and cultivation have enabled characterization of several new genera, warranting a re-examination of all available knowledge gathered so far. Here we summarize available data on diplonemids, focusing on the recent advances in the fields of diversity, ecology, genomics, metabolism, and endosymbionts. We illustrate the life stages of cultivated genera, and summarise all reported interspecies associations, which in turn suggest lifestyles of predation and parasitism. This review also includes the latest classification of diplonemids, with a taxonomic revision of the genus Diplonema. Ongoing efforts to sequence various diplonemids suggest the presence of large and complex genomes, which correlate with the metabolic versatility observed in the model species Paradiplonema papillatum. Finally, we highlight its successful transformation into one of few genetically tractable marine protists.},
}
@article {pmid35346038,
year = {2022},
author = {Queffelec, J and Postma, A and Allison, JD and Slippers, B},
title = {Remnants of horizontal transfers of Wolbachia genes in a Wolbachia-free woodwasp.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {36},
pmid = {35346038},
issn = {2730-7182},
mesh = {Animals ; *Nematoda ; *Pinus ; *Wasps/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is a bacterial endosymbiont of many arthropod and nematode species. Due to its capacity to alter host biology, Wolbachia plays an important role in arthropod and nematode ecology and evolution. Sirex noctilio is a woodwasp causing economic loss in pine plantations of the Southern Hemisphere. An investigation into the genome of this wasp revealed the presence of Wolbachia sequences. Due to the potential impact of Wolbachia on the populations of this wasp, as well as its potential use as a biological control agent against invasive insects, this discovery warranted investigation.<br><br>RESULTS: In this study we first investigated the presence of Wolbachia in S. noctilio and demonstrated that South African populations of the wasp are unlikely to be infected. We then screened the full genome of S. noctilio and found 12 Wolbachia pseudogenes. Most of these genes constitute building blocks of various transposable elements originating from the Wolbachia genome. Finally, we demonstrate that these genes are distributed in all South African populations of the wasp.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that S. noctilio might be compatible with a Wolbachia infection and that the bacteria could potentially be used in the future to regulate invasive populations of the wasp. Understanding the mechanisms that led to a loss of Wolbachia infection in S. noctilio could indicate which host species or host population should be sampled to find a Wolbachia strain that could be used as a biological control against S. noctilio.},
}
@article {pmid35346758,
year = {2022},
author = {Bazzocchi, C and Genchi, M and Lucchetti, C and Cafiso, A and Ciuca, L and McCall, J and Kramer, LH and Vismarra, A},
title = {Transporter gene expression and Wolbachia quantification in adults of Dirofilaria immitis treated in vitro with ivermectin or moxidectin alone or in combination with doxycycline for 12 h.},
journal = {Molecular and biochemical parasitology},
volume = {249},
number = {},
pages = {111475},
doi = {10.1016/j.molbiopara.2022.111475},
pmid = {35346758},
issn = {1872-9428},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dirofilaria immitis/genetics ; *Dog Diseases/drug therapy/parasitology/prevention &amp; control ; Dogs ; Doxycycline/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Ivermectin/pharmacology ; Macrolides ; Male ; Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Due to their marked larvicidal activity, macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are used for the prevention of heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs. They have also been shown to eliminate adult parasites after long-term administration, with a so-called "slow-kill" effect. In addition, recent studies have established that a combination of doxycycline, which eliminates the endosymbiont Wolbachia, and MLs has superior adulticide effects when compared to MLs alone. It has been hypothesized that the apparent synergism between doxycycline/MLs may be due to interaction with drug efflux transport proteins. The aim of the present study was to evaluate gene expression of several transport proteins in D. immitis adults treated in vitro either with doxycycline alone, ivermectin alone, moxidectin alone, or a combination of ivermectin or moxidectin with doxycycline for 12 h. Quantitative PCR analysis showed a sex-dependent response to treatments. In female worms, Dim-pgp-10, Dim-haf-1 and Dim-haf-5 were upregulated compared to controls with doxycycline alone and when combined with ivermectin. Moxidectin did not induce any changes in gene expression. In males, moxidectin administered alone induced a slight increase in Dim-pgp-10, Dim-pgp-11and Di-avr-14, while ivermectin in combination with doxycycline produced significant upregulation of the ML receptor Di-avr-14. These results suggest possible synergism between the two drug classes and different susceptibility of males vs. females to adulticide effects.},
}
@article {pmid35349727,
year = {2022},
author = {Hsu, V and Pfab, F and Moeller, HV},
title = {Niche expansion via acquired metabolism facilitates competitive dominance in planktonic communities.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {103},
number = {7},
pages = {e3693},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.3693},
pmid = {35349727},
issn = {1939-9170},
mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Paramecium ; Photosynthesis ; Plankton ; },
abstract = {Acquired phototrophs, organisms that obtain their photosynthetic abilities by hosting endosymbionts or stealing plastids from their prey, are omnipresent in aquatic ecosystems. This acquisition of photosynthetic metabolism allows for niche expansion, and can therefore influence competition outcomes by alleviating competition for shared resources. Here, we test how acquired metabolism alters competitive outcomes by manipulating light availability to control the energetic contribution of photosynthesis to acquired phototrophs. Using freshwater protists that compete for bacterial prey, we demonstrate light-dependent competition outcomes of acquired phototrophs (Paramecium bursaria) and strict heterotrophs (Colpidium sp.) in laboratory model experiments. We then synthesize these findings using a series of mathematical models, and show that explicitly accounting for resource competition improves model fits. Both empirical and mathematical models predict that the acquired phototroph should increase in competitive dominance with increasing light availability. Our results highlight the importance of acquired metabolism to community dynamics, highlighting the need for more empirical and theoretical studies of this mechanism for niche expansion.},
}
@article {pmid35349818,
year = {2022},
author = {Hochstrasser, M},
title = {Cytoplasmic incompatibility: A Wolbachia toxin-antidote mechanism comes into view.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {32},
number = {6},
pages = {R287-R289},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2022.02.014},
pmid = {35349818},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {R35 GM136325/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Antidotes ; Cytoplasm ; Cytosol ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {The Wolbachia cidA and cidB genes promote bacterial endosymbiont inheritance through the host female germline. CidB is now shown to load into maturing sperm nuclei. Following fertilization, it disrupts paternal chromosome condensation, triggering embryonic arrest if not countered by CidA in Wolbachia-infected eggs.},
}
@article {pmid35350856,
year = {2022},
author = {Katlav, A and Cook, JM and Riegler, M},
title = {Common endosymbionts affect host fitness and sex allocation via egg size provisioning.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {289},
number = {1971},
pages = {20212582},
pmid = {35350856},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods ; Bacteroidetes ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Reproduction ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {It is hard to overemphasize the importance of endosymbionts in arthropod biology, ecology and evolution. Some endosymbionts can complement host metabolic function or provide defence against pathogens; others, such as ubiquitous Wolbachia and Cardinium, have evolved strategies to manipulate host reproduction. A common reproductive manipulation strategy is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) between differently infected individuals which can result in female mortality or male development of fertilized eggs in haplodiploid hosts. Recently, an additional role of endosymbionts has been recognized in the modification of sex allocation in sexually reproducing haplodiploids. This was theoretically expected due to the maternal inheritance of endosymbionts and natural selection for them to increase infected female production, yet the underlying mechanism remained unknown. Here, we tested whether and how Cardinium and Wolbachia causing different CI types interact to increase female production in a haplodiploid thrips species where sex allocation depends on both maternal condition and egg size provisioning. We found that Cardinium augmented female production by increasing maternal fitness and egg size, thereby boosting fertilization rate and offspring fitness. Wolbachia, in contrast, reduced the beneficial effects of Cardinium. Our results demonstrate different invasion strategies and antagonistic effects of endosymbiotic bacteria on host fitness and evolution of sex allocation.},
}
@article {pmid35353007,
year = {2022},
author = {Li, TP and Zhou, CY and Wang, MK and Zha, SS and Chen, J and Bing, XL and Hoffmann, AA and Hong, XY},
title = {Endosymbionts Reduce Microbiome Diversity and Modify Host Metabolism and Fecundity in the Planthopper Sogatella furcifera.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {e0151621},
pmid = {35353007},
issn = {2379-5077},
mesh = {Animals ; Fertility ; Reproduction ; Bacteroidetes ; *Microbiota ; Nymph ; *Wolbachia ; *Hemiptera ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts can strongly affect bacterial microbiota in pests. The white-backed planthopper Sogatella furcifera, a notorious pest in rice, is usually co-infected with Cardinium and Wolbachia, but the effects of these endosymbionts together or individually on the host microbiome and fecundity are unclear. Here, we established three S. furcifera lines (Cardinium and Wolbachia double-infected, Cardinium single-infected, and both-uninfected lines) backcrossed to a common nuclear background and found that single and double infections reduced bacterial diversity and changed bacterial community structure across nymph and adult stages and across adult tissues. The endosymbionts differed in densities between adults and nymphs as well as across adult tissues, with the distribution of Cardinium affected by Wolbachia. Both the single infection and particularly the double infection reduced host fecundity. Lines also differed in levels of metabolites, some of which may influence fecundity (e.g., arginine biosynthesis and nicotinamide metabolism). Cardinium in the single-infected line upregulated metabolic levels, while Wolbachia in the double-infected line appeared to mainly downregulate them. Association analysis pointed to possible connections between various bacteria and differential metabolites. These results reveal that Cardinium by itself and in combination with Wolbachia affect bacterial microbiota and levels of metabolites, with likely effects on host fecundity. Many of the effects of these metabolically limited endosymbionts that are dependent on the hosts may be exerted through manipulation of the microbiome. IMPORTANCE Endosymbionts can profoundly affect the nutrition, immunity, development, and reproduction of insect hosts, but the effects of multiple endosymbiont infections on microbiota and the interaction of these effects with insect host fitness are not well known. By establishing S. furcifera lines with different endosymbiont infection status, we found that Cardinium and the combined Cardinium + Wolbachia infections differentially reduced bacterial diversity as well as changing bacterial community structure and affecting metabolism, which may connect to negative fitness effects of the endosymbionts on their host. These results established the connections between reduced bacterial diversity, decreased fecundity and metabolic responses in S. furcifera.},
}
@article {pmid35357208,
year = {2022},
author = {Strunov, A and Schmidt, K and Kapun, M and Miller, WJ},
title = {Restriction of Wolbachia Bacteria in Early Embryogenesis of Neotropical Drosophila Species via Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mediated Autophagy.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {e0386321},
pmid = {35357208},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {P 32275/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Autophagy ; Drosophila/microbiology ; Embryonic Development ; Endoplasmic Reticulum ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are maternally transmitted intracellular bacteria that are not only restricted to the reproductive organs but also found in various somatic tissues of their native hosts. The abundance of the endosymbiont in the soma, usually a dead end for vertically transmitted bacteria, causes a multitude of effects on life history traits of their hosts, which are still not well understood. Thus, deciphering the host-symbiont interactions on a cellular level throughout a host's life cycle is of great importance to understand their homeostatic nature, persistence, and spreading success. Using fluorescent and transmission electron microscopy, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of Wolbachia tropism in soma and germ line of six Drosophila species at the intracellular level during host development. Our data uncovered diagnostic patterns of infections to embryonic primordial germ cells and to particular cells of the soma in three different neotropical Drosophila species that have apparently evolved independently. We further found that restricted patterns of Wolbachia tropism are determined in early embryogenesis via selective autophagy, and their spatially restricted infection patterns are preserved in adult flies. We observed tight interactions of Wolbachia with membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, which might play a scaffolding role for autophagosome formation and subsequent elimination of the endosymbiont. Finally, by analyzing D. simulans lines transinfected with nonnative Wolbachia, we uncovered that the host genetic background regulates tissue tropism of infection. Our data demonstrate a novel and peculiar mechanism to limit and spatially restrict bacterial infection in the soma during a very early stage of host development. IMPORTANCE All organisms are living in close and intimate interactions with microbes that cause conflicts but also cooperation between both unequal genetic partners due to their different innate interests of primarily enhancing their own fitness. However, stable symbioses often result in homeostatic interaction, named mutualism, by balancing costs and benefits, where both partners profit. Mechanisms that have evolved to balance and stably maintain homeostasis in mutualistic relationships are still quite understudied; one strategy is to "domesticate" potentially beneficial symbionts by actively controlling their replication rate below a critical and, hence, costly threshold, and/or to spatially and temporally restrict their localization in the host organism, which, in the latter case, in its most extreme form, is the formation of a specialized housing organ for the microbe (bacteriome). However, questions remain: how do these mutualistic associations become established in their first place, and what are the mechanisms for symbiont control and restriction in their early stages? Here, we have uncovered an unprecedented symbiont control mechanism in neotropical Drosophila species during early embryogenesis. The fruit fly evolved selective autophagy to restrict and control the proliferation of its intracellular endosymbiont Wolbachia in a defined subset of the stem cells as soon as the host's zygotic genome is activated.},
}
@article {pmid35364056,
year = {2022},
author = {Andreychuk, S and Yakob, L},
title = {Mathematical modelling to assess the feasibility of Wolbachia in malaria vector biocontrol.},
journal = {Journal of theoretical biology},
volume = {542},
number = {},
pages = {111110},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111110},
pmid = {35364056},
issn = {1095-8541},
mesh = {*Aedes ; Animals ; *Anopheles ; Feasibility Studies ; *Malaria ; Models, Theoretical ; Mosquito Vectors ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Releasing mosquitoes transinfected with the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia is a novel strategy for interrupting vector-borne pathogen transmission. Following its success in controlling arboviruses spread by Aedes aegypti, this technology is being adapted for anopheline malaria vectors. However, antagonistic interactions between Wolbachia and naturally resident Asaia bacteria in malaria vectors have been demonstrated experimentally, potentially jeopardising Wolbachia biocontrol. We developed the first mathematical model accounting for interspecific competition between endosymbionts to assess the feasibility of this novel strategy for controlling malaria. First, Asaia prevalences among natural mosquito populations were compared with simulations parametrized with rates of Asaia transmission reported from laboratory studies. Discrepancies between projections and natural Asaia prevalences indicated potential overestimation of Asaia transmissibility in artificial laboratory settings. With parametrization that matches natural Asaia prevalence, simulations identified redundancies in Asaia's many infection routes (vertical, sexual and environmental). This resilience was only overcome when Wolbachia conferred very high resistance to environmental infection with Asaia, resulting in Wolbachia fixation and Asaia exclusion. Wolbachia's simulated spread was prevented when its maternal transmission was impeded in coinfected mosquitoes and the pre-control Asaia prevalence was beyond a threshold of 60-75%. This theoretical assessment highlights critical next steps in laboratory experiments to inform this strategy's feasibility.},
}
@article {pmid35369485,
year = {2022},
author = {Hussain, S and Perveen, N and Hussain, A and Song, B and Aziz, MU and Zeb, J and Li, J and George, D and Cabezas-Cruz, A and Sparagano, O},
title = {The Symbiotic Continuum Within Ticks: Opportunities for Disease Control.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {854803},
pmid = {35369485},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Among blood-sucking arthropods, ticks are recognized as being of prime global importance because of their role as vectors of pathogens affecting human and animal health. Ticks carry a variety of pathogenic, commensal, and symbiotic microorganisms. For the latter, studies are available concerning the detection of endosymbionts, but their role in the physiology and ecology of ticks remains largely unexplored. This review paper focuses on tick endosymbionts of the genera Coxiella, Rickettsia, Francisella, Midichloria, and Wolbachia, and their impact on ticks and tick-pathogen interactions that drive disease risk. Tick endosymbionts can affect tick physiology by influencing nutritional adaptation, fitness, and immunity. Further, symbionts may influence disease ecology, as they interact with tick-borne pathogens and can facilitate or compete with pathogen development within the vector tissues. Rickettsial symbionts are frequently found in ticks of the genera of Ixodes, Amblyomma, and Dermacentor with relatively lower occurrence in Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis, and Hyalomma ticks, while Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) were reported infecting almost all tick species tested. Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) have been identified in tick genera such as Dermacentor, Amblyomma, Ornithodoros, Ixodes, and Hyalomma, whereas Wolbachia sp. has been detected in Ixodes, Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus tick genera. Notably, CLEs and FLEs are obligate endosymbionts essential for tick survival and development through the life cycle. American dog ticks showed greater motility when infected with Rickettsia, indirectly influencing infection risk, providing evidence of a relationship between tick endosymbionts and tick-vectored pathogens. The widespread occurrence of endosymbionts across the tick phylogeny and evidence of their functional roles in ticks and interference with tick-borne pathogens suggests a significant contribution to tick evolution and/or vector competence. We currently understand relatively little on how these endosymbionts influence tick parasitism, vector capacity, pathogen transmission and colonization, and ultimately on how they influence tick-borne disease dynamics. Filling this knowledge gap represents a major challenge for future research.},
}
@article {pmid35369505,
year = {2022},
author = {Flores, E and Romanovicz, DK and Nieves-Morión, M and Foster, RA and Villareal, TA},
title = {Adaptation to an Intracellular Lifestyle by a Nitrogen-Fixing, Heterocyst-Forming Cyanobacterial Endosymbiont of a Diatom.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {799362},
pmid = {35369505},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The symbiosis between the diatom Hemiaulus hauckii and the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Richelia intracellularis makes an important contribution to new production in the world's oceans, but its study is limited by short-term survival in the laboratory. In this symbiosis, R. intracellularis fixes atmospheric dinitrogen in the heterocyst and provides H. hauckii with fixed nitrogen. Here, we conducted an electron microscopy study of H. hauckii and found that the filaments of the R. intracellularis symbiont, typically composed of one terminal heterocyst and three or four vegetative cells, are located in the diatom's cytoplasm not enclosed by a host membrane. A second prokaryotic cell was also detected in the cytoplasm of H. hauckii, but observations were infrequent. The heterocysts of R. intracellularis differ from those of free-living heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria in that the specific components of the heterocyst envelope seem to be located in the periplasmic space instead of outside the outer membrane. This specialized arrangement of the heterocyst envelope and a possible association of the cyanobacterium with oxygen-respiring mitochondria may be important for protection of the nitrogen-fixing enzyme, nitrogenase, from photosynthetically produced oxygen. The cell envelope of the vegetative cells of R. intracellularis contained numerous membrane vesicles that resemble the outer-inner membrane vesicles of Gram-negative bacteria. These vesicles can export cytoplasmic material from the bacterial cell and, therefore, may represent a vehicle for transfer of fixed nitrogen from R. intracellularis to the diatom's cytoplasm. The specific morphological features of R. intracellularis described here, together with its known streamlined genome, likely represent specific adaptations of this cyanobacterium to an intracellular lifestyle.},
}
@article {pmid35369521,
year = {2022},
author = {Lupini, S and Peña-Bahamonde, J and Bonito, G and Rodrigues, DF},
title = {Effect of Endosymbiotic Bacteria on Fungal Resistance Toward Heavy Metals.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {822541},
pmid = {35369521},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Most studies on metal removal or tolerance by fungi or bacteria focus on single isolates, without taking into consideration that some fungi in nature may be colonized by endobacteria. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the tolerance and removal of diverse metals with two fungal species: Linnemannia elongata containing Burkholderia-related endobacteria and Benniella erionia containing Mollicute-related endobacteria. Isogenic lines of both species were generated with antibiotic treatments to remove their respective endobacteria. Experiments involved comparing the isogenic lines and wild type fungi in relation to the minimum inhibitory concentration for the metals, the fungal ability to remove these different metals via atomic adsorption spectroscopy, and the interaction of the metals with specific functional groups of the fungi and fungi-bacteria to determine the role of the bacteria via attenuated total reflection fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR). Finally, we determined the influence of different metal concentrations, associated with moderate and high fungal growth inhibition, on the presence of the endobacteria inside the fungal mycelium via quantitative real-time PCR. Results showed that the presence of the endosymbiont increased B. erionia resistance to Mn[2+] and increased the removal of Fe[2+] compared to isogenic lines. The absence of the endosymbiont in L. elongata increased the fungal resistance toward Fe[2+] and improved the removal of Fe[2+]. Furthermore, when the bacterial endosymbiont was present in L. elongata, a decrease in the fungal resistance to Ca[2+], Fe[2+], and Cr[6+]was noticeable. In the ATR-FTIR analysis, we determined that C-H and C = O were the major functional groups affected by the presence of Cu[2+], Mn[2+], and Fe[2+] for L. elongata and in the presence of Cu[2+] and Ca[2+] for B. eronia. It is noteworthy that the highest concentration of Pb[2+] led to the loss of endobacteria in both L. elongata and B. eronia, while the other metals generally increased the concentration of endosymbionts inside the fungal mycelium. From these results, we concluded that bacterial endosymbionts of fungi can play a fundamental role in fungal resistance to metals. This study provides the first step toward a greater understanding of symbiotic interactions between bacteria and fungi in relation to metal tolerance and remediation.},
}
@article {pmid35373850,
year = {2022},
author = {Ajendra, J and Allen, JE},
title = {Neutrophils: Friend or foe in Filariasis?.},
journal = {Parasite immunology},
volume = {44},
number = {6},
pages = {e12918},
doi = {10.1111/pim.12918},
pmid = {35373850},
issn = {1365-3024},
support = {MR/V011235/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; 106898/A/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Elephantiasis, Filarial ; *Filarioidea ; Humans ; Immunity ; Mice ; Neutrophils ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Infection with the filarial nematodes that cause diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis represent major public health challenges. With millions of people at risk of infection, new strategies for treatment or prevention are urgently needed. More complete understanding of the host immune system's ability to control and eliminate the infection is an important step towards fighting these debilitating infectious diseases. Neutrophils are innate immune cells that are rapidly recruited to inflamed or infected tissues and while considered primarily anti-microbial, there is increasing recognition of their role in helminth infections. Filarial nematodes present a unique situation, as many species harbour the bacterial endosymbiont, Wolbachia. The unexpected involvement of neutrophils during filarial infections has been revealed both in human diseases and animal studies, with strong evidence for recruitment by Wolbachia. This present review will introduce the different human filarial diseases and discuss neutrophil involvement in both protective immune responses, but also in the exacerbation of pathology. Additionally, we will highlight the contributions of the murine model of filariasis, Litomosoides sigmodontis. While several studies have revealed the importance of neutrophils in these parasite infections, we will also draw attention to many questions that remain to be answered.},
}
@article {pmid35395710,
year = {2022},
author = {Camp, EF and Nitschke, MR and Clases, D and Gonzalez de Vega, R and Reich, HG and Goyen, S and Suggett, DJ},
title = {Micronutrient content drives elementome variability amongst the Symbiodiniaceae.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {184},
pmid = {35395710},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; *Dinoflagellida ; Micronutrients ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Elements are the basis of life on Earth, whereby organisms are essentially evolved chemical substances that dynamically interact with each other and their environment. Determining species elemental quotas (their elementome) is a key indicator for their success across environments with different resource availabilities. Elementomes remain undescribed for functionally diverse dinoflagellates within the family Symbiodiniaceae that includes coral endosymbionts. We used dry combustion and ICP-MS to assess whether Symbiodiniaceae (ten isolates spanning five genera Breviolum, Cladocopium, Durusdinium, Effrenium, Symbiodinium) maintained under long-term nutrient replete conditions have unique elementomes (six key macronutrients and nine micronutrients) that would reflect evolutionarily conserved preferential elemental acquisition. For three isolates we assessed how elevated temperature impacted their elementomes. Further, we tested whether Symbiodiniaceae conform to common stoichiometric hypotheses (e.g., the growth rate hypothesis) documented in other marine algae. This study considers whether Symbiodiniaceae isolates possess unique elementomes reflective of their natural ecologies, evolutionary histories, and resistance to environmental change.<br><br>RESULTS: Symbiodiniaceae isolates maintained under long-term luxury uptake conditions, all exhibited highly divergent elementomes from one another, driven primarily by differential content of micronutrients. All N:P and C:P ratios were below the Redfield ratio values, whereas C:N was close to the Redfield value. Elevated temperature resulted in a more homogenised elementome across isolates. The Family-level elementome was (C19.8N2.6 P1.0S18.8K0.7Ca0.1) &#xb7; 1000 (Fe55.7Mn5.6Sr2.3Zn0.8Ni0.5Se0.3Cu0.2Mo0.1V0.04) mmol Phosphorous[-1] versus (C25.4N3.1P1.0S23.1K0.9Ca0.4) &#xb7; 1000 (Fe66.7Mn6.3Sr7.2Zn0.8Ni0.4Se0.2Cu0.2Mo0.2V0.05) mmol Phosphorous [-1] at 27.4 &#xb1; 0.4 &#xb0;C and 30.7 &#xb1; 0.01 &#xb0;C, respectively. Symbiodiniaceae isolates tested here conformed to some, but not all, stoichiometric principles.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Elementomes for Symbiodiniaceae diverge from those reported for other marine algae, primarily via lower C:N:P and different micronutrient expressions. Long-term maintenance of Symbiodiniaceae isolates in culture under common nutrient replete conditions suggests isolates have evolutionary conserved preferential uptake for certain elements that allows these unique elementomes to be identified. Micronutrient content (normalised to phosphorous) commonly increased in the Symbiodiniaceae isolates in response to elevated temperature, potentially indicating a common elemental signature to warming.},
}
@article {pmid35413060,
year = {2022},
author = {Vandepol, N and Liber, J and Yocca, A and Matlock, J and Edger, P and Bonito, G},
title = {Linnemannia elongata (Mortierellaceae) stimulates Arabidopsis thaliana aerial growth and responses to auxin, ethylene, and reactive oxygen species.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {e0261908},
pmid = {35413060},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Arabidopsis/metabolism ; *Burkholderia/genetics ; Ethylenes ; Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; Plant Roots/metabolism ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Harnessing the plant microbiome has the potential to improve agricultural yields and protect plants against pathogens and/or abiotic stresses, while also relieving economic and environmental costs of crop production. While previous studies have gained valuable insights into the underlying genetics facilitating plant-fungal interactions, these have largely been skewed towards certain fungal clades (e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi). Several different phyla of fungi have been shown to positively impact plant growth rates, including Mortierellaceae fungi. However, the extent of the plant growth promotion (PGP) phenotype(s), their underlying mechanism(s), and the impact of bacterial endosymbionts on fungal-plant interactions remain poorly understood for Mortierellaceae. In this study, we focused on the symbiosis between soil fungus Linnemannia elongata (Mortierellaceae) and Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae), as both organisms have high-quality reference genomes and transcriptomes available, and their lifestyles and growth requirements are conducive to research conditions. Further, L. elongata can host bacterial endosymbionts related to Mollicutes and Burkholderia. The role of these endobacteria on facilitating fungal-plant associations, including potentially further promoting plant growth, remains completely unexplored. We measured Arabidopsis aerial growth at early and late life stages, seed production, and used mRNA sequencing to characterize differentially expressed plant genes in response to fungal inoculation with and without bacterial endosymbionts. We found that L. elongata improved aerial plant growth, seed mass and altered the plant transcriptome, including the upregulation of genes involved in plant hormones and "response to oxidative stress", "defense response to bacterium", and "defense response to fungus". Furthermore, the expression of genes in certain phytohormone biosynthetic pathways were found to be modified in plants treated with L. elongata. Notably, the presence of Mollicutes- or Burkholderia-related endosymbionts in Linnemannia did not impact the expression of genes in Arabidopsis or overall growth rates. Together, these results indicate that beneficial plant growth promotion and seed mass impacts of L. elongata on Arabidopsis are likely driven by plant hormone and defense transcription responses after plant-fungal contact, and that plant phenotypic and transcriptional responses are independent of whether the fungal symbiont is colonized by Mollicutes or Burkholderia-related endohyphal bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid35414231,
year = {2022},
author = {Hornett, EA and Kageyama, D and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Sex determination systems as the interface between male-killing bacteria and their hosts.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {289},
number = {1972},
pages = {20212781},
pmid = {35414231},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods/microbiology ; Bacteria/genetics ; Male ; Sex Ratio ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {Arthropods host a range of sex-ratio-distorting selfish elements, including diverse maternally inherited endosymbionts that solely kill infected males. Male-killing heritable microbes are common, reach high frequency, but until recently have been poorly understood in terms of the host-microbe interaction. Additionally, while male killing should generate strong selection for host resistance, evidence of this has been scant. The interface of the microbe with host sex determination is integral to the understanding of how death is sex limited and how hosts can evolve evasion of male killing. We first review current knowledge of the mechanisms diverse endosymbionts use to induce male-specific death. We then examine recent evidence that these agents do produce intense selection for host nuclear suppressor elements. We argue, from our understanding of male-killing mechanisms, that suppression will commonly involve evolution of the host sex determination pathways and that the host's response to male-killing microbes thus represents an unrecognized driver of the diversity of arthropod sex determination. Further work is required to identify the genes and mechanisms responsible for male-killing suppression, which will both determine the components of sex determination (or other) systems associated with suppressor evolution, and allow insight into the mechanism of male killing itself.},
}
@article {pmid35416714,
year = {2022},
author = {Gu, X and Lu, X and Lin, S and Shi, X and Shen, Y and Lu, Q and Yang, Y and Yang, J and Cai, J and Fu, C and Lou, Y and Zheng, M},
title = {A Comparative Genomic Approach to Determine the Virulence Factors and Horizontal Gene Transfer Events of Clinical Acanthamoeba Isolates.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {e0002522},
pmid = {35416714},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {*Acanthamoeba/genetics/microbiology ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genomics ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Pseudomonas ; Virulence Factors/genetics ; },
abstract = {Acanthamoeba species are among the most ubiquitous protists that are widespread in soil and water and act as both a replicative niche and vectors for dispersal. They are the most important human intracellular pathogens, causing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and severely damaging the human cornea. The sympatric lifestyle within the host and amoeba-resisting microorganisms (ARMs) promotes horizontal gene transfer (HGT). However, the genomic diversity of only A. castellanii and A. polyphaga has been widely studied, and the pathogenic mechanisms remain unknown. Thus, we examined 7 clinically pathogenic strains by comparative genomic, phylogenetic, and rhizome gene mosaicism analyses to explore amoeba-symbiont interactions that possibly contribute to pathogenesis. Genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis showed differences in functional characteristics between the "open" state of T3 and T4 isolates, which may contribute to the differences in virulence and pathogenicity. Through comparative genomic analysis, we identified potential genes related to virulence, such as metalloprotease, laminin-binding protein, and HSP, that were specific to the genus Acanthamoeba. Then, analysis of putative sequence trafficking between Acanthamoeba and Pandoraviruses or Acanthamoeba castellanii medusaviruses provided the best hits with viral genes; among bacteria, Pseudomonas had the most significant numbers. The most parsimonious evolutionary scenarios were between Acanthamoeba and endosymbionts; nevertheless, in most cases, the scenarios are more complex. In addition, the differences in exchanged genes were limited to the same family. In brief, this study provided extensive data to suggest the existence of HGT between Acanthamoeba and ARMs, explaining the occurrence of diseases and challenging Darwin's concept of eukaryotic evolution. IMPORTANCEAcanthamoeba has the ability to cause serious blinding keratitis. Although the prevalence of this phenomenon has increased in recent years, our knowledge of the underlying opportunistic pathogenic mechanism maybe remains incomplete. In this study, we highlighted the importance of Pseudomonas in the pathogenesis pathway using comprehensive a whole genomics approach of clinical isolates. The horizontal gene transfer events help to explain how endosymbionts contribute Acanthamoeba to act as an opportunistic pathogen. Our study opens up several potential avenues for future research on the differences in pathogenicity and interactions among clinical strains.},
}
@article {pmid35417002,
year = {2022},
author = {Tamarozzi, F and Rodari, P and Salas-Coronas, J and Bottieau, E and Salvador, F and Soriano-Pérez, MJ and Cabeza-Barrera, MI and Van Esbroeck, M and Treviño, B and Buonfrate, D and Gobbi, FG},
title = {A large case series of travel-related Mansonella perstans (vector-borne filarial nematode): a TropNet study in Europe.},
journal = {Journal of travel medicine},
volume = {29},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {35417002},
issn = {1708-8305},
support = {//Ministry of Health/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Mansonella ; *Mansonelliasis/diagnosis/drug therapy/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Travel ; Mebendazole/therapeutic use ; Prospective Studies ; Travel-Related Illness ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Infection with Mansonella perstans is a neglected filariasis, widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by an elusive clinical picture; treatment for mansonellosis is not standardized. This retrospective study aimed to describe the clinical features, treatment schemes and evolution, of a large cohort of imported cases of M. perstans infection seen in four European centres for tropical diseases.<br><br>METHODS: Mansonella perstans infections, diagnosed by identification of blood microfilariae in migrants, expatriates and travellers, collected between 1994 and 2018, were retrospectively analysed. Data concerning demographics, clinical history and laboratory examinations at diagnosis and at follow-up time points were retrieved.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 392 patients were included in the study. Of the 281 patients for whom information on symptoms could be retrieved, 150 (53.4%) reported symptoms, abdominal pain and itching being the most frequent. Positive serology and eosinophilia were present in 84.4% and 66.1%, respectively, of those patients for whom these data were available. Concomitant parasitic infections were reported in 23.5% of patients. Treatment, administered to 325 patients (82.9%), was extremely heterogeneous between and within centres; the most commonly used regimen was mebendazole 100&#xa0;mg twice a day for 1 month. A total of 256 (65.3%) patients attended a first follow-up, median 3&#xa0;months (interquartile range 2-12) after the first visit; 83.1% of patients having received treatment based on mebendazole and/or doxycycline, targeting Wolbachia, became amicrofilaremic, 41.1-78.4% of whom within 12&#xa0;months from single treatment.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Lack of specific symptoms, together with the inconstant positivity of parasitological and antibody-based assays in the infected population, makes the clinical suspicion and screening for mansonellosis particularly difficult. Prospective studies evaluating prevalence of infection in migrants from endemic areas, infection-specific morbidity, presence of Wolbachia endosymbionts in M. perstans populations from different geographical areas and efficacy of treatment regimens are absolutely needed to optimize the clinical management of infection.},
}
@article {pmid35418670,
year = {2022},
author = {Titus, BM and Daly, M},
title = {Population genomics for symbiotic anthozoans: can reduced representation approaches be used for taxa without reference genomes?.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {128},
number = {5},
pages = {338-351},
pmid = {35418670},
issn = {1365-2540},
mesh = {Animals ; Genome/genetics ; Genomics/methods ; Humans ; *Metagenomics/methods ; Phylogeny ; *Sea Anemones/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Population genetic studies of symbiotic anthozoans have been historically challenging because their endosymbioses with dinoflagellates have impeded marker development. Genomic approaches like reduced representation sequencing alleviate marker development issues but produce anonymous loci, and without a reference genome, it is unknown which organism is contributing to the observed patterns. Alternative methods such as bait-capture sequencing targeting Ultra-Conserved Elements are now possible but costly. Thus, RADseq remains attractive, but how useful are these methods for symbiotic anthozoan taxa without a reference genome to separate anthozoan from algal sequences? We explore this through a case-study using a double-digest RADseq dataset for the sea anemone Bartholomea annulata. We assembled a holobiont dataset (3854 loci) for 101 individuals, then used a reference genome to create an aposymbiotic dataset (1402 loci). For both datasets, we investigated population structure and used coalescent simulations to estimate demography and population parameters. We demonstrate complete overlap in the spatial patterns of genetic diversity, demographic histories, and population parameter estimates for holobiont and aposymbiotic datasets. We hypothesize that the unique combination of anthozoan biology, diversity of the endosymbionts, and the manner in which assembly programs identify orthologous loci alleviates the need for reference genomes in some circumstances. We explore this hypothesis by assembling an additional 21 datasets using the assembly programs pyRAD and Stacks. We conclude that RADseq methods are more tractable for symbiotic anthozoans without reference genomes than previously realized.},
}
@article {pmid35432921,
year = {2022},
author = {Darwell, CT and Souto-Vilarós, D and Michalek, J and Boutsi, S and Isua, B and Sisol, M and Kuyaiva, T and Weiblen, G and Křivan, V and Novotny, V and Segar, ST},
title = {Predicting distributions of Wolbachia strains through host ecological contact-Who's manipulating whom?.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {e8826},
pmid = {35432921},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Reproductive isolation in response to divergent selection is often mediated via third-party interactions. Under these conditions, speciation is inextricably linked to ecological context. We present a novel framework for understanding arthropod speciation as mediated by Wolbachia, a microbial endosymbiont capable of causing host cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). We predict that sympatric host sister-species harbor paraphyletic Wolbachia strains that provide CI, while well-defined congeners in ecological contact and recently diverged noninteracting congeners are uninfected due to Wolbachia redundancy. We argue that Wolbachia provides an adaptive advantage when coupled with reduced hybrid fitness, facilitating assortative mating between co-occurring divergent phenotypes-the contact contingency hypothesis. To test this, we applied a predictive algorithm to empirical pollinating fig wasp data, achieving up to 91.60% accuracy. We further postulate that observed temporal decay of Wolbachia incidence results from adaptive host purging-adaptive decay hypothesis-but implementation failed to predict systematic patterns. We then account for post-zygotic offspring mortality during CI mating, modeling fitness clines across developmental resources-the fecundity trade-off hypothesis. This model regularly favored CI despite fecundity losses. We demonstrate that a rules-based algorithm accurately predicts Wolbachia infection status. This has implications among other systems where closely related sympatric species encounter adaptive disadvantage through hybridization.},
}
@article {pmid35437949,
year = {2022},
author = {Zhou, JC and Shang, D and Qian, Q and Zhang, C and Zhang, LS and Dong, H},
title = {Penetrance during Wolbachia-mediated parthenogenesis of Trichogramma wasps is reduced by continuous oviposition, associated with exhaustion of Wolbachia titers in ovary and offspring eggs.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {78},
number = {7},
pages = {3080-3089},
doi = {10.1002/ps.6934},
pmid = {35437949},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program (CAAS-ZDRW202108)/ ; //Fundamental Research Funds for the Universities of Liaoning Province (LR2019061, LJKZ0646)/ ; //Major Projects of China National Tobacco Corporation (110202001032 (LS-01))/ ; //Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province (2020-BS-137)/ ; //Projects of Guizhou Tobacco Corporation (201936, 201937, and 201941)/ ; //Projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China (32102275, 32172476)/ ; //Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province/ ; //Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program/ ; //China National Tobacco Corporation/ ; //National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Ovary ; Oviposition ; Parthenogenesis ; Penetrance ; *Wasps/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Thelytokous Wolbachia-infected Trichogramma wasps are superior to bisexual uninfected wasps regarding biological control programs. However, continuous oviposition weakens the parthenogenesis-inducing (PI) strength of Wolbachia. Whether this reduced PI strength relates to decreases in the titer of Wolbachia in the ovary and offspring eggs of Trichogramma remains unclear. Here, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) methods, we investigated how the penetrance of Wolbachia-mediated parthenogenesis, Wolbachia density, and distributions of two Wolbachia-infected Trichogramma species, T. pretiosum (TP) and T. dendrolimi (TD), were influenced by different host access treatments [newly-emerged virgin females (NE), 7-day-old females without access to host eggs (NAH), and 7-day-old virgin females with access to host eggs (AH)].<br><br>RESULTS: Continuous oviposition decreased Wolbachia PI strength and titers in TP and TD. Continuous oviposition in AH decreased Wolbachia titers in abdomen and offspring eggs of TP and TD females, compared with NAH and NE; NAH had a lower thorax Wolbachia titer than NE. The numbers of parasitized host eggs and offspring wasps, and emergence rates of offspring deposited by AH were lower than those of NE and NAH, for either species.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Weakened PI strength, driven by continuous oviposition in Trichogramma wasps, is associated with Wolbachia titer exhaustion in ovary and offspring eggs. Wolbachia density is dependent on PI strength in Trichogramma wasps, highlighting the side effects of continuous oviposition regarding thelytokous Wolbachia-infected Trichogramma in biological control programs. &#xa9; 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid35445372,
year = {2022},
author = {Patra, G and Ghosh, S and Polley, S and Priyanka, and Borthakur, SK and Choudhary, OP and Arya, RS},
title = {Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Coxiella-like endosymbionts in dogs and ticks infesting dogs in Northeast India.},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {86},
number = {4},
pages = {549-566},
pmid = {35445372},
issn = {1572-9702},
mesh = {Animals ; Coxiella/genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Dogs ; Female ; Male ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Rhipicephalus/genetics ; *Rhipicephalus sanguineus/genetics ; Superoxide Dismutase/genetics ; },
abstract = {An epidemiological study was performed to determine the role of dogs and ticks infesting dogs in the transmission of Q fever in humans and animals from April 2019 to March 2020 in the northeastern hill states of India. In total, 245 pet and stray dogs irrespective of age or sex were sampled, without specific inclusion or exclusion criteria. In total, 478 ticks belonging to three species were detected, namely Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum. The DNA extracted from blood and tick samples was assayed for molecular characterization of Coxiella burnetii targeting the 16S rRNA and superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes. Amplified PCR products were purified, cloned and custom sequenced. PCR assay showed 3.3% (8/245) of the dogs were positive for Coxiella-like bacteria. Coxiella-like bacterial DNA was detected in adult fully engorged females of R. sanguineus (7.7%, 13/168), R. (B.) microplus (3.3%, 4/123) and H. anatolicum (1.9%, 1/54). Coxiella-like bacterial DNA lacked in adult male or nymphal stage. The infection rate did not vary significantly between seasons, nor according to sex or age of the host. Six nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA and SOD genes are discussed.},
}
@article {pmid35446252,
year = {2022},
author = {Quek, S and Cerdeira, L and Jeffries, CL and Tomlinson, S and Walker, T and Hughes, GL and Heinz, E},
title = {Wolbachia endosymbionts in two Anopheles species indicates independent acquisitions and lack of prophage elements.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {8},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {35446252},
issn = {2057-5858},
support = {BB/V011278/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 217303/Z/19/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 101285/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; BB/T001240/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; R01 AI116811/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI138074/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles ; Prophages/genetics ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a genus of obligate bacterial endosymbionts that infect a diverse range of arthropod species as well as filarial nematodes, with its single described species, Wolbachia pipientis , divided into several ‘supergroups’ based on multilocus sequence typing. Wolbachia strains in mosquitoes have been shown to inhibit the transmission of human pathogens, including Plasmodium malaria parasites and arboviruses. Despite their large host range, Wolbachia strains within the major malaria vectors of the Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus complexes appear at low density, established solely on PCR-based methods. Questions have been raised as to whether this represents a true endosymbiotic relationship. However, recent definitive evidence for two distinct, high-density strains of supergroup B Wolbachia within Anopheles demeilloni and Anopheles moucheti has opened exciting possibilities to explore naturally occurring Wolbachia endosymbionts in Anopheles for biocontrol strategies to block Plasmodium transmission. Here, we utilize genomic analyses to demonstrate that both Wolbachia strains have retained all key metabolic and transport pathways despite their smaller genome size, with this reduction potentially attributable to degenerated prophage regions. Even with this reduction, we confirmed the presence of cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) factor genes within both strains, with wAnD maintaining intact copies of these genes while the cifB gene was interrupted in wAnM, so functional analysis is required to determine whether wAnM can induce CI. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis indicates that these Wolbachia strains may have been introduced into these two Anopheles species via horizontal transmission events, rather than by ancestral acquisition and subsequent loss events in the Anopheles gambiae species complex. These are the first Wolbachia genomes, to our knowledge, that enable us to study the relationship between natural strain Plasmodium malaria parasites and their anopheline hosts.},
}
@article {pmid35474066,
year = {2022},
author = {Cournoyer, J and Altman, SD and Gao, YL and Wallace, CL and Zhang, D and Lo, GH and Haskin, NT and Mehta, AP},
title = {Engineering artificial photosynthetic life-forms through endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {2254},
pmid = {35474066},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {R01 GM139949/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Biological Evolution ; Chloroplasts/genetics ; *Cyanobacteria/genetics ; Photosynthesis/genetics ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The evolutionary origin of the photosynthetic eukaryotes drastically altered the evolution of complex lifeforms and impacted global ecology. The endosymbiotic theory suggests that photosynthetic eukaryotes evolved due to endosymbiosis between non-photosynthetic eukaryotic host cells and photosynthetic cyanobacterial or algal endosymbionts. The photosynthetic endosymbionts, propagating within the cytoplasm of the host cells, evolved, and eventually transformed into chloroplasts. Despite the fundamental importance of this evolutionary event, we have minimal understanding of this remarkable evolutionary transformation. Here, we design and engineer artificial, genetically tractable, photosynthetic endosymbiosis between photosynthetic cyanobacteria and budding yeasts. We engineer various mutants of model photosynthetic cyanobacteria as endosymbionts within yeast cells where, the engineered cyanobacteria perform bioenergetic functions to support the growth of yeast cells under defined photosynthetic conditions. We anticipate that these genetically tractable endosymbiotic platforms can be used for evolutionary studies, particularly related to organelle evolution, and also for synthetic biology applications.},
}
@article {pmid35479634,
year = {2022},
author = {Garzón, MJ and Reyes-Prieto, M and Gil, R},
title = {The Minimal Translation Machinery: What We Can Learn From Naturally and Experimentally Reduced Genomes.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {858983},
pmid = {35479634},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The current theoretical proposals of minimal genomes have not attempted to outline the essential machinery for proper translation in cells. Here, we present a proposal of a minimal translation machinery based on (1) a comparative analysis of bacterial genomes of insects' endosymbionts using a machine learning classification algorithm, (2) the empiric genomic information obtained from Mycoplasma mycoides JCVI-syn3.0 the first minimal bacterial genome obtained by design and synthesis, and (3) a detailed functional analysis of the candidate genes based on essentiality according to the DEG database (Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis) and the literature. This proposed minimal translational machinery is composed by 142 genes which must be present in any synthetic prokaryotic cell designed for biotechnological purposes, 76.8% of which are shared with JCVI-syn3.0. Eight additional genes were manually included in the proposal for a proper and efficient translation.},
}
@article {pmid35485184,
year = {2022},
author = {Kaur, R and Singh, S and Joshi, N},
title = {Pervasive Endosymbiont Arsenophonus Plays a Key Role in the Transmission of Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Vectored by Asia II-1 Genetic Group of Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {51},
number = {3},
pages = {564-577},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvac024},
pmid = {35485184},
issn = {1938-2936},
mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Asia ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; *Rifampin/pharmacology ; Symbiosis ; Tetracyclines ; },
abstract = {Insects often coevolved with their mutualistic partners such as gut endosymbionts, which play a key in the physiology of host. Studies on such interactions between Bemisia tabaci and its primary and secondary endosymbionts have gained importance due to their indispensable roles in the biology of this insect. Present study reports the predominance of two secondary endosymbionts, Arsenophonus and Cardinium in the Asia II-1 genetic group of whitefly and elucidates their role in the transmission of its vectored Cotton leaf curl virus. Selective elimination of endosymbionts was optimized using serial concentration of ampicillin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, tetracycline, and rifampicin administered to viruliferous whiteflies through sucrose diet. Primary endosymbiont, Portiera was unresponsive to all the antibiotics, however, rifampicin and tetracycline at 90 μg/ml selectively eliminated Arsenophonus from the whitefly. Elimination of Arsenophonus resulted in significant decrease in virus titer from viruliferous whitefly, further the CLCuV transmission efficiency of these whiteflies was significantly reduced compared to the control flies. Secondary endosymbiont, Cardinium could not be eliminated completely even with higher concentrations of antibiotics. Based on the findings, Arsenophonus plays a key role in the retention and transmission of CLCuV in the Asia II-1 genetic group of B. tabaci, while the role of Cardinium could not be established due to its unresponsiveness to antibiotics.},
}
@article {pmid35486255,
year = {2022},
author = {Oortwijn, T and de Fouw, J and Petersen, JM and van Gils, JA},
title = {Sulfur in lucinid bivalves inhibits intake rates of a molluscivore shorebird.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {199},
number = {1},
pages = {69-78},
pmid = {35486255},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {ALWOP.203//nederlandse organisatie voor wetenschappelijk onderzoek/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bivalvia ; *Charadriiformes ; Ecosystem ; Sulfides ; Sulfur ; },
abstract = {A forager's energy intake rate is usually constrained by a combination of handling time, encounter rate and digestion rate. On top of that, food intake may be constrained when a forager can only process a maximum amount of certain toxic compounds. The latter constraint is well described for herbivores with a limited tolerance to plant secondary metabolites. In sulfidic marine ecosystems, many animals host chemoautotrophic endosymbionts, which store sulfur compounds as an energy resource, potentially making their hosts toxic to predators. The red knot Calidris canutus canutus is a molluscivore shorebird that winters on the mudflats of Banc d'Arguin, where the most abundant bivalve prey Loripes orbiculatus hosts sulfide-oxidizing bacteria. In this system, we studied the potential effect of sulfur on the red knots' intake rates, by offering Loripes with various sulfur content to captive birds. To manipulate toxicity, we starved Loripes for 10 days by removing them from their symbiont's energy source sulfide. As predicted, we found lower sulfur concentrations in starved Loripes. We also included natural variation in sulfur concentrations by offering Loripes collected at two different locations. In both cases lower sulfur levels in Loripes resulted in higher consumption rates in red knots. Over time the red knots increased their intake rates on Loripes, showing their ability to adjust to a higher intake of sulfur.},
}
@article {pmid35490549,
year = {2022},
author = {Noden, BH and Henriquez, BE and Roselli, MA and Loss, SR},
title = {Use of an exclusion assay to detect novel rickettsiae in field collected Amblyomma americanum.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {101959},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101959},
pmid = {35490549},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Amblyomma ; Animals ; Canada ; Dogs ; Humans ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Oklahoma/epidemiology ; *Rickettsia ; *Ticks ; },
abstract = {In the south-central United States, several tick-borne diseases (TbDs) occur at or near their highest levels of incidence of anywhere in the U.S. The diversity of Rickettsia species found in Amblyomma americanum continues to be under-characterized in this region and throughout the U.S. and Canada where this tick species is expanding. One reason for this lack of knowledge about Rickettsia diversity is the high prevalence of the endosymbiont Rickettsia amblyommatis that obscures detection of other bacteria in this genus. Focusing on unknown rickettsial agents, we used a recently described R. amblyommatis exclusion assay to screen 1909 A. americanum collected in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, which resulted in eight ticks that had unique rickettsial sequences. Through the process of characterizing primary and secondary rickettsiae, we identified ticks primarily infected with Rickettsia rhipicephali and a Rickettsia species (2019-CO-FNY) previously linked with a canine rickettsiosis case in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We also identified a Rickettsia agent that was 97% identical with an endosymbiont of Amblyomma tonelliae and which aligned with archaic rickettsial species. Through this study, we further demonstrate the usefulness of this exclusion assay for rapid screening in large cohort A. americanum studies to identify a small number of ticks that contain poorly described and previously undocumented rickettsiae.},
}
@article {pmid35493735,
year = {2022},
author = {Kumar, D and Sharma, SR and Adegoke, A and Kennedy, A and Tuten, HC and Li, AY and Karim, S},
title = {Recently Evolved Francisella-Like Endosymbiont Outcompetes an Ancient and Evolutionarily Associated Coxiella-Like Endosymbiont in the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum) Linked to the Alpha-Gal Syndrome.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {787209},
pmid = {35493735},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Amblyomma ; Animals ; Bacteria ; Coxiella ; *Food Hypersensitivity ; *Francisella/genetics ; Humans ; *Ticks/microbiology ; United States ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ticks are hematophagous arthropods that transmit various bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens of public health significance. The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is an aggressive human-biting tick that transmits bacterial and viral pathogens, and its bites are suspected of eliciting the alpha-gal syndrome, a newly emerged delayed hypersensitivity following consumption of red meat in the United States. While ongoing studies have attempted to investigate the contribution of different tick-inherent factors to the induction of alpha-gal syndrome, an otherwise understudied aspect is the contribution of the tick microbiome and specifically obligate endosymbionts to the establishment of the alpha-gal syndrome in humans.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here we utilized a high-throughput metagenomic sequencing approach to cataloging the entire microbial communities residing within different developmental stages and tissues of unfed and blood-fed ticks from laboratory-maintained ticks and three new geographical locations in the United States. The Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology (QIIME2) pipeline was used to perform data analysis and taxonomic classification. Moreover, using a SparCC (Sparse Correlations for Compositional data) network construction model, we investigated potential interactions between members of the microbial communities from laboratory-maintained and field-collected ticks.<br><br>RESULTS: Overall, Francisellaceae was the most dominant bacteria identified in the microbiome of both laboratory-raised and field-collected Am. americanum across all tissues and developmental stages. Likewise, microbial diversity was seen to be significantly higher in field-collected ticks compared with laboratory-maintained ticks as seen with a higher number of both Operational Taxonomic Units and measures of species richness. Several potential positive and negative correlations were identified from our network analysis. We observed a strong positive correlation between Francisellaceae, Rickettsiaceae, and Midichloriaceae in both developmental stages and tissues from laboratory-maintained ticks, whereas ovarian tissues had a strong positive correlation of bacteria in the family Xanthobacteraceae and Rhizobiaceae. A negative interaction was observed between Coxiellaceae and Francisellaceae in Illinois, and all the bacteria detected from ticks from Delaware were negatively correlated.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study is the first to catalog the microbiome of Am. americanum throughout its developmental stages and different tissue niches and report the potential replacement of Coxiellaceae by Francisellaceae across developmental stages and tissues tested except in ovarian tissues. These unique and significant findings advance our knowledge and open a new avenue of research to further understand the role of tick microbiome in tick-borne diseases and develop a holistic strategy to control alpha-gal syndrome.},
}
@article {pmid35495648,
year = {2022},
author = {Rataj, M and Zhang, T and Vd'ačný, P},
title = {Nuclear and Mitochondrial SSU rRNA Genes Reveal Hidden Diversity of Haptophrya Endosymbionts in Freshwater Planarians and Challenge Their Traditional Classification in Astomatia.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {830951},
pmid = {35495648},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Like many other aquatic animals, freshwater planarians have also become partners of symbiotic ciliates from the class Oligohymenophorea. In the present study, we explored the hidden diversity and addressed the questionable systematic position of mouthless obligatory gut endosymbionts of freshwater planarians, using the nuclear and mitochondrial SSU rRNA genes. Although all isolated ciliates morphologically corresponded to a single species, molecular analyses suggested the existence of three genetically distinct entities: Haptophrya planariarum, Haptophrya dugesiarum nov. spec., and Haptophrya schmidtearum nov. spec. The two former species share the same planarian host, which indicates a speciation model involving one duplication event without host switching. Such a diversification pattern was recognized also in astome ciliates inhabiting megascolecid and glossoscolecid earthworms. The present multi-gene phylogenies along with the secondary structure of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA molecule, however, challenge the traditional classification of Haptophrya within the subclass Astomatia. Haptophrya very likely evolved from an orphan scuticociliate lineage by the loss of oral apparatus and by the transformation of the thigmotactic field into an adhesive sucker. Since astomy evolved multiple times independently within the Oligohymenophorea, the loss of cell mouth cannot be used as a sole argument for the assignment of Haptophrya to the Astomatia anymore.},
}
@article {pmid35499324,
year = {2022},
author = {Yang, Q and Cahn, JKB and Piel, J and Song, YF and Zhang, W and Lin, HW},
title = {Marine Sponge Endosymbionts: Structural and Functional Specificity of the Microbiome within Euryspongia arenaria Cells.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {e0229621},
pmid = {35499324},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Animals ; Lipase/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; *Porifera/genetics/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Sponge microbiomes are typically profiled by analyzing the community DNA of whole tissues, which does not distinguish the taxa residing within sponge cells from extracellular microbes. To uncover the endosymbiotic microbiome, we separated the sponge cells to enrich the intracellular microbes. The intracellular bacterial community of sponge Euryspongia arenaria was initially assessed by amplicon sequencing, which indicated that it hosts three unique phyla not found in the extracellular and bulk tissue microbiomes. These three phyla account for 66% of the taxonomically known genera in the intracellular microbiome. The shotgun metagenomic analysis extended the taxonomic coverage to viruses and eukaryotes, revealing the most abundant signature taxa specific to the intracellular microbiome. Functional KEGG pathway annotation demonstrated that the endosymbiotic microbiome hosted the greatest number of unique gene orthologs. The pathway profiles distinguished the intra- and extracellular microbiomes from the tissue and seawater microbiomes. Carbohydrate-active enzyme analysis further discriminated each microbiome based on their representative and dominant enzyme families. One pathway involved in digestion system and family esterase had a consistently higher level in intracellular microbiome and could statistically differentiate the intracellular microbiome from the others, suggesting that triacylglycerol lipases could be the key functional component peculiar to the endosymbionts. The identified higher abundance of lipase-related eggNOG categories further supported the lipid-hydrolyzing metabolism of endosymbiotic microbiota. Pseudomonas members, reported as lipase-producing bacteria, were only in the endosymbiotic microbiome, meanwhile Pseudomonas also showed a greater abundance intracellularly. Our study aided a comprehensive sponge microbiome that demonstrated the taxonomic and functional specificity of endosymbiotic microbiota. IMPORTANCE Sponges host abundant microbial symbionts that can produce an impressive number of novel bioactive metabolites. However, knowledge on intracellular (endosymbiotic) microbiota is scarce. We characterize the composition and function of the endosymbiotic microbiome by separation of sponge cells and enrichment of intracellular microbes. We uncover a noteworthy number of taxa exclusively in the endosymbiotic microbiome. We unlock the unique pathways and enzymes of endosymbiotic taxa. This study achieves a more comprehensive sponge microbial community profile, which demonstrates the structural and functional specificity of the endosymbiotic microbiome. Our findings not only open the possibility to reveal the low abundant and the likely missed microbiota when directly sequencing the sponge bulk tissues, but also warrant future in-depth exploration within single sponge cells.},
}
@article {pmid35503212,
year = {2022},
author = {Scott, H and Davies, GJ and Armstrong, Z},
title = {The structure of Phocaeicola vulgatus sialic acid acetylesterase.},
journal = {Acta crystallographica. Section D, Structural biology},
volume = {78},
number = {Pt 5},
pages = {647-657},
pmid = {35503212},
issn = {2059-7983},
support = {BB/R001162/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Acetylation ; *Acetylesterase/chemistry/metabolism ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Bacteroides ; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases ; Humans ; *N-Acetylneuraminic Acid/metabolism ; Sialic Acids/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Sialic acids terminate many N- and O-glycans and are widely distributed on cell surfaces. There are a diverse range of enzymes which interact with these sugars throughout the tree of life. They can act as receptors for influenza and specific betacoronaviruses in viral binding and their cleavage is important in virion release. Sialic acids are also exploited by both commensal and pathogenic bacteria for nutrient acquisition. A common modification of sialic acid is 9-O-acetylation, which can limit the action of sialidases. Some bacteria, including human endosymbionts, employ esterases to overcome this modification. However, few bacterial sialic acid 9-O-acetylesterases (9-O-SAEs) have been structurally characterized. Here, the crystal structure of a 9-O-SAE from Phocaeicola vulgatus (PvSAE) is reported. The structure of PvSAE was determined to resolutions of 1.44 and 2.06 Å using crystals from two different crystallization conditions. Structural characterization revealed PvSAE to be a dimer with an SGNH fold, named after the conserved sequence motif of this family, and a Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad. These structures also reveal flexibility in the most N-terminal α-helix, which provides a barrier to active-site accessibility. Biochemical assays also show that PvSAE deacetylates both mucin and the acetylated chromophore para-nitrophenyl acetate. This structural and biochemical characterization of PvSAE furthers the understanding of 9-O-SAEs and may aid in the discovery of small molecules targeting this class of enzyme.},
}
@article {pmid35508975,
year = {2022},
author = {Johnson, JV and Dick, JTA and Pincheira-Donoso, D},
title = {Marine protected areas do not buffer corals from bleaching under global warming.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {58},
pmid = {35508975},
issn = {2730-7182},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Bayes Theorem ; Coral Reefs ; Ecosystem ; Global Warming/prevention &amp; control ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The rising temperature of the oceans has been identified as the primary driver of mass coral reef declines via coral bleaching (expulsion of photosynthetic endosymbionts). Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been implemented throughout the oceans with the aim of mitigating the impact of local stressors, enhancing fish biomass, and sustaining biodiversity overall. In coral reef regions specifically, protection from local stressors and the enhanced ecosystem function contributed by MPAs are expected to increase coral resistance to global-scale stressors such as marine heatwaves. However, MPAs still suffer from limitations in design, or fail to be adequately enforced, potentially reducing their intended efficacy. Here, we address the hypothesis that the local-scale benefits resulting from MPAs moderate coral bleaching under global warming related stress.<br><br>RESULTS: Bayesian analyses reveal that bleaching is expected to occur in both larger and older MPAs when corals are under thermal stress from marine heatwaves (quantified as Degree Heating Weeks, DHW), but this is partially moderated in comparison to the effects of DHW alone. Further analyses failed to identify differences in bleaching prevalence in MPAs relative to non-MPAs for coral reefs experiencing different levels of thermal stress. Finally, no difference in temperatures where bleaching occurs between MPA and non-MPA sites was found.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that bleaching is likely to occur under global warming regardless of protected status. Thus, while protected areas have key roles for maintaining ecosystem function and local livelihoods, combatting the source of global warming remains the best way to prevent the decline of coral reefs via coral bleaching.},
}
@article {pmid35517715,
year = {2022},
author = {Kačar, D and Schleissner, C and Cañedo, LM and Rodríguez, P and de la Calle, F and Cuevas, C and Galán, B and García, JL},
title = {In vivo production of pederin by labrenzin pathway expansion.},
journal = {Metabolic engineering communications},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e00198},
pmid = {35517715},
issn = {2214-0301},
abstract = {Pederin is a potent polyketide toxin that causes severe skin lesions in humans after contact with insects of genus Paederus. Due to its potent anticancer activities, pederin family compounds have raised the interest of pharmaceutical industry. Despite the extensive studies on the cluster of biosynthetic genes responsible for the production of pederin, it has not yet been possible to isolate and cultivate its bacterial endosymbiont producer. However, the marine bacterium Labrenzia sp. PHM005 was recently reported to produce labrenzin, the closest pederin analog. By cloning a synthetic pedO gene encoding one of the three O-methyltraferase of the pederin cluster into Labrenzia sp. PHM005 we have been able to produce pederin for the first time by fermentation in the new recombinant strain.},
}
@article {pmid35521555,
year = {2022},
author = {Moustafa, MAM and Mohamed, WMA and Lau, ACC and Chatanga, E and Qiu, Y and Hayashi, N and Naguib, D and Sato, K and Takano, A and Matsuno, K and Nonaka, N and Taylor, D and Kawabata, H and Nakao, R},
title = {Novel symbionts and potential human pathogens excavated from argasid tick microbiomes that are shaped by dual or single symbiosis.},
journal = {Computational and structural biotechnology journal},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {1979-1992},
pmid = {35521555},
issn = {2001-0370},
abstract = {Research on vector-associated microbiomes has been expanding due to increasing emergence of vector-borne pathogens and awareness of the importance of symbionts in the vector physiology. However, little is known about microbiomes of argasid (or soft-bodied) ticks due to limited access to specimens. We collected four argasid species (Argas japonicus, Carios vespertilionis, Ornithodoros capensis, and Ornithodoros sawaii) from the nests or burrows of their vertebrate hosts. One laboratory-reared argasid species (Ornithodoros moubata) was also included. Attempts were then made to isolate and characterize potential symbionts/pathogens using arthropod cell lines. Microbial community structure was distinct for each tick species. Coxiella was detected as the predominant symbiont in four tick species where dual symbiosis between Coxiella and Rickettsia or Coxiella and Francisella was observed in C. vespertilionis and O. moubata, respectively. Of note, A. japonicus lacked Coxiella and instead had Occidentia massiliensis and Thiotrichales as alternative symbionts. Our study found strong correlation between tick species and life stage. We successfully isolated Oc. massiliensis and characterized potential pathogens of genera Ehrlichia and Borrelia. The results suggest that there is no consistent trend of microbiomes in relation to tick life stage that fit all tick species and that the final interpretation should be related to the balance between environmental bacterial exposure and endosymbiont ecology. Nevertheless, our findings provide insights on the ecology of tick microbiomes and basis for future investigations on the capacity of argasid ticks to carry novel pathogens with public health importance.},
}
@article {pmid35526060,
year = {2022},
author = {Hildebrand, J and Perec-Matysiak, A and Popiołek, M and Merta, D and Myśliwy, I and Buńkowska-Gawlik, K},
title = {A molecular survey of spotted fever group rickettsiae in introduced raccoons (Procyon lotor).},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {162},
pmid = {35526060},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {2018/02/X/NZ6/01983//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; Phylogeny ; Raccoons ; *Rickettsia ; *Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis ; *Ticks ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The raccoon Procyon lotor (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora; Procyonidae) is one of the most important and most intensively studied invasive mammal species in Europe. Within the last 30 years the raccoon has spread at an increasing rate, resulting in the establishment of local populations in various regions of Europe. In these newly colonised areas, gaps in knowledge of the raccoon's biology concern not only most aspects of its ecology in a broad sense, but also its pathogens and parasites. Most micropathogens recorded hitherto in the raccoons that have colonised Europe have documented epizootic and zoonotic potential. Thus, it is considered especially important to investigate the role played by the raccoon in the spread of pathogens through both animal-animal and animal-human pathways.<br><br>METHODS: Tissue samples of raccoons from Poland and Germany were examined in this study. In total, 384 tissue samples from 220 raccoons (170 spleen samples, 82 liver biopsies, 132 ear biopsies) were examined using molecular methods. The presence of Rickettsia spp. DNA was screened through amplification of a fragment of the gltA gene. Samples that were PCR positive for gltA were tested for other rickettsial genes, ompB and a 17-kDa antigen. For taxonomic purposes, the obtained sequences were compared with corresponding sequences deposited in GenBank using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted using Bayesian inference implemented in MrBayes software.<br><br>RESULTS: Rickettsia DNA was confirmed only in skin biopsies; no isolates from the spleen or liver were positive for Rickettsia DNA. With the exception of one sample from Germany, which was positive for Rickettsia helvetica DNA, all the samples positive for Rickettsia DNA derived from the Polish population of raccoons. DNA of Rickettsia spp. was detected in 25 samples, i.e. 11.4% of the tested raccoons, and R. helvetica was confirmed in 52% of the positive samples. Additionally, single cases of Rickettsia monacensis, Rickettsia raoultii, and Candidatus Rickettsia kotlanii-like were found, and in 32% of all the positive samples similarity was shown to different Rickettsia endosymbionts. Out of the samples that tested positive for gltA, amplicons of ompB and 17&#xa0;kDa were successfully sequenced from 14 and three samples, respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this study provides, for the first time, evidence of the occurrence of Rickettsia pathogens and endosymbionts in the European population of raccoons. Further, broader research on different species of wild vertebrates, and ticks, as potential vectors and hosts for tick-borne pathogens, in natural as well as in peri-urban environments, is therefore required.},
}
@article {pmid35532932,
year = {2022},
author = {Strunov, A and Lerch, S and Blanckenhorn, WU and Miller, WJ and Kapun, M},
title = {Complex effects of environment and Wolbachia infections on the life history of Drosophila melanogaster hosts.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {35},
number = {6},
pages = {788-802},
pmid = {35532932},
issn = {1420-9101},
support = {P 32275/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; Female ; Fertility ; Longevity ; Male ; Reproduction ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia bacteria are common endosymbionts of many arthropods found in gonads and various somatic tissues. They manipulate host reproduction to enhance their transmission and confer complex effects on fitness-related traits. Some of these effects can serve to increase the survival and transmission efficiency of Wolbachia in the host population. The Wolbachia-Drosophila melanogaster system represents a powerful model to study the evolutionary dynamics of host-microbe interactions and infections. Over the past decades, there has been a replacement of the ancestral wMelCS Wolbachia variant by the more recent wMel variant in worldwide D. melanogaster populations, but the reasons remain unknown. To investigate how environmental change and genetic variation of the symbiont affect host developmental and adult life-history traits, we compared effects of both Wolbachia variants and uninfected controls in wild-caught D. melanogaster strains at three developmental temperatures. While Wolbachia did not influence any developmental life-history traits, we found that both lifespan and fecundity of host females were increased without apparent fitness trade-offs. Interestingly, wMelCS-infected flies were more fecund than uninfected and wMel-infected flies. By contrast, males infected with wMel died sooner, indicating sex-specific effects of infection that are specific to the Wolbachia variant. Our study uncovered complex temperature-specific effects of Wolbachia infections, which suggests that symbiont-host interactions in nature are strongly dependent on the genotypes of both partners and the thermal environment.},
}
@article {pmid35547116,
year = {2022},
author = {Weyandt, N and Aghdam, SA and Brown, AMV},
title = {Discovery of Early-Branching Wolbachia Reveals Functional Enrichment on Horizontally Transferred Genes.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {867392},
pmid = {35547116},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Wolbachia is a widespread endosymbiont of insects and filarial nematodes that profoundly influences host biology. Wolbachia has also been reported in rhizosphere hosts, where its diversity and function remain poorly characterized. The discovery that plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) host Wolbachia strains with unknown roles is of interest evolutionarily, ecologically, and for agriculture as a potential target for developing new biological controls. The goal of this study was to screen communities for PPN endosymbionts and analyze genes and genomic patterns that might indicate their role. Genome assemblies revealed 1 out of 16 sampled sites had nematode communities hosting a Wolbachia strain, designated wTex, that has highly diverged as one of the early supergroup L strains. Genome features, gene repertoires, and absence of known genes for cytoplasmic incompatibility, riboflavin, biotin, and other biosynthetic functions placed wTex between mutualist C + D strains and reproductive parasite A + B strains. Functional terms enriched in group L included protoporphyrinogen IX, thiamine, lysine, fatty acid, and cellular amino acid biosynthesis, while dN/dS analysis suggested the strongest purifying selection on arginine and lysine metabolism, and vitamin B6, heme, and zinc ion binding, suggesting these as candidate roles in PPN Wolbachia. Higher dN/dS pathways between group L, wPni from aphids, wFol from springtails, and wCfeT from cat fleas suggested distinct functional changes characterizing these early Wolbachia host transitions. PPN Wolbachia had several putative horizontally transferred genes, including a lysine biosynthesis operon like that of the mitochondrial symbiont Midichloria, a spirochete-like thiamine synthesis operon shared only with wCfeT, an ATP/ADP carrier important in Rickettsia, and a eukaryote-like gene that may mediate plant systemic acquired resistance through the lysine-to-pipecolic acid system. The Discovery of group L-like variants from global rhizosphere databases suggests diverse PPN Wolbachia strains remain to be discovered. These findings support the hypothesis of plant-specialization as key to shaping early Wolbachia evolution and present new functional hypotheses, demonstrating promise for future genomics-based rhizosphere screens.},
}
@article {pmid35548046,
year = {2022},
author = {Ben Said, M and Diaz Sanchez, S and Bastos, A and Silaghi, C},
title = {Editorial: Current Knowledge on Pathogenic and Endosymbiotic Tick-Borne Bacteria.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {900510},
doi = {10.3389/fvets.2022.900510},
pmid = {35548046},
issn = {2297-1769},
}
@article {pmid35560029,
year = {2022},
author = {Thayanukul, P and Lertanantawong, B and Sirawaraporn, W and Charasmongkolcharoen, S and Chaibun, T and Jittungdee, R and Kittayapong, P},
title = {Simple, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of wAlbB Wolbachia in Aedes mosquitoes, using loop mediated isothermal amplification combined with the electrochemical biosensing method.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {16},
number = {5},
pages = {e0009600},
pmid = {35560029},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {*Aedes/genetics ; Animals ; *Arbovirus Infections ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Humans ; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ; Mosquito Vectors ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is an endosymbiont bacterium generally found in about 40% of insects, including mosquitoes, but it is absent in Aedes aegypti which is an important vector of several arboviral diseases. The evidence that Wolbachia trans-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes lost their vectorial competence and became less capable of transmitting arboviruses to human hosts highlights the potential of using Wolbachia-based approaches for prevention and control of arboviral diseases. Recently, release of Wolbachia trans-infected Ae. aegypti has been deployed widely in many countries for the control of mosquito-borne viral diseases. Field surveillance and monitoring of Wolbachia presence in released mosquitoes is important for the success of these control programs. So far, a number of studies have reported the development of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays to detect Wolbachia in mosquitoes, but the methods still have some specificity and cost issues.<br><br>We describe here the development of a LAMP assay combined with the DNA strand displacement-based electrochemical sensor (BIOSENSOR) method to detect wAlbB Wolbachia in trans-infected Ae. aegypti. Our developed LAMP primers used a low-cost dye detecting system and 4 oligo nucleotide primers which can reduce the cost of analysis while the specificity is comparable to the previous methods. The detection capacity of our LAMP technique was 1.4 nM and the detection limit reduced to 2.2 fM when combined with the BIOSENSOR. Our study demonstrates that a BIOSENSOR can also be applied as a stand-alone method for detecting Wolbachia; and it showed high sensitivity when used with the crude DNA extracts of macerated mosquito samples without DNA purification.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that both LAMP and BIOSENSOR, either used in combination or stand-alone, are robust and sensitive. The methods have good potential for routine detection of Wolbachia in mosquitoes during field surveillance and monitoring of Wolbachia-based release programs, especially in countries with limited resources.},
}
@article {pmid35561259,
year = {2022},
author = {Zhou, W and Zhang, X and Wang, A and Yang, L and Gan, Q and Yi, L and Summons, RE and Volkman, JK and Lu, Y},
title = {Widespread Sterol Methyltransferase Participates in the Biosynthesis of Both C4α- and C4β-Methyl Sterols.},
journal = {Journal of the American Chemical Society},
volume = {144},
number = {20},
pages = {9023-9032},
pmid = {35561259},
issn = {1520-5126},
mesh = {Eukaryota/metabolism ; Eukaryotic Cells/metabolism ; *Methyltransferases/metabolism ; Oxidoreductases ; *Sterols ; },
abstract = {The 4-methyl steranes serve as molecular fossils and are used for studying both eukaryotic evolution and geological history. The occurrence of 4α-methyl steranes in sediments has long been considered evidence of products of partial demethylation mediated by sterol methyl oxidases (SMOs), while 4β-methyl steranes are attributed entirely to diagenetic generation from 4α-methyl steroids since possible biological sources of their precursor 4β-methyl sterols are unknown. Here, we report a previously unknown C4-methyl sterol biosynthetic pathway involving a sterol methyltransferase rather than the SMOs. We show that both C4α- and C4β-methyl sterols are end products of the sterol biosynthetic pathway in an endosymbiont of reef corals, Breviolum minutum, while this mechanism exists not only in dinoflagellates but also in eukaryotes from alveolates, haptophytes, and aschelminthes. Our discovery provides a previously untapped route for the generation of C4-methyl steranes and overturns the paradigm that all 4β-methyl steranes are diagenetically generated from the 4α isomers. This may facilitate the interpretation of molecular fossils and understanding of the evolution of eukaryotic life in general.},
}
@article {pmid35563303,
year = {2022},
author = {Buerger, P and Vanstone, RT and Maire, J and van Oppen, MJH},
title = {Long-Term Heat Selection of the Coral Endosymbiont Cladocopium C1[acro] (Symbiodiniaceae) Stabilizes Associated Bacterial Communities.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {23},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {35563303},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {FL180100036//Australian Research Council/ ; Research Office Postdoctoral Fellowship//CSIRO/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Coral Reefs ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics ; Hot Temperature ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Heat-tolerant strains of the coral endosymbiont, Cladocopium C1[acro] (Symbiodiniaceae), have previously been developed via experimental evolution. Here, we examine physiological responses and bacterial community composition (using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding) in cultures of 10 heat-evolved (SS) and 9 wild-type (WT) strains, which had been exposed for 6 years to 31 °C and 27 °C, respectively. We also examine whether the associated bacterial communities were affected by a three-week reciprocal transplantation to both temperatures. The SS strains had bacterial communities with lower diversities that showed more stability and lower variability when exposed to elevated temperatures compared with the WT strains. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of the bacterial genera Labrenzia, Algiphilus, Hyphobacterium and Roseitalea were significantly more associated with the SS strains compared with the WT strains. WT strains showed higher abundance of ASVs assigned to the genera Fabibacter and Tropicimonas. We hypothesize that these compositional differences in associated bacterial communities between SS and WT strains also contribute to the thermal tolerance of the microalgae. Future research should explore functional potential between bacterial communities using metagenomics to unravel specific genomic adaptations.},
}
@article {pmid35563511,
year = {2022},
author = {Parejo, S and Cabrera, JJ and Jiménez-Leiva, A and Tomás-Gallardo, L and Bedmar, EJ and Gates, AJ and Mesa, S},
title = {Fine-Tuning Modulation of Oxidation-Mediated Posttranslational Control of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens FixK2 Transcription Factor.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {23},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {35563511},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {AGL2015-63651-P//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci&#xf3;n, Spain/ ; PID2020-114330GB-100//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci&#xf3;n, Spain/ ; P12-AGR-1968//Junta de Andaluc&#xed;a/ ; P18-RT-1401//Junta de Andaluc&#xed;a/ ; FPU2015/04716//Ministerio de Educaci&#xf3;n, Cultura y Deporte/ ; BB/M00256X/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/S008942/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Bradyrhizobium/metabolism ; DNA/metabolism ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Glycine max/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Transcription Factors/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {FixK2 is a CRP/FNR-type transcription factor that plays a central role in a sophisticated regulatory network for the anoxic, microoxic and symbiotic lifestyles of the soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens. Aside from the balanced expression of the fixK2 gene under microoxic conditions (induced by the two-component regulatory system FixLJ and negatively auto-repressed), FixK2 activity is posttranslationally controlled by proteolysis, and by the oxidation of a singular cysteine residue (C183) near its DNA-binding domain. To simulate the permanent oxidation of FixK2, we replaced C183 for aspartic acid. Purified C183D FixK2 protein showed both low DNA binding and in vitro transcriptional activation from the promoter of the fixNOQP operon, required for respiration under symbiosis. However, in a B. diazoefficiens strain coding for C183D FixK2, expression of a fixNOQP'-'lacZ fusion was similar to that in the wild type, when both strains were grown microoxically. The C183D FixK2 encoding strain also showed a wild-type phenotype in symbiosis with soybeans, and increased fixK2 gene expression levels and FixK2 protein abundance in cells. These two latter observations, together with the global transcriptional profile of the microoxically cultured C183D FixK2 encoding strain, suggest the existence of a finely tuned regulatory strategy to counterbalance the oxidation-mediated inactivation of FixK2 in vivo.},
}
@article {pmid35572673,
year = {2022},
author = {Xiang, LG and Wang, HC and Wang, F and Cai, LT and Li, WH and Hsiang, T and Yu, ZH},
title = {Analysis of Phyllosphere Microorganisms and Potential Pathogens of Tobacco Leaves.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {843389},
pmid = {35572673},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {In the tobacco phyllosphere, some of the microbes may have detrimental effects on plant health, while many may be neutral or even beneficial. Some cannot be cultivated, so culture-independent methods are needed to explore microbial diversity. In this study, both metagenetic analysis and traditional culture-dependent methods were used on asymptomatic healthy leaves and symptomatic diseased leaves of tobacco plants. In the culture-independent analysis, asymptomatic leaves had higher microbial diversity and richness than symptomatic leaves. Both asymptomatic and symptomatic leaves contained several potentially pathogenic bacterial and fungal genera. The putative bacterial pathogens, such as species of Pseudomonas, Pantoea, or Ralstonia, and putative fungal pathogens, such as species of Phoma, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Fusarium, Corynespora, and Epicoccum, had a higher relative abundance in symptomatic leaves than asymptomatic leaves. FUNGuild analysis indicated that the foliar fungal community also included endophytes, saprotrophs, epiphytes, parasites, and endosymbionts. PICRUSt analysis showed that the dominant functions of the bacterial community in a symptomatic leaf were cellular processes and environmental information processing. In the other five foliar samples, the dominant functions of the bacterial community were genetic information processing, metabolism, and organismal systems. In the traditional culture-dependent method, 47 fungal strains were isolated from 60 symptomatic tobacco leaf fragments bearing leaf spots. Among them, 21 strains of Colletotrichum (29%), Xylariaceae (14%), Corynespora (14%), Pestalotiopsis (10%), Alternaria (10%), Epicoccum (10%), Byssosphaeria (5%), Phoma (5%), and Diaporthe (5%) all fulfilled Koch's postulates and were found to cause disease on detached tobacco leaves in artificial inoculation tests. Symptoms on detached leaves caused by three strains of Corynespora cassiicola in artificial inoculation tests were similar to the original disease symptoms in the tobacco field. This study showed that the combined application of culture-dependent and independent methods could give comprehensive insights into microbial composition that each method alone did not reveal.},
}
@article {pmid35573785,
year = {2022},
author = {Elaagip, A and Absalon, S and Florentin, A},
title = {Apicoplast Dynamics During Plasmodium Cell Cycle.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {864819},
pmid = {35573785},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Animals ; *Apicoplasts/genetics/metabolism ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Division ; Humans ; *Malaria, Falciparum/metabolism ; *Parasites/metabolism ; *Plasmodium/metabolism ; Plasmodium falciparum/genetics ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {The deadly malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, contains a unique subcellular organelle termed the apicoplast, which is a clinically-proven antimalarial drug target. The apicoplast is a plastid with essential metabolic functions that evolved via secondary endosymbiosis. As an ancient endosymbiont, the apicoplast retained its own genome and it must be inherited by daughter cells during cell division. During the asexual replication of P. falciparum inside human red blood cells, both the parasite, and the apicoplast inside it, undergo massive morphological changes, including DNA replication and division. The apicoplast is an integral part of the cell and thus its development is tightly synchronized with the cell cycle. At the same time, certain aspects of its dynamics are independent of nuclear division, representing a degree of autonomy in organelle biogenesis. Here, we review the different aspects of organelle dynamics during P. falciparum intraerythrocytic replication, summarize our current understanding of these processes, and describe the many open questions in this area of parasite basic cell biology.},
}
@article {pmid35579457,
year = {2022},
author = {Chaput, G and Ford, J and DeDiego, L and Narayanan, A and Tam, WY and Whalen, M and Huntemann, M and Clum, A and Spunde, A and Pillay, M and Palaniappan, K and Varghese, N and Mikhailova, N and Chen, IM and Stamatis, D and Reddy, TBK and O'Malley, R and Daum, C and Shapiro, N and Ivanova, N and Kyrpides, NC and Woyke, T and Glavina Del Rio, T and DeAngelis, KM},
title = {Sodalis ligni Strain 159R Isolated from an Anaerobic Lignin-Degrading Consortium.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {e0234621},
pmid = {35579457},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Anaerobiosis ; Animals ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/metabolism ; *Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; *Lignin/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Novel bacterial isolates with the capabilities of lignin depolymerization, catabolism, or both, could be pertinent to lignocellulosic biofuel applications. In this study, we aimed to identify anaerobic bacteria that could address the economic challenges faced with microbial-mediated biotechnologies, such as the need for aeration and mixing. Using a consortium seeded from temperate forest soil and enriched under anoxic conditions with organosolv lignin as the sole carbon source, we successfully isolated a novel bacterium, designated 159R. Based on the 16S rRNA gene, the isolate belongs to the genus Sodalis in the family Bruguierivoracaceae. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 6.38 Mbp and a GC content of 55 mol%. To resolve the phylogenetic position of 159R, its phylogeny was reconstructed using (i) 16S rRNA genes of its closest relatives, (ii) multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of 100 genes, (iii) 49 clusters of orthologous groups (COG) domains, and (iv) 400 conserved proteins. Isolate 159R was closely related to the deadwood associated Sodalis guild rather than the tsetse fly and other insect endosymbiont guilds. Estimated genome-sequence-based digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), genome percentage of conserved proteins (POCP), and an alignment analysis between 159R and the Sodalis clade species further supported that isolate 159R was part of the Sodalis genus and a strain of Sodalis ligni. We proposed the name Sodalis ligni str. 159R (=DSM 110549 = ATCC TSD-177). IMPORTANCE Currently, in the paper industry, paper mill pulping relies on unsustainable and costly processes to remove lignin from lignocellulosic material. A greener approach is biopulping, which uses microbes and their enzymes to break down lignin. However, there are limitations to biopulping that prevent it from outcompeting other pulping processes, such as requiring constant aeration and mixing. Anaerobic bacteria are a promising alternative source for consolidated depolymerization of lignin and its conversion to valuable by-products. We presented Sodalis ligni str. 159R and its characteristics as another example of potential mechanisms that can be developed for lignocellulosic applications.},
}
@article {pmid35581290,
year = {2022},
author = {Gomes, TMFF and Wallau, GL and Loreto, ELS},
title = {Multiple long-range host shifts of major Wolbachia supergroups infecting arthropods.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {8131},
pmid = {35581290},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods/genetics/microbiology ; Female ; Insecta/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a genus of intracellular bacterial endosymbionts found in 20-66% of all insect species and a range of other invertebrates. It is classified as a single species, Wolbachia pipientis, divided into supergroups A to U, with supergroups A and B infecting arthropods exclusively. Wolbachia is transmitted mainly via vertical transmission through female oocytes, but can also be transmitted across different taxa by host shift (HS): the direct transmission of Wolbachia cells between organisms without involving vertically transmitted gametic cells. To assess the HS contribution, we recovered 50 orthologous genes from over 1000 Wolbachia genomes, reconstructed their phylogeny and calculated gene similarity. Of 15 supergroup A Wolbachia lineages, 10 have similarities ranging from 95 to 99.9%, while their hosts' similarities are around 60 to 80%. For supergroup B, four out of eight lineages, which infect diverse and distantly-related organisms such as Acari, Hemiptera and Diptera, showed similarities from 93 to 97%. These results show that Wolbachia genomes have a much higher similarity when compared to their hosts' genes, which is a major indicator of HS. Our comparative genomic analysis suggests that, at least for supergroups A and B, HS is more frequent than expected, occurring even between distantly-related species.},
}
@article {pmid35587930,
year = {2022},
author = {Benyedem, H and Lekired, A and Mhadhbi, M and Dhibi, M and Romdhane, R and Chaari, S and Rekik, M and Ouzari, HI and Hajji, T and Darghouth, MA},
title = {First insights into the microbiome of Tunisian Hyalomma ticks gained through next-generation sequencing with a special focus on H. scupense.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {e0268172},
pmid = {35587930},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; *Francisella/genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; *Ixodidae/genetics/microbiology ; *Microbiota/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Ticks/genetics ; },
abstract = {Ticks are one of the most important vectors of several pathogens affecting humans and animals. In addition to pathogens, ticks carry diverse microbiota of symbiotic and commensal microorganisms. In this study, we have investigated the first Tunisian insight into the microbial composition of the most dominant Hyalomma species infesting Tunisian cattle and explored the relative contribution of tick sex, life stage, and species to the diversity, richness and bacterial species of tick microbiome. In this regard, next generation sequencing for the 16S rRNA (V3-V4 region) of tick bacterial microbiota and metagenomic analysis were established. The analysis of the bacterial diversity reveals that H. marginatum and H. excavatum have greater diversity than H. scupense. Furthermore, microbial diversity and composition vary according to the tick's life stage and sex in the specific case of H. scupense. The endosymbionts Francisella, Midichloria mitochondrii, and Rickettsia were shown to be the most prevalent in Hyalomma spp. Rickettsia, Francisella, Ehrlichia, and Erwinia are the most common zoonotic bacteria found in Hyalomma ticks. Accordingly, Hyalomma ticks could represent potential vectors for these zoonotic bacterial agents.},
}
@article {pmid35588270,
year = {2022},
author = {Bashir, F and Kovács, S and Ábrahám, &#xc1; and Nagy, K and Ayaydin, F and Valkony-Kelemen, I and Ferenc, G and Galajda, P and Tóth, SZ and Sass, L and Kós, PB and Vass, I and Szabó, M},
title = {Viable protoplast formation of the coral endosymbiont alga Symbiodinium spp. in a microfluidics platform.},
journal = {Lab on a chip},
volume = {22},
number = {16},
pages = {2986-2999},
doi = {10.1039/d2lc00130f},
pmid = {35588270},
issn = {1473-0189},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology ; Microfluidics ; Protoplasts ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Singlet Oxygen ; },
abstract = {Symbiodiniaceae is an important dinoflagellate family which lives in endosymbiosis with reef invertebrates, including coral polyps, making them central to the holobiont. With coral reefs currently under extreme threat from climate change, there is a pressing need to improve our understanding on the stress tolerance and stress avoidance mechanisms of Symbiodinium spp. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as singlet oxygen are central players in mediating various stress responses; however, the detection of ROS using specific dyes is still far from definitive in intact Symbiodinium cells due to the hindrance of uptake of certain fluorescent dyes because of the presence of the cell wall. Protoplast technology provides a promising platform for studying oxidative stress with the main advantage of removed cell wall, however the preparation of viable protoplasts remains a significant challenge. Previous studies have successfully applied cellulose-based protoplast preparation in Symbiodiniaceae; however, the protoplast formation and regeneration process was found to be suboptimal. Here, we present a microfluidics-based platform which allowed protoplast isolation from individually trapped Symbiodinium cells, by using a precisely adjusted flow of cell wall digestion enzymes (cellulase and macerozyme). Trapped single cells exhibited characteristic changes in their morphology, cessation of cell division and a slight decrease in photosynthetic activity during protoplast formation. Following digestion and transfer to regeneration medium, protoplasts remained photosynthetically active, regrew cell walls, regained motility, and entered exponential growth. Elevated flow rates in the microfluidic chambers resulted in somewhat faster protoplast formation; however, cell wall digestion at higher flow rates partially compromised photosynthetic activity. Physiologically competent protoplasts prepared from trapped cells in microfluidic chambers allowed for the first time the visualization of the intracellular localization of singlet oxygen (using Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green dye) in Symbiodiniaceae, potentially opening new avenues for studying oxidative stress.},
}
@article {pmid35591984,
year = {2022},
author = {Quach, QN and Gardner, DR and Clay, K and Cook, D},
title = {Phylogenetic Patterns of Swainsonine Presence in Morning Glories.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {871148},
pmid = {35591984},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Endosymbionts play important roles in the life cycles of many macro-organisms. The indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine is produced by heritable fungi that occurs in diverse plant families, such as locoweeds (Fabaceae) and morning glories (Convolvulaceae) plus two species of Malvaceae. Swainsonine is known for its toxic effects on livestock following the ingestion of locoweeds and the potential for pharmaceutical applications. We sampled and tested herbarium seed samples (n = 983) from 244 morning glory species for the presence of swainsonine and built a phylogeny based on available internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of the sampled species. We show that swainsonine occurs only in a single morning glory clade and host species are established on multiple continents. Our results further indicate that this symbiosis developed ∼5 mya and that swainsonine-positive species have larger seeds than their uninfected conspecifics.},
}
@article {pmid35591989,
year = {2022},
author = {Wang, R and Dong, L and Chen, Y and Wang, S and Qu, L},
title = {Third Generation Genome Sequencing Reveals That Endobacteria in Nematophagous Fungi Esteya vermicola Contain Multiple Genes Encoding for Nematicidal Proteins.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {842684},
pmid = {35591989},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Esteya vermicola is the first recorded endoparasitic nematophagous fungus with high infectivity capacity, attacking the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus which causes pine wilt disease. Endosymbionts are found in the cytoplasm of E. vermicola from various geographical areas. We sequenced the genome of endobacteria residing in E. vermicola to discover possible biological functions of these widespread endobacteria. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses showed that the endobacteria form a previously unidentified lineage sister to Phyllobacterium myrsinacearum species. The number of genes in the endobacterium was 4542, with 87.8% of the proteins having a known function. It contained a high proportion of repetitive sequences, as well as more Acyl-CoA synthetase genes and genes encoding the electron transport chain, compared with compared with plant-associated P. zundukense Tri 48 and P. myrsinacearum DSM 5893. Thus, this symbiotic bacterium is likely to be more efficient in regulating gene expression and energy release. Furthermore, the endobacteria in nematophagous fungi Esteya vermicola contained multiple nematicidal subtilase/subtilisin encoding genes, so it is likely that endobacteria cooperate with the host to kill nematodes.},
}
@article {pmid35591999,
year = {2022},
author = {Guizzo, MG and Tirloni, L and Gonzalez, SA and Farber, MD and Braz, G and Parizi, LF and Dedavid E Silva, LA and da Silva Vaz, I and Oliveira, PL},
title = {Coxiella Endosymbiont of Rhipicephalus microplus Modulates Tick Physiology With a Major Impact in Blood Feeding Capacity.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {868575},
pmid = {35591999},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {In the past decade, metagenomics studies exploring tick microbiota have revealed widespread interactions between bacteria and arthropods, including symbiotic interactions. Functional studies showed that obligate endosymbionts contribute to tick biology, affecting reproductive fitness and molting. Understanding the molecular basis of the interaction between ticks and their mutualist endosymbionts may help to develop control methods based on microbiome manipulation. Previously, we showed that Rhipicephalus microplus larvae with reduced levels of Coxiella endosymbiont of R. microplus (CERM) were arrested at the metanymph life stage (partially engorged nymph) and did not molt into adults. In this study, we performed a transcriptomic differential analysis of the R. microplus metanymph in the presence and absence of its mutualist endosymbiont. The lack of CERM resulted in an altered expression profile of transcripts from several functional categories. Gene products such as DA-P36, protease inhibitors, metalloproteases, and evasins, which are involved in blood feeding capacity, were underexpressed in CERM-free metanymphs. Disregulation in genes related to extracellular matrix remodeling was also observed in the absence of the symbiont. Taken together, the observed alterations in gene expression may explain the blockage of development at the metanymph stage and reveal a novel physiological aspect of the symbiont-tick-vertebrate host interaction.},
}
@article {pmid35592653,
year = {2022},
author = {Verhoeve, VI and Fauntleroy, TD and Risteen, RG and Driscoll, TP and Gillespie, JJ},
title = {Cryptic Genes for Interbacterial Antagonism Distinguish Rickettsia Species Infecting Blacklegged Ticks From Other Rickettsia Pathogens.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {880813},
pmid = {35592653},
issn = {2235-2988},
support = {R21 AI146773/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI156762/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Antidotes ; Humans ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; Mammals ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The genus Rickettsia (Alphaproteobacteria: Rickettsiales) encompasses numerous obligate intracellular species with predominantly ciliate and arthropod hosts. Notable species are pathogens transmitted to mammals by blood-feeding arthropods. Mammalian pathogenicity evolved from basal, non-pathogenic host-associations; however, some non-pathogens are closely related to pathogens. One such species, Rickettsia buchneri, is prevalent in the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. While I. scapularis transmits several pathogens to humans, it does not transmit Rickettsia pathogens. We hypothesize that R. buchneri established a mutualism with I. scapularis, blocking tick superinfection with Rickettsia pathogens.<br><br>METHODS: To improve estimates for assessing R. buchneri infection frequency in blacklegged tick populations, we used comparative genomics to identify an R. buchneri gene (REIS_1424) not present in other Rickettsia species present throughout the I. scapularis geographic range. Bioinformatic and phylogenomics approaches were employed to propose a function for the hypothetical protein (263 aa) encoded by REIS_1424.<br><br>RESULTS: REIS_1424 has few analogs in other Rickettsiales genomes and greatest similarity to non-Proteobacteria proteins. This cohort of proteins varies greatly in size and domain composition, possessing characteristics of Recombination hotspot (Rhs) and contact dependent growth inhibition (CDI) toxins, with similarity limited to proximal C-termini (~145 aa). This domain was named CDI-like/Rhs-like C-terminal toxin (CRCT). As such proteins are often found as toxin-antidote (TA) modules, we interrogated REIS_1423 (151 aa) as a putative antidote. Indeed, REIS_1423 is similar to proteins encoded upstream of CRCT domain-containing proteins. Accordingly, we named these proteins CDI-like/Rhs-like C-terminal toxin antidotes (CRCA). R. buchneri expressed both REIS_1423 and REIS_1424 in tick cell culture, and PCR assays showed specificity for R. buchneri over other rickettsiae and utility for positive detection in three tick populations. Finally, phylogenomics analyses uncovered divergent CRCT/CRCA modules in varying states of conservation; however, only R. buchneri and related Tamurae/Ixodes Group rickettsiae carry complete TA modules.<br><br>CONCLUSION: We hypothesize that Rickettsia CRCT/CRCA modules circulate in the Rickettsia mobile gene pool, arming rickettsiae for battle over arthropod colonization. While its functional significance remains to be tested, R. buchneri CRCT/CRCA serves as a marker to positively identify infection and begin deciphering the role this endosymbiont plays in the biology of the blacklegged tick.},
}
@article {pmid35598650,
year = {2022},
author = {Louzada-Flores, VN and Kramer, L and Brianti, E and Napoli, E and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Bezerra-Santos, MA and Latrofa, MS and Otranto, D},
title = {Treatment with doxycycline is associated with complete clearance of circulating Wolbachia DNA in Dirofilaria immitis-naturally infected dogs.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {232},
number = {},
pages = {106513},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106513},
pmid = {35598650},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cell-Free Nucleic Acids ; *Dirofilaria immitis/genetics ; *Dirofilariasis/drug therapy ; *Dog Diseases/parasitology ; Dogs ; Doxycycline/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Bacteria of the genus Wolbachia are endosymbionts of parasitic filarial nematodes, including Dirofilaria immitis, and are a target for the treatment of canine heartworm disease. In the present study, 53 naturally-infected dogs were divided in three groups, based on their positivity to D. immitis by antigen and Knott tests, to assess the efficacy of doxycycline treatment in eliminating Wolbachia from circulating blood. At T0, dogs that scored positive to both tests (G1) or to antigen only (G2) were submitted to doxycycline (10 mg/kg BID PO) treatment and to 10% Imidacloprid + 2.5% Moxidectin (Advocate®), while those negative to both tests (G3) received only 10% Imidacloprid + 2.5% Moxidectin (Advocate®). All dogs were followed-up for one year, monthly treated with Advocate® and regularly monitored by antigen and Knott tests. During the whole period, all blood samples were screened for Wolbachia-D. immitis DNA load by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). At T0, 88.2% of the microfilariemic dogs were positive for Wolbachia DNA, while none of the dogs from G2 or G3 were positive. Wolbachia DNA was no longer detectable in dogs from G1 following 1 month of doxycycline treatment and microfilariae (mfs) were cleared at T2. All dogs from the G1 and G2 were negative for D. immitis antigen at 12 months. Results of this study suggest that successful elimination of mfs by doxycycline is associated with complete clearance of Wolbachia DNA in D. immitis-naturally infected dogs.},
}
@article {pmid35602967,
year = {2022},
author = {Pollmann, M and Moore, LD and Krimmer, E and D'Alvise, P and Hasselmann, M and Perlman, SJ and Ballinger, MJ and Steidle, JLM and Gottlieb, Y},
title = {Highly transmissible cytoplasmic incompatibility by the extracellular insect symbiont Spiroplasma.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {25},
number = {5},
pages = {104335},
pmid = {35602967},
issn = {2589-0042},
support = {P20 GM103646/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is a form of reproductive manipulation caused by maternally inherited endosymbionts infecting arthropods, like Wolbachia, whereby matings between infected males and uninfected females produce few or no offspring. We report the discovery of a new CI symbiont, a strain of Spiroplasma causing CI in the parasitoid wasp Lariophagus distinguendus. Its extracellular occurrence enabled us to establish CI in uninfected adult insects by transferring Spiroplasma-infected hemolymph. We sequenced the CI-Spiroplasma genome and did not find any homologues of any of the cif genes discovered to cause CI in Wolbachia, suggesting independent evolution of CI. Instead, the genome contains other potential CI-causing candidate genes, such as homologues of high-mobility group (HMG) box proteins that are crucial in eukaryotic development but rare in bacterial genomes. Spiroplasma's extracellular nature and broad host range encompassing medically and agriculturally important arthropods make it a promising tool to study CI and its applications.},
}
@article {pmid35606844,
year = {2022},
author = {Sparagon, WJ and Gentry, EC and Minich, JJ and Vollbrecht, L and Laurens, LML and Allen, EE and Sims, NA and Dorrestein, PC and Kelly, LW and Nelson, CE},
title = {Fine scale transitions of the microbiota and metabolome along the gastrointestinal tract of herbivorous fishes.},
journal = {Animal microbiome},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {33},
pmid = {35606844},
issn = {2524-4671},
support = {ARPA-E DE-FOA-0001858//Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Gut microorganisms aid in the digestion of food by providing exogenous metabolic pathways to break down organic compounds. An integration of longitudinal microbial and chemical data is necessary to illuminate how gut microorganisms supplement the energetic and nutritional requirements of animals. Although mammalian gut systems are well-studied in this capacity, the role of microbes in the breakdown and utilization of recalcitrant marine macroalgae in herbivorous fish is relatively understudied and an emerging priority for bioproduct extraction. Here we use a comprehensive survey of the marine herbivorous fish gut microbial ecosystem via parallel 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiling (microbiota) and untargeted tandem mass spectrometry (metabolomes) to demonstrate consistent transitions among 8 gut subsections across five fish of the genus of Kyphosus.<br><br>RESULTS: Integration of microbial phylogenetic and chemical diversity data reveals that microbial communities and metabolomes covaried and differentiated continuously from stomach to hindgut, with the midgut containing multiple distinct and previously uncharacterized microenvironments and a distinct hindgut community dominated by obligate anaerobes. This differentiation was driven primarily by anaerobic gut endosymbionts of the classes Bacteroidia and Clostridia changing in concert with bile acids, small peptides, and phospholipids: bile acid deconjugation associated with early midgut microbiota, small peptide production associated with midgut microbiota, and phospholipid production associated with hindgut microbiota.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The combination of microbial and untargeted metabolomic data at high spatial resolution provides a new view of the diverse fish gut microenvironment and serves as a foundation to understand functional partitioning of microbial activities that contribute to the digestion of complex macroalgae in herbivorous marine fish.},
}
@article {pmid35608298,
year = {2022},
author = {Margarita, V and Bailey, NP and Rappelli, P and Diaz, N and Dessì, D and Fettweis, JM and Hirt, RP and Fiori, PL},
title = {Two Different Species of Mycoplasma Endosymbionts Can Influence Trichomonas vaginalis Pathophysiology.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {e0091822},
pmid = {35608298},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {BB/M011186/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Ecosystem ; Female ; Humans ; *Mycoplasma/genetics ; Mycoplasma hominis/genetics ; *Trichomonas Infections/microbiology ; *Trichomonas vaginalis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Trichomonas vaginalis can host the endosymbiont Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogenic bacterium capable of modulating T. vaginalis pathobiology. Recently, a new noncultivable mycoplasma, "Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii," has been shown to be closely associated with women affected by trichomoniasis, suggesting a biological association. Although several features of "Ca. M. girerdii" have been investigated through genomic analysis, the nature of the potential T. vaginalis-"Ca. M. girerdii" consortium and its impact on the biology and pathogenesis of both microorganisms have not yet been explored. Here, we investigate the association between "Ca. M. girerdii" and T. vaginalis isolated from patients affected by trichomoniasis, demonstrating their intracellular localization. By using an in vitro model system based on single- and double-Mycoplasma infection of Mycoplasma-free isogenic T. vaginalis, we investigated the ability of the protist to establish a relationship with the bacteria and impact T. vaginalis growth. Our data indicate likely competition between M. hominis and "Ca. M. girerdii" while infecting trichomonad cells. Comparative dual-transcriptomics data showed major shifts in parasite gene expression in response to the presence of Mycoplasma, including genes associated with energy metabolism and pathogenesis. Consistent with the transcriptomics data, both parasite-mediated hemolysis and binding to host epithelial cells were significantly upregulated in the presence of either Mycoplasma species. Taken together, these results support a model in which this microbial association could modulate the virulence of T. vaginalis. IMPORTANCE T. vaginalis and M. hominis form a unique case of endosymbiosis that modulates the parasite's pathobiology. Recently, a new nonculturable mycoplasma species ("Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii") has been described as closely associated with the protozoon. Here, we report the characterization of this endosymbiotic relationship. Clinical isolates of the parasite demonstrate that mycoplasmas are common among trichomoniasis patients. The relationships are studied by devising an in vitro system of single and/or double infections in isogenic protozoan recipients. Comparative growth experiments and transcriptomics data demonstrate that the composition of different microbial consortia influences the growth of the parasite and significantly modulates its transcriptomic profile, including metabolic enzymes and virulence genes such as adhesins and pore-forming proteins. The data on modulation from RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) correlated closely with those of the cytopathic effect and adhesion to human target cells. We propose the hypothesis that the presence and the quantitative ratios of endosymbionts may contribute to modulating protozoan virulence. Our data highlight the importance of considering pathogenic entities as microbial ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of the development of integrated diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.},
}
@article {pmid35611654,
year = {2022},
author = {Robes, JMD and Altamia, MA and Murdock, EG and Concepcion, GP and Haygood, MG and Puri, AW},
title = {A Conserved Biosynthetic Gene Cluster Is Regulated by Quorum Sensing in a Shipworm Symbiont.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {88},
number = {11},
pages = {e0027022},
pmid = {35611654},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {R00 GM118762/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U19 TW008163/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; R00GM118762//HHS | NIH | National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)/ ; U19TW008163//HHS | National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Bivalvia/microbiology ; *Gammaproteobacteria/genetics ; Multigene Family ; Phylogeny ; Quorum Sensing ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Bacterial symbionts often provide critical functions for their hosts. For example, wood-boring bivalves called shipworms rely on cellulolytic endosymbionts for wood digestion. However, how the relationship between shipworms and their bacterial symbionts is formed and maintained remains unknown. Quorum sensing (QS) often plays an important role in regulating symbiotic relationships. We identified and characterized a QS system found in Teredinibacter sp. strain 2052S, a gill isolate of the wood-boring shipworm Bactronophorus cf. thoracites. We determined that 2052S produces the signal N-decanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (C10-HSL) and that this signal controls the activation of a biosynthetic gene cluster colocated in the symbiont genome that is conserved among all symbiotic Teredinibacter isolates. We subsequently identified extracellular metabolites associated with the QS regulon, including ones linked to the conserved biosynthetic gene cluster, using mass spectrometry-based molecular networking. Our results demonstrate that QS plays an important role in regulating secondary metabolism in this shipworm symbiont. This information provides a step toward deciphering the molecular details of the relationship between these symbionts and their hosts. Furthermore, because shipworm symbionts harbor vast yet underexplored biosynthetic potential, understanding how their secondary metabolism is regulated may aid future drug discovery efforts using these organisms. IMPORTANCE Bacteria play important roles as symbionts in animals ranging from invertebrates to humans. Despite this recognized importance, much is still unknown about the molecular details of how these relationships are formed and maintained. One of the proposed roles of shipworm symbionts is the production of bioactive secondary metabolites due to the immense biosynthetic potential found in shipworm symbiont genomes. Here, we report that a shipworm symbiont uses quorum sensing to coordinate activation of its extracellular secondary metabolism, including the transcriptional activation of a biosynthetic gene cluster that is conserved among many shipworm symbionts. This work is a first step toward linking quorum sensing, secondary metabolism, and symbiosis in wood-boring shipworms.},
}
@article {pmid35618596,
year = {2022},
author = {Leister, D and Marino, G and Minagawa, J and Dann, M},
title = {An ancient function of PGR5 in iron delivery?.},
journal = {Trends in plant science},
volume = {27},
number = {10},
pages = {971-980},
doi = {10.1016/j.tplants.2022.04.006},
pmid = {35618596},
issn = {1878-4372},
support = {854126/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Antimycin A/pharmacology ; *Arabidopsis Proteins/metabolism ; Electron Transport/physiology ; Ferritins/metabolism/pharmacology ; Iron/metabolism ; Photosynthesis/physiology ; *Photosystem I Protein Complex/metabolism ; Protons ; },
abstract = {In all phototrophic organisms, the photosynthetic apparatus must be protected from light-induced damage. One important mechanism that mitigates photodamage in plants is antimycin A (AA)-sensitive cyclic electron flow (CEF), the evolution of which remains largely obscure. Here we show that proton gradient regulation 5 (PGR5), a key protein involved in AA-sensitive CEF, displays intriguing commonalities - including sequence and structural features - with a group of ferritin-like proteins. We therefore propose that PGR5 may originally have been involved in prokaryotic iron mobilization and delivery, which facilitated a primordial type of CEF as a side effect. The abandonment of the bacterioferritin system during the transformation of cyanobacterial endosymbionts into chloroplasts might have allowed PGR5 to functionally specialize in CEF.},
}
@article {pmid35624491,
year = {2022},
author = {Arora, J and Kinjo, Y and Šobotník, J and Buček, A and Clitheroe, C and Stiblik, P and Roisin, Y and Žifčáková, L and Park, YC and Kim, KY and Sillam-Dussès, D and Hervé, V and Lo, N and Tokuda, G and Brune, A and Bourguignon, T},
title = {The functional evolution of termite gut microbiota.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {78},
pmid = {35624491},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Isoptera ; Metagenome ; Phylogeny ; Soil ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Termites primarily feed on lignocellulose or soil in association with specific gut microbes. The functioning of the termite gut microbiota is partly understood in a handful of wood-feeding pest species but remains largely unknown in other taxa. We intend to fill this gap and provide a global understanding of the functional evolution of termite gut microbiota.<br><br>RESULTS: We sequenced the gut metagenomes of 145 samples representative of the termite diversity. We show that the prokaryotic fraction of the gut microbiota of all termites possesses similar genes for carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolisms, in proportions varying with termite phylogenetic position and diet. The presence of a conserved set of gut prokaryotic genes implies that essential nutritional functions were present in the ancestor of modern termites. Furthermore, the abundance of these genes largely correlated with the host phylogeny. Finally, we found that the adaptation to a diet of soil by some termite lineages was accompanied by a change in the stoichiometry of genes involved in important nutritional functions rather than by the acquisition of new genes and pathways.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal that the composition and function of termite gut prokaryotic communities have been remarkably conserved since termites first appeared ~ 150 million years ago. Therefore, the "world's smallest bioreactor" has been operating as a multipartite symbiosis composed of termites, archaea, bacteria, and cellulolytic flagellates since its inception. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid35627785,
year = {2022},
author = {Salomon, J and Fernandez Santos, NA and Zecca, IB and Estrada-Franco, JG and Davila, E and Hamer, GL and Rodriguez Perez, MA and Hamer, SA},
title = {Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus Sensu Lato) Infection with Endosymbiont and Human Pathogenic Rickettsia spp., in Northeastern México.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {19},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {35627785},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dog Diseases/epidemiology ; Dogs ; Humans ; Mexico/epidemiology ; *Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Tick Infestations/epidemiology/veterinary ; },
abstract = {Of the documented tick-borne diseases infecting humans in México, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, is responsible for most fatalities. Given recent evidence of brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l., as an emerging vector of human RMSF, we aimed to evaluate dogs and their ticks for rickettsiae infections as an initial step in assessing the establishment of this pathosystem in a poorly studied region of northeastern México while evaluating the use of dogs as sentinels for transmission/human disease risk. We sampled owned dogs living in six disadvantaged neighborhoods of Reynosa, northeastern México to collect whole blood and ticks. Of 168 dogs assessed, tick infestation prevalence was 53%, composed of exclusively Rh. sanguineus s. l. (n = 2170 ticks). Using PCR and sequencing, we identified an overall rickettsiae infection prevalence of 4.1% (n = 12/292) in ticks, in which eight dogs harbored at least one infected tick. Rickettsiae infections included Rickettsia amblyommatis and Rickettsia parkeri, both of which are emerging human pathogens, as well as Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae. This is the first documentation of pathogenic Rickettsia species in Rh. sanguineus s.l. collected from dogs from northeastern México. Domestic dog infestation with Rickettsia-infected ticks indicates ongoing transmission; thus, humans are at risk for exposure, and this underscores the importance of public and veterinary health surveillance for these pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid35630383,
year = {2022},
author = {Csorba, AB and Fora, CG and Bálint, J and Felföldi, T and Szabó, A and Máthé, I and Loxdale, HD and Kentelky, E and Nyárádi, II and Balog, A},
title = {Endosymbiotic Bacterial Diversity of Corn Leaf Aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Associated with Maize Management Systems.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {35630383},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {In this study, different maize fields cultivated under different management systems were sampled to test corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis, populations in terms of total and endosymbiotic bacterial diversity. Corn leaf aphid natural populations were collected from traditionally managed maize fields grown under high agricultural and natural landscape diversity as well as conventionally treated high-input agricultural fields grown in monoculture and with fertilizers use, hence with low natural landscape diversity. Total bacterial community assessment by DNA sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. In total, 365 bacterial genera were identified and 6 endosymbiont taxa. A high abundance of the primary endosymbiont Buchnera and secondary symbionts Serratia and Wolbachia were detected in all maize crops. Their frequency was found to be correlated with the maize management system used, probably with fertilizer input. Three other facultative endosymbionts ("Candidatus Hamiltonella", an uncultured Rickettsiales genus, and Spiroplasma) were also recorded at different frequencies under the two management regimes. Principal components analyses revealed that the relative contribution of the obligate and dominant symbiont Buchnera to the aphid endosymbiotic bacterial community was 72%, whereas for the managed system this was only 16.3%. When facultative symbionts alone were considered, the effect of management system revealed a DNA diversity of 23.3%.},
}
@article {pmid35631127,
year = {2022},
author = {Lu, M and Tian, J and Zhao, H and Jiang, H and Qin, X and Wang, W and Li, K},
title = {Molecular Survey of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Ticks, Sheep Keds, and Domestic Animals from Ngawa, Southwest China.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {35631127},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {2020YFA0907101//the National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2021YFC2301202//the National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 82102390//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021SKLID507//the State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control/ ; 2021SKLID510//the State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control/ ; 2018ZX10101002-002//the National Science and Technology Major Project of China/ ; 2018ZX10732401-001//the National Science and Technology Major Project of China/ ; NA//Medical youth top talent project of Hubei/ ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne pathogens are mainly transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods such as ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, lice, mites, etc. They pose a significant threat to animal and human health due to their worldwide distribution. Although much work has been performed on these pathogens, some neglected areas and undiscovered pathogens are still to be further researched. In this study, ticks (Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis), sheep keds (Melophagus ovinus), and blood samples from yaks and goats were collected in Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Southwest China. Several vector-borne bacterial pathogens were screened and studied. Anaplasma bovis strains representing novel genotypes were detected in ticks (8.83%, 37/419), yak blood samples (45.71%, 64/140), and goat blood samples (58.93%, 33/56). Two spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsiae, Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis, and a novel Rickettsia species named Candidatus Rickettsia hongyuanensis were identified in ticks. Another Rickettsia species closely related to the Rickettsia endosymbiont of Polydesmus complanatus was also detected in ticks. Furthermore, a Coxiella species was detected in ticks (3.34%, 14/419), keds (1.89%, 2/106), and yak blood (0.71%, 1/140). Interestingly, another Coxiella species and a Coxiella-like bacterium were detected in a tick and a goat blood sample, respectively. These results indicate the remarkable diversity of vector-borne pathogens circulating in this area. Further investigations on their pathogenicity to humans and domestic animals are still needed.},
}
@article {pmid35638879,
year = {2022},
author = {Chetri, SPK and Rahman, Z and Thomas, L and Lal, R and Gour, T and Agarwal, LK and Vashishtha, A and Kumar, S and Kumar, G and Kumar, R and Sharma, K},
title = {Paradigms of actinorhizal symbiosis under the regime of global climatic changes: New insights and perspectives.},
journal = {Journal of basic microbiology},
volume = {62},
number = {7},
pages = {764-778},
doi = {10.1002/jobm.202200043},
pmid = {35638879},
issn = {1521-4028},
support = {FRPS-SRG: F.30-476/2019 (BSR)//MLS University, University Grants Commission (UGC)/ ; //MHRD-RUSA 2.0, Government of India/ ; },
mesh = {Climate Change ; Ecosystem ; Fagales/microbiology ; *Frankia/genetics ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Nitrogen Fixation ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Nitrogen occurs as inert and inaccessible dinitrogen gaseous form (N2) in the atmosphere. Biological nitrogen fixation is a chief process that makes this dinitrogen (N2) accessible and bioavailable in the form of ammonium (NH4 [+]) ions. The key organisms to fix nitrogen are certain prokaryotes, called diazotrophs either in the free-living form or establishing significant mutual relationships with a variety of plants. On such examples is ~95-100 MY old incomparable symbiosis between dicotyledonous trees and a unique actinobacterial diazotroph in diverse ecosystems. In this association, the root of the certain dicotyledonous tree (~25 genera and 225 species) belonging to three different taxonomic orders, Fagales, Cucurbitales, and Rosales (FaCuRo) known as actinorhizal trees can host a diazotroph, Frankia of order Frankiales. Frankia is gram-positive, branched, filamentous, sporulating, and free-living soil actinobacterium. It resides in the specialized, multilobed, and coralloid organs (lateral roots but without caps), the root nodules of actinorhizal tress. This review aims to provide systematic information on the distribution and the phylogenetic diversity of hosts from FaCuRo and their micro-endosymbionts (Frankia spp.), colonization mechanisms, and signaling pathways. We also aim to provide details on developmental and physiological imperatives for gene regulation and functional genomics of symbiosis, phenomenal restoration ecology, influences of contemporary global climatic changes, and anthropogenic impacts on plant-Frankia interactions for the functioning of ecosystems and the biosphere.},
}
@article {pmid35639004,
year = {2022},
author = {Maruyama, S and Mandelare-Ruiz, PE and McCauley, M and Peng, W and Cho, BG and Wang, J and Mechref, Y and Loesgen, S and Weis, VM},
title = {Heat Stress of Algal Partner Hinders Colonization Success and Alters the Algal Cell Surface Glycome in a Cnidarian-Algal Symbiosis.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {e0156722},
pmid = {35639004},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {R01 GM112490/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Dinoflagellida/metabolism ; Heat-Shock Response ; Polysaccharides ; *Sea Anemones ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Corals owe their ecological success to their symbiotic relationship with dinoflagellate algae (family Symbiodiniaceae). While the negative effects of heat stress on this symbiosis are well studied, how heat stress affects the onset of symbiosis and symbiont specificity is less explored. In this work, we used the model sea anemone, Exaiptasia diaphana (commonly referred to as Aiptasia), and its native symbiont, Breviolum minutum, to study the effects of heat stress on the colonization of Aiptasia by algae and the algal cell-surface glycome. Heat stress caused a decrease in the colonization of Aiptasia by algae that were not due to confounding variables such as algal motility or oxidative stress. With mass spectrometric analysis and lectin staining, a thermally induced enrichment of glycans previously found to be associated with free-living strains of algae (high-mannoside glycans) and a concomitant reduction in glycans putatively associated with symbiotic strains of algae (galactosylated glycans) were identified. Differential enrichment of specific sialic acid glycans was also identified, although their role in this symbiosis remains unclear. We also discuss the methods used to analyze the cell-surface glycome of algae, evaluate current limitations, and provide suggestions for future work in algal-coral glycobiology. Overall, this study provided insight into how stress may affect the symbiosis between cnidarians and their algal symbionts by altering the glycome of the symbiodinian partner. IMPORTANCE Coral reefs are under threat from global climate change. Their decline is mainly caused by the fragility of their symbiotic relationship with dinoflagellate algae which they rely upon for their ecological success. To better understand coral biology, researchers used the sea anemone, Aiptasia, a model system for the study of coral-algal symbiosis, and characterized how heat stress can alter the algae's ability to communicate to the coral host. This study found that heat stress caused a decline in algal colonization success and impacted the cell surface molecules of the algae such that it became more like that of nonsymbiotic species of algae. This work adds to our understanding of the molecular signals involved in coral-algal symbiosis and how it breaks down during heat stress.},
}
@article {pmid35639693,
year = {2022},
author = {Calatrava, V and Stephens, TG and Gabr, A and Bhaya, D and Bhattacharya, D and Grossman, AR},
title = {Retrotransposition facilitated the establishment of a primary plastid in the thecate amoeba Paulinella.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {119},
number = {23},
pages = {e2121241119},
pmid = {35639693},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {*Amoeba/genetics ; *Biological Evolution ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Plastids/genetics ; *Rhizaria ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The evolution of eukaryotic life was predicated on the development of organelles such as mitochondria and plastids. During this complex process of organellogenesis, the host cell and the engulfed prokaryote became genetically codependent, with the integration of genes from the endosymbiont into the host nuclear genome and subsequent gene loss from the endosymbiont. This process required that horizontally transferred genes become active and properly regulated despite inherent differences in genetic features between donor (endosymbiont) and recipient (host). Although this genetic reorganization is considered critical for early stages of organellogenesis, we have little knowledge about the mechanisms governing this process. The photosynthetic amoeba Paulinella micropora offers a unique opportunity to study early evolutionary events associated with organellogenesis and primary endosymbiosis. This amoeba harbors a “chromatophore,” a nascent photosynthetic organelle derived from a relatively recent cyanobacterial association (∼120 million years ago) that is independent of the evolution of primary plastids in plants (initiated ∼1.5 billion years ago). Analysis of the genome and transcriptome of Paulinella revealed that retrotransposition of endosymbiont-derived nuclear genes was critical for their domestication in the host. These retrocopied genes involved in photoprotection in cyanobacteria became expanded gene families and were “rewired,” acquiring light-responsive regulatory elements that function in the host. The establishment of host control of endosymbiont-derived genes likely enabled the cell to withstand photo-oxidative stress generated by oxygenic photosynthesis in the nascent organelle. These results provide insights into the genetic mechanisms and evolutionary pressures that facilitated the metabolic integration of the host–endosymbiont association and sustained the evolution of a photosynthetic organelle.},
}
@article {pmid35642381,
year = {2022},
author = {Liu, W and Smith, DAS and Raina, G and Stanforth, R and Ng'Iru, I and Ireri, P and Martins, DJ and Gordon, IJ and Martin, SH},
title = {Global biogeography of warning coloration in the butterfly Danaus chrysippus.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {20210639},
pmid = {35642381},
issn = {1744-957X},
mesh = {Adaptation, Biological ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Butterflies/genetics ; Citizen Science ; Gene Frequency ; Phenotype ; *Pigmentation ; Predatory Behavior ; Selection, Genetic ; },
abstract = {Warning coloration provides a textbook example of natural selection, but the frequent observation of polymorphism in aposematic species presents an evolutionary puzzle. We investigated biogeography and polymorphism of warning patterns in the widespread butterfly Danaus chrysippus using records from citizen science (n = 5467), museums (n = 8864) and fieldwork (n = 2586). We find that polymorphism in three traits controlled by known mendelian loci is extensive. Broad allele frequency clines, hundreds of kilometres wide, suggest a balance between long-range dispersal and predation of unfamiliar morphs. Mismatched clines for the white hindwing and forewing tip in East Africa are consistent with a previous finding that the black wingtip allele has spread recently in the region through hitchhiking with a heritable endosymbiont. Light/dark background coloration shows more extensive polymorphism. The darker genotype is more common in cooler regions, possibly reflecting a trade-off between thermoregulation and predator warning. Overall, our findings show how studying local adaptation at the global scale provides a more complete picture of the evolutionary forces involved.},
}
@article {pmid35643082,
year = {2022},
author = {Paight, C and Hunter, ES and Lane, CE},
title = {Codependence of individuals in the Nephromyces species swarm requires heterospecific bacterial endosymbionts.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {32},
number = {13},
pages = {2948-2955.e4},
pmid = {35643082},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {R03 AI124092/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Apicomplexa ; Bacteria/genetics ; Codependency, Psychological ; Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; *Urochordata/genetics ; },
abstract = {Symbiosis is one of the most important evolutionary processes shaping the biodiversity on Earth. Symbiotic associations often bring together organisms from different domains of life, which can provide an unparalleled route to evolutionary innovation.[1-4] The phylum Apicomplexa encompasses 6,000 ubiquitous animal parasites; however, species in the recently described apicomplexan family, Nephromycidae, are reportedly non-virulent.[5][,][6] The members of the genus Nephromyces live within a specialized organ of tunicates, called the renal sac, in which they use concentrated uric acid as a primary nitrogen source.[7][,][8] Here, we report genomic and transcriptomic data from the diverse genus Nephromyces, as well as the three bacterial symbionts that live within this species complex. We show that the diversity of Nephromyces is unexpectedly high within each renal sac, with as many as 20 different species inhabiting the renal sacs in wild populations. The many species of Nephromyces can host three different types of bacterial endosymbionts; however, FISH microscopy allowed us to demonstrate that each individual Nephromyces cell hosts only a single bacterial type. Through the reconstruction and analyses of the endosymbiont bacterial genomes, we infer that each bacterial type supplies its host with different metabolites. No individual species of Nephromyces, in combination with its endosymbiont, can produce a complete set of essential amino acids, and culture experiments demonstrate that individual Nephromyces species cannot form a viable infection. Therefore, we hypothesize that Nephromyces spp. depend on co-infection with congeners containing different bacterial symbionts in order to exchange metabolites to meet their needs.},
}
@article {pmid35651643,
year = {2022},
author = {Badrulisham, AS and Abu Bakar, MA and Md Zain, BM and Md-Nor, S and Abd Rahman, MR and Mohd-Yusof, NS and Halim, M and Yaakop, S},
title = {Metabarcoding of Parasitic Wasp, Dolichogenidea metesae (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) That Parasitizing Bagworm, Metisa plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Psychidae).},
journal = {Tropical life sciences research},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {23-42},
pmid = {35651643},
issn = {1985-3718},
abstract = {Microbiome studies of the parasitoid wasp, Dolichogenidea metesae (Nixon) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) are important because D. metesae has potential as a biological control agent to suppress the pest, Metisa plana Walker (Lepidoptera, Psychidae). Three field populations of parasitic wasps with different Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to control M. plana collected from Perak state (Tapah) and Johor state (Yong Peng and Batu Pahat districts) in Peninsular Malaysia were studied. Bacterial community composition and structure were analysed using α and β diversity metrics. Proteobacteria (83.31%) and Bacteroidetes (6.80%) were the most dominant phyla, whereas unknown family from order Rhizobiales was the most abundant family found in all populations followed by Pseudomonadaceae. Family Micrococcaceae was absent in Tapah. Rhizobiales gen. sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were abundant in all populations. Pearson's correlation analysis showed the strongest correlation between individuals of Batu Pahat and Yong Peng (r = 0.89827, p < 0.05), followed by Tapah and Yong Peng with r = 0.75358, p < 0.05 and Batu Pahat and Tapah (r = 0.69552, p < 0.05). We hypothesise that low diversity and richness in Tapah might be due to direct and indirect effect of insecticides application. This preliminary data was the first study to do inventory of the microbiomes in the gut of the D. metesae.},
}
@article {pmid35660157,
year = {2022},
author = {Kohga, H and Mori, T and Tanaka, Y and Yoshikaie, K and Taniguchi, K and Fujimoto, K and Fritz, L and Schneider, T and Tsukazaki, T},
title = {Crystal structure of the lipid flippase MurJ in a "squeezed" form distinct from its inward- and outward-facing forms.},
journal = {Structure (London, England : 1993)},
volume = {30},
number = {8},
pages = {1088-1097.e3},
doi = {10.1016/j.str.2022.05.008},
pmid = {35660157},
issn = {1878-4186},
mesh = {Bacterial Proteins/chemistry ; Escherichia coli/chemistry/genetics ; *Escherichia coli Proteins/chemistry ; Lipids ; Peptidoglycan/chemistry ; Phospholipid Transfer Proteins/chemistry ; Protein Conformation ; },
abstract = {The bacterial peptidoglycan enclosing the cytoplasmic membrane is a fundamental cellular architecture. The integral membrane protein MurJ plays an essential role in flipping the cell wall building block Lipid II across the cytoplasmic membrane for peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Previously reported crystal structures of MurJ have elucidated its V-shaped inward- or outward-facing forms with an internal cavity for substrate binding. MurJ transports Lipid II using its cavity through conformational transitions between these two forms. Here, we report two crystal structures of inward-facing forms from Arsenophonus endosymbiont MurJ and an unprecedented crystal structure of Escherichia coli MurJ in a "squeezed" form, which lacks a cavity to accommodate the substrate, mainly because of the increased proximity of transmembrane helices 2 and 8. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations supported the hypothesis that the squeezed form is an intermediate conformation. This study fills a gap in our understanding of the Lipid II flipping mechanism.},
}
@article {pmid35662068,
year = {2022},
author = {Lu, M and Tang, G and Ren, Z and Zhang, J and Wang, W and Qin, X and Li, K},
title = {Ehrlichia, Coxiella and Bartonella infections in rodents from Guizhou Province, Southwest China.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {101974},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.101974},
pmid = {35662068},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bartonella/genetics ; *Bartonella Infections/epidemiology/veterinary ; China/epidemiology ; Coxiella/genetics ; Ehrlichia/genetics ; Murinae ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rats ; *Ticks/genetics ; },
abstract = {Rodents are generally recognized to be the reservoir hosts of a great many zoonotic pathogens. In some areas of China, rodent-borne pathogens, as well as the role of rodents in the natural cycle of these pathogens, are still poorly investigated. To increase our knowledge on the distribution and epidemiology of rodent-borne bacterial pathogens, 81 rodent liver samples were collected in three locations of Guizhou province located in Southwest China, and screened for the presence of Ehrlichia, Coxiella, and Bartonella in them. A putative novel Ehrlichia species was identified in 5 Berylmys bowersi samples (100%, 5/5). Its 16S rRNA, gltA, and groEL genes have highest 99.84%, 89.11%, and 98.02% identities to those from known Ehrlichia species, and form distinct clades in the phylogenetic trees. Herein we name it "Candidatus Ehrlichia zunyiensis". Bartonella was tested positive in 8 A. agrarius (striped field mouse), 2 A. chevrieri (Chevrier's field mouse), 1 R. norvegicus (Norway rat), 1 N. confucianus, and 1 N. lotipes, with a total positive rate of 16.05% (13/81). Sequence analysis indicated high genetic diversity in these Bartonella strains. Unexpectedly, two Coxiella strains were identified from the rodents (1 Niviventer confucianus and 1 Mus pahari). Genetic and phylogenetic analysis indicated that both of them are closely related to the Coxiella endosymbiont of ticks. This result supported previous conjectures that vertebrate hosts such as rodents may play a role in the preservation and transmission of Coxiella endosymbiont of ticks.},
}
@article {pmid35663891,
year = {2022},
author = {James, EB and Pan, X and Schwartz, O and Wilson, ACC},
title = {SymbiQuant: A Machine Learning Object Detection Tool for Polyploid Independent Estimates of Endosymbiont Population Size.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {816608},
pmid = {35663891},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Quantifying the size of endosymbiont populations is challenging because endosymbionts are typically difficult or impossible to culture and commonly polyploid. Current approaches to estimating endosymbiont population sizes include quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting endosymbiont genomic DNA and flow-cytometry. While qPCR captures genome copy number data, it does not capture the number of bacterial cells in polyploid endosymbiont populations. In contrast, flow cytometry can capture accurate estimates of whole host-level endosymbiont population size, but it is not readily able to capture data at the level of endosymbiotic host cells. To complement these existing approaches for estimating endosymbiont population size, we designed and implemented an object detection/segmentation tool for counting the number of endosymbiont cells in micrographs of host tissues. The tool, called SymbiQuant, which makes use of recent advances in deep neural networks includes a graphic user interface that allows for human curation of tool output. We trained SymbiQuant for use in the model aphid/Buchnera endosymbiosis and studied Buchnera population dynamics and phenotype over aphid postembryonic development. We show that SymbiQuant returns accurate counts of endosymbionts, and readily captures Buchnera phenotype. By replacing our training data with data composed of annotated microscopy images from other models of endosymbiosis, SymbiQuant has the potential for broad application. Our tool, which is available on GitHub, adds to the repertoire of methods researchers can use to study endosymbiosis at the organismal, genome, and now endosymbiotic host tissue or cell levels.},
}
@article {pmid35665222,
year = {2022},
author = {Steinberg, RK and Ainsworth, TD and Moriarty, T and Bednarek, T and Dafforn, KA and Johnston, EL},
title = {Bleaching Susceptibility and Resistance of Octocorals and Anemones at the World's Southern-Most Coral Reef.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {804193},
pmid = {35665222},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Coral reefs are amongst the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth, and while stony corals create the foundational complexity of these ecosystems, octocorals and anemones contribute significantly to their biodiversity and function. Like stony corals, many octocorals contain Symbiodiniaceae endosymbionts and can bleach when temperatures exceed the species' upper thermal limit. Here, we report octocoral bleaching susceptibility and resistance within the subtropical Lord Howe Island coral reef ecosystem during and after marine heatwaves in 2019. Octocoral and anemone surveys were conducted at multiple reef locations within the Lord Howe Island lagoon during, immediately after, and 7 months after the heatwaves. One octocoral species, Cladiella sp. 1, experienced bleaching and mortality, with some bleached colonies detaching from the reef structure during the heatwave (presumed dead). Those that remained attached to the benthos survived the event and recovered endosymbionts within 7 months of bleaching. Cladiella sp. 1 Symbiodiniaceae density (in cells per µg protein), chlorophyll a and c 2 per µg protein, and photosynthetic efficiency were significantly lower in bleached colonies compared to unbleached colonies, while chlorophyll a and c 2 per symbiont were higher. Interestingly, no other symbiotic octocoral species of the Lord Howe Island lagoonal reef bleached. Unbleached Xenia cf crassa colonies had higher Symbiodiniaceae and chlorophyll densities during the marine heatwave compared to other monitoring intervals, while Cladiella sp. 2 densities did not change substantially through time. Previous work on octocoral bleaching has focused primarily on gorgonian octocorals, while this study provides insight into bleaching variability in other octocoral groups. The study also provides further evidence that octocorals may be generally more resistant to bleaching than stony corals in many, but not all, reef ecosystems. Responses to marine heating events vary and should be assessed on a species by species basis.},
}
@article {pmid35666732,
year = {2022},
author = {Bordenstein, SR and Bordenstein, SR},
title = {Widespread phages of endosymbionts: Phage WO genomics and the proposed taxonomic classification of Symbioviridae.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {18},
number = {6},
pages = {e1010227},
pmid = {35666732},
issn = {1553-7404},
support = {R01 AI132581/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI143725/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Arthropods ; *Bacteriophages/genetics ; Eukaryota ; Genomics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are the most common obligate, intracellular bacteria in animals. They exist worldwide in arthropod and nematode hosts in which they commonly act as reproductive parasites or mutualists, respectively. Bacteriophage WO, the largest of Wolbachia's mobile elements, includes reproductive parasitism genes, serves as a hotspot for genetic divergence and genomic rearrangement of the bacterial chromosome, and uniquely encodes a Eukaryotic Association Module with eukaryotic-like genes and an ensemble of putative host interaction genes. Despite WO's relevance to genome evolution, selfish genetics, and symbiotic applications, relatively little is known about its origin, host range, diversification, and taxonomic classification. Here we analyze the most comprehensive set of 150 Wolbachia and phage WO assemblies to provide a framework for discretely organizing and naming integrated phage WO genomes. We demonstrate that WO is principally in arthropod Wolbachia with relatives in diverse endosymbionts and metagenomes, organized into four variants related by gene synteny, often oriented opposite the putative origin of replication in the Wolbachia chromosome, and the large serine recombinase is an ideal typing tool to distinguish the four variants. We identify a novel, putative lytic cassette and WO's association with a conserved eleven gene island, termed Undecim Cluster, that is enriched with virulence-like genes. Finally, we evaluate WO-like Islands in the Wolbachia genome and discuss a new model in which Octomom, a notable WO-like Island, arose from a split with WO. Together, these findings establish the first comprehensive Linnaean taxonomic classification of endosymbiont phages, including non-Wolbachia phages from aquatic environments, that includes a new family and two new genera to capture the collective relatedness of these viruses.},
}
@article {pmid35668761,
year = {2022},
author = {Djihinto, OY and Medjigbodo, AA and Gangbadja, ARA and Saizonou, HM and Lagnika, HO and Nanmede, D and Djossou, L and Bohounton, R and Sovegnon, PM and Fanou, MJ and Agonhossou, R and Akoton, R and Mousse, W and Djogbénou, LS},
title = {Malaria-Transmitting Vectors Microbiota: Overview and Interactions With Anopheles Mosquito Biology.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {891573},
pmid = {35668761},
issn = {1664-302X},
support = {109917/Z/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Malaria remains a vector-borne infectious disease that is still a major public health concern worldwide, especially in tropical regions. Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The control interventions targeting mosquito vectors have achieved significant success during the last two decades and rely mainly on the use of chemical insecticides through the insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Unfortunately, resistance to conventional insecticides currently being used in public health is spreading in the natural mosquito populations, hampering the long-term success of the current vector control strategies. Thus, to achieve the goal of malaria elimination, it appears necessary to improve vector control approaches through the development of novel environment-friendly tools. Mosquito microbiota has by now given rise to the expansion of innovative control tools, such as the use of endosymbionts to target insect vectors, known as "symbiotic control." In this review, we will present the viral, fungal and bacterial diversity of Anopheles mosquitoes, including the bacteriophages. This review discusses the likely interactions between the vector microbiota and its fitness and resistance to insecticides.},
}
@article {pmid35671755,
year = {2022},
author = {Tvedte, ES and Gasser, M and Zhao, X and Tallon, LJ and Sadzewicz, L and Bromley, RE and Chung, M and Mattick, J and Sparklin, BC and Dunning Hotopp, JC},
title = {Accumulation of endosymbiont genomes in an insect autosome followed by endosymbiont replacement.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {32},
number = {12},
pages = {2786-2795.e5},
pmid = {35671755},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {R01 CA206188/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; U19 AI110820/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Chromosomes ; Drosophila/genetics/microbiology ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genome ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Eukaryotic genomes can acquire bacterial DNA via lateral gene transfer (LGT).[1] A prominent source of LGT is Wolbachia,[2] a widespread endosymbiont of arthropods and nematodes that is transmitted maternally through female germline cells.[3,4] The DNA transfer from the Wolbachia endosymbiont wAna to Drosophila ananassae is extensive[5-7] and has been localized to chromosome 4, contributing to chromosome expansion in this lineage.[6] As has happened frequently with claims of bacteria-to-eukaryote LGT, the contribution of wAna transfers to the expanded size of D. ananassae chromosome 4 has been specifically contested[8] owing to an assembly where Wolbachia sequences were classified as contaminants and removed.[9] Here, long-read sequencing with DNA from a Wolbachia-cured line enabled assembly of 4.9 Mbp of nuclear Wolbachia transfers (nuwts) in D. ananassae and a 24-kbp nuclear mitochondrial transfer. The nuwts are <8,000 years old in at least two locations in chromosome 4 with at least one whole-genome integration followed by rapid extensive duplication of most of the genome with regions that have up to 10 copies. The genes in nuwts are accumulating small indels and mobile element insertions. Among the highly duplicated genes are cifA and cifB, two genes associated with Wolbachia-mediated Drosophila cytoplasmic incompatibility. The wAna strain that was the source of nuwts was subsequently replaced by a different wAna endosymbiont. Direct RNA Nanopore sequencing of Wolbachia-cured lines identified nuwt transcripts, including spliced transcripts, but functionality, if any, remains elusive.},
}
@article {pmid35672454,
year = {2022},
author = {Pilátová, J and Pánek, T and Oborník, M and Čepička, I and Mojzeš, P},
title = {Revisiting biocrystallization: purine crystalline inclusions are widespread in eukaryotes.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {2290-2294},
pmid = {35672454},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {796217//Grantov&#xe1; Agentura, Univerzita Karlova (Charles University Grant Agency)/ ; 20-16549Y//Grantov&#xe1; Agentura &#x10c;esk&#xe9; Republiky (Grant Agency of the Czech Republic)/ ; 19-19297S//Grantov&#xe1; Agentura &#x10c;esk&#xe9; Republiky (Grant Agency of the Czech Republic)/ ; 17-06264S//Grantov&#xe1; Agentura &#x10c;esk&#xe9; Republiky (Grant Agency of the Czech Republic)/ ; },
mesh = {*Biomineralization ; *Eukaryota/genetics/metabolism ; Guanine/metabolism ; Humans ; Purines/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Despite the widespread occurrence of intracellular crystalline inclusions in unicellular eukaryotes, scant attention has been paid to their composition, functions, and evolutionary origins. Using Raman microscopy, we examined >200 species from all major eukaryotic supergroups. We detected cellular crystalline inclusions in 77% species out of which 80% is composed of purines, such as anhydrous guanine (62%), guanine monohydrate (2%), uric acid (12%) and xanthine (4%). Our findings shifts the paradigm assuming predominance of calcite and oxalates. Purine crystals emerge in microorganisms in all habitats, e.g., in freshwater algae, endosymbionts of reef-building corals, deadly parasites, anaerobes in termite guts, or slime molds. Hence, purine biocrystallization is a general and ancestral eukaryotic process likely present in the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) and here we propose two proteins omnipresent in eukaryotes that are likely in charge of their metabolism: hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase and equilibrative nucleoside transporter. Purine crystalline inclusions are multifunctional structures representing high-capacity and rapid-turnover reserves of nitrogen and optically active elements, e.g., used in light sensing. Thus, we anticipate our work to be a starting point for further studies spanning from cell biology to global ecology, with potential applications in biotechnologies, bio-optics, or in human medicine.},
}
@article {pmid35678589,
year = {2022},
author = {Higgins, SA and Mann, M and Heck, M},
title = {Strain Tracking of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus', the Citrus Greening Pathogen, by High-Resolution Microbiome Analysis of Asian Citrus Psyllids.},
journal = {Phytopathology},
volume = {112},
number = {11},
pages = {2273-2287},
doi = {10.1094/PHYTO-02-22-0067-R},
pmid = {35678589},
issn = {0031-949X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Citrus/microbiology ; *Rhizobiaceae/genetics ; Liberibacter ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is an invasive insect and a vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas), a bacterium whose growth in Citrus species results in huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease. Methods to enrich and sequence CLas from D. citri often rely on biased genome amplification and nevertheless contain significant quantities of host DNA. To overcome these hurdles, we developed a simple pretreatment DNase and filtration (PDF) protocol to remove host DNA and directly sequence CLas and the complete, primarily uncultivable microbiome from D. citri adults. The PDF protocol yielded CLas abundances upward of 60% and facilitated direct measurement of CLas and endosymbiont replication rates in psyllids. The PDF protocol confirmed our lab strains derived from a progenitor Florida CLas strain and accumulated 156 genetic variants, underscoring the utility of this method for bacterial strain tracking. CLas genetic polymorphisms arising in lab-reared psyllid populations included prophage-encoding regions with key functions in CLas pathogenesis, putative antibiotic resistance loci, and a single secreted effector. These variants suggest that laboratory propagation of CLas could result in different phenotypic trajectories among laboratories and could confound CLas physiology or therapeutic design and evaluation if these differences remain undocumented. Finally, we obtained genetic signatures affiliated with Citrus nuclear and organellar genomes, entomopathogenic fungal mitochondria, and commensal bacteria from laboratory-reared and field-collected D. citri adults. Hence, the PDF protocol can directly inform agricultural management strategies related to bacterial strain tracking, insect microbiome surveillance, and antibiotic resistance screening.},
}
@article {pmid35678925,
year = {2022},
author = {Lin, GW and Chung, CY and Cook, CE and Lin, MD and Lee, WC and Chang, CC},
title = {Germline specification and axis determination in viviparous and oviparous pea aphids: conserved and divergent features.},
journal = {Development genes and evolution},
volume = {232},
number = {2-4},
pages = {51-65},
pmid = {35678925},
issn = {1432-041X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/physiology ; Female ; Germ Cells ; Insect Proteins ; Oviparity ; Pisum sativum ; },
abstract = {Aphids are hemimetabolous insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis without pupation. The annual life cycle of most aphids includes both an asexual (viviparous) and a sexual (oviparous) phase. Sexual reproduction only occurs once per year and is followed by many generations of asexual reproduction, during which aphids propagate exponentially with telescopic development. Here, we discuss the potential links between viviparous embryogenesis and derived developmental features in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, particularly focusing on germline specification and axis determination, both of which are key events of early development in insects. We also discuss potential evolutionary paths through which both viviparous and oviparous females might have come to utilize maternal germ plasm to drive germline specification. This developmental strategy, as defined by germline markers, has not been reported in other hemimetabolous insects. In viviparous females, furthermore, we discuss whether molecules that in other insects characterize germ plasm, like Vasa, also participate in posterior determination and how the anterior localization of the hunchback orthologue Ap-hb establishes the anterior-posterior axis. We propose that the linked chain of developing oocytes and embryos within each ovariole and the special morphology of early embryos might have driven the formation of evolutionary novelties in germline specification and axis determination in the viviparous aphids. Moreover, based upon the finding that the endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola is closely associated with germ cells throughout embryogenesis, we propose presumptive roles for B. aphidicola in aphid development, discussing how it might regulate germline migration in both reproductive modes of pea aphids. In summary, we expect that this review will shed light on viviparous as well as oviparous development in aphids.},
}
@article {pmid35681493,
year = {2022},
author = {Das De, T and Sharma, P and Tevatiya, S and Chauhan, C and Kumari, S and Yadav, P and Singla, D and Srivastava, V and Rani, J and Hasija, Y and Pandey, KC and Kajla, M and Dixit, R},
title = {Bidirectional Microbiome-Gut-Brain-Axis Communication Influences Metabolic Switch-Associated Responses in the Mosquito Anopheles culicifacies.},
journal = {Cells},
volume = {11},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {35681493},
issn = {2073-4409},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles ; Bacteria/genetics ; Brain/metabolism ; Cell Communication ; Female ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; },
abstract = {The periodic ingestion of a protein-rich blood meal by adult female mosquitoes causes a drastic metabolic change in their innate physiological status, which is referred to as a 'metabolic switch'. While understanding the neural circuits for host-seeking is modestly attended, how the gut 'metabolic switch' modulates brain functions, and resilience to physiological homeostasis, remains unexplored. Here, through a comparative brain RNA-Seq study, we demonstrate that the protein-rich diet induces the expression of brain transcripts related to mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, possibly causing a shift in the brain's engagement to manage organismal homeostasis. A dynamic mRNA expression pattern of neuro-signaling and neuro-modulatory genes in both the gut and brain likely establishes an active gut-brain communication. The disruption of this communication through decapitation does not affect the modulation of the neuro-modulator receptor genes in the gut. In parallel, an unusual and paramount shift in the level of neurotransmitters (NTs), from the brain to the gut after blood feeding, further supports the idea of the gut's ability to serve as a 'second brain'. After blood-feeding, a moderate enrichment of the gut microbial population, and altered immunity in the gut of histamine receptor-silenced mosquitoes, provide initial evidence that the gut-microbiome plays a crucial role in gut-brain-axis communication. Finally, a comparative metagenomics evaluation of the gut microbiome highlighted that blood-feeding enriches the family members of the Morganellaceae and Pseudomonadaceae bacterial communities. The notable observation of a rapid proliferation of Pseudomonas bacterial sp. and tryptophan enrichment in the gut correlates with the suppression of appetite after blood-feeding. Additionally, altered NTs dynamics of naïve and aseptic mosquitoes provide further evidence that gut-endosymbionts are key modulators for the synthesis of major neuroactive molecules. Our data establish a new conceptual understanding of microbiome-gut-brain-axis communication in mosquitoes.},
}
@article {pmid35695864,
year = {2022},
author = {Nadal-Jimenez, P and Siozios, S and Halliday, N and Cámara, M and Hurst, GDD},
title = {Symbiopectobacterium purcellii, gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the leafhopper Empoasca decipiens.},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.005440},
pmid = {35695864},
issn = {1466-5034},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Base Composition ; Chromatography, Liquid ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Fatty Acids/chemistry ; *Hemiptera ; *Pectobacterium ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts are found in multiple arthropod species, where they play crucial roles as nutritional symbionts, defensive symbionts or reproductive parasites. Recent work has highlighted a new clade of heritable microbes within the gammaproteobacteria that enter into both obligate and facultative symbioses, with an obligately required unculturable symbiont recently given the name Candidatus Symbiopectobacterium. In this study, we describe a culturable rod shaped non-flagellated bacterial symbiont from this clade isolated from the leafhopper Empoasca decipiens. The symbiont is related to the transovarially transmitted 'BEV' bacterium that was first isolated from the leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus by Alexander Purcell, and we therefore name the symbiont Symbiopectobacterium purcellii sp. nov., gen. nov. We further report the closed genome sequence for S. purcellii. The genome is atypical for a heritable microbe, being large in size, without profound AT bias and with little evidence of pseudogenization. The genome is predicted to encode Type II, III and VI secretion systems and associated effectors and a non-ribosomal peptide synthase array likely to produce bioactive small molecules. The predicted metabolism is more complete than for other symbionts in the Symbiopectobacterium clade, and the microbe is predicted to synthesize a range of B vitamins. However, Biolog plate results indicate that the metabolism is depauperate compared to the sister clade, represented by Pectobacterium carotovorum. A quorum-sensing pathway related to that of Pectobacterium species (containing an overlapping expI-expR1 pair in opposite directions and a "solo" expR2) is evidenced, and LC-MS/MS analysis reveals the presence of 3-hydroxy-C10-HSL as the sole N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) in our strain. This AHL profile is profoundly divergent from that of other Erwinia and Pectobacterium species which produce mostly 3-oxo-C6- and 3-oxo-C8-HSL and could aid group identification. Thus, this microbe denotes one that has lost certain pathways associated with a saprophytic lifestyle but represents an important baseline against which to compare other members of the genus Symbiopectobacterium that show more profound integration into host biology. The type strain of Symbiopectobacterium purcellii gen. nov., sp. nov. is SyEd1[T] (LMG 32449[T]=CECT 30436[T]).},
}
@article {pmid35699129,
year = {2022},
author = {Mulenga, GM and Namangala, B and Gummow, B},
title = {Prevalence of trypanosomes and selected symbionts in tsetse species of eastern Zambia.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {149},
number = {11},
pages = {1406-1410},
pmid = {35699129},
issn = {1469-8161},
mesh = {Animals ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; Insect Vectors/parasitology ; Prevalence ; *Trypanosoma/genetics ; *Trypanosomiasis, African/parasitology ; *Tsetse Flies/parasitology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Zambia/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Insect symbionts have attracted attention for their potential use as anti-parasitic gene products in arthropod disease vectors. While tsetse species of the Luangwa valley have been extensively studied, less is known about the prevalence of symbionts and their interactions with the trypanosome parasite. Polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the presence of Wolbachia and Sodalis bacteria, in tsetse flies infected with trypanosomes (Trypanosoma vivax, Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei). Out of 278 captured tsetse flies in eastern Zambia, 95.3% (n = 265, 95% CI = 92.8–97.8) carried endosymbionts: Wolbachia (79.1%, 95% CI 73.9–83.8) and Sodalis (86.3%, 95% CI 81.7–90.1). Overall, trypanosome prevalence was 25.5% (n = 71, 95% CI = 20.4–30.7), 10.8% (n = 30, 95% CI 7.1–14.4) for T. brucei, 1.4% (n = 4, 95% CI = 0.4–3.6) for both T. congolense and T. vivax, and 0.7% (n = 2, 95% CI 0.1–2.6) for T. b. rhodesiense. Out of 240 tsetse flies that were infected with Sodalis, trypanosome infection was reported in 40 tsetse flies (16.7%, 95% CI = 12.0–21.4) while 37 (16.8%, 95% CI 11.9–21.8) of the 220 Wolbachia infected tsetse flies were infected with trypanosomes. There was 1.3 times likelihood of T. brucei infection to be present when Wolbachia was present and 1.7 likelihood of T. brucei infection when Sodalis was present. Overall findings suggest absence of correlation between the presence of tsetse endosymbionts and tsetse with trypanosome infection. Lastly, the presence of pathogenic trypanosomes in tsetse species examined provided insights into the risk communities face, and the importance of African trypanosomiasis in the area.},
}
@article {pmid35699368,
year = {2022},
author = {De Oliveira, AL and Srivastava, A and Espada-Hinojosa, S and Bright, M},
title = {The complete and closed genome of the facultative generalist Candidatus Endoriftia persephone from deep-sea hydrothermal vents.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {22},
number = {8},
pages = {3106-3123},
pmid = {35699368},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {P 31543/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {DNA Restriction-Modification Enzymes/genetics ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; *Hydrothermal Vents ; Sulfur ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Transposases/genetics ; },
abstract = {The mutualistic interactions between Riftia pachyptila and its endosymbiont Candidatus Endoriftia persephone (short Endoriftia) have been extensively researched. However, the closed Endoriftia genome is still lacking. Here, by employing single-molecule real-time sequencing we present the closed chromosomal sequence of Endoriftia. In contrast to theoretical predictions of enlarged and mobile genetic element-rich genomes related to facultative endosymbionts, the closed Endoriftia genome is streamlined with fewer than expected coding sequence regions, insertion-, prophage-sequences and transposase-coding sequences. Automated and manually curated functional analyses indicated that Endoriftia is more versatile regarding sulphur metabolism than previously reported. We identified the presence of two identical rRNA operons and two long CRISPR regions in the closed genome. Additionally, pangenome analyses revealed the presence of three types of secretion systems (II, IV and VI) in the different Endoriftia populations indicating lineage-specific adaptations. The in depth mobilome characterization identified the presence of shared genomic islands in the different Endoriftia drafts and in the closed genome, suggesting that the acquisition of foreign DNA predates the geographical dispersal of the different endosymbiont populations. Finally, we found no evidence of epigenetic regulation in Endoriftia, as revealed by gene screenings and absence of methylated modified base motifs in the genome. As a matter of fact, the restriction-modification system seems to be dysfunctional in Endoriftia, pointing to a higher importance of molecular memory-based immunity against phages via spacer incorporation into CRISPR system. The Endoriftia genome is the first closed tubeworm endosymbiont to date and will be valuable for future gene oriented and evolutionary comparative studies.},
}
@article {pmid35702810,
year = {2022},
author = {Colunga-Salas, P and Sánchez-Montes, S and Torres-Castro, M and Andrade-Torres, A and González, CAL and Aguilar-Tipacamú, G},
title = {Is vertical transmission the only pathway for Rickettsia felis?.},
journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases},
volume = {69},
number = {5},
pages = {e3352-e3356},
doi = {10.1111/tbed.14626},
pmid = {35702810},
issn = {1865-1682},
support = {//Fondo para el Desarrollo del Conocimiento/ ; //FNB-2021-05/ ; //Universidad Aut&#xf3;noma de Quer&#xe9;taro/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Flea Infestations/veterinary ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Rickettsia Infections/microbiology/veterinary ; *Rickettsia felis/genetics ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The genus Rickettsia encompasses several species grouped into two main clusters, Typhus and the Transitional groups. The latter group contains Rickettsia felis, an endosymbiont of several arthropods with an uncertain human pathogenicity and whose most efficient transmission mechanism described thus far is transovarial. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this pathway exists using phylogenetic analysis and partial sequences of the 17kDa and gltA genes and comparing them with host phylogeny using the cytb region. This is the first study that evaluates the vertical transmission of R. felis. In general, both phylogenies of R. felis showed no polytomies, as suspected if this pathway was the only pathway occurring. When phylogenies of the invertebrates and the gltA of R. felis were compared for strong coevolutionary insight, intricate relationships were observed, suggesting that other transmission pathways must occur, such as horizontal transmission. Further studies are needed to determine which other transmission routes occur in hematophagous arthropods.},
}
@article {pmid35707007,
year = {2022},
author = {Zhao, R and Li, D and Wang, X and Li, Z and Yu, X and Shentu, X},
title = {Synergistic and Additive Interactions of Zhongshengmycin to the Chemical Insecticide Pymetrozine for Controlling Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae).},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {875610},
pmid = {35707007},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Management of the rice brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens Stål is challenging because it can rapidly adapt to new pesticides within several generations. Combined use of chemical insecticides and antimicrobials was proposed as an alternative strategy to control N. lugens. Our previous experiments identified two effective agents (chemical insecticide: pymetrozine and antimicrobial: zhongshengmycin) that act on different targets in N. lugens. However, conditions and effectiveness of combinations of antimicrobials and insecticides against N. lugens are still unknown. Here, we evaluated separate and combined effects of pymetrozine and zhongshengmycin on third instar nymphs of N. lugens under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Results showed that zhongshengmycin exerts significant inhibitory effects on the three endosymbionts Pichia guilliermondii, Cryptococcus peneaus, and Pichia anomala cultured in vitro of N. lugens. Combinations of pymetrozine and zhongshengmycin under laboratory conditions produced additive or synergistic effects on N. lugens and caused higher mortality in third instar nymphs than either of them used alone. Experiments under greenhouse conditions further demonstrated that effective component quality ratio of pymetrozine to zhongshengmycin of 1:10 and 1:40 with co-toxicity coefficients of 221.63 and 672.87, respectively, also produced significant synergistic effects against N. lugens. Our results indicated that chemical insecticides combined with antimicrobials may provide a potential novel strategy for controlling N. lugens by inhibiting its endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid35714221,
year = {2022},
author = {Li, Y and Altamia, MA and Shipway, JR and Brugler, MR and Bernardino, AF and de Brito, TL and Lin, Z and da Silva Oliveira, FA and Sumida, P and Smith, CR and Trindade-Silva, A and Halanych, KM and Distel, DL},
title = {Contrasting modes of mitochondrial genome evolution in sister taxa of wood-eating marine bivalves (Teredinidae and Xylophagaidae).},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {35714221},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {U19 TW008163/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The bivalve families Teredinidae and Xylophagaidae include voracious consumers of wood in shallow and deep-water marine environments, respectively. The taxa are sister clades whose members consume wood as food with the aid of intracellular cellulolytic endosymbionts housed in their gills. This combination of adaptations is found in no other group of animals and was likely present in the common ancestor of both families. Despite these commonalities, the two families have followed dramatically different evolutionary paths with respect to anatomy, life history and distribution. Here we present 42 new mitochondrial genome sequences from Teredinidae and Xylophagaidae and show that distinct trajectories have also occurred in the evolution and organization of their mitochondrial genomes. Teredinidae display significantly greater rates of amino acid substitution but absolute conservation of protein-coding gene order, whereas Xylophagaidae display significantly less amino acid change but have undergone numerous and diverse changes in genome organization since their divergence from a common ancestor. As with many bivalves, these mitochondrial genomes encode two ribosomal RNAs, 12 protein coding genes, and 22 tRNAs; atp8 was not detected. We further show that their phylogeny, as inferred from amino acid sequences of 12 concatenated mitochondrial protein-coding genes, is largely congruent with those inferred from their nuclear genomes based on 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA sequences. Our results provide a robust phylogenetic framework to explore the tempo and mode of mitochondrial genome evolution and offer directions for future phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of wood-boring bivalves.},
}
@article {pmid35715692,
year = {2022},
author = {Hickin, ML and Kakumanu, ML and Schal, C},
title = {Effects of Wolbachia elimination and B-vitamin supplementation on bed bug development and reproduction.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {10270},
pmid = {35715692},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {P30 ES025128/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bedbugs ; Dietary Supplements ; Female ; Nymph ; Reproduction ; *Vitamin B Complex/pharmacology ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Obligate blood feeders, such as Cimex lectularius (common bed bug), have symbiotic associations with nutritional endosymbionts that produce B-vitamins. To quantify the symbiont's contribution to host fitness in these obligate mutualisms, the symbiont must be eliminated and its absence rigorously confirmed. We developed and validated procedures for complete elimination of Wolbachia (Wb) in bed bugs and quantified development and reproduction in bed bugs with and without Wb and with and without B-vitamins supplementation. Aposymbiotic bed bugs had slower nymphal development, reduced adult survivorship, smaller adult size, fewer eggs per female, and lower hatch rate than bed bugs that harbored Wb. In aposymbiotic bed bugs that were fed B-vitamins-supplemented blood, nymph development time, adult survivorship and hatch rate recovered to control levels, but adult size and egg number only partially recovered. These results underscore the nutritional dependence of bed bugs on their Wb symbiont and suggest that Wb may provide additional nutritional benefits beyond the B-vitamin mix that we investigated.},
}
@article {pmid35715703,
year = {2022},
author = {Lan, Y and Sun, J and Chen, C and Wang, H and Xiao, Y and Perez, M and Yang, Y and Kwan, YH and Sun, Y and Zhou, Y and Han, X and Miyazaki, J and Watsuji, TO and Bissessur, D and Qiu, JW and Takai, K and Qian, PY},
title = {Endosymbiont population genomics sheds light on transmission mode, partner specificity, and stability of the scaly-foot snail holobiont.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {2132-2143},
pmid = {35715703},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {42176110//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 18K06401//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology ; Metagenomics ; Phylogeny ; Snails/physiology ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The scaly-foot snail (Chrysomallon squamiferum) inhabiting deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the Indian Ocean relies on its sulphur-oxidising gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts for nutrition and energy. In this study, we investigate the specificity, transmission mode, and stability of multiple scaly-foot snail populations dwelling in five vent fields with considerably disparate geological, physical and chemical environmental conditions. Results of population genomics analyses reveal an incongruent phylogeny between the endosymbiont and mitochondrial genomes of the scaly-foot snails in the five vent fields sampled, indicating that the hosts obtain endosymbionts via horizontal transmission in each generation. However, the genetic homogeneity of many symbiont populations implies that vertical transmission cannot be ruled out either. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation of ovarian tissue yields symbiont signals around the oocytes, suggesting that vertical transmission co-occurs with horizontal transmission. Results of in situ environmental measurements and gene expression analyses from in situ fixed samples show that the snail host buffers the differences in environmental conditions to provide the endosymbionts with a stable intracellular micro-environment, where the symbionts serve key metabolic functions and benefit from the host's cushion. The mixed transmission mode, symbiont specificity at the species level, and stable intracellular environment provided by the host support the evolutionary, ecological, and physiological success of scaly-foot snail holobionts in different vents with unique environmental parameters.},
}
@article {pmid35716742,
year = {2022},
author = {Perrotta, BG and Kidd, KA and Walters, DM},
title = {PCB exposure is associated with reduction of endosymbionts in riparian spider microbiomes.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {842},
number = {},
pages = {156726},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156726},
pmid = {35716742},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Animals ; Insecta ; *Microbiota ; Ontario ; *Polychlorinated Biphenyls/analysis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; *Spiders ; },
abstract = {Microbial communities, including endosymbionts, play diverse and critical roles in host biology and reproduction, but contaminant exposure may cause an imbalance in the microbiome composition with subsequent impacts on host health. Here, we examined whether there was a significant alteration of the microbiome community within two taxa of riparian spiders (Tetragnathidae and Araneidae) from a site with historical polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in southern Ontario, Canada. Riparian spiders specialize in the predation of adult aquatic insects and, as such, their contaminant levels closely track those of nearby aquatic ecosystems. DNA from whole spiders from sites with either low or high PCB contamination was extracted, and spider microbiota profiled by partial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The most prevalent shift in microbial communities we observed was a large reduction in endosymbionts in spiders at the high PCB site. The abundance of endosymbionts at the high PCB site was 63 % and 98 % lower for tetragnathids and araneids, respectively, than at the low PCB site. Overall, this has potential implications for spider reproductive success and food webs, as riparian spiders are critical gatekeepers of energy and material fluxes at the land-water interface.},
}
@article {pmid35723456,
year = {2022},
author = {Chen, L and Xiao, Q and Shi, M and Cheng, J and Wu, J},
title = {Detecting Wolbachia Strain wAlbB in Aedes albopictus Cell Lines.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {184},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3791/63662},
pmid = {35723456},
issn = {1940-087X},
mesh = {*Aedes ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Mosquito Vectors ; *RNA Viruses ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {As a maternally harbored endosymbiont, Wolbachia infects large proportions of insect populations. Studies have recently reported the successful regulation of RNA virus transmission using Wolbachia-transfected mosquitoes. Key strategies to control viruses include the manipulation of host reproduction via cytoplasmic incompatibility and the inhibition of viral transcripts via immune priming and competition for host-derived resources. However, the underlying mechanisms of the responses of Wolbachia-transfected mosquitoes to viral infection are poorly understood. This paper presents a protocol for the in vitro identification of Wolbachia infection at the nucleic acid and protein levels in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Aa23 cells to enhance the understanding of the interactions between Wolbachia and its insect vectors. Through the combined use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunological analytical methods, a standard morphologic protocol has been described for the detection of Wolbachia-infected cells that is more accurate than the use of a single method. This approach may also be applied to the detection of Wolbachia infection in other insect taxa.},
}
@article {pmid35726500,
year = {2022},
author = {Dzul-Rosado, K and Maldonado-Borges, JI and Puerto-Manzano, FI and Lammoglia-Villagómez, MA and Becker, I and Sánchez-Montes, S},
title = {First exploratory study of bacterial pathogens and endosymbionts in head lice from a Mayan community in southern Mexico.},
journal = {Zoonoses and public health},
volume = {69},
number = {6},
pages = {729-736},
doi = {10.1111/zph.12982},
pmid = {35726500},
issn = {1863-2378},
mesh = {*Acinetobacter/genetics ; Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; DNA ; Humans ; *Lice Infestations/epidemiology/veterinary ; Mexico/epidemiology ; *Pediculus/genetics/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Lice represent one of the most neglected group of vectors worldwide, particularly in Latin America. Records of bacterial agents related to head lice are non-existent in this region of the continent. Many of these communities often do not have adequate access to public services and/or health protection. The normalization of this condition prevents them from manifesting discomfort, such as bites and itching, which further aggravates the situation, as they can be vectors of important diseases. For this reason, the aim of this work was to identify the richness of bacterial pathogens (Acinetobacter, Bartonella, and Rickettsia) and endosymbionts (Wolbachia) in head lice of paediatric patients from the indigenous municipality of Hoctun, Yucatan, Mexico. DNA extraction was performed using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. For the detection of bacterial pathogens, fragments of the gltA, rpoB, and 16S rDNA genes were amplified. For the detection of Wolbachia, the wsp gene was amplified. Of the 28 lice analysed, the presence of two genera of bacterial pathogens was detected Acinetobacter (42.9% = 12/28) and Bartonella (7.14% = 2/28). We also detected the endosymbiont Wolbachia (71.42% = 20/28). Our results showed that DNA from three bacteria species (Acinetobacter baumannii, Bartonella quintana, and Wolbachia pipientis) was present with frequencies ranging from 3.57% to 71.42%. This work represents the first exploratory study of the diversity of agents associated with head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) in Mexico and Latin America. Due to the findings generated in the present study, it is important to perform surveillance of head lice populations to identify the degree of spread of these pathogens and their impact on populations in the region.},
}
@article {pmid35731940,
year = {2022},
author = {Romero Picazo, D and Werner, A and Dagan, T and Kupczok, A},
title = {Pangenome Evolution in Environmentally Transmitted Symbionts of Deep-Sea Mussels Is Governed by Vertical Inheritance.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {35731940},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genome, Bacterial ; Methane ; *Mytilidae/genetics/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Sulfur ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Microbial pangenomes vary across species; their size and structure are determined by genetic diversity within the population and by gene loss and horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Many bacteria are associated with eukaryotic hosts where the host colonization dynamics may impact bacterial genome evolution. Host-associated lifestyle has been recognized as a barrier to HGT in parentally transmitted bacteria. However, pangenome evolution of environmentally acquired symbionts remains understudied, often due to limitations in symbiont cultivation. Using high-resolution metagenomics, here we study pangenome evolution of two co-occurring endosymbionts inhabiting Bathymodiolus brooksi mussels from a single cold seep. The symbionts, sulfur-oxidizing (SOX) and methane-oxidizing (MOX) gamma-proteobacteria, are environmentally acquired at an early developmental stage and individual mussels may harbor multiple strains of each symbiont species. We found differences in the accessory gene content of both symbionts across individual mussels, which are reflected by differences in symbiont strain composition. Compared with core genes, accessory genes are enriched in genome plasticity functions. We found no evidence for recent HGT between both symbionts. A comparison between the symbiont pangenomes revealed that the MOX population is less diverged and contains fewer accessory genes, supporting that the MOX association with B. brooksi is more recent in comparison to that of SOX. Our results show that the pangenomes of both symbionts evolved mainly by vertical inheritance. We conclude that genome evolution of environmentally transmitted symbionts that associate with individual hosts over their lifetime is affected by a narrow symbiosis where the frequency of HGT is constrained.},
}
@article {pmid35735896,
year = {2022},
author = {Nian, X and Tao, X and Xiao, Z and Wang, D and He, Y},
title = {Effects of Sublethal Concentrations of Tetracycline Hydrochloride on the Biological Characteristics and Wolbachia Titer in Parthenogenesis Trichogramma pretiosum.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {35735896},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2021A1515010784//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong/ ; 31772219//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2019KJ125//Guangdong Provincial Special Fund for Modern Agriculture Industry Technology Innovation Teams/ ; },
abstract = {Trichogramma pretiosum Riley is an important natural enemy and biological control agent of lepidopteran pests. Wolbachia is an intracellular endosymbiont that induces parthenogenesis in the parasitoid T. pretiosum. In this paper, the sublethal effects of the antibiotic tetracycline hydrochloride on the development and reproduction of T. pretiosum were studied. Emerged females were fed with sublethal concentrations (LC5, LC15, and LC35) of tetracycline for ten generations. The biological parameters (longevity, parasitized eggs, and fecundity) of treated females significantly reduced compared with the control Moreover, the percentage of female offspring in the treatments significantly reduced, but the percentage of male offspring significantly increased. In addition, the Wolbachia titer sharply reduced after two generations of antibiotic treatments, but it could still be detected even after ten successive generations of antibiotic treatments, which indicated that Wolbachia was not completely removed by sublethal concentrations of tetracycline. The control lines with higher Wolbachia titers produced more female offspring than the tetracycline treatments with lower Wolbachia titers, indicating that the Wolbachia titer affected the sex determination of T. pretiosum. Our results show that sublethal concentrations of tetracycline had adverse effects on the development of T. pretiosum, and Wolbachia titers affected the sexual development of T. pretiosum eggs.},
}
@article {pmid35738252,
year = {2022},
author = {George, EE and Tashyreva, D and Kwong, WK and Okamoto, N and Horák, A and Husnik, F and Lukeš, J and Keeling, PJ},
title = {Gene Transfer Agents in Bacterial Endosymbionts of Microbial Eukaryotes.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {35738252},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Bacteria/genetics ; *Eukaryota/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Viruses ; },
abstract = {Gene transfer agents (GTAs) are virus-like structures that package and transfer prokaryotic DNA from donor to recipient prokaryotic cells. Here, we describe widespread GTA gene clusters in the highly reduced genomes of bacterial endosymbionts from microbial eukaryotes (protists). Homologs of the GTA capsid and portal complexes were initially found to be present in several highly reduced alphaproteobacterial endosymbionts of diplonemid protists (Rickettsiales and Rhodospirillales). Evidence of GTA expression was found in polyA-enriched metatranscriptomes of the diplonemid hosts and their endosymbionts, but due to biases in the polyA-enrichment methods, levels of GTA expression could not be determined. Examining the genomes of closely related bacteria revealed that the pattern of retained GTA head/capsid complexes with missing tail components was common across Rickettsiales and Holosporaceae (Rhodospirillales), all obligate symbionts with a wide variety of eukaryotic hosts. A dN/dS analysis of Rickettsiales and Holosporaceae symbionts revealed that purifying selection is likely the main driver of GTA evolution in symbionts, suggesting they remain functional, but the ecological function of GTAs in bacterial symbionts is unknown. In particular, it is unclear how increasing horizontal gene transfer in small, largely clonal endosymbiont populations can explain GTA retention, and, therefore, the structures may have been repurposed in endosymbionts for host interactions. Either way, their widespread retention and conservation in endosymbionts of diverse eukaryotes suggests an important role in symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid35740880,
year = {2022},
author = {Hassan, K and Chepkirui, C and Llanos-López, NA and Matasyoh, JC and Decock, C and Marin-Felix, Y and Stadler, M},
title = {Meroterpenoids Possibly Produced by a Bacterial Endosymbiont of the Tropical Basidiomycete Echinochaete brachypora.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {35740880},
issn = {2218-273X},
mesh = {Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry ; Bacteria/metabolism ; *Basidiomycota/chemistry ; Fungi/metabolism ; *Polyporaceae/metabolism ; },
abstract = {A mycelial culture of the African basidiomycete Echinochaete cf. brachypora was studied for biologically active secondary metabolites, and four compounds were isolated from its crude extract derived from shake flask fermentations, using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The pure metabolites were identified using extensive nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS). Aside from the new metabolites 1-methoxyneomarinone (1) and (E)-3-methyl-5-(-12,13,14-trimethylcyclohex-10-en-6-yl)pent-2-enoic acid (4), the known metabolites neomarinone (2) and fumaquinone (4) were obtained. Such compounds had previously only been reported from Actinobacteria but were never isolated from the cultures of a fungus. This observation prompted us to evaluate whether the above metabolites may actually have been produced by an endosymbiontic bacterium that is associated with the basidiomycete. We have indeed been able to characterize bacterial 16S rDNA in the fungal mycelia, and the production of the metabolites stopped when the fungus was sub-cultured on a medium containing antibacterial antibiotics. Therefore, we have found strong evidence that compounds 1-4 are not of fungal origin. However, the endofungal bacterium was shown to belong to the genus Ralstonia, which has never been reported to produce similar metabolites to 1-4. Moreover, we failed to obtain the bacterial strain in pure culture to provide final proof for its identity. In any case, the current report is the first to document that polyporoid Basidiomycota are associated with endosymbionts and constitutes the first report on secondary metabolites from the genus Echinochaete.},
}
@article {pmid35744766,
year = {2022},
author = {Takahashi, T},
title = {Method for Stress Assessment of Endosymbiotic Algae in Paramecium bursaria as a Model System for Endosymbiosis.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {35744766},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {19K06347, 20K05695 and 22K05839//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiosis between heterotrophic host and microalga often breaks down because of environmental conditions, such as temperature change and exposure to toxic substances. By the time of the apparent breakdown of endosymbiosis, it is often too late for the endosymbiotic system to recover. In this study, I developed a technique for the stress assessment of endosymbiotic algae using Paramecium bursaria as an endosymbiosis model, after treatment with the herbicide paraquat, an endosymbiotic collapse inducer. Microcapillary flow cytometry was employed to evaluate a large number of cells in an approach that is more rapid than microscopy evaluation. In the assay, red fluorescence of the chlorophyll reflected the number of endosymbionts within the host cell, while yellow fluorescence fluctuated in response to the deteriorating viability of the endosymbiont under stress. Hence, the yellow/red fluorescence intensity ratio can be used as an algal stress index independent of the algal number. An optical evaluation revealed that the viability of the endosymbiotic algae within the host cell decreased after treatment with paraquat and that the remaining endosymbionts were exposed to high stress. The devised assay is a potential environmental monitoring method, applicable not only to P. bursaria but also to multicellular symbiotic units, such as corals.},
}
@article {pmid35745515,
year = {2022},
author = {Karsenti, N and Purssell, A and Lau, R and Ralevski, F and Bhasker, S and Raheel, H and Boggild, AK},
title = {Surveillance of Amoebic Keratitis-Causing Acanthamoebae for Potential Bacterial Endosymbionts in Ontario, Canada.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {35745515},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {Intramural Research Program//Public Health Ontario/ ; },
abstract = {Acanthamoeba spp. are the causative pathogens of several infections, including amoebic keratitis (AK), a vision-threatening infection. Acanthamoebae from corneal specimens of patients with AK harbor bacterial endosymbionts, which may increase virulence. We sought to understand the spectrum of bacterial endosymbionts present in clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba spp. identified in our reference parasitology laboratory. Isolates of Acanthamoeba spp. obtained from our biobank of anonymized corneal scrapings were screened for potential endosymbionts by PCR using primer pairs detecting bacteria belonging to orders Chlamydiales, Rickettsiales, or Legionellales and pan16S primers. Three primer pairs specific to the 18s rRNA gene of Acanthamoeba spp. were used for the amplification of Acanthamoeba DNA used for sequencing. Sanger sequencing of all PCR products was performed, followed by BLAST analysis for species identification. We screened 26 clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba spp. for potential endosymbionts. Five isolates (19%) were found to contain bacterial DNA belonging to Legionellales. Three (11%) contained members of the Rickettsiales and Pseudomonas genticulata was detected in a Rickettsia-positive sample. One strain (4%) contained Neochlamydia hartmannellae, a member of the Chlamydiales order. Bacterial endosymbionts are prevalent in clinical strains of Acanthamoeba causing AK isolated from corneal scrapings. The demonstration of these organisms in clinical Acanthamoeba isolates supports a potential exploration of anti-endosymbiont therapeutics as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of AK.},
}
@article {pmid35755814,
year = {2022},
author = {Lima, RM and Rathod, BB and Tiricz, H and Howan, DHO and Al Bouni, MA and Jenei, S and Tímár, E and Endre, G and Tóth, GK and Kondorosi, &#xc9;},
title = {Legume Plant Peptides as Sources of Novel Antimicrobial Molecules Against Human Pathogens.},
journal = {Frontiers in molecular biosciences},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {870460},
pmid = {35755814},
issn = {2296-889X},
abstract = {Antimicrobial peptides are prominent components of the plant immune system acting against a wide variety of pathogens. Legume plants from the inverted repeat lacking clade (IRLC) have evolved a unique gene family encoding nodule-specific cysteine-rich NCR peptides acting in the symbiotic cells of root nodules, where they convert their bacterial endosymbionts into non-cultivable, polyploid nitrogen-fixing cells. NCRs are usually 30-50 amino acids long peptides having a characteristic pattern of 4 or 6 cysteines and highly divergent amino acid composition. While the function of NCRs is largely unknown, antimicrobial activity has been demonstrated for a few cationic Medicago truncatula NCR peptides against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The advantages of these plant peptides are their broad antimicrobial spectrum, fast killing modes of actions, multiple bacterial targets, and low propensity to develop resistance to them and no or low cytotoxicity to human cells. In the IRLC legumes, the number of NCR genes varies from a few to several hundred and it is possible that altogether hundreds of thousands of different NCR peptides exist. Due to the need for new antimicrobial agents, we investigated the antimicrobial potential of 104 synthetic NCR peptides from M. truncatula, M. sativa, Pisum sativum, Galega orientalis and Cicer arietinum against eight human pathogens, including ESKAPE bacteria. 50 NCRs showed antimicrobial activity with differences in the antimicrobial spectrum and effectivity. The most active peptides eliminated bacteria at concentrations from 0.8 to 3.1 μM. High isoelectric point and positive net charge were important but not the only determinants of their antimicrobial activity. Testing the activity of shorter peptide derivatives against Acinetobacter baumannii and Candida albicans led to identification of regions responsible for the antimicrobial activity and provided insight into their potential modes of action. This work provides highly potent lead molecules without hemolytic activity on human blood cells for novel antimicrobial drugs to fight against pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid35765190,
year = {2022},
author = {Weiland, SO and Detcharoen, M and Schlick-Steiner, BC and Steiner, FM},
title = {Analyses of locomotion, wing morphology, and microbiome in Drosophila nigrosparsa after recovery from antibiotics.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {e1291},
pmid = {35765190},
issn = {2045-8827},
mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Drosophila ; Locomotion ; *Microbiota ; Tetracycline/pharmacology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, have been frequently used to cure arthropods of Wolbachia endosymbionts. After the symbionts have been removed, the hosts must recover for some generations from the side effects of the antibiotics. However, most studies do not assess the direct and indirect longer-term effects of antibiotics used to remove Wolbachia, which may question the exact contribution of this endosymbiont to the effects observed. Here, we used the fly Drosophila nigrosparsa treated or not with tetracycline for three generations followed by two generations of recovery to investigate the effects of this antibiotic on the fly locomotion, wing morphology, and the gut microbiome. We found that antibiotic treatment did not affect fly locomotion two generations after being treated with the antibiotic. In addition, gut-microbiome restoration was tested as a more efficient solution to reduce the potential side effects of tetracycline on the microbiome. There was no significant difference in alpha diversity between gut restoration and other treatments, but the abundance of some bacterial taxa differed significantly between the gut-restoration treatment and the control. We conclude that in D. nigrosparsa the recovery period of two generations after being treated with the antibiotic is sufficient for locomotion, and suggest a general assessment of direct and indirect effects of antibiotics after a particular recovery time.},
}
@article {pmid35792339,
year = {2022},
author = {Mohamed, SA and Dubois, T and Azrag, AG and Ndlela, S and Neuenschwander, P},
title = {Classical biological of key horticultural pests in Africa: successes, challenges, and opportunities.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {53},
number = {},
pages = {100945},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2022.100945},
pmid = {35792339},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Africa ; Animals ; *Insecta ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Classical biological control (CBC) is considered a safer and more sustainable alternative for management of alien-invasive species. This review presents recent advances in CBC of key horticultural insect pests using parasitoids in Africa. Several CBC programs have been undertaken targeting different insect pests of both fruits and vegetables, largely yielding outstanding success. Key obstacles impeding CBC and opportunities that could promote CBC in Africa are outlined. Also, very brief highlights on recent scientific and technological advances in modeling, integrative taxonomy and molecular tools, and endosymbionts that relate to CBC are provided.},
}
@article {pmid35795355,
year = {2022},
author = {Manthey, JD and Girón, JC and Hruska, JP},
title = {Impact of host demography and evolutionary history on endosymbiont molecular evolution: A test in carpenter ants (genus Camponotus) and their Blochmannia endosymbionts.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {7},
pages = {e9026},
pmid = {35795355},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Obligate endosymbioses are tight associations between symbionts and the hosts they live inside. Hosts and their associated obligate endosymbionts generally exhibit codiversification, which has been documented in taxonomically diverse insect lineages. Host demography (e.g., effective population sizes) may impact the demography of endosymbionts, which may lead to an association between host demography and the patterns and processes of endosymbiont molecular evolution. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing data for carpenter ants (Genus Camponotus; subgenera Camponotus and Tanaemyrmex) and their Blochmannia endosymbionts as our study system to address whether Camponotus demography shapes Blochmannia molecular evolution. Using whole-genome phylogenomics, we confirmed previous work identifying codiversification between carpenter ants and their Blochmannia endosymbionts. We found that Blochmannia genes have evolved at a pace ~30× faster than that of their hosts' molecular evolution and that these rates are positively associated with host rates of molecular evolution. Using multiple tests for selection in Blochmannia genes, we found signatures of positive selection and shifts in selection strength across the phylogeny. Host demography was associated with Blochmannia shifts toward increased selection strengths, but not associated with Blochmannia selection relaxation, positive selection, genetic drift rates, or genome size evolution. Mixed support for relationships between host effective population sizes and Blochmannia molecular evolution suggests weak or uncoupled relationships between host demography and Blochmannia population genomic processes. Finally, we found that Blochmannia genome size evolution was associated with genome-wide estimates of genetic drift and number of genes with relaxed selection pressures.},
}
@article {pmid35798888,
year = {2022},
author = {Schön, ME and Martijn, J and Vosseberg, J and Köstlbacher, S and Ettema, TJG},
title = {The evolutionary origin of host association in the Rickettsiales.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {7},
number = {8},
pages = {1189-1199},
pmid = {35798888},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {817834/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Metagenome ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsiales/genetics ; },
abstract = {The evolution of obligate host-association of bacterial symbionts and pathogens remains poorly understood. The Rickettsiales are an alphaproteobacterial order of obligate endosymbionts and parasites that infect a wide variety of eukaryotic hosts, including humans, livestock, insects and protists. Induced by their host-associated lifestyle, Rickettsiales genomes have undergone reductive evolution, leading to small, AT-rich genomes with limited metabolic capacities. Here we uncover eleven deep-branching alphaproteobacterial metagenome assembled genomes from aquatic environments, including data from the Tara Oceans initiative and other publicly available datasets, distributed over three previously undescribed Rickettsiales-related clades. Phylogenomic analyses reveal that two of these clades, Mitibacteraceae and Athabascaceae, branch sister to all previously sampled Rickettsiales. The third clade, Gamibacteraceae, branch sister to the recently identified ectosymbiotic 'Candidatus Deianiraea vastatrix'. Comparative analyses indicate that the gene complement of Mitibacteraceae and Athabascaceae is reminiscent of that of free-living and biofilm-associated bacteria. Ancestral genome content reconstruction across the Rickettsiales species tree further suggests that the evolution of host association in Rickettsiales was a gradual process that may have involved the repurposing of a type IV secretion system.},
}
@article {pmid35799468,
year = {2022},
author = {Horas, EL and Metzger, SM and Platzer, B and Kelly, JB and Becks, L},
title = {Context-dependent costs and benefits of endosymbiotic interactions in a ciliate-algae system.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {24},
number = {12},
pages = {5924-5935},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16112},
pmid = {35799468},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Symbiosis ; *Chlorella ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; *Paramecium ; *Ciliophora ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiosis, an interaction between two species where one lives within the other, has evolved multiple times independently, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Evolutionary theory suggests that for an endosymbiotic interaction to remain stable over time, births of both partners should be higher than their deaths in symbiosis and deaths of both partners should be higher than their births when living independently. However, experimentally measuring this can be difficult and conclusions tend to focus on the host. Using a ciliate-algal system (Paramecium bursaria host and Chlorella endosymbionts), we estimated the benefits and costs of endosymbiosis for both organisms using fitness measurements in different biotic environments to test under which environmental conditions the net effects of the interaction were positive for both partners. We found that the net effects of harbouring endosymbionts were positive for the ciliate hosts as it allowed them to survive in conditions of low-quality bacteria food. The algae benefitted by being endosymbiotic when predators such as the hosts were present, but the net effects were dependent on the total density of hosts, decreasing as hosts densities increased. Overall, we show that including context-dependency of endosymbiosis is essential in understanding how these interactions have evolved.},
}
@article {pmid35814684,
year = {2022},
author = {Barman, M and Samanta, S and Upadhyaya, G and Thakur, H and Chakraborty, S and Samanta, A and Tarafdar, J},
title = {Unraveling the Basis of Neonicotinoid Resistance in Whitefly Species Complex: Role of Endosymbiotic Bacteria and Insecticide Resistance Genes.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {901793},
pmid = {35814684},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) is one of the most detrimental agricultural insect pests and vectors of many plant viruses distributed worldwide. Knowledge of the distribution patterns and insecticide resistance of this cryptic species is crucial for its management. In this study, genetic variation of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (MtCoI) gene of B. tabaci was analyzed followed by a study of the infection profile of various endosymbionts in 26 whitefly populations collected from West Bengal, India. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Asia I as the major cryptic species (65.38%), followed by Asia II 5, China 3, and Asia II 7, which were diversified into 20 different haplotypes. In addition to the primary endosymbiont (C. poriera), each of the four whitefly species showed a variable population of three secondary endosymbionts, majorly Arsenophonus with the highest infection rate (73.07%), followed by Wolbachia and Rickettsia. Further phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of two subgroups of Arsenophonus, viz., A1 and A2, and one each in Wolbachia (W1) and Rickettsia (R3). Resistance to thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid insecticides was analyzed for a clear picture of pesticide resistance status. The highest susceptibility was noted toward thiamethoxam (LC50 = 5.36 mg/L), followed by imidacloprid and acetamiprid. The whitefly population from Purulia and Hooghly districts bearing Asia II 7 and Asia II 5 cryptic species, respectively, shows maximum resistance. The differences in mean relative titer of four symbiotic bacteria among field populations varied considerably; however, a significant positive linear correlation was observed between the resistance level and relative titer of Arsenophonus and Wolbachia in the case of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam, while only Wolbachia was found in case of acetamiprid. Expression analysis demonstrated differential upregulation of insecticide resistance genes with Purulia and Hooghly populations showing maximally upregulated P450 genes. Moreover, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid resistance ratio (RR) showed a significant correlation with CYP6CM1, CYP6DZ7, and CYP4C64 genes, while acetamiprid RR correlated with CYP6CX1, CYP6DW2, CYP6DZ7, and CYP4C64 genes. Taken together, these findings suggested that P450 mono-oxygenase and symbiotic bacteria together affected whitefly resistance to neonicotinoids. Hence, a symbiont-oriented management programme could be a better alternative to control or delay resistance development in whitefly and can be used for pesticide clean-up in an agricultural field.},
}
@article {pmid35829939,
year = {2022},
author = {Carvajal-Agudelo, JD and Ramírez-Chaves, HE and Ossa-López, PA and Rivera-Páez, FA},
title = {Bacteria related to tick-borne pathogen assemblages in Ornithodoros cf. hasei (Acari: Argasidae) and blood of the wild mammal hosts in the Orinoquia region, Colombia.},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {87},
number = {2-3},
pages = {253-271},
pmid = {35829939},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {112777758193//Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnolog&#xed;a e innovaci&#xf3;n - Minciencias/ ; },
mesh = {*Acari ; Animals ; *Argasidae ; *Chiroptera ; Colombia ; *Ornithodoros ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; *Rickettsia ; },
abstract = {Interest in research on soft ticks has increased in recent decades, leading to valuable insight into their role as disease vectors. The use of metagenomics-based analyses have helped to elucidate ecological factors involved in pathogen, vector, and host dynamics. To understand the main bacterial assemblages present in Ornithodoros cf. hasei and its mammalian hosts, 84 ticks and 13 blood samples from bat hosts (Chiroptera) were selected, and the 16S rRNA gene V4 region was sequenced in five pools (each one related to each host-tick pairing). Bacterial taxonomic assignment analyses were performed by comparing operational taxonomic units (OTUs) shared between ticks and their host blood. This analysis showed the presence of Proteobacteria (38.8%), Enterobacteriaceae (25%), Firmicutes (12.3%), and Actinobacteria (10.9%) within blood samples, and Rickettsiaceae (39%), Firmicutes (25%), Actinobacteria (13.1%), and Proteobacteria (9%) within ticks. Species related to potentially pathogenic genera were detected in ticks, such as Borrelia sp., Bartonella tamiae, Ehrlichia sp. and Rickettsia-like endosymbiont, and the presence of these organisms was found in all analyzed bat species (Cynomops planirostris, Molossus pretiosus, Noctilio albiventris), and O. cf. hasei. About 41-48.6% of bacterial OTUs (genera and species) were shared between ticks and the blood of bat hosts. Targeted metagenomic screening techniques allowed the detection of tick-associated pathogens for O. cf. hasei and small mammals for the first time, enabling future research on many of these pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid35839761,
year = {2022},
author = {Boscaro, V and Syberg-Olsen, MJ and Irwin, NAT and George, EE and Vannini, C and Husnik, F and Keeling, PJ},
title = {All essential endosymbionts of the ciliate Euplotes are cyclically replaced.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {32},
number = {15},
pages = {R826-R827},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2022.06.052},
pmid = {35839761},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; Biological Evolution ; *Ciliophora ; *Euplotes/microbiology ; Insecta ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic systems vary in the degree to which the partners are bound to each other[1]. At one extreme, there are intracellular endosymbionts in mutually obligate relationships with their host, often interpreted as mutualistic. The symbiosis between the betaproteobacterium Polynucleobacter and the ciliate Euplotes (clade B) challenges this view[2]: although freshwater Euplotes species long ago became dependent on endosymbionts, the many extant Polynucleobacter lineages they harbour arose recently and in parallel from different free-living ancestors[2]. The host requires the endosymbionts for reproduction and survival[3], but each newly established symbiont is ultimately driven to extinction in a cycle of establishment, degeneration, and replacement. Similar replacement events have been observed in sap-feeding insects[4-6], a model for bacteria-eukaryote symbioses[7], but usually only affect a small subset of the host populations. Most insects retain an ancient coevolving symbiont, suggesting that long-term mutualism and permanent integration remain the rule and symbiont turnovers are mere evolutionary side-stories. Here we show that this is not the case for Euplotes. We examined all known essential Euplotes symbionts and found that none are ancient or coevolving; rather, all are recently established and continuously replaced over relatively short evolutionary time spans, making the symbiosis ancient for the host but not for any bacterial lineage.},
}
@article {pmid35840731,
year = {2022},
author = {Cárdenas, A and Raina, JB and Pogoreutz, C and Rädecker, N and Bougoure, J and Guagliardo, P and Pernice, M and Voolstra, CR},
title = {Greater functional diversity and redundancy of coral endolithic microbiomes align with lower coral bleaching susceptibility.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {2406-2420},
pmid = {35840731},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {OSR-2017-CRG6-3400-02//King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Coral Bleaching ; Coral Reefs ; Metagenomics ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The skeleton of reef-building coral harbors diverse microbial communities that could compensate for metabolic deficiencies caused by the loss of algal endosymbionts, i.e., coral bleaching. However, it is unknown to what extent endolith taxonomic diversity and functional potential might contribute to thermal resilience. Here we exposed Goniastrea edwardsi and Porites lutea, two common reef-building corals from the central Red Sea to a 17-day long heat stress. Using hyperspectral imaging, marker gene/metagenomic sequencing, and NanoSIMS, we characterized their endolithic microbiomes together with [15]N and [13]C assimilation of two skeletal compartments: the endolithic band directly below the coral tissue and the deep skeleton. The bleaching-resistant G. edwardsi was associated with endolithic microbiomes of greater functional diversity and redundancy that exhibited lower N and C assimilation than endoliths in the bleaching-sensitive P. lutea. We propose that the lower endolithic primary productivity in G. edwardsi can be attributed to the dominance of chemolithotrophs. Lower primary production within the skeleton may prevent unbalanced nutrient fluxes to coral tissues under heat stress, thereby preserving nutrient-limiting conditions characteristic of a stable coral-algal symbiosis. Our findings link coral endolithic microbiome structure and function to bleaching susceptibility, providing new avenues for understanding and eventually mitigating reef loss.},
}
@article {pmid35841431,
year = {2022},
author = {Mitra, A and Acharya, K and Bhattacharya, A},
title = {Evolutionary analysis of globin domains from kinetoplastids.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {204},
number = {8},
pages = {493},
pmid = {35841431},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {SRG/2020/000702//Science and Engineering Research Board/ ; },
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Codon ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Globins/chemistry/genetics/metabolism ; Heme/chemistry/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Globin (Gb) domains function in sensing gaseous ligands like oxygen and nitric oxide. In recent years, Gb domain containing heme binding adenylate cyclases (OsAC or GbAC) emerged as significant modulator of Leishmania response to hypoxia and oxidative stress. During progression of life cycle stages, kinetoplastids experience altered condition in insect vectors or other hosts. Moreover, marked diversity in life style has been accounted among kinetoplastids. Distribution and abundance of Gb-domains vary between different groups of kinetoplastids. While in bodonoids, Gbs are not combined with any other functional domains, in trypanosomatids it is either fused with adenylate cyclase (AC) or oxidoreductase (OxR) domains. In salivarian trypanosomatids and Leishmania (Viannia) subtypes, no gene product featuring Gbs can be identified. In this context, evolution of Gb-domains in kinetoplastids was explored. GbOxR derived Gbs clustered with bacterial flavohemoglobins (fHb) including one fHb from Advenella, an endosymbiont of monoxeneous trypanosomatids. Codon adaptation and other evolutionary analysis suggested that OsAC (LmjF.28.0090), the solitary Gb-domain featuring gene product in Leishmania, was acquired via possible horizontal gene transfer. Substantial functional divergence was estimated between orthologues of genes encoding GbAC or GbOxR; an observation also reflected in structural alignment and heme-binding residue predictions. Orthologue-paralogue and synteny analysis indicated genomic reduction in GbOxR and GbAC loci for dixeneous trypanosomatids.},
}
@article {pmid35841879,
year = {2022},
author = {Gonçalves, P and Gonçalves, C},
title = {Horizontal gene transfer in yeasts.},
journal = {Current opinion in genetics &amp; development},
volume = {76},
number = {},
pages = {101950},
doi = {10.1016/j.gde.2022.101950},
pmid = {35841879},
issn = {1879-0380},
mesh = {*Bacteria/genetics ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), defined as the exchange of genetic material other than from parent to progeny, is very common in bacteria and appears to constitute the most important mechanism contributing to enlarge a species gene pool. However, in eukaryotes, HGT is certainly much less common and some early insufficiently consubstantiated cases involving bacterial donors led some to consider that it was unlikely to occur in eukaryotes outside the host/endosymbiont relationship. More recently, plenty of reports of interdomain HGT have seen the light based on the strictest criteria, many concerning filamentous fungi and yeasts. Here, we attempt to summarize the most prominent instances of HGT reported in yeasts as well as what we have been able to learn so far concerning frequency and distribution, mechanisms, barriers, function of horizontally acquired genes, and the role of HGT in domestication.},
}
@article {pmid35849008,
year = {2022},
author = {Chaves, EB and Nascimento-Pereira, AC and Pinto, JLM and Rodrigues, BL and de Andrade, MS and Rêbelo, JMM},
title = {Detection of Wolbachia in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the State of Maranhão, Brazil.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {59},
number = {5},
pages = {1831-1836},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjac092},
pmid = {35849008},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {*Aedes/microbiology ; Animals ; *Anopheles/microbiology ; Brazil ; *Culex/microbiology ; *Culicidae/microbiology ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Recently, the endobacteria Wolbachia has emerged as a biological tool for the control of arboviruses. Thus, we investigated the rate of natural infection by Wolbachia in Culicidae species from Maranhão, Brazil. For this, we amplified the Wolbachia surface protein gene (wsp) from mosquitoes collected in six localities of Maranhão, and positive samples were subjected to new analysis using group-specific primers. In total, 448 specimens comprising 6 genera and 18 species of mosquitoes were analyzed. Wolbachia DNA was PCR-detected in 7 species, three of which are new records: Aedes scapularis (Rondani, 1848), Coquillettidia juxtamansonia (Chagas, 1907) and Cq. venezuelensis (Theobald, 1912), in addition to Ae. albopictus (Skuse, 1894) and Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823, which are commonly described as permissive to maintain this bacterium in natural environments, and two species of the subgenera Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) Blanchard, 1902 and Culex (Melanoconion) Theobald, 1903 which could not be identified at species level. The infection rate of all species ranged from 0 to 80%, and the average value was 16.5%. This study increases the knowledge about the prevalence of Wolbachia in the culicid fauna and may help in selecting strains for biological control purposes.},
}
@article {pmid35856258,
year = {2022},
author = {Guo, F and Castillo, P and Li, C and Qing, X and Li, H},
title = {Description of Rotylenchus zhongshanensis sp. nov. (Tylenchomorpha: Hoplolaimidae) and discovery of its endosymbiont Cardinium.},
journal = {Journal of helminthology},
volume = {96},
number = {},
pages = {e48},
doi = {10.1017/S0022149X22000384},
pmid = {35856258},
issn = {1475-2697},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Genes, Mitochondrial ; Male ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; *Rhabditida ; *Tylenchoidea/genetics ; },
abstract = {A new bisexual species of Rotylenchus is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular characterizations. Rotylenchus zhongshanensis sp. nov. is characterized by having a conoid lip region complying with the basic pattern for Hoplolaimidae, but with pharyngeal glands slightly overlapping intestine dorsally and cuticle thickened abnormally in female tail terminus. Females have robust stylet (30.1-33.8 μm). The pharyngeal gland has short dorsal (11.2-16.8 μm) overlap on the intestine. The vulva is located at 48.0-56.5% of body length, and phasmids are pore-like, 4-6 annuli posterior to the anus. For males, phasmids are pore-like, 11-17 annuli posterior to cloaca. The spicules are ventrally arcuate (21.0-28.5 μm) with gubernaculum in 5-8 μm length. The rRNA and mitochondrial COI genes were successfully sequenced from the assembled whole-genome sequences of the new species, and were used for reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships of the new species. A new strain of cyto-endosymbiont Cardinium was also discovered from the genome sequences of R. zhongshanensis sp. nov. The 16S rRNA phylogeny analyses revealed that this new bacterial strain is closed to that from cyst and root-lesion nematodes.},
}
@article {pmid35856677,
year = {2022},
author = {Kamala Jayanthi, PD and Vyas, M},
title = {Exploring the Transient Microbe Population on Citrus Butterfly Wings.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {e0205521},
pmid = {35856677},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/microbiology ; *Citrus ; Humans ; Insecta/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Wings, Animal/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Microbes carve out dwelling niches in unusual environments. Insects, in general, have been hosts to microbes in different ways. Some insects incorporate microbes as endosymbionts that help with metabolic functions, while some vector pathogenic microbes that cause serious plant and animal diseases, including humans. Microbes isolated from insect sources have been beneficial and a huge information repository. The fascinating and evolutionarily successful insect community has survived mass extinctions as a result of their unique biological traits. Wings have been one of the most important factors contributing to the evolutionary success of insects. In the current study, wings of Papilio polytes, a citrus butterfly, were investigated for the presence of ecologically significant microbes within hours of eclosing under aseptic conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of bacteria dwelling in crevices created by a specific arrangement of scales on the butterfly wing. A total of 38 bacterial isolates were obtained from the patched wings of the citrus butterfly, and Bacillus spp. were predominant among them. We probed the occurrence of these microbes to assess their significance to the insect. Many of the isolates displayed antibacterial, antifungal, and biosurfactant properties. Interestingly, one of the isolates displayed entomopathogenic potential toward the notorious agricultural pest mealybug. All the wing isolates were seen to cluster together consistently in a phylogenetic analysis, except for one isolate of Bacillus zhangzhouensis (Papilio polytes isolate [Pp] no. 28), suggesting they are distinct strains. IMPORTANCE This is a first study reporting the presence of culturable microbes on an unusual ecological niche such as butterfly wings. Our findings also establish that microbes inhabit these niches before the butterfly has contact with the environment. The findings in this report have opened up a new area of research which will not only help understand the microbiome of insect wings but might prove beneficial in other specialized studies.},
}
@article {pmid35858432,
year = {2022},
author = {Masson, F and Rommelaere, S and Schüpfer, F and Boquete, JP and Lemaitre, B},
title = {Disproportionate investment in Spiralin B production limits in-host growth and favors the vertical transmission of Spiroplasma insect endosymbionts.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {119},
number = {30},
pages = {e2208461119},
pmid = {35858432},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Amino Acids/metabolism ; Animals ; *Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/metabolism ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; *Spiroplasma/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Insects frequently harbor endosymbionts, which are bacteria housed within host tissues. These associations are stably maintained over evolutionary timescales through vertical transmission of endosymbionts from host mothers to their offspring. Some endosymbionts manipulate host reproduction to facilitate spread within natural populations. Consequently, such infections have major impacts on insect physiology and evolution. However, technical hurdles have limited our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying such insect-endosymbiont interactions. Here, we investigate the nutritional interactions between endosymbiotic partners using the tractable insect Drosophila melanogaster and its natural endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii. Using a combination of functional assays, metabolomics, and proteomics, we show that the abundance and amino acid composition of a single Spiroplasma membrane lectin, Spiralin B (SpiB), dictates the amino acid requirements of the endosymbiont and determines its proliferation within host tissues. Ectopically increasing SpiB levels in host tissues disrupts localization of endosymbionts in the fly egg chambers and decreases vertical transmission. We find that SpiB is likely to be required by the endosymbiont to enter host oocytes, which may explain the massive investment of S. poulsonii in SpiB synthesis. SpiB both permits vertical transmission of the symbiont and limits its growth in nutrient-limiting conditions for the host; therefore, a single protein plays a pivotal role in ensuring durability of the interaction in a variable environment.},
}
@article {pmid35865927,
year = {2022},
author = {Bisschop, K and Kortenbosch, HH and van Eldijk, TJB and Mallon, CA and Salles, JF and Bonte, D and Etienne, RS},
title = {Microbiome Heritability and Its Role in Adaptation of Hosts to Novel Resources.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {703183},
pmid = {35865927},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Microbiomes are involved in most vital processes, such as immune response, detoxification, and digestion and are thereby elementary to organismal functioning and ultimately the host's fitness. In turn, the microbiome may be influenced by the host and by the host's environment. To understand microbiome dynamics during the process of adaptation to new resources, we performed an evolutionary experiment with the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae. We generated genetically depleted strains of the two-spotted spider mite and reared them on their ancestral host plant and two novel host plants for approximately 12 generations. The use of genetically depleted strains reduced the magnitude of genetic adaptation of the spider mite host to the new resource and, hence, allowed for better detection of signals of adaptation via the microbiome. During the course of adaptation, we tested spider mite performance (number of eggs laid and longevity) and characterized the bacterial component of its microbiome (16S rRNA gene sequencing) to determine: (1) whether the bacterial communities were shaped by mite ancestry or plant environment and (2) whether the spider mites' performance and microbiome composition were related. We found that spider mite performance on the novel host plants was clearly correlated with microbiome composition. Because our results show that only little of the total variation in the microbiome can be explained by the properties of the host (spider mite) and the environment (plant species) we studied, we argue that the bacterial community within hosts could be valuable for understanding a species' performance on multiple resources.},
}
@article {pmid35866313,
year = {2022},
author = {Chirgwin, E and Yang, Q and Umina, PA and Gill, A and Soleimannejad, S and Gu, X and Ross, P and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Fungicides have transgenerational effects on Rhopalosiphum padi but not their endosymbionts.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {78},
number = {11},
pages = {4709-4718},
doi = {10.1002/ps.7091},
pmid = {35866313},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Grains Research and Development Corporation/ ; },
mesh = {Acetates ; Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Aphids ; *Fungicides, Industrial/pharmacology ; Imines ; Nitriles ; Strobilurins/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: While several agricultural fungicides are known to directly affect invertebrate pests, including aphids, the mechanisms involved are often unknown. One hypothesis is that fungicides with antibacterial activity suppress bacterial endosymbionts present in aphids which are important for aphid survival. Endosymbiont-related effects are expected to be transgenerational, given that these bacteria are maternally inherited. Here, we test for these associations using three fungicides (chlorothalonil, pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin) against the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi, using a microinjected strain that carried both the primary endosymbiont Buchnera and the secondary endosymbiont Rickettsiella.<br><br>RESULTS: We show that the fungicide chlorothalonil did not cause an immediate effect on aphid survival, whereas both strobilurin fungicides (pyraclostrobin and trifloxystrobin) decreased survival after 48&#x2009;h exposure. However, chlorothalonil substantially reduced the lifespan and fecundity of the F1 generation. Trifloxystrobin also reduced the lifespan and fecundity of F1 offspring, however, pyraclostrobin did not affect these traits. None of the fungicides consistently altered the density of Buchnera or Rickettsiella in whole aphids.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest fungicides have sublethal impacts on R. padi that are not fully realized until the generation after exposure, and these sublethal impacts are not associated with the density of endosymbionts harbored by R. padi. However, we cannot rule out other effects of fungicides on endosymbionts that might influence fitness, like changes in their tissue distribution. We discuss these results within the context of fungicidal effects on aphid suppression across generations and point to potential field applications. &#xa9; 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid35868196,
year = {2022},
author = {Zhang, XY and Li, SS and Chen, KL and Yang, C and Zhou, XJ and Liu, JZ and Zhang, YK},
title = {Growth dynamics and tissue localization of a Coxiella-like endosymbiont in the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {102005},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102005},
pmid = {35868196},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Coxiella/genetics ; Female ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Ticks/genetics ; },
abstract = {A Coxiella-like endosymbiont (Coxiella-LE hereinafter) stably infects and influences Haemaphysalis longicornis development, indicating a mutualistic relationship of Coxiella-LE and ticks. To further elucidate the patterns of growth dynamics and tissue localization of Coxiella-LE in H. longicornis, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used in this study. The density of Coxiella-LE varied among different tick life stages, and fed female ticks had the highest density, followed by unfed female and unfed larval ticks. In the four organs that were dissected from fed female ticks, the ovary carried the highest density of Coxiella-LE, which was significantly different from salivary glands, midgut and Malpighian tubules. The high abundance of Coxiella-LE in fed female ticks and in the ovaries of fed female ticks in the bacterial microbiota analyses further confirmed that Coxiella-LE rapidly proliferates in the ovary after blood feeding. The ovaries continued to develop after engorgement and oviposition began on day 5, with a significant decrease in the density of Coxiella-LE in the ovaries occurring on day 7. FISH results indicated that Coxiella-LE is mainly colonized in the cytoplasm of the oocyte and proliferates with oogenesis. Coxiella-LE was expelled from the body with the mature oocyte, ensuring its vertical transmission. In the Malpighian tubules at different days after engorgement, the white flocculent materials were increasing, and the density of Coxiella-LE raised significantly on day 7. Unlike the localization pattern in the ovary, Coxiella-LE was initially distributed in a mass and continually increased during the development of Malpighian tubules until it filled the Malpighian tubules. These findings provide new insights on the growth dynamics and tissue localization of Coxiella-LE in ticks and are useful for further investigation on the interactions of symbiont and ticks .},
}
@article {pmid35869302,
year = {2022},
author = {Mejia, AJ and Jimenez, L and Dutra, HLC and Perera, R and McGraw, EA},
title = {Attempts to use breeding approaches in Aedes aegypti to create lines with distinct and stable relative Wolbachia densities.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {129},
number = {4},
pages = {215-224},
pmid = {35869302},
issn = {1365-2540},
support = {R01 AI151166/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Aedes/genetics ; Animals ; Mosquito Vectors/genetics ; Specific Gravity ; Virus Replication ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Zika Virus ; *Zika Virus Infection ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an insect endosymbiont being used for biological control in the mosquito Aedes aegypti because it causes cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) and limits viral replication of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. While the genetic mechanism of pathogen blocking (PB) is not fully understood, the strength of both CI and PB are positively correlated with Wolbachia densities in the host. Wolbachia densities are determined by a combination of Wolbachia strain and insect genotype, as well as interactions with the environment. We employed both artificial selection and inbreeding with the goal of creating lines of Ae. aegypti with heritable and distinct Wolbachia densities so that we might better dissect the mechanism underlying PB. We were unable to shift the mean relative Wolbachia density in Ae. aegypti lines by either strategy, with relative densities instead tending to cycle over a narrow range. In lieu of this, we used Wolbachia densities in mosquito legs as predictors of relative densities in the remaining individual's carcass. Because we worked with outbred mosquitoes, our findings indicate either a lack of genetic variation in the mosquito for controlling relative density, natural selection against extreme densities, or a predominance of environmental factors affecting densities. Our study reveals that there are moderating forces acting on relative Wolbachia densities that may help to stabilize density phenotypes post field release. We also show a means to accurately bin vector carcasses into high and low categories for non-DNA omics-based studies of Wolbachia-mediated traits.},
}
@article {pmid35873163,
year = {2022},
author = {Ramos, LFC and Martins, M and Murillo, JR and Domont, GB and de Oliveira, DMP and Nogueira, FCS and Maciel-de-Freitas, R and Junqueira, M},
title = {Interspecies Isobaric Labeling-Based Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Protein Changes in the Ovary of Aedes aegypti Coinfected With ZIKV and Wolbachia.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {900608},
pmid = {35873163},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Aedes/microbiology ; Animals ; *Coinfection ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Mosquito Vectors ; Ovary ; Proteomics ; *Wolbachia ; *Zika Virus ; *Zika Virus Infection ; },
abstract = {Zika is a vector-borne disease caused by an arbovirus (ZIKV) and overwhelmingly transmitted by Ae. aegypti. This disease is linked to adverse fetal outcomes, mostly microcephaly in newborns, and other clinical aspects such as acute febrile illness and neurologic complications, for example, Guillain-Barré syndrome. One of the most promising strategies to mitigate arbovirus transmission involves releasing Ae. aegypti mosquitoes carrying the maternally inherited endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia pipientis. The presence of Wolbachia is associated with a reduced susceptibility to arboviruses and a fitness cost in mosquito life-history traits such as fecundity and fertility. However, the mechanisms by which Wolbachia influences metabolic pathways leading to differences in egg production remains poorly known. To investigate the impact of coinfections on the reproductive tract of the mosquito, we applied an isobaric labeling-based quantitative proteomic strategy to investigate the influence of Wolbachia wMel and ZIKV infection in Ae. aegypti ovaries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most complete proteome of Ae. aegypti ovaries reported so far, with a total of 3913 proteins identified, were also able to quantify 1044 Wolbachia proteins in complex sample tissue of Ae. aegypti ovary. Furthermore, from a total of 480 mosquito proteins modulated in our study, we discuss proteins and pathways altered in Ae. aegypti during ZIKV infections, Wolbachia infections, coinfection Wolbachia/ZIKV, and compared with no infection, focusing on immune and reproductive aspects of Ae. aegypti. The modified aspects mainly were related to the immune priming enhancement by Wolbachia presence and the modulation of the Juvenile Hormone pathway caused by both microorganism's infection.},
}
@article {pmid35876244,
year = {2022},
author = {Sawadogo, SP and Kabore, DA and Tibiri, EB and Hughes, A and Gnankine, O and Quek, S and Diabaté, A and Ranson, H and Hughes, GL and Dabiré, RK},
title = {Lack of robust evidence for a Wolbachia infection in Anopheles gambiae from Burkina Faso.},
journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {301-308},
pmid = {35876244},
issn = {1365-2915},
support = {MR/P027873/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/genetics ; Burkina Faso ; *Malaria/veterinary ; Mosquito Vectors ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiont Wolbachia can have major effects on the reproductive fitness, and vectorial capacity of host insects and may provide new avenues to control mosquito-borne pathogens. Anopheles gambiae s.l is the major vector of malaria in Africa but the use of Wolbachia in this species has been limited by challenges in establishing stable transinfected lines and uncertainty around native infections. High frequencies of infection of Wolbachia have been previously reported in An. gambiae collected from the Valle du Kou region of Burkina Faso in 2011 and 2014. Here, we re-evaluated the occurrence of Wolbachia in natural samples, collected from Valle du Kou over a 12-year time span, and in addition, expanded sampling to other sites in Burkina Faso. Our results showed that, in contrast to earlier reports, Wolbachia is present at an extremely low prevalence in natural population of An. gambiae. From 5341 samples analysed, only 29 were positive for Wolbachia by nested PCR representing 0.54% of prevalence. No positive samples were found with regular PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons clustered across supergroup B, with some having similarity to sequences previously found in Anopheles from Burkina Faso. However, we cannot discount the possibility that the amplicon positive samples we detected were due to environmental contamination or were false positives. Regardless, the lack of a prominent native infection in An. gambiae s.l. is encouraging for applications utilizing Wolbachia transinfected mosquitoes for malaria control.},
}
@article {pmid35876309,
year = {2022},
author = {Schuler, H and Dittmer, J and Borruso, L and Galli, J and Fischnaller, S and Anfora, G and Rota-Stabelli, O and Weil, T and Janik, K},
title = {Investigating the microbial community of Cacopsylla spp. as potential factor in vector competence of phytoplasma.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {24},
number = {10},
pages = {4771-4786},
pmid = {35876309},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Malus/microbiology ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Phytoplasma/genetics ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Phytoplasmas are obligatory intracellular bacteria that colonize the phloem of many plant species and cause hundreds of plant diseases worldwide. In nature, phytoplasmas are primarily transmitted by hemipteran vectors. While all phloem-feeding insects could in principle transmit phytoplasmas, only a limited number of species have been confirmed as vectors. Knowledge about factors that might determine the vector capacity is currently scarce. Here, we characterized the microbiomes of vector and non-vector species of apple proliferation (AP) phytoplasma 'Candidatus Phytoplasma mali' to investigate their potential role in the vector capacity of the host. We performed high-throughput 16S rRNA metabarcoding of the two principal AP-vectors Cacopsylla picta and Cacopsylla melanoneura and eight Cacopsylla species, which are not AP-vectors but co-occur in apple orchards. The microbiomes of all species are dominated by Carsonella, the primary endosymbiont of psyllids and a second uncharacterized Enterobacteriaceae endosymbiont. Each Cacopsylla species harboured a species-specific phylotype of both symbionts. Moreover, we investigated differences between the microbiomes of AP-vector versus non-vector species and identified the predominant endosymbionts but also Wolbachia and several minor taxa as potential indicator species. Our study highlights the importance of considering the microbiome in future investigations of potential factors influencing host vector competence. We investigated the potential role of symbiotic bacteria in the acquisition and transmission of phytoplasma. By comparing the two main psyillid vector species of Apple proliferation (AP) phytoplasma and eight co-occurring species, which are not able to vector AP-phytoplasma, we found differences in the microbial communities of AP-vector and non-vector species, which appear to be driven by the predominant symbionts in both vector species and Wolbachia and several minor taxa in the non-vector species. In contrast, infection with AP-phytoplasma did not affect microbiome composition in both vector species. Our study provides new insights into the endosymbiont diversity of Cacopsylla spp. and highlights the importance of considering the microbiome when investigating potential factors influencing host vector competence.},
}
@article {pmid35887442,
year = {2022},
author = {Chen, C and Qi, J and He, Y and Lu, Y and Wang, Y},
title = {Genomic and Chemical Profiling of B9, a Unique Penicillium Fungus Derived from Sponge.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {8},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {35887442},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {2018YFC0311000//National Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {This study presented the first insights into the genomic and chemical profiles of B9, a specific Penicillium strain derived from sponges of the South China Sea that demonstrated the closest morphological and phylogenetic affinity to P. paxillin. Via the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform, the draft genome was sequenced, along with structural assembly and functional annotation. There were 34 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) predicted against the antiSMASH database, but only 4 gene clusters could be allocated to known BGCs (≥50% identities). Meanwhile, the comparison between B9 and P. paxillin ATCC 10480 demonstrated clear distinctions in morphology, which might be ascribed to the unique environmental adaptability of marine endosymbionts. In addition, two novel pyridinones, penicidihydropyridone A (2) and penicidihydropyridone B (3), were isolated from cultures of B9, and structurally characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). The absolute configurations were confirmed by comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) curves. In addition, structure-based molecular docking indicated that both neo-pyridinones might block the programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1) pathway by competitively binding a programmed cell death 1 ligand 1(PD-L1) dimer. This was verified by the significant inhibition rates of the PD-1/L1 interaction. These indicated that Penicillium sp. B9 possessed a potential source of active secondary metabolites.},
}
@article {pmid35889091,
year = {2022},
author = {Mendoza-Hoffmann, F and Zarco-Zavala, M and Ortega, R and Celis-Sandoval, H and Torres-Larios, A and García-Trejo, JJ},
title = {Evolution of the Inhibitory and Non-Inhibitory ε, ζ, and IF1 Subunits of the F1FO-ATPase as Related to the Endosymbiotic Origin of Mitochondria.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {35889091},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {DGAPA-PAPIIT IN217520//National Autonomous University of Mexico/ ; },
abstract = {The F1FO-ATP synthase nanomotor synthesizes >90% of the cellular ATP of almost all living beings by rotating in the “forward” direction, but it can also consume the same ATP pools by rotating in “reverse.” To prevent futile F1FO-ATPase activity, several different inhibitory proteins or domains in bacteria (ε and ζ subunits), mitochondria (IF1), and chloroplasts (ε and γ disulfide) emerged to block the F1FO-ATPase activity selectively. In this study, we analyze how these F1FO-ATPase inhibitory proteins have evolved. The phylogeny of the α-proteobacterial ε showed that it diverged in its C-terminal side, thus losing both the inhibitory function and the ATP-binding/sensor motif that controls this inhibition. The losses of inhibitory function and the ATP-binding site correlate with an evolutionary divergence of non-inhibitory α-proteobacterial ε and mitochondrial δ subunits from inhibitory bacterial and chloroplastidic ε subunits. Here, we confirm the lack of inhibitory function of wild-type and C-terminal truncated ε subunits of P. denitrificans. Taken together, the data show that ζ evolved to replace ε as the primary inhibitor of the F1FO-ATPase of free-living α-proteobacteria. However, the ζ inhibitory function was also partially lost in some symbiotic α-proteobacteria and totally lost in some strictly parasitic α-proteobacteria such as the Rickettsiales order. Finally, we found that ζ and IF1 likely evolved independently via convergent evolution before and after the endosymbiotic origin mitochondria, respectively. This led us to propose the ε and ζ subunits as tracer genes of the pre-endosymbiont that evolved into the actual mitochondria.},
}
@article {pmid35889112,
year = {2022},
author = {Hoffman, T and Sjödin, A and Öhrman, C and Karlsson, L and McDonough, RF and Sahl, JW and Birdsell, D and Wagner, DM and Carra, LG and Wilhelmsson, P and Pettersson, JH and Barboutis, C and Figuerola, J and Onrubia, A and Kiat, Y and Piacentini, D and Jaenson, TGT and Lindgren, PE and Moutailler, S and Fransson, T and Forsman, M and Nilsson, K and Lundkvist, &#xc5; and Olsen, B},
title = {Co-Occurrence of Francisella, Spotted Fever Group Rickettsia, and Midichloria in Avian-Associated Hyalomma rufipes.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {35889112},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {ALF//Uppsala County Council/ ; 874735 (VEO)//European Union's Horizon 2020 research innovation program/ ; //Ax:son Johnson Foundation/ ; LPP1-007//SciLifeLab Pandemic Laboratory Preparedness/ ; //NGI/Uppmax/ ; ANSES-2016//French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES)/ ; 2020-02593//Swedish Research Council/ ; 2015-710//Swedish Research Council for Environment Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning/ ; TA 014-2010-01//Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency/ ; HSHQDC-17-C-B0021//US Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate pursuant to the agreement between the Kingdom of Sweden and the US government on Cooperation in Science and Technology for Homeland Security Matters/ ; },
abstract = {The migratory behavior of wild birds contributes to the geographical spread of ticks and their microorganisms. In this study, we aimed to investigate the dispersal and co-occurrence of Francisella and spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) in ticks infesting birds migrating northward in the African-Western Palaearctic region (AWPR). Birds were trapped with mist nests across the Mediterranean basin during the 2014 and 2015 spring migration. In total, 575 ticks were collected from 244 birds. We screened the ticks for the species Francisella tularensis, the genus Francisella, and SFGR by microfluidic real-time PCR. Confirmatory analyses and metagenomic sequencing were performed on tick samples that putatively tested positive for F. tularensis during initial screenings. Hyalomma rufipes was the most common tick species and had a high prevalence of Francisella, including co-occurrence of Francisella and SFGR. Metagenomic analysis of total DNA extracted from two H. rufipes confirmed the presence of Francisella, Rickettsia, and Midichloria. Average nucleotide identity and phylogenetic inference indicated the highest identity of the metagenome-assembled genomes to a Francisella-like endosymbiont (FLE), Rickettsia aeschlimannii, and Midichloria mitochondrii. The results of this study suggest that (i) FLE- and SFGR-containing ticks are dispersed by northbound migratory birds in the AWPR, (ii) H. rufipes likely is not involved in transmission of F. tularensis in the AWPR, and (iii) a dual endosymbiosis of FLEs and Midichloria may support some of the nutritional requirements of H. rufipes.},
}
@article {pmid35895627,
year = {2022},
author = {Calle-Tobón, A and Pérez-Pérez, J and Forero-Pineda, N and Chávez, OT and Rojas-Montoya, W and Rúa-Uribe, G and Gómez-Palacio, A},
title = {Local-scale virome depiction in Medellín, Colombia, supports significant differences between Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {e0263143},
pmid = {35895627},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Aedes/classification/virology ; Animals ; Colombia ; *Insect Viruses/genetics ; Mosquito Vectors/virology ; *RNA Viruses/genetics ; *Virome/genetics ; Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Aedes spp. comprise the primary group of mosquitoes that transmit arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses to humans, and thus these insects pose a significant burden on public health worldwide. Advancements in next-generation sequencing and metagenomics have expanded our knowledge on the richness of RNA viruses harbored by arthropods such as Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Increasing evidence suggests that vector competence can be modified by the microbiome (comprising both bacteriome and virome) of mosquitoes present in endemic zones. Using an RNA-seq-based metataxonomic approach, this study determined the virome structure, Wolbachia presence and mitochondrial diversity of field-caught Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes in Medellín, Colombia, a municipality with a high incidence of mosquito-transmitted arboviruses. The two species are sympatric, but their core viromes differed considerably in richness, diversity, and abundance; although the community of viral species identified was large and complex, the viromes were dominated by few virus species. BLAST searches of assembled contigs suggested that at least 17 virus species (16 of which are insect-specific viruses [ISVs]) infect the Ae. aegypti population. Dengue virus 3 was detected in one sample and it was the only pathogenic virus detected. In Ae. albopictus, up to 11 ISVs and one plant virus were detected. Therefore, the virome composition appears to be species-specific. The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia was identified in all Ae. albopictus samples and in some Ae. aegypti samples collected after 2017. The presence of Wolbachia sp. in Ae. aegypti was not related to significant changes in the richness, diversity, or abundance of this mosquito's virome, although it was related to an increase in the abundance of Aedes aegypti To virus 2 (Metaviridae). The mitochondrial diversity of these mosquitoes suggested that the Ae. aegypti population underwent a change that started in the second half of 2017, which coincides with the release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in Medellín, indicating that the population of wMel-infected mosquitoes released has introduced new alleles into the wild Ae. aegypti population of Medellín. However, additional studies are required on the dispersal speed and intergenerational stability of wMel in Medellín and nearby areas as well as on the introgression of genetic variants in the native mosquito population.},
}
@article {pmid35898209,
year = {2022},
author = {Matsuo, E and Morita, K and Nakayama, T and Yazaki, E and Sarai, C and Takahashi, K and Iwataki, M and Inagaki, Y},
title = {Comparative Plastid Genomics of Green-Colored Dinoflagellates Unveils Parallel Genome Compaction and RNA Editing.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {918543},
pmid = {35898209},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Dinoflagellates possess plastids that are diverse in both pigmentation and evolutionary background. One of the plastid types found in dinoflagellates is pigmented with chlorophylls a and b (Chl a + b) and originated from the endosymbionts belonging to a small group of green algae, Pedinophyceae. The Chl a + b-containing plastids have been found in three distantly related dinoflagellates Lepidodinium spp., strain MGD, and strain TGD, and were proposed to be derived from separate partnerships between a dinoflagellate (host) and a pedinophycean green alga (endosymbiont). Prior to this study, a plastid genome sequence was only available for L. chlorophorum, which was reported to bear the features that were not found in that of the pedinophycean green alga Pedinomonas minor, a putative close relative of the endosymbiont that gave rise to the current Chl a + b-containing plastid. In this study, we sequenced the plastid genomes of strains MGD and TGD to compare with those of L. chlorophorum as well as pedinophycean green algae. The mapping of the RNA-seq reads on the corresponding plastid genome identified RNA editing on plastid gene transcripts in the three dinoflagellates. Further, the comparative plastid genomics revealed that the plastid genomes of the three dinoflagellates achieved several features, which are not found in or much less obvious than the pedinophycean plastid genomes determined to date, in parallel.},
}
@article {pmid35906526,
year = {2022},
author = {Gabriel, E and Krauß, N and Lamparter, T},
title = {Evidence for evolutionary relationship between archaeplastidal and cyanobacterial phytochromes based on their chromophore pockets.},
journal = {Photochemical &amp; photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology},
volume = {21},
number = {11},
pages = {1961-1974},
pmid = {35906526},
issn = {1474-9092},
mesh = {*Phytochrome/chemistry ; Phylogeny ; *Cyanobacteria/chemistry ; Biological Evolution ; Plants/metabolism ; Amino Acids/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Phytochromes are photoreceptor proteins with a bilin chromophore that undergo photoconversion between two spectrally different forms, Pr and Pfr. In plants, phytochromes play a central role in growth and differentiation during the entire life cycle. Phytochromes of plants and other groups of archaeplastida have a common evolutionary origin in prokaryotes, but the exact prokaryotic origin is as yet uncertain. Two possibilities are presently discussed: either, archaeplastidal phytochromes arose from the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) or they arose from the cyanobacterial endosymbiont that gave rise to plastids. We first constructed standard phylogenetic trees based on N-terminal protein sequences of the chromophore module. As usual, variation of algorithms and parameters led to different trees. A relationship between cyanobacteria and archaeplastida was observed in 7 out of 36 trees. The lack of consistency between results obtained from variation of parameters of tree constructions reflects the uncertainty of archaeplastidal origin. To gain more information about a possible cyanobacterial and archaeplastidal relationship, we performed phylogenetic studies based on the amino acids that line the chromophore pockets. These amino acids are highly conserved and could provide more accurate information about long evolutionary time scales, but the reduction of traits could also lead to insignificant results. From 30 selected chromophore-binding amino acids, 6 were invariant. The subsequent studies were thus based on the information dependent on 24 or fewer amino acid positions. Again, multiple trees were constructed to get information about the robustness of relationships. The very low number of information-containing traits resulted in low bootstrap values and many indistinguishable leaves. However, the major groups fungi, bacteria, cyanobacteria, and plants remained united. Without exception, cyanobacteria and archaeplastida were always closely linked. In this respect, the results were more robust than those of the classic approach, based on long contiguous sequences. We therefore consider cyanobacteria as the most likely origin of archaeplastidal phytochromes.},
}
@article {pmid35913594,
year = {2022},
author = {Patra, AK and Kwon, YM and Yang, Y},
title = {Complete gammaproteobacterial endosymbiont genome assembly from a seep tubeworm Lamellibrachia satsuma.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology (Seoul, Korea)},
volume = {60},
number = {9},
pages = {916-927},
pmid = {35913594},
issn = {1976-3794},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology ; *Microbiota ; *Polychaeta/genetics/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Siboglinid tubeworms thrive in hydrothermal vent and seep habitats via a symbiotic relationship with chemosynthetic bacteria. Difficulties in culturing tubeworms and their symbionts in a laboratory setting have hindered the study of host-microbe interactions. Therefore, released symbiont genomes are fragmented, thereby limiting the data available on the genome that affect subsequent analyses. Here, we present a complete genome of gammaproteobacterial endosymbiont from the tubeworm Lamellibrachia satsuma collected from a seep in Kagoshima Bay, assembled using a hybrid approach that combines sequences generated from the Illumina and Oxford Nano-pore platforms. The genome consists of a single circular chromosome with an assembly size of 4,323,754 bp and a GC content of 53.9% with 3,624 protein-coding genes. The genome is of high quality and contains no assembly gaps, while the completeness and contamination are 99.33% and 2.73%, respectively. Comparative genome analysis revealed a total of 1,724 gene clusters shared in the vent and seep tubeworm symbionts, while 294 genes were found exclusively in L. satsuma symbionts such as transposons, genes for defense mechanisms, and inorganic ion transportations. The addition of this complete endosymbiont genome assembly would be valuable for comparative studies particularly with tubeworm symbiont genomes as well as with other chemosynthetic microbial communities.},
}
@article {pmid35914568,
year = {2022},
author = {Rosário, AAD and Dias-Lima, AG and Lambert, SM and Souza, BMPDS and Bravo, F},
title = {Identification and molecular characterization of Wolbachia strains and natural infection for Leishmania sp. in neotropical Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) species, leishmaniasis vectors.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {235},
number = {},
pages = {106624},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106624},
pmid = {35914568},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; Insect Vectors/parasitology ; *Leishmania infantum/genetics ; *Leishmaniasis ; *Parasites ; *Psychodidae/parasitology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Recently, Wolbachia infection has been described in leishmaniasis vector sandflies. This endosymbiont bacterium is present in 60% of insects, and has been suggested as a mechanism of biological control of vector insects, because it causes a series of changes in the invertebrate host. In addition, recent studies have shown that this bacterium can prevent the development of parasites in vector insects. In this context, the present study aims to molecularly characterize the circulating strain of this bacterium in sandflies in the State of Bahia, Brazil, as well as the natural infection rate of Leishmania sp., and to evaluate the coinfection between Wolbachia and Leishmania. Seven hundred and forty-five (745) specimens of sandflies were collected in nine municipalities of Bahia, belonging to two species, Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva, 1912) and Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes and Coutinho, 1939). The results confirm infection by the protozoan Leishmania infantum and Wolbachia in both species collected. The identified strain of Wolbachia in sandflies was wStv MI, known to lead to a phenotype of cytoplasmic incompatibility in vector insects.},
}
@article {pmid35916448,
year = {2022},
author = {Wang, J and Gou, QY and Luo, GY and Hou, X and Liang, G and Shi, M},
title = {Total RNA sequencing of Phlebotomus chinensis sandflies in China revealed viral, bacterial, and eukaryotic microbes potentially pathogenic to humans.},
journal = {Emerging microbes &amp; infections},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {2080-2092},
pmid = {35916448},
issn = {2222-1751},
support = {U01 AI151810/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Humans ; Mammals ; *Phlebotomus/genetics ; *Phlebovirus/genetics ; *Psychodidae/genetics ; RNA ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; },
abstract = {Phlebotomus chinensis sandfly is a neglected insect vector in China that is well-known for carrying Leishmania. Recent studies have expanded its pathogen repertoire with two novel arthropod-borne phleboviruses capable of infecting humans and animals. Despite these discoveries, our knowledge of the general pathogen diversity and overall microbiome composition of this vector species is still very limited. Here we carried out a meta-transcriptomics analysis that revealed the actively replicating/transcribing RNA viruses, DNA viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic microbes, namely, the "total microbiome", of several sandfly populations in China. Strikingly, "microbiome" made up 1.8% of total non-ribosomal RNA and comprised more than 87 species, among which 70 were novel, including divergent members of the genera Flavivirus and of the family Trypanosomatidae. Importantly, among these microbes we were able to reveal four distinguished types of human and/or mammalian pathogens, including two phleboviruses (hedi and wuxiang viruses), one novel Spotted fever group rickettsia, as well as a member of Leishmania donovani complex, among which hedi virus and Leishmania each had > 50% pool prevalence rate and relatively high abundance levels. Our study also showed the ubiquitous presence of an endosymbiont, namely Wolbachia, although no anti-viral or anti-pathogen effects were detected based on our data. In summary, our results uncovered the much un-explored diversity of microbes harboured by sandflies in China and demonstrated that high pathogen diversity and abundance are currently present in multiple populations, implying disease potential for exposed local human population or domestic animals.},
}
@article {pmid35916900,
year = {2022},
author = {Jin, C and Mo, Y and Zhao, L and Xiao, Z and Zhu, S and He, Z and Chen, Z and Zhang, M and Shu, L and Qiu, R},
title = {Host-Endosymbiont Relationship Impacts the Retention of Bacteria-Containing Amoeba Spores in Porous Media.},
journal = {Environmental science &amp; technology},
volume = {56},
number = {17},
pages = {12347-12357},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.2c02899},
pmid = {35916900},
issn = {1520-5851},
mesh = {*Amoeba/microbiology ; *Dictyostelium/metabolism/microbiology ; Porosity ; Spores, Bacterial ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Amoebae are protists that are commonly found in water, soil, and other habitats around the world and have complex interactions with other microorganisms. In this work, we investigated how host-endosymbiont interactions between amoebae and bacteria impacted the retention behavior of amoeba spores in porous media. A model amoeba species, Dictyostelium discoideum, and a representative bacterium, Burkholderia agricolaris B1qs70, were used to prepare amoeba spores that carried bacteria. After interacting with B. agricolaris, the retention of D. discoideum spores was enhanced compared to noninfected spores. Diverse proteins, especially proteins contributing to the looser exosporium structure and cell adhesion functionality, are secreted in higher quantities on the exosporium surface of infected spores compared to that of noninfected ones. Comprehensive examinations using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), a parallel plate chamber, and a single-cell force microscope present coherent evidence that changes in the exosporium of D. discoideum spores due to infection by B. agricolaris enhance the connections between spores in the suspension and the spores that were previously deposited on the collector surface, thus resulting in more retention compared to the uninfected ones in porous media. This work provides novel insight into the retention of amoeba spores after bacterial infection in porous media and suggests that the host-endosymbiont relationship regulates the fate of biocolloids in drinking water systems, groundwater, and other porous environments.},
}
@article {pmid35923389,
year = {2022},
author = {Tibbs-Cortes, LE and Tibbs-Cortes, BW and Schmitz-Esser, S},
title = {Tardigrade Community Microbiomes in North American Orchards Include Putative Endosymbionts and Plant Pathogens.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {866930},
pmid = {35923389},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The microbiome of tardigrades, a phylum of microscopic animals best known for their ability to survive extreme conditions, is poorly studied worldwide and completely unknown in North America. An improved understanding of tardigrade-associated bacteria is particularly important because tardigrades have been shown to act as vectors of the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris in the laboratory. However, the potential role of tardigrades as reservoirs and vectors of phytopathogens has not been investigated further. This study analyzed the microbiota of tardigrades from six apple orchards in central Iowa, United States, and is the first analysis of the microbiota of North American tardigrades. It is also the first ever study of the tardigrade microbiome in an agricultural setting. We utilized 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to characterize the tardigrade community microbiome across four contrasts: location, substrate type (moss or lichen), collection year, and tardigrades vs. their substrate. Alpha diversity of the tardigrade community microbiome differed significantly by location and year of collection but not by substrate type. Our work also corroborated earlier findings, demonstrating that tardigrades harbor a distinct microbiota from their environment. We also identified tardigrade-associated taxa that belong to genera known to contain phytopathogens (Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, and the Pantoea/Erwinia complex). Finally, we observed members of the genera Rickettsia and Wolbachia in the tardigrade microbiome; because these are obligate intracellular genera, we consider these taxa to be putative endosymbionts of tardigrades. These results suggest the presence of putative endosymbionts and phytopathogens in the microbiota of wild tardigrades in North America.},
}
@article {pmid35925827,
year = {2023},
author = {Kwak, Y and Argandona, JA and Degnan, PH and Hansen, AK},
title = {Chromosomal-level assembly of Bactericera cockerelli reveals rampant gene family expansions impacting genome structure, function and insect-microbe-plant-interactions.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {233-252},
pmid = {35925827},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {//National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)/ ; //University of California, Riverside (UCR)/ ; 2019-70016-29066//United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Genome ; Bacteria/genetics ; Chromosomes ; },
abstract = {Lineage specific expansions and gene duplications are some of the most important sources of evolutionary novelty in eukaryotes. Although not as prevalent in eukaryotes compared to bacteria, horizontal gene transfer events can also result in key adaptations for insects, especially for those involved in insect-microbe interactions. In this study we assemble the first chromosomal assembly of the psyllid Bactericera cockerelli and reveal that the B. cockerelli genome has experienced significantly more gene expansion events compared to other Hemipteran representatives with fully sequenced genomes. We also reveal that B. cockerelli's genome is the largest psyllid genome (567 Mb) sequenced to date and is ~15% larger than the other two psyllid species genomes sequenced (Pachypsylla venusta and Diaphorina citri). Structurally, B. cockerelli appears to have an additional chromosome compared to the distantly related psyllid species P. venusta due to a previous chromosomal fission or fusion event. The increase in genome size and dynamic nature of the B. cockerelli genome may largely be contributed to the widespread expansion of type I and II repeat elements that are rampant across all of B. cockerelli's. chromosomes. These repeat elements are distributed near equally in both euchromatic and heterochromatic regions. Furthermore, significant gene family expansions and gene duplications were uncovered for genes that are expected to be important in its adaptation to insect-plant and microbe interactions, which include transcription factors, proteases, odorant receptors, and horizontally transferred genes that are involved in the nutritional symbioses with their long-term nutritional endosymbiont Carsonella.},
}
@article {pmid35930552,
year = {2022},
author = {Gao, RF and Wang, Y and Wang, Y and Wang, ZW and Zhang, GM},
title = {Genome insights from the identification of a novel Pandoraea sputorum isolate and its characteristics.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {e0272435},
pmid = {35930552},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Burkholderiaceae/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Quorum Sensing ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {In this study, we sequenced a bacteria isolate Pandoraea sp. 892iso isolated from a Phytophthora rubi strain which is an important plant pathogenic oomycete, identified through genome and combined the data with existing genomic data from other 28 the genus of Pandoraea species. Next, we conducted a comparative genomic analysis of the genome structure, evolutionary relationships, and pathogenic characteristics of Pandoraea species. Our results identified Pandoraea sp. 892iso as Pandoraea sputorum at both the genome and gene levels. At the genome level, we carried out phylogenetic analysis of single-copy, gene co-linearity, ANI (average nucleotide identity) and AAI (average amino acid identity) indices, rpoB similarity, MLSA phylogenetic analysis, and genome-to-genome distance calculator calculations to identify the relationship between Pandoraea sp. 892iso and P. sputorum. At the gene level, the quorum sensing genes ppnI and ppnR and the OXA-159 gene were assessed. It is speculated that Pandoraea sp. 892iso is the endosymbiont of the Oomycetes strain of Phytophthora rubi.},
}
@article {pmid35945408,
year = {2022},
author = {Hirunkanokpun, S and Ahantarig, A and Baimai, V and Pramual, P and Rakthong, P and Trinachartvanit, W},
title = {Spotted fever group Rickettsia, Anaplasma and Coxiella-like endosymbiont in Haemaphysalis ticks from mammals in Thailand.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {46},
number = {4},
pages = {1209-1219},
pmid = {35945408},
issn = {1573-7446},
support = {DBG6180027//Thailand Research Fund-Chinese Academy of Science Grant/ ; BDC-PG3-163005//Center of Excellence on Biodiversity, Office of Higher Education Commission/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Ticks/genetics/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Thailand ; Ferrets ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; *Ixodidae/genetics/microbiology ; Anaplasma/genetics ; Coxiella/genetics ; *Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis/veterinary ; },
abstract = {Ticks are ectoparasites of vertebrates and vectors of various pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, the presence of bacteria and protozoa was evaluated by PCR and DNA sequencing in 233 mammal ticks collected from 8 provinces in Thailand. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of partial rickettsial ompA, ompB, sca4 and partial Coxiella 16S rRNA, GroEL, rpoB genes clearly revealed, for the first time, a co-infection of SFG Rickettsia belonging to R. massiliae subgroup and Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE), Cox-hein, in a male of Haemaphysalis heinrichi tick infesting Burmese ferret-badger in Loei province. Moreover, a male of H. hystricis tick infesting the same host was infected with another CLE, Cox-hys. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, Anaplasma sp., closely related to Anaplasma bovis was also detected in a male of H. heinrichi infesting the same Burmese ferret-badger. In addition, the third CLE, Cox-asia, found in H. asiatica collected from Asian palm civet in Chiang Rai province, was different from both Cox-hein and Cox-hys. This study provided important data and broadened our knowledge on tick-borne pathogens and endosymbionts in Thailand and Southeast Asia.},
}
@article {pmid35955579,
year = {2022},
author = {Zuber, L and Domínguez-Santos, R and García-Ferris, C and Silva, FJ},
title = {Identification of the Gene Repertoire of the IMD Pathway and Expression of Antimicrobial Peptide Genes in Several Tissues and Hemolymph of the Cockroach Blattella germanica.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {23},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {35955579},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {Prometeo/2018/A/133//Generalitat Valenciana/ ; PGC2018-099344-B-I00//European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovaci&#xf3;n y Universidades (Spain)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Antimicrobial Peptides ; *Blattellidae/genetics ; *Flavobacteriaceae ; Hemolymph ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes, triggered by Toll and IMD pathways, are essential components of the innate immune system in the German cockroach Blattella germanica. Besides their role in killing pathogenic bacteria, AMPs could be involved in controlling its symbiotic systems (endosymbiont and microbiota). We found that the IMD pathway was active in the adult female transcriptomes of six tissues (salivary glands, foregut, midgut, hindgut, Malpighian tubules and fat body) and hemolymph. Total expression of AMP genes was high in hemolymph and salivary glands and much lower in the other sample types. The expression of specific AMP genes was very heterogeneous among sample types. Two genes, defensin_g10 and drosomycin_g5, displayed relevant expression in the seven sample types, although higher in hemolymph. Other genes only displayed high expression in one tissue. Almost no expression of attacin-like and blattellicin genes was observed in any sample type, although some of them were among the genes with the highest expression in adult female whole bodies. The expression of AMP genes in salivary glands could help control pathogens ingested with food and even determine gut microbiota composition. The low expression levels in midgut and hindgut are probably related to the presence of beneficial microbiota. Furthermore, a reduction in the expression of AMP genes in fat body could be the way to prevent damage to the population of the endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti within bacteriocytes.},
}
@article {pmid35963240,
year = {2022},
author = {Su, Y and Lin, HC and Teh, LS and Chevance, F and James, I and Mayfield, C and Golic, KG and Gagnon, JA and Rog, O and Dale, C},
title = {Rational engineering of a synthetic insect-bacterial mutualism.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {32},
number = {18},
pages = {3925-3938.e6},
pmid = {35963240},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {R35 GM128804/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM136389/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM142950/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Amino Acids, Aromatic ; Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; Insecta/microbiology ; Phenylalanine ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; Tyrosine ; *Weevils/genetics ; },
abstract = {Many insects maintain mutualistic associations with bacterial endosymbionts, but little is known about how they originate in nature. In this study, we describe the establishment and manipulation of a synthetic insect-bacterial symbiosis in a weevil host. Following egg injection, the nascent symbiont colonized many tissues, including prototypical somatic and germinal bacteriomes, yielding maternal transmission over many generations. We then engineered the nascent symbiont to overproduce the aromatic amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine, which facilitate weevil cuticle strengthening and accelerated larval development, replicating the function of mutualistic symbionts that are widely distributed among weevils and other beetles in nature. Our work provides empirical support for the notion that mutualistic symbioses can be initiated in insects by the acquisition of environmental bacteria. It also shows that certain bacterial genera, including the Sodalis spp. used in our study, are predisposed to develop these associations due to their ability to maintain benign infections and undergo vertical transmission in diverse insect hosts, facilitating the partner-fidelity feedback that is critical for the evolution of obligate mutualism. These experimental advances provide a new platform for laboratory studies focusing on the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary processes underlying insect-bacterial symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid35967981,
year = {2022},
author = {Shropshire, JD and Hamant, E and Conner, WR and Cooper, BS},
title = {cifB-transcript levels largely explain cytoplasmic incompatibility variation across divergent Wolbachia.},
journal = {PNAS nexus},
volume = {1},
number = {3},
pages = {pgac099},
pmid = {35967981},
issn = {2752-6542},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Divergent hosts often associate with intracellular microbes that influence their fitness. Maternally transmitted Wolbachia bacteria are the most common of these endosymbionts, due largely to cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that kills uninfected embryos fertilized by Wolbachia-infected males. Closely related infections in females rescue CI, providing a relative fitness advantage that drives Wolbachia to high frequencies. One prophage-associated gene (cifA) governs rescue, and two contribute to CI (cifA and cifB), but CI strength ranges from very strong to very weak for unknown reasons. Here, we investigate CI-strength variation and its mechanistic underpinnings in a phylogenetic context across 20 million years (MY) of Wolbachia evolution in Drosophila hosts diverged up to 50 MY. These Wolbachia encode diverse Cif proteins (100% to 7.4% pairwise similarity), and AlphaFold structural analyses suggest that CifB sequence similarities do not predict structural similarities. We demonstrate that cifB-transcript levels in testes explain CI strength across all but two focal systems. Despite phylogenetic discordance among cifs and the bulk of the Wolbachia genome, closely related Wolbachia tend to cause similar CI strengths and transcribe cifB at similar levels. This indicates that other non-cif regions of the Wolbachia genome modulate cif-transcript levels. CI strength also increases with the length of the host's larval life stage, presumably due to prolonged cif action. Our findings reveal that cifB-transcript levels largely explain CI strength, while highlighting other covariates. Elucidating CI's mechanism contributes to our understanding of Wolbachia spread in natural systems and to improving the efficacy of CI-based biocontrol of arboviruses and agricultural pests globally.},
}
@article {pmid35968950,
year = {2022},
author = {Aquino, MF and Simoes-Barbosa, A},
title = {A Microbial Piñata: Bacterial Endosymbionts of Trichomonas vaginalis Come in Different Flavors.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {e0132322},
pmid = {35968950},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Bacteria/genetics ; Female ; Humans ; *Mycoplasma ; Mycoplasma hominis/genetics ; *Trichomonas vaginalis/genetics ; Vagina/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis, a prevalent human urogenital infection with significant morbidity that is commonly associated with vaginal dysbiosis. Exacerbation of T. vaginalis pathogenicity has been related to endosymbionts, including mycoplasma, and thought for a while to be solely attributable to Mycoplasma hominis. In a recent publication, Margarita and colleagues (https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.00918-22) showed that endosymbiosis extends to a second species of mycoplasma known as "Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii." Those authors confirmed the strong association of T. vaginalis with both species of mycoplasma by reassessing clinical samples. Additionally, they showed that in vitro symbiosis of protozoa and bacteria resulted in the modulation of gene expression of T. vaginalis and enhancement of parasite cytoadhesion and hemolytic activity in culture assays. In this commentary, we portray T. vaginalis as a synergistically interacting multimicrobe organism-a "microbial piñata"-whose endosymbionts contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of this medically important protozoan parasite.},
}
@article {pmid35972515,
year = {2022},
author = {Oliveira, CYB and Abreu, JL and Santos, EP and Matos, &#xc2;P and Tribuzi, G and Oliveira, CDL and Veras, BO and Bezerra, RS and Müller, MN and Gálvez, AO},
title = {Light induces peridinin and docosahexaenoic acid accumulation in the dinoflagellate Durusdinium glynnii.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {106},
number = {18},
pages = {6263-6276},
pmid = {35972515},
issn = {1432-0614},
support = {Finance Code 001//Coordena&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Aperfei&#xe7;oamento de Pessoal de N&#xed;vel Superior/ ; BFP-0186-5.06/20//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco/ ; PQ 307107/2019-1//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; PQ 305467/2020-4//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; PQ 308063/2019-8//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient&#xed;fico e Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; },
mesh = {Antioxidants ; Carotenoids ; Chlorophyll ; *Dinoflagellida ; Docosahexaenoic Acids ; },
abstract = {Peridinin is a light-harvesting carotenoid present in phototrophic dinoflagellates and has great potential for new drug applications and cosmetics development. Herein, the effects of irradiance mediated by light-emitting diodes on growth performance, carotenoid and fatty acid profiles, and antioxidant activity of the endosymbiotic dinoflagellate Durusdinium glynnii were investigated. The results demonstrate that D. glynnii is particularly well adapted to low-light conditions; however, it can be high-light-tolerant. In contrast to other light-harvesting carotenoids, the peridinin accumulation in D. glynnii occurred during high-light exposure. The peridinin to chlorophyll-a ratio varied as a function of irradiance, while the peridinin to total carotenoids ratio remained stable. Under optimal irradiance for growth, there was a peak in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) bioaccumulation. This study contributes to the understanding of the photoprotective role of peridinin in endosymbiont dinoflagellates and highlights the antioxidant activity of peridinin-rich extracts. KEY POINTS: • Peridinin has a protective role against chlorophyll photo-oxidation • High light conditions induce cellular peridinin accumulation • D. glynnii accumulates high amounts of DHA under optimal light supply.},
}
@article {pmid35973490,
year = {2022},
author = {Qi, S and Al Naggar, Y and Li, J and Liu, Z and Xue, X and Wu, L and El-Seedi, HR and Wang, K},
title = {Acaricide flumethrin-induced sublethal risks in honeybees are associated with gut symbiotic bacterium Gilliamella apicola through microbe-host metabolic interactions.},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {307},
number = {Pt 3},
pages = {136030},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136030},
pmid = {35973490},
issn = {1879-1298},
mesh = {*Acaricides/toxicity ; Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacteria ; Bees ; Gammaproteobacteria ; Glycerophospholipids ; *Pesticides ; Pyrethrins ; },
abstract = {Flumethrin is one of the few acaricides that permit the control of Varroa disease or varroosis in bee colonies. However, flumethrin accumulates in hive products. We previously discovered that sublethal doses of flumethrin induce significant physiological stress in honeybees (Apis mellifera L.), however its potential impacts on the honeybee gut microenvironment remains unknown. To fill this gap, honeybees were exposed to a field-relevant concentration of flumethrin (10 μg/L) for 14 d and its potential impacts on gut system were evaluated. The results indicated that flumethrin triggered immune responses in the gut but had limited effects on survival and gut microbial composition. However, survival stress drastically increased in bees exposed to antibiotics, suggesting that the gut microbiota is closely related to flumethrin-induced dysbiosis in the bee gut. Based on a non-targeted metabolomics approach, flumethrin at 10 μg/L considerably altered the composition of intestinal metabolites, and we discovered that this metabolic stress was closely linked with a reduction of gut core bacterial endosymbiont Gilliamella spp. through a combination of microbiological and metabolomics investigations. Finally, an in vitro study showed that while flumethrin does not directly inhibit the growth of Gilliamella apicola isolates, it does have a significant impact on the glycerophospholipid metabolism in bacteria cells, which was also observed in host bees. These findings indicated that even though flumethrin administered at environmental relevant concentrations does not significantly induce death in honeybees, it still alters the metabolism balance between honeybees and the gut symbiotic bacterium, G. apicola. The considerable negative impact of flumethrin on the honeybee gut microenvironment emphasizes the importance of properly monitoring acaricide to avoid potential environmental concerns, and further studies are needed to illustrate the mode of action of bee health-gut microbiota-exogenous pesticides.},
}
@article {pmid35976120,
year = {2022},
author = {Shastry, V and Bell, KL and Buerkle, CA and Fordyce, JA and Forister, ML and Gompert, Z and Lebeis, SL and Lucas, LK and Marion, ZH and Nice, CC},
title = {A continental-scale survey of Wolbachia infections in blue butterflies reveals evidence of interspecific transfer and invasion dynamics.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {35976120},
issn = {2160-1836},
mesh = {Animals ; *Butterflies/genetics/microbiology ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Haplotypes/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Infections by maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts, especially Wolbachia, are common in insects and other invertebrates but infection dynamics across species ranges are largely under studied. Specifically, we lack a broad understanding of the origin of Wolbachia infections in novel hosts, and the historical and geographical dynamics of infections that are critical for identifying the factors governing their spread. We used Genotype-by-Sequencing data from previous population genomics studies for range-wide surveys of Wolbachia presence and genetic diversity in North American butterflies of the genus Lycaeides. As few as one sequence read identified by assembly to a Wolbachia reference genome provided high accuracy in detecting infections in host butterflies as determined by confirmatory PCR tests, and maximum accuracy was achieved with a threshold of only 5 sequence reads per host individual. Using this threshold, we detected Wolbachia in all but 2 of the 107 sampling localities spanning the continent, with infection frequencies within populations ranging from 0% to 100% of individuals, but with most localities having high infection frequencies (mean = 91% infection rate). Three major lineages of Wolbachia were identified as separate strains that appear to represent 3 separate invasions of Lycaeides butterflies by Wolbachia. Overall, we found extensive evidence for acquisition of Wolbachia through interspecific transfer between host lineages. Strain wLycC was confined to a single butterfly taxon, hybrid lineages derived from it, and closely adjacent populations in other taxa. While the other 2 strains were detected throughout the rest of the continent, strain wLycB almost always co-occurred with wLycA. Our demographic modeling suggests wLycB is a recent invasion. Within strain wLycA, the 2 most frequent haplotypes are confined almost exclusively to separate butterfly taxa with haplotype A1 observed largely in Lycaeides melissa and haplotype A2 observed most often in Lycaeides idas localities, consistent with either cladogenic mode of infection acquisition from a common ancestor or by hybridization and accompanying mutation. More than 1 major Wolbachia strain was observed in 15 localities. These results demonstrate the utility of using resequencing data from hosts to quantify Wolbachia genetic variation and infection frequency and provide evidence of multiple colonizations of novel hosts through hybridization between butterfly lineages and complex dynamics between Wolbachia strains.},
}
@article {pmid35979496,
year = {2022},
author = {Říhová, J and Bell, KC and Nováková, E and Hypša, V},
title = {Lightella neohaematopini: A new lineage of highly reduced endosymbionts coevolving with chipmunk lice of the genus Neohaematopinus.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {900312},
pmid = {35979496},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Sucking lice (Anoplura) are known to have established symbiotic associations multiple times with different groups of bacteria as diverse as Enterobacteriales, Legionellales, and Neisseriales. This diversity, together with absence of a common coevolving symbiont (such as Buchnera, in aphids), indicates that sucking lice underwent a series of symbiont acquisitions, losses, and replacements. To better understand evolution and significance of louse symbionts, genomic and phylogenetic data are needed from a broader taxonomic diversity of lice and their symbiotic bacteria. In this study, we extend the known spectrum of the louse symbionts with a new lineage associated with Neohaematopinus pacificus, a louse species that commonly parasitizes North American chipmunks. The recent coevolutionary analysis showed that rather than a single species, these lice form a cluster of unique phylogenetic lineages specific to separate chipmunk species (or group of closely related species). Using metagenomic assemblies, we show that the lice harbor a bacterium which mirrors their phylogeny and displays traits typical for obligate mutualists. Phylogenetic analyses place this bacterium within Enterobacteriaceae on a long branch related to another louse symbiont, "Candidatus Puchtella pedicinophila." We propose for this symbiotic lineage the name "Candidatus Lightella neohaematopini." Based on the reconstruction of metabolic pathways, we suggest that like other louse symbionts, L. neohaematopini provides its host with at least some B vitamins. In addition, several samples harbored another symbiotic bacterium phylogenetically affiliated with the Neisseriales-related symbionts described previously from the lice Polyplax serrata and Hoplopleura acanthopus. Characterizing these bacteria further extend the known diversity of the symbiotic associations in lice and show unique complexity and dynamics of the system.},
}
@article {pmid35987324,
year = {2022},
author = {Fujii, S and Somei, K and Asaeda, Y and Igawa, T and Hattori, K and Yoshida, T and Sambongi, Y},
title = {Heterologous expression and biochemical comparison of two homologous SoxX proteins of endosymbiotic Candidatus Vesicomyosocius okutanii and free-living Hydrogenovibrio crunogenus from deep-sea environments.},
journal = {Protein expression and purification},
volume = {200},
number = {},
pages = {106157},
doi = {10.1016/j.pep.2022.106157},
pmid = {35987324},
issn = {1096-0279},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Bivalvia/genetics/metabolism ; Cytochromes c ; *Gammaproteobacteria ; Phylogeny ; Piscirickettsiaceae ; Sulfur/metabolism ; Sulfur Compounds ; },
abstract = {Candidatus Vesicomyosocius okutanii is a currently uncultured endosymbiotic bacterium of Phreagena okutanii, a clam that inhabits deep-sea vent environments. The genome of Ca. V. okutanii encodes a sulfur-oxidizing (Sox) enzyme complex, presumably generating biological energy for the host from inorganic sulfur compounds. Here, Ca. V. okutanii SoxX (VoSoxX), a mono-heme cytochrome c component of the Sox complex, was shown to be phylogenetically related to its homologous counterpart (HcSoxX) from a free-living deep-sea bacterium, Hydrogenovibrio crunogenus. Both proteins were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli co-expressing cytochrome c maturation genes for comparative biochemical analysis. The VoSoxX recombinant had significantly lower thermal stability than HcSoxX, reflecting the difference in growth conditions of the source bacteria. The endosymbiont inhabits a mild intracellular environment, whereas the free-living bacterium dwells in a harsh environment. This study represents the first successful case of heterologous expression of genes from Ca. V. okutanii, allowing further biochemical studies of the molecular mechanism of sulfur oxidation in deep-sea environments.},
}
@article {pmid35992159,
year = {2022},
author = {Bekkar, A and Isorce, N and Snäkä, T and Claudinot, S and Desponds, C and Kopelyanskiy, D and Prével, F and Reverte, M and Xenarios, I and Fasel, N and Teixeira, F},
title = {Dissection of the macrophage response towards infection by the Leishmania-viral endosymbiont duo and dynamics of the type I interferon response.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {941888},
pmid = {35992159},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Interferon Type I/immunology ; *Leishmania/virology ; *Leishmaniasis/immunology/parasitology/virology ; *Leishmaniavirus ; *Macrophages/immunology/parasitology ; Mice ; },
abstract = {Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1) is a double-stranded RNA virus found in some strains of the human protozoan parasite Leishmania, the causative agent of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease. Interestingly, the presence of LRV1 inside Leishmania constitutes an important virulence factor that worsens the leishmaniasis outcome in a type I interferon (IFN)-dependent manner and contributes to treatment failure. Understanding how macrophages respond toward Leishmania alone or in combination with LRV1 as well as the role that type I IFNs may play during infection is fundamental to oversee new therapeutic strategies. To dissect the macrophage response toward infection, RNA sequencing was performed on murine wild-type and Ifnar-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages infected with Leishmania guyanensis (Lgy) devoid or not of LRV1. Additionally, macrophages were treated with poly I:C (mimetic virus) or with type I IFNs. By implementing a weighted gene correlation network analysis, the groups of genes (modules) with similar expression patterns, for example, functionally related, coregulated, or the members of the same functional pathway, were identified. These modules followed patterns dependent on Leishmania, LRV1, or Leishmania exacerbated by the presence of LRV1. Not only the visualization of how individual genes were embedded to form modules but also how different modules were related to each other were observed. Thus, in the context of the observed hyperinflammatory phenotype associated to the presence of LRV1, it was noted that the biomarkers tumor-necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and the interleukin 6 (IL-6) belonged to different modules and that their regulating specific Src-family kinases were segregated oppositely. In addition, this network approach revealed the strong and sustained effect of LRV1 on the macrophage response and genes that had an early, late, or sustained impact during infection, uncovering the dynamics of the IFN response. Overall, this study contributed to shed light and dissect the intricate macrophage response toward infection by the Leishmania-LRV1 duo and revealed the crosstalk between modules made of coregulated genes and provided a new resource that can be further explored to study the impact of Leishmania on the macrophage response.},
}
@article {pmid35992676,
year = {2022},
author = {Sadanandane, C and Gunasekaran, K and Panneer, D and Subbarao, SK and Rahi, M and Vijayakumar, B and Athithan, V and Sakthivel, A and Dinesh, S and Jambulingam, P},
title = {Studies on the fitness characteristics of wMel- and wAlbB-introgressed Aedes aegypti (Pud) lines in comparison with wMel- and wAlbB-transinfected Aedes aegypti (Aus) and wild-type Aedes aegypti (Pud) lines.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {947857},
pmid = {35992676},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Wolbachia, an intracellular maternally transmitted endosymbiont, has been shown to interfere with the replication of dengue virus in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The Wolbachia-transinfected Ae. aegypti has been currently released in many countries to test its effectiveness in preventing the transmission of dengue virus. ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre in collaboration with World Mosquito Program Monash University, Australia, has generated two new Wolbachia-introgressed Ae. aegypti Puducherry (Pud) lines via backcrossing Ae. aegypti females of Australian (Aus) strains, infected with wMel and wAlbB Wolbachia with wild-type Ae. aegypti Puducherry (Pud) males. Wolbachia infections are known to induce a fitness cost and confer benefit on the host mosquito populations that will influence spread of the Wolbachia into native wild mosquito populations during the field release. Hence, the induced fitness cost or benefit/advantage in the two newly generated Ae. aegypti (Pud) lines was assessed in the laboratory in comparison with the wild-type Ae. aegypti (Pud) strain. In addition, maternal transmission (MT) efficiency, induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), and insecticide resistance status of the two (Pud) lines were determined to assess the likely frequency of wMel and wAlbB infections in the native wild population after field invasion. The study shows that wMel and wAlbB infections did not induce any fitness cost on the two newly generated (Pud) lines. Rather, in terms of wing length, fecundity, egg hatch rate, and adult survival, the Wolbachia introgression conferred fitness benefits on the (Pud) lines compared to uninfected Wolbachia free wild Ae. aegypti population. wMel and wAlbB exhibited a high maternal transmission (99-100%) and induced nearly complete (98-100%) cytoplasmic incompatibility. Both the (Pud) lines were resistant to deltamethrin, malathion, DDT, and temephos, and the level of resistance was almost the same between the two lines as in the wild type. Overall, the stable association of wMel and wAlbB established with Ae. aegypti and the reproductive advantages of the (Pud) lines encourage a pilot release in the field for population replacement potential.},
}
@article {pmid35994143,
year = {2023},
author = {Hirunkanokpun, S and Ahantarig, A and Baimai, V and Pramual, P and Rakthong, P and Trinachartvanit, W},
title = {Correction to: Spotted fever group Rickettsia, Anaplasma and Coxiella‑like endosymbiont in Haemaphysalis ticks from mammals in Thailand.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {47},
number = {1},
pages = {321},
doi = {10.1007/s11259-022-09988-3},
pmid = {35994143},
issn = {1573-7446},
}
@article {pmid35997363,
year = {2022},
author = {Sgroi, G and Iatta, R and Lovreglio, P and Stufano, A and Laidoudi, Y and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Bezerra-Santos, MA and Veneziano, V and Di Gennaro, F and Saracino, A and Chironna, M and Bandi, C and Otranto, D},
title = {Detection of Endosymbiont Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii and Tickborne Pathogens in Humans Exposed to Tick Bites, Italy.},
journal = {Emerging infectious diseases},
volume = {28},
number = {9},
pages = {1824-1832},
pmid = {35997363},
issn = {1080-6059},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; Rickettsiales ; *Tick Bites/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {During 2021, we collected blood and serum samples from 135 persons exposed to tick bites in southern Italy. We serologically and molecularly screened for zoonotic tickborne pathogens and only molecularly screened for Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii. Overall, 62 (45.9%) persons tested positive for tickborne pathogens. Coxiella burnetii was detected most frequently (27.4%), along with Rickettsia spp. (21.5%) and Borrelia spp. (10.4%). We detected Candidatus M. mitochondrii DNA in 46 (34.1%) participants who had statistically significant associations to tickborne pathogens (p<0.0001). Phylogenetic analysis of Candidatus M. mitochondrii sequences revealed 5 clades and 8 human sequence types that correlated with vertebrates, Ixodes spp. ticks, and countries in Europe. These data demonstrated a high circulation of tickborne pathogens and Candidatus M. mitochondrii DNA in persons participating in outdoor activities in southern Italy. Our study shows how coordinated surveillance among patients, clinicians, and veterinarians could inform a One Health approach for monitoring and controlling the circulation of tickborne pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid35997584,
year = {2022},
author = {Breusing, C and Klobusnik, NH and Hauer, MA and Beinart, RA},
title = {Genome assembly of the chemosynthetic endosymbiont of the hydrothermal vent snail Alviniconcha adamantis from the Mariana Arc.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {35997584},
issn = {2160-1836},
mesh = {Ammonia ; Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; Ecosystem ; *Gammaproteobacteria/genetics ; *Hydrothermal Vents/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Snails ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Urea ; Waste Products ; },
abstract = {Chemosynthetic animal-microbe symbioses sustain hydrothermal vent communities in the global deep sea. In the Indo-Pacific Ocean, hydrothermal ecosystems are often dominated by gastropod species of the genus Alviniconcha, which live in association with chemosynthetic Gammaproteobacteria or Campylobacteria. While the symbiont genomes of most extant Alviniconcha species have been sequenced, no genome information is currently available for the gammaproteobacterial endosymbiont of Alviniconcha adamantis-a comparatively shallow living species that is thought to be the ancestor to all other present Alviniconcha lineages. Here, we report the first genome sequence for the symbiont of A. adamantis from the Chamorro Seamount at the Mariana Arc. Our phylogenomic analyses show that the A. adamantis symbiont is most closely related to Chromatiaceae endosymbionts of the hydrothermal vent snails Alviniconcha strummeri and Chrysomallon squamiferum, but represents a distinct bacterial species or possibly genus. Overall, the functional capacity of the A. adamantis symbiont appeared to be similar to other chemosynthetic Gammaproteobacteria, though several flagella and chemotaxis genes were detected, which are absent in other gammaproteobacterial Alviniconcha symbionts. These differences might suggest potential contrasts in symbiont transmission dynamics, host recognition, or nutrient transfer. Furthermore, an abundance of genes for ammonia transport and urea usage could indicate adaptations to the oligotrophic waters of the Mariana region, possibly via recycling of host- and environment-derived nitrogenous waste products. This genome assembly adds to the growing genomic resources for chemosynthetic bacteria from hydrothermal vents and will be valuable for future comparative genomic analyses assessing gene content evolution in relation to environment and symbiotic lifestyles.},
}
@article {pmid36000911,
year = {2022},
author = {Qi, Y and Ai, L and Zhu, C and Ye, F and Lv, R and Wang, J and Mao, Y and Lu, N and Tan, W},
title = {Wild Hedgehogs and Their Parasitic Ticks Coinfected with Multiple Tick-Borne Pathogens in Jiangsu Province, Eastern China.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {e0213822},
pmid = {36000911},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Ticks/microbiology/parasitology ; Hedgehogs/parasitology ; *Coinfection/epidemiology/veterinary ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; Ehrlichia/genetics ; *Parasites ; },
abstract = {The increasing awareness of emerging tickborne pathogens (TBPs) has inspired much research. In the present study, the coinfections of TBPs both in ticks and their wild hedgehog hosts in Jiangsu province, Eastern China were determined by metagenome next-generation sequencing and nested PCR. As a result, Rickettsia japonica (81.1%), novel Rickettsia sp. SFGR-1 (5.1%), Anaplasma bovis (12%), A. platys (6.3%), novel Ehrlichia spp. Ehr-1 (16%) and Ehr-2 (0.6%), E. ewingii-like strain (0.6%), Coxiella burnetii (10.9%), and a novel Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) strain (61.1%) were detected in Haemaphysalis flava ticks. A. bovis (43.8%), Ehrlichia sp. Ehr-1 (83.3%), and C. burnetii (80%) were detected in Erinaceus amurensis hedgehogs. Coinfection rates with various TBPs were 71.5% and 83.3% in ticks and hedgehogs, respectively, both with double-pathogen/endosymbiont coinfection rates over 50%. We found the following. (i) Er. amurensis hedgehogs seem to contribute to the natural cycles of R. japonica, A. bovis, Ehrlichia sp., and C. burnetii and may be reservoirs of them except for R. japonica, and A. bovis is proved to infect hedgehogs for the first time. (ii) H. flava is proved to harbor various TBPs as a reservoir host, including CLE identified for the first time, which could inhibit coinfection of C. burnetii while promoting that of Rickettsia spp. in H. flava. (iii) Four novel TBP species were identified. This study provides useful epidemiological information crucial for assessing the potential infection risks to humans, thus benefiting the development of strategies to prevent and control tick-borne diseases. IMPORTANCE In the present study, we found the following. (i) Er. amurensis hedgehogs seem to contribute to the natural cycles of R. japonica, A. bovis, Ehrlichia sp., and C. burnetii and may be reservoirs of them except for R. japonica, and A. bovis is proved to infect hedgehogs for the first time. (ii) H. flava is proved to harbor various tickborne pathogens (TBPs) as a reservoir host, including Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) identified for the first time, which could inhibit coinfection of C. burnetii while promoting that of Rickettsia spp. in H. flava. (iii) Four novel TBP species were identified. This study provides useful epidemiological information on TBPs harbored and transmitted by ticks and their hosts, for assessing the potential infection risks to humans, thus benefiting the developing strategies for tick-borne diseases prevention and control.},
}
@article {pmid36003268,
year = {2022},
author = {Davies, OK and Dorey, JB and Stevens, MI and Gardner, MG and Bradford, TM and Schwarz, MP},
title = {Unparalleled mitochondrial heteroplasmy and Wolbachia co-infection in the non-model bee, Amphylaeus morosus.},
journal = {Current research in insect science},
volume = {2},
number = {},
pages = {100036},
pmid = {36003268},
issn = {2666-5158},
abstract = {Mitochondrial heteroplasmy is the occurrence of more than one type of mitochondrial DNA within a single individual. Although generally reported to occur in a small subset of individuals within a species, there are some instances of widespread heteroplasmy across entire populations. Amphylaeus morosus is an Australian native bee species in the diverse and cosmopolitan bee family Colletidae. This species has an extensive geographical range along the eastern Australian coast, from southern Queensland to western Victoria, covering approximately 2,000 km. Seventy individuals were collected from five localities across this geographical range and sequenced using Sanger sequencing for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. These data indicate that every individual had the same consistent heteroplasmic sites but no other nucleotide variation, suggesting two conserved and widespread heteroplasmic mitogenomes. Ion Torrent shotgun sequencing revealed that heteroplasmy occurred across multiple mitochondrial protein-coding genes and is unlikely explained by transposition of mitochondrial genes into the nuclear genome (NUMTs). DNA sequence data also demonstrated a consistent co-infection of Wolbachia across the A. morosus distribution with every individual infected with both bacterial strains. Our data are consistent with the presence of two mitogenomes within all individuals examined in this species and suggest a major divergence from standard patterns of mitochondrial inheritance. Because the host's mitogenome and the Wolbachia genome are genetically linked through maternal inheritance, we propose three possible hypotheses that could explain maintenance of the widespread and conserved co-occurring bacterial and mitochondrial genomes in this species.},
}
@article {pmid36003934,
year = {2022},
author = {Nishide, Y and Oguchi, K and Murakami, M and Moriyama, M and Koga, R and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Endosymbiotic bacteria of the boar louse Haematopinus apri (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Anoplura).},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {962252},
pmid = {36003934},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Insects exclusively feeding on vertebrate blood are usually dependent on symbiotic bacteria for provisioning of B vitamins. Among them, sucking lice are prominent in that their symbiotic bacteria as well as their symbiotic organs exhibit striking diversity. Here we investigated the bacterial diversity associated with the boar louse Haematopinus apri in comparison with the hog louse Haematopinus suis. Amplicon sequencing analysis identified the primary endosymbiont predominantly detected from all populations of H. apri with some minor secondary bacterial associates. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene confirmed that the endosymbionts of the boar louse H. apri, the hog louse H. suis and the cattle louse Haematopinus eurysternus form a distinct clade in the Gammaproteobacteria. The endosymbiont clade of Haematopinus spp. was phylogenetically distinct from the primary endosymbionts of other louse lineages. Fluorescence in situ hybridization visualized the endosymbiont localization within midgut epithelium, ovarial ampulla and posterior oocyte of H. apri, which were substantially the same as the endosymbiont localization previously described in H. suis and H. eurysternus. Mitochondrial haplotype analysis revealed that, although the domestic pig was derived from the wild boar over the past 8,000 years of human history, the populations of H. apri constituted a distinct sister clade to the populations of H. suis. Based on these results, we discussed possible evolutionary trajectories of the boar louse, the hog louse and their endosymbionts in the context of swine domestication. We proposed 'Candidatus Haematopinicola symbiotica' for the distinct clade of the endosymbionts of Haematopinus spp.},
}
@article {pmid36005392,
year = {2022},
author = {Richter, I and Radosa, S and Cseresnyés, Z and Ferling, I and Büttner, H and Niehs, SP and Gerst, R and Scherlach, K and Figge, MT and Hillmann, F and Hertweck, C},
title = {Toxin-Producing Endosymbionts Shield Pathogenic Fungus against Micropredators.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {e0144022},
pmid = {36005392},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {P40 OD010440/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Burkholderia/metabolism ; *Antimitotic Agents/metabolism ; Macrolides ; Symbiosis ; *Oryza/microbiology ; *Toxins, Biological ; Seedlings ; Soil ; },
abstract = {The fungus Rhizopus microsporus harbors a bacterial endosymbiont (Mycetohabitans rhizoxinica) for the production of the antimitotic toxin rhizoxin. Although rhizoxin is the causative agent of rice seedling blight, the toxinogenic bacterial-fungal alliance is, not restricted to the plant disease. It has been detected in numerous environmental isolates from geographically distinct sites covering all five continents, thus raising questions regarding the ecological role of rhizoxin beyond rice seedling blight. Here, we show that rhizoxin serves the fungal host in fending off protozoan and metazoan predators. Fluorescence microscopy and coculture experiments with the fungivorous amoeba Protostelium aurantium revealed that ingestion of R. microsporus spores is toxic to P. aurantium. This amoebicidal effect is caused by the dominant bacterial rhizoxin congener rhizoxin S2, which is also lethal toward the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. By combining stereomicroscopy, automated image analysis, and quantification of nematode movement, we show that the fungivorous nematode Aphelenchus avenae actively feeds on R. microsporus that is lacking endosymbionts, whereas worms coincubated with symbiotic R. microsporus are significantly less lively. This study uncovers an unexpected ecological role of rhizoxin as shield against micropredators. This finding suggests that predators may function as an evolutionary driving force to maintain toxin-producing endosymbionts in nonpathogenic fungi. IMPORTANCE The soil community is a complex system characterized by predator-prey interactions. Fungi have developed effective strategies to defend themselves against predators. Understanding these strategies is of critical importance for ecology, medicine, and biotechnology. In this study, we shed light on the defense mechanisms of the phytopathogenic Rhizopus-Mycetohabitans symbiosis that has spread worldwide. We report an unexpected role of rhizoxin, a secondary metabolite produced by the bacterium M. rhizoxinica residing within the hyphae of R. microsporus. We show that this bacterial secondary metabolite is utilized by the fungal host to successfully fend off fungivorous protozoan and metazoan predators and thus identified a fundamentally new function of this infamous cytotoxic compound. This endosymbiont-dependent predator defense illustrates an unusual strategy employed by fungi that has broader implications, since it may serve as a model for understanding how animal predation acts as an evolutionary driving force to maintain endosymbionts in nonpathogenic fungi.},
}
@article {pmid36012723,
year = {2022},
author = {Zong, Q and Mao, B and Zhang, HB and Wang, B and Yu, WJ and Wang, ZW and Wang, YF},
title = {Comparative Ubiquitome Analysis Reveals Deubiquitinating Effects Induced by Wolbachia Infection in Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {23},
number = {16},
pages = {},
pmid = {36012723},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {31872288//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cytoplasm/metabolism ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; Female ; Male ; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex/metabolism ; Semen ; Testis/metabolism ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria frequently cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in their insect hosts, where Wolbachia-infected males cross with uninfected females, leading to no or fewer progenies, indicating a paternal modification by Wolbachia. Recent studies have identified a Wolbachia protein, CidB, containing a DUB (deubiquitylating enzyme) domain, which can be loaded into host sperm nuclei and involved in CI, though the DUB activity is not necessary for CI in Drosophila melanogaster. To investigate whether and how Wolbachia affect protein ubiquitination in testes of male hosts and are thus involved in male fertility, we compared the protein and ubiquitinated protein expressions in D. melanogaster testes with and without Wolbachia. A total of 643 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 309 differentially expressed ubiquitinated proteins (DEUPs) were identified to have at least a 1.5-fold change with a p-value of <0.05. Many DEPs were enriched in metabolic pathway, ribosome, RNA transport, and post-translational protein modification pathways. Many DEUPs were involved in metabolism, ribosome, and proteasome pathways. Notably, 98.1% DEUPs were downregulated in the presence of Wolbachia. Four genes coding for DEUPs in ubiquitin proteasome pathways were knocked down, respectively, in Wolbachia-free fly testes. Among them, Rpn6 and Rpn7 knockdown caused male sterility, with no mature sperm in seminal vesicles. These results reveal deubiquitylating effects induced by Wolbachia infection, suggesting that Wolbachia can widely deubiquitinate proteins that have crucial functions in male fertility of their hosts, but are not involved in CI. Our data provide new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of endosymbiont/host interactions and male fertility.},
}
@article {pmid36015007,
year = {2022},
author = {Špitalská, E and Minichová, L and Hamšíková, Z and Stanko, M and Kazimírová, M},
title = {Bartonella, Rickettsia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon Species in Fleas (Siphonaptera) Infesting Small Mammals of Slovakia (Central Europe).},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {36015007},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {-261504 EDENext//EU grant FP7/ ; },
abstract = {Fleas (Siphonaptera) as obligate, blood-feeding ectoparasites are, together with ticks, hosted by small mammals and can transmit causative agents of serious infections. This study aimed to determine and characterize the presence and genetic diversity of Bartonella, Rickettsia, and apicomplexan parasites (Babesia, Hepatozoon) in fleas feeding on small mammals from three different habitat types (suburban, natural, and rural) in Slovakia. The most common pathogen in the examined fleas was Bartonella spp. (33.98%; 95% CI: 30.38-37.58), followed by Rickettsia spp. (19.1%; 95% CI: 16.25-22.24) and apicomplexan parasites (4.36%; 95% CI: 2.81-5.91). Bartonella strains belonging to B. taylorii, B. grahamii, B. elizabethae, Bartonella sp. wbs11, and B. rochalimae clades were identified in Ctenophthalmus agyrtes, C. congener, C. assimilis, C. sciurorum, C. solutus, C. bisoctodentatus, Palaeopsylla similis, Megabothris turbidus, and Nosopsyllus fasciatus within all habitats. The presence of Rickettsia helvetica, R. monacensis, and rickettsiae, belonging to the R. akari and R. felis clusters, and endosymbionts with a 96-100% identity with the Rickettsia endosymbiont of Nosopsyllus laeviceps laeviceps were also revealed in C. agyrtes, C. solutus, C. assimilis, C. congener, M. turbidus, and N. fasciatus. Babesia and Hepatozoon DNA was detected in the fleas from all habitat types. Hepatozoon sp. was detected in C. agyrtes, C. assimilis, and M. turbidus, while Babesia microti was identified from C. agyrtes, C. congener, and P. similis. The present study demonstrated the presence of zoonotic pathogens in fleas, parasitizing the wild-living small mammals of southwestern and central Slovakia and widens our knowledge of the ecology and genomic diversity of Bartonella, Rickettsia, Babesia, and Hepatozoon.},
}
@article {pmid36034693,
year = {2022},
author = {Kopelyanskiy, D and Desponds, C and Prevel, F and Rossi, M and Migliorini, R and Snäkä, T and Eren, RO and Claudinot, S and Lye, LF and Pasparakis, M and Beverley, SM and Fasel, N},
title = {Leishmania guyanensis suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase provoked by its viral endosymbiont.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {944819},
pmid = {36034693},
issn = {2235-2988},
support = {R01 AI029646/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI031078/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI130222/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Cytokines ; Humans ; Interleukin-17 ; *Leishmania ; *Leishmania guyanensis/virology ; Leishmaniavirus ; Mice ; NF-kappa B ; Nitric Oxide ; *Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 3 ; },
abstract = {Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is essential to the production of nitric oxide (NO), an efficient effector molecule against intracellular human pathogens such as Leishmania protozoan parasites. Some strains of Leishmania are known to bear a viral endosymbiont termed Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1). Recognition of LRV1 by the innate immune sensor Toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3) leads to conditions worsening the disease severity in mice. This process is governed by type I interferon (type I IFNs) arising downstream of TLR3 stimulation and favoring the formation of secondary metastatic lesions. The formation of these lesions is mediated by the inflammatory cytokine IL-17A and occurs in the absence, or low level of, protective cytokine IFN-γ. Here, we described that the presence of LRV1 led to the initial expression of iNOS and low production of NO that failed to control infection. We subsequently showed that LRV1-triggered type I IFN was essential but insufficient to induce robust iNOS induction, which requires strong activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Leishmania guyanensis carrying LRV1 (LgyLRV1+) parasites mitigated strong iNOS production by limiting NF-kB activation via the induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), also known as A20. Moreover, our data suggested that production of LRV1-induced iNOS could be correlated with parasite dissemination and metastasis via elevated secretion of IL-17A in the draining lymph nodes. Our findings support an additional strategy by which LRV1-bearing Leishmania guyanensis evaded killing by nitric oxide and suggest that low levels of LRV1-induced NO might contribute to parasite metastasis.},
}
@article {pmid36034709,
year = {2022},
author = {Jha, B and Reverte, M and Ronet, C and Prevel, F and Morgenthaler, FD and Desponds, C and Lye, LF and Owens, KL and Scarpellino, L and Dubey, LK and Sabine, A and Petrova, TV and Luther, SA and Beverley, SM and Fasel, N},
title = {In and out: Leishmania metastasis by hijacking lymphatic system and migrating immune cells.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {941860},
pmid = {36034709},
issn = {2235-2988},
support = {R01 AI130222/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Leishmania ; *Leishmania braziliensis ; *Leishmaniasis, Mucocutaneous ; Lymphatic System ; *Neoplasms ; },
abstract = {The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in mounting immune response against intracellular pathogens, and recent studies have documented its role in facilitating tumor dissemination linked largely with cancer cells. However, in mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) caused by Leishmania Viannia subgenus showing infectious metastasis and resulting in severe distant secondary lesions, the route of escape of these parasites to secondary sites has not yet been investigated in detail. Our results demonstrated that when infection was associated with inflammation and additionally exacerbated by the presence of dsRNA viral endosymbiont (LRV1), lymphatic vessels could serve as efficient routes for infected cells to egress from the primary site and colonize distant organs. We challenged this hypothesis by using the intracellular Leishmania protozoan parasites Leishmania guyanensis (Lgy) associated with or without a dsRNA viral endosymbiont, exacerbating the infection and responsible for a strong inflammatory response, and favoring metastasis of the infection. We analyzed possible cargo cells and the routes of dissemination through flow cytometry, histological analysis, and in vivo imaging in our metastatic model to show that parasites disseminated not only intracellularly but also as free extracellular parasites using migrating immune cells, lymph nodes (LNs), and lymph vessels, and followed intricate connections of draining and non-draining lymph node to finally end up in the blood and in distant skin, causing new lesions.},
}
@article {pmid36039907,
year = {2023},
author = {Wang, R and Sun, R and Zhang, Z and Vannini, C and Di Giuseppe, G and Liang, A},
title = {"Candidatus Euplotechlamydia quinta," a novel chlamydia-like bacterium hosted by the ciliate Euplotes octocarinatus (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea).},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {70},
number = {2},
pages = {e12945},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.12945},
pmid = {36039907},
issn = {1550-7408},
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Euplotes/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Chlamydia/genetics ; *Ciliophora/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Our knowledge of ciliate endosymbiont diversity greatly expanded over the past decades due to the development of characterization methods for uncultivable bacteria. Chlamydia-like bacteria have been described as symbionts of free-living amoebae and other phylogenetically diverse eukaryotic hosts. In the present work, a systematic survey of the bacterial diversity associated with the ciliate Euplotes octocarinatus strain Zam5b-1 was performed, using metagenomic screening as well as classical full-cycle rRNA approach, and a novel chlamydial symbiont was characterized. The metagenomic screening revealed 16S rRNA gene sequences from Polynucleobacter necessarius, three previously reported accessory symbionts, and a novel chlamydia-like bacterium. Following the full-cycle rRNA approach, we obtained the full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence of this chlamydia-like bacterium and developed probes for diagnostic fluorescence in situ hybridizations. The phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences unambiguously places the new bacterium in the family Rhabdochlamydiaceae. This is the first report of chlamydia-like bacterium being found in Euplotes. Based on the obtained data, the bacterium is proposed as a new candidate genus and species: "Candidatus Euplotechlamydia quinta."},
}
@article {pmid36042261,
year = {2022},
author = {Madsen, CS and Makela, AV and Greeson, EM and Hardy, JW and Contag, CH},
title = {Engineered endosymbionts that alter mammalian cell surface marker, cytokine and chemokine expression.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {888},
pmid = {36042261},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {Animals ; Chemokines ; *Cytokines/genetics ; *Listeria monocytogenes/genetics ; Mammals ; Phagosomes ; Transcription Factors ; },
abstract = {Developing modular tools that direct mammalian cell function and activity through controlled delivery of essential regulators would improve methods of guiding tissue regeneration, enhancing cellular-based therapeutics and modulating immune responses. To address this challenge, Bacillus subtilis was developed as a chassis organism for engineered endosymbionts (EES) that escape phagosome destruction, reside in the cytoplasm of mammalian cells, and secrete proteins that are transported to the nucleus to impact host cell response and function. Two synthetic operons encoding either the mammalian transcription factors Stat-1 and Klf6 or Klf4 and Gata-3 were recombined into the genome of B. subtilis expressing listeriolysin O (LLO) from Listeria monocytogenes and expressed from regulated promoters. Controlled expression of the mammalian proteins from B. subtilis LLO in the cytoplasm of J774A.1 macrophage/monocyte cells altered surface marker, cytokine and chemokine expression. Modulation of host cell fates displayed some expected patterns towards anti- or pro-inflammatory phenotypes by each of the distinct transcription factor pairs with further demonstration of complex regulation caused by a combination of the EES interaction and transcription factors. Expressing mammalian transcription factors from engineered intracellular B. subtilis as engineered endosymbionts comprises a new tool for directing host cell gene expression for therapeutic and research purposes.},
}
@article {pmid36042324,
year = {2022},
author = {Dharamshi, JE and Gaarslev, N and Steffen, K and Martin, T and Sipkema, D and Ettema, TJG},
title = {Genomic diversity and biosynthetic capabilities of sponge-associated chlamydiae.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {16},
number = {12},
pages = {2725-2740},
pmid = {36042324},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; Phylogeny ; *Chlamydia/genetics ; Bacteria ; Genomics ; *Porifera ; },
abstract = {Sponge microbiomes contribute to host health, nutrition, and defense through the production of secondary metabolites. Chlamydiae, a phylum of obligate intracellular bacteria ranging from animal pathogens to endosymbionts of microbial eukaryotes, are frequently found associated with sponges. However, sponge-associated chlamydial diversity has not yet been investigated at the genomic level and host interactions thus far remain unexplored. Here, we sequenced the microbiomes of three sponge species and found high, though variable, Chlamydiae relative abundances of up to 18.7% of bacteria. Using genome-resolved metagenomics 18 high-quality sponge-associated chlamydial genomes were reconstructed, covering four chlamydial families. Among these, Candidatus Sororchlamydiaceae shares a common ancestor with Chlamydiaceae animal pathogens, suggesting long-term co-evolution with animals. Based on gene content, sponge-associated chlamydiae resemble members from the same family more than sponge-associated chlamydiae of other families, and have greater metabolic versatility than known chlamydial animal pathogens. Sponge-associated chlamydiae are also enriched in genes for degrading diverse compounds found in sponges. Unexpectedly, we identified widespread genetic potential for secondary metabolite biosynthesis across Chlamydiae, which may represent an unexplored source of novel natural products. This finding suggests that Chlamydiae members may partake in defensive symbioses and that secondary metabolites play a wider role in mediating intracellular interactions. Furthermore, sponge-associated chlamydiae relatives were found in other marine invertebrates, pointing towards wider impacts of the Chlamydiae phylum on marine ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid36042402,
year = {2022},
author = {Twort, VG and Blande, D and Duplouy, A},
title = {One's trash is someone else's treasure: sequence read archives from Lepidoptera genomes provide material for genome reconstruction of their endosymbionts.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {209},
pmid = {36042402},
issn = {1471-2180},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lepidoptera ; Phylogeny ; *Spiroplasma/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Maternally inherited bacterial symbionts are extremely widespread in insects. They owe their success to their ability to promote their own transmission through various manipulations of their hosts' life-histories. Many symbionts however very often go undetected. Consequently, we have only a restricted idea of the true symbiont diversity in insects, which may hinder our understanding of even bigger questions in the field such as the evolution or establishment of symbiosis.<br><br>RESULTS: In this study, we screened publicly available Lepidoptera genomic material for two of the most common insect endosymbionts, namely Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, in 1904 entries, encompassing 106 distinct species. We compared the performance of two screening software, Kraken2 and MetaPhlAn2, to identify the bacterial infections and using a baiting approach we reconstruct endosymbiont genome assemblies. Of the 106 species screened, 20 (19%) and nine (8.5%) were found to be infected with either Wolbachia or Spiroplasma, respectively. Construction of partial symbiotic genomes and phylogenetic analyses suggested the Wolbachia strains from the supergroup B were the most prevalent type of symbionts, while Spiroplasma infections were scarce in the Lepidoptera species screened here.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that many of the host-symbiont associations remain largely unexplored, with the majority of associations we identify never being recorded before. This highlights the usefulness of public databases to explore the hidden diversity of symbiotic entities, allowing the development of hypotheses regarding host-symbiont associations. The ever-expanding genomic databases provide a diverse databank from which one can characterize and explore the true diversity of symbiotic entities.},
}
@article {pmid36054322,
year = {2022},
author = {Štarhová Serbina, L and Gajski, D and Pafčo, B and Zurek, L and Malenovský, I and Nováková, E and Schuler, H and Dittmer, J},
title = {Microbiome of pear psyllids: A tale about closely related species sharing their endosymbionts.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {24},
number = {12},
pages = {5788-5808},
pmid = {36054322},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Pyrus ; Symbiosis ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; Insecta ; *Microbiota/genetics ; },
abstract = {Psyllids are phloem-feeding insects that can transmit plant pathogens such as phytoplasmas, intracellular bacteria causing numerous plant diseases worldwide. Their microbiomes are essential for insect physiology and may also influence the capacity of vectors to transmit pathogens. Using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding, we compared the microbiomes of three sympatric psyllid species associated with pear trees in Central Europe. All three species are able to transmit 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri', albeit with different efficiencies. Our results revealed potential relationships between insect biology and microbiome composition that varied during psyllid ontogeny and between generations in Cacopsylla pyri and C. pyricola, as well as between localities in C. pyri. In contrast, no variations related to psyllid life cycle and geography were detected in C. pyrisuga. In addition to the primary endosymbiont Carsonella ruddii, we detected another highly abundant endosymbiont (unclassified Enterobacteriaceae). C. pyri and C. pyricola shared the same taxon of Enterobacteriaceae which is related to endosymbionts harboured by other psyllid species from various families. In contrast, C. pyrisuga carried a different Enterobacteriaceae taxon related to the genus Sodalis. Our study provides new insights into host-symbiont interactions in psyllids and highlights the importance of host biology and geography in shaping microbiome structure.},
}
@article {pmid36085198,
year = {2022},
author = {Medina, GA and Flores-Martin, SN and Pereira, WA and Figueroa, EG and Guzmán, NH and Letelier, PJ and Andaur, MR and Leyán, PI and Boguen, RE and Hernández, AH and Fernández, H},
title = {Long-term survive of Aliarcobacter butzleri in two models symbiotic interaction with Acanthamoeba castellanii.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {204},
number = {10},
pages = {610},
pmid = {36085198},
issn = {1432-072X},
support = {VIPUCT, #2016PF-GM-03//Fondo Concurso Interno L&#xed;nea Profondecyt, Vicerrector&#xed;a de Investigaci&#xf3;n y Postgrado, Universidad Cat&#xf3;lica De Temuco/ ; FEQUIP2019-CS-05//Fondo de Equipamiento Vicerrector&#xed;a de Investigaci&#xf3;n y Posgrado Universidad Cat&#xf3;lica de Temuco/ ; FEQUIP2019-CS-05//Fondo de Equipamiento Vicerrector&#xed;a de Investigaci&#xf3;n y Posgrado Universidad Cat&#xf3;lica de Temuco/ ; FEQUIP2019-CS-05//Fondo de Equipamiento Vicerrector&#xed;a de Investigaci&#xf3;n y Posgrado Universidad Cat&#xf3;lica de Temuco/ ; FEQUIP2019-CS-05//Fondo de Equipamiento Vicerrector&#xed;a de Investigaci&#xf3;n y Posgrado Universidad Cat&#xf3;lica de Temuco/ ; FEQUIP2019-CS-05//Fondo de Equipamiento Vicerrector&#xed;a de Investigaci&#xf3;n y Posgrado Universidad Cat&#xf3;lica de Temuco/ ; 1110202//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Cient&#xed;fico y Tecnol&#xf3;gico/ ; },
mesh = {*Acanthamoeba castellanii/microbiology ; *Arcobacter ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Aliarcobacter butzleri (formerly known as Arcobacter butzleri) is an emerging food-borne zoonotic pathogen that establishes in vitro endosymbiotic relationships with Acanthamoeba castellanii, a free-living amoeba. Previously, we described that this bacterium acts as an endocytobiont of A. castellanii, surviving for at least 10 days in absence of bacterial replication. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of A. butzleri to survive as a long-term endosymbiont of A. castellanii for 30 days in two models of symbiotic interaction with A. castellanii: (i) endosymbiotic culture followed by gentamicin protection assay and (ii) transwell co-culture assay. The results allow us to conclude that A. butzleri is capable of surviving as an endosymbiont of A. castellanii for at least 30 days, without multiplying, under controlled laboratory conditions. In addition, in the absence of nutrients and as both microorganisms remain in the same culture, separated by semi-permeable membranes, A. castellanii does not promote the survival of A. butzleri, nor does it multiply. Our findings suggest that the greater survival capacity of A. butzleri is associated with their endosymbiont status inside A. castellanii, pointing out the complexity of this type of symbiotic relationship.},
}
@article {pmid36093053,
year = {2022},
author = {Gabr, A and Stephens, TG and Bhattacharya, D},
title = {Loss of key endosymbiont genes may facilitate early host control of the chromatophore in Paulinella.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {25},
number = {9},
pages = {104974},
pmid = {36093053},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {The primary plastid endosymbiosis (∼124 Mya) that occurred in the heterotrophic amoeba lineage, Paulinella, is at an earlier stage of evolution than in Archaeplastida, and provides an excellent model for studying organelle integration. Using genomic data from photosynthetic Paulinella, we identified a plausible mechanism for the evolution of host control of endosymbiont (termed the chromatophore) biosynthetic pathways and functions. Specifically, random gene loss from the chromatophore and compensation by nuclear-encoded gene copies enables host control of key pathways through a minimal number of evolutionary innovations. These gene losses impact critical enzymatic steps in nucleotide biosynthesis and the more peripheral components of multi-protein DNA replication complexes. Gene retention in the chromatophore likely reflects the need to maintain a specific stoichiometric balance of the encoded products (e.g., involved in DNA replication) rather than redox state, as in the highly reduced plastid genomes of algae and plants.},
}
@article {pmid36094208,
year = {2022},
author = {Kinjo, Y and Bourguignon, T and Hongoh, Y and Lo, N and Tokuda, G and Ohkuma, M},
title = {Coevolution of Metabolic Pathways in Blattodea and Their Blattabacterium Endosymbionts, and Comparisons with Other Insect-Bacteria Symbioses.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {e0277922},
pmid = {36094208},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cockroaches/microbiology ; Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Insecta ; Bacteria/genetics ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways/genetics ; Amino Acids ; Amino Acids, Essential/genetics ; Arginine/genetics ; Folic Acid ; Vitamins ; },
abstract = {Many insects harbor bacterial endosymbionts that supply essential nutrients and enable their hosts to thrive on a nutritionally unbalanced diet. Comparisons of the genomes of endosymbionts and their insect hosts have revealed multiple cases of mutually-dependent metabolic pathways that require enzymes encoded in 2 genomes. Complementation of metabolic reactions at the pathway level has been described for hosts feeding on unbalanced diets, such as plant sap. However, the level of collaboration between symbionts and hosts that feed on more variable diets is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated amino acid and vitamin/cofactor biosynthetic pathways in Blattodea, which comprises cockroaches and termites, and their obligate endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti (hereafter Blattabacterium). In contrast to other obligate symbiotic systems, we found no clear evidence of "collaborative pathways" for amino acid biosynthesis in the genomes of these taxa, with the exception of collaborative arginine biosynthesis in 2 taxa, Cryptocercus punctulatus and Mastotermes darwiniensis. Nevertheless, we found that several gaps specific to Blattabacterium in the folate biosynthetic pathway are likely to be complemented by their host. Comparisons with other insects revealed that, with the exception of the arginine biosynthetic pathway, collaborative pathways for essential amino acids are only observed in phloem-sap feeders. These results suggest that the host diet is an important driving factor of metabolic pathway evolution in obligate symbiotic systems. IMPORTANCE The long-term coevolution between insects and their obligate endosymbionts is accompanied by increasing levels of genome integration, sometimes to the point that metabolic pathways require enzymes encoded in two genomes, which we refer to as "collaborative pathways". To date, collaborative pathways have only been reported from sap-feeding insects. Here, we examined metabolic interactions between cockroaches, a group of detritivorous insects, and their obligate endosymbiont, Blattabacterium, and only found evidence of collaborative pathways for arginine biosynthesis. The rarity of collaborative pathways in cockroaches and Blattabacterium contrasts with their prevalence in insect hosts feeding on phloem-sap. Our results suggest that host diet is a factor affecting metabolic integration in obligate symbiotic systems.},
}
@article {pmid36098749,
year = {2023},
author = {Angelella, G and Nalam, V and Nachappa, P and White, J and Kaplan, I},
title = {Correction to: Endosymbionts Differentially Alter Exploratory Probing Behavior of a Nonpersistent Plant Virus Vector.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {86},
number = {2},
pages = {1453},
doi = {10.1007/s00248-022-02107-4},
pmid = {36098749},
issn = {1432-184X},
}
@article {pmid36099809,
year = {2022},
author = {Dhali, S and Acharya, S and Pradhan, M and Patra, DK and Pradhan, C},
title = {Synergistic effect of Bacillus and Rhizobium on cytological and photosynthetic performance of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. Grown in Cr (VI) contaminated soil.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {190},
number = {},
pages = {62-69},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.08.027},
pmid = {36099809},
issn = {1873-2690},
mesh = {*Bacillus ; Biodegradation, Environmental ; Chromium/pharmacology ; *Fabaceae/microbiology ; Photosynthesis ; Plant Roots ; *Rhizobium ; Soil ; *Soil Pollutants/analysis ; },
abstract = {Macrotyloma uniflorum (horse gram) is considered an under-utilized legume crop despite its nutritional and medicinal values. In India, it has wide acceptance among farming communities. This investigation emphasized on the possible application of two endosymbionts (Bacillus sp. AS03 and Rhizobium sp. AS05) of horse gram cultivated on Cr (VI)-contaminated soil. The photosynthetic performance (PIφ) of Cr treated plants co-inoculated with AS03 and AS05 was significantly improved compared with non-inoculated Cr treated plants based on photosynthetic yield, which was evidenced from the rise in the fluorescence at I-P transient and rate of photosynthesis (pN), indicating synergistic action between plant and bacteria (AS03 and AS05). The smooth electron transport from PS II to PS I was achieved in the Cr stressed plants inoculated with both the bacterial strains. The detrimental effects of Cr toxicity on the root tips were also minimized with bioinoculation as revealed from mitotic index. Plants with dual inoculation of AS03 and AS05 had significantly lesser chromosomal aberration in the roots. Dual inoculation biochar or seed inoculation have beneficial impact on the plant photosynthetic performance along with improved growth of roots in plants treated with Cr (VI). The results of the current work suggest the possitive effect of dual inoculation of Cr tolerant endosymbionts, Bacillus sp. (AS03) and nodulating Rhizobium sp. (AS05), in reducing cytological as well as physiological stress of plants in Cr (VI) contaminated soil.},
}
@article {pmid36100023,
year = {2022},
author = {Brown, KT and Mello-Athayde, MA and Sampayo, EM and Chai, A and Dove, S and Barott, KL},
title = {Environmental memory gained from exposure to extreme pCO2 variability promotes coral cellular acid-base homeostasis.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {289},
number = {1982},
pages = {20220941},
pmid = {36100023},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Homeostasis ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Seawater ; },
abstract = {Ocean acidification is a growing threat to coral growth and the accretion of coral reef ecosystems. Corals inhabiting environments that already endure extreme diel pCO2 fluctuations, however, may represent acidification-resilient populations capable of persisting on future reefs. Here, we examined the impact of pCO2 variability on the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis originating from reefs with contrasting environmental histories (variable reef flat versus stable reef slope) following reciprocal exposure to stable (218 ± 9) or variable (911 ± 31) diel pCO2 amplitude (μtam) in aquaria over eight weeks. Endosymbiont density, photosynthesis and net calcification rates differed between origins but not treatment, whereas primary calcification (extension) was affected by both origin and acclimatization to novel pCO2 conditions. At the cellular level, corals from the variable reef flat exhibited less intracellular pH (pHi) acidosis and faster pHi recovery rates in response to experimental acidification stress (pH 7.40) than corals originating from the stable reef slope, suggesting environmental memory gained from lifelong exposure to pCO2 variability led to an improved ability to regulate acid-base homeostasis. These results highlight the role of cellular processes in maintaining acidification resilience and suggest that prior exposure to pCO2 variability may promote more acidification-resilient coral populations in a changing climate.},
}
@article {pmid36109147,
year = {2022},
author = {Matthey-Doret, C and Colp, MJ and Escoll, P and Thierry, A and Moreau, P and Curtis, B and Sahr, T and Sarrasin, M and Gray, MW and Lang, BF and Archibald, JM and Buchrieser, C and Koszul, R},
title = {Chromosome-scale assemblies of Acanthamoeba castellanii genomes provide insights into Legionella pneumophila infection-related chromatin reorganization.},
journal = {Genome research},
volume = {32},
number = {9},
pages = {1698-1710},
pmid = {36109147},
issn = {1549-5469},
mesh = {*Acanthamoeba castellanii/microbiology/genetics ; *Legionella pneumophila/genetics/pathogenicity ; Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly ; Genome, Protozoan ; Chromatin/metabolism/genetics ; Legionnaires' Disease/microbiology ; Humans ; },
abstract = {The unicellular amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii is ubiquitous in aquatic environments, where it preys on bacteria. The organism also hosts bacterial endosymbionts, some of which are parasitic, including human pathogens such as Chlamydia and Legionella spp. Here we report complete, high-quality genome sequences for two extensively studied A. castellanii strains, Neff and C3. Combining long- and short-read data with Hi-C, we generated near chromosome-level assemblies for both strains with 90% of the genome contained in 29 scaffolds for the Neff strain and 31 for the C3 strain. Comparative genomics revealed strain-specific functional enrichment, most notably genes related to signal transduction in the C3 strain and to viral replication in Neff. Furthermore, we characterized the spatial organization of the A. castellanii genome and showed that it is reorganized during infection by Legionella pneumophila Infection-dependent chromatin loops were found to be enriched in genes for signal transduction and phosphorylation processes. In genomic regions where chromatin organization changed during Legionella infection, we found functional enrichment for genes associated with metabolism, organelle assembly, and cytoskeleton organization. Given Legionella infection is known to alter its host's cell cycle, to exploit the host's organelles, and to modulate the host's metabolism in its favor, these changes in chromatin organization may partly be related to mechanisms of host control during Legionella infection.},
}
@article {pmid36110209,
year = {2022},
author = {Zhang, HD and Gao, J and Xing, D and Guo, XX and Li, CX and Dong, YD and Zheng, Z and Ma, Z and Wu, ZM and Zhu, XJ and Zhao, MH and Liu, QM and Yan, T and Chu, HL and Zhao, TY},
title = {Fine-scale genetic structure and wolbachia infection of aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Nanjing city, China.},
journal = {Frontiers in genetics},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {827655},
pmid = {36110209},
issn = {1664-8021},
abstract = {Background: Aedes albopictus is an indigenous primary vector of dengue and Zika viruses in China. Wolbachia is a gram-negative and common intracellular bacteria, which is maternally inherited endosymbionts and could expand their propagation in host populations by means of various manipulations. Compared with research on the dispersion of Ae. albopictus at the macrospatial level (mainly at the country or continent level), little is known about its variation and Wolbachia infection at the microspatial level, which is essential for its management. Meanwhile, no local cases of dengue fever have been recorded in the history of Nanjing, which implies that few adulticides have been applied in the city. Thus, the present study examines how the Ae. albopictus population varies and the Wolbachia infection status of each population among microspatial regions of Nanjing City. Methods: The genetic structure of 17 Aedes albopictus populations collected from urban, urban fringe, and rural regions of Nanjing City was investigated based on 9 microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial coxI gene. The Wolbachia infection status of each population was also assessed with Wolbachia A- and Wolbachia B-specific primers. Results: Nine out of 58 tested pairs of microsatellite markers were highly polymorphic, with a mean PIC value of 0.560, and these markers were therefore chosen for microsatellite genotyping analysis. The Na value of each Ae. albopictus population was very high, and the urban area populations (7.353 ± 4.975) showed a lower mean value than the urban fringe region populations (7.866 ± 5.010). A total of 19 coxI haplotypes were observed among 329 Ae. albopictus individuals via haplotype genotyping, with the highest diversity observed among the urban fringe Ae. albopictus populations (Hd = 0.456) and the lowest among the urban populations (Hd = 0.277). Each Ae. albopictus population showed significant departure from HWE, and significant population expansion was observed in only three populations from the urban (ZSL), urban fringe (HAJY), and rural areas (HSZY) (p < 0.05). Combined with DAPC analysis, all the Ae. albopictus populations were adequately allocated to two clades with significant genetic differences according to population structure analysis, and the best K value was equal to two. AMOVA results showed that most (96.18%) of the genetic variation detected in Ae. albopictus occurred within individuals (FIT = 0.22238, p < 0.0001), while no significant positive correlation was observed via isolation by distance (IBD) analysis (R [2] = 0.03262, p = 0.584). The TCS network of all haplotypes showed that haplotype 1 (H1) and haplotype 4 (H4) were the most frequent haplotypes among all populations, and the haplotype frequency significantly increased from urban regions (36.84%) to rural regions (68.42%). Frequent migration was observed among Ae. albopictus populations from rural to urban regions via the urban fringe region, with four direct migration routes between rural and urban regions. Furthermore, Wolbachia genotyping results showed that most of the individuals of each population were coinfected with Wolbachia A and Wolbachia B. The independent infection rate of Wolbachia A was slightly higher than that of Wolbachia B, and no significant differences were observed among different regions. Conclusion: In the microspatial environment of Nanjing City, the urban fringe region is an important region for the dispersion of Ae. albopictus populations between rural and urban areas, and Wolbachia A and Wolbachia B coinfection is the most common Wolbachia infection status in all Ae. albopictus populations among different regions.},
}
@article {pmid36124671,
year = {2022},
author = {Brophy, M and Walker, KR and Adamson, JE and Ravenscraft, A},
title = {Tropical and Temperate Lineages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) Host Different Strains of Coxiella-like Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {59},
number = {6},
pages = {2022-2029},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjac132},
pmid = {36124671},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Dogs ; Animals ; *Rhipicephalus sanguineus/genetics ; Coxiella/genetics ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Dog Diseases ; },
abstract = {Nonpathogenic bacteria likely play important roles in the biology and vector competence of ticks and other arthropods. Coxiella, a gram-negative gammaproteobacterium, is one of the most commonly reported maternally inherited endosymbionts in ticks and has been associated with over 40 tick species. Species-specific Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) have been reported in the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (Acari: Ixodidae), throughout the world, while recent research suggests low Coxiella diversity among tick species. We investigated CLE diversity among R. sanguineus s.l. ticks across Arizona. We detected 37 recurrent sequence variants (SVs) of the symbiont, indicating greater diversity in these symbiotic bacteria than previously reported. However, two SVs accounted for the vast majority of 16S rRNA amplicon reads. These two dominant CLEs were both closely related to Candidatus C. mudrowiae, an identified symbiont of Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks. One strain strongly associated with the tropical lineage of R. sanguineus s.l. while the other was found almost exclusively in the temperate lineage, supporting the conclusion that CLEs are primarily vertically transmitted. However, occasional mismatches between tick lineage and symbiont SV indicate that horizontal symbiont transfer may occur, perhaps via cofeeding of ticks from different lineages on the same dog. This study advances our understanding of CLE diversity in Rh. sanguineus s.l.},
}
@article {pmid36125236,
year = {2023},
author = {Brinker, P and Chen, F and Chehida, YB and Beukeboom, LW and Fontaine, MC and Salles, JF},
title = {Microbiome composition is shaped by geography and population structure in the parasitic wasp Asobara japonica, but not in the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {32},
number = {23},
pages = {6644-6658},
doi = {10.1111/mec.16699},
pmid = {36125236},
issn = {1365-294X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/genetics/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Geography ; },
abstract = {The microbial community composition is crucial for diverse life-history traits in many organisms. However, we still lack a sufficient understanding of how the host microbiome is acquired and maintained, a pressing issue in times of global environmental change. Here we investigated to what extent host genotype, environmental conditions, and the endosymbiont Wolbachia influence the bacterial communities in the parasitic wasp Asobara japonica. We sampled multiple wasp populations across 10 locations in their natural distribution range in Japan and sequenced the host genome (whole genome sequencing) and microbiome (16S rRNA gene). We compared the host population structure and bacterial community composition of wasps that reproduce sexually and are uninfected with Wolbachia with wasps that reproduce asexually and carry Wolbachia. The bacterial communities in asexual wasps were highly similar due to a strong effect of Wolbachia rather than host genomic structure. In contrast, in sexual wasps, bacterial communities appear primarily shaped by a combination of population structure and environmental conditions. Our research highlights that multiple factors shape the bacterial communities of an organism and that the presence of a single endosymbiont can strongly alter their compositions. This information is crucial to understanding how organisms and their associated microbiome will react in the face of environmental change.},
}
@article {pmid36129743,
year = {2022},
author = {Weiss, BL and Rio, RVM and Aksoy, S},
title = {Microbe Profile: Wigglesworthia glossinidia: the tsetse fly's significant other.},
journal = {Microbiology (Reading, England)},
volume = {168},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {36129743},
issn = {1465-2080},
support = {R21 AI163969/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI158805/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI051584/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI139525/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI068932/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Amidohydrolases/metabolism ; Animals ; Antiparasitic Agents/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; *Tsetse Flies/parasitology/physiology ; Vitamins/metabolism ; *Wigglesworthia/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Wigglesworthia glossinidia is an obligate, maternally transmitted endosymbiont of tsetse flies. The ancient association between these two organisms accounts for many of their unique physiological adaptations. Similar to other obligate mutualists, Wigglesworthia's genome is dramatically reduced in size, yet it has retained the capacity to produce many B-vitamins that are found at inadequate quantities in the fly's vertebrate blood-specific diet. These Wigglesworthia-derived B-vitamins play essential nutritional roles to maintain tsetse's physiological homeostasis as well as that of other members of the fly's microbiota. In addition to its nutritional role, Wigglesworthia contributes towards the development of tsetse's immune system during the larval period. Tsetse produce amidases that degrade symbiotic peptidoglycans and prevent activation of antimicrobial responses that can damage Wigglesworthia. These amidases in turn exhibit antiparasitic activity and decrease tsetse's ability to be colonized with parasitic trypanosomes, which reduce host fitness. Thus, the Wigglesworthia symbiosis represents a fine-tuned association in which both partners actively contribute towards achieving optimal fitness outcomes.},
}
@article {pmid36143410,
year = {2022},
author = {Johnston-Monje, D and Gutiérrez, JP and Becerra Lopez-Lavalle, LA},
title = {Stochastic Inoculum, Biotic Filtering and Species-Specific Seed Transmission Shape the Rare Microbiome of Plants.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {36143410},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {A plant's health and productivity is influenced by its associated microbes. Although the common/core microbiome is often thought to be the most influential, significant numbers of rare or uncommon microbes (e.g., specialized endosymbionts) may also play an important role in the health and productivity of certain plants in certain environments. To help identify rare/specialized bacteria and fungi in the most important angiosperm plants, we contrasted microbiomes of the seeds, spermospheres, shoots, roots and rhizospheres of Arabidopsis, Brachypodium, maize, wheat, sugarcane, rice, tomato, coffee, common bean, cassava, soybean, switchgrass, sunflower, Brachiaria, barley, sorghum and pea. Plants were grown inside sealed jars on sterile sand or farm soil. Seeds and spermospheres contained some uncommon bacteria and many fungi, suggesting at least some of the rare microbiome is vertically transmitted. About 95% and 86% of fungal and bacterial diversity inside plants was uncommon; however, judging by read abundance, uncommon fungal cells are about half of the mycobiome, while uncommon bacterial cells make up less than 11% of the microbiome. Uncommon-seed-transmitted microbiomes consisted mostly of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteriodetes, Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes, which most heavily colonized shoots, to a lesser extent roots, and least of all, rhizospheres. Soil served as a more diverse source of rare microbes than seeds, replacing or excluding the majority of the uncommon-seed-transmitted microbiome. With the rarest microbes, their colonization pattern could either be the result of stringent biotic filtering by most plants, or uneven/stochastic inoculum distribution in seeds or soil. Several strong plant-microbe associations were observed, such as seed transmission to shoots, roots and/or rhizospheres of Sarocladium zeae (maize), Penicillium (pea and Phaseolus), and Curvularia (sugarcane), while robust bacterial colonization from cassava field soil occurred with the cyanobacteria Leptolyngbya into Arabidopsis and Panicum roots, and Streptomyces into cassava roots. Some abundant microbes such as Sakaguchia in rice shoots or Vermispora in Arabidopsis roots appeared in no other samples, suggesting that they were infrequent, stochastically deposited propagules from either soil or seed (impossible to know based on the available data). Future experiments with culturing and cross-inoculation of these microbes between plants may help us better understand host preferences and their role in plant productivity, perhaps leading to their use in crop microbiome engineering and enhancement of agricultural production.},
}
@article {pmid36143478,
year = {2022},
author = {Johnson, KP},
title = {Genomic Approaches to Uncovering the Coevolutionary History of Parasitic Lice.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {36143478},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {DEB-1925487//National Science Foundation/ ; DEB-1926919//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Next-generation sequencing technologies are revolutionizing the fields of genomics, phylogenetics, and population genetics. These new genomic approaches have been extensively applied to a major group of parasites, the lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) of birds and mammals. Two louse genomes have been assembled and annotated to date, and these have opened up new resources for the study of louse biology. Whole genome sequencing has been used to assemble large phylogenomic datasets for lice, incorporating sequences of thousands of genes. These datasets have provided highly supported trees at all taxonomic levels, ranging from relationships among the major groups of lice to those among closely related species. Such approaches have also been applied at the population scale in lice, revealing patterns of population subdivision and inbreeding. Finally, whole genome sequence datasets can also be used for additional study beyond that of the louse nuclear genome, such as in the study of mitochondrial genome fragmentation or endosymbiont function.},
}
@article {pmid36149408,
year = {2022},
author = {Warecki, B and Titen, SWA and Alam, MS and Vega, G and Lemseffer, N and Hug, K and Minden, JS and Sullivan, W},
title = {Wolbachia action in the sperm produces developmentally deferred chromosome segregation defects during the Drosophila mid-blastula transition.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {36149408},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {R25 GM104552/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Blastula ; Chromatin ; Chromosome Segregation ; Cytoplasm ; Drosophila/genetics ; Female ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Male ; Semen ; Spermatozoa ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, a vertically transmitted endosymbiont infecting many insects, spreads rapidly through uninfected populations by a mechanism known as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). In CI, a paternally delivered modification of the sperm leads to chromatin defects and lethality during and after the first mitosis of embryonic development in multiple species. However, whether CI-induced defects in later stage embryos are a consequence of the first division errors or caused by independent defects remains unresolved. To address this question, we focused on ~1/3 of embryos from CI crosses in Drosophila simulans that develop apparently normally through the first and subsequent pre-blastoderm divisions before exhibiting mitotic errors during the mid-blastula transition and gastrulation. We performed single embryo PCR and whole genome sequencing to find a large percentage of these developed CI-derived embryos bypass the first division defect. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we find increased chromosome segregation errors in gastrulating CI-derived embryos that had avoided the first division defect. Thus, Wolbachia action in the sperm induces developmentally deferred defects that are not a consequence of the first division errors. Like the immediate defect, the delayed defect is rescued through crosses to infected females. These studies inform current models on the molecular and cellular basis of CI.},
}
@article {pmid36151871,
year = {2023},
author = {Bing, XL and Xia, CB and Ye, QT and Gong, X and Cui, JR and Peng, CW and Hong, XY},
title = {Wolbachia manipulates reproduction of spider mites by influencing herbivore salivary proteins.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {79},
number = {1},
pages = {315-323},
doi = {10.1002/ps.7201},
pmid = {36151871},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; //National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; //Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province/ ; //startup grant from Nanjing Agricultural University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Tetranychidae ; *Wolbachia ; Proteomics ; Salivary Proteins and Peptides/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The endosymbiont Wolbachia is known for manipulating host reproduction. Wolbachia also can affect host fitness by mediating interactions between plant and herbivores. However, it remains unclear whether saliva proteins are involved in this process.<br><br>RESULTS: We found that Wolbachia infection decreased the number of deposited eggs but increased the egg hatching rate in the spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), a cosmopolitan pest that infects >1000 species of plants. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that Wolbachia-infected mites upregulated the gene expression levels of many T.&#xa0;urticae salivary proteins including a cluster of Tetranychidae-specific, functionally uncharacterized SHOT1s (secreted host-responsive proteins of Tetranychidae). The SHOT1 genes were expressed more in the feeding stages (nymphs and adults) of mites than in eggs and highly enriched in the proterosomas. RNA interference experiments showed that knockdown of SHOT1s significantly decreased Wolbachia density, increased the number of deposited eggs and decreased the egg hatching rate.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Together, these results indicate that SHOT1s are positively correlated with Wolbachia density and account for Wolbachia-mediated phenotypes. Our results provide new evidence that herbivore salivary proteins are related to Wolbachia-mediated manipulations of host performance on plants. &#xa9; 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid36151951,
year = {2023},
author = {Niu, R and Zhu, X and Wang, L and Zhang, K and Li, D and Ji, J and Niu, L and Gao, X and Luo, J and Cui, J},
title = {Evaluation of Hamiltonella on Aphis gossypii fitness based on life table parameters and RNA sequencing.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {79},
number = {1},
pages = {306-314},
doi = {10.1002/ps.7200},
pmid = {36151951},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund (No. 1610162022048)/ ; //Natural Science Foundation of China (32001919)/ ; //Chinese academy of agricultural sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Life Tables ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Insect endosymbionts are widespread in nature and known to play key roles in regulating host biology. As a secondary endosymbiont, bacteria in the genus Hamiltonella help cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii) defend against parasitism by parasitoid wasps, however, the potential negative impacts of these bacteria on cotton aphid biology remain largely unclear.<br><br>RESULTS: This study aims to evaluate the potential impacts of Hamiltonella on the growth and development of cotton aphids based on life table parameters and RNA sequencing. The results showed that infection with Hamiltonella resulted in smaller body type and lower body weight in aphids. Compared to the control group, there were significant differences in the finite and intrinsic rates of increase and mean generation time. Furthermore, the RNA sequencing data revealed that the genes related to energy synthesis and nutrient metabolism pathways were significantly downregulated and genes related to molting and nervous system pathways were significantly upregulated in the Hamiltonella population.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that Hamiltonella retarded the growth and development of cotton aphids accompanied by the downregulation of genes related to energy synthesis and nutrient metabolism, which provides new insights into aphid-symbiont interactions and may support the development of improved aphid management strategies. &#xa9; 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid36156240,
year = {2023},
author = {Bespalaya, YV and Sousa, R and Gofarov, MY and Kondakov, AV and Kropotin, AV and Palatov, DM and Vikhrev, IV and Bolotov, IN},
title = {An exploration of the hidden endosymbionts of Corbicula in the native range.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {104},
number = {1},
pages = {e3836},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.3836},
pmid = {36156240},
issn = {1939-9170},
mesh = {Animals ; *Corbicula ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; Fresh Water ; },
}
@article {pmid36160860,
year = {2022},
author = {An, L and Bhowmick, B and Liang, D and Suo, P and Liao, C and Zhao, J and Han, Q},
title = {The microbiota changes of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus under starvation stress.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {932130},
pmid = {36160860},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, is the most widespread tick in the world and a predominant vector of multiple pathogens affecting wild and domestic animals. There is an increasing interest in understanding the role of tick microbiome in pathogen acquisition and transmission as well as in environment-vector interfaces. Several studies suggested that the tick microbial communities are under the influence of several factors including the tick species, dietary bloodmeal, and physiological stress. Compared with insects, very little of the microbial community is known to contribute to the nutrition of the host. Therefore, it is of significance to elucidate the regulation of the microbial community of Rh. Sanguineus under starvation stress. Starvation stress was induced in wild-type adults (1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months) and the microbial composition and diversity were analyzed before and after blood feeding. After the evaluation, it was found that the microbial community composition of Rh. sanguineus changed significantly with starvation stress. The dominant symbiotic bacteria Coxiella spp. of Rh. sanguineus gradually decreased with the prolongation of starvation stress. We also demonstrated that the starvation tolerance of Rh. sanguineus was as long as 6 months. Next, Coxiella-like endosymbionts were quantitatively analyzed by fluorescence quantitative PCR. We found a pronounced tissue tropism in the Malpighian tubule and female gonad, and less in the midgut and salivary gland organs. Finally, the blood-fed nymphs were injected with ofloxacin within 24 h. The nymphs were allowed to develop into adults. It was found that the adult blood-sucking rate, adult weight after blood meal, fecundity (egg hatching rate), and feeding period of the newly hatched larvae were all affected to varying degrees, indicating that the removal of most symbiotic bacteria had an irreversible effect on it.},
}
@article {pmid36163269,
year = {2022},
author = {Ferrarini, MG and Dell'Aglio, E and Vallier, A and Balmand, S and Vincent-Monégat, C and Hughes, S and Gillet, B and Parisot, N and Zaidman-Rémy, A and Vieira, C and Heddi, A and Rebollo, R},
title = {Efficient compartmentalization in insect bacteriomes protects symbiotic bacteria from host immune system.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {156},
pmid = {36163269},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria ; Immune System ; Insect Proteins ; *Peptidoglycan ; Symbiosis ; *Weevils/microbiology ; },
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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.},
}
@article {pmid36169529,
year = {2022},
author = {Favoreto, AL and Carvalho, VR and Domingues, MM and Ribeiro, MF and Cavallini, G and Lawson, SA and Silva, WM and Zanuncio, JC and Wilcken, CF},
title = {Wolbachia pipientis: first detection in populations of Glycaspis brimblecombei (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) and Psyllaephagus bliteus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in Brazil.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia},
volume = {82},
number = {},
pages = {e264475},
doi = {10.1590/1519-6984.264475},
pmid = {36169529},
issn = {1678-4375},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; *Eucalyptus ; *Hemiptera ; Humans ; *Hymenoptera ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {The sucking insect, Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), is originally from Australia and reduces the productivity of Eucalyptus crops. The parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus Riek (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is the main agent used in the integrated management of G. brimblecombei. Endosymbionts, in insects, are important in the adaptation and protection of their hosts to the environment. The intracellular symbionts Wolbachia, induces reproductive changes such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, feminization, male death and parthenogenesis. The objective of this study was to report the first record of Wolbachia pipientis in populations of G. brimblecombei and of its parasitoid P. bliteus in the field in Brazil. Branches with adults of G. brimblecombei and P. bliteus were collected from eucalyptus trees in commercial farms in six Brazilian states and, after emergence, the insects obtained were frozen at -20 °C. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the Wolbachia endosymbiont. Wolbachia pipientis was identified in individuals of G. brimblecombei and its parasitoid P. bliteus from populations of the counties of Agudos and Mogi-Guaçu (São Paulo State), Itamarandiba (Minas Gerais State) and São Jerônimo da Serra (Paraná State) in Brazil.},
}
@article {pmid36172295,
year = {2022},
author = {Tiwary, A and Babu, R and Sen, R and Raychoudhury, R},
title = {Bacterial supergroup-specific "cost" of Wolbachia infections in Nasonia vitripennis.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {e9219},
pmid = {36172295},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The maternally inherited endosymbiont, Wolbachia, is known to alter the reproductive biology of its arthropod hosts for its own benefit and can induce both positive and negative fitness effects in many hosts. Here, we describe the effects of the maintenance of two distinct Wolbachia infections, one each from supergroups A and B, on the parasitoid host Nasonia vitripennis. We compare the effect of Wolbachia infections on various traits between the uninfected, single A-infected, single B-infected, and double-infected lines with their cured versions. Contrary to some previous reports, our results suggest that there is a significant cost associated with the maintenance of Wolbachia infections where traits such as family size, fecundity, longevity, and rates of male copulation are compromised in Wolbachia-infected lines. The double Wolbachia infection has the most detrimental impact on the host as compared to single infections. Moreover, there is a supergroup-specific negative impact on these wasps as the supergroup B infection elicits the most pronounced negative effects. These negative effects can be attributed to a higher Wolbachia titer seen in the double and the single supergroup B infection lines when compared to supergroup A. Our findings raise important questions on the mechanism of survival and maintenance of these reproductive parasites in arthropod hosts.},
}
@article {pmid36172550,
year = {2022},
author = {Wu, D and Yang, L and Gu, J and Tarkowska, D and Deng, X and Gan, Q and Zhou, W and Strnad, M and Lu, Y},
title = {A Functional Genomics View of Gibberellin Metabolism in the Cnidarian Symbiont Breviolum minutum.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {927200},
pmid = {36172550},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Dinoflagellate inhabitants of the reef-building corals exchange nutrients and signals with host cells, which often benefit the growth of both partners. Phytohormones serve as central hubs for signal integration between symbiotic microbes and their hosts, allowing appropriate modulation of plant growth and defense in response to various stresses. However, the presence and function of phytohormones in photosynthetic dinoflagellates and their function in the holobionts remain elusive. We hypothesized that endosymbiotic dinoflagellates may produce and employ phytohormones for stress responses. Using the endosymbiont of reef corals Breviolum minutum as model, this study aims to exam whether the alga employ analogous signaling systems by an integrated multiomics approach. We show that key gibberellin (GA) biosynthetic genes are widely present in the genomes of the selected dinoflagellate algae. The non-13-hydroxylation pathway is the predominant route for GA biosynthesis and the multifunctional GA dioxygenase in B. minutum has distinct substrate preference from high plants. GA biosynthesis is modulated by the investigated bleaching-stimulating stresses at both transcriptional and metabolic levels and the exogenously applied GAs improve the thermal tolerance of the dinoflagellate. Our results demonstrate the innate ability of a selected Symbiodiniaceae to produce the important phytohormone and the active involvement of GAs in the coordination and the integration of the stress response.},
}
@article {pmid36175838,
year = {2022},
author = {Rayamajhee, B and Sharma, S and Willcox, M and Henriquez, FL and Rajagopal, RN and Shrestha, GS and Subedi, D and Bagga, B and Carnt, N},
title = {Assessment of genotypes, endosymbionts and clinical characteristics of Acanthamoeba recovered from ocular infection.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {757},
pmid = {36175838},
issn = {1471-2334},
mesh = {*Acanthamoeba/genetics ; *Acanthamoeba Keratitis ; *Disinfectants ; *Eye Infections ; Genotype ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Retrospective Studies ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Acanthamoeba is an emerging pathogen, infamous for its resilience against antiprotozoal compounds, disinfectants and harsh environments. It is known to cause keratitis, a sight-threatening, painful and difficult to treat corneal infection which is often reported among contact lens wearers and patients with ocular trauma. Acanthamoeba comprises over 24 species and currently 23 genotypes (T1-T23) have been identified.<br><br>AIMS: This retrospective study was designed to examine the Acanthamoeba species and genotypes recovered from patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), determine the presence of endosymbionts in ocular isolates of Acanthamoeba and review the clinical presentations.<br><br>METHODOLOGY: Thirteen culture-confirmed AK patients treated in a tertiary eye care facility in Hyderabad, India from February to October 2020 were included in this study. The clinical manifestations, medications and visual outcomes of all patients were obtained from medical records. The Acanthamoeba isolates were identified by sequencing the ribosomal nuclear subunit (rns) gene. Acanthamoeba isolates were assessed for the presence of bacterial or fungal endosymbionts using molecular assays, PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).<br><br>RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 33&#xa0;years (SD&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;17.4; 95% CI 22.5 to 43.5&#xa0;years). Six (46.2%) cases had AK associated risk factors; four patients had ocular trauma and two were contact lens wearers. A. culbertsoni (6/13, 46.2%) was the most common species, followed by A. polyphaga and A. triangularis. Most of the isolates (12/13) belonged to genotype T4 and one was a T12; three sub-clusters T4A, T4B, and T4F were identified within the T4 genotype. There was no significant association between Acanthamoeba types and clinical outcomes. Eight (61.5%) isolates harboured intracellular bacteria and one contained Malassezia restricta. The presence of intracellular microbes was associated with a higher proportion of stromal infiltrates (88.9%, 8/9), epithelial defect (55.6%, 5/9) and hypopyon (55.6%, 5/9) compared to 50% (2/4), 25% (1/4) and 25% (1/4) AK cases without intracellular microbes, respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Genotype T4 was the predominant isolate in southern India. This is the second report of T12 genotype identified from AK patient in India, which is rarely reported worldwide. The majority of the Acanthamoeba clinical isolates in this study harboured intracellular microbes, which may impact clinical characteristics of AK.},
}
@article {pmid36179855,
year = {2022},
author = {Ünal, M and Yüksel, E and Canhilal, R},
title = {Biocontrol potential of cell suspensions and cell-free superntants of different Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria against the different larval instars of Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).},
journal = {Experimental parasitology},
volume = {242},
number = {},
pages = {108394},
doi = {10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108394},
pmid = {36179855},
issn = {1090-2449},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Larva/microbiology ; *Xenorhabdus ; *Photorhabdus ; *Insecticides ; *Moths ; Sugars ; Pest Control, Biological/methods ; },
abstract = {The black cutworm (BCW), Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the destructive cutworm species. Black cutworm is a highly polyphagous pest that feeds on more than 30 plants, many of which are of economic importance such as maize, sugar beet, and potato. The control of BCW larvae relies heavily on the application of synthetic insecticides which have a detrimental impact on human health and the natural environment. In addition, increasing insecticide resistance in many insect species requires a novel and sustainable approach to controlling insect pests. The endosymbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) (Xenorhabdus and Phorohabdus spp.) represent a newly emerging green approach to controlling a wide range of insect pests. In the current study, the oral and contact efficacy of cell suspension (4 × 10[7] cells ml[-1]) and cell-free supernatants of different symbiotic bacteria (X. nematophilai, X. bovienii, X. budapestensis, and P. luminescent subsp. kayaii) were evaluated against the mixed groups of 1st-2nd and 3rd-4th instars larvae of BCW under controlled conditions. The oral treatment of the cell suspension and cell-free supernatants resulted in higher mortality rates than contact treatments. In general, larval mortality was higher in the 1st-2nd instar larvae than in the 3rd-4th instar larvae. The highest (75%) mortality was obtained from the cell suspension of X. budapestensis. The results indicated that the oral formulations of the cell suspension and cell-free supernatants of bacterial strains may have a good control potential against the 1st-2nd larvae BCW. However, the efficacy of the cell suspension and cell-free supernatants of tested bacterial strains should be further evaluated under greenhouse and field conditions.},
}
@article {pmid36192976,
year = {2022},
author = {Morales-Quintana, L and Miño, R and Mendez-Yañez, A and Gundel, PE and Ramos, P},
title = {Do fungal-endosymbionts improve crop nutritional quality and tolerance to stress by boosting flavonoid-mediated responses?.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {161},
number = {},
pages = {111850},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111850},
pmid = {36192976},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {*Antioxidants ; Endophytes/physiology ; *Flavonoids ; Humans ; Nutritive Value ; Plants ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Climate change is threatening human activities, but the combination of water scarcity and heat waves are particularly challenging agriculture. Accumulating literature shows that beneficial fungal endophytes improve plant performance, a condition that seems to be magnified in presence of stress. Because evidence points out to an endophytic mediation of antioxidant activity in plants, we here focused on flavonoids for two main reasons: (i) they are involved in plant tolerance to abiotic stress, and (ii) they are known to be healthy for human consumption. With these two premises as guidance, we explored the literature trying to link mechanistically the relationship between endophytes and plant responses to stress as well as identifying patterns and knowledge gaps. Overall, fungal endophytes improve plant growth and tolerance to environmental stresses. However, evidence for endophytes boosting flavonoid mediated responses in plants is relatively scarce. Reports showing endophytes promoting flavonoid contents in grains and fresh fruits are rather limited which may be related to (long) length of the required experiments for testing it. The use of endophytes isolated from extreme environments (e.g., dry and cold deserts, acid lakes, etc.) is proposed to be better in conferring tolerance to plants under very stressful conditions. However, the real challenge is to test the capacity of these endophytes to established and maintain persistent and functional symbiosis under productive conditions. In summary, there is a clear potential for symbiotically modifying crop plants as a strategy to develop more tolerant varieties to face the stress and eventually increase the quality of the agricultural products.},
}
@article {pmid36194551,
year = {2022},
author = {Gäbelein, CG and Reiter, MA and Ernst, C and Giger, GH and Vorholt, JA},
title = {Engineering Endosymbiotic Growth of E. coli in Mammalian Cells.},
journal = {ACS synthetic biology},
volume = {11},
number = {10},
pages = {3388-3396},
pmid = {36194551},
issn = {2161-5063},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Symbiosis ; *Escherichia coli/genetics ; HeLa Cells ; Biological Evolution ; Bacteria ; Amino Acids, Aromatic ; Mammals ; },
abstract = {Endosymbioses are cellular mergers in which one cell lives within another cell and have led to major evolutionary transitions, most prominently to eukaryogenesis. Generation of synthetic endosymbioses aims to provide a defined starting point for studying fundamental processes in emerging endosymbiotic systems and enable the engineering of cells with novel properties. Here, we tested the potential of different bacteria for artificial endosymbiosis in mammalian cells. To this end, we adopted the fluidic force microscopy technology to inject diverse bacteria directly into the cytosol of HeLa cells and examined the endosymbiont-host interactions by real-time fluorescence microscopy. Among them, Escherichia coli grew exponentially within the cytoplasm, however, at a faster pace than its host cell. To slow down the intracellular growth of E. coli, we introduced auxotrophies in E. coli and demonstrated that the intracellular growth rate can be reduced by limiting the uptake of aromatic amino acids. In consequence, the survival of the endosymbiont-host pair was prolonged. The presented experimental framework enables studying endosymbiotic candidate systems at high temporal resolution and at the single cell level. Our work represents a starting point for engineering a stable, vertically inherited endosymbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid36205078,
year = {2023},
author = {Iwata, M and Yoshinaga, M and Mizutani, K and Kikawada, T and Kikuta, S},
title = {Proton gradient mediates hemolymph trehalose influx into aphid bacteriocytes.},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {112},
number = {1},
pages = {e21971},
doi = {10.1002/arch.21971},
pmid = {36205078},
issn = {1520-6327},
support = {19K06044//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; //Ibaraki University Grant for promoted research/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/metabolism ; Protons ; Trehalose/metabolism ; Hemolymph ; Symbiosis ; *Buchnera/metabolism ; Carbon/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Aphids harbor proteobacterial endosymbionts such as Buchnera aphidicola housed in specialized bacteriocytes derived from host cells. The endosymbiont Buchnera supplies essential amino acids such as arginine to the host cells and, in turn, obtains sugars needed for its survival from the hemolymph. The mechanism of sugar supply in aphid bacteriocytes has been rarely studied. It also remains unclear how Buchnera acquires its carbon source. The hemolymph sugars in Acyrthosiphon pisum are composed of the disaccharide trehalose containing two glucose molecules. Here, we report for the first time that trehalose is transported and used as a potential carbon source by Buchnera across the bacteriocyte plasma membrane via trehalose transporters. The current study characterized the bacteriocyte trehalose transporter Ap_ST11 (LOC100159441) using the Xenopus oocyte expression system. The Ap_ST11 transporter was found to be proton-dependent with a Km value ≥700 mM. We re-examined the hemolymph trehalose at 217.8 mM using a fluorescent trehalose sensor. The bacteriocytes did not obtain trehalose by facilitated diffusion along the gradient across cellular membranes. These findings suggest that trehalose influx into the bacteriocytes depends on the extracellular proton-driven secondary electrochemical transporter.},
}
@article {pmid36209116,
year = {2022},
author = {Kim, JI and Tanifuji, G and Jeong, M and Shin, W and Archibald, JM},
title = {Gene loss, pseudogenization, and independent genome reduction in non-photosynthetic species of Cryptomonas (Cryptophyceae) revealed by comparative nucleomorph genomics.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {227},
pmid = {36209116},
issn = {1741-7007},
mesh = {*Cryptophyta/genetics ; *Genome ; Genomics ; Photosynthesis ; Phylogeny ; Plastids/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cryptophytes are ecologically important algae of interest to evolutionary cell biologists because of the convoluted history of their plastids and nucleomorphs, which are derived from red algal secondary endosymbionts. To better understand the evolution of the cryptophyte nucleomorph, we sequenced nucleomorph genomes from two photosynthetic and two non-photosynthetic species in the genus Cryptomonas. We performed a comparative analysis of these four genomes and the previously published genome of the non-photosynthetic species Cryptomonas paramecium CCAP977/2a.<br><br>RESULTS: All five nucleomorph genomes are similar in terms of their general architecture, gene content, and gene order and, in the non-photosynthetic strains, loss of photosynthesis-related genes. Interestingly, in terms of size and coding capacity, the nucleomorph genome of the non-photosynthetic species Cryptomonas sp. CCAC1634B is much more similar to that of the photosynthetic C. curvata species than to the non-photosynthetic species C. paramecium.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal fine-scale nucleomorph genome variation between distantly related congeneric taxa containing photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic species, including recent pseudogene formation, and provide a first glimpse into the possible impacts of the loss of photosynthesis on nucleomorph genome coding capacity and structure in independently evolved colorless strains.},
}
@article {pmid36214563,
year = {2022},
author = {Zhou, JC and Zhao, X and Huo, LX and Shang, D and Dong, H and Zhang, LS},
title = {Wolbachia-Driven Memory Loss in a Parasitic Wasp Increases Superparasitism to Enhance Horizontal Transmission.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {e0236222},
pmid = {36214563},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Female ; *Wasps/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Larva ; Memory Disorders ; },
abstract = {Horizontal transmission of the endosymbiont, Wolbachia, may occur during superparasitism when parasitoid females deposit a second clutch of eggs on a host. Wolbachia may increase the superparasitism tendency of Trichogramma wasps by depriving their memory. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of conditioning experience and memory inhibitors (actinomycin D [ACD] and anisomycin [ANI]) on memory capacity, and expressions of memory-related genes (CREB1 and PKA), and superparasitism frequency of Wolbachia-infected (TDW) and uninfected (TD) lines of Trichogramma dendrolimi after conditioning with lemon or peppermint odor. We detected the presence of Wolbachia in eggs, larvae, pre-pupae, pupae, and adults of Trichogramma by using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The results showed that TDW females had a more reduced memory capacity than TD females after conditioning. Compared with TD females, TDW females showed a higher proportion of superparasitism and a downregulation of CREB1 and PKA genes after conditioning. TD females fed ACD or ANI showed a higher tendency for superparasitism and a downregulation of CREB1 and PKA, along with memory loss after conditioning than TD females fed honey solution only. The presence of Wolbachia was detected in the anterior region of the larva, pre-pupa, and pupa, but was not found in the head of the adult. The results provide evidence of host behavioral manipulation of Wolbachia by depriving memory of host Trichogramma wasps based on Poulin' s criteria. These host behavioral changes led by Wolbachia may be caused by the virulence of Wolbachia on the nervous system of the host. IMPORTANCE The endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia, live widely within cells of arthropods. Wolbachia are not only transmitted vertically from host mother to offspring, but are also transmitted horizontally among host individuals. Horizontal transmission is expected to occur during superparasitism when host parasitoid females deposit a clutch of eggs on a host previously parasitized by the same parasitoid species. Thus, a question is proposed regarding whether superparasitism behavior is a behavior modification induced by the symbiont to favor symbiont transmission. This study highlights behavioral mechanisms of Wolbachia-induced superparasitism in Trichogramma wasps and the manipulation of symbionts on host parasitoids.},
}
@article {pmid36217008,
year = {2022},
author = {Brumfield, KD and Raupp, MJ and Haji, D and Simon, C and Graf, J and Cooley, JR and Janton, ST and Meister, RC and Huq, A and Colwell, RR and Hasan, NA},
title = {Gut microbiome insights from 16S rRNA analysis of 17-year periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Magicicada spp.) Broods II, VI, and X.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {16967},
pmid = {36217008},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {R01 ES030317/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Soil ; United States ; },
abstract = {Periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Magicicada) have coevolved with obligate bacteriome-inhabiting microbial symbionts, yet little is known about gut microbial symbiont composition or differences in composition among allochronic Magicicada broods (year classes) which emerge parapatrically or allopatrically in the eastern United States. Here, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was performed to determine gut bacterial community profiles of three periodical broods, including II (Connecticut and Virginia, 2013), VI (North Carolina, 2017), and X (Maryland, 2021, and an early emerging nymph collected in Ohio, 2017). Results showed similarities among all nymphal gut microbiomes and between morphologically distinct 17-year Magicicada, namely Magicicada septendecim (Broods II and VI) and 17-year Magicicada cassini (Brood X) providing evidence of a core microbiome, distinct from the microbiome of burrow soil inhabited by the nymphs. Generally, phyla Bacteroidetes [Bacteroidota] (> 50% relative abundance), Actinobacteria [Actinomycetota], or Proteobacteria [Pseudomonadota] represented the core. Acidobacteria and genera Cupriavidus, Mesorhizobium, and Delftia were prevalent in nymphs but less frequent in adults. The primary obligate endosymbiont, Sulcia (Bacteroidetes), was dominant amongst core genera detected. Chryseobacterium were common in Broods VI and X. Chitinophaga, Arthrobacter, and Renibacterium were common in Brood X, and Pedobacter were common to nymphs of Broods II and VI. Further taxonomic assignment of unclassified Alphaproteobacteria sequencing reads allowed for detection of multiple copies of the Hodgkinia 16S rRNA gene, distinguishable as separate operational taxonomic units present simultaneously. As major emergences of the broods examined here occur at 17-year intervals, this study will provide a valuable comparative baseline in this era of a changing climate.},
}
@article {pmid36240631,
year = {2022},
author = {Ip, JC and Zhang, Y and Xie, JY and Yeung, YH and Qiu, JW},
title = {Stable Symbiodiniaceae composition in three coral species during the 2017 natural bleaching event in subtropical Hong Kong.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {184},
number = {},
pages = {114224},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114224},
pmid = {36240631},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Coral Reefs ; Hong Kong ; *Dinoflagellida ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Adaptive changes in endosymbiotic Symbiodiniaceae communities have been reported during and after bleaching events in tropical coral species, but little is known about such shifts in subtropical species. Here we examined the Symbiodiniaceae communities in three coral species (Montipora peltiformis, Pavona decussata, and Platygyra carnosa) based on samples collected during and after the 2017 bleaching event in subtropical Hong Kong waters. In all of the collected samples, ITS2 meta-sequencing revealed that P. decussata and P. carnosa were predominantly associated with Cladocopium C1 and C1c, whereas M. peltiformis was mainly associated with two Cladocopium C21 types and C1. For each species, the predominant endosymbionts exhibited high fidelity, and the relatively low abundance ITS2-types showed minor changes between the bleached and recovered corals. Our study provided the first details of coral-algal association in Hong Kong waters, suggesting the selection of certain genotypes as a potential adaptive mechanism to the marginal environmental conditions.},
}
@article {pmid36244047,
year = {2022},
author = {Grostieta, E and Zazueta-Islas, HM and Cruz-Valdez, T and Ballados-González, GG and Álvarez-Castillo, L and García-Esparza, SM and Cruz-Romero, A and Romero-Salas, D and Aguilar-Domínguez, M and Becker, I and Sánchez-Montes, S},
title = {Molecular detection of Coxiella-like endosymbionts and absence of Coxiella burnetii in Amblyomma mixtum from Veracruz, Mexico.},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {113-125},
pmid = {36244047},
issn = {1572-9702},
support = {AG201221//UNAM-PAPIIT/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Cattle ; Horses ; *Coxiella burnetii/genetics ; Coxiella/genetics ; *Q Fever/veterinary ; Amblyomma ; Phylogeny ; Mexico ; *Ticks ; Livestock ; *Cattle Diseases ; *Horse Diseases ; },
abstract = {Ticks are obligate ectoparasites associated with a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including domestic animals. Moreover, ticks are capable of transmitting many pathogens such as Coxiella. To date, Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of coxiellosis or Q fever, is the only valid species of the genera. Nevertheless, a wide range of agents denominated Coxiella-like have been detected in recent studies, mainly associated with ticks. The pathogenicity of these Coxiella-like agents is controversial as some of them can infect both birds and humans. In Mexico, knowledge about Q fever is scarce and limited to historical serological records, and there is an overall lack of molecular proof of any agent of the genus Coxiella circulating in the country. Therefore, the aim of this study was to detect the presence of Coxiella in ticks associated with cattle in all 10 regions of Veracruz, Mexico. To accomplish this objective, first, we identified ticks collected from cattle and horses in Veracruz. Then, for Coxiella detection, DNA extraction from ticks and PCR amplification of the 16S-rDNA of Coxiella was performed. Finally, we performed a phylogenetic reconstruction to determine the Coxiella lineages detected. From the 10 regions sampled we collected 888 ticks grouped in 180 pools, and only five Amblyomma mixtum from the locality of Castán, and one from Los Angeles from Tuxpan were found positive, which represents a frequency of 20% for each locality. This study represents the first attempt at molecular detection of Coxiella in ticks associated with cattle in the state of Veracruz, the major livestock producer in the country. The findings of the present study are relevant as they establish a precedent regarding the circulation of Coxiella-like agents, as well as the absence in three municipalities of the state of Veracruz of C. burnetii, an abortive agent of livestock importance.},
}
@article {pmid36246272,
year = {2022},
author = {Bensig, EO and Valadez-Cano, C and Kuang, Z and Freire, IR and Reyes-Prieto, A and MacLellan, SR},
title = {The two-component regulatory system CenK-CenR regulates expression of a previously uncharacterized protein required for salinity and oxidative stress tolerance in Sinorhizobium meliloti.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1020932},
pmid = {36246272},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Genes of unknown function constitute a considerable fraction of most bacterial genomes. In a Tn5-based search for stress response genes in the nitrogen-fixing facultative endosymbiont Sinorhizobium (Ensifer) meliloti, we identified a previously uncharacterized gene required for growth on solid media with increased NaCl concentrations. The encoded protein carries a predicted thioredoxin fold and deletion of the gene also results in increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide and cumene hydroperoxide. We have designated the gene srlA (stress resistance locus A) based on these phenotypes. A deletion mutant yields phenotypic revertants on high salt medium and genome sequencing revealed that all revertants carry a mutation in genes homologous to either cenK or cenR. srlA promoter activity is abolished in these revertant host backgrounds and in a strain carrying a deletion in cenK. We also observed that the srlA promoter is autoregulated, displaying low activity in a wildtype (wt) host background and high activity in the srl deletion mutant background. The srlA promoter includes a conserved inverted repeat directly upstream of the predicted -35 subsequence. A mutational analysis demonstrated that the site is required for the high promoter activity in the srlA deletion background. Electromobility shift assays using purified wildtype CenR response regulator and a D55E phosphomimetic derivative suggest this protein acts as a likely Class II activator by binding promoter DNA. These results document the first identified CenK-CenR regulon member in S. meliloti and demonstrate this two-component regulatory system and gene srlA influences cellular growth and persistence under certain stress-inducing conditions.},
}
@article {pmid36246278,
year = {2022},
author = {Li, Z and Czajkowski, R},
title = {Editorial: Insights in microbial symbioses: 2021.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1022893},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2022.1022893},
pmid = {36246278},
issn = {1664-302X},
}
@article {pmid36250862,
year = {2022},
author = {Huggins, LG and Colella, V and Atapattu, U and Koehler, AV and Traub, RJ},
title = {Nanopore Sequencing Using the Full-Length 16S rRNA Gene for Detection of Blood-Borne Bacteria in Dogs Reveals a Novel Species of Hemotropic Mycoplasma.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {e0308822},
pmid = {36250862},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; *Dog Diseases/diagnosis/epidemiology/microbiology ; Genes, rRNA ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; *Mycoplasma/classification/genetics ; *Nanopore Sequencing ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Blood-Borne Pathogens/classification ; },
abstract = {Dogs across the globe are afflicted by diverse blood- and vector-borne bacteria (VBB), many of which cause severe disease and can be fatal. Diagnosis of VBB infections can be challenging due to the low concentration of bacteria in the blood, the frequent occurrence of coinfections, and the wide range of known, emerging, and potentially novel VBB species encounterable. Therefore, there is a need for diagnostics that address these challenges by being both sensitive and capable of detecting all VBB simultaneously. We detail the first employment of a nanopore-based sequencing methodology conducted on the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION device to accurately elucidate the "hemobacteriome" from canine blood through sequencing of the full-length 16S rRNA gene. We detected a diverse range of important canine VBB, including Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Mycoplasma haemocanis, Bartonella clarridgeiae, "Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum", a novel species of hemotropic mycoplasma, and Wolbachia endosymbionts of filarial worms, indicative of filariasis. Our nanopore-based protocol was equivalent in sensitivity to both quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Illumina sequencing when benchmarked against these methods, achieving high agreement as defined by the kappa statistics (k > 0.81) for three key VBB. Utilizing the ability of the ONT' MinION device to sequence long read lengths provides an excellent alternative diagnostic method by which the hemobacteriome can be accurately characterized to the species level in a way previously unachievable using short reads. We envision our method to be translatable to multiple contexts, such as the detection of VBB in other vertebrate hosts, including humans, while the small size of the MinION device is highly amenable to field use. IMPORTANCE Blood- and vector-borne bacteria (VBB) can cause severe pathology and even be lethal for dogs in many regions across the globe. Accurate characterization of all the bacterial pathogens infecting a canine host is critical, as coinfections are common and emerging and novel pathogens that may go undetected by traditional diagnostics frequently arise. Deep sequencing using devices from Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) provides a solution, as the long read lengths achievable provide species-level taxonomic identification of pathogens that previous short-read technologies could not accomplish. We developed a protocol using ONT' MinION sequencer to accurately detect and classify a wide spectrum of VBB from canine blood at a sensitivity comparable to that of regularly used diagnostics, such as qPCR. This protocol demonstrates great potential for use in biosurveillance and biosecurity operations for the detection of VBB in a range of vertebrate hosts, while the MinION sequencer's portability allows this method to be used easily in the field.},
}
@article {pmid36261834,
year = {2022},
author = {Numan, M and Islam, N and Adnan, M and Zaman Safi, S and Chitimia-Dobler, L and Labruna, MB and Ali, A},
title = {First genetic report of Ixodes kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {378},
pmid = {36261834},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; Animals ; Sheep/genetics ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Goats ; DNA, Ribosomal ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hard ticks (Ixodidae) are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit various pathogens to a variety of hosts including humans. Transhumant herds have been involved in the spread of ticks and associated Rickettsia spp., and studies on this neglected topic have been unexplored in many regions including Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate ticks infesting transhumant herds of sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) in district Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.<br><br>METHODS: Of the 144 examined animals, 112 hosts (68 sheep and 44 goats) of transhumant herds were infested by 419 ticks of different life stages including nymphs (105; 25%), males (58; 14%) and females (256; 61%). For molecular analyses, DNA was extracted from 64 collected ticks and subjected to PCR for the amplification of tick 16S rDNA and ITS2 partial sequences and for the amplification of rickettsial gltA and ompA gene sequences.<br><br>RESULTS: All tick specimens were identified as Ixodes kashmiricus based on morphological features. The obtained 16S rDNA and ITS2 sequences showed 95.7% and 95.3% identity, respectively, with Ixodes kazakstani reported from Kyrgyzstan. In the phylogenetic tree, the sequences clustered with members of the Ixodes ricinus species complex, including I. kazakstani and Ixodes apronophorus. Additionally, rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences were 99.7% identical to Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont of Ixodes spp. from Panama and Costa Rica and 99.2% with Rickettsia endosymbiont from the USA. Phylogenetically, the rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences from I. kashmiricus clustered with various haplotypes of Rickettsia endosymbiont, which were sister cladded to Rickettsia monacensis.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This is the first genetic report of I. kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp. Large-scale tick surveillance studies across the country are needed to investigate Ixodes ticks and associated pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid36270115,
year = {2022},
author = {Araújo, IM and Cordeiro, MD and Soares, RFP and Guterres, A and Sanavria, A and Baêta, BA and da Fonseca, AH},
title = {Survey of bacterial and protozoan agents in ticks and fleas found on wild animals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {102037},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102037},
pmid = {36270115},
issn = {1877-9603},
abstract = {This study evaluates the presence of bacterial and protozoan agents in ticks and fleas found on wild animals in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These ectoparasites were collected on mammal species Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, Tapirus terrestris, Dicotyles tajacu, Didelphis aurita, Cuniculus paca, Cerdocyon thous, and Coendou prehensilis, and on the terrestrial bird Dromaius novaehollandiae. Ticks and fleas were identified morphologically using specific taxonomic keys. A total of 396 ticks and 54 fleas were tested via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., microorganisms of the order Piroplasmida and Anaplasmataceae family. This total is distributed among nine tick species of the genus Amblyomma and one flea species. Rickettsia bellii was detected in Amblyomma dubitatum and Amblyomma pacae; Rickettsia sp. strain AL was found in Amblyomma longirostre; Rickettsia parkeri strain Atlantic rainforest was found in Amblyomma ovale; and "Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis" and Rickettsia felis were detected in Ctenocephalides felis felis. Wolbachia sp. was detected in C. f. felis, and Borrelia sp. was detected in Amblyomma calcaratum (here named Borrelia sp. strain Acalc110). All tested samples were negative for Ehrlichia spp. and microorganisms of the Piroplasmida order. This study detected a new bacterial strain, Borrelia sp. strain Acalc 110 (which is genetically close to B. miyamotoi and B. venezuelensis) and the Rickettsia sp. strain 19P, which is 100% similar to "Ca. R. senegalensis", a bacterium recently discovered and now being reported for the first time in Brazil.},
}
@article {pmid36282692,
year = {2022},
author = {Haziqah-Rashid, A and Stobierska, K and Glenn, L and Metelmann, S and Sherlock, K and Chrostek, E and C Blagrove, MS},
title = {Determining Temperature Preference of Mosquitoes and Other Ectotherms.},
journal = {Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE},
volume = {},
number = {187},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3791/64356},
pmid = {36282692},
issn = {1940-087X},
support = {MC_PC_15090/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Temperature ; *Culicidae ; Aluminum ; Incubators ; Insecta ; },
abstract = {Most insects and other ectotherms have a relatively narrow optimal temperature window, and deviation from their optima can have significant effects on their fitness, as well as other characteristics. Consequently, many such ectotherms seek out their optimal temperature range. Although temperature preferences of mosquitoes and other insects have been well studied, the traditional experimental setup is performed using a temperature gradient on an aluminum surface in a highly enclosed space. In some cases, this equipment restricts many natural behaviors, such as flying, which may be important in preference selection. The objective of this study is to observe insect preference for air temperature by using a two-chamber apparatus with sufficient room for flight. The two chambers consist of independent temperature-controlled incubators, each with a large aperture. The incubators are connected by these apertures using a short acrylic bridge. Inside the incubators are two netted cages, linked via the apertures and bridge, allowing the insects to freely fly between the different conditions. The acrylic bridge also acts as a temperature gradient between the two incubators. Due to the spacious area in the cage and easy construction, this method can be used to study any small ectotherm and/or any manipulation which may alter temperature preference including sensory organ manipulation, diet, gut flora, and endosymbiont presence at biosafety levels 1 or 2 (BSL 1 or 2). Additionally, the apparatus can be used for the study of pathogen infection using further containment (e.g., inside of a biosafety cabinet) at BSL 3.},
}
@article {pmid36293276,
year = {2022},
author = {Lesiak-Markowicz, I and Walochnik, J and Stary, A and Fürnkranz, U},
title = {Characterisation of Trichomonas vaginalis Isolates Collected from Patients in Vienna between 2019 and 2021.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {23},
number = {20},
pages = {},
pmid = {36293276},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {KLI 751/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; *Trichomonas vaginalis/genetics ; Metronidazole/pharmacology ; HeLa Cells ; *Trichomonas Infections ; Mycoplasma hominis/genetics ; *Totiviridae ; },
abstract = {Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, the most common nonviral sexually transmitted disease. TV can carry symbionts such as Trichomonas vaginalis virus (TVV) or Mycoplasma hominis. Four distinct strains of TV are known: TVV1, TVV2, TVV3, and TVV4. The aim of the current study was to characterise TV isolates from Austrian patients for the presence of symbionts, and to determine their effect on metronidazole susceptibility and cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. We collected 82 TV isolates and detected presence of TVV (TVV1, TVV2, or TVV3) in 29 of them (35%); no TVV4 was detected. M. hominis was detected in vaginal/urethral swabs by culture in 37% of the TV-positive patients; M. hominis DNA was found in 28% of the TV isolates by PCR. In 15% of the patients, M. hominis was detected in the clinical samples as well as within the respective TV isolates. In 22% of the patients, M. hominis was detected by culture only. In 11 patients, M. hominis was detected only within the respective cultured TV isolates (13%), while the swab samples were negative for M. hominis. Our results provide a first insight into the distribution of symbionts in TV isolates from Austrian patients. We did not observe significant effects of the symbionts on metronidazole susceptibility, cytotoxicity, or severity of symptoms.},
}
@article {pmid36296199,
year = {2022},
author = {Mofokeng, LS and Smit, NJ and Cook, CA},
title = {Molecular Detection of Tick-Borne Bacteria from Amblyomma (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks Collected from Reptiles in South Africa.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {36296199},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {120395; 120237 (CAC); 128335; 138681 (LSM)//National Research Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Reptiles are hosts for various tick species and tick-associated organisms, many of which are zoonotic. However, little is known about the presence and diversity of tick-borne bacteria infecting reptiles and their ticks in South Africa. Amblyomma ticks (n = 253) collected from reptiles were screened for the presence of Coxiella, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Borrelia species by amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA, 23S rRNA, gltA, OmpA, and Flagellin genes, respectively. This study recorded the presence of reptile associated Borrelia species and Coxiella-like endosymbiont in South Africa for the first time. Furthermore, a spotted fever group Rickettsia species was observed in 7 Amblyomma marmoreum and 14 Amblyomma sylvaticum from tortoises of genera Kinixys and Chersina. Francisella-like endosymbiont was observed from 2 Amblyomma latum collected from the Mozambique spitting cobra, Naja mossambica. Coxiella burnetii and Anaplasma spp., were not detected from the current samples. Although the direct evidence that reptiles can act as reservoir hosts remains to be determined, observations from this study provide indications that reptilian ticks may play a role in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria to homothermic animals. Furthermore, the absence of Anaplasma spp., and C. burnetii does not mean that these pathogens should be completely neglected.},
}
@article {pmid36296266,
year = {2022},
author = {Díaz-Abad, L and Bacco-Mannina, N and Miguel Madeira, F and Serrao, EA and Regalla, A and Patrício, AR and Frade, PR},
title = {Red, Gold and Green: Microbial Contribution of Rhodophyta and Other Algae to Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Gut Microbiome.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {36296266},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {UIDB/04326/2020//FCT-Science and Technology Foundation of Portugal/ ; SFRH/BDP/110285/2015//FCT-Science and Technology Foundation of Portugal/ ; SFRH/BSAB/150485/2019//FCT-Science and Technology Foundation of Portugal/ ; Pew Marine Fellowship//Pew Marine Fellowship/ ; LCF/BQ/PR20/11770003//Fundaci&#xf3;n La Caixa/ ; UIDB/04292/2020//FCT-Science and Technology Foundation of Portugal/ ; UIDP/04292/2020//FCT-Science and Technology Foundation of Portugal/ ; },
abstract = {The fitness of the endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) may be strongly affected by its gut microbiome, as microbes play important roles in host nutrition and health. This study aimed at establishing environmental microbial baselines that can be used to assess turtle health under altered future conditions. We characterized the microbiome associated with the gastrointestinal tract of green turtles from Guinea Bissau in different life stages and associated with their food items, using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. We found that the most abundant (% relative abundance) bacterial phyla across the gastrointestinal sections were Proteobacteria (68.1 ± 13.9% “amplicon sequence variants”, ASVs), Bacteroidetes (15.1 ± 10.1%) and Firmicutes (14.7 ± 21.7%). Additionally, we found the presence of two red algae bacterial indicator ASVs (the Alphaproteobacteria Brucella pinnipedialis with 75 ± 0% and a Gammaproteobacteria identified as methanotrophic endosymbiont of Bathymodiolus, with <1%) in cloacal compartments, along with six bacterial ASVs shared only between cloacal and local environmental red algae samples. We corroborate previous results demonstrating that green turtles fed on red algae (but, to a lower extent, also seagrass and brown algae), thus, acquiring microbial components that potentially aid them digest these food items. This study is a foundation for better understanding the microbial composition of sea turtle digestive tracts.},
}
@article {pmid36299486,
year = {2022},
author = {Hargitai, D and Kenéz, L and Al-Lami, M and Szenczi, G and Lőrincz, P and Juhász, G},
title = {Autophagy controls Wolbachia infection upon bacterial damage and in aging Drosophila.},
journal = {Frontiers in cell and developmental biology},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {976882},
pmid = {36299486},
issn = {2296-634X},
abstract = {Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process in eukaryotic cells that degrades intracellular components in lysosomes, often in an organelle-specific selective manner (mitophagy, ERphagy, etc). Cells also use autophagy as a defense mechanism, eliminating intracellular pathogens via selective degradation known as xenophagy. Wolbachia pipientis is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium, which is one of the most common parasites on Earth affecting approximately half of terrestrial arthropods. Interestingly, infection grants the host resistance against other pathogens and modulates lifespan, so this bacterium resembles an endosymbiont. Here we demonstrate that Drosophila somatic cells normally degrade a subset of these bacterial cells, and autophagy is required for selective elimination of Wolbachia upon antibiotic damage. In line with these, Wolbachia overpopulates in autophagy-compromised animals during aging while its presence fails to affect host lifespan unlike in case of control flies. The autophagic degradation of Wolbachia thus represents a novel antibacterial mechanism that controls the propagation of this unique bacterium, behaving both as parasite and endosymbiont at the same time.},
}
@article {pmid36299729,
year = {2022},
author = {Lima, MS and Hamerski, L and Silva, TA and da Cruz, MLR and Varasteh, T and Tschoeke, DA and Atella, GC and de Souza, W and Thompson, FL and Thompson, CC},
title = {Insights on the biochemical and cellular changes induced by heat stress in the Cladocopium isolated from coral Mussismilia braziliensis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {973980},
pmid = {36299729},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Corals are treatened by global warming. Bleaching is one immediate effect of global warming, resulting from the loss of photosynthetic endosymbiont dinoflagellates. Understanding host-symbiont associations are critical for assessing coral's habitat requirements and its response to environmental changes. Cladocopium (formerly family Symbiodiniaceae clade C) are dominant endosymbionts in the reef-building coral, Mussismilia braziliensis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of temperature on the biochemical and cellular features of Cladocopium. Heat stress increased oxygen (O2) and decreased proteins, pigments (Chla + Chlc2), hexadecanoic acid- methyl ester, methyl stearate, and octadecenoic acid (Z)- methyl ester molecules. In addition, there was an increase in neutral lipids such as esterified cholesterol and a decrease in free fatty acids that may have been incorporated for the production of lipid droplets. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that Cladocopium cells subjected to heat stress had thinner cell walls, deformation of chloroplasts, and increased lipid droplets after 3 days at 28°C. These findings indicate that thermal stress negatively affects isolated Cladocopium spp. from Mussismilia host coral.},
}
@article {pmid36301108,
year = {2022},
author = {Halter, T and Hendrickx, F and Horn, M and Manzano-Marín, A},
title = {A Novel Widespread MITE Element in the Repeat-Rich Genome of the Cardinium Endosymbiont of the Spider Oedothorax gibbosus.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {e0262722},
pmid = {36301108},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {DOC 69/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *DNA Transposable Elements ; *Spiders/genetics ; Bacteroidetes/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Genomics ; Symbiosis/physiology ; },
abstract = {Free-living bacteria have evolved multiple times to become host-restricted endosymbionts. The transition from a free-living to a host-restricted lifestyle comes with a number of different genomic changes, including a massive loss of genes. In host-restricted endosymbionts, gene inactivation and genome reduction are facilitated by mobile genetic elements, mainly insertion sequences (ISs). ISs are small autonomous mobile elements, and one of, if not the most, abundant transposable elements in bacteria. Proliferation of ISs is common in some facultative endosymbionts, and is likely driven by the transmission bottlenecks, which increase the level of genetic drift. In this study, we present a manually curated genome annotation for a Cardinium endosymbiont of the dwarf spider Oedothorax gibbosus. Cardinium species are host-restricted endosymbionts that, similarly to ColbachiaWolbachia spp., include strains capable of manipulating host reproduction. Through the focus on mobile elements, the annotation revealed a rampant spread of ISs, extending earlier observations in other Cardinium genomes. We found that a large proportion of IS elements are pseudogenized, with many displaying evidence of recent inactivation. Most notably, we describe the lineage-specific emergence and spread of a novel IS-derived Miniature Inverted repeat Transposable Element (MITE), likely being actively maintained by intact copies of its parental IS982-family element. This study highlights the relevance of manual curation of these repeat-rich endosymbiont genomes for the discovery of novel MITEs, as well as the possible role these understudied elements might play in genome streamlining. IMPORTANCE Cardinium bacteria, a widespread symbiont lineage found across insects and nematodes, have been linked to reproductive manipulation of their hosts. However, the study of Cardinium has been hampered by the lack of comprehensive genomic resources. The high content of mobile genetic elements, namely, insertion sequences (ISs), has long complicated the analyses and proper annotations of these genomes. In this study, we present a manually curated annotation of the Cardinium symbiont of the spider Oedothorax gibbosus. Most notably, we describe a novel IS-like element found exclusively in this strain. We show that this mobile element likely evolved from a defective copy of its parental IS and then spread throughout the genome, contributing to the pseudogenization of several other mobile elements. We propose this element is likely being maintained by the intact copies of its parental IS element and that other similar elements in the genome could potentially follow this route.},
}
@article {pmid36302793,
year = {2022},
author = {Spanner, C and Darienko, T and Filker, S and Sonntag, B and Pröschold, T},
title = {Morphological diversity and molecular phylogeny of five Paramecium bursaria (Alveolata, Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea) syngens and the identification of their green algal endosymbionts.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {18089},
pmid = {36302793},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {P 28333/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P28333-B25//Austrian Science Fund/ ; },
mesh = {*Paramecium/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Oligohymenophorea ; *Alveolata ; *Chlorella vulgaris ; *Ciliophora ; *Chlorophyta/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Paramecium bursaria is a mixotrophic ciliate species, which is common in stagnant and slow-flowing, nutrient-rich waters. It is usually found living in symbiosis with zoochlorellae (green algae) of the genera Chlorella or Micractinium. We investigated P. bursaria isolates from around the world, some of which have already been extensively studied in various laboratories, but whose morphological and genetic identity has not yet been completely clarified. Phylogenetic analyses of the SSU and ITS rDNA sequences revealed five highly supported lineages, which corresponded to the syngen and most likely to the biological species assignment. These syngens R1-R5 could also be distinguished by unique synapomorphies in the secondary structures of the SSU and the ITS. Considering these synapomorphies, we could clearly assign the existing GenBank entries of P. bursaria to specific syngens. In addition, we discovered synapomorphies at amino acids of the COI gene for the identification of the syngens. Using the metadata of these entries, most syngens showed a worldwide distribution, however, the syngens R1 and R5 were only found in Europe. From morphology, the syngens did not show any significant deviations. The investigated strains had either Chlorella variabilis, Chlorella vulgaris or Micractinium conductrix as endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid36311398,
year = {2022},
author = {Park, E and Poulin, R},
title = {Extremely divergent COI sequences within an amphipod species complex: A possible role for endosymbionts?.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {12},
number = {10},
pages = {e9448},
pmid = {36311398},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Some heritable endosymbionts can affect host mtDNA evolution in various ways. Amphipods host diverse endosymbionts, but whether their mtDNA has been influenced by these endosymbionts has yet to be considered. Here, we investigated the role of endosymbionts (microsporidians and Rickettsia) in explaining highly divergent COI sequences in Paracalliope fluviatilis species complex, the most common freshwater amphipods in New Zealand. We first contrasted phylogeographic patterns using COI, ITS, and 28S sequences. While molecular species delimitation methods based on 28S sequences supported 3-4 potential species (N, C, SA, and SB) among freshwater lineages, COI sequences supported 17-27 putative species reflecting high inter-population divergence. The deep divergence between NC and S lineages (~20%; 28S) and the substitution saturation on the 3rd codon position of COI detected even within one lineage (SA) indicate a very high level of morphological stasis. Interestingly, individuals infected and uninfected by Rickettsia comprised divergent COI lineages in one of four populations tested, suggesting a potential influence of endosymbionts in mtDNA patterns. We propose several plausible explanations for divergent COI lineages, although they would need further testing with multiple lines of evidence. Lastly, due to common morphological stasis and the presence of endosymbionts, phylogeographic patterns of amphipods based on mtDNA should be interpreted with caution.},
}
@article {pmid36314939,
year = {2022},
author = {Palmieri, L and Pavarini, R and Sharma, PP},
title = {Draft Genome Sequence of "Candidatus Nardonella dryophthoridicola" Strain NARMHE1, Endosymbiont of Metamasius hemipterus (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Dryophthorinae).},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {11},
number = {11},
pages = {e0073822},
pmid = {36314939},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {IOS-2016141//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
abstract = {Here, we report the draft genome and annotation of "Candidatus Nardonella dryophthoridicola" strain NARMHE1, obtained via Oxford Nanopore sequencing of the ovaries of its host, the weevil Metamasius hemipterus, from a population from southeast Brazil.},
}
@article {pmid36315059,
year = {2023},
author = {Shantz, AA and Ladd, MC and Ezzat, L and Schmitt, RJ and Holbrook, SJ and Schmeltzer, E and Vega Thurber, R and Burkepile, DE},
title = {Positive interactions between corals and damselfish increase coral resistance to temperature stress.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {29},
number = {2},
pages = {417-431},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.16480},
pmid = {36315059},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {1547952//Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; 1637396//Division of Ocean Sciences/ ; //Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; Coral Reefs ; Symbiosis ; Temperature ; Climate Change ; Fishes ; *Perciformes ; },
abstract = {By the century's end, many tropical seas will reach temperatures exceeding most coral species' thermal tolerance on an annual basis. The persistence of corals in these regions will, therefore, depend on their abilities to tolerate recurrent thermal stress. Although ecologists have long recognized that positive interspecific interactions can ameliorate environmental stress to expand the realized niche of plants and animals, coral bleaching studies have largely overlooked how interactions with community members outside of the coral holobiont shape the bleaching response. Here, we subjected a common coral, Pocillopora grandis, to 10 days of thermal stress in aquaria with and without the damselfish Dascyllus flavicaudus (yellowtail dascyllus), which commonly shelter within these corals, to examine how interactions with damselfish impacted coral thermal tolerance. Corals often benefit from nutrients excreted by animals they interact with and prior to thermal stress, corals grown with damselfish showed improved photophysiology (Fv /Fm) and developed larger endosymbiont populations. When exposed to thermal stress, corals with fish performed as well as control corals maintained at ambient temperatures without fish. In contrast, corals exposed to thermal stress without fish experienced photophysiological impairment, a more than 50% decline in endosymbiont density, and a 36% decrease in tissue protein content. At the end of the experiment, thermal stress caused average calcification rates to decrease by over 80% when damselfish were absent but increase nearly 25% when damselfish were present. Our study indicates that damselfish-derived nutrients can increase coral thermal tolerance and are consistent with the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, which predicts that positive interactions become increasingly important for structuring communities as environmental stress increases. Because warming of just a few degrees can exceed corals' temperature tolerance to trigger bleaching and mortality, positive interactions could play a critical role in maintaining some coral species in warming regions until climate change is aggressively addressed.},
}
@article {pmid36319835,
year = {2022},
author = {Moffat, JJ and Coffroth, MA and Wallingford, PD and terHorst, CP},
title = {Symbiont genotype influences holobiont response to increased temperature.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {18394},
pmid = {36319835},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {OCE-1559286//National Science Foundation/ ; OCE-1559105//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Temperature ; Coral Reefs ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology ; Symbiosis ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {As coral reefs face warming oceans and increased coral bleaching, a whitening of the coral due to loss of microalgal endosymbionts, the possibility of evolutionary rescue offers some hope for reef persistence. In tightly linked mutualisms, evolutionary rescue may occur through evolution of the host and/or endosymbionts. Many obligate mutualisms are composed of relatively small, fast-growing symbionts with greater potential to evolve on ecologically relevant time scales than their relatively large, slower growing hosts. Numerous jellyfish species harbor closely related endosymbiont taxa to other cnidarian species such as coral, and are commonly used as a model system for investigating cnidarian mutualisms. We examined the potential for adaptation of the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana to increased temperature via evolution of its microalgal endosymbiont, Symbiodinium microadriaticum. We quantified trait variation among five algal genotypes in response to three temperatures (26 °C, 30 °C, and 32 °C) and fitness of hosts infected with each genotype. All genotypes showed positive growth rates at each temperature, but rates of respiration and photosynthesis decreased with increased temperature. Responses varied among genotypes but were unrelated to genetic similarity. The effect of temperature on asexual reproduction and the timing of development in the host also depended on the genotype of the symbiont. Natural selection could favor different algal genotypes at different temperatures, affecting host fitness. This eco-evolutionary interaction may be a critical component of understanding species resilience in increasingly stressful environments.},
}
@article {pmid36321837,
year = {2022},
author = {McGlynn, SE and Perkins, G and Sim, MS and Mackey, M and Deerinck, TJ and Thor, A and Phan, S and Ballard, D and Ellisman, MH and Orphan, VJ},
title = {A Cristae-Like Microcompartment in Desulfobacterota.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {e0161322},
pmid = {36321837},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {P41 GM103412/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Anaerobiosis ; *Bacteria/metabolism ; *Archaea/metabolism ; Methane/metabolism ; Sulfates/metabolism ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Some Alphaproteobacteria contain intracytoplasmic membranes (ICMs) and proteins homologous to those responsible for the mitochondrial cristae, an observation which has given rise to the hypothesis that the Alphaproteobacteria endosymbiont had already evolved cristae-like structures and functions. However, our knowledge of microbial fine structure is still limited, leaving open the possibility of structurally homologous ICMs outside the Alphaproteobacteria. Here, we report on the detailed characterization of lamellar cristae-like ICMs in environmental sulfate-reducing Desulfobacterota that form syntrophic partnerships with anaerobic methane-oxidizing (ANME) archaea. These structures are junction-bound to the cytoplasmic membrane and resemble the form seen in the lamellar cristae of opisthokont mitochondria. Extending these observations, we also characterized similar structures in Desulfovibrio carbinolicus, a close relative of the magnetotactic D. magneticus, which does not contain magnetosomes. Despite a remarkable structural similarity, the key proteins involved in cristae formation have not yet been identified in Desulfobacterota, suggesting that an analogous, but not a homologous, protein organization system developed during the evolution of some members of Desulfobacterota. IMPORTANCE Working with anaerobic consortia of methane oxidizing ANME archaea and their sulfate-reducing bacterial partners recovered from deep sea sediments and with the related sulfate-reducing bacterial isolate D. carbinolicus, we discovered that their intracytoplasmic membranes (ICMs) appear remarkably similar to lamellar cristae. Three-dimensional electron microscopy allowed for the novel analysis of the nanoscale attachment of ICMs to the cytoplasmic membrane, and these ICMs are structurally nearly identical to the crista junction architecture seen in metazoan mitochondria. However, the core junction-forming proteins must be different. The outer membrane vesicles were observed to bud from syntrophic Desulfobacterota, and darkly stained granules were prominent in both Desulfobacterota and D. carbinolicus. These findings expand the taxonomic breadth of ICM-producing microorganisms and add to our understanding of three-dimensional microbial fine structure in environmental microorganisms.},
}
@article {pmid36330308,
year = {2022},
author = {Beekman, MM and Donner, SH and Litjens, JJH and Dicke, M and Zwaan, BJ and Verhulst, EC and Pannebakker, BA},
title = {Do aphids in Dutch sweet pepper greenhouses carry heritable elements that protect them against biocontrol parasitoids?.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {1580-1593},
pmid = {36330308},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {Biological control (biocontrol) of crop pests is a sustainable alternative to the use of biodiversity and organismal health-harming chemical pesticides. Aphids can be biologically controlled with parasitoid wasps; however, variable results of parasitoid-based aphid biocontrol in greenhouses are reported. Aphids may display genetically encoded (endogenous) defences that increase aphid resistance against parasitoids as under high parasitoid pressure there will be selection for parasitoid-resistant aphids, potentially affecting the success of parasitoid-based aphid biocontrol in greenhouses. Additionally, aphids may carry secondary bacterial endosymbionts that protect them against parasitoids. We studied whether there is variation in either of these heritable elements in aphids in greenhouses of sweet pepper, an agro-economically important crop in the Netherlands that is prone to aphid pests and where pest management heavily relies on biocontrol. We sampled aphid populations in organic (biocontrol only) and conventional (biocontrol and pesticides) sweet pepper greenhouses in the Netherlands during the 2019 crop growth season. We assessed the aphid microbiome through both diagnostic PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing and did not detect any secondary endosymbionts in the two most encountered aphid species, Myzus persicae and Aulacorthum solani. We also compared multiple aphid lines collected from different greenhouses for variation in levels of endogenous-based resistance against the parasitoids commonly used as biocontrol agents. We found no differences in the levels of endogenous-based resistance between different aphid lines. This study does not support the hypothesis that protective endosymbionts or the presence of endogenous resistant aphid lines affects the success of parasitoid-based biocontrol of aphids in Dutch greenhouses. Future investigations will need to address what is causing the variable successes of aphid biocontrol and what (biological and management-related) lessons can be learned for aphid control in other crops, and biocontrol in general.},
}
@article {pmid36336686,
year = {2022},
author = {McIlroy, SE and terHorst, CP and Teece, M and Coffroth, MA},
title = {Nutrient dynamics in coral symbiosis depend on both the relative and absolute abundance of Symbiodiniaceae species.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {192},
pmid = {36336686},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; Symbiosis/physiology ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology ; Nitrogen ; Carbon ; Nutrients ; Coral Reefs ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbionts provide a variety of reproductive, nutritional, and defensive resources to their hosts, but those resources can vary depending on symbiont community composition. As genetic techniques open our eyes to the breadth of symbiont diversity within myriad microbiomes, symbiosis research has begun to consider what ecological mechanisms affect the identity and relative abundance of symbiont species and how this community structure impacts resource exchange among partners. Here, we manipulated the in hospite density and relative ratio of two species of coral endosymbionts (Symbiodinium microadriaticum and Breviolum minutum) and used stable isotope enrichment to trace nutrient exchange with the host, Briareum asbestinum.<br><br>RESULTS: The patterns of uptake and translocation of carbon and nitrogen varied with both density and ratio of symbionts. Once a density threshold was reached, carbon acquisition decreased with increasing proportions of S. microadriaticum. In hosts dominated by B. minutum, nitrogen uptake was density independent and intermediate. Conversely, for those corals dominated by S. microadriaticum, nitrogen uptake decreased as densities increased, and as a result, these hosts had the overall highest (at low density) and lowest (at high density) nitrogen enrichment.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that the uptake and sharing of nutrients was strongly dependent on both the density of symbionts within the host, as well as which symbiont species was dominant. Together, these complex interactive effects suggest that host regulation and the repression of in hospite symbiont competition can ultimately lead to a more productive mutualism. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid36339946,
year = {2022},
author = {Compton, A and Tu, Z},
title = {Natural and Engineered Sex Ratio Distortion in Insects.},
journal = {Frontiers in ecology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {36339946},
issn = {2296-701X},
support = {R01 AI121284/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI123338/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI157491/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI154871/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Insects have evolved highly diverse genetic sex-determination mechanisms and a relatively balanced male to female sex ratio is generally expected. However, selection may shift the optimal sex ratio while meiotic drive and endosymbiont manipulation can result in sex ratio distortion (SRD). Recent advances in sex chromosome genomics and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing brought significant insights into the molecular regulators of sex determination in an increasing number of insects and provided new ways to engineer SRD. We review these advances and discuss both naturally occurring and engineered SRD in the context of the Anthropocene. We emphasize SRD-mediated biological control of insects to help improve One Health, sustain agriculture, and conserve endangered species.},
}
@article {pmid36352292,
year = {2023},
author = {Xing, R and Zhang, HC and Gao, QB and Zhang, FQ and Chi, XF and Chen, SL},
title = {Bacterial communities associated with mushrooms in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are shaped by soil parameters.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {231-242},
pmid = {36352292},
issn = {1618-1905},
support = {(LHZX-2020-02-01//The Sanjiangyuan National Park Joint Program/ ; QHTX- 2020- 004//Special fund for Qilian Mountain National Park/ ; XDA2005010406//Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 2022-ZJ-Y04//Construction Project for Innovation Platform of Qinghai province/ ; },
mesh = {Tibet ; Soil ; *Agaricales/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Soil Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Fungi capable of producing fruit bodies are essential food and medicine resources. Despite recent advances in the study of microbial communities in mycorrhizospheres, little is known about the bacterial communities contained in fruit bodies. Using high-throughput sequencing, we investigated the bacterial communities in four species of mushrooms located on the alpine meadow and saline-alkali soil of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). Proteobacteria (51.7% on average) and Actinobacteria (28.2% on average) were the dominant phyla in all of the sampled fairy ring fruit bodies, and Acidobacteria (27.5% on average) and Proteobacteria (25.7% on average) dominated their adjacent soils. For the Agria. Bitorquis, Actinobacteria was the dominant phylum in its fruit body (67.5% on average) and adjacent soils (65.9% on average). The alpha diversity (i.e., Chao1, Shannon, Richness, and Simpson indexes) of the bacterial communities in the fruit bodies were significantly lower than those in the soil samples. All of the fungi shared more than half of their bacterial phyla and 16.2% of their total operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with their adjacent soil. Moreover, NH4[+] and pH were the key factors associated with bacterial communities in the fruit bodies and soils, respectively. These results indicate that the fungi tend to create a unique niche that selects for specific members of the bacterial community. Using culture-dependent methods, we also isolated 27 bacterial species belonging to three phyla and five classes from fruit bodies and soils. The strains isolated will be useful for future research on interactions between mushroom-forming fungi and their bacterial endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid36354861,
year = {2022},
author = {Ali, S and Sajjad, A and Shakeel, Q and Farooqi, MA and Aqueel, MA and Tariq, K and Ullah, MI and Iqbal, A and Jamal, A and Saeed, MF and Manachini, B},
title = {Influence of Bacterial Secondary Symbionts in Sitobion avenae on Its Survival Fitness against Entomopathogenic Fungi, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {13},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {36354861},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {35-161, PRJ-0510//University of Palermo/ ; },
abstract = {The research was focused on the ability of wheat aphids Sitobion avenae, harboring bacterial secondary symbionts (BSS) Hamiltonella defensa or Regiella insecticola, to withstand exposure to fungal isolates of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum. In comparison to aphids lacking bacterial secondary symbionts, BSS considerably increased the lifespan of wheat aphids exposed to B. bassiana strains (Bb1022, EABb04/01-Tip) and M. brunneum strains (ART 2825 and BIPESCO 5) and also reduced the aphids' mortality. The wheat aphid clones lacking bacterial secondary symbionts were shown to be particularly vulnerable to M. brunneum strain BIPESCO 5. As opposed to wheat aphids carrying bacterial symbionts, fungal pathogens infected the wheat aphids lacking H. defensa and R. insecticola more quickly. When treated with fungal pathogens, bacterial endosymbionts had a favorable effect on the fecundity of their host aphids compared to the aphids lacking these symbionts, but there was no change in fungal sporulation on the deceased aphids. By defending their insect hosts against natural enemies, BSS increase the population of their host society and may have a significant impact on the development of their hosts.},
}
@article {pmid36355038,
year = {2022},
author = {Raval, PK and Garg, SG and Gould, SB},
title = {Endosymbiotic selective pressure at the origin of eukaryotic cell biology.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {36355038},
issn = {2050-084X},
mesh = {*Eukaryotic Cells/physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Archaea/genetics ; Cell Nucleus ; Meiosis ; Biology ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The dichotomy that separates prokaryotic from eukaryotic cells runs deep. The transition from pro- to eukaryote evolution is poorly understood due to a lack of reliable intermediate forms and definitions regarding the nature of the first host that could no longer be considered a prokaryote, the first eukaryotic common ancestor, FECA. The last eukaryotic common ancestor, LECA, was a complex cell that united all traits characterising eukaryotic biology including a mitochondrion. The role of the endosymbiotic organelle in this radical transition towards complex life forms is, however, sometimes questioned. In particular the discovery of the asgard archaea has stimulated discussions regarding the pre-endosymbiotic complexity of FECA. Here we review differences and similarities among models that view eukaryotic traits as isolated coincidental events in asgard archaeal evolution or, on the contrary, as a result of and in response to endosymbiosis. Inspecting eukaryotic traits from the perspective of the endosymbiont uncovers that eukaryotic cell biology can be explained as having evolved as a solution to housing a semi-autonomous organelle and why the addition of another endosymbiont, the plastid, added no extra compartments. Mitochondria provided the selective pressures for the origin (and continued maintenance) of eukaryotic cell complexity. Moreover, they also provided the energetic benefit throughout eukaryogenesis for evolving thousands of gene families unique to eukaryotes. Hence, a synthesis of the current data lets us conclude that traits such as the Golgi apparatus, the nucleus, autophagosomes, and meiosis and sex evolved as a response to the selective pressures an endosymbiont imposes.},
}
@article {pmid36360278,
year = {2022},
author = {Montes-Rodríguez, IM and Cadilla, CL and López-Garriga, J and González-Méndez, R},
title = {Bioinformatic Characterization and Molecular Evolution of the Lucina pectinata Hemoglobins.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {13},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {36360278},
issn = {2073-4425},
support = {R25 GM088023/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U54 MD007600/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103475/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T36 GM008789/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T36 GM095335/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P41 RR006009/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Computational Biology ; Phylogeny ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Hemoglobins/genetics/metabolism ; *Bivalvia/genetics/metabolism ; Evolution, Molecular ; Sulfides ; Oxygen/metabolism ; },
abstract = {(1) Introduction: Lucina pectinata is a clam found in sulfide-rich mud environments that has three hemoglobins believed to be responsible for the transport of hydrogen sulfide (HbILp) and oxygen (HbIILp and HbIIILp) to chemoautotrophic endosymbionts. The physiological roles and evolution of these globins in sulfide-rich environments are not well understood. (2) Methods: We performed bioinformatic and phylogenetic analyses with 32 homologous mollusk globin sequences. Phylogenetics suggests a first gene duplication resulting in sulfide binding and oxygen binding genes. A more recent gene duplication gave rise to the two oxygen-binding hemoglobins. Multidimensional scaling analysis of the sequence space shows evolutionary drift of HbIILp and HbIIILp, while HbILp was closer to the Calyptogena hemoglobins. Further corroboration is seen by conservation in the coding region of hemoglobins from L. pectinata compared to those from Calyptogena. (3) Conclusions: Presence of glutamine in position E7 in organisms living in sulfide-rich environments can be considered an adaptation to prevent loss of protein function. In HbILp a substitution of phenylalanine in position B10 is accountable for its unique reactivity towards H2S. It appears that HbILp has been changing over time, apparently not subject to functional constraints of binding oxygen, and acquired a unique function for a specialized environment.},
}
@article {pmid36361939,
year = {2022},
author = {Alves, R and Pazos-Gil, M and Medina-Carbonero, M and Sanz-Alcázar, A and Delaspre, F and Tamarit, J},
title = {Evolution of an Iron-Detoxifying Protein: Eukaryotic and Rickettsia Frataxins Contain a Conserved Site Which Is Not Present in Their Bacterial Homologues.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {23},
number = {21},
pages = {},
pmid = {36361939},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {PID2020-118296RB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovaci&#xf3;n (Spain)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Bacterial Proteins/chemistry/metabolism ; Escherichia coli/metabolism ; Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics ; Eukaryota/metabolism ; Friedreich Ataxia/genetics/metabolism ; Iron/metabolism ; *Iron-Binding Proteins/chemistry/metabolism ; *Neurodegenerative Diseases ; *Rickettsia/metabolism ; Tyrosine/metabolism ; Mitochondria/metabolism/microbiology ; Frataxin ; },
abstract = {Friedreich's ataxia is a neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the frataxin gene. Frataxin homologues, including bacterial CyaY proteins, can be found in most species and play a fundamental role in mitochondrial iron homeostasis, either promoting iron assembly into metaloproteins or contributing to iron detoxification. While several lines of evidence suggest that eukaryotic frataxins are more effective than bacterial ones in iron detoxification, the residues involved in this gain of function are unknown. In this work, we analyze conservation of amino acid sequence and protein structure among frataxins and CyaY proteins to identify four highly conserved residue clusters and group them into potential functional clusters. Clusters 1, 2, and 4 are present in eukaryotic frataxins and bacterial CyaY proteins. Cluster 3, containing two serines, a tyrosine, and a glutamate, is only present in eukaryotic frataxins and on CyaY proteins from the Rickettsia genus. Residues from cluster 3 are blocking a small cavity of about 40 Å present in E. coli's CyaY. The function of this cluster is unknown, but we hypothesize that its tyrosine may contribute to prevent formation of reactive oxygen species during iron detoxification. This cluster provides an example of gain of function during evolution in a protein involved in iron homeostasis, as our results suggests that Cluster 3 was present in the endosymbiont ancestor of mitochondria and was conserved in eukaryotic frataxins.},
}
@article {pmid36389419,
year = {2022},
author = {Wang, P and Ding, L and Li, F and Liao, J and Wang, M},
title = {Herbivore camping reshapes the taxonomy, function and network of pasture soil microbial communities.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {e14314},
pmid = {36389419},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Soil/chemistry ; Herbivory ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Mycobiome ; Bacteria/genetics ; },
abstract = {Although the effects of herbivore camping on soil physicochemical properties have been studied, whether the effects alter the soil microbial communities (e.g., composition, functions, taxonomic and functional diversities, network) remain unknown, especially below the surface. Here, using paired subsoil samples from half month-camping and non-camping, we showed for the first time that camping significantly changed the relative abundance of 21 bacterial phylotypes and five fungal phylotypes. Specifically, we observed significant increases in the relative abundance of putative chitinase and terpenes vanillin-decomposition genes, nitrite reduction function (nirB, nasA), decreases in the relative abundance of putative carbon fixation genes (ackA, PGK, and Pak), starch-decomposition gene (dexB), gene coding nitrogenase (anfG), and tetracycline resistance gene (tetB) for bacterial communities, and significant decreases in the relative abundance of animal endosymbiont and increases in the relative abundance of litter saprotroph and endophyte for fungal communities. However, camping did not significantly impact the taxonomic and functional diversity. The niche restriction was the main driving force of bacterial and fungal community assembly. Compared to no camping, camping increased the stability of bacterial networks but decreased the stability of fungal networks. Camping exerted a positive effect on the network by compressing the niche width and reduced the change in the network by reducing the niche overlap. Our results suggest that camping restructures the soil microbial composition, function, and network, and provides a novel insight into the effect of animal camping on soil microbial communities in grassland.},
}
@article {pmid36404929,
year = {2022},
author = {Yorimoto, S and Hattori, M and Kondo, M and Shigenobu, S},
title = {Complex host/symbiont integration of a multi-partner symbiotic system in the eusocial aphid Ceratovacuna japonica.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {25},
number = {12},
pages = {105478},
pmid = {36404929},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Some hemipteran insects rely on multiple endosymbionts for essential nutrients. However, the evolution of multi-partner symbiotic systems is not well-established. Here, we report a co-obligate symbiosis in the eusocial aphid, Ceratovacuna japonica. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing unveiled co-infection with a novel Arsenophonus sp. symbiont and Buchnera aphidicola, a common obligate endosymbiont in aphids. Both symbionts were housed within distinct bacteriocytes and were maternally transmitted. The Buchnera and Arsenophonus symbionts had streamlined genomes of 432,286 bp and 853,149 bp, respectively, and exhibited metabolic complementarity in riboflavin and peptidoglycan synthesis pathways. These anatomical and genomic properties were similar to those of independently evolved multi-partner symbiotic systems, such as Buchnera-Serratia in Lachninae and Periphyllus aphids, representing remarkable parallelism. Furthermore, symbiont populations and bacteriome morphology differed between reproductive and soldier castes. Our study provides the first example of co-obligate symbiosis in Hormaphidinae and gives insight into the evolutionary genetics of this complex system.},
}
@article {pmid36407602,
year = {2022},
author = {An, Y and Wang, Y and Wang, X and Xiao, J},
title = {Development of chloroplast transformation and gene expression regulation technology in land plants.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1037038},
pmid = {36407602},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Chloroplasts in land plants have their own small circular DNA that is presumed to have originated from cyanobacteria-related endosymbionts, and the chloroplast genome is an attractive target to improve photosynthetic ability and crop yield. However, to date, most transgenic or genetic engineering technologies for plants are restricted to manipulations of the nuclear genome. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of chloroplast genetic engineering and regulation of gene expression from the perspective of history and biology, focusing on current and latest methods. In addition, we suggest techniques that may regulate the chloroplast gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level.},
}
@article {pmid36412071,
year = {2023},
author = {Shimpi, GG and Bentlage, B},
title = {Ancient endosymbiont-mediated transmission of a selfish gene provides a model for overcoming barriers to gene transfer into animal mitochondrial genomes.},
journal = {BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology},
volume = {45},
number = {2},
pages = {e2200190},
doi = {10.1002/bies.202200190},
pmid = {36412071},
issn = {1521-1878},
mesh = {Animals ; *Genome, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal/genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Mitochondria/genetics ; Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {In contrast to bilaterian animals, non-bilaterian mitochondrial genomes contain atypical genes, often attributed to horizontal gene transfer (HGT) as an ad hoc explanation. Although prevalent in plants, HGT into animal mitochondrial genomes is rare, lacking suitable explanatory models for their occurrence. HGT of the mismatch DNA repair gene (mtMutS) from giant viruses to octocoral (soft corals and their kin) mitochondrial genomes provides a model for how barriers to HGT to animal mitochondria may be overcome. A review of the available literature suggests that this HGT was mediated by an alveolate endosymbiont infected with a lysogenic phycodnavirus that enabled insertion of the homing endonuclease containing mtMutS into octocoral mitochondrial genomes. We posit that homing endonuclease domains and similar selfish elements play a crucial role in such inter-domain gene transfers. Understanding the role of selfish genetic elements in HGT has the potential to aid development of tools for manipulating animal mitochondrial DNA.},
}
@article {pmid36417831,
year = {2022},
author = {Power, RI and Šlapeta, J},
title = {Exploration of the sensitivity to macrocyclic lactones in the canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in Australia using phenotypic and genotypic approaches.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology. Drugs and drug resistance},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {145-158},
pmid = {36417831},
issn = {2211-3207},
mesh = {Dogs ; Animals ; *Dirofilaria immitis/genetics ; *Dirofilariasis/drug therapy/epidemiology ; Lactones/pharmacology ; *Dog Diseases/drug therapy/epidemiology ; Microfilariae/genetics ; },
abstract = {Canine heartworm disease is a potentially deadly cardiopulmonary disease caused by the mosquito-borne filarial nematode Dirofilaria immitis. In Australia, the administration of macrocyclic lactone (ML) drugs has successfully reduced the prevalence of D. immitis infection. However, the recent re-emergence of D. immitis in dogs in Queensland, Australia and the identification of ML-resistant isolates in the USA poses an important question of whether ML-resistance has emerged in this parasite in Australia. The aim of this study was to utilise phenotypic and genotypic approaches to examine the sensitivity to ML drugs in D. immitis in Australia. To do this, we surveyed 45 dogs from Queensland and New South Wales across 3 years (2019-2022) for the presence of D. immitis infection using an antigen test, quantitative Modified Knott's test, and qPCR targeting both D. immitis and the D. immitis symbiont Wolbachia. A phenotype observed by utilising sequential quantification of microfilariae for 23/45 dogs was coupled with genetic testing of filtered microfilariae for SNPs previously associated with ML-resistance in isolates from the USA. Sixteen (16/45) dogs tested positive for D. immitis infection despite reportedly receiving 'rigorous' heartworm prevention for 12 months prior to the study, according to the owners' assessment. The phenotype and genotypic assays in this study did not unequivocally demonstrate the presence of ML-resistant D. immitis in Australia. Although the failure of 16 dogs to reduce microfilaremia by >90% after ML treatment was considered a suspect phenotype of ML-resistance, no genotypic evidence was discovered using the genetic SNP analysis. The traditional quantitative Modified Knott's test can be substituted by qPCR targeting D. immitis or associated Wolbachia endosymbiont DNA for a more rapid measurement of microfilariae levels. More definitive phenotypic evidence of resistance is critically needed before the usefulness of SNPs for the detection of ML-resistance in Australia can be properly assessed.},
}
@article {pmid36419378,
year = {2023},
author = {Lin, YT and Xu, T and Ip, JC and Sun, Y and Fang, L and Luan, T and Zhang, Y and Qian, PY and Qiu, JW},
title = {Interactions among deep-sea mussels and their epibiotic and endosymbiotic chemoautotrophic bacteria: Insights from multi-omics analysis.},
journal = {Zoological research},
volume = {44},
number = {1},
pages = {106-125},
pmid = {36419378},
issn = {2095-8137},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Bivalvia/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Carbon/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiosis with Gammaproteobacteria is fundamental for the success of bathymodioline mussels in deep-sea chemosynthesis-based ecosystems. However, the recent discovery of Campylobacteria on the gill surfaces of these mussels suggests that these host-bacterial relationships may be more complex than previously thought. Using the cold-seep mussel (Gigantidas haimaensis) as a model, we explored this host-bacterial system by assembling the host transcriptome and genomes of its epibiotic Campylobacteria and endosymbiotic Gammaproteobacteria and quantifying their gene and protein expression levels. We found that the epibiont applies a sulfur oxidizing (SOX) multienzyme complex with the acquisition of soxB from Gammaproteobacteria for energy production and switched from a reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle to a Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle for carbon assimilation. The host provides metabolic intermediates, inorganic carbon, and thiosulfate to satisfy the materials and energy requirements of the epibiont, but whether the epibiont benefits the host is unclear. The endosymbiont adopts methane oxidation and the ribulose monophosphate pathway (RuMP) for energy production, providing the major source of energy for itself and the host. The host obtains most of its nutrients, such as lysine, glutamine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, histidine, and folate, from the endosymbiont. In addition, host pattern recognition receptors, including toll-like receptors, peptidoglycan recognition proteins, and C-type lectins, may participate in bacterial infection, maintenance, and population regulation. Overall, this study provides insights into the complex host-bacterial relationships that have enabled mussels and bacteria to thrive in deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid36419550,
year = {2022},
author = {Li, J and Chen, D and Yu, B and He, J and Huang, Z and Zheng, P and Mao, X and Li, H and Yu, J and Luo, J and Yan, H and Luo, Y},
title = {Batch and sampling time exert a larger influence on the fungal community than gastrointestinal location in model animals: A meaningful case study.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {1021215},
pmid = {36419550},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {Fungi play a fundamental role in the intestinal ecosystem and health, but our knowledge of fungal composition and distribution in the whole gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is very limited. The physiological similarity between humans and pigs in terms of digestive and associated metabolic processes places, the pig in a superior position over other non-primate models. Here, we aimed to characterize the diversity and composition of fungi in the GIT of pigs. Using high-throughput sequencing, we evaluated the fungal community in different locations of GIT of 11 pigs with 128.41 ± 1.25 kg body weight acquired successively. Among them, five pigs are sacrificed in April 2019 (Batch 1) and the other six are sacrificed in January 2020 (Batch 2). All subjects with similar genetic backgrounds, housing, management, and diet. Finally, no significant difference is found in the α-diversity (Richness) of the fungal community among all intestinal segments. Basidiomycota and Ascomycota are the two predominant fungal phyla, but Batch 1 harbored a notably high abundance of Basidiomycota and Batch 2 harbored a high abundance of Ascomycota. Moreover, the two batches harbored completely different fungal compositions and core fungal genera. FUNGuild (Fungal Functional Guild) analysis revealed that most of the fungal species present in the GIT are saprotroph, plant pathogen, and animal endosymbiont. Our study is the first to report that even under the same condition, large variations in fungal composition in the host GIT still occur from batch-to-batch and sampling time. The implications of our observations serve as references to the development of better models of the human gut.},
}
@article {pmid36422292,
year = {2022},
author = {Villacorta, JB and Rodriguez, CV and Peran, JE and Batucan, JD and Concepcion, GP and Salvador-Reyes, LA and Junio, HA},
title = {Mining Small Molecules from Teredinibacter turnerae Strains Isolated from Philippine Teredinidae.},
journal = {Metabolites},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {36422292},
issn = {2218-1989},
support = {EIDR-C08-009//University of the Philippines System Emerging Inter-Disciplinary Research Program/ ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic relationship has played a significant role in the evolution of marine species, allowing for the development of biochemical machinery for the synthesis of diverse metabolites. In this work, we explore the chemical space of exogenous compounds from shipworm endosymbionts using LC-MS-based metabolomics. Priority T. turnerae strains (1022X.S.1B.7A, 991H.S.0A.06B, 1675L.S.0A.01) that displayed antimicrobial activity, isolated from shipworms collected from several sites in the Philippines were cultured, and fractionated extracts were subjected for profiling using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry quadrupole time-of-flight mass analyzer (UHPLC-HRMS QTOF). T. turnerae T7901 was used as a reference microorganism for dereplication analysis. Tandem MS data were analyzed through the Global Natural Products Social (GNPS) molecular networking, which resulted to 93 clusters with more than two nodes, leading to four putatively annotated clusters: lipids, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, cyclic dipeptides, and rhamnolipids. Additional clusters were also annotated through molecular networking with cross-reference to previous publications. Tartrolon D cluster with analogues, turnercyclamycins A and B; teredinibactin A, dechloroteredinibactin, and two other possible teredinibactin analogues; and oxylipin (E)-11-oxooctadec-12-enoic acid were putatively identified as described. Molecular networking also revealed two additional metabolite clusters, annotated as lyso-ornithine lipids and polyethers. Manual fragmentation analysis corroborated the putative identification generated from GNPS. However, some of the clusters remained unclassified due to the limited structural information on marine natural products in the public database. The result of this study, nonetheless, showed the diversity in the chemical space occupied by shipworm endosymbionts. This study also affirms the use of bioinformatics, molecular networking, and fragmentation mechanisms analysis as tools for the dereplication of high-throughput data to aid the prioritization of strains for further analysis.},
}
@article {pmid36424352,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhang, J and Li, T and Hong, Z and Ma, C and Fang, X and Zheng, F and Teng, W and Zhang, C and Si, T},
title = {Biosynthesis of Hybrid Neutral Lipids with Archaeal and Eukaryotic Characteristics in Engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae.},
journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)},
volume = {62},
number = {4},
pages = {e202214344},
doi = {10.1002/anie.202214344},
pmid = {36424352},
issn = {1521-3773},
mesh = {*Archaea/genetics ; *Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics/metabolism ; Glycerol/metabolism ; Membrane Lipids/metabolism ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Phosphates/metabolism ; Glycerophosphates ; },
abstract = {Discovery of the Asgard superphylum of archaea provides new evidence supporting the two-domain model of life: eukaryotes originated from an Asgard-related archaeon that engulfed a bacterial endosymbiont. However, how eukaryotes acquired bacterial-like membrane lipids with a sn-glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) backbone instead of the archaeal-like sn-glycerol-1-phosphate (G1P) backbone remains unknown. In this study, we reconstituted archaeal lipid production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by expressing unsaturated archaeol-synthesizing enzymes. Using Golden Gate cloning for pathway assembly, modular gene replacement was performed, revealing the potential biosynthesis of both G1P- and G3P-based unsaturated archaeol by uncultured Asgard archaea. Unexpectedly, hybrid neutral lipids containing both archaeal isoprenoids and eukaryotic fatty acids were observed in recombinant S. cerevisiae. The ability of yeast and archaeal diacylglycerol acyltransferases to synthesize such hybrid lipids was demonstrated.},
}
@article {pmid36429867,
year = {2022},
author = {Chen, K and Roe, RM and Ponnusamy, L},
title = {Biology, Systematics, Microbiome, Pathogen Transmission and Control of Chiggers (Acari: Trombiculidae, Leeuwenhoekiidae) with Emphasis on the United States.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {19},
number = {22},
pages = {},
pmid = {36429867},
issn = {1660-4601},
support = {R03 AI166406/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Trombiculidae/microbiology ; *Scrub Typhus/epidemiology ; *Orientia tsutsugamushi ; *Acari ; *Microbiota ; Biology ; },
abstract = {Chiggers are the larval stage of Trombiculidae and Leeuwenhoekiidae mites of medical and veterinary importance. Some species in the genus Leptotrombidium and Herpetacarus vector Orientia species, the bacteria that causes scrub typhus disease in humans. Scrub typhus is a life-threatening, febrile disease. Chigger bites can also cause dermatitis. There were 248 chigger species reported from the US from almost every state. However, there are large gaps in our knowledge of the life history of other stages of development. North American wide morphological keys are needed for better species identification, and molecular sequence data for identification are minimal and not clearly matched with morphological data. The role of chiggers in disease transmission in the US is especially understudied, and the role of endosymbionts in Orientia infection are suggested in the scientific literature but not confirmed. The most common chiggers in the eastern United States were identified as Eutrombicula alfreddugesi but were likely misidentified and should be replaced with Eutrombicula cinnabaris. Scrub typhus was originally believed to be limited to the Tsutsugamushi Triangle and the chigger genus, Leptotrombidium, but there is increasing evidence this is not the case. The potential of Orientia species establishing in the US is high. In addition, several other recognized pathogens to infect humans, namely Hantavirus, Bartonella, Borrelia, and Rickettsia, were also detected in chiggers. The role that chiggers play in these disease transmissions in the US needs further investigation. It is possible some of the tick-borne diseases and red meat allergies are caused by chiggers.},
}
@article {pmid36436891,
year = {2022},
author = {Rialch, A and Sankar, M and Silamparasan, M and Madhusoodan, AP and Kharayat, NS and Gautam, S and Gurav, AR and Thankappan, S},
title = {Molecular detection of Coxiella-like endosymbionts in Rhipicephalus microplus from north India.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports},
volume = {36},
number = {},
pages = {100803},
doi = {10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100803},
pmid = {36436891},
issn = {2405-9390},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Animals ; Coxiella/genetics ; *Rhipicephalus/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Pilot Projects ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Francisella ; },
abstract = {Apart from the tick-borne pathogens affecting human and animal health, ticks also harbor various non-pathogenic endosymbionts with dynamic ecological interactions. These endosymbionts are unexplored from the Indian ticks; hence this pilot study was conducted. Seventy-nine ticks were collected from Nainital district of Uttarakhand state of north India and were identified as Rhipicephalus microplus morphologically and by molecular analysis. PCR and sequence analysis were carried out to detect the presence of Rickettsia-like, Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts in these ticks. Based on the partial 16S rRNA gene sequence, Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE) was detected in the adult and other life-cycle stages of ticks with 96.6-97.7% nucleotide sequence identity with the published CLE sequences from GenBank. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CLE from R. microplus were clustered with the CLE from other Rhipicephalus species. All these CLE formed distinct clades from the pathogenic Coxiella burnetii. None of the tick samples was found positive for Rickettsia-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts in the present study. We also demonstrated the vertical transmission of CLE from surface sterilized and laboratory reared fully engorged adult females to the eggs and the larvae. However, large scale studies are to be conducted to detect various endosymbionts and endosymbiont-tick associations in the Indian tick species and to explore these associations for tick and tick-borne disease control.},
}
@article {pmid36441823,
year = {2022},
author = {Runyen-Janecky, LJ and Scheutzow, JD and Farsin, R and Cabo, LF and Wall, KE and Kuhn, KM and Amador, R and D'Souza, SJ and Vigneron, A and Weiss, BL},
title = {Heme-induced genes facilitate endosymbiont (Sodalis glossinidius) colonization of the tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans) midgut.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {16},
number = {11},
pages = {e0010833},
pmid = {36441823},
issn = {1935-2735},
support = {T32 GM133353/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Tsetse Flies/genetics ; Heme ; },
abstract = {Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) feed exclusively on vertebrate blood. After a blood meal, the enteric endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius is exposed to various environmental stressors including high levels of heme. To investigate how S. glossinidius morsitans (Sgm), the Sodalis subspecies that resides within the gut of G. morsitans, tolerates the heme-induced oxidative environment of tsetse's midgut, we used RNAseq to identify bacterial genes that are differentially expressed in cells cultured in high versus lower heme environments. Our analysis identified 436 genes that were significantly differentially expressed (> or < 2-fold) in the presence of high heme [219 heme-induced genes (HIGs) and 217 heme-repressed genes (HRGs)]. HIGs were enriched in Gene Ontology (GO) terms related to regulation of a variety of biological functions, including gene expression and metabolic processes. We observed that 11 out of 13 Sgm genes that were heme regulated in vitro were similarly regulated in bacteria that resided within tsetse's midgut 24 hr (high heme environment) and 96 hr (low heme environment) after the flies had consumed a blood meal. We used intron mutagenesis to make insertion mutations in 12 Sgm HIGs and observed no significant change in growth in vitro in any of the mutant strains in high versus low heme conditions. However, Sgm strains that carried mutations in genes encoding a putative undefined phosphotransferase sugar (PTS) system component (SG2427), fucose transporter (SG0182), bacterioferritin (SG2280), and a DNA-binding protein (SGP1-0002), presented growth and/or survival defects in tsetse midguts as compared to normal Sgm. These findings suggest that the uptake up of sugars and storage of iron represent strategies that Sgm employs to successfully reside within the high heme environment of its tsetse host's midgut. Our results are of epidemiological relevance, as many hematophagous arthropods house gut-associated bacteria that mediate their host's competency as a vector of disease-causing pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid36445124,
year = {2022},
author = {Kang, ZW and Zhang, M and Cao, HH and Guo, SS and Liu, FH and Liu, TX},
title = {Facultative Endosymbiont Serratia symbiotica Inhibits the Apterization of Pea Aphid To Enhance Its Spread.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {e0406622},
pmid = {36445124},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {*Aphids/physiology ; Pisum sativum ; Fertility ; Reproduction ; Serratia ; Symbiosis ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Aphids display wing polyphenism, and the mother can produce a wingless morph for reproduction and a winged morph for dispersal. It is believed that the wingless morph is an adaptive status under favorable conditions and is determined prenatally. In this study, we have found that winged nymphs of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, can change from winged to wingless during normal development. Our results showed that winged nymphs could become the wingless morph by apterization in response to changes from stressful to favorable conditions. The acquired wingless aphids had higher fecundity than the winged morph. However, this process of regression from winged to wingless morph was inhibited by Serratia symbiotica. The existence of the symbiont did not affect the body mass and fecundity of adult aphids, but it increased the body weight of nymphs and temporally increased the quantity of a primary symbiont, Buchnera aphidicola. Our results showed that despite temporal improvement of living conditions causing the induction of apterization of winged nymphs, the inhibition effect of S. symbiotica on this process was activated simultaneously. This finding, for the first time, reveals that the wingless morph can be changed postnatally, which explains a novel regulating mechanism of wing polyphenism driven by external abiotic stimuli and internal biotic regulation together in aphids. IMPORTANCE Wing polyphenism is an important adaptative response to environmental changes for aphids. Endosymbionts are widespread in aphids and also confer the ability to withstand unfavorable conditions. However, little is known about whether endosymbionts are involved in the wing polyphenism. In this study, we report a new finding that winged nymphs of the pea aphid could turn into adults without wings or wing-related structures through apterization when winged nymphs escaped from stressful to favorable environments. Further analysis revealed that the facultative symbiont S. symbiotica could prevent the temporal determination of the host in wing suppression by inhibiting apterization, to enhance its spread. Our findings provide a novel angle to understanding the wing polyphenism regulation of aphids.},
}
@article {pmid36445499,
year = {2022},
author = {Ramirez, P and Leavitt, JC and Gill, JJ and Mateos, M},
title = {Preliminary Characterization of Phage-Like Particles from the Male-Killing Mollicute Spiroplasma poulsonii (an Endosymbiont of Drosophila).},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {80},
number = {1},
pages = {6},
pmid = {36445499},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {Male ; Animals ; Drosophila ; *Bacteriophages/genetics ; Drosophila melanogaster ; *Spiroplasma/genetics ; },
abstract = {Bacteriophages are vastly abundant, diverse, and influential, but with few exceptions (e.g. the Proteobacteria genera Wolbachia and Hamiltonella), the role of phages in heritable bacteria-arthropod interactions, which are ubiquitous and diverse, remains largely unexplored. Despite prior studies documenting phage-like particles in the mollicute Spiroplasma associated with Drosophila flies, genomic sequences of such phage are lacking, and their effects on the Spiroplasma-Drosophila interaction have not been comprehensively characterized. We used a density step gradient to isolate phage-like particles from the male-killing bacterium Spiroplasma poulsonii (strains NSRO and MSRO-Br) harbored by Drosophila melanogaster. Isolated particles were subjected to DNA sequencing, assembly, and annotation. Several lines of evidence suggest that we recovered phage-like particles of similar features (shape, size, DNA content) to those previously reported in Drosophila-associated Spiroplasma strains. We recovered three ~ 19 kb phage-like contigs (two in NSRO and one in MSRO-Br) containing 21-24 open reading frames, a read-alignment pattern consistent with circular permutation, and terminal redundancy (at least in NSRO). Although our results do not allow us to distinguish whether these phage-like contigs represent infective phage-like particles capable of transmitting their DNA to new hosts, their encoding of several typical phage genes suggests that they are at least remnants of functional phage. We also recovered two smaller non-phage-like contigs encoding a known Spiroplasma toxin (Ribosome Inactivating Protein; RIP), and an insertion element, suggesting that they are packaged into particles. Substantial homology of our particle-derived contigs was found in the genome assemblies of members of the Spiroplasma poulsonii clade.},
}
@article {pmid36447246,
year = {2022},
author = {Dieng, MM and Augustinos, AA and Demirbas-Uzel, G and Doudoumis, V and Parker, AG and Tsiamis, G and Mach, RL and Bourtzis, K and Abd-Alla, AMM},
title = {Interactions between Glossina pallidipes salivary gland hypertrophy virus and tsetse endosymbionts in wild tsetse populations.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {447},
pmid = {36447246},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; Cytomegalovirus ; *Tsetse Flies ; *Coinfection ; *Glossinidae ; Hypertrophy ; *Infertility ; Salivary Glands ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tsetse control is considered an effective and sustainable tactic for the control of cyclically transmitted trypanosomosis in the absence of effective vaccines and inexpensive, effective drugs. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is currently used to eliminate tsetse fly populations in an area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) context in Senegal. For SIT, tsetse mass rearing is a major milestone that associated microbes can influence. Tsetse flies can be infected with microorganisms, including the primary and obligate Wigglesworthia glossinidia, the commensal Sodalis glossinidius, and Wolbachia pipientis. In addition, tsetse populations often carry a pathogenic DNA virus, the Glossina pallidipes salivary gland hypertrophy virus (GpSGHV) that hinders tsetse fertility and fecundity. Interactions between symbionts and pathogens might affect the performance of the insect host.<br><br>METHODS: In the present study, we assessed associations of GpSGHV and tsetse endosymbionts under field conditions to decipher the possible bidirectional interactions in different Glossina species. We determined the co-infection pattern of GpSGHV and Wolbachia in natural tsetse populations. We further analyzed the interaction of both Wolbachia and GpSGHV infections with Sodalis and Wigglesworthia density using qPCR.<br><br>RESULTS: The results indicated that the co-infection of GpSGHV and Wolbachia was most prevalent in Glossina austeni and Glossina morsitans morsitans, with an explicit significant negative correlation between GpSGHV and Wigglesworthia density. GpSGHV infection levels > 10[3.31] seem to be absent when Wolbachia infection is present at high density (>&#x2009;10[7.36]), suggesting a potential protective role of Wolbachia against GpSGHV.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The result indicates that Wolbachia infection might interact (with an undefined mechanism) antagonistically with SGHV infection protecting tsetse fly against GpSGHV, and the interactions between the tsetse host and its associated microbes are dynamic and likely species specific; significant differences may exist between laboratory and field conditions.},
}
@article {pmid36456664,
year = {2022},
author = {Milenovic, M and Gouttepifre, A and Eickermann, M and Junk, J and Rapisarda, C},
title = {Plant-mediated rifampicin treatment of Bemisia tabaci disrupts but does not eliminate endosymbionts.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {20766},
pmid = {36456664},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Rifampin/pharmacology ; *Halomonadaceae ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Rickettsia ; *Hemiptera ; },
abstract = {Whiteflies are among the most important global insect pests in agriculture; their sustainable control has proven challenging and new methods are needed. Bacterial symbionts of whiteflies are poorly understood potential target of novel whitefly control methods. Whiteflies harbour an obligatory bacterium, Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum, and a diverse set of facultative bacterial endosymbionts. Function of facultative microbial community is poorly understood largely due to the difficulty in their selective elimination without removal of the primary endosymbiont. Since the discovery of secondary endosymbionts, antibiotic rifampicin has emerged as the most used tool for their manipulation. Its effectiveness is however much less clear, with contrasting reports on its effects on the endosymbiont community. The present study builds upon most recent method of rifampicin application in whiteflies and evaluates its ability to eliminate obligatory Portiera and two facultative endosymbionts (Rickettsia and Arsenophnus). Our results show that rifampicin reduces but does not eliminate any of the three endosymbionts. Additionally, rifampicin causes direct negative effect on whiteflies, likely by disrupting mitochondria. Taken together, results signify the end of a rifampicin era in whitefly endosymbiont studies. Finally, we propose refinement of current quantification and data analysis methods which yields additional insights in cellular metabolic scaling.},
}
@article {pmid36458425,
year = {2023},
author = {Higashi, CHV and Nichols, WL and Chevignon, G and Patel, V and Allison, SE and Kim, KL and Strand, MR and Oliver, KM},
title = {An aphid symbiont confers protection against a specialized RNA virus, another increases vulnerability to the same pathogen.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {32},
number = {4},
pages = {936-950},
pmid = {36458425},
issn = {1365-294X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; *Wasps ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; *RNA Viruses/genetics ; },
abstract = {Insects often harbour heritable symbionts that provide defence against specialized natural enemies, yet little is known about symbiont protection when hosts face simultaneous threats. In pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum), the facultative endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa confers protection against the parasitoid, Aphidius ervi, and Regiella insecticola protects against aphid-specific fungal pathogens, including Pandora neoaphidis. Here, we investigated whether these two common aphid symbionts protect against a specialized virus A. pisum virus (APV), and whether their antifungal and antiparasitoid services are impacted by APV infection. We found that APV imposed large fitness costs on symbiont-free aphids and these costs were elevated in aphids also housing H. defensa. In contrast, APV titres were significantly reduced and costs to APV infection were largely eliminated in aphids with R. insecticola. To our knowledge, R. insecticola is the first aphid symbiont shown to protect against a viral pathogen, and only the second arthropod symbiont reported to do so. In contrast, APV infection did not impact the protective services of either R. insecticola or H. defensa. To better understand APV biology, we produced five genomes and examined transmission routes. We found that moderate rates of vertical transmission, combined with horizontal transfer through food plants, were the major route of APV spread, although lateral transfer by parasitoids also occurred. Transmission was unaffected by facultative symbionts. In summary, the presence and species identity of facultative symbionts resulted in highly divergent outcomes for aphids infected with APV, while not impacting defensive services that target other enemies. These findings add to the diverse phenotypes conferred by aphid symbionts, and to the growing body of work highlighting extensive variation in symbiont-mediated interactions.},
}
@article {pmid36466669,
year = {2022},
author = {El Hamss, H and Maruthi, MN and Ally, HM and Omongo, CA and Wang, HL and van Brunschot, S and Colvin, J and Delatte, H},
title = {Spatio-temporal changes in endosymbiont diversity and composition in the African cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci SSA1.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {986226},
pmid = {36466669},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Sap-sucking insects, including whiteflies, are amongst the most devastating and widely distributed organisms on the planet. They are often highly invasive and endosymbiont communities within these insects help them adapt to new or changing environments. Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius; Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) whitefly species are vectors of more than 500 known plant-viruses and harbour highly diverse endosymbionts communities. To date, however, whitefly-endosymbiont interactions, community structure and their spatio-temporal changes are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the spatio-temporal changes in the composition and diversity of bacterial endosymbionts in the agricultural crop pest whitefly species, Bemisia tabaci sub-Saharan Africa 1-subgroup 1 and 2 (SSA1-SG1 and SSA1-SG2). 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis was carried out to characterise endosymbiont compositionsin field-collected SSA1 (SSA1-SG1 and SSA1-SG2) populations infesting cassava in Uganda in 1997 and 2017. We detected Portiera, Arsenophonus, Wolbachia, Hamiltonella and Hemipteriphilus, with Arsenophonus and Wolbachia infections being predominant. Hemipteriphilus and Hamiltonella frequencies were very low and were detected in seven and two samples, respectively. Bacterial diversity based on three independent parameters including Simpson index, number of haplotypes and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity matrix was significantly higher in 1997 than in 2017. This period also coincided with the advent of super-abundant cassava-whitefly populations on cassava crops in Uganda. We discuss how endosymbionts may influence the biology and behaviour of whiteflies leading to population explosions.},
}
@article {pmid36467722,
year = {2022},
author = {Hodosi, R and Kazimirova, M and Soltys, K},
title = {What do we know about the microbiome of I. ricinus?.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {990889},
pmid = {36467722},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodes ; *Microbiota ; Coxiella ; Symbiosis ; *Rickettsia ; *Francisella tularensis ; },
abstract = {I. ricinus is an obligate hematophagous parasitic arthropod that is responsible for the transmission of a wide range of zoonotic pathogens including spirochetes of the genus Borrelia, Rickettsia spp., C. burnetii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Francisella tularensis, which are part the tick´s microbiome. Most of the studies focus on "pathogens" and only very few elucidate the role of "non-pathogenic" symbiotic microorganisms in I. ricinus. While most of the members of the microbiome are leading an intracellular lifestyle, they are able to complement tick´s nutrition and stress response having a great impact on tick´s survival and transmission of pathogens. The composition of the tick´s microbiome is not consistent and can be tied to the environment, tick species, developmental stage, or specific organ or tissue. Ovarian tissue harbors a stable microbiome consisting mainly but not exclusively of endosymbiotic bacteria, while the microbiome of the digestive system is rather unstable, and together with salivary glands, is mostly comprised of pathogens. The most prevalent endosymbionts found in ticks are Rickettsia spp., Ricketsiella spp., Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts, Spiroplasma spp. and Candidatus Midichloria spp. Since microorganisms can modify ticks' behavior, such as mobility, feeding or saliva production, which results in increased survival rates, we aimed to elucidate the potential, tight relationship, and interaction between bacteria of the I. ricinus microbiome. Here we show that endosymbionts including Coxiella-like spp., can provide I. ricinus with different types of vitamin B (B2, B6, B7, B9) essential for eukaryotic organisms. Furthermore, we hypothesize that survival of Wolbachia spp., or the bacterial pathogen A. phagocytophilum can be supported by the tick itself since coinfection with symbiotic Spiroplasma ixodetis provides I. ricinus with complete metabolic pathway of folate biosynthesis necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division. Manipulation of tick´s endosymbiotic microbiome could present a perspective way of I. ricinus control and regulation of spread of emerging bacterial pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid36472572,
year = {2022},
author = {Pilgrim, J},
title = {The opportunities of research parasitism: A case study using the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD).},
journal = {GigaScience},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {36472572},
issn = {2047-217X},
mesh = {*Biological Science Disciplines ; },
abstract = {The Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) is primarily used to identify biological specimens based on a mitochondrial gene sequence and has been an underpinning resource for life science researchers. Importantly, curators of BOLD archive DNA extracts where possible, and also record contaminant sequences that can be made available on request. This collegial offering of samples and data led to our work describing the serendipitous discovery of new interactions between a Torix Rickettsia bacterium and their arthropod hosts and resulted in winning the 2022 Junior Research Parasite Award. A case study of this work is presented, which discusses the opportunities provided by secondary data and how careful maintenance of such large-scale repositories plays a vital role in scientific research that goes beyond obvious lines of enquiry.},
}
@article {pmid36473013,
year = {2022},
author = {Liu, L and Sonenshine, DE and Sultana, H and Neelakanta, G},
title = {Identification of a rickettsial endosymbiont in a soft tick Ornithodoros turicata americanus.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {17},
number = {12},
pages = {e0278582},
pmid = {36473013},
issn = {1932-6203},
support = {R01 AI130116/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Argasidae/genetics ; *Ornithodoros/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Senegal ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts are abundantly found in both hard and soft ticks. Occidentia massiliensis, a rickettsial endosymbiont, was first identified in the soft tick Ornithodoros sonrai collected from Senegal and later was identified in a hard tick Africaniella transversale. In this study, we noted the presence of Occidentia species, designated as Occidentia-like species, in a soft tick O. turicata americanus. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the two genetic markers, 16S rRNA and groEL confirmed the presence of Occidentia-like species in O. turicata americanus ticks. The Occidentia-like species was noted to be present in all developmental stages of O. turicata americanus and in different tick tissues including ovaries, synganglion, guts and salivary gland. The levels of Occidentia-like species 16S rRNA transcripts were noted to be significantly higher in ovaries than in a gut tissue. In addition, Occidentia-like species groEL expression was noted to be significantly higher in tick synganglion than in ovaries and gut tissues. Furthermore, levels of Occidentia-like species 16S rRNA transcripts increased significantly upon O. turicata americanus blood feeding. Taken together, our study not only shows that Occidentia-like species is present in O. turicata americanus but also suggests that this bacterium may play a role in tick-bacteria interactions.},
}
@article {pmid36478675,
year = {2022},
author = {Adegoke, A and Kumar, D and Budachetri, K and Karim, S},
title = {Hematophagy and tick-borne Rickettsial pathogen shape the microbial community structure and predicted functions within the tick vector, Amblyomma maculatum.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1037387},
pmid = {36478675},
issn = {2235-2988},
support = {P20 GM103476/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R15 AI167013/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R15 GM123431/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R15 AI099910/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Amblyomma ; *Ticks ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ticks are the primary vectors of emerging and resurging pathogens of public health significance worldwide. Analyzing tick bacterial composition, diversity, and functionality across developmental stages and tissues is crucial for designing new strategies to control ticks and prevent tick-borne diseases.<br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we explored the microbial communities across the developmental timeline and in different tissues of the Gulf-Coast ticks (Amblyomma maculatum). Using a high-throughput sequencing approach, the influence of blood meal and Rickettsia parkeri, a spotted fever group rickettsiae infection in driving changes in microbiome composition, diversity, and functionality was determined.<br><br>RESULTS: This study shows that the core microbiome of Am. maculatum comprises ten core bacterial genera. The genus Rickettsia, Francisella, and Candidatus_Midichloria are the key players, with positive interactions within each developmental stage and adult tick organ tested. Blood meal and Rickettsia parkeri led to an increase in the bacterial abundance in the tissues. According to functional analysis, the increase in bacterial numbers is positively correlated to highly abundant energy metabolism orthologs with blood meal. Correlation analysis identified an increase in OTUs identified as Candidatus Midichloria and a subsequent decrease in Francisella OTUs in Rickettsia parkeri infected tick stages and tissues. Results demonstrate the abundance of Rickettsia and Francisella predominate in the core microbiome of Am. maculatum, whereas Candidatus_Midichloria and Cutibacterium prevalence increase with R. parkeri-infection. Network analysis and functional annotation suggest that R. parkeri interacts positively with Candidatus_Midichloria and negatively with Francisella.<br><br>CONCLUSION: We conclude that tick-transmitted pathogens, such as R. parkeri establishes infection by interacting with the core microbiome of the tick vector.},
}
@article {pmid36480982,
year = {2023},
author = {Morales, J and Ehret, G and Poschmann, G and Reinicke, T and Maurya, AK and Kröninger, L and Zanini, D and Wolters, R and Kalyanaraman, D and Krakovka, M and Bäumers, M and Stühler, K and Nowack, ECM},
title = {Host-symbiont interactions in Angomonas deanei include the evolution of a host-derived dynamin ring around the endosymbiont division site.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {28-40.e7},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2022.11.020},
pmid = {36480982},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Bacteria/genetics ; *Trypanosomatina/genetics/metabolism/microbiology ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei is a model to study endosymbiosis. Each cell contains a single β-proteobacterial endosymbiont that divides at a defined point in the host cell cycle and contributes essential metabolites to the host metabolism. Additionally, one endosymbiont gene, encoding an ornithine cyclodeaminase (OCD), was transferred by endosymbiotic gene transfer (EGT) to the nucleus. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the intricate host/symbiont interactions are largely unexplored. Here, we used protein mass spectrometry to identify nucleus-encoded proteins that co-purify with the endosymbiont. Expression of fluorescent fusion constructs of these proteins in A. deanei confirmed seven host proteins to be recruited to specific sites within the endosymbiont. These endosymbiont-targeted proteins (ETPs) include two proteins annotated as dynamin-like protein and peptidoglycan hydrolase that form a ring-shaped structure around the endosymbiont division site that remarkably resembles organellar division machineries. The EGT-derived OCD was not among the ETPs, but instead localizes to the glycosome, likely enabling proline production in the glycosome. We hypothesize that recalibration of the metabolic capacity of the glycosomes that are closely associated with the endosymbiont helps to supply the endosymbiont with metabolites it is auxotrophic for and thus supports the integration of host and endosymbiont metabolic networks. Hence, scrutiny of endosymbiosis-induced protein re-localization patterns in A. deanei yielded profound insights into how an endosymbiotic relationship can stabilize and deepen over time far beyond the level of metabolite exchange.},
}
@article {pmid36501390,
year = {2022},
author = {Yu, W and Bosquée, E and Fan, J and Liu, Y and Bragard, C and Francis, F and Chen, J},
title = {Proteomic and Transcriptomic Analysis for Identification of Endosymbiotic Bacteria Associated with BYDV Transmission Efficiency by Sitobion miscanthi.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {23},
pages = {},
pmid = {36501390},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2021YFH0112//Sichuan Science and Technology Program/ ; 2021YFYZ0021//Sichuan Breeding Research Program/ ; 2010DF A32810, 2014DFG32270//China-Belgium Cooperation Project/ ; 31371946//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; SKLOF202110//Opening Fund of State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests (SKLOpening Fund of State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests/ ; },
abstract = {Sitobion miscanthi, an important viral vector of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), is also symbiotically associated with endosymbionts, but little is known about the interactions between endosymbionts, aphid and BYDV. Therefore, two aphids' geographic populations, differing in their BYDV transmission efficiency, after characterizing their endosymbionts, were treated with antibiotics to investigate how changes in the composition of their endosymbiont population affected BYDV transmission efficiency. After antibiotic treatment, Rickettsia was eliminated from two geographic populations. BYDV transmission efficiency by STY geographic population dropped significantly, by -44.2% with ampicillin and -25.01% with rifampicin, but HDZ geographic population decreased by only 14.19% with ampicillin and 23.88% with rifampicin. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the number of DEGs related to the immune system, carbohydrate metabolism and lipid metabolism did increase in the STY rifampicin treatment, while replication and repair, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism increased in the STY ampicillin treatment. Proteomic analysis showed that the abundance of symbionin symL, nascent polypeptide-associated complex subunit alpha and proteasome differed significantly between the two geographic populations. We found that the endosymbionts can mediate vector viral transmission. They should therefore be included in investigations into aphid-virus interactions and plant disease epidemiology. Our findings should also help with the development of strategies to prevent virus transmission.},
}
@article {pmid36502993,
year = {2023},
author = {Venkataravanappa, V and Kodandaram, MH and Prasanna, HC and Reddy, MK and Reddy, CNL},
title = {Unraveling different begomoviruses, DNA satellites and cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci and their endosymbionts in vegetable ecosystem.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {174},
number = {},
pages = {105892},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105892},
pmid = {36502993},
issn = {1096-1208},
mesh = {Animals ; Vegetables ; Ecosystem ; *Begomovirus/genetics ; Crops, Agricultural/genetics ; *Hemiptera ; DNA ; Plant Diseases ; },
abstract = {Bemisia tabaci species complex contains more than 46 cryptic species. It has emerged as an important pest causing significant yield loss in many cultivated crops. This pest is also a vector for more than 100 species of begomoviruses, that are a major threat for the cultivation of many crops in different regions of the world. The relation between cryptic species of the B. tabaci species complex and associated begomoviruses that infect different crops remains unclear. In the present study, four cryptic species (Asia I, China 3, Asia II 5 and Asia II-1) of B. tabaci and four associated endosymbionts (Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Rickettsia and Wolbachia) were identified in different vegetable crops. The vector-based PCR detection revealed five different begomoviruses such as okra enation leaf curl virus (OELCuV), tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPalV), squash leaf curl China virus (SLCCNV), chilli leaf curl virus (ChiLCuV), and tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). Of these begomoviruses, the maximum infection rate was observed (9.1%) for OELCuV, followed by 7.3% for ToLCNDV. The infection rate of the other three viruses (SLCCNV, ChiLCuV, ToLCPalV) ranged from 0.9 to 2.7% in cryptic species of B. tabaci. Further, each cryptic species was infected with multiple virus species and the virus infection rate of Asia I, Asia II-5, China 3 and Asia II-1 was 21.2%, 15.1%, 15.1% and 0.6% respectively. Similarly, in case of betasatellites the highest infection rate was 12% for ToLCBDB, followed by 6% for OLCuB and PaLCB. With regard to alphasatellites, the highest infection rate was 18.2% for AEV and 3% for CLCuMuA. This study demonstrates the distribution of cryptic species of whitefly and their endosymbionts, and associated begomoviruses and DNA satellites in vegetable ecosystem. We believe that the information generated here is useful for evolving an effective pest management strategies for vegetable production.},
}
@article {pmid36504779,
year = {2022},
author = {Liberman, R and Benayahu, Y and Huchon, D},
title = {Octocorals in the Gulf of Aqaba exhibit high photosymbiont fidelity.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1005471},
pmid = {36504779},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Symbiotic associations, widespread in terrestrial and marine ecosystems, are of considerable ecological importance. Many tropical coral species are holobionts, formed by the obligate association between a cnidarian host and endosymbiotic dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae. The latter are abundant on coral reefs from very shallow water down to the upper mesophotic zone (30-70 m). The research on scleractinians has revealed that the photosymbiont lineages present in the cnidarian host play an important role in the coral's ability to thrive under different environmental conditions, such as light regime and temperature. However, little is known regarding octocoral photosymbionts, and in particular regarding those found deeper than 30 m. Here, we used ribosomal (ITS2) and chloroplast (23S) markers to uncover, for the first time, the dominant Symbiodiniaceae taxa present in 19 mesophotic octocoral species (30-70 m depth) from the Gulf of Aqaba/Eilat (northern Red Sea). In addition, using high-throughput sequencing of the ITS2 region we characterized both the dominant and the rare Symbiodiniaceae lineages found in several species across depth. The phylogenetic analyses of both markers were in agreement and revealed that most of the studied mesophotic octocorals host the genus Cladocopium. Litophyton spp. and Klyxum utinomii were exceptions, as they harbored Symbiodinium and Durusdinium photosymbionts, respectively. While the dominant algal lineage of each coral species did not vary across depth, the endosymbiont community structure significantly differed between host species, as well as between different depths for some host species. The findings from this study contribute to the growing global-catalogue of Cnidaria-Symbiodiniaceae associations. Unravelling the Symbiodiniaceae composition in octocoral holobionts across environmental gradients, depth in particular, may enable a better understanding of how specialized those associations are, and to what extent coral holobionts are able to modify their photosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid36504780,
year = {2022},
author = {Li, T and Wei, Y and Zhao, C and Li, S and Gao, S and Zhang, Y and Wu, Y and Lu, C},
title = {Facultative symbionts are potential agents of symbiont-mediated RNAi in aphids.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1020461},
pmid = {36504780},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Aphids are major crop pests, and they can be controlled through the application of the promising RNA interference (RNAi) techniques. However, chemical synthesis yield of dsRNA for RNAi is low and costly. Another sustainable aphid pest control strategy takes advantage of symbiont-mediated RNAi (SMR), which can generate dsRNA by engineered microbes. Aphid host the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola and various facultative symbionts that not only have a wide host range but are also vertically and horizontally transmitted. Thus, we described the potential of facultative symbionts in aphid pest control by SMR. We summarized the community and host range of these facultative symbionts, and then reviewed their probable horizontal transmitted routes and ecological functions. Moreover, recent advances in the cultivation and genetic engineering of aphid facultative symbionts were discussed. In addition, current legislation of dsRNA-based pest control strategies and their safety assessments were reviewed.},
}
@article {pmid36505058,
year = {2022},
author = {Alarcón, ME and Polo, PG and Akyüz, SN and Rafiqi, AM},
title = {Evolution and ontogeny of bacteriocytes in insects.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1034066},
pmid = {36505058},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {The ontogenetic origins of the bacteriocytes, which are cells that harbour bacterial intracellular endosymbionts in multicellular animals, are unknown. During embryonic development, a series of morphological and transcriptional changes determine the fate of distinct cell types. The ontogeny of bacteriocytes is intimately linked with the evolutionary transition of endosymbionts from an extracellular to an intracellular environment, which in turn is linked to the diet of the host insect. Here we review the evolution and development of bacteriocytes in insects. We first classify the endosymbiotic occupants of bacteriocytes, highlighting the complex challenges they pose to the host. Then, we recall the historical account of the discovery of bacteriocytes. We then summarize the molecular interactions between the endosymbiont and the host. In addition, we illustrate the genetic contexts in which the bacteriocytes develop, with examples of the genetic changes in the hosts and endosymbionts, during specific endosymbiotic associations. We finally address the evolutionary origin as well as the putative ontogenetic or developmental source of bacteriocytes in insects.},
}
@article {pmid36510006,
year = {2023},
author = {Elder, H and Million, WC and Bartels, E and Krediet, CJ and Muller, EM and Kenkel, CD},
title = {Long-term maintenance of a heterologous symbiont association in Acropora palmata on natural reefs.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {486-489},
pmid = {36510006},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Child ; Coral Reefs ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics ; Acclimatization/physiology ; Genotype ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The sensitivity of reef-building coral to elevated temperature is a function of their symbiosis with dinoflagellate algae in the family Symbiodiniaceae. Changes in the composition of the endosymbiont community in response to thermal stress can increase coral thermal tolerance. Consequently, this mechanism is being investigated as a human-assisted intervention for rapid acclimation of coral in the face of climate change. Successful establishment of novel symbioses that increase coral thermal tolerance have been demonstrated in laboratory conditions; however, it is unclear how long these heterologous relationships persist in nature. Here, we test the persistence of a novel symbiosis between Acropora palmata and Durusdinium spp. from Mote Marine Laboratory's ex situ nursery by outplanting clonal replicates (ramets) of five A. palmata host genotypes to natural reefs in the lower Florida Keys. Amplicon sequencing analysis of ITS2-type profiles revealed that the majority of surviving ramets remained dominated by Durusdinium spp. two years after transplantation. However, 15% of ramets, including representatives of all genotypes, exhibited some degree of symbiont shuffling or switching at six of eight sites, including complete takeover by site-specific strains of the native symbiont, Symbiodinium fitti. The predominant long-term stability of the novel symbiosis supports the potential effectiveness of symbiont modification as a management tool. Although, the finding that 6-7 year-old coral can alter symbiont community composition in the absence of bleaching indicates that Symbiodiniaceae communities are indeed capable of great flexibility under ambient conditions.},
}
@article {pmid36515176,
year = {2023},
author = {Wang, D and He, H and Wei, C},
title = {Cellular and potential molecular mechanisms underlying transovarial transmission of the obligate symbiont Sulcia in cicadas.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {4},
pages = {836-852},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16310},
pmid = {36515176},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Leucine ; *Flavobacteriaceae ; Signal Transduction ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Vertical transmission of symbionts in insects is critical to persistence of symbioses across host generations. The key time point and related cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying the transmission in most insects remain unclear. Here, we reveal that in the bacteriome-endosymbiont system of the cicada Meimuna mongolica, the obligate symbiont Candidatus Sulcia muelleri (hereafter Sulcia) proliferates and migrates to the ovaries mainly after the adult emergence of cicadas. Sulcia cells swell to approximately twice their previous size with the outer membrane changed to be more irregular during this process. Almost all the Sulcia genes involved in biosynthesis of essential amino acids, heat shock protein, energy metabolism, DNA replication and repair and protein export were highly expressed in all life stages of cicadas. Among which, genes involved in DNA replication and synthesis of leucine and arginine were upregulated in the newly emerged adults relative to fifth-instar nymphs. Signal transduction is the pronounced function exhibited in both Sulcia and the cicada bacteriomes in newly emerged adults. The results suggest host sensing of arginine and leucine integrate Sulcia's output of host-EAAs into mTORC1 signalling. This study highlights the importance of signalling pathways in regulating the host/symbiont interaction and symbiont transmission in sap-feeding auchenorrhynchous insects.},
}
@article {pmid36516405,
year = {2023},
author = {Roldán, EL and Stelinski, LL and Pelz-Stelinski, KS},
title = {Foliar Antibiotic Treatment Reduces Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus Acquisition by the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), but Does not Reduce Tree Infection Rate.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {116},
number = {1},
pages = {78-89},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toac200},
pmid = {36516405},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Citrus/microbiology ; Liberibacter ; Trees ; *Rhizobiaceae ; *Insecticides ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Oxytetracycline ; Plant Diseases/prevention &amp; control/microbiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Streptomycin ; },
abstract = {Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, is the most destructive disease of cultivated citrus worldwide. Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the putative causal agent of HLB, is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae). In Florida, D. citri was first reported in 1998, and CLas was confirmed in 2005. Management of HLB relies on the use of insecticides to reduce vector populations. In 2016, antibiotics were approved to manage CLas infection in citrus. Diaphorina citri is host to several bacterial endosymbionts and reducing endosymbiont abundance is known to cause a corresponding reduction in host fitness. We hypothesized that applications of oxytetracycline and streptomycin would reduce: CLas populations in young and mature citrus trees, CLas acquisition by D. citri, and D. citri abundance. Our results indicate that treatment of citrus with oxytetracycline and streptomycin reduced acquisition of CLas by D. citri adults and emerging F1 nymphs as compared with that observed in trees treated only with insecticides, but not with antibiotics. However, under field conditions, neither antibiotic treatment frequency tested affected CLas infection of young or mature trees as compared with insecticide treatment alone (negative control); whereas trees enveloped with mesh screening that excluded vectors did prevent bacterial infection (positive control). Populations of D. citri were not consistently affected by antibiotic treatment under field conditions, as compared with an insecticide only comparison. Collectively, our results suggest that while foliar application of oxytetracycline and streptomycin to citrus reduces acquisition of CLas bacteria by the vector, even high frequency applications of these formulations under field conditions do not prevent or reduce tree infection.},
}
@article {pmid36519169,
year = {2022},
author = {Arai, H and Inoue, MN and Kageyama, D},
title = {Male-killing mechanisms vary between Spiroplasma species.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1075199},
pmid = {36519169},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Male-killing, a male-specific death of arthropod hosts during development, is induced by Spiroplasma (Mollicutes) endosymbionts of the Citri-Poulsonii and the Ixodetis groups, which are phylogenetically distant groups. Spiroplasma poulsonii induces male-killing in Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera) using the Spaid toxin that harbors ankyrin repeats, whereas little is known about the origin and mechanisms of male-killing induced by Spiroplasma ixodetis. Here, we analyzed the genome and the biological characteristics of a male-killing S. ixodetis strain sHm in the moth Homona magnanima (Tortricidae, Lepidoptera). Strain sHm harbored a 2.1 Mb chromosome and two potential plasmids encoding Type IV effectors, putatively involved in virulence and host-symbiont interactions. Moreover, sHm did not harbor the spaid gene but harbored 10 ankyrin genes that were homologous to those in other S. ixodetis strains. In contrast to the predominant existence of S. poulsonii in hemolymph, our quantitative PCR assays revealed a systemic distribution of strain sHm in H. magnanima, with particularly high titers in Malpighian tubules but low titers in hemolymph. Furthermore, transinfection assays confirmed that strain sHm can infect cultured cells derived from distantly related insects, namely Aedes albopictus (Diptera) and Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera). These results suggest different origins and characteristics of S. ixodetis- and S. poulsonii-induced male-killing.},
}
@article {pmid36530420,
year = {2022},
author = {Zhang, H and Gao, J and Ma, Z and Liu, Y and Wang, G and Liu, Q and Du, Y and Xing, D and Li, C and Zhao, T and Jiang, Y and Dong, Y and Guo, X and Zhao, T},
title = {Wolbachia infection in field-collected Aedes aegypti in Yunnan Province, southwestern China.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1082809},
pmid = {36530420},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Aedes/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; China/epidemiology ; DNA Primers ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is gram-negative and common intracellular bacteria, which is maternally inherited endosymbionts and could expand their propagation in host populations by means of various manipulations. Recent reports reveal the natural infection of Wolbachia in Aedes Aegypti in Malaysia, India, Philippines, Thailand and the United States. At present, none of Wolbachia natural infection in Ae. aegypti has been reported in China.<br><br>METHODS: A total of 480 Ae. aegypti adult mosquitoes were collected from October and November 2018 based on the results of previous investigations and the distribution of Ae. aegypti in Yunnan. Each individual sample was processed and screened for the presence of Wolbachia by PCR with wsp primers. Phylogenetic trees for the wsp gene was constructed using the neighbour-joining method with 1,000 bootstrap replicates, and the p-distance distribution model of molecular evolution was applied.<br><br>RESULTS: 24 individual adult mosquito samples and 10 sample sites were positive for Wolbachia infection. The Wolbachia infection rate (IR) of each population ranged from 0 - 41.7%. The infection rate of group A alone was 0%-10%, the infection rate of group B alone was 0%-7.7%, and the infection rate of co-infection with A and B was 0-33.3%.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Wolbachia infection in wild Ae. aegypti in China is the first report based on PCR amplification of the Wolbachia wsp gene. The Wolbachia infection is 5%, and the wAlbA and wAlbB strains were found to be prevalent in the natural population of Ae. aegypti in Yunnan Province.},
}
@article {pmid36533142,
year = {2022},
author = {Zucker, F and Bischoff, V and Olo Ndela, E and Heyerhoff, B and Poehlein, A and Freese, HM and Roux, S and Simon, M and Enault, F and Moraru, C},
title = {New Microviridae isolated from Sulfitobacter reveals two cosmopolitan subfamilies of single-stranded DNA phages infecting marine and terrestrial Alphaproteobacteria.},
journal = {Virus evolution},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {veac070},
pmid = {36533142},
issn = {2057-1577},
abstract = {The Microviridae family represents one of the major clades of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) phages. Their cultivated members are lytic and infect Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Chlamydiae. Prophages have been predicted in the genomes from Bacteroidales, Hyphomicrobiales, and Enterobacteriaceae and cluster within the 'Alpavirinae', 'Amoyvirinae', and Gokushovirinae. We have isolated 'Ascunsovirus oldenburgi' ICBM5, a novel phage distantly related to known Microviridae. It infects Sulfitobacter dubius SH24-1b and uses both a lytic and a carrier-state life strategy. Using ICBM5 proteins as a query, we uncovered in publicly available resources sixty-five new Microviridae prophages and episomes in bacterial genomes and retrieved forty-seven environmental viral genomes (EVGs) from various viromes. Genome clustering based on protein content and phylogenetic analysis showed that ICBM5, together with Rhizobium phages, new prophages, episomes, and EVGs cluster within two new phylogenetic clades, here tentatively assigned the rank of subfamily and named 'Tainavirinae' and 'Occultatumvirinae'. They both infect Rhodobacterales. Occultatumviruses also infect Hyphomicrobiales, including nitrogen-fixing endosymbionts from cosmopolitan legumes. A biogeographical assessment showed that tainaviruses and occultatumviruses are spread worldwide, in terrestrial and marine environments. The new phage isolated here sheds light onto new and diverse branches of the Microviridae tree, suggesting that much of the ssDNA phage diversity remains in the dark.},
}
@article {pmid36534288,
year = {2023},
author = {Espino-Vázquez, AN and Córdova-López, G and Cabrera-Rangel, JF and Mendoza-Servín, JV and Partida-Martínez, LP},
title = {The Rhizopus Holobiont: A Model to Decipher Fungal-Bacterial-Viral Symbioses.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2610},
number = {},
pages = {137-147},
pmid = {36534288},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Humans ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Burkholderia/genetics/metabolism ; Reproduction ; Reproduction, Asexual ; Rhizopus/genetics ; *Bacteriophages ; },
abstract = {Rhizopus microsporus is an early-diverging fungal species that inhabits the soil, is used for the fermentation of diverse Asian and African foods, and can be a pathogen of plants, animals, and humans.Toxin-producing strains of R. microsporus live in symbiosis with Gram-negative betaproteobacteria from the genus Mycetohabitans (Burkholderia sensu lato). These bacterial endosymbionts increase the metabolic plasticity of the fungal holobiont by producing the "mycotoxins," control their asexual reproduction, and influence their sexual success. Recently, we identified two viruses of the genus Narnavirus in some R. microsporus strains that harbor Mycetohabitans. By eliminating bacteria and/or viruses from host R. microsporus strains, we have been able to study the role of these symbionts in fungal biology. Remarkably, the absence of these bacterial and viral symbionts decreases sexual reproduction. In this chapter, the method developed to eliminate and genotype the Narnavirus RmNV-20S and RmNV-23S in R. microsporus is described in detail.},
}
@article {pmid36546855,
year = {2023},
author = {Fujiwara, A and Meng, XY and Kamagata, Y and Tsuchida, T},
title = {Subcellular Niche Segregation of Co-Obligate Symbionts in Whiteflies.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {e0468422},
pmid = {36546855},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Many insects contain endosymbiotic bacteria within their bodies. In multiple endosymbiotic systems comprising two or more symbionts, each of the symbionts is generally localized in a different host cell or tissue. Bemisia tabaci (Sweet potato whitefly) possesses a unique endosymbiotic system where co-obligate symbionts are localized in the same bacteriocytes. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we found that endosymbionts in B. tabaci MEAM1 occupy distinct subcellular habitats, or niches, within a single bacteriocyte. Hamiltonella was located adjacent to the nucleus of the bacteriocyte, while Portiera was present in the cytoplasm surrounding Hamiltonella. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the endoplasmic reticulum separates the two symbionts. Habitat segregation was maintained for longer durations in female bacteriocytes. The same segregation was observed in three genetically distinct B. tabaci groups (MEAM1, MED Q1, and Asia II 6) and Trialeurodes vaporariorum, which shared a common ancestor with Bemisia over 80 million years ago, even though the coexisting symbionts and the size of bacteriocytes were different. These results suggest that the habitat segregation system existed in the common ancestor and was conserved in both lineages, despite different bacterial partners coexisting with Portiera. Our findings provide insights into the evolution and maintenance of complex endosymbiotic systems and highlight the importance of organelles for the construction of separate niches for endosymbionts. IMPORTANCE Co-obligate endosymbionts in B. tabaci are exceptionally localized within the same bacteriocyte (a specialized cell for endosymbiosis), but the underlying mechanism for their coexistence remains largely unknown. This study provides evidence for niche segregation at the subcellular level between the two symbionts. We showed that the endoplasmic reticulum is a physical barrier separating the two species. Despite differences in co-obligate partners, this subcellular niche segregation was conserved across various whitefly species. The physical proximity of symbionts may enable the efficient biosynthesis of essential nutrients via shared metabolic pathways. The expression "Good fences make good neighbors" appears to be true for insect endosymbiotic systems.},
}
@article {pmid36548668,
year = {2022},
author = {Zeng, W and Li, Z and Jiang, T and Cheng, D and Yang, L and Hang, T and Duan, L and Zhu, D and Fang, Y and Zhang, Y},
title = {Identification of Bacterial Communities and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Haemaphysalis spp. Collected from Shanghai, China.},
journal = {Tropical medicine and infectious disease},
volume = {7},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {36548668},
issn = {2414-6366},
support = {GWV-10.1-XK13//Fifth Round of Three-year Action for Public Health System Construction in Shanghai/ ; 2017FY101203//The Special Foundation of Basic Science and Technology Resources Survey of Ministry of Science and Technology of China/ ; 21YF1452200//Shanghai sailing program/ ; },
abstract = {Ticks can carry and transmit a large number of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and protozoa, posing a huge threat to human health and animal husbandry. Previous investigations have shown that the dominant species of ticks in Shanghai are Haemaphysalis flava and Haemaphysalis longicornis. However, no relevant investigations and research have been carried out in recent decades. Therefore, we investigated the bacterial communities and tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in Haemaphysalis spp. from Shanghai, China. Ixodid ticks were collected from 18 sites in Shanghai, China, and identified using morphological and molecular methods. The V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were amplified from the pooled tick DNA samples and subject to metagenomic analysis. The microbial diversity in the tick samples was estimated using the alpha diversity that includes the observed species index and Shannon index. The Unifrac distance matrix as determined using the QIIME software was used for unweighted Unifrac Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). Individual tick DNA samples were screened with genus-specific or group-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for these TBPs and combined with a sequencing assay to confirm the results of the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. We found H. flava and H. longicornis to be the dominant species of ticks in Shanghai in this study. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria are the main bacterial communities of Haemaphysalis spp. The total species abundances of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, are 48.8%, 20.8% and 18.1%, respectively. At the level of genus analysis, H. longicornis and H. flava carried at least 946 genera of bacteria. The bacteria with high abundance include Lactobacillus, Coxiella, Rickettsia and Muribaculaceae. Additionally, Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia japonica, Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis, Anaplasma bovis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Coxiella spp. and Coxiella-like endosymbiont were detected in Haemaphysalis spp. from Shanghai, China. This study is the first report of bacterial communities and the prevalence of some main pathogens in Haemaphysalis spp. from Shanghai, China, and may provide insights and evidence for bacterial communities and the prevalence of the main pathogen in ticks. This study also indicates that people and other animals in Shanghai, China, are exposed to several TBPs.},
}
@article {pmid36554995,
year = {2022},
author = {Gümüşsoy, A and Yüksel, E and Özer, G and İmren, M and Canhilal, R and Amer, M and Dababat, AA},
title = {Identification and Biocontrol Potential of Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Their Endosymbiotic Bacteria in Apple Orchards against the Codling Moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {13},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {36554995},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is one of the major pests in pome fruit production worldwide. Heavy treatment of the larvae of C. pomonella with insecticides triggered the development of resistance to many groups of insecticides. In addition, the increasing concern about the adverse effects of synthetic insecticides on human health and the environment has led to the development of sustainable and eco-friendly control practices for C. pomonella. The entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) (Steinernema and Heterorhabditis spp.) and their endosymbionts (Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus spp.) represent a newly emerging approach to controlling a wide range of insect pests. In the present study, field surveys were conducted in apple orchards to isolate and identify EPNs and their endosymbionts and evaluate their insecticidal efficacy on the larvae of C. pomonella. EPNs were isolated from 12 of 100 soil samples (12%). Seven samples were identified as Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev, 1934) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), whereas five samples were assigned to Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar, 1976) (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae). The pathogenicity of the EPN species/isolates was screened on the last instar larvae of G. mellonella. The two most pathogenic isolates from each EPN species were tested against fifth instar larvae of C. pomonella under controlled conditions. The maximum mortality (100%) was achieved by all EPN species/isolates at a concentration of 100 IJs/larva 96 h after treatment. The endosymbionts of selected H. bacteriophora and S. feltiae species were identified as Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. kayaii and Xenorhabdus bovienii, respectively. The mortality rates ranged between 25 and 62% when the fifth larval instar larvae of C. pomonella were exposed to the treatment of cell-free supernatants of symbiotic bacteria. In essence, the present survey indicated that EPNs and their symbiotic bacteria have good potential for biological control of C. pomonella.},
}
@article {pmid36555052,
year = {2022},
author = {Tomanović, &#x17d; and Kavallieratos, NG and Ye, Z and Nika, EP and Petrović, A and Vollhardt, IMG and Vorburger, C},
title = {Cereal Aphid Parasitoids in Europe (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae): Taxonomy, Biodiversity, and Ecology.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {13},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {36555052},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {451-03-68/2022-14/200178//Serbian Ministry of Science and Education/ ; },
abstract = {Cereals are very common and widespread crops in Europe. Aphids are a diverse group of herbivorous pests on cereals and one of the most important limiting factors of cereal production. Here, we present an overview of knowledge about the taxonomy, biodiversity, and ecology of cereal aphid parasitoids in Europe, an important group of natural enemies contributing to cereal aphid control. We review the knowledge obtained from the integrative taxonomy of 26 cereal aphid primary parasitoid species, including two allochthonous species (Lysiphlebus testaceipes and Trioxys sunnysidensis) and two recently described species (Lipolexis labialis and Paralipsis brachycaudi). We further review 28 hyperparasitoid species belonging to three hymenopteran superfamilies and four families (Ceraphronoidea: Megaspillidae; Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae, Encyrtidae; Cynipoidea: Figitidae). We also compile knowledge on the presence of secondary endosymbionts in cereal aphids, as these are expected to influence the community composition and biocontrol efficiency of cereal aphid parasitoids. To study aphid-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid food webs more effectively, we present two kinds of DNA-based approach: (i) diagnostic PCR (mainly multiplex PCR), and (ii) DNA sequence-based methods. Finally, we also review the effects of landscape complexity on the different trophic levels in the food webs of cereal aphids and their associated parasitoids, as well as the impacts of agricultural practices and environmental variation.},
}
@article {pmid36555070,
year = {2022},
author = {Fan, ZY and Liu, Y and He, ZQ and Wen, Q and Chen, XY and Khan, MM and Osman, M and Mandour, NS and Qiu, BL},
title = {Rickettsia Infection Benefits Its Whitefly Hosts by Manipulating Their Nutrition and Defense.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {13},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {36555070},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Endosymbionts play an essential role in the biology, physiology and immunity of insects. Many insects, including the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, are infected with the facultative endosymbiont Rickettsia. However, the mutualism between Rickettsia and its whitefly host remains unclear. This study investigated the biological and physiological benefits of Rickettsia infection to B. tabaci. Results revealed that infection of Rickettsia increased the fertility, the survival rate from nymph to adult and the number of female whiteflies. In addition, this facilitation caused a significant reduction in nymphal developmental duration but did not affect percentage rate of egg hatching. Rickettsia infected B. tabaci had significantly higher glycogen, soluble sugar and trehalose contents than Rickettsia negative B. tabaci individuals. Rickettsia also improved the immunity of its whitefly hosts. Rickettsia infested B. tabaci had lower mortality rates and higher semi-lethal concentrations (LC50) when exposed to the fungus Akanthomyces attenuatus and the insecticides imidacloprid and spirotetramat. The percentage of parasitism by Encarsia formosa was also reduced by Rickettsia infection. Overall, Rickettsia infection benefits B. tabaci by improving the nutritional composition of its host, and also protects B. tabaci by enhancing its resistance towards insecticides (imidacloprid and spirotetramat), entomopathogenic fungi (A. attenuatus) and its main parasitoid (E. formosa); all of which could significantly impact on current management strategies.},
}
@article {pmid36558828,
year = {2022},
author = {Cabezas-Cruz, A and Fogaça, AC},
title = {Lock and Key: Why Rickettsia Endosymbionts Do Not Harm Vertebrate Hosts?.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {36558828},
issn = {2076-0817},
abstract = {Are tick endosymbionts transmitted to and able to injure vertebrate hosts [...].},
}
@article {pmid36569075,
year = {2022},
author = {Obert, T and Zhang, T and Rurik, I and Vďačný, P},
title = {First molecular evidence of hybridization in endosymbiotic ciliates (Protista, Ciliophora).},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1067315},
pmid = {36569075},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Hybridization is an important evolutionary process that can fuel diversification via formation of hybrid species or can lead to fusion of previously separated lineages by forming highly diverse species complexes. We provide here the first molecular evidence of hybridization in wild populations of ciliates, a highly diverse group of free-living and symbiotic eukaryotic microbes. The impact of hybridization was studied on the model of Plagiotoma, an obligate endosymbiont of the digestive tube of earthworms, using split decomposition analyses and species networks, 2D modeling of the nuclear rRNA molecules and compensatory base change analyses as well as multidimensional morphometrics. Gene flow slowed down and eventually hampered the diversification of Lumbricus-dwelling plagiotomids, which collapsed into a single highly variable biological entity, the P. lumbrici complex. Disruption of the species boundaries was suggested also by the continuum of morphological variability in the phenotypic space. On the other hand, hybridization conspicuously increased diversity in the nuclear rDNA cistron and somewhat weakened the host structural specificity of the P. lumbrici complex, whose members colonize a variety of phylogenetically closely related anecic and epigeic earthworms. By contrast, another recorded species, P. aporrectodeae sp. n., showed no signs of introgression, no variability in the rDNA cistron, and very high host specificity. These contrasting eco-evolutionary patterns indicate that hybridization might decrease the alpha-diversity by dissolving species boundaries, weaken the structural host specificity by broadening ecological amplitudes, and increase the nuclear rDNA variability by overcoming concerted evolution within the P. lumbrici species complex.},
}
@article {pmid36585292,
year = {2023},
author = {Minahan, NT and Wu, WJ and Tsai, KH},
title = {Rickettsia felis is an emerging human pathogen associated with cat fleas: A review of findings in Taiwan.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection = Wei mian yu gan ran za zhi},
volume = {56},
number = {1},
pages = {10-19},
doi = {10.1016/j.jmii.2022.12.006},
pmid = {36585292},
issn = {1995-9133},
mesh = {Aged ; Animals ; Cats ; Humans ; *Cat Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Ctenocephalides/microbiology ; Retrospective Studies ; *Rickettsia felis/genetics ; Rickettsia Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/microbiology ; Taiwan/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Rickettsia felis is an emerging rickettsial agent principally associated with cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis), formerly discovered in 1990. Since then, clinical cases of R. felis infection have been identified globally by specific DNA sequences in patients with undifferentiated febrile illness, including in Taiwan, but such evidence is limited. R. felis rickettsiosis is self-limiting and easily treated with doxycycline, but its diagnosis remains a challenge. Environmental risk factors for R. felis rickettsiosis have yet to be clearly demonstrated, and its transmission biology is incompletely understood. Cat fleas are naturally infected with R. felis at varying rates, and vector competence in the transmission of R. felis has been demonstrated in animal models, including dogs, which may serve as reservoir hosts. In northern Taiwan, despite ∼20% of cat fleas infesting companion animals consistently found to be infected with R. felis, only a few cases of potential R. felis infection have been identified through a retrospective serological investigation, though without molecular confirmation. Ecological studies have identified divergent R. felis-like organisms in different arthropod hosts, but these strains appear to serve as nonpathogenic endosymbionts. Although its association with disease is limited, we believe cat flea-borne R. felis warrants increased recognition in an aging population due to immunosenescence and the proximity of companion animals to the elderly. Adopting a One Health approach involving collaboration and communication between clinicians, veterinarians, public health practitioners, and environmental scientists will improve our knowledge about this neglected pathogen and promote the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid36589876,
year = {2022},
author = {Uni, S and Mat Udin, AS and Tan, PE and Rodrigues, J and Martin, C and Junker, K and Agatsuma, T and Low, VL and Lim, YA and Saijuntha, W and Omar, H and Zainuri, NA and Fukuda, M and Kimura, D and Matsubayashi, M and Uga, S and Takaoka, H and Azirun, MS and Ramli, R},
title = {Description and molecular characterisation of Pelecitus copsychi Uni, Mat Udin &amp; Martin n. sp. (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) from the white-rumped shama Copsychus malabaricus (Scopoli) (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae) of Pahang, Malaysia.},
journal = {Current research in parasitology &amp; vector-borne diseases},
volume = {2},
number = {},
pages = {100078},
pmid = {36589876},
issn = {2667-114X},
abstract = {Species of the genus Pelecitus Railliet &amp; Henry, 1910 the most widely distributed avian filariae in Africa and South America. Zoonotic cases in humans were reported in South America. While investigating the filarial fauna of wild animals in Malaysia, we discovered an undescribed filaria from the swollen footpad of the left leg of Copsychus malabaricus (Scopoli) in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. Adults of both sexes have a corkscrew-shaped body. Based on comparison of their morphological characteristics (i.e. pre-oesophageal cuticular ring distinct, oesophagus divided, vulva protuberant and situated at the level of anterior half of oesophagus, spicules strongly sclerotized and left spicule with broad blade) with other Pelecitus species, they are here described as Pelecitus copsychi Uni, Mat Udin &amp; Martin n. sp. Multi-locus sequence analyses based on seven genes (12S rDNA, cox1, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, MyoHC, rbp1 and hsp70) were performed to determine the phylogenetic position of the new species. The calculated p-distance between the cox1 gene sequences for P. copsychi n. sp. and Pelecitus fulicaeatrae (Diesing, 1861) was 14.1%. Intraspecific genetic variation between two individuals of the new species was 0.4%. In both the Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood trees, P. copsychi n. sp. was positioned in the second clade of ONC5, containing three genera of the subfamily Dirofilariinae (Foleyella Seurat, 1917, Pelecitus and Loa Stiles, 1905). Immunostaining and molecular analyses remained negative for the presence of Wolbachia endosymbionts. Our findings corroborate the division of the subfamily Dirofilariinae into ONC3 with Dirofilaria Railliet &amp; Henry, 1911 and ONC5 with Pelecitus.},
}
@article {pmid36597782,
year = {2023},
author = {Mahdhi, A and Mars, M and Rejili, M},
title = {Members of Ensifer and Rhizobium genera are new bacterial endosymbionts nodulating Pisum sativum (L.).},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {99},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiad001},
pmid = {36597782},
issn = {1574-6941},
mesh = {*Rhizobium/genetics ; Pisum sativum/genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; *Rhizobiaceae/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {A total of 84 Pisum sativum legume nodulating bacteria (LNB) were isolated from seven geographical sites from southern Tunisia. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial sequences of 16S rRNA gene and the housekeeping genes glnII, and recA grouped strains into six clusters, four of which belonged to the genus Rhizobium and two to the Ensifer genus. Among Rhizobium clusters, 41 strains were affiliated to Rhizobium leguminosarum, two strains to R. pisi, two strains to R. etli, and interestingly two strains belonged to previously undescribed Rhizobium species. The remaining two strains were closely related to Ensifer medicae (two strains) and Ensifer meliloti (two strains). A symbiotic nodC gene-based phylogeny and host specificity test showed that all Rhizobium strains nodulating pea belonged to the symbiovar viciae, whereas the Ensifer strains were associated with the symbiovar meliloti never described to date. All strains under investigation differed in the number of induced root nodules and the effectiveness of atmospheric nitrogen fixation. The R. leguminosarum PsZA23, R. leguminosarum PsGBL42, and E. medicae PsTA22a, forming the most effective symbiosis with the plant host, are potential candidates for inoculation programs.},
}
@article {pmid36598738,
year = {2025},
author = {Scholz, H},
title = {From Natural Behavior to Drug Screening: Invertebrates as Models to Study Mechanisms Associated with Alcohol Use Disorders.},
journal = {Current topics in behavioral neurosciences},
volume = {71},
number = {},
pages = {145-167},
pmid = {36598738},
issn = {1866-3370},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ethanol/pharmacology ; Humans ; *Disease Models, Animal ; *Invertebrates ; *Alcoholism/physiopathology ; Drosophila melanogaster ; *Behavior, Animal/drug effects/physiology ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; },
abstract = {Humans consume ethanol-containing beverages, which may cause an uncontrollable or difficult-to-control intake of ethanol-containing liquids and may result in alcohol use disorders. How the transition at the molecular level from "normal" ethanol-associated behaviors to addictive behaviors occurs is still unknown. One problem is that the components contributing to normal ethanol intake and their underlying molecular adaptations, especially in neurons that regulate behavior, are not clear. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the earthworm Caenorhabditis elegans show behavioral similarities to humans such as signs of intoxication, tolerance, and withdrawal. Underlying the phenotypic similarities, invertebrates and vertebrates share mechanistic similarities. For example in Drosophila melanogaster, the dopaminergic neurotransmitter system regulates the positive reinforcing properties of ethanol and in Caenorhabditis elegans, serotonergic neurons regulate feeding behavior. Since these mechanisms are fundamental molecular mechanisms and are highly conserved, invertebrates are good models for uncovering the basic principles of neuronal adaptation underlying the behavioral response to ethanol. This review will focus on the following aspects that might shed light on the mechanisms underlying normal ethanol-associated behaviors. First, the current status of what is required at the behavioral and cellular level to respond to naturally occurring levels of ethanol is summarized. Low levels of ethanol delay the development and activate compensatory mechanisms that in turn might be beneficial for some aspects of the animal's physiology. Repeated exposure to ethanol however might change brain structures involved in mediating learning and memory processes. The smell of ethanol is already a key component in the environment that is able to elicit behavioral changes and molecular programs. Minimal networks have been identified that regulate normal ethanol consumption. Other environmental factors that influence ethanol-induced behaviors include the diet, dietary supplements, and the microbiome. Second, the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal adaptation to the cellular stressor ethanol are discussed. Components of the heat shock and oxidative stress pathways regulate adaptive responses to low levels of ethanol and in turn change behavior. The adaptive potential of the brain cells is challenged when the organism encounters additional cellular stressors caused by aging, endosymbionts or environmental toxins or excessive ethanol intake. Finally, to underline the conserved nature of these mechanisms between invertebrates and higher organisms, recent approaches to identify drug targets for ethanol-induced behaviors are provided. Already approved drugs regulate ethanol-induced behaviors and they do so in part by interfering with cellular stress pathways. In addition, invertebrates have been used to identify new compounds targeting molecules involved in the regulation in ethanol withdrawal-like symptoms. This review primarily highlights the advances of the last 5 years concerning Drosophila melanogaster, but also provides intriguing examples of Caenorhabditis elegans and Apis mellifera in support.},
}
@article {pmid36602054,
year = {2023},
author = {Jin, L and Zhang, BW and Lu, JW and Liao, JA and Zhu, QJ and Lin, Y and Yu, XQ},
title = {The mechanism of Cry41-related toxin against Myzus persicae based on its interaction with Buchnera-derived ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {79},
number = {5},
pages = {1684-1691},
doi = {10.1002/ps.7340},
pmid = {36602054},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {PY21002//Fujian Key Laboratory of Ecology-toxicological Effects &amp; Control for Emerging Contaminants/ ; 2017YFD0201201//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 31772227//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids ; Phosphofructokinases/metabolism ; *Buchnera ; Phosphofructokinase-1/metabolism ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the most notorious pests of many crops worldwide. Most Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis show very low toxicity to M. persicae; however, a study showed that Cry41-related toxin had moderate toxic activity against M. persicae. In our previous work, potential Cry41-related toxin-binding proteins in M. persicae were identified, including cathepsin B, calcium-transporting ATPase, and Buchnera-derived ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase (PFKA). Buchnera is an endosymbiont present in almost all aphids and it provides necessary nutrients for aphid growth. This study investigated the role of Buchnera-derived PFKA in Cry41-related toxicity against M. persicae.<br><br>RESULTS: In this study, recombinant PFKA was expressed and purified, and in vitro assays revealed that PFKA bound to Cry41-related toxin, and Cry41-related toxin at 25&#x2009;&#x3bc;g&#x2009;ml[-1] significantly inhibited the activity of PFKA. In addition, when M. persicae was treated with 30&#x2009;&#x3bc;g&#x2009;ml[-1] of Cry41-related toxin for 24&#x2009;h, the expression of dnak, a single-copy gene in Buchnera, was significantly decreased, indicating a decrease in the number of Buchnera.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Cry41-related toxin interacts with Buchnera-derived PFKA to inhibit its enzymatic activity and likely impair cell viability, resulting in a decrease in the number of Buchnera, and finally leading to M. persicae death. These findings open up new perspectives in our understanding of the mode of action of Cry toxins and are useful in helping improve Cry toxicity for aphid control. &#xa9; 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid36602726,
year = {2023},
author = {Xiao, B and Li, D and Liao, B and Zheng, H and Yang, X and Xie, Y and Xie, Z and Li, C},
title = {Effects of microplastic combined with Cr(III) on apoptosis and energy pathway of coral endosymbiont.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {30},
number = {14},
pages = {39750-39763},
pmid = {36602726},
issn = {1614-7499},
support = {JCYJ20200109144803833//Shenzhen Science and Technology R&amp;D Fund/ ; KCXFZ202002011011057//Shenzhen Science and Technology R&amp;D Fund/ ; JCYJ20210324122606017//Shenzhen Science and Technology R&amp;D Fund/ ; KCXFZ202202011011033//Shenzhen Science and Technology R&amp;D Fund/ ; GJHZ20210705142000003//Shenzhen Science and Technology R&amp;D Fund/ ; 2020B1111030002//Guangdong Key Area R &amp; D Program Project/ ; 2022B1515020091//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; KJYF202001-06//Special Funds for Science Technology Innovation and Industrial Development of Shenzhen Dapeng, New District/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Microplastics ; Plastics/metabolism ; Caspase 3/metabolism ; NAD/metabolism ; Chlorophyll A/metabolism ; Polyethylene/metabolism ; Apoptosis ; Coral Reefs ; },
abstract = {The combined effect of polyethylene (PE) microplastics and chromium (Cr(III)) on the scleractinian coral Acropora pruinosa (A. pruinosa) was investigated. The endpoints analysed in this study included the endosymbiont density, the chlorophyll a + c content, and the activity of enzymes involved in apoptosis (caspase-1, caspase-3), glycolysis (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH), the pentose phosphate pathway (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PDH) and electron transfer coenzyme (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD[+]/NADH). During the 7-day exposure to PE and Cr(III) stress, the endosymbiont density and chlorophyll content decreased gradually. The caspase-1 and caspase-3 activities increased in the high-concentration Cr(III) exposure group. Furthermore, the LDH and G6PDH activities decreased significantly, and the NAD[+]/NADH was decreased significantly. In summary, the results showed that PE and Cr(III) stress inhibited the endosymbiont energy metabolism enzymes and further led to endosymbiont apoptosis in coral. In addition, under exposure to the combination of stressors, when the concentration of Cr(III) remained at 1 × 10[-2] mg/L, the toxic effects of heavy metals on the endosymbiont were temporarily relieved with elevated PE concentrations. In contrast, when coral polyps were exposed to 5 mg/L PE and increasing Cr(III) concentrations, their metabolic activities were seriously disturbed, which increased the burden of energy consumption. In the short term, the toxic effect of Cr(III) was more obvious than that of PE because Cr(III) exposure leads to endosymbiont apoptosis and irreversible damage. This is the first study to provide insights into the combined effect of microplastic and Cr(III) stress on the apoptosis and energy pathways of coral endosymbionts. This study suggested that microplastics combined with Cr(III) are an important factor affecting the apoptosis and energy metabolism of endosymbionts, accelerating the collapse of the balance between the coral host and symbiotic endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid36604515,
year = {2023},
author = {Dharamshi, JE and Köstlbacher, S and Schön, ME and Collingro, A and Ettema, TJG and Horn, M},
title = {Gene gain facilitated endosymbiotic evolution of Chlamydiae.},
journal = {Nature microbiology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {40-54},
pmid = {36604515},
issn = {2058-5276},
support = {P 32112/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bacteria/genetics ; *Chlamydia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Chlamydiae is a bacterial phylum composed of obligate animal and protist endosymbionts. However, other members of the Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobia-Chlamydiae superphylum are primarily free living. How Chlamydiae transitioned to an endosymbiotic lifestyle is still largely unresolved. Here we reconstructed Planctomycetes-Verrucomicrobia-Chlamydiae species relationships and modelled superphylum genome evolution. Gene content reconstruction from 11,996 gene families suggests a motile and facultatively anaerobic last common Chlamydiae ancestor that had already gained characteristic endosymbiont genes. Counter to expectations for genome streamlining in strict endosymbionts, we detected substantial gene gain within Chlamydiae. We found that divergence in energy metabolism and aerobiosis observed in extant lineages emerged later during chlamydial evolution. In particular, metabolic and aerobic genes characteristic of the more metabolically versatile protist-infecting chlamydiae were gained, such as respiratory chain complexes. Our results show that metabolic complexity can increase during endosymbiont evolution, adding an additional perspective for understanding symbiont evolutionary trajectories across the tree of life.},
}
@article {pmid36605741,
year = {2022},
author = {Büttner, H and Pidot, SJ and Scherlach, K and Hertweck, C},
title = {Endofungal bacteria boost anthelminthic host protection with the biosurfactant symbiosin.},
journal = {Chemical science},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {103-112},
pmid = {36605741},
issn = {2041-6520},
support = {P40 OD010440/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Effective protection of soil fungi from predators is crucial for their survival in the niche. Thus, fungi have developed efficient defence strategies. We discovered that soil beneficial Mortierella fungi employ a potent cytotoxin (necroxime) against fungivorous nematodes. Interestingly, this anthelminthic agent is produced by bacterial endosymbionts (Candidatus Mycoavidus necroximicus) residing within the fungus. Analysis of the symbiont's genome indicated a rich biosynthetic potential, yet nothing has been known about additional metabolites and their potential synergistic functions. Here we report that two distinct Mortierella endosymbionts produce a novel cyclic lipodepsipeptide (symbiosin), that is clearly of bacterial origin, but has striking similarities to various fungal specialized metabolites. The structure and absolute configuration of symbiosin were fully elucidated. By comparative genomics of symbiosin-positive strains and in silico analyses of the deduced non-ribosomal synthetases, we assigned the (sym) biosynthetic gene cluster and proposed an assembly line model. Bioassays revealed that symbiosin is not only an antibiotic, in particular against mycobacteria, but also exhibits marked synergistic effects with necroxime in anti-nematode tests. By functional analyses and substitution experiments we found that symbiosin is a potent biosurfactant and that this particular property confers a boost in the anthelmintic action, similar to formulations of therapeutics in human medicine. Our findings illustrate that "combination therapies" against parasites already exist in ecological contexts, which may inspire the development of biocontrol agents and therapeutics.},
}
@article {pmid36617670,
year = {2023},
author = {Torp, MK and Vaage, J and Stensløkken, KO},
title = {Mitochondria-derived damage-associated molecular patterns and inflammation in the ischemic-reperfused heart.},
journal = {Acta physiologica (Oxford, England)},
volume = {237},
number = {3},
pages = {e13920},
doi = {10.1111/apha.13920},
pmid = {36617670},
issn = {1748-1716},
mesh = {Humans ; *Myocardium/metabolism ; *Myocardial Infarction/metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism ; Inflammation/metabolism ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Cardiac cell death after myocardial infarction release endogenous structures termed damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that trigger the innate immune system and initiate a sterile inflammation in the myocardium. Cardiomyocytes are energy demanding cells and 30% of their volume are mitochondria. Mitochondria are evolutionary endosymbionts originating from bacteria containing molecular patterns similar to bacteria, termed mitochondrial DAMPs (mDAMPs). Consequently, mitochondrial debris may be particularly immunogenic and damaging. However, the role of mDAMPs in myocardial infarction is not clarified. Identifying the most harmful mDAMPs and inhibiting their early inflammatory signaling may reduce infarct size and the risk of developing post-infarct heart failure. The focus of this review is the role of mDAMPs in the immediate pro-inflammatory phase after myocardial infarction before arrival of immune cells in the myocardium. We discuss different mDAMPs, their role in physiology and present knowledge regarding their role in the inflammatory response of acute myocardial infarction.},
}
@article {pmid36624259,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhang, S and Wang, T and Lima, RM and Pettkó-Szandtner, A and Kereszt, A and Downie, JA and Kondorosi, E},
title = {Widely conserved AHL transcription factors are essential for NCR gene expression and nodule development in Medicago.},
journal = {Nature plants},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {280-288},
pmid = {36624259},
issn = {2055-0278},
support = {Balzan 2018//Fondazione Internazionale Premio Balzan (International Balzan Prize Foundation)/ ; },
mesh = {Root Nodules, Plant/genetics ; *Medicago truncatula/genetics ; Peptides/metabolism ; *Rhizobium/physiology ; Glycine max/genetics ; Gene Expression ; Symbiosis/physiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium bacteria in the cells of legume root nodules alleviates the need for nitrogen fertilizers. Nitrogen fixation requires the endosymbionts to differentiate into bacteroids which can be reversible or terminal. The latter is controlled by the plant, it is more beneficial and has evolved in multiple clades of the Leguminosae family. The plant effectors of terminal differentiation in inverted repeat-lacking clade legumes (IRLC) are nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides, which are absent in legumes such as soybean where there is no terminal differentiation of rhizobia. It was assumed that NCRs co-evolved with specific transcription factors, but our work demonstrates that expression of NCR genes does not require NCR-specific transcription factors. Introduction of the Medicago truncatula NCR169 gene under its own promoter into soybean roots resulted in its nodule-specific expression, leading to bacteroid changes associated with terminal differentiation. We identified two AT-Hook Motif Nuclear Localized (AHL) transcription factors from both M. truncatula and soybean nodules that bound to AT-rich sequences in the NCR169 promoter inducing its expression. Whereas mutation of NCR169 arrested bacteroid development at a late stage, the absence of MtAHL1 or MtAHL2 completely blocked bacteroid differentiation indicating that they also regulate other NCR genes required for the development of nitrogen-fixing nodules. Regulation of NCRs by orthologous transcription factors in non-IRLC legumes opens up the possibility of increasing the efficiency of nitrogen fixation in legumes lacking NCRs.},
}
@article {pmid36626858,
year = {2023},
author = {Husnik, F},
title = {Organellogenesis: Host proteins control symbiont cell divisions.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {R22-R25},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2022.11.028},
pmid = {36626858},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Organelles ; Bacteria ; Eukaryota ; },
abstract = {Understanding the order and importance of events through which endosymbionts transition into cellular organelles (organellogenesis) is central to hypotheses about the origin of the eukaryotic cell. A new study on host-symbiont integration in a unicellular eukaryote reveals host-derived cell-division proteins that are targeted to the cell envelope of a bacterial endosymbiont and involved in its cell division.},
}
@article {pmid36627918,
year = {2023},
author = {Singh, T and Sakai, K and Ishida-Castañeda, J and Iguchi, A},
title = {Short-term improvement of heat tolerance in naturally growing Acropora corals in Okinawa.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {e14629},
pmid = {36627918},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Coral Reefs ; *Thermotolerance ; Temperature ; Heat-Shock Response ; },
abstract = {Mass bleaching and subsequent mortality of reef corals by heat stress has increased globally since the late 20th century, due to global warming. Some experimental studies have reported that corals may increase heat tolerance for short periods, but only a few such studies have monitored naturally-growing colonies. Therefore, we monitored the survival, growth, and bleaching status of Acropora corals in fixed plots by distinguishing individual colonies on a heat-sensitive reef flat in Okinawa, Japan. The level of heat stress, assessed by the modified version of degree heating week duration in July and August, when the seawater temperature was the highest, was minimally but significantly higher in 2017 than in 2016; however, the same colonies exhibited less bleaching and mortality in 2017 than in 2016. Another study conducted at the same site showed that the dominant unicellular endosymbiotic algal species did not change before and after the 2016 bleaching, indicating that shifting and switching of the Symbiodiniaceae community did not contribute to improved heat tolerance. Colonies that suffered from partial mortality in 2016 were completely bleached at higher rates in 2017 than those without partial mortality in 2016. The present results suggest that either genetic or epigenetic changes in coral hosts and/or algal symbionts, or the shifting or switching of microbes other than endosymbionts, may have improved coral holobiont heat tolerance.},
}
@article {pmid36628964,
year = {2023},
author = {Durand, S and Lheraud, B and Giraud, I and Bech, N and Grandjean, F and Rigaud, T and Peccoud, J and Cordaux, R},
title = {Heterogeneous distribution of sex ratio distorters in natural populations of the isopod Armadillidium vulgare.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {20220457},
pmid = {36628964},
issn = {1744-957X},
mesh = {Male ; Animals ; Female ; *Isopoda/genetics ; Sex Ratio ; Haplotypes ; Europe ; Japan ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {In the isopod Armadillidium vulgare, many females produce progenies with female-biased sex ratios, owing to two feminizing sex ratio distorters (SRD): Wolbachia endosymbionts and the f element. We investigated the distribution and population dynamics of these SRD and mitochondrial DNA variation in 16 populations from Europe and Japan. Confirming and extending results from the 1990s, we found that the SRD are present at variable frequencies in populations and that the f element is overall more frequent than Wolbachia. The two SRD never co-occur at high frequency in any population, suggesting an apparent mutual exclusion. We also detected Wolbachia or the f element in some males, which probably reflects insufficient titer to induce feminization or presence of masculinizing alleles. Our results are consistent with a single integration event of a Wolbachia genome in the A. vulgare genome at the origin of the f element, which contradicts an earlier hypothesis of frequent losses and gains. We identified strong linkage between Wolbachia strains and mitochondrial haplotypes, but no association between the f element and mitochondrial background. Our results open new perspectives on SRD evolutionary dynamics in A. vulgare, the evolution of genetic conflicts and their impact on the variability of sex determination systems.},
}
@article {pmid36636344,
year = {2023},
author = {Hussain, M and Zhang, G and Leitner, M and Hedges, LM and Asgari, S},
title = {Wolbachia RNase HI contributes to virus blocking in the mosquito Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {105836},
pmid = {36636344},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis blocks replication of several arboviruses in transinfected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. However, the mechanism of virus blocking remains poorly understood. Here, we characterized an RNase HI gene from Wolbachia, which is rapidly induced in response to dengue virus (DENV) infection. Knocking down w RNase HI using antisense RNA in Wolbachia-transinfected mosquito cell lines and A. aegypti mosquitoes led to increased DENV replication. Furthermore, overexpression of wRNase HI, in the absence of Wolbachia, led to reduced replication of a positive sense RNA virus, but had no effect on a negative sense RNA virus, a familiar scenario in Wolbachia-infected cells. Altogether, our results provide compelling evidence for the missing link between early Wolbachia-mediated virus blocking and degradation of viral RNA. These findings and the successful pioneered knockdown of Wolbachia genes using antisense RNA in cell line and mosquitoes enable new ways to manipulate and study the complex endosymbiont-host interactions.},
}
@article {pmid36646785,
year = {2023},
author = {Sétamou, M and Soto, YL and Tachin, M and Alabi, OJ},
title = {Report on the first detection of Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in the Republic of Benin, West Africa.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {801},
pmid = {36646785},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology ; *Citrus/microbiology ; Benin ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; Africa, Western ; *Rhizobiaceae/genetics ; Liberibacter ; },
abstract = {The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, was detected for the first time in the Republic of Benin, West Africa. The ACP is a known vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the putative causal agent of the devastating Huanglongbing (HLB; citrus greening disease). During visual surveys, ACP was only observed on residential citrus trees in southern Benin, but not in residential areas or commercial groves in the central and northern parts of the country. Its identity was confirmed morphologically and molecularly via DNA barcoding with published primers. Analysis of the obtained sequences showed that the ACP recorded in Benin clustered with the ones previously reported from Nigeria, suggesting a common origin of both populations. The ACP samples from Benin also carried Ca. Carsonella ruddii and Ca. Profftella armatura, two commonly found ACP endosymbionts. However, all the sampled ACP individuals tested negative for Ca. Liberibacter africanus, Ca. Liberibacter americanus, and CLas by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. This is the second report of the ACP in West Africa after Nigeria, the eastern bordering country of the Republic of Benin. Benin has an expanding commercial citrus industry, especially in the southern part of the country. Although the ACP samples tested negative for the HLB associated bacteria, the detection of ACP in the country requires swift actions including area-wide surveys to determine the extent of spread of this pest and the implementation of eradication or control efforts to prevent its establishment and spread of HLB in the country.},
}
@article {pmid36651455,
year = {2023},
author = {Mata-Somarribas, C and Quesada-López, J and Matamoros, MF and Cervantes-Gómez, C and Mejía, A and Chacón, K and Bendig, I and Campos, R and Quesada-Morera, R and Cantanhêde, LM and Pereira, LOR and Cupolillo, E},
title = {Raising the suspicion of a non-autochthonous infection: identification of Leishmania guyanensis from Costa Rica exhibits a Leishmaniavirus related to Brazilian north-east and French Guiana viral genotypes.},
journal = {Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz},
volume = {117},
number = {},
pages = {e220162},
pmid = {36651455},
issn = {1678-8060},
mesh = {Humans ; Brazil/epidemiology ; Costa Rica ; French Guiana ; Genotype ; *Leishmania guyanensis/genetics ; *Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/parasitology ; *Leishmaniavirus/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Costa Rica has a history of neglecting prevention, control and research of leishmaniasis, including limited understanding on Leishmania species causing human disease across the country and a complete lack of knowledge on the Leishmania RNA virus, described as a factor linked to the worsening and metastasis of leishmanial lesions.<br><br>OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to describe a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis, bearing infection with Leishmaniavirus 1 (LRV1) in Costa Rica, raising the suspicion of imported parasites in the region.<br><br>METHODS: The Leishmania strain was previously identified by routine hsp70 polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in Costa Rica and subsequently characterised by isoenzyme electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing in Brazil. Screening for LRV1 was conducted with a dual RT-PCR approach and sequencing of the fragment obtained.<br><br>FINDINGS: Since 2016 Costa Rica performs Leishmania isolation and typing as part of its epidemiological surveillance activities. Amongst 113 strains typed until 2019, only one was characterised as a L. (V.) guyanensis, corresponding to the first confirmed report of this species in the country. Interestingly, the same strain tested positive for LRV1. Sequencing of the viral orf1 and 2, clustered this sample with other LRV1 genotypes of South American origin, from the Northeast of Brazil and French Guiana.<br><br>MAIN CONCLUSION: The unique characteristics of this finding raised the suspicion that it was not an autochthonous strain. Notwithstanding its presumed origin, this report points to the occurrence of said endosymbiont in Central American Leishmania strains. The possibility of its local dispersion represents one more challenge faced by regional health authorities in preventing and controlling leishmaniasis.},
}
@article {pmid36651852,
year = {2023},
author = {Takagi, T and Aoyama, K and Motone, K and Aburaya, S and Yamashiro, H and Miura, N and Inoue, K},
title = {Mutualistic Interactions between Dinoflagellates and Pigmented Bacteria Mitigate Environmental Stress.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {e0246422},
pmid = {36651852},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Coral Reefs ; *Anthozoa/genetics/microbiology ; Bacteria ; Symbiosis ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Scleractinian corals form symbiotic relationships with a variety of microorganisms, including endosymbiotic dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae, and with bacteria, which are collectively termed coral holobionts. Interactions between hosts and their symbionts are critical to the physiological status of corals. Coral-microorganism interactions have been studied extensively, but dinoflagellate-bacterial interactions remain largely unexplored. Here, we developed a microbiome manipulation method employing KAS-antibiotic treatment (kanamycin, ampicillin, and streptomycin) to favor pigmented bacteria residing on cultured Cladocopium and Durusdinium, major endosymbionts of corals, and isolated several carotenoid-producing bacteria from cell surfaces of the microalgae. Following KAS-antibiotic treatment of Cladocopium sp. strain NIES-4077, pigmented bacteria increased 8-fold based on colony-forming assays from the parental strain, and 100% of bacterial sequences retrieved through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were affiliated with the genus Maribacter. Microbiome manipulation enabled host microalgae to maintain higher maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (variable fluorescence divided by maximum fluorescence [Fv/Fm]) under light-stress conditions, compared to the parental strain. Furthermore, by combining culture-dependent and -independent techniques, we demonstrated that species of the family Symbiodiniaceae and pigmented bacteria form strong interactions. Dinoflagellates protected bacteria from antibiotics, while pigmented bacteria protected microalgal cells from light stress via carotenoid production. Here, we describe for the first time a symbiotic relationship in which dinoflagellates and bacteria mutually reduce environmental stress. Investigations of microalgal-bacterial interactions further document bacterial contributions to coral holobionts and may facilitate development of novel techniques for microbiome-mediated coral reef conservation. IMPORTANCE Coral reefs cover less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, but about 25% of all marine species depend on coral reefs at some point in their life cycles. However, rising ocean temperatures associated with global climate change are a serious threat to coral reefs, causing dysfunction of the photosynthetic apparatus of endosymbiotic microalgae of corals, and overproducing reactive oxygen species harmful to corals. We manipulated the microbiome using an antibiotic treatment to favor pigmented bacteria, enabling their symbiotic microalgal partners to maintain higher photosynthetic function under insolation stress. Furthermore, we investigated mechanisms underlying microalgal-bacterial interactions, describing for the first time a symbiotic relationship in which the two symbionts mutually reduce environmental stress. Our findings extend current insights about microalgal-bacterial interactions, enabling better understanding of bacterial contributions to coral holobionts under stressful conditions and offering hope of reducing the adverse impacts of global warming on coral reefs.},
}
@article {pmid36653505,
year = {2023},
author = {Prada, F and Franzellitti, S and Caroselli, E and Cohen, I and Marini, M and Campanelli, A and Sana, L and Mancuso, A and Marchini, C and Puglisi, A and Candela, M and Mass, T and Tassi, F and LaJeunesse, TC and Dubinsky, Z and Falini, G and Goffredo, S},
title = {Acclimatization of a coral-dinoflagellate mutualism at a CO2 vent.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {66},
pmid = {36653505},
issn = {2399-3642},
support = {OCE-1636022//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Carbon Dioxide ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Seawater/chemistry ; Symbiosis ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics ; Acclimatization ; },
abstract = {Ocean acidification caused by shifts in ocean carbonate chemistry resulting from increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations is threatening many calcifying organisms, including corals. Here we assessed autotrophy vs heterotrophy shifts in the Mediterranean zooxanthellate scleractinian coral Balanophyllia europaea acclimatized to low pH/high pCO2 conditions at a CO2 vent off Panarea Island (Italy). Dinoflagellate endosymbiont densities were higher at lowest pH Sites where changes in the distribution of distinct haplotypes of a host-specific symbiont species, Philozoon balanophyllum, were observed. An increase in symbiont C/N ratios was observed at low pH, likely as a result of increased C fixation by higher symbiont cell densities. δ[13]C values of the symbionts and host tissue reached similar values at the lowest pH Site, suggesting an increased influence of autotrophy with increasing acidification. Host tissue δ[15]N values of 0‰ strongly suggest that diazotroph N2 fixation is occurring within the coral tissue/mucus at the low pH Sites, likely explaining the decrease in host tissue C/N ratios with acidification. Overall, our findings show an acclimatization of this coral-dinoflagellate mutualism through trophic adjustment and symbiont haplotype differences with increasing acidification, highlighting that some corals are capable of acclimatizing to ocean acidification predicted under end-of-century scenarios.},
}
@article {pmid36653630,
year = {2023},
author = {Mayfield, AB},
title = {Multi-macromolecular Extraction from Endosymbiotic Anthozoans.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2625},
number = {},
pages = {17-56},
pmid = {36653630},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Animals ; Ecosystem ; *Anthozoa ; *Sea Anemones ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Obligately symbiotic associations between reef-building corals (anthozoan cnidarians) and photosynthetically active dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae comprise the functional basis of all coral reef ecosystems. Given the existential threats of global climate change toward these thermo-sensitive entities, there is an urgent need to better understand the physiological implications of changes in the abiotic milieu of scleractinian corals and their mutualistic algal endosymbionts. Although initially slow to leverage the immense breakthroughs in molecular biotechnology that have benefited humankind, coral biologists are making up for lost time in exploiting an array of ever-advancing molecular tools for answering key questions pertaining to the survival of corals in an ever-changing world. In order to comprehensively characterize the multi-omic landscape of the coral holobiont-the cnidarian host, its intracellular dinoflagellates, and a plethora of other microbial constituents-I introduce a series of protocols herein that yield large quantities of high-quality RNA, DNA, protein, lipids, and polar metabolites from a diverse array of reef corals and endosymbiotic sea anemones. Although numerous published articles in the invertebrate zoology field feature protocols that lead to sufficiently high yield of intact host coral macromolecules, through using the approach outlined herein one may simultaneously acquire a rich, multi-compartmental biochemical pool that truly reflects the complex and dynamic nature of these animal-plant chimeras.},
}
@article {pmid36669676,
year = {2023},
author = {Awad, M and Piálková, R and Haelewaters, D and Nedvěd, O},
title = {Infection patterns of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) by ectoparasitic microfungi and endosymbiotic bacteria.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {197},
number = {},
pages = {107887},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2023.107887},
pmid = {36669676},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Female ; Animals ; *Coleoptera/microbiology ; *Ascomycota ; Fertility ; *Spiroplasma ; Seasons ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {The invasive alien ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) hosts a wide range of natural enemies. Many observations have been done in nature but experimental studies of interactions of multiple enemies on Ha. axyridis are rare. In light of this knowledge gap, we tested whether the host phenotype and presence of bacterial endosymbionts Spiroplasma and Wolbachia affected parasitism of Ha. axyridis by the ectoparasitic fungus Hesperomyces harmoniae (Ascomycota: Laboulbeniales). We collected 379 Ha. axyridis in the Czech Republic, processed specimens, including screening for He. harmoniae and a molecular assessment for bacteria, and calculated fecundity and hatchability of females. We found that high hatchability rate (71 %) was conditioned by high fecundity (20 eggs daily or more). The average parasite prevalence of He. harmoniae was 53 %, while the infection rate of Spiroplasma was 73 % in ladybirds that survived in winter conditions. Wolbachia was only present in 2 % of the analyzed ladybirds. Infection by either He. harmoniae or Spiroplasma did not differ among host color morphs. In the novemdecimsignata morph, younger individuals (with orange elytra) were more heavily parasitized compared to old ones (with red elytra). Fecundity and hatchability rate of females were unaffected by infection with either He. harmoniae or Spiroplasma. However, female ladybirds co-infected with He. harmoniae and Spiroplasma had a significantly lower fecundity and hatchability compared to females with only one or no symbiont.},
}
@article {pmid36670494,
year = {2023},
author = {Chamankar, B and Maleki-Ravasan, N and Karami, M and Forouzan, E and Karimian, F and Naeimi, S and Choobdar, N},
title = {The structure and diversity of microbial communities in Paederus fuscipes (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae): from ecological paradigm to pathobiome.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {11},
pmid = {36670494},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Male ; Female ; *Coleoptera/microbiology ; *Rhizobiaceae ; Enterococcus ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Dermatitis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Paederus fuscipes is medically the most famous rove beetle, which causes dermatitis or conjunctivitis in humans, as well as gastrointestinal toxicosis in livestock, via releasing toxic hemolymph containing pederin. Pedrin biosynthesis genes have been identified in uncultured Pseudomonas-like endosymbionts that are speculated to be acquired through a horizontal transfer. However, the composition of the P. fuscipes microbial community, especially of the gut and genital microbiome, remains unclear. This study was aimed to characterize the structure and diversity of P. fuscipes-associated bacterial communities in terms of gender, organ, and location using the Illumina HiSeq platform in the southern littorals of Caspian Sea.<br><br>RESULTS: The OTUs identified from P. fuscipes specimens were collapsed into 40 phyla, 112 classes, 249 orders, 365 families, 576 genera, and 106 species. The most abundant families were Pseudomonadaceae, Spiroplasmataceae, Weeksellaceae, Enterococcaceae, and Rhizobiaceae, respectively. Thirty top genera made up > 94% of the P. fuscipes microbiome, with predominating Pseudomonas, followed by the Spiroplasma, Apibacter, Enterococcus, Dysgonomonas, Sebaldella, Ruminococcus, and Wolbachia. Interesting dissimilarities were also discovered within and between the beetle microbiomes in terms of genders and organs. Analyses showed that Spiroplasma / Apibacter as well as Pseudomonas / Pseudomonas were the most abundant in the genitals / intestines of male and female beetles, respectively. Bacterial richness did not display any significant difference in the three provinces but was higher in male beetles than in females and more in the genitals than intestines.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified Pseudomonas-like endobacterium as a common symbiont of P. fuscipes beetles; this bacterium begins its journey from gut and genitalia of females to reach the male rove beetles. Additionally, male and female rove beetles were characterized by distinctive microbiota in different organs, likely reflecting different functions and/or adaptation processes. Evidence of the extension of P. fuscipes microbiome from the environmental paradigm to the pathobiome was also presented herein. A comprehensive survey of P. fuscipes microbiome components may eventually lead to ecological insights into the production and utilization of defensive compound of pederin and also the management of linear dermatitis with the use of available antibiotics against bacterial pathogens released by the beetles. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid36670832,
year = {2023},
author = {Silva, RXG and Madeira, D and Cartaxana, P and Calado, R},
title = {Assessing the Trophic Impact of Bleaching: The Model Pair Berghia stephanieae/Exaiptasia diaphana.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {36670832},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {SFRH/BD/05303/2021//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia/ ; CEECIND/01250/2018//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia/ ; CEECIND/01434/2018//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia/ ; UIDP/50017/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia/ ; UIDB/50017/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia/ ; LA/P/0094/2020//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e Tecnologia/ ; },
abstract = {Bleaching events associated with climate change are increasing worldwide, being a major threat to tropical coral reefs. Nonetheless, the indirect impacts promoted by the bleaching of organisms hosting photosynthetic endosymbionts, such as those impacting trophic interactions, have received considerably less attention by the scientific community. Bleaching significantly affects the nutritional quality of bleached organisms. The consequences promoted by such shifts remain largely overlooked, namely on specialized predators that have evolved to prey upon organisms hosting photosynthetic endosymbionts and benefit nutritionally, either directly or indirectly, from the available pool of photosynthates. In the present study, we advocate the use of the model predator-prey pair featuring the stenophagous nudibranch sea slug Berghia stephanieae that preys upon the photosymbiotic glass anemone Exaiptasia diaphana to study the impacts of bleaching on trophic interactions. These model organisms are already used in other research fields, and one may benefit from knowledge available on their physiology, omics, and culture protocols under controlled laboratory conditions. Moreover, B. stephanieae can thrive on either photosymbiotic or aposymbiotic (bleached) glass anemones, which can be easily maintained over long periods in the laboratory (unlike photosymbiotic corals). As such, one can investigate if and how nutritional shifts induced by bleaching impact highly specialized predators (stenophagous species), as well as if and how such effects cascade over consecutive generations. Overall, by using this model predator-prey pair one can start to truly unravel the trophic effects of bleaching events impacting coral reef communities, as well as their prevalence over time.},
}
@article {pmid36674613,
year = {2023},
author = {Wiesinger, A and Wenderlein, J and Ulrich, S and Hiereth, S and Chitimia-Dobler, L and Straubinger, RK},
title = {Revealing the Tick Microbiome: Insights into Midgut and Salivary Gland Microbiota of Female Ixodes ricinus Ticks.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {36674613},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Humans ; *Ixodes/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Lyme Disease ; Salivary Glands/microbiology ; *Tick-Borne Diseases ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {The ectoparasite Ixodes ricinus is an important vector for many tick-borne diseases (TBD) in the northern hemisphere, such as Lyme borreliosis, rickettsiosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, or tick-borne encephalitis virus. As climate change will lead to rising temperatures in the next years, we expect an increase in tick activity, tick population, and thus in the spread of TBD. Consequently, it has never been more critical to understand relationships within the microbial communities in ticks that might contribute to the tick's fitness and the occurrence of TBD. Therefore, we analyzed the microbiota in different tick tissues such as midgut, salivary glands, and residual tick material, as well as the microbiota in complete Ixodes ricinus ticks using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. By using a newly developed DNA extraction protocol for tick tissue samples and a self-designed mock community, we were able to detect endosymbionts and pathogens that have been described in the literature previously. Further, this study displayed the usefulness of including a mock community during bioinformatic analysis to identify essential bacteria within the tick.},
}
@article {pmid36675187,
year = {2023},
author = {Deng, Y and Wang, K and Hu, Z and Hu, Q and Tang, Y},
title = {Different Geographic Strains of Dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum Host Highly Diverse Fungal Community and Potentially Serve as Possible Niche for Colonization of Fungal Endophytes.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {36675187},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {42176207//the National Science Foundation of China/ ; COMS2019Q09//he Key Deployment Project of Centre for Ocean Mega-Research of Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; JCYJ20210324094013037//the Natural Science Foundation of Shenzhen, China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics ; Endophytes ; *Mycobiome ; Ecosystem ; Harmful Algal Bloom ; Phytoplankton ; },
abstract = {In numerous studies, researchers have explored the interactions between fungi and their hosting biota in terrestrial systems, while much less attention has been paid to the counterpart interactions in aquatic, and particularly marine, ecosystems. Despite the growing recognition of the potential functions of fungi in structuring phytoplankton communities, the current insights were mostly derived from phytoplankton hosts, such as diatoms, green microalgae, and cyanobacteria. Dinoflagellates are the second most abundant group of phytoplankton in coastal marine ecosystems, and they are notorious for causing harmful algal blooms (HABs). In this study, we used high-throughput amplicon sequencing to capture global snapshots of specific fungal assemblages associated with laboratory-cultured marine dinoflagellate. We investigated a total of 13 clonal cultures of the dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum that were previously isolated from 5 geographic origins and have been maintained in our laboratory from several months to more than 14 years. The total recovered fungal microbiome, which consisted of 349 ASVs (amplicon sequencing variants, sequences clustered at a 100% sequence identity), could be assigned to 4 phyla, 18 classes, 37 orders, 65 families, 97 genera, and 131 species. The fungal consortium displayed high diversity and was dominated by filamentous fungi and ascomycetous and basidiomycetous yeasts. A core set of three genera among all the detected fungi was constitutively present in the K. veneficum strains isolated from geographically distant regions, with the top two most abundant genera, Thyridium and Pseudeurotium, capable of using hydrocarbons as the sole or major source of carbon and energy. In addition, fungal taxa previously documented as endophytes in other hosts were also found in all tested strains of K. veneficum. Because host-endophyte interactions are highly variable and strongly case-dependent, these fungal taxa were not necessarily genuine endosymbionts of K. veneficum; instead, it raised the possibility that dinoflagellates could potentially serve as an alternative ecological niche for the colonization of fungal endophytes. Our findings lay the foundation for further investigations into the potential roles or functions of fungi in the regulation of the growth dynamics and HABs of marine dinoflagellates in the field.},
}
@article {pmid36675893,
year = {2023},
author = {Akram, S and Ahmed, A and He, P and He, P and Liu, Y and Wu, Y and Munir, S and He, Y},
title = {Uniting the Role of Endophytic Fungi against Plant Pathogens and Their Interaction.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {36675893},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {32050410307//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 202107AA110007//Central Government Fund for Local Science and Technology Development/ ; 202102AE090023//Breeding and industrialization demonstration of green and efficient new maize varieties/ ; 2020M683664XB//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 202103//Yunnan First Level Research Fund for Post-doctorate Researchers/ ; },
abstract = {Endophytic fungi are used as the most common microbial biological control agents (MBCAs) against phytopathogens and are ubiquitous in all plant parts. Most of the fungal species have roles against a variety of plant pathogens. Fungal endophytes provide different services to be used as pathogen control agents, using an important aspect in the form of enhanced plant growth and induced systemic resistance, produce a variety of antifungal secondary metabolites (lipopeptides, antibiotics and enzymes) through colonization, and compete with other pathogenic microorganisms for growth factors (space and nutrients). The purpose of this review is to highlight the biological control potential of fungal species with antifungal properties against different fungal plant pathogens. We focused on the introduction, biology, isolation, identification of endophytic fungi, and their antifungal activity against fungal plant pathogens. The endosymbionts have developed specific genes that exhibited endophytic behavior and demonstrated defensive responses against pathogens such as antibiosis, parasitism, lytic enzyme and competition, siderophore production, and indirect responses by induced systemic resistance (ISR) in the host plant. Finally, different microscopic detection techniques to study microbial interactions (endophytic and pathogenic fungal interactions) in host plants are briefly discussed.},
}
@article {pmid36675947,
year = {2023},
author = {Thimmappa, BC and Salhi, LN and Forget, L and Sarrasin, M and Bustamante Villalobos, P and Lang, BF and Burger, G},
title = {Nuclear Genome Sequence and Gene Expression of an Intracellular Fungal Endophyte Stimulating the Growth of Cranberry Plants.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {36675947},
issn = {2309-608X},
support = {CRDPJ 514188-17//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {Ericaceae thrive in poor soil, which we postulate is facilitated by microbes living inside those plants. Here, we investigate the growth stimulation of the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) by one of its fungal endosymbionts, EC4. We show that the symbiont resides inside the epidermal root cells of the host but extends into the rhizosphere via its hyphae. Morphological classification of this fungus is ambiguous, but phylogenetic inference based on 28S rRNA identifies EC4 as a Codinaeella species (Chaetosphaeriaceae, Sordariomycetes, Ascomycetes). We sequenced the genome and transcriptome of EC4, providing the first 'Omics' information of a Chaetosphaeriaceae fungus. The 55.3-Mbp nuclear genome contains 17,582 potential protein-coding genes, of which nearly 500 have the capacity to promote plant growth. For comparing gene sets involved in biofertilization, we annotated the published genome assembly of the plant-growth-promoting Trichoderma hamatum. The number of proteins involved in phosphate transport and solubilization is similar in the two fungi. In contrast, EC4 has ~50% more genes associated with ammonium, nitrate/nitrite transport, and phytohormone synthesis. The expression of 36 presumed plant-growth-promoting EC4 genes is stimulated when the fungus is in contact with the plant. Thus, Omics and in-plantae tests make EC4 a promising candidate for cranberry biofertilization on nutrient-poor soils.},
}
@article {pmid36677447,
year = {2023},
author = {Fujishima, M and Kawano, H and Miyakawa, I},
title = {A 63-kDa Periplasmic Protein of the Endonuclear Symbiotic Bacterium Holospora obtusa Secreted to the Outside of the Bacterium during the Early Infection Process Binds Weakly to the Macronuclear DNA of the Host Paramecium caudatum.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {36677447},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {Grant Number 22370082 and 23657157//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
abstract = {The Gram-negative bacterium Holospora obtusa is a macronucleus-specific symbiont of the ciliate Paramecium caudatum. It is known that an infection of this bacterium induces high level expressions of the host hsp60 and hsp70 genes, and the host cell acquires both heat-shock and high salt resistances. In addition, an infectious form of H. obtusa-specific 63-kDa periplasmic protein with a DNA-binding domain in its amino acid sequence is secreted into the host macronucleus after invasion into the macronucleus and remain within the nucleus. These facts suggest that binding of the 63-kDa protein to the host macronuclear DNA causes changes in the host gene expressions and enhances an environmental adaptability of the host cells. This 63-kDa protein was renamed as periplasmic region protein 1 (PRP1) to distinguish it from other proteins with similar molecular weights. To confirm whether PRP1 indeed binds to the host DNA, SDS-DNA PAGE and DNA affinity chromatography with calf thymus DNA and P. caudatum DNA were conducted and confirmed that PRP1 binds weakly to the P. caudatum DNA with a monoclonal antibody raised for the 63-kDa protein.},
}
@article {pmid36677450,
year = {2023},
author = {Hoffman, T and Olsen, B and Lundkvist, &#xc5;},
title = {The Biological and Ecological Features of Northbound Migratory Birds, Ticks, and Tick-Borne Microorganisms in the African-Western Palearctic.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {36677450},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Identifying the species that act as hosts, vectors, and vehicles of vector-borne pathogens is vital for revealing the transmission cycles, dispersal mechanisms, and establishment of vector-borne pathogens in nature. Ticks are common vectors for pathogens causing human and animal diseases, and they transmit a greater variety of pathogenic agents than any other arthropod vector group. Ticks depend on the movements by their vertebrate hosts for their dispersal, and tick species with long feeding periods are more likely to be transported over long distances. Wild birds are commonly parasitized by ticks, and their migration patterns enable the long-distance range expansion of ticks. The African-Palearctic migration system is one of the world's largest migrations systems. African-Western Palearctic birds create natural links between the African, European, and Asian continents when they migrate biannually between breeding grounds in the Palearctic and wintering grounds in Africa and thereby connect different biomes. Climate is an important geographical determinant of ticks, and with global warming, the distribution range and abundance of ticks in the Western Palearctic may increase. The introduction of exotic ticks and their microorganisms into the Western Palearctic via avian vehicles might therefore pose a greater risk for the public and animal health in the future.},
}
@article {pmid36683703,
year = {2022},
author = {Liu, Y and He, ZQ and Wen, Q and Peng, J and Zhou, YT and Mandour, N and McKenzie, CL and Ahmed, MZ and Qiu, BL},
title = {Parasitoid-mediated horizontal transmission of Rickettsia between whiteflies.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1077494},
pmid = {36683703},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Phylogeny ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Intracellular bacterial endosymbionts of arthropods are mainly transmitted vertically from mother to offspring, but phylogenetically distant insect hosts often harbor identical endosymbionts, indicating that horizontal transmission from one species to another occurs in nature. Here, we investigated the parasitoid Encarsia formosa-mediated horizontal transmission of the endosymbiont Rickettsia between different populations of whitefly Bemisia tabaci MEAM1. Rickettsia was successfully transmitted from the positive MEAM1 nymphs (R [+]) into E. formosa and retained at least for 48 h in E. formosa adults. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) visualization results revealed that the ovipositors, mouthparts, and digestive tract of parasitoid adults get contaminated with Rickettsia. Random non-lethal probing of Rickettisia-negative (R[-]) MEAM1 nymphs by these Rickettsia-carrying E. formosa resulted in newly infected MEAM1 nymphs, and the vertical transmission of Rickettsia within the recipient females can remain at least up to F3 generation. Further phylogenetic analyses revealed that Rickettsia had high fidelity during the horizontal transmission in whiteflies and parasitoids. Our findings may help to explain why Rickettsia bacteria are so abundant in arthropods and suggest that, in some insect species that shared the same parasitoids, Rickettsia may be maintained in populations by horizontal transmission.},
}
@article {pmid36686690,
year = {2022},
author = {Büttiker, P and Weissenberger, S and Esch, T and Anders, M and Raboch, J and Ptacek, R and Kream, RM and Stefano, GB},
title = {Dysfunctional mitochondrial processes contribute to energy perturbations in the brain and neuropsychiatric symptoms.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1095923},
pmid = {36686690},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {Mitochondria are complex endosymbionts that evolved from primordial purple nonsulfur bacteria. The incorporation of bacteria-derived mitochondria facilitates a more efficient and effective production of energy than what could be achieved based on previous processes alone. In this case, endosymbiosis has resulted in the seamless coupling of cytochrome c oxidase and F-ATPase to maximize energy production. However, this mechanism also results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a phenomenon that can have both positive and negative ramifications on the host. Recent studies have revealed that neuropsychiatric disorders have a pro-inflammatory component in which ROS is capable of initiating damage and cognitive malfunction. Our current understanding of cognition suggests that it is the product of a neuronal network that consumes a substantial amount of energy. Thus, alterations or perturbations of mitochondrial function may alter not only brain energy supply and metabolite generation, but also thought processes and behavior. Mitochondrial abnormalities and oxidative stress have been implicated in several well-known psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD). As cognition is highly energy-dependent, we propose that the neuronal pathways underlying maladaptive cognitive processing and psychiatric symptoms are most likely dependent on mitochondrial function, and thus involve brain energy translocation and the accumulation of the byproducts of oxidative stress. We also hypothesize that neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., disrupted emotional processing) may represent the vestiges of an ancient masked evolutionary response that can be used by both hosts and pathogens to promote self-repair and proliferation via parasitic and/or symbiotic pathways.},
}
@article {pmid36689552,
year = {2023},
author = {Vancaester, E and Blaxter, M},
title = {Phylogenomic analysis of Wolbachia genomes from the Darwin Tree of Life biodiversity genomics project.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {e3001972},
pmid = {36689552},
issn = {1545-7885},
support = {206194/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Genomics ; *Nematoda ; *Diptera ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {The Darwin Tree of Life (DToL) project aims to sequence all described terrestrial and aquatic eukaryotic species found in Britain and Ireland. Reference genome sequences are generated from single individuals for each target species. In addition to the target genome, sequenced samples often contain genetic material from microbiomes, endosymbionts, parasites, and other cobionts. Wolbachia endosymbiotic bacteria are found in a diversity of terrestrial arthropods and nematodes, with supergroups A and B the most common in insects. We identified and assembled 110 complete Wolbachia genomes from 93 host species spanning 92 families by filtering data from 368 insect species generated by the DToL project. From 15 infected species, we assembled more than one Wolbachia genome, including cases where individuals carried simultaneous supergroup A and B infections. Different insect orders had distinct patterns of infection, with Lepidopteran hosts mostly infected with supergroup B, while infections in Diptera and Hymenoptera were dominated by A-type Wolbachia. Other than these large-scale order-level associations, host and Wolbachia phylogenies revealed no (or very limited) cophylogeny. This points to the occurrence of frequent host switching events, including between insect orders, in the evolutionary history of the Wolbachia pandemic. While supergroup A and B genomes had distinct GC% and GC skew, and B genomes had a larger core gene set and tended to be longer, it was the abundance of copies of bacteriophage WO who was a strong determinant of Wolbachia genome size. Mining raw genome data generated for reference genome assemblies is a robust way of identifying and analysing cobiont genomes and giving greater ecological context for their hosts.},
}
@article {pmid36691279,
year = {2023},
author = {Cooper, WR and Swisher Grimm, KD and Angelella, GM and Mustafa, T},
title = {Acquisition and Transmission of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' Differs Among Wolbachia-Infected and -Uninfected Haplotypes of Bactericera cockerelli.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {107},
number = {8},
pages = {2440-2445},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-11-22-2701-RE},
pmid = {36691279},
issn = {0191-2917},
mesh = {Animals ; Liberibacter ; Haplotypes ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; *Solanum tuberosum/microbiology ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; },
abstract = {'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso) causes disease symptoms and economic losses in potato, tomato, and other solanaceous crops in North America. Lso is transmitted to plants by the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, which occurs as distinct haplotypes named western, central, and northwestern that differ in the presence or absence of the bacterial endosymbiont, Wolbachia. Previous work showed that all three vector haplotypes can transmit Lso, but it was not clear whether acquisition and transmission rates of Lso were equal among the haplotypes. The goal of our study was to compare Lso infection rates among psyllids of the western, central, and northwestern haplotypes. Using data collected from several years of periodic testing of Lso infection of laboratory-reared potato psyllid colonies, we showed that psyllids of the western and central haplotypes are more likely to harbor Lso than are psyllids of the northwestern haplotype. We then used greenhouse assays to demonstrate that psyllids of the northwestern haplotype are less likely to acquire and transmit Lso than those of the western haplotype. Lso infection rates corresponded with Wolbachia infection among the three psyllid haplotypes. The Wolbachia-infected central and western haplotypes were more likely to harbor and transmit Lso than the Wolbachia-free northwestern haplotype. Results demonstrate that potato psyllids of the western and central haplotypes pose a greater risk for spread of Lso in crops and suggest a pattern between infection with Lso and Wolbachia in potato psyllid.},
}
@article {pmid36694551,
year = {2023},
author = {de Gier, W},
title = {Phylomorphometrics reveal ecomorphological convergence in pea crab carapace shapes (Brachyura, Pinnotheridae).},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {e9744},
pmid = {36694551},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Most members of the speciose pea crab family (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae) are characterized by their symbioses with marine invertebrates in various host phyla. The ecology of pea crabs is, however, understudied, and the degree of host dependency of most species is still unclear. With the exception of one lineage of ectosymbiotic echinoid-associated crabs, species within the subfamily Pinnotherinae are endosymbionts, living within the body cavities of mollusks, ascidians, echinoderms, and brachiopods. By contrast, most members of the two other subfamilies are considered to have an ectosymbiotic lifestyle, sharing burrows and tubes with various types of worms and burrowing crustaceans (inquilism). The body shapes within the family are extremely variable, mainly in the width and length of the carapace. The variation of carapace shapes in the family, focusing on pinnotherines, is mapped using landmark-based morphometrics. Mean carapace shapes of species groups (based on their host preference) are statistically compared. In addition, a phylomorphometric approach is used to study three different convergence events (across subfamilies; between three genera; and within one genus), and link these events with the associated hosts.},
}
@article {pmid36699601,
year = {2022},
author = {Kueneman, JG and Gillung, J and Van Dyke, MT and Fordyce, RF and Danforth, BN},
title = {Solitary bee larvae modify bacterial diversity of pollen provisions in the stem-nesting bee, Osmia cornifrons (Megachilidae).},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1057626},
pmid = {36699601},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Microbes, including diverse bacteria and fungi, play an important role in the health of both solitary and social bees. Among solitary bee species, in which larvae remain in a closed brood cell throughout development, experiments that modified or eliminated the brood cell microbiome through sterilization indicated that microbes contribute substantially to larval nutrition and are in some cases essential for larval development. To better understand how feeding larvae impact the microbial community of their pollen/nectar provisions, we examine the temporal shift in the bacterial community in the presence and absence of actively feeding larvae of the solitary, stem-nesting bee, Osmia cornifrons (Megachilidae). Our results indicate that the O. cornifrons brood cell bacterial community is initially diverse. However, larval solitary bees modify the microbial community of their pollen/nectar provisions over time by suppressing or eliminating rare taxa while favoring bacterial endosymbionts of insects and diverse plant pathogens, perhaps through improved conditions or competitive release. We suspect that the proliferation of opportunistic plant pathogens may improve nutrient availability of developing larvae through degradation of pollen. Thus, the health and development of solitary bees may be interconnected with pollen bacterial diversity and perhaps with the propagation of plant pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid36703713,
year = {2023},
author = {Quicray, M and Wilhelm, L and Enriquez, T and He, S and Scheifler, M and Visser, B},
title = {The Drosophila-parasitizing wasp Leptopilina heterotoma: A comprehensive model system in ecology and evolution.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {e9625},
pmid = {36703713},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma has been used as a model system for more than 70 years, contributing greatly to diverse research areas in ecology and evolution. Here, we synthesized the large body of work on L. heterotoma with the aim to identify new research avenues that could be of interest also for researchers studying other parasitoids and insects. We start our review with a description of typical L. heterotoma characteristics, as well as that of the higher taxonomic groups to which this species belongs. We then continue discussing host suitability and immunity, foraging behaviors, as well as fat accumulation and life histories. We subsequently shift our focus towards parasitoid-parasitoid interactions, including L. heterotoma coexistence within the larger guild of Drosophila parasitoids, chemical communication, as well as mating and population structuring. We conclude our review by highlighting the assets of L. heterotoma as a model system, including its intermediate life history syndromes, the ease of observing and collecting natural hosts and wasps, as well as recent genomic advances.},
}
@article {pmid36714306,
year = {2022},
author = {Barman, M and Samanta, S and Ahmed, B and Dey, S and Chakraborty, S and Deeksha, MG and Dutta, S and Samanta, A and Tarafdar, J and Roy, D},
title = {Transcription dynamics of heat-shock proteins (Hsps) and endosymbiont titres in response to thermal stress in whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Asia-I).},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1097459},
pmid = {36714306},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {The sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is one of the several species complexes of whitefly that are currently significant agricultural pests. Bemisia tabaci infests more than 600 plant species and thrives under a wide range of temperature conditions. In addition to the direct damage caused by sucking plant sap, it vectors several plant viruses. Heat-shock proteins play a pivotal role in enabling the insect to extend its geographical location, survival, and reproduction under different stress conditions. B. tabaci harbours several endosymbionts under the genera Portiera, Rickettsia, Hamiltonella, Wolbachia, Arsenophonus, Cardinium, and Fritschea that directly or indirectly affect its fitness. By accelerating cuticle biosynthesis and sclerotisation, symbiotic microbes can reduce or enhance tolerance to extreme temperatures and detoxify heavy metals. Thus, symbionts or microbial communities can expand or constrain the abiotic niche space of their host and affect its ability to adapt to changing conditions. The present study delineates the effect of thermal stress on the expression of heat-shock genes and endosymbionts in B. tabaci. Studies of the expression level of heat-shock proteins with the help of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed that heat- and cold-shock treatment fuels the increased expression of heat-shock proteins (Hsp40 and Hsp70). However, Hsp90 was not induced by a heat- and cold-shock treatment. A significant decrease in the relative titre of secondary endosymbionts, such as Rickettsia, Arsenophonus, and Wolbachia, were recorded in B. tabaci upon heat treatment. However, the titre of the primary symbiont, C. Portiera, was relatively unaffected by both cold and heat treatments. These results are indicative of the fact that Hsp genes and endosymbionts in B. tabaci are modulated in response to thermal stress, and this might be responsible for the adaptation of whitefly under changing climatic scenario.},
}
@article {pmid36714835,
year = {2022},
author = {Niehs, SP and Scherlach, K and Dose, B and Uzum, Z and Stinear, TP and Pidot, SJ and Hertweck, C},
title = {A highly conserved gene locus in endofungal bacteria codes for the biosynthesis of symbiosis-specific cyclopeptides.},
journal = {PNAS nexus},
volume = {1},
number = {4},
pages = {pgac152},
pmid = {36714835},
issn = {2752-6542},
abstract = {The tight association of the pathogenic fungus Rhizopus microsporus and its toxin-producing, bacterial endosymbionts (Mycetohabitans spp.) is distributed worldwide and has significance for agriculture, food production, and human health. Intriguingly, the endofungal bacteria are essential for the propagation of the fungal host. Yet, little is known about chemical mediators fostering the symbiosis, and universal metabolites that support the mutualistic relationship have remained elusive. Here, we describe the discovery of a complex of specialized metabolites produced by endofungal bacteria under symbiotic conditions. Through full genome sequencing and comparative genomics of eight endofungal symbiont strains from geographically distant regions, we discovered a conserved gene locus (hab) for a nonribosomal peptide synthetase as a unifying trait. Bioinformatics analyses, targeted gene deletions, and chemical profiling uncovered unprecedented depsipeptides (habitasporins) whose structures were fully elucidated. Computational network analysis and labeling experiments granted insight into the biosynthesis of their nonproteinogenic building blocks (pipecolic acid and β-phenylalanine). Deletion of the hab gene locus was shown to impair the ability of the bacteria to enter their fungal host. Our study unveils a common principle of the endosymbiotic lifestyle of Mycetohabitans species and expands the repertoire of characterized chemical mediators of a globally occurring mutualistic association.},
}
@article {pmid36715911,
year = {2023},
author = {Nevalainen, LBM and Newton, ILG},
title = {Detection and Assessment of Wolbachia pipientis Infection.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2626},
number = {},
pages = {291-307},
pmid = {36715911},
issn = {1940-6029},
support = {R01 AI144430/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Drosophila/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia pipientis is a widespread vertically transmitted intracellular bacterium naturally present in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. As Wolbachia is present in a large number of Drosophila lines, it is critical for researchers to be able to identify which of their stocks maintain this infection to avoid any potential confounding variables. Here, we describe methods for detecting the bacterium and assessing the infection, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of DNA, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) to identify strains, western blotting for protein detection, and immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of Drosophila ovaries to visually detect Wolbachia by fluorescence microscopy.},
}
@article {pmid36717919,
year = {2023},
author = {Grandi, G and Chiappa, G and Ullman, K and Lindgren, PE and Olivieri, E and Sassera, D and Östlund, E and Omazic, A and Perissinotto, D and Söderlund, R},
title = {Characterization of the bacterial microbiome of Swedish ticks through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of whole ticks and of individual tick organs.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {39},
pmid = {36717919},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {2018-02830//Vetenskapsr&#xe5;det/ ; 2018-02830//Vetenskapsr&#xe5;det/ ; 2018-02830//Vetenskapsr&#xe5;det/ ; 2018-02830//Vetenskapsr&#xe5;det/ ; 2018-02830//Vetenskapsr&#xe5;det/ ; J-No.: 38-2-7-19//European Regional Development Fund/ ; 76413//NordForsk/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sweden ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The composition of the microbial flora associated with ixodid ticks has been studied in several species, revealing the importance of geographical origin, developmental stage(s) and feeding status of the tick, as well as substantial differences between tissues and organs. Studying the microbiome in the correct context and scale is therefore necessary for understanding the interactions between tick-borne pathogens and other microorganisms as well as other aspects of tick biology.<br><br>METHODS: In the present study the microbial flora of whole Ixodes ricinus, I. persulcatus and I. trianguliceps ticks were analyzed with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Additionally, tick organs (midguts, Malpighian tubules, ovaries, salivary glands) from flat and engorged I. ricinus female ticks were examined with the same methodology.<br><br>RESULTS: The most abundant bacteria belonged to the group of Proteobacteria (Cand. Midichloria mitochondrii and Cand. Lariskella). 16S amplicon sequencing of dissected tick organs provided more information on the diversity of I. ricinus-associated microbial flora, especially when organs were collected from engorged ticks. Bacterial genera significantly associated with tick feeding status as well as genera associated with the presence of tick-borne pathogens were identified.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These results contribute to the knowledge of microbial flora associated with ixodid ticks in their northernmost distribution limit in Europe and opens new perspectives for other investigations on the function of these bacteria, including those using other approaches like in vitro cultivation and in vitro models.},
}
@article {pmid36725749,
year = {2023},
author = {Sullivan, TJ and Roberts, H and Bultman, TL},
title = {Genetic Covariation Between the Vertically Transmitted Endophyte Epichloë canadensis and Its Host Canada Wildrye.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {86},
number = {3},
pages = {1686-1695},
pmid = {36725749},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Endophytes/genetics ; Symbiosis ; *Epichloe/genetics ; Poaceae/microbiology ; *Elymus/genetics/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic mutualisms are thought to be stabilized by correlations between the interacting genotypes which may be strengthened via vertical transmission and/or reduced genetic variability within each species. Vertical transmission, however, may weaken interactions over time as the endosymbionts would acquire mutations that could not be purged. Additionally, temporal variation in a conditional mutualism could create genetic variation and increased variation in the interaction outcome. In this study, we assessed genetic variation in both members of a symbiosis, the endosymbiotic fungal endophyte Epichloë canadensis and its grass host Canada wildrye (Elymus canadensis). Both species exhibited comparable levels of diversity, mostly within populations rather than between. There were significant differences between populations, although not in the same pattern for the two species, and the differences were not correlated with geographic distance for either species. Interindividual genetic distance matrices for the two species were significantly correlated, although all combinations of discriminant analysis of principle components (DAPC) defined multilocus genotype groups were found suggesting that strict genotype matching is not necessary. Variation in interaction outcome is common in grass/endophyte interactions, and our results suggest that the accumulation of mutations overtime combined with temporal variation in selection pressures increasing genetic variation in the symbiosis may be the cause.},
}
@article {pmid36727281,
year = {2023},
author = {Quach, QN and Clay, K and Lee, ST and Gardner, DR and Cook, D},
title = {Phylogenetic patterns of bioactive secondary metabolites produced by fungal endosymbionts in morning glories (Ipomoeeae, Convolvulaceae).},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {238},
number = {4},
pages = {1351-1361},
doi = {10.1111/nph.18785},
pmid = {36727281},
issn = {1469-8137},
mesh = {Animals ; *Convolvulaceae/metabolism/microbiology ; Swainsonine/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; *Ipomoea/genetics/metabolism/microbiology ; *Ergot Alkaloids/metabolism ; *Alkaloids/metabolism ; Diterpene Alkaloids ; },
abstract = {Heritable fungal endosymbiosis is underinvestigated in plant biology and documented in only three plant families (Convolvulaceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae). An estimated 40% of morning glory species in the tribe Ipomoeeae (Convolvulaceae) have associations with one of two distinct heritable, endosymbiotic fungi (Periglandula and Chaetothyriales) that produce the bioactive metabolites ergot alkaloids, indole diterpene alkaloids, and swainsonine, which have been of interest for their toxic effects on animals and potential medical applications. Here, we report the occurrence of ergot alkaloids, indole diterpene alkaloids, and swainsonine in the Convolvulaceae; and the fungi that produce them based on synthesis of previous studies and new indole diterpene alkaloid data from 27 additional species in a phylogenetic, geographic, and life-history context. We find that individual morning glory species host no more than one metabolite-producing fungal endosymbiont (with one possible exception), possibly due to costs to the host and overlapping functions of the alkaloids. The symbiotic morning glory lineages occur in distinct phylogenetic clades, and host species have significantly larger seed size than nonsymbiotic species. The distinct and widely distributed endosymbiotic relationships in the morning glory family and their alkaloids provide an accessible study system for understanding heritable plant-fungal symbiosis evolution and their potential functions for host plants.},
}
@article {pmid36732111,
year = {2023},
author = {Shaw, S and Roditi, I},
title = {The sweet and sour sides of trypanosome social motility.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {39},
number = {4},
pages = {242-250},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2023.01.001},
pmid = {36732111},
issn = {1471-5007},
mesh = {Animals ; *Tsetse Flies/parasitology ; *Trypanosoma ; *Trypanosoma brucei brucei ; Signal Transduction ; },
abstract = {Recent studies showed that the formation of elegant geometric patterns by communities of Trypanosoma brucei on semi-solid surfaces, dubbed social motility (SoMo) by its discoverers, is a manifestation of pH taxis. This is caused by procyclic forms generating and responding to pH gradients through glucose metabolism and cAMP signalling. These findings established that trypanosomes can sense and manipulate gradients, potentially helping them to navigate through host tissues. At the same time, the host itself and bystanders such as endosymbionts have the potential to shape the environment and influence the chances of successful transmission. We postulate that the ability to sense and contribute to the gradient landscape may also underlie the tissue tropism and migration of other parasites in their hosts.},
}
@article {pmid36735822,
year = {2023},
author = {Sweet, AD and Browne, DR and Hernandez, AG and Johnson, KP and Cameron, SL},
title = {Draft genome assemblies of the avian louse Brueelia nebulosa and its associates using long-read sequencing from an individual specimen.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {36735822},
issn = {2160-1836},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Phthiraptera/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Genome Size ; DNA ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; },
abstract = {Sequencing high molecular weight (HMW) DNA with long-read and linked-read technologies has promoted a major increase in more complete genome sequences for nonmodel organisms. Sequencing approaches that rely on HMW DNA have been limited to larger organisms or pools of multiple individuals, but recent advances have allowed for sequencing from individuals of small-bodied organisms. Here, we use HMW DNA sequencing with PacBio long reads and TELL-Seq linked reads to assemble and annotate the genome from a single individual feather louse (Brueelia nebulosa) from a European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). We assembled a genome with a relatively high scaffold N50 (637 kb) and with BUSCO scores (96.1%) comparable to louse genomes assembled from pooled individuals. We annotated a number of genes (10,938) similar to the human louse (Pediculus humanus) genome. Additionally, calling phased variants revealed that the Brueelia genome is more heterozygous (∼1%) then expected for a highly obligate and dispersal-limited parasite. We also assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genome and primary endosymbiont (Sodalis) genome from the individual louse, which showed evidence for heteroplasmy in the mitogenome and a reduced genome size in the endosymbiont compared to its free-living relative. Our study is a valuable demonstration of the capability to obtain high-quality genomes from individual small, nonmodel organisms. Applying this approach to other organisms could greatly increase our understanding of the diversity and evolution of individual genomes.},
}
@article {pmid36740932,
year = {2023},
author = {Becher, H and Nichols, RA},
title = {Assembly-free quantification of vagrant DNA inserts.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {23},
number = {5},
pages = {1002-1013},
pmid = {36740932},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {MC_UU_00007/16/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; PhD studentship awarded to HB//Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Mitochondria/genetics ; Eukaryota/genetics ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Inserts of DNA from extranuclear sources, such as organelles and microbes, are common in eukaryote nuclear genomes. However, sequence similarity between the nuclear and extranuclear DNA, and a history of multiple insertions, make the assembly of these regions challenging. Consequently, the number, sequence and location of these vagrant DNAs cannot be reliably inferred from the genome assemblies of most organisms. We introduce two statistical methods to estimate the abundance of nuclear inserts even in the absence of a nuclear genome assembly. The first (intercept method) only requires low-coverage (<1×) sequencing data, as commonly generated for population studies of organellar and ribosomal DNAs. The second method additionally requires that a subset of the individuals carry extranuclear DNA with diverged genotypes. We validated our intercept method using simulations and by re-estimating the frequency of human NUMTs (nuclear mitochondrial inserts). We then applied it to the grasshopper Podisma pedestris, exceptional for both its large genome size and reports of numerous NUMT inserts, estimating that NUMTs make up 0.056% of the nuclear genome, equivalent to >500 times the mitochondrial genome size. We also re-analysed a museomics data set of the parrot Psephotellus varius, obtaining an estimate of only 0.0043%, in line with reports from other species of bird. Our study demonstrates the utility of low-coverage high-throughput sequencing data for the quantification of nuclear vagrant DNAs. Beyond quantifying organellar inserts, these methods could also be used on endosymbiont-derived sequences. We provide an R implementation of our methods called "vagrantDNA" and code to simulate test data sets.},
}
@article {pmid36743537,
year = {2022},
author = {Mushtaq, S and Shafiq, M and Tariq, MR and Sami, A and Nawaz-Ul-Rehman, MS and Bhatti, MHT and Haider, MS and Sadiq, S and Abbas, MT and Hussain, M and Shahid, MA},
title = {Interaction between bacterial endophytes and host plants.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1092105},
pmid = {36743537},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Endophytic bacteria are mainly present in the plant's root systems. Endophytic bacteria improve plant health and are sometimes necessary to fight against adverse conditions. There is an increasing trend for the use of bacterial endophytes as bio-fertilizers. However, new challenges are also arising regarding the management of these newly discovered bacterial endophytes. Plant growth-promoting bacterial endophytes exist in a wide host range as part of their microbiome, and are proven to exhibit positive effects on plant growth. Endophytic bacterial communities within plant hosts are dynamic and affected by abiotic/biotic factors such as soil conditions, geographical distribution, climate, plant species, and plant-microbe interaction at a large scale. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the mechanism of bacterial endophytes' interaction with plants under field conditions before their application. Bacterial endophytes have both beneficial and harmful impacts on plants but the exact mechanism of interaction is poorly understood. A basic approach to exploit the potential genetic elements involved in an endophytic lifestyle is to compare the genomes of rhizospheric plant growth-promoting bacteria with endophytic bacteria. In this mini-review, we will be focused to characterize the genetic diversity and dynamics of endophyte interaction in different host plants.},
}
@article {pmid36744754,
year = {2023},
author = {Chen, J and Wang, MK and Xie, QX and Bing, XL and Li, TP and Hong, XY},
title = {NDUFA8 potentially rescues Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility in Laodelphax striatellus.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {30},
number = {6},
pages = {1689-1700},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.13182},
pmid = {36744754},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {32020103011//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32001905//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 31871976//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Female ; Male ; Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Hemiptera/genetics/metabolism ; Fertility ; Reproduction ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiont Wolbachia manipulates host reproduction by several strategies, one of the most important of which is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI can be rescued when Wolbachia-infected males mate with females infected with the same Wolbachia strain. However, the potential rescue mechanism of CI in the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus is unclear. In this study, comparative transcriptome analysis was applied to explore the effect of Wolbachia on L. striatellus eggs. A total of 1387 differentially expressed genes were identified. RNA interference of 7 Wolbachia-upregulated key planthopper genes reduced egg reproduction, suggesting that Wolbachia might improve fecundity in L. striatellus by affecting these 7 genes. Suppressing the expression of another upregulated gene, NDUFA8 (encoding NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 α subcomplex subunit 8-like) by RNA interference significantly increased the mortality of early embryos without affecting the number of deposited eggs. Wolbachia infection upregulated the mRNA level of NDUFA8, and dsNDUFA8 treatment of Wolbachia-infected females recreated CI-like symptoms, suggesting that NDUFA8 is associated with the rescue phenotype. Because all L. striatellus populations worldwide are infected with Wolbachia, NDUFA8 is a potential pest control target.},
}
@article {pmid36744984,
year = {2023},
author = {Banerjee, P and Sarkar, A and Ghosh, K and Mazumdar, A},
title = {A Metagenomic Based Approach on Abundance and Diversity of Bacterial Communities Across the Life Stages of Culicoides peregrinus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) a Vector of Bluetongue Virus.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {60},
number = {2},
pages = {373-383},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjad011},
pmid = {36744984},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ceratopogonidae ; *Bluetongue virus ; Bacteria/genetics ; Larva ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {During larval rearing of Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) it was obligatory to add a small quantity of mud from larval habitat to nutrient broth in culture plates. This initiated microbial growth in rearing plates which facilitated growth and development of immature. The primary aim was to enumerate gut microbial communities across the different life stages of C. peregrinus. Amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region (16S rDNA) was done on Illumina Miseq platform to detect gut bacterial communities at different life stages, while ITS regions (18S rRNA) were targeted for fungal communities of the 4th instar larvae. The major findings were: 1) Phylum Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most abundant throughout the life stages, along with the highest bacterial alpha diversity in the egg, 2) bacterial compositions were similar to laboratory reared and field collected adults, and 3) abundant fungal phyla associated with the larval gut were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Furthermore, analyses of the gut microbiome with METAGENassist might be indicative of their likely function in the natural habitat. Abundant gut-associated bacteria and/or fungal genera detected in the present study could be used as dietary supplements to establish laboratory colonies for further vectorial research. While, individual roles of the bacteria or fungi in paratransgenesis are warned for their possible utilization to frame the management strategy in upcoming works.},
}
@article {pmid36748430,
year = {2022},
author = {Izraeli, Y and Lepetit, D and Atias, S and Mozes-Daube, N and Wodowski, G and Lachman, O and Luria, N and Steinberg, S and Varaldi, J and Zchori-Fein, E and Chiel, E},
title = {Genomic characterization of viruses associated with the parasitoid Anagyrus vladimiri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae).},
journal = {The Journal of general virology},
volume = {103},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/jgv.0.001810},
pmid = {36748430},
issn = {1465-2099},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Wasps ; *Viruses ; Genomics ; *Reoviridae/genetics ; },
abstract = {Knowledge on symbiotic microorganisms of insects has increased dramatically in recent years, yet relatively little data are available regarding non-pathogenic viruses. Here we studied the virome of the parasitoid wasp Anagyrus vladimiri Triapitsyn (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a biocontrol agent of mealybugs. By high-throughput sequencing of viral nucleic acids, we revealed three novel viruses, belonging to the families Reoviridae [provisionally termed AnvRV (Anagyrus vladimiri reovirus)], Iflaviridae (AnvIFV) and Dicistroviridae (AnvDV). Phylogenetic analysis further classified AnvRV in the genus Idnoreovirus, and AnvDV in the genus Triatovirus. The genome of AnvRV comprises 10 distinct genomic segments ranging in length from 1.5 to 4.2 kb, but only two out of the 10 ORFs have a known function. AnvIFV and AnvDV each have one polypeptide ORF, which is typical of iflaviruses but very un-common among dicistroviruses. Five conserved domains were found along both the ORFs of those two viruses. AnvRV was found to be fixed in an A. vladimiri population that was obtained from a mass rearing facility, whereas its prevalence in field-collected A. vladimiri was ~15 %. Similarly, the prevalence of AnvIFV and AnvDV was much higher in the mass rearing population than in the field population. The presence of AnvDV was positively correlated with the presence of Wolbachia in the same individuals. Transmission electron micrographs of females' ovaries revealed clusters and viroplasms of reovirus-like particles in follicle cells, suggesting that AnvRV is vertically transmitted from mother to offspring. AnvRV was not detected in the mealybugs, supporting the assumption that this virus is truly associated with the wasps. The possible effects of these viruses on A. vladimiri's biology, and on biocontrol agents in general, are discussed. Our findings identify RNA viruses as potentially involved in the multitrophic system of mealybugs, their parasitoids and other members of the holobiont.},
}
@article {pmid36748607,
year = {2022},
author = {Giannotti, D and Boscaro, V and Husnik, F and Vannini, C and Keeling, PJ},
title = {At the threshold of symbiosis: the genome of obligately endosymbiotic 'Candidatus Nebulobacter yamunensis' is almost indistinguishable from that of a cultivable strain.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {8},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {36748607},
issn = {2057-5858},
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Bacteria/genetics ; Genomics ; },
abstract = {Comparing obligate endosymbionts with their free-living relatives is a powerful approach to investigate the evolution of symbioses, and it has led to the identification of several genomic traits consistently associated with the establishment of symbiosis. 'Candidatus Nebulobacter yamunensis' is an obligate bacterial endosymbiont of the ciliate Euplotes that seemingly depends on its host for survival. A subsequently characterized bacterial strain with an identical 16S rRNA gene sequence, named Fastidiosibacter lacustris, can instead be maintained in pure culture. We analysed the genomes of 'Candidatus Nebulobacter' and Fastidiosibacter seeking to identify key differences between their functional traits and genomic structure that might shed light on a recent transition to obligate endosymbiosis. Surprisingly, we found almost no such differences: the two genomes share a high level of sequence identity, the same overall structure, and largely overlapping sets of genes. The similarities between the genomes of the two strains are at odds with their different ecological niches, confirmed here with a parallel growth experiment. Although other pairs of closely related symbiotic/free-living bacteria have been compared in the past, 'Candidatus Nebulobacter' and Fastidiosibacter represent an extreme example proving that a small number of (unknown) factors might play a pivotal role in the earliest stages of obligate endosymbiosis establishment.},
}
@article {pmid36750192,
year = {2023},
author = {Haydon, TD and Matthews, JL and Seymour, JR and Raina, JB and Seymour, JE and Chartrand, K and Camp, EF and Suggett, DJ},
title = {Metabolomic signatures of corals thriving across extreme reef habitats reveal strategies of heat stress tolerance.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {290},
number = {1992},
pages = {20221877},
pmid = {36750192},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; *Thermotolerance ; Coral Reefs ; Symbiosis ; Heat-Shock Response ; *Dinoflagellida/physiology ; },
abstract = {Anthropogenic stressors continue to escalate worldwide, driving unprecedented declines in reef environmental conditions and coral health. One approach to better understand how corals can function in the future is to examine coral populations that thrive within present day naturally extreme habitats. We applied untargeted metabolomics (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)) to contrast metabolite profiles of Pocillopora acuta colonies from hot, acidic and deoxygenated mangrove environments versus those from adjacent reefs. Under ambient temperatures, P. acuta predominantly associated with endosymbionts of the genera Cladocopium (reef) or Durusdinium (mangrove), exhibiting elevated metabolism in mangrove through energy-generating and biosynthesis pathways compared to reef populations. Under transient heat stress, P. acuta endosymbiont associations were unchanged. Reef corals bleached and exhibited extensive shifts in symbiont metabolic profiles (whereas host metabolite profiles were unchanged). By contrast, mangrove populations did not bleach and solely the host metabolite profiles were altered, including cellular responses in inter-partner signalling, antioxidant capacity and energy storage. Thus mangrove P. acuta populations resist periodically high-temperature exposure via association with thermally tolerant endosymbionts coupled with host metabolic plasticity. Our findings highlight specific metabolites that may be biomarkers of heat tolerance, providing novel insight into adaptive coral resilience to elevated temperatures.},
}
@article {pmid36754115,
year = {2023},
author = {Prigot-Maurice, C and Lheraud, B and Guéritault, S and Beltran-Bech, S and Cordaux, R and Peccoud, J and Braquart-Varnier, C},
title = {Investigating Wolbachia symbiont-mediated host protection against a bacterial pathogen using a natural Wolbachia nuclear insert.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {197},
number = {},
pages = {107893},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2023.107893},
pmid = {36754115},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Female ; Animals ; *Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia bacterial endosymbionts provide protection against pathogens in various arthropod species but the underlying mechanisms remain misunderstood. By using a natural Wolbachia nuclear insert (f-element) in the isopod Armadillidium vulgare, we explored whether Wolbachia presence is mandatory to observe protection in this species or the presence of its genes is sufficient. We assessed survival of closely related females carrying or lacking the f-element (and lacking Wolbachia) challenged with the bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica. Despite marginal significant effects, the f-element alone did not appear to confer survival benefits to its host, suggesting that Wolbachia presence in cells is crucial for protection.},
}
@article {pmid36755874,
year = {2022},
author = {Du, S and Ye, F and Xu, S and Liang, Y and Wan, F and Guo, J and Liu, W},
title = {Apomixis for no bacteria-induced thelytoky in Diglyphus wani (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae).},
journal = {Frontiers in genetics},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1061100},
pmid = {36755874},
issn = {1664-8021},
abstract = {In Hymenoptera species, the reproductive mode is usually arrhenotoky, where haploid males arise from unfertilized eggs and diploid females from fertilized eggs. In addition, a few species reproduce by thelytoky, where diploid females arise from unfertilized eggs. Diploid females can be derived through various cytological mechanisms in thelytokous Hymenoptera species. Hitherto, these mechanisms were revealed mainly in endosymbiont-induced thelytokous Hymenoptera species. In contrast, thelytokous Hymenoptera species in which a reproductive manipulator has not been verified or several common endosymbionts have been excluded were paid less attention in their cytological mechanisms, for instance, Diglyphus wani (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Here, we investigated the cytological mechanism of D. wani using cytological methods and genetic markers. Our observations indicated that the diploid karyotypes of two strains of D. wani consist of four pairs of relatively large metacentric chromosomes and one pair of short submetacentric chromosomes (2n = 10). The arrhenotokous strains could complete normal meiosis, whereas the thelytokous strain lacked meiosis and did not expulse any polar bodies. This reproductive type of lacking meiosis is classified as apomictic thelytoky. Moreover, a total of 636 microsatellite sequences were obtained from thelytokous D. wani, dominated by dinucleotide repeats. Genetic markers results showed all three generations of offspring from thelytokous strain maintained the same genotype as their parents. Our results revealed that D. wani is the first eulophid parasitoid wasp in Hymenoptera whose thelytoky was not induced by bacteria to form an apomictic thelytoky. These findings provide a baseline for future inner molecular genetic studies of ameiotic thelytoky.},
}
@article {pmid36757767,
year = {2023},
author = {Halter, T and Köstlbacher, S and Rattei, T and Hendrickx, F and Manzano-Marín, A and Horn, M},
title = {One to host them all: genomics of the diverse bacterial endosymbionts of the spider Oedothorax gibbosus.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {36757767},
issn = {2057-5858},
support = {DOC 69/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/genetics/microbiology ; DNA Transposable Elements ; Bacteroidetes/genetics ; Genomics ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts of the groups Wolbachia, Cardinium and Rickettsiaceae are well known for their diverse effects on their arthropod hosts, ranging from mutualistic relationships to reproductive phenotypes. Here, we analysed a unique system in which the dwarf spider Oedothorax gibbosus is co-infected with up to five different endosymbionts affiliated with Wolbachia, 'Candidatus Tisiphia' (formerly Torix group Rickettsia), Cardinium and Rhabdochlamydia. Using short-read genome sequencing data, we show that the endosymbionts are heterogeneously distributed among O. gibbosus populations and are frequently found co-infecting spider individuals. To study this intricate host-endosymbiont system on a genome-resolved level, we used long-read sequencing to reconstruct closed genomes of the Wolbachia, 'Ca. Tisiphia' and Cardinium endosymbionts. We provide insights into the ecology and evolution of the endosymbionts and shed light on the interactions with their spider host. We detected high quantities of transposable elements in all endosymbiont genomes and provide evidence that ancestors of the Cardinium, 'Ca. Tisiphia' and Wolbachia endosymbionts have co-infected the same hosts in the past. Our findings contribute to broadening our knowledge about endosymbionts infecting one of the largest animal phyla on Earth and show the usefulness of transposable elements as an evolutionary 'contact-tracing' tool.},
}
@article {pmid36769231,
year = {2023},
author = {Tarlachkov, SV and Efeykin, BD and Castillo, P and Evtushenko, LI and Subbotin, SA},
title = {Distribution of Bacterial Endosymbionts of the Cardinium Clade in Plant-Parasitic Nematodes.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {36769231},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Bacteroidetes/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Tylenchoidea/genetics ; DNA ; Symbiosis ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Bacteria of the genus "Candidatus Cardinium" and related organisms composing the Cardinium clade are intracellular endosymbionts frequently occurring in several arthropod groups, freshwater mussels and plant-parasitic nematodes. Phylogenetic analyses based on two gene sequences (16S rRNA and gyrB) showed that the Cardinium clade comprised at least five groups: A, B, C, D and E. In this study, a screening of 142 samples of plant-parasitic nematodes belonging to 93 species from 12 families and two orders using PCR with specific primers and sequencing, revealed bacteria of Cardinium clade in 14 nematode samples belonging to 12 species of cyst nematodes of the family Heteroderidae. Furthermore, in this study, the genome of the Cardinium cHhum from the hop cyst nematode, Heterodera humuli, was also amplified, sequenced and analyzed. The comparisons of the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values for the strain Cardinium cHhum with regard to related organisms with available genomes, combined with the data on 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequence identities, showed that this strain represents a new candidate species within the genus "Candidatus Paenicardinium". The phylogenetic position of endosymbionts of the Cardinium clade detected in nematode hosts was also compared to known representatives of this clade from other metazoans. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on analysis of 16S rRNA, gyrB, sufB, gloEL, fusA, infB genes and genomes and estimates of genetic distances both indicate that the endosymbiont of the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans represented a separate lineage and is designated herein as a new group F. The phylogenetic analysis also confirmed that endosymbionts of ostracods represent the novel group G. Evolutionary relationships of bacterial endosymbionts of the Cardinium clade within invertebrates are presented and discussed.},
}
@article {pmid36778977,
year = {2022},
author = {Sinha, DK and Gupta, A and Padmakumari, AP and Bentur, JS and Nair, S},
title = {Infestation of Rice by Gall Midge Influences Density and Diversity of Pseudomonas and Wolbachia in the Host Plant Microbiome.},
journal = {Current genomics},
volume = {23},
number = {2},
pages = {126-136},
pmid = {36778977},
issn = {1389-2029},
abstract = {Background: The virulence of phytophagous insects is predominantly determined by their ability to evade or suppress host defense for their survival. The rice gall midge (GM, Orseolia oryzae), a monophagous pest of rice, elicits a host defense similar to the one elicited upon pathogen attack. This could be due to the GM feeding behaviour, wherein the GM endosymbionts are transferred to the host plant via oral secretions, and as a result, the host mounts an appropriate defense response(s) (i.e., up-regulation of the salicylic acid pathway) against these endosymbionts. Methods: The current study aimed to analyze the microbiome present at the feeding site of GM maggots to determine the exchange of bacterial species between GM and its host and to elucidate their role in rice-GM interaction using a next-generation sequencing approach. Results: Our results revealed differential representation of the phylum Proteobacteria in the GM-infested and -uninfested rice tissues. Furthermore, analysis of the species diversity of Pseudomonas and Wolbachia supergroups at the feeding sites indicated the exchange of bacterial species between GM and its host upon infestation. Conclusion: As rice-GM microbial associations remain relatively unstudied, these findings not only add to our current understanding of microbe-assisted insect-plant interactions but also provide valuable insights into how these bacteria drive insect-plant coevolution. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report analyzing the microbiome of a host plant (rice) at the feeding site of its insect pest (GM).},
}
@article {pmid36779765,
year = {2023},
author = {Dell'Aglio, E and Lacotte, V and Peignier, S and Rahioui, I and Benzaoui, F and Vallier, A and Da Silva, P and Desouhant, E and Heddi, A and Rebollo, R},
title = {Weevil Carbohydrate Intake Triggers Endosymbiont Proliferation: A Trade-Off between Host Benefit and Endosymbiont Burden.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {e0333322},
pmid = {36779765},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Animals ; *Weevils/genetics/microbiology ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; *Coleoptera ; Symbiosis ; Insecta ; Amino Acids, Aromatic/metabolism ; Tyrosine/metabolism ; Carbohydrates ; Cell Proliferation ; },
abstract = {Nutritional symbioses between insects and intracellular bacteria (endosymbionts) are a major force of adaptation, allowing animals to colonize nutrient-poor ecological niches. Many beetles feeding on tyrosine-poor substrates rely on a surplus of aromatic amino acids produced by bacterial endosymbionts. This surplus of aromatic amino acids is crucial for the biosynthesis of a thick exoskeleton, the cuticle, which is made of a matrix of chitin with proteins and pigments built from tyrosine-derived molecules, providing an important defensive barrier against biotic and abiotic stress. Other endosymbiont-related advantages for beetles include faster development and improved fecundity. The association between Sitophilus oryzae and the Sodalis pierantonius endosymbiont represents a unique case study among beetles: endosymbionts undergo an exponential proliferation in young adults concomitant with the cuticle tanning, and then they are fully eliminated. While endosymbiont clearance, as well as total endosymbiont titer, are host-controlled processes, the mechanism triggering endosymbiont exponential proliferation remains poorly understood. Here, we show that endosymbiont exponential proliferation relies on host carbohydrate intake, unlike the total endosymbiont titer or the endosymbiont clearance, which are under host genetic control. Remarkably, insect fecundity was preserved, and the cuticle tanning was achieved, even when endosymbiont exponential proliferation was experimentally blocked, except in the context of a severely unbalanced diet. Moreover, a high endosymbiont titer coupled with nutrient shortage dramatically impacted host survival, revealing possible environment-dependent disadvantages for the host, likely due to the high energy cost of exponentially proliferating endosymbionts. IMPORTANCE Beetles thriving on tyrosine-poor diet sources often develop mutualistic associations with endosymbionts able to synthesize aromatic amino acids. This surplus of aromatic amino acids is used to reinforce the insect's protective cuticle. An exceptional feature of the Sitophilus oryzae/Sodalis pierantonius interaction is the exponential increase in endosymbiotic titer observed in young adult insects, in concomitance with cuticle biosynthesis. Here, we show that host carbohydrate intake triggers endosymbiont exponential proliferation, even in conditions that lead to the detriment of the host survival. In addition, when hosts thrive on a balanced diet, endosymbiont proliferation is dispensable for several host fitness traits. The endosymbiont exponential proliferation is therefore dependent on the nutritional status of the host, and its consequences on host cuticle biosynthesis and survival depend on food quality and availability.},
}
@article {pmid36781724,
year = {2023},
author = {Takasuka, K and Arakawa, K},
title = {The Method of Eliminating the Wolbachia Endosymbiont Genomes from Insect Samples Prior to a Long-Read Sequencing.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2632},
number = {},
pages = {101-112},
pmid = {36781724},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Wasps/genetics ; Genome ; Insecta/genetics ; Rifampin ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {When extracting DNA of invertebrates for long-read sequencing, not only enough quantity and size of the DNA but, depending on the species, elimination of contamination of endosymbiotic Wolbachia genome also has to be achieved. These requirements become troublesome, especially in small-sized species with a limited number of individuals available for the experiment. In this chapter, using tiny parasitoid wasps (Reclinervellus nielseni) parasitizing spiders as hosts, we developed a method of eliminating the Wolbachia genomes by means of an antibiotic administration to adult wasps via honey solution. Twenty days of rifampicin treatment since their emergence from cocoons resulted in a significant decrease in the Wolbachia genomes while keeping good DNA conditions for nanopore sequencing. An adequate quantity of DNA was then gained by pooling several individuals. The method could be applied to other insects or invertebrates that can be maintained by laboratory feeding with liquid food.},
}
@article {pmid36785954,
year = {2023},
author = {Sanaei, E and Albery, GF and Yeoh, YK and Lin, YP and Cook, LG and Engelstädter, J},
title = {Host phylogeny and ecological associations best explain Wolbachia host shifts in scale insects.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {32},
number = {9},
pages = {2351-2363},
doi = {10.1111/mec.16883},
pmid = {36785954},
issn = {1365-294X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Insecta/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Wasps/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are among the most prevalent and widespread endosymbiotic bacteria on Earth. Wolbachia's success in infecting an enormous number of arthropod species is attributed to two features: the range of phenotypes they induce in their hosts, and their ability to switch between host species. Whilst much progress has been made in elucidating their induced phenotypes, our understanding of Wolbachia host-shifting is still very limited: we lack answers to even fundamental questions concerning Wolbachia's routes of transfer and the importance of factors influencing host shifts. Here, we investigate the diversity and host-shift patterns of Wolbachia in scale insects, a group of arthropods with intimate associations with other insects that make them well suited to studying host shifts. Using Illumina multitarget amplicon sequencing of Wolbachia-infected scale insects and their direct associates we determined the identity of all Wolbachia strains. We then fitted a generalized additive mixed model to our data to estimate the influence of host phylogeny and the geographical distribution on Wolbachia strain sharing among scale insect species. The model predicts no significant contribution of host geography but strong effects of host phylogeny, with high rates of Wolbachia sharing among closely related species and a sudden drop-off in sharing with increasing phylogenetic distance. We also detected the same Wolbachia strain in scale insects and several intimately associated species (ants, wasps and flies). This indicates putative host shifts and potential routes of transfers via these associates and highlights the importance of ecological connectivity in Wolbachia host-shifting.},
}
@article {pmid36786616,
year = {2023},
author = {Li, C and Liu, S and Zhou, H and Zhu, W and Cui, M and Li, J and Wang, J and Liu, J and Zhu, J and Li, W and Bi, Y and Carr, MJ and Holmes, EC and Shi, W},
title = {Metatranscriptomic Sequencing Reveals Host Species as an Important Factor Shaping the Mosquito Virome.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {e0465522},
pmid = {36786616},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {32200004//National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; 2021KJ064//Youth Innovation Team of Shandong Higher Education Institution/ ; 2019QL006//Shandong First Medical University (SFMU)/ ; //Taishan Scholar Project of Shandong Province/ ; FL170100022//Department of Education and Training | Australian Research Council (ARC)/ ; },
abstract = {Mosquitoes are important vector hosts for numerous viral pathogens and harbor a large number of mosquito-specific viruses as well as human-infecting viruses. Previous studies have mainly focused on the discovery of mosquito viruses, and our understanding of major ecological factors associated with virome structure in mosquitoes remains limited. We utilized metatranscriptomic sequencing to characterize the viromes of five mosquito species sampled across eight locations in Yunnan Province, China. This revealed the presence of 52 viral species, of which 19 were novel, belonging to 15 viral families/clades. Of particular note was Culex hepacivirus 1, clustering within the avian clade of hepaciviruses. Notably, both the viromic diversity and abundance of Aedes genus mosquitoes were significantly higher than those of the Culex genus, while Aedes albopictus mosquitoes harbored a higher diversity than Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Our findings thus point to discernible differences in viromic structure between mosquito genera and even between mosquito species within the same genus. Importantly, such differences were not attributable to differences in sampling between geographical location. Our study also revealed the ubiquitous presence of the endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia, with the genetic diversity and abundance also varying between mosquito species. In conclusion, our results suggested that the mosquito host species play an important role in shaping the virome's structure. IMPORTANCE This study revealed the huge capability of mosquitoes in harboring a rich diversity of RNA viruses, although relevant studies have characterized the intensively unparalleled diversity of RNA viruses previously. Furthermore, our findings showed discernible differences not only in viromic structure between mosquito genera and even between mosquito species within the same genus but also in the genetic diversity and abundance of Wolbachia between different mosquito populations. These findings emphasize the importance of host genetic background in shaping the virome composition of mosquitoes.},
}
@article {pmid36793689,
year = {2023},
author = {Matias, AMA and Popovic, I and Thia, JA and Cooke, IR and Torda, G and Lukoschek, V and Bay, LK and Kim, SW and Riginos, C},
title = {Cryptic diversity and spatial genetic variation in the coral Acropora tenuis and its endosymbionts across the Great Barrier Reef.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {293-310},
pmid = {36793689},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {Genomic studies are uncovering extensive cryptic diversity within reef-building corals, suggesting that evolutionarily and ecologically relevant diversity is highly underestimated in the very organisms that structure coral reefs. Furthermore, endosymbiotic algae within coral host species can confer adaptive responses to environmental stress and may represent additional axes of coral genetic variation that are not constrained by taxonomic divergence of the cnidarian host. Here, we examine genetic variation in a common and widespread, reef-building coral, Acropora tenuis, and its associated endosymbiotic algae along the entire expanse of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). We use SNPs derived from genome-wide sequencing to characterize the cnidarian coral host and organelles from zooxanthellate endosymbionts (genus Cladocopium). We discover three distinct and sympatric genetic clusters of coral hosts, whose distributions appear associated with latitude and inshore-offshore reef position. Demographic modelling suggests that the divergence history of the three distinct host taxa ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 million years ago, preceding the GBR's formation, and has been characterized by low-to-moderate ongoing inter-taxon gene flow, consistent with occasional hybridization and introgression typifying coral evolution. Despite this differentiation in the cnidarian host, A. tenuis taxa share a common symbiont pool, dominated by the genus Cladocopium (Clade C). Cladocopium plastid diversity is not strongly associated with host identity but varies with reef location relative to shore: inshore colonies contain lower symbiont diversity on average but have greater differences between colonies as compared with symbiont communities from offshore colonies. Spatial genetic patterns of symbiont communities could reflect local selective pressures maintaining coral holobiont differentiation across an inshore-offshore environmental gradient. The strong influence of environment (but not host identity) on symbiont community composition supports the notion that symbiont community composition responds to habitat and may assist in the adaptation of corals to future environmental change.},
}
@article {pmid36800397,
year = {2023},
author = {Mills, MK and McCabe, LG and Rodrigue, EM and Lechtreck, KF and Starai, VJ},
title = {Wbm0076, a candidate effector protein of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi, disrupts eukaryotic actin dynamics.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {19},
number = {2},
pages = {e1010777},
pmid = {36800397},
issn = {1553-7374},
support = {R01 AI100913/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 GM110413/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Actins/metabolism ; *Brugia malayi/genetics ; Eukaryotic Cells ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Bacterial Proteins ; },
abstract = {Brugia malayi, a parasitic roundworm of humans, is colonized by the obligate intracellular bacterium, Wolbachia pipientis. The symbiosis between this nematode and bacterium is essential for nematode reproduction and long-term survival in a human host. Therefore, identifying molecular mechanisms required by Wolbachia to persist in and colonize B. malayi tissues will provide new essential information regarding the basic biology of this endosymbiosis. Wolbachia utilize a Type IV secretion system to translocate so-called "effector" proteins into the cytosol of B. malayi cells to promote colonization of the eukaryotic host. However, the characterization of these Wolbachia secreted proteins has remained elusive due to the genetic intractability of both organisms. Strikingly, expression of the candidate Wolbachia Type IV-secreted effector protein, Wbm0076, in the surrogate eukaryotic cell model, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, resulted in the disruption of the yeast actin cytoskeleton and inhibition of endocytosis. Genetic analyses show that Wbm0076 is a member of the family of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome proteins (WAS [p]), a well-conserved eukaryotic protein family required for the organization of actin skeletal structures. Thus, Wbm0076 likely plays a central role in the active cell-to-cell movement of Wolbachia throughout B. malayi tissues during nematode development. As most Wolbachia isolates sequenced to date encode at least partial orthologs of wBm0076, we find it likely that the ability of Wolbachia to directly manipulate host actin dynamics is an essential requirement of all Wolbachia endosymbioses, independent of host cell species.},
}
@article {pmid36801155,
year = {2023},
author = {Ogier, JC and Akhurst, R and Boemare, N and Gaudriault, S},
title = {The endosymbiont and the second bacterial circle of entomopathogenic nematodes.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {31},
number = {6},
pages = {629-643},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2023.01.004},
pmid = {36801155},
issn = {1878-4380},
mesh = {Animals ; *Nematoda/microbiology/pathogenicity ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Single host-symbiont interactions should be reconsidered from the perspective of the pathobiome. We revisit here the interactions between entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their microbiota. We first describe the discovery of these EPNs and their bacterial endosymbionts. We also consider EPN-like nematodes and their putative symbionts. Recent high-throughput sequencing studies have shown that EPNs and EPN-like nematodes are also associated with other bacterial communities, referred to here as the second bacterial circle of EPNs. Current findings suggest that some members of this second bacterial circle contribute to the pathogenic success of nematodes. We suggest that the endosymbiont and the second bacterial circle delimit an EPN pathobiome.},
}
@article {pmid36809083,
year = {2023},
author = {De la Vega, P and Shimpi, GG and Bentlage, B},
title = {Genome Sequence of the Endosymbiont Endozoicomonas sp. Strain GU-1 (Gammaproteobacteria), Isolated from the Staghorn Coral Acropora pulchra (Cnidaria: Scleractinia).},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {12},
number = {3},
pages = {e0135522},
pmid = {36809083},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {OIA-1946352//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; },
abstract = {Endozoicomonas sp. strain GU-1 was isolated from two separate staghorn coral (Acropora pulchra) colonies collected in Guam, Micronesia. Both isolates were grown in marine broth prior to DNA extraction and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing. Genomes were approximately 6.1 Mbp in size, containing highly similar gene content and matching sets of rRNA sequences.},
}
@article {pmid36810610,
year = {2023},
author = {Muro, T and Hikida, H and Fujii, T and Kiuchi, T and Katsuma, S},
title = {Two Complete Genomes of Male-Killing Wolbachia Infecting Ostrinia Moth Species Illuminate Their Evolutionary Dynamics and Association with Hosts.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {86},
number = {3},
pages = {1740-1754},
pmid = {36810610},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {17H06431//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 22H00366//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Moths/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Sex Ratio ; Genomics ; Female ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an extremely widespread intracellular symbiont which causes reproductive manipulation on various arthropod hosts. Male progenies are killed in Wolbachia-infected lineages of the Japanese Ostrinia moth population. While the mechanism of male killing and the evolutionary interaction between host and symbiont are significant concerns for this system, the absence of Wolbachia genomic information has limited approaches to these issues. We determined the complete genome sequences of wFur and wSca, the male-killing Wolbachia of Ostrinia furnacalis and Ostrinia scapulalis. The two genomes shared an extremely high degree of homology, with over 95% of the predicted protein sequences being identical. A comparison of these two genomes revealed nearly minimal genome evolution, with a strong emphasis on the frequent genome rearrangements and the rapid evolution of ankyrin repeat-containing proteins. Additionally, we determined the mitochondrial genomes of both species' infected lineages and performed phylogenetic analyses to deduce the evolutionary dynamics of Wolbachia infection in the Ostrinia clade. According to the inferred phylogenetic relationship, two possible scenarios were proposed: (1) Wolbachia infection was established in the Ostrinia clade prior to the speciation of related species such as O. furnacalis and O. scapulalis, or (2) Wolbachia infection in these species was introgressively transferred from a currently unidentified relative. Simultaneously, the relatively high homology of mitochondrial genomes suggested recent Wolbachia introgression between infected Ostrinia species. The findings of this study collectively shed light on the host-symbiont interaction from an evolutionary standpoint.},
}
@article {pmid36810669,
year = {2023},
author = {Manoj, RRS and Latrofa, MS and Louni, M and Laidoudi, Y and Fenollar, F and Otranto, D and Mediannikov, O},
title = {In vitro maintenance of the endosymbiont Wolbachia of Dirofilaria immitis.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {122},
number = {4},
pages = {939-943},
pmid = {36810669},
issn = {1432-1955},
mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; *Dirofilaria immitis ; *Dirofilariasis ; *Wolbachia ; Microfilariae ; *Dog Diseases/microbiology ; ortho-Aminobenzoates ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia has an obligatory mutualistic relationship with many onchocercid nematodes of the subfamilies Dirofilariinae and Onchocercinae. Till date, no attempts have been made for the in vitro cultivation of this intracellular bacterium from the filarioid host. Hence, the current study attempted cell co-culture method using embryonic Drosophila S2 and the LD cell lines to cultivate Wolbachia from Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae (mfs) harvested from infected dogs. Microfilariae (mfs = 1500) were inoculated in shell vials supplemented with Schneider medium using both cell lines. The establishment and multiplication of the bacterium were observed during the initial inoculation, at day 0 and before every medium change (from days 14 to 115). An aliquot (50 µl) from each time point was tested by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Comparing the average of Ct values, obtained by the tested parameters (i.e., LD/S2 cell lines and mfs with/without treatment), the S2 cell line without mechanical disruption of mfs provided the highest Wolbachia cell count by qPCR. Despite the maintenance of Wolbachia within both S2 and LD-based cell co-culture models for up to 115 days, a definitive conclusion is still far. Further trials using fluorescent microscopy and viable staining will help to demonstrate the cell line infection and viability of Wolbachia. Use of considerable amount of untreated mfs to inoculate the Drosophilia S2 cell lines, as well as the supplementation of the culture media with growth stimulants or pre-treated cells to increase their susceptibility for the infection and development of a filarioid-based cell line system are recommended for the future trials.},
}
@article {pmid36824530,
year = {2022},
author = {Schultz, DL and Selberherr, E and Stouthamer, CM and Doremus, MR and Kelly, SE and Hunter, MS and Schmitz-Esser, S},
title = {Sex-based de novo transcriptome assemblies of the parasitoid wasp Encarsia suzannae, a host of the manipulative heritable symbiont Cardinium hertigii.},
journal = {GigaByte (Hong Kong, China)},
volume = {2022},
number = {},
pages = {gigabyte68},
pmid = {36824530},
issn = {2709-4715},
abstract = {Parasitoid wasps in the genus Encarsia are commonly used as biological pest control agents of whiteflies and armored scale insects in greenhouses or the field. They are also hosts of the bacterial endosymbiont Cardinium hertigii, which can cause reproductive manipulation phenotypes, including parthenogenesis, feminization, and cytoplasmic incompatibility (the last is mainly studied in Encarsia suzannae). Despite their biological and economic importance, there are no published Encarsia genomes and only one public transcriptome. Here, we applied a mapping-and-removal approach to eliminate known contaminants from previously-obtained Illumina sequencing data. We generated de novo transcriptome assemblies for both female and male E. suzannae which contain 45,986 and 54,762 final coding sequences, respectively. Benchmarking Single-Copy Orthologs results indicate both assemblies are highly complete. Preliminary analyses revealed the presence of homologs of sex-determination genes characterized in other insects and putative venom proteins. Our male and female transcriptomes will be valuable tools to better understand the biology of Encarsia and their evolutionary relatives, particularly in studies involving insects of only one sex.},
}
@article {pmid36825089,
year = {2023},
author = {Jiang, RX and Shang, F and Jiang, HB and Dou, W and Cernava, T and Wang, JJ},
title = {Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus: An important factor affecting bacterial community composition and Wolbachia titers in Asian citrus psyllid.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1109803},
pmid = {36825089},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Endosymbionts play crucial roles in various physiological activities within insect hosts. The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is an important vector for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), a fatal pathogenic bacterial agent causing the disease Huanglongbing in the citrus industry. This study combines high-throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA amplicons to explore how CLas affects the bacterial community in different color morphs (blue, gray), genders, and tissues (cuticle, gut, mycetome, Malpighian tubule, ovary, and testis) of ACP. We found that there was no significant differences in the bacterial community diversity and CLas acquired ratio between the different color morphs and genders of ACP adults. However, acquiring CLas could promote the adult bacterial community's diversity and richness more than in the uninfected condition. The presence of CLas could increase the Wolbachia and unclassified_Enterobacteriaceae proportions more than in the uninfected condition. The bacterial community diversity in the CLas infected tissues of ovary and cuticle, was lower than the uninfected condition, but the richness of all tissues was not different between the infected and uninfected conditions. CLas could also change the bacterial structure in different tissues and make the bacterial relationship network simpler than it is in an uninfected condition. Furthermore, we used quantitative real-time PCR to assess the dynamic changes of Wolbachia in CLas uninfected and infected color morphs and tissues of ACP. The results showed that Wolbachia titers were significantly higher in CLas infected adults than in uninfected adults. In different tissues, the Wolbachia titers in the testis, ovary, and Malpighian tubule were higher than their uninfected counterparts. Our results provide essential knowledge for understanding the symbionts of the ACP and how CLas affects the bacterial community of the ACP.},
}
@article {pmid36827319,
year = {2023},
author = {Teal, E and Herrera, C and Dumonteil, E},
title = {Metabolomics of developmental changes in Triatoma sanguisuga gut microbiota.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {e0280868},
pmid = {36827319},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Triatoma/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Trypanosoma cruzi/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Metabolomics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Nymph ; *Chagas Disease/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Triatoma sanguisuga is one of the major vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in the southeastern US, where it sustains a robust zoonotic parasite transmission cycle and occasional human infections. A better understanding of triatomine development may allow for alternative approaches to insecticide-based vector control. Indeed, the role of the gut microbiota and bacterial endosymbionts in triatomine development and in their vectorial capacity is emerging. We investigated here the differences in microbiota among nymph and adult T. sanguisuga, to shed light on the metabolomic interactions occurring during development. Microbiota composition was assessed by 16s gene amplification and deep sequencing from field-caught adult bugs and their laboratory-raised progeny. Significant differences in microbiota bacterial diversity and composition were observed between nymphs and adults. Laboratory-raised nymphs showed a higher taxonomic diversity, and at least seven families predominated. On the other hand, field-caught adults had a lower bacterial diversity and four families comprised most of the microbiota. These differences in compositions were associated with differences in predicted metabolism, with laboratory-raised nymphs microbiota metabolizing a limited diversity of carbon sources, with potential for resource competition between bacterial families, and the production of lactic acid as a predominant fermentation product. On the other hand, field-caught adult microbiota was predicted to metabolize a broader diversity of carbon sources, with complementarity rather than competition among taxa, and produced a diverse range of products in a more balanced manner. The restricted functionality of laboratory-raised nymph microbiota may be associated with their poor development in captivity, and further understanding of the metabolic interactions at play may lead to alternative vector control strategies targeting triatomine microbiota.},
}
@article {pmid36828496,
year = {2023},
author = {Kallu, SA and Ndebe, J and Qiu, Y and Nakao, R and Simuunza, MC},
title = {Prevalence and Association of Trypanosomes and Sodalis glossinidius in Tsetse Flies from the Kafue National Park in Zambia.},
journal = {Tropical medicine and infectious disease},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {36828496},
issn = {2414-6366},
support = {P151847//University of Zambia, Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals/ ; },
abstract = {Tsetse flies are obligate hematophagous vectors of animal and human African trypanosomosis. They cyclically transmit pathogenic Trypanosoma species. The endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius is suggested to play a role in facilitating the susceptibility of tsetse flies to trypanosome infections. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining the prevalence of S. glossinidius and trypanosomes circulating in tsetse flies and checking whether an association exists between trypanosomes and Sodalis infections in tsetse flies from Kafue National Park in Zambia. A total of 326 tsetse flies were sampled from the Chunga and Ngoma areas of the national park. After DNA extraction was conducted, the presence of S. glossinidius and trypanosome DNA was checked using PCR. The Chi-square test was carried out to determine whether there was an association between the presence of S. glossinidius and trypanosome infections. Out of the total tsetse flies collected, the prevalence of S. glossinidius and trypanosomes was 21.8% and 19.3%, respectively. The prevalence of S. glossinidius was 22.2% in Glossina morsitans and 19.6% in Glossina pallidipes. In relation to sampling sites, the prevalence of S. glossinidius was 26.0% in Chunga and 21.0% in Ngoma. DNA of trypanosomes was detected in 18.9% of G. morsitans and 21.4% of G. pallidipes. The prevalence of trypanosomes was 21.7% and 6.0% for Ngoma and Chunga, respectively. The prevalences of trypanosome species detected in this study were 6.4%, 4.6%, 4.0%, 3.7%, 3.1%, and 2.5% for T. vivax, T. simiae, T. congolense, T. godfreyi, T. simiae Tsavo, and T. b. brucei, respectively. Out of 63 trypanosome infected tsetse flies, 47.6% of the flies also carried S. glossinidius, and the remaining flies were devoid of S. glossinidius. A statistically significant association was found between S. glossinidius and trypanosomes (p < 0.001) infections in tsetse flies. Our findings indicated that presence of S. glossinidius increases the susceptibility of tsetse flies to trypanosome infections and S. glossinidius could be a potential candidate for symbiont-mediated vector control in these tsetse species.},
}
@article {pmid36836374,
year = {2023},
author = {Solanki, S and Lakshmi, GBVS and Dhiman, T and Gupta, S and Solanki, PR and Kapoor, R and Varma, A},
title = {Co-Application of Silver Nanoparticles and Symbiotic Fungus Piriformospora indica Improves Secondary Metabolite Production in Black Rice.},
journal = {Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {36836374},
issn = {2309-608X},
abstract = {In the current research, unique Nano-Embedded Fungus (NEF), made by the synergic association of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and endophytic fungus (Piriformospora indica), is studied, and the impact of NEF on black rice secondary metabolites is reported. AgNPs were synthesized by chemical reduction process using the temperature-dependent method and characterized for morphological and structural features through UV visible absorption spectroscopy, zeta potential, XRD, SEM-EDX, and FTIR spectroscopy. The NEF, prepared by optimizing the AgNPs concentration (300 ppm) in agar and broth media, showed better fungal biomass, colony diameter, spore count, and spore size than the control P. indica. Treatment with AgNPs, P. indica, and NEF resulted in growth enhancement in black rice. NEF and AgNPs stimulated the production of secondary metabolites in its leaves. The concentrations of chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids were increased in plants inoculated with P. indica and AgNPs. The findings of the study highlight the synergistic effect of AgNPs and the fungal symbionts in augmenting the secondary metabolites in leaves of black rice.},
}
@article {pmid36838257,
year = {2023},
author = {Mashini, AG and Oakley, CA and Beepat, SS and Peng, L and Grossman, AR and Weis, VM and Davy, SK},
title = {The Influence of Symbiosis on the Proteome of the Exaiptasia Endosymbiont Breviolum minutum.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {36838257},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {VUW1601//Royal Society of New Zealand/ ; PhD Scholarship awarded to AGM//Victoria University of Wellington/ ; },
abstract = {The cellular mechanisms responsible for the regulation of nutrient exchange, immune response, and symbiont population growth in the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis are poorly resolved. Here, we employed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to elucidate proteomic changes associated with symbiosis in Breviolum minutum, a native symbiont of the sea anemone Exaiptasia diaphana ('Aiptasia'). We manipulated nutrients available to the algae in culture and to the holobiont in hospite (i.e., in symbiosis) and then monitored the impacts of our treatments on host-endosymbiont interactions. Both the symbiotic and nutritional states had significant impacts on the B. minutum proteome. B. minutum in hospite showed an increased abundance of proteins involved in phosphoinositol metabolism (e.g., glycerophosphoinositol permease 1 and phosphatidylinositol phosphatase) relative to the free-living alga, potentially reflecting inter-partner signalling that promotes the stability of the symbiosis. Proteins potentially involved in concentrating and fixing inorganic carbon (e.g., carbonic anhydrase, V-type ATPase) and in the assimilation of nitrogen (e.g., glutamine synthase) were more abundant in free-living B. minutum than in hospite, possibly due to host-facilitated access to inorganic carbon and nitrogen limitation by the host when in hospite. Photosystem proteins increased in abundance at high nutrient levels irrespective of the symbiotic state, as did proteins involved in antioxidant defences (e.g., superoxide dismutase, glutathione s-transferase). Proteins involved in iron metabolism were also affected by the nutritional state, with an increased iron demand and uptake under low nutrient treatments. These results detail the changes in symbiont physiology in response to the host microenvironment and nutrient availability and indicate potential symbiont-driven mechanisms that regulate the cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid36838405,
year = {2023},
author = {Picciotti, U and Araujo Dalbon, V and Ciancio, A and Colagiero, M and Cozzi, G and De Bellis, L and Finetti-Sialer, MM and Greco, D and Ippolito, A and Lahbib, N and Logrieco, AF and López-Llorca, LV and Lopez-Moya, F and Luvisi, A and Mincuzzi, A and Molina-Acevedo, JP and Pazzani, C and Scortichini, M and Scrascia, M and Valenzano, D and Garganese, F and Porcelli, F},
title = {"Ectomosphere": Insects and Microorganism Interactions.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {36838405},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {635646//Horizon Foundation/ ; 727987//Horizon Foundation/ ; 952337//Horizon Foundation/ ; 634353//Horizon Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {This study focuses on interacting with insects and their ectosymbiont (lato sensu) microorganisms for environmentally safe plant production and protection. Some cases help compare ectosymbiont microorganisms that are insect-borne, -driven, or -spread relevant to endosymbionts' behaviour. Ectosymbiotic bacteria can interact with insects by allowing them to improve the value of their pabula. In addition, some bacteria are essential for creating ecological niches that can host the development of pests. Insect-borne plant pathogens include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These pathogens interact with their vectors to enhance reciprocal fitness. Knowing vector-phoront interaction could considerably increase chances for outbreak management, notably when sustained by quarantine vector ectosymbiont pathogens, such as the actual Xylella fastidiosa Mediterranean invasion episode. Insect pathogenic viruses have a close evolutionary relationship with their hosts, also being highly specific and obligate parasites. Sixteen virus families have been reported to infect insects and may be involved in the biological control of specific pests, including some economic weevils. Insects and fungi are among the most widespread organisms in nature and interact with each other, establishing symbiotic relationships ranging from mutualism to antagonism. The associations can influence the extent to which interacting organisms can exert their effects on plants and the proper management practices. Sustainable pest management also relies on entomopathogenic fungi; research on these species starts from their isolation from insect carcasses, followed by identification using conventional light or electron microscopy techniques. Thanks to the development of omics sciences, it is possible to identify entomopathogenic fungi with evolutionary histories that are less-shared with the target insect and can be proposed as pest antagonists. Many interesting omics can help detect the presence of entomopathogens in different natural matrices, such as soil or plants. The same techniques will help localize ectosymbionts, localization of recesses, or specialized morphological adaptation, greatly supporting the robust interpretation of the symbiont role. The manipulation and modulation of ectosymbionts could be a more promising way to counteract pests and borne pathogens, mitigating the impact of formulates and reducing food insecurity due to the lesser impact of direct damage and diseases. The promise has a preventive intent for more manageable and broader implications for pests, comparing what we can obtain using simpler, less-specific techniques and a less comprehensive approach to Integrated Pest Management (IPM).},
}
@article {pmid36838431,
year = {2023},
author = {Nencioni, A and Pastorelli, R and Bigiotti, G and Cucu, MA and Sacchetti, P},
title = {Diversity of the Bacterial Community Associated with Hindgut, Malpighian Tubules, and Foam of Nymphs of Two Spittlebug Species (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae).},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {36838431},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Spittlebugs are xylem-sap feeding insects that can exploit a nutrient-poor diet, thanks to mutualistic endosymbionts residing in various organs of their body. Although obligate symbioses in some spittlebug species have been quite well studied, little is known about their facultative endosymbionts, especially those inhabiting the gut. Recently, the role played by spittlebugs as vectors of the phytopathogenetic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa aroused attention to this insect group, boosting investigations aimed at developing effective yet sustainable control strategies. Since spittlebug nymphs are currently the main target of applied control, the composition of gut bacterial community of the juveniles of Philaenus spumarius and Lepyronia coleoptrata was investigated using molecular techniques. Moreover, bacteria associated with their froth, sampled from different host plants, were studied. Results revealed that Sodalis and Rickettsia bacteria are the predominant taxa in the gut of P. spumarius and L. coleoptrata nymphs, respectively, while Rhodococcus was found in both species. Our investigations also highlighted the presence of recurring bacteria in the froth. Furthermore, the foam hosted several bacterial species depending on the host plant, the insect species, or on soil contaminant. Overall, first findings showed that nymphs harbor a large and diverse bacterial community in their gut and froth, providing new accounts to the knowledge on facultative symbionts of spittlebugs.},
}
@article {pmid36850014,
year = {2023},
author = {Latrofa, MS and Varotto-Boccazzi, I and Louzada-Flores, VN and Iatta, R and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Roura, X and Zatelli, A and Epis, S and Bandi, C and Otranto, D},
title = {Interaction between Wolbachia pipientis and Leishmania infantum in heartworm infected dogs.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {77},
pmid = {36850014},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Female ; Animals ; Dogs ; *Dirofilaria immitis ; *Wolbachia ; *Leishmania infantum ; Cytokines ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is a Gram-negative endosymbiont associated with several species of arthropods and filarioid nematodes, including Dirofilaria immitis. This endosymbiont may elicit a Th1 response, which is a component of the immunity against Leishmania infantum.<br><br>METHODS: To investigate the interactions between Wolbachia of D. immitis and L. infantum in naturally infected dogs and cytokine circulation, dogs without clinical signs (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;187) were selected. Dogs were tested for microfilariae (mfs) by Knott, for female antigens of D. immitis by SNAP, and for anti-L. infantum antibodies by IFAT and assigned to four groups. Dogs of group 1 (G1) and 2 (G2) were positive for D. immitis and positive or negative to L. infantum, respectively. Dogs of group 3 (G3) and 4 (G4) were negative to D. immitis and positive or negative to L. infantum, respectively. Wolbachia and L. infantum DNA was quantified by real-time PCR (qPCR) in dog blood samples. A subset of dogs (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;65) was examined to assess pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production using an ELISA test.<br><br>RESULTS: Of 93 dogs positive to D. immitis with circulating mfs, 85% were positive to Wolbachia, with the highest amount of DNA detected in G1 and the lowest in dogs with low mfs load in G1 and G2. Among dogs positive to L. infantum, 66% from G1 showed low antibody titer, while 48.9% from G3 had the highest antibody titer. Of 37 dogs positive to Wolbachia from G1, 26 (70.3%) had low antibody titers to L. infantum (1:160). Among cytokines, TNF&#x3b1; showed the highest mean concentration in G1 (246.5&#xa0;pg/ml), IFN&#x3b3; being the one most represented (64.3%). IL-10 (1809.5&#xa0;pg/ml) and IL-6 (123.5&#xa0;pg/ml) showed the highest mean concentration in dogs from G1. A lower percentage of dogs producing IL-4 was observed in all groups examined, with the highest mean concentration (2794&#xa0;pg/ml) recorded in G2.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Results show the association of D. immitis and Wolbachia with the lower antibody titers of L. infantum in co-infected dogs, suggesting the hypothesis that the endosymbiont may affect the development of the patent leishmaniosis. However, due to the limitations associated with the heterogeneity of naturally infected dogs in field conditions, results should be validated by investigation on experimental models.},
}
@article {pmid36864565,
year = {2023},
author = {Gossett, JM and Porter, ML and Vasquez, YM and Bennett, GM and Chong, RA},
title = {Genomic Comparisons Reveal Selection Pressure and Functional Variation Between Nutritional Endosymbionts of Cave-Adapted and Epigean Hawaiian Planthoppers.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {36864565},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; Caves ; Hawaii ; Phylogeny ; Genomics ; *Betaproteobacteria/genetics ; Enterobacteriaceae ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Planthoppers in the family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha) harbor a diverse set of obligate bacterial endosymbionts that provision essential amino acids and vitamins that are missing from their plant-sap diet. "Candidatus Sulcia muelleri" and "Ca. Vidania fulgoroidea" have been associated with cixiid planthoppers since their origin within the Auchenorrhyncha, whereas "Ca. Purcelliella pentastirinorum" is a more recent endosymbiotic acquisition. Hawaiian cixiid planthoppers occupy diverse habitats including lava tube caves and shrubby surface landscapes, which offer different nutritional resources and environmental constraints. Genomic studies have focused on understanding the nutritional provisioning roles of cixiid endosymbionts more broadly, yet it is still unclear how selection pressures on endosymbiont genes might differ between cixiid host species inhabiting such diverse landscapes, or how variation in selection might impact symbiont evolution. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of Sulcia, Vidania, and Purcelliella isolated from both surface and cave-adapted planthopper hosts from the genus Oliarus. We found that nutritional biosynthesis genes were conserved in Sulcia and Vidania genomes in inter- and intra-host species comparisons. In contrast, Purcelliella genomes retain different essential nutritional biosynthesis genes between surface- and cave-adapted planthopper species. Finally, we see the variation in selection pressures on symbiont genes both within and between host species, suggesting that strong coevolution between host and endosymbiont is associated with different patterns of molecular evolution on a fine scale that may be associated with the host diet.},
}
@article {pmid36869841,
year = {2023},
author = {Cooper, WR and Walker, WB and Angelella, GM and Swisher Grimm, KD and Foutz, JJ and Harper, SJ and Nottingham, LB and Northfield, TD and Wohleb, CH and Strausbaugh, CA},
title = {Bacterial Endosymbionts Identified From Leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) Vectors of Phytoplasmas.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {52},
number = {2},
pages = {243-253},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvad015},
pmid = {36869841},
issn = {1938-2936},
mesh = {Male ; Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; *Phytoplasma/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Insect Vectors/microbiology ; Plant Diseases/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Insects often harbor bacterial endosymbionts that provide them with nutritional benefit or with protection against natural enemies, plant defenses, insecticides, and abiotic stresses. Certain endosymbionts may also alter acquisition and transmission of plant pathogens by insect vectors. We identified bacterial endosymbionts from four leafhopper vectors (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' species by direct sequencing 16S rDNA and confirmed endosymbiont presence and identity by species-specific conventional PCR. We examined three vectors of Ca. Phytoplasma pruni, causal agent of cherry X-disease [Colladonus geminatus (Van Duzee), Colladonus montanus reductus (Van Duzee), Euscelidius variegatus (Kirschbaum)] - and a vector of Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii, the causal agent of potato purple top disease [Circulifer tenellus (Baker)]. Direct sequencing of 16S identified the two obligate endosymbionts of leafhoppers, 'Ca. Sulcia' and 'Ca. Nasuia', which are known to produce essential amino acids lacking in the leafhoppers' phloem sap diet. About 57% of C. geminatus also harbored endosymbiotic Rickettsia. We identified 'Ca. Yamatotoia cicadellidicola' in Euscelidius variegatus, providing just the second host record for this endosymbiont. Circulifer tenellus harbored the facultative endosymbiont Wolbachia, although the average infection rate was only 13% and all males were Wolbachia-uninfected. A significantly greater percentage of Wolbachia-infected Ci. tenellus adults than uninfected adults carried Ca. P. trifolii, suggesting that Wolbachia may increase this insect's ability to tolerate or acquire this pathogen. Results of our study provide a foundation for continued work on interactions between leafhoppers, bacterial endosymbionts, and phytoplasma.},
}
@article {pmid36880348,
year = {2023},
author = {Tholl, D and Rebholz, Z and Morozov, AV and O'Maille, PE},
title = {Terpene synthases and pathways in animals: enzymology and structural evolution in the biosynthesis of volatile infochemicals.},
journal = {Natural product reports},
volume = {40},
number = {4},
pages = {766-793},
doi = {10.1039/d2np00076h},
pmid = {36880348},
issn = {1460-4752},
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/genetics ; Terpenes/metabolism ; Pheromones ; Mammals ; },
abstract = {Covering: up to the beginning of 2023Many animals release volatile or semi-volatile terpenes as semiochemicals in intra- and inter-specific interactions. Terpenes are important constituents of pheromones and serve as chemical defenses to ward off predators. Despite the occurrence of terpene specialized metabolites from soft corals to mammals, the biosynthetic origin of these compounds has largely remained obscure. An increasing number of animal genome and transcriptome resources is facilitating the identification of enzymes and pathways that allow animals to produce terpenes independent of their food sources or microbial endosymbionts. Substantial evidence has emerged for the presence of terpene biosynthetic pathways such as in the formation of the iridoid sex pheromone nepetalactone in aphids. In addition, terpene synthase (TPS) enzymes have been discovered that are evolutionary unrelated to canonical plant and microbial TPSs and instead resemble precursor enzymes called isoprenyl diphosphate synthases (IDSs) in central terpene metabolism. Structural modifications of substrate binding motifs in canonical IDS proteins presumably facilitated the transition to TPS function at an early state in insect evolution. Other arthropods such as mites appear to have adopted their TPS genes from microbial sources via horizontal gene transfer. A similar scenario likely occurred in soft corals, where TPS families with closer resemblance to microbial TPSs have been discovered recently. Together, these findings will spur the identification of similar or still unknown enzymes in terpene biosynthesis in other lineages of animals. They will also help develop biotechnological applications for animal derived terpenes of pharmaceutical value or advance sustainable agricultural practices in pest management.},
}
@article {pmid36889655,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhu, X and Liu, T and He, A and Zhang, L and Li, J and Li, T and Miao, X and You, M and You, S},
title = {Diversity of Wolbachia infection and its influence on mitochondrial DNA variation in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella.},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {182},
number = {},
pages = {107751},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107751},
pmid = {36889655},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {Animals ; *Moths/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Mitochondria/genetics ; },
abstract = {Plutella xylostella is a pest that severely damages cruciferous vegetables worldwide and has been shown to be infected with the maternally inherited bacteria Wolbachia, with the main infected strain was plutWB1. In this study, we performed a large-scale global sampling of P. xylostella and amplified 3 mtDNA genes of P. xylostella and 6 Wolbachia genes to analyze the infection status, diversity of Wolbachia in P. xylostella, and its effect on mtDNA variation in P. xylostella. This study provides a conservative estimate of Wolbachia infection rates in P. xylostella, which was found to be 7% (104/1440). The ST 108 (plutWB1) was shared among butterfly species and the moth species P. xylostella, revealing that Wolbachia strain plutWB1 acquisition in P. xylostella may be through horizontal transmission. The Parafit analyses indicated a significant association between Wolbachia and Wolbachia-infected P. xylostella individuals, and individuals infected with plutWB1 tended to cluster in the basal positions of the phylogenetic tree based on the mtDNA data. Additionally, Wolbachia infections were associated with increased mtDNA polymorphism in the infected P. xylostella population. These data suggest that Wolbachia endosymbionts may have a potential effect on mtDNA variation of P. xylostella.},
}
@article {pmid36896707,
year = {2023},
author = {McKnight, KS and Gissi, F and Adams, MS and Stone, S and Jolley, D and Stauber, J},
title = {The Effects of Nickel and Copper on Tropical Marine and Freshwater Microalgae Using Single and Multispecies Tests.},
journal = {Environmental toxicology and chemistry},
volume = {42},
number = {4},
pages = {901-913},
doi = {10.1002/etc.5565},
pmid = {36896707},
issn = {1552-8618},
support = {02-231401-0414//Nickel Producers Environmental Research Association/ ; },
mesh = {Nickel/toxicity/analysis ; Copper/toxicity ; *Microalgae ; Fresh Water ; Water Quality ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity/analysis ; },
abstract = {Microalgae are key components of aquatic food chains and are known to be sensitive to a range of contaminants. Much of the available data on metal toxicity to microalgae have been derived from temperate single-species tests with temperate data used to supplement tropical toxicity data sets to derive guideline values. In the present study, we used single-species and multispecies tests to investigate the toxicity of nickel and copper to tropical freshwater and marine microalgae, including the free-swimming stage of Symbiodinium sp., a worldwide coral endosymbiont. Based on the 10% effect concentration (EC10) for growth rate, copper was two to four times more toxic than nickel to all species tested. The temperate strain of Ceratoneis closterium was eight to 10 times more sensitive to nickel than the two tropical strains. Freshwater Monoraphidium arcuatum was less sensitive to copper and nickel in the multispecies tests compared with the single-species tests (EC10 values increasing from 0.45 to 1.4 µg Cu/L and from 62 to 330 µg Ni/L). The Symbiodinium sp. was sensitive to copper (EC10 of 3.1 µg Cu/L) and less sensitive to nickel (EC50 >1600 µg Ni/L). This is an important contribution of data on the chronic toxicity of nickel to Symbiodinium sp. A key result from the present study was that three microalgal species had EC10 values below the current copper water quality guideline value for 95% species protection in slightly to moderately disturbed systems in Australia and New Zealand, indicating that they may not be adequately protected by the current copper guideline value. By contrast, toxicity of nickel to microalgae is unlikely to occur at exposure concentrations typically found in fresh and marine waters. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:901-913. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.},
}
@article {pmid36897260,
year = {2023},
author = {Reich, HG and Camp, EF and Roger, LM and Putnam, HM},
title = {The trace metal economy of the coral holobiont: supplies, demands and exchanges.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {98},
number = {2},
pages = {623-642},
doi = {10.1111/brv.12922},
pmid = {36897260},
issn = {1469-185X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Coral Reefs ; Bacteria/metabolism ; Temperature ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The juxtaposition of highly productive coral reef ecosystems in oligotrophic waters has spurred substantial interest and progress in our understanding of macronutrient uptake, exchange, and recycling among coral holobiont partners (host coral, dinoflagellate endosymbiont, endolithic algae, fungi, viruses, bacterial communities). By contrast, the contribution of trace metals to the physiological performance of the coral holobiont and, in turn, the functional ecology of reef-building corals remains unclear. The coral holobiont's trace metal economy is a network of supply, demand, and exchanges upheld by cross-kingdom symbiotic partnerships. Each partner has unique trace metal requirements that are central to their biochemical functions and the metabolic stability of the holobiont. Organismal homeostasis and the exchanges among partners determine the ability of the coral holobiont to adjust to fluctuating trace metal supplies in heterogeneous reef environments. This review details the requirements for trace metals in core biological processes and describes how metal exchanges among holobiont partners are key to sustaining complex nutritional symbioses in oligotrophic environments. Specifically, we discuss how trace metals contribute to partner compatibility, ability to cope with stress, and thereby to organismal fitness and distribution. Beyond holobiont trace metal cycling, we outline how the dynamic nature of the availability of environmental trace metal supplies can be influenced by a variability of abiotic factors (e.g. temperature, light, pH, etc.). Climate change will have profound consequences on the availability of trace metals and further intensify the myriad stressors that influence coral survival. Lastly, we suggest future research directions necessary for understanding the impacts of trace metals on the coral holobiont symbioses spanning subcellular to organismal levels, which will inform nutrient cycling in coral ecosystems more broadly. Collectively, this cross-scale elucidation of the role of trace metals for the coral holobiont will allow us to improve forecasts of future coral reef function.},
}
@article {pmid36907292,
year = {2023},
author = {Ruiz, A and Gutiérrez-Bugallo, G and Rodríguez-Roche, R and Pérez, L and González-Broche, R and Piedra, LA and Martínez, LC and Menéndez, Z and Vega-Rúa, A and Bisset, JA},
title = {First report of natural Wolbachia infections in mosquitoes from Cuba.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {242},
number = {},
pages = {106891},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106891},
pmid = {36907292},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Cuba ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; *Aedes/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Mosquitoes are extensively responsible for the transmission of pathogens. Novel strategies using Wolbachia could transform that scenario, since these bacteria manipulate mosquito reproduction, and can confer a pathogen transmission-blocking phenotype in culicids. Here, we screened the Wolbachia surface protein region by PCR in eight Cuban mosquito species. We confirmed the natural infections by sequencing and assessed the phylogenetic relationships among the Wolbachia strains detected. We identified four Wolbachia hosts: Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Mansonia titillans, and Aedes mediovittatus (first report worldwide). Knowledge of Wolbachia strains and their natural hosts is essential for future operationalization of this vector control strategy in Cuba.},
}
@article {pmid36909625,
year = {2023},
author = {Verhoeve, VI and Lehman, SS and Driscoll, TP and Beckmann, JF and Gillespie, JJ},
title = {Metagenome diversity illuminates origins of pathogen effectors.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {36909625},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R21 AI156762/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI166832/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Recent metagenome assembled genome (MAG) analyses have profoundly impacted Rickettsiology systematics. Discovery of basal lineages (Mitibacteraceae and Athabascaceae) with predicted extracellular lifestyles reveals an evolutionary timepoint for the transition to host dependency, which occurred independent of mitochondrial evolution. Notably, these basal rickettsiae carry the Rickettsiales vir homolog (rvh) type IV secretion system (T4SS) and purportedly use rvh to kill congener microbes rather than parasitize host cells as described for derived rickettsial pathogens. MAG analysis also substantially increased diversity for genus Rickettsia and delineated a basal lineage (Tisiphia) that stands to inform on the rise of human pathogens from protist and invertebrate endosymbionts. Herein, we probed Rickettsiales MAG and genomic diversity for the distribution of Rickettsia rvh effectors to ascertain their origins. A sparse distribution of most Rickettsia rvh effectors outside of Rickettsiaceae lineages indicates unique rvh evolution from basal extracellular species and other rickettsial families. Remarkably, nearly every effector was found in multiple divergent forms with variable architectures, illuminating profound roles for gene duplication and recombination in shaping effector repertoires in Rickettsia pathogens. Lateral gene transfer plays a prominent role shaping the rvh effector landscape, as evinced by the discover of many effectors on plasmids and conjugative transposons, as well as pervasive effector gene exchange between Rickettsia and Legionella species. Our study exemplifies how MAGs can provide incredible insight on the origins of pathogen effectors and how their architectural modifications become tailored to eukaryotic host cell biology.},
}
@article {pmid36909700,
year = {2022},
author = {Murugesan, RK and Balakrishnan, R and Natesan, S and Jayavel, S and Muthiah, RC},
title = {Identification of coral endosymbionts of Veedhalai and Mandapam coasts of Palk Bay, India using small subunit rDNA.},
journal = {Bioinformation},
volume = {18},
number = {4},
pages = {318-324},
pmid = {36909700},
issn = {0973-2063},
abstract = {Coral endosymbionts act as a bio-indicator of coral ecosystem under extreme environmental conditions. The health of the coral ecosystem depends on the endosymbiont cell density of the coral hosts. Therefore, it is of interest to analyze ten coral fragments found to be under the genera Acropora, Favites, Favia, and Porites collected at various locations from Veedhalai to Mandapam, southeast coast of India during January 2019 to March 2019. The zooxanthellae cell count ranged between 4.08 (Porites sp.9) and 13.75x105 cells cm2 -1 (Favites sp.3). This indicates the health of the corals in the region. The genus (clade) level identification of endosymbionts was detected using the host excluding primers of small subunit DNA (nssrDNA). Bidirectional sequencing of 18S nrDNA gene (SSU) of all ten coral fragments show that the Veedhalai corals is associated with the genus Durusdinium (Clade D) but the corals of Mandapam is associated with the genera, Cladocopium (Clade C) and Durusdinium (Clade D). It is known that the thermal stress has negative impact on coral reef ecosystem of the world. The dominance of the genus Durusdinium in the scleractinian corals of Palk Bay may be due to frequent exposure to thermal stress. This thermotolerant endosymbionts is opportunistic. Thus, the corals of Veedhalai and Mandapam coasts, Palk Bay, India are necessarily packed with thermotolerant endosymbionts enabling conservation.},
}
@article {pmid36911919,
year = {2023},
author = {Radousky, YA and Hague, MTJ and Fowler, S and Paneru, E and Codina, A and Rugamas, C and Hartzog, G and Cooper, BS and Sullivan, W},
title = {Distinct Wolbachia localization patterns in oocytes of diverse host species reveal multiple strategies of maternal transmission.},
journal = {Genetics},
volume = {224},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {36911919},
issn = {1943-2631},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Drosophila melanogaster ; Oocytes ; Oogenesis ; Drosophila/genetics ; },
abstract = {A broad array of endosymbionts radiate through host populations via vertical transmission, yet much remains unknown concerning the cellular basis, diversity, and routes underlying this transmission strategy. Here, we address these issues, by examining the cellular distributions of Wolbachia strains that diverged up to 50 million years ago in the oocytes of 18 divergent Drosophila species. This analysis revealed 3 Wolbachia distribution patterns: (1) a tight clustering at the posterior pole plasm (the site of germline formation); (2) a concentration at the posterior pole plasm, but with a significant bacteria population distributed throughout the oocyte; and (3) a distribution throughout the oocyte, with none or very few located at the posterior pole plasm. Examination of this latter class indicates Wolbachia accesses the posterior pole plasm during the interval between late oogenesis and the blastoderm formation. We also find that 1 Wolbachia strain in this class concentrates in the posterior somatic follicle cells that encompass the pole plasm of the developing oocyte. In contrast, strains in which Wolbachia concentrate at the posterior pole plasm generally exhibit no or few Wolbachia in the follicle cells associated with the pole plasm. Taken together, these studies suggest that for some Drosophila species, Wolbachia invade the germline from neighboring somatic follicle cells. Phylogenomic analysis indicates that closely related Wolbachia strains tend to exhibit similar patterns of posterior localization, suggesting that specific localization strategies are a function of Wolbachia-associated factors. Previous studies revealed that endosymbionts rely on 1 of 2 distinct routes of vertical transmission: continuous maintenance in the germline (germline-to-germline) or a more circuitous route via the soma (germline-to-soma-to-germline). Here, we provide compelling evidence that Wolbachia strains infecting Drosophila species maintain the diverse arrays of cellular mechanisms necessary for both of these distinct transmission routes. This characteristic may account for its ability to infect and spread globally through a vast range of host insect species.},
}
@article {pmid36928089,
year = {2023},
author = {Terretaz, K and Horard, B and Weill, M and Loppin, B and Landmann, F},
title = {Functional analysis of Wolbachia Cid effectors unravels cooperative interactions to target host chromatin during replication.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {e1011211},
pmid = {36928089},
issn = {1553-7374},
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Chromatin/metabolism ; *Wolbachia/physiology ; Semen/metabolism ; Animals, Genetically Modified ; Drosophila/metabolism ; Cytoplasm/metabolism ; Centromere Protein A/metabolism ; *Drosophila Proteins/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are common bacteria among terrestrial arthropods. These endosymbionts transmitted through the female germline manipulate their host reproduction through several mechanisms whose most prevalent form called Cytoplasmic Incompatibility -CI- is a conditional sterility syndrome eventually favoring the infected progeny. Upon fertilization, the sperm derived from an infected male is only compatible with an egg harboring a compatible Wolbachia strain, this sperm leading otherwise to embryonic death. The Wolbachia Cif factors CidA and CidB responsible for CI and its neutralization function as a Toxin-Antitoxin system in the mosquito host Culex pipiens. However, the mechanism of CidB toxicity and its neutralization by the CidA antitoxin remain unexplored. Using transfected insect cell lines to perform a structure-function analysis of these effectors, we show that both CidA and CidB are chromatin interactors and CidA anchors CidB to the chromatin in a cell-cycle dependent-manner. In absence of CidA, the CidB toxin localizes to its own chromatin microenvironment and acts by preventing S-phase completion, independently of its deubiquitylase -DUB- domain. Experiments with transgenic Drosophila show that CidB DUB domain is required together with CidA during spermatogenesis to stabilize the CidA-CidB complex. Our study defines CidB functional regions and paves the way to elucidate the mechanism of its toxicity.},
}
@article {pmid36929176,
year = {2023},
author = {Eugénio, AT and Marialva, MSP and Beldade, P},
title = {Effects of Wolbachia on Transposable Element Expression Vary Between Drosophila melanogaster Host Genotypes.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {36929176},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; DNA Transposable Elements ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {Transposable elements (TEs) are repetitive DNA sequences capable of changing position in host genomes, thereby causing mutations. TE insertions typically have deleterious effects but they can also be beneficial. Increasing evidence of the contribution of TEs to adaptive evolution further raises interest in understanding what factors impact TE activity. Based on previous studies associating the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia with changes in the abundance of piRNAs, a mechanism for TE repression, and to transposition of specific TEs, we hypothesized that Wolbachia infection would interfere with TE activity. We tested this hypothesis by studying the expression of 14 TEs in a panel of 25 Drosophila melanogaster host genotypes, naturally infected with Wolbachia and annotated for TE insertions. The host genotypes differed significantly in Wolbachia titers inside individual flies, with broad-sense heritability around 20%, and in the number of TE insertions, which depended greatly on TE identity. By removing Wolbachia from the target host genotypes, we generated a panel of 25 pairs of Wolbachia-positive and Wolbachia-negative lines in which we quantified transcription levels for our target TEs. We found variation in TE expression that was dependent on Wolbachia status, TE identity, and host genotype. Comparing between pairs of Wolbachia-positive and Wolbachia-negative flies, we found that Wolbachia removal affected TE expression in 21.1% of the TE-genotype combinations tested, with up to 2.3 times differences in the median level of transcript. Our data show that Wolbachia can impact TE activity in host genomes, underscoring the importance this endosymbiont can have in the generation of genetic novelty in hosts.},
}
@article {pmid36934294,
year = {2023},
author = {Allman, MJ and Lin, YH and Joubert, DA and Addley-Cook, J and Mejía-Torres, MC and Simmons, CP and Flores, HA and Fraser, JE},
title = {Enhancing the scalability of Wolbachia-based vector-borne disease management: time and temperature limits for storage and transport of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti eggs for field releases.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {108},
pmid = {36934294},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; Temperature ; *Aedes ; Mosquito Vectors ; *Wolbachia ; Eggs ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Introgression of the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti populations is a biocontrol approach being used to reduce arbovirus transmission. This requires mass release of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes. While releases have been conducted using a variety of techniques, egg releases, using water-soluble capsules containing mosquito eggs and larval food, offer an attractive method due to its potential to reduce onsite resource requirements. However, optimisation of this approach is required to ensure there is no detrimental impact on mosquito fitness and to promote successful Wolbachia introgression.<br><br>METHODS: We determined the impact of storage time and temperature on wild-type (WT) and Wolbachia-infected (wMel or wAlbB strains) Ae. aegypti eggs. Eggs were stored inside capsules over 8 weeks at 18&#xa0;&#xb0;C or 22&#xa0;&#xb0;C and hatch rate, emergence rate and Wolbachia density were determined. We next examined egg quality and Wolbachia density after exposing eggs to 4-40&#xa0;&#xb0;C to determine how eggs may be impacted if exposed to extreme temperatures during shipment.<br><br>RESULTS: Encapsulating eggs for 8 weeks did not negatively impact egg viability or resulting adult emergence and Wolbachia density compared to controls. When eggs were exposed to temperatures within 4-36&#xa0;&#xb0;C for 48&#xa0;h, their viability and resulting adult Wolbachia density were maintained; however, both were significantly reduced when exposed to 40&#xa0;&#xb0;C.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We describe the time and temperature limits for maintaining viability of Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti eggs when encapsulated or exposed to extreme temperatures. These findings could improve the efficiency of mass releases by providing transport and storage constraints to ensure only high-quality material is utilised during field releases.},
}
@article {pmid36939349,
year = {2023},
author = {Xiong, Q and Fung, CS and Xiao, X and Wan, AT and Wang, M and Klimov, P and Ren, Y and Yang, KY and Hubert, J and Cui, Y and Liu, X and Tsui, SK},
title = {Endogenous Plasmids and Chromosomal Genome Reduction in the Cardinium Endosymbiont of Dermatophagoides farinae.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {e0007423},
pmid = {36939349},
issn = {2379-5042},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dermatophagoides farinae ; Plasmids/genetics ; *Bacteroidetes/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial ; Bacteria ; Chromosomes ; },
abstract = {Cardinium bacteria are well known as endosymbionts that infect a wide range of arthropods and can manipulate host reproduction to promote their vertical transmission. As intracellular bacteria, Cardinium species undergo dramatic genome evolution, especially their chromosomal genome reduction. Although Cardinium plasmids have been reported to harbor important genes, the role of these plasmids in the genome evolution is yet to be fully understood. In this study, 2 genomes of Cardinium endosymbiont bacteria in astigmatic mites were de novo assembled, including the complete circular chromosomal genome of Cardinium sp. DF that was constructed in high quality using high-coverage long-read sequencing data. Intriguingly, 2 circular plasmids were assembled in Cardinium sp. DF and were identified to be endogenous for over 10 homologous genes shared with the chromosomal genome. Comparative genomics analysis illustrated an outline of the genome evolution of Cardinium bacteria, and the in-depth analysis of Cardinium sp. DF shed light on the multiple roles of endogenous plasmids in the molecular process of the chromosomal genome reduction. The endogenous plasmids of Cardinium sp. DF not only harbor massive homologous sequences that enable homologous recombination with the chromosome, but also can provide necessary functional proteins when the coding genes decayed in the chromosomal genome. IMPORTANCE As bacterial endosymbionts, Cardinium typically undergoes genome reduction, but the molecular process is still unclear, such as how plasmids get involved in chromosome reduction. Here, we de novo assembled 2 genomes of Cardinium in astigmatic mites, especially the chromosome of Cardinium sp. DF was assembled in a complete circular DNA using high-coverage long-read sequencing data. In the genome assembly of Cardinium sp. DF, 2 circular endogenous plasmids were identified to share at least 10 homologous genes with the chromosomal genome. In the comparative analysis, we identified a range of genes decayed in the chromosomal genome of Cardinium sp. DF but preserved in the 2 plasmids. Taken together with in-depth analyses, our results unveil that the endogenous plasmids harbor homologous sequences of chromosomal genome and can provide a structural basis of homologous recombination. Overall, this study reveals that endogenous plasmids participate in the ongoing chromosomal genome reduction of Cardinium sp. DF.},
}
@article {pmid36939357,
year = {2023},
author = {Macher, JN and Coots, NL and Poh, YP and Girard, EB and Langerak, A and Muñoz-Gómez, SA and Sinha, SD and Jirsová, D and Vos, R and Wissels, R and Gile, GH and Renema, W and Wideman, JG},
title = {Single-Cell Genomics Reveals the Divergent Mitochondrial Genomes of Retaria (Foraminifera and Radiolaria).},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {e0030223},
pmid = {36939357},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Animals ; *Foraminifera/genetics ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Phylogeny ; Codon, Terminator ; *Rhizaria/genetics ; Genomics ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Amino Acids/genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; },
abstract = {Mitochondria originated from an ancient bacterial endosymbiont that underwent reductive evolution by gene loss and endosymbiont gene transfer to the nuclear genome. The diversity of mitochondrial genomes published to date has revealed that gene loss and transfer processes are ongoing in many lineages. Most well-studied eukaryotic lineages are represented in mitochondrial genome databases, except for the superphylum Retaria-the lineage comprising Foraminifera and Radiolaria. Using single-cell approaches, we determined two complete mitochondrial genomes of Foraminifera and two nearly complete mitochondrial genomes of radiolarians. We report the complete coding content of an additional 14 foram species. We show that foraminiferan and radiolarian mitochondrial genomes contain a nearly fully overlapping but reduced mitochondrial gene complement compared to other sequenced rhizarians. In contrast to animals and fungi, many protists encode a diverse set of proteins on their mitochondrial genomes, including several ribosomal genes; however, some aerobic eukaryotic lineages (euglenids, myzozoans, and chlamydomonas-like algae) have reduced mitochondrial gene content and lack all ribosomal genes. Similar to these reduced outliers, we show that retarian mitochondrial genomes lack ribosomal protein and tRNA genes, contain truncated and divergent small and large rRNA genes, and contain only 14 or 15 protein-coding genes, including nad1, -3, -4, -4L, -5, and -7, cob, cox1, -2, and -3, and atp1, -6, and -9, with forams and radiolarians additionally carrying nad2 and nad6, respectively. In radiolarian mitogenomes, a noncanonical genetic code was identified in which all three stop codons encode amino acids. Collectively, these results add to our understanding of mitochondrial genome evolution and fill in one of the last major gaps in mitochondrial sequence databases. IMPORTANCE We present the reduced mitochondrial genomes of Retaria, the rhizarian lineage comprising the phyla Foraminifera and Radiolaria. By applying single-cell genomic approaches, we found that foraminiferan and radiolarian mitochondrial genomes contain an overlapping but reduced mitochondrial gene complement compared to other sequenced rhizarians. An alternative genetic code was identified in radiolarian mitogenomes in which all three stop codons encode amino acids. Collectively, these results shed light on the divergent nature of the mitochondrial genomes from an ecologically important group, warranting further questions into the biological underpinnings of gene content variability and genetic code variation between mitochondrial genomes.},
}
@article {pmid36947547,
year = {2023},
author = {Richardson, KM and Ross, PA and Cooper, BS and Conner, WR and Schmidt, TL and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {A male-killing Wolbachia endosymbiont is concealed by another endosymbiont and a nuclear suppressor.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {21},
number = {3},
pages = {e3001879},
pmid = {36947547},
issn = {1545-7885},
support = {R35 GM124701/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Reproduction ; Drosophila/genetics ; Phenotype ; Insecta ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Bacteria that live inside the cells of insect hosts (endosymbionts) can alter the reproduction of their hosts, including the killing of male offspring (male killing, MK). MK has only been described in a few insects, but this may reflect challenges in detecting MK rather than its rarity. Here, we identify MK Wolbachia at a low frequency (around 4%) in natural populations of Drosophila pseudotakahashii. MK Wolbachia had a stable density and maternal transmission during laboratory culture, but the MK phenotype which manifested mainly at the larval stage was lost rapidly. MK Wolbachia occurred alongside a second Wolbachia strain expressing a different reproductive manipulation, cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). A genomic analysis highlighted Wolbachia regions diverged between the 2 strains involving 17 genes, and homologs of the wmk and cif genes implicated in MK and CI were identified in the Wolbachia assembly. Doubly infected males induced CI with uninfected females but not females singly infected with CI-causing Wolbachia. A rapidly spreading dominant nuclear suppressor genetic element affecting MK was identified through backcrossing and subsequent analysis with ddRAD SNPs of the D. pseudotakahashii genome. These findings highlight the complexity of nuclear and microbial components affecting MK endosymbiont detection and dynamics in populations and the challenges of making connections between endosymbionts and the host phenotypes affected by them.},
}
@article {pmid36949814,
year = {2023},
author = {Ou, D and Qiu, JH and Su, ZQ and Wang, L and Qiu, BL},
title = {The phylogeny and distribution of Wolbachia in two pathogen vector insects, Asian citrus psyllid and Longan psyllid.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1121186},
pmid = {36949814},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {*Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Citrus/microbiology ; Animals ; Phylogeny ; Sapindaceae ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia is the most abundant bacterial endosymbiont among insects. It can play a prominent role in the development, reproduction and immunity of its given insect host. To date, Wolbachia presence is well studied within aphids, whiteflies and planthoppers, but relatively few studies have investigated its presence in psyllids.<br><br>METHODS: Here, the infection status of Wolbachia in five species of psyllid, including Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri and longan psyllid Cornegenapsylla sinica was investigated. The phylogenetic relationships of different Wolbachia lines and their infection density and patterns in D. citri and C. sinica from different countries was also examined.<br><br>RESULTS: The infection rates of Wolbachia in D. citri and C. sinica were both 100%, and their sequencing types are ST173 and ST532 respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Wolbachia lines in D. citri and C. sinica both belong to the Con subgroup of Wolbachia supergroup B. In addition, Wolbachia displayed a scattered localization pattern in the 5th instar nymphs and in the reproductive organs of both D. citri and C. sinica but differed in other tissues; it was highest in the midgut, lowest in the salivary glands and medium in both the testes and ovaries.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our findings assist in further understanding the coevolution of Wolbachia and its psyllid hosts. Given that Wolbachia could play an important role in insect pest control and pathogen transmission inhibition, our findings may also provide new insights for development of control strategies for D. citri and C. sinica.},
}
@article {pmid36950155,
year = {2023},
author = {Moore, C and Breitschwerdt, EB and Kim, L and Li, Y and Ferris, K and Maggi, R and Lashnits, E},
title = {The association of host and vector characteristics with Ctenocephalides felis pathogen and endosymbiont infection.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1137059},
pmid = {36950155},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Surveillance of the fleas and flea-borne pathogens infecting cats is important for both human and animal health. Multiple zoonotic Bartonella and Rickettsia species are known to infect the most common flea infesting cats and dogs worldwide: Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea. The ability of other flea species to transmit pathogens is relatively unexplored. We aimed to determine cat host and flea factors independently associated with flea Bartonella and Rickettsia infection. We also assessed flea and cat infection by flea-host pair and location. To accomplish these aims, we performed qPCR for the detection of Bartonella, hemotropic Mycoplasma, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia DNA using paired cat and flea samples obtained from free-roaming cats presenting for spay or neuter across four locations in the United States. A logistic regression model was employed to identify the effect of cat (sex, body weight, geographic location, and Bartonella, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia spp., infection) and flea (clade and Rickettsia and Wolbachia infection) factors on C. felis Bartonella clarridgeiae infection. From 189 free roaming cats, we collected 84 fleas: Ctenocephalides felis (78/84), Cediopsylla simplex (4/84), Orchopeas howardi (1/84), and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (1/84). Ctenocephalides felis were phylogenetically assigned to Clades 1, 4, and 6 by cox1 gene amplification. Rickettsia asembonensis (52/84) and B. clarridgeiae (16/84) were the most common pathogenic bacteria detected in fleas. Our model identified host cat sex and weight as independently associated with B. clarridgeiae infection in fleas. Rickettsia asembonensis (52/84), Rickettsia felis (7/84) and Bartonella henselae (7/84) were detected in specific clades: R. felis was detected only in Clades 1 and 6 while B. henselae and R. asembonensis were detected only in Clade 4. Wolbachia spp., also displayed clade specificity with strains other than Wolbachia wCfeT only infecting fleas from Clade 6. There was poor flea and host agreement for Bartonella spp., infection; however, there was agreement in the Bartonella species detected in cats and fleas by geographic location. These findings reinforce the importance of considering reservoir host attributes and vector phylogenetic diversity in epidemiological studies of flea-borne pathogens. Widespread sampling is necessary to identify the factors driving flea-borne pathogen presence and transmission.},
}
@article {pmid36958587,
year = {2023},
author = {Verhulst, EC and Pannebakker, BA and Geuverink, E},
title = {Variation in sex determination mechanisms may constrain parthenogenesis-induction by endosymbionts in haplodiploid systems.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {56},
number = {},
pages = {101023},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2023.101023},
pmid = {36958587},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Parthenogenesis ; *Wolbachia ; *Arthropods ; Sex Determination Processes ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts are maternally transmitted, and therefore benefit from maximizing female offspring numbers. Parthenogenesis-induction (PI) is the most effective type of manipulation for transmission, but has solely been detected in haplodiploid species, whereas cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) is detected frequently across the arthropod phylum, including haplodiploids. This puzzling observation led us to hypothesize that the molecular sex-determination mechanism of the haplodiploid host may be a constraining factor in the ability of endosymbionts to induce parthenogenesis. Recent insights indicate that PI-endosymbionts may be able to directly manipulate sex-determination genes to induce the necessary steps required for PI in haplodiploids. However, sex-determination cascades vary extensively, so PI-induction would require a specialized and host-dependent tool set. Contrastingly, CI-related genes target conserved cell-cycle mechanisms, are located on mobile elements, and spread easily. Finally, endosymbiont-manipulations may have a strong impact on the effectiveness of haplodiploid biocontrol agents, but can also be used to enhance their efficacy.},
}
@article {pmid36965057,
year = {2023},
author = {Speijer, D},
title = {How mitochondria showcase evolutionary mechanisms and the importance of oxygen.},
journal = {BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology},
volume = {45},
number = {6},
pages = {e2300013},
doi = {10.1002/bies.202300013},
pmid = {36965057},
issn = {1521-1878},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; *Oxygen/metabolism ; Eukaryota/metabolism ; Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Darwinian evolution can be simply stated: natural selection of inherited variations increasing differential reproduction. However, formulated thus, links with biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, and population dynamics remain unclear. To understand interactive contributions of chance and selection, higher levels of biological organization (e.g., endosymbiosis), complexities of competing selection forces, and emerging biological novelties (such as eukaryotes or meiotic sex), we must analyze actual examples. Focusing on mitochondria, I will illuminate how biology makes sense of life's evolution, and the concepts involved. First, looking at the bacterium - mitochondrion transition: merging with an archaeon, it lost its independence, but played a decisive role in eukaryogenesis, as an extremely efficient aerobic ATP generator and internal ROS source. Second, surveying later mitochondrion adaptations and diversifications illustrates concepts such as constructive neutral evolution, dynamic interactions between endosymbionts and hosts, the contingency of life histories, and metabolic reprogramming. Without oxygen, mitochondria disappear; with (intermittent) oxygen diversification occurs in highly complex ways, especially upon (temporary) phototrophic substrate supply. These expositions show the Darwinian model to be a highly fruitful paradigm.},
}
@article {pmid36975937,
year = {2023},
author = {Li, H and Jiang, Z and Zhou, J and Liu, X and Zhang, Y and Chu, D},
title = {Ecological Factors Associated with the Distribution of Bemisia tabaci Cryptic Species and Their Facultative Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {36975937},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {31872030//the National Nature Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci species complex, comprises at least 44 morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species, whose endosymbiont infection patterns often varied at the spatial and temporal dimension. However, the effects of ecological factors (e.g., climatic or geographical factors) on the distribution of whitefly and the infection frequencies of their endosymbionts have not been fully elucidated. We, here, analyzed the associations between ecological factors and the distribution of whitefly and their three facultative endosymbionts (Candidatus Cardinium hertigii, Candidatus Hamiltonella defensa, and Rickettsia sp.) by screening 665 individuals collected from 29 geographical localities across China. The study identified eight B. tabaci species via mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene sequence alignment: two invasive species, MED (66.9%) and MEAM1 (12.2%), and six native cryptic species (20.9%), which differed in distribution patterns, ecological niches, and high suitability areas. The infection frequencies of the three endosymbionts in different cryptic species were distinct and multiple infections were relatively common in B. tabaci MED populations. Furthermore, the annual mean temperature positively affected Cardinium sp. and Rickettsia sp. infection frequencies in B. tabaci MED but negatively affected the quantitative distribution of B. tabaci MED, which indicates that Cardinium sp. and Rickettsia sp. maybe play a crucial role in the thermotolerance of B. tabaci MED, although the host whitefly per se exhibits no resistance to high temperature. Our findings revealed the complex effects of ecological factors on the expansion of the invasive whitefly.},
}
@article {pmid36982826,
year = {2023},
author = {Stączek, S and Cytryńska, M and Zdybicka-Barabas, A},
title = {Unraveling the Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Insects.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {36982826},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Animals ; *Antimicrobial Peptides ; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides/pharmacology ; Insecta ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short, mainly positively charged, amphipathic molecules. AMPs are important effectors of the immune response in insects with a broad spectrum of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activity. In addition to these well-known roles, AMPs exhibit many other, often unobvious, functions in the host. They support insects in the elimination of viral infections. AMPs participate in the regulation of brain-controlled processes, e.g., sleep and non-associative learning. By influencing neuronal health, communication, and activity, they can affect the functioning of the insect nervous system. Expansion of the AMP repertoire and loss of their specificity is connected with the aging process and lifespan of insects. Moreover, AMPs take part in maintaining gut homeostasis, regulating the number of endosymbionts as well as reducing the number of foreign microbiota. In turn, the presence of AMPs in insect venom prevents the spread of infection in social insects, where the prey may be a source of pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid36985217,
year = {2023},
author = {Djondji Kamga, FM and Mugenzi, LMJ and Tchouakui, M and Sandeu, MM and Maffo, CGT and Nyegue, MA and Wondji, CS},
title = {Contrasting Patterns of Asaia Association with Pyrethroid Resistance Escalation between the Malaria Vectors Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {36985217},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 217188/Z/19/Z//Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship in Biomedical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Microbiome composition has been associated with insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. However, the contribution of major symbionts to the increasingly reported resistance escalation remains unclear. This study explores the possible association of a specific endosymbiont, Asaia spp., with elevated levels of pyrethroid resistance driven by cytochrome P450s enzymes and voltage-gated sodium channel mutations in Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae. Molecular assays were used to detect the symbiont and resistance markers (CYP6P9a/b, 6.5 kb, L1014F, and N1575Y). Overall, genotyping of key mutations revealed an association with the resistance phenotype. The prevalence of Asaia spp. in the FUMOZ_X_FANG strain was associated with the resistance phenotype at a 5X dose of deltamethrin (OR = 25.7; p = 0.002). Mosquitoes with the resistant allele for the markers tested were significantly more infected with Asaia compared to those possessing the susceptible allele. Furthermore, the abundance correlated with the resistance phenotype at 1X concentration of deltamethrin (p = 0.02, Mann-Whitney test). However, for the MANGOUM_X_KISUMU strain, findings rather revealed an association between Asaia load and the susceptible phenotype (p = 0.04, Mann-Whitney test), demonstrating a negative link between the symbiont and permethrin resistance. These bacteria should be further investigated to establish its interactions with other resistance mechanisms and cross-resistance with other insecticide classes.},
}
@article {pmid36985288,
year = {2023},
author = {Cossu, CA and Collins, NE and Oosthuizen, MC and Menandro, ML and Bhoora, RV and Vorster, I and Cassini, R and Stoltsz, H and Quan, M and van Heerden, H},
title = {Distribution and Prevalence of Anaplasmataceae, Rickettsiaceae and Coxiellaceae in African Ticks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {36985288},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {In Africa, ticks continue to be a major hindrance to the improvement of the livestock industry due to tick-borne pathogens that include Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia and Coxiella species. A systemic review and meta-analysis were conducted here and highlighted the distribution and prevalence of these tick-borne pathogens in African ticks. Relevant publications were searched in five electronic databases and selected using inclusion/exclusion criteria, resulting in 138 and 78 papers included in the qualitative and quantitative analysis, respectively. Most of the studies focused on Rickettsia africae (38 studies), followed by Ehrlichia ruminantium (27 studies), Coxiella burnetii (20 studies) and Anaplasma marginale (17 studies). A meta-analysis of proportions was performed using the random-effects model. The highest prevalence was obtained for Rickettsia spp. (18.39%; 95% CI: 14.23-22.85%), R. africae (13.47%; 95% CI: 2.76-28.69%), R. conorii (11.28%; 95% CI: 1.77-25.89%), A. marginale (12.75%; 95% CI: 4.06-24.35%), E. ruminantium (6.37%; 95% CI: 3.97-9.16%) and E. canis (4.3%; 95% CI: 0.04-12.66%). The prevalence of C. burnetii was low (0%; 95% CI: 0-0.25%), with higher prevalence for Coxiella spp. (27.02%; 95% CI: 10.83-46.03%) and Coxiella-like endosymbionts (70.47%; 95% CI: 27-99.82%). The effect of the tick genera, tick species, country and other variables were identified and highlighted the epidemiology of Rhipicephalus ticks in the heartwater; affinity of each Rickettsia species for different tick genera; dominant distribution of A. marginale, R. africae and Coxiella-like endosymbionts in ticks and a low distribution of C. burnetii in African hard ticks.},
}
@article {pmid36985289,
year = {2023},
author = {Huynh, LN and Diarra, AZ and Pham, QL and Berenger, JM and Ho, VH and Nguyen, XQ and Parola, P},
title = {Identification of Vietnamese Flea Species and Their Associated Microorganisms Using Morphological, Molecular, and Protein Profiling.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {36985289},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Fleas are obligatory blood-sucking ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. The identification of fleas and associated flea-borne microorganisms, therefore, plays an important role in controlling and managing these vectors. Recently, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been reported as an innovative and effective approach to the identification of arthropods, including fleas. This study aims to use this technology to identify ethanol-preserved fleas collected in Vietnam and to use molecular biology to search for microorganisms associated with these fleas. A total of 502 fleas were collected from wild and domestic animals in four provinces in Vietnam. Morphological identification led to the recognition of five flea species, namely Xenopsylla cheopis, Xenopsylla astia, Pulex irritans, Ctenocephalides canis, and Ctenocephalides felis. The cephalothoraxes of 300 individual, randomly selected fleas were tested using MALDI-TOF MS and molecular analysis for the identification and detection of microorganisms. A total of 257/300 (85.7%) of the obtained spectra from the cephalothoraxes of each species were of good enough quality to be used for our analyses. Our laboratory MALDI-TOF MS reference database was upgraded with spectra achieved from five randomly selected fleas for every species of Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis. The remaining spectra were then queried against the upgraded MALDI-TOF MS database, which showed 100% correspondence between morphology and MALDI-TOF MS identification for two flea species (Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis). The MS spectra of the remaining species (three P. irritans, five X. astia, and two X. cheopis) were visually generated low-intensity MS profiles with high background noise that could not be used to update our database. Bartonella and Wolbachia spp. were detected in 300 fleas from Vietnam using PCR and sequencing with primers derived from the gltA gene for Bartonella and the 16S rRNA gene for Wolbachia, including 3 Bartonella clarridgeiae (1%), 3 Bartonella rochalimae (1%), 1 Bartonella coopersplainsensis (0.3%), and 174 Wolbachia spp. endosymbionts (58%).},
}
@article {pmid36986288,
year = {2023},
author = {Moore, C and Lashnits, E and Neupane, P and Herrin, BH and Lappin, M and André, MR and Breitschwerdt, EB},
title = {Feeding on a Bartonella henselae Infected Host Triggers Temporary Changes in the Ctenocephalides felis Microbiome.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {36986288},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {FAPESP Process 2019/09464-6//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado de S&#xe3;o Paulo/ ; },
abstract = {The effect of Bartonella henselae on the microbiome of its vector, Ctenocephalides felis (the cat flea) is largely unknown, as the majority of C. felis microbiome studies have utilized wild-caught pooled fleas. We surveyed the microbiome of laboratory-origin C. felis fed on B. henselae-infected cats for 24 h or 9 days to identify changes to microbiome diversity and microbe prevalence compared to unfed fleas, and fleas fed on uninfected cats. Utilizing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) on the Illumina platform, we documented an increase in microbial diversity in C. felis fed on Bartonella-infected cats for 24 h. These changes returned to baseline (unfed fleas or fleas fed on uninfected cats) after 9 days on the host. Increased diversity in the C. felis microbiome when fed on B. henselae-infected cats may be related to the mammalian, flea, or endosymbiont response. Poor B. henselae acquisition was documented with only one of four infected flea pools having B. henselae detected by NGS. We hypothesize this is due to the use of adult fleas, flea genetic variation, or lack of co-feeding with B. henselae-infected fleas. Future studies are necessary to fully characterize the effect of endosymbionts and C. felis diversity on B. henselae acquisition.},
}
@article {pmid36989877,
year = {2023},
author = {Weisse, T and Scheffel, U and Stadler, P},
title = {Temperature-dependent resistance to starvation of three contrasting freshwater ciliates.},
journal = {European journal of protistology},
volume = {88},
number = {},
pages = {125973},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejop.2023.125973},
pmid = {36989877},
issn = {1618-0429},
support = {P 32714/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Temperature ; *Ciliophora/physiology ; Lakes ; Trees ; },
abstract = {We investigated the temperature-dependent response to starvation of three contrasting freshwater ciliates (Ciliophora). The cyst-forming algivorous species Meseres corlissi and the bactivorous species Glaucomides bromelicola, which cannot form cysts, co-occur in the reservoirs (tanks) of tree bromeliads. The mixotrophic species Coleps spetai is common in many lakes. We hypothesized that the ciliates' different traits and life strategies would affect their survival rates and temperature sensitivity under food depleted conditions. We measured the decline of the ciliate populations in microcosm experiments at different temperatures for several days. We used an imaging flow cytometer to size the ciliates and documented their morphological and physiological changes in response to starvation. We found that the cyst-forming species had the highest mortality rates but may endure long-term starvation by encystment. The sympatric, non-encysting species suffered the lowest mortality rates and could survive for more than three weeks without food. The mixotrophic species had intermediate mortality rates but showed the highest phenotypic plasticity in response to starvation. A significant fraction of the C. spetai population appeared unaffected by starvation, suggesting that the endosymbionts provided some resources to the host cells. The mean mortality rate per day of all three species increased with temperature by 0.09 °C[-1].},
}
@article {pmid36993585,
year = {2023},
author = {Beckmann, J and Gillespie, J and Tauritz, D},
title = {Modelling Emergence of Wolbachia Toxin-Antidote Protein Functions with an Evolutionary Algorithm.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {36993585},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R21 AI146773/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI156762/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI166832/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) simulate Darwinian evolution and adeptly mimic natural evolution. Most EA applications in biology encode high levels of abstraction in top-down ecological population models. In contrast, our research merges protein alignment algorithms from bioinformatics into codon based EAs that simulate molecular protein string evolution from the bottom up. We apply our EA to reconcile a problem in the field of Wolbachia induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). Wolbachia is a microbial endosymbiont that lives inside insect cells. CI is conditional insect sterility that operates as a toxin antidote (TA) system. Although, CI exhibits complex phenotypes not fully explained under a single discrete model. We instantiate in-silico genes that control CI, CI factors (cifs), as strings within the EA chromosome. We monitor the evolution of their enzymatic activity, binding, and cellular localization by applying selective pressure on their primary amino acid strings. Our model helps rationalize why two distinct mechanisms of CI induction might coexist in nature. We find that nuclear localization signals (NLS) and Type IV secretion system signals (T4SS) are of low complexity and evolve fast, whereas binding interactions have intermediate complexity, and enzymatic activity is the most complex. Our model predicts that as ancestral TA systems evolve into eukaryotic CI systems, the placement of NLS or T4SS signals can stochastically vary, imparting effects that might impact CI induction mechanics. Our model highlights how preconditions, genetic diversity, and sequence length can bias evolution of cifs towards one mechanism or another.},
}
@article {pmid37001140,
year = {2023},
author = {Newman, LE and Shadel, GS},
title = {Mitochondrial DNA Release in Innate Immune Signaling.},
journal = {Annual review of biochemistry},
volume = {92},
number = {},
pages = {299-332},
pmid = {37001140},
issn = {1545-4509},
support = {K99 GM141482/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P30 AG068635/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AR069876/AR/NIAMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics/metabolism ; *Mitochondria/genetics/metabolism ; Immunity, Innate/genetics ; Aging/genetics ; Cell Nucleus/genetics/metabolism ; Mammals/genetics ; },
abstract = {According to the endosymbiotic theory, most of the DNA of the original bacterial endosymbiont has been lost or transferred to the nucleus, leaving a much smaller (∼16 kb in mammals), circular molecule that is the present-day mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The ability of mtDNA to escape mitochondria and integrate into the nuclear genome was discovered in budding yeast, along with genes that regulate this process. Mitochondria have emerged as key regulators of innate immunity, and it is now recognized that mtDNA released into the cytoplasm, outside of the cell, or into circulation activates multiple innate immune signaling pathways. Here, we first review the mechanisms through which mtDNA is released into the cytoplasm, including several inducible mitochondrial pores and defective mitophagy or autophagy. Next, we cover how the different forms of released mtDNA activate specific innate immune nucleic acid sensors and inflammasomes. Finally, we discuss how intracellular and extracellular mtDNA release, including circulating cell-free mtDNA that promotes systemic inflammation, are implicated in human diseases, bacterial and viral infections, senescence and aging.},
}
@article {pmid37001324,
year = {2023},
author = {Romano, DMM and Pereira, TN and Almeida, IB and Coelho, CSG and Duarte, FC and Harakava, R and Cassiano, LL and Mendes, MC},
title = {First molecular evidence of Wolbachia occurrence in Amblyomma sculptum (Acari: Ixodidae).},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {317},
number = {},
pages = {109907},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109907},
pmid = {37001324},
issn = {1873-2550},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; *Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever/epidemiology/microbiology/veterinary ; Amblyomma/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Ticks/microbiology ; *Rickettsia ; },
abstract = {As the main vector for the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii in Brazil, the tick Amblyomma sculptum is a parasite of great public health importance in this country. Wolbachia is an endosymbiont bacterium highly widespread among invertebrates and because of its impact on its hosts' biology, form a powerful alternative for pests and disease control. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of this bacterium in A. sculptum. For this, 187 adult ticks collected in two municipalities in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed using molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools. A total of 15 ticks were positive for the presence of Wolbachia. Phylogenetic analysis on the 16S rRNA gene indicated that the Wolbachia DNA sequences obtained in this investigation belonged to different clades, probably in supergroups B and F. This was the first study to report the occurrence of Wolbachia in A. sculptum and it enriches knowledge about the susceptibility of ticks to this bacterium. Now that we know that Wolbachia can be found in A. sculptum, the objective for a next study must be to investigate Wolbachia's possible origin in this tick.},
}
@article {pmid37005434,
year = {2023},
author = {Argandona, JA and Kim, D and Hansen, AK},
title = {Comparative transcriptomics of aphid species that diverged &gt; 22 MYA reveals genes that are important for the maintenance of their symbiosis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {5341},
pmid = {37005434},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {S10 OD010786/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/metabolism ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Aspartic Acid/metabolism ; Asparaginase/metabolism ; Transcriptome ; *Buchnera/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Most plant-sap feeding insects have obligate relationships with maternally transmitted bacteria. Aphids require their nutritional endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, for the production of essential amino acids. Such endosymbionts are harbored inside of specialized insect cells called bacteriocytes. Here, we use comparative transcriptomics of bacteriocytes between two recently diverged aphid species, Myzus persicae and Acyrthosiphon pisum, to identify key genes that are important for the maintenance of their nutritional mutualism. The majority of genes with conserved expression profiles in M. persicae and A. pisum are for orthologs previously identified in A. pisum to be important for the symbiosis. However, asparaginase which produces aspartate from asparagine was significantly up-regulated only in A. pisum bacteriocytes, potentially because Buchnera of M. persicae encodes its own asparaginase enzyme unlike Buchnera of A. pisum resulting in Buchnera of A. pisum to be dependent on its aphid host for aspartate. One-to-one orthologs that explained the most amount of variation for bacteriocyte specific mRNA expression for both species includes a collaborative gene for methionine biosynthesis, multiple transporters, a horizontally transmitted gene, and secreted proteins. Finally, we highlight species-specific gene clusters which may contribute to host adaptations and/or accommodations in gene regulation to changes in the symbiont or the symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid37016078,
year = {2023},
author = {Nielsen, DA and Petrou, K},
title = {Lipid stores reveal the state of the coral-algae symbiosis at the single-cell level.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {29},
pmid = {37016078},
issn = {2730-6151},
support = {28569//PADI Foundation/ ; 28569//PADI Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs worldwide are threatened by environmental stress. The observable decline in coral cover, is principally due to the intensifying breakdown of the coral symbiosis, a process known as 'bleaching'. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is considered a key driver of coral bleaching, where environmental stress leads to increased ROS expression. To explore the link between ROS damage and symbiont status, we measured lipid peroxidation (LPO), a ubiquitous form of ROS damage, in the lipid stores of individual endo- and ex-symbiotic algal cells of three coral species, using confocal microscopy and a lipid hydroperoxide sensitive fluorescent dye. We found LPO was higher in endosymbionts, while lipid volume was greater in ex-symbiotic cells. Cluster analysis revealed three metabolic profiles differentiating endosymbiotic (#1: high LPO, low lipid) and ex-symbiotic cells (#3: low LPO, high lipid), with the intermediate group (#2) containing both cell types. Heat stress caused endosymbionts of Pocillopora acuta to shift away from cluster #1, suggesting this cluster represents cells in healthy/stable symbiosis. Our study delivers a new means to assess the coral symbiosis, demonstrating that symbiont LPO ratio combined with lipid store volume is a robust metabolic marker for the state of the symbiosis at the cellular level.},
}
@article {pmid37016457,
year = {2023},
author = {Junghare, M and Manavalan, T and Fredriksen, L and Leiros, I and Altermark, B and Eijsink, VGH and Vaaje-Kolstad, G},
title = {Biochemical and structural characterisation of a family GH5 cellulase from endosymbiont of shipworm P. megotara.},
journal = {Biotechnology for biofuels and bioproducts},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {61},
pmid = {37016457},
issn = {2731-3654},
support = {283647//Norges Forskningsr&#xe5;d/ ; 221568//Norges Forskningsr&#xe5;d/ ; 269408//Norges Forskningsr&#xe5;d/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cellulases play a key role in the enzymatic conversion of plant cell-wall polysaccharides into simple and economically relevant sugars. Thus, the discovery of novel cellulases from exotic biological niches is of great interest as they may present properties that are valuable in the biorefining of lignocellulosic biomass.<br><br>RESULTS: We have characterized a glycoside hydrolase 5 (GH5) domain of a bi-catalytic GH5-GH6 multi-domain enzyme from the unusual gill endosymbiont Teredinibacter waterburyi of the wood-digesting shipworm Psiloteredo megotara. The catalytic&#xa0;GH5 domain, was cloned and recombinantly produced with or without a&#xa0;C-terminal&#xa0;family 10 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). Both variants showed hydrolytic endo-activity on soluble substrates such as&#xa0;&#x3b2;-glucan, carboxymethylcellulose and konjac glucomannan, respectively. However, low activity was observed towards the crystalline form of cellulose. Interestingly, when co-incubated with a cellulose-active LPMO, a clear synergy was observed that boosted the overall hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose. The crystal structure of the GH5 catalytic domain was solved to 1.0&#xa0;&#xc5; resolution and revealed a substrate binding cleft&#xa0;extension containing a putative&#x2009;+&#x2009;3 subsite, which is uncommon in this enzyme family. The enzyme&#xa0;was active in a wide range of pH, temperatures and showed high tolerance for NaCl.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides significant knowledge in the discovery of new enzymes from shipworm gill endosymbionts and sheds new light on biochemical and structural characterization of cellulolytic cellulase. Study demonstrated a boost in the hydrolytic activity of cellulase on crystalline cellulose when co-incubated with cellulose-active LPMO. These findings will be relevant for the development of future enzyme cocktails that may be useful for the biotechnological conversion of lignocellulose.},
}
@article {pmid37021082,
year = {2023},
author = {Rutagarama, VP and Ireri, PM and Sibomana, C and Omufwoko, KS and Martin, SH and Ffrench-Constant, RH and Eckardt, W and Kaplin, BK and Smith, DAS and Gordon, I},
title = {African Queens find mates when males are rare.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {e9956},
pmid = {37021082},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {In butterflies and moths, male-killing endosymbionts are transmitted from infected females via their eggs, and the male progeny then perish. This means that successful transmission of the parasite relies on the successful mating of the host. Paradoxically, at the population level, parasite transmission also reduces the number of adult males present in the final population for infected females to mate with. Here we investigate if successful female mating when males are rare is indeed a likely rate-limiting step in the transmission of male-killing Spiroplasma in the African Monarch, Danaus chrysippus. In Lepidoptera, successful pairings are hallmarked by the transfer of a sperm-containing spermatophore from the male to the female during copulation. Conveniently, this spermatophore remains detectable within the female upon dissection, and thus, spermatophore counts can be used to assess the frequency of successful mating in the field. We used such spermatophore counts to examine if altered sex ratios in the D. chrysippus do indeed affect female mating success. We examined two different field sites in East Africa where males were often rare. Surprisingly, mated females carried an average of 1.5 spermatophores each, regardless of male frequency, and importantly, only 10-20% remained unmated. This suggests that infected females will still be able to mate in the face of either Spiroplasma-mediated male killing and/or fluctuations in adult sex ratio over the wet-dry season cycle. These observations may begin to explain how the male-killing mollicute can still be successfully transmitted in a population where males are rare.},
}
@article {pmid37022136,
year = {2023},
author = {Arras, SDM and Sibaeva, N and Catchpole, RJ and Horinouchi, N and Si, D and Rickerby, AM and Deguchi, K and Hibi, M and Tanaka, K and Takeuchi, M and Ogawa, J and Poole, AM},
title = {Characterisation of an Escherichia coli line that completely lacks ribonucleotide reduction yields insights into the evolution of parasitism and endosymbiosis.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37022136},
issn = {2050-084X},
mesh = {*Ribonucleotides/metabolism ; Escherichia coli/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; *Ribonucleotide Reductases/genetics/metabolism ; Deoxyribonucleotides/metabolism ; Deoxyribonucleosides/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Life requires ribonucleotide reduction for de novo synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides. As ribonucleotide reduction has on occasion been lost in parasites and endosymbionts, which are instead dependent on their host for deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, it should in principle be possible to knock this process out if growth media are supplemented with deoxyribonucleosides. We report the creation of a strain of Escherichia coli where all three ribonucleotide reductase operons have been deleted following introduction of a broad spectrum deoxyribonucleoside kinase from Mycoplasma mycoides. Our strain shows slowed but substantial growth in the presence of deoxyribonucleosides. Under limiting deoxyribonucleoside levels, we observe a distinctive filamentous cell morphology, where cells grow but do not appear to divide regularly. Finally, we examined whether our lines can adapt to limited supplies of deoxyribonucleosides, as might occur in the switch from de novo synthesis to dependence on host production during the evolution of parasitism or endosymbiosis. Over the course of an evolution experiment, we observe a 25-fold reduction in the minimum concentration of exogenous deoxyribonucleosides necessary for growth. Genome analysis reveals that several replicate lines carry mutations in deoB and cdd. deoB codes for phosphopentomutase, a key part of the deoxyriboaldolase pathway, which has been hypothesised as an alternative to ribonucleotide reduction for deoxyribonucleotide synthesis. Rather than complementing the loss of ribonucleotide reduction, our experiments reveal that mutations appear that reduce or eliminate the capacity for this pathway to catabolise deoxyribonucleotides, thus preventing their loss via central metabolism. Mutational inactivation of both deoB and cdd is also observed in a number of obligate intracellular bacteria that have lost ribonucleotide reduction. We conclude that our experiments recapitulate key evolutionary steps in the adaptation to life without ribonucleotide reduction.},
}
@article {pmid37035211,
year = {2023},
author = {Gong, W and Zhang, S},
title = {YB1 participated in regulating mitochondrial activity through RNA replacement.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1145379},
pmid = {37035211},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {As a relic of ancient bacterial endosymbionts, mitochondria play a central role in cell metabolism, apoptosis, autophagy, and other processes. However, the function of mitochondria-derived nucleic acids in cellular signal transduction has not been fully elucidated. Here, our work has found that Y-box binding protein 1 (YB1) maintained cellular autophagy at a moderate level to inhibit mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, mitochondrial RNA was leaked into cytosol under starvation, accompanied by YB1 mitochondrial relocation, resulting in YB1-bound RNA replacement. The mRNAs encoded by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-associated genes and oncogene HMGA1 (high-mobility group AT-hook 1) were competitively replaced by mitochondria-derived tRNAs. The increase of free OXPHOS mRNAs released from the YB1 complex enhanced mitochondrial activity through facilitating translation, but the stability of HMGA1 mRNA was impaired without the protection of YB1, both contributing to breast cancer cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production. Our finding not only provided a new potential target for breast cancer therapy but also shed new light on understanding the global landscape of cellular interactions between RNA-binding proteins and different RNA species.},
}
@article {pmid37035661,
year = {2023},
author = {Michalik, A and Franco, DC and Deng, J and Szklarzewicz, T and Stroiński, A and Kobiałka, M and Łukasik, P},
title = {Variable organization of symbiont-containing tissue across planthoppers hosting different heritable endosymbionts.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1135346},
pmid = {37035661},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Sap-feeding hemipteran insects live in associations with diverse heritable symbiotic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) that provide essential nutrients deficient in their hosts' diets. These symbionts typically reside in highly specialized organs called bacteriomes (with bacterial symbionts) or mycetomes (with fungal symbionts). The organization of these organs varies between insect clades that are ancestrally associated with different microbes. As these symbioses evolve and additional microorganisms complement or replace the ancient associates, the organization of the symbiont-containing tissue becomes even more variable. Planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha) are ancestrally associated with bacterial symbionts Sulcia and Vidania, but in many of the planthopper lineages, these symbionts are now accompanied or have been replaced by other heritable bacteria (e.g., Sodalis, Arsenophonus, Purcelliella) or fungi. We know the identity of many of these microbes, but the symbiont distribution within the host tissues and the bacteriome organization have not been systematically studied using modern microscopy techniques. Here, we combine light, fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy with phylogenomic data to compare symbiont tissue distributions and the bacteriome organization across planthoppers representing 15 families. We identify and describe seven primary types of symbiont localization and seven types of the organization of the bacteriome. We show that Sulcia and Vidania, when present, usually occupy distinct bacteriomes distributed within the body cavity. The more recently acquired gammaproteobacterial and fungal symbionts generally occupy separate groups of cells organized into distinct bacteriomes or mycetomes, distinct from those with Sulcia and Vidania. They can also be localized in the cytoplasm of fat body cells. Alphaproteobacterial symbionts colonize a wider range of host body habitats: Asaia-like symbionts often colonize the host gut lumen, whereas Wolbachia and Rickettsia are usually scattered across insect tissues and cell types, including cells containing other symbionts, bacteriome sheath, fat body cells, gut epithelium, as well as hemolymph. However, there are exceptions, including Gammaproteobacteria that share bacteriome with Vidania, or Alphaproteobacteria that colonize Sulcia cells. We discuss how planthopper symbiont localization correlates with their acquisition and replacement patterns and the symbionts' likely functions. We also discuss the evolutionary consequences, constraints, and significance of these findings.},
}
@article {pmid37035680,
year = {2023},
author = {Ferrarini, MG and Vallier, A and Dell'Aglio, E and Balmand, S and Vincent-Monégat, C and Debbache, M and Maire, J and Parisot, N and Zaidman-Rémy, A and Heddi, A and Rebollo, R},
title = {Endosymbiont-containing germarium transcriptional survey in a cereal weevil depicts downregulation of immune effectors at the onset of sexual maturity.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1142513},
pmid = {37035680},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Insects often establish long-term relationships with intracellular symbiotic bacteria, i.e., endosymbionts, that provide them with essential nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins. Endosymbionts are typically confined within specialized host cells called bacteriocytes that may form an organ, the bacteriome. Compartmentalization within host cells is paramount for protecting the endosymbionts and also avoiding chronic activation of the host immune system. In the cereal weevil Sitophilus oryzae, bacteriomes are present as a single organ at the larval foregut-midgut junction, and in adults, at the apex of midgut mesenteric caeca and at the apex of the four ovarioles. While the adult midgut endosymbionts experience a drastic proliferation during early adulthood followed by complete elimination through apoptosis and autophagy, ovarian endosymbionts are maintained throughout the weevil lifetime by unknown mechanisms. Bacteria present in ovarian bacteriomes are thought to be involved in the maternal transmission of endosymbionts through infection of the female germline, but the exact mode of transmission is not fully understood. Here, we show that endosymbionts are able to colonize the germarium in one-week-old females, pinpointing a potential infection route of oocytes. To identify potential immune regulators of ovarian endosymbionts, we have analyzed the transcriptomes of the ovarian bacteriomes through young adult development, from one-day-old adults to sexually mature ones. In contrast with midgut bacteriomes, immune effectors are downregulated in ovarian bacteriomes at the onset of sexual maturation. We hypothesize that relaxation of endosymbiont control by antimicrobial peptides might allow bacterial migration and potential oocyte infection, ensuring endosymbiont transmission.},
}
@article {pmid37042290,
year = {2023},
author = {Lu, M and Chen, S and Meng, C and Wang, W and Li, H and Sun, Y and Li, M and Ma, X and Ma, Y and Duan, C and Li, K},
title = {A novel Rickettsia species closely related to Rickettsia felis in Anopheles mosquitoes from Yingkou City, Northeast China.},
journal = {Zoonoses and public health},
volume = {70},
number = {6},
pages = {568-571},
doi = {10.1111/zph.13043},
pmid = {37042290},
issn = {1863-2378},
support = {82102390//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Rickettsia felis/genetics ; *Anopheles ; Phylogeny ; Mosquito Vectors ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Aedes ; China ; },
abstract = {Mosquitoes are generally recognized as the most important vector of many zoonotic pathogens. In this study, seven mosquitoes species were identified (Anopheles pullus, Anopheles sinensis, Anopheles lesteri, Anopheles kleini, Ochlerotatus dorsalis, Aedes koreicus and Culex inatomii) in samples collected from Yingkou City, Liaoning Province, Northeastern China. A novel Rickettsia species was detected in Anopheles sinensis (two of 71, 2.82%) and Anopheles pullus (one of 106, 0.94%) mosquitoes. Genetic analysis indicated that the rrs and ompB genes have highest 99.60% and 97.88%-98.14% identities to Rickettsia felis, an emerging human pathogen of global concern mainly harboured by fleas, mosquitoes and booklice. The gltA sequences of these strains have 99.72% of nucleotide similarity with Rickettsia endosymbiont of Medetera jacula. The groEL sequences have 98.37% similarity to both Rickettsia tillamookensis and Rickettsia australis. The htrA sequences have 98.77% similarity to Rickettsia lusitaniae. In the phylogenetic tree based on concatenated nucleotide sequences of rrs, gltA, groEL, ompB and htrA genes, these strains are closely related to R. felis. Herein, we name it 'Candidatus Rickettsia yingkouensis'. Its human pathogenicity to humans and animals is still to be determined.},
}
@article {pmid37052365,
year = {2023},
author = {Xu, J and Tan, JB and Li, YD and Xu, YH and Tang, A and Zhou, HK and Shi, PQ},
title = {Diversity and dynamics of endosymbionts in a single population of sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae): a preliminary study.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {23},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {37052365},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; *Weevils ; *Coleoptera ; *Ipomoea batatas ; Reproduction ; },
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.},
}
@article {pmid37066385,
year = {2023},
author = {Moulin, SLY and Frail, S and Doenier, J and Braukmann, T and Yeh, E},
title = {The endosymbiont of Epithemia clementina is specialized for nitrogen fixation within a photosynthetic eukaryote.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37066385},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {T32 GM007276/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Epithemia spp. diatoms contain obligate, nitrogen-fixing endosymbionts, or "diazoplasts", derived from cyanobacteria. These algae are a rare example of photosynthetic eukaryotes that have successfully coupled oxygenic photosynthesis with oxygen-sensitive nitrogenase activity. Here, we report a newly-isolated species, E. clementina, as a model to investigate endosymbiotic acquisition of nitrogen fixation. To detect the metabolic changes associated with endosymbiotic specialization, we compared nitrogen fixation, associated carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and their regulatory pathways in the Epithemia diazoplast with its close, free-living cyanobacterial relative, Crocosphaera subtropica. Unlike C. subtropica, we show that nitrogenase activity in the diazoplast is concurrent with, and even dependent on, host photosynthesis and no longer associated with cyanobacterial glycogen storage suggesting carbohydrates are imported from the host diatom. Carbohydrate catabolism in the diazoplast indicates that the oxidative pentose pathway and oxidative phosphorylation, in concert, generates reducing equivalents and ATP and consumes oxygen to support nitrogenase activity. In contrast to expanded nitrogenase activity, the diazoplast has diminished ability to utilize alternative nitrogen sources. Upon ammonium repletion, negative feedback regulation of nitrogen fixation was conserved, however ammonia assimilation showed paradoxical responses in the diazoplast compared with C. subtropica. The altered nitrogen regulation likely favors nitrogen transfer to the host. Our results suggest that the diazoplast is specialized for endosymbiotic nitrogen fixation. Altogether, we establish a new model for studying endosymbiosis, perform the first functional characterization of this diazotroph endosymbiosis, and identify metabolic adaptations for endosymbiotic acquisition of a critical biological function.},
}
@article {pmid37067424,
year = {2023},
author = {Chakraborty, A and Šobotník, J and Votýpková, K and Hradecký, J and Stiblik, P and Synek, J and Bourguignon, T and Baldrian, P and Engel, MS and Novotný, V and Odriozola, I and Větrovský, T},
title = {Impact of Wood Age on Termite Microbial Assemblages.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {89},
number = {5},
pages = {e0036123},
pmid = {37067424},
issn = {1098-5336},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wood/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; *Isoptera/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics/metabolism ; Bacteria/genetics ; },
abstract = {The decomposition of wood and detritus is challenging to most macroscopic organisms due to the recalcitrant nature of lignocellulose. Moreover, woody plants often protect themselves by synthesizing toxic or nocent compounds which infuse their tissues. Termites are essential wood decomposers in warmer terrestrial ecosystems and, as such, they have to cope with high concentrations of plant toxins in wood. In this paper, we evaluated the influence of wood age on the gut microbial (bacterial and fungal) communities associated with the termites Reticulitermes flavipes (Rhinotermitidae) (Kollar, 1837) and Microcerotermes biroi (Termitidae) (Desneux, 1905). We confirmed that the secondary metabolite concentration decreased with wood age. We identified a core microbial consortium maintained in the gut of R. flavipes and M. biroi and found that its diversity and composition were not altered by the wood age. Therefore, the concentration of secondary metabolites had no effect on the termite gut microbiome. We also found that both termite feeding activities and wood age affect the wood microbiome. Whether the increasing relative abundance of microbes with termite activities is beneficial to the termites is unknown and remains to be investigated. IMPORTANCE Termites can feed on wood thanks to their association with their gut microbes. However, the current understanding of termites as holobiont is limited. To our knowledge, no studies comprehensively reveal the influence of wood age on the termite-associated microbial assemblage. The wood of many tree species contains high concentrations of plant toxins that can vary with their age and may influence microbes. Here, we studied the impact of Norway spruce wood of varying ages and terpene concentrations on the microbial communities associated with the termites Reticulitermes flavipes (Rhinotermitidae) and Microcerotermes biroi (Termitidae). We performed a bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS2 metabarcoding study to reveal the microbial communities associated with R. flavipes and M. biroi and their impact on shaping the wood microbiome. We noted that a stable core microbiome in the termites was unaltered by the feeding substrate, while termite activities influenced the wood microbiome, suggesting that plant secondary metabolites have negligible effects on the termite gut microbiome. Hence, our study shed new insights into the termite-associated microbial assemblage under the influence of varying amounts of terpene content in wood and provides a groundwork for future investigations for developing symbiont-mediated termite control measures.},
}
@article {pmid37071674,
year = {2023},
author = {Libby, E and Kempes, CP and Okie, JG},
title = {Metabolic compatibility and the rarity of prokaryote endosymbioses.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {120},
number = {17},
pages = {e2206527120},
pmid = {37071674},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; *Prokaryotic Cells/metabolism ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Eukaryotic Cells/metabolism ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {The evolution of the mitochondria was a significant event that gave rise to the eukaryotic lineage and most large complex life. Central to the origins of the mitochondria was an endosymbiosis between prokaryotes. Yet, despite the potential benefits that can stem from a prokaryotic endosymbiosis, their modern occurrence is exceptionally rare. While many factors may contribute to their rarity, we lack methods for estimating the extent to which they constrain the appearance of a prokaryotic endosymbiosis. Here, we address this knowledge gap by examining the role of metabolic compatibility between a prokaryotic host and endosymbiont. We use genome-scale metabolic flux models from three different collections (AGORA, KBase, and CarveMe) to assess the viability, fitness, and evolvability of potential prokaryotic endosymbioses. We find that while more than half of host-endosymbiont pairings are metabolically viable, the resulting endosymbioses have reduced growth rates compared to their ancestral metabolisms and are unlikely to gain mutations to overcome these fitness differences. In spite of these challenges, we do find that they may be more robust in the face of environmental perturbations at least in comparison with the ancestral host metabolism lineages. Our results provide a critical set of null models and expectations for understanding the forces that shape the structure of prokaryotic life.},
}
@article {pmid37075471,
year = {2023},
author = {Che Lah, EF and Ahamad, M and Dmitry, A and Md-Zain, BM and Yaakop, S},
title = {Metagenomic profile of the bacterial communities associated with Ixodes granulatus (Acari: Ixodidae): a potential vector of tick-borne diseases.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {60},
number = {4},
pages = {753-768},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjad044},
pmid = {37075471},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Animals ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Rickettsiales ; Ehrlichia ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Borrelia/genetics ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ixodes granulatus Supino, 1897 (Acari: Ixodida) is one of Malaysia's most common hard ticks and is a potential vector for tick-borne diseases (TBDs). Despite its great public health importance, research on I. granulatus microbial communities remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the bacterial communities of on-host I. granulatus collected from three different recreational areas on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia using high throughput Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). A total of 9 females on-host I. granulatus were subjected to metabarcoding analysis targeting V3-V4 regions of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) using the Illumina MiSeq platform. This study identified 15 bacterial phyla corresponding to 19 classes, 54 orders, and 90 families from 435 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), revealing a diverse bacterial community profile. Together with 130 genera assigned, local I. granulatus harbored 4 genera of pathogens, i.e., Rickettsia da Rocha Lima, 1916 (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) (58.6%), Borrelia Swellengrebel 1907 (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae) (31.6%), Borreliella Adeolu and Gupta 2015 (Spirochaetales: Borreliaceae) (0.6%), and Ehrlichia Cowdria Moshkovski 1947 (Rickettsiales: Ehrlichiaceae) (39.9%). Some endosymbiont bacteria, such as Coxiella (Philip, 1943) (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae), Wolbachia Hertig 1936 (Rickettsiales: Ehrlichiaceae), and Rickettsiella Philip, 1956 (Legionellales: Coxiellaceae), were also detected at very low abundance. Interestingly, this study reported the co-infection of Borrelia and Ehrlichia for the first time, instilling potential health concerns in the context of co-transmission to humans, especially in areas with a high population of I. granulatus. This study successfully characterized the tick microbiome and provided the first baseline data of I. granulatus bacterial communities in Malaysia. These results support the need for way-forward research on tick-associated bacteria using NGS, focusing on medically important species toward TBD prevention.},
}
@article {pmid37079598,
year = {2023},
author = {Choubdar, N and Karimian, F and Koosha, M and Nejati, J and Shabani Kordshouli, R and Azarm, A and Oshaghi, MA},
title = {Wolbachia infection in native populations of Blattella germanica and Periplaneta americana.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {18},
number = {4},
pages = {e0284704},
pmid = {37079598},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Periplaneta/microbiology ; *Blattellidae/genetics/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Cockroaches/microbiology ; Allergens ; },
abstract = {Cockroaches are significant pests worldwide, being important in medical, veterinary, and public health fields. Control of cockroaches is difficult because they have robust reproductive ability and high adaptability and are resistant to many insecticides. Wolbachia is an endosymbiont bacterium that infects the reproductive organs of approximately 70% of insect species and has become a promising biological agent for controlling insect pests. However, limited data on the presence or strain typing of Wolbachia in cockroaches are available. PCR amplification and sequencing of the wsp and gltA genes were used to study the presence, prevalence and molecular typing of Wolbachia in two main cockroach species, Blattella germanica (German cockroach) and Periplaneta americana (American cockroach), from different geographical locations of Iran. The Wolbachia endosymbiont was found only in 20.6% of German cockroaches while it was absent in American cockroach samples. Blast search and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Wolbachia strain found in the German cockroach belongs to Wolbachia supergroup F. Further studies should investigate the symbiotic role of Wolbachia in cockroaches and determine whether lack of Wolbachia infection may increase this insect's ability to tolerate or acquire various pathogens. Results of our study provide a foundation for continued work on interactions between cockroaches, bacterial endosymbionts, and pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid37085551,
year = {2023},
author = {Kiefer, JST and Bauer, E and Okude, G and Fukatsu, T and Kaltenpoth, M and Engl, T},
title = {Cuticle supplementation and nitrogen recycling by a dual bacterial symbiosis in a family of xylophagous beetles.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {1029-1039},
pmid = {37085551},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Insecta/microbiology ; Dietary Supplements ; Genome, Bacterial ; Shikimic Acid/analogs &amp; derivatives ; },
abstract = {Many insects engage in stable nutritional symbioses with bacteria that supplement limiting essential nutrients to their host. While several plant sap-feeding Hemipteran lineages are known to be simultaneously associated with two or more endosymbionts with complementary biosynthetic pathways to synthesize amino acids or vitamins, such co-obligate symbioses have not been functionally characterized in other insect orders. Here, we report on the characterization of a dual co-obligate, bacteriome-localized symbiosis in a family of xylophagous beetles using comparative genomics, fluorescence microscopy, and phylogenetic analyses. Across the beetle family Bostrichidae, most investigated species harbored the Bacteroidota symbiont Shikimatogenerans bostrichidophilus that encodes the shikimate pathway to produce tyrosine precursors in its severely reduced genome, likely supplementing the beetles' cuticle biosynthesis, sclerotisation, and melanisation. One clade of Bostrichid beetles additionally housed the co-obligate symbiont Bostrichicola ureolyticus that is inferred to complement the function of Shikimatogenerans by recycling urea and provisioning the essential amino acid lysine, thereby providing additional benefits on nitrogen-poor diets. Both symbionts represent ancient associations within the Bostrichidae that have subsequently experienced genome erosion and co-speciation with their hosts. While Bostrichicola was repeatedly lost, Shikimatogenerans has been retained throughout the family and exhibits a perfect pattern of co-speciation. Our results reveal that co-obligate symbioses with complementary metabolic capabilities occur beyond the well-known sap-feeding Hemiptera and highlight the importance of symbiont-mediated cuticle supplementation and nitrogen recycling for herbivorous beetles.},
}
@article {pmid37094148,
year = {2023},
author = {Gu, X and Ross, PA and Gill, A and Yang, Q and Ansermin, E and Sharma, S and Soleimannejad, S and Sharma, K and Callahan, A and Brown, C and Umina, PA and Kristensen, TN and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {A rapidly spreading deleterious aphid endosymbiont that uses horizontal as well as vertical transmission.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {120},
number = {18},
pages = {e2217278120},
pmid = {37094148},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/microbiology ; *Coxiellaceae/genetics ; Bacteria ; Phenotype ; Reproduction ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria that live inside the cells of insects are typically only transmitted maternally and can spread by increasing host fitness and/or modifying reproduction in sexual hosts. Transinfections of Wolbachia endosymbionts are now being used to introduce useful phenotypes into sexual host populations, but there has been limited progress on applications using other endosymbionts and in asexual populations. Here, we develop a unique pathway to application in aphids by transferring the endosymbiont Rickettsiella viridis to the major crop pest Myzus persicae. Rickettsiella infection greatly reduced aphid fecundity, decreased heat tolerance, and modified aphid body color, from light to dark green. Despite inducing host fitness costs, Rickettsiella spread rapidly through caged aphid populations via plant-mediated horizontal transmission. The phenotypic effects of Rickettsiella were sensitive to temperature, with spread only occurring at 19 °C and not 25 °C. Body color modification was also lost at high temperatures despite Rickettsiella maintaining a high density. Rickettsiella shows the potential to spread through natural M. persicae populations by horizontal transmission and subsequent vertical transmission. Establishment of Rickettsiella in natural populations could reduce crop damage by modifying population age structure, reducing population growth and providing context-dependent effects on host fitness. Our results highlight the importance of plant-mediated horizontal transmission and interactions with temperature as drivers of endosymbiont spread in asexual insect populations.},
}
@article {pmid37094805,
year = {2023},
author = {Goldstein, EB and de Anda Acosta, Y and Henry, LM and Parker, BJ},
title = {Variation in density, immune gene suppression, and coinfection outcomes among strains of the aphid endosymbiont Regiella insecticola.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {77},
number = {7},
pages = {1704-1711},
doi = {10.1093/evolut/qpad071},
pmid = {37094805},
issn = {1558-5646},
support = {IOS-2152954//National Science Foundation/ ; BB/W001632/1//BBSRC/ ; //Biomedical Sciences/ ; //Pew Charitable Trusts/ ; BB/W001632/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics ; *Coinfection ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Phenotype ; },
abstract = {Many insects harbor heritable microbes that influence host phenotypes. Symbiont strains establish at different densities within hosts. This variation is important evolutionarily because within-host density has been linked to the costs and benefits of the symbiosis for both partners. Studying the factors shaping within-host density is important to our broader understanding of host-microbe coevolution. Here we focused on different strains of Regiella insecticola, a facultative symbiont of aphids. We first showed that strains of Regiella establish in pea aphids at drastically different densities. We then found that variation in density is correlated with the expression levels of two key insect immune system genes (phenoloxidase and hemocytin), with the suppression of immune gene expression correlating with higher Regiella density. We then performed an experiment where we established coinfections of a higher- and a lower-density Regiella strain, and we showed that the higher-density strain is better able to persist in coinfections than the lower-density strain. Together, our results point to a potential mechanism that contributes to strain-level variation in symbiont density in this system, and our data suggest that symbiont fitness may be increased by establishing at higher density within hosts. Our work highlights the importance of within-host dynamics shaping symbiont evolution.},
}
@article {pmid37098535,
year = {2023},
author = {da Moura, AJF and Valadas, V and Da Veiga Leal, S and Montalvo Sabino, E and Sousa, CA and Pinto, J},
title = {Screening of natural Wolbachia infection in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from the Cape Verde islands.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {142},
pmid = {37098535},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {PhD fellowship//Cam&#xf5;es I.P/ ; PTDC/BIA-OUT/29477/2017//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o para a Ci&#xea;ncia e a Tecnologia/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Culicidae/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Cabo Verde ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology ; *Culex/genetics ; *Aedes/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wolbachia pipientis is an endosymbiont bacterium that induces cytoplasmic incompatibility and inhibits arboviral replication in mosquitoes. This study aimed to assess Wolbachia prevalence and genetic diversity in different mosquito species from Cape Verde.<br><br>METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected on six islands of Cape Verde and identified to species using morphological keys and PCR-based assays. Wolbachia was detected by amplifying a fragment of the surface protein gene (wsp). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed with five housekeeping genes (coxA, gatB, ftsZ, hcpA, and fbpA) and the wsp hypervariable region (HVR) for strain identification. Identification of wPip groups (wPip-I to wPip-V) was performed using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay on the ankyrin domain gene pk1.<br><br>RESULTS: Nine mosquito species were collected, including the major vectors Aedes aegypti, Anopheles arabiensis, Culex pipiens sensu stricto, and Culex quinquefasciatus. Wolbachia was only detected in Cx. pipiens s.s. (100% prevalence), Cx. quinquefasciatus (98.3%), Cx. pipiens/quinquefasciatus hybrids (100%), and Culex tigripes (100%). Based on the results of MLST and wsp hypervariable region typing, Wolbachia from the Cx. pipiens complex was assigned to sequence type 9, wPip clade, and supergroup B. PCR/RFLP analysis revealed three wPip groups in Cape Verde, namely wPip-II, wPip-III, and wPip-IV. wPip-IV was the most prevalent, while wPip-II and wPip-III were found only on Maio and Fogo islands. Wolbachia detected in Cx. tigripes belongs to supergroup B, with no attributed MLST profile, indicating a new strain of Wolbachia in this mosquito species.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence and diversity of Wolbachia was found in species from the Cx. pipiens complex. This diversity may be related to the mosquito's colonization history on the Cape Verde islands. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect Wolbachia in Cx. tigripes, which may provide an additional opportunity for biocontrol initiatives.},
}
@article {pmid37098937,
year = {2023},
author = {Arai, H and Takamatsu, T and Lin, SR and Mizutani, T and Omatsu, T and Katayama, Y and Nakai, M and Kunimi, Y and Inoue, MN},
title = {Diverse Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Microbe-Inducing Male Killing in the Moth Homona magnanima.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {89},
number = {5},
pages = {e0209522},
pmid = {37098937},
issn = {1098-5336},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Moths ; Symbiosis ; Larva/microbiology ; Reproduction ; Apoptosis ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Spiroplasma/genetics ; },
abstract = {Male killing (MK) is a type of reproductive manipulation induced by microbes, where sons of infected mothers are killed during development. MK is a strategy that enhances the fitness of the microbes, and the underlying mechanisms and the process of their evolution have attracted substantial attention. Homona magnanima, a moth, harbors two embryonic MK bacteria, namely, Wolbachia (Alphaproteobacteria) and Spiroplasma (Mollicutes), and a larval MK virus, Osugoroshi virus (OGV; Partitiviridae). However, whether the three distantly related male killers employ similar or different mechanisms to accomplish MK remains unknown. Here, we clarified the differential effects of the three male killers on the sex-determination cascades and development of H. magnanima males. Reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated that Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, but not OGVs, disrupted the sex-determination cascade of males by inducing female-type splice variants of doublesex (dsx), a downstream regulator of the sex-determining gene cascade. We also found that MK microbes altered host transcriptomes in different manners; Wolbachia impaired the host dosage compensation system, whereas Spiroplasma and OGVs did not. Moreover, Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, but not OGVs, triggered abnormal apoptosis in male embryos. These findings suggest that distantly related microbes employ distinct machineries to kill males of the identical host species, which would be the outcome of the convergent evolution. IMPORTANCE Many microbes induce male killing (MK) in various insect species. However, it is not well understood whether microbes adopt similar or different MK mechanisms. This gap in our knowledge is partly because different insect models have been examined for each MK microbe. Here, we compared three taxonomically distinct male killers (i.e., Wolbachia, Spiroplasma, and a partiti-like virus) that infect the same host. We provided evidence that microbes can cause MK through distinct mechanisms that differ in the expression of genes involved in sex determination, dosage compensation, and apoptosis. These results imply independent evolutionary scenarios for the acquisition of their MK ability.},
}
@article {pmid37100405,
year = {2023},
author = {Jaffe, AL and Castelle, CJ and Banfield, JF},
title = {Habitat Transition in the Evolution of Bacteria and Archaea.},
journal = {Annual review of microbiology},
volume = {77},
number = {},
pages = {193-212},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-micro-041320-032304},
pmid = {37100405},
issn = {1545-3251},
mesh = {Animals ; Archaea/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Bacteriophages ; Genomics ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Related groups of microbes are widely distributed across Earth's habitats, implying numerous dispersal and adaptation events over evolutionary time. However, relatively little is known about the characteristics and mechanisms of these habitat transitions, particularly for populations that reside in animal microbiomes. Here, we review the literature concerning habitat transitions among a variety of bacterial and archaeal lineages, considering the frequency of migration events, potential environmental barriers, and mechanisms of adaptation to new physicochemical conditions, including the modification of protein inventories and other genomic characteristics. Cells dependent on microbial hosts, particularly bacteria from the Candidate Phyla Radiation, have undergone repeated habitat transitions from environmental sources into animal microbiomes. We compare their trajectories to those of both free-living cells-including the Melainabacteria, Elusimicrobia, and methanogenic archaea-and cellular endosymbionts and bacteriophages, which have made similar transitions. We conclude by highlighting major related topics that may be worthy of future study.},
}
@article {pmid37101136,
year = {2023},
author = {Mosquera, KD and Martínez Villegas, LE and Rocha Fernandes, G and Rocha David, M and Maciel-de-Freitas, R and A Moreira, L and Lorenzo, MG},
title = {Egg-laying by female Aedes aegypti shapes the bacterial communities of breeding sites.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {97},
pmid = {37101136},
issn = {1741-7007},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Female ; *Aedes ; Mosquito Vectors ; Water ; Bacteria/genetics ; Oviposition ; Larva ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti, the main arboviral mosquito vector, is attracted to human dwellings and makes use of human-generated breeding sites. Past research has shown that bacterial communities associated with such sites undergo compositional shifts as larvae develop and that exposure to different bacteria during larval stages can have an impact on mosquito development and life-history traits. Based on these facts, we hypothesized that female Ae. aegypti shape the bacteria communities of breeding sites during oviposition as a form of niche construction to favor offspring fitness.<br><br>RESULTS: To test this hypothesis, we first verified that gravid females can act as mechanical vectors of bacteria. We then elaborated an experimental scheme to test the impact of oviposition on breeding site microbiota. Five different groups of experimental breeding sites were set up with a sterile aqueous solution of larval food, and subsequently exposed to (1) the environment alone, (2) surface-sterilized eggs, (3) unsterilized eggs, (4) a non-egg laying female, or (5) oviposition by a gravid female. The microbiota of these differently treated sites was assessed by amplicon-oriented DNA sequencing once the larvae from the sites with eggs had completed development and formed pupae. Microbial ecology analyses revealed significant differences between the five treatments in terms of diversity. In particular, between-treatment shifts in abundance profiles were detected, showing that females induce a significant decrease in microbial alpha diversity through oviposition. In addition, indicator species analysis pinpointed bacterial taxa with significant predicting values and fidelity coefficients for the samples in which single females laid eggs. Furthermore, we provide evidence regarding how one of these indicator taxa, Elizabethkingia, exerts a positive effect on the development and fitness of mosquito larvae.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Ovipositing females impact the composition of the microbial community associated with a breeding site, promoting certain bacterial taxa over those prevailing in the environment. Among these bacteria, we found known mosquito symbionts and showed that they can improve offspring fitness if present in the water where eggs are laid. We deem this oviposition-mediated bacterial community shaping as a form of niche construction initiated by the gravid female.},
}
@article {pmid37103129,
year = {2023},
author = {Li, J and An, Z and Luo, J and Zhu, X and Wang, L and Zhang, K and Li, D and Ji, J and Niu, L and Gao, X and Cui, J},
title = {Parasitization of Aphis gossypii Glover by Binodoxys communis Gahan Causes Shifts in the Ovarian Bacterial Microbiota.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {37103129},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aphis gossypii Glover is an important agricultural pest distributed worldwide. Binodoxys communis Gahan is the main parasitoid wasp of A. gossypii. Previous studies have shown that parasitization causes reduced egg production in A. gossypii, but the effects of parasitism on the symbiotic bacteria in the host ovaries are unknown.<br><br>RESULTS: In this study, we analyzed the microbial communities in the ovaries of A. gossypii without and after parasitization. Whether parasitized or not, Buchnera was the dominant genus of symbiotic bacteria in the ovaries, followed by facultative symbionts including Arsenophonus, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter. The relative abundance of Buchnera in the aphid ovary increased after parasitization for 1 d in both third-instar nymph and adult stages, but decreased after parasitization for 3 d. The shifts in the relative abundance of Arsenophonus in both stages were the same as those observed for Buchnera. In addition, the relative abundance of Serratia remarkably decreased after parasitization for 1 d and increased after parasitization for 3 d. A functional predictive analysis of the control and parasitized ovary microbiomes revealed that pathways primarily enriched in parasitization were "amino acid transport and metabolism" and "energy production and conversion." Finally, RT-qPCR analysis was performed on Buchnera, Arsenophonus, and Serratia. The results of RT-qPCR were the same as the results of 16S rDNA sequencing.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These results provide a framework for investigating shifts in the microbial communities in host ovaries, which may be responsible for reduced egg production in aphids. These findings also broaden our understanding of the interactions among aphids, parasitoid wasps, and endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid37103216,
year = {2023},
author = {Lv, N and Peng, J and He, ZQ and Wen, Q and Su, ZQ and Ali, S and Liu, CZ and Qiu, BL},
title = {The Dynamic Distribution of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in AsiaII1 Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {37103216},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {32060250//the National Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia and Rickettsia are bacterial endosymbionts that can induce a number of reproductive abnormalities in their arthropod hosts. We screened and established the co-infection of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in Bemisia tabaci and compared the spatial and temporal distribution of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in eggs (3-120 h after spawning), nymphs, and adults of B. tabaci by qPCR quantification and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). The results show that the titer of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in the 3-120 h old eggs showed a "w" patterned fluctuation, while the titers of Wolbachia and Rickettsia had a "descending-ascending descending-ascending" change process. The titers of Rickettsia and Wolbachia nymphal and the adult life stages of Asia II1 B. tabaci generally increased with the development of whiteflies. However, the location of Wolbachia and Rickettsia in the egg changed from egg stalk to egg base, and then from egg base to egg posterior, and finally back to the middle of the egg. These results will provide basic information on the quantity and localization of Wolbachia and Rickettsia within different life stages of B. tabaci. These findings help to understand the dynamics of the vertical transmission of symbiotic bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid37110360,
year = {2023},
author = {Van Houten, J},
title = {A Review for the Special Issue on Paramecium as a Modern Model Organism.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {37110360},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {This review provides background and perspective for the articles contributing to the Special Issue of MDPI Micro-organisms on Paramecium as a Modern Model Organism. The six articles cover a variety of topics, each taking advantage of an important aspect of Paramecium biology: peripheral surface proteins that are developmentally regulated, endosymbiont algae and bacteria, ion channel regulation by calmodulin, regulation of cell mating reactivity and senescence, and the introns that dwell in the large genome. Each article highlights a significant aspect of Paramecium and its versatility.},
}
@article {pmid37116483,
year = {2023},
author = {George, EE and Barcytė, D and Lax, G and Livingston, S and Tashyreva, D and Husnik, F and Lukeš, J and Eliáš, M and Keeling, PJ},
title = {A single cryptomonad cell harbors a complex community of organelles, bacteria, a phage, and selfish elements.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {33},
number = {10},
pages = {1982-1996.e4},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.010},
pmid = {37116483},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Cryptophyta ; *Genome ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; Plastids/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Symbiosis between prokaryotes and microbial eukaryotes (protists) has broadly impacted both evolution and ecology. Endosymbiosis led to mitochondria and plastids, the latter spreading across the tree of eukaryotes by subsequent rounds of endosymbiosis. Present-day endosymbionts in protists remain both common and diverse, although what function they serve is often unknown. Here, we describe a highly complex community of endosymbionts and a bacteriophage (phage) within a single cryptomonad cell. Cryptomonads are a model for organelle evolution because their secondary plastid retains a relict endosymbiont nucleus, but only one previously unidentified Cryptomonas strain (SAG 25.80) is known to harbor bacterial endosymbionts. We carried out electron microscopy and FISH imaging as well as genomic sequencing on Cryptomonas SAG 25.80, which revealed a stable, complex community even after over 50 years in continuous cultivation. We identified the host strain as Cryptomonas gyropyrenoidosa, and sequenced genomes from its mitochondria, plastid, and nucleomorph (and partially its nucleus), as well as two symbionts, Megaira polyxenophila and Grellia numerosa, and one phage (MAnkyphage) infecting M. polyxenophila. Comparing closely related endosymbionts from other hosts revealed similar metabolic and genomic features, with the exception of abundant transposons and genome plasticity in M. polyxenophila from Cryptomonas. We found an abundance of eukaryote-interacting genes as well as many toxin-antitoxin systems, including in the MAnkyphage genome that also encodes several eukaryotic-like proteins. Overall, the Cryptomonas cell is an endosymbiotic conglomeration with seven distinct evolving genomes that all show evidence of inter-lineage conflict but nevertheless remain stable, even after more than 4,000 generations in culture.},
}
@article {pmid37117271,
year = {2023},
author = {Řezáč, M and Řezáčová, V and Gloríková, N and Némethová, E and Heneberg, P},
title = {Food provisioning to Pardosa spiders decreases the levels of tissue-resident endosymbiotic bacteria.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {6943},
pmid = {37117271},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Spiders/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; *Coxiellaceae ; Host Specificity ; Drosophila ; *Rickettsia ; },
abstract = {The diversity, host specificity, and physiological effects of endosymbiotic bacteria in spiders (Araneae) are poorly characterized. We used 16S rDNA sequencing to evaluate endosymbionts in the cephalothorax and legs of a wolf spider Pardosa agrestis. We tested the effects of feeding once or twice daily with fruit flies, aphids, or starved and compared them to those of syntopically occurring Pardosa palustris. The feeding increased traveled distance up to five times in some of the groups provisioned with food relative to the starved control. The Shannon diversity t-test revealed significant differences between these component communities of the two spider species. The increased frequency of feeding with fruit flies, but not aphids, increased the dominance and decreased the alpha diversity of OTUs. The obligate or facultative endosymbionts were present in all analyzed spider individuals and were represented mostly by Rickettsiella, Rhabdochlamydia, Spiroplasma, and the facultative intracellular parasite Legionella. Vertically transmitted endosymbionts were less common, represented by Wolbachia pipientis and Rickettsia sp. H820. The relative abundance of Mycoplasma spp. was negatively correlated with provisioned or killed aphids. In conclusion, the tissues of Pardosa spiders host tremendously diverse assemblages of bacteria, including obligate or facultative endosymbionts, with yet unknown phenotypic effects.},
}
@article {pmid37117399,
year = {2023},
author = {Ghousein, A and Tutagata, J and Schrieke, H and Etienne, M and Chaumeau, V and Boyer, S and Pages, N and Roiz, D and Eren, AM and Cambray, G and Reveillaud, J},
title = {pWCP is a widely distributed and highly conserved Wolbachia plasmid in Culex pipiens and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes worldwide.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {40},
pmid = {37117399},
issn = {2730-6151},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 220211/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 948135//EC | EC Seventh Framework Programm | FP7 Ideas: European Research Council (FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific Programme: "Ideas" Implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities (2007 to 2013))/ ; },
abstract = {Mosquitoes represent the most important pathogen vectors and are responsible for the spread of a wide variety of poorly treatable diseases. Wolbachia are obligate intracellular bacteria that are widely distributed among arthropods and collectively represents one of the most promising solutions for vector control. In particular, Wolbachia has been shown to limit the transmission of pathogens, and to dramatically affect the reproductive behavior of their host through its phage WO. While much research has focused on deciphering and exploring the biocontrol applications of these WO-related phenotypes, the extent and potential impact of the Wolbachia mobilome remain poorly appreciated. Notably, several Wolbachia plasmids, carrying WO-like genes and Insertion Sequences (IS), thus possibly interrelated to other genetic units of the endosymbiont, have been recently discovered. Here we investigated the diversity and biogeography of the first described plasmid of Wolbachia in Culex pipiens (pWCP) in several islands and continental countries around the world-including Cambodia, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Thailand, and Mexico-together with mosquito strains from colonies that evolved for 2 to 30 years in the laboratory. We used PCR and qPCR to determine the presence and copy number of pWCP in individual mosquitoes, and highly accurate Sanger sequencing to evaluate potential variations. Together with earlier observation, our results show that pWCP is omnipresent and strikingly conserved among Wolbachia populations within mosquitoes from distant geographies and environmental conditions. These data suggest a critical role for the plasmid in Wolbachia ecology and evolution, and the potential of a great tool for further genetic dissection and possible manipulation of this endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid37121168,
year = {2023},
author = {Biney, C and Graham, GE and Asiedu, E and Sakyi, SA and Kwarteng, A},
title = {Wolbachia Ferrochelatase as a potential drug target against filarial infections.},
journal = {Journal of molecular graphics &amp; modelling},
volume = {122},
number = {},
pages = {108490},
doi = {10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108490},
pmid = {37121168},
issn = {1873-4243},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/metabolism ; Ferrochelatase/metabolism/therapeutic use ; *Filariasis/drug therapy/parasitology ; *Brugia malayi ; Heme/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Filarial infections are among the world's most disturbing diseases caused by 3 major parasitic worms; Onchocerca volvulus, Wuchereria bancrofti, and Brugia malayi, affecting more than 500 million people worldwide. Currently used drugs for mass drug administration (MDA) have been met with several challenges including the development of complications in individuals with filaria co-infections and parasitic drug resistance. The filarial endosymbiont, Wolbachia, has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for filariasis elimination, due to the dependence of the filaria on this endosymbiont for survival. Here, we target an important enzyme in the Wolbachia heme biosynthetic pathway (ferrochelatase), using high-throughput virtual screening and molecular dynamics with MM-PBSA calculations. We identified four drug candidates; Nilotinib, Ledipasvir, 3-benzhydryloxy-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, and 2-(4-Amino-piperidin-1-yl)-ethanol as potential small molecules inhibitors as they could compete with the enzyme's natural substrate (Protoporphyrin IX) for active pocket binding. This prevents the worm from receiving the heme molecule from Wolbachia for their growth and survival, resulting in their death. This study which involved targeting enzymes in biosynthetic pathways of the parasitic worms' endosymbiont (Wolbachia), has proven to be an alternative therapeutic option leading to the discovery of new drugs, which will help facilitate the elimination of parasitic infections.},
}
@article {pmid37133447,
year = {2023},
author = {DeLong, JP and Van Etten, JL and Dunigan, DD},
title = {Lessons from Chloroviruses: the Complex and Diverse Roles of Viruses in Food Webs.},
journal = {Journal of virology},
volume = {97},
number = {5},
pages = {e0027523},
pmid = {37133447},
issn = {1098-5514},
mesh = {Biological Evolution ; *Chlorella/virology ; *Food Chain ; *Phycodnaviridae ; },
abstract = {Viruses can have large effects on the ecological communities in which they occur. Much of this impact comes from the mortality of host cells, which simultaneously alters microbial community composition and causes the release of matter that can be used by other organisms. However, recent studies indicate that viruses may be even more deeply integrated into the functioning of ecological communities than their effect on nutrient cycling suggests. In particular, chloroviruses, which infect chlorella-like green algae that typically occur as endosymbionts, participate in three types of interactions with other species. Chlororviruses (i) can lure ciliates from a distance, using them as a vector; (ii) depend on predators for access to their hosts; and (iii) get consumed as a food source by, at least, a variety of protists. Therefore, chloroviruses both depend on and influence the spatial structures of communities as well as the flows of energy through those communities, driven by predator-prey interactions. The emergence of these interactions are an eco-evolutionary puzzle, given the interdependence of these species and the many costs and benefits that these interactions generate.},
}
@article {pmid37138629,
year = {2023},
author = {Tan, Y and Gong, B and Zhang, Q and Li, C and Weng, J and Zhou, X and Jin, L},
title = {Diversity of endosymbionts in camellia spiny whitefly, Aleurocanthus camelliae (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), estimated by 16S rRNA analysis and their biological implications.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1124386},
pmid = {37138629},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Camellia spiny whitefly, Aleurocanthus camelliae (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a major pest in tea, which poses a serious threat to tea production. Similar to many insects, various bacterial symbioses inside A. camelliae may participate in the reproduction, metabolism, and detoxification of the host. However, few reports included research on the microbial composition and influence on A. camelliae growth. We first applied high-throughput sequencing of the V4 region in the 16S rRNA of symbiotic bacteria to study its component and effect on the biological trait of A. camelliae by comparing it with the antibiotic treatment group. The population parameters, survival rate, and fecundity rate of A. camelliae were also analyzed using the age-stage two-sex life table. Our results demonstrated that phylum Proteobacteria (higher than 96.15%) dominated the whole life cycle of A. camelliae. It unveiled the presence of Candidatus Portiera (primary endosymbiont) (67.15-73.33%), Arsenophonus (5.58-22.89%), Wolbachia (4.53-11.58%), Rickettsia (0.75-2.59%), and Pseudomonas (0.99-1.88%) genus. Antibiotic treatment caused a significant decrease in the endosymbiont, which negatively affected the host's biological properties and life process. For example, 1.5% rifampicin treatment caused a longer preadult stage in the offspring generation (55.92 d) compared to the control (49.75d) and a lower survival rate (0.36) than the control (0.60). The decreased intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproductive rate (R 0), and prolonged mean generation time (T) were signs of all disadvantageous effects associated with symbiotic reduction. Our findings confirmed the composition and richness of symbiotic bacteria in larva and adult of A. camelliae by an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 analysis and their influence on the development of the host by demographic research. Together, the results suggested that symbiotic bacteria play an important role in manipulating the biological development of their hosts, which might help us for developing new pest control agents and technologies for better management of A. camelliae.},
}
@article {pmid37147800,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhang, Y and Tian, L and Lu, C},
title = {Chloroplast gene expression: Recent advances and perspectives.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {4},
number = {5},
pages = {100611},
pmid = {37147800},
issn = {2590-3462},
mesh = {*Genes, Chloroplast ; *Chloroplasts/genetics/metabolism ; Photosynthesis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Chloroplasts evolved from an ancient cyanobacterial endosymbiont more than 1.5 billion years ago. During subsequent coevolution with the nuclear genome, the chloroplast genome has remained independent, albeit strongly reduced, with its own transcriptional machinery and distinct features, such as chloroplast-specific innovations in gene expression and complicated post-transcriptional processing. Light activates the expression of chloroplast genes via mechanisms that optimize photosynthesis, minimize photodamage, and prioritize energy investments. Over the past few years, studies have moved from describing phases of chloroplast gene expression to exploring the underlying mechanisms. In this review, we focus on recent advances and emerging principles that govern chloroplast gene expression in land plants. We discuss engineering of pentatricopeptide repeat proteins and its biotechnological effects on chloroplast RNA research; new techniques for characterizing the molecular mechanisms of chloroplast gene expression; and important aspects of chloroplast gene expression for improving crop yield and stress tolerance. We also discuss biological and mechanistic questions that remain to be answered in the future.},
}
@article {pmid37160764,
year = {2023},
author = {Gimmi, E and Wallisch, J and Vorburger, C},
title = {Defensive symbiosis in the wild: Seasonal dynamics of parasitism risk and symbiont-conferred resistance.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {32},
number = {14},
pages = {4063-4077},
doi = {10.1111/mec.16976},
pmid = {37160764},
issn = {1365-294X},
mesh = {Animals ; Symbiosis ; Seasons ; *Wasps ; *Aphids/microbiology ; Enterobacteriaceae ; },
abstract = {Parasite-mediated selection can rapidly drive up resistance levels in host populations, but fixation of resistance traits may be prevented by costs of resistance. Black bean aphids (Aphis fabae) benefit from increased resistance to parasitoids when carrying the defensive bacterial endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa. However, due to fitness costs that come with symbiont infection, symbiont-conferred resistance may result in either a net benefit or a net cost to the aphid host, depending on parasitoid presence as well as on the general ecological context. Balancing selection may therefore explain why in natural aphid populations, H. defensa is often found at intermediate frequencies. Here we present a 2-year field study where we set out to look for signatures of balancing selection in natural aphid populations. We collected temporally well-resolved data on the prevalence of H. defensa in A. f. fabae and estimated the risk imposed by parasitoids using sentinel hosts. Despite a marked and consistent early-summer peak in parasitism risk, and significant changes in symbiont prevalence over time, we found just a weak correlation between parasitism risk and H. defensa frequency dynamics. H. defensa prevalence in the populations under study was, in fact, better explained by the number of heat days that previous aphid generations were exposed to. Our study grants an unprecedentedly well-resolved insight into the dynamics of endosymbiont and parasitoid communities of A. f. fabae populations, and it adds to a growing body of empirical evidence suggesting that not only parasitism risk, but rather multifarious selection is shaping H. defensa prevalence in the wild.},
}
@article {pmid37160773,
year = {2023},
author = {Yang, B and Xu, C and Cheng, Y and Jia, T and Hu, X},
title = {Research progress on the biosynthesis and delivery of iron-sulfur clusters in the plastid.},
journal = {Plant cell reports},
volume = {42},
number = {8},
pages = {1255-1264},
pmid = {37160773},
issn = {1432-203X},
support = {32000197//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2019T120467//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Iron/metabolism ; Plastids/metabolism ; Biological Transport ; Sulfur/metabolism ; *Iron-Sulfur Proteins/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are ancient protein cofactors ubiquitously exist in organisms. They are involved in many important life processes. Plastids are semi-autonomous organelles with a double membrane and it is believed to originate from a cyanobacterial endosymbiont. By learning form the research in cyanobacteria, a Fe-S cluster biosynthesis and delivery pathway has been proposed and partly demonstrated in plastids, including iron uptake, sulfur mobilization, Fe-S cluster assembly and delivery. Fe-S clusters are essential for the downstream Fe-S proteins to perform their normal biological functions. Because of the importance of Fe-S proteins in plastid, researchers have made a lot of research progress on this pathway in recent years. This review summarizes the detail research progress made in recent years. In addition, the scientific problems remained in this pathway are also discussed.},
}
@article {pmid37170316,
year = {2021},
author = {Serra, V and D'Alessandro, A and Nitla, V and Gammuto, L and Modeo, L and Petroni, G and Fokin, SI},
title = {The neotypification of Frontonia vernalis (Ehrenberg, 1833) Ehrenberg, 1838 and the description of Frontonia paravernalis sp. nov. trigger a critical revision of frontoniid systematics.},
journal = {BMC zoology},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {4},
pmid = {37170316},
issn = {2056-3132},
support = {247658//FP7 People: Marie-Curie Actions/ ; 872767//H2020 Marie Sk&#x142;odowska-Curie Actions/ ; 2019.0380//Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Pistoia e Pescia/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Among Oligohymenophorea (Ciliophora, Alveolata) the subclass Peniculia stands as one of the most well-known groups. Frontonia is the largest genus of Peniculia, and its representatives are spread in any type of water bodies as well as in soil. At a first glance, Frontonia species exhibit an overall similar morphology, and form a well-recognizable taxon of ciliates. Despite the general morphological homogeneity, the phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rDNA sequencing showed that Frontonia is a non-monophyletic group. The systematics of this genus should be deeply reviewed, although additional issues complicate the task solving. First, type species of the genus is not yet clearly established, and no type material is available. In this context, the situation of F. vernalis, one of the first Frontonia ever described, is somehow puzzled: the description of this ciliate made by Ehrenberg (in 1833 and 1838) contains several inaccuracies and subsequent misidentifications by other authors occurred. Moreover, the 18S rDNA sequence of a putative F. vernalis is available on GenBank, but no morphological description of the correspondent specimens is provided; thus, in our opinion, it should be only prudently associated with F. vernalis or at least indicated as "F. vernalis".<br><br>RESULTS: In the present work, we provide the neotypification of F. vernalis newly found in Italy, presenting its multidisciplinary description and its neotype material. Similarly, we describe a novel species bearing Chlorella-like endosymbionts, Frontonia paravernalis sp. nov., retrieved in two far distant locations (Italy, Russia). A critical discussion on the status of Frontonia taxonomy and phylogeny is also presented, based on the 18S rDNA sequencing of both these two newly collected species and other 14 frontoniids isolated in different parts of the world. Finally, in the present study F. leucas was neotypified and proposed as the type species of the genus.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Green frontoniids form a monophyletic clade of freshwater organisms characterized by having a single contractile vacuole and bearing intracytoplasmatic Chlorella-like symbionts. With the neotypification of F. vernalis and F. leucas a fundamental step in Frontonia systematics was taken, and the bases for further taxonomic studies were laid.},
}
@article {pmid37172511,
year = {2023},
author = {Becker, NS and Rollins, RE and Stephens, R and Sato, K and Brachmann, A and Nakao, M and Kawabata, H},
title = {Candidatus Lariskella arthopodarum endosymbiont is the main factor differentiating the microbiome communities of female and male Borrelia-positive Ixodes persulcatus ticks.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {102183},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102183},
pmid = {37172511},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; *Borrelia/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Coinfection ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Ixodes persulcatus, a hard-bodied tick species primarily found in Asia and Eastern Europe, is a vector of pathogens to human and livestock hosts. Little research has been done on the microbiome of this species, especially using individual non-pooled samples and comparing different geographical locations. Here, we use 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to determine the individual microbial composition of 85 Borrelia-positive I. persulcatus from the Japanese islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. The resulting data (164 unique OTUs) were further analyzed to compare the makeup and diversity of the microbiome by sex and location, as well as to determine the presence of human pathogens. We found that, while location had little influence, the diversity of I. persulcatus microbiome was predominantly dependent on sex. Males were seen to have higher microbiome diversity than females, likely due to the high presence of endosymbiotic Candidatus Lariskella arthropodarum within the female microbial communities. Furthermore, high read counts for five genera containing potentially human pathogenic species were detected among both male and female microbiomes: Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Rickettsia, Candidatus Neoehrlichia and Burkholderia and co-infections between different pathogens were frequent. We conclude that the microbiome of I. persulcatus depends mainly on sex and not geographical location and that the major difference between sexes is due to the high abundance of Ca. L. arthropodarum in females. We also stress the importance of this tick species as a vector of potential human pathogens frequently found in co-infections.},
}
@article {pmid37178742,
year = {2023},
author = {Yuan, F and Su, M and Li, T and Zhang, Y and Dietrich, CH and Webb, MD and Wei, C},
title = {Functional and evolutionary implications of protein and metal content of leafhopper brochosomes.},
journal = {Insect biochemistry and molecular biology},
volume = {157},
number = {},
pages = {103962},
doi = {10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103962},
pmid = {37178742},
issn = {1879-0240},
mesh = {Animals ; Amino Acids ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Plants ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Brochosomes derived from the specialized glandular segments of the Malpighian tubules (MTs) form superhydrophobic coatings for insects of Membracoidea, and have multiple hypothetical functions. However, the constituents, biosynthesis and evolutionary origin of brochosomes remain poorly understood. We investigated general chemical and physical characteristics of the integumental brochosomes (IBs) of the leafhopper Psammotettix striatus, determined the constituents of IBs, identified the unigenes involved in brochosomal protein synthesis, and investigated the potential associations among brochosomal protein synthesis, amino acid composition of food source, and the possible roles of endosymbionts in brochosome production. The results show that IBs are mainly composed of glycine- and tyrosine-rich proteins and some metal elements, which contain both essential and non-essential amino acids (EAAs and NEAAs) for insects, including EAAs deficient in the sole food source. All 12 unigenes involved in synthesizing the 12 brochosomal proteins (BPs) with high confidence are exclusively highly expressed in the glandular segment of MTs, confirming that brochosomes are synthesized by this segment. The synthesis of BPs is one of the key synapomorphies of Membracoidea but may be lost secondarily in a few lineages. The synthesis of BPs might be related to the symbiosis of leafhoppers/treehoppers with endosymbionts that provide these insects with EAAs, including those are deficient in the sole diet (i.e., plant sap) and could only be made available by the symbionts. We hypothesize that the functional modification of MTs have combined with the application of BPs enabling Membracoidea to colonize and adapt to novel ecological niches, and evolve to the dramatic diversification of this hemipteran group (in particular the family Cicadellidae). This study highlights the importance of evolutionary plasticity and multiple functions of MTs in driving the adaptations and evolution of sap-sucking insects of Hemiptera.},
}
@article {pmid37184407,
year = {2023},
author = {Paulson, AR and Lougheed, SC and Huang, D and Colautti, RI},
title = {Multiomics Reveals Symbionts, Pathogens, and Tissue-Specific Microbiome of Blacklegged Ticks (Ixodes scapularis) from a Lyme Disease Hot Spot in Southeastern Ontario, Canada.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {e0140423},
pmid = {37184407},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Ixodes/genetics/microbiology/parasitology ; Ontario/epidemiology ; Multiomics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Coinfection/epidemiology ; Disease Hotspot ; *Borrelia/genetics ; *Lyme Disease ; *Borrelia burgdorferi/genetics ; *Anaplasma phagocytophilum/genetics ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Ticks in the family Ixodidae are important vectors of zoonoses, including Lyme disease (LD), which is caused by spirochete bacteria from the Borreliella (Borrelia) burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) continues to expand across Canada, creating hot spots of elevated LD risk at the leading edge of its expanding range. Current efforts to understand the risk of pathogen transmission associated with I. scapularis in Canada focus primarily on targeted screens, while natural variation in the tick microbiome remains poorly understood. Using multiomics consisting of 16S metabarcoding and ribosome-depleted, whole-shotgun RNA transcriptome sequencing, we examined the microbial communities associated with adult I. scapularis (n = 32), sampled from four tissue types (whole tick, salivary glands, midgut, and viscera) and three geographical locations within a LD hot spot near Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The communities consisted of both endosymbiotic and known or potentially pathogenic microbes, including RNA viruses, bacteria, and a Babesia sp. intracellular parasite. We show that β-diversity is significantly higher between the bacterial communities of individual tick salivary glands and midguts than that of whole ticks. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) determined that the three potentially pathogenic bacteria detected by V4 16S rRNA sequencing also differed among dissected tissues only, including a Borrelia strain from the B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Importantly, we find coinfection of I. scapularis by multiple microbes, in contrast to diagnostic protocols for LD, which typically focus on infection from a single pathogen of interest (B. burgdorferi sensu stricto). IMPORTANCE As a vector of human health concern, blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) transmit pathogens that cause tick-borne diseases (TBDs), including Lyme disease (LD). Several hot spots of elevated LD risk have emerged across Canada as I. scapularis expands its range. Focusing on a hot spot in southeastern Ontario, we used high-throughput sequencing to characterize the microbiome of whole ticks and dissected salivary glands and midguts. Compared with whole ticks, salivary glands and midguts were more diverse and associated with distinct bacterial communities that are less dominated by Rickettsia endosymbiont bacteria and are enriched for pathogenic bacteria, including a B. burgdorferi sensu lato-associated Borrelia sp., Borrelia miyamotoi, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We also found evidence of coinfection of I. scapularis by multiple pathogens. Overall, our study highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with the surveillance of the microbiome of I. scapularis for pathogen detection using metabarcoding and metatranscriptome approaches.},
}
@article {pmid37186593,
year = {2023},
author = {Martoni, F and Bulman, SR and Piper, AM and Pitman, A and Taylor, GS and Armstrong, KF},
title = {Insect phylogeny structures the bacterial communities in the microbiome of psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) in Aotearoa New Zealand.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {18},
number = {5},
pages = {e0285587},
pmid = {37186593},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; New Zealand ; Bacteria/genetics ; Plants ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; },
abstract = {The bacterial microbiome of psyllids has been studied for decades, with a strong focus on the primary and secondary endosymbionts capable of providing essential amino acids for the insects' diet and therefore playing a key role in the insects' ability to radiate on novel plant hosts. Here, we combine metabarcoding analysis of the bacterial communities hosted by psyllids with a multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of the insect hosts to determine what factors influence the bacterial diversity of the psyllids' microbiomes, especially in the context of the dispersal and evolutionary radiation of these insects in Aotearoa New Zealand. Using multi-gene phylogenetics with COI, 18S and EF-1α sequences from 102 psyllid species, we confirmed for the first time monophyly for all the six genera of native/endemic Aotearoa New Zealand psyllids, with indications that they derive from at least six dispersal events to the country. This also revealed that, after its ancestral arrival, the genus Powellia has radiated onto a larger and more diverse range of plants than either Psylla or Ctenarytaina, which is uncommon amongst monophyletic psyllids globally. DNA metabarcoding of the bacterial 16S gene here represents the largest dataset analysed to date from psyllids, including 246 individuals from 73 species. This provides novel evidence that bacterial diversity across psyllid species is strongly associated with psyllid phylogenetic structure, and to a lesser degree to their host plant association and geographic distribution. Furthermore, while the strongest co-phylogenetic signals were derived from the primary and secondary symbionts, a signal of phylosymbiosis was still retained among the remaining taxa of the bacterial microbiome, suggesting potential vertical transmission of bacterial lineages previously unknown to have symbiotic roles.},
}
@article {pmid37192168,
year = {2023},
author = {Kulkarni, A and Ewen-Campen, B and Terao, K and Matsumoto, Y and Li, Y and Watanabe, T and Kao, JA and Parhad, SS and Ylla, G and Mizunami, M and Extavour, CG},
title = {oskar acts with the transcription factor Creb to regulate long-term memory in crickets.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {120},
number = {21},
pages = {e2218506120},
pmid = {37192168},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R21 NS127312/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics/metabolism ; Transcription Factors/genetics ; Germ Cells/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; Insecta/genetics ; Memory, Long-Term ; *Drosophila Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Novel genes have the potential to drive the evolution of new biological mechanisms, or to integrate into preexisting regulatory circuits and contribute to the regulation of older, conserved biological functions. One such gene, the novel insect-specific gene oskar, was first identified based on its role in establishing the Drosophila melanogaster germ line. We previously showed that this gene likely arose through an unusual domain transfer event involving bacterial endosymbionts and played a somatic role before evolving its well-known germ line function. Here, we provide empirical support for this hypothesis in the form of evidence for a neural role for oskar. We show that oskar is expressed in the adult neural stem cells of a hemimetabolous insect, the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. In these stem cells, called neuroblasts, oskar is required together with the ancient animal transcription factor Creb to regulate long-term (but not short-term) olfactory memory. We provide evidence that oskar positively regulates Creb, which plays a conserved role in long-term memory across animals, and that oskar in turn may be a direct target of Creb. Together with previous reports of a role for oskar in nervous system development and function in crickets and flies, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that oskar's original somatic role may have been in the insect nervous system. Moreover, its colocalization and functional cooperation with the conserved pluripotency gene piwi in the nervous system may have facilitated oskar's later co-option to the germ line in holometabolous insects.},
}
@article {pmid37196086,
year = {2023},
author = {Maire, J and Tandon, K and Collingro, A and van de Meene, A and Damjanovic, K and Gotze, CR and Stephenson, S and Philip, GK and Horn, M and Cantin, NE and Blackall, LL and van Oppen, MJH},
title = {Colocalization and potential interactions of Endozoicomonas and chlamydiae in microbial aggregates of the coral Pocillopora acuta.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {9},
number = {20},
pages = {eadg0773},
pmid = {37196086},
issn = {2375-2548},
support = {P 32112/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology ; Bacteria/genetics ; Coral Reefs ; *Gammaproteobacteria/genetics ; Metagenome ; },
abstract = {Corals are associated with a variety of bacteria, which occur in the surface mucus layer, gastrovascular cavity, skeleton, and tissues. Some tissue-associated bacteria form clusters, termed cell-associated microbial aggregates (CAMAs), which are poorly studied. Here, we provide a comprehensive characterization of CAMAs in the coral Pocillopora acuta. Combining imaging techniques, laser capture microdissection, and amplicon and metagenome sequencing, we show that (i) CAMAs are located in the tentacle tips and may be intracellular; (ii) CAMAs contain Endozoicomonas (Gammaproteobacteria) and Simkania (Chlamydiota) bacteria; (iii) Endozoicomonas may provide vitamins to its host and use secretion systems and/or pili for colonization and aggregation; (iv) Endozoicomonas and Simkania occur in distinct, but adjacent, CAMAs; and (v) Simkania may receive acetate and heme from neighboring Endozoicomonas. Our study provides detailed insight into coral endosymbionts, thereby improving our understanding of coral physiology and health and providing important knowledge for coral reef conservation in the climate change era.},
}
@article {pmid37196858,
year = {2023},
author = {Ward, MCE and Barrios, MC and Fallon, AM},
title = {Paraquat is toxic to the soil-dwelling arthropod, Folsomia candida (Collembola: Isotomidae), and has potential effects on its Wolbachia endosymbiont.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {198},
number = {},
pages = {107936},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2023.107936},
pmid = {37196858},
issn = {1096-0805},
mesh = {Female ; Animals ; *Arthropods ; Paraquat ; *Wolbachia ; Soil ; Charcoal ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {The springtail, Folsomia candida, is a soil arthropod commonly used to evaluate environmental toxins. Conflicting data on the toxicity of the herbicide paraquat prompted re-evaluation of its effects on F. candida survival and reproduction. Paraquat has an LC50 of about 80 μM when tested in the absence of charcoal; charcoal, often used in test arenas to facilitate visualization of the white Collembola, has a protective effect. Survivors of paraquat treatment fail to resume molting and oviposition, suggesting an irreversible effect on the Wolbachia symbiont that restores diploidy during parthenogenetic reproduction of this species.},
}
@article {pmid37198188,
year = {2023},
author = {Moggioli, G and Panossian, B and Sun, Y and Thiel, D and Martín-Zamora, FM and Tran, M and Clifford, AM and Goffredi, SK and Rimskaya-Korsakova, N and Jékely, G and Tresguerres, M and Qian, PY and Qiu, JW and Rouse, GW and Henry, LM and Martín-Durán, JM},
title = {Distinct genomic routes underlie transitions to specialised symbiotic lifestyles in deep-sea annelid worms.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {2814},
pmid = {37198188},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 213981/Z/18/Z//Wellcome Trust (Wellcome)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Annelida/genetics ; *Polychaeta/genetics/metabolism ; Genome/genetics ; Genomics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Bacterial symbioses allow annelids to colonise extreme ecological niches, such as hydrothermal vents and whale falls. Yet, the genetic principles sustaining these symbioses remain unclear. Here, we show that different genomic adaptations underpin the symbioses of phylogenetically related annelids with distinct nutritional strategies. Genome compaction and extensive gene losses distinguish the heterotrophic symbiosis of the bone-eating worm Osedax frankpressi from the chemoautotrophic symbiosis of deep-sea Vestimentifera. Osedax's endosymbionts complement many of the host's metabolic deficiencies, including the loss of pathways to recycle nitrogen and synthesise some amino acids. Osedax's endosymbionts possess the glyoxylate cycle, which could allow more efficient catabolism of bone-derived nutrients and the production of carbohydrates from fatty acids. Unlike in most Vestimentifera, innate immunity genes are reduced in O. frankpressi, which, however, has an expansion of matrix metalloproteases to digest collagen. Our study supports that distinct nutritional interactions influence host genome evolution differently in highly specialised symbioses.},
}
@article {pmid37201521,
year = {2023},
author = {Zakharova, A and Tashyreva, D and Butenko, A and Morales, J and Saura, A and Svobodová, M and Poschmann, G and Nandipati, S and Zakharova, A and Noyvert, D and Gahura, O and Týč, J and Stühler, K and Kostygov, AY and Nowack, ECM and Lukeš, J and Yurchenko, V},
title = {A neo-functionalized homolog of host transmembrane protein controls localization of bacterial endosymbionts in the trypanosomatid Novymonas esmeraldas.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {33},
number = {13},
pages = {2690-2701.e5},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.060},
pmid = {37201521},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Trypanosomatina/microbiology ; Bacteria ; Symbiosis/physiology ; Eukaryota ; },
abstract = {The stability of endosymbiotic associations between eukaryotes and bacteria depends on a reliable mechanism ensuring vertical inheritance of the latter. Here, we demonstrate that a host-encoded protein, located at the interface between the endoplasmic reticulum of the trypanosomatid Novymonas esmeraldas and its endosymbiotic bacterium Ca. Pandoraea novymonadis, regulates such a process. This protein, named TMP18e, is a product of duplication and neo-functionalization of the ubiquitous transmembrane protein 18 (TMEM18). Its expression level is increased at the proliferative stage of the host life cycle correlating with the confinement of bacteria to the nuclear vicinity. This is important for the proper segregation of bacteria into the daughter host cells as evidenced from the TMP18e ablation, which disrupts the nucleus-endosymbiont association and leads to greater variability of bacterial cell numbers, including an elevated proportion of aposymbiotic cells. Thus, we conclude that TMP18e is necessary for the reliable vertical inheritance of endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid37205465,
year = {2023},
author = {Holguin-Rocha, AF and Calle-Tobon, A and Vásquez, GM and Astete, H and Fisher, ML and Tobon-Castano, A and Velez-Tobon, G and Maldonado-Ruiz, LP and Silver, K and Park, Y and Londono-Renteria, B},
title = {Diversity of the bacterial and viral communities in the tropical horse tick, Dermacentor nitens in Colombia.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37205465},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R21 AI163423/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit pathogens among various vertebrates, including humans. The composition of the microbial and viral communities in addition to the pathogenic microorganisms is highly diverse in ticks, but the factors driving the diversity are not well understood. The tropical horse tick, Dermacentor nitens , is distributed throughout the Americas and it is recognized as a natural vector of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi , the causal agents of equine piroplasmosis. We characterized the bacterial and viral communities associated with partially-fed D. nitens females collected by a passive survey on horses from field sites representing three distinct geographical areas in Colombia (Bolivar, Antioquia, and Cordoba). RNA-seq and sequencing of the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were performed using the Illumina-Miseq platform. A total of 356 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, in which the presumed endosymbiotic Francisellaceae/ Francisella spp. was predominantly found. Nine contigs corresponding to six different viruses were identified in three viral families: Chuviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Flaviviridae. Differences in the relative abundance of the microbial composition among the geographical regions were found to be independent of the presence of Francisella -Like Endosymbiont (FLE). The most prevalent bacteria found on each region were Corynebacterium in Bolivar, Staphylococcus in Antioquia, and Pseudomonas in Cordoba. Rickettsia -like endosymbionts, mainly recognized as the etiological agent of rickettsioses in Colombia were detected in the Cordoba samples. Metatranscriptomics revealed 13 contigs containing FLE genes, suggesting a trend of regional differences. These findings suggest regional distinctions among the ticks and their bacterial compositions.},
}
@article {pmid37206333,
year = {2023},
author = {Russo, N and Floridia, V and D'Alessandro, E and Lopreiato, V and Pino, A and Chiofalo, V and Caggia, C and Liotta, L and Randazzo, CL},
title = {Influence of olive cake dietary supplementation on fecal microbiota of dairy cows.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1137452},
pmid = {37206333},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Olive by-products represent a valuable low-price feed supplement for animal nutrition. In the present study, the effect of the dietary destoned olive cake supplementation, on both composition and dynamics of the fecal bacterial biota of cow, was assessed by Illumina MiSeq analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. In addition, metabolic pathways were predicted by using the PICRUSt2 bioinformatic tool. Eighteen lactating cows, according to the body condition score, the days from calving, and the daily milk production were homogeneously allocated into two groups, control or experimental, and subjected to different dietary treatments. In detail, the experimental diet contained, along with the components of the control one, 8% of destoned olive cake. Metagenomics data revealed significant differences in abundance rather than in richness between the two groups. Results showed that Bacteroidota and Firmicutes were identified as the dominant phyla, accounting for over 90% of the total bacterial population. The Desulfobacterota phylum, able to reduce sulfur compounds, was detected only in fecal samples of cows allocated to the experimental diet whereas the Elusimicrobia phylum, a common endosymbiont or ectosymbiont of various flagellated protists, was detected only in cows subjected to the control diet. In addition, both Oscillospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families were mainly found in the experimental group whereas fecal samples of control cows showed the presence of Rikenellaceae and Bacteroidaceae families, usually associated with the high roughage or low concentrate diet. Based on the PICRUSt2 bioinformatic tool, pathways related to carbohydrate, fatty acid, lipid, and amino acids biosynthesis were mainly up regulated in the experimental group. On the contrary, in the control group, the metabolic pathways detected with the highest occurrence were associated with amino acids biosynthesis and degradation, aromatic compounds degradation, nucleosides and nucleotides biosynthesis. Hence, the present study confirms that the destoned olive cake is a valuable feed supplement able to modulate the fecal microbiota of cows. Further studies will be conducted in order to deepen the inter-relationships between the GIT microbiota and the host.},
}
@article {pmid37213490,
year = {2023},
author = {Jackson, R and Patapiou, PA and Golding, G and Helanterä, H and Economou, CK and Chapuisat, M and Henry, LM},
title = {Evidence of phylosymbiosis in Formica ants.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1044286},
pmid = {37213490},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Insects share intimate relationships with microbes that play important roles in their biology. Yet our understanding of how host-bound microbial communities assemble and perpetuate over evolutionary time is limited. Ants host a wide range of microbes with diverse functions and are an emerging model for studying the evolution of insect microbiomes. Here, we ask whether phylogenetically related ant species have formed distinct and stable microbiomes.<br><br>METHODS: To answer this question, we investigated the microbial communities associated with queens of 14 Formica species from five clades, using deep coverage 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.<br><br>RESULTS: We reveal that Formica species and clades harbor highly defined microbial communities that are dominated by four bacteria genera: Wolbachia, Lactobacillus, Liliensternia, and Spiroplasma. Our analysis reveals that the composition of Formica microbiomes mirrors the phylogeny of the host, i.e., phylosymbiosis, in that related hosts harbor more similar microbial communities. In addition, we find there are significant correlations between microbe co-occurrences.<br><br>DISCUSSION: Our results demonstrate Formica ants carry microbial communities that recapitulate the phylogeny of their hosts. Our data suggests that the co-occurrence of different bacteria genera may at least in part be due to synergistic and antagonistic interactions between microbes. Additional factors potentially contributing to the phylosymbiotic signal are discussed, including host phylogenetic relatedness, host-microbe genetic compatibility, modes of transmission, and similarities in host ecologies (e.g., diets). Overall, our results support the growing body of evidence that microbial community composition closely depends on the phylogeny of their hosts, despite bacteria having diverse modes of transmission and localization within the host.},
}
@article {pmid37214831,
year = {2023},
author = {Mfopit, YM and Weber, JS and Chechet, GD and Ibrahim, MAM and Signaboubo, D and Achukwi, DM and Mamman, M and Balogun, EO and Shuaibu, MN and Kabir, J and Kelm, S},
title = {Molecular detection of Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasma and Wolbachia endosymbionts in wild population of tsetse flies collected in Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria.},
journal = {Research square},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37214831},
issn = {2693-5015},
support = {K43 TW012015/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Background Tsetse flies are cyclical vectors of African trypanosomiasis. They have established symbiotic associations with different bacteria, which influence certain aspects of their physiology. The vector competence of tsetse flies for different trypanosome species is highly variable and is suggested to be affected by various factors, amongst which are bacterial endosymbionts. Symbiotic interactions may provide an avenue for the disease control. The current study provided the prevalence of 3 tsetse symbionts in Glossina species from Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria. Results Tsetse flies were collected from five different locations and dissected. DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction PCR was used to detect the presence of Sodalis glossinidius , Spiroplasma sp and Wolbachia using specific primers. A total of 848 tsetse samples were analysed: Glossina morsitans submorsitans (47.52%), Glossina palpalis palpalis (37.26%), Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (9.08%) and Glossina tachinoides (6.13%). Only 95 (11.20%) were infected with at least one of the 3 symbionts. Among the infected, 6 (6.31%) were carrying mixed infection (Wolbachia and Spiroplasma). The overall symbiont prevalence was 0.88%, 3.66% and 11.00% respectively, for Sodalis , Spiroplasma and Wolbachia . Prevalence varied between countries and tsetse species. No Spiroplasma was detected in samples from Cameroon and no Sodalis was found in samples from Nigeria. Conclusion The present study revealed for the first time, the presence of infection by Spiroplasma in tsetse in Chad and Nigeria. These findings provide useful information to the repertoire of bacterial flora of tsetse flies and incite to more investigations to understand their implication in the vector competence of tsetse flies.},
}
@article {pmid37223258,
year = {2021},
author = {Marra, A and Masson, F and Lemaitre, B},
title = {The iron transporter Transferrin 1 mediates homeostasis of the endosymbiotic relationship between Drosophila melanogaster and Spiroplasma poulsonii.},
journal = {microLife},
volume = {2},
number = {},
pages = {uqab008},
pmid = {37223258},
issn = {2633-6693},
abstract = {Iron is involved in numerous biological processes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and is therefore subject to a tug-of-war between host and microbes upon pathogenic infections. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the iron transporter Transferrin 1 (Tsf1) mediates iron relocation from the hemolymph to the fat body upon infection as part of the nutritional immune response. The sequestration of iron in the fat body renders it less available for pathogens, hence limiting their proliferation and enhancing the host ability to fight the infection. Here we investigate the interaction between host iron homeostasis and Spiroplasma poulsonii, a facultative, vertically transmitted, endosymbiont of Drosophila. This low-pathogenicity bacterium is devoid of cell wall and is able to thrive in the host hemolymph without triggering pathogen-responsive canonical immune pathways. However, hemolymph proteomics revealed an enrichment of Tsf1 in infected flies. We find that S. poulsonii induces tsf1 expression and triggers an iron sequestration response similarly to pathogenic bacteria. We next demonstrate that free iron cannot be used by Spiroplasma while Tsf1-bound iron promotes bacterial growth, underlining the adaptation of Spiroplasma to the intra-host lifestyle where iron is mostly protein-bound. Our results show that Tsf1 is used both by the fly to sequester iron and by Spiroplasma to forage host iron, making it a central protein in endosymbiotic homeostasis.},
}
@article {pmid37226596,
year = {2023},
author = {Medina, JM and Queller, DC and Strassmann, JE and Garcia, JR},
title = {The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum rescues Paraburkholderia hayleyella, but not P. agricolaris, from interspecific competition.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {99},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {37226596},
issn = {1574-6941},
support = {P20 GM103451/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Dictyostelium/genetics/microbiology ; *Amoeba/microbiology ; *Burkholderiaceae/genetics ; Bacteria ; Ecology ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts can provide benefits for their eukaryotic hosts, but it is often unclear if endosymbionts benefit from these relationships. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum associates with three species of Paraburkholderia endosymbionts, including P. agricolaris and P. hayleyella. These endosymbionts can be costly to the host but are beneficial in certain contexts because they allow D. discoideum to carry prey bacteria through the dispersal stage. In experiments where no other species are present, P. hayleyella benefits from D. discoideum while P. agricolaris does not. However, the presence of other species may influence this symbiosis. We tested if P. agricolaris and P. hayleyella benefit from D. discoideum in the context of resource competition with Klebsiella pneumoniae, the typical laboratory prey of D. discoideum. Without D. discoideum, K. pneumoniae depressed the growth of both Paraburkholderia symbionts, consistent with competition. P. hayleyella was more harmed by interspecific competition than P. agricolaris. We found that P. hayleyella was rescued from competition by D. discoideum, while P. agricolaris was not. This may be because P. hayleyella is more specialized as an endosymbiont; it has a highly reduced genome compared to P. agricolaris and may have lost genes relevant for resource competition outside of its host.},
}
@article {pmid37231093,
year = {2023},
author = {Bruner-Montero, G and Jiggins, FM},
title = {Wolbachia protects Drosophila melanogaster against two naturally occurring and virulent viral pathogens.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {8518},
pmid = {37231093},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Drosophila melanogaster ; *Wolbachia ; *Viruses ; *RNA Viruses ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a common endosymbiont that can protect insects against viral pathogens. However, whether the antiviral effects of Wolbachia have a significant effect on fitness remains unclear. We have investigated the interaction between Drosophila melanogaster, Wolbachia and two viruses that we recently isolated from wild flies, La Jolla virus (LJV; Iflaviridae) and Newfield virus (NFV; Permutotetraviridae). Flies infected with these viruses have increased mortality rates, and NFV partially sterilizes females. These effects on fitness were reduced in Wolbachia-infected flies, and this was associated with reduced viral titres. However, Wolbachia alone also reduces survival, and under our experimental conditions these costs of the symbiont can outweigh the benefits of antiviral protection. In contrast, protection against the sterilizing effect of NFV leads to a net benefit of Wolbachia infection after exposure to the virus. These results support the hypothesis that Wolbachia is an important defense against the natural pathogens of D. melanogaster. Furthermore, by reducing the cost of Wolbachia infection, the antiviral effects of Wolbachia may aid its invasion into populations and help explain why it is so common in nature.},
}
@article {pmid37237053,
year = {2023},
author = {Tillmann, U and Wietkamp, S and Kretschmann, J and Chacón, J and Gottschling, M},
title = {Spatial fragmentation in the distribution of diatom endosymbionts from the taxonomically clarified dinophyte Kryptoperidinium triquetrum (= Kryptoperidinium foliaceum, Peridiniales).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {8593},
pmid = {37237053},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Diatoms/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Dinoflagellida ; Microscopy ; Plankton ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Among the photosynthetically active dinophytes, the Kryptoperidiniaceae are unique in having a diatom as endosymbiont instead of the widely present peridinin chloroplast. Phylogenetically, it is unresolved at present how the endosymbionts are inherited, and the taxonomic identities of two iconic dinophyte names, Kryptoperidinium foliaceum and Kryptoperidinium triquetrum, are also unclear. Multiple strains were newly established from the type locality in the German Baltic Sea off Wismar and inspected using microscopy as well as molecular sequence diagnostics of both host and endosymbiont. All strains were bi-nucleate, shared the same plate formula (i.e., po, X, 4', 2a, 7'', 5c, 7s, 5''', 2'''') and exhibited a narrow and characteristically L-shaped precingular plate 7''. Within the molecular phylogeny of Bacillariaceae, endosymbionts were scattered over the tree in a highly polyphyletic pattern, even if they were gained from different strains of a single species, namely K. triquetrum. Notably, endosymbionts from the Baltic Sea show molecular sequences distinct from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, which is the first report of such a spatial fragmentation in a planktonic species of dinophytes. The two names K. foliaceum and K. triquetrum are taxonomically clarified by epitypification, with K. triquetrum having priority over its synonym K. foliaceum. Our study underlines the need of stable taxonomy for central questions in evolutionary biology.},
}
@article {pmid37237521,
year = {2023},
author = {Pomahač, O and Méndez-Sánchez, D and Poláková, K and Müller, M and Solito, MM and Bourland, WA and Čepička, I},
title = {Rediscovery of Remarkably Rare Anaerobic Tentaculiferous Ciliate Genera Legendrea and Dactylochlamys (Ciliophora: Litostomatea).},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {12},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {37237521},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {23-06004S//Czech Science Foundation/ ; 365021//Charles University/ ; (reg. no. CZ.02.2.69/0.0/0.0/19_073/0016935)//"Grant Schemes at CU"/ ; },
abstract = {Free-living anaerobic ciliates are of considerable interest from an ecological and an evolutionary standpoint. Extraordinary tentacle-bearing predatory lineages have evolved independently several times within the phylum Ciliophora, including two rarely encountered anaerobic litostomatean genera, Legendrea and Dactylochlamys. In this study, we significantly extend the morphological and phylogenetic characterization of these two poorly known groups of predatory ciliates. We provide the first phylogenetic analysis of the monotypic genus Dactylochlamys and the three valid species of Legendrea based on the 18S rRNA gene and ITS-28S rRNA gene sequences. Prior to this study, neither group had been studied using silver impregnation methods. We provide the first protargol-stained material and also a unique video material including documentation, for the first time, of the hunting and feeding behavior of a Legendrea species. We briefly discuss the identity of methanogenic archaeal and bacterial endosymbionts of both genera based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, and the importance of citizen science for ciliatology from a historical and contemporary perspective.},
}
@article {pmid37240058,
year = {2023},
author = {Mohammad Aslam, S and Vass, I and Szabó, M},
title = {Characterization of the Flash-Induced Fluorescence Wave Phenomenon in the Coral Endosymbiont Algae, Symbiodiniaceae.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {37240058},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {FK128977//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/metabolism ; Fluorescence ; Photosystem I Protein Complex/metabolism ; Photosynthesis/physiology ; Electron Transport ; Photosystem II Protein Complex/metabolism ; *Dinoflagellida/metabolism ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; Chlorophyll/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The dinoflagellate algae, Symbiodiniaceae, are significant symbiotic partners of corals due to their photosynthetic capacity. The photosynthetic processes of the microalgae consist of linear electron transport, which provides the energetic balance of ATP and NADPH production for CO2 fixation, and alternative electron transport pathways, including cyclic electron flow, which ensures the elevated ATP requirements under stress conditions. Flash-induced chlorophyll fluorescence relaxation is a non-invasive tool to assess the various electron transport pathways. A special case of fluorescence relaxation, the so-called wave phenomenon, was found to be associated with the activity of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) in microalgae. We showed previously that the wave phenomenon existed in Symbiodiniaceae under acute heat stress and microaerobic conditions, however, the electron transport processes related to the wave phenomenon remained unknown. In this work, using various inhibitors, we show that (i) the linear electron transport has a crucial role in the formation of the wave, (ii) the inhibition of the donor side of Photosystem II did not induce the wave, whereas inhibition of the Calvin-Benson cycle accelerated it, (iii) the wave phenomenon was related to the operation of type II NDH (NDH-2). We therefore propose that the wave phenomenon is an important marker of the regulation of electron transport in Symbiodiniaceae.},
}
@article {pmid37247378,
year = {2023},
author = {Oladipupo, SO and Laidoudi, Y and Beckmann, JF and Hu, XP and Appel, AG},
title = {The prevalence of Wolbachia in multiple cockroach species and its implication for urban insect management.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {116},
number = {4},
pages = {1307-1316},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toad098},
pmid = {37247378},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Biotin/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Prevalence ; Insecta ; *Bedbugs ; *Blattellidae ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Cockroach management relies heavily on the use of conventional insecticides in urban settings, which no longer provide the anticipated level of control. Knowledge of cockroach endosymbionts, like Wolbachia, might provide novel avenues for control. Therefore, we screened 16 cockroach species belonging to 3 families (Ectobiidae, Blattidae, and Blaberidae) for the presence of Wolbachia. We mapped the evolution of Wolbachia-cockroach relationships based on maximum likelihood phylogeny and phylogenetic species clustering on a multi-loci sequence dataset (i.e., coxA, virD4, hcpA, and gatB) of Wolbachia genes. We confirmed the previous report of Wolbachia in 1 Ectobiid species; Supella longipalpa (Fab.), and detected the presence of Wolbachia in 2 Ectobiid species; Balta notulata (Stål) and Pseudomops septentrionalis Hebard, and 1 Blaberid species; Gromphadorhina portentosa (Schaum). All cockroach-associated Wolbachia herein detected were clustered with the ancestor of F clade Wolbachia of Cimex lectularius L. (bed bugs). Since Wolbachia provision C. lectularius with biotin vitamins that confer reproductive fitness, we screened the cockroach-associated Wolbachia for the presence of biotin genes. In toto, our results reveal 2 important findings: (i) Wolbachia is relatively uncommon among cockroach species infecting about 25% of species investigated, and (ii) cockroach-associated Wolbachia have biotin genes that likely provide nutritional benefits to their hosts. Thus, we discuss the potential of exploring Wolbachia as a tool for urban insect management.},
}
@article {pmid37250803,
year = {2023},
author = {Arai, H and Anbutsu, H and Nishikawa, Y and Kogawa, M and Ishii, K and Hosokawa, M and Lin, SR and Ueda, M and Nakai, M and Kunimi, Y and Harumoto, T and Kageyama, D and Takeyama, H and Inoue, MN},
title = {Combined actions of bacteriophage-encoded genes in Wolbachia-induced male lethality.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {26},
number = {6},
pages = {106842},
pmid = {37250803},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Some Wolbachia endosymbionts induce male killing, whereby male offspring of infected females are killed during development; however, the origin and diversity of the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we identified a 76 kbp prophage region specific to male-killing Wolbachia hosted by the moth Homona magnanima. The prophage encoded a homolog of the male-killing gene oscar in Ostrinia moths and the wmk gene that induces various toxicities in Drosophila melanogaster. Upon overexpressing these genes in D. melanogaster, wmk-1 and wmk-3 killed all males and most females, whereas Hm-oscar, wmk-2, and wmk-4 had no impact on insect survival. Strikingly, co-expression of tandemly arrayed wmk-3 and wmk-4 killed 90% of males and restored 70% of females, suggesting their conjugated functions for male-specific lethality. While the male-killing gene in the native host remains unknown, our findings highlight the role of bacteriophages in male-killing evolution and differences in male-killing mechanisms among insects.},
}
@article {pmid37256931,
year = {2023},
author = {Liu, M and Hong, G and Li, H and Bing, X and Chen, Y and Jing, X and Gershenzon, J and Lou, Y and Baldwin, IT and Li, R},
title = {Sakuranetin protects rice from brown planthopper attack by depleting its beneficial endosymbionts.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {120},
number = {23},
pages = {e2305007120},
pmid = {37256931},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Antifungal Agents ; Flavonoids/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; *Hemiptera ; *Oryza/genetics ; Phytoalexins ; },
abstract = {Plants produce chemical defenses that poison insect herbivores or deter their feeding, but herbivores are also accompanied by microbial endosymbionts crucial for their nutrition, reproduction, and fitness. Hence, plant defenses could target a herbivore's beneficial endosymbionts, but this has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we studied flavonoids that are induced when rice is attacked by a phloem-feeding pest, the brown planthopper (BPH), which harbors beneficial yeast-like symbionts (YLS) essential for insect nutrition, such as by remedying deficiencies in sterols. BPH attack dramatically increased sakuranetin accumulations in leaf sheaths and phloem exudates. Sakuranetin is an antifungal phytoalexin derived from the antibacterial precursor, naringenin, via catalysis of naringenin-O-methyltransferase (NOMT). When added to artificial diets, sakuranetin decreased BPH survivorship, suggesting that it functions as an induced defense. Mutation of NOMT abolished sakuranetin accumulation and increased BPH oviposition and hatching rates. High-throughput amplicon sequencing revealed that BPH fed on sakuranetin-deficient nomt lines were enriched in YLS with only minor changes in the bacterial endosymbionts, compared to those feeding on sakuranetin-rich wild-type (WT) plants. In-vitro feeding of sakuranetin suggested that this flavonoid directly inhibited the growth of YLS. BPH feeding on nomt lines accumulated higher cholesterol levels, which might be attributed to increases in the supply of sterol precursors from the YLS, while nomt lines suffered more damage than WT plants did from BPH herbivory. BPH-elicited accumulation of sakuranetin requires intact jasmonate (JA) signaling. This study reveals that rice uses a JA-induced antifungal flavonoid phytoalexin in defense against BPH by inhibiting its beneficial endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid37261959,
year = {2023},
author = {Kim, SJ and Jo, J and Ko, KS},
title = {Lipid A modification-induced colistin-resistant Klebsiella variicola from healthy adults.},
journal = {Journal of medical microbiology},
volume = {72},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/jmm.0.001680},
pmid = {37261959},
issn = {1473-5644},
mesh = {Klebsiella pneumoniae/genetics ; Lipid A/metabolism ; *Colistin/pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Humans ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial/genetics ; *Klebsiella Infections ; Adult ; Klebsiella ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Background. Klebsiella variicola was once recognised as a benign plant-endosymbiont but recent case reports suggest that it is a newly emerging Gram-negative pathogen related to opportunistic infection of multiple sites in humans.Methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using broth microdilution method. To identify colistin resistance mechanisms, phoPQ, pmrAB, and mgrB were sequenced and their mRNA expression was analysed using quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, we tried to detect crrAB and mcr. The lipid A moieties of colistin-susceptible and -resistant isolates were analysed using MALDI-TOF.Results. Among the two K. variicola isolates, one is colistin-resistant, and another is colistin-susceptible. The colistin-resistant K. variicola isolate showed no mutations in phoPQ, pmrAB, and mgrB, and crrAB and mcr were not identified. However, its phoQ and pbgP expression was significantly higher and amino-arabinosylated lipid A with hexa-acylated species in lipopolysaccharide was identified.Conclusions. We found that colistin resistance in K. variicola was mediated by the modification of lipid A. Although the isolate was obtained from faecal samples of healthy adults, colistin-resistant K. variicola challenges public health as an opportunistic pathogen.},
}
@article {pmid37264036,
year = {2023},
author = {Armstrong, EJ and Lê-Hoang, J and Carradec, Q and Aury, JM and Noel, B and Hume, BCC and Voolstra, CR and Poulain, J and Belser, C and Paz-García, DA and Cruaud, C and Labadie, K and Da Silva, C and Moulin, C and Boissin, E and Bourdin, G and Iwankow, G and Romac, S and Agostini, S and Banaigs, B and Boss, E and Bowler, C and de Vargas, C and Douville, E and Flores, M and Forcioli, D and Furla, P and Galand, PE and Gilson, E and Lombard, F and Pesant, S and Reynaud, S and Sullivan, MB and Sunagawa, S and Thomas, OP and Troublé, R and Thurber, RV and Zoccola, D and Planes, S and Allemand, D and Wincker, P},
title = {Host transcriptomic plasticity and photosymbiotic fidelity underpin Pocillopora acclimatization across thermal regimes in the Pacific Ocean.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {3056},
pmid = {37264036},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Animals ; Pacific Ocean ; *Transcriptome/genetics ; *Anthozoa/genetics ; Acclimatization/genetics ; Coral Reefs ; },
abstract = {Heat waves are causing declines in coral reefs globally. Coral thermal responses depend on multiple, interacting drivers, such as past thermal exposure, endosymbiont community composition, and host genotype. This makes the understanding of their relative roles in adaptive and/or plastic responses crucial for anticipating impacts of future warming. Here, we extracted DNA and RNA from 102 Pocillopora colonies collected from 32 sites on 11 islands across the Pacific Ocean to characterize host-photosymbiont fidelity and to investigate patterns of gene expression across a historical thermal gradient. We report high host-photosymbiont fidelity and show that coral and microalgal gene expression respond to different drivers. Differences in photosymbiotic association had only weak impacts on host gene expression, which was more strongly correlated with the historical thermal environment, whereas, photosymbiont gene expression was largely determined by microalgal lineage. Overall, our results reveal a three-tiered strategy of thermal acclimatization in Pocillopora underpinned by host-photosymbiont specificity, host transcriptomic plasticity, and differential photosymbiotic association under extreme warming.},
}
@article {pmid37267326,
year = {2023},
author = {Spencer, N and Łukasik, P and Meyer, M and Veloso, C and McCutcheon, JP},
title = {No Transcriptional Compensation for Extreme Gene Dosage Imbalance in Fragmented Bacterial Endosymbionts of Cicadas.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {37267326},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Flavobacteriaceae/genetics ; *Alphaproteobacteria/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial ; Gene Dosage ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Bacteria that form long-term intracellular associations with host cells lose many genes, a process that often results in tiny, gene-dense, and stable genomes. Paradoxically, the some of the same evolutionary processes that drive genome reduction and simplification may also cause genome expansion and complexification. A bacterial endosymbiont of cicadas, Hodgkinia cicadicola, exemplifies this paradox. In many cicada species, a single Hodgkinia lineage with a tiny, gene-dense genome has split into several interdependent cell and genome lineages. Each new Hodgkinia lineage encodes a unique subset of the ancestral unsplit genome in a complementary way, such that the collective gene contents of all lineages match the total found in the ancestral single genome. This splitting creates genetically distinct Hodgkinia cells that must function together to carry out basic cellular processes. It also creates a gene dosage problem where some genes are encoded by only a small fraction of cells while others are much more abundant. Here, by sequencing DNA and RNA of Hodgkinia from different cicada species with different amounts of splitting-along with its structurally stable, unsplit partner endosymbiont Sulcia muelleri-we show that Hodgkinia does not transcriptionally compensate to rescue the wildly unbalanced gene and genome ratios that result from lineage splitting. We also find that Hodgkinia has a reduced capacity for basic transcriptional control independent of the splitting process. Our findings reveal another layer of degeneration further pushing the limits of canonical molecular and cell biology in Hodgkinia and may partially explain its propensity to go extinct through symbiont replacement.},
}
@article {pmid37278210,
year = {2023},
author = {Xu, X and Hoffmann, AA and Umina, PA and Ward, SE and Coquilleau, MP and Malipatil, MB and Ridland, PM},
title = {Molecular identification of hymenopteran parasitoids and their endosymbionts from agromyzids.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {113},
number = {4},
pages = {481-496},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485323000160},
pmid = {37278210},
issn = {1475-2670},
support = {MT20005//Hort Innovation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Wasps/genetics ; *Diptera/genetics ; Australia ; Crops, Agricultural ; DNA ; },
abstract = {Three polyphagous pest Liriomyza spp. (Diptera: Agromyzidae) have recently invaded Australia and are damaging horticultural crops. Parasitic wasps are recognized as effective natural enemies of leafmining species globally and are expected to become important biocontrol agents in Australia. However, the hymenopteran parasitoid complex of agromyzids in Australia is poorly known and its use hindered due to taxonomic challenges when based on morphological characters. Here, we identified 14 parasitoid species of leafminers based on molecular and morphological data. We linked DNA barcodes (5' end cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences) to five adventive eulophid wasp species (Chrysocharis pubicornis (Zetterstedt), Diglyphus isaea (Walker), Hemiptarsenus varicornis (Girault), Neochrysocharis formosa (Westwood), and Neochrysocharis okazakii Kamijo) and two braconid species (Dacnusa areolaris (Nees) and Opius cinerariae Fischer). We also provide the first DNA barcodes (5' end COI sequences) with linked morphological characters for seven wasp species, with three identified to species level (Closterocerus mirabilis Edwards &amp; La Salle, Trigonogastrella parasitica (Girault), and Zagrammosoma latilineatum Ubaidillah) and four identified to genus (Aprostocetus sp., Asecodes sp., Opius sp. 1, and Opius sp. 2). Phylogenetic analyses suggest C. pubicornis, D. isaea, H. varicornis, and O. cinerariae are likely cryptic species complexes. Neochrysocharis formosa and Aprostocetus sp. specimens were infected with Rickettsia. Five other species (Cl. mirabilis, D. isaea, H. varicornis, Opius sp. 1, and Opius sp. 2) were infected with Wolbachia, while two endosymbionts (Rickettsia and Wolbachia) co-infected N. okazakii. These findings provide background information about the parasitoid fauna expected to help control the leafminers.},
}
@article {pmid37285552,
year = {2023},
author = {Hochstrasser, M},
title = {Molecular Biology of Cytoplasmic Incompatibility Caused by Wolbachia Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Annual review of microbiology},
volume = {77},
number = {},
pages = {299-316},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-micro-041020-024616},
pmid = {37285552},
issn = {1545-3251},
mesh = {Female ; Male ; Humans ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Semen ; Reproduction/genetics ; Cytoplasm ; Molecular Biology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Among endosymbiotic bacteria living within eukaryotic cells, Wolbachia is exceptionally widespread, particularly in arthropods. Inherited through the female germline, it has evolved ways to increase the fraction of bacterially infected offspring by inducing parthenogenesis, feminization, male killing, or, most commonly, cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). In CI, Wolbachia infection of males causes embryonic lethality unless they mate with similarly infected females, creating a relative reproductive advantage for infected females. A set of related Wolbachia bicistronic operons encodes the CI-inducing factors. The downstream gene encodes a deubiquitylase or nuclease and is responsible for CI induction by males, while the upstream product when expressed in females binds its sperm-introduced cognate partner and rescues viability. Both toxin-antidote and host-modification mechanisms have been proposed to explain CI. Interestingly, male killing by either Spiroplasma or Wolbachia endosymbionts involves deubiquitylases as well. Interference with the host ubiquitin system may therefore be a common theme among endosymbiont-mediated reproductive alterations.},
}
@article {pmid37285901,
year = {2023},
author = {Nadal-Jimenez, P and Frost, CL and Cláudia Norte, A and Garrido-Bautista, J and Wilkes, TE and Connell, R and Rice, A and Krams, I and Eeva, T and Christe, P and Moreno-Rueda, G and Hurst, GDD},
title = {The son-killer microbe Arsenophonus nasoniae is a widespread associate of the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis in Europe.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {199},
number = {},
pages = {107947},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2023.107947},
pmid = {37285901},
issn = {1096-0805},
support = {BB/S017534/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Female ; Male ; Animals ; *Wasps/microbiology ; Nuclear Family ; *Gammaproteobacteria ; Enterobacteriaceae ; Insecta ; Europe ; },
abstract = {Heritable microbes that exhibit reproductive parasitism are common in insects. One class of these are the male-killing bacteria, which are found in a broad range of insect hosts. Commonly, our knowledge of the incidence of these microbes is based on one or a few sampling sites, and the degree and causes of spatial variation are unclear. In this paper, we examine the incidence of the son-killer microbe Arsenophonus nasoniae across European populations of its wasp host, Nasonia vitripennis. In preliminary work, we noticed two female N. vitripennis producing highly female biased sex ratios in a field study from the Netherlands and Germany. When tested, the brood from Germany was revealed to be infected with A. nasoniae. We then completed a broad survey in 2012, in which fly pupal hosts of N. vitripennis were collected from vacated birds' nests from four European populations, N. vitripennis wasps allowed to emerge and then tested for A. nasoniae presence through PCR assay. We then developed a new screening methodology based on direct PCR assays of fly pupae and applied this to ethanol-preserved material collected from great tit (Parus major) nests in Portugal. These data show A. nasoniae is found widely in European N. vitripennis, being present in Germany, the UK, Finland, Switzerland and Portugal. Samples varied in the frequency with which they carry A. nasoniae, from being rare to being present in 50% of the pupae parasitised by N. vitripennis. Direct screening of ethanol-preserved fly pupae was an effective method for revealing both wasp and A. nasoniae infection, and will facilitate sample transport across national boundaries. Future research should examine the causes of variation in frequency, in particular testing the hypothesis that N. vitripennis superparasitism rates drive the variation in A. nasoniae frequency through providing opportunities for infectious transmission.},
}
@article {pmid37286189,
year = {2023},
author = {Yang, Q and Gill, A and Robinson, KL and Umina, PA and Ross, PA and Zhan, D and Brown, C and Bell, N and MacMahon, A and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {A diversity of endosymbionts across Australian aphids and their persistence in aphid cultures.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {10},
pages = {1988-2001},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16432},
pmid = {37286189},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Australia ; Enterobacteriaceae ; Serratia/genetics ; },
abstract = {There is increasing interest in the use of endosymbionts in pest control, which will benefit from the identification of endosymbionts from potential donor species for transfer to pest species. Here, we screened for endosymbionts in 123 Australian aphid samples across 32 species using 16S DNA metabarcoding. We then developed a qPCR method to validate the metabarcoding data set and to monitor endosymbiont persistence in aphid cultures. Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) were frequently coinfected with Rickettsiella and Serratia, and glasshouse potato aphids (Aulacorthum solani) were coinfected with Regiella and Spiroplasma; other secondary endosymbionts detected in samples occurred by themselves. Hamiltonella, Rickettsia and Wolbachia were restricted to a single aphid species, whereas Regiella was found in multiple species. Rickettsiella, Hamiltonella and Serratia were stably maintained in laboratory cultures, although others were lost rapidly. The overall incidence of secondary endosymbionts in Australian samples tended to be lower than recorded from aphids overseas. These results indicate that aphid endosymbionts probably exhibit different levels of infectivity and vertical transmission efficiency across hosts, which may contribute to natural infection patterns. The rapid loss of some endosymbionts in cultures raises questions about factors that maintain them under field conditions, while endosymbionts that persisted in laboratory culture provide candidates for interspecific transfers.},
}
@article {pmid37290396,
year = {2023},
author = {Matulis, GA and Sakolvaree, J and Boldbaatar, B and Cleary, N and Takhampunya, R and Poole-Smith, BK and Lilak, AA and Altantogtokh, D and Tsogbadrakh, N and Chanarat, N and Youngdech, N and Lindroth, EJ and Fiorenzano, JM and Letizia, AG and von Fricken, ME},
title = {Applying next generation sequencing to detect tick-pathogens in Dermacentor nuttalli, Ixodes persulcatus, and Hyalomma asiaticum collected from Mongolia.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {102203},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102203},
pmid = {37290396},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; *Dermacentor/microbiology ; Mongolia ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; *Borrelia/genetics ; *Francisella/genetics ; },
abstract = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases represent major threats to the public health of the Mongolian population, of which an estimated 26% live a traditional nomadic pastoralist lifestyle that puts them at increased risk for exposure. Ticks were collected by dragging and removal from livestock in Khentii, Selenge, Tuv, and Umnugovi aimags (provinces) during March-May 2020. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) with confirmatory PCR and DNA sequencing, we sought to characterize the microbial species present in Dermacentor nuttalli (n = 98), Hyalomma asiaticum (n = 38), and Ixodes persulcatus (n = 72) tick pools. Rickettsia spp. were detected in 90.4% of tick pools, with Khentii, Selenge, and Tuv tick pools all having 100% pool positivity. Coxiella spp. were detected at an overall pool positivity rate of 60%, while Francisella spp. were detected in 20% of pools and Borrelia spp. detected in 13% of pools. Additional confirmatory testing for Rickettsia-positive pools demonstrated Rickettsia raoultii (n = 105), Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae (n = 65) and R. slovaca/R. sibirica (n = 2), as well as the first report of Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis (n = 1) in Mongolia. For Coxiella spp. reads, most samples were identified as a Coxiella endosymbiont (n = 117), although Coxiella burnetii was detected in eight pools collected in Umnugovi. Borrelia species that were identified include Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (n = 3), B. garinii (n = 2), B. miyamotoi (n = 16), and B. afzelii (n = 3). All Francisella spp. reads were identified as Francisella endosymbiont species. Our findings emphasize the utility of NGS to provide baseline data across multiple tick-borne pathogen groups, which in turn can be used to inform health policy, determine regions for expanded surveillance, and guide risk mitigation strategies.},
}
@article {pmid37292783,
year = {2023},
author = {Samaddar, S and O'Neal, AJ and Marnin, L and Rolandelli, A and Singh, N and Wang, X and Butler, LR and Rangghran, P and Laukaitis, HJ and Cabrera Paz, FE and Fiskum, GM and Polster, BM and Pedra, JHF},
title = {Metabolic disruption impacts tick fitness and microbial relationships.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37292783},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {F31 AI152215/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI162579/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P01 AI138949/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD025101/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; F31 AI167471/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI116523/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI134696/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI049424/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Arthropod-borne microbes rely on the metabolic state of a host to cycle between evolutionarily distant species. For instance, arthropod tolerance to infection may be due to redistribution of metabolic resources, often leading to microbial transmission to mammals. Conversely, metabolic alterations aids in pathogen elimination in humans, who do not ordinarily harbor arthropod-borne microbes. To ascertain the effect of metabolism on interspecies relationships, we engineered a system to evaluate glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in the tick Ixodes scapularis. Using a metabolic flux assay, we determined that the rickettsial bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which are transstadially transmitted in nature, induced glycolysis in ticks. On the other hand, the endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri, which is transovarially maintained, had a minimal effect on I. scapularis bioenergetics. Importantly, the metabolite β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) was elevated during A. phagocytophilum infection of tick cells following an unbiased metabolomics approach. Thus, we manipulated the expression of genes associated with the catabolism and anabolism of BAIBA in I. scapularis and detected impaired feeding on mammals, reduced bacterial acquisition, and decreased tick survival. Collectively, we reveal the importance of metabolism for tick-microbe relationships and unveil a valuable metabolite for I. scapularis fitness.},
}
@article {pmid37296325,
year = {2023},
author = {Chaúque, BJM and Corção, G and Benetti, AD and Rott, MB},
title = {A challenge in washing water with the sun: 24h of SODIS fails to inactivate Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts and internalized Pseudomonas aeruginosa under strong real sun conditions.},
journal = {Photochemical &amp; photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology},
volume = {22},
number = {9},
pages = {2179-2188},
pmid = {37296325},
issn = {1474-9092},
mesh = {Humans ; Sunlight ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; *Acanthamoeba castellanii ; Disinfection ; *Drinking Water ; *Water Purification ; Bacteria ; Water Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Despite access to drinking water being a basic human right, the availability of safe drinking water remains a privilege that many do not have and as a result, many lives are lost each year due to waterborne diseases associated with the consumption of biologically unsafe water. To face this situation, different low-cost household drinking water treatment technologies (HDWT) have been developed, and among them is solar disinfection (SODIS). Despite the effectiveness of SODIS and the epidemiological gains being consistently documented in the literature, there is a lack of evidence of the effectiveness of the batch-SODIS process against protozoan cysts as well as their internalized bacteria under real sun conditions. This work evaluated the effectiveness of the batch-SODIS process on the viability of Acanthamoeba castellanii cysts, and internalized Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Dechlorinated tap water contaminated with 5.6 × 10[3] cysts/L, contained in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, was exposed for 8 h a day to strong sunlight (531-1083 W/m[2] of maximum insolation) for 3 consecutive days. The maximum water temperature inside the reactors ranged from 37 to 50 °C. Cyst viability was assessed by inducing excystment on non-nutrient agar, or in water with heat-inactivated Escherichia coli. After sun exposure for 0, 8, 16 and 24 h, the cysts remained viable and without any perceptible impairment in their ability to excyst. 3 and 5.5 log CFU/mL of P. aeruginosa were detected in water containing untreated and treated cysts, respectively, after 3 days of incubation at 30 °C. The batch-SODIS process is unable to inactivate A. castellanii cysts as well as its internalized bacteria. Although the use of batch SODIS by communities should continue to be encouraged, SODIS-disinfected water should be consumed within 3 days.},
}
@article {pmid37298356,
year = {2023},
author = {Mioduchowska, M and Konecka, E and Gołdyn, B and Pinceel, T and Brendonck, L and Lukić, D and Kaczmarek, &#x141; and Namiotko, T and Zając, K and Zając, T and Jastrzębski, JP and Bartoszek, K},
title = {Playing Peekaboo with a Master Manipulator: Metagenetic Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Wolbachia Supergroups in Freshwater Invertebrates.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {37298356},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2017/01/X/NZ8/01873//National Science Centre/ ; 2017/27/B/NZ8/01056//National Science Centre/ ; 2021/43/D/NZ8/00344//National Science Centre/ ; 538/L260/B149/18//Young Scientists competition of University of Gdansk, Poland/ ; 1220/146/2021//UGrants-first of University of Gdansk, Poland/ ; 7862//European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)/ ; 2017-04951//Vetenskapsr&#xe5;dets Grant/ ; CA18239//COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Ecosystem ; *Arthropods ; Bacteria ; Crustacea ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The infamous "master manipulators"-intracellular bacteria of the genus Wolbachia-infect a broad range of phylogenetically diverse invertebrate hosts in terrestrial ecosystems. Wolbachia has an important impact on the ecology and evolution of their host with documented effects including induced parthenogenesis, male killing, feminization, and cytoplasmic incompatibility. Nonetheless, data on Wolbachia infections in non-terrestrial invertebrates are scarce. Sampling bias and methodological limitations are some of the reasons limiting the detection of these bacteria in aquatic organisms. In this study, we present a new metagenetic method for detecting the co-occurrence of different Wolbachia strains in freshwater invertebrates host species, i.e., freshwater Arthropoda (Crustacea), Mollusca (Bivalvia), and water bears (Tardigrada) by applying NGS primers designed by us and a Python script that allows the identification of Wolbachia target sequences from the microbiome communities. We also compare the results obtained using the commonly applied NGS primers and the Sanger sequencing approach. Finally, we describe three supergroups of Wolbachia: (i) a new supergroup V identified in Crustacea and Bivalvia hosts; (ii) supergroup A identified in Crustacea, Bivalvia, and Eutardigrada hosts, and (iii) supergroup E infection in the Crustacea host microbiome community.},
}
@article {pmid37298563,
year = {2023},
author = {Fiutek, N and Couger, MB and Pirro, S and Roy, SW and de la Torre, JR and Connor, EF},
title = {Genomic Assessment of the Contribution of the Wolbachia Endosymbiont of Eurosta solidaginis to Gall Induction.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {37298563},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {IRGEN_RG_2021-1345/IRGEN/IRGEN/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Tryptophan ; *Tephritidae/metabolism ; Insecta/metabolism ; Indoleacetic Acids/metabolism ; Cytokinins ; Genomics ; Organophosphorus Compounds ; Hemiterpenes ; },
abstract = {We explored the genome of the Wolbachia strain, wEsol, symbiotic with the plant-gall-inducing fly Eurosta solidaginis with the goal of determining if wEsol contributes to gall induction by its insect host. Gall induction by insects has been hypothesized to involve the secretion of the phytohormones cytokinin and auxin and/or proteinaceous effectors to stimulate cell division and growth in the host plant. We sequenced the metagenome of E. solidaginis and wEsol and assembled and annotated the genome of wEsol. The wEsol genome has an assembled length of 1.66 Mbp and contains 1878 protein-coding genes. The wEsol genome is replete with proteins encoded by mobile genetic elements and shows evidence of seven different prophages. We also detected evidence of multiple small insertions of wEsol genes into the genome of the host insect. Our characterization of the genome of wEsol indicates that it is compromised in the synthesis of dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) and S-adenosyl L-methionine (SAM), which are precursors required for the synthesis of cytokinins and methylthiolated cytokinins. wEsol is also incapable of synthesizing tryptophan, and its genome contains no enzymes in any of the known pathways for the synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) from tryptophan. wEsol must steal DMAPP and L-methionine from its host and therefore is unlikely to provide cytokinin and auxin to its insect host for use in gall induction. Furthermore, in spite of its large repertoire of predicted Type IV secreted effector proteins, these effectors are more likely to contribute to the acquisition of nutrients and the manipulation of the host's cellular environment to contribute to growth and reproduction of wEsol than to aid E. solidaginis in manipulating its host plant. Combined with earlier work that shows that wEsol is absent from the salivary glands of E. solidaginis, our results suggest that wEsol does not contribute to gall induction by its host.},
}
@article {pmid37301202,
year = {2023},
author = {Richter, I and Wein, P and Uzum, Z and Stanley, CE and Krabbe, J and Molloy, EM and Moebius, N and Ferling, I and Hillmann, F and Hertweck, C},
title = {Transcription activator-like effector protects bacterial endosymbionts from entrapment within fungal hyphae.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {33},
number = {13},
pages = {2646-2656.e4},
pmid = {37301202},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Transcription Activator-Like Effectors ; *Hyphae ; Bacteria ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {As an endosymbiont of the ecologically and medically relevant fungus Rhizopus microsporus, the toxin-producing bacterium Mycetohabitans rhizoxinica faces myriad challenges, such as evading the host's defense mechanisms. However, the bacterial effector(s) that facilitate the remarkable ability of M. rhizoxinica to freely migrate within fungal hyphae have thus far remained unknown. Here, we show that a transcription activator-like (TAL) effector released by endobacteria is an essential symbiosis factor. By combining microfluidics with fluorescence microscopy, we observed enrichment of TAL-deficient M. rhizoxinica in side hyphae. High-resolution live imaging showed the formation of septa at the base of infected hyphae, leading to the entrapment of endobacteria. Using a LIVE/DEAD stain, we demonstrate that the intracellular survival of trapped TAL-deficient bacteria is significantly reduced compared with wild-type M. rhizoxinica, indicative of a protective host response in the absence of TAL proteins. Subversion of host defense in TAL-competent endobacteria represents an unprecedented function of TAL effectors. Our data illustrate an unusual survival strategy of endosymbionts in the host and provide deeper insights into the dynamic interactions between bacteria and eukaryotes.},
}
@article {pmid37303533,
year = {2023},
author = {Rodríguez, L and Peñalver, M and Casino, P and García-Del Portillo, F},
title = {Evolutionary analysis and structure modelling of the Rcs-repressor IgaA unveil a functional role of two cytoplasmic small β-barrel (SBB) domains.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {9},
number = {6},
pages = {e16661},
pmid = {37303533},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {The Rcs sensor system, comprising the RcsB/RcsC/RcsD and RcsF proteins, is used by bacteria of the order Enterobacterales to withstand envelope damage. In non-stress conditions, Rcs is repressed by IgaA, a membrane protein with three cytoplasmic regions (cyt-1, cyt-2 and cyt-3). How the Rcs-IgaA axis evolved within Enterobacterales has not been yet explored. Here, we report phylogenetic data supporting co-evolution of IgaA with RcsC/RcsD. Functional exchange assays showed that IgaA from Shigella and Dickeya, but not from Yersinia or the endosymbionts Photorhabdus and Sodalis, repress the Rcs system of Salmonella. IgaA from Dickeya, however, repress only partially the Rcs system despite being produced at high levels in the complementation assay. The modelled structures of these IgaA variants uncovered one periplasmic and two cytoplasmic conserved β-rich architectures forming partially closed small β-barrel (SBB) domains. Conserved residues map in a connector linking cytoplasmic SSB-1 and SBB-2 domains (E180-R265); a region of cyt-1 facing cyt-2 (R188-E194-D309 and T191-H326); and between cyt-2 and cyt-3 (H293-E328-R686). These structures validated early in vivo studies in Salmonella that assigned a role in function to R188, T191 and G262, and in addition revealed a previously unnoticed "hybrid" SBB-2 domain to which cyt-1 and cyt-2 contribute. IgaA variants not functional or partially functional in Salmonella lack H192-P249 and R255-D313 interactions. Among these variants, only IgaA from Dickeya conserves the helix α6 in SSB-1 that is present in IgaA from Salmonella and Shigella. RcsF and RcsD, which interact directly with IgaA, failed to show structural features linked to specific IgaA variants. Altogether, our data provide new insights into IgaA by mapping residues selected differently during evolution and involved in function. Our data also infer contrasting lifestyles of Enterobacterales bacteria as source of variability in the IgaA-RcsD/IgaA-RcsF interactions.},
}
@article {pmid37317070,
year = {2023},
author = {Aspinwall, JA and Jarvis, SM and Noh, SM and Brayton, KA},
title = {The Effect of Rickettsia bellii on Anaplasma marginale Infection in Dermacentor andersoni Cell Culture.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {37317070},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {2018-67015-28304//United States Department of Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {Anaplasma marginale is a tick-borne pathogen that causes bovine anaplasmosis, which affects cattle around the world. Despite its broad prevalence and severe economic impacts, limited treatments exist for this disease. Our lab previously reported that a high proportion of Rickettsia bellii, a tick endosymbiont, in the microbiome of a population of Dermacentor andersoni ticks negatively impacts the ticks' ability to acquire A. marginale. To better understand this correlation, we used mixed infection of A. marginale and R. bellii in D. andersoni cell culture. We assessed the impacts of different amounts of R. bellii in coinfections, as well as established R. bellii infection, on the ability of A. marginale to establish an infection and grow in D. andersoni cells. From these experiments, we conclude that A. marginale is less able to establish an infection in the presence of R. bellii and that an established R. bellii infection inhibits A. marginale replication. This interaction highlights the importance of the microbiome in preventing tick vector competence and may lead to the development of a biological or mechanistic control for A. marginale transmission by the tick.},
}
@article {pmid37317290,
year = {2023},
author = {Massé, A and Detang, J and Duval, C and Duperron, S and Woo, AC and Domart-Coulon, I},
title = {Bacterial Microbiota of Ostreobium, the Coral-Isolated Chlorophyte Ectosymbiont, at Contrasted Salinities.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {37317290},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {ATM 2022 'MIcrobiote Bact&#xe9;rien de l'Ulvophyceae Ostreobium et tol&#xe9;rance &#xe0; la Salinit&#xe9;'//National Museum of Natural History/ ; MNHN 2022 Masters fellowship to Juliette Detang//National Museum of Natural History/ ; MNHN ATER fellowship 2020/2022 to Ana&#xef;s Mass&#xe9;//National Museum of Natural History/ ; MCAM laboratory (CNRS7245-MNHN)//National Museum of Natural History/ ; },
abstract = {Microscopic filaments of the siphonous green algae Ostreobium (Ulvophyceae, Bryopsidales) colonize and dissolve the calcium carbonate skeletons of coral colonies in reefs of contrasted salinities. Here, we analyzed their bacterial community's composition and plasticity in response to salinity. Multiple cultures of Pocillopora coral-isolated Ostreobium strains from two distinct rbcL lineages representative of IndoPacific environmental phylotypes were pre-acclimatized (>9 months) to three ecologically relevant reef salinities: 32.9, 35.1, and 40.2 psu. Bacterial phylotypes were visualized for the first time at filament scale by CARD-FISH in algal tissue sections, within siphons, at their surface or in their mucilage. Ostreobium-associated microbiota, characterized by bacterial 16S rDNA metabarcoding of cultured thalli and their corresponding supernatants, were structured by host genotype (Ostreobium strain lineage), with dominant Kiloniellaceae or Rhodospirillaceae (Alphaproteobacteria, Rhodospirillales) depending on Ostreobium lineage, and shifted Rhizobiales' abundances in response to the salinity increase. A small core microbiota composed of seven ASVs (~1.5% of thalli ASVs, 19-36% cumulated proportions) was persistent across three salinities in both genotypes, with putative intracellular Amoebophilaceae and Rickettsiales_AB1, as well as Hyphomonadaceae and Rhodospirillaceae also detected within environmental (Ostreobium-colonized) Pocillopora coral skeletons. This novel knowledge on the taxonomic diversity of Ostreobium bacteria paves the way to functional interaction studies within the coral holobiont.},
}
@article {pmid37323901,
year = {2023},
author = {Hyams, Y and Rubin-Blum, M and Rosner, A and Brodsky, L and Rinkevich, Y and Rinkevich, B},
title = {Physiological changes during torpor favor association with Endozoicomonas endosymbionts in the urochordate Botrylloides leachii.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1072053},
pmid = {37323901},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Environmental perturbations evoke down-regulation of metabolism in some multicellular organisms, leading to dormancy, or torpor. Colonies of the urochordate Botrylloides leachii enter torpor in response to changes in seawater temperature and may survive for months as small vasculature remnants that lack feeding and reproductive organs but possess torpor-specific microbiota. Upon returning to milder conditions, the colonies rapidly restore their original morphology, cytology and functionality while harboring re-occurring microbiota, a phenomenon that has not been described in detail to date. Here we investigated the stability of B. leachii microbiome and its functionality in active and dormant colonies, using microscopy, qPCR, in situ hybridization, genomics and transcriptomics. A novel lineage of Endozoicomonas, proposed here as Candidatus Endozoicomonas endoleachii, was dominant in torpor animals (53-79% read abundance), and potentially occupied specific hemocytes found only in torpid animals. Functional analysis of the metagenome-assembled genome and genome-targeted transcriptomics revealed that Endozoicomonas can use various cellular substrates, like amino acids and sugars, potentially producing biotin and thiamine, but also expressing various features involved in autocatalytic symbiosis. Our study suggests that the microbiome can be linked to the metabolic and physiological states of the host, B. leachii, introducing a model organism for the study of symbioses during drastic physiological changes, such as torpor.},
}
@article {pmid37323942,
year = {2023},
author = {Awori, RM and Waturu, CN and Pidot, SJ and Amugune, NO and Bode, HB},
title = {Draft genomes, phylogenomic reconstruction and comparative genome analysis of three Xenorhabdus strains isolated from soil-dwelling nematodes in Kenya.},
journal = {Access microbiology},
volume = {5},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {37323942},
issn = {2516-8290},
abstract = {As a proven source of potent and selective antimicrobials, Xenorhabdus bacteria are important to an age plagued with difficult-to-treat microbial infections. Yet, only 27 species have been described to date. In this study, a novel Xenorhabdus species was discovered through genomic studies on three isolates from Kenyan soils. Soils in Western Kenya were surveyed for steinernematids and Steinernema isolates VH1 and BG5 were recovered from red volcanic loam soils from cultivated land in Vihiga and clay soils from riverine land in Bungoma respectively. From the two nematode isolates, Xenorhabdus sp. BG5 and Xenorhabdus sp. VH1 were isolated. The genomes of these two, plus that of X. griffiniae XN45 - this was previously isolated from Steinernema sp. scarpo that also originated from Kenyan soils - were sequenced and assembled. Nascent genome assemblies of the three isolates were of good quality with over 70 % of their proteome having known functions. These three isolates formed the X. griffiniae clade in a phylogenomic reconstruction of the genus. Their species were delineated using three overall genome relatedness indices: an unnamed species of the genus, Xenorhabdus sp. BG5, X. griffiniae VH1 and X. griffiniae XN45. A pangenome analysis of this clade revealed that over 70 % of species-specific genes encoded unknown functions. Transposases were linked to genomic islands in Xenorhabdus sp. BG5. Thus, overall genome-related indices sufficiently delineated species of two new Xenorhabdus isolates from Kenya, both of which were closely related to X. griffiniae . The functions encoded by most species-specific genes in the X. griffiniae clade remain unknown.},
}
@article {pmid37339742,
year = {2023},
author = {Arora, J and Buček, A and Hellemans, S and Beránková, T and Arias, JR and Fisher, BL and Clitheroe, C and Brune, A and Kinjo, Y and Šobotník, J and Bourguignon, T},
title = {Evidence of cospeciation between termites and their gut bacteria on a geological time scale.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {290},
number = {2001},
pages = {20230619},
pmid = {37339742},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; *Isoptera ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Mammals ; },
abstract = {Termites host diverse communities of gut microbes, including many bacterial lineages only found in this habitat. The bacteria endemic to termite guts are transmitted via two routes: a vertical route from parent colonies to daughter colonies and a horizontal route between colonies sometimes belonging to different termite species. The relative importance of both transmission routes in shaping the gut microbiota of termites remains unknown. Using bacterial marker genes derived from the gut metagenomes of 197 termites and one Cryptocercus cockroach, we show that bacteria endemic to termite guts are mostly transferred vertically. We identified 18 lineages of gut bacteria showing cophylogenetic patterns with termites over tens of millions of years. Horizontal transfer rates estimated for 16 bacterial lineages were within the range of those estimated for 15 mitochondrial genes, suggesting that horizontal transfers are uncommon and vertical transfers are the dominant transmission route in these lineages. Some of these associations probably date back more than 150 million years and are an order of magnitude older than the cophylogenetic patterns between mammalian hosts and their gut bacteria. Our results suggest that termites have cospeciated with their gut bacteria since first appearing in the geological record.},
}
@article {pmid37345405,
year = {2023},
author = {Gao, YF and Ren, YJ and Chen, JC and Cao, LJ and Qiao, GH and Zong, SX and Hoffmann, AA and Wei, SJ and Yang, Q},
title = {Effects of fungicides on fitness and Buchnera endosymbiont density in Aphis gossypii.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {79},
number = {11},
pages = {4282-4289},
doi = {10.1002/ps.7625},
pmid = {37345405},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2021BEF03002//Grains Research Program of Ningxia Science and Technology Department/ ; UOM1906-002RTX//Development Corporation (Australia)/ ; KJCX20220409//Program of Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Aphids/microbiology/drug effects/physiology ; *Fungicides, Industrial/pharmacology ; Animals ; Strobilurins/pharmacology ; *Symbiosis/drug effects ; *Nitriles/pharmacology ; *Acetates/pharmacology ; *Imines/pharmacology ; *Genetic Fitness/drug effects ; Pyrazoles ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Several agricultural fungicides are known to affect insect pests directly and these effects may be transgenerational and mediated through impacts on endosymbionts, providing opportunities for pest control. The cotton aphid Aphis gossypii is a polyphagous pest that can cause large crop yield losses. Here, we tested the effects of three fungicides, pyraclostrobin, trifloxystrobin and chlorothalonil, on the fitness and Buchnera endosymbiont of A. gossypii.<br><br>RESULTS: The formulations of trifloxystrobin and pyraclostrobin, and the active ingredient of pyraclostrobin produced dose-dependent mortality in A. gossypii, whereas there was no dose-dependent mortality for chlorothalonil. The formulations of trifloxystrobin and pyraclostrobin significantly reduced the lifespan and fecundity of A. gossypii, and increased the density of Buchnera in the parental generation but not the (unexposed) F1 . When the active ingredient of pyraclostrobin was tested, the lifespan of the F0 generation was also reduced, but the density of Buchnera was not, indicating that non-insecticidal chemicals in the fungicide formulation may affect the density of the endosymbiont of A. gossypii. There was no transgenerational effect of the active ingredient of pyraclostrobin on the lifespan and Buchnera of (unexposed) F1 .<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that formulations of two strobilurin fungicides have immediate impacts on the fitness of A. gossypii, and chemicals in the formulation impact the density of the primary Buchnera endosymbiont. Our study highlights the potential effects of non-insecticidal chemicals of fungicides on aphid pests and their primary endosymbionts but direct connections between fitness and Buchnera densities remain unclear. &#xa9; 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid37347285,
year = {2023},
author = {Ehlers, LP and Slaviero, M and De Lorenzo, C and Fagundes-Moreira, R and de Souza, VK and Perles, L and Baggio-Souza, V and Bezerra-Santos, MA and Modrý, D and Benovics, M and Panziera, W and Driemeier, D and Pavarini, SP and Soares, JF and Otranto, D and Sonne, L},
title = {Pathological findings associated with Dipetalonema spp. (Spirurida, Onchocercidae) infection in two species of Neotropical monkeys from Brazil.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {122},
number = {9},
pages = {1973-1982},
pmid = {37347285},
issn = {1432-1955},
mesh = {Animals ; *Dipetalonema/genetics ; *Spirurida/genetics ; Brazil/epidemiology ; Haplorhini/genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Filarioidea/genetics ; *Dipetalonema Infections/parasitology ; *Nematoda/genetics ; },
abstract = {Among vector-borne helminths, filarioids of the genus Dipetalonema (Spirurida: Onchocercidae) localize in several tissues and body cavities of several animal species, causing mild to moderate lesions. The pathological findings associated with Dipetalonema spp. infection in Neotropical monkeys from southern Brazil are herein described, along with a fatal case due to filarial polyserositis and entrapment of an intestinal segment. At necropsy, nematodes were observed in abdominal and thoracic cavities, or in the pericardium of 37 (31.3%) out of the 118 individuals examined (i.e., 35 Alouatta guariba clamitans and two Sapajus nigritus). In addition, at histology, 27.0% of positive animals presented microfilarie (inside blood vessels of lung, spleen, liver, and brain) and 8.1% presented adult nematodes in the heart, lung, and liver. In two cases, cross-sections of filarioids were associated with areas of epicardial thickening with intense fibrosis and pyogranulomatous inflammation in the brain, heart, liver, lungs, or spleen. The DNA fragment was amplify using the cox1 gene, sequenced and analyzed to identify the nematode species collected; presence of Wolbachia was assessed in the filarioids using the 16S rRNA gene. At BLAST analysis of the cox1 gene, 10 sequences showed 91.7% nucleotide identity with Dipetalonema gracile, and two with D. gracile (98.5%) and Dipetalonema graciliformis (98.3%). Phylogenetic analyses clustered sequences of the cox1 obtained in this study in two clades corresponding with the host species. Wolbachia sp. endosymbiont was detected in four samples. Data herein reported provide a description of pathological lesions associated with the infection by Dipetalonema spp., suggesting that they may cause disease in Neotropical monkeys. In addition, a better understanding of diversity and biology of Dipetalonema spp. in South America is needed to assess the impact they may cause in native non-human primates from Brazil.},
}
@article {pmid37362913,
year = {2023},
author = {Beckmann, J and Gillespie, J and Tauritz, D},
title = {Modeling emergence of Wolbachia toxin-antidote protein functions with an evolutionary algorithm.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1116766},
pmid = {37362913},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) simulate Darwinian evolution and adeptly mimic natural evolution. Most EA applications in biology encode high levels of abstraction in top-down population ecology models. In contrast, our research merges protein alignment algorithms from bioinformatics into codon based EAs that simulate molecular protein string evolution from the bottom up. We apply our EA to reconcile a problem in the field of Wolbachia induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). Wolbachia is a microbial endosymbiont that lives inside insect cells. CI is conditional insect sterility that operates as a toxin antidote (TA) system. Although, CI exhibits complex phenotypes not fully explained under a single discrete model. We instantiate in-silico genes that control CI, CI factors (cifs), as strings within the EA chromosome. We monitor the evolution of their enzymatic activity, binding, and cellular localization by applying selective pressure on their primary amino acid strings. Our model helps rationalize why two distinct mechanisms of CI induction might coexist in nature. We find that nuclear localization signals (NLS) and Type IV secretion system signals (T4SS) are of low complexity and evolve fast, whereas binding interactions have intermediate complexity, and enzymatic activity is the most complex. Our model predicts that as ancestral TA systems evolve into eukaryotic CI systems, the placement of NLS or T4SS signals can stochastically vary, imparting effects that might impact CI induction mechanics. Our model highlights how preconditions and sequence length can bias evolution of cifs toward one mechanism or another.},
}
@article {pmid37363264,
year = {2023},
author = {Gashururu, RS and Maingi, N and Githigia, SM and Getange, DO and Ntivuguruzwa, JB and Habimana, R and Cecchi, G and Gashumba, J and Bargul, JL and Masiga, DK},
title = {Trypanosomes infection, endosymbionts, and host preferences in tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) collected from Akagera park region, Rwanda: A correlational xenomonitoring study.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {100550},
pmid = {37363264},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {Akagera National Park and its surroundings are home to tsetse flies and a number of their mammalian hosts in Rwanda. A One-health approach is being used in the control and surveillance of both animal and human trypanosomosis in Rwanda. Determination of the infection level in tsetse flies, species of trypanosomes circulating in vectors, the source of tsetse blood meal and endosymbionts is crucial in understanding the epidemiology of the disease in animals and humans in the region. Tsetse flies (n = 1101), comprising Glossina pallidipes (n = 771) and Glossina morsitans centralis (n = 330) were collected from Akagera park and surrounding areas between May 2018 and June 2019. The flies were screened for trypanosomes, vertebrate host DNA to identify sources of blood meal, and endosymbionts by PCR - High Resolution Melting analysis and amplicon sequencing. The feeding frequency and the feeding indices (selection index - W) were calculated to identify the preferred hosts. An overall trypanosome infection rate of 13.9% in the fly's Head and Proboscis (HP) and 24.3% in the Thorax and Abdomen (TA) were found. Eight trypanosome species were identified in the tsetse fly HP and TA, namely: Trypanosoma (T.) brucei brucei, T. congolense Kilifi, T. congolense savannah, T. vivax, T. simiae, T. evansi, T. godfreyi, T. grayi and T. theileri. We found no evidence of human-infective T. brucei rhodesiense. We also identified eighteen species of vertebrate hosts that tsetse flies fed on, and the most frequent one was the buffalo (Syncerus caffer) (36.5%). The frequently detected host by selection index was the rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) (W = 16.2). Most trypanosome infections in tsetse flies were associated with the buffalo blood meal. The prevalence of tsetse endosymbionts Sodalis and Wolbachia was 2.8% and 4.8%, respectively. No Spiroplasma and Salivary Gland Hypertrophy Virus were detected. These findings implicate the buffaloes as the important reservoirs of tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes in the area. This contributes to predicting the main cryptic reservoirs and therefore guiding the effective control of the disease. The study findings provide the key scientific information that supports the current One Health collaboration in the control and surveillance of tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis in Rwanda.},
}
@article {pmid37364116,
year = {2023},
author = {Macorano, L and Binny, TM and Spiegl, T and Klimenko, V and Singer, A and Oberleitner, L and Applegate, V and Seyffert, S and Stefanski, A and Gremer, L and Gertzen, CGW and Höppner, A and Smits, SHJ and Nowack, ECM},
title = {DNA-binding and protein structure of nuclear factors likely acting in genetic information processing in the Paulinella chromatophore.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {120},
number = {27},
pages = {e2221595120},
pmid = {37364116},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Biological Evolution ; Photosynthesis/genetics ; *Rhizaria ; *Chromatophores/metabolism ; *Anti-Infective Agents/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The chromatophores in Paulinella are evolutionary-early-stage photosynthetic organelles. Biological processes in chromatophores depend on a combination of chromatophore and nucleus-encoded proteins. Interestingly, besides proteins carrying chromatophore-targeting signals, a large arsenal of short chromatophore-targeted proteins (sCTPs; <90 amino acids) without recognizable targeting signals were found in chromatophores. This situation resembles endosymbionts in plants and insects that are manipulated by host-derived antimicrobial peptides. Previously, we identified an expanded family of sCTPs of unknown function, named here "DNA-binding (DB)-sCTPs". DB-sCTPs contain a ~45 amino acid motif that is conserved in some bacterial proteins with predicted functions in DNA processing. Here, we explored antimicrobial activity, DNA-binding capacity, and structures of three purified recombinant DB-sCTPs. All three proteins exhibited antimicrobial activity against bacteria involving membrane permeabilization, and bound to bacterial lipids in vitro. A combination of in vitro assays demonstrated binding of recombinant DB-sCTPs to chromatophore-derived genomic DNA sequences with an affinity in the low nM range. Additionally, we report the 1.2 Å crystal structure of one DB-sCTP. In silico docking studies suggest that helix α2 inserts into the DNA major grove and the exposed residues, that are highly variable between different DB-sCTPs, confer interaction with the DNA bases. Identification of photosystem II subunit CP43 as a potential interaction partner of one DB-sCTP, suggests DB-sCTPs to be involved in more complex regulatory mechanisms. We hypothesize that membrane binding of DB-sCTPs is related to their import into chromatophores. Once inside, they interact with the chromatophore genome potentially providing nuclear control over genetic information processing.},
}
@article {pmid37367356,
year = {2023},
author = {Bazukyan, I and Georgieva-Miteva, D and Velikova, T and Dimov, SG},
title = {In Silico Probiogenomic Characterization of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis A4 Strain Isolated from an Armenian Honeybee Gut.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {37367356},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {21T-2I019//Science Committee of the Republic of Armenia/ ; 2022//Yerevan State University in the frames of inner research projects/ ; BG-RRP-2.004-0008-C01//European Union-NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria/ ; },
abstract = {A Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis strain named A4, isolated from the gut of an Armenian honeybee, was subjected to a probiogenomic characterization because of its unusual origin. A whole-genome sequencing was performed, and the bioinformatic analysis of its genome revealed a reduction in the genome size and the number of the genes-a process typical for the adaptation to endosymbiotic conditions. Further analysis of the genome revealed that Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis strain named A4 could play the role of a probiotic endosymbiont because of the presence of intact genetic sequences determining antioxidant properties, exopolysaccharides synthesis, adhesion properties, and biofilm formation, as well as an antagonistic activity against some pathogens which is not due to pH or bacteriocins production. Additionally, the genomic analysis revealed significant potential for stress tolerance, such as extreme pH, osmotic stress, and high temperature. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a potentially endosymbiotic Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis strain adapted to and playing beneficial roles for its host.},
}
@article {pmid37367660,
year = {2023},
author = {Sikorskaya, TV},
title = {Coral Lipidome: Molecular Species of Phospholipids, Glycolipids, Betaine Lipids, and Sphingophosphonolipids.},
journal = {Marine drugs},
volume = {21},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {37367660},
issn = {1660-3397},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/microbiology ; Phospholipids ; Ecosystem ; Lipidomics ; Betaine ; Glycolipids ; Coral Reefs ; Phosphatidylcholines ; *Dinoflagellida ; Phosphatidylglycerols ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are the most biodiversity-rich ecosystems in the world's oceans. Coral establishes complex interactions with various microorganisms that constitute an important part of the coral holobiont. The best-known coral endosymbionts are Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates. Each member of the coral microbiome contributes to its total lipidome, which integrates many molecular species. The present study summarizes available information on the molecular species of the plasma membrane lipids of the coral host and its dinoflagellates (phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), ceramideaminoethylphosphonate, and diacylglyceryl-3-O-carboxyhydroxymethylcholine), and the thylakoid membrane lipids of dinoflagellates (phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and glycolipids). Alkyl chains of PC and PE molecular species differ between tropical and cold-water coral species, and features of their acyl chains depend on the coral's taxonomic position. PS and PI structural features are associated with the presence of an exoskeleton in the corals. The dinoflagellate thermosensitivity affects the profiles of PG and glycolipid molecular species, which can be modified by the coral host. Coral microbiome members, such as bacteria and fungi, can also be the source of the alkyl and acyl chains of coral membrane lipids. The lipidomics approach, providing broader and more detailed information about coral lipid composition, opens up new opportunities in the study of biochemistry and ecology of corals.},
}
@article {pmid37372055,
year = {2023},
author = {Gheibzadeh, MS and Manyumwa, CV and Tastan Bishop, &#xd6; and Shahbani Zahiri, H and Parkkila, S and Zolfaghari Emameh, R},
title = {Genome Study of α-, β-, and γ-Carbonic Anhydrases from the Thermophilic Microbiome of Marine Hydrothermal Vent Ecosystems.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {12},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {37372055},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {737//National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology/ ; M/75137//Ministry of Science, Research and Technology/ ; 111212//National Research Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are metalloenzymes that can help organisms survive in hydrothermal vents by hydrating carbon dioxide (CO2). In this study, we focus on alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) CAs, which are present in the thermophilic microbiome of marine hydrothermal vents. The coding genes of these enzymes can be transferred between hydrothermal-vent organisms via horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which is an important tool in natural biodiversity. We performed big data mining and bioinformatics studies on α-, β-, and γ-CA coding genes from the thermophilic microbiome of marine hydrothermal vents. The results showed a reasonable association between thermostable α-, β-, and γ-CAs in the microbial population of the hydrothermal vents. This relationship could be due to HGT. We found evidence of HGT of α- and β-CAs between Cycloclasticus sp., a symbiont of Bathymodiolus heckerae, and an endosymbiont of Riftia pachyptila via Integrons. Conversely, HGT of β-CA genes from the endosymbiont Tevnia jerichonana to the endosymbiont Riftia pachyptila was detected. In addition, Hydrogenovibrio crunogenus SP-41 contains a β-CA gene on genomic islands (GIs). This gene can be transferred by HGT to Hydrogenovibrio sp. MA2-6, a methanotrophic endosymbiont of Bathymodiolus azoricus, and a methanotrophic endosymbiont of Bathymodiolus puteoserpentis. The endosymbiont of R. pachyptila has a γ-CA gene in the genome. If α- and β-CA coding genes have been derived from other microorganisms, such as endosymbionts of T. jerichonana and Cycloclasticus sp. as the endosymbiont of B. heckerae, through HGT, the theory of the necessity of thermostable CA enzymes for survival in the extreme ecosystem of hydrothermal vents is suggested and helps the conservation of microbiome natural diversity in hydrothermal vents. These harsh ecosystems, with their integral players, such as HGT and endosymbionts, significantly impact the enrichment of life on Earth and the carbon cycle in the ocean.},
}
@article {pmid37376640,
year = {2023},
author = {Esmael, A and Agarkova, IV and Dunigan, DD and Zhou, Y and Van Etten, JL},
title = {Viral DNA Accumulation Regulates Replication Efficiency of Chlorovirus OSy-NE5 in Two Closely Related Chlorella variabilis Strains.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {37376640},
issn = {1999-4915},
mesh = {DNA, Viral/genetics ; *Chlorella ; *Phycodnaviridae/genetics ; *Paramecium ; Viral Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {Many chloroviruses replicate in Chlorella variabilis algal strains that are ex-endosymbionts isolated from the protozoan Paramecium bursaria, including the NC64A and Syngen 2-3 strains. We noticed that indigenous water samples produced a higher number of plaque-forming viruses on C. variabilis Syngen 2-3 lawns than on C. variabilis NC64A lawns. These observed differences led to the discovery of viruses that replicate exclusively in Syngen 2-3 cells, named Only Syngen (OSy) viruses. Here, we demonstrate that OSy viruses initiate infection in the restricted host NC64A by synthesizing some early virus gene products and that approximately 20% of the cells produce a small number of empty virus capsids. However, the infected cells did not produce infectious viruses because the cells were unable to replicate the viral genome. This is interesting because all previous attempts to isolate host cells resistant to chlorovirus infection were due to changes in the host receptor for the virus.},
}
@article {pmid37382438,
year = {2023},
author = {Goffredi, SK and Panossian, B and Brzechffa, C and Field, N and King, C and Moggioli, G and Rouse, GW and Martín-Durán, JM and Henry, LM},
title = {A dynamic epibiont community associated with the bone-eating polychaete genus Osedax.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {e0314022},
pmid = {37382438},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {IOS-0923775//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; NE/M018016/1//UKRI | Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)/ ; 213981/Z/18/Z//Wellcome Trust (WT)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Symbiosis ; *Polychaeta/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Microbiota ; Metagenome ; Bone and Bones ; },
abstract = {Osedax, the deep-sea annelid found at sunken whalefalls, is known to host Oceanospirillales bacterial endosymbionts intracellularly in specialized roots, which help it feed exclusively on vertebrate bones. Past studies, however, have also made mention of external bacteria on their trunks. During a 14-yr study, we reveal a dynamic, yet persistent, shift of Campylobacterales integrated into the epidermis of Osedax, which change over time as the whale carcass degrades on the sea floor. The Campylobacterales associated with seven species of Osedax, which comprise 67% of the bacterial community on the trunk, appear initially dominated by the genus Arcobacter (at early time points <24 mo), the Sulfurospirillum at intermediate stages (~50 mo), and the Sulfurimonas at later stages (>140 mo) of whale carcass decomposition. Metagenome analysis of the epibiont metabolic capabilities suggests potential for a transition from heterotrophy to autotrophy and differences in their capacity to metabolize oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. Compared to free-living relatives, the Osedax epibiont genomes were enriched in transposable elements, implicating genetic exchange on the host surface, and contained numerous secretions systems with eukaryotic-like protein (ELP) domains, suggesting a long evolutionary history with these enigmatic, yet widely distributed deep-sea worms. IMPORTANCE Symbiotic associations are widespread in nature and we can expect to find them in every type of ecological niche. In the last twenty years, the myriad of functions, interactions and species comprising microbe-host associations has fueled a surge of interest and appreciation for symbiosis. During this 14-year study, we reveal a dynamic population of bacterial epibionts, integrated into the epidermis of 7 species of a deep-sea worm group that feeds exclusively on the remains of marine mammals. The bacterial genomes provide clues of a long evolutionary history with these enigmatic worms. On the host surface, they exchange genes and appear to undergo ecological succession, as the whale carcass habitat degrades over time, similar to what is observed for some free-living communities. These, and other annelid worms are important keystone species for diverse deep-sea environments, yet the role of attached external bacteria in supporting host health has received relatively little attention.},
}
@article {pmid37383020,
year = {2023},
author = {Nieves-Morión, M and Camargo, S and Bardi, S and Ruiz, MT and Flores, E and Foster, RA},
title = {Heterologous expression of genes from a cyanobacterial endosymbiont highlights substrate exchanges with its diatom host.},
journal = {PNAS nexus},
volume = {2},
number = {6},
pages = {pgad194},
pmid = {37383020},
issn = {2752-6542},
abstract = {A few genera of diatoms are widespread and thrive in low-nutrient waters of the open ocean due to their close association with N2-fixing, filamentous heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria. In one of these symbioses, the symbiont, Richelia euintracellularis, has penetrated the cell envelope of the host, Hemiaulus hauckii, and lives inside the host cytoplasm. How the partners interact, including how the symbiont sustains high rates of N2 fixation, is unstudied. Since R. euintracellularis has evaded isolation, heterologous expression of genes in model laboratory organisms was performed to identify the function of proteins from the endosymbiont. Gene complementation of a cyanobacterial invertase mutant and expression of the protein in Escherichia coli showed that R. euintracellularis HH01 possesses a neutral invertase that splits sucrose producing glucose and fructose. Several solute-binding proteins (SBPs) of ABC transporters encoded in the genome of R. euintracellularis HH01 were expressed in E. coli, and their substrates were characterized. The selected SBPs directly linked the host as the source of several substrates, e.g. sugars (sucrose and galactose), amino acids (glutamate and phenylalanine), and a polyamine (spermidine), to support the cyanobacterial symbiont. Finally, transcripts of genes encoding the invertase and SBPs were consistently detected in wild populations of H. hauckii collected from multiple stations and depths in the western tropical North Atlantic. Our results support the idea that the diatom host provides the endosymbiotic cyanobacterium with organic carbon to fuel N2 fixation. This knowledge is key to understanding the physiology of the globally significant H. hauckii-R. euintracellularis symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid37389180,
year = {2023},
author = {Gao, ZM and Xu, T and Chen, HG and Lu, R and Tao, J and Wang, HB and Qiu, JW and Wang, Y},
title = {Early genome erosion and internal phage-symbiont-host interaction in the endosymbionts of a cold-seep tubeworm.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {26},
number = {7},
pages = {107033},
pmid = {37389180},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {Endosymbiosis with chemosynthetic Gammaproteobacteria is widely recognized as an adaptive mechanism of siboglinid tubeworms, yet evolution of these endosymbionts and their driving forces remain elusive. Here, we report a finished endosymbiont genome (HMS1) of the cold-seep tubeworm Sclerolinum annulatum. The HMS1 genome is small in size, with abundant prophages and transposable elements but lacking gene sets coding for denitrification, hydrogen oxidization, oxidative phosphorylation, vitamin biosynthesis, cell pH and/or sodium homeostasis, environmental sensing, and motility, indicative of early genome erosion and adaptive evolution toward obligate endosymbiosis. Unexpectedly, a prophage embedded in the HMS1 genome undergoes lytic cycle. Highly expressed ROS scavenger and LexA repressor genes indicate that the tubeworm host likely activates the lysogenic phage into lytic cycle through the SOS response to regulate endosymbiont population and harvest nutrients. Our findings indicate progressive evolution of Sclerolinum endosymbionts toward obligate endosymbiosis and expand the knowledge about phage-symbiont-host interaction in deep-sea tubeworms.},
}
@article {pmid37391552,
year = {2023},
author = {Zając, Z and Obregon, D and Foucault-Simonin, A and Wu-Chuang, A and Moutailler, S and Galon, C and Kulisz, J and Woźniak, A and Bartosik, K and Cabezas-Cruz, A},
title = {Disparate dynamics of pathogen prevalence in Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks occurring sympatrically in diverse habitats.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {10645},
pmid = {37391552},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Humans ; Adult ; Animals ; *Ixodes ; *Dermacentor ; Prevalence ; Forests ; Anaplasma ; *Francisella ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus ticks are important reservoirs and vectors of pathogens. The aim of the present study was to investigate the dynamic of the prevalence and genetic diversity of microorganisms detected in these tick species collected from two ecologically diverse biotopes undergoing disparate long-term climate condition. High-throughput real time PCR confirmed high prevalence of microorganisms detected in sympatrically occurring ticks species. D. reticulatus specimens were the most often infected with Francisella-like endosymbiont (FLE) (up to 100.0%) and Rickettsia spp. (up to 91.7%), while in case of I. ricinus the prevalence of Borreliaceae spirochetes reached up to 25.0%. Moreover, pathogens belonging to genera of Bartonella, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Babesia were detected in both tick species regardless the biotope. On the other hand, Neoehrlichia mikurensis was conformed only in I. ricinus in the forest biotope, while genetic material of Theileria spp. was found only in D. reticulatus collected from the meadow. Our study confirmed significant impact of biotope type on prevalence of representatives of Borreliaceae and Rickettsiaceae families. The most common co-infection detected in D. reticulatus was Rickettsia spp. + FLE, while Borreliaceae + R. helvetica was the most common in I. ricinus. Additionally, we found significant genetic diversity of R. raoultii gltA gene across studied years, however such relationship was not observed in ticks from studied biotopes. Our results suggest that ecological type of biotope undergoing disparate long-term climate conditions have an impact on prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in adult D. reticulatus and I. ricinus.},
}
@article {pmid37391621,
year = {2023},
author = {Yamada, N and Lepetit, B and Mann, DG and Sprecher, BN and Buck, JM and Bergmann, P and Kroth, PG and Bolton, JJ and Dąbek, P and Witkowski, A and Kim, SY and Trobajo, R},
title = {Prey preference in a kleptoplastic dinoflagellate is linked to photosynthetic performance.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {17},
number = {10},
pages = {1578-1588},
pmid = {37391621},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dinoflagellida/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Photosynthesis ; Biological Evolution ; *Diatoms/genetics ; },
abstract = {Dinoflagellates of the family Kryptoperidiniaceae, known as "dinotoms", possess diatom-derived endosymbionts and contain individuals at three successive evolutionary stages: a transiently maintained kleptoplastic stage; a stage containing multiple permanently maintained diatom endosymbionts; and a further permanent stage containing a single diatom endosymbiont. Kleptoplastic dinotoms were discovered only recently, in Durinskia capensis; until now it has not been investigated kleptoplastic behavior and the metabolic and genetic integration of host and prey. Here, we show D. capensis is able to use various diatom species as kleptoplastids and exhibits different photosynthetic capacities depending on the diatom species. This is in contrast with the prey diatoms in their free-living stage, as there are no differences in their photosynthetic capacities. Complete photosynthesis including both the light reactions and the Calvin cycle remain active only when D. capensis feeds on its habitual associate, the "essential" diatom Nitzschia captiva. The organelles of another edible diatom, N. inconspicua, are preserved intact after ingestion by D. capensis and expresses the psbC gene of the photosynthetic light reaction, while RuBisCO gene expression is lost. Our results indicate that edible but non-essential, "supplemental" diatoms are used by D. capensis for producing ATP and NADPH, but not for carbon fixation. D. capensis has established a species-specifically designed metabolic system allowing carbon fixation to be performed only by its essential diatoms. The ability of D. capensis to ingest supplemental diatoms as kleptoplastids may be a flexible ecological strategy, to use these diatoms as "emergency supplies" while no essential diatoms are available.},
}
@article {pmid37392458,
year = {2023},
author = {Deng, J and Bennett, GM and Franco, DC and Prus-Frankowska, M and Stroiński, A and Michalik, A and Łukasik, P},
title = {Genome Comparison Reveals Inversions and Alternative Evolutionary History of Nutritional Endosymbionts in Planthoppers (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha).},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {37392458},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Insecta ; *Betaproteobacteria/genetics ; },
abstract = {The evolutionary success of sap-feeding hemipteran insects in the suborder Auchenorrhyncha was enabled by nutritional contributions from their heritable endosymbiotic bacteria. However, the symbiont diversity, functions, and evolutionary origins in this large insect group have not been broadly characterized using genomic tools. In particular, the origins and relationships among ancient betaproteobacterial symbionts Vidania (in Fulgoromorpha) and Nasuia/Zinderia (in Cicadomorpha) are uncertain. Here, we characterized the genomes of Vidania and Sulcia from three Pyrops planthoppers (family Fulgoridae) to understand their metabolic functions and evolutionary histories. We find that, like in previously characterized planthoppers, these symbionts share nutritional responsibilities, with Vidania providing seven out of ten essential amino acids. Sulcia lineages across the Auchenorrhyncha have a highly conserved genome but with multiple independent rearrangements occurring in an early ancestor of Cicadomorpha or Fulgoromorpha and in a few succeeding lineages. Genomic synteny was also observed within each of the betaproteobacterial symbiont genera Nasuia, Zinderia, and Vidania, but not across them, which challenges the expectation of a shared ancestry for these symbionts. The further comparison of other biological traits strongly suggests an independent origin of Vidania early in the planthopper evolution and possibly of Nasuia and Zinderia in their respective host lineages. This hypothesis further links the potential acquisition of novel nutritional endosymbiont lineages with the emergence of auchenorrhynchan superfamilies.},
}
@article {pmid37399133,
year = {2023},
author = {Beliavskaia, A and Tan, KK and Sinha, A and Husin, NA and Lim, FS and Loong, SK and Bell-Sakyi, L and Carlow, CKS and AbuBakar, S and Darby, AC and Makepeace, BL and Khoo, JJ},
title = {Metagenomics of culture isolates and insect tissue illuminate the evolution of Wolbachia, Rickettsia and Bartonella symbionts in Ctenocephalides spp. fleas.},
journal = {Microbial genomics},
volume = {9},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {37399133},
issn = {2057-5858},
support = {BB/P024378/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/P024270/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; 223743/Z/21/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Bartonella/genetics ; *Siphonaptera/microbiology ; *Ctenocephalides/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Metagenomics ; Insecta ; },
abstract = {While fleas are often perceived simply as a biting nuisance and a cause of allergic dermatitis, they represent important disease vectors worldwide, especially for bacterial zoonoses such as plague (transmitted by rodent fleas) and some of the rickettsioses and bartonelloses. The cosmopolitan cat (Ctenocephalides felis) and dog (Ctenocephalides canis) fleas, as well as Ctenocephalides orientis (restricted to tropical and subtropical Asia), breed in human dwellings and are vectors of cat-scratch fever (caused by Bartonella spp.) and Rickettsia spp., including Rickettsia felis (agent of flea-borne spotted fever) and Rickettsia asembonensis , a suspected pathogen. These Rickettsia spp. are members of a phylogenetic clade known as the ‘transitional group’, which includes both human pathogens and arthropod-specific endosymbionts. The relatively depauperate flea microbiome can also contain other endosymbionts, including a diverse range of Wolbachia strains. Here, we present circularized genome assemblies for two C. orientis-derived pathogens (Bartonella clarridgeiae and R. asembonensis) from Malaysia, a novel Wolbachia strain (wCori), and the C. orientis mitochondrion; all were obtained by direct metagenomic sequencing of flea tissues. Moreover, we isolated two Wolbachia strains from Malaysian C. felis into tick cell culture and recovered circularized genome assemblies for both, one of which (wCfeF) is newly sequenced. We demonstrate that the three Wolbachia strains are representatives of different major clades (‘supergroups’), two of which appear to be flea-specific. These Wolbachia genomes exhibit unique combinations of features associated with reproductive parasitism or mutualism, including prophage WO, cytoplasmic incompatibility factors and the biotin operon of obligate intracellular microbes. The first circularized assembly for R. asembonensis includes a plasmid with a markedly different structure and gene content compared to the published plasmid; moreover, this novel plasmid was also detected in cat flea metagenomes from the USA. Analysis of loci under positive selection in the transitional group revealed genes involved in host–pathogen interactions that may facilitate host switching. Finally, the first B. clarridgeiae genome from Asia exhibited large-scale genome stability compared to isolates from other continents, except for SNPs in regions predicted to mediate interactions with the vertebrate host. These findings highlight the paucity of data on the genomic diversity of Ctenocephalides-associated bacteria and raise questions regarding how interactions between members of the flea microbiome might influence vector competence.},
}
@article {pmid37407813,
year = {2023},
author = {Moger-Reischer, RZ and Glass, JI and Wise, KS and Sun, L and Bittencourt, DMC and Lehmkuhl, BK and Schoolmaster, DR and Lynch, M and Lennon, JT},
title = {Evolution of a minimal cell.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {620},
number = {7972},
pages = {122-127},
pmid = {37407813},
issn = {1476-4687},
support = {R35 GM122566/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD023501/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Biotechnology/methods/trends ; Cell Division ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Mutation ; *Mycoplasma mycoides/cytology/genetics/growth &amp; development ; *Genes, Essential ; *Synthetic Biology/methods ; Cell Size ; Epistasis, Genetic ; Selection, Genetic ; Genetic Fitness ; Symbiosis ; Tubulin/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Possessing only essential genes, a minimal cell can reveal mechanisms and processes that are critical for the persistence and stability of life[1,2]. Here we report on how an engineered minimal cell[3,4] contends with the forces of evolution compared with the Mycoplasma mycoides non-minimal cell from which it was synthetically derived. Mutation rates were the highest among all reported bacteria, but were not affected by genome minimization. Genome streamlining was costly, leading to a decrease in fitness of greater than 50%, but this deficit was regained during 2,000 generations of evolution. Despite selection acting on distinct genetic targets, increases in the maximum growth rate of the synthetic cells were comparable. Moreover, when performance was assessed by relative fitness, the minimal cell evolved 39% faster than the non-minimal cell. The only apparent constraint involved the evolution of cell size. The size of the non-minimal cell increased by 80%, whereas the minimal cell remained the same. This pattern reflected epistatic effects of mutations in ftsZ, which encodes a tubulin-homologue protein that regulates cell division and morphology[5,6]. Our findings demonstrate that natural selection can rapidly increase the fitness of one of the simplest autonomously growing organisms. Understanding how species with small genomes overcome evolutionary challenges provides critical insights into the persistence of host-associated endosymbionts, the stability of streamlined chassis for biotechnology and the targeted refinement of synthetically engineered cells[2,7-9].},
}
@article {pmid37410021,
year = {2023},
author = {Herrera, G and Vieira Lista, MC and Páez-Triana, L and Muro, A and López-Abán, J and Muñoz, M and Ramírez, JD},
title = {Examining the gut microbiota from several human-biting tick species in Northwestern Spain.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {60},
number = {5},
pages = {1081-1087},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjad084},
pmid = {37410021},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Ticks/microbiology ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Spain ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {Tick-borne diseases have increased significantly in Europe and Spain in recent years. One strategy explored for tick surveillance and control is the study of the microbiota. The focus is on understanding the relationships between pathogens and endosymbionts within the microbiota and how these relationships can alter these arthropods' vectorial capacity. Thus, it is pivotal to depict the bacterial communities composing the microbiota of ticks present in specific territories. This work aimed to describe the microbiota present in 29 adult individuals of 5 tick species collected from 4 provinces of Castilla y Leon in northwestern Spain from 2015 to 2022. DNA extraction and sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of 16S-rRNA was performed on the tick samples, with subsequent analysis of diversity, taxonomic composition, and correlations between genera of microorganisms. There were no differences in the alpha diversity of microbiota by tick species, nor were compositional changes evident at the phylum level for microorganisms. However, interindividual differences at the microbial genus level allowed spatial differentiation of the 5 tick species included in the study. Correlation analyses showed complex interactions between different genera of microbiota members. These findings provide an initial insight into the composition of the gut microbiota of various tick species in northwestern Spain, which can contribute to establishing surveillance and control measures to reduce diseases such as rickettsiosis, Lyme disease, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.},
}
@article {pmid37416893,
year = {2023},
author = {Wenzel, M and Aquadro, CF},
title = {Wolbachia genetically interacts with the bag of marbles germline stem cell gene in male D. melanogaster.},
journal = {microPublication biology},
volume = {2023},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37416893},
issn = {2578-9430},
support = {R01 GM095793/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD018516/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia manipulates reproduction of its arthropod hosts to promote its own maternal vertical transmission. In female D. melanogaster , Wolbachia has been shown to genetically interact with three key reproductive genes (bag of marbles (bam) , Sex-lethal, and mei-P26) , as it rescues the reduced female fertility or fecundity phenotype seen in partial loss-of-function mutants of these genes . Here, we show that Wolbachia also partially rescues male fertility in D. melanogaster carrying a new, largely sterile bam allele when in a bam null genetic background. This finding shows that the molecular mechanism of Wolbachia 's influence on its hosts' reproduction involves interaction with genes in males as well as females, at least in D. melanogaster .},
}
@article {pmid37417166,
year = {2023},
author = {Tharsan, A and Sivabalakrishnan, K and Arthiyan, S and Eswaramohan, T and Raveendran, S and Ramasamy, R and Surendran, SN},
title = {Wolbachia infection is widespread in brackish and fresh water Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the coastal Jaffna peninsula of northern Sri Lanka.},
journal = {Journal of vector borne diseases},
volume = {60},
number = {2},
pages = {172-178},
doi = {10.4103/0972-9062.361165},
pmid = {37417166},
issn = {0972-9062},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/physiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Sri Lanka ; Phylogeny ; Mosquito Vectors/physiology ; Fresh Water ; *Dengue/prevention &amp; control ; Membrane Proteins/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND &amp; OBJECTIVES: Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti are important vectors of dengue and many other arboviral diseases in tropical and sub-tropical locations. Both vectors are tolerant of salinity in the dengue-endemic coastal Jaffna peninsula of northern Sri Lanka. Aedes albopictus pre-imaginal stages are found in field brackish water habitats of up to 14 parts per thousand (ppt, gL[-1]) salt in the Jaffna peninsula. Salinity-tolerance in Aedes is characterized by significant genetic and physiological changes. Infection with the wMel strain of the endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia pipientis reduces dengue transmission in the field by Ae. aegypti, and the same approach is also being considered for Ae. albopictus. In this context, we investigated natural Wolbachia infections in brackish and fresh water field isolates of Ae. albopictus in the Jaffna district.<br><br>METHODS: Aedes albopictus collected as pre-imaginal stages using conventional ovitraps in the Jaffna peninsula and adjacent islands of the Jaffna district were screened by PCR utilizing strain-transcending primers for the presence of Wolbachia. Wolbachia strains were then further identified by PCR using strain-specific primers for the Wolbachia surface protein gene wsp. The Jaffna wsp sequences were compared by phylogenetic analysis with other wsp sequences available in Genbank.<br><br>RESULTS: Aedes albopictus were found to be widely infected with the wAlbA and wAlbB strains of Wolbachia in Jaffna. The partial wAlbB wsp surface protein gene sequence in Jaffna Ae. albopictus was identical to a corresponding sequence from South India but different from that in mainland Sri Lanka.<br><br>Widespread infection of salinity-tolerant Ae. albopictus with Wolbachia is a factor to be considered when developing Wolbachia-based dengue control in coastal areas like the Jaffna peninsula.},
}
@article {pmid37424778,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhou, JC and Dong, QJ and Shang, D and Ning, SF and Zhang, HH and Wang, Y and Che, WN and Dong, H and Zhang, LS},
title = {Posterior concentration of Wolbachia during the early embryogenesis of the host dynamically shapes the tissue tropism of Wolbachia in host Trichogramma wasps.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1198428},
pmid = {37424778},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Wasps/microbiology ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Embryonic Development ; Parthenogenesis ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The bacterial endosymbiont, Wolbachia spp. induce thelytokous parthenogenesis in certain parasitoid wasps, such as the egg parasitoid wasps Trichogramma spp. To complete the cycle of vertical transmission, Wolbachia displays efficient transovarial transmission by targeting the reproductive tissues and often exhibits strong tissue-specific tropism in their host.<br><br>METHOD: The present study aimed to describe the basic Wolbachia distribution patterns that occur during the development of Wolbachia-infected, thelytokous Trichogramma dendrolimi, and T. pretiosum. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to investigate Wolbachia signal dynamics during early embryogenesis (from 30 to 120 min). Wolbachia titers and distributions from the embryo to adult stages of Trichogramma after early embryogenesis were detected by absolute quantitative polymerase chain reaction (AQ-PCR) and FISH. The symmetry ratios (SR) of the Wolbachia signals were calculated using the SR odds ratios in the anterior and posterior parts of the host. The SR was determined to describe Wolbachia tropism during early embryogenesis and various developmental stages of Trichogramma.<br><br>RESULTS: Wolbachia was concentrated in the posterior part of the embryo during early embryogenesis and the various developmental stages of both T. dendrolimi and T. pretiosum. Wolbachia density increased with the number of nuclei and the initial mitotic division frequency during early embryogenesis. The total Wolbachia titer increased with postembryogenesis development in both T. dendrolimi and T. pretiosum. However, the Wolbachia densities relative to body size were significantly lower at the adult and pupal stages than they were at the embryonic stage.<br><br>DISCUSSION: The present work revealed that posterior Wolbachia concentration during early host embryogenesis determined Wolbachia localization in adult wasps. By this mechanism, Wolbachia exhibits efficient vertical transmission across generations by depositing only female Wolbachia-infected offspring. The results of this study describe the dynamics of Wolbachia during the development of their Trichogramma host. The findings of this investigation helped clarify Wolbachia tropism in Trichogramma wasps.},
}
@article {pmid37430172,
year = {2023},
author = {Porter, J and Sullivan, W},
title = {The cellular lives of Wolbachia.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Microbiology},
volume = {21},
number = {11},
pages = {750-766},
pmid = {37430172},
issn = {1740-1534},
support = {R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Wolbachia/cytology/genetics/ultrastructure ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; Bacterial Infections/microbiology/transmission ; Animals ; Reproduction ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are successful Gram-negative bacterial endosymbionts, globally infecting a large fraction of arthropod species and filarial nematodes. Efficient vertical transmission, the capacity for horizontal transmission, manipulation of host reproduction and enhancement of host fitness can promote the spread both within and between species. Wolbachia are abundant and can occupy extraordinary diverse and evolutionary distant host species, suggesting that they have evolved to engage and manipulate highly conserved core cellular processes. Here, we review recent studies identifying Wolbachia-host interactions at the molecular and cellular levels. We explore how Wolbachia interact with a wide array of host cytoplasmic and nuclear components in order to thrive in a diversity of cell types and cellular environments. This endosymbiont has also evolved the ability to precisely target and manipulate specific phases of the host cell cycle. The remarkable diversity of cellular interactions distinguishes Wolbachia from other endosymbionts and is largely responsible for facilitating its global propagation through host populations. Finally, we describe how insights into Wolbachia-host cellular interactions have led to promising applications in controlling insect-borne and filarial nematode-based diseases.},
}
@article {pmid37433980,
year = {2023},
author = {Candelori, A and Di Giuseppe, G and Villalobo, E and Sjödin, A and Vallesi, A},
title = {Bipolar Biogeographical Distribution of Parafrancisella Bacteria Carried by the Ciliate Euplotes.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {86},
number = {4},
pages = {3128-3132},
pmid = {37433980},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {PNRA18_00152//PNRA (Programma Nazionale di Ricerca in Antartide)/ ; },
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Euplotes/genetics/microbiology ; *Francisella ; Cytoplasm ; Antarctic Regions ; },
abstract = {Parafrancisella adeliensis, a Francisella-like endosymbiont, was found to reside in the cytoplasm of an Antarctic strain of the bipolar ciliate species, Euplotes petzi. To inquire whether Euplotes cells collected from distant Arctic and peri-Antarctic sites host Parafrancisella bacteria, wild-type strains of the congeneric bipolar species, E. nobilii, were screened for Parafrancisella by in situ hybridization and 16S gene amplification and sequencing. Results indicate that all Euplotes strains analyzed contained endosymbiotic bacteria with 16S nucleotide sequences closely similar to the P. adeliensis 16S gene sequence. This finding suggests that Parafrancisella/Euplotes associations are not endemic to Antarctica, but are common in both the Antarctic and Arctic regions.},
}
@article {pmid37438329,
year = {2023},
author = {Uzum, Z and Ershov, D and Pavia, MJ and Mallet, A and Gorgette, O and Plantard, O and Sassera, D and Stavru, F},
title = {Three-dimensional images reveal the impact of the endosymbiont Midichloria mitochondrii on the host mitochondria.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {4133},
pmid = {37438329},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {*Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; *Rickettsiales ; Oocytes ; Mitochondria ; Cytoplasm ; },
abstract = {The hard tick, Ixodes ricinus, a main Lyme disease vector, harbors an intracellular bacterial endosymbiont. Midichloria mitochondrii is maternally inherited and resides in the mitochondria of I. ricinus oocytes, but the consequences of this endosymbiosis are not well understood. Here, we provide 3D images of wild-type and aposymbiotic I. ricinus oocytes generated with focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy. Quantitative image analyses of endosymbionts and oocyte mitochondria at different maturation stages show that the populations of both mitochondrion-associated bacteria and bacterium-hosting mitochondria increase upon vitellogenisation, and that mitochondria can host multiple bacteria in later stages. Three-dimensional reconstructions show symbiosis-dependent morphologies of mitochondria and demonstrate complete M. mitochondrii inclusion inside a mitochondrion. Cytoplasmic endosymbiont located close to mitochondria are not oriented towards the mitochondria, suggesting that bacterial recolonization is unlikely. We further demonstrate individual globular-shaped mitochondria in the wild type oocytes, while aposymbiotic oocytes only contain a mitochondrial network. In summary, our study suggests that M. mitochondrii modulates mitochondrial fragmentation in oogenesis possibly affecting organelle function and ensuring its presence over generations.},
}
@article {pmid37452489,
year = {2023},
author = {Qiao, SA and Gao, Z and Roth, R},
title = {A perspective on cross-kingdom RNA interference in mutualistic symbioses.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {240},
number = {1},
pages = {68-79},
pmid = {37452489},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Symbiosis/genetics ; *Mycorrhizae/physiology ; RNA Interference ; Plants/genetics ; },
abstract = {RNA interference (RNAi) is arguably one of the more versatile mechanisms in cell biology, facilitating the fine regulation of gene expression and protection against mobile genomic elements, whilst also constituting a key aspect of induced plant immunity. More recently, the use of this mechanism to regulate gene expression in heterospecific partners - cross-kingdom RNAi (ckRNAi) - has been shown to form a critical part of bidirectional interactions between hosts and endosymbionts, regulating the interplay between microbial infection mechanisms and host immunity. Here, we review the current understanding of ckRNAi as it relates to interactions between plants and their pathogenic and mutualistic endosymbionts, with particular emphasis on evidence in support of ckRNAi in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid37464760,
year = {2023},
author = {Mather, RV and Larsen, TJ and Brock, DA and Queller, DC and Strassmann, JE},
title = {Paraburkholderia symbionts isolated from Dictyostelium discoideum induce bacterial carriage in other Dictyostelium species.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {290},
number = {2003},
pages = {20230977},
pmid = {37464760},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {T32 GM007753/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Dictyostelium ; *Burkholderiaceae ; Bacteria ; *Amoeba/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum engages in a complex relationship with bacterial endosymbionts in the genus Paraburkholderia, which can benefit their host by imbuing it with the ability to carry prey bacteria throughout its life cycle. The relationship between D. discoideum and Paraburkholderia has been shown to take place across many strains and a large geographical area, but little is known about Paraburkholderia's potential interaction with other dictyostelid species. We explore the ability of three Paraburkholderia species to stably infect and induce bacterial carriage in other dictyostelid hosts. We found that all three Paraburkholderia species successfully infected and induced carriage in seven species of Dictyostelium hosts. While the overall behaviour was qualitatively similar to that previously observed in infections of D. discoideum, differences in the outcomes of different host/symbiont combinations suggest a degree of specialization between partners. Paraburkholderia was unable to maintain a stable association with the more distantly related host Polysphondylium violaceum. Our results suggest that the mechanisms and evolutionary history of Paraburkholderia's symbiotic relationships may be general within Dictyostelium hosts, but not so general that it can associate with hosts of other genera. Our work further develops an emerging model system for the study of symbiosis in microbes.},
}
@article {pmid37468804,
year = {2023},
author = {Muñoz-García, CI and Rendón-Franco, E and Grostieta, E and Navarrete-Sotelo, M and Sánchez-Montes, S},
title = {Novel Francisella-like endosymbiont and Anaplasma species from Amblyomma nodosum hosted by the anteater Tamandua Mexicana in Mexico.},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {91},
number = {1},
pages = {111-121},
pmid = {37468804},
issn = {1572-9702},
mesh = {*Amblyomma/microbiology ; Animals ; Vermilingua/parasitology ; Mexico ; *Gammaproteobacteria/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Male ; Female ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {The microbiome represents a complex network among the various members of the community of microorganisms that are associated with a host. The composition of the bacterial community is essential to supplement multiple metabolic pathways that the host lacks, particularly in organisms with blood-sucking habits such as ticks. On the other hand, some endosymbionts showed some competence with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) encompass a group of gamma-proteobacterias that are closely related to Francisella tularensis, but are usually apathogenic, which brings nutrients like vitamin B and other cofactors to the tick. It has been postulated that the main route of transmission of FLE is vertical; however, evidence has accumulated regarding the possible mechanism of horizontal transmission. Despite growing interest in knowledge of endosymbionts in the Neotropical region, the efforts related to the establishment of their inventory for tick communities are concentrated in South and Central America, with an important gap in knowledge in Mesoamerican countries such as Mexico. For this reason, the aim of this work was to evaluate the presence and diversity of endosymbionts in the highly host-specialized tick Amblyomma nodosum collected from the anteater Tamandua mexicana in Mexico. We analysed 36 A. nodosum for the presence of DNA of endosymbiont (Coxiella and Francisella) and pathogenic (Anaplasma, Borrelia, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia) bacteria. The presence of a member of the genus Francisella and Candidatus Anaplasma brasiliensis was demonstrated. Our findings provide information on the composition of A. nodosum's microbiome, increasing the inventory of bacterial species associated with this hard tick on the American continent.},
}
@article {pmid37468834,
year = {2023},
author = {Campbell, LI and Nwezeobi, J and van Brunschot, SL and Kaweesi, T and Seal, SE and Swamy, RAR and Namuddu, A and Maslen, GL and Mugerwa, H and Armean, IM and Haggerty, L and Martin, FJ and Malka, O and Santos-Garcia, D and Juravel, K and Morin, S and Stephens, ME and Muhindira, PV and Kersey, PJ and Maruthi, MN and Omongo, CA and Navas-Castillo, J and Fiallo-Olivé, E and Mohammed, IU and Wang, HL and Onyeka, J and Alicai, T and Colvin, J},
title = {Comparative evolutionary analyses of eight whitefly Bemisia tabaci sensu lato genomes: cryptic species, agricultural pests and plant-virus vectors.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {408},
pmid = {37468834},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; WT108749/Z/15/Z/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Hemiptera ; Africa ; *Plant Viruses ; Asia ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The group of > 40 cryptic whitefly species called Bemisia tabaci sensu lato are amongst the world's worst agricultural pests and plant-virus vectors. Outbreaks of B. tabaci s.l. and the associated plant-virus diseases continue to contribute to global food insecurity and social instability, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Published B. tabaci s.l. genomes have limited use for studying African cassava B. tabaci SSA1 species, due to the high genetic divergences between them. Genomic annotations presented here were performed using the 'Ensembl gene annotation system', to ensure that comparative analyses and conclusions reflect biological differences, as opposed to arising from different methodologies underpinning transcript model identification.<br><br>RESULTS: We present here six new B. tabaci s.l. genomes from Africa and Asia, and two re-annotated previously published genomes, to provide evolutionary insights into these globally distributed pests. Genome sizes ranged between 616-658&#xa0;Mb and exhibited some of the highest coverage of transposable elements reported within Arthropoda. Many fewer total protein coding genes (PCG) were recovered compared to the previously published B. tabaci s.l. genomes and structural annotations generated via the uniform methodology strongly supported a repertoire of between 12.8-13.2&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;10[3] PCG. An integrative systematics approach incorporating phylogenomic analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial markers supported a monophyletic Aleyrodidae and the basal positioning of B. tabaci Uganda-1 to the sub-Saharan group of species. Reciprocal cross-mating data and the co-cladogenesis pattern of the primary obligate endosymbiont 'Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum' from 11 Bemisia genomes further supported the phylogenetic reconstruction to show that African cassava B. tabaci populations consist of just three biological species. We include comparative analyses of gene families related to detoxification, sugar metabolism, vector competency and evaluate the presence and function of horizontally transferred genes, essential for understanding the evolution and unique biology of constituent B. tabaci. s.l species.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These genomic resources have provided new and critical insights into the genetics underlying B. tabaci s.l. biology. They also provide a rich foundation for post-genomic research, including the selection of candidate gene-targets for innovative whitefly and virus-control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid37477269,
year = {2023},
author = {Ferreira, MU and Crainey, JL and Gobbi, FG},
title = {The search for better treatment strategies for mansonellosis: an expert perspective.},
journal = {Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy},
volume = {24},
number = {15},
pages = {1685-1692},
doi = {10.1080/14656566.2023.2240235},
pmid = {37477269},
issn = {1744-7666},
mesh = {Adult ; Animals ; Humans ; *Mansonelliasis/complications/drug therapy ; Mansonella ; Ivermectin/therapeutic use ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; *Anthelmintics/therapeutic use ; Arthralgia/complications/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Four species of the Mansonella genus infect millions of people across sub-Saharan Africa and Central and South America. Most infections are asymptomatic, but mansonellosis can be associated with nonspecific clinical manifestations such as fever, headache, arthralgia, and ocular lesions (M. ozzardi); pruritus, arthralgia, abdominal pain, angioedema, skin rash, and fatigue (M. perstans and perhaps Mansonella sp. 'DEUX'); and pruritic dermatitis and chronic lymphadenitis (M. perstans).<br><br>AREAS COVERED: We searched the PubMed and SciELO databases for publications on mansonelliasis in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French that appeared until 1 May 2023. Literature data show that anthelmintics - single-dose ivermectin for M. ozzardi, repeated doses of mebendazole alone or in combination with diethylcarbamazine (DEC) for M. perstans, and DEC alone for M. streptocerca - are effective against microfilariae. Antibiotics that target Wolbachia endosymbionts, such as doxycycline, are likely to kill adult worms of most, if not all, Mansonella species, but the currently recommended 6-week regimen is relatively impractical. New anthelmintics and shorter antibiotic regimens (e.g. with rifampin) have shown promise in experimental filarial infections and may proceed to clinical trials.<br><br>EXPERT OPINION: We recommend that human infections with Mansonella species be treated, regardless of any apparent clinical manifestations. We argue that mansonellosis, despite being widely considered a benign infection, may represent a direct or indirect cause of significant morbidity that remains poorly characterized at present.},
}
@article {pmid37479750,
year = {2023},
author = {Pan, Q and Yu, SJ and Lei, S and Li, SC and Ding, LL and Liu, L and Cheng, LY and Luo, R and Lei, CY and Lou, BH and Cong, L and Liu, HQ and Wang, XF and Ran, C},
title = {Effects of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus infection on metagenome of Diaphorina citri gut endosymbiont.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {478},
pmid = {37479750},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Metagenome ; *Hemiptera/genetics/microbiology ; Liberibacter ; *Rhizobiaceae/genetics ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri, D. citri) is the important vector of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas), associated with Huanglongbing, the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. CLas can affect endosymbiont abundance of D. citri. Here, we generated the high-quality gut endosymbiont metagenomes of Diaphorina citri on the condition of CLas infected and uninfected. The dataset comprised 6616.74 M and 6586.04 M raw reads, on overage, from CLas uninfected and infected psyllid strains, respectively. Taxonomic analysis revealed that a total of 1046 species were annotated with 10 Archaea, 733 Bacteria, 234 Eukaryota, and 69 Viruses. 80 unique genera in CLas infected D. citri were identified. DIAMOND software was used for complement function research against various functional databases, including Nr, KEGG, eggNOG, and CAZy, which annotated 84543 protein-coding genes. These datasets provided an avenue for further study of the interaction mechanism between CLas and D. citri.},
}
@article {pmid37484687,
year = {2023},
author = {Adams, GJ and O'Brien, PA},
title = {The unified theory of sleep: Eukaryotes endosymbiotic relationship with mitochondria and REM the push-back response for awakening.},
journal = {Neurobiology of sleep and circadian rhythms},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {100100},
pmid = {37484687},
issn = {2451-9944},
abstract = {The Unified Theory suggests that sleep is a process that developed in eukaryotic animals from a relationship with an endosymbiotic bacterium. Over evolutionary time the bacterium evolved into the modern mitochondrion that continues to exert an effect on sleep patterns, e.g. the bacterium Wolbachia establishes an endosymbiotic relationship with Drosophila and many other species of insects and is able to change the host's behaviour by making it sleep. The hypothesis is supported by other host-parasite relationships, e.g., Trypanosoma brucei which causes day-time sleepiness and night-time insomnia in humans and cattle. For eukaryotes such as Monocercomonoids that don't contain mitochondria we find no evidence of them sleeping. Mitochondria produce the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and ornithine a precursor of the neurotransmitter GABA, together with substances such as 3,4dihydroxy phenylalanine (DOPA) a precursor for the neurotransmitter dopamine: These substances have been shown to affect the sleep/wake cycles in animals such as Drosophilia and Hydra. Eukaryote animals have traded the very positive side of having mitochondria providing aerobic respiration for them with the negative side of having to sleep. NREM (Quiet sleep) is the process endosymbionts have imposed upon their host eukaryotes and REM (Active sleep) is the push-back adaptation of eukaryotes with brains, returning to wakefulness.},
}
@article {pmid37488011,
year = {2023},
author = {Jeon, MS and Han, SI and Ahn, JW and Jung, JH and Choi, JS and Choi, YE},
title = {Endophyte Bacillus tequilensis improves the growth of microalgae Haematococcus lacustris by regulating host cell metabolism.},
journal = {Bioresource technology},
volume = {387},
number = {},
pages = {129546},
doi = {10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129546},
pmid = {37488011},
issn = {1873-2976},
mesh = {Bacillus ; *Chlorophyceae ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Bacteria ; Endophytes ; *Microalgae ; },
abstract = {This study identified an endosymbiotic bacterium, Bacillus tequilensis, residing within the cells of the microalga Haematococcus lacustris through 16S rRNA analysis. To confirm the optimal interactive conditions between H. lacustris and B. tequilensis, the effects of different ratios of cells using H. lacustris of different growth stages were examined. Under optimized conditions, the cell density, dry weight, chlorophyll content, and astaxanthin content of H. lacustris increased significantly, and the fatty acid content improved 1.99-fold. Microscopy demonstrated the presence of bacteria within the H. lacustris cells. The interaction upregulated amino acid and nucleotide metabolism in H. lacustris. Interestingly, muramic and phenylacetic acids were found exclusively in H. lacustris cells in the presence of B. tequilensis. Furthermore, B. tequilensis delayed pigment degradation in H. lacustris. This study reveals the impact of the endosymbiont B. tequilensis on the metabolism of H. lacustris and offers new perspectives on the symbiotic relationship between them.},
}
@article {pmid37490862,
year = {2023},
author = {Dijksterhuis, J},
title = {Endosymbionts: Bacterial hijacking of fungi?.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {33},
number = {14},
pages = {R765-R767},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.028},
pmid = {37490862},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {*Symbiosis ; *Hyphae ; Bacteria ; Fungi ; },
abstract = {Bacteria inside fungal hyphae allow the fungus Rhizopus microsporus to form spores and operate via effectors in 'stealth' mode. When the functionality of one effector is taken away, bacteria are captured in septated cells and die.},
}
@article {pmid37497544,
year = {2023},
author = {Kanyile, SN and Engl, T and Heddi, A and Kaltenpoth, M},
title = {Endosymbiosis allows Sitophilus oryzae to persist in dry conditions.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1199370},
pmid = {37497544},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Insects frequently associate with intracellular microbial symbionts (endosymbionts) that enhance their ability to cope with challenging environmental conditions. Endosymbioses with cuticle-enhancing microbes have been reported in several beetle families. However, the ecological relevance of these associations has seldom been demonstrated, particularly in the context of dry environments where high cuticle quality can reduce water loss. Thus, we investigated how cuticle-enhancing symbionts of the rice-weevil, Sitophilus oryzae contribute to desiccation resistance. We exposed symbiotic and symbiont-free (aposymbiotic) beetles to long-term stressful (47% RH) or relaxed (60% RH) humidity conditions and measured population growth. We found that symbiont presence benefits host fitness especially under dry conditions, enabling symbiotic beetles to increase their population size by over 33-fold within 3 months, while aposymbiotic beetles fail to increase in numbers beyond the starting population in the same conditions. To understand the mechanisms underlying this drastic effect, we compared beetle size and body water content and found that endosymbionts confer bigger body size and higher body water content. While chemical analyses revealed no significant differences in composition and quantity of cuticular hydrocarbons after long-term exposure to desiccation stress, symbiotic beetles lost water at a proportionally slower rate than did their aposymbiotic counterparts. We posit that the desiccation resistance and higher fitness observed in symbiotic beetles under dry conditions is due to their symbiont-enhanced thicker cuticle, which provides protection against cuticular transpiration. Thus, we demonstrate that the cuticle enhancing symbiosis of Sitophilus oryzae confers a fitness benefit under drought stress, an ecologically relevant condition for grain pest beetles. This benefit likely extends to many other systems where symbiont-mediated cuticle synthesis has been identified, including taxa spanning beetles and ants that occupy different ecological niches.},
}
@article {pmid37508385,
year = {2023},
author = {Cazzaniga, M and Domínguez-Santos, R and Marín-Miret, J and Gil, R and Latorre, A and García-Ferris, C},
title = {Exploring Gut Microbial Dynamics and Symbiotic Interaction in Blattella germanica Using Rifampicin.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {12},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {37508385},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {PGC2018-099344-B-I00//MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Spain) and "ERDF A way of making Europe"/ ; PID2021-128201NB-I00//MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 (Spain) and "ERDF A way of making Europe"/ ; Prometeo/2018/A/133//Conselleria d'Educaci&#xf3;, Generalitat Valenciana/ ; CIPROM/2021/042//Conselleria d'Educaci&#xf3;, Generalitat Valenciana/ ; },
abstract = {Blattella germanica harbours two cohabiting symbiotic systems: an obligate endosymbiont, Blattabacterium, located inside bacteriocytes and vertically transmitted, which is key in nitrogen metabolism, and abundant and complex gut microbiota acquired horizontally (mainly by coprophagy) that must play an important role in host physiology. In this work, we use rifampicin treatment to deepen the knowledge on the relationship between the host and the two systems. First, we analysed changes in microbiota composition in response to the presence and removal of the antibiotic with and without faeces in one generation. We found that, independently of faeces supply, rifampicin-sensitive bacteria are strongly affected at four days of treatment, and most taxa recover after treatment, although some did not reach control levels. Second, we tried to generate an aposymbiotic population, but individuals that reached the second generation were severely affected and no third generation was possible. Finally, we established a mixed population with quasi-aposymbiotic and control nymphs sharing an environment in a blind experiment. The analysis of the two symbiotic systems in each individual after reaching the adult stage revealed that endosymbiont's load does not affect the composition of the hindgut microbiota, suggesting that there is no interaction between the two symbiotic systems in Blattella germanica.},
}
@article {pmid37513789,
year = {2023},
author = {Holguin-Rocha, AF and Calle-Tobon, A and Vásquez, GM and Astete, H and Fisher, ML and Tobon-Castano, A and Velez-Tobon, G and Maldonado-Ruiz, LP and Silver, K and Park, Y and Londono-Renteria, B},
title = {Diversity of the Bacterial and Viral Communities in the Tropical Horse Tick, Dermacentor nitens, in Colombia.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {37513789},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {R21 AI163423/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; AI163423/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit pathogens among various vertebrates, including humans. The microbial and viral communities of ticks, including pathogenic microorganisms, are known to be highly diverse. However, the factors driving this diversity are not well understood. The tropical horse tick, Dermacentor nitens, is distributed throughout the Americas and it is recognized as a natural vector of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, the causal agents of equine piroplasmosis. In this study, we characterized the bacterial and viral communities associated with partially fed Dermacentor nitens females collected using a passive survey on horses from field sites representing three distinct geographical areas in the country of Colombia (Bolivar, Antioquia, and Cordoba). RNA-seq and sequencing of the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were performed using the Illumina-Miseq platform (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). A total of 356 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified, in which the presumed endosymbiont, Francisellaceae/Francisella spp., was predominantly found. Nine contigs corresponding to six different viruses were identified in three viral families: Chuviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Flaviviridae. Differences in the relative abundance of the microbial composition among the geographical regions were found to be independent of the presence of Francisella-like endosymbiont (FLE). The most prevalent bacteria found in each region were Corynebacterium in Bolivar, Staphylococcus in Antioquia, and Pseudomonas in Cordoba. Rickettsia-like endosymbionts, mainly recognized as the etiological agent of rickettsioses in Colombia, were detected in the Cordoba samples. Metatranscriptomics revealed 13 contigs containing FLE genes, suggesting a trend of regional differences. These findings suggest regional distinctions among the ticks and their bacterial compositions.},
}
@article {pmid37520253,
year = {2023},
author = {Dong, AZ and Cokcetin, N and Carter, DA and Fernandes, KE},
title = {Unique antimicrobial activity in honey from the Australian honeypot ant (Camponotus inflatus).},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {e15645},
pmid = {37520253},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Bees ; Animals ; *Ants ; Australia ; Enterobacteriaceae ; Bacteria ; Hydralazine/analogs &amp; derivatives ; Hydrazones ; },
abstract = {Honey produced by the Australian honeypot ant (Camponotus inflatus) is valued nutritionally and medicinally by Indigenous peoples, but its antimicrobial activity has never been formally studied. Here, we determine the activity of honeypot ant honey (HPAH) against a panel of bacterial and fungal pathogens, investigate its chemical properties, and profile the bacterial and fungal microbiome of the honeypot ant for the first time. We found HPAH to have strong total activity against Staphylococcus aureus but not against other bacteria, and strong non-peroxide activity against Cryptococcus and Aspergillus sp. When compared with therapeutic-grade jarrah and manuka honey produced by honey bees, we found HPAH to have a markedly different antimicrobial activity and chemical properties, suggesting HPAH has a unique mode of antimicrobial action. We found the bacterial microbiome of honeypot ants to be dominated by the known endosymbiont genus Candidatus Blochmannia (99.75%), and the fungal microbiome to be dominated by the plant-associated genus Neocelosporium (92.77%). This study demonstrates that HPAH has unique antimicrobial characteristics that validate its therapeutic use by Indigenous peoples and may provide a lead for the discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds.},
}
@article {pmid37525959,
year = {2023},
author = {Kolasa, M and Kajtoch, &#x141; and Michalik, A and Maryańska-Nadachowska, A and Łukasik, P},
title = {Till evolution do us part: The diversity of symbiotic associations across populations of Philaenus spittlebugs.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {25},
number = {11},
pages = {2431-2446},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.16473},
pmid = {37525959},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic bacteria have played crucial roles in the evolution of sap-feeding insects and can strongly affect host function. However, their diversity and distribution within species are not well understood; we do not know to what extent environmental factors or associations with other species may affect microbial community profiles. We addressed this question in Philaenus spittlebugs by surveying both insect and bacterial marker gene amplicons across multiple host populations. Host mitochondrial sequence data confirmed morphology-based identification of six species and revealed two divergent clades of Philaenus spumarius. All of them hosted the primary symbiont Sulcia that was almost always accompanied by Sodalis. Interestingly, populations and individuals often differed in the presence of Sodalis sequence variants, suggestive of intra-genome 16S rRNA variant polymorphism combined with rapid genome evolution and/or recent additional infections or replacements of the co-primary symbiont. The prevalence of facultative endosymbionts, including Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Spiroplasma, varied among populations. Notably, cytochrome I oxidase (COI) amplicon data also showed that nearly a quarter of P. spumarius were infected by parasitoid flies (Verralia aucta). One of the Wolbachia operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was exclusively present in Verralia-parasitized specimens, suggestive of parasitoids as their source and highlighting the utility of host gene amplicon sequencing in microbiome studies.},
}
@article {pmid37543226,
year = {2023},
author = {Li, Q and Fu, D and Zhou, Y and Li, Y and Chen, L and Wang, Z and Wan, Y and Huang, Z and Zhao, H},
title = {Individual and combined effects of herbicide prometryn and nitrate enrichment at environmentally relevant concentrations on photosynthesis, oxidative stress, and endosymbiont community diversity of coral Acropora hyacinthus.},
journal = {Chemosphere},
volume = {339},
number = {},
pages = {139729},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139729},
pmid = {37543226},
issn = {1879-1298},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; Prometryne ; Nitrates/pharmacology ; *Hyacinthus ; *Herbicides/toxicity ; Photosystem II Protein Complex ; Coral Reefs ; Photosynthesis ; Oxidative Stress ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Nitrogen pollution and pesticides such as photosystem II (PSII) inhibitor herbicides have several detrimental impacts on coral reefs, including breakdown of the symbiosis between host corals and photosynthetic symbionts. Although nitrogen and PSII herbicide pollution separately cause coral bleaching, the combined effects of these stressors at environmentally relevant concentrations on corals have not been assessed. Here, we report the combined effects of nitrate enrichment and PSII herbicide (prometryn) exposure on photosynthesis, oxidative status and endosymbiont community diversity of the reef-building coral Acropora hyacinthus. Coral fragments were exposed in a mesocosm system to nitrate enrichment (9 μmol/L) and two prometryn concentrations (1 and 5 μg/L). The results showed that sustained prometryn exposure in combination with nitrate enrichment stress had significant detrimental impacts on photosynthetic apparatus [the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) and oxidative status in the short term. Nevertheless, the adaptive mechanism of corals allowed the normal physiological state to be recovered following 1 μg/L prometryn and 9 μmol/L nitrate enrichment individual exposure. Moreover, exposure for 9 days was insufficient to trigger a shift in Symbiodiniaceae community. Most importantly, the negative impact of exposure to the combined environmental concentrations of 1 μg/L prometryn and 9 μmol/L nitrate enrichment was found to be significantly greater on the Fv/Fm, quantum yield of non-regulated energy dissipation [Y(NO)], NPQ, and oxidative status of corals compared to the impact of individual stressors. Our results show that interactions between prometryn stress and nitrate enrichment have a synergistic impact on the photosynthetic and oxidative stress responses of corals. This study provides valuable insights into combined effects of nitrate enrichment and PSII herbicides pollution for coral's physiology. Environmental concentrations of PSII herbicides may be more harmful to photosystems and antioxidant systems of corals under nitrate enrichment stress. Thus, future research and management of seawater quality stressors should consider combined impacts on corals rather than just the impacts of individual stressors alone.},
}
@article {pmid37545710,
year = {2023},
author = {Dzul-Rosado, KR and Arroyo-Solís, KA and Torres-Monroy, AJ and Arias-León, JJ and Peniche-Lara, GF and Puerto-Manzano, FI and Landa-Flores, MG and Del Mazo-López, JC and Salceda-Sánchez, B},
title = {Tick-associated diseases identified from hunting dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Mayan community in Yucatan, Mexico.},
journal = {Open veterinary journal},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {794-800},
pmid = {37545710},
issn = {2218-6050},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Dogs ; Working Dogs ; Mexico/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/veterinary ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Rhipicephalus sanguineus/microbiology/parasitology ; *Dog Diseases/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hunting activity in the Mayan communities has increased due to COVID-19 and domestic dogs have gained more importance. Due to their proximity to humans, domestic dogs are a bridge between tick-borne diseases (TBDs) and humans and their peri-domestic environment. In Mexico, and especially in rural regions, there were not adequate records of TBDs during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.<br><br>AIM: Identify TBD of ticks collected during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural community.<br><br>METHODS: Tick capture was carried out in March 2021, in Teabo, Yucatan. Ticks were removed using from domestic dogs and placed in ethanol. Collected ticks were morphologically identified and underwent DNA extraction and a partial segment of the mitochondrial 16S-rDNA gene was amplified to corroborate the tick species. The DNA was screened for the presence of Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., Ehrlichia spp., and Rickettsia spp. Purified amplification products were submitted for sequencing and the results were compared to those deposited in GenBank using BLAST.<br><br>RESULTS: We collected 33 ectoparasites, Ixodes affinis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Amblyomma mixtum on 11 hunting dogs. The most frequent ectoparasite was R. sanguineus (66%). We detected the presence of DNA of Rickettsia endosymbiont in I. affinis and Anaplasma platys in R. sanguineus. Rickettsia endosymbiont presented a similarity of 100% with the partial sequence of R. endosymbiont of I. affinis isolate IACACTM001 16S ribosomal RNA gene and the sequence of A. platys had a similarity of 100% with the partial sequence of the isolate 23-33TX 16S ribosomal RNA gene of A. platys from dogs from Texas, USA and with the partial sequence of the isolate L134 16S ribosomal RNA gene of Ehrlichia canis from dogs from Piura, Peru.<br><br>CONCLUSION: We confirmed for the first time the presence of A. platys in R. sanguineus and R. endosymbiont in I. affinis ticks from dogs in the state of Yucatan.},
}
@article {pmid37555448,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhang, R and Shen, Y and He, J and Zhang, C and Ma, Y and Sun, C and Song, X and Li, L and Zhang, S and Biró, JB and Saifi, F and Kaló, P and Chen, R},
title = {Nodule-specific cysteine-rich peptide 343 is required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Medicago truncatula.},
journal = {Plant physiology},
volume = {193},
number = {3},
pages = {1897-1912},
doi = {10.1093/plphys/kiad454},
pmid = {37555448},
issn = {1532-2548},
support = {32270261//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFF1003200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; XDA26030103//Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; //Hungarian National Research Fund/ ; OTKA-K-119652//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; IOS-1127155//National Science Foundation/ ; //The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc./ ; },
mesh = {*Medicago truncatula/metabolism ; Nitrogen Fixation/genetics ; Cysteine/metabolism ; Peptides/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic interactions between legumes and rhizobia lead to the development of root nodules and nitrogen fixation by differentiated bacteroids within nodules. Differentiation of the endosymbionts is reversible or terminal, determined by plant effectors. In inverted repeat lacking clade legumes, nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides control the terminal differentiation of bacteroids. Medicago truncatula contains ∼700 NCR-coding genes. However, the role of few NCR peptides has been demonstrated. Here, we report characterization of fast neutron 2106 (FN2106), a symbiotic nitrogen fixation defective (fix-) mutant of M. truncatula. Using a transcript-based approach, together with linkage and complementation tests, we showed that loss-of-function of NCR343 results in impaired bacteroid differentiation and/or maintenance and premature nodule senescence of the FN2106 mutant. NCR343 was specifically expressed in nodules. Subcellular localization studies showed that the functional NCR343-YFP fusion protein colocalizes with bacteroids in symbiosomes in infected nodule cells. Transcriptomic analyses identified senescence-, but not defense-related genes, as being significantly upregulated in ncr343 (FN2106) nodules. Taken together, results from our phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses of a loss-of-function ncr343 mutant demonstrate an essential role of NCR343 in bacteroid differentiation and/or maintenance required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation.},
}
@article {pmid37564291,
year = {2023},
author = {Salem, H and Biedermann, PHW and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Editorial: Diversity of beetles and associated microorganisms.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1252736},
pmid = {37564291},
issn = {1664-302X},
}
@article {pmid37567493,
year = {2023},
author = {Kamkong, P and Jitsamai, W and Thongmeesee, K and Ratthawongjirakul, P and Taweethavonsawat, P},
title = {Genetic diversity and characterization of Wolbachia endosymbiont in canine filariasis.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {246},
number = {},
pages = {107000},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107000},
pmid = {37567493},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Dirofilariasis ; *Dirofilaria immitis/genetics ; Dirofilaria ; *Filarioidea/genetics ; *Heart Diseases ; Genetic Variation ; *Dog Diseases ; },
abstract = {Canine filariasis is caused by nematodes from the family Onchocercidae, which is transmitted by arthropod vectors. The disease is commonly found in Southeast Asia and exists worldwide. Some filarial nematodes are associated with intracellular bacteria of the genus Wolbachia, which plays an important role in embryogenesis, molting, and the long-term survival of adult worms. This study aims to characterize Wolbachia sp. and determine the association between Wolbachia and canine filarial nematode species in Thailand. A total of 46 dog blood samples that were naturally infected with filarial nematodes were obtained to identify filarial nematode species by Giemsa stained under a light microscope and confirmed using the molecular technique. In order to characterize Wolbachia sp., the nested PCR assay targeting the 16S rRNA gene showed that all samples of Dirofilaria immitis and fifteen samples of Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis were grouped into Wolbachia supergroup C. In addition, all samples of Brugia spp. and five samples of Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis were classified into Wolbachia supergroup D. The genetic diversity analysis conducted using the 16S rRNA gene revealed a similar result when analyzed through phylogenetic tree analysis. This is the first genetic diversity study of Wolbachia of Candidatus Dirofilaria hongkongensis in infected dogs in Thailand.},
}
@article {pmid37573143,
year = {2023},
author = {Pacheco, PJ and Cabrera, JJ and Jiménez-Leiva, A and Torres, MJ and Gates, AJ and Bedmar, EJ and Richardson, DJ and Mesa, S and Tortosa, G and Delgado, MJ},
title = {The copper-responsive regulator CsoR is indirectly involved in Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens denitrification.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {370},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37573143},
issn = {1574-6968},
mesh = {*Copper/metabolism ; Denitrification ; Nitrite Reductases/genetics/metabolism ; Nitrates/metabolism ; *Bradyrhizobium/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The soybean endosymbiont Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens harbours the complete denitrification pathway that is catalysed by a periplasmic nitrate reductase (Nap), a copper (Cu)-containing nitrite reductase (NirK), a c-type nitric oxide reductase (cNor), and a nitrous oxide reductase (Nos), encoded by the napEDABC, nirK, norCBQD, and nosRZDFYLX genes, respectively. Induction of denitrification genes requires low oxygen and nitric oxide, both signals integrated into a complex regulatory network comprised by two interconnected cascades, FixLJ-FixK2-NnrR and RegSR-NifA. Copper is a cofactor of NirK and Nos, but it has also a role in denitrification gene expression and protein synthesis. In fact, Cu limitation triggers a substantial down-regulation of nirK, norCBQD, and nosRZDFYLX gene expression under denitrifying conditions. Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens genome possesses a gene predicted to encode a Cu-responsive repressor of the CsoR family, which is located adjacent to copA, a gene encoding a putative Cu+-ATPase transporter. To investigate the role of CsoR in the control of denitrification gene expression in response to Cu, a csoR deletion mutant was constructed in this work. Mutation of csoR did not affect the capacity of B. diazoefficiens to grow under denitrifying conditions. However, by using qRT-PCR analyses, we showed that nirK and norCBQD expression was much lower in the csoR mutant compared to wild-type levels under Cu-limiting denitrifying conditions. On the contrary, copA expression was significantly increased in the csoR mutant. The results obtained suggest that CsoR acts as a repressor of copA. Under Cu limitation, CsoR has also an indirect role in the expression of nirK and norCBQD genes.},
}
@article {pmid37577425,
year = {2023},
author = {Garrido, M and Veiga, J and Garrigós, M and Martínez-de la Puente, J},
title = {The interplay between vector microbial community and pathogen transmission on the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus: current knowledge and future directions.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1208633},
pmid = {37577425},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The invasive Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is nowadays broadly distributed with established populations in all continents except Antarctica. In the invaded areas, this species represents an important nuisance for humans and, more relevant, it is involved in the local transmission of pathogens relevant under a public health perspective. Aedes albopictus is a competent vector of parasites such as Dirofilaria and viruses including dengue virus, Zika virus, and chikungunya virus, among others. The mosquito microbiota has been identified as one of the major drivers of vector competence, acting upon relevant vector functions as development or immunity. Here, we review the available literature on the interaction between Ae. albopictus microbiota and pathogen transmission and identify the knowledge gaps on the topic. Most studies are strictly focused on the interplay between pathogens and Wolbachia endosymbiont while studies screening whole microbiota are still scarce but increasing in recent years, supported on Next-generation sequencing tools. Most experimental trials use lab-reared mosquitoes or cell lines, exploring the molecular mechanisms of the microbiota-pathogen interaction. Yet, correlational studies on wild populations are underrepresented. Consequently, we still lack sufficient evidence to reveal whether the microbiota of introduced populations of Ae. albopictus differ from those of native populations, or how microbiota is shaped by different environmental and anthropic factors, but especially, how these changes affect the ability of Ae. albopictus to transmit pathogens and favor the occurrence of outbreaks in the colonized areas. Finally, we propose future research directions on this research topic.},
}
@article {pmid37577446,
year = {2023},
author = {Ali, A and Obaid, MK and Almutairi, MM and Alouffi, A and Numan, M and Ullah, S and Rehman, G and Islam, ZU and Khan, SB and Tanaka, T},
title = {Molecular detection of Coxiella spp. in ticks (Ixodidae and Argasidae) infesting domestic and wild animals: with notes on the epidemiology of tick-borne Coxiella burnetii in Asia.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1229950},
pmid = {37577446},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Tick-borne Coxiella spp. are emerging in novel regions infecting different hosts, but information regarding their occurrence is limited. The purpose of this study was the molecular screening of Coxiella spp. in various ticks infesting goats, sheep, camels, cattle, wild mice, and domestic fowls (Gallus gallus domesticus) in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Morphologically identified tick species were confirmed by obtaining their cox1 sequences and were molecularly screened for Coxiella spp. by sequencing GroEL fragments. Almost 345 out of 678 (50.9%) hosts were infested by nine tick species. Regarding the age groups, the hosts having an age >3 years were highly infested (192/345, 55.6%), while gender-wise infestation was higher in female hosts (237/345, 68.7%). In collected ticks, the nymphs were outnumbered (613/1,119, 54.8%), followed by adult females (293/1,119, 26.2%) and males (213/1,119, 19.7%). A total of 227 ticks were processed for molecular identification and detection of Coxiella spp. The obtained cox1 sequences of nine tick species such as Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma anatolicum, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Haemaphysalis danieli, Haemaphysalis montgomeryi, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Argas persicus showed maximum identities between 99.6% and 100% with the same species and in the phylogenetic tree, clustered to the corresponding species. All the tick species except Ha. danieli and R. microplus were found positive for Coxiella spp. (40/227, 17.6%), including Coxiella burnetii (15/40, 6.7%), Coxiella endosymbionts (14/40, 6.3%), and different Coxiella spp. (11/40, 4.9%). By the BLAST results, the GroEL fragments of Coxiella spp. showed maximum identity to C. burnetii, Coxiella endosymbionts, and Coxiella sp., and phylogenetically clustered to the corresponding species. This is the first comprehensive report regarding the genetic characterization of Coxiella spp. in Pakistan's ticks infesting domestic and wild hosts. Proper surveillance and management measures should be undertaken to avoid health risks.},
}
@article {pmid37577638,
year = {2023},
author = {He, LS and Qi, Y and Allard, CA and Valencia-Montoya, WA and Krueger, SP and Weir, K and Seminara, A and Bellono, NW},
title = {Molecular tuning of sea anemone stinging.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37577638},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {R01 DC018789/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM142697/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Jellyfish and sea anemones fire single-use, venom-covered barbs to immobilize prey or predators. We previously showed that the anemone Nematostella vectensis uses a specialized voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channel to trigger stinging in response to synergistic prey-derived chemicals and touch (Weir et al., 2020). Here we use experiments and theory to find that stinging behavior is suited to distinct ecological niches. We find that the burrowing anemone Nematostella uses uniquely strong CaV inactivation for precise control of predatory stinging. In contrast, the related anemone Exaiptasia diaphana inhabits exposed environments to support photosynthetic endosymbionts. Consistent with its niche, Exaiptasia indiscriminately stings for defense and expresses a CaV splice variant that confers weak inactivation. Chimeric analyses reveal that CaVβ subunit adaptations regulate inactivation, suggesting an evolutionary tuning mechanism for stinging behavior. These findings demonstrate how functional specialization of ion channel structure contributes to distinct organismal behavior.},
}
@article {pmid37583325,
year = {2023},
author = {Travers-Cook, TJ and Jokela, J and Buser, CC},
title = {The evolutionary ecology of fungal killer phenotypes.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {290},
number = {2005},
pages = {20231108},
pmid = {37583325},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Fungi ; *Models, Biological ; Phenotype ; Ecology ; Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Ecological interactions influence evolutionary dynamics by selecting upon fitness variation within species. Antagonistic interactions often promote genetic and species diversity, despite the inherently suppressive effect they can have on the species experiencing them. A central aim of evolutionary ecology is to understand how diversity is maintained in systems experiencing antagonism. In this review, we address how certain single-celled and dimorphic fungi have evolved allelopathic killer phenotypes that engage in antagonistic interactions. We discuss the evolutionary pathways to the production of lethal toxins, the functions of killer phenotypes and the consequences of competition for toxin producers, their competitors and toxin-encoding endosymbionts. Killer phenotypes are powerful models because many appear to have evolved independently, enabling across-phylogeny comparisons of the origins, functions and consequences of allelopathic antagonism. Killer phenotypes can eliminate host competitors and influence evolutionary dynamics, yet the evolutionary ecology of killer phenotypes remains largely unknown. We discuss what is known and what remains to be ascertained about killer phenotype ecology and evolution, while bringing their model system properties to the reader's attention.},
}
@article {pmid37584011,
year = {2023},
author = {Perles, L and Otranto, D and Barreto, WTG and de Macedo, GC and Lia, RP and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Herrera, HM and de Oliveira, CE and Machado, RZ and André, MR},
title = {Mansonella sp. and associated Wolbachia endosymbionts in ring-tailed coatis (Nasua nasua) in periurban areas from Midwestern Brazil.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife},
volume = {22},
number = {},
pages = {14-19},
pmid = {37584011},
issn = {2213-2244},
abstract = {Coatis (Nasua nasua) are wild carnivorous well adapted to anthropized environments especially important because they act as reservoirs hosts for many arthropod-borne zoonotic pathogens. Information about filarioids from coatis and associated Wolbachia spp. in Brazil is scant. To investigate the diversity of filarial nematodes, blood samples (n = 100 animals) were obtained from two urban areas in midwestern Brazil and analyzed using blood smears and buffy coats and cPCR assays based on the cox1, 12S rRNA, 18S rRNA, hsp70 and myoHC genes for nematodes and 16S rRNA for Wolbachia. When analyzing coati blood smears and buffy coats, 30% and 80% of the samples presented at least one microfilaria, respectively. Twenty-five cox1 sequences were obtained showing 89% nucleotide identity with Mansonella ozzardi. Phylogenetic analyses clustered cox1 sequences herein obtained within the Mansonella spp. clade. Sequences of both myoHC and two hsp70 genes showed 99.8% nucleotide identity with Mansonella sp. and clustered into a clade within Mansonella sp., previously detected in coatis from Brazil. Two blood samples were positive for Wolbachia, with a 99% nucleotide identity with Wolbachia previously found in Mansonella perstans, Mansonella ozzardi and Mansonella atelensis and in ectoparasites of the genus Pseudolynchia, Melophagus and Cimex. The study showed a high prevalence of Mansonella sp. in the coati population examined, suggesting that this animal species play a role as reservoirs of a novel, yet to be described, species within the Onchocercidae family.},
}
@article {pmid37585608,
year = {2024},
author = {Shao, Y and Mason, CJ and Felton, GW},
title = {Toward an Integrated Understanding of the Lepidoptera Microbiome.},
journal = {Annual review of entomology},
volume = {69},
number = {},
pages = {117-137},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-020723-102548},
pmid = {37585608},
issn = {1545-4487},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lepidoptera ; Larva ; *Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Research over the past 30 years has led to a widespread acceptance that insects establish widespread and diverse associations with microorganisms. More recently, microbiome research has been accelerating in lepidopteran systems, leading to a greater understanding of both endosymbiont and gut microorganisms and how they contribute to integral aspects of the host. Lepidoptera are associated with a robust assemblage of microorganisms, some of which may be stable and routinely detected in larval and adult hosts, while others are ephemeral and transient. Certain microorganisms that populate Lepidoptera can contribute significantly to the hosts' performance and fitness, while others are inconsequential. We emphasize the context-dependent nature of the interactions between players. While our review discusses the contemporary literature, there are major avenues yet to be explored to determine both the fundamental aspects of host-microbe interactions and potential applications for the lepidopteran microbiome; we describe these avenues after our synthesis.},
}
@article {pmid37593719,
year = {2023},
author = {Scott, TJ and Larsen, TJ and Brock, DA and Uhm, SYS and Queller, DC and Strassmann, JE},
title = {Symbiotic bacteria, immune-like sentinel cells, and the response to pathogens in a social amoeba.},
journal = {Royal Society open science},
volume = {10},
number = {8},
pages = {230727},
pmid = {37593719},
issn = {2054-5703},
abstract = {Some endosymbionts living within a host must modulate their hosts' immune systems in order to infect and persist. We studied the effect of a bacterial endosymbiont on a facultatively multicellular social amoeba host. Aggregates of the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum contain a subpopulation of sentinel cells that function akin to the immune systems of more conventional multicellular organisms. Sentinel cells sequester and discard toxins from D. discoideum aggregates and may play a central role in defence against pathogens. We measured the number and functionality of sentinel cells in aggregates of D. discoideum infected by bacterial endosymbionts in the genus Paraburkholderia. Infected D. discoideum produced fewer and less functional sentinel cells, suggesting that Paraburkholderia may interfere with its host's immune system. Despite impaired sentinel cells, however, infected D. discoideum were less sensitive to ethidium bromide toxicity, suggesting that Paraburkholderia may also have a protective effect on its host. By contrast, D. discoideum infected by Paraburkholderia did not show differences in their sensitivity to two non-symbiotic pathogens. Our results expand previous work on yet another aspect of the complicated relationship between D. discoideum and Paraburkholderia, which has considerable potential as a model for the study of symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid37601442,
year = {2023},
author = {Archer, J and Hurst, GDD and Hornett, EA},
title = {Male-killer symbiont screening reveals novel associations in Adalia ladybirds.},
journal = {Access microbiology},
volume = {5},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {37601442},
issn = {2516-8290},
abstract = {While male-killing bacteria are known to infect across arthropods, ladybird beetles represent a hotspot for these symbioses. In some host species, there are multiple different symbionts that vary in presence and frequency between populations. To further our understanding of spatial and frequency variation, we tested for the presence of three male-killing bacteria: Wolbachia , Rickettsia and Spiroplasma , in two Adalia ladybird species from a previously unexplored UK population. The two-spot ladybird, A. bipunctata, is known to harbour all three male-killers, and we identified Spiroplasma infection in the Merseyside population for the first time. However, in contrast to previous studies on two-spot ladybirds from continental Europe, evidence from egg-hatch rates indicates the Spiroplasma strain present in the Merseyside population does not cause embryonic male-killing. In the related ten-spot ladybird, A. decempunctata, there is only one previous record of a male-killing symbiont, a Rickettsia , which we did not detect in the Merseyside sample. However, PCR assays indicated the presence of a Spiroplasma in a single A. decempunctata specimen. Marker sequence indicated that this Spiroplasma was divergent from that found in sympatric A. bipunctata. Genome sequencing of the Spiroplasma -infected A. decempunctata additionally revealed the presence of cobionts in the form of a Centistes parasitoid wasp and the parasitic fungi Beauveria. Further study of A. decempunctata from this population is needed to resolve whether it is the ladybird or wasp cobiont that harbours Spiroplasma , and to establish the phenotype of this strain. These data indicate first that microbial symbiont phenotype should not be assumed from past studies conducted in different locations, and second that cobiont presence may confound screening studies aimed to detect the frequency of a symbiont in field collected material from a focal host species.},
}
@article {pmid37615902,
year = {2024},
author = {Lanzoni, O and Szokoli, F and Schrallhammer, M and Sabaneyeva, E and Krenek, S and Doak, TG and Verni, F and Berendonk, TU and Castelli, M and Petroni, G},
title = {"Candidatus Intestinibacterium parameciiphilum"-member of the "Candidatus Paracaedibacteraceae" family (Alphaproteobacteria, Holosporales) inhabiting the ciliated protist Paramecium.},
journal = {International microbiology : the official journal of the Spanish Society for Microbiology},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {659-671},
pmid = {37615902},
issn = {1618-1905},
mesh = {*Phylogeny ; *Paramecium/microbiology/genetics/classification ; *Symbiosis ; *RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Alphaproteobacteria/genetics/classification/isolation &amp; purification ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Protists frequently host diverse bacterial symbionts, in particular those affiliated with the order Holosporales (Alphaproteobacteria). All characterised members of this bacterial lineage have been retrieved in obligate association with a wide range of eukaryotes, especially multiple protist lineages (e.g. amoebozoans, ciliates, cercozoans, euglenids, and nucleariids), as well as some metazoans (especially arthropods and related ecdysozoans). While the genus Paramecium and other ciliates have been deeply investigated for the presence of symbionts, known members of the family "Candidatus Paracaedibacteraceae" (Holosporales) are currently underrepresented in such hosts. Herein, we report the description of "Candidatus Intestinibacterium parameciiphilum" within the family "Candidatus Paracaedibacteraceae", inhabiting the cytoplasm of Paramecium biaurelia. This novel bacterium is almost twice as big as its relative "Candidatus Intestinibacterium nucleariae" from the opisthokont Nuclearia and does not present a surrounding halo. Based on phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences, we identified six further potential species-level lineages within the genus. Based on the provenance of the respective samples, we investigated the environmental distribution of the representatives of "Candidatus Intestinibacterium" species. Obtained results are consistent with an obligate endosymbiotic lifestyle, with protists, in particular freshwater ones, as hosts. Thus, available data suggest that association with freshwater protists could be the ancestral condition for the members of the "Candidatus Intestinibacterium" genus.},
}
@article {pmid37622600,
year = {2023},
author = {Ciocchetta, S and Frentiu, FD and Montarsi, F and Capelli, G and Devine, GJ},
title = {Investigation on key aspects of mating biology in the mosquito Aedes koreicus.},
journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology},
volume = {37},
number = {4},
pages = {826-833},
doi = {10.1111/mve.12687},
pmid = {37622600},
issn = {1365-2915},
mesh = {Female ; Male ; Animals ; *Aedes ; Reproduction ; Insemination ; Italy ; Biology ; Introduced Species ; Mosquito Vectors ; },
abstract = {Aedes koreicus Edwards, 1917 (Hulecoetomyia koreica) is a mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) from Northeast Asia with a rapidly expanding presence outside its original native range. Over the years, the species has been discovered in several new countries, either spreading after first introduction or remaining localised to limited areas. Notably, recent studies have demonstrated the ability of the species to transmit zoonotic parasites and viruses both in the field and in laboratory settings. Combined with its invasive potential, the possible role of Ae. koreicus in pathogen transmission highlights the public health risks resulting from its invasion. In this study, we used a recently established population from Italy to investigate aspects of biology that influence reproductive success in Ae. koreicus: autogeny, mating behaviour, mating disruption by the sympatric invasive species Aedes albopictus Skuse, 1894, and the presence of the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis Hertig, 1936. Our laboratory population did not exhibit autogenic behaviour and required a bloodmeal to complete its ovarian cycle. When we exposed Ae. koreicus females to males of Ae. albopictus, we observed repeated attempts at insemination and an aggressive, disruptive mating behaviour initiated by male Ae. albopictus. Despite this, no sperm was identified in Ae. koreicus spermathecae. Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium capable of influencing mosquito reproductive behaviour, was not detected in this Ae. koreicus population and, therefore, had no effect on Ae. koreicus reproduction.},
}
@article {pmid37623315,
year = {2023},
author = {Moriyama, M and Nishide, Y and Toyoda, A and Itoh, T and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Complete genomes of mutualistic bacterial co-symbionts "Candidatus Sulcia muelleri" and "Candidatus Nasuia deltocephalinicola" of the rice green leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {e0035323},
pmid = {37623315},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {JP17K15399//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP19H02973//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JP16H06279//MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/ ; JPMJER1902//MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)/ ; },
abstract = {The genomes of obligate bacterial co-symbionts of the green rice leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps, which is notorious as an agricultural pest, were determined. The streamlined genomes of "Candidatus Sulcia muelleri" and "Candidatus Nasuia deltocephalinicola" exhibited complementary metabolic pathways for synthesizing essential nutrients that contribute to host adaptation.},
}
@article {pmid37628597,
year = {2023},
author = {Corpuz, RL and Bellinger, MR and Veillet, A and Magnacca, KN and Price, DK},
title = {The Transmission Patterns of the Endosymbiont Wolbachia within the Hawaiian Drosophilidae Adaptive Radiation.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {37628597},
issn = {2073-4425},
mesh = {Female ; Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Hawaii ; Phylogeny ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Drosophila/genetics ; },
abstract = {The evolution of endosymbionts and their hosts can lead to highly dynamic interactions with varying fitness effects for both the endosymbiont and host species. Wolbachia, a ubiquitous endosymbiont of arthropods and nematodes, can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on host fitness. We documented the occurrence and patterns of transmission of Wolbachia within the Hawaiian Drosophilidae and examined the potential contributions of Wolbachia to the rapid diversification of their hosts. Screens for Wolbachia infections across a minimum of 140 species of Hawaiian Drosophila and Scaptomyza revealed species-level infections of 20.0%, and across all 399 samples, a general infection rate of 10.3%. Among the 44 Wolbachia strains we identified using a modified Wolbachia multi-locus strain typing scheme, 30 (68.18%) belonged to supergroup B, five (11.36%) belonged to supergroup A, and nine (20.45%) had alleles with conflicting supergroup assignments. Co-phylogenetic reconciliation analysis indicated that Wolbachia strain diversity within their endemic Hawaiian Drosophilidae hosts can be explained by vertical (e.g., co-speciation) and horizontal (e.g., host switch) modes of transmission. Results from stochastic character trait mapping suggest that horizontal transmission is associated with the preferred oviposition substrate of the host, but not the host's plant family or island of occurrence. For Hawaiian Drosophilid species of conservation concern, with 13 species listed as endangered and 1 listed as threatened, knowledge of Wolbachia strain types, infection status, and potential for superinfection could assist with conservation breeding programs designed to bolster population sizes, especially when wild populations are supplemented with laboratory-reared, translocated individuals. Future research aimed at improving the understanding of the mechanisms of Wolbachia transmission in nature, their impact on the host, and their role in host species formation may shed light on the influence of Wolbachia as an evolutionary driver, especially in Hawaiian ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid37630471,
year = {2023},
author = {Chao, LL and Shih, CM},
title = {First Detection and Genetic Identification of Wolbachia Endosymbiont in Field-Caught Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes Collected from Southern Taiwan.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {37630471},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {MOST 111-2314-B-037-031//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan/ ; },
abstract = {The prevalence and genetic character of Wolbachia endosymbionts in field-collected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were examined for the first time in Taiwan. A total of 665 Ae. aegypti were screened for Wolbachia infection using a PCR assay targeting the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene. In general, the prevalence of Wolbachia infection was detected in 3.3% Ae. aegypti specimens (2.0% female and 5.2% male). Group-specific Wolbachia infection was detected with an infection rate of 1.8%, 0.8% and 0.8% in groups A, B and A&amp;B, respectively. Genetic analysis demonstrated that all Wolbachia strains from Taiwan were phylogenetically affiliated with Wolbachia belonging to the supergroups A and B, with high sequence similarities of 99.4-100% and 99.2-100%, respectively. Phylogenetic relationships can be easily distinguished by maximum likelihood (ML) analysis and were congruent with the unweighted pair group with the arithmetic mean (UPGMA) method. The intra- and inter-group analysis of genetic distance (GD) values revealed a lower level within the Taiwan strains (GD < 0.006 for group A and GD < 0.008 for group B) and a higher level (GD > 0.498 for group A and GD > 0.286 for group B) as compared with other Wolbachia strains. Our results describe the first detection and molecular identification of Wolbachia endosymbiont in field-caught Ae. aegypti mosquitoes collected from Taiwan, and showed a low Wolbachia infection rate belonging to supergroups A and B in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.},
}
@article {pmid37630527,
year = {2023},
author = {Namina, A and Kazarina, A and Lazovska, M and Akopjana, S and Ulanova, V and Kivrane, A and Freimane, L and Sadovska, D and Kimsis, J and Bormane, A and Capligina, V and Ranka, R},
title = {Comparative Microbiome Analysis of Three Epidemiologically Important Tick Species in Latvia.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {37630527},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {No. 1.1.1.1/16/A/044//European Research and Development Fund/ ; },
abstract = {(1) Background: Amplicon-based 16S rRNA profiling is widely used to study whole communities of prokaryotes in many niches. Here, we comparatively examined the microbial composition of three tick species, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus and Dermacentor reticulatus, which were field-collected in Latvia. (2) Methods: Tick DNA samples were used for microbiome analysis targeting bacterial 16S rDNA using next-generation sequencing (NGS). (3) Results: The results showed significant differences in microbial species diversity and composition by tick species and life stage. A close similarity between microbiomes of I. ricinus and I. persulcatus ticks was observed, while the D. reticulatus microbiome composition appeared to be more distinct. Significant differences in alpha and beta microbial diversity were observed between Ixodes tick life stages and sexes, with lower taxa richness indexes obtained for female ticks. The Francisella genus was closely associated with D. reticulatus ticks, while endosymbionts Candidatus Midichlorii and Candidatus Lariskella were associated with I. ricinus and I. persulcatus females, respectively. In I. ricinus females, the endosymbiont load negatively correlated with the presence of the Rickettsia genus. (4) Conclusions: The results of this study revealed important associations between ticks and their microbial community and highlighted the microbiome features of three tick species in Latvia.},
}
@article {pmid37630596,
year = {2023},
author = {Mancuso, E and Di Domenico, M and Di Gialleonardo, L and Menegon, M and Toma, L and Di Luca, M and Casale, F and Di Donato, G and D'Onofrio, L and De Rosa, A and Riello, S and Ferri, A and Serra, L and Monaco, F},
title = {Tick Species Diversity and Molecular Identification of Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiae Collected from Migratory Birds Arriving from Africa.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {37630596},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {IZS AM 04/19 RC//Italian Ministry of Health/ ; },
abstract = {The role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens along their routes from Africa to Europe is increasingly emerging. Wild birds can host several tick species, often infected by bacteria responsible for zoonoses. The aim of the study is to assess the possible introduction of exotic ticks carried by migratory birds into Italy from Africa and to detect the presence of Rickettsia species and Coxiella burnetii they may harbor. During a two-year survey, we collected ticks from migratory birds captured during their short stop-over on Ventotene Island. Specimens were first identified by morphology or sequencing molecular targets when needed, and then tested by real-time PCR for the presence of selected pathogens. A total of 91% of the collection consisted of sub-Saharan ticks, more than 50% of which were infected by Rickettsia species belonging to the spotted fever group, mainly represented by R. aeschlimannii. In contrast, the suspected C. burnetii detected in two soft ticks were confirmed as Coxiella-like endosymbionts and not the pathogen. Although there are still gaps in the knowledge of this dispersal process, our findings confirm the role of migratory birds in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, suggesting the need for a continuous surveillance to monitor the potential emergence of new diseases in Europe.},
}
@article {pmid37634049,
year = {2023},
author = {Treitli, SC and Hanousková, P and Beneš, V and Brune, A and Čepička, I and Hampl, V},
title = {Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is the key process in the obligately syntrophic consortium of the anaerobic ameba Pelomyxa schiedti.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {17},
number = {11},
pages = {1884-1894},
pmid = {37634049},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Anaerobiosis ; *Amoeba ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Bacteria/genetics ; Hydrogen/metabolism ; Methane/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Pelomyxa is a genus of anaerobic amoebae that live in consortia with multiple prokaryotic endosymbionts. Although the symbionts represent a large fraction of the cellular biomass, their metabolic roles have not been investigated. Using single-cell genomics and transcriptomics, we have characterized the prokaryotic community associated with P. schiedti, which is composed of two bacteria, Candidatus Syntrophus pelomyxae (class Deltaproteobacteria) and Candidatus Vesiculincola pelomyxae (class Clostridia), and a methanogen, Candidatus Methanoregula pelomyxae. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and electron microscopy showed that Ca. Vesiculincola pelomyxae is localized inside vesicles, whereas the other endosymbionts occur freely in the cytosol, with Ca. Methanoregula pelomyxae enriched around the nucleus. Genome and transcriptome-based reconstructions of the metabolism suggests that the cellulolytic activity of P. schiedti produces simple sugars that fuel its own metabolism and the metabolism of a Ca. Vesiculincola pelomyxae, while Ca. Syntrophus pelomyxae energy metabolism relies on degradation of butyrate and isovalerate from the environment. Both species of bacteria and the ameba use hydrogenases to transfer the electrons from reduced equivalents to hydrogen, a process that requires a low hydrogen partial pressure. This is achieved by the third endosymbiont, Ca. Methanoregula pelomyxae, which consumes H2 and formate for methanogenesis. While the bacterial symbionts can be successfully eliminated by vancomycin treatment without affecting the viability of the amoebae, treatment with 2-bromoethanesulfonate, a specific inhibitor of methanogenesis, killed the amoebae, indicating the essentiality of the methanogenesis for this consortium.},
}
@article {pmid37638258,
year = {2023},
author = {Sheibani, P and Jamshidi, M and Khakvar, R and Nematollahi, S},
title = {Genomic Characterization of Endosymbiotic Bacteria Associated With Helicoverpa armigera in Iran Using Next-Generation Sequencing.},
journal = {Bioinformatics and biology insights},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {11779322231195457},
pmid = {37638258},
issn = {1177-9322},
abstract = {Several species of the Helicoverpa genus have been recognized as major agricultural pests from different regions of the world, among which Helicoverpa armigera species has been reported as the most destructive and cosmopolitan species in most regions of the world, including Iran. This pest is a polyphagous species and can cause damage to more than 120 plant species. Studying the internal microbiome of pests is very important in identifying species' weaknesses and natural enemies and potential biological control agents. For genomic characterization of the microbial community associated with H armigera, the whole genome of insect larvae collected from vegetable fields in the northwest of Iran was sequenced using next-generation sequencing Illumina platform. Finally, about 2 GB of raw data were obtained. Using the MetaPhlAn2 pipeline, it was predicted that 2 endosymbiont bacterial species including Buchnera aphidicola and Serratia symbiotica were associated with H armigera. Alignment of reference strains sequences related to both endosymbiotic bacteria with raw data and subsequently, assembly analyses resulted in 2 genomes with 657 623 bp length with GC content of 27.4% for B aphidicola and 1 595 135 bp length with GC content of 42.90% for S symbiotica. This research is the first report on the association of B aphidicola and S symbiotica as endosymbiotic bacteria with H armigera worldwide.},
}
@article {pmid37645949,
year = {2023},
author = {Wenzel, M and Aquadro, CF},
title = {Wolbachia infection at least partially rescues the fertility and ovary defects of several new Drosophila melanogaster bag of marbles protein-coding mutants.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2023.03.20.532813},
pmid = {37645949},
issn = {2692-8205},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The D. melanogaster protein coding gene bag of marbles (bam) plays a key role in early male and female reproduction by forming complexes with partner proteins to promote differentiation in gametogenesis. Like another germline gene, Sex lethal , bam genetically interacts with the endosymbiont Wolbachia , as Wolbachia rescues the reduced fertility of a bam hypomorphic mutant. Here, we explored the specificity of the bam-Wolbachia interaction by generating 22 new bam mutants, with ten mutants displaying fertility defects. Nine of these mutants trend towards rescue by the w Mel Wolbachia variant, with eight statistically significant at the fertility and/or cytological level. In some cases, fertility was increased a striking 20-fold. There is no specificity between the rescue and the known binding regions of bam , suggesting w Mel does not interact with one singular bam partner to rescue the reproductive phenotype. We further tested if w Mel interacts with bam in a non-specific way, by increasing bam transcript levels or acting upstream in germline stem cells. A fertility assessment of a bam RNAi knockdown mutant reveals that w Mel rescue is specific to functionally mutant bam alleles and we find no obvious evidence of w Mel interaction with germline stem cells in bam mutants.<br><br>AUTHOR SUMMARY: Reproduction in the Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly is dependent on the bag of marbles (bam) gene, which acts early in the process of generating eggs and sperm. Mutations to this gene negatively impact the fertility of the fly, causing it to be sterile or have fewer progeny. Interestingly, we find that the bacteria Wolbachia , which resides within reproductive cells across a wide range of insects, partially restores the fertility and ovary phenotype of several bam mutants of which the resultant Bam protein is altered from wildtype. The protein function of Bam is further suggested to be important by the lack of rescue for a fly that has a fertility defect due to low expression of a non-mutated bam gene. Previous work makes similar conclusions about Wolbachia with another reproductive gene, Sex lethal (Sxl), highlighting the potential for rescue of fertility mutants to occur in a similar way across different genes. An understanding of the ways in which Wolbachia can affect host reproduction provides us with context with which to frame Wolbachia 's impact on host genes, such as bam and Sxl, and consider the evolutionary implications of Wolbachia 's infection in D. melanogaster fruit flies.},
}
@article {pmid37650335,
year = {2023},
author = {Ehinger, FJ and Niehs, SP and Dose, B and Dell, M and Krabbe, J and Pidot, SJ and Stinear, TP and Scherlach, K and Ross, C and Lackner, G and Hertweck, C},
title = {Analysis of Rhizonin Biosynthesis Reveals Origin of Pharmacophoric Furylalanine Moieties in Diverse Cyclopeptides.},
journal = {Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English)},
volume = {62},
number = {42},
pages = {e202308540},
doi = {10.1002/anie.202308540},
pmid = {37650335},
issn = {1521-3773},
mesh = {Humans ; *Peptides, Cyclic/chemistry ; *Computational Biology ; Multigene Family ; Fungi/metabolism ; Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Rhizonin A and B are hepatotoxic cyclopeptides produced by bacterial endosymbionts (Mycetohabitans endofungorum) of the fungus Rhizopus microsporus. Their toxicity critically depends on the presence of 3-furylalanine (Fua) residues, which also occur in pharmaceutically relevant cyclopeptides of the endolide and bingchamide families. The biosynthesis and incorporation of Fua by non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), however, has remained elusive. By genome sequencing and gene inactivation we elucidated the gene cluster responsible for rhizonin biosynthesis. A suite of isotope labeling experiments identified tyrosine and l-DOPA as Fua precursors and provided the first mechanistic insight. Bioinformatics, mutational analysis and heterologous reconstitution identified dioxygenase RhzB as necessary and sufficient for Fua formation. RhzB is a novel type of heme-dependent aromatic oxygenases (HDAO) that enabled the discovery of the bingchamide biosynthesis gene cluster through genome mining.},
}
@article {pmid37650927,
year = {2023},
author = {Ho, HVN and Dunigan, DD and Salsbery, ME and Agarkova, IV and Al Ameeli, Z and Van Etten, JL and DeLong, JP},
title = {Viral Chemotaxis of Paramecium Bursaria Altered by Algal Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {86},
number = {4},
pages = {2904-2909},
pmid = {37650927},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {1736030//Directorate for Biological Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Paramecium ; Chemotaxis ; *Phycodnaviridae ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Chemotaxis is widespread across many taxa and often aids resource acquisition or predator avoidance. Species interactions can modify the degree of movement facilitated by chemotaxis. In this study, we investigated the influence of symbionts on Paramecium bursaria's chemotactic behavior toward chloroviruses. To achieve this, we performed choice experiments using chlorovirus and control candidate attractors (virus stabilization buffer and pond water). We quantified the movement of Paramecia grown with or without algal and viral symbionts toward each attractor. All Paramecia showed some chemotaxis toward viruses, but cells without algae and viruses showed the most movement toward viruses. Thus, the endosymbiotic algae (zoochlorellae) appeared to alter the movement of Paramecia toward chloroviruses, but it was not clear that ectosymbiotic viruses (chlorovirus) also had this effect. The change in behavior was consistent with a change in swimming speed, but a change in attraction remains possible. The potential costs and benefits of chemotactic movement toward chloroviruses for either the Paramecia hosts or its symbionts remain unclear.},
}
@article {pmid37653056,
year = {2023},
author = {Takahashi, K and Kuwahara, H and Horikawa, Y and Izawa, K and Kato, D and Inagaki, T and Yuki, M and Ohkuma, M and Hongoh, Y},
title = {Emergence of putative energy parasites within Clostridia revealed by genome analysis of a novel endosymbiotic clade.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {17},
number = {11},
pages = {1895-1906},
pmid = {37653056},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Parasites ; Phylogeny ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Bacteria, Anaerobic ; Bacillota ; Mitochondrial ADP, ATP Translocases/genetics ; Adenosine Triphosphate ; Symbiosis/genetics ; *Isoptera/microbiology ; },
abstract = {The Clostridia is a dominant bacterial class in the guts of various animals and are considered to nutritionally contribute to the animal host. Here, we discovered clostridial endosymbionts of cellulolytic protists in termite guts, which have never been reported with evidence. We obtained (near-)complete genome sequences of three endosymbiotic Clostridia, each associated with a different parabasalid protist species with various infection rates: Trichonympha agilis, Pseudotrichonympha grassii, and Devescovina sp. All these protists are previously known to harbor permanently-associated, mutualistic Endomicrobia or Bacteroidales that supplement nitrogenous compounds. The genomes of the endosymbiotic Clostridia were small in size (1.0-1.3 Mbp) and exhibited signatures of an obligately-intracellular parasite, such as an extremely limited capability to synthesize amino acids, cofactors, and nucleotides and a disrupted glycolytic pathway with no known net ATP-generating system. Instead, the genomes encoded ATP/ADP translocase and, interestingly, regulatory proteins that are unique to eukaryotes in general and are possibly used to interfere with host cellular processes. These three genomes formed a clade with metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) derived from the guts of other animals, including human and ruminants, and the MAGs shared the characteristics of parasites. Gene flux analysis suggested that the acquisition of the ATP/ADP translocase gene in a common ancestor was probably key to the emergence of this parasitic clade. Taken together, we provide novel insights into the multilayered symbiotic system in the termite gut by adding the presence of parasitism and present an example of the emergence of putative energy parasites from a dominant gut bacterial clade.},
}
@article {pmid37653429,
year = {2023},
author = {Duong Thi Hue, K and da Silva Goncalves, D and Tran Thuy, V and Thi Vo, L and Le Thi, D and Vu Tuyet, N and Nguyen Thi, G and Huynh Thi Xuan, T and Nguyen Minh, N and Nguyen Thanh, P and Yacoub, S and Simmons, CP},
title = {Wolbachia wMel strain-mediated effects on dengue virus vertical transmission from Aedes aegypti to their offspring.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {308},
pmid = {37653429},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Female ; Animals ; *Aedes ; *Dengue Virus ; *Wolbachia ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; Laboratories ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to -4) can be transmitted vertically in Aedes aegpti mosquitoes. Whether infection with the wMel strain of the endosymbiont Wolbachia can reduce the incidence of vertical transmission of DENV from infected females to their offspring is not well understood.<br><br>METHODS: A laboratory colony of Vietnamese Ae. aegypti, both with and without wMel infection, were infected with DENV-1 by intrathoracic injection (IT) to estimate the rate of vertical transmission (VT) of the virus. VT in the DENV-infected mosquitoes was calculated via the infection rate estimation from mosquito pool data using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE).<br><br>RESULTS: In 6047 F1 Vietnamese wild-type Ae. aegypti, the MLE of DENV-1 infection was 1.49 per 1000 mosquitoes (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-2.74). In 5500&#xa0;wMel-infected Ae. aegypti, the MLE infection rate was 0 (95% CI 0-0.69). The VT rates between mosquito lines showed a statistically significant difference.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The results reinforce the view that VT is a rare event in wild-type mosquitoes and that infection with wMel is effective in reducing VT.},
}
@article {pmid37658881,
year = {2023},
author = {Owashi, Y and Minami, T and Kikuchi, T and Yoshida, A and Nakano, R and Kageyama, D and Adachi-Hagimori, T},
title = {Microbiome of Zoophytophagous Biological Control Agent Nesidiocoris tenuis.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {86},
number = {4},
pages = {2923-2933},
pmid = {37658881},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; Biological Control Agents ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Spiroplasma ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Many insects are associated with endosymbionts that influence the feeding, reproduction, and distribution of their hosts. Although the small green mirid, Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae), a zoophytophagous predator that feeds on plants as well as arthropods, is a globally important biological control agent, its microbiome has not been sufficiently studied. In the present study, we assessed the microbiome variation in 96 N. tenuis individuals from 14 locations throughout Japan, based on amplicon sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Nine major bacteria associated with N. tenuis were identified: Rickettsia, two strains of Wolbachia, Spiroplasma, Providencia, Serratia, Pseudochrobactrum, Lactococcus, and Stenotrophomonas. Additionally, a diagnostic PCR analysis for three typical insect reproductive manipulators, Rickettsia, Wolbachia, and Spiroplasma, was performed on a larger sample size (n = 360) of N. tenuis individuals; the most prevalent symbiont was Rickettsia (69.7%), followed by Wolbachia (39.2%) and Spiroplasma (6.1%). Although some symbionts were co-infected, their prevalence did not exhibit any specific tendency, such as a high frequency in specific infection combinations. The infection frequency of Rickettsia was significantly correlated with latitude and temperature, while that of Wolbachia and Spiroplasma was significantly correlated with host plants. The predominance of these bacteria and the absence of obligate symbionts suggested that the N. tenuis microbiome is typical for predatory arthropods rather than sap-feeding insects. Rickettsia and Wolbachia were vertically transmitted rather than horizontally transmitted from the prey. The functional validation of each symbiont would be warranted to develop N. tenuis as a biological control agent.},
}
@article {pmid37660098,
year = {2023},
author = {Lin, C and Li, LJ and Ren, K and Zhou, SY and Isabwe, A and Yang, LY and Neilson, R and Yang, XR and Cytryn, E and Zhu, YG},
title = {Phagotrophic protists preserve antibiotic-resistant opportunistic human pathogens in the vegetable phyllosphere.},
journal = {ISME communications},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {94},
pmid = {37660098},
issn = {2730-6151},
support = {42090063//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32061143015//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 32100331//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
abstract = {Food safety of leafy greens is an emerging public health issue as they can harbor opportunistic human pathogens (OHPs) and expose OHPs to consumers. Protists are an integral part of phyllosphere microbial ecosystems. However, our understanding of protist-pathogen associations in the phyllosphere and their consequences on public health remains poor. Here, we examined phyllosphere protists, human pathogen marker genes (HPMGs), and protist endosymbionts from four species of leafy greens from major supermarkets in Xiamen, China. Our results showed that Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the dominant human pathogens in the vegetable phyllosphere. The distribution of HPMGs and protistan communities differed between vegetable species, of which Chinese chive possessed the most diverse protists and highest abundance of HPMGs. HPMGs abundance positively correlated with the diversity and relative abundance of phagotrophic protists. Whole genome sequencing further uncovered that most isolated phyllosphere protists harbored multiple OHPs which carried antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, and metal resistance genes and had the potential to HGT. Colpoda were identified as key phagotrophic protists which positively linked to OHPs and carried diverse resistance and virulence potential endosymbiont OHPs including Pseudomonas nitroreducens, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. We highlight that phyllosphere protists contribute to the transmission of resistant OHPs through internalization and thus pose risks to the food safety of leafy greens and human health. Our study provides insights into the protist-OHP interactions in the phyllosphere, which will help in food safety surveillance and human health.},
}
@article {pmid37669272,
year = {2023},
author = {Lau, MJ and Dutra, HLC and Jones, MJ and McNulty, BP and Diaz, AM and Ware-Gilmore, F and McGraw, EA},
title = {Jamestown Canyon virus is transmissible by Aedes aegypti and is only moderately blocked by Wolbachia co-infection.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {e0011616},
pmid = {37669272},
issn = {1935-2735},
support = {R01 AI143758/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Aedes ; *Encephalitis Virus, California ; *Deer ; *Wolbachia ; *Coinfection ; Mosquito Vectors ; *Zika Virus ; *Zika Virus Infection ; },
abstract = {Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV), a negative-sense arbovirus, is increasingly common in the upper Midwest of the USA. Transmitted by a range of mosquito genera, JCV's primary amplifying host is white-tailed deer. Aedes aegypti is responsible for transmitting various positive-sense viruses globally including dengue (DENV), Zika, chikungunya, and Yellow Fever. Ae. aegypti's distribution, once confined to the tropics, is expanding, in part due to climate change. Wolbachia, an insect endosymbiont, limits the replication of co-infecting viruses inside insects. The release and spread of the symbiont into Ae. aegypti populations have been effective in reducing transmission of DENV to humans, although the mechanism of Wolbachia-mediated viral blocking is still poorly understood. Here we explored JCV infection potential in Ae. aegypti, the nature of the vector's immune response, and interactions with Wolbachia infection. We show that Ae. aegypti is highly competent for JCV, which grows to high loads and rapidly reaches the saliva after an infectious blood meal. The mosquito immune system responds with strong induction of RNAi and JAK/STAT. Neither the direct effect of viral infection nor the energetic investment in immunity appears to affect mosquito longevity. Wolbachia infection blocked JCV only in the early stages of infection. Wolbachia-induced immunity was small compared to that of JCV, suggesting innate immune priming does not likely explain blocking. We propose two models to explain why Wolbachia's blocking of negative-sense viruses like JCV may be less than that of positive-sense viruses, relating to the slowdown of host protein synthesis and the triggering of interferon-like factors like Vago. In conclusion, we highlight the risk for increased human disease with the predicted future overlap of Ae. aegypti and JCV ranges. We suggest that with moderate Wolbachia-mediated blocking and distinct biology, negative-sense viruses represent a fruitful comparator model to other viruses for understanding blocking mechanisms in mosquitoes.},
}
@article {pmid37673069,
year = {2023},
author = {Harumoto, T},
title = {Self-stabilization mechanism encoded by a bacterial toxin facilitates reproductive parasitism.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {33},
number = {18},
pages = {4021-4029.e6},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.032},
pmid = {37673069},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; Male ; Female ; *Bacterial Toxins/metabolism/genetics ; Reproduction ; *Spiroplasma/physiology/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; *Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/physiology ; },
abstract = {A wide variety of maternally transmitted endosymbionts in insects are associated with reproductive parasitism, whereby they interfere with host reproduction to increase the ratio of infected females and spread within populations.[1][,][2] Recent successes in identifying bacterial factors responsible for reproductive parasitism[3][,][4][,][5][,][6][,][7] as well as further omics approaches[8][,][9][,][10][,][11][,][12] have highlighted the common appearance of deubiquitinase domains, although their biological roles-in particular, how they link to distinct manipulative phenotypes-remain poorly defined. Spiroplasma poulsonii is a helical and motile bacterial endosymbiont of Drosophila,[13][,][14] which selectively kills male progeny with a male-killing toxin Spaid (S. poulsonii androcidin), which encodes an ovarian tumor (OTU) deubiquitinase domain.[6] Artificial expression of Spaid in flies reproduces male-killing-associated pathologies that include abnormal apoptosis and neural defects during embryogenesis[6][,][15][,][16][,][17][,][18][,][19]; moreover, it highly accumulates on the dosage-compensated male X chromosome,[20] congruent with cellular defects such as the DNA damage/chromatin bridge breakage specifically induced upon that chromosome.[6][,][21][,][22][,][23] Here, I show that without the function of OTU, Spaid is polyubiquitinated and degraded through the host ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, leading to the attenuation of male-killing activity as shown previously.[6] Furthermore, I find that Spaid utilizes its OTU domain to deubiquitinate itself in an intermolecular manner. Collectively, the deubiquitinase domain of Spaid serves as a self-stabilization mechanism to facilitate male killing in flies, optimizing a molecular strategy of endosymbionts that enables the efficient manipulation of the host at a low energetic cost.},
}
@article {pmid37686049,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhang, Z and Zhang, J and Chen, Q and He, J and Li, X and Wang, Y and Lu, Y},
title = {Complete De Novo Assembly of Wolbachia Endosymbiont of Frankliniella intonsa.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {24},
number = {17},
pages = {},
pmid = {37686049},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {31672031, 32272537//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021C02003//Key Research and Development Program of Zhejiang Province, China/ ; 2022YFD1401204, 2022YFC2601405//Key R&amp;D Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Thysanoptera ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Flowers ; *Nanopores ; Prophages ; RNA, Ribosomal ; },
abstract = {As an endosymbiont, Wolbachia exerts significant effects on the host, including on reproduction, immunity, and metabolism. However, the study of Wolbachia in Thysanopteran insects, such as flower thrips Frankliniella intonsa, remains limited. Here, we assembled a gap-free looped genome assembly of Wolbachia strain wFI in a length of 1,463,884 bp (GC content 33.80%), using Nanopore long reads and Illumina short reads. The annotation of wFI identified a total of 1838 protein-coding genes (including 85 pseudogenes), 3 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 35 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and 1 transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA). Beyond this basic description, we identified mobile genetic elements, such as prophage and insertion sequences (ISs), which make up 17% of the entire wFI genome, as well as genes involved in riboflavin and biotin synthesis and metabolism. This research lays the foundation for understanding the nutritional mutualism between Wolbachia and flower thrips. It also serves as a valuable resource for future studies delving into the intricate interactions between Wolbachia and its host.},
}
@article {pmid37690114,
year = {2023},
author = {Manzano-Marín, A and Kvist, S and Oceguera-Figueroa, A},
title = {Evolution of an Alternative Genetic Code in the Providencia Symbiont of the Hematophagous Leech Haementeria acuecueyetzin.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {37690114},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; *Providencia/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Leeches/genetics ; Bacteria/genetics ; Insecta/genetics ; Vitamins ; Genetic Code ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Strict blood-feeding animals are confronted with a strong B-vitamin deficiency. Blood-feeding leeches from the Glossiphoniidae family, similarly to hematophagous insects, have evolved specialized organs called bacteriomes to harbor symbiotic bacteria. Leeches of the Haementeria genus have two pairs of globular bacteriomes attached to the esophagus which house intracellular "Candidatus Providencia siddallii" bacteria. Previous work analyzing a draft genome of the Providencia symbiont of the Mexican leech Haementeria officinalis showed that, in this species, the bacteria hold a reduced genome capable of synthesizing B vitamins. In this work, we aimed to expand our knowledge on the diversity and evolution of Providencia symbionts of Haementeria. For this purpose, we sequenced the symbiont genomes of three selected leech species. We found that all genomes are highly syntenic and have kept a stable genetic repertoire, mirroring ancient insect endosymbionts. Additionally, we found B-vitamin pathways to be conserved among these symbionts, pointing to a conserved symbiotic role. Lastly and most notably, we found that the symbiont of H. acuecueyetzin has evolved an alternative genetic code, affecting a portion of its proteome and showing evidence of a lineage-specific and likely intermediate stage of genetic code reassignment.},
}
@article {pmid37695720,
year = {2023},
author = {Kryukova, NA and Kryukov, VY and Polenogova, OV and Chertkova, &#x415;&#x410; and Tyurin, MV and Rotskaya, UN and Alikina, T and Kabilov, &#x41c;R and Glupov, VV},
title = {The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia (Rickettsiales) alters larval metabolism of the parasitoid Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {114},
number = {4},
pages = {e22053},
doi = {10.1002/arch.22053},
pmid = {37695720},
issn = {1520-6327},
support = {//Federal Fundamental Scientific Research Program/ ; //Russian Science Foundation/ ; 23-24-00259//The Russian Science Foundation/ ; 1021051703454-5-1.6.12//The Federal Fundamental Scientific Research Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Larva/metabolism ; *Hymenoptera ; *Wasps/metabolism ; *Wolbachia ; Rickettsiales ; *Moths/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Infection of intestinal tissues with Wolbachia has been found in Habrobracon hebetor. There are not many studies on the relationship between Habrobracon and Wolbachia, and they focus predominantly on the sex index of an infected parasitoid, its fertility, and behavior. The actual role of Wolbachia in the biology of Habrobracon is not yet clear. The method of complete eradication of Wolbachia in the parasitoid was developed here, and effects of the endosymbiont on the host's digestive metabolism were compared between two lines of the parasitoid (Wolbachia-positive and Wolbachia-negative). In the gut of Wolbachia[+] larvae, lipases' activity was higher almost twofold, and activities of acid proteases, esterases, and trehalase were 1.5-fold greater than those in the Wolbachia[-] line. Analyses of larval homogenates revealed that Wolbachia[+] larvae accumulate significantly more lipids and have a lower amount of pyruvate as compared to Wolbachia[-] larvae. The presented results indicate significant effects of the intracellular symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia on the metabolism of H. hebetor larvae and on the activity of its digestive enzymes.},
}
@article {pmid37702423,
year = {2024},
author = {Sakamoto, W and Takami, T},
title = {Plastid Inheritance Revisited: Emerging Role of Organelle DNA Degradation in Angiosperms.},
journal = {Plant &amp; cell physiology},
volume = {65},
number = {4},
pages = {484-492},
doi = {10.1093/pcp/pcad104},
pmid = {37702423},
issn = {1471-9053},
support = {21H02508 21K06230 23H04959//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; },
mesh = {*Plastids/genetics/metabolism ; *Magnoliopsida/genetics ; *DNA, Plant/genetics/metabolism ; Pollen/genetics/metabolism ; Organelles/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Plastids are essential organelles in angiosperms and show non-Mendelian inheritance due to their evolution as endosymbionts. In approximately 80% of angiosperms, plastids are thought to be inherited from the maternal parent, whereas other species transmit plastids biparentally. Maternal inheritance can be generally explained by the stochastic segregation of maternal plastids after fertilization because the zygote is overwhelmed by the maternal cytoplasm. In contrast, biparental inheritance shows the transmission of organelles from both parents. In some species, maternal inheritance is not absolute and paternal leakage occurs at a very low frequency (∼10-5). A key process controlling the inheritance mode lies in the behavior of plastids during male gametophyte (pollen) development, with accumulating evidence indicating that the plastids themselves or their DNAs are eliminated during pollen maturation or at fertilization. Cytological observations in numerous angiosperm species have revealed several critical steps that mutually influence the degree of plastid transmission quantitatively among different species. This review revisits plastid inheritance from a mechanistic viewpoint. Particularly, we focus on a recent finding demonstrating that both low temperature and plastid DNA degradation mediated by the organelle exonuclease DEFECTIVE IN POLLEN ORGANELLE DNA DEGRADATION1 (DPD1) influence the degree of paternal leakage significantly in tobacco. Given these findings, we also highlight the emerging role of DPD1 in organelle DNA degradation.},
}
@article {pmid37715090,
year = {2023},
author = {Nuschke, A and Sobey-Skelton, C and Dawod, B and Kelly, B and Tremblay, ML and Davis, C and Rioux, JA and Brewer, K},
title = {Use of Magnetotactic Bacteria as an MRI Contrast Agent for In Vivo Tracking of Adoptively Transferred Immune Cells.},
journal = {Molecular imaging and biology},
volume = {25},
number = {5},
pages = {844-856},
pmid = {37715090},
issn = {1860-2002},
support = {Discovery Grant//Natural Science and Engineering Council (NSERC)/ ; Project Grant//IWK Health Centre/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; *Contrast Media/chemistry ; *Cell Tracking/methods ; *Magnetospirillum/metabolism ; *Adoptive Transfer ; Mice ; Dendritic Cells/cytology ; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells/cytology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/cytology ; Female ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: In vivo immune cell tracking using MRI can be a valuable tool for studying the mechanisms underlying successful cancer therapies. Current cell labeling methods using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) lack the persistence to track the fate and location of transplanted cells long-term. Magnetospirillum magneticum is a commercially available, iron-producing bacterium that can be taken up by and live harmoniously within mammalian cells as magneto-endosymbionts (MEs). MEs have shown promise as labeling agents for in vivo stem and cancer cell tracking but have yet to be evaluated in immune cells. This pilot study examined ME labeling in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and dendritic cells (DCs) and its effects on cell purity, function, and MRI contrast.<br><br>PROCEDURES: MDSCs, CTLs, and DCs were incubated with MEs at various ME labeling ratios (MLR), and various biological metrics and iron uptake were assessed. For in vivo imaging, MDSCs were labeled overnight with either MEs or SPIO (Molday ION Rhodamine B) and injected into C3 tumor-bearing mice via tail vein injection 24&#xa0;days post-implant and scanned daily with MRI for 1&#xa0;week to assess cellular quantification.<br><br>RESULTS: Following incubations, MDSCs contained&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.6&#xa0;pg Fe/cell. CTLs achieved Fe loading of&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.5&#xa0;pg/cell, and DCs achieved Fe loading of&#x2009;~&#x2009;1.4&#xa0;pg/cell. The suppressive functionality of MDSCs at 1000 MLR was not affected by ME labeling but was affected at 2000 MLR. Markers of CTL dysfunction were not markedly affected by ME labeling nor were DC markers. In vivo data demonstrated that the MDSCs labeled with MEs generated sufficient contrast to be detectable using TurboSPI, similar to SPIO-labeled cells.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Cells can be labeled with sufficient numbers of MEs to be detectable with MRI without compromising cell viability. Care must be taken at higher concentrations of MEs, which may affect some cell types' functional activity and/or morphology. Immune cells with minimal phagocytic behavior have much lower iron content per cell after incubation with MEs vs SPIO; however, MEs can successfully be used as a contrast agent for phagocytic immune cells.},
}
@article {pmid37715236,
year = {2023},
author = {ElKraly, OA and Awad, M and El-Saadany, HM and Hassanein, SE and Elrahman, TA and Elnagdy, SM},
title = {Impact of gut microbiota composition on black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (hufnagel) metabolic indices and pesticide degradation.},
journal = {Animal microbiome},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {44},
pmid = {37715236},
issn = {2524-4671},
abstract = {Endosymbionts are known to have significant effects on their insect hosts, including nutrition, reproduction, and immunity. Insects gut microbiota is a critical component that affects their physiological and behavioral characteristics. The black cutworm (BCW), Agrotis ipsilon, is an economically important lepidopteran pest that has a diverse gut microbiome composed of nine species belonging to three phyla: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. This study was conducted to investigate the diversity of gut bacteria isolated from BCW larvae and moths and their effects on metabolism and pesticide degradation. The bacterial isolates were identified using the 16 S rRNA gene. The study showed that the gut microbiome composition significantly affected the metabolism of BCW larvae. Based on the screening results of synthesis of digestive enzymes and pesticide degradation, Brachybacterium conglomeratum and Glutamicibacter sp were selected to perform the remaining experiments as single isolates and consortium. The consortium-fed larvae showed high metabolic indices compared to antibiotic-fed larvae and the control. The gut bacteria were also shown to degrade three pesticide groups. Concerns regarding the health risk of chlorpyrifos have been raised due to its extensive use in agriculture. The isolated B. conglomeratum was more effective in chlorpyrifos degradation than the consortium. Furthermore, the study also examined the presence of sex related endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Spiroplasma, and Rickettsia) in the reproductive tissues of adults. The outcomes demonstrated that none of the examined endosymbionts existed. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of the gut microbiome in insect physiology and behavior and its potential applications in biotechnology. It provides insights into developing eco-friendly pest control and bioremediation strategies using gut bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid37716131,
year = {2023},
author = {Bharathi, MD and Muthukumar, C and Sathishkumar, RS and Ramu, K and Murthy, MVR},
title = {First report on the occurrence of Gonyaulax polygramma bloom during the onset of Noctiluca scintillans bloom along the Tuticorin coast, southeast coast of India.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {195},
number = {},
pages = {115523},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115523},
pmid = {37716131},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {India ; *Eutrophication ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Chlorophyll A ; Animals ; Seawater ; },
abstract = {Dense and green-coloured patches were encountered on the sea surface waters of the Tuticorin coast on 22[nd] October 2022. Microscopic investigation revealed that the discoloration is caused by plankton, green Noctiluca scintillans. In order to find out the causes that trigger the bloom of N. scintillans, plankton samples were collected for 5 days in fourteen days duration from 22[nd] October to 4[th] November. During the peak bloom period, the abundance and biovolume of N. scintillans reached 1.56 × 10[4] cells/L and 21.8 × 10[10]μm[3]/L, respectively. The highest concentration (73.65 mg/m[3]) of chlorophyll-a was recorded during blooming period that was caused by Gonyaulax polygramma and endosymbiont, Pedinomonas noctilucae in N. scintillans. Formation of G. polygramma bloom is being reported for the first time in Tuticorin, southeast coast of India, with a species abundance of 36.9 × 10[4] cells/L. Present study concluded that besides the optimum hydrological conditions and eutrophic nature of the system, abundant prey (G. polygramma) facilitated the N. scintillans bloom.},
}
@article {pmid37716699,
year = {2023},
author = {Amses, K and Desiró, A and Bryson, A and Grigoriev, I and Mondo, S and Lipzen, A and LaButti, K and Riley, R and Singan, V and Salazar-Hamm, P and King, J and Ballou, E and Pawlowska, T and Adeleke, R and Bonito, G and Uehling, J},
title = {Convergent reductive evolution and host adaptation in Mycoavidus bacterial endosymbionts of Mortierellaceae fungi.},
journal = {Fungal genetics and biology : FG &amp; B},
volume = {169},
number = {},
pages = {103838},
doi = {10.1016/j.fgb.2023.103838},
pmid = {37716699},
issn = {1096-0937},
mesh = {Phylogeny ; *Host Adaptation ; *Burkholderiaceae/genetics ; Fungi/genetics ; Bacteria ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Intimate associations between fungi and intracellular bacterial endosymbionts are becoming increasingly well understood. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that bacterial endosymbionts of Mucoromycota fungi are related either to free-living Burkholderia or Mollicutes species. The so-called Burkholderia-related endosymbionts or BRE comprise Mycoavidus, Mycetohabitans and Candidatus Glomeribacter gigasporarum. These endosymbionts are marked by genome contraction thought to be associated with intracellular selection. However, the conclusions drawn thus far are based on a very small subset of endosymbiont genomes, and the mechanisms leading to genome streamlining are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to better understand how intracellular existence shapes Mycoavidus and BRE functionally at the genome level. To this end we generated and analyzed 14 novel draft genomes for Mycoavidus living within the hyphae of Mortierellomycotina fungi. We found that our novel Mycoavidus genomes were significantly reduced compared to free-living Burkholderiales relatives. Using a genome-scale phylogenetic approach including the novel and available existing genomes of Mycoavidus, we show that the genus is an assemblage composed of two independently derived lineages including three well supported clades of Mycoavidus. Using a comparative genomic approach, we shed light on the functional implications of genome reduction, documenting shared and unique gene loss patterns between the three Mycoavidus clades. We found that many endosymbiont isolates demonstrate patterns of vertical transmission and host-specificity, but others are present in phylogenetically disparate hosts. We discuss how reductive evolution and host specificity reflect convergent adaptation to the intrahyphal selective landscape, and commonalities of eukaryotic endosymbiont genome evolution.},
}
@article {pmid37716961,
year = {2023},
author = {Mfopit, YM and Engel, JS and Chechet, GD and Ibrahim, MAM and Signaboubo, D and Achukwi, DM and Mamman, M and Balogun, EO and Shuaibu, MN and Kabir, J and Kelm, S},
title = {Molecular detection of Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasma species and Wolbachia endosymbionts in wild population of tsetse flies collected in Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {260},
pmid = {37716961},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {K43 TW012015/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Glossinidae ; *Tsetse Flies ; *Trypanosomiasis, African ; Cameroon ; *Spiroplasma/genetics ; Enterobacteriaceae ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Nigeria ; Animals ; Chad ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies are cyclical vectors of African trypanosomiasis (AT). The flies have established symbiotic associations with different bacteria that influence certain aspects of their physiology. Vector competence of tsetse flies for different trypanosome species is highly variable and is suggested to be affected by bacterial endosymbionts amongst other factors. Symbiotic interactions may provide an avenue for AT control. The current study provided prevalence of three tsetse symbionts in Glossina species from Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria.<br><br>RESULTS: Tsetse flies were collected and dissected from five different locations. DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction used to detect presence of Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasma species and Wolbachia endosymbionts, using species specific primers. A total of 848 tsetse samples were analysed: Glossina morsitans submorsitans (47.52%), Glossina palpalis palpalis (37.26%), Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (9.08%) and Glossina tachinoides (6.13%). Only 95 (11.20%) were infected with at least one of the three symbionts. Among infected flies, six (6.31%) had Wolbachia and Spiroplasma mixed infection. The overall symbiont prevalence was 0.88, 3.66 and 11.00% respectively, for Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasma species and Wolbachia endosymbionts. Prevalence varied between countries and tsetse fly species. Neither Spiroplasma species nor S. glossinidius were detected in samples from Cameroon and Nigeria respectively.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The present study revealed, for the first time, presence of Spiroplasma species infections in tsetse fly populations in Chad and Nigeria. These findings provide useful information on repertoire of bacterial flora of tsetse flies and incite more investigations to understand their implication in the vector competence of tsetse flies.},
}
@article {pmid37719127,
year = {2023},
author = {Castañeda-Molina, Y and Marulanda-Moreno, SM and Saldamando-Benjumea, C and Junca, H and Moreno-Herrera, CX and Cadavid-Restrepo, G},
title = {Microbiome analysis of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) larvae exposed to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) endotoxins.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {e15916},
pmid = {37719127},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Spodoptera ; Larva ; *Bacillus thuringiensis/genetics ; Endotoxins ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Spodoptera frugiperda (or fall armyworm, FAW) is a polyphagous pest native to Western Hemisphere and recently discovered in the Eastern Hemisphere. In Colombia, S. frugiperda is recognized as a pest of economic importance in corn. The species has genetically differentiated into two host populations named "corn" and "rice" strains. In 2012, a study made in central Colombia demonstrated that the corn strain is less susceptible to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) endotoxins (Cry1Ac and Cry 1Ab) than the rice strain. In this country, Bt transgenic corn has been extensively produced over the last 15 years. Since gut microbiota plays a role in the physiology and immunity of insects, and has been implicated in promoting the insecticidal activity of Bt, in this study an analysis of the interaction between Bt endotoxins and FAW gut microbiota was made. Also, the detection of endosymbionts was performed here, as they might have important implications in the biological control of a pest.<br><br>METHODS: The composition and diversity of microbiomes associated with larval specimens of S. frugiperda(corn strain) was investigated in a bioassay based on six treatments in the presence/absence of Bt toxins and antibiotics (Ab) through bacterial isolate analyses and by high throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Additionally, species specific primers were used, to detect endosymbionts from gonads in S. frugiperda corn strain.<br><br>RESULTS: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota were the most dominant bacterial phyla found in S. frugiperda corn strain. No significant differences in bacteria species diversity and richness among the six treatments were found. Two species of Enterococcus spp., E. mundtii and E. casseliflavus were detected in treatments with Bt and antibiotics, suggesting that they are less susceptible to both of them. Additionally, the endosymbiont Arsenophonus was also identified on treatments in presence of Bt and antibiotics. The results obtained here are important since little knowledge exists about the gut microbiota on this pest and its interaction with Bt endotoxins. Previous studies made in Lepidoptera suggest that alteration of gut microbiota can be used to improve the management of pest populations, demonstrating the relevance of the results obtained in this work.},
}
@article {pmid37722758,
year = {2023},
author = {Kolo, AO and Raghavan, R},
title = {Impact of endosymbionts on tick physiology and fitness.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {150},
number = {10},
pages = {859-865},
pmid = {37722758},
issn = {1469-8161},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ticks ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; *Francisella/genetics ; Arachnid Vectors ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Ticks transmit pathogens and harbour non-pathogenic, vertically transmitted intracellular bacteria termed endosymbionts. Almost all ticks studied to date contain 1 or more of Coxiella, Francisella, Rickettsia or Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii endosymbionts, indicative of their importance to tick physiology. Genomic and experimental data suggest that endosymbionts promote tick development and reproductive success. Here, we review the limited information currently available on the potential roles endosymbionts play in enhancing tick metabolism and fitness. Future studies that expand on these findings are needed to better understand endosymbionts’ contributions to tick biology. This knowledge could potentially be applied to design novel strategies that target endosymbiont function to control the spread of ticks and pathogens they vector.},
}
@article {pmid37723238,
year = {2023},
author = {Longley, R and Robinson, A and Liber, JA and Bryson, AE and Morales, DP and LaButti, K and Riley, R and Mondo, SJ and Kuo, A and Yoshinaga, Y and Daum, C and Barry, K and Grigoriev, IV and Desirò, A and Chain, PSG and Bonito, G},
title = {Comparative genomics of Mollicutes-related endobacteria supports a late invasion into Mucoromycota fungi.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {948},
pmid = {37723238},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {*Tenericutes ; Phylogeny ; Genomics ; *Mycorrhizae/genetics ; Genome Size ; },
abstract = {Diverse members of early-diverging Mucoromycota, including mycorrhizal taxa and soil-associated Mortierellaceae, are known to harbor Mollicutes-related endobacteria (MRE). It has been hypothesized that MRE were acquired by a common ancestor and transmitted vertically. Alternatively, MRE endosymbionts could have invaded after the divergence of Mucoromycota lineages and subsequently spread to new hosts horizontally. To better understand the evolutionary history of MRE symbionts, we generated and analyzed four complete MRE genomes from two Mortierellaceae genera: Linnemannia (MRE-L) and Benniella (MRE-B). These genomes include the smallest known of fungal endosymbionts and showed signals of a tight relationship with hosts including a reduced functional capacity and genes transferred from fungal hosts to MRE. Phylogenetic reconstruction including nine MRE from mycorrhizal fungi revealed that MRE-B genomes are more closely related to MRE from Glomeromycotina than MRE-L from the same host family. We posit that reductions in genome size, GC content, pseudogene content, and repeat content in MRE-L may reflect a longer-term relationship with their fungal hosts. These data indicate Linnemannia and Benniella MRE were likely acquired independently after their fungal hosts diverged from a common ancestor. This work expands upon foundational knowledge on minimal genomes and provides insights into the evolution of bacterial endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid37725257,
year = {2023},
author = {Wagner, T and Bangoura, B and Wiedmer, S and Daugschies, A and Dunay, IR},
title = {Phytohormones regulate asexual Toxoplasma gondii replication.},
journal = {Parasitology research},
volume = {122},
number = {12},
pages = {2835-2846},
pmid = {37725257},
issn = {1432-1955},
mesh = {Humans ; *Toxoplasma ; Plant Growth Regulators/pharmacology ; *Toxoplasmosis/parasitology ; Abscisic Acid/pharmacology ; DNA ; },
abstract = {The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic disease agent causing systemic infection in warm-blooded intermediate hosts including humans. During the acute infection, the parasite infects host cells and multiplies intracellularly in the asexual tachyzoite stage. In this stage of the life cycle, invasion, multiplication, and egress are the most critical events in parasite replication. T. gondii features diverse cell organelles to support these processes, including the apicoplast, an endosymbiont-derived vestigial plastid originating from an alga ancestor. Previous studies have highlighted that phytohormones can modify the calcium-mediated secretion, e.g., of adhesins involved in parasite movement and cell invasion processes. The present study aimed to elucidate the influence of different plant hormones on the replication of asexual tachyzoites in a human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) host cell culture. T. gondii replication was measured by the determination of T. gondii DNA copies via qPCR. Three selected phytohormones, namely abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GIBB), and kinetin (KIN) as representatives of different plant hormone groups were tested. Moreover, the influence of typical cell culture media components on the phytohormone effects was assessed. Our results indicate that ABA is able to induce a significant increase of T. gondii DNA copies in a typical supplemented cell culture medium when applied in concentrations of 20 ng/μl or 2 ng/μl, respectively. In contrast, depending on the culture medium composition, GIBB may potentially serve as T. gondii growth inhibitor and may be further investigated as a potential treatment for toxoplasmosis.},
}
@article {pmid37740026,
year = {2023},
author = {Kumar, V and Nautiyal, CS},
title = {Endophytes Modulate Plant Genes: Present Status and Future Perspectives.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {80},
number = {11},
pages = {353},
pmid = {37740026},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {*Genes, Plant ; Endophytes/genetics ; Genomics ; *Microbiota ; Plant Development ; },
abstract = {Interactions among endophytes and plants are widespread and can vary from neutral or positive or negative. Plants are continually in a functionally dynamic state due to interactions with diverse endophytic microorganisms, which produce various metabolic substances. Through quorum sensing, these substances not only help endophytes to outcompete other host-associated pathogens or microbes but also allow them to overcome the plant immune system. Manifold interactions between endophytic microbiota cause a reflective impact on the host plant functioning and the development of 'endobiomes,' by synthesizing chemicals that fill the gap between host and endophytes. Despite the advances in the field, specific mechanisms for the endophytes' precise methods to modulate plant genome and their effects on host plants remain poorly understood. Deeper genomic exploration can provide a locked away understanding of the competencies of endophytes and their conceivable function in host growth and health. Endophytes also can modify host metabolites, which could manipulate plants' growth, adaptation, and proliferation, and can be a more exciting and puzzling topic that must be properly investigated. The consequence of the interaction of endophytes on the host genome was analyzed as it can help unravel the gray areas of endophytes about which very little or no knowledge exists. This review discusses the recent advances in understanding the future challenges in the emerging research investigating how endosymbionts affect the host's metabolism and gene expression as an effective strategy for imparting resistance to biotic and abiotic challenges.},
}
@article {pmid37744901,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhao, C and Wang, L and Zhang, K and Zhu, X and Li, D and Ji, J and Luo, J and Cui, J},
title = {Variation of Helicoverpa armigera symbionts across developmental stages and geographic locations.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1251627},
pmid = {37744901},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) poses a global problem, causing substantial economic and ecological losses. Endosymbionts in insects play crucial roles in multiple insect biological processes. However, the interactions between H. armigera and its symbionts have not been well characterized to date. We investigated the symbionts of H. armigera in the whole life cycle from different geographical locations. In the whole life cycle of H. armigera, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacteria at the phylum level, while Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Glutamicibacter, and Bacillus were the four dominant bacteria at the genus level. Furthermore, high similarity in symbiotic bacterial community was observed in different stages of H. armigera, which were dominated by Enterococcus and Enterobacter. In fields, the dominant bacteria were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, whereas, in the laboratory, the dominant bacteria were Proteobacteria. At the genus level, the dominant bacteria in cotton bollworm eggs of wild populations were Enterobacter, Morganella, Lactococcus, Asaia, Apibacter, and Enterococcus, and the subdominant bacteria were Bartonella, Pseudomonas, and Orbus. Moreover, the symbionts varied with geographical locations, and the closer the geographical distance, the more similar the microbial composition. Taken together, our study identifies and compares the symbiont variation along with geographical gradients and host development dynamic and reveals the high flexibility of microbiome communities in H. armigera, which probably benefits for the successful survival in a complicated changing environment.},
}
@article {pmid37748072,
year = {2023},
author = {Maegele, I and Rupp, S and Özbek, S and Guse, A and Hambleton, EA and Holstein, TW},
title = {A predatory gastrula leads to symbiosis-independent settlement in Aiptasia.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {120},
number = {40},
pages = {e2311872120},
pmid = {37748072},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Animals ; *Sea Anemones ; Symbiosis ; Gastrula ; *Anthozoa ; *Asteraceae ; *Dinoflagellida ; Larva ; },
abstract = {The planula larvae of the sea anemone Aiptasia have so far not been reported to complete their life cycle by undergoing metamorphosis into adult forms. This has been a major obstacle in their use as a model for coral-dinoflagellate endosymbiosis. Here, we show that Aiptasia larvae actively feed on crustacean nauplii, displaying a preference for live prey. This feeding behavior relies on functional stinging cells, indicative of complex neuronal control. Regular feeding leads to significant size increase, morphological changes, and efficient settlement around 14 d postfertilization. Surprisingly, the presence of dinoflagellate endosymbionts does not affect larval growth or settlement dynamics but is crucial for sexual reproduction. Our findings finally close Aiptasia's life cycle and highlight the functional nature of its larvae, as in Haeckel's Gastrea postulate, yet reveal its active carnivory, thus contributing to our understanding of early metazoan evolution.},
}
@article {pmid37749181,
year = {2023},
author = {Štarhová Serbina, L and Corretto, E and Enciso Garcia, JS and Berta, M and Giovanelli, T and Dittmer, J and Schuler, H},
title = {Seasonal wild dance of dual endosymbionts in the pear psyllid Cacopsylla pyricola (Hemiptera: Psylloidea).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {16038},
pmid = {37749181},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Animals ; *Pyrus ; Seasons ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Bacteria ; },
abstract = {Most sap-feeding insects maintain obligate relationships with endosymbiotic bacteria that provide their hosts with essential nutrients. However, knowledge about the dynamics of endosymbiont titers across seasons in natural host populations is scarce. Here, we used quantitative PCR to investigate the seasonal dynamics of the dual endosymbionts "Candidatus Carsonella ruddii" and "Ca. Psyllophila symbiotica" in a natural population of the pear psyllid Cacopsylla pyricola (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Psyllidae). Psyllid individuals were collected across an entire year, covering both summer and overwintering generations. Immatures harboured the highest titers of both endosymbionts, while the lowest endosymbiont density was observed in males. The density of Carsonella remained high and relatively stable across the vegetative period of the pear trees, but significantly dropped during the non-vegetative period, overlapping with C. pyricola's reproductive diapause. In contrast, the titer of Psyllophila was consistently higher than Carsonella's and exhibited fluctuations throughout the sampling year, which might be related to host age. Despite a tightly integrated metabolic complementarity between Carsonella and Psyllophila, our findings highlight differences in their density dynamics throughout the year, that might be linked to their metabolic roles at different life stages of the host.},
}
@article {pmid37751380,
year = {2024},
author = {Ward, PS and Cash, EI and Ferger, K and Escalona, M and Sahasrabudhe, R and Miller, C and Toffelmier, E and Fairbairn, C and Seligmann, W and Shaffer, HB and Tsutsui, ND},
title = {Reference genome of the bicolored carpenter ant, Camponotus vicinus.},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {115},
number = {1},
pages = {120-129},
pmid = {37751380},
issn = {1465-7333},
support = {S10 OD010786/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD018174/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Symbiosis ; *Ants/genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Carpenter ants in the genus Camponotus are large, conspicuous ants that are abundant and ecologically influential in many terrestrial ecosystems. The bicolored carpenter ant, Camponotus vicinus Mayr, is distributed across a wide range of elevations and latitudes in western North America, where it is a prominent scavenger and predator. Here, we present a high-quality genome assembly of C. vicinus from a sample collected in Sonoma County, California, near the type locality of the species. This genome assembly consists of 38 scaffolds spanning 302.74 Mb, with contig N50 of 15.9 Mb, scaffold N50 of 19.9 Mb, and BUSCO completeness of 99.2%. This genome sequence will be a valuable resource for exploring the evolutionary ecology of C. vicinus and carpenter ants generally. It also provides an important tool for clarifying cryptic diversity within the C. vicinus species complex, a genetically diverse set of populations, some of which are quite localized and of conservation interest.},
}
@article {pmid37752841,
year = {2023},
author = {Lyndby, NH and Murthy, S and Bessette, S and Jakobsen, SL and Meibom, A and Kühl, M},
title = {Non-invasive investigation of the morphology and optical properties of the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea with optical coherence tomography.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {290},
number = {2007},
pages = {20230127},
pmid = {37752841},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; *Scyphozoa ; *Cnidaria ; Light ; Carbon ; },
abstract = {The jellyfish Cassiopea largely cover their carbon demand via photosynthates produced by microalgal endosymbionts, but how holobiont morphology and tissue optical properties affect the light microclimate and symbiont photosynthesis in Cassiopea remain unexplored. Here, we use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to study the morphology of Cassiopea medusae at high spatial resolution. We include detailed 3D reconstructions of external micromorphology, and show the spatial distribution of endosymbionts and white granules in the bell tissue. Furthermore, we use OCT data to extract inherent optical properties from light-scattering white granules in Cassiopea, and show that granules enhance local light-availability for symbionts in close proximity. Individual granules had a scattering coefficient of µs = 200-300 cm[-1], and scattering anisotropy factor of g = 0.7, while large tissue-regions filled with white granules had a lower µs = 40-100 cm[-1], and g = 0.8-0.9. We combined OCT information with isotopic labelling experiments to investigate the effect of enhanced light-availability in whitish tissue regions. Endosymbionts located in whitish tissue exhibited significantly higher carbon fixation compared to symbionts in anastomosing tissue (i.e. tissue without light-scattering white granules). Our findings support previous suggestions that white granules in Cassiopea play an important role in the host modulation of the light-microenvironment.},
}
@article {pmid37752965,
year = {2023},
author = {Scharfenstein, HJ and Alvarez-Roa, C and Peplow, LM and Buerger, P and Chan, WY and van Oppen, MJH},
title = {Chemical mutagenesis and thermal selection of coral photosymbionts induce adaptation to heat stress with trait trade-offs.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {1549-1567},
pmid = {37752965},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {Despite the relevance of heat-evolved microalgal endosymbionts to coral reef restoration, to date, few Symbiodiniaceae strains have been thermally enhanced via experimental evolution. Here, we investigated whether the thermal tolerance of Symbiodiniaceae can be increased through chemical mutagenesis followed by thermal selection. Strains of Durusdinium trenchii, Fugacium kawagutii and Symbiodinium pilosum were exposed to ethyl methanesulfonate to induce random mutagenesis, and then underwent thermal selection at high temperature (31/33°C). After 4.6-5 years of experimental evolution, the in vitro thermal tolerance of these strains was assessed via reciprocal transplant experiments to ambient (27°C) and elevated (31/35°C) temperatures. Growth, photosynthetic efficiency, oxidative stress and nutrient use were measured to compare thermal tolerance between strains. Heat-evolved D. trenchii, F. kawagutii and S. pilosum strains all exhibited increased photosynthetic efficiency under thermal stress. However, trade-offs in growth rates were observed for the heat-evolved D. trenchii lineage at both ambient and elevated temperatures. Reduced phosphate and nitrate uptake rates in F. kawagutii and S. pilosum heat-evolved lineages, respectively, suggest alterations in nutrition resource usage and allocation processes may have occurred. Increased phosphate uptake rates of the heat-evolved D. trenchii strain indicate that experimental evolution resulted in further trade-offs in this species. These findings deepen our understanding of the physiological responses of Symbiodiniaceae cultures to thermal selection and their capacity to adapt to elevated temperatures. The new heat-evolved Symbiodiniaceae developed here may be beneficial for coral reef restoration efforts if their enhanced thermal tolerance can be conferred in hospite.},
}
@article {pmid37754731,
year = {2023},
author = {Heidari Latibari, M and Moravvej, G and Rakhshani, E and Karimi, J and Arias-Penna, DC and Butcher, BA},
title = {Arsenophonus: A Double-Edged Sword of Aphid Defense against Parasitoids.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {37754731},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {No. 3/48846//Ph.D. project, the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran/ ; IR-UOZ-GR-3949//University of Zabol/ ; N42A650262//National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and Chulalongkorn University/ ; },
abstract = {It is widely accepted that endosymbiont interactions with their hosts have significant effects on the fitness of both pests and beneficial species. A particular type of endosymbiosis is that of beneficial associations. Facultative endosymbiotic bacteria are associated with elements that provide aphids with protection from parasitoids. Arsenophonus (Enterobacterales: Morganellaceae) is one such endosymbiont bacterium, with infections being most commonly found among the Hemiptera species. Here, black cowpea aphids (BCAs), Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae), naturally infected with Arsenophonus, were evaluated to determine the defensive role of this bacterium in BCAs against two parasitoid wasp species, Binodoxys angelicae and Lysiphlebus fabarum (both in Braconidae: Aphidiinae). Individuals of the black cowpea aphids infected with Arsenophonus were treated with a blend of ampicillin, cefotaxime, and gentamicin (Arsenophonus-reduced infection, AR) and subsequently subjected to parasitism assays. The results showed that the presence of Arsenophonus does not prevent BCAs from being parasitized by either B. angelicae or L. fabarum. Nonetheless, in BCA colonies parasitized by B. angelicae, the endosymbiont delayed both the larval maturation period and the emergence of the adult parasitoid wasps. In brief, Arsenophonus indirectly limits the effectiveness of B. angelicae parasitism by decreasing the number of emerged adult wasps. Therefore, other members of the BCA colony can survive. Arsenophonus acts as a double-edged sword, capturing the complex dynamic between A. craccivora and its parasitoids.},
}
@article {pmid37758795,
year = {2023},
author = {Garcia Guizzo, M and Meneses, C and Amado Cecilio, P and Hessab Alvarenga, P and Sonenshine, D and Ribeiro, JM},
title = {Optimizing tick artificial membrane feeding for Ixodes scapularis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {16170},
pmid = {37758795},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {R21 AI115203/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; Z01 AI000810/ImNIH/Intramural NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Animals ; Mice ; *Ixodes/microbiology ; Membranes, Artificial ; Nutritional Support ; Gentamicins ; Adenosine Triphosphate ; },
abstract = {Artificial membrane feeding (AMF) is a powerful and versatile technique with a wide range of applications in the study of disease vectors species. Since its first description, AMF has been under constant optimization and standardization for different tick species and life stages. In the USA, Ixodes scapularis is the main vector of tick-borne zoonoses including the pathogens causing Lyme disease in humans and animals. Seeking to improve the overall fitness of I. scapularis adult females fed artificially, here, we have optimized the AMF technique, considerably enhancing attachment rate, engorgement success, egg laying, and egg hatching compared to those described in previous studies. Parameters such as the membrane thickness and the light/dark cycle to which the ticks were exposed were refined to more closely reflect the tick's natural behavior and life cycle. Additionally, ticks were fed on blood only, blood + ATP or blood + ATP + gentamicin. The artificial feeding of ticks on blood only was successful and generated a progeny capable of feeding naturally on a host, i.e., mice. Adding ATP as a feeding stimulant did not improve tick attachment or engorgement. Notably, the administration of gentamicin, an antibiotic commonly used in tick AMF to prevent microbial contamination, negatively impacted Rickettsia buchneri endosymbiont levels in the progeny of artificially fed ticks. In addition, gentamicin-fed ticks showed a reduction in oviposition success compared to ticks artificially fed on blood only, discouraging the use of antibiotics in AMF. Overall, our data suggest that the AMF of adult females on blood only, in association with the natural feeding of their progeny on mice, might be used as an integrated approach in tick rearing, eliminating the use of protected species under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Of note, although optimized for I. scapularis adult ticks, I. scapularis nymphs, other tick species, and sand flies could also be fed using the membrane described in this study, indicating that it might be a suitable alternative for the artificial feeding of a variety of hematophagous species.},
}
@article {pmid37764139,
year = {2023},
author = {Santana, MCO and Chourabi, K and Cantanhêde, LM and Cupolillo, E},
title = {Exploring Host-Specificity: Untangling the Relationship between Leishmania (Viannia) Species and Its Endosymbiont Leishmania RNA Virus 1.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {11},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {37764139},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {001//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; 302622/2017-9//Coordena&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de N&#xed;vel Superior/ ; (E26-202.569/2019), (E26-210.038/2020), (E-26/205.730/2022 and 205.731/2022)//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo &#xe0; Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; Edital 16/2014//Funda&#xe7;&#xe3;o de Amparo ao Desenvolvimento das A&#xe7;&#xf5;es Cient&#xed;ficas e Tecnol&#xf3;gicas e &#xe0; Pesquisa-FAPERO/ ; },
abstract = {A relevant aspect in the epidemiology of Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (TL) are the Leishmania parasites carrying a viral endosymbiont, Leishmania RNA Virus 1 (LRV1), a dsRNA virus. Leishmania parasites carrying LRV1 are prone to causing more severe TL symptoms, increasing the likelihood of unfavorable clinical outcomes. LRV1 has been observed in the cultured strains of five L. (Viannia) species, and host specificity was suggested when studying the LRV1 from L. braziliensis and L. guyanensis strains. The coevolution hypothesis of LRV1 and Leishmania was based on phylogenetic analyses, implying an association between LRV1 genotypes, Leishmania species, and their geographic origins. This study aimed to investigate LRV1 specificity relative to Leishmania (Viannia) species hosts by analyzing LRV1 from L. (Viannia) species. To this end, LRV1 was screened in L. (Viannia) species other than L. braziliensis or L. guyanensis, and it was detected in 11 out of 15 L. naiffi and two out of four L. shawi. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial LRV1 genomic sequencing supported the hypothesis of host specificity, as LRV1 clustered according to their respective Leishmania species' hosts. These findings underscore the importance of investigating Leishmania and LRV1 coevolution and its impact on Leishmania (Viannia) species dispersion and pathogenesis in the American Continent.},
}
@article {pmid37764891,
year = {2023},
author = {Margarita, V and Congiargiu, A and Diaz, N and Fiori, PL and Rappelli, P},
title = {Mycoplasma hominis and Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii in Trichomonas vaginalis: Peaceful Cohabitants or Contentious Roommates?.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {37764891},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {2017SFBFER_004//Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell' Universit&#xe0; e della Ricerca/ ; },
abstract = {Trichomonas vaginalis is a pathogenic protozoan diffused worldwide capable of infecting the urogenital tract in humans, causing trichomoniasis. One of its most intriguing aspects is the ability to establish a close relationship with endosymbiotic microorganisms: the unique association of T. vaginalis with the bacterium Mycoplasma hominis represents, to date, the only example of an endosymbiosis involving two true human pathogens. Since its discovery, several aspects of the symbiosis between T. vaginalis and M. hominis have been characterized, demonstrating that the presence of the intracellular guest strongly influences the pathogenic characteristics of the protozoon, making it more aggressive towards host cells and capable of stimulating a stronger proinflammatory response. The recent description of a further symbiont of the protozoon, the newly discovered non-cultivable mycoplasma Candidatus Mycoplasma girerdii, makes the picture even more complex. This review provides an overview of the main aspects of this complex microbial consortium, with particular emphasis on its effect on protozoan pathobiology and on the interplays among the symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid37764903,
year = {2023},
author = {Yüksel, E and Yıldırım, A and İmren, M and Canhilal, R and Dababat, AA},
title = {Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus Bacteria as Potential Candidates for the Control of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae), the Principal Vector of West Nile Virus and Lymphatic Filariasis.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {37764903},
issn = {2076-0817},
abstract = {Vector-borne diseases pose a severe threat to human and animal health. Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is a widespread mosquito species and serves as a vector for the transmission of infectious diseases such as West Nile disease and Lymphatic Filariasis. Synthetic insecticides have been the prime control method for many years to suppress Cx. pipiens populations. However, recently, the use of insecticides has begun to be questioned due to the detrimental impact on human health and the natural environment. Therefore, many authorities urge the development of eco-friendly control methods that are nontoxic to humans. The bacterial associates [Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus spp. (Enterobacterales: Morganellaceae)] of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) (Sterinernema spp. and Heterorhabditis spp.) (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae) are one of the green approaches to combat a variety of insect pests. In the present study, the mosquitocidal activity of the cell-free supernatants and cell suspension (4 × 10[7] cells mL[-1]) of four different symbiotic bacteria (Xenorhabdus nematophila, X. bovienii, X. budapestensis, and P. luminescens subsp. kayaii) was assessed against different development stages of Cx. pipiens (The 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th instar larvae and pupa) under laboratory conditions. The bacterial symbionts were able to kill all the development stages with varying levels of mortality. The 1st/2nd instar larvae exhibited the highest susceptibility to the cell-free supernatants and cell suspensions of symbiotic bacteria and the efficacy of the cell-free supernatants and cell suspensions gradually declined with increasing phases of growth. The highest effectiveness was achieved by the X. bovienii KCS-4S strain inducing 95% mortality to the 1st/2nd instar larvae. The results indicate that tested bacterial symbionts have great potential as an eco-friendly alternative to insecticides.},
}
@article {pmid37768069,
year = {2023},
author = {Dittmer, J and Corretto, E and Štarhová Serbina, L and Michalik, A and Nováková, E and Schuler, H},
title = {Division of labor within psyllids: metagenomics reveals an ancient dual endosymbiosis with metabolic complementarity in the genus Cacopsylla.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {8},
number = {5},
pages = {e0057823},
pmid = {37768069},
issn = {2379-5077},
support = {I 4639-B//Province Bolzano, Austrian Science Fund FWF/ ; 2017/26/D/NZ8/00799//Polish National Science Center/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Bacteria ; Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; },
abstract = {Heritable beneficial bacterial endosymbionts have been crucial for the evolutionary success of numerous insects by enabling the exploitation of nutritionally limited food sources. Herein, we describe a previously unknown dual endosymbiosis in the psyllid genus Cacopsylla, consisting of the primary endosymbiont "Candidatus Carsonella ruddii" and a co-occurring Enterobacteriaceae bacterium for which we propose the name "Candidatus Psyllophila symbiotica." Its localization within the bacteriome and its small genome size confirm that Psyllophila is a co-primary endosymbiont widespread within the genus Cacopsylla. Despite its highly eroded genome, Psyllophila perfectly complements the tryptophan biosynthesis pathway that is incomplete in the co-occurring Carsonella. Moreover, the genome of Psyllophila is almost as small as Carsonella's, suggesting an ancient dual endosymbiosis that has now reached a precarious stage where any additional gene loss would make the system collapse. Hence, our results shed light on the dynamic interactions of psyllids and their endosymbionts over evolutionary time.},
}
@article {pmid37768955,
year = {2023},
author = {Chebbah, D and Hamarsheh, O and Sereno, D and Elissa, N and Brun, S and Jan, J and Izri, A and Akhoundi, M},
title = {Molecular characterization and genetic diversity of Wolbachia endosymbionts in bed bugs (Hemiptera; Cimicidae) collected in Paris.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {e0292229},
pmid = {37768955},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bedbugs/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Nymph ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of Wolbachia in field-caught bed bug species in Paris areas.<br><br>METHODS: The bed bug specimens were captured from various infested localities in Paris and surrounding cities. They belonged to diverse life stages, including egg, nymph, and adult. They were then identified using morphological and molecular approaches. Furthermore, Wolbachia was detected, and its genetic diversity was investigated by conventional PCR of 16S-rRNA and Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) genes.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 256 bed bug specimens belonging to various life stages [adult (183 specimens), nymph (48), and egg (25)] were captured from seven private apartments, five social apartments, three houses, two immigrant residences, and one retirement home situated in 10 districts of Paris and 8 surrounding cities. They were identified as Cimex lectularius (237 specimens) and C. hemipterus (19) using morphological and molecular approaches. The presence and diversity of Wolbachia were ascertained by targeting 16S-rRNA and wsp genes. Based on molecular analysis, 182 and 148 out of 256 processed specimens were positive by amplifying 16S-rRNA and wsp fragments, respectively. The inferred phylogenetic analysis with 16S-rRNA and wsp sequences displayed monophyletic Wolbachia strains clustering each one in three populations. The median-joining network, including the Wolbachia 16S-rRNA and wsp sequences of C. lectularius and C. hemipterous specimens, indicated a significant genetic differentiation among these populations in Paris areas which was consent with Neighbor-Joining analyses. A phylogenetic analysis of our heterogenic Wolbachia sequences with those reported from other arthropod species confirmed their belonging to supergroup F. Moreover, no difference between Wolbachia sequences from eggs, nymphs, and adults belonging to the same clade and between Wolbachia sequences of C. lectularius and C. hemipterus were observed after sequence alignment. Furthermore, no significant correlation was found between multiple geographical locations (or accomodation type) where bed bugs were collected and the genetic diversity of Wolbachia.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We highlight a significant heterogeneity within Wolbachia symbionts detected in C. lectularius and C. hemipterus. No correlation between Wolbachia species and bed bug species (C. lectularius versus C. hemipterus), physiological stages (egg, nymph, and adult), and sampling location was recorded in this study.},
}
@article {pmid37778576,
year = {2023},
author = {Datki, Z and Darula, Z and Vedelek, V and Hunyadi-Gulyas, E and Dingmann, BJ and Vedelek, B and Kalman, J and Urban, P and Gyenesei, A and Galik-Olah, Z and Galik, B and Sinka, R},
title = {Biofilm formation initiating rotifer-specific biopolymer and its predicted components.},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {253},
number = {Pt 5},
pages = {127157},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127157},
pmid = {37778576},
issn = {1879-0003},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Central Nervous System ; *Vertebrates ; Base Sequence ; },
abstract = {The rotifer-specific biopolymer, namely Rotimer, is a recently discovered group of the biomolecule family. Rotimer has an active role in the biofilm formation initiated by rotifers (e.g., Euchlanis dilatata or Adineta vaga) or in the female-male sexual interaction of monogononts. To understand the Ca[2+]- and polarity-dependent formation of this multifunctional viscoelastic material, it is essential to explore its molecular composition. The investigation of the rotifer-enhanced biofilm and Rotimer-inductor conglomerate (RIC) formation yielded several protein candidates to predict the Rotimer-specific main components. The exudate of E. dilatata males was primarily applied from different biopolimer-containing samples (biofilm or RIC). The advantage of males over females lies in their degenerated digestive system and simple anatomy. Thus, their exudate is less contaminated with food and endosymbiont elements. The sequenced and annotated genome and transcriptome of this species opened the way for identifying Rotimer proteins by mass spectrometry. The predicted rotifer-biopolymer forming components are SCO-spondins and 14-3-3 protein. The characteristics of Rotimer are similar to Reissner's fiber, which is found in the central nervous system of vertebrates and is mainly formed from SCO-spondins. This molecular information serves as a starting point for its interdisciplinary investigation and application in biotechnology, biomedicine, or neurodegeneration-related drug development.},
}
@article {pmid37794084,
year = {2023},
author = {Hettiarachchi, A and Cnockaert, M and Joossens, M and Gekière, A and Meeus, I and Vereecken, NJ and Michez, D and Smagghe, G and Vandamme, P},
title = {The wild solitary bees Andrena vaga, Anthophora plumipes, Colletes cunicularius, and Osmia cornuta microbiota are host specific and dominated by endosymbionts and environmental microorganisms.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {86},
number = {4},
pages = {3013-3026},
pmid = {37794084},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Bees ; Animals ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Microbiota ; *Mycobiome ; Bacteria ; *Spiroplasma ; },
abstract = {We characterized the microbial communities of the crop, midgut, hindgut, and ovaries of the wild solitary bees Andrena vaga, Anthophora plumipes, Colletes cunicularius, and Osmia cornuta through 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 amplicon sequencing and a large-scale isolation campaign. The bacterial communities of these bees were dominated by endosymbionts of the genera Wolbachia and Spiroplasma. Bacterial and yeast genera representing the remaining predominant taxa were linked to an environmental origin. While only a single sampling site was examined for Andrena vaga, Anthophora plumipes, and Colletes cunicularius, and two sampling sites for Osmia cornuta, the microbiota appeared to be host specific: bacterial, but not fungal, communities generally differed between the analyzed bee species, gut compartments and ovaries. This may suggest a selective process determined by floral and host traits. Many of the gut symbionts identified in the present study are characterized by metabolic versatility. Whether they exert similar functionalities within the bee gut and thus functional redundancy remains to be elucidated.},
}
@article {pmid37808105,
year = {2023},
author = {Pikula, J and Piacek, V and Bandouchova, H and Bartlova, M and Bednarikova, S and Burianova, R and Danek, O and Jedlicka, P and Masova, S and Nemcova, M and Seidlova, V and Zukalova, K and Zukal, J},
title = {Case report: Filarial infection of a parti-coloured bat: Litomosa sp. adult worms in abdominal cavity and microfilariae in bat semen.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {1284025},
pmid = {37808105},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Filarial infections have been understudied in bats. Likewise, little is known about pathogens associated with the reproductive system in chiropterans. While semen quality is critical for reproductive success, semen-borne pathogens may contribute to reproductive failure.<br><br>METHODS: For the first time we performed electroejaculation and used computer-assisted semen analysis to provide baseline data on semen quality in a parti-coloured bat (Vespertilio murinus).<br><br>RESULTS: The semen quality values measured in the V. murinus male appeared high (semen concentration&#x2009;=&#x2009;305.4&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;10[6]/mL; progressive and motile sperm&#x2009;=&#x2009;46.58 and 60.27%, respectively). As an incidental finding, however, microfilariae were observed in the bat semen examined. At necropsy, eight adult filarial worms, later genetically identified as Litomosa sp., were found in the peritoneal cavity, close to the stomach, of the same particoloured bat male dying as a result of dysmicrobia and haemorrhagic gastroenteritis in a wildlife rescue centre. Histopathology revealed microfilariae in the testicular connective tissue and the epidydimal connective and fat tissues. A PCR assay targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 confirmed that adult worms from the peritoneal cavity and testicular microfilariae were of the same filarial species. Mildly engorged argasid mite larvae attached to the bat skin proved negative for filarial DNA and the adult filarial worms proved negative for endosymbiont Wolbachia.<br><br>CONCLUSION: While the standard filarial life cycle pattern involves a vertebrate definitive host and an invertebrate vector, represented by a blood-sucking ectoparasite, our finding suggests that microfilariae of this nematode species may also be semen-borne, with transmission intensity promoted by the polygynous mating system of vespertilionid bats in which an infected male mates with many females during the autumn swarming. Presence of microfilariae may be expected to decrease semen quality and transmission via this route may challenge the success of reproductive events in females after mating. Further investigation will be necessary to better understand the bat-parasite interaction and the life cycle of this filarial worm.},
}
@article {pmid37808301,
year = {2023},
author = {Cui, X and Liu, Y and Zhang, J and Hu, P and Zheng, Z and Deng, X and Xu, M},
title = {Variation of endosymbiont and citrus tristeza virus (CTV) titers in the Huanglongbing insect vector, Diaphorina citri, on CTV-infected plants.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1236731},
pmid = {37808301},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {"Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas) is a notorious agent that causes Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), which is transmitted by Diaphorina citri (D. citri). We recently found that the acquisition and transmission of CLas by D. citri was facilitated by Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a widely distributed virus in the field. In this study, we further studied whether different CTV strains manipulate the host preference of D. citri, and whether endosymbionts variation is related to CTV strains in D. citri. The results showed that the non-viruliferous D. citri preferred to select the shoots infected with CTV, without strain differences was observed in the selection. However, the viruliferous D. citri prefered to select the mixed strain that is similar to the field's. Furthermore, D. citri effectively acquired the CTV within 2-12 h depending on the strains of the virus. The persistence period of CTV in D. citri was longer than 24 days, without reduction of the CTV titers being observed. These results provide a foundation for understanding the transmission mode of D. citri on CTV. During the process of CTV acquisition and persistence, the titers of main endosymbionts in D. citri showed similar variation trend, but their relative titers were different at different time points. The titers of the "Candidatus Profftella armatura" and CTV tended to be positively correlated, and the titers of Wolbachia and "Candidatus Carsonella ruddii" were mostly negatively related with titers of CT31. These results showed the relationship among D. citri, endosymbionts, and CTV and provided useful information for further research on the interactions between D. citri and CLas, which may benefit the development of approaches for the prevention of CLas transmission and control of citrus HLB.},
}
@article {pmid37810228,
year = {2023},
author = {Kwak, Y and Hansen, AK},
title = {Unveiling metabolic integration in psyllids and their nutritional endosymbionts through comparative transcriptomics analysis.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {26},
number = {10},
pages = {107930},
pmid = {37810228},
issn = {2589-0042},
support = {S10 OD010786/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Psyllids, a group of insects that feed on plant sap, have a symbiotic relationship with an endosymbiont called Carsonella. Carsonella synthesizes essential amino acids and vitamins for its psyllid host, but lacks certain genes required for this process, suggesting a compensatory role of psyllid host genes. To investigate this, gene expression was compared between two psyllid species, Bactericera cockerelli and Diaphorina citri, in specialized cells where Carsonella resides (bacteriomes). Collaborative psyllid genes, including horizontally transferred genes, showed patterns of conserved gene expression; however, species-specific patterns were also observed, suggesting differences in the nutritional metabolism between psyllid species. Also, the recycling of nitrogen in bacteriomes may primarily rely on glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). Additionally, lineage-specific gene clusters were differentially expressed in B. cockerelli and D. citri bacteriomes and are highlighted here. These findings shed light on potential host adaptations for the regulation of this symbiosis due to host, microbiome, and environmental differences.},
}
@article {pmid37813003,
year = {2024},
author = {Oundo, JW and Kalayou, S and Bosch, QT and Villinger, J and Koenraadt, CJM and Masiga, D},
title = {Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting cattle in coastal Kenya harbor a diverse array of tick-borne pathogens.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {102266},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102266},
pmid = {37813003},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; *Ixodidae/microbiology ; Kenya/epidemiology ; *Tick Infestations/epidemiology/veterinary ; *Cattle Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Rickettsia ; *Rhipicephalus ; Amblyomma ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ticks and the microbes they transmit have emerged in sub-Saharan Africa as a major threat to veterinary and public health. Although progress has been made in detecting and identifying tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) across vast agroecologies of Kenya, comprehensive information on tick species infesting cattle and their associated pathogens in coastal Kenya needs to be updated and expanded. Ticks infesting extensively grazed zebu cattle in 14 villages were sampled and identified based on morphology and molecular methods and tested for the presence of bacterial and protozoan TBPs using PCR with high-resolution melting analysis and gene sequencing. In total, 3,213 adult ticks were collected and identified as Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (15.8%), R. evertsi (12.8%), R. microplus (11.3%), R. pulchellus (0.1%), Amblyomma gemma (24.1%), A. variegatum (35.1%), Hyalomma rufipes (0.6%), and H. albiparmatum (0.2%). Ticks were infected with Rickettsia africae, Ehrlichia ruminantium, E. minasensis, Theileria velifera and T. parva. Coxiella sp. endosymbionts were detected in the Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma ticks. Co-infections with two and three different pathogens were identified in 6.9% (n = 95/1382) and 0.1% (n = 2/1382) of single tick samples, respectively, with the most common co-infection being R. africae and E. ruminantium (7.2%, CI: 4.6 - 10.6). All samples were negative for Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. Our study provides an overview of tick and tick-borne microbial diversities in coastal Kenya.},
}
@article {pmid37816433,
year = {2023},
author = {Margarita, V and Carboni, G and Diaz, N and Rappelli, P and Fiori, PL},
title = {Patterns of antibiotic resistance of Mycoplasma hominis endosymbiont of Trichomonas vaginalis and the influence of bacterial intracellular location on drug susceptibility.},
journal = {Journal of global antimicrobial resistance},
volume = {35},
number = {},
pages = {210-215},
doi = {10.1016/j.jgar.2023.09.021},
pmid = {37816433},
issn = {2213-7173},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *Trichomonas vaginalis ; Metronidazole/pharmacology ; Mycoplasma hominis ; *Trichomonas Infections ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Microbial ; Bacteria ; Tetracyclines ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Mycoplasma hominis, an opportunistic pathogen of the human lower urogenital tract, can survive and replicate within the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, establishing an endosymbiotic relationship. The intracellular location may provide a means for the bacteria to evade the immune system and protection from antimicrobial activities. Our aim was to investigate the influence of the endosymbiotic association of M. hominis with trichomonad cells on bacterial antibiotic susceptibility.<br><br>METHODS: We evaluated antibiotic resistance patterns in a group of M. hominis isolated from T. vaginalis clinical specimens as well as in M. hominis isolated from patients without trichomoniasis. Using an experimental model system, we compared the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and lethal concentration (MLC) of tetracycline on M. hominis endosymbionts of T. vaginalis and extracellular bacteria.<br><br>RESULTS: The incidence rate of M. hominis strains resistant to C14 and C15 macrolide antibiotics was higher in intracellular strains associated with T. vaginalis compared with extracellular bacteria isolated from women not affected by trichomoniasis. However, sensitivity to tetracycline and quinolones was similar in both groups. In vitro experiments demonstrated that M. hominis strains, when isolated as endosymbionts from T. vaginalis, exhibited reduced sensitivity to tetracycline when cultured extracellularly for at least eight weeks.<br><br>CONCLUSION: The intracellular localization of bacteria within trichomonad cells may affect antibiotic susceptibility.},
}
@article {pmid37819592,
year = {2023},
author = {Haghshenas-Gorgabi, N and Poorjavd, N and Khajehali, J and Wybouw, N},
title = {Cardinium symbionts are pervasive in Iranian populations of the spider mite Panonychus ulmi despite inducing an infection cost and no demonstrable reproductive phenotypes when Wolbachia is a symbiotic partner.},
journal = {Experimental &amp; applied acarology},
volume = {91},
number = {3},
pages = {369-380},
pmid = {37819592},
issn = {1572-9702},
mesh = {Female ; Male ; Animals ; *Wolbachia ; *Tetranychidae/genetics ; Iran ; Seeds ; Reproduction ; Symbiosis ; Bacteroidetes ; },
abstract = {Maternally transmitted symbionts such as Cardinium and Wolbachia are widespread in arthropods. Both Cardinium and Wolbachia can cause cytoplasmic incompatibility, a reproductive phenotype that interferes with the development of uninfected eggs that are fertilized by infected sperm. In haplodiploid hosts, these symbionts can also distort sex allocation to facilitate their spread through host populations. Without other fitness effects, symbionts that induce strong reproductive phenotypes tend to spread to high and stable infection frequencies, whereas variants that induce weak reproductive phenotypes are typically associated with intermediate and variable frequencies. To study the spread of Cardinium in a haplodiploid host, we sampled Iranian populations of the economically important spider mite Panonychus ulmi in apple orchards. Within several field populations, we also studied the Wolbachia infection frequencies. All P. ulmi field populations carried a Cardinium infection and exhibited high infection frequencies. In contrast, Wolbachia frequency ranged between ca. 10% and ca. 70% and was only found in co-infected mites. To test whether Cardinium induce reproductive phenotypes in P. ulmi, a Cardinium-cured derived line was generated by antibiotic treatment from a co-infected field population. Genetic crosses indicated that Cardinium do not induce demonstrable levels of cytoplasmic incompatibility and sex allocation distortion in co-infected P. ulmi. However, Cardinium infection was associated with a longer developmental time and reduced total fecundity for co-infected females. We hypothesize that Cardinium spread through P. ulmi populations via uncharacterized fitness effects and that co-infection with Wolbachia might impact these drive mechanisms.},
}
@article {pmid37820843,
year = {2023},
author = {Thanchomnang, T and Rodpai, R and Thinnabut, K and Boonroumkaew, P and Sadaow, L and Tangkawanit, U and Sanpool, O and Janwan, P and Intapan, PM and Maleewong, W},
title = {Characterization of the bacterial microbiota of cattle ticks in northeastern Thailand through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {115},
number = {},
pages = {105511},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105511},
pmid = {37820843},
issn = {1567-7257},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Female ; Male ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Thailand/epidemiology ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Rhipicephalus/genetics ; Ehrlichia/genetics ; *Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology ; Anaplasma/genetics ; *Microbiota/genetics ; *Rickettsia/genetics ; },
abstract = {Ticks are vectors of a variety of pathogens that can infect humans and animals. Ticks also harbor non-pathogenic microbiota. This study characterized the microbiota of the ticks infesting beef cattle in Thailand. Two species of ticks; Rhipicephalus microplus (n = 15) and Haemaphysalis bispinosa (n = 5), were collected in seven provinces in northeastern Thailand. Microbial community profile of ticks was examined based on sequences of the V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA gene. Proteobacteria (Pseudomonadota) was the most abundant phylum, followed by Firmicutes (Bacillota), and Actinobacteriota. Coxiella-like endosymbiont was the most abundant bacterial taxon overall (49% of sequence reads), followed by Anaplasma (8.5%), Corynebacterium (5.5%), Ehrlichia (3.9%), and Castellaniella (3.4%). Co-infections of the pathogenic bacteria Ehrlichia and Anaplasma were detected in 19/20 (95%) female ticks. The tick with the lowest number of bacteria had the lowest abundance of the Coxiella-like endosymbiont, and the pathogenic bacteria Anaplasma and Ehrlichia were absent. This study provides baseline information of the microbiota of cattle ticks in northeastern Thailand, suggesting that ticks carry a few dominant bacterial taxa that are primarily non-pathogenic but can co-occur with pathogenic microorganisms. The information obtained is useful for monitoring disease outbreaks in the future and informing prevention and control strategies against cattle tick-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid37827122,
year = {2023},
author = {Butterworth, S and Kordova, K and Chandrasekaran, S and Thomas, KK and Torelli, F and Lockyer, EJ and Edwards, A and Goldstone, R and Koshy, AA and Treeck, M},
title = {High-throughput identification of Toxoplasma gondii effector proteins that target host cell transcription.},
journal = {Cell host &amp; microbe},
volume = {31},
number = {10},
pages = {1748-1762.e8},
pmid = {37827122},
issn = {1934-6069},
support = {CC0199/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; CC2132/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; R01 AI157247/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Toxoplasma/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Immune Evasion ; Signal Transduction ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Intracellular pathogens and other endosymbionts reprogram host cell transcription to suppress immune responses and recalibrate biosynthetic pathways. This reprogramming is critical in determining the outcome of infection or colonization. We combine pooled CRISPR knockout screening with dual host-microbe single-cell RNA sequencing, a method we term dual perturb-seq, to identify the molecular mediators of these transcriptional interactions. Applying dual perturb-seq to the intracellular pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, we are able to identify previously uncharacterized effector proteins and directly infer their function from the transcriptomic data. We show that TgGRA59 contributes to the export of other effector proteins from the parasite into the host cell and identify an effector, TgSOS1, that is necessary for sustained host STAT6 signaling and thereby contributes to parasite immune evasion and persistence. Together, this work demonstrates a tool that can be broadly adapted to interrogate host-microbe transcriptional interactions and reveal mechanisms of infection and immune evasion.},
}
@article {pmid37838705,
year = {2023},
author = {Sounart, H and Voronin, D and Masarapu, Y and Chung, M and Saarenpää, S and Ghedin, E and Giacomello, S},
title = {Miniature spatial transcriptomics for studying parasite-endosymbiont relationships at the micro scale.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {6500},
pmid = {37838705},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Humans ; *Parasites/genetics ; Transcriptome ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Communicable Diseases ; *Wolbachia/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Several important human infectious diseases are caused by microscale-sized parasitic nematodes like filarial worms. Filarial worms have their own spatial tissue organization; to uncover this tissue structure, we need methods that can spatially resolve these miniature specimens. Most filarial worms evolved a mutualistic association with endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia. However, the mechanisms underlying the dependency of filarial worms on the fitness of these bacteria remain unknown. As Wolbachia is essential for the development, reproduction, and survival of filarial worms, we spatially explored how Wolbachia interacts with the worm's reproductive system by performing a spatial characterization using Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) across a posterior region containing reproductive tissue and developing embryos of adult female Brugia malayi worms. We provide a proof-of-concept for miniature-ST to explore spatial gene expression patterns in small sample types, demonstrating the method's ability to uncover nuanced tissue region expression patterns, observe the spatial localization of key B. malayi - Wolbachia pathway genes, and co-localize the B. malayi spatial transcriptome in Wolbachia tissue regions, also under antibiotic treatment. We envision our approach will open up new avenues for the study of infectious diseases caused by micro-scale parasitic worms.},
}
@article {pmid37844224,
year = {2023},
author = {Duncan, RP and Anderson, CMH and Thwaites, DT and Luetje, CW and Wilson, ACC},
title = {Co-option of a conserved host glutamine transporter facilitates aphid/Buchnera metabolic integration.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {120},
number = {43},
pages = {e2308448120},
pmid = {37844224},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {DEB-1406631//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; IOS-1354154//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; N/A//Newcastle University NUAcT fellowship/ ; RGS\R1\221113//Royal Society (The Royal Society)/ ; 47690-FR//The Physiological Society Momentum Fellowship/ ; N/A//Rank Prize new lecturer grant/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Glutamine/metabolism ; *Aphids/microbiology ; *Buchnera/genetics/metabolism ; Amino Acids/metabolism ; Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism ; Arginine/metabolism ; Symbiosis/physiology ; },
abstract = {Organisms across the tree of life colonize novel environments by partnering with bacterial symbionts. These symbioses are characterized by intimate integration of host/endosymbiont biology at multiple levels, including metabolically. Metabolic integration is particularly important for sap-feeding insects and their symbionts, which supplement nutritionally unbalanced host diets. Many studies reveal parallel evolution of host/endosymbiont metabolic complementarity in amino acid biosynthesis, raising questions about how amino acid metabolism is regulated, how regulatory mechanisms evolve, and the extent to which similar mechanisms evolve in different systems. In the aphid/Buchnera symbiosis, the transporter ApGLNT1 (Acyrthosiphon pisum glutamine transporter 1) supplies glutamine, an amino donor in transamination reactions, to bacteriocytes (where Buchnera reside) and is competitively inhibited by Buchnera-supplied arginine-consistent with a role regulating amino acid metabolism given host demand for Buchnera-produced amino acids. We examined how ApGLNT1 evolved a regulatory role by functionally characterizing orthologs in insects with and without endosymbionts. ApGLNT1 orthologs are functionally similar, and orthology searches coupled with homology modeling revealed that GLNT1 is ancient and structurally conserved across insects. Our results indicate that the ApGLNT1 symbiotic regulatory role is derived from its ancestral role and, in aphids, is likely facilitated by loss of arginine biosynthesis through the urea cycle. Given consistent loss of host arginine biosynthesis and retention of endosymbiont arginine supply, we hypothesize that GLNT1 is a general mechanism regulating amino acid metabolism in sap-feeding insects. This work fills a gap, highlighting the broad importance of co-option of ancestral proteins to novel contexts in the evolution of host/symbiont systems.},
}
@article {pmid37850668,
year = {2023},
author = {Hepler, JR and Cooper, WR and Cullum, JP and Dardick, C and Dardick, L and Nixon, LJ and Pouchnik, DJ and Raupp, MJ and Shrewsbury, P and Leskey, TC},
title = {Do adult Magicicada (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) feed? Historical perspectives and evidence from molecular gut content analysis.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {23},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {37850668},
issn = {1536-2442},
support = {8080-21000-032-000D//USDA-ARS-CRIS/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics ; Ecosystem ; Nymph ; Feeding Behavior ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {The periodical cicadas in the genus Magicicada are remarkable for their unusual life histories and dramatic synchronized emergences every 13 or 17 years. While aspects of their evolution, mating behaviors, and general biology have been well-characterized, there is surprising uncertainty surrounding the feeding habits of the short-lived adult stage. Despite a tentative scientific consensus to the contrary, the perception that adult Magicicada do not feed has persisted among the general public, and recent studies are lacking. We directly investigated the feeding behavior of Magicicada spp. through high-throughput sequencing (HTS)-based dietary analysis of nymphs, freshly molted (teneral) adults, and fully sclerotized adults collected from orchard and wooded habitats during the 2021 emergence of Brood X. Identifiable plant DNA (trnF, ITS amplicons) was successfully recovered from nymphs and adults. No plant DNA was recovered from teneral adults, suggesting that all DNA recovered from sclerotized adults was ingested during the post-teneral adult stage. Both nymphs and adults were found to have ingested a range of woody and herbaceous plants across 17 genera and 14 families. Significantly more plant genera per individual were recovered from adults than from nymphs, likely reflecting the greater mobility of the adult stage. We hypothesize that the demonstrated ingestion of plant sap by Magicicada adults is driven by a need to replace lost water and support specialized bacteriome-dwelling endosymbionts that cicadas depend upon for growth and development, which constitutes true feeding behavior.},
}
@article {pmid37858069,
year = {2023},
author = {Bu, XL and Zhao, WS and Li, ZY and Ma, HW and Chen, YS and Li, WX and Zou, H and Li, M and Wang, GT},
title = {The energy metabolism of Balantidium polyvacuolum inhabiting the hindgut of Xenocypris davidi.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {624},
pmid = {37858069},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {No. 32170437//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 2019QZKK0304//the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program/ ; No. CARS-45//the earmarked fund for CARS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Balantidium ; *Cypriniformes ; Carbohydrates ; Energy Metabolism ; Starch ; },
abstract = {Anaerobic parasitic ciliates are a specialized group of ciliates that are adapted to anoxic and oxygen-depleted habitats. Among them, Balantidium polyvacuolum, which inhabits the hindgut of Xenocyprinae fishes, has received very limited scientific attention, so the molecular mechanism of its adaptation to the digestive tract microenvironment is still unclear. In this study, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and single-cell transcriptome analysis were used to uncover the metabolism of B. polyvacuolum. Starch granules, endosymbiotic bacteria, and multiple specialized mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs) of various shapes were observed. The MROs may have completely lost the electron transport chain (ETC) complexes I, III, IV, and V and only retained succinate dehydrogenase subunit A (SDHA) of complex II. The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle was also incomplete. It can be inferred that the hypoxic intestinal environment has led to the specialization of the mitochondria in B. polyvacuolum. Moreover, carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), including carbohydrate esterases, enzymes with a carbohydrate-binding module, glycoside hydrolases, and glycosyltransferases, were identified, which may constitute evidence that B. polyvacuolum is able to digest carbohydrates and starch. These findings can improve our knowledge of the energy metabolism and adaptive mechanisms of B. polyvacuolum.},
}
@article {pmid37860043,
year = {2023},
author = {Mannaa, M and Seo, YS},
title = {Improved and simplified method for aseptic isolation of nematodes and nematode-endosymbiotic bacteria from pine seedlings.},
journal = {MethodsX},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {102421},
pmid = {37860043},
issn = {2215-0161},
abstract = {Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, significantly impacts pine species and poses a broader ecological concern. An understanding of these nematode-associated microbes is essential for formulating sustainable PWD management strategies. We introduce a streamlined method for the aseptic extraction of B. xylophilus from pine seedlings, evolving beyond traditional Baermann funnel approaches. The method ensures optimal nematode extraction under sterile parameters, with seedling cutting discs processed using a unique sterile syringe assembly setup. The efficiency and simplicity of this method promise to significantly reduce the time and resources required. It also incorporates endosymbiotic bacterial isolation from isolated nematodes. The robustness of this method is affirmed by the successful isolation and identification of nematodes and bacterial strains as endosymbionts. Collectively, this protocol paves the way for more effective studies of nematodes and associated microbes, promoting the understanding of PWD and offering practical implications for better PWD management.•A simplified, aseptic method for extracting B. xylophilus from pine seedlings, offering a modern alternative to traditional Baermann funnel method.•Utilization of a specialized sterile syringe assembly setup, ensuring controlled and optimal nematode isolation.•Method validation achieved through the successful isolation and identification of bacterial strains as nematode endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid37860089,
year = {2023},
author = {Rushidi, MNA and Azhari, MLH and Yaakop, S and Hazmi, IR},
title = {Detection and Characterisation of Endosymbiont Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) in Elaeidobius kamerunicus (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea), Pollinating Agent of Oil Palm, and Its Relationships between Populations.},
journal = {Tropical life sciences research},
volume = {34},
number = {3},
pages = {95-111},
pmid = {37860089},
issn = {1985-3718},
abstract = {Elaeidobius kamerunicus is the most efficient pollinator of oil palm. Wolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacteria associated with E. kamerunicus that has a potential to affect the fecundity and fitness of the E. kamerunicus. Despite their importance, no studies have been conducted to investigate its prevalence in E. kamerunicus. The objectives of this study were to detect and characterise Wolbachia in E. kamerunicus and determine the phylogenetic relationship of Wolbachia strains that infect E. kamerunicus by using three genetic markers namely Filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (ftsZ), Chaperonin folding protein (groEL), and Citrate Synthase Coding Gene (gltA). DNA was extracted from 210 individuals of E. kamerunicus and the Wolbachia infections were detected using the wsp marker. The infected samples (n = 25, 11.9%) were then sequenced using ftsZ, gltA and groEL markers for strain characterization. In this study, a combination of four markers was used to construct the phylogeny of Wolbachia. Similar topologies were shown in all trees; Neighbour-Joining (NJ), Maximum Parsimony (MP), and Bayesian Inference (BI), which showed the mixing of individuals that harbor Wolbachia between populations. Interestingly, Wolbachia on E. kamerunicus was claded together with the species Drosophila simulans under supergroup B. This is the first report of Wolbachia infecting E. kamerunicus which is very valuable and significant as one of the parameters to evaluate the quality of the E. kamerunicus population for sustaining its function as a great pollinator for oil palm.},
}
@article {pmid37864609,
year = {2024},
author = {Vaurs, M and Dolu, EB and Decottignies, A},
title = {Mitochondria and telomeres: hand in glove.},
journal = {Biogerontology},
volume = {25},
number = {2},
pages = {289-300},
pmid = {37864609},
issn = {1573-6768},
mesh = {Humans ; *Telomere ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Aging/genetics ; Cellular Senescence/genetics ; *Telomerase/genetics ; },
abstract = {Born as an endosymbiont, the bacteria engulfed by the proto-eukaryotic cell more than 1.45 billion years ago progressively evolved as an important organelle with multiple interactions with the host cell. In particular, strong connections between mitochondria and the chromosome ends, the telomeres, led to propose a new theory of ageing in which dysfunctional telomeres and mitochondria are the main actors of a vicious circle reducing cell fitness and promoting cellular ageing. We review the evidences that oxidative stress and dysfunctional mitochondria damage telomeres and further discuss the interrelationship between telomere biology and mitochondria through the lens of telomerase which shuttles between the nucleus and mitochondria. Finally, we elaborate on the possible role of the mitochondrial genome on the inheritance of human telomere length through the expression of mitochondrial gene variants.},
}
@article {pmid37871041,
year = {2023},
author = {Bustamante, JA and Ceron, JS and Gao, IT and Ramirez, HA and Aviles, MV and Bet Adam, D and Brice, JR and Cuellar, RA and Dockery, E and Jabagat, MK and Karp, DG and Lau, JK and Li, S and Lopez-Magaña, R and Moore, RR and Morin, BKR and Nzongo, J and Rezaeihaghighi, Y and Sapienza-Martinez, J and Tran, TTK and Huang, Z and Duthoy, AJ and Barnett, MJ and Long, SR and Chen, JC},
title = {A protease and a lipoprotein jointly modulate the conserved ExoR-ExoS-ChvI signaling pathway critical in Sinorhizobium meliloti for symbiosis with legume hosts.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {19},
number = {10},
pages = {e1010776},
pmid = {37871041},
issn = {1553-7404},
support = {TL4 GM118986/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T34 GM008574/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R25 GM059298/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R25 GM050078/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T34 GM145400/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 GM118985/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; RL5 GM118984/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R25 GM048972/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; SC3 GM096943/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Peptide Hydrolases/genetics/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism ; *Fabaceae/metabolism ; *Sinorhizobium meliloti/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Endopeptidases/genetics ; Signal Transduction/genetics ; Lipoproteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Polysaccharides, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Sinorhizobium meliloti is a model alpha-proteobacterium for investigating microbe-host interactions, in particular nitrogen-fixing rhizobium-legume symbioses. Successful infection requires complex coordination between compatible host and endosymbiont, including bacterial production of succinoglycan, also known as exopolysaccharide-I (EPS-I). In S. meliloti EPS-I production is controlled by the conserved ExoS-ChvI two-component system. Periplasmic ExoR associates with the ExoS histidine kinase and negatively regulates ChvI-dependent expression of exo genes, necessary for EPS-I synthesis. We show that two extracytoplasmic proteins, LppA (a lipoprotein) and JspA (a lipoprotein and a metalloprotease), jointly influence EPS-I synthesis by modulating the ExoR-ExoS-ChvI pathway and expression of genes in the ChvI regulon. Deletions of jspA and lppA led to lower EPS-I production and competitive disadvantage during host colonization, for both S. meliloti with Medicago sativa and S. medicae with M. truncatula. Overexpression of jspA reduced steady-state levels of ExoR, suggesting that the JspA protease participates in ExoR degradation. This reduction in ExoR levels is dependent on LppA and can be replicated with ExoR, JspA, and LppA expressed exogenously in Caulobacter crescentus and Escherichia coli. Akin to signaling pathways that sense extracytoplasmic stress in other bacteria, JspA and LppA may monitor periplasmic conditions during interaction with the plant host to adjust accordingly expression of genes that contribute to efficient symbiosis. The molecular mechanisms underlying host colonization in our model system may have parallels in related alpha-proteobacteria.},
}
@article {pmid37871129,
year = {2023},
author = {Wenzel, M and Aquadro, CF},
title = {Wolbachia infection at least partially rescues the fertility and ovary defects of several new Drosophila melanogaster bag of marbles protein-coding mutants.},
journal = {PLoS genetics},
volume = {19},
number = {10},
pages = {e1011009},
pmid = {37871129},
issn = {1553-7404},
support = {R01 GM095793/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD018516/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; *Drosophila melanogaster/genetics/microbiology ; *Drosophila Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Fertility/genetics ; Ovary/metabolism ; *Wolbachia/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The D. melanogaster protein coding gene bag of marbles (bam) plays a key role in early male and female reproduction by forming complexes with partner proteins to promote differentiation in gametogenesis. Like another germline gene, Sex lethal, bam genetically interacts with the endosymbiont Wolbachia, as Wolbachia rescues the reduced fertility of a bam hypomorphic mutant. Here, we explored the specificity of the bam-Wolbachia interaction by generating 22 new bam mutants, with ten mutants displaying fertility defects. Nine of these mutants trend towards rescue by the wMel Wolbachia variant, with eight statistically significant at the fertility and/or cytological level. In some cases, fertility was increased a striking 20-fold. There is no specificity between the rescue and the known binding regions of bam, suggesting wMel does not interact with one singular bam partner to rescue the reproductive phenotype. We further tested if wMel interacts with bam in a non-specific way, by increasing bam transcript levels or acting upstream in germline stem cells. A fertility assessment of a bam RNAi knockdown mutant reveals that wMel rescue is specific to functionally mutant bam alleles and we find no obvious evidence of wMel interaction with germline stem cells in bam mutants.},
}
@article {pmid37873081,
year = {2023},
author = {Perlmutter, JI and Atadurdyyeva, A and Schedl, ME and Unckless, RL},
title = {Wolbachia enhances the survival of Drosophila infected with fungal pathogens.},
journal = {bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37873081},
issn = {2692-8205},
support = {P20 GM103418/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI139154/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia bacteria of arthropods are at the forefront of basic and translational research on multipartite host-symbiont-pathogen interactions. These microbes are vertically inherited from mother to offspring via the cytoplasm. They are the most widespread endosymbionts on the planet due to their infamous ability to manipulate the reproduction of their hosts to spread themselves in a population, and to provide a variety of fitness benefits to their hosts. Importantly, some strains of Wolbachia can inhibit viral pathogenesis within and between arthropod hosts. Mosquitoes carrying the wMel Wolbachia strain of Drosophila melanogaster have a greatly reduced capacity to spread viruses like dengue and Zika to humans. Therefore, Wolbachia are the basis of several global vector control initiatives. While significant research efforts have focused on viruses, relatively little attention has been given to Wolbachia-fungal interactions despite the ubiquity of fungal entomopathogens in nature. Here, we demonstrate that Wolbachia increase the longevity of their Drosophila melanogaster hosts when challenged with a spectrum of yeast and filamentous fungal pathogens. We find that this pattern can vary based on host genotype, sex, and fungal species. Further, Wolbachia correlates with higher fertility and reduced pathogen titers during initial fungal infection, indicating a significant fitness benefit. This study demonstrates Wolbachia's role in diverse fungal pathogen interactions and determines that the phenotype is broad, but with several variables that influence both the presence and strength of the phenotype. These results enhance our knowledge of the strategies Wolbachia uses that likely contribute to such a high global symbiont prevalence.},
}
@article {pmid37874788,
year = {2023},
author = {Russell, SL and Castillo, JR and Sullivan, WT},
title = {Wolbachia endosymbionts manipulate the self-renewal and differentiation of germline stem cells to reinforce fertility of their fruit fly host.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {21},
number = {10},
pages = {e3002335},
pmid = {37874788},
issn = {1545-7885},
support = {K99 GM135583/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R00 GM135583/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM139595/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wolbachia ; Drosophila/metabolism ; Fertility ; Cell Differentiation ; Germ Cells/metabolism ; Stem Cells/metabolism ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics ; *Drosophila Proteins/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The alphaproteobacterium Wolbachia pipientis infects arthropod and nematode species worldwide, making it a key target for host biological control. Wolbachia-driven host reproductive manipulations, such as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), are credited for catapulting these intracellular bacteria to high frequencies in host populations. Positive, perhaps mutualistic, reproductive manipulations also increase infection frequencies, but are not well understood. Here, we identify molecular and cellular mechanisms by which Wolbachia influences the molecularly distinct processes of germline stem cell (GSC) self-renewal and differentiation. We demonstrate that wMel infection rescues the fertility of flies lacking the translational regulator mei-P26 and is sufficient to sustain infertile homozygous mei-P26-knockdown stocks indefinitely. Cytology revealed that wMel mitigates the impact of mei-P26 loss through restoring proper pMad, Bam, Sxl, and Orb expression. In Oregon R files with wild-type fertility, wMel infection elevates lifetime egg hatch rates. Exploring these phenotypes through dual-RNAseq quantification of eukaryotic and bacterial transcripts revealed that wMel infection rescues and offsets many gene expression changes induced by mei-P26 loss at the mRNA level. Overall, we show that wMel infection beneficially reinforces host fertility at mRNA, protein, and phenotypic levels, and these mechanisms may promote the emergence of mutualism and the breakdown of host reproductive manipulations.},
}
@article {pmid37882523,
year = {2023},
author = {Głowska, E and Gerth, M},
title = {Draft genome sequence of a Wolbachia endosymbiont from Syringophilopsis turdi (Fritsch, 1958) (Acari, Syringophilidae).},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {e0060523},
pmid = {37882523},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {UMO-2015/19/D/NZ8/00191//Narodowe Centrum Nauki (NCN)/ ; GE 2824/1-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; },
abstract = {We present the draft genome of a Wolbachia endosymbiont from quill mites. This is the first representative of a recently discovered distinct Wolbachia lineage (supergroup P). We hope the genome will be a useful resource for comparative evolutionary and genomic studies across the globally distributed symbiont Wolbachia.},
}
@article {pmid37887820,
year = {2023},
author = {Giorgini, M and Formisano, G and García-García, R and Bernat-Ponce, S and Beitia, F},
title = {The Susceptibility of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) Species to Attack by a Parasitoid Wasp Changes between Two Whitefly Strains with Different Facultative Endosymbiotic Bacteria.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {14},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {37887820},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {Short Term Mobility Fellowship//National Research Council/ ; DBA.AD002.356 Lotta Biologica ed Integrata IPSP SS Portici//National Research Council/ ; KBBE 219262 (SWIPE)//ERA-NET - ARIMNet/ ; },
abstract = {In this study, two strains of the mitochondrial lineage Q1 of Bemisia tabaci MED species, characterized by a different complement of facultative bacterial endosymbionts, were tested for their susceptibility to be attacked by the parasitoid wasp Eretmocerus mundus, a widespread natural enemy of B. tabaci. Notably, the BtHC strain infected with Hamiltonella and Cardinium was more resistant to parasitization than the BtHR strain infected with Hamiltonella and Rickettsia. The resistant phenotype consisted of fewer nymphs successfully parasitized (containing the parasitoid mature larva or pupa) and in a lower percentage of adult wasps emerging from parasitized nymphs. Interestingly, the resistance traits were not evident when E. mundus parasitism was compared between BtHC and BtHR using parasitoids originating from a colony maintained on BtHC. However, when we moved the parasitoid colony on BtHR and tested E. mundus after it was reared on BtHR for four and seven generations, we saw then that BtHC was less susceptible to parasitization than BtHR. On the other hand, we did not detect any difference in the parasitization of the BtHR strain between the three generations of E. mundus tested. Our findings showed that host strain is a factor affecting the ability of E. mundus to parasitize B. tabaci and lay the basis for further studies aimed at disentangling the role of the facultative endosymbiont Cardinium and of the genetic background in the resistance of B. tabaci MED to parasitoid attack. Furthermore, they highlight that counteradaptations to the variation of B. tabaci defence mechanisms may be rapidly selected in E. mundus to maximize the parasitoid fitness.},
}
@article {pmid37891154,
year = {2023},
author = {Matthews, JL and Khalil, A and Siboni, N and Bougoure, J and Guagliardo, P and Kuzhiumparambil, U and DeMaere, M and Le Reun, NM and Seymour, JR and Suggett, DJ and Raina, JB},
title = {Coral endosymbiont growth is enhanced by metabolic interactions with bacteria.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {6864},
pmid = {37891154},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/microbiology ; *Rhodobacteraceae ; Plant Growth Regulators ; Coral Reefs ; *Dinoflagellida ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Bacteria are key contributors to microalgae resource acquisition, competitive performance, and functional diversity, but their potential metabolic interactions with coral microalgal endosymbionts (Symbiodiniaceae) have been largely overlooked. Here, we show that altering the bacterial composition of two widespread Symbiodiniaceae species, during their free-living stage, results in a significant shift in their cellular metabolism. Indeed, the abundance of monosaccharides and the key phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were correlated with the presence of specific bacteria, including members of the Labrenzia (Roseibium) and Marinobacter genera. Single-cell stable isotope tracking revealed that these two bacterial genera are involved in reciprocal exchanges of carbon and nitrogen with Symbiodiniaceae. We identified the provision of IAA by Labrenzia and Marinobacter, and this metabolite caused a significant growth enhancement of Symbiodiniaceae. By unravelling these interkingdom interactions, our work demonstrates how specific bacterial associates fundamentally govern Symbiodiniaceae fitness.},
}
@article {pmid37905582,
year = {2024},
author = {Radice, VZ and Martinez, A and Paytan, A and Potts, DC and Barshis, DJ},
title = {Complex dynamics of coral gene expression responses to low pH across species.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {e17186},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17186},
pmid = {37905582},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {9915-16//The National Geographic Explorer grant/ ; //The National Park Foundation Science Fellowship/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/genetics ; Coral Reefs ; Ecosystem ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Seawater/chemistry ; Transcriptome/genetics ; },
abstract = {Coral capacity to tolerate low pH affects coral community composition and, ultimately, reef ecosystem function. Low pH submarine discharges ('Ojo'; Yucatán, México) represent a natural laboratory to study plasticity and acclimatization to low pH in relation to ocean acidification. A previous >2-year coral transplant experiment to ambient and low pH common garden sites revealed differential survivorship across species and sites, providing a framework to compare mechanistic responses to differential pH exposures. Here, we examined gene expression responses of transplants of three species of reef-building corals (Porites astreoides, Porites porites and Siderastrea siderea) and their algal endosymbiont communities (Symbiodiniaceae) originating from low pH (Ojo) and ambient pH native origins (Lagoon or Reef). Transplant pH environment had the greatest effect on gene expression of Porites astreoides hosts and symbionts and P. porites hosts. Host P. astreoides Ojo natives transplanted to ambient pH showed a similar gene expression profile to Lagoon natives remaining in ambient pH, providing evidence of plasticity in response to ambient pH conditions. Although origin had a larger effect on host S. siderea gene expression due to differences in symbiont genera within Reef and Lagoon/Ojo natives, subtle effects of low pH on all origins demonstrated acclimatization potential. All corals responded to low pH by differentially expressing genes related to pH regulation, ion transport, calcification, cell adhesion and stress/immune response. This study demonstrates that the magnitude of coral gene expression responses to pH varies considerably among populations, species and holobionts, which could differentially affect acclimatization to and impacts of ocean acidification.},
}
@article {pmid37906220,
year = {2023},
author = {He, LS and Qi, Y and Allard, CAH and Valencia-Montoya, WA and Krueger, SP and Weir, K and Seminara, A and Bellono, NW},
title = {Molecular tuning of sea anemone stinging.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {37906220},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {R35 GM142697/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01 DC018789/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/United States ; R35GM142697/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; 101002724 RIDING/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; R01DC018789/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Sea Anemones/genetics ; Biological Evolution ; Venoms ; },
abstract = {Jellyfish and sea anemones fire single-use, venom-covered barbs to immobilize prey or predators. We previously showed that the anemone Nematostella vectensis uses a specialized voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channel to trigger stinging in response to synergistic prey-derived chemicals and touch (Weir et al., 2020). Here, we use experiments and theory to find that stinging behavior is suited to distinct ecological niches. We find that the burrowing anemone Nematostella uses uniquely strong CaV inactivation for precise control of predatory stinging. In contrast, the related anemone Exaiptasia diaphana inhabits exposed environments to support photosynthetic endosymbionts. Consistent with its niche, Exaiptasia indiscriminately stings for defense and expresses a CaV splice variant that confers weak inactivation. Chimeric analyses reveal that CaVβ subunit adaptations regulate inactivation, suggesting an evolutionary tuning mechanism for stinging behavior. These findings demonstrate how functional specialization of ion channel structure contributes to distinct organismal behavior.},
}
@article {pmid37907954,
year = {2023},
author = {Pfarr, KM and Krome, AK and Al-Obaidi, I and Batchelor, H and Vaillant, M and Hoerauf, A and Opoku, NO and Kuesel, AC},
title = {The pipeline for drugs for control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases: 2. Oral anti-infective drugs and drug combinations for off-label use.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {394},
pmid = {37907954},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {001/WHO_/World Health Organization/International ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Ivermectin/therapeutic use ; Rifampin ; Doxycycline ; Fluconazole ; Off-Label Use ; *Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use ; Drug Combinations ; Neglected Diseases/drug therapy/prevention &amp; control ; Nitro Compounds ; Thiazoles ; Phenylenediamines ; },
abstract = {In its 'Road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030', the World Health Organization outlined its targets for control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and research needed to achieve them. For many NTDs, this includes research for new treatment options for case management and/or preventive chemotherapy. Our review of small-molecule anti-infective drugs recently approved by a stringent regulatory authority (SRA) or in at least Phase 2 clinical development for regulatory approval showed that this pipeline cannot deliver all new treatments needed. WHO guidelines and country policies show that drugs may be recommended for control and elimination for NTDs for which they are not SRA approved (i.e. for 'off-label' use) if efficacy and safety data for the relevant NTD are considered sufficient by WHO and country authorities. Here, we are providing an overview of clinical research in the past 10 years evaluating the anti-infective efficacy of oral small-molecule drugs for NTD(s) for which they are neither SRA approved, nor included in current WHO strategies nor, considering the research sponsors, likely to be registered with a SRA for that NTD, if found to be effective and safe. No such research has been done for yaws, guinea worm, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), rabies, trachoma, visceral leishmaniasis, mycetoma, T. b. rhodesiense HAT, echinococcosis, taeniasis/cysticercosis or scabies. Oral drugs evaluated include sparfloxacin and acedapsone for leprosy; rifampicin, rifapentin and moxifloxacin for onchocerciasis; imatinib and levamisole for loiasis; itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, ravuconazole and disulfiram for Chagas disease, doxycycline and rifampicin for lymphatic filariasis; arterolane, piperaquine, artesunate, artemether, lumefantrine and mefloquine for schistosomiasis; ivermectin, tribendimidine, pyrantel, oxantel and nitazoxanide for soil-transmitted helminths including strongyloidiasis; chloroquine, ivermectin, balapiravir, ribavirin, celgosivir, UV-4B, ivermectin and doxycycline for dengue; streptomycin, amoxicillin, clavulanate for Buruli ulcer; fluconazole and isavuconazonium for mycoses; clarithromycin and dapsone for cutaneous leishmaniasis; and tribendimidine, albendazole, mebendazole and nitazoxanide for foodborne trematodiasis. Additional paths to identification of new treatment options are needed. One promising path is exploitation of the worldwide experience with 'off-label' treatment of diseases with insufficient treatment options as pursued by the 'CURE ID' initiative.},
}
@article {pmid37914031,
year = {2024},
author = {Grossi, AA and Tian, C and Ren, M and Zou, F and Gustafsson, DR},
title = {Co-phylogeny of a hyper-symbiotic system: Endosymbiotic bacteria (Gammaproteobacteria), chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) and birds (Passeriformes).},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {190},
number = {},
pages = {107957},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107957},
pmid = {37914031},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {Animals ; Phylogeny ; *Passeriformes ; *Ischnocera ; *Gammaproteobacteria ; Biological Evolution ; *Phthiraptera/genetics ; *Bird Diseases/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Chewing lice are hosts to endosymbiotic bacteria as well as themselves being permanent parasites. This offers a unique opportunity to examine the cophylogenetic relationships between three ecologically interconnected organismal groups: birds, chewing lice, and bacteria. Here, we examine the cophylogenetic relationships between lice in the genus Guimaraesiella Eichler, 1949, their endosymbiotic Sodalis-allied bacteria, and a range of bird species from across South China. Both event and distance-based cophylogenetic analyses were explored to compare phylogenies of the three organismal groups. Pair-wise comparisons between lice-endosymbionts and bird-endosymbionts indicated that their evolutionary histories are not independent. However, comparisons between lice and birds, showed mixed results; the distance-based method of ParaFit indicated that their evolutionary histories are not independent, while the event-based method of Jane indicated that their phylogenies were no more congruent than expected by chance. Notably, louse host-switching does not seem to have affected bacterial strains, as conspecific lice sampled from distantly related hosts share bacteria belonging to the same clade.},
}
@article {pmid37914705,
year = {2023},
author = {Rädecker, N and Escrig, S and Spangenberg, JE and Voolstra, CR and Meibom, A},
title = {Coupled carbon and nitrogen cycling regulates the cnidarian-algal symbiosis.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {6948},
pmid = {37914705},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Animals ; Carbon/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; *Sea Anemones/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; *Dinoflagellida/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Efficient nutrient recycling underpins the ecological success of cnidarian-algal symbioses in oligotrophic waters. In these symbioses, nitrogen limitation restricts the growth of algal endosymbionts in hospite and stimulates their release of photosynthates to the cnidarian host. However, the mechanisms controlling nitrogen availability and their role in symbiosis regulation remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the metabolic regulation of symbiotic nitrogen cycling in the sea anemone Aiptasia by experimentally altering labile carbon availability in a series of experiments. Combining [13]C and [15]N stable isotope labeling experiments with physiological analyses and NanoSIMS imaging, we show that the competition for environmental ammonium between the host and its algal symbionts is regulated by labile carbon availability. Light regimes optimal for algal photosynthesis increase carbon availability in the holobiont and stimulate nitrogen assimilation in the host metabolism. Consequently, algal symbiont densities are lowest under optimal environmental conditions and increase toward the lower and upper light tolerance limits of the symbiosis. This metabolic regulation promotes efficient carbon recycling in a stable symbiosis across a wide range of environmental conditions. Yet, the dependence on resource competition may favor parasitic interactions, explaining the instability of the cnidarian-algal symbiosis as environmental conditions in the Anthropocene shift towards its tolerance limits.},
}
@article {pmid37914998,
year = {2023},
author = {Liu, W and Xia, X and Hoffmann, AA and Ding, Y and Fang, JC and Yu, H},
title = {Evolution of Wolbachia reproductive and nutritional mutualism: insights from the genomes of two novel strains that double infect the pollinator of dioecious Ficus hirta.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {657},
pmid = {37914998},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {2021A1515110981//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation/ ; 2022ZB773//Jiangsu Funding Program for Excellent Postdoctoral Talent/ ; 2022VBA0002//The Chinese Academy of Sciences PIFI Fellowship for Visiting Scientists/ ; 2023YFE0100540//National Key R &amp; D Program of China/ ; 202206010058//Guangzhou Collaborative Innovation Center on Science-tech of Ecology and Landscape/ ; },
mesh = {*Ficus/genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics ; Biotin/genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Phylogeny ; DNA Transposable Elements/genetics ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Prophages/genetics ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a genus of maternally inherited endosymbionts that can affect reproduction of their hosts and influence metabolic processes. The pollinator, Valisia javana, is common in the male syconium of the dioecious fig Ficus hirta. Based on a high-quality chromosome-level V. javana genome with PacBio long-read and Illumina short-read sequencing, we discovered a sizeable proportion of Wolbachia sequences and used these to assemble two novel Wolbachia strains belonging to supergroup A. We explored its phylogenetic relationship with described Wolbachia strains based on MLST sequences and the possibility of induction of CI (cytoplasmic incompatibility) in this strain by examining the presence of cif genes known to be responsible for CI in other insects. We also identified mobile genetic elements including prophages and insertion sequences, genes related to biotin synthesis and metabolism. A total of two prophages and 256 insertion sequences were found. The prophage WOjav1 is cryptic (structure incomplete) and WOjav2 is relatively intact. IS5 is the dominant transposon family. At least three pairs of type I cif genes with three copies were found which may cause strong CI although this needs experimental verification; we also considered possible nutritional effects of the Wolbachia by identifying genes related to biotin production, absorption and metabolism. This study provides a resource for further studies of Wolbachia-pollinator-host plant interactions.},
}
@article {pmid37921460,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhang, Y and Liu, S and Huang, X-y and Zi, H-b and Gao, T and Ji, R-j and Sheng, J and Zhi, D and Zhang, Y-l and Gong, C-m and Yang, Y-q},
title = {Altitude as a key environmental factor shaping microbial communities of tea green leafhoppers (Matsumurasca onukii).},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {11},
number = {6},
pages = {e0100923},
pmid = {37921460},
issn = {2165-0497},
support = {No.2021YFD1601105//MOST | National Key Research and Development Program of China (NKPs)/ ; No.32172635//MOST | National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera ; Altitude ; Tea ; },
abstract = {Host-associated microbial communities play an important role in the fitness of insect hosts. However, the factors shaping microbial communities in wild populations, including environmental factors and interactions among microbial species, remain largely unknown. The tea green leafhopper has a wide geographical distribution and is highly adaptable, providing a suitable model for studying the effect of ecological drivers on microbiomes. This is the first large-scale culture-independent study investigating the microbial communities of M. onukii sampled from different locations. Altitude as a key environmental factor may have shaped microbial communities of M. onukii by affecting the relative abundance of endosymbionts, especially Wolbachia. The results of this study, therefore, offer not only an in-depth view of the microbial diversity of this species but also an insight into the influence of environmental factors.},
}
@article {pmid37930120,
year = {2023},
author = {Henry, E and Carlson, CR and Kuo, YW},
title = {Candidatus Kirkpatrickella diaphorinae gen. nov., sp. nov., an uncultured endosymbiont identified in a population of Diaphorina citri from Hawaii.},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {73},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1099/ijsem.0.006111},
pmid = {37930120},
issn = {1466-5034},
mesh = {Animals ; Symbiosis ; Hawaii ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Base Composition ; Fatty Acids/chemistry ; Bacteria/genetics ; *Hemiptera/microbiology ; *Citrus ; },
abstract = {Diaphorina citri is the hemipteran pest and vector of a devastating bacterial pathogen of citrus worldwide. In addition to the two core bacterial endosymbionts of D. citri, Candidatus Carsonella ruddii and Candidatus Profftella armatura, the genome of a novel endosymbiont and as of yet undescribed microbe was discovered in a Hawaiian D. citri population through deep sequencing of multiple D. citri populations. Found to be closely related to the genus Asaia in the family Acetobacteraceae by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, it forms a sister clade along with other insect-associated 16S rRNA gene sequences from uncultured bacterium found associated with Aedes koreicus and Sogatella furcifera. Multilocus sequence analysis confirmed the phylogenetic placement sister to the Asaia clade. Despite the culturable Asaia clade being the closest phylogenetic neighbour, attempts to culture this newly identified bacterial endosymbiont were unsuccessful. On the basis of these distinct genetic differences, the novel endosymbiont is proposed to be classified into a candidate genus and species 'Candidatus Kirkpatrickella diaphorinae'. The full genome was deposited in GenBank (accession number CP107052; prokaryotic 16S rRNA OP600170).},
}
@article {pmid37936139,
year = {2023},
author = {Hakobyan, A and Velte, S and Sickel, W and Quandt, D and Stoll, A and Knief, C},
title = {Tillandsia landbeckii phyllosphere and laimosphere as refugia for bacterial life in a hyperarid desert environment.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {246},
pmid = {37936139},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Humans ; Soil Microbiology ; *Tillandsia ; Refugium ; *Microbiota ; Bacteria/genetics ; Plants/microbiology ; Soil ; Desert Climate ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The lack of water is a major constraint for microbial life in hyperarid deserts. Consequently, the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in common habitats such as soil are strongly reduced, and colonization occurs primarily by specifically adapted microorganisms that thrive in particular refugia to escape the harsh conditions that prevail in these deserts. We suggest that plants provide another refugium for microbial life in hyperarid deserts. We studied the bacterial colonization of Tillandsia landbeckii (Bromeliaceae) plants, which occur in the hyperarid regions of the Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the driest and oldest deserts on Earth.<br><br>RESULTS: We detected clear differences between the bacterial communities being plant associated to those of the bare soil surface (PERMANOVA, R[2]&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.187, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001), indicating that Tillandsia plants host a specific bacterial community, not only dust-deposited cells. Moreover, the bacterial communities in the phyllosphere were distinct from those in the laimosphere, i.e., on buried shoots (R[2]&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.108, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001), indicating further habitat differentiation within plant individuals. The bacterial taxa detected in the phyllosphere are partly well-known phyllosphere colonizers, but in addition, some rather unusual taxa (subgroup2 Acidobacteriae, Acidiphilum) and insect endosymbionts (Wolbachia, "Candidatus Uzinura") were found. The laimosphere hosted phyllosphere-associated as well as soil-derived taxa. The phyllosphere bacterial communities showed biogeographic patterns across the desert (R[2]&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.331, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001). These patterns were different and even more pronounced in the laimosphere (R[2]&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.467, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001), indicating that different factors determine community assembly in the two plant compartments. Furthermore, the phyllosphere microbiota underwent temporal changes (R[2]&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.064, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001).<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that T. landbeckii plants host specific bacterial communities in the phyllosphere as well as in the laimosphere. Therewith, these plants provide compartment-specific refugia for microbial life in hyperarid desert environments. The bacterial communities show biogeographic patterns and temporal variation, as known from other plant microbiomes, demonstrating environmental responsiveness and suggesting that bacteria inhabit these plants as viable microorganisms. Video Abstract.},
}
@article {pmid29575366,
year = {2018},
author = {Ivanov, V and Lee, KM and Mutanen, M},
title = {Mitonuclear discordance in wolf spiders: Genomic evidence for species integrity and introgression.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {27},
number = {7},
pages = {1681-1695},
doi = {10.1111/mec.14564},
pmid = {29575366},
issn = {1365-294X},
mesh = {Animals ; Cell Nucleus/*genetics ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Genetic Loci ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; *Genomics ; Likelihood Functions ; Mitochondria/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Species Specificity ; Spiders/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Systematists and taxonomists have benefited greatly from the emergence of molecular methods. Species identification has become straightforward through DNA barcoding and the rapid build-up of massive DNA barcode reference libraries. In animals, mitonuclear discordance can significantly complicate the process of species identification and delimitation. The causes of mitonuclear discordance are either biological (e.g., introgression, incomplete lineage sorting, horizontal gene transfer androgenesis) or induced by operational factors (e.g., human error with specimen misidentification or incorrect species delimitation). Moreover, endosymbionts may play an important role in promoting fixation of mitochondrial genomes. Here, we study the mitonuclear discordance of wolf spiders species (Lycosidae) (independent cases from Alopecosa aculeata and Pardosa pullata groups) that share identical COI DNA barcodes. We approached the case utilizing double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) to obtain and analyse genomic-scale data. Our results suggest that the observed cases of mitonuclear discordance are not due to operational reasons but result from biological processes. Further analysis indicated introgression and that incomplete lineage sorting is unlikely to have been responsible for the observed discrepancy. Additional survey of endosymbionts provided ideas on further research and their role in shaping mitochondrial DNA distribution patterns. Thus, ddRADseq grants an efficient way to study the taxonomy of problematic groups with insight into underlying evolutionary processes.},
}
@article {pmid29575448,
year = {2018},
author = {Tsementzi, D and Castro Gordillo, J and Mahagna, M and Gottlieb, Y and Konstantinidis, KT},
title = {Comparison of closely related, uncultivated Coxiella tick endosymbiont population genomes reveals clues about the mechanisms of symbiosis.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {1751-1764},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.14104},
pmid = {29575448},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Animals ; Base Sequence ; Coxiella/*genetics/*physiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Metagenomics ; *Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/*physiology ; Ticks/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {Understanding the symbiotic interaction between Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLE) and their tick hosts is challenging due to lack of isolates and difficulties in tick functional assays. Here we sequenced the metagenome of a CLE population from wild Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (CRs) and compared it to the previously published genome of its close relative, CLE of R. turanicus (CRt). The tick hosts are closely related sympatric species, and their two endosymbiont genomes are highly similar with only minor differences in gene content. Both genomes encode numerous pseudogenes, consistent with an ongoing genome reduction process. In silico flux balance metabolic analysis (FBA) revealed the excess production of L-proline for both genomes, indicating a possible proline transport from Coxiella to the tick. Additionally, both CR genomes encode multiple copies of the proline/betaine transporter, proP gene. Modelling additional Coxiellaceae members including other tick CLE, did not identify proline as an excreted metabolite. Although both CRs and CRt genomes encode intact B vitamin synthesis pathway genes, which are presumed to underlay the mechanism of CLE-tick symbiosis, the FBA analysis indicated no changes for their products. Therefore, this study provides new testable hypotheses for the symbiosis mechanism and a better understanding of CLE genome evolution and diversity.},
}
@article {pmid29575777,
year = {2018},
author = {Wang, Y and Lu, J and Beattie, GA and Islam, MR and Om, N and Dao, HT and Van Nguyen, L and Zaka, SM and Guo, J and Tian, M and Deng, X and Tan, S and Holford, P and He, Y and Cen, Y},
title = {Phylogeography of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) and its primary endosymbiont, 'Candidatus Carsonella ruddii': an evolutionary approach to host-endosymbiont interaction.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.4917},
pmid = {29575777},
issn = {1526-4998},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In insects, little is known about the co-evolution between their primary endosymbionts and hosts at the intraspecific level. This study examined co-diversification between the notorious agricultural pest Diaphorina citri and its primary endosymbionts (P-endosymbiont), 'Candidatus Carsonella ruddii' at the population level.<br><br>RESULTS: Maximum likelihood, haplotype network, principal components and Bayesian clustering identified three lineages for D. citri and its P-endosymbiont: a Western clade containing individuals from Pakistan, Bhutan (Phuentsholing), Vietnam (Son La), USA, Myanmar and China (Ruili, Yunnan); a Central clade, with accessions originating from Southwest China, Bhutan (Tsirang) and Bangladesh; and an Eastern clade containing individuals from Southeast Asia, and East and South China. A more diverse genetic structure was apparent in the host mitochondrial DNA than their P-endosymbionts; however, the two sets of data were strongly congruent.<br><br>CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for the co-diversification of D. citri and its P-endosymbiont during the migration from South Asia to East and Southeast Asia. We also suggest that the P-endosymbiont may facilitate investigations into the genealogy and migration history of the host. The biogeography of D. citri and its P-endosymbiont indicated that D. citri colonized and underwent a secondary dispersal from South Asia to East and Southeast Asia. &#xa9; 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}
@article {pmid29587626,
year = {2018},
author = {Schuler, H and Egan, SP and Hood, GR and Busbee, RW and Driscoe, AL and Ott, JR},
title = {Diversity and distribution of Wolbachia in relation to geography, host plant affiliation and life cycle of a heterogonic gall wasp.},
journal = {BMC evolutionary biology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {37},
pmid = {29587626},
issn = {1471-2148},
support = {J-3527-B22//Austrian Science Fund/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bayes Theorem ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Female ; *Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; *Geography ; Haplotypes/genetics ; *Life Cycle Stages ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Quercus/*parasitology ; United States ; Wasps/*genetics/*microbiology ; Wolbachia/genetics/*growth &amp; development ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia is widespread in arthropods and nematodes and can play an important role in the ecology and evolution of its host through reproductive manipulation. Here, we survey Wolbachia in Belonocnema treatae, a widely distributed North American cynipid gall forming wasp that exhibits regional host specialization on three species of oaks and alternation of sexually and asexually reproducing generations. We investigated whether patterns of Wolbachia infection and diversity in B. treatae are associated with the insect's geographic distribution, host plant association, life cycle, and mitochondrial evolutionary history.<br><br>RESULTS: Screening of 463 individuals from 23 populations including sexual and asexual generations from all three host plants across the southern U.S. showed an average infection rate of 56% with three common Wolbachia strains: wTre1-3 and an additional rare variant wTre4. Phylogenetic analysis based on wsp showed that these strains are unrelated and likely independently inherited. We found no difference in Wolbachia infection frequency among host plant associated populations or between the asexual and sexual generations, or between males and females of the sexual generation. Partially incomplete Wolbachia transmission rates might explain the occurrence of uninfected individuals. A parallel analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene in B. treatae showed high mtDNA haplotype diversity in both infected and uninfected populations suggesting an ancestral infection by Wolbachia as well as a clear split between eastern and western B. treatae mtDNA clades with a sequence divergence of >&#x2009;6%. The strain wTre1 was present almost exclusively in the western clade while wTre2 and wTre3 occur almost exclusively in eastern populations. In contrast, the same strains co-occur as double-infections in Georgia and triple-infections in two populations in central Florida.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The diversity of Wolbachia across geographically and genetically distinct populations of B. treatae and the co-occurrence of the same strains within three populations highlights the complex infection dynamics in this system. Moreover, the association of distinct Wolbachia strains with mitochondrial haplotypes of its host in populations infected by different Wolbachia strains suggests a potential role of the endosymbiont in reproductive isolation in B. treatae.},
}
@article {pmid29592135,
year = {2000},
author = {Rispe, C and Moran, NA},
title = {Accumulation of Deleterious Mutations in Endosymbionts: Muller's Ratchet with Two Levels of Selection.},
journal = {The American naturalist},
volume = {156},
number = {4},
pages = {425-441},
doi = {10.1086/303396},
pmid = {29592135},
issn = {1537-5323},
abstract = {Many eukaryotes host mutualistic, maternally transmitted prokaryotic symbionts. Two kinds of evolution within symbiont genomes threaten to erode the benefits of these associations. First, because symbionts reproduce asexually, are sequestered within hosts, and undergo bottlenecks at infection, they are subject to the long-term accumulation of deleterious mutations through Muller's ratchet. Second, "selfish" mutations, benefiting symbionts at host expense, could cause the ultimate decline of both host and symbionts. We performed simulations to assess how the fate of each mutation type is affected by host population size, numbers of symbionts transmitted to progeny, selection within and between hosts, and mutation rate. Fixation rate always increases with decreasing host population size. However, fixation rates for uniformly deleterious and selfish mutations are oppositely affected by varying transmission numbers, with increased numbers slowing accumulation of strictly deleterious mutations, especially for effects concentrated within hosts, but speeding fixation of "selfish" mutations. In aphid symbionts, most genes underlie basic cellular processes and are probably selected at both levels, but a substantial minority of genes contribute only to host fitness. No inoculum size is optimal for minimizing deleterious evolution for both categories of gene.},
}
@article {pmid29596449,
year = {2018},
author = {Teixeira, MA and Sela, N and Atamian, HS and Bao, E and Chaudhary, R and MacWilliams, J and He, J and Mantelin, S and Girke, T and Kaloshian, I},
title = {Sequence analysis of the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae transcriptome identified two new viruses.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {e0193239},
pmid = {29596449},
issn = {1932-6203},
support = {S10 OD016290/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Aphids/*genetics/*virology ; *Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Ontology ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Plant Viruses/*genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Sequence Analysis ; Viral Proteins/chemistry/genetics ; },
abstract = {The potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae, is an important agricultural pest that causes economic losses to potato and tomato production. To establish the transcriptome for this aphid, RNA-Seq libraries constructed from aphids maintained on tomato plants were used in Illumina sequencing generating 52.6 million 75-105 bp paired-end reads. The reads were assembled using Velvet/Oases software with SEED preprocessing resulting in 22,137 contigs with an N50 value of 2,003bp. After removal of contigs from tomato host origin, 20,254 contigs were annotated using BLASTx searches against the non-redundant protein database from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) as well as IntereProScan. This identified matches for 74% of the potato aphid contigs. The highest ranking hits for over 12,700 contigs were against the related pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. Gene Ontology (GO) was used to classify the identified M. euphorbiae contigs into biological process, cellular component and molecular function. Among the contigs, sequences of microbial origin were identified. Sixty five contigs were from the aphid bacterial obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola origin and two contigs had amino acid similarities to viruses. The latter two were named Macrosiphum euphorbiae virus 2 (MeV-2) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae virus 3 (MeV-3). The highest sequence identity to MeV-2 had the Dysaphis plantaginea densovirus, while to MeV-3 is the Hubei sobemo-like virus 49. Characterization of MeV-2 and MeV-3 indicated that both are transmitted vertically from adult aphids to nymphs. MeV-2 peptides were detected in the aphid saliva and only MeV-2 and not MeV-3 nucleic acids were detected inside tomato leaves exposed to virus-infected aphids. However, MeV-2 nucleic acids did not persist in tomato leaf tissues, after clearing the plants from aphids, indicating that MeV-2 is likely an aphid virus.},
}
@article {pmid29599150,
year = {2018},
author = {Ramaiah, A and Dasch, GA},
title = {Genome Sequence of Coxiella-Like Endosymbiont Strain CLE-RmD, a Bacterial Agent in the Cattle Tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) Deutsch Strain.},
journal = {Genome announcements},
volume = {6},
number = {13},
pages = {},
pmid = {29599150},
issn = {2169-8287},
support = {U60 OE000103/OE/OSELS CDC HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {We report a partial genome sequence for the Coxiella-like endosymbiont strain CLE-RmD, assembled from metagenomics data obtained from the southern cattle tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) Deutsch strain.},
}
@article {pmid29603499,
year = {2018},
author = {Mariño, YA and Ospina, OE and Verle Rodrigues, JC and Bayman, P},
title = {High diversity and variability in the bacterial microbiota of the coffee berry borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), with emphasis on Wolbachia.},
journal = {Journal of applied microbiology},
volume = {125},
number = {2},
pages = {528-543},
doi = {10.1111/jam.13768},
pmid = {29603499},
issn = {1365-2672},
mesh = {Animals ; Coffea/*parasitology ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis/genetics ; Microbiota/*genetics ; Weevils/*microbiology ; Wolbachia/*genetics ; },
abstract = {AIMS: Variation in microbiota of the coffee berry borer (CBB) Hypothenemus hampei was studied. Diversity, structure and function of bacterial communities were compared between eggs vs adults, CBBs from shade coffee vs sun coffee, CBBs from the field vs raised in the laboratory, and CBBs with and without the antibiotic tetracycline.<br><br>METHODS AND RESULTS: We sequenced the region V4 of the gene 16 S rRNA. Pseudomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Pseudomonas and Pantoea, dominated microbiotas of the CBB. Comparative functional inferences with PICRUSt suggested that samples from the field were enriched for genes involved in carbohydrate and protein digestion and absorption, while laboratory-reared samples were higher in genes for melanization and caffeine metabolism.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Microbiotas of the CBB were diverse and dominated by the genus Pseudomonas, several species of which have been previously associated with caffeine degradation in this insect. Wolbachia was the only endosymbiont detected with known ability to manipulate host reproduction.<br><br>This study demonstrates that stage of development and origin of samples affected the structure and function of the CBB's bacterial communities. This is the first attempt to predict functional significance of the CBB microbiota in nutrition, reproduction and defence.},
}
@article {pmid29606099,
year = {2018},
author = {Qiu, H and Rossoni, AW and Weber, APM and Yoon, HS and Bhattacharya, D},
title = {Unexpected conservation of the RNA splicing apparatus in the highly streamlined genome of Galdieria sulphuraria.},
journal = {BMC evolutionary biology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {41},
pmid = {29606099},
issn = {1471-2148},
support = {PJT200620//Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea/International ; EF1416785//National Science Foundation/International ; },
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Conserved Sequence/*genetics ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome ; Introns/genetics ; RNA Splicing/*genetics ; RNA, Messenger/genetics/metabolism ; Rhodophyta/*genetics ; Spliceosomes/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Genome reduction in intracellular pathogens and endosymbionts is usually compensated by reliance on the host for energy and nutrients. Free-living taxa with reduced genomes must however evolve strategies for generating functional diversity to support their independent lifestyles. An emerging model for the latter case is the Rhodophyta (red algae) that comprises an ecologically widely distributed, species-rich phylum. Red algae have undergone multiple phases of significant genome reduction, including extremophilic unicellular taxa with limited nuclear gene inventories that must cope with hot, highly acidic environments.<br><br>RESULTS: Using genomic data from eight red algal lineages, we identified 155 spliceosomal machinery (SM)-associated genes that were putatively present in the red algal common ancestor. This core SM gene set is most highly conserved in Galdieria species (150 SM genes) and underwent differing levels of gene loss in other examined red algae (53-145 SM genes). Surprisingly, the high SM conservation in Galdieria sulphuraria coincides with the enrichment of spliceosomal introns in this species (2 introns/gene) in comparison to other red algae (<&#x2009;0.34 introns/gene). Spliceosomal introns in G. sulphuraria undergo alternatively splicing, including many that are differentially spliced upon changes in culture temperature.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our work reveals the unique nature of G. sulphuraria among red algae with respect to the conservation of the spliceosomal machinery and introns. We discuss the possible implications of these findings in the highly streamlined genome of this free-living eukaryote.},
}
@article {pmid29608200,
year = {2017},
author = {Sseruwagi, P and Wainaina, J and Ndunguru, J and Tumuhimbise, R and Tairo, F and Guo, JY and Vrielink, A and Blythe, A and Kinene, T and De Marchi, B and Kehoe, MA and Tanz, S and Boykin, LM},
title = {The first transcriptomes from field-collected individual whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci, Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): a case study of the endosymbiont composition.},
journal = {Gates open research},
volume = {1},
number = {},
pages = {16},
pmid = {29608200},
issn = {2572-4754},
abstract = {Background: Bemisia tabaci species (B. tabaci), or whiteflies, are the world's most devastating insect pests. They cause billions of dollars (US) of damage each year, and are leaving farmers in the developing world food insecure. Currently, all publically available transcriptome data for B. tabaci are generated from pooled samples, which can lead to high heterozygosity and skewed representation of the genetic diversity. The ability to extract enough RNA from a single whitefly has remained elusive due to their small size and technological limitations. Methods: In this study, we optimised a single whitefly RNA extraction procedure, and sequenced the transcriptome of four individual adult Sub-Saharan Africa 1 (SSA1) B. tabaci. Transcriptome sequencing resulted in 39-42 million raw reads. De novo assembly of trimmed reads yielded between 65,000-162,000 Contigs across B. tabaci transcriptomes. Results: Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrion cytochrome I oxidase (mtCOI) grouped the four whiteflies within the SSA1 clade. BLASTn searches on the four transcriptomes identified five endosymbionts; the primary endosymbiont Portiera aleyrodidarum and four secondary endosymbionts: Arsenophonus, Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Cardinium spp. that were predominant across all four SSA1 B. tabaci samples with prevalence levels of between 54.1 to 75%. Amino acid alignments of the NusG gene of P. aleyrodidarum for the SSA1 B. tabaci transcriptomes of samples WF2 and WF2b revealed an eleven amino acid residue deletion that was absent in samples WF1 and WF2a. Comparison of the protein structure of the NusG protein from P. aleyrodidarum in SSA1 with known NusG structures showed the deletion resulted in a shorter D loop. Conclusions: The use of field-collected specimens means time and money will be saved in future studies using single whitefly transcriptomes in monitoring vector and viral interactions. Our method is applicable to any small organism where RNA quantity has limited transcriptome studies.},
}
@article {pmid29608732,
year = {2018},
author = {Hönigschmid, P and Bykova, N and Schneider, R and Ivankov, D and Frishman, D},
title = {Evolutionary Interplay between Symbiotic Relationships and Patterns of Signal Peptide Gain and Loss.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {928-938},
pmid = {29608732},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Enterobacteriaceae/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; *Phylogeny ; Protein Sorting Signals/*genetics ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Can orthologous proteins differ in terms of their ability to be secreted? To answer this question, we investigated the distribution of signal peptides within the orthologous groups of Enterobacterales. Parsimony analysis and sequence comparisons revealed a large number of signal peptide gain and loss events, in which signal peptides emerge or disappear in the course of evolution. Signal peptide losses prevail over gains, an effect which is especially pronounced in the transition from the free-living or commensal to the endosymbiotic lifestyle. The disproportionate decline in the number of signal peptide-containing proteins in endosymbionts cannot be explained by the overall reduction of their genomes. Signal peptides can be gained and lost either by acquisition/elimination of the corresponding N-terminal regions or by gradual accumulation of mutations. The evolutionary dynamics of signal peptides in bacterial proteins represents a powerful mechanism of functional diversification.},
}
@article {pmid29610046,
year = {2018},
author = {Nooroong, P and Trinachartvanit, W and Baimai, V and Ahantarig, A},
title = {Phylogenetic studies of bacteria (Rickettsia, Coxiella, and Anaplasma) in Amblyomma and Dermacentor ticks in Thailand and their co-infection.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {963-971},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.03.027},
pmid = {29610046},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Anaplasma/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Anaplasmosis/epidemiology/microbiology ; Animals ; Coinfection/epidemiology/*microbiology ; Coxiella/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Dermacentor/microbiology ; Female ; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/epidemiology/microbiology ; Humans ; Ixodidae/*microbiology ; Male ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rickettsia/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Rickettsia Infections/epidemiology/microbiology ; Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis/epidemiology/microbiology ; Thailand/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {In this study, we attempted to detect Rickettsia, Coxiella and Anaplasma bacteria in one hundred and fourteen-Dermacentor and thirty three-Amblyomma unfed adult ticks that were collected from under leaves along animal trails at different places across Thailand. PCR amplification was used to identify bacterial infection with general conserved sequences of bacteria. The results revealed single infection in Amblyomma testudinarium ticks with Rickettsia (24%) and Coxiella (6%). Anaplasma bacteria were often detected in Dermacentor auratus ticks (32%). Coxiella spp. were detected in Dermacentor atrosignatus (6%) and D. auratus ticks (3%) in this study. Moreover, we found co-infection by Coxiella and Rickettsia bacteria (39%) in Am. testudinarium. In contrast, D. atrosignatus ticks were co-infected with Coxiella and Anaplasma bacteria (3%) and Dermacentor compactus ticks were co-infected with Rickettsia and Anaplasma spp. (25%). Interestingly, Am. testudinarium ticks (12%) were found for the first time to exhibit triple infection by these three bacteria. Phylogenetic studies showed the rickettsiae from ticks causing both single and multiple infections had sequence similarity with spotted fever group rickettsial strains, including Rickettsia massilliae, R. raoultii and R. tamurae. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of Coxiella bacteria showed that they were closely grouped with Coxiella endosymbionts in both Dermacentor and Amblyomma. Moreover, the Anaplasma identified in a D. auratus tick was grouped in the same clade with the pathogenic bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Bacterial co-infections in Dermacentor and Amblyomma ticks may cause co-transmission of some tick-borne microorganisms (pathogen and endosymbiont, whether enhance or reduce) in humans and animals and they could affect medical and veterinary health.},
}
@article {pmid29611898,
year = {2018},
author = {Okubo, T and Matsushita, M and Nakamura, S and Matsuo, J and Nagai, H and Yamaguchi, H},
title = {Acanthamoeba S13WT relies on its bacterial endosymbiont to backpack human pathogenic bacteria and resist Legionella infection on solid media.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology reports},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {344-354},
doi = {10.1111/1758-2229.12645},
pmid = {29611898},
issn = {1758-2229},
mesh = {Acanthamoeba/*microbiology ; Humans ; Legionella pneumophila/*growth &amp; development ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Soil-borne amoeba Acanthamoeba S13WT has an endosymbiotic relationship with an environmental Neochlamydia bacterial strain. However, regardless of extensive experiments in liquid media, the biological advantage of the symbiosis remained elusive. We therefore explored the role of the endosymbiont in predator-prey interactions on solid media. A mixed culture of the symbiotic or aposymbiotic amoebae and GFP-expressing Escherichia coli or Salmonella Enteritidis was spotted onto the centre of a LB or B-CYE agar plate preinoculated with a ring of mCherry-expressing Legionella pneumophila (Legionella 'wall'). The spread of the amoebae on the plate was assessed using a fluorescence imaging system or scanning electron microscopy. As a result, in contrast to the aposymbiotic amoebae, the symbiotic amoebae backpacked these GFP-expressing bacteria and formed flower-like fluorescence patterns in an anticlockwise direction. Other bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia), but not Staphylococcus aureus, were also backpacked by the symbiotic amoebae on LB agar, although lacked the movement to anticlockwise direction. Furthermore, in contrast to the aposymbiotic amoebae, the symbiotic amoebae backpacking the E. coli broke through the Legionella 'wall' on B-CYE agar plates. Thus, we concluded that Acanthamoeba S13WT required the Neochlamydia endosymbiont to backpack human pathogenic bacteria and resist Legionella infection on solid agar.},
}
@article {pmid29618379,
year = {2018},
author = {Guo, Y and Song, Z and Luo, L and Wang, Q and Zhou, G and Yang, D and Zhong, D and Zheng, X},
title = {Molecular evidence for new sympatric cryptic species of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in China: A new threat from Aedes albopictus subgroup?.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {228},
pmid = {29618379},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {31630011//National Natural Science Foundation of China (CN)/International ; 2013B021800042//Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangdong Province (CN)/International ; 2015A030313784//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (CN)/International ; },
mesh = {Aedes/*classification/genetics/*growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Animals ; China ; Cluster Analysis ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/chemistry/genetics ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genotype ; Mosquito Vectors/*classification/genetics/*growth &amp; development ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) is an indigenous species and the predominant vector of dengue fever in China. Understanding of genetic diversity and structure of the mosquito would facilitate dengue prevention and vector control. Sympatric cryptic species have been identified in the Ae. albopictus subgroup in Southeast Asia; however, little is known about the presence and distribution of cryptic species in China. This study aimed to examine the genetic diversity, evaluate potential new cryptic sibling species, and assess the prevalence of Wolbachia infections in field populations.<br><br>METHODS: Aedes adult female specimens were collected from five provinces in southern and central China during 2015-2016. Morphological identification was performed under dissection microscope. The mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1, DNA barcoding) locus and the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) marker were used to examine the genetic variation, evaluate cryptic sibling species, and population structure in the field populations. Screening for the presence of Wolbachia was performed using multiplex PCR.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 140 individual specimens with morphological characteristics similar to Ae. albopictus were sequenced for DNA barcoding. Among these, 129 specimens (92.1%) were confirmed and identified as Ae. albopictus. The remaining 11 specimens, from 2 provinces, were identified as 2 distinct sequence groups, which were confirmed by ITS2 marker sequencing, suggesting the existence of potential cryptic species of Ae. albopictus. In Ae. albopictus, we found significant genetic differentiation and population structure between populations collected from different climate zones. Medium to high frequencies of Wolbachia infections were observed in natural Ae. albopictus populations, whereas Wolbachia was infrequent or absent in cryptic species populations.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the population differentiation by climate zone and the presence of novel, cryptic Aedes species in China. The low prevalence of Wolbachia infections in cryptic species populations could reflect either a recent invasion of Wolbachia in Ae. albopictus or different host immune responses to this symbiont in the cryptic species. The study provides useful information for vector control and host-symbiont coevolution. Further study is needed to investigate the potential for arbovirus infection and disease transmission in the emerged cryptic species.},
}
@article {pmid29629417,
year = {2018},
author = {Heck, M},
title = {Insect Transmission of Plant Pathogens: a Systems Biology Perspective.},
journal = {mSystems},
volume = {3},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {29629417},
issn = {2379-5077},
abstract = {Insect-vectored pathogens pose one of the greatest threats to plant and animal, including human, health on a global scale. Few effective control strategies have been developed to thwart the transmission of any insect-transmitted pathogen. Most have negative impacts on the environment and human health and are unsustainable. Plant pathogen transmission by insect vectors involves a combination of coevolving biological players: plant hosts, insect vectors, plant pathogens, and bacterial endosymbionts harbored by the insect. Our ability to help growers to control vector-borne disease depends on our ability to generate pathogen- and/or disease-resistant crops by traditional or synthetic approaches and to block pathogen transmission by the insect vector. Systems biology studies have led to the reexamination of existing paradigms on how pathogens interact with insect vectors, including the bacterial symbionts, and have identified vector-pathogen interactions at the molecular and cellular levels for the development of novel transmission interdiction strategies.},
}
@article {pmid29632192,
year = {2018},
author = {Hu, H and Nemecz, &#xc1; and Van Renterghem, C and Fourati, Z and Sauguet, L and Corringer, PJ and Delarue, M},
title = {Crystal structures of a pentameric ion channel gated by alkaline pH show a widely open pore and identify a cavity for modulation.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {115},
number = {17},
pages = {E3959-E3968},
pmid = {29632192},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {Allosteric Regulation ; Bacterial Proteins/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/*chemistry ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; Gammaproteobacteria/*enzymology ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/*chemistry ; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGICs) constitute a widespread class of ion channels, present in archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. Upon binding of their agonists in the extracellular domain, the transmembrane pore opens, allowing ions to go through, via a gating mechanism that can be modulated by a number of drugs. Even though high-resolution structural information on pLGICs has increased in a spectacular way in recent years, both in bacterial and in eukaryotic systems, the structure of the open channel conformation of some intensively studied receptors whose structures are known in a nonactive (closed) form, such as Erwinia chrysanthemi pLGIC (ELIC), is still lacking. Here we describe a gammaproteobacterial pLGIC from an endo-symbiont of Tevnia jerichonana (sTeLIC), whose sequence is closely related to the pLGIC from ELIC with 28% identity. We provide an X-ray crystallographic structure at 2.3 Å in an active conformation, where the pore is found to be more open than any current conformation found for pLGICs. In addition, two charged restriction rings are present in the vestibule. Functional characterization shows sTeLIC to be a cationic channel activated at alkaline pH. It is inhibited by divalent cations, but not by quaternary ammonium ions, such as tetramethylammonium. Additionally, we found that sTeLIC is allosterically potentiated by aromatic amino acids Phe and Trp, as well as their derivatives, such as 4-bromo-cinnamate, whose cocrystal structure reveals a vestibular binding site equivalent to, but more deeply buried than, the one already described for benzodiazepines in ELIC.},
}
@article {pmid29636736,
year = {2018},
author = {Paniagua Voirol, LR and Frago, E and Kaltenpoth, M and Hilker, M and Fatouros, NE},
title = {Bacterial Symbionts in Lepidoptera: Their Diversity, Transmission, and Impact on the Host.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {556},
pmid = {29636736},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The insect's microbiota is well acknowledged as a "hidden" player influencing essential insect traits. The gut microbiome of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) has been shown to be highly variable between and within species, resulting in a controversy on the functional relevance of gut microbes in this insect order. Here, we aim to (i) review current knowledge on the composition of gut microbial communities across Lepidoptera and (ii) elucidate the drivers of the variability in the lepidopteran gut microbiome and provide an overview on (iii) routes of transfer and (iv) the putative functions of microbes in Lepidoptera. To find out whether Lepidopterans possess a core gut microbiome, we compared studies of the microbiome from 30 lepidopteran species. Gut bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae families were the most widespread across species, with Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Enterobacter, and Enterococcus being the most common genera. Several studies indicate that habitat, food plant, and age of the host insect can greatly impact the gut microbiome, which contributes to digestion, detoxification, or defense against natural enemies. We mainly focus on the gut microbiome, but we also include some examples of intracellular endosymbionts. These symbionts are present across a broad range of insect taxa and are known to exert different effects on their host, mostly including nutrition and reproductive manipulation. Only two intracellular bacteria genera (Wolbachia and Spiroplasma) have been reported to colonize reproductive tissues of Lepidoptera, affecting their host's reproduction. We explore routes of transmission of both gut microbiota and intracellular symbionts and have found that these microbes may be horizontally transmitted through the host plant, but also vertically via the egg stage. More detailed knowledge about the functions and plasticity of the microbiome in Lepidoptera may provide novel leads for the control of lepidopteran pest species.},
}
@article {pmid29637886,
year = {2018},
author = {Llop, P and Latorre, A and Moya, A},
title = {Experimental Epidemiology of Antibiotic Resistance: Looking for an Appropriate Animal Model System.},
journal = {Microbiology spectrum},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {29637886},
issn = {2165-0497},
mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*pharmacology ; Cell Membrane/metabolism ; Cockroaches/*microbiology ; *Computer Simulation ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/*genetics ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/*drug effects/genetics ; Gastrointestinal Tract/*microbiology ; Genes, Bacterial/genetics ; Humans ; *Models, Animal ; Plasmids/genetics ; },
abstract = {Antibiotic resistance is recognized as one of the major challenges in public health. The global spread of antibiotic resistance is the consequence of a constant flow of information across multi-hierarchical interactions, involving cellular (clones), subcellular (resistance genes located in plasmids, transposons, and integrons), and supracellular (clonal complexes, genetic exchange communities, and microbiotic ensembles) levels. In order to study such multilevel complexity, we propose to establish an experimental epidemiology model for the transmission of antibiotic resistance with the cockroach Blatella germanica. This paper reports the results of five types of preliminary experiments with B. germanica populations that allow us to conclude that this animal is an appropriate model for experimental epidemiology: (i) the composition, transmission, and acquisition of gut microbiota and endosymbionts; (ii) the effect of different diets on gut microbiota; (iii) the effect of antibiotics on host fitness; (iv) the evaluation of the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in natural- and lab-reared populations; and (v) the preparation of plasmids harboring specific antibiotic resistance genes. The basic idea is to have populations with higher and lower antibiotic exposure, simulating the hospital and the community, respectively, and with a certain migration rate of insects between populations. In parallel, we present a computational model based on P-membrane computing that will mimic the experimental system of antibiotic resistance transmission. The proposal serves as a proof of concept for the development of more-complex population dynamics of antibiotic resistance transmission that are of interest in public health, which can help us evaluate procedures and design appropriate interventions in epidemiology.},
}
@article {pmid29641562,
year = {2018},
author = {Asad, S and Hussain, M and Hugo, L and Osei-Amo, S and Zhang, G and Watterson, D and Asgari, S},
title = {Suppression of the pelo protein by Wolbachia and its effect on dengue virus in Aedes aegypti.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {e0006405},
pmid = {29641562},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Aedes/genetics/metabolism/*microbiology/*virology ; Animals ; Dengue Virus/*physiology ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Insect Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Insect Vectors/*microbiology/*virology ; MicroRNAs/genetics/metabolism ; Nuclear Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Virus Replication ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {The endosymbiont Wolbachia is known to block replication of several important arboviruses, including dengue virus (DENV), in the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. So far, the exact mechanism of this viral inhibition is not fully understood. A recent study in Drosophila melanogaster has demonstrated an interaction between the pelo gene and Drosophila C virus. In this study, we explored the possible involvement of the pelo protein, that is involved in protein translation, in Wolbachia-mediated antiviral response and mosquito-DENV interaction. We found that pelo is upregulated during DENV replication and its silencing leads to reduced DENV virion production suggesting that it facilities DENV replication. However, in the presence of Wolbachia, specifically in female mosquitoes, the pelo protein is downregulated and its subcellular localization is altered, which could contribute to reduction in DENV replication in Ae. aegypti. In addition, we show that the microRNA aae-miR-2940-5p, whose abundance is highly enriched in Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, might mediate regulation of pelo. Our data reveals identification of pelo as a host factor that is positively involved in DENV replication, and its suppression in the presence of Wolbachia may contribute to virus blocking exhibited by the endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid29642956,
year = {2018},
author = {Silva, FM and Kostygov, AY and Spodareva, VV and Butenko, A and Tossou, R and Lukeš, J and Yurchenko, V and Alves, JMP},
title = {The reduced genome of Candidatus Kinetoplastibacterium sorsogonicusi, the endosymbiont of Kentomonas sorsogonicus (Trypanosomatidae): loss of the haem-synthesis pathway.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {145},
number = {10},
pages = {1287-1293},
doi = {10.1017/S003118201800046X},
pmid = {29642956},
issn = {1469-8161},
mesh = {Betaproteobacteria/drug effects/*genetics/growth &amp; development ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Heme/*metabolism/pharmacology ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Symbiosis ; Trypanosomatina/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {Trypanosomatids of the genera Angomonas and Strigomonas (subfamily Strigomonadinae) have long been known to contain intracellular beta-proteobacteria, which provide them with many important nutrients such as haem, essential amino acids and vitamins. Recently, Kentomonas sorsogonicus, a divergent member of Strigomonadinae, has been described. Herein, we characterize the genome of its endosymbiont, Candidatus Kinetoplastibacterium sorsogonicusi. This genome is completely syntenic with those of other known Ca. Kinetoplastibacterium spp., but more reduced in size (~742 kb, compared with 810-833 kb, respectively). Gene losses are not concentrated in any hot-spots but are instead distributed throughout the genome. The most conspicuous loss is that of the haem-synthesis pathway. For long, removing haemin from the culture medium has been a standard procedure in cultivating trypanosomatids isolated from insects; continued growth was considered as an evidence of endosymbiont presence. However, we demonstrate that, despite bearing the endosymbiont, K. sorsogonicus cannot grow in culture without haem. Thus, the traditional test cannot be taken as a reliable criterion for the absence or presence of endosymbionts in trypanosomatid flagellates. It remains unclear why the ability to synthesize such an essential compound was lost in Ca. K. sorsogonicusi, whereas all other known bacterial endosymbionts of trypanosomatids retain them.},
}
@article {pmid29650391,
year = {2018},
author = {Dietel, AK and Kaltenpoth, M and Kost, C},
title = {Convergent Evolution in Intracellular Elements: Plasmids as Model Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {9},
pages = {755-768},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2018.03.004},
pmid = {29650391},
issn = {1878-4380},
mesh = {*Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Chromosome Segregation ; Cytoplasm ; DNA Transposable Elements ; Eukaryota ; Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Host Microbial Interactions/genetics/physiology ; Mutation ; *Plasmids/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis/genetics/physiology ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts are organisms that live inside the cells of other species. This lifestyle is ubiquitous across the tree of life and is featured by unicellular eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and by extrachromosomal genetic elements such as plasmids. Given that all of these elements dwell in the cytoplasm of their host cell, they should be subject to similar selection pressures. Here we show that strikingly similar features have evolved in both bacterial endosymbionts and plasmids. Since host and endosymbiont are often metabolically tightly intertwined, they are difficult to disentangle experimentally. We propose that using plasmids as tractable model systems can help to solve this problem, thus allowing fundamental questions to be experimentally addressed about the ecology and evolution of endosymbiotic interactions.},
}
@article {pmid29652934,
year = {2018},
author = {Ammar, ED and Hall, DG and Hosseinzadeh, S and Heck, M},
title = {The quest for a non-vector psyllid: Natural variation in acquisition and transmission of the huanglongbing pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' by Asian citrus psyllid isofemale lines.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {e0195804},
pmid = {29652934},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Citrus/*microbiology ; Female ; Hemiptera/*microbiology/*physiology ; Insect Vectors/*microbiology ; Male ; Plant Diseases/*microbiology ; *Rhizobiaceae ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Genetic variability in insect vectors is valuable to study vector competence determinants and to select non-vector populations that may help reduce the spread of vector-borne pathogens. We collected and tested vector competency of 15 isofemale lines of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas). CLas is associated with huanglongbing (citrus greening), the most serious citrus disease worldwide. D. citri adults were collected from orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata) hedges in Florida, and individual pairs (females and males) were caged on healthy Murraya plants for egg laying. The progeny from each pair that tested CLas-negative by qPCR were maintained on Murraya plants and considered an isofemale line. Six acquisition tests on D. citri adults that were reared as nymphs on CLas-infected citrus, from various generations of each line, were conducted to assess their acquisition rates (percentage of qPCR-positive adults). Three lines with mean acquisition rates of 28 to 32%, were classified as 'good' acquirers and three other lines were classified as 'poor' acquirers, with only 5 to 8% acquisition rates. All lines were further tested for their ability to inoculate CLas by confining CLas-exposed psyllids for one week onto healthy citrus leaves (6-10 adults/leaf/week), and testing the leaves for CLas by qPCR. Mean inoculation rates were 19 to 28% for the three good acquirer lines and 0 to 3% for the three poor acquirer lines. Statistical analyses indicated positive correlations between CLas acquisition and inoculation rates, as well as between CLas titer in the psyllids and CLas acquisition or inoculation rates. Phenotypic and molecular characterization of one of the good and one of the poor acquirer lines revealed differences between them in color morphs and hemocyanin expression, but not the composition of bacterial endosymbionts. Understanding the genetic architecture of CLas transmission will enable the development of new tools for combating this devastating citrus disease.},
}
@article {pmid29653599,
year = {2018},
author = {Li, LH and Zhang, Y and Zhu, D},
title = {Effects of antibiotic treatment on the fecundity of Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides ticks.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {242},
pmid = {29653599},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {2016YFC1202001 and No.2016YFC1200500//National Key Research and Development Program of China/International ; No. GWIV-29//the fourth round of Three-Year Public Health Action Plan 2015-2017/International ; No.201202019//the Special Fund for Health Research in the Public Interest China/International ; 2017BSQD52//the Scientific Research Foundation for Doctors of Weifang Medical College/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*administration &amp; dosage/adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Coxiella/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Female ; Fertility/drug effects ; Male ; Microbial Consortia/drug effects/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rhipicephalus/*drug effects/genetics/microbiology/*physiology ; Rickettsia/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Symbiosis/drug effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Endosymbiotic bacteria inhabit a variety of arthropods including ticks and may have multiple effects on the host's survival, reproduction or pathogen acquisition and transmission. Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides is one of the most widely distributed tick species in China. The symbiotic bacteria composition and their impacts to R. haemaphysaloides ticks have not been studied. The present study investigated the composition of microbial community in R. haemaphysaloides ticks and then assessed the effects of endosymbionts on the host's fecundity by antibiotic treatment experiments.<br><br>METHODS: The microbial population of female and male R. haemaphysaloides ticks was analyzed using Illumina Miseq sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Thirty engorged female ticks were then randomly divided into five groups and injected with ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, kanamycin, tetracycline, or phosphate-buffered solution (PBS), respectively. Effects of antibiotic treatments on maternal oviposition, egg hatching and density of endosymbionts were evaluated.<br><br>RESULTS: Illumina Miseq sequencing showed that Coxiella and Rickettsia were the predominant bacterial genera inhabiting R. haemaphysaloides ticks. Antibiotic treatment experiments found that kanamycin reduced the density of Coxiella-like endosymbiont (Coxiella-LE hereafter) in eggs, ciprofloxacin reduced the density of Rickettsia-like endosymbiont (Rickettsia-LE), and tetracycline had effect on both endosymbionts, while ampicillin affected neither. Meanwhile hatching rates of eggs were observed to decrease greatly in the kanamycin or tetracycline-treated group but maintained in the ampicillin or ciprofloxacin-treated group. Furthermore, the reduced hatching rates were found to be associated with density of Coxiella-LE in eggs.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that Coxiella-LE is essential for the reproduction of R. haemaphysaloides ticks, and that kanamycin can be used to study the role of Coxiella-LE on ticks.},
}
@article {pmid29657018,
year = {2018},
author = {Kramer, L and Crosara, S and Gnudi, G and Genchi, M and Mangia, C and Viglietti, A and Quintavalla, C},
title = {Wolbachia, doxycycline and macrocyclic lactones: New prospects in the treatment of canine heartworm disease.},
journal = {Veterinary parasitology},
volume = {254},
number = {},
pages = {95-97},
doi = {10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.03.005},
pmid = {29657018},
issn = {1873-2550},
mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*therapeutic use ; Dirofilaria immitis/drug effects ; Dirofilariasis/*drug therapy/parasitology ; Dog Diseases/*drug therapy/parasitology ; Dogs ; Doxycycline/*therapeutic use ; Drug Combinations ; Filaricides/*therapeutic use ; Lactones/*therapeutic use ; Macrocyclic Compounds/therapeutic use ; Wolbachia/*drug effects ; },
abstract = {Melarsomine dihydrochloride (Immiticide®, Merial) is the only approved adulticidal drug for the treatment of canine heartworm disease (HWD). However, in cases where arsenical therapy is not possible or is contraindicated, a monthly heartworm preventive along with doxycycline for a 4-week period, which targets the bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia, might be considered. There are published reports on the efficacy of ivermectin and doxycycline in both experimentally and naturally infected dogs, but no data on the use of other macrocyclic lactones (MLs) with a similar treatment regime. Preliminary results of studies in dogs show that a topical formulation of moxidectin, the only ML currently registered as a microfilaricide, is also adulticidal when combined with doxycycline. It is not yet known if the efficacy of these combination therapies is due to pharmacokinetic synergism. A recent study showed that serum levels of doxycycline in dogs treated with the combination protocol were not statistically different compared to dogs treated with doxycycline alone. However, lungs from dogs treated with the combination therapy showed a marked reduction in T regulatory cells, indicating that treatment efficacy may be due to a heightened immune response against the parasite. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of combination protocols and to establish the most efficient treatment for HWD in dogs.},
}
@article {pmid29659807,
year = {2018},
author = {Floriano, AM and Castelli, M and Krenek, S and Berendonk, TU and Bazzocchi, C and Petroni, G and Sassera, D},
title = {The Genome Sequence of "Candidatus Fokinia solitaria": Insights on Reductive Evolution in Rickettsiales.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {1120-1126},
pmid = {29659807},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; Chromosome Mapping ; Citric Acid Cycle/genetics ; Cytoplasm/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Paramecium/*genetics/microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rickettsieae/*genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {"Candidatus Fokinia solitaria" is an obligate intracellular endosymbiont of a unicellular eukaryote, a ciliate of the genus Paramecium. Here, we present the genome sequence of this bacterium and subsequent analysis. Phylogenomic analysis confirmed the previously reported positioning of the symbiont within the "Candidatus Midichloriaceae" family (order Rickettsiales), as well as its high sequence divergence from other members of the family, indicative of fast sequence evolution. Consistently with this high evolutionary rate, a comparative genomic analysis revealed that the genome of this symbiont is the smallest of the Rickettsiales to date. The reduced genome does not present flagellar genes, nor the pathway for the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharides (present in all the other so far sequenced members of the family "Candidatus Midichloriaceae") or genes for the Krebs cycle (present, although not always complete, in Rickettsiales). These results indicate an evolutionary trend toward a stronger dependence on the host, in comparison with other members of the family. Two alternative scenarios are compatible with our results; "Candidatus Fokinia solitaria" could be either a recently evolved, vertically transmitted mutualist, or a parasite with a high host-specificity.},
}
@article {pmid29669904,
year = {2018},
author = {Hayashi, M and Nomura, M and Kageyama, D},
title = {Rapid comeback of males: evolution of male-killer suppression in a green lacewing population.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {285},
number = {1877},
pages = {},
pmid = {29669904},
issn = {1471-2954},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; Female ; *Genetic Variation ; Insecta/genetics/*microbiology/*physiology ; Japan ; Male ; *Sex Ratio ; Spiroplasma/*physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Evolutionary theory predicts that the spread of cytoplasmic sex ratio distorters leads to the evolution of host nuclear suppressors, although there are extremely few empirical observations of this phenomenon. Here, we demonstrate that a nuclear suppressor of a cytoplasmic male killer has spread rapidly in a population of the green lacewing Mallada desjardinsi An M. desjardinsi population, which was strongly female-biased in 2011 because of a high prevalence of the male-killing Spiroplasma endosymbiont, had a sex ratio near parity in 2016, despite a consistent Spiroplasma prevalence. Most of the offspring derived from individuals collected in 2016 had 1 : 1 sex ratios in subsequent generations. Contrastingly, all-female or female-biased broods appeared frequently from crossings of these female offspring with males derived from a laboratory line founded by individuals collected in 2011. These results suggest near-fixation of a nuclear suppressor against male killing in 2016 and reject the notion that a non-male-killing Spiroplasma variant has spread in the population. Consistently, no significant difference was detected in mitochondrial haplotype variation between 2011 and 2016. These findings, and earlier findings in the butterfly Hypolimnas bolina in Samoa, suggest that these quick events of male recovery occur more commonly than is generally appreciated.},
}
@article {pmid29670598,
year = {2018},
author = {Toro, N and Martínez-Abarca, F and Molina-Sánchez, MD and García-Rodríguez, FM and Nisa-Martínez, R},
title = {Contribution of Mobile Group II Introns to Sinorhizobium meliloti Genome Evolution.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {627},
pmid = {29670598},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Mobile group II introns are ribozymes and retroelements that probably originate from bacteria. Sinorhizobium meliloti, the nitrogen-fixing endosymbiont of legumes of genus Medicago, harbors a large number of these retroelements. One of these elements, RmInt1, has been particularly successful at colonizing this multipartite genome. Many studies have improved our understanding of RmInt1 and phylogenetically related group II introns, their mobility mechanisms, spread and dynamics within S. meliloti and closely related species. Although RmInt1 conserves the ancient retroelement behavior, its evolutionary history suggests that this group II intron has played a role in the short- and long-term evolution of the S. meliloti genome. We will discuss its proposed role in genome evolution by controlling the spread and coexistence of potentially harmful mobile genetic elements, by ectopic transposition to different genetic loci as a source of early genomic variation and by generating sequence variation after a very slow degradation process, through intron remnants that may have continued to evolve, contributing to bacterial speciation.},
}
@article {pmid29674178,
year = {2018},
author = {Rataj, M and Vďačný, P},
title = {Dawn of astome ciliates in light of morphology and time-calibrated phylogeny of Haptophrya planariarum, an obligate endosymbiont of freshwater turbellarians.},
journal = {European journal of protistology},
volume = {64},
number = {},
pages = {54-71},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejop.2018.03.004},
pmid = {29674178},
issn = {1618-0429},
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; DNA, Protozoan/genetics ; Fresh Water ; Oligohymenophorea/*classification/cytology/genetics/*physiology ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; Species Specificity ; Symbiosis ; Turbellaria/*parasitology ; },
abstract = {Morphology, systematic position and time-calibrated phylogeny of Haptophrya planariarum were investigated. This endosymbiont of freshwater turbellarians is characterized by: (i) a length of about 200-900 μm; (ii) a campanulate to truncate claviform body carrying an anterior adhesive sucker; (iii) an ellipsoidal macronucleus localized in the rear body end; (iv) a contractile canal extending along the dorsal margin; and (v) usually more than 150 meridional ciliary rows, a horseshoe-shaped suture line along the sucker, and two inconspicuous secant systems at lateral ends of the suture line. In 18S rRNA gene phylogenies, astomes were depicted as a non-monophyletic group within the scuticociliate clade, whereby H. planariarum clustered with the loxocephalid genus Dexiotricha. After considering morphological evidence, statistical tree topology tests and evolutionary distances, we find astomes as a distinct group that evolved from a free-living scuticociliate ancestor in the early Paleozoic. Molecular clock analyses indicated that astomes living in annelids diverged from those inhabiting turbellarians within about 50 Ma during the Late Cambrian and the Upper Ordovician. This comparatively short time span might have not sufficed for fixation of molecular synapomorphies in the 18S rRNA gene and/or they might have been erased by substitutions during the almost 500 Ma-long evolutionary history of astomes.},
}
@article {pmid29676724,
year = {2018},
author = {Monsanto-Hearne, V and Johnson, KN},
title = {Wolbachia-mediated protection of Drosophila melanogaster against systemic infection with its natural viral pathogen Drosophila C virus does not involve changes in levels of highly abundant miRNAs.},
journal = {The Journal of general virology},
volume = {99},
number = {6},
pages = {827-831},
doi = {10.1099/jgv.0.001064},
pmid = {29676724},
issn = {1465-2099},
mesh = {Animals ; Dicistroviridae/*pathogenicity ; Drosophila melanogaster/*genetics/microbiology/virology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/*genetics ; MicroRNAs/*genetics ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Symbiosis ; Virus Diseases/microbiology ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {The presence of Wolbachia confers virus protection to insects. The molecular mechanism underlying Wolbachia-mediated protection in this tripartite host-endosymbiont-virus interaction is not yet fully understood. In the bipartite association between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila C virus (DCV), changes in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) influence the outcome of viral pathogenesis. Here we examined whether changes in miRNA expression are similarly involved in the Drosophila-Wolbachia-DCV association. The levels of highly abundant miRNAs in D. melanogaster, Wolbachia-mono-infected D. melanogaster, and DCV- and Wolbachia-bi-infected D. melanogaster were quantified using RT-qPCR and compared. The results show that the abundance of the 17 tested D. melanogaster miRNAs is not affected by Wolbachia endosymbiosis or by bi-infection of Wolbachia and DCV. These results suggest that the in vivo protection conferred by Wolbachia to its native host against D. melanogaster's natural pathogen DCV is not likely to be dependent on or associated with changes in the levels of highly expressed miRNAs.},
}
@article {pmid29678149,
year = {2018},
author = {Kim, JI and Yoon, HS and Yi, G and Shin, W and Archibald, JM},
title = {Comparative mitochondrial genomics of cryptophyte algae: gene shuffling and dynamic mobile genetic elements.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {275},
pmid = {29678149},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {NRF-2013R1A1A3012539, 2015R1D1A1A01057899//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; 2017R1A2B3001923//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; 2016R1D1A1A09919318//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; 2015R1A2A2A01003192, 2015M1A5A1041808//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; the Collaborative Genome Program (20140428)//Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries/ ; Dongguk University Research Fund of 2016//Dongguk University/ ; an operating grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {Cryptophyta/*genetics ; Gene Rearrangement ; Genome, Mitochondrial/*genetics ; *Genomics ; Interspersed Repetitive Sequences/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cryptophytes are an ecologically important group of algae comprised of phototrophic, heterotrophic and osmotrophic species. This lineage is of great interest to evolutionary biologists because their plastids are of red algal secondary endosymbiotic origin. Cryptophytes have a clear phylogenetic affinity to heterotrophic eukaryotes and possess four genomes: host-derived nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, and plastid and nucleomorph genomes of endosymbiotic origin.<br><br>RESULTS: To gain insight into cryptophyte mitochondrial genome evolution, we sequenced the mitochondrial DNAs of five species and performed a comparative analysis of seven genomes from the following cryptophyte genera: Chroomonas, Cryptomonas, Hemiselmis, Proteomonas, Rhodomonas, Storeatula and Teleaulax. The mitochondrial genomes were similar in terms of their general architecture, gene content and presence of a large repeat region. However, gene order was poorly conserved. Characteristic features of cryptophyte mtDNAs included large syntenic clusters resembling &#x3b1;-proteobacterial operons that encode bacteria-like rRNAs, tRNAs, and ribosomal protein genes. The cryptophyte mitochondrial genomes retain almost all genes found in many other eukaryotes including the nad, sdh, cox, cob, and atp genes, with the exception of sdh2 and atp3. In addition, gene cluster analysis showed that cryptophytes possess a gene order closely resembling the jakobid flagellates Jakoba and Reclinomonas. Interestingly, the cox1 gene of R. salina, T. amphioxeia, and Storeatula species was found to contain group II introns encoding a reverse transcriptase protein, as did the cob gene of Storeatula species CCMP1868.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: These newly sequenced genomes increase the breadth of data available from algae and will aid in the identification of general trends in mitochondrial genome evolution. While most of the genomes were highly conserved, extensive gene arrangements have shuffled gene order, perhaps due to genome rearrangements associated with hairpin-containing mobile genetic elements, tRNAs with palindromic sequences, and tandem repeat sequences. The cox1 and cob gene sequences suggest that introns have recently been acquired during cryptophyte evolution. Comparison of phylogenetic trees based on plastid and mitochondrial genome data sets underscore the different evolutionary histories of the host and endosymbiont components of present-day cryptophytes.},
}
@article {pmid29680541,
year = {2018},
author = {Baliarsingh, SK and Lotliker, AA and Sudheesh, V and Samanta, A and Das, S and Vijayan, AK},
title = {Response of phytoplankton community and size classes to green Noctiluca bloom in the northern Arabian Sea.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {129},
number = {1},
pages = {222-230},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.031},
pmid = {29680541},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {Animals ; Biomass ; Copepoda/growth &amp; development ; Diatoms/*growth &amp; development/physiology ; Dinoflagellida/*growth &amp; development/physiology ; Environmental Monitoring/*methods ; Eutrophication ; Indian Ocean ; Nitrogen/analysis ; Phosphorus/analysis ; Photosynthesis/physiology ; Phytoplankton/*growth &amp; development/physiology ; Satellite Imagery ; Seasons ; },
abstract = {A comprehensive analysis on the phytoplankton ecology with special reference to different phytoplankton size classes was carried out at green Noctiluca scintillans (hereafter Noctiluca) bloom and non-bloom locations in offshore waters of the northern Arabian Sea. At the bloom locations, green Noctiluca represented a dense mono-specific proliferation with average cell density of 10.16 ± 5.806 × 10[4] cells-L[-1] and relative abundance share of 98.63%. Active photosynthesis through prasinophytic endosymbiont was depicted from net community production magnitude reaching 85.26 mgC/m[3]/Day under low prey abundance. Parallel swarming of Porpita porpita, a voracious copepod feeder signified the competitive advantage of Noctiluca to have the phytoplankton prey. Average concentration of picophytoplankton biomass was eleven times lower in surface waters of non-bloom stations in comparison to bloom. Higher N:P ratio in subsurface waters of non-bloom stations signified non-utilization of nitrogenous nutrients. Green Noctiluca bloom onset subsequent to diatom rich conditions was evident from spatio-temporal ocean colour satellite imageries.},
}
@article {pmid29680900,
year = {2018},
author = {Duzs, &#xc1; and Tóth, A and Németh, B and Balogh, T and Kós, PB and Rákhely, G},
title = {A novel enzyme of type VI sulfide:quinone oxidoreductases in purple sulfur photosynthetic bacteria.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {102},
number = {12},
pages = {5133-5147},
doi = {10.1007/s00253-018-8973-x},
pmid = {29680900},
issn = {1432-0614},
support = {GINOP-2.3.2-15-2016-00001//European Social Fund/ ; T&#xc1;MOP-4.2.4.A/ 2-11/1-2012-0001//European Social Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Bacteroides/classification/*enzymology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Phylogeny ; Quinone Reductases/*metabolism ; Recombinant Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Sulfides/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Sulfide detoxification can be catalyzed by ancient membrane-bound flavoproteins, sulfide:quinone oxidoreductases (Sqr), which have important roles in sulfide homeostasis and sulfide-dependent energy conservation processes by transferring electrons from sulfide to respiratory or photosynthetic membrane electron flow. Sqr enzymes have been categorized into six groups. Several members of the groups I, II, III, and V are well-known, but type IV and VI Sqrs are, as yet, uncharacterized or hardly characterized at all. Here, we report detailed characterization of a type VI sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (TrSqrF) from a purple sulfur bacterium, Thiocapsa roseopersicina. Phylogenetic analysis classified this enzyme in a special group composed of SqrFs of endosymbionts, while a weaker relationship could be observed with SqrF of Chlorobaculum tepidum which is the only type VI enzyme characterized so far. Directed mutagenesis experiments showed that TrSqrF contributed substantially to the sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase activity of the membranes. Expression of the sqrF gene could be induced by sulfide. Homologous recombinant TrSqrF protein was expressed and purified from the membranes of a SqrF-deleted T. roseopersicina strain. The purified protein contains redox-active covalently bound FAD cofactor. The recombinant TrSqrF enzyme catalyzes sulfur-dependent quinone reduction and prefers ubiquinone-type quinone compounds. Kinetic parameters of TrSqrF show that the affinity of the enzyme is similar to duroquinone and decylubiquinone, but the reaction has substantially lower activation energy with decylubiquinone, indicating that the quinone structure has an effect on the catalytic process. TrSqrF enzyme affinity for sulfide is low, therefore, in agreement with the gene expressional analyis, SqrF could play a role in energy-conserving sulfide oxidation at high sulfide concentrations. TrSqrF is a good model enzyme for the subgroup of type VI Sqrs of endosymbionts and its characterization might provide deeper insight into the molecular details of the ancient, anoxic, energy-gaining processes using sulfide as an electron donor.},
}
@article {pmid29684214,
year = {2018},
author = {Nakai, M},
title = {New Perspectives on Chloroplast Protein Import.},
journal = {Plant &amp; cell physiology},
volume = {59},
number = {6},
pages = {1111-1119},
doi = {10.1093/pcp/pcy083},
pmid = {29684214},
issn = {1471-9053},
mesh = {Chloroplast Proteins/*metabolism ; Chloroplasts/metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; Plants/*metabolism ; *Protein Transport ; },
abstract = {Virtually all chloroplasts in extant photosynthetic eukaryotes derive from a single endosymbiotic event that probably occurred more than a billion years ago between a host eukaryotic cell and a cyanobacterium-like ancestor. Many endosymbiont genes were subsequently transferred to the host nuclear genome, concomitant with the establishment of a system for protein transport through the chloroplast double-membrane envelope. Presently, 2,000-3,000 different nucleus-encoded chloroplast proteins must be imported into the chloroplast following their synthesis in the cytosol. The TOC (translocon at the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts) and TIC (translocon at the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts) complexes are protein translocation machineries at the outer and inner envelope membranes, respectively, that facilitate this chloroplast protein import with the aid of a TIC-associated ATP-driven import motor. All the essential components of this protein import system seemed to have been identified through biochemical analyses and subsequent genetic studies that initiated in the late 1990s. However, in 2013, the Nakai group reported a novel inner envelope membrane TIC complex, for which a novel ATP-driven import motor associated with this TIC complex is likely to exist. In this mini review, I will summarize these recent discoveries together with new, or reanalyzed, data presented by other groups in recent years. Whereas the precise concurrent view of chloroplast protein import is still a matter of some debate, it is anticipated that the entire TOC/TIC/ATP motor system, including any novel components, will be conclusively established in the next decade. Such findings may lead to an extensively revised view of the evolution and molecular mechanisms of chloroplast protein import.},
}
@article {pmid29689195,
year = {2018},
author = {Foray, V and Pérez-Jiménez, MM and Fattouh, N and Landmann, F},
title = {Wolbachia Control Stem Cell Behavior and Stimulate Germline Proliferation in Filarial Nematodes.},
journal = {Developmental cell},
volume = {45},
number = {2},
pages = {198-211.e3},
doi = {10.1016/j.devcel.2018.03.017},
pmid = {29689195},
issn = {1878-1551},
mesh = {Animals ; Brugia malayi/*growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Cell Proliferation ; Female ; Filariasis/metabolism/parasitology/*pathology ; Germ Cells/*cytology/microbiology/physiology ; Helminth Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Male ; Stem Cells/cytology/microbiology/*physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Although symbiotic interactions are ubiquitous in the living world, examples of developmental symbioses are still scarce. We show here the crucial role of Wolbachia in the oogenesis of filarial nematodes, a class of parasites of biomedical and veterinary relevance. We applied newly developed techniques to demonstrate the earliest requirements of Wolbachia in the parasite germline preceding the production of faulty embryos in Wolbachia-depleted nematodes. We show that Wolbachia stimulate germline proliferation in a cell-autonomous manner, and not through nucleotide supplementation as previously hypothesized. We also found Wolbachia to maintain the quiescence of a pool of germline stem cells to ensure a constant delivery of about 1,400 eggs per day for many years. The loss of quiescence upon Wolbachia depletion as well as the disorganization of the distal germline suggest that Wolbachia are required to execute the proper germline stem cell developmental program in order to produce viable eggs and embryos.},
}
@article {pmid29690900,
year = {2018},
author = {Tomassone, L and Portillo, A and Nováková, M and de Sousa, R and Oteo, JA},
title = {Neglected aspects of tick-borne rickettsioses.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {263},
pmid = {29690900},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; Disease Reservoirs ; Humans ; Neglected Diseases/*epidemiology ; Rickettsia Infections/*epidemiology ; Tick-Borne Diseases/*epidemiology ; Ticks/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Rickettsioses are among the oldest known infectious diseases. In spite of this, and of the extensive research carried out, many aspects of the biology and epidemiology of tick-borne rickettsiae are far from being completely understood. Their association with arthropod vectors, the importance of vertebrates as reservoirs, the rarity of clinical signs in animals, or the interactions of pathogenic species with rickettsial endosymbionts and with the host intracellular environment, are only some examples. Moreover, new rickettsiae are continuously being discovered. In this review, we focus on the 'neglected' aspects of tick-borne rickettsioses and on the gaps in knowledge, which could help to explain why these infections are still emerging and re-emerging threats worldwide.},
}
@article {pmid29700820,
year = {2018},
author = {Kremer, JMM and Nooten, SS and Cook, JM and Ryalls, JMW and Barton, CVM and Johnson, SN},
title = {Elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations promote ant tending of aphids.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {87},
number = {5},
pages = {1475-1483},
doi = {10.1111/1365-2656.12842},
pmid = {29700820},
issn = {1365-2656},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants ; *Aphids ; Carbon Dioxide ; Plants ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Animal mutualisms, which involve beneficial interactions between individuals of different species, are common in nature. Insect-insect mutualism, for example, is widely regarded as a keystone ecological interaction. Some mutualisms are anticipated to be modified by climate change, but the focus has largely been on plant-microbe and plant-animal mutualisms rather than those between animals. Ant-aphid mutualisms, whereby ants tend aphids to harvest their honeydew excretions and, in return, provide protection for the aphids, are widespread. The mutualism is heavily influenced by the quality and quantity of honeydew produced by aphids, which is directly affected by host plant quality. As predicted increases in concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (eCO2) are widely reported to affect plant nutritional chemistry, this may also alter honeydew quality and hence the nature of ant-aphid mutualisms. Using glasshouse chambers and field-based open-top chambers, we determined the effect of eCO2 on the growth and nutritional quality (foliar amino acids) of lucerne (Medicago sativa). We determined how cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora) populations and honeydew production were impacted when feeding on such plants and how this affected the tending behaviour of ants (Iridomyrmex sp.). eCO2 stimulated plant growth but decreased concentrations of foliar amino acids by 29% and 14% on aphid-infested plants and aphid-free plants, respectively. Despite the deterioration in host plant quality under eCO2 , aphids maintained performance and populations were unchanged by eCO2 . Aphids induced higher concentrations of amino acids (glutamine, asparagine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid) important for endosymbiont-mediated synthesis of essential amino acids. Aphids feeding under eCO2 also produced over three times more honeydew than aphids feeding under ambient CO2 , suggesting they were imbibing more phloem sap at eCO2 . The frequency of ant tending of aphids more than doubled in response to eCO2 . To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the effects of atmospheric change on an ant-aphid mutualism. In particular, these results highlight how impending changes to concentrations of atmospheric CO2 may alter mutualistic behaviour between animals. These could include positive impacts, as reported here, shifts from mutualism to antagonism, partner switches and mutualism abandonment.},
}
@article {pmid29702243,
year = {2018},
author = {Lv, ZH and Wei, XY and Tao, YL and Chu, D},
title = {Differential susceptibility of whitefly-associated bacteria to antibiotic as revealed by metagenomics analysis.},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {63},
number = {},
pages = {24-29},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2018.04.024},
pmid = {29702243},
issn = {1567-7257},
mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*pharmacology ; Bacteria/*drug effects/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Genome, Bacterial ; Hemiptera/*microbiology ; *Metagenomics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Recent reports have suggested that different symbionts of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) have differential susceptibility to antibiotic treatment. Changes in the community structure of B. tabaci-associated bacterial microbiota (BABM) following antibiotic treatment, however, remain poorly understood, although increasing numbers of B. tabaci-associated bacteria have been reported in recent years.<br><br>METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: The BABM of male or female B. tabaci Q (also known as B. tabaci MED species) were analyzed after being fed on artificial diet containing the antibiotic rifampicin and compared with untreated controls. The bacterial 16S rDNA gene amplicon metagenomic sequencing method was used in the analyses. The results showed that the BABM in male and female adults have different characteristics, and that the community structure of the BABM changes drastically following antibiotic treatment. Further analysis of the endosymbionts in B. tabaci showed that the relative abundance of the primary endosymbiont, Portiera, increased in females but was unchanged in male whiteflies, while that of the secondary endosymbiont, Hamiltonella, significantly decreased in both male and female whiteflies. The secondary endosymbionts, Cardinium and Rickettsia, were apparently not affected in either male or female whiteflies.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The community structure of BABM can be drastically altered following treatment with the antibiotic, rifampicin. This may be due to different antibiotic susceptibilities among the bacterial species. These results provide valuable insights into the innate differences in the BABM of male and female whiteflies, as well as structural changes that occur in the BABM in response to exposure to an antibiotic.},
}
@article {pmid29709692,
year = {2018},
author = {Steiner, FM and Csősz, S and Markó, B and Gamisch, A and Rinnhofer, L and Folterbauer, C and Hammerle, S and Stauffer, C and Arthofer, W and Schlick-Steiner, BC},
title = {Turning one into five: Integrative taxonomy uncovers complex evolution of cryptic species in the harvester ant Messor "structor".},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {127},
number = {},
pages = {387-404},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2018.04.005},
pmid = {29709692},
issn = {1095-9513},
support = {I 2604/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 26749/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis ; Animals ; Ants/anatomy &amp; histology/*classification/genetics/microbiology ; *Biological Evolution ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Discriminant Analysis ; Ecosystem ; Female ; Male ; Models, Theoretical ; Phylogeny ; Principal Component Analysis ; Species Specificity ; Terminology as Topic ; Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {Seed harvesting ants are ecosystem engineers that shape vegetation, nutrient cycles, and microclimate. Progress in ecological research is, however, slowed down by poor species delimitation. For example, it has not been resolved to date, how many species the European harvester ant Messor "structor" (Latreille, 1798) represents. Since its first description, splitting into additional taxa was often proposed but not accepted later on due to inconsistent support from morphology and ecology. Here, we took an iterative integrative-taxonomy approach - comparing multiple, independent data sets of the same sample - and used traditional morphometrics, Wolbachia symbionts, mitochondrial DNA, amplified fragment length polymorphism, and ecological niche modelling. Using the complementarity of the data sets applied, we resolved multiple, strong disagreements over the number of species, ranging from four to ten, and the allocation of individuals to species. We consider most plausible a five-species hypothesis and conclude the taxonomic odyssey by redescribing Messor structor, M. ibericus Santschi, 1925, and M. muticus (Nylander, 1849) stat.rev., and by describing two new species, M. ponticus sp.n. and M. mcarthuri sp.n. The evolutionary explanations invoked in resolving the various data conflicts include pronounced morphological crypsis, incomplete lineage-sorting or ongoing cospeciation of endosymbionts, and peripatric speciation - these ants' significance to evolutionary biology parallels that to ecology. The successful solution of this particular problem illustrates the usefulness of the integrative approach to other systematic problems of comparable complexity and the importance of understanding evolution to drawing correct conclusions on species' attributes, including their ecology and biogeography.},
}
@article {pmid29713316,
year = {2018},
author = {Garushyants, SK and Beliavskaia, AY and Malko, DB and Logacheva, MD and Rautian, MS and Gelfand, MS},
title = {Comparative Genomic Analysis of Holospora spp., Intranuclear Symbionts of Paramecia.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {738},
pmid = {29713316},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {While most endosymbiotic bacteria are transmitted only vertically, Holospora spp., an alphaproteobacterium from the Rickettsiales order, can desert its host and invade a new one. All bacteria from the genus Holospora are intranuclear symbionts of ciliates Paramecium spp. with strict species and nuclear specificity. Comparative metabolic reconstruction based on the newly sequenced genome of Holospora curviuscula, a macronuclear symbiont of Paramecium bursaria, and known genomes of other Holospora species shows that even though all Holospora spp. can persist outside the host, they cannot synthesize most of the essential small molecules, such as amino acids, and lack some central energy metabolic pathways, including glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. As the main energy source, Holospora spp. likely rely on nucleotides pirated from the host. Holospora-specific genes absent from other Rickettsiales are possibly involved in the lifestyle switch from the infectious to the reproductive form and in cell invasion.},
}
@article {pmid29720714,
year = {2018},
author = {Pereira, TN and Rocha, MN and Sucupira, PHF and Carvalho, FD and Moreira, LA},
title = {Wolbachia significantly impacts the vector competence of Aedes aegypti for Mayaro virus.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {6889},
pmid = {29720714},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Aedes/microbiology/*virology ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Humans ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/*virology ; Symbiosis ; Togaviridae/pathogenicity/*physiology ; Togaviridae Infections/transmission ; *Virus Replication ; Wolbachia/*pathogenicity ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, an intracellular endosymbiont present in up to 70% of all insect species, has been suggested as a sustainable strategy for the control of arboviruses such as Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. As Mayaro virus outbreaks have also been reported in Latin American countries, the objective of this study was to evaluate the vector competence of Brazilian field-collected Ae. aegypti and the impact of Wolbachia (wMel strain) upon this virus. Our in vitro studies with Aag2 cells showed that Mayaro virus can rapidly multiply, whereas in wMel-infected Aag2 cells, viral growth was significantly impaired. In addition, C6/36 cells seem to have alterations when infected by Mayaro virus. In vivo experiments showed that field-collected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes are highly permissive to Mayaro virus infection, and high viral prevalence was observed in the saliva. On the other hand, Wolbachia-harboring mosquitoes showed significantly impaired capability to transmit Mayaro virus. Our results suggest that the use of Wolbachia-harboring mosquitoes may represent an effective mechanism for the reduction of Mayaro virus transmission throughout Latin America.},
}
@article {pmid29724860,
year = {2018},
author = {Garg, SG and Martin, WF},
title = {Asking endosymbionts to do an enzyme's job.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {115},
number = {20},
pages = {E4543-E4544},
pmid = {29724860},
issn = {1091-6490},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Enzymes/*metabolism ; Mitochondria ; *Symbiosis ; },
}
@article {pmid29725059,
year = {2018},
author = {Dittmer, J and Bouchon, D},
title = {Feminizing Wolbachia influence microbiota composition in the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {6998},
pmid = {29725059},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animal Structures/*microbiology ; Animals ; Bacteria/classification/genetics ; Isopoda/*microbiology ; Metagenomics ; Microbial Interactions ; *Microbiota ; Wolbachia/*growth &amp; development ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are widespread heritable endosymbionts of arthropods notorious for their profound effects on host fitness as well as for providing protection against viruses and eukaryotic parasites, indicating that they can interact with other microorganisms sharing the same host environment. Using the terrestrial isopod crustacean Armadillidium vulgare, its highly diverse microbiota (>200 bacterial genera) and its three feminizing Wolbachia strains (wVulC, wVulM, wVulP) as a model system, the present study demonstrates that Wolbachia can even influence the composition of a diverse bacterial community under both laboratory and natural conditions. While host origin is the major determinant of the taxonomic composition of the microbiota in A. vulgare, Wolbachia infection affected both the presence and, more importantly, the abundance of many bacterial taxa within each host population, possibly due to competitive interactions. Moreover, different Wolbachia strains had different impacts on microbiota composition. As such, infection with wVulC affected a higher number of taxa than infection with wVulM, possibly due to intrinsic differences in virulence and titer between these two strains. In conclusion, this study shows that heritable endosymbionts such as Wolbachia can act as biotic factors shaping the microbiota of arthropods, with as yet unknown consequences on host fitness.},
}
@article {pmid29732657,
year = {2018},
author = {Zheng, Y and Bi, J and Hou, MY and Shen, W and Zhang, W and Ai, H and Yu, XQ and Wang, YF},
title = {Ocnus is essential for male germ cell development in Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {27},
number = {5},
pages = {545-555},
doi = {10.1111/imb.12393},
pmid = {29732657},
issn = {1365-2583},
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila Proteins/*physiology ; Drosophila melanogaster/*physiology ; Fertility ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; Male ; Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases/*physiology ; *Spermatogenesis ; Testis/growth &amp; development ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {The ocnus (ocn) gene encodes a protein abundant in the testes, implying its role in testis development. When Drosophila melanogaster is infected with the endosymbiont wMel Wolbachia, which affects the spermatogenesis of its hosts, ocn is downregulated in the third-instar larval testes, suggesting a role of ocn in spermatogenesis. In this study, we knocked down ocn in the testes and found that the hatch rates of embryos derived from ocn-knockdown males were significantly decreased, and 84.38% of the testes were much smaller in comparison to controls. Analysis of the smaller testes showed no germ cells but they had an extended hub. Using RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq), we identified 69 genes with at least a twofold change (q-value < 5%) in their expression after ocn knockdown; of these, eight testes-specific and three reproduction-related genes were verified to be significantly downregulated using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Three genes (orientation disruptor, p24-2 and CG13541) were also significantly downregulated in the presence of Wolbachia. Furthermore, 98 genes were not expressed when ocn was knocked down in testes. These results suggest that ocn plays a crucial role in male germ cell development in Drosophila, possibly by regulating the expression of multiple spermatogenesis-related genes. Our data provide important information to help understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis.},
}
@article {pmid29739445,
year = {2018},
author = {Sorek, M and Schnytzer, Y and Waldman Ben-Asher, H and Caspi, VC and Chen, CS and Miller, DJ and Levy, O},
title = {Setting the pace: host rhythmic behaviour and gene expression patterns in the facultatively symbiotic cnidarian Aiptasia are determined largely by Symbiodinium.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {83},
pmid = {29739445},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {1294//Taiwan-Israel cooperative program/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Clocks/*physiology ; Circadian Rhythm/genetics/*physiology ; Dinoflagellida/*metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation/*genetics ; Oxygen/metabolism ; Sea Anemones/*genetics/parasitology ; Symbiosis/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: All organisms employ biological clocks to anticipate physical changes in the environment; however, the integration of biological clocks in symbiotic systems has received limited attention. In corals, the interpretation of rhythmic behaviours is complicated by the daily oscillations in tissue oxygen tension resulting from the photosynthetic and respiratory activities of the associated algal endosymbiont Symbiodinium. In order to better understand the integration of biological clocks in cnidarian hosts of Symbiodinium, daily rhythms of behaviour and gene expression were studied in symbiotic and aposymbiotic morphs of the sea-anemone Aiptasia diaphana.<br><br>RESULTS: The results showed that whereas circatidal (approx. 12-h) cycles of activity and gene expression predominated in aposymbiotic morphs, circadian (approx. 24-h) patterns were the more common in symbiotic morphs, where the expression of a significant number of genes shifted from a 12- to 24-h rhythm. The behavioural experiments on symbiotic A. diaphana displayed diel (24-h) rhythmicity in body and tentacle contraction under the light/dark cycles, whereas aposymbiotic morphs showed approximately 12-h (circatidal) rhythmicity. Reinfection experiments represent an important step in understanding the hierarchy of endogenous clocks in symbiotic associations, where the aposymbiotic Aiptasia morphs returned to a 24-h behavioural rhythm after repopulation with algae.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Whilst some modification of host metabolism is to be expected, the extent to which the presence of the algae modified host endogenous behavioural and transcriptional rhythms implies that it is the symbionts that influence the pace. Our results clearly demonstrate the importance of the endosymbiotic algae in determining the timing and the duration of the extension and contraction of the body and tentacles and temporal gene expression.},
}
@article {pmid29748120,
year = {2018},
author = {Špitalská, E and Sparagano, O and Stanko, M and Schwarzová, K and Špitalský, Z and Škultéty, &#x13d; and Havlíková, SF},
title = {Diversity of Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts, and Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii as pathogens in the tick populations of Slovakia, Central Europe.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {9},
number = {5},
pages = {1207-1211},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.05.002},
pmid = {29748120},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Arachnid Vectors/*microbiology ; Bacterial Infections/epidemiology/transmission ; Coxiella/cytology/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; Coxiella burnetii/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Dermacentor/microbiology ; Female ; Francisella/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; Ixodes/microbiology ; Ixodidae/*microbiology ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Public Health ; Rickettsia/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; Slovakia/epidemiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Ticks are important vectors of pathogens affecting humans and animals worldwide. They do not only carry pathogens but diverse commensal and symbiotic microorganisms are also present in ticks. A molecular screening for tick-borne pathogens and endosymbionts was carried out in Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis inermis questing ticks collected in Slovakia. The presence of Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Coxiella-like and Francisella-like microorganisms was evaluated by PCR in 605 individuals and by randomly sequencing 66 samples. Four species of rickettsiae (R. raoultii, R. slovaca, R. helvetica and R. monacensis) were identified and reported with an overall prevalence range between 0.4 and 50.3% (±8.0) depending on tick species, sex and locality. Partial sequencing of the gltA gene of 5 chosen samples in H. inermis showed 99% identity with Candidatus Rickettsia hungarica. The total prevalence of C. burnetii in ticks was 2.2 ± 1.7%; bacteria were confirmed in I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks. The sequences from 2 D. reticulatus males and 1 I. ricinus female ticks were compared to GenBank submissions and a 99.8% match was obtained with the pathogenic C. burnetii. Coxiella-like endosymbionts were registered in all three species of ticks from all studied sites with an average prevalence of 32.7 ± 3.7%. A phylogenetic analysis of this Coxiella sp. showed that it does not group with the pathogenic C. burnetii. The prevalence of Francisella-like microorganisms in questing ticks was 47.9 ± 3.9%, however H. inermis (n = 108) were not infested. Obtained sequences were 98% identical with previously identified Francisella-like endosymbionts in D. reticulatus and I. ricinus. Coxiella-like and Francisella-like microorganisms were identified for the first time in Slovakia, they might be considered as a non-pathogenic endosymbiont of I. ricinus, D. reticulatus and H. inermis, and future investigations could aim to assess their role in these ticks. However, this work provided further data and broadened our knowledge on bacterial pathogens and endosymbionts present in ticks in Slovakia to help understanding co-infestations, combined treatments and public health issues linked to tick bites.},
}
@article {pmid29749703,
year = {2020},
author = {Ayoubi, A and Talebi, AA and Fathipour, Y and Mehrabadi, M},
title = {Coinfection of the secondary symbionts, Hamiltonella defensa and Arsenophonus sp. contribute to the performance of the major aphid pest, Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae).},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {86-98},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.12603},
pmid = {29749703},
issn = {1744-7917},
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/growth &amp; development/*microbiology/*physiology ; Buchnera/*physiology ; Enterobacteriaceae/*physiology ; Iran ; Nymph/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Reproduction ; Species Specificity ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts play important roles in ecological traits of aphids. In this study, we characterize the bacterial endosymbionts of A. gossypii collected in Karaj, Iran and their role in the performance of the aphid. Our results indicated that beside Buchnera aphidicola, A. gossypii, also harbors both Hamiltonella defensa and Arsenophonus sp. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) results revealed that the populations of the endosymbionts increased throughout nymphal development up to adult emergence; thereafter, populations of Buchnera and Arsenophonus were diminished while the density of H. defensa constantly increased. Buchnera reduction caused prolonged development and no progeny production. Furthermore, secondary symbiont reduction led to reduction of the total life span and intrinsic rate of natural increase as well as appearance of the deformed dead offspring in comparison with the control insects. Reduction of the secondary symbionts did not affect parasitism rate of the aphid by the parasitic wasp Aphidius matricariae. Together these findings showed that H. defensa and Arsenophonus contributed to the fitness of A. gossypii by enhancing its performance, but not through parasitoid resistance.},
}
@article {pmid29753223,
year = {2018},
author = {Syed, B and Nagendra Prasad, MN and Mohan Kumar, K and Satish, S},
title = {Bioconjugated nano-bactericidal complex for potent activity against human and phytopathogens with concern of global drug resistant crisis.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {637-638},
number = {},
pages = {274-281},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.405},
pmid = {29753223},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Anti-Bacterial Agents/*toxicity ; Anti-Infective Agents ; Humans ; Metal Nanoparticles/*toxicity ; Silver ; Silver Nitrate ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; },
abstract = {The present study emphasizes the need for novel antimicrobial agents to combat the global drug resistant crisis. The development of novel nanomaterials is reported to be of the alternative tool to combat drug resistant pathogens. In present investigation, bioconjugated nano-complex was developed from secondary metabolite secreted from endosymbiont. The endosymbiont capable of secreting antimicrobial metabolite was subjected to fermentation and the culture supernatant was assessed for purification of antimicrobial metabolite via bio-assay guided fraction techniques such as thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and column chromatography. The metabolite was characterized as 2,4-Diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4 DAPG) which was used to develop bioconjugated nano-complex by treating with 1 mM silver nitrate under optimized conditions. The purified metabolite 2,4 DAPG reduced silver nitrate to form bioconjugated nano-complex to form association with silver nanoparticles. The oxidized form of DAPG consists of four hard ligands that can conjugate on to the surface of silver nanoparticles cluster. The bioconjugation was confirmed with UV-visible spectroscopy which displayed the shift and shoulder peak in the absorbance spectra. This biomolecular interaction was further determined by the Fourier-transform spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses which displayed different signals ascertaining the molecular binding of 2,4,DAPG with silver nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the cluster formation due to bioconjugation. The XRD analysis revealed the crystalline nature of nano-complex with the characteristic peaks indexed to Bragg's reflection occurring at 2θ angle which indicated the (111), (200), (220) and (311) planes. The activity of bioconjugated nano-complex was tested against 12 significant human and phytopathogens. Among all the test pathogens, Shigella flexneri (MTCC 1457) was the most sensitive organisms with 38.33 ± 0.33 zone of inhibition. The results obtained in the present investigation attribute development of nano-complex as one of the effective tools against multi-drug resistant infections across the globe.},
}
@article {pmid29754986,
year = {2018},
author = {Lado, P and Qurollo, B and Williams, C and Junge, R and Klompen, H},
title = {The microbiome of Haemaphysalis lemuris (Acari: Ixodidae), a possible vector of pathogens of endangered lemur species in Madagascar.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {9},
number = {5},
pages = {1252-1260},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.05.003},
pmid = {29754986},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Arachnid Vectors/*microbiology ; Babesia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Bartonella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Borrelia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; Endangered Species ; Ixodidae/*microbiology ; Lemur/*parasitology ; *Microbiota ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; Tick Infestations/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology/microbiology/*veterinary ; },
abstract = {Lemurs are primate species that are endemic to Madagascar. At present, about 90% of lemur species are endangered, and 5 species are among the 25 most endangered primates worldwide. Health status is a major factor impacting the viability of wild populations of many endangered species including lemurs. Given this context, we analyzed the microbiome of 24 specimens of Haemaphysalis lemuris, the most common tick parasitizing lemurs in their native habitats. Ticks were collected from 6 lemur species and microbiomes analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Our results show that the H. lemuris microbiome is highly diverse, including over 500 taxa, 267 of which were identified to genus level. Analysis of the microbiome also shows that there is a distinct "host" (lemur species) component when explaining the differences among and between microbial communities of H. lemuris. This "host" component seems to overwhelm any "locality" (geographic origin of the sample) component. In addition to the microbiome data, targeted PCR was used to test for the presence of three pathogens recently detected in the blood of wild lemurs: Borrelia sp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp., and Babesia sp. Overall, the presence of DNA of Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., Francisella spp., and a Babesia sp., in H. lemuris, is consistent with the hypothesis that these ectoparasites may act as vector for these pathogens. Further studies assessing vector competence are needed to confirm this hypothesis.},
}
@article {pmid29761037,
year = {2018},
author = {Duplouy, A and Hornett, EA},
title = {Uncovering the hidden players in Lepidoptera biology: the heritable microbial endosymbionts.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e4629},
pmid = {29761037},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {The Lepidoptera is one of the most widespread and recognisable insect orders. Due to their remarkable diversity, economic and ecological importance, moths and butterflies have been studied extensively over the last 200 years. More recently, the relationship between Lepidoptera and their heritable microbial endosymbionts has received increasing attention. Heritable endosymbionts reside within the host's body and are often, but not exclusively, inherited through the female line. Advancements in molecular genetics have revealed that host-associated microbes are both extremely prevalent among arthropods and highly diverse. Furthermore, heritable endosymbionts have been repeatedly demonstrated to play an integral role in many aspects of host biology, particularly host reproduction. Here, we review the major findings of research of heritable microbial endosymbionts of butterflies and moths. We promote the Lepidoptera as important models in the study of reproductive manipulations employed by heritable endosymbionts, with the mechanisms underlying male-killing and feminisation currently being elucidated in moths and butterflies. We also reveal that the vast majority of research undertaken of Lepidopteran endosymbionts concerns Wolbachia. While this highly prevalent bacterium is undoubtedly important, studies should move towards investigating the presence of other, and interacting endosymbionts, and we discuss the merits of examining the microbiome of Lepidoptera to this end. We finally consider the importance of understanding the influence of endosymbionts under global environmental change and when planning conservation management of endangered Lepidoptera species.},
}
@article {pmid29761046,
year = {2018},
author = {Zepeda-Paulo, F and Ortiz-Martínez, S and Silva, AX and Lavandero, B},
title = {Low bacterial community diversity in two introduced aphid pests revealed with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e4725},
pmid = {29761046},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts that produce important phenotypic effects on their hosts are common among plant sap-sucking insects. Aphids have become a model system of insect-symbiont interactions. However, endosymbiont research has focused on a few aphid species, making it necessary to make greater efforts to other aphid species through different regions, in order to have a better understanding of the role of endosymbionts in aphids as a group. Aphid endosymbionts have frequently been studied by PCR-based techniques, using species-specific primers, nevertheless this approach may omit other non-target bacteria cohabiting a particular host species. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies are complementing our knowledge of microbial communities by allowing us the study of whole microbiome of different organisms. We used a 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing approach to study the microbiome of aphids in order to describe the bacterial community diversity in introduced populations of the cereal aphids, Sitobion avenae and Rhopalosiphum padi in Chile (South America). An absence of secondary endosymbionts and two common secondary endosymbionts of aphids were found in the aphids R. padi and S. avenae, respectively. Of those endosymbionts, Regiella insecticola was the dominant secondary endosymbiont among the aphid samples. In addition, the presence of a previously unidentified bacterial species closely related to a phytopathogenic Pseudomonad species was detected. We discuss these results in relation to the bacterial endosymbiont diversity found in other regions of the native and introduced range of S. avenae and R. padi. A similar endosymbiont diversity has been reported for both aphid species in their native range. However, variation in the secondary endosymbiont infection could be observed among the introduced and native populations of the aphid S. avenae, indicating that aphid-endosymbiont associations can vary across the geographic range of an aphid species. In addition, we discuss the potential role of aphids as vectors and/or alternative hosts of phytopathogenic bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid29764946,
year = {2018},
author = {Wang, Y and Stata, M and Wang, W and Stajich, JE and White, MM and Moncalvo, JM},
title = {Comparative Genomics Reveals the Core Gene Toolbox for the Fungus-Insect Symbiosis.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {29764946},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Animals ; Fungal Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Fungi/classification/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Genome, Fungal ; Genomics ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Insecta/genetics/*microbiology/physiology ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Modern genomics has shed light on many entomopathogenic fungi and expanded our knowledge widely; however, little is known about the genomic features of the insect-commensal fungi. Harpellales are obligate commensals living in the digestive tracts of disease-bearing insects (black flies, midges, and mosquitoes). In this study, we produced and annotated whole-genome sequences of nine Harpellales taxa and conducted the first comparative analyses to infer the genomic diversity within the members of the Harpellales. The genomes of the insect gut fungi feature low (26% to 37%) GC content and large genome size variations (25 to 102 Mb). Further comparisons with insect-pathogenic fungi (from both Ascomycota and Zoopagomycota), as well as with free-living relatives (as negative controls), helped to identify a gene toolbox that is essential to the fungus-insect symbiosis. The results not only narrow the genomic scope of fungus-insect interactions from several thousands to eight core players but also distinguish host invasion strategies employed by insect pathogens and commensals. The genomic content suggests that insect commensal fungi rely mostly on adhesion protein anchors that target digestive system, while entomopathogenic fungi have higher numbers of transmembrane helices, signal peptides, and pathogen-host interaction (PHI) genes across the whole genome and enrich genes as well as functional domains to inactivate the host inflammation system and suppress the host defense. Phylogenomic analyses have revealed that genome sizes of Harpellales fungi vary among lineages with an integer-multiple pattern, which implies that ancient genome duplications may have occurred within the gut of insects.IMPORTANCE Insect guts harbor various microbes that are important for host digestion, immune response, and disease dispersal in certain cases. Bacteria, which are among the primary endosymbionts, have been studied extensively. However, fungi, which are also frequently encountered, are poorly known with respect to their biology within the insect guts. To understand the genomic features and related biology, we produced the whole-genome sequences of nine gut commensal fungi from disease-bearing insects (black flies, midges, and mosquitoes). The results show that insect gut fungi tend to have low GC content across their genomes. By comparing these commensals with entomopathogenic and free-living fungi that have available genome sequences, we found a universal core gene toolbox that is unique and thus potentially important for the insect-fungus symbiosis. This comparative work also uncovered different host invasion strategies employed by insect pathogens and commensals, as well as a model system to study ancient fungal genome duplication within the gut of insects.},
}
@article {pmid29765363,
year = {2018},
author = {Parkinson, JE and Tivey, TR and Mandelare, PE and Adpressa, DA and Loesgen, S and Weis, VM},
title = {Subtle Differences in Symbiont Cell Surface Glycan Profiles Do Not Explain Species-Specific Colonization Rates in a Model Cnidarian-Algal Symbiosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {842},
pmid = {29765363},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Mutualisms between cnidarian hosts and dinoflagellate endosymbionts are foundational to coral reef ecosystems. These symbioses are often re-established every generation with high specificity, but gaps remain in our understanding of the cellular mechanisms that control symbiont recognition and uptake dynamics. Here, we tested whether differences in glycan profiles among different symbiont species account for the different rates at which they initially colonize aposymbiotic polyps of the model sea anemone Aiptasia (Exaiptasia pallida). First, we used a lectin array to characterize the glycan profiles of colonizing Symbiodinium minutum (ITS2 type B1) and noncolonizing Symbiodinium pilosum (ITS2 type A2), finding subtle differences in the binding of lectins Euonymus europaeus lectin (EEL) and Urtica dioica agglutinin lectin (UDA) that distinguish between high-mannoside and hybrid-type protein linked glycans. Next, we enzymatically cleaved glycans from the surfaces of S. minutum cultures and followed their recovery using flow cytometry, establishing a 48-72 h glycan turnover rate for this species. Finally, we exposed aposymbiotic host polyps to cultured S. minutum cells masked by EEL or UDA lectins for 48 h, then measured cell densities the following day. We found no effect of glycan masking on symbiont density, providing further support to the hypothesis that glycan-lectin interactions are more important for post-phagocytic persistence of specific symbionts than they are for initial uptake. We also identified several methodological and biological factors that may limit the utility of studying glycan masking in the Aiptasia system.},
}
@article {pmid29765368,
year = {2018},
author = {Hu, W and Kuang, F and Lu, Z and Zhang, N and Chen, T},
title = {Killing Effects of an Isolated Serratia marcescens KH-001 on Diaphorina citri via Lowering the Endosymbiont Numbers.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {860},
pmid = {29765368},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most devastating citrus disease worldwide, and suppression of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) is regarded as an effective method to inhibit the spread of HLB. In this study, we isolated a strain named as Serratia marcescens KH-001 from D. citri nymphs suffering from disease, and evaluated its killing effect on D. citri via toxicity test and effect on microbial community in D. citri using high-throughput sequencing. Our results indicated that S. marcescens KH-001 could effectively kill 83% of D. citri nymphs, while the fermentation products of S. marcescens KH-001 only killed 40% of the D. citrinymphs. High-throughput sequencing results indicated that the S. marcescens KH-001 increased the OTU numbers from 62.5 (PBS buffer) to 81.5, while significantly lowered the Shannon index compared with Escherichia coli DH5α (group E) (p < 0.05). OTU analysis showed that the S. marcescens KH-001 had significantly reduced the relative abundance of endosymbionts Wolbachia, Profftella, and Carsonella in group S compared with that in other groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, the direct killing effect of the fermentation products of S. marcescens KH-001 and the indirect effect via reducing the numbers of endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Profftella, and Carsonella) of D. citri endow S. marcescens KH-001 a sound killing effect on D. citri. Further work need to do before this strain is used as a sound biological control agents.},
}
@article {pmid29765742,
year = {2018},
author = {Szebenyi, DM and Kriksunov, I and Howe, KJ and Ramsey, JS and Hall, DG and Heck, ML and Krasnoff, SB},
title = {Crystal structure of diaphorin methanol monosolvate isolated from Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, the insect vector of citrus greening disease.},
journal = {Acta crystallographica. Section E, Crystallographic communications},
volume = {74},
number = {Pt 4},
pages = {445-449},
pmid = {29765742},
issn = {2056-9890},
support = {P41 GM103485/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The title compound C22H39NO9·CH3OH [systematic name: (S)-N-((S)-{(2S,4R,6R)-6-[(S)-2,3-di-hydroxy-prop-yl]-4-hy-droxy-5,5-di-methyl-tetra-hydro-2H-pyran-2-yl}
(hy-droxy)meth-yl)-2-hy-droxy-2-[(2R,5R,6R)-2-meth-oxy-5,6-dimeth-yl-4-methyl-ene-tetra-hydro-2H-pyran-2-yl]acetamide methanol monosolvate], was isolated from the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, and crystallizes in the space group P21. 'Candidatus Profftella armatura' a bacterial endosymbiont of D. citri, biosynthesizes diaphorin, which is a hybrid polyketide-nonribosomal peptide comprising two highly substituted tetra-hydro-pyran rings joined by an N-acyl aminal bridge [Nakabachi et al. (2013 ▸). Curr. Biol.23, 1478-1484]. The crystal structure of the title compound establishes the complete relative configuration of diaphorin, which agrees at all nine chiral centers with the structure of the methanol monosolvate of the di-p-bromo-benzoate derivative of pederin, a biogenically related compound whose crystal structure was reported previously [Furusaki et al. (1968 ▸). Tetra-hedron Lett.9, 6301-6304]. Thus, the absolute configuration of diaphorin is proposed by analogy to that of pederin.},
}
@article {pmid29766491,
year = {2018},
author = {Kriesner, P and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {Rapid spread of a Wolbachia infection that does not affect host reproduction in Drosophila simulans cage populations.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/evo.13506},
pmid = {29766491},
issn = {1558-5646},
abstract = {Wolbachia endosymbionts that are maternally inherited can spread rapidly in host populations through inducing sterility in uninfected females, but some Wolbachia infections do not influence host reproduction yet still persist. These infections are particularly interesting because they likely represent mutualistic endosymbionts, spreading by increasing host fitness. Here, we document such a spread in the wAu infection of Drosophila simulans. By establishing multiple replicate cage populations, we show that wAu consistently increased from an intermediate frequency to near fixation, representing an estimated fitness advantage of around 20% for infected females. The effective population size in the cages was estimated from SNP markers to be around a few thousand individuals, precluding large effects of genetic drift in the populations. The exact reasons for the fitness advantage are unclear but viral protection and nutritional benefits are two possibilities.},
}
@article {pmid29769291,
year = {2018},
author = {Kim, D and Minhas, BF and Li-Byarlay, H and Hansen, AK},
title = {Key Transport and Ammonia Recycling Genes Involved in Aphid Symbiosis Respond to Host-Plant Specialization.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {8},
number = {7},
pages = {2433-2443},
pmid = {29769291},
issn = {2160-1836},
mesh = {Ammonia/metabolism ; Animals ; Aphids/*genetics/metabolism ; Biological Transport ; Buchnera ; CpG Islands ; DNA Methylation ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Microbes are known to influence insect-plant interactions; however, it is unclear if host-plant diet influences the regulation of nutritional insect symbioses. The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, requires its nutritional endosymbiont, Buchnera, for the production of essential amino acids. We hypothesize that key aphid genes that regulate the nutritional symbioses respond to host-plant diet when aphids feed on a specialized (alfalfa) compared to a universal host-plant diet (fava), which vary in amino acid profiles. Using RNA-Seq and whole genome bisulfite sequencing, we measured gene expression and DNA methylation profiles for such genes when aphids fed on either their specialized or universal host-plant diets. Our results reveal that when aphids feed on their specialized host-plant they significantly up-regulate and/or hypo-methylate key aphid genes in bacteriocytes related to the amino acid metabolism, including glutamine synthetase in the GOGAT cycle that recycles ammonia into glutamine and the glutamine transporter ApGLNT1 Moreover, regardless of what host-plant aphids feed on we observed significant up-regulation and differential methylation of key genes involved in the amino acid metabolism and the glycine/serine metabolism, a metabolic program observed in proliferating cancer cells potentially to combat oxidative stress. Based on our results, we suggest that this regulatory response of key symbiosis genes in bacteriocytes allows aphids to feed on a suboptimal host-plant that they specialize on.},
}
@article {pmid29771340,
year = {2018},
author = {Schebeck, M and Feldkirchner, L and Marín, B and Krumböck, S and Schuler, H and Stauffer, C},
title = {Reproductive Manipulators in the Bark Beetle Pityogenes chalcographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)-The Role of Cardinium, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma, and Wolbachia.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {29771340},
issn = {1536-2442},
support = {I 2604/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 26749/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reproduction ; Rickettsia/*isolation &amp; purification ; Spiroplasma/*isolation &amp; purification ; *Symbiosis ; Weevils/*microbiology ; Wolbachia/*isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Heritable bacterial endosymbionts can alter the biology of numerous arthropods. They can influence the reproductive outcome of infected hosts, thus affecting the ecology and evolution of various arthropod species. The spruce bark beetle Pityogenes chalcographus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) was reported to express partial, unidirectional crossing incompatibilities among certain European populations. Knowledge on the background of these findings is lacking; however, bacterial endosymbionts have been assumed to manipulate the reproduction of this beetle. Previous work reported low-density and low-frequency Wolbachia infections of P. chalcographus but found it unlikely that this infection results in reproductive alterations. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of an endosymbiont-driven incompatibility, other than Wolbachia, reflected by an infection pattern on a wide geographic scale. We performed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of 226 individuals from 18 European populations for the presence of the endosymbionts Cardinium, Rickettsia, and Spiroplasma, and additionally screened these individuals for Wolbachia. Positive PCR products were sequenced to characterize these bacteria. Our study shows a low prevalence of these four endosymbionts in P. chalcographus. We detected a yet undescribed Spiroplasma strain in a single individual from Greece. This is the first time that this endosymbiont has been found in a bark beetle. Further, Wolbachia was detected in three beetles from two Scandinavian populations and two new Wolbachia strains were described. None of the individuals analyzed were infected with Cardinium and Rickettsia. The low prevalence of bacteria found here does not support the hypothesis of an endosymbiont-driven reproductive incompatibility in P. chalcographus.},
}
@article {pmid29776375,
year = {2018},
author = {Kaufman, EL and Stone, NE and Scoles, GA and Hepp, CM and Busch, JD and Wagner, DM},
title = {Range-wide genetic analysis of Dermacentor variabilis and its Francisella-like endosymbionts demonstrates phylogeographic concordance between both taxa.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {306},
pmid = {29776375},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {2010-65104-20386//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Arachnid Vectors/microbiology ; Canada ; Coxiella burnetii/genetics/pathogenicity ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Dermacentor/classification/*genetics/*microbiology ; Disease Vectors ; Francisella/classification/*genetics/pathogenicity ; Genes, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Humans ; *Phylogeny ; Phylogeography ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rickettsia/genetics/pathogenicity ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; Symbiosis/genetics ; United States ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis, is an important vector of pathogens to humans, wildlife and domestic animals in North America. Although this tick species is widely distributed in the USA and Canada, knowledge of its range-wide phylogeographic patterns remains incomplete.<br><br>METHODS: We carried out a phylogenetic analysis of D. variabilis using samples collected from 26 USA states and five Canadian provinces. Tick samples (n = 1053 in total) originated from two main sources: existing archives (2000-2011), and new collections made from 2012 to 2013. We sequenced a 691 bp fragment of the cox1 gene from a subset (n = 332) of geographically diverse D. variabilis. DNA extracted from individual ticks (n = 1053) was also screened for a Francisella-like endosymbiont, using a targeted 16S rRNA sequencing approach, and important pathogens (Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii), using species-specific quantitative PCR assays.<br><br>RESULTS: Maximum parsimony analysis of cox1 sequences revealed two major groups within D. variabilis with distinct geographical distributions: one from the eastern USA/Canada (Group 1) and one from the west coast states of the USA (California and Washington; Group 2). However, genetic subdivisions within both of these two major groups were weak to moderate and not tightly correlated with geography. We found molecular signatures consistent with Francisella-like endosymbionts in 257 of the DNA extracts from the 1053 individual ticks, as well as Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii in a small number of ticks (n = 29 and 2, respectively). Phylogenetic patterns for Francisella-like endosymbionts, constructed using sequence data from the bacterial 16S rRNA locus, were similar to those for D. variabilis, with two major groups that had a nearly perfect one-to-one correlation with the two major groups within D. variabilis.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal a distinct phylogenetic split between the two major D. variabilis populations. However, high levels of genetic mixture among widely separated geographical localities occur within each of these two major groups. Furthermore, our phylogenetic analyses provide evidence of long-term tick-symbiont co-evolution. This work has implications for understanding the dispersal and evolutionary ecology of D. variabilis and associated vector-borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid29779088,
year = {2018},
author = {Thal, B and Braun, HP and Eubel, H},
title = {Proteomic analysis dissects the impact of nodulation and biological nitrogen fixation on Vicia faba root nodule physiology.},
journal = {Plant molecular biology},
volume = {97},
number = {3},
pages = {233-251},
pmid = {29779088},
issn = {1573-5028},
support = {GRK 1798//DFG/ ; },
mesh = {Chromatography, Liquid/methods ; Nitrogen Fixation/*physiology ; Plant Proteins/isolation &amp; purification/metabolism/physiology ; Plant Root Nodulation/*physiology ; Plant Roots/metabolism/physiology ; Proteome ; Proteomics ; Rhizobium leguminosarum ; Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism/*physiology ; Symbiosis/physiology ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods ; Vicia faba/metabolism/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in root nodules of legumes is a highly important biological process which is only poorly understood. Root nodule metabolism differs from that of roots. Differences in root and nodule metabolism are expressed by altered protein abundances and amenable to quantitative proteome analyses. Differences in the proteomes may either be tissue specific and related to the presence of temporary endosymbionts (the bacteroids) or related to nitrogen fixation activity. An experimental setup including WT bacterial strains and strains not able to conduct symbiotic nitrogen fixation as well as root controls enables identification of tissue and nitrogen fixation specific proteins. Root nodules are specialized plant organs housing and regulating the mutual symbiosis of legumes with nitrogen fixing rhizobia. As such, these organs fulfill unique functions in plant metabolism. Identifying the proteins required for the metabolic reactions of nitrogen fixation and those merely involved in sustaining the rhizobia:plant symbiosis, is a challenging task and requires an experimental setup which allows to differentiate between these two physiological processes. Here, quantitative proteome analyses of nitrogen fixing and non-nitrogen fixing nodules as well as fertilized and non-fertilized roots were performed using Vicia faba and Rhizobium leguminosarum. Pairwise comparisons revealed altered enzyme abundance between active and inactive nodules. Similarly, general differences between nodules and root tissue were observed. Together, these results allow distinguishing the proteins directly involved in nitrogen fixation from those related to nodulation. Further observations relate to the control of nodulation by hormones and provide supportive evidence for the previously reported correlation of nitrogen and sulfur fixation in these plant organs. Additionally, data on altered protein abundance relating to alanine metabolism imply that this amino acid may be exported from the symbiosomes of V. faba root nodules in addition to ammonia. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD008548.},
}
@article {pmid29779502,
year = {2018},
author = {Buysse, M and Duron, O},
title = {Multi-locus phylogenetics of the Midichloria endosymbionts reveals variable specificity of association with ticks.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {145},
number = {14},
pages = {1969-1978},
doi = {10.1017/S0031182018000793},
pmid = {29779502},
issn = {1469-8161},
mesh = {Alphaproteobacteria/*classification ; Animals ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Host Specificity ; Ixodes/*microbiology ; Male ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; *Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii is a maternally inherited bacterium of ticks with a unique intra-mitochondrial lifestyle. Here, we investigate on the evolutionary history of these associations and the degree of Midichloria-tick specificity. While previous surveys used the 16S rRNA gene as an exclusive molecular marker, we rather developed a multi-locus typing method based on four more variable housekeeping genes (groEL, rpoB, dnaK and ftsZ) and on one flagellum gene (fliC) present in Midichloria genomes. Using this method, multi-locus phylogenetic analyses revealed the structuring of a wide Midichloria genetic diversity into three distinct lineages associated with ticks. Overall, two distinct evolutionary strategies are obvious depending on lineage: two Midichloria lineages are generalists with infections acquired through horizontal transfers between distantly related tick species but one other Midichloria lineage rather show a high specificity degree to the Ixodes tick genus. This pattern suggests a capacity of certain Midichloria strains to maintain infections in only limited range of related tick species. These different infection strategies of Midichloria highlight an unexpected variability in their dependency to their tick hosts. We further conjecture that this pattern is also likely to indicate variability in their effects on ticks.},
}
@article {pmid29779872,
year = {2018},
author = {Funkhouser-Jones, LJ and van Opstal, EJ and Sharma, A and Bordenstein, SR},
title = {The Maternal Effect Gene Wds Controls Wolbachia Titer in Nasonia.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {28},
number = {11},
pages = {1692-1702.e6},
pmid = {29779872},
issn = {1879-0445},
support = {R21 HD086833/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; P30 DK058404/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD021630/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; P30 EY008126/EY/NEI NIH HHS/United States ; P30 DK020593/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI132581/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U24 DK059637/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; P30 CA068485/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM008554/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Insect Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Maternal Inheritance ; Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics ; Selection, Genetic ; Sequence Alignment ; Species Specificity ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; Wasps/*genetics/*microbiology ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Maternal transmission of intracellular microbes is pivotal in establishing long-term, intimate symbioses. For germline microbes that exert negative reproductive effects on their hosts, selection can theoretically favor the spread of host genes that counteract the microbe's harmful effects. Here, we leverage a major difference in bacterial (Wolbachia pipientis) titers between closely related wasp species with forward genetic, transcriptomic, and cytological approaches to map two quantitative trait loci that suppress bacterial titers via a maternal effect. Fine mapping and knockdown experiments identify the gene Wolbachia density suppressor (Wds), which dominantly suppresses bacterial transmission from mother to embryo. Wds evolved by lineage-specific non-synonymous changes driven by positive selection. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that a genetically simple change arose by positive Darwinian selection in less than a million years to regulate maternally transmitted bacteria via a dominant, maternal effect gene.},
}
@article {pmid29794009,
year = {2018},
author = {Bakovic, V and Schebeck, M and Telschow, A and Stauffer, C and Schuler, H},
title = {Spatial spread of Wolbachia in Rhagoletis cerasi populations.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {14},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {29794009},
issn = {1744-957X},
support = {I 2604/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 26749/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Czech Republic ; Hungary ; *Spatial Analysis ; Tephritidae/*microbiology ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia has been used to control insect pests owing to its ability to manipulate their life history and suppress infectious diseases. Therefore, knowledge on Wolbachia dynamics in natural populations is fundamental. The European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi, is infected with the Wolbachia strain wCer2, mainly present in southern and central European populations, and is currently spreading into wCer2-uninfected populations driven by high unidirectional cytoplasmic incompatibility. Here, we describe the distribution of wCer2 along two transition zones where the infection is spreading into wCer2-uninfected R. cerasi populations. Fine-scale sampling of 19 populations in the Czech Republic showed a smooth decrease of wCer2 frequency from south to north within a distance of less than 20 km. Sampling of 12 Hungarian populations, however, showed a sharp decline of wCer2 infection frequency within a few kilometres. We fitted a standard wave equation to our empirical data and estimated a Wolbachia wave speed of 1.9 km yr[-1] in the Czech Republic and 1.0 km yr[-1] in Hungary. Considering the univoltine life cycle and limited dispersal ability of R. cerasi, our study highlights a rapid Wolbachia spread in natural host populations.},
}
@article {pmid29797656,
year = {2020},
author = {Leybourne, DJ and Bos, JIB and Valentine, TA and Karley, AJ},
title = {The price of protection: a defensive endosymbiont impairs nymph growth in the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {69-85},
pmid = {29797656},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {//James Hutton Institute and the Universities of Aberdeen and Dundee through a Scottish Food Security Alliance (Crops) PhD studentship/ ; //Scottish Government's Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division/ ; APHIDHOST//Royal Society of Edinburgh/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/genetics/growth &amp; development/*microbiology ; Enterobacteriaceae/*physiology ; Genotype ; Nymph/genetics/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Scotland ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts have enabled aphids to adapt to a range of stressors, but their effects in many aphid species remain to be established. The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus), is an important pest of cereals worldwide and has been reported to form symbiotic associations with Serratia symbiotica and Sitobion miscanthi L-type symbiont endobacteria, although the resulting aphid phenotype has not been described. This study presents the first report of R. padi infection with the facultative bacterial endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa. Individuals of R. padi were sampled from populations in Eastern Scotland, UK, and shown to represent seven R. padi genotypes based on the size of polymorphic microsatellite markers; two of these genotypes harbored H. defensa. In parasitism assays, survival of H. defensa-infected nymphs following attack by the parasitoid wasp Aphidius colemani (Viereck) was 5 fold higher than for uninfected nymphs. Aphid genotype was a major determinant of aphid performance on two Hordeum species, a modern cultivar of barley H. vulgare and a wild relative H. spontaneum, although aphids infected with H. defensa showed 16% lower nymph mass gain on the partially resistant wild relative compared with uninfected individuals. These findings suggest that deploying resistance traits in barley will favor the fittest R. padi genotypes, but symbiont-infected individuals will be favored when parasitoids are abundant, although these aphids will not achieve optimal performance on a poor quality host plant.},
}
@article {pmid29797769,
year = {2018},
author = {Beinart, RA and Rotterová, J and Čepička, I and Gast, RJ and Edgcomb, VP},
title = {The genome of an endosymbiotic methanogen is very similar to those of its free-living relatives.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {2538-2551},
doi = {10.1111/1462-2920.14279},
pmid = {29797769},
issn = {1462-2920},
mesh = {Animals ; Base Composition ; Ciliophora/*microbiology ; Euryarchaeota/*genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The methanogenic endosymbionts of anaerobic protists represent the only known intracellular archaea, yet, almost nothing is known about genome structure and content in these lineages. Here, an almost complete genome of an intracellular Methanobacterium species was assembled from a metagenome derived from its host ciliate, a Heterometopus species. Phylogenomic analysis showed that the endosymbiont was closely related to free-living Methanobacterium isolates, and when compared with the genomes of free-living Methanobacterium, the endosymbiont did not show significant reduction in genome size or GC content. Additionally, the Methanobacterium endosymbiont genome shared the majority of its genes with its closest relative, though it did also contain unique genes possibly involved in interactions with the host via membrane-associated proteins, the removal of toxic by-products from host metabolism and the production of small signalling molecules. Though anaerobic ciliates have been shown to transmit their endosymbionts to daughter cells during division, the results presented here could suggest that the endosymbiotic Methanobacterium did not experience significant genetic isolation or drift and/or that this lineage was only recently acquired. Altogether, comparative genomic analysis identified genes potentially involved in the establishment and maintenance of the symbiosis, as well provided insight into the genomic consequences for an intracellular archaeum.},
}
@article {pmid29802189,
year = {2018},
author = {Zolfaghari Emameh, R and Barker, HR and Hytönen, VP and Parkkila, S},
title = {Involvement of β-Carbonic Anhydrase Genes in Bacterial Genomic Islands and Their Horizontal Transfer to Protists.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {84},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {29802189},
issn = {1098-5336},
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Bacteria/chemistry/classification/*enzymology/*genetics ; Bacterial Proteins/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism ; Carbonic Anhydrases/chemistry/*genetics/metabolism ; Chromosomes, Bacterial/genetics/metabolism ; Eukaryota/classification/enzymology/*genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Genomic Islands ; Phylogeny ; Plasmids/genetics/metabolism ; Sequence Alignment ; },
abstract = {Genomic islands (GIs) are a type of mobile genetic element (MGE) that are present in bacterial chromosomes. They consist of a cluster of genes that produce proteins that contribute to a variety of functions, including, but not limited to, the regulation of cell metabolism, antimicrobial resistance, pathogenicity, virulence, and resistance to heavy metals. The genes carried in MGEs can be used as a trait reservoir in times of adversity. Transfer of genes using MGEs, occurring outside reproduction, is called horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Previous data have shown that numerous HGT events have occurred through endosymbiosis between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. β-Carbonic anhydrase (β-CA) enzymes play a critical role in the biochemical pathways of many prokaryotes and eukaryotes. We previously suggested the horizontal transfer of β-CA genes from plasmids of some prokaryotic endosymbionts to their protozoan hosts. In this study, we set out to identify β-CA genes that might have been transferred between prokaryotic and protist species through HGT in GIs. Therefore, we investigated prokaryotic chromosomes containing β-CA-encoding GIs and utilized multiple bioinformatics tools to reveal the distinct movements of β-CA genes among a wide variety of organisms. Our results identify the presence of β-CA genes in GIs of several medically and industrially relevant bacterial species, and phylogenetic analyses reveal multiple cases of likely horizontal transfer of β-CA genes from GIs of ancestral prokaryotes to protists.IMPORTANCE The evolutionary process is mediated by mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as genomic islands (GIs). A gene or set of genes in the GIs is exchanged between and within various species through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Based on the crucial role that GIs can play in bacterial survival and proliferation, they were introduced as environment- and pathogen-associated factors. Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are involved in many critical biochemical pathways, such as the regulation of pH homeostasis and electrolyte transfer. Among the six evolutionary families of CAs, β-CA gene sequences are present in many bacterial species, which can be horizontally transferred to protists during evolution. This study shows the involvement of bacterial β-CA gene sequences in the GIs and suggests their horizontal transfer to protists during evolution.},
}
@article {pmid29802195,
year = {2018},
author = {Mertens, J and Aliyu, H and Cowan, DA},
title = {LEA Proteins and the Evolution of the WHy Domain.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {84},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {29802195},
issn = {1098-5336},
mesh = {Bacteria/chemistry/classification/genetics/*metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/*chemistry/genetics/metabolism ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins/chemistry/genetics/*metabolism ; Plants/chemistry/classification/genetics/*metabolism ; Protein Domains ; },
abstract = {The late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) family is composed of a diverse collection of multidomain and multifunctional proteins found in all three domains of the tree of life, but they are particularly common in plants. Most members of the family are known to play an important role in abiotic stress response and stress tolerance in plants but are also part of the plant hypersensitive response to pathogen infection. The mechanistic basis for LEA protein functionality is still poorly understood. The group of LEA 2 proteins harbor one or more copies of a unique domain, the water stress and hypersensitive response (WHy) domain. This domain sequence has recently been identified as a unique open reading frame (ORF) in some bacterial genomes (mostly in the phylum Firmicutes), and the recombinant bacterial WHy protein has been shown to exhibit a stress tolerance phenotype in Escherichia coli and an in vitro protein denaturation protective function. Multidomain phylogenetic analyses suggest that the WHy protein gene sequence may have ancestral origins in the domain Archaea, with subsequent acquisition in Bacteria and eukaryotes via endosymbiont or horizontal gene transfer mechanisms. Here, we review the structure, function, and nomenclature of LEA proteins, with a focus on the WHy domain as an integral component of the LEA constructs and as an independent protein.},
}
@article {pmid29802479,
year = {2018},
author = {Boucias, DG and Zhou, Y and Huang, S and Keyhani, NO},
title = {Microbiota in insect fungal pathology.},
journal = {Applied microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {102},
number = {14},
pages = {5873-5888},
doi = {10.1007/s00253-018-9089-z},
pmid = {29802479},
issn = {1432-0614},
support = {1557704//Division of Integrative Organismal Systems/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Antibiosis/physiology ; Ascomycota/*physiology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Insecta/*microbiology ; Microbiota/physiology ; },
abstract = {Significant progress has been made in the biochemical and genetic characterization of the host-pathogen interaction mediated by insect pathogenic fungi, with the most widely studied being the Ascomycetes (Hypocrealean) fungi, Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana. However, few studies have examined the consequences and effects of host (insect) microbes, whether compatible or antagonistic, on the development and survival of entomopathogenic fungi. Host microbes can act on the insect cuticular surface, within the gut, in specialized insect microbe hosting structures, and within cells, and they include a wide array of facultative and/or obligate exosymbionts and endosymbionts. The insect microbiome differs across developmental stages and in response to nutrition (e.g., different plant hosts for herbivores) and environmental conditions, including exposure to chemical insecticides. Here, we review recent advances indicating that insect-pathogenic fungi have evolved a spectrum of strategies for exploiting or suppressing host microbes, including the production of antimicrobial compounds that are expressed at discrete stages of the infection process. Conversely, there is increasing evidence that some insects have acquired microbes that may be specialized in the production of antifungal compounds to combat infection by (entomopathogenic) fungi. Consideration of the insect microbiome in fungal insect pathology represents a new frontier that can help explain previously obscure ecological and pathological aspects of the biology of entomopathogenic fungi. Such information may lead to novel approaches to improving the efficacy of these organisms in pest control efforts.},
}
@article {pmid29803476,
year = {2018},
author = {González-Escobar, JL and Grajales-Lagunes, A and Smoliński, A and Chagolla-López, A and De Léon-Rodríguez, A and Barba de la Rosa, AP},
title = {Microbiota of edible Liometopum apiculatum ant larvae reveals potential functions related to their nutritional value.},
journal = {Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)},
volume = {109},
number = {},
pages = {497-505},
doi = {10.1016/j.foodres.2018.04.049},
pmid = {29803476},
issn = {1873-7145},
mesh = {Animals ; Ants/*microbiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Female ; Food Analysis/methods ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Larva/microbiology ; Male ; Metagenomics ; *Microbiota ; *Nutritive Value ; Ribotyping ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Edible insects, due to their high nutritive value, are currently considered as a potential renewable source for food and feed production. Liometopum apiculatum ants are widely distributed in arid and semi-arid ecosystems and their larvae (escamoles) are considered as a delicacy, however the microbial importance in L. apiculatum nutritional ecology is unknown. The aim of this research was to characterize the microorganisms associated with both L. apiculatum larvae and the reproductive adult ants using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and culturomics approaches. The obligate endosymbionts were also investigated through microscopic analysis. The most abundant Phylum identified by sequencing in the larvae was Firmicutes while in adult ants was Proteobacteria. Interestingly, the culturomics results showed 15 genera corresponding to the bacteria identified by sequencing analysis. Particularly, it was observed a large population of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which could be linked with the high protein content in escamoles. Endosymbionts were detected in bacteoriocytes, these bacteria are related with vitamins and essential amino acids biosynthesis, and both compounds contributing to the high nutritional value of escamoles. This is the first report of the microorganisms present in the escamolera ant ensuring their safety as food and opening new areas of nutritional ecological and food processing.},
}
@article {pmid29807401,
year = {2018},
author = {Ali, H and Muhammad, A and Hou, Y},
title = {Infection Density Dynamics and Phylogeny of Wolbachia Associated with Coconut Hispine Beetle, Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), by Multilocus Sequence Type (MLST) Genotyping.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology and biotechnology},
volume = {28},
number = {5},
pages = {796-808},
doi = {10.4014/jmb.1712.12019},
pmid = {29807401},
issn = {1738-8872},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Load/*genetics ; Coleoptera/*microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis/genetics ; Female ; Genotype ; Life Cycle Stages ; Male ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; *Rickettsiaceae Infections/microbiology/veterinary ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; *Wolbachia/genetics/physiology ; },
abstract = {The intracellular bacterium Wolbachia pipientis is widespread in arthropods. Recently, possibilities of novel Wolbachia-mediated hosts, their distribution, and natural rate have been anticipated, and the coconut leaf beetle Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), which has garnered attention as a serious pest of palms, was subjected to this interrogation. By adopting Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) and multilocus sequence type (MLST) genotypic systems, we determined the Wolbachia infection density within host developmental stages, body parts, and tissues, and the results revealed that all the tested samples of B. longissima were infected with the same Wolbachia strain (wLog), suggesting complete vertical transmission. The MLST profile elucidated two new alleles (ftsZ-234 and coxA-266) that define a new sequence type (ST-483), which indicates the particular genotypic association of B. longissima and Wolbachia. The quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed a higher infection density in the eggs and adult stage, followed by the abdomen and reproductive tissues, respectively. However, no significant differences were observed in the infection density between sexes. Moreover, the wsp and concatenated MLST alignment analysis of this study with other known Wolbachia-mediated arthropods revealed similar clustering with distinct monophyletic supergroup B. This is the first comprehensive report on the prevalence, infection dynamics, and phylogeny of the Wolbachia endosymbiont in B. longissima, which demonstrated that Wolbachia is ubiquitous across all developmental stages and distributed in the entire body of B. longissima. Understanding the Wolbachia infection dynamics would provide useful insight to build a framework for future investigations, understand its impacts on host physiology, and exploit it as a potential biocontrol agent.},
}
@article {pmid29844969,
year = {2018},
author = {Hume, BCC and Ziegler, M and Poulain, J and Pochon, X and Romac, S and Boissin, E and de Vargas, C and Planes, S and Wincker, P and Voolstra, CR},
title = {An improved primer set and amplification protocol with increased specificity and sensitivity targeting the Symbiodinium ITS2 region.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e4816},
pmid = {29844969},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {The Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) rRNA gene is a commonly targeted genetic marker to assess diversity of Symbiodinium, a dinoflagellate genus of algal endosymbionts that is pervasively associated with marine invertebrates, and notably reef-building corals. Here we tested three commonly used ITS2 primer pairs (SYM_VAR_5.8S2/SYM_VAR_REV, ITSintfor2/ITSReverse, and ITS-DINO/ITS2Rev2) with regard to amplification specificity and sensitivity towards Symbiodinium, as well as sub-genera taxonomic bias. We tested these primers over a range of sample types including three coral species, coral surrounding water, reef surface water, and open ocean water to assess their suitability for use in large-scale next generation sequencing projects and to develop a standardised PCR protocol. We found the SYM_VAR_5.8S2/SYM_VAR_REV primers to perform superior to the other tested ITS2 primers. We therefore used this primer pair to develop a standardised PCR protocol. To do this, we tested the effect of PCR-to-PCR variation, annealing temperature, cycle number, and different polymerase systems on the PCR efficacy. The Symbiodinium ITS2 PCR protocol developed here delivers improved specificity and sensitivity towards Symbiodinium with apparent minimal sub-genera taxonomic bias across all sample types. In particular, the protocol's ability to amplify Symbiodinium from a range of environmental sources will facilitate the study of Symbiodinium populations across biomes.},
}
@article {pmid29845544,
year = {2018},
author = {O'Neill, SL},
title = {The Use of Wolbachia by the World Mosquito Program to Interrupt Transmission of Aedes aegypti Transmitted Viruses.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1062},
number = {},
pages = {355-360},
doi = {10.1007/978-981-10-8727-1_24},
pmid = {29845544},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Aedes/*microbiology/virology ; Animals ; Australia ; Humans ; Mosquito Control ; Mosquito Vectors/*microbiology/virology ; Virus Diseases/transmission/virology ; *Virus Physiological Phenomena ; Viruses/genetics ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {The biological control of mosquito transmission by the use of the naturally occurring insect-specific bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia has been successfully tested in small field trials. The approach has been translated successfully to larger field sites in Townsville, Australia and expanded to more than 10 countries through the Eliminate Dengue Program. The broader application of the program beyond limiting the transmission of dengue and including other Aedes aegypti borne mosquitoes has seen the program growing into a global not-for-profit initiative to be known as the World Mosquito Program.},
}
@article {pmid29851149,
year = {2018},
author = {Ote, M and Yamamoto, D},
title = {The Wolbachia protein TomO interacts with a host RNA to induce polarization defects in Drosophila oocytes.},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {99},
number = {1},
pages = {e21475},
doi = {10.1002/arch.21475},
pmid = {29851149},
issn = {1520-6327},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Body Patterning ; Drosophila simulans/*embryology/*microbiology ; Embryo, Nonmammalian/microbiology ; Embryonic Development ; Oocytes/growth &amp; development ; RNA/metabolism ; Wolbachia/genetics/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an endosymbiont prevalent in arthropods. To maximize its transmission thorough the female germline, Wolbachia induces in infected hosts male-to-female transformation, male killing, parthenogenesis, and cytoplasmic incompatibility, depending on the host species and Wolbachia strain involved. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these host manipulations by Wolbachia remain largely unknown. The Wolbachia strain wMel, an inhabitant of Drosophila melanogaster, impairs host oogenesis only when transplanted into a heterologous host, for example, Drosophila simulans. We found that egg polarity defects induced by wMel infection in D. simulans can be recapitulated in the natural host D. melanogaster by transgenic overexpression of a variant of the Wolbachia protein Toxic manipulator of oogenesis (TomO), TomOwMel[∆HS] , in the female germline. RNA immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that TomO physically associates with orb mRNA, which, as a result, fails to interact with the translation repressor Cup. This leads to precocious translation of Orb, a posterior determinant, and thereby to the misspecification of oocytes and accompanying polarity defects. We propose that the ability of TomO to bind to orb mRNA might provide a means for Wolbachia to enter the oocyte located at the posterior end of the egg chamber, thereby accomplishing secure maternal transmission thorough the female germline.},
}
@article {pmid29851312,
year = {2018},
author = {Dahmani, M and Tahir, D and Cabre, O and Raoult, D and Fenollar, F and Davoust, B and Mediannikov, O},
title = {Prevalence of Anaplasmataceae and Filariidae species in unowned and military dogs in New Caledonia.},
journal = {Veterinary medicine and science},
volume = {4},
number = {2},
pages = {140-149},
pmid = {29851312},
issn = {2053-1095},
mesh = {Anaplasmataceae/physiology ; Anaplasmataceae Infections/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Animals ; Dog Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Dogs ; Female ; Filariasis/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Filarioidea/physiology ; Male ; Military Personnel ; New Caledonia/epidemiology ; Ownership ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {Dogs are competent reservoir hosts of several zoonotic agents, including Filariidae nematodes and Anaplasmataceae family bacteria. The latter family unites human and veterinary pathogens (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Neorickettsia bacteria) with Wolbachia, some of which are obligatory endosymbionts of pathogenic filarial nematodes. The epidemiology of Anaplasmataceae and Filariidae species infecting dogs living in kennels in New Caledonia was studied. 64 EDTA blood samples were screened for the presence of Anaplasmataceae and filarial nematodes. Molecular study was conducted using primers and probe targeting the of 23S rRNA long fragment of Anaplasmataceae species. Next, all blood sample was screened for the presence of Filariidae species targeting the primers and probe targeting the COI gene, as well as primers targeting the COI and 5S rRNA genes of all filarial worms. Anaplasma platys was identified in 8/64 (12.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4-20.6%) and Wolbachia endosymbiont of Dirofilaria immitis in 8/64 (12.5%, CI: 4.4-20.6%). Filariidae species investigation was performed and showed that 11/64 (17.2%, CI: 7.9-26.4%) dogs were infected with D. immitis, whereas, 2/64 (3.1%, CI: 0.0-7.3%) were infected with Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Finally, we checked the occurrence of co-infection between Anaplasmataceae and Filariidae species. Co-occurrence with Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. immitis was observed in seven dogs, one dog was co-infected with A. platys and A. reconditum and another was co-infected with Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. immitis and A. reconditum. These results are the first report of Anaplasmataceae and Filariidae occurring in dogs in New Caledonia.},
}
@article {pmid29857577,
year = {2018},
author = {Sinotte, VM and Freedman, SN and Ugelvig, LV and Seid, MA},
title = {Camponotusfloridanus Ants Incur a Trade-Off between Phenotypic Development and Pathogen Susceptibility from Their Mutualistic Endosymbiont Blochmannia.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {29857577},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Various insects engage in microbial mutualisms in which the reciprocal benefits exceed the costs. Ants of the genus Camponotus benefit from nutrient supplementation by their mutualistic endosymbiotic bacteria, Blochmannia, but suffer a cost in tolerating and regulating the symbiont. This cost suggests that the ants face secondary consequences such as susceptibility to pathogenic infection and transmission. In order to elucidate the symbiont's effects on development and disease defence, Blochmannia floridanus was reduced in colonies of Camponotus floridanus using antibiotics. Colonies with reduced symbiont levels exhibited workers of smaller body size, smaller colony size, and a lower major-to-minor worker caste ratio, indicating the symbiont's crucial role in development. Moreover, these ants had decreased cuticular melanisation, yet higher resistance to the entomopathogen Metarhizium brunneum, suggesting that the symbiont reduces the ants' ability to fight infection, despite the availability of melanin to aid in mounting an immune response. While the benefits of improved growth and development likely drive the mutualism, the symbiont imposes a critical trade-off. The ants' increased susceptibility to infection exacerbates the danger of pathogen transmission, a significant risk given ants' social lifestyle. Thus, the results warrant research into potential adaptations of the ants and pathogens that remedy and exploit the described disease vulnerability.},
}
@article {pmid29858203,
year = {2018},
author = {Almeida, C and Silva Pereira, C and Gonzalez-Menendez, V and Bills, G and Pascual, J and Sánchez-Hidalgo, M and Kehraus, S and Genilloud, O},
title = {Unveiling Concealed Functions of Endosymbiotic Bacteria Harbored in the Ascomycete Stachylidium bicolor.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {84},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {29858203},
issn = {1098-5336},
mesh = {Ascomycota/chemistry/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; Burkholderia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; Mycelium/chemistry/physiology ; Peptides, Cyclic/metabolism ; Sphingomonas/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; Spores, Fungal/growth &amp; development/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Among the plethora of unusual secondary metabolites isolated from Stachylidium bicolor are the tetrapeptidic endolides A and B. Both tetrapeptides contain 3-(3-furyl)-alanine residues, previously proposed to originate from bacterial metabolism. Inspired by this observation, we aimed to identify the presence of endosymbiotic bacteria in S. bicolor and to discover the true producer of the endolides. The endobacterium Burkholderia contaminans was initially detected by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing from the fungal metagenome and was subsequently isolated. It was confirmed that the tetrapeptides were produced by the axenic B. contaminans only when in latency. Fungal colonies unable to produce conidia and the tetrapeptides were isolated and confirmed to be free of B. contaminans A second endosymbiont identified as related to Sphingomonas leidyi was also isolated. In situ imaging of the mycelium supported an endosymbiotic relationship between S. bicolor and the two endobacteria. Besides the technical novelty, our in situ analyses revealed that the two endobacteria are compartmentalized in defined fungal cells, prevailing mostly in latency when in symbiosis. Within the emerging field of intracellular bacterial symbioses, fungi are the least studied eukaryotic hosts. Our study further supports the Fungi as a valuable model for understanding endobacterial symbioses in eukaryotes.IMPORTANCE The discovery of two bacterial endosymbionts harbored in Stachylidium bicolor mycelium, Burkholderia contaminans and Sphingomonas leidyi, is described here. Production of tetrapeptides inside the mycelium is ensured by B. contaminans, and fungal sporulation is influenced by the endosymbionts. Here, we illustrate the bacterial endosymbiotic origin of secondary metabolites in an Ascomycota host.},
}
@article {pmid29860278,
year = {2018},
author = {Kinjo, Y and Bourguignon, T and Tong, KJ and Kuwahara, H and Lim, SJ and Yoon, KB and Shigenobu, S and Park, YC and Nalepa, CA and Hongoh, Y and Ohkuma, M and Lo, N and Tokuda, G},
title = {Parallel and Gradual Genome Erosion in the Blattabacterium Endosymbionts of Mastotermes darwiniensis and Cryptocercus Wood Roaches.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {1622-1630},
pmid = {29860278},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; Cockroaches/*genetics ; Flavobacteriaceae/*genetics ; Genome, Bacterial/*genetics ; Isoptera/*microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; Wood/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {Almost all examined cockroaches harbor an obligate intracellular endosymbiont, Blattabacterium cuenoti. On the basis of genome content, Blattabacterium has been inferred to recycle nitrogen wastes and provide amino acids and cofactors for its hosts. Most Blattabacterium strains sequenced to date harbor a genome of ∼630 kbp, with the exception of the termite Mastotermes darwiniensis (∼590 kbp) and Cryptocercus punctulatus (∼614 kbp), a representative of the sister group of termites. Such genome reduction may have led to the ultimate loss of Blattabacterium in all termites other than Mastotermes. In this study, we sequenced 11 new Blattabacterium genomes from three species of Cryptocercus in order to shed light on the genomic evolution of Blattabacterium in termites and Cryptocercus. All genomes of Cryptocercus-derived Blattabacterium genomes were reduced (∼614 kbp), except for that associated with Cryptocercus kyebangensis, which comprised 637 kbp. Phylogenetic analysis of these genomes and their content indicates that Blattabacterium experienced parallel genome reduction in Mastotermes and Cryptocercus, possibly due to similar selective forces. We found evidence of ongoing genome reduction in Blattabacterium from three lineages of the C. punctulatus species complex, which independently lost one cysteine biosynthetic gene. We also sequenced the genome of the Blattabacterium associated with Salganea taiwanensis, a subsocial xylophagous cockroach that does not vertically transmit gut symbionts via proctodeal trophallaxis. This genome was 632 kbp, typical of that of nonsubsocial cockroaches. Overall, our results show that genome reduction occurred on multiple occasions in Blattabacterium, and is still ongoing, possibly because of new associations with gut symbionts in some lineages.},
}
@article {pmid29860351,
year = {2018},
author = {Wong, DK and Grisdale, CJ and Fast, NM},
title = {Evolution and Diversity of Pre-mRNA Splicing in Highly Reduced Nucleomorph Genomes.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {1573-1583},
pmid = {29860351},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Cell Nucleus/*genetics ; Cercozoa/genetics ; Chlorophyta/genetics ; Cryptophyta/genetics ; Eukaryota/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Regulatory Networks/genetics ; Genetic Variation/*genetics ; Genome/*genetics ; Introns/genetics ; Plastids/genetics ; RNA Precursors/*genetics ; RNA Splicing/*genetics ; RNA, Antisense/genetics ; Transcription, Genetic/genetics ; Transcriptome/genetics ; },
abstract = {Eukaryotic genes are interrupted by introns that are removed in a conserved process known as pre-mRNA splicing. Though well-studied in select model organisms, we are only beginning to understand the variation and diversity of this process across the tree of eukaryotes. We explored pre-mRNA splicing and other features of transcription in nucleomorphs, the highly reduced remnant nuclei of secondary endosymbionts. Strand-specific transcriptomes were sequenced from the cryptophyte Guillardia theta and the chlorarachniophyte Bigelowiella natans, whose plastids are derived from red and green algae, respectively. Both organisms exhibited elevated nucleomorph antisense transcription and gene expression relative to their respective nuclei, suggesting unique properties of gene regulation and transcriptional control in nucleomorphs. Marked differences in splicing were observed between the two nucleomorphs: the few introns of the G. theta nucleomorph were largely retained in mature transcripts, whereas the many short introns of the B. natans nucleomorph are spliced at typical eukaryotic levels (>90%). These differences in splicing levels could be reflecting the ancestries of the respective plastids, the different intron densities due to independent genome reduction events, or a combination of both. In addition to extending our understanding of the diversity of pre-mRNA splicing across eukaryotes, our study also indicates potential links between splicing, antisense transcription, and gene regulation in reduced genomes.},
}
@article {pmid29860608,
year = {2018},
author = {Dearth, SP and Castro, HF and Venice, F and Tague, ED and Novero, M and Bonfante, P and Campagna, SR},
title = {Metabolome changes are induced in the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Gigaspora margarita by germination and by its bacterial endosymbiont.},
journal = {Mycorrhiza},
volume = {28},
number = {5-6},
pages = {421-433},
pmid = {29860608},
issn = {1432-1890},
mesh = {Bacteria/*growth &amp; development ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Mass Spectrometry ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Metabolome ; Metabolomics/*methods ; Mycorrhizae/metabolism/*physiology ; Spores, Fungal/metabolism/physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Metabolomic profiling is becoming an increasingly important technique in the larger field of systems biology by allowing the simultaneous measurement of thousands of small molecules participating in and resulting from cellular reactions. In this way, metabolomics presents an opportunity to observe the physiological state of a system, which may provide the ability to monitor the whole of cellular metabolism as the technology progresses. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Gigaspora margarita has not previously been explored with regard to metabolite composition. To develop a better understanding of G. margarita and the influences of its endosymbiont Candidatus Glomeribacter gigasporarum, a metabolomic analysis was applied to quiescent and germinated spores with and without endobacteria. Over 100 metabolites were identified and greater than 2600 unique unidentified spectral features were observed. Multivariate analysis of the metabolomes was performed, and a differentiation between all metabolic states of spores and spores hosting the endobacteria was observed. The known metabolites were recruited to many biochemical pathways, with many being involved in maintenance of the antioxidant potential, tyrosine metabolism, and melanin production. Each of the pathways had higher metabolite abundances in the presence of the endosymbiont. These metabolomics data also agree with previously reported transcriptomics results demonstrating the capability of this technique to confirm hypotheses and showing the feasibility of multi-omic approaches for the study of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their endobacterial communities. Challenges still exist in metabolomic analysis, e.g., the identification of compounds is demanding due to incomplete libraries. A metabolomics technique to probe the effects of bacterial endosymbionts on fungal physiology is presented herein, and this method is useful for hypothesis generation as well as testing as noted above.},
}
@article {pmid29868291,
year = {2018},
author = {Li, J and Wang, N and Liu, Y and Qiu, S},
title = {Proteomics of Nasonia vitripennis and the effects of native Wolbachia infection on N. vitripennis.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e4905},
pmid = {29868291},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nasonia vitripennis, a parasitic wasp, is a good model organism to study developmental and evolutionary genetics and to evaluate the interactions between insect hosts and their symbionts. Wolbachia may be the most prevalent endosymbiont among insect species due to their special ability to improve the fitness of the infected hosts. Transinfection of bacteria or fungi could substantially alter the expression of host immune system components. However, few studies have focused on the effects of native Wolbachia infection. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the proteomics of N. vitripennis following Wolbachia infection.<br><br>METHODS: We studied the proteomics of N. vitripennis following native Wolbachia infection and in antibiotic-treated Wolbachia-free samples using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, accompanying with some ecological experiments.<br><br>RESULTS: In total, 3,096 proteins were found to be associated with a wide range of biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components. Interestingly, there were few significant changes in immune or reproductive proteins between samples with and without Wolbachia infection. Differentially expressed proteins were involved in the binding process, catalytic activity, and the metabolic process, as confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.<br><br>DISCUSSION: Invasion of any pathogen or bacterium within a short time can cause an immunoreaction in the host. Our results implied that during the long process of coexistence, the immune system of the host was not as sensitive as when the symbiont initially infected the host, implying that the organisms had gradually adjusted to cohabitation.},
}
@article {pmid29871803,
year = {2018},
author = {Heddi, A and Zaidman-Rémy, A},
title = {Endosymbiosis as a source of immune innovation.},
journal = {Comptes rendus biologies},
volume = {341},
number = {5},
pages = {290-296},
doi = {10.1016/j.crvi.2018.03.005},
pmid = {29871803},
issn = {1768-3238},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Insecta/*physiology ; Symbiosis/*immunology ; },
abstract = {Some years ago, Lynn Margulis proposed to envision symbiosis as a source of evolutionary innovation. Here we revisit this concept in the context of insect nutritional endosymbiosis, and discuss recent data suggesting that host-endosymbiont coevolution has led to the selection of innovative strategies towards endosymbiont maintenance and control by the host immune system.},
}
@article {pmid29873141,
year = {2019},
author = {Vďačný, P and Rajter, &#x13d; and Stoeck, T and Foissner, W},
title = {A Proposed Timescale for the Evolution of Armophorean Ciliates: Clevelandellids Diversify More Rapidly Than Metopids.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {66},
number = {1},
pages = {167-181},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.12641},
pmid = {29873141},
issn = {1550-7408},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Ciliophora/*classification/physiology ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Members of the class Armophorea occur in microaerophilic and anaerobic habitats, including the digestive tract of invertebrates and vertebrates. Phylogenetic kinships of metopid and clevelandellid armophoreans conflict with traditional morphology-based classifications. To reconcile their relationships and understand their morphological evolution and diversification, we utilized the molecular clock theory as well as information contained in the estimated time trees and morphology of extant taxa. The radiation of the last common ancestor of metopids and clevelandellids very likely occurred during the Paleozoic and crown diversification of the endosymbiotic clevelandellids dates back to the Mesozoic. According to diversification analyses, endosymbiotic clevelandellids have higher net diversification rates than predominantly free-living metopids. Their cladogenic success was very likely associated with sharply isolated ecological niches constituted by their hosts. Conflicts between traditional classifications and molecular phylogenies of metopids and clevelandellids very likely come from processes, leading to further diversification without extinction of ancestral lineages as well as from morphological plesiomorphies incorrectly classified as apomorphies. Our study thus suggests that diversification processes and reconstruction of ancestral morphologies improve the understanding of paraphyly which occurs in groups of organisms with an apparently long evolutionary history and when speciation prevails over extinction.},
}
@article {pmid29876068,
year = {2018},
author = {Zhang, L and Yun, Y and Hu, G and Peng, Y},
title = {Insights into the bacterial symbiont diversity in spiders.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {8},
number = {10},
pages = {4899-4906},
pmid = {29876068},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Most spiders are natural enemies of pests, and it is beneficial for the biological control of pests to learn the relationships between symbionts and their spider hosts. Research on the bacterial communities of insects has been conducted recently, but only a few studies have addressed the bacterial communities of spiders. To obtain a complete overview of the microbial communities of spiders, we examined eight species of spider (Pirata subpiraticus, Agelena difficilis, Artema atlanta, Nurscia albofasciata, Agelena labyrinthica, Ummeliata insecticeps, Dictis striatipes, and Hylyphantes graminicola) with high-throughput sequencing based on the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. The bacterial communities of the spider samples were dominated by five types of endosymbionts, Wolbachia, Cardinium, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma, and Rickettsiella. The dominant OTUs (operational taxonomic units) from each of the five endosymbionts were analyzed, and the results showed that different spider species were usually dominated by special OTUs. In addition to endosymbionts, Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, Acinetobacter, Novosphingobium, Aquabacterium, Methylobacterium, Brevundimonas, Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Citrobacter, Arthrobacter, Pseudonocardia, Microbacterium, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus were detected in spider samples in our study. Moreover, the abundance of Sphingomonas, Methylobacterium, Brevundimonas, and Rhizobium in the spider D. striatipes was significantly higher (p < .05) than the bacterial abundance of these species in seven other spider species. These findings suggest that same as in insects, co-infection of multiple types of endosymbionts is common in the hosts of the Araneae order, and other bacterial taxa also exist in spiders besides the endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid29880910,
year = {2018},
author = {Yurchenko, T and Ševčíková, T and Přibyl, P and El Karkouri, K and Klimeš, V and Amaral, R and Zbránková, V and Kim, E and Raoult, D and Santos, LMA and Eliáš, M},
title = {A gene transfer event suggests a long-term partnership between eustigmatophyte algae and a novel lineage of endosymbiotic bacteria.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {2163-2175},
pmid = {29880910},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {*Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genomics ; Operon ; Rickettsiaceae/*genetics ; Stramenopiles/*microbiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Rickettsiales are obligate intracellular bacteria originally found in metazoans, but more recently recognized as widespread endosymbionts of various protists. One genus was detected also in several green algae, but reports on rickettsialean endosymbionts in other algal groups are lacking. Here we show that several distantly related eustigmatophytes (coccoid algae belonging to Ochrophyta, Stramenopiles) are infected by Candidatus Phycorickettsia gen. nov., a new member of the family Rickettsiaceae. The genome sequence of Ca. Phycorickettsia trachydisci sp. nov., an endosymbiont of Trachydiscus minutus CCALA 838, revealed genomic features (size, GC content, number of genes) typical for other Rickettsiales, but some unusual aspects of the gene content were noted. Specifically, Phycorickettsia lacks genes for several components of the respiration chain, haem biosynthesis pathway, or c-di-GMP-based signalling. On the other hand, it uniquely harbours a six-gene operon of enigmatic function that we recently reported from plastid genomes of two distantly related eustigmatophytes and from various non-rickettsialean bacteria. Strikingly, the eustigmatophyte operon is closely related to the one from Phycorickettsia, suggesting a gene transfer event between the endosymbiont and host lineages in early eustigmatophyte evolution. We hypothesize an important role of the operon in the physiology of Phycorickettsia infection and a long-term eustigmatophyte-Phycorickettsia coexistence.},
}
@article {pmid29890648,
year = {2018},
author = {Badawi, M and Moumen, B and Giraud, I and Grève, P and Cordaux, R},
title = {Investigating the Molecular Genetic Basis of Cytoplasmic Sex Determination Caused by Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Terrestrial Isopods.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {9},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {29890648},
issn = {2073-4425},
abstract = {In animals, sexual differences between males and females are usually determined by sex chromosomes. Alternatively, sex may also be determined by vertically transmitted intracellular microbial endosymbionts. The best known cytoplasmic sex manipulative endosymbiont is Wolbachia which can, for instance, feminize genetic males into phenotypic females in the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare. However, the molecular genetic basis of cytoplasmic sex determination is unknown. To identify candidate genes of feminization induced by Wolbachia strain wVulC from A. vulgare, we sequenced the genome of Wolbachia strain wCon from Cylisticus convexus, the most closely related known Wolbachia strain to wVulC that does not induce feminization, and compared it to the wVulC genome. Then, we performed gene expression profiling of the 216 resulting wVulC candidate genes throughout host developmental stages in A. vulgare and the heterologous host C. convexus. We identified a set of 35 feminization candidate genes showing differential expression during host sexual development. Interestingly, 27 of the 35 genes are present in the f element, which is a piece of a feminizing Wolbachia genome horizontally transferred into the nuclear genome of A. vulgare and involved in female sex determination. Assuming that the molecular genetic basis of feminization by Wolbachia and the f element is the same, the 27 genes are candidates for acting as master sex determination genes in A. vulgare females carrying the f element.},
}
@article {pmid29891919,
year = {2018},
author = {Balvín, O and Roth, S and Talbot, B and Reinhardt, K},
title = {Co-speciation in bedbug Wolbachia parallel the pattern in nematode hosts.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {8797},
pmid = {29891919},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Bedbugs/*microbiology ; Biosynthetic Pathways/genetics ; Biotin/biosynthesis ; *Genetic Speciation ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/*classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia bacteria, vertically transmitted intracellular endosymbionts, are associated with two major host taxa in which they show strikingly different symbiotic modes. In some taxa of filarial nematodes, where Wolbachia are strictly obligately beneficial to the host, they show complete within- and among-species prevalence as well as co-phylogeny with their hosts. In arthropods, Wolbachia usually are parasitic; if beneficial effects occurs, they can be facultative or obligate, related to host reproduction. In arthropods, the prevalence of Wolbachia varies within and among taxa, and no co-speciation events are known. However, one arthropod species, the common bedbug Cimex lectularius was recently found to be dependent on the provision of biotin and riboflavin by Wolbachia, representing a unique case of Wolbachia providing nutritional and obligate benefits to an arthropod host, perhaps even in a mutualistic manner. Using the presence of presumably functional biotin gene copies, our study demonstrates that the obligate relationship is maintained at least in 10 out of 15 species of the genera Cimex and Paracimex. The remaining five species harboured Wolbachia as well, demonstrating the first known case of 100% prevalence of Wolbachia among higher arthropod taxa. Moreover, we show the predicted co-cladogenesis between Wolbachia and their bedbug hosts, also as the first described case of Wolbachia co-speciation in arthropods.},
}
@article {pmid29892272,
year = {2018},
author = {Frommlet, JC and Wangpraseurt, D and Sousa, ML and Guimarães, B and Medeiros da Silva, M and Kühl, M and Serôdio, J},
title = {Symbiodinium-Induced Formation of Microbialites: Mechanistic Insights From in Vitro Experiments and the Prospect of Its Occurrence in Nature.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {998},
pmid = {29892272},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Dinoflagellates in the genus Symbiodinium exhibit a variety of life styles, ranging from mutualistic endosymbioses with animal and protist hosts to free-living life styles. In culture, Symbiodinium spp. and naturally associated bacteria are known to form calcifying biofilms that produce so-called symbiolites, i.e., aragonitic microbialites that incorporate Symbiodinium as endolithic cells. In this study, we investigated (i) how algal growth and the combined physiological activity of these bacterial-algal associations affect the physicochemical macroenvironment in culture and the microenvironment within bacterial-algal biofilms, and (ii) how these interactions induce the formation of symbiolites. In batch culture, calcification typically commenced when Symbiodinium spp. growth approached stationary phase and when photosynthetic activity and its influence on pH and the carbonate system of the culture medium had already subsided, indicating that symbiolite formation is not simply a function of photosynthetic activity in the bulk medium. Physical disturbance of bacteria-algal biofilms, via repeated detaching and dispersing of the developing biofilm, generally impeded symbiolite formation, suggesting that the structural integrity of biofilms plays an important role in generating conditions conducive to calcification. Microsensor measurements of pH and O2 revealed a biofilm microenvironment characterized by high photosynthetic rates and by dynamic changes in photosynthesis and respiration with light intensity and culture age. Ca[2+] microsensor measurements confirmed the significance of the biofilm microenvironment in inducing calcification, as photosynthesis within the biofilm induced calcification without the influence of batch culture medium and under environmentally relevant flow conditions. Furthermore, first quantitative data on calcification from 26 calcifying cultures enabled a first broad comparison of Symbiodinium-induced bacterial-algal calcification with other calcification processes. Our findings support the idea that symbiolite formation is a typical, photosynthesis-induced, bacterial-algal calcification process that is likely to occur under natural conditions.},
}
@article {pmid29893631,
year = {2018},
author = {Vasconcelos, EJR and Billeter, SA and Jett, LA and Meinersmann, RJ and Barr, MC and Diniz, PPVP and Oakley, BB},
title = {Assessing Cat Flea Microbiomes in Northern and Southern California by 16S rRNA Next-Generation Sequencing.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {491-499},
doi = {10.1089/vbz.2018.2282},
pmid = {29893631},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; California/epidemiology ; Cat Diseases/epidemiology/parasitology ; Cats ; Ctenocephalides/*microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; RNA, Bacterial/*genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Flea-borne diseases (FBDs) impact both human and animal health worldwide. Because adult fleas are obligately hematophagous and can harbor potential pathogens, fleas act as ectoparasites of vertebrates, as well as zoonotic disease vectors. Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are important vectors of two zoonotic bacterial genera listed as priority pathogens by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID-USA): Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp., causative agents of bartonelloses and rickettsioses, respectively. In this study, we introduce the first microbiome analysis of C. felis samples from California, determining the presence and abundance of relevant pathogenic genera by characterizing the cat flea microbiome through 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing (16S-NGS). Samples from both northern (NoCal) and southern (SoCal) California were assessed to expand current knowledge regarding FBDs in the state. We identified Rickettsia and Bartonella, as well as the endosymbiont Wolbachia, as the most abundant genera, followed by less abundant taxa. In comparison to our previous study screening Californian cat fleas for rickettsiae using PCR/digestion/sequencing of the ompB gene, the 16S-NGS approach applied herein showed a 95% level of agreement in detecting Rickettsia spp. There was no overall difference in microbiome diversity between NoCal and SoCal samples. Bacterial taxa identified by 16S-NGS in this study may help to improve epidemiological investigations, pathogen surveillance efforts, and clinical diagnostics of FBDs in California and elsewhere.},
}
@article {pmid29895336,
year = {2018},
author = {Harmer, J and Yurchenko, V and Nenarokova, A and Lukeš, J and Ginger, ML},
title = {Farming, slaving and enslavement: histories of endosymbioses during kinetoplastid evolution.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {145},
number = {10},
pages = {1311-1323},
doi = {10.1017/S0031182018000781},
pmid = {29895336},
issn = {1469-8161},
mesh = {Biodiversity ; *Biological Evolution ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genome, Protozoan ; Kinetoplastida/*genetics ; Leishmania/genetics/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Trypanosoma/genetics/physiology ; Trypanosomatina/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Parasitic trypanosomatids diverged from free-living kinetoplastid ancestors several hundred million years ago. These parasites are relatively well known, due in part to several unusual cell biological and molecular traits and in part to the significance of a few - pathogenic Leishmania and Trypanosoma species - as aetiological agents of serious neglected tropical diseases. However, the majority of trypanosomatid biodiversity is represented by osmotrophic monoxenous parasites of insects. In two lineages, novymonads and strigomonads, osmotrophic lifestyles are supported by cytoplasmic endosymbionts, providing hosts with macromolecular precursors and vitamins. Here we discuss the two independent origins of endosymbiosis within trypanosomatids and subsequently different evolutionary trajectories that see entrainment vs tolerance of symbiont cell divisions cycles within those of the host. With the potential to inform on the transition to obligate parasitism in the trypanosomatids, interest in the biology and ecology of free-living, phagotrophic kinetoplastids is beginning to enjoy a renaissance. Thus, we take the opportunity to additionally consider the wider relevance of endosymbiosis during kinetoplastid evolution, including the indulged lifestyle and reductive evolution of basal kinetoplastid Perkinsela.},
}
@article {pmid29895637,
year = {2018},
author = {Nikoh, N and Tsuchida, T and Maeda, T and Yamaguchi, K and Shigenobu, S and Koga, R and Fukatsu, T},
title = {Genomic Insight into Symbiosis-Induced Insect Color Change by a Facultative Bacterial Endosymbiont, "Candidatus Rickettsiella viridis".},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {29895637},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/*chemistry/*microbiology ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Color ; Coxiellaceae/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Genome, Bacterial ; Genomics ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Members of the genus Rickettsiella are bacterial pathogens of insects and other arthropods. Recently, a novel facultative endosymbiont, "Candidatus Rickettsiella viridis," was described in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, whose infection causes a striking host phenotype: red and green genetic color morphs exist in aphid populations, and upon infection with the symbiont, red aphids become green due to increased production of green polycyclic quinone pigments. Here we determined the complete genome sequence of the symbiont. The 1.6-Mb circular genome, harboring some 1,400 protein-coding genes, was similar to the genome of entomopathogenic Rickettsiella grylli (1.6 Mb) but was smaller than the genomes of phylogenetically allied human pathogens Coxiella burnetii (2.0 Mb) and Legionella pneumophila (3.4 Mb). The symbiont's metabolic pathways exhibited little complementarity to those of the coexisting primary symbiont Buchnera aphidicola, reflecting the facultative nature of the symbiont. The symbiont genome harbored neither polyketide synthase genes nor the evolutionarily allied fatty acid synthase genes that are suspected to catalyze the polycyclic quinone synthesis, indicating that the green pigments are produced not by the symbiont but by the host aphid. The symbiont genome retained many type IV secretion system genes and presumable effector protein genes, whose homologues in L. pneumophila were reported to modulate a variety of the host's cellular processes for facilitating infection and virulence. These results suggest the possibility that the symbiont is involved in the green pigment production by affecting the host's metabolism using the secretion machineries for delivering the effector molecules into the host cells.IMPORTANCE Insect body color is relevant to a variety of biological aspects such as species recognition, sexual selection, mimicry, aposematism, and crypsis. Hence, the bacterial endosymbiont "Candidatus Rickettsiella viridis," which alters aphid body color from red to green, is of ecological interest, given that different predators preferentially exploit either red- or green-colored aphids. Here we determined the complete 1.6-Mb genome of the symbiont and uncovered that, although the red-green color transition was ascribed to upregulated production of green polycyclic quinone pigments, the symbiont genome harbored few genes involved in the polycyclic quinone biosynthesis. Meanwhile, the symbiont genome contained type IV secretion system genes and presumable effector protein genes, whose homologues modulate eukaryotic cellular processes for facilitating infection and virulence in the pathogen Legionella pneumophila We propose the hypothesis that the symbiont may upregulate the host's production of polycyclic quinone pigments via cooption of secretion machineries and effector molecules for pathogenicity.},
}
@article {pmid29901734,
year = {2018},
author = {Gloria-Soria, A and Chiodo, TG and Powell, JR},
title = {Lack of Evidence for Natural Wolbachia Infections in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {5},
pages = {1354-1356},
pmid = {29901734},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {R01 AI101112/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Aedes/*microbiology ; Animals ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is a genus of endosymbiotic bacteria that infects 66% of all insect species. Its major impact on insects is in reproduction: sterility, production of one sex, and/or parthenogenesis. Another effect was discovered when the disease-transmitting mosquito, Aedes aegypti Linnaeus (Diptera: Culicidae), was infected with Wolbachia isolated from Drosophila: infected female mosquitoes became less capable of transmitting diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya. This has led to releases of Ae. aegypti carrying Wolbachia in an attempt to control disease. An open question is whether there are natural Wolbachia infections of this mosquito. We assayed DNA from 2,663 Ae. aegypti from 27 countries on six continents, 230 from laboratory strains, and 72 Aedes mascarensis MacGregor (Diptera: Culicidae) for presence of Wolbachia DNA. Within the limits of our polymerase chain reaction-based assay, we found no evidence of Wolbachia, suggesting that natural infections of this endosymbiont are unlikely to occur throughout the worldwide distribution of Ae. aegypti.},
}
@article {pmid29912912,
year = {2018},
author = {Cantanhêde, LM and Fernandes, FG and Ferreira, GEM and Porrozzi, R and Ferreira, RGM and Cupolillo, E},
title = {New insights into the genetic diversity of Leishmania RNA Virus 1 and its species-specific relationship with Leishmania parasites.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {e0198727},
pmid = {29912912},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Biological Coevolution/genetics ; Genetic Variation/genetics ; Genome, Viral/genetics ; Leishmania/*virology ; Leishmania braziliensis/virology ; Leishmania guyanensis/virology ; Leishmaniasis/parasitology ; Leishmaniavirus/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; South America ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease that manifests in infected individuals under different phenotypes, with a range of factors contributing to its broad clinical spectrum. One factor, Leishmania RNA Virus 1 (LRV1), has been described as an endosymbiont present in different species of Leishmania. LRV1 significantly worsens the lesion, exacerbating the immune response in both experimentally infected animals and infected individuals. Little is known about the composition and genetic diversity of these viruses. Here, we investigated the relationship between the genetic composition of LRV1 detected in strains of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and L. (V.) guyanensis and the interaction between the endosymbiont and the parasitic species, analyzing an approximately 850 base pair region of the viral genome. We also included one LRV1 sequence detected in L. (V.) shawi, representing the first report of LRV1 in a species other than L. braziliensis and L. guyanensis. The results illustrate the genetic diversity of the LRV1 strains analyzed here, with smaller divergences detected among viral sequences from the same parasite species. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the LRV1 sequences are grouped according to the parasite species and possibly according to the population of the parasite in which the virus was detected, corroborating the hypothesis of joint evolution of the viruses with the speciation of Leishmania parasites.},
}
@article {pmid29924337,
year = {2018},
author = {Ponce-Toledo, RI and Moreira, D and López-García, P and Deschamps, P},
title = {Secondary Plastids of Euglenids and Chlorarachniophytes Function with a Mix of Genes of Red and Green Algal Ancestry.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {35},
number = {9},
pages = {2198-2204},
pmid = {29924337},
issn = {1537-1719},
support = {322669/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Chlorophyta/*genetics ; Euglenida/*genetics ; Plastids/*genetics ; Rhodophyta/*genetics ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiosis has been common all along eukaryotic evolution, providing opportunities for genomic and organellar innovation. Plastids are a prominent example. After the primary endosymbiosis of the cyanobacterial plastid ancestor, photosynthesis spread in many eukaryotic lineages via secondary endosymbioses involving red or green algal endosymbionts and diverse heterotrophic hosts. However, the number of secondary endosymbioses and how they occurred remain poorly understood. In particular, contrasting patterns of endosymbiotic gene transfer have been detected and subjected to various interpretations. In this context, accurate detection of endosymbiotic gene transfers is essential to avoid wrong evolutionary conclusions. We have assembled a strictly selected set of markers that provides robust phylogenomic evidence suggesting that nuclear genes involved in the function and maintenance of green secondary plastids in chlorarachniophytes and euglenids have unexpected mixed red and green algal origins. This mixed ancestry contrasts with the clear red algal origin of most nuclear genes carrying similar functions in secondary algae with red plastids.},
}
@article {pmid29928757,
year = {2018},
author = {Ye, Z and Vollhardt, IMG and Parth, N and Rubbmark, O and Traugott, M},
title = {Facultative bacterial endosymbionts shape parasitoid food webs in natural host populations: A correlative analysis.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {87},
number = {5},
pages = {1440-1451},
pmid = {29928757},
issn = {1365-2656},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids ; Female ; Food Chain ; Germany ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Oviposition ; Symbiosis ; *Wasps ; },
abstract = {Facultative bacterial endosymbionts can protect their aphid hosts from natural enemies such as hymenopteran parasitoids. As such, they have the capability to modulate interactions between aphids, parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. However, the magnitude of these effects in natural aphid populations and their associated parasitoid communities is currently unknown. Moreover, environmental factors such as plant fertilization and landscape complexity are known to affect aphid-parasitoid interactions but it remains unclear how such environmental factors affect the interplay between aphids, parasitoids and endosymbionts. Here, we tested whether facultative endosymbionts confer protection to parasitoids in natural populations of the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae, and if this is affected by plant fertilization and landscape complexity. Furthermore, we examined whether the effects of facultative endosymbionts can cascade up to the hyperparasitoid level and increase primary-hyperparasitoid food web specialization. Living aphids and mummies were collected in fertilized and unfertilized plots within 13 wheat fields in Central Germany. We assessed the occurrence of primary parasitoid, hyperparasitoid and endosymbiont species in aphids and mummies using a newly established molecular approach. Facultative endosymbiont infection rates were high across fields (~80%), independent of whether aphids were parasitized or unparasitized. Aphid mummies exhibited a significantly lower share of facultative endosymbiont infection (~38%). These findings suggest that facultative endosymbionts do not affect parasitoid oviposition behaviour, but decrease parasitoid survival in the host. Facultative endosymbiont infection rates were lower in mummies collected from fertilized compared to unfertilized plants, indicating that plant fertilization boosts the facultative endosymbiont protective effect. Furthermore, we found strong evidence for species-specific and negative cascading effects of facultative endosymbionts on primary and hyperparasitoids, respectively. Facultative endosymbionts impacted parasitoid assemblages and increased the specialization of primary-hyperparasitoid food webs: these effects were independent from and much stronger than other environmental factors. The current findings strongly suggest that facultative endosymbionts act as a driving force in aphid-parasitoid-hyperparasitoid networks: they shape insect community composition at different trophic levels and modulate, directly and indirectly, the interactions between aphids, parasitoids and their environment.},
}
@article {pmid29931159,
year = {2018},
author = {Leobold, M and Bézier, A and Pichon, A and Herniou, EA and Volkoff, AN and Drezen, JM},
title = {The Domestication of a Large DNA Virus by the Wasp Venturia canescens Involves Targeted Genome Reduction through Pseudogenization.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {1745-1764},
pmid = {29931159},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; DNA, Viral/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Deletion ; Gene Dosage ; Genes, Viral ; Genome, Insect ; Genome, Viral ; Polydnaviridae/*genetics ; *Pseudogenes ; Virion/genetics ; Wasps/*genetics/*virology ; },
abstract = {Polydnaviruses (PDVs) are compelling examples of viral domestication, in which wasps express a large set of genes originating from a chromosomally integrated virus to produce particles necessary for their reproductive success. Parasitoid wasps generally use PDVs as a virulence gene delivery system allowing the protection of their progeny in the body of parasitized host. However, in the wasp Venturia canescens an independent viral domestication process led to an alternative strategy as the wasp incorporates virulence proteins in viral liposomes named virus-like particles (VLPs), instead of DNA molecules. Proteomic analysis of purified VLPs and transcriptome sequencing revealed the loss of some viral functions. In particular, the genes coding for capsid components are no longer expressed, which explains why VLPs do not incorporate DNA. Here a thorough examination of V. canescens genome revealed the presence of the pseudogenes corresponding to most of the genes involved in lost functions. This strongly suggests that an accumulation of mutations that leads to gene specific pseudogenization precedes the loss of viral genes observed during virus domestication. No evidence was found for block loss of collinear genes, although extensive gene order reshuffling of the viral genome was identified from comparisons between endogenous and exogenous viruses. These results provide the first insights on the early stages of large DNA virus domestication implicating massive genome reduction through gene-specific pseudogenization, a process which differs from the large deletions described for bacterial endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid29946049,
year = {2018},
author = {Lehman, SS and Noriea, NF and Aistleitner, K and Clark, TR and Dooley, CA and Nair, V and Kaur, SJ and Rahman, MS and Gillespie, JJ and Azad, AF and Hackstadt, T},
title = {The Rickettsial Ankyrin Repeat Protein 2 Is a Type IV Secreted Effector That Associates with the Endoplasmic Reticulum.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {29946049},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {R01 AI017828/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI126853/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI126108/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AI007540/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/chemistry/genetics/*metabolism ; Endoplasmic Reticulum/genetics/*metabolism ; Female ; Guinea Pigs ; Humans ; Protein Transport ; Rickettsia rickettsii/chemistry/genetics/*metabolism/pathogenicity ; Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever/microbiology ; Type IV Secretion Systems/chemistry/genetics/*metabolism ; Virulence ; },
abstract = {Strains of Rickettsia rickettsii, the tick-borne agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, vary considerably in virulence. Genomic comparisons of R. rickettsii strains have identified a relatively small number of genes divergent in an avirulent strain. Among these is one annotated as Rickettsia ankyrin repeat protein 2 (RARP-2). Homologs of RARP-2 are present in all strains of R. rickettsii, but the protein in the avirulent strain Iowa contains a large internal deletion relative to the virulent Sheila Smith strain. RARP-2 is secreted in a type IV secretion system-dependent manner and exposed to the host cell cytosol. RARP-2 of Sheila Smith colocalizes with multilamellar membranous structures bearing markers of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whereas the Iowa protein shows no colocalization with host cell organelles and evidence of proteolytic degradation is detected. Overexpression of Sheila Smith RARP-2 in R. rickettsii Iowa converts this avirulent strain's typically nonlytic or opaque plaque type to a lytic plaque phenotype similar to that of the virulent Sheila Smith strain. Mutation of a predicted proteolytic active site of Sheila Smith RARP-2 abolished the lytic plaque phenotype but did not eliminate association with host membrane. RARP-2 is thus a type IV secreted effector and released from the rickettsiae into the host cytosol to modulate host processes during infection. Overexpression of Sheila Smith RARP-2 did not, however, restore the virulence of the Iowa strain in a guinea pig model, likely due to the multifactorial nature of rickettsial virulence.IMPORTANCE Members of the genus Rickettsia are obligate intracellular bacteria that exhibit a range of virulence from harmless endosymbionts of arthropods to the etiologic agents of severe disease. Despite the growing number of available genomes, little is known regarding virulence determinants of rickettsiae. Here, we have characterized an ankyrin repeat-containing protein, RARP-2, which differs between a highly virulent and an avirulent strain of R. rickettsii, the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. RARP-2 is secreted by a type IV secretion system into the cytosol of the host cell, where it interacts with and manipulates the structure of the endoplasmic reticulum. RARP-2 from the avirulent strain is truncated by the loss of seven of 10 ankyrin repeat units but, although secreted, fails to alter ER structure. Recognition of those rickettsial factors associated with virulence will facilitate understanding of regional and strain-specific variation in severity of disease.},
}
@article {pmid29946195,
year = {2018},
author = {Ross, BD and Hayes, B and Radey, MC and Lee, X and Josek, T and Bjork, J and Neitzel, D and Paskewitz, S and Chou, S and Mougous, JD},
title = {Ixodes scapularis does not harbor a stable midgut microbiome.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {2596-2607},
pmid = {29946195},
issn = {1751-7370},
support = {R21 AI114923/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; S10 OD016240/OD/NIH HHS/United States ; /HHMI/Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Borrelia/genetics ; Dermacentor/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Ixodes/*microbiology ; Ixodidae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Hard ticks of the order Ixodidae serve as vectors for numerous human pathogens, including the causative agent of Lyme Disease Borrelia burgdorferi. Tick-associated microbes can influence pathogen colonization, offering the potential to inhibit disease transmission through engineering of the tick microbiota. Here, we investigate whether B. burgdorferi encounters abundant bacteria within the midgut of wild adult Ixodes scapularis, its primary vector. Through the use of controlled sequencing methods and confocal microscopy, we find that the majority of field-collected adult I. scapularis harbor limited internal microbial communities that are dominated by endosymbionts. A minority of I. scapularis ticks harbor abundant midgut bacteria and lack B. burgdorferi. We find that the lack of a stable resident midgut microbiota is not restricted to I. scapularis since extension of our studies to I. pacificus, Amblyomma maculatum, and Dermacentor spp showed similar patterns. Finally, bioinformatic examination of the B. burgdorferi genome revealed the absence of genes encoding known interbacterial interaction pathways, a feature unique to the Borrelia genus within the phylum Spirochaetes. Our results suggest that reduced selective pressure from limited microbial populations within ticks may have facilitated the evolutionary loss of genes encoding interbacterial competition pathways from Borrelia.},
}
@article {pmid29946243,
year = {2018},
author = {Münger, E and Montiel-Castro, AJ and Langhans, W and Pacheco-López, G},
title = {Reciprocal Interactions Between Gut Microbiota and Host Social Behavior.},
journal = {Frontiers in integrative neuroscience},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {21},
pmid = {29946243},
issn = {1662-5145},
abstract = {Animals harbor an extensive, dynamic microbial ecosystem in their gut. Gut microbiota (GM) supposedly modulate various host functions including fecundity, metabolism, immunity, cognition and behavior. Starting by analyzing the concept of the holobiont as a unit of selection, we highlight recent findings suggesting an intimate link between GM and animal social behavior. We consider two reciprocal emerging themes: (i) that GM influence host social behavior; and (ii) that social behavior and social structure shape the composition of the GM across individuals. We propose that, throughout a long history of coevolution, GM may have become involved in the modulation of their host's sociality to foster their own transmission, while in turn social organization may have fine-tuned the transmission of beneficial endosymbionts and prevented pathogen infection. We suggest that investigating these reciprocal interactions can advance our understanding of sociality, from healthy and impaired social cognition to the evolution of specific social behaviors and societal structure.},
}
@article {pmid29947761,
year = {2018},
author = {Faria, VG and Martins, NE and Schlötterer, C and Sucena, &#xc9;},
title = {Readapting to DCV Infection without Wolbachia: Frequency Changes of Drosophila Antiviral Alleles Can Replace Endosymbiont Protection.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {1783-1791},
pmid = {29947761},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {P 27630/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Adaptation, Physiological ; Alleles ; Animals ; Drosophila melanogaster/genetics/*microbiology/physiology/*virology ; Genome, Insect ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Insect Viruses/*physiology ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {There is now ample evidence that endosymbionts can contribute to host adaptation to environmental challenges. However, how endosymbiont presence affects the adaptive trajectory and outcome of the host is yet largely unexplored. In Drosophila, Wolbachia confers protection to RNA virus infection, an effect that differs between Wolbachia strains and can be targeted by selection. Adaptation to RNA virus infections is mediated by both Wolbachia and the host, raising the question of whether adaptive genetic changes in the host vary with the presence/absence of the endosymbiont. Here, we address this question using a polymorphic D. melanogaster population previously adapted to DCV infection for 35 generations in the presence of Wolbachia, from which we removed the endosymbiont and followed survival over the subsequent 20 generations of infection. After an initial severe drop, survival frequencies upon DCV selection increased significantly, as seen before in the presence of Wolbachia. Whole-genome sequencing, revealed that the major genes involved in the first selection experiment, pastrel and Ubc-E2H, continued to be selected in Wolbachia-free D. melanogaster, with the frequencies of protective alleles being closer to fixation in the absence of Wolbachia. Our results suggest that heterogeneity in Wolbachia infection status may be sufficient to maintain polymorphisms even in the absence of costs.},
}
@article {pmid29954410,
year = {2018},
author = {Radzijevskaja, J and Kaminskienė, E and Lipatova, I and Mardosaitė-Busaitienė, D and Balčiauskas, L and Stanko, M and Paulauskas, A},
title = {Prevalence and diversity of Rickettsia species in ectoparasites collected from small rodents in Lithuania.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {375},
pmid = {29954410},
issn = {1756-3305},
mesh = {Animals ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Ectoparasitic Infestations/*epidemiology ; *Genetic Variation ; Ixodes/*microbiology ; Lithuania/epidemiology ; Mites/*microbiology ; Prevalence ; Rickettsia/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification/pathogenicity ; Rickettsia Infections/epidemiology/microbiology/transmission ; Rodentia/microbiology ; Siphonaptera/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Rickettsiae are emerging pathogens causing public health problems in many countries around the world. Rickettsia spp. are found in association with a wide range of arthropods which feed on different species of animals. However, the distribution and natural cycle of Rickettsia species and their association with different arthropod vectors are not fully established. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks, mites and fleas parasitizing different species of small mammals in Lithuania and to molecularly characterize the Rickettsia spp. obtained from different ectoparasites.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 1261 ectoparasites (596 Ixodes ricinus ticks, 550 mites of five species and 115 fleas of eight species) collected from 238 rodents in Lithuania during 2013-2014 were investigated for the presence of Rickettsia pathogens. Infection rates were calculated as the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The infection rate varied among ectoparasites and was found highest in fleas 43.5%, followed by I. ricinus ticks (MLE = 26.5%; 95% CI: 22.2-31.3%) and then mites (MLE = 9.3%; 95% CI: 7.0-12.2%). Sequence analysis of partial gltA and 17kDa genes revealed the presence of Rickettsia helvetica, R. felis, R. monacensis, Rickettsia sp. and rickettsial endosymbionts. Four Rickettsia spp. were identified in fleas, while three Rickettsia spp. were identified in Laelapidae mites and only one (R. helvetica) in I. ricinus ticks.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence and molecular characterization of Rickettsia spp. in 11 species of ectoparasites of small rodents in Lithuania. The present data extend the knowledge on the distribution of Rickettsia spp. and their association with different arthropod vectors. Prior to our study, R. felis had never been identified in Lithuania. To our knowledge, this is also the first report of R. felis in L. agilis and H. microti mites and in Ct. agyrtes and H. talpae fleas, as well as the first detection of R. monacensis in Ct. agyrtes fleas.},
}
@article {pmid29954916,
year = {2018},
author = {Showmaker, KC and Walden, KKO and Fields, CJ and Lambert, KN and Hudson, ME},
title = {Genome Sequence of the Soybean Cyst Nematode (Heterodera glycines) Endosymbiont "Candidatus Cardinium hertigii" Strain cHgTN10.},
journal = {Genome announcements},
volume = {6},
number = {26},
pages = {},
pmid = {29954916},
issn = {2169-8287},
abstract = {In this study, we present the genome sequence of the "Candidatus Cardinium hertigii" strain cHgTN10, an endosymbiotic bacterium of the plant-parasitic nematode Heterodera glycines This is the first genome assembly reported for an endosymbiont directly sequenced from a tylenchid nematode.},
}
@article {pmid29971900,
year = {2018},
author = {Truitt, AM and Kapun, M and Kaur, R and Miller, WJ},
title = {Wolbachia modifies thermal preference in Drosophila melanogaster.},
journal = {Environmental microbiology},
volume = {21},
number = {9},
pages = {3259-3268},
pmid = {29971900},
issn = {1462-2920},
support = {P 28255/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; 0948041//National Science Foundation/ ; P28255-B22//Austrian Science Fund/ ; },
abstract = {Environmental variation can have profound and direct effects on fitness, fecundity, and host-symbiont interactions. Replication rates of microbes within arthropod hosts, for example, are correlated with incubation temperature but less is known about the influence of host-symbiont dynamics on environmental preference. Hence, we conducted thermal preference (Tp) assays and tested if infection status and genetic variation in endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia affected temperature choice of Drosophila melanogaster. We demonstrate that isogenic flies infected with Wolbachia preferred lower temperatures compared with uninfected Drosophila. Moreover, Tp varied with respect to three investigated Wolbachia variants (wMel, wMelCS, and wMelPop). While uninfected individuals preferred 24.4°C, we found significant shifts of -1.2°C in wMel- and -4°C in flies infected either with wMelCS or wMelPop. We, therefore, postulate that Wolbachia-associated Tp variation within a host species might represent a behavioural accommodation to host-symbiont interactions and trigger behavioural self-medication and bacterial titre regulation by the host.},
}
@article {pmid29982531,
year = {2018},
author = {Bisch, G and Neuvonen, MM and Pierce, NE and Russell, JA and Koga, R and Sanders, JG and Lukasik, P and Andersson, SGE},
title = {Genome Evolution of Bartonellaceae Symbionts of Ants at the Opposite Ends of the Trophic Scale.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {7},
pages = {1687-1704},
pmid = {29982531},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Animals ; Ants/anatomy &amp; histology/*microbiology/physiology/ultrastructure ; Bartonellaceae/*genetics/physiology ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Genome Size ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Many insects rely on bacterial symbionts to supply essential amino acids and vitamins that are deficient in their diets, but metabolic comparisons of closely related gut bacteria in insects with different dietary preferences have not been performed. Here, we demonstrate that herbivorous ants of the genus Dolichoderus from the Peruvian Amazon host bacteria of the family Bartonellaceae, known for establishing chronic or pathogenic infections in mammals. We detected these bacteria in all studied Dolichoderus species, and found that they reside in the midgut wall, that is, the same location as many previously described nutritional endosymbionts of insects. The genomic analysis of four divergent strains infecting different Dolichoderus species revealed genes encoding pathways for nitrogen recycling and biosynthesis of several vitamins and all essential amino acids. In contrast, several biosynthetic pathways have been lost, whereas genes for the import and conversion of histidine and arginine to glutamine have been retained in the genome of a closely related gut bacterium of the carnivorous ant Harpegnathos saltator. The broad biosynthetic repertoire in Bartonellaceae of herbivorous ants resembled that of gut bacteria of honeybees that likewise feed on carbohydrate-rich diets. Taken together, the broad distribution of Bartonellaceae across Dolichoderus ants, their small genome sizes, the specific location within hosts, and the broad biosynthetic capability suggest that these bacteria are nutritional symbionts in herbivorous ants. The results highlight the important role of the host nutritional biology for the genomic evolution of the gut microbiota-and conversely, the importance of the microbiota for the nutrition of hosts.},
}
@article {pmid29987712,
year = {2018},
author = {Füssy, Z and Oborník, M},
title = {Complex Endosymbioses I: From Primary to Complex Plastids, Multiple Independent Events.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {1829},
number = {},
pages = {17-35},
doi = {10.1007/978-1-4939-8654-5_2},
pmid = {29987712},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Biological Evolution ; Eukaryota/classification/genetics/metabolism ; Photosynthesis ; Plastids/*genetics/*metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {A substantial portion of eukaryote diversity consists of algae with complex plastids, i.e., plastids originating from eukaryote-to-eukaryote endosymbioses. These plastids are characteristic by a deviating number of envelope membranes (higher than two), and sometimes a remnant nucleus of the endosymbiont alga, termed the nucleomorph, is present. Complex plastid-bearing algae are therefore much like living matryoshka dolls, eukaryotes within eukaryotes. In comparison, primary plastids of Archaeplastida (plants, green algae, red algae, and glaucophytes) arose upon a single endosymbiosis event with a cyanobacterium and are surrounded by two membranes. Complex plastids were acquired several times by unrelated groups nested within eukaryotic heterotrophs, suggesting complex plastids are somewhat easier to obtain than primary plastids. This is consistent with the existence of higher-order and serial endosymbioses, i.e., engulfment of complex plastid-bearing algae by (tertiary) eukaryotic hosts and functional plastid replacements, respectively. Plastid endosymbiosis is typical by a massive transfer of genetic material from the endosymbiont to the host nucleus and metabolic rearrangements related to the trophic switch to phototrophy; this is necessary to establish metabolic integration of the plastid and control over its division. Although photosynthesis is the main advantage of plastid acquisition, algae that lost photosynthesis often maintain complex plastids, suggesting their roles beyond photosynthesis. This chapter summarizes basic knowledge on acquisition and functions of complex plastid.},
}
@article {pmid29988277,
year = {2018},
author = {Rana, G},
title = {Inhibition efficiency of a newly isolated flavonoid compound from Vitex negundo L. leaves against cattle-endosymbiont Setaria cervi: Phytomedicine for lymphatic filariasis.},
journal = {Parasite epidemiology and control},
volume = {3},
number = {2},
pages = {88-95},
pmid = {29988277},
issn = {2405-6731},
abstract = {Experimental studies has been carried out to isolate and identify an active antifilarial compound from Vitex negundo L. plant as it has been used for treatment against filariasis in Indian traditional system of medicine. In vitro antifilarial assay has been carried out against adult filarial parasite Setaria cervi worms by both worm motility and MTT reduction assays. Levels of oxidative stress parameters MDA, carbonyl content and nitric oxide levels have been detected. The isolated compound exhibited significant antifilarial activity in dose dependent manner. The active compound has been chemically characterized and identified as 4,5-diethyl-3'-ethoxy-pyro-flavone.},
}
@article {pmid29989657,
year = {2018},
author = {Guo, Y and Hoffmann, AA and Xu, XQ and Zhang, X and Huang, HJ and Ju, JF and Gong, JT and Hong, XY},
title = {Wolbachia-induced apoptosis associated with increased fecundity in Laodelphax striatellus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae).},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {796-807},
doi = {10.1111/imb.12518},
pmid = {29989657},
issn = {1365-2583},
support = {//Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; *Apoptosis ; Caspases/genetics/*metabolism ; Female ; Fertility ; Genetic Fitness ; Hemiptera/microbiology/*physiology ; Ovary/microbiology/physiology ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia influence the fitness of their invertebrate hosts. They have effects on reproductive incompatibility and egg production. Although the former are well characterized, the mechanistic basis of the latter is unclear. Here, we investigate whether apoptosis, which has been implicated in fecundity in model insects, influences the interaction between fecundity and Wolbachia in the planthopper Laodelphax striatellus. Wolbachia-infected females produced about 30% more eggs than uninfected females. We used the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TDT)-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labeling staining to visualize apoptosis. Microscopic observations indicated that the Wolbachia strain wStri increased the number of ovarioles that contained apoptotic nurse cells in both young and aged adult females. The frequency of apoptosis was much higher in the infected females. The increased fecundity appeared to be a result of apoptosis of nurse cells, which provide nutrients to the growing oocytes. In addition, cell apoptosis inhibition by caspase messenger RNA interference in Wolbachia-infected L. striatellus markedly decreased egg numbers. Together, these data suggest that wStri might enhance fecundity by increasing the number of apoptotic cells in the ovaries in a caspase-dependent manner. Our findings establish a link between Wolbachia-induced apoptosis and egg production effects mediated by Wolbachia, although the way in which the endosymbiont influences caspase levels remains to be determined.},
}
@article {pmid29990378,
year = {2018},
author = {Vicente, CSL and Mondal, SI and Akter, A and Ozawa, S and Kikuchi, T and Hasegawa, K},
title = {Genome analysis of new Blattabacterium spp., obligatory endosymbionts of Periplaneta fuliginosa and P. japonica.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {e0200512},
pmid = {29990378},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Ammonia/chemistry ; Animals ; Bacteroidetes/*genetics ; Blattellidae/*microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Male ; Nitrogen/chemistry ; Periplaneta/*microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; Urea/chemistry ; Uric Acid/chemistry ; },
abstract = {The successful adaptation of cockroaches is, in part, dependent of the activity of their obligatory endosymbionts, Blattabacterium spp., which are involved in uric acid degradation, nitrogen assimilation and nutrient provisioning. Their strategic localization, within bacteriocytes in the proximities of uric acid storage cells (urocytes), highlights their importance in the recycling of nitrogen from urea and ammonia, end-products not secreted by their host insects. In this study, we present the complete genome sequence of two new Blattabacterium spp. from Periplaneta fuliginosa (BPfu) and P. japonica (BPja), and detailed comparison with other Blattabacterium strains from different cockroach species. The genomes of BPfu and BPja show a high degree of stability as showed with for other Blattabacterium representatives, only presenting a 19-kb fragment inversion between BPja and BPfu. In fact, the phylogenomics showed BPja as an ancestor species of BPfu, BPLAN (P. americana) and BBor (Blatta orientalis), in congruence with their host cockroach phylogeny. Their functional profile is similar and closest to the omnivorous strain BBge (Blattella germanica). Interesting, BPja possesses the complete set of enzymes involved sulfate assimilatory pathway only found in BBge and BMda (Mastotermes darwiniensis). The newly sequenced genomes of BPja and BPfu emphasise the remarkable stability of Blattabacterium genomes supported by their long-term coevolution and obligatory lifestyle in their host insect.},
}
@article {pmid29991760,
year = {2018},
author = {Lind, AE and Lewis, WH and Spang, A and Guy, L and Embley, TM and Ettema, TJG},
title = {Genomes of two archaeal endosymbionts show convergent adaptations to an intracellular lifestyle.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {2655-2667},
pmid = {29991760},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Ciliophora/*microbiology ; Euryarchaeota/*genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome, Archaeal ; Genomics ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiosis is a widespread phenomenon in the microbial world and can be based on diverse interactions between endosymbiont and host cell. The vast majority of the known endosymbiotic interactions involve bacteria that have invaded eukaryotic host cells. However, methanogenic archaea have been found to thrive in anaerobic, hydrogenosome-containing protists and it was suggested that this symbiosis is based on the transfer of hydrogen. Here, we used culture-independent genomics approaches to sequence the genomes of two distantly related methanogenic endosymbionts that have been acquired in two independent events by closely related anaerobic ciliate hosts Nyctotherus ovalis and Metopus contortus, respectively. The sequences obtained were then validated as originating from the ciliate endosymbionts by in situ probing experiments. Comparative analyses of these genomes and their closest free-living counterparts reveal that the genomes of both endosymbionts are in an early stage of adaptation towards endosymbiosis as evidenced by the large number of genes undergoing pseudogenization. For instance, the observed loss of genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis in both endosymbiont genomes indicates that the endosymbionts rely on their hosts for obtaining several essential nutrients. Furthermore, the endosymbionts appear to have gained significant amounts of genes of potentially secreted proteins, providing targets for future studies aiming to elucidate possible mechanisms underpinning host-interactions. Altogether, our results provide the first genomic insights into prokaryotic endosymbioses from the archaeal domain of life.},
}
@article {pmid30013530,
year = {2018},
author = {Li, LH and Zhang, Y and Zhu, D and Zhou, XN},
title = {Endosymbionts Alter Larva-to-Nymph Transstadial Transmission of Babesia microti in Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides Ticks.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {1415},
pmid = {30013530},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Maternally inherited endosymbionts inhabit a variety of arthropods. Some of them can protect the arthropod host against a wide range of pathogens. However, very little is known about the association between endosymbionts and pathogen susceptibility in ticks. The present study investigated the effect of endosymbionts on larva-to-nymph transstadial transmission of Babesia microti by Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides ticks. Engorged female ticks were injected with PBS, ciprofloxacin or kanamycin. The offspring larvae were used to infest B. microti-positive mice. Prevalence of B. microti among the nymphs in different treatment groups and its association with endosymbiont density in the larvae were analyzed. The results showed that the prevalence of B. microti in the kanamycin-treated group (63.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 52.8-75.0%) was higher than that in the PBS (23.6%, 95% CI: 13.8-33.4%) or ciprofloxacin-treated (25.0%, 95% CI: 15.0-35.0%) groups. This increased prevalence was associated with reduced density of Coxiella-like endosymbiont but was not related to the density of Rickettsia-like endosymbiont. No direct evidence has previously been reported about the impact of Coxiella-like endosymbiont on pathogen susceptibility in ticks. This study reveals that endosymbionts are potentially important defensive symbionts of R. haemaphysaloides which may influence the colonization or susceptibility of B. microti in the tick host.},
}
@article {pmid30017075,
year = {2018},
author = {Kamani, J and Harrus, S and Nachum-Biala, Y and Salant, H and Mumcuoglu, KY and Baneth, G},
title = {Pathogenic and endosymbiont apicomplexans in Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) from cats in Jerusalem, Israel.},
journal = {Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases},
volume = {57},
number = {},
pages = {29-33},
doi = {10.1016/j.cimid.2018.03.002},
pmid = {30017075},
issn = {1878-1667},
mesh = {Animals ; Apicomplexa/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Babesia/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Cat Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Cats ; Ctenocephalides/parasitology/physiology ; Eucoccidiida/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Female ; Flea Infestations/epidemiology/parasitology/*veterinary ; Israel/epidemiology ; Male ; Prevalence ; Seasons ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of pathogenic and endosymbiont apicomplexans in the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché) infesting 185 stray cats in Jerusalem, Israel using PCR assay and sequencing approach. Two pathogens, Hepatozoon felis and Babesia vogeli and an endosymbiont Steinina ctenocephali were detected in 1.9%, 0.2% and 5.8% of 685 C. felis evaluated respectively. There was a significant association (p < 0.05) between the prevalence of H. felis and the sex of cats hosting the fleas as well as the season of sampling but not for age or health status of the cats or sex of the fleas tested. Prevalence of S. ctenocephali was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with season, being higher in the warm season. This report represents the first molecular detection of S. ctenocephali in C. felis. Further studies to determine the potential role of C. felis in the epidemiology of H. felis and B. vogeli are warranted.},
}
@article {pmid30020933,
year = {2018},
author = {Moretti, R and Yen, PS and Houé, V and Lampazzi, E and Desiderio, A and Failloux, AB and Calvitti, M},
title = {Combining Wolbachia-induced sterility and virus protection to fight Aedes albopictus-borne viruses.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {12},
number = {7},
pages = {e0006626},
pmid = {30020933},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Aedes/genetics/*microbiology/*physiology ; Animals ; Breeding ; Chikungunya Fever/transmission/virology ; Chikungunya virus/physiology ; Dengue/transmission/virology ; Dengue Virus/physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infertility ; Male ; Mosquito Control/*methods ; Mosquito Vectors/genetics/*microbiology/*physiology ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; Zika Virus/physiology ; Zika Virus Infection/transmission/virology ; },
abstract = {Among the strategies targeting vector control, the exploitation of the endosymbiont Wolbachia to produce sterile males and/or invasive females with reduced vector competence seems to be promising. A new Aedes albopictus transinfection (ARwP-M) was generated by introducing wMel Wolbachia in the ARwP line which had been established previously by replacing wAlbA and wAlbB Wolbachia with the wPip strain. Various infection and fitness parameters were studied by comparing ARwP-M, ARwP and wild-type (SANG population) Ae. albopictus sharing the same genetic background. Moreover, the vector competence of ARwP-M related to chikungunya, dengue and zika viruses was evaluated in comparison with ARwP. ARwP-M showed a 100% rate of maternal inheritance of wMel and wPip Wolbachia. Survival, female fecundity and egg fertility did not show to differ between the three Ae. albopictus lines. Crosses between ARwP-M males and SANG females were fully unfertile regardless of male age while egg hatch in reverse crosses increased from 0 to about 17% with SANG males aging from 3 to 17 days. When competing with SANG males for SANG females, ARwP-M males induced a level of sterility significantly higher than that expected for an equal mating competitiveness (mean Fried index of 1.71 instead of 1). The overall Wolbachia density in ARwP-M females was about 15 fold higher than in ARwP, mostly due to the wMel infection. This feature corresponded to a strongly reduced vector competence for chikungunya and dengue viruses (in both cases, 5 and 0% rates of transmission at 14 and 21 days post infection) with respect to ARwP females. Results regarding Zika virus did not highlight significant differences between ARwP-M and ARwP. However, none of the tested ARwP-M females was capable at transmitting ZIKV. These findings are expected to promote the exploitation of Wolbachia to suppress the wild-type Ae. albopictus populations.},
}
@article {pmid30022157,
year = {2018},
author = {Li, Y and Liles, MR and Halanych, KM},
title = {Endosymbiont genomes yield clues of tubeworm success.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {12},
number = {11},
pages = {2785-2795},
pmid = {30022157},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/genetics/metabolism ; Carbon Cycle ; Chemoautotrophic Growth ; Ecosystem ; Hydrogen/metabolism ; Hydrothermal Vents ; Photosynthesis ; Polychaeta/*microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Forty years after discovery of chemosynthetic symbiosis in the tubeworm Riftia pachyptila, how organisms maintain their unique host-symbiont associations at the cellular level is still largely unknown. Previous studies primarily focus on symbionts associated with host lineages living in hydrothermal vents. To understand physiological adaptations and evolution in these holobiont systems in markedly different habitats, we characterized four novel siboglinid-symbiont genomes spanning deep-sea seep and sedimented environments. Our comparative analyses suggest that all sampled siboglinid chemoautotrophic symbionts, except for frenulate symbionts, can use both rTCA and Calvin cycle for carbon fixation. We hypothesize that over evolutionary time siboglinids have been able to utilize different bacterial lineages allowing greater metabolic flexibility of carbon fixation (e.g., rTCA) enabling tubeworms to thrive in more reducing habitats, such as vents and seeps. Moreover, we show that sulfur metabolism and molecular mechanisms related to initial infection are remarkably conserved across chemoautotrophic symbionts in different habitats. Unexpectedly, we find that the ability to use hydrogen, as an additional energy source, is potentially more widespread than previously recognized. Our comparative genomic results help elucidate potential mechanisms used to allow chemosynthetically dependent holobionts adapt to, and evolve in, different environments.},
}
@article {pmid30038485,
year = {2018},
author = {Karimi, K and Wuitchik, DM and Oldach, MJ and Vize, PD},
title = {Distinguishing Species Using GC Contents in Mixed DNA or RNA Sequences.},
journal = {Evolutionary bioinformatics online},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1176934318788866},
pmid = {30038485},
issn = {1176-9343},
support = {P41 HD064556/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {With the advent of whole transcriptome and genome analysis methods, classifying samples containing multiple origins has become a significant task. Nucleotide sequences can be allocated to a genome or transcriptome by aligning sequences to multiple target sequence sets, but this approach requires extensive computational resources and also depends on target sequence sets lacking contaminants, which is often not the case. Here, we demonstrate that raw sequences can be rapidly sorted into groups, in practice corresponding to genera, by exploiting differences in nucleotide GC content. To do so, we introduce GCSpeciesSorter, which uses classification, specifically Support Vector Machines (SVM) and the C4.5 decision tree generator, to differentiate sequences. It also implements a secondary BLAST feature to identify known outliers. In the test case presented, a hermatypic coral holobiont, the cnidarian host includes various endosymbionts. The best characterized and most common of these symbionts are zooxanthellae of the genus Symbiodinium. GCSpeciesSorter separates cnidarian from Symbiodinium sequences with a high degree of accuracy. We show that if the GC contents of the species differ enough, this method can be used to accurately distinguish the sequences of different species when using high-throughput sequencing technologies.},
}
@article {pmid30039630,
year = {2018},
author = {Sun, ZJ and Li, ZX},
title = {The terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway directly affects the biosynthesis of alarm pheromone in the aphid.},
journal = {Insect molecular biology},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {824-834},
doi = {10.1111/imb.12521},
pmid = {30039630},
issn = {1365-2583},
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/genetics/*metabolism ; Body Size ; Fertility ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Mortality ; Pheromones/*biosynthesis ; RNA Interference ; Sesquiterpenes/*metabolism ; },
abstract = {The terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway is responsible for the synthesis of different backbones for terpenoids; (E)-β-farnesene (EβF), a sesquiterpene, is the major component of aphid alarm pheromone. Our previous studies eliminated the possibility of host plants and endosymbionts as the sources of EβF, and we thus speculate that the terpenoid pathway might affect the biosynthesis of EβF in aphids. First, the transcriptional responses of four genes encoding farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) and decaprenyl diphosphate synthase in the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii to simulated stimulation were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR, showing an immediate decrease in the transcript abundances of the four genes. Next, RNA-interference-mediated gene knockdown was performed, indicating that fpps knockdown caused a significant cost in terms of body size and fecundity. Finally, an association analysis of gene knockdown with the amount of EβF was conducted, revealing that the concentration of EβF per milligram of aphid was drastically decreased in response to fpps knockdown, whereas ggpps knockdown significantly raised the concentration of EβF. Our data support a peculiar mode of biosynthesis and storage of the aphid alarm pheromone that relies directly on the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway in the aphid.},
}
@article {pmid30045585,
year = {2018},
author = {Wei, Z and Liu, Y and Feng, K and Li, S and Wang, S and Jin, D and Zhang, Y and Chen, H and Yin, H and Xu, M and Deng, Y},
title = {The divergence between fungal and bacterial communities in seasonal and spatial variations of wastewater treatment plants.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {628-629},
number = {},
pages = {969-978},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.02.003},
pmid = {30045585},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {Bacteria/*classification ; Biodiversity ; Fungi/*classification ; Seasons ; *Waste Disposal, Fluid ; Wastewater/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {In this study, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and high-throughput sequencing were used to simultaneously examine both bacteria and fungi across temporal and spatial scales in activated sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The ratio of fungi to bacteria was 0.43% on average after accounting for the multicopies in 16S rRNA gene (54.63%), indicating the number of fungi was far lower than bacteria in active sludge. The Miseq sequencing results revealed obvious seasonal and spatial variations in bacterial and fungal distribution patterns in WWTPs. Compared to bacteria, fungi showed a lower divergence in alpha and beta diversity, and exhibited less taxonomic diversity in both abundant and rare subcommunities at the class level, suggesting that the fungal community was less variable in this artificial ecosystem. Such variation of microbial communities was significantly correlated with geographical distance, DO, temperature, HRT, SRT, COD, TN and TP. In activated sludge, the main function of bacteria was chemoheterotrophy, fermentation, and nitrogen cycling processes, while the dominant functional guilds of fungi were saprotroph, animal pathogen, and animal endosymbiont. Moreover, both bacteria and fungi could play important roles in the degradation of toxicants, like hydrocarbon and aromatic compounds.},
}
@article {pmid30045904,
year = {2018},
author = {Tabata, J and Teshiba, M},
title = {Sexual attractiveness and reproductive performance in ageing females of a coccoid insect.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {30045904},
issn = {1744-957X},
mesh = {Aging ; Animals ; Female ; Fertility/physiology ; Male ; *Mating Preference, Animal ; Planococcus Insect/microbiology/*physiology ; Reproduction/physiology ; Sex Attractants/*metabolism ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Female age strongly influences reproductive success in various animals. Males are, therefore, expected to show preferential responses to sexual signals released from females of ages suitable for reproduction. Here, however, we report an unexpected and contradictory effect of ageing on sexual attractiveness and reproductive performance in a coccoid insect: the pheromone-based attractiveness of females increased with ageing, though their reproductive performance was in rapid decline. Surprisingly, senescent females continued releasing relatively high amounts of pheromone and maintained their sexual attractiveness, even at ages when they had almost completely lost fertility, with reduced densities of endosymbionts to support their physiology. Our dataset suggests a potential sexual conflict within a pheromone communication system, where females benefit at males' expense through deceptive signals of fertility.},
}
@article {pmid30049746,
year = {2018},
author = {James, EB and Feng, H and Wilson, ACC},
title = {mTOR Complex 1 Implicated in Aphid/Buchnera Host/Symbiont Integration.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {8},
number = {9},
pages = {3083-3091},
pmid = {30049746},
issn = {2160-1836},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aphids/genetics/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Buchnera/*physiology ; Gene Duplication ; *Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; *Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/genetics/metabolism ; Signal Transduction/*physiology ; Symbiosis/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Obligate nutritional endosymbioses are arguably the most intimate of all interspecific associations. While many insect nutritional endosymbioses are well studied, a full picture of how two disparate organisms, a bacterial endosymbiont and a eukaryotic host, are integrated is still lacking. The mTOR pathway is known to integrate nutritional conditions with cell growth and survival in eukaryotes. Characterization and localization of amino acid transporters in aphids suggest the mTOR pathway as a point of integration between an aphid host and its amino acid-provisioning endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola The mTOR pathway is unannotated in aphids and unstudied in any nutritional endosymbiosis. We annotated mTOR pathway genes in two aphid species, Acyrthosiphon pisum and Myzus persicae, using both BLASTp searches and Hidden Markov Models. Using previously collected RNAseq data we constructed new reference transcriptomes for bacteriocyte, gut, and whole insect tissue for three lines of M. persicae Annotation of the mTOR pathway identified homologs of all known invertebrate mTOR genes in both aphid species with some duplications. Differential expression analysis showed that genes specific to the amino acid-sensitive mTOR Complex 1 were more highly expressed in bacteriocytes than genes specific to the amino acid-insensitive mTOR Complex 2. Almost all mTOR genes involved in sensing amino acids showed higher expression in bacteriocytes than in whole insect tissue. When compared to gut, the putative glutamine/arginine sensing transporter ACYPI000333, an ortholog of SLC38A9, showed 6.5 times higher expression in bacteriocytes. Our results suggest that the mTOR pathway may be functionally important in mediating integration of Buchnera into aphid growth and reproduction.},
}
@article {pmid30049880,
year = {2018},
author = {Dinh, C and Farinholt, T and Hirose, S and Zhuchenko, O and Kuspa, A},
title = {Lectins modulate the microbiota of social amoebae.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {361},
number = {6400},
pages = {402-406},
doi = {10.1126/science.aat2058},
pmid = {30049880},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Biological Transport ; DNA, Bacterial/metabolism ; Dictyostelium/*metabolism/*microbiology ; Discoidins/*metabolism ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/metabolism/*physiology ; Microbiota/*physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum maintains a microbiome during multicellular development; bacteria are carried in migrating slugs and as endosymbionts within amoebae and spores. Bacterial carriage and endosymbiosis are induced by the secreted lectin discoidin I that binds bacteria, protects them from extracellular killing, and alters their retention within amoebae. This altered handling of bacteria also occurs with bacteria coated by plant lectins and leads to DNA transfer from bacteria to amoebae. Thus, lectins alter the cellular response of D. discoideum to bacteria to establish the amoebae's microbiome. Mammalian cells can also maintain intracellular bacteria when presented with bacteria coated with lectins, so heterologous lectins may induce endosymbiosis in animals. Our results suggest that endogenous or environmental lectins may influence microbiome homeostasis across eukaryotic phylogeny.},
}
@article {pmid30052670,
year = {2018},
author = {Rossitto De Marchi, B and Kinene, T and Mbora Wainaina, J and Krause-Sakate, R and Boykin, L},
title = {Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals genetic diversity in the endosymbiont Hamiltonella between native and exotic populations of Bemisia tabaci from Brazil.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {e0201411},
pmid = {30052670},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Enterobacteriaceae/classification/genetics/metabolism ; *Gene Expression Profiling ; *Genetic Variation ; Hemiptera/*microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/*physiology ; },
abstract = {The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a species complex of more than 40 cryptic species and a major agricultural pest. It causes extensive damage to plants mainly by transmitting plant viruses. There is still a lack of genomic data available for the different whitefly species found in Brazil and their bacterial endosymbionts. Understanding the genetic and transcriptomic composition of these insect pests, the viruses they transmit and the microbiota is crucial to sustainable solutions for farmers to control whiteflies. Illumina RNA-Seq was used to obtain the transcriptome of individual whiteflies from 10 different populations from Brazil including Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), Mediterranean (MED) and New World 2 (NW2). Raw reads were assembled using CLC Genomics Workbench and subsequently mapped to reference genomes. We obtained whitefly complete mitochondrial genomes and draft genomes from the facultative bacterial endosymbiont Hamiltonella for further phylogenetic analyses. In addition, nucleotide sequences of the GroEL chaperonin gene from Hamiltonella from different populations were obtained and analysed. There was concordance in the species clustering using the whitefly complete mitogenome and the mtCOI gene tree. On the other hand, the phylogenetic analysis using the 12 ORF's of Hamiltonella clustered the native species NW2 apart from the exotics MEAM1 and MED. In addition, the amino acid analysis of GroEL chaperonin revealed a deletion only in Hamiltonella infecting NW2 among whiteflies populations analysed which was further confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The genomic data obtained in this study will aid understanding the functions that Hamiltonella may have in whitefly biology and serve as a reference for further studies regarding whiteflies in Brazil.},
}
@article {pmid30055063,
year = {2019},
author = {Rangsrikitphoti, P and Durnford, DG},
title = {Transcriptome Profiling of Bigelowiella natans in Response to Light Stress.},
journal = {The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology},
volume = {66},
number = {2},
pages = {316-333},
doi = {10.1111/jeu.12672},
pmid = {30055063},
issn = {1550-7408},
mesh = {Cercozoa/*genetics/physiology/radiation effects ; Gene Expression Profiling ; RNA-Seq ; Stress, Physiological/genetics ; Sunlight ; *Transcriptome/radiation effects ; },
abstract = {Bigelowiella natans is a marine chlorarachniophyte whose plastid was acquired secondarily via endosymbiosis with a green alga. During plastid evolution, the photosynthetic endosymbiont would have integrated with the host metabolic pathways. This would require the evolution and coordination of strategies to cope with changes in light intensity that includes changes in the expression of both endosymbiont and host-derived genes. To investigate the transcriptional response to light intensity in chlorarachniophytes, we conducted an RNA-seq experiment to identify differentially expressed genes following a 4-h shift to high or very-low light. A shift to high light altered the expression of over 2,000 genes, many involved with photosynthesis, PSII assembly, primary metabolism, and reactive-oxygen scavenging. These changes are an attempt to optimize photosynthesis and increase energy sinks for excess reductant, while minimizing photooxidative stress. A transfer to very-low light resulted in a lower photosynthetic performance and metabolic alteration, reflecting an energy-limited state. Genes located on the nucleomorph, the vestigial nucleus in the plastid, had few changes in expression in either light treatment, indicating this organelle has relinquished most transcriptional control to the nucleus. Overall, during plastid origin, both host and transferred endosymbiont genes evolved a harmonized transcriptional network to respond to a classic photosynthetic stress.},
}
@article {pmid30056075,
year = {2018},
author = {Ciuca, L and Simòn, F and Rinaldi, L and Kramer, L and Genchi, M and Cringoli, G and Acatrinei, D and Miron, L and Morchon, R},
title = {Seroepidemiological survey of human exposure to Dirofilaria spp. in Romania and Moldova.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {187},
number = {},
pages = {169-174},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.07.012},
pmid = {30056075},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Antibodies, Helminth/*immunology ; Antigens, Helminth/*immunology ; Child ; Dirofilaria/*immunology ; Dirofilaria immitis/immunology ; Dirofilaria repens/immunology ; Dirofilariasis/*epidemiology/immunology ; Dog Diseases/epidemiology ; Dogs ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moldova/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Romania/epidemiology ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Wolbachia/immunology ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {The present study aimed to evaluate the extent of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens exposure in humans from eastern and southern areas of Romania and central Moldova by serological methods. The serological screening was performed on a total of 450 serum samples (187 from Romania and 263 from Moldova). The sera were collected using a convenience sampling with the help of physicians from the hospitals of the study areas. All samples were analysed by a non-commercial ELISA test for the detection of IgG antibodies against adult somatic antigens of D. immitis and D. repens. The results showed a total of 49 (10.9%; 95% CI = 8.3-14.1%) individuals from Romania and Moldova with a positive response to IgG antibodies against both adult somatic antigens of D. immitis and D. repens. Specifically, 48 (10.7%; 95% CI = 8.0-14.0%) patients were positive for IgG-antibodies against adult somatic antigens of D. immitis, one (0.2%; 95% CI = 0.4-1.2%) against D. repens antigens, and four (0.9%; 95% CI = 0.4-3.3%). were positive for antigens of both parasites. At country level, out of 187 samples from Romania, 13 (6.9%; 95% CI = 4.1-11.5%) were positive for anti-D. immitis IgG with high exposure in the southern part of the country (Bucharest). Of the 263 people from Moldova, 36 (13.7%; 95% CI = 10.0-18.4%) were positive for D. immitis antigens from which three (1.1%, 95% CI = 0.4-3.3%) were positive for the antibodies against antigens of both parasites. Only one sample was found positive for anti-D. repens IgG. Positive IgG-ELISA results were confirmed by Western blot analysis. In addition, for further confirmation, a complementary ELISA was performed for anti-WSP IgG antibodies against Wolbachia endosymbionts. Our findings showed a noticeable exposure of humans from Romania and Moldova to Dirofilaria parasites. Serology can be useful for indicating exposure to Dirofilaria spp. in a healthy population in order to obtain useful data on the epidemiological scenario of human dirofilariosis in Eastern Europe.},
}
@article {pmid30060189,
year = {2018},
author = {Río Bártulos, C and Rogers, MB and Williams, TA and Gentekaki, E and Brinkmann, H and Cerff, R and Liaud, MF and Hehl, AB and Yarlett, NR and Gruber, A and Kroth, PG and van der Giezen, M},
title = {Mitochondrial Glycolysis in a Major Lineage of Eukaryotes.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {9},
pages = {2310-2325},
pmid = {30060189},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {//Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 078566/A/05/Z//Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Biological Evolution ; Blastocystis/cytology/enzymology/genetics/*metabolism ; Diatoms/cytology/enzymology/genetics/*metabolism ; Energy Metabolism ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; *Glycolysis ; Mitochondria/genetics/*metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Transformation, Genetic ; },
abstract = {The establishment of the mitochondrion is seen as a transformational step in the origin of eukaryotes. With the mitochondrion came bioenergetic freedom to explore novel evolutionary space leading to the eukaryotic radiation known today. The tight integration of the bacterial endosymbiont with its archaeal host was accompanied by a massive endosymbiotic gene transfer resulting in a small mitochondrial genome which is just a ghost of the original incoming bacterial genome. This endosymbiotic gene transfer resulted in the loss of many genes, both from the bacterial symbiont as well the archaeal host. Loss of genes encoding redundant functions resulted in a replacement of the bulk of the host's metabolism for those originating from the endosymbiont. Glycolysis is one such metabolic pathway in which the original archaeal enzymes have been replaced by bacterial enzymes from the endosymbiont. Glycolysis is a major catabolic pathway that provides cellular energy from the breakdown of glucose. The glycolytic pathway of eukaryotes appears to be bacterial in origin, and in well-studied model eukaryotes it takes place in the cytosol. In contrast, here we demonstrate that the latter stages of glycolysis take place in the mitochondria of stramenopiles, a diverse and ecologically important lineage of eukaryotes. Although our work is based on a limited sample of stramenopiles, it leaves open the possibility that the mitochondrial targeting of glycolytic enzymes in stramenopiles might represent the ancestral state for eukaryotes.},
}
@article {pmid30061694,
year = {2018},
author = {Fisher, ML and Watson, DW and Osborne, JA and Mochizuki, H and Breen, M and Schal, C},
title = {Growth kinetics of endosymbiont Wolbachia in the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {11444},
pmid = {30061694},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {P30 ES025128/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; NCHHU0017-13//U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)/International ; 2013-5-35 MBE//Alfred P. Sloan Foundation/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bedbugs/*microbiology ; DNA/genetics ; Female ; Kinetics ; Larva/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/*growth &amp; development ; },
abstract = {The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius harbors the endosymbiotic microorganism, Wolbachia (wCle), in a gonad-associated bacteriome as an obligate nutritional mutualist. The obligatory nature of this association suggests that all individuals in C. lectularius populations would be infected with wCle. However, studies spanning the past several decades have reported variation in both infection frequency and relative abundance of wCle in field-collected samples of bed bugs. Since the growth kinetics of wCle is poorly understood, the objective of this study was to quantify wCle over the life cycle of two strains of C. lectularius. Our results highlight that wCle is dynamic during bed bug development, changing relative to life stage, intermolt stage, and blood-fed status. These results suggest new hypotheses about the coordination of Wolbachia growth and regression with its host's physiology and endocrine events. The observed quantitative modulation of wCle during the bed bug life cycle and during periods of starvation may explain the disparities in wCle infections reported in field-collected C. lectularius.},
}
@article {pmid30065740,
year = {2018},
author = {Kereszt, A and Mergaert, P and Montiel, J and Endre, G and Kondorosi, &#xc9;},
title = {Impact of Plant Peptides on Symbiotic Nodule Development and Functioning.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {1026},
pmid = {30065740},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Ribosomally synthesized peptides have wide ranges of functions in plants being, for example, signal molecules, transporters, alkaloids, or antimicrobial agents. Legumes are an unprecedented rich source of peptides, which are used to control the symbiosis of these plants with the nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria. Here, we discuss the function and the evolution of these peptides playing an important role in the formation or functioning of the symbiotic organs, the root nodules. We distinguish peptides that can be either cell-autonomous or secreted short-range or long-range signals, carrying messages in or between plant cells or that can act as effectors interacting with the symbiotic bacteria. Peptides are further classified according to the stage of the symbiotic process where they act. Several peptide classes, including RALF, DLV, ENOD40, and others, control Rhizobium infection and the initiation of cell divisions and the formation of nodule primordia. CLE and CEP peptides are implicated in systemic and local control of nodule initiation during autoregulation of nodulation and in response to the nutritional demands of the plant. Still other peptides act at later stages of the symbiosis. The PSK peptide is thought to be involved in the suppression of immunity in nodules and the nodule-specific cysteine-rich, GRP, and SNARP (LEED..PEED) peptide families are essential in the functioning of the nitrogen fixing root nodules. The NCRs and possibly also the GRP and SNARPs are targeted to the endosymbionts and play essential roles in the terminal differentiation of these bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid30083465,
year = {2018},
author = {Matsuo, E and Inagaki, Y},
title = {Patterns in evolutionary origins of heme, chlorophyll a and isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthetic pathways suggest non-photosynthetic periods prior to plastid replacements in dinoflagellates.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e5345},
pmid = {30083465},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The ancestral dinoflagellate most likely established a peridinin-containing plastid, which have been inherited in the extant photosynthetic descendants. However, kareniacean dinoflagellates and Lepidodinium species were known to bear "non-canonical" plastids lacking peridinin, which were established through haptophyte and green algal endosymbioses, respectively. For plastid function and maintenance, the aforementioned dinoflagellates were known to use nucleus-encoded proteins vertically inherited from the ancestral dinoflagellates (vertically inherited- or VI-type), and those acquired from non-dinoflagellate organisms (including the endosymbiont). These observations indicated that the proteomes of the non-canonical plastids derived from a haptophyte and a green alga were modified by "exogenous" genes acquired from non-dinoflagellate organisms. However, there was no systematic evaluation addressing how "exogenous" genes reshaped individual metabolic pathways localized in a non-canonical plastid.<br><br>RESULTS: In this study, we surveyed transcriptomic data from two kareniacean species (Karenia brevis and Karlodinium veneficum) and Lepidodinium chlorophorum, and identified proteins involved in three plastid metabolic pathways synthesizing chlorophyll a (Chl a), heme and isoprene. The origins of the individual proteins of our interest were investigated, and we assessed how the three pathways were modified before and after the algal endosymbioses, which gave rise to the current non-canonical plastids. We observed a clear difference in the contribution of VI-type proteins across the three pathways. In both Karenia/Karlodinium and Lepidodinium, we observed a substantial contribution of VI-type proteins to the isoprene and heme biosynthesises. In sharp contrast, VI-type protein was barely detected in the Chl a biosynthesis in the three dinoflagellates.<br><br>DISCUSSION: Pioneering works hypothesized that the ancestral kareniacean species had lost the photosynthetic activity prior to haptophyte endosymbiosis. The absence of VI-type proteins in the Chl a biosynthetic pathway in Karenia or Karlodinium is in good agreement with the putative non-photosynthetic nature proposed for their ancestor. The dominance of proteins with haptophyte origin in the Karenia/Karlodinium pathway suggests that their ancestor rebuilt the particular pathway by genes acquired from the endosymbiont. Likewise, we here propose that the ancestral Lepidodinium likely experienced a non-photosynthetic period and discarded the entire Chl a biosynthetic pathway prior to the green algal endosymbiosis. Nevertheless, Lepidodinium rebuilt the pathway by genes transferred from phylogenetically diverse organisms, rather than the green algal endosymbiont. We explore the reasons why green algal genes were barely utilized to reconstruct the Lepidodinium pathway.},
}
@article {pmid30085124,
year = {2018},
author = {Grosche, C and Diehl, A and Rensing, SA and Maier, UG},
title = {Iron-Sulfur Cluster Biosynthesis in Algae with Complex Plastids.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {8},
pages = {2061-2071},
pmid = {30085124},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Cell Compartmentation ; Cryptophyta/genetics/*metabolism ; Cytosol/metabolism ; Diatoms/genetics ; Genome ; Iron-Sulfur Proteins/*biosynthesis ; Models, Biological ; Phylogeny ; Plastids/*metabolism ; },
abstract = {Plastids surrounded by four membranes harbor a special compartment between the outer and inner plastid membrane pair, the so-called periplastidal compartment (PPC). This cellular structure is usually presumed to be the reduced cytoplasm of a eukaryotic phototrophic endosymbiont, which was integrated into a host cell and streamlined into a plastid with a complex membrane structure. Up to date, no mitochondrion or mitochondrion-related organelle has been identified in the PPC of any representative. However, two prominent groups, the cryptophytes and the chlorarachniophytes, still harbor a reduced cell nucleus of symbiont origin, the nucleomorph, in their PPCs. Generally, many cytoplasmic and nucleus-located eukaryotic proteins need an iron-sulfur cofactor for their functionality. Beside some exceptions, their synthesis is depending on a so-called iron-sulfur complex (ISC) assembly machinery located in the mitochondrion. This machinery provides the cytoplasm with a still unknown sulfur component, which is then converted into iron-sulfur clusters via a cytosolic iron-sulfur protein assembly (CIA) machinery. Here, we investigated if a CIA machinery is present in mitochondrion-lacking PPCs. By using bioinformatic screens and in vivo-localizations of candidate proteins, we show that the presence of a PPC-specific CIA machinery correlates with the presence of a nucleomorph. Phylogenetic analyses of PPC- and host specific CIA components additionally indicate a complex evolution of the CIA machineries in organisms having plastids surrounded by four membranes.},
}
@article {pmid30085216,
year = {2018},
author = {Dubie, TR and Turner, J and Noden, BH},
title = {Questing Behavior and Analysis of Tick-Borne Bacteria in Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Oklahoma.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {6},
pages = {1569-1574},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjy133},
pmid = {30085216},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Animals ; *Behavior, Animal ; Female ; Ixodes/*microbiology ; Male ; Oklahoma ; },
abstract = {The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae), is an economically important tick that affects veterinary and public health, but it can be difficult to collect in Oklahoma. The primary goal of this research was to examine the diel activity of each species to help improve collection methods for future field research and test field-collected I. scapularis for endemic and nonendemic tick-borne bacterial genera in the southern Great Plains region. Questing behavior was observed using caged bioassays over 24-h periods throughout fall and spring, and field collections were conducted throughout the afternoon and evening in different locations across Oklahoma. Blacklegged ticks were found to be more active during late afternoon and evening hours, and more ticks were recovered in pastures in the evening. None of the pools of adult I. scapularis tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) or Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) DNA. Of the 46 pools of I. scapularis tested, 27 (58.7%) were positive for Rickettsia sp. with ticks collected from the same location infected with the same species of rickettsial endosymbionts. Results suggest that sampling times later in the day may benefit off-host recovery of I. scapularis in Oklahoma ecosystems.},
}
@article {pmid30086814,
year = {2018},
author = {Yurchenko, V and Lukeš, J},
title = {Parasites and their (endo)symbiotic microbes.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {145},
number = {10},
pages = {1261-1264},
doi = {10.1017/S0031182018001257},
pmid = {30086814},
issn = {1469-8161},
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Organelles ; Parasites/*microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Thanks to modern molecular biology methods, our understanding of the impact of (endo)symbiotic bacteria on parasitic protists and helminths is growing fast. In this issue, 9 papers have been brought together that describe various facets of the relationships between these microorganisms, reveal their range and high frequency, as well as their capacity to create novel biological complexity. Comparative analyses of these host-endosymbiont interactions indicate that there may be no discrete types of relationships but rather a continuum ranging from a dispensable endosymbiont minimally integrated within the host cell to organelles, such as mitochondria and plastids that evolved into an indispensable, deeply integrated components of the cell. We hope that this series of studies on parasites and (endo)symbiotic bacteria will increase awareness about these relationships and their representation in microbial ecology models.},
}
@article {pmid30092356,
year = {2018},
author = {Jiang, W and Zhu, J and Wu, Y and Li, L and Li, Y and Ge, C and Wang, Y and Endersby, NM and Hoffmann, AA and Yu, W},
title = {Influence of Wolbachia infection on mitochondrial DNA variation in the genus Polytremis (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae).},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {129},
number = {},
pages = {158-170},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2018.08.001},
pmid = {30092356},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {Animals ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; China ; DNA, Mitochondrial/*genetics ; Female ; *Genetic Variation ; Geography ; Haplotypes/genetics ; Lepidoptera/*genetics/*microbiology ; Likelihood Functions ; Male ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; Phylogeny ; Population Density ; Time Factors ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {The maternally inherited obligate bacteria Wolbachia is known for infecting the reproductive tissues of a wide range of arthropods and can contribute to phylogenetically discordant patterns between mtDNA and nDNA. In this study, we tested for an association between mito-nuclear discordance in Polytremis and Wolbachia infection. Six of the 17 species of Polytremis were found to be infected with Wolbachia. Overall, 34% (70/204) of Polytremis specimens were Wolbachia positive and three strains of Wolbachia identified using a wsp marker were further characterized as six strains based on MLST markers. Wolbachia acquisition in Polytremis appears to occur mainly through horizontal transmission rather than codivergence based on comparison of the divergence times of Wolbachia and Polytremis species. At the intraspecific level, one of the Wolbachia infections (wNas1) is associated with reduced mtDNA polymorphism in the infected Polytremis population. At the interspecific level, there is one case of mito-nuclear discordance likely caused by introgression of P. fukia mtDNA into P. nascens driven by another Wolbachia strain (wNas3). Based on an absence of infected males, we suspect that one Wolbachia strain (wNas2) affects sex ratio, but the phenotypic effects of the other strains are unclear. These data reveal a dynamic interaction between Polytremis and Wolbachia endosymbionts affecting patterns of mtDNA variation.},
}
@article {pmid30097664,
year = {2018},
author = {Lastovetsky, OA and Ahn, E and Mondo, SJ and Toomer, KH and Zhang, A and Johnson, LM and Pawlowska, TE},
title = {Distribution and population structure of endobacteria in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi at North Atlantic dunes.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {12},
number = {12},
pages = {3001-3013},
pmid = {30097664},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Burkholderiaceae/genetics/*physiology ; Glomeromycota/genetics/*physiology ; Massachusetts ; Mycorrhizae/genetics/*physiology ; Phylogeny ; Plant Roots/microbiology ; Plants/*microbiology ; Soil Microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, Glomeromycotina), in addition to forming symbioses with the majority of land plants, harbor vertically transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria 'Candidatus Glomeribacter gigasporarum' (CaGg) and 'Candidatus Moeniiplasma glomeromycotorum' (CaMg). CaGg is a nonessential mutualist of AMF, whereas the lifestyle of CaMg is unknown. To start unraveling the interactions between AMF and their endosymbionts in nature, we examined diversity and distribution of AMF-associated endobacteria in North Atlantic dunes at Cape Cod. Of nearly 500 foredune AMF isolates successfully genotyped during a systematic study, 94% were classified as Gigasporaceae. Two percent of all AMF spores harbored CaGg, and 88% contained CaMg. CaGg was found only in the Gigasporaceae, whereas CaMg was present in Gigasporaceae, Acaulosporaceae, and Diversisporaceae. Incidence of CaGg across AMF was not affected by any of the environmental parameters measured, whereas distribution of CaMg in one of the fungal hosts was impacted by plant density. CaMg populations associated with AMF individuals displayed high levels of genetic diversity but no evidence of gene flow, suggesting that host physical proximity is not sufficient to facilitate horizontal transmission of CaMg. Finally, in addition to a novel lineage of CaGg, we discovered that AMF likely harbor Burkholderia-related bacteria with close phylogenetic affinity to free-living Burkholderia and endobacteria of other Mucoromycota fungi.},
}
@article {pmid30100341,
year = {2018},
author = {LaJeunesse, TC and Parkinson, JE and Gabrielson, PW and Jeong, HJ and Reimer, JD and Voolstra, CR and Santos, SR},
title = {Systematic Revision of Symbiodiniaceae Highlights the Antiquity and Diversity of Coral Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {28},
number = {16},
pages = {2570-2580.e6},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2018.07.008},
pmid = {30100341},
issn = {1879-0445},
mesh = {Animals ; Anthozoa/*physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Coral Reefs ; Dinoflagellida/*classification/*physiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The advent of molecular data has transformed the science of organizing and studying life on Earth. Genetics-based evidence provides fundamental insights into the diversity, ecology, and origins of many biological systems, including the mutualisms between metazoan hosts and their micro-algal partners. A well-known example is the dinoflagellate endosymbionts ("zooxanthellae") that power the growth of stony corals and coral reef ecosystems. Once assumed to encompass a single panmictic species, genetic evidence has revealed a divergent and rich diversity within the zooxanthella genus Symbiodinium. Despite decades of reporting on the significance of this diversity, the formal systematics of these eukaryotic microbes have not kept pace, and a major revision is long overdue. With the consideration of molecular, morphological, physiological, and ecological data, we propose that evolutionarily divergent Symbiodinium "clades" are equivalent to genera in the family Symbiodiniaceae, and we provide formal descriptions for seven of them. Additionally, we recalibrate the molecular clock for the group and amend the date for the earliest diversification of this family to the middle of the Mesozoic Era (∼160 mya). This timing corresponds with the adaptive radiation of analogs to modern shallow-water stony corals during the Jurassic Period and connects the rise of these symbiotic dinoflagellates with the emergence and evolutionary success of reef-building corals. This improved framework acknowledges the Symbiodiniaceae's long evolutionary history while filling a pronounced taxonomic gap. Its adoption will facilitate scientific dialog and future research on the physiology, ecology, and evolution of these important micro-algae.},
}
@article {pmid30102395,
year = {2018},
author = {Manzano-Marín, A and Coeur d'acier, A and Clamens, AL and Orvain, C and Cruaud, C and Barbe, V and Jousselin, E},
title = {A Freeloader? The Highly Eroded Yet Large Genome of the Serratia symbiotica Symbiont of Cinara strobi.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {9},
pages = {2178-2189},
pmid = {30102395},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/*microbiology/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Buchnera/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Enterobacteriaceae/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Serratia/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Genome reduction is pervasive among maternally inherited bacterial endosymbionts. This genome reduction can eventually lead to serious deterioration of essential metabolic pathways, thus rendering an obligate endosymbiont unable to provide essential nutrients to its host. This loss of essential pathways can lead to either symbiont complementation (sharing of the nutrient production with a novel co-obligate symbiont) or symbiont replacement (complete takeover of nutrient production by the novel symbiont). However, the process by which these two evolutionary events happen remains somewhat enigmatic by the lack of examples of intermediate stages of this process. Cinara aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) typically harbor two obligate bacterial symbionts: Buchnera and Serratia symbiotica. However, the latter has been replaced by different bacterial taxa in specific lineages, and thus species within this aphid lineage could provide important clues into the process of symbiont replacement. In the present study, using 16S rRNA high-throughput amplicon sequencing, we determined that the aphid Cinara strobi harbors not two, but three fixed bacterial symbionts: Buchnera aphidicola, a Sodalis sp., and S. symbiotica. Through genome assembly and genome-based metabolic inference, we have found that only the first two symbionts (Buchnera and Sodalis) actually contribute to the hosts' supply of essential nutrients while S. symbiotica has become unable to contribute towards this task. We found that S. symbiotica has a rather large and highly eroded genome which codes only for a few proteins and displays extensive pseudogenization. Thus, we propose an ongoing symbiont replacement within C. strobi, in which a once "competent" S. symbiotica does no longer contribute towards the beneficial association. These results suggest that in dual symbiotic systems, when a substitute cosymbiont is available, genome deterioration can precede genome reduction and a symbiont can be maintained despite the apparent lack of benefit to its host.},
}
@article {pmid30103809,
year = {2018},
author = {Budachetri, K and Kumar, D and Crispell, G and Beck, C and Dasch, G and Karim, S},
title = {The tick endosymbiont Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii and selenoproteins are essential for the growth of Rickettsia parkeri in the Gulf Coast tick vector.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {141},
pmid = {30103809},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {P20 RR016476/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Arachnid Vectors/genetics/metabolism/microbiology ; Arthropod Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; Gene Silencing ; Gulf of America ; Male ; Oxidative Stress ; Rickettsia/*growth &amp; development ; Rickettsiaceae/*physiology ; Selenoproteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Ticks/genetics/metabolism/*microbiology ; Up-Regulation ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pathogen colonization inside tick tissues is a significant aspect of the overall competence of a vector. Amblyomma maculatum is a competent vector of the spotted fever group rickettsiae, Rickettsia parkeri. When R. parkeri colonizes its tick host, it has the opportunity to dynamically interact with not just its host but with the endosymbionts living within it, and this enables it to modulate the tick's defenses by regulating tick gene expression. The microbiome in A. maculatum is dominated by two endosymbiont microbes: a Francisella-like endosymbiont (FLE) and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii (CMM). A range of selenium-containing proteins (selenoproteins) in A. maculatum ticks protects them from oxidative stress during blood feeding and pathogen infections. Here, we investigated rickettsial multiplication in the presence of tick endosymbionts and characterized the functional significance of selenoproteins during R. parkeri replication in the tick.<br><br>RESULTS: FLE and CMM were quantified throughout the tick life stages by quantitative PCR in R. parkeri-infected and uninfected ticks. R. parkeri infection was found to decrease the FLE numbers but CMM thrived across the tick life cycle. Our qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the transcripts of genes with functions related to redox (selenogenes) were upregulated in ticks infected with R. parkeri. Three differentially expressed proteins, selenoprotein M, selenoprotein O, and selenoprotein S were silenced to examine their functional significance during rickettsial replication within the tick tissues. Gene silencing of the target genes was found to impair R. parkeri colonization in the tick vector. Knockdown of the selenogenes triggered a compensatory response from other selenogenes, as observed by changes in gene expression, but oxidative stress levels and endoplasmic reticulum stress inside the ticks were also found to have heightened.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates the potential of this new research model for augmenting our understanding of the pathogen interactions occurring within tick hosts and the important roles that symbionts and various tick factors play in regulating pathogen growth.},
}
@article {pmid30104608,
year = {2018},
author = {Mukherjee, S and Joardar, N and Mondal, S and Schiefer, A and Hoerauf, A and Pfarr, K and Babu, SPS},
title = {Quinolone-fused cyclic sulfonamide as a novel benign antifilarial agent.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {12073},
pmid = {30104608},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Aedes ; Animals ; Apoptosis/drug effects ; Cattle ; Disease Models, Animal ; Elephantiasis, Filarial/*drug therapy/parasitology ; Female ; Filaricides/chemistry/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; Parasitic Sensitivity Tests ; Quinolones/chemistry/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; Setaria Nematode/*drug effects/metabolism ; Sulfonamides/chemistry/*pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Wolbachia/drug effects/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Search of potent antifilarial drugs has been a major thrust area in tropical medicine research over the decades. Herein, we report 4,7-dimethyl-3,4,7,8-tetrahydro-3λ[6]-[1,2]thiazino[4,3-f]quinoline-3,3,8-trione (8l) as a new class of antifilarial agent which is extremely potent, with lethality against all the developmental stages (oocyte, microfilaria and adult) of the filarial parasite Setaria cervi. Molecular investigation on its mode of action revealed that 8l is a typical inducer of reactive oxygen species that triggers oxidative stress inside the filarid and further signals induction of apoptosis by activating both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Moreover, 8l is also active against Wolbachia, the essential endosymbiont of several human infectious filarids. Selective toxicity against filarial parasites and non-toxic nature in rat model were found as unique traits of 8l to be a future medicine. Taken en masse, this maiden report on a novel quinolone fused cyclic sulfonamide presents a promising therapeutic lead for lymphatic filariasis in future.},
}
@article {pmid30105044,
year = {2018},
author = {Schausberger, P},
title = {Herbivore-Associated Bacteria as Potential Mediators and Modifiers of Induced Plant Defense Against Spider Mites and Thrips.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {1107},
pmid = {30105044},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Induced plant defense, comprising contact with exogenous stimuli, production of endogenous signals alerting the plant, associated biochemical cascades, and local and/or systemic expression of the defense mechanisms, critically depends on the nature of the inducing agents. At large, bio-trophic pathogenic microorganisms and viruses usually trigger the salicylate (SA)-mediated pathway, whereas necro-trophic pathogens and herbivores usually trigger the jasmonate (JA)-mediated pathway in plants. The SA- and JA-mediated pathways do not operate independently but commonly interfere with each other. Several recent studies revealed abnormal plant responses upon herbivore attack in diverse plant-herbivore systems. Observed abnormalities range from suppression of the common JA-pathway, induction of the SA-pathway to no response, yet the underlying proximate causes and ultimate consequences of these variations are elusive. Strikingly, some studies provide compelling evidence that anti-herbivore plant responses may decisively depend on bacteria associated with the herbivore attacking the plant (HAB for herbivore-associated bacteria). HAB may influence herbivore recognition by the plant and alter the biochemical cascades inside plants. Here, I report cases in point of HAB manipulating induced anti-herbivore plant responses, suggest spatial and temporal categorization of HAB, and point at proximate and ultimate aspects of plant defense manipulation by HAB. Following, I overview the diversity of HAB of spider mites and herbivorous thrips, argue that, considering recently reported phenomena of abnormal plant responses upon spider mite attack, some of these HAB could represent important, but hitherto largely neglected, mediators/modifiers of induced plant defense against spider mites and thrips, and conclude with suggestions for future research.},
}
@article {pmid30106293,
year = {2018},
author = {Kruse, A and Ramsey, JS and Johnson, R and Hall, DG and MacCoss, MJ and Heck, M},
title = {Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus Minimally Alters Expression of Immunity and Metabolism Proteins in Hemolymph of Diaphorina citri, the Insect Vector of Huanglongbing.},
journal = {Journal of proteome research},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {2995-3011},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00183},
pmid = {30106293},
issn = {1535-3907},
mesh = {Acetylation ; Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/classification/genetics/*metabolism ; Citrus/parasitology ; Energy Metabolism ; Fatty Acids ; Gene Ontology ; Hemiptera/genetics/immunology/*metabolism/microbiology ; Hemolymph/*chemistry/immunology/metabolism/microbiology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics/immunology ; Insect Proteins/classification/genetics/immunology/*metabolism ; Insect Vectors/genetics/immunology/metabolism/microbiology ; Lipid Metabolism ; Molecular Chaperones/genetics/metabolism ; Molecular Sequence Annotation ; Phosphorylation ; Plant Diseases/parasitology ; *Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; Proteome/classification/genetics/immunology/*metabolism ; Proteomics/methods ; Rhizobiaceae/genetics/*metabolism ; Symbiosis/genetics/immunology ; Vitellogenins ; Wolbachia/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, is the most serious disease of citrus plants. It is associated with the Gram-negative bacterium ' Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas), which is transmitted between host plants by the hemipteran insect vector Diaphorina citri in a circulative, propagative manner involving specific interactions with various insect tissues including the hemolymph, fluid that occupies the body cavity akin to insect blood. High resolution quantitative mass spectrometry was performed to investigate the effect of CLas exposure on D. citri hemolymph at the proteome level. In contrast to the broad proteome effects on hundreds of proteins and a diverse array of metabolic pathways previously reported in gut and whole insect proteome analyses, the effect of CLas on the hemolymph was observed to be highly specific, restricted to key immunity and metabolism pathways, and lower in magnitude than that previously observed in the whole insect body and gut. Vitellogenins were abundantly expressed and CLas-responsive. Gene-specific RNA expression analysis suggests that these proteins are expressed in both male and female insects and may have roles outside of reproductive vitellogenesis. Proteins for fatty acid synthesis were found to be up-regulated, along with metabolic proteins associated with energy production, supported at the organismal level by the previously published observation that D. citri individuals experience a higher level of hunger when reared on CLas-infected plants. Prediction of post-translational modifications identified hemolymph proteins with phosphorylation and acetylation upon CLas exposure. Proteins derived from the three most prominent bacterial endosymbionts of the psyllid were also detected in the hemolymph, and several of these have predicted secretion signals. A DNAK protein, the bacterial HSP70, detected in the hemolymph expressed from Wolbachia pipientis was predicted to encode a eukaryotic nuclear localization signal. Taken together, these data show specific changes to immunity and metabolism in D. citri hemolymph involving host and endosymbiont proteins. These data provide a novel context for proteomic changes seen in other D. citri tissues in response to CLas and align with organismal data on the effects of CLas on D. citri metabolism and reproduction.},
}
@article {pmid30106668,
year = {2018},
author = {Wang, Y and Mao, L and Sun, Y and Wang, Z and Zhang, J and Zhang, J and Peng, Y and Xia, L},
title = {A Novel Francisella-Like Endosymbiont in Haemaphysalis longicornis and Hyalomma asiaticum, China.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {18},
number = {12},
pages = {669-676},
doi = {10.1089/vbz.2017.2252},
pmid = {30106668},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Animal Distribution ; Animals ; China ; Francisella/*genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Ixodidae/*microbiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Bacterial/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Francisella tularensis causes a highly infectious zoonotic disease tularemia. Both Haemaphysalis longicornis and Hyalomma asiaticum are widely distributed in China, but the presence of Francisella and Francisella-like endosymbionts (FLEs) in the two tick species is poorly understood. Therefore, a total of 627 H. longicornis (471 adults and 156 nymphs) and 88 Hy. asiaticum ticks (adults) were collected, of which 88 were from Bole of Xinjiang, 236 from Liaoyang, and 176 from Shenyang of Liaoning, and 215 from Wuhan of Hubei. Notably, five H. longicornis pools from Liaoyang of Liaoning province might have harbored F. tularensis, showing a minimum prevalence of 2.12% (5/236). This study should alert the health department and veterinarians working within the region to prevent and control the emergence of tularemia. After the screening of 16S rRNA and tul4 genes, the results revealed that FLEs were detected in Hy. asiaticum ticks in Bole and in H. longicornis ticks in Liaoyang and Shenyang. Their infection rate was 100% (88/88), 3.39% (8/236 is a minimum), and 8.52% (15/176), respectively. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the sequence named bole in Hy. Asiaticum from Bole, the sequence named liaoyang1 in H. longicornis from Liaoyang, and the sequence named shanyang1 in H. longicornis from Shenyang shared consistent 16S rRNA sequence, and the difference between Chinese FLEs and the known FLEs was obvious. These findings suggest that this FLE species might be a potentially novel FLE circulating in H. longicornis and Hy. asiaticum from China.},
}
@article {pmid30107579,
year = {2018},
author = {Flatau, R and Segoli, M and Khokhlova, I and Hawlena, H},
title = {Wolbachia's role in mediating its flea's reproductive success differs according to flea origin.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {94},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiy157},
pmid = {30107579},
issn = {1574-6941},
mesh = {Animals ; Host Specificity ; Models, Biological ; Reproduction ; Rodentia/parasitology ; Selection, Genetic ; Siphonaptera/growth &amp; development/*microbiology/*physiology ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/growth &amp; development/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts-microbes that live within and engage in prolonged and intimate associations with their hosts-are gaining recognition for their direct impact on plant and animal reproduction. Here we used the overlooked Wolbachia-flea system to explore the possibility that endosymbionts may also play a role as mediators in shaping the reproductive success of their hosts. We simultaneously quantified the Wolbachia density in field- and laboratory-originated fleas that fed and mated on rodents for either 5 or 10 days and assessed their body size and current reproductive success. By combining multigroup analysis and model selection approaches, we teased apart the contribution of the direct effects of the flea's physiological age and body size and the mediation effect of its Wolbachia endosymbionts on flea reproductive success, and we showed that the latter was stronger than the former. However, interestingly, the mediation effect was manifested only in laboratory-originated fleas, for which the increase in Wolbachia with age translated into lower reproductive success. These results suggest that some well-supported phenomena, such as aging effects, may be driven by endosymbionts and show once again that the role of endosymbionts in shaping the reproductive success of their host depends on their selective environment.},
}
@article {pmid30110980,
year = {2018},
author = {Mallo, N and Fellows, J and Johnson, C and Sheiner, L},
title = {Protein Import into the Endosymbiotic Organelles of Apicomplexan Parasites.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {9},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {30110980},
issn = {2073-4425},
support = {MC_PC_17190/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {: The organelles of endosymbiotic origin, plastids, and mitochondria, evolved through the serial acquisition of endosymbionts by a host cell. These events were accompanied by gene transfer from the symbionts to the host, resulting in most of the organellar proteins being encoded in the cell nuclear genome and trafficked into the organelle via a series of translocation complexes. Much of what is known about organelle protein translocation mechanisms is based on studies performed in common model organisms; e.g., yeast and humans or Arabidopsis. However, studies performed in divergent organisms are gradually accumulating. These studies provide insights into universally conserved traits, while discovering traits that are specific to organisms or clades. Apicomplexan parasites feature two organelles of endosymbiotic origin: a secondary plastid named the apicoplast and a mitochondrion. In the context of the diseases caused by apicomplexan parasites, the essential roles and divergent features of both organelles make them prime targets for drug discovery. This potential and the amenability of the apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii to genetic manipulation motivated research about the mechanisms controlling both organelles' biogenesis. Here we provide an overview of what is known about apicomplexan organelle protein import. We focus on work done mainly in T. gondii and provide a comparison to model organisms.},
}
@article {pmid30128189,
year = {2018},
author = {Anderson, EE and Wilson, C and Knap, AH and Villareal, TA},
title = {Summer diatom blooms in the eastern North Pacific gyre investigated with a long-endurance autonomous surface vehicle.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e5387},
pmid = {30128189},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {Satellite chlorophyll a (chl a) observations have repeatedly noted summertime phytoplankton blooms in the North Pacific subtropical gyre (NPSG), a region of open ocean that is far removed from any land-derived or Ekman upwelling nutrient sources. These blooms are dominated by N2-fixing diatom-cyanobacteria associations of the diatom genera Rhizosolenia Brightwell and Hemiaulus Ehrenberg. Their nitrogen fixing endosymbiont, Richelia intracellularis J.A. Schmidt, is hypothesized to be critical to the development of blooms in this nitrogen limited region. However, due to the remote location and unpredictable duration of the summer blooms, prolonged in situ observations are rare outside of the Station ALOHA time-series off of Hawai'i. In summer, 2015, a proof-of-concept mission using the autonomous vehicle, Honey Badger (Wave Glider SV2; Liquid Robotics, a Boeing company, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), collected near-surface (<20 m) observations in the NPSG using hydrographic, meteorological, optical, and imaging sensors designed to focus on phytoplankton abundance, distribution, and physiology of this bloom-forming region. Hemiaulus and Rhizosolenia cell abundance was determined using digital holography for the entire June-November mission. Honey Badger was not able to reach the 30°N subtropical front region where most of the satellite chl a blooms have been observed, but near-real time navigational control allowed it to transect two blooms near 25°N. The two taxa did not co-occur in large numbers, rather the blooms were dominated by either Hemiaulus or Rhizosolenia. The August 2-4, 2015 bloom was comprised of 96% Hemiaulus and the second bloom, August 15-17, 2015, was dominated by Rhizosolenia (75%). The holograms also imaged undisturbed, fragile Hemiaulus aggregates throughout the sampled area at ∼10 L[-1]. Aggregated Hemiaulus represented the entire observed population at times and had a widespread distribution independent of the summer export pulse, a dominant annual event suggested to be mediated by aggregate fluxes. Aggregate occurrence was not consistent with a density dependent formation mechanism and may represent a natural growth form in undisturbed conditions. The photosynthetic potential index (Fv:Fm) increased from ∼0.4 to ∼0.6 during both blooms indicating a robust, active phytoplankton community in the blooms. The diel pattern of Fv:Fm (nocturnal maximum; diurnal minimum) was consistent with macronutrient limitation throughout the mission with no evidence of Fe-limitation despite the presence of nitrogen fixing diatom-diazotroph assemblages. During the 5-month mission, Honey Badger covered ∼5,690 km (3,070 nautical miles), acquired 9,336 holograms, and reliably transmitted data onshore in near real-time. Software issues developed with the active fluorescence sensor that terminated measurements in early September. Although images were still useful at the end of the mission, fouling of the LISST-Holo optics was considerable, and appeared to be the most significant issue facing deployments of this duration.},
}
@article {pmid30128208,
year = {2018},
author = {Van Duyl, FC and Mueller, B and Meesters, EH},
title = {Spatio-temporal variation in stable isotope signatures (δ[13]C and δ[15]N) of sponges on the Saba Bank.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e5460},
pmid = {30128208},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {Sponges are ubiquitous on coral reefs, mostly long lived and therefore adaptive to changing environmental conditions. They feed on organic matter withdrawn from the passing water and they may harbor microorganisms (endosymbionts), which contribute to their nutrition. Their diets and stable isotope (SI) fractionation determine the SI signature of the sponge holobiont. Little is known of spatio-temporal variations in SI signatures of δ[13]C and δ[15]N in tropical sponges and whether they reflect variations in the environment. We investigated the SI signatures of seven common sponge species with different functional traits and their potential food sources between 15 and 32 m depth along the S-SE and E-NE side of the Saba Bank, Eastern Caribbean, in October 2011 and October 2013. SI signatures differed significantly between most sponge species, both in mean values and in variation, indicating different food preferences and/or fractionation, inferring sponge species-specific isotopic niche spaces. In 2011, all sponge species at the S-SE side were enriched in d[13]C compared to the E-NE side. In 2013, SI signatures of sponges did not differ between the two sides and were overall lighter in δ[13]C and δ[15]N than in 2011. Observed spatio-temporal changes in SI in sponges could not be attributed to changes in the SI signatures of their potential food sources, which remained stable with different SI signatures of pelagic (particulate organic matter (POM): δ[13]C -24.9‰, δ[15]N +4.3‰) and benthic-derived food (macroalgae: δ[13]C -15.4‰, δ[15]N +0.8‰). Enriched δ[13]C signatures in sponges at the S-SE side in 2011 are proposed to be attributed to predominantly feeding on benthic-derived C. This interpretation was supported by significant differences in water mass constituents between sides in October 2011. Elevated NO3 and dissolved organic matter concentrations point toward a stronger reef signal in reef overlying water at the S-SE than N-NE side of the Bank in 2011. The depletions of δ[13]C and δ[15]N in sponges in October 2013 compared to October 2011 concurred with significantly elevated POM concentrations. The contemporaneous decrease in δ[15]N suggests that sponges obtain their N mostly from benthic-derived food with a lower δ[15]N than pelagic food. Average proportional feeding on available sources varied between sponge species and ranged from 20% to 50% for benthic and 50% to 80% for pelagic-derived food, assuming trophic enrichment factors of 0.5‰ ± sd 0.5 for δ[13]C and 3‰ ± sd 0.5 for δ[15]N for sponges. We suggest that observed variation of SI in sponges between sides and years were the result of shifts in the proportion of ingested benthic- and pelagic-derived organic matter driven by environmental changes. We show that sponge SI signatures reflect environmental variability in space and time on the Saba Bank and that SI of sponges irrespective of their species-specific traits move in a similar direction in response to these environmental changes.},
}
@article {pmid30137308,
year = {2018},
author = {Shi, PQ and Wang, L and Liu, Y and An, X and Chen, XS and Ahmed, MZ and Qiu, BL and Sang, W},
title = {Infection dynamics of endosymbionts reveal three novel localization patterns of Rickettsia during the development of whitefly Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {94},
number = {11},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiy165},
pmid = {30137308},
issn = {1574-6941},
mesh = {Animals ; Enterobacteriaceae/isolation &amp; purification ; Female ; Halomonadaceae/isolation &amp; purification ; Hemiptera/growth &amp; development/*microbiology ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Rickettsia/isolation &amp; purification ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a severe agricultural pest that harbors at least seven endosymbionts. Many important aspects of the symbiosis mechanism between these bacterial endosymbionts and their hosts are poorly understood, such as endosymbiont proliferation dynamics, spatial distribution and titer regulation during host development. In this study, infection by bacterial endosymbionts in the whitefly B. tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor-1 (MEAM1, formerly B biotype) South China population, their infection titers in various stages of whitefly host development and their spatial localization were investigated. Results revealed that the MEAM1 B. tabaci harbors the primary symbiont Portiera and secondary symbionts Rickettsia and Hamiltonella. The titers of these three endosymbionts increased with the development of their B. tabaci host. Significant proliferation of Portiera and Hamiltonella mainly occurred during the second to fourth instar nymphal stages, while Rickettsia proliferated mainly during adult eclosion. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of B. tabaci adults revealed three novel infection patterns of Rickettsia: assemblage in the bacteriocytes that scattered through the entire abdomen of the female host, localization in wax glands and localization in the colleterial gland. These novel infection patterns may help to uncover the function of Rickettsia in its insect hosts.},
}
@article {pmid30139962,
year = {2019},
author = {Richardson, KM and Griffin, PC and Lee, SF and Ross, PA and Endersby-Harshman, NM and Schiffer, M and Hoffmann, AA},
title = {A Wolbachia infection from Drosophila that causes cytoplasmic incompatibility despite low prevalence and densities in males.},
journal = {Heredity},
volume = {122},
number = {4},
pages = {428-440},
pmid = {30139962},
issn = {1365-2540},
support = {R01 GM104325/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Cytoplasm/*microbiology ; Drosophila/*genetics/*microbiology ; Female ; Fertility/genetics ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Reproduction ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Wolbachia/classification/genetics/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia bacteria are common insect endosymbionts transmitted maternally and capable of spreading through insect populations by cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) when infected males cause embryo death after mating with uninfected females. Selection in the Wolbachia endosymbiont occurs on female hosts and is expected to favour strong maternal transmission to female offspring, even at the cost of reduced CI. With maternal leakage, nuclear genes are expected to be selected to suppress cytoplasmic incompatibility caused by males while also reducing any deleterious effects associated with the infection. Here we describe a new type of Wolbachia strain from Drosophila pseudotakahashii likely to have arisen from evolutionary processes on host and/or Wolbachia genomes. This strain is often absent from adult male offspring, but always transmitted to females. It leads to males with low or non-detectable Wolbachia that nevertheless show CI. When detected in adult males, the infection has a low density relative to that in females, a phenomenon not previously seen in Wolbachia infections of Drosophila. This Wolbachia strain is common in natural populations, and shows reduced CI when older (infected) males are crossed. These patterns highlight that endosymbionts can have strong sex-specific effects and that high frequency Wolbachia strains persist through effects on female reproduction. Female-limited Wolbachia infections may be of applied interest if the low level of Wolbachia in males reduces deleterious fitness effects on the host.},
}
@article {pmid30147222,
year = {2018},
author = {Takagi, H and Kimoto, K and Fujiki, T and Moriya, K},
title = {Effect of nutritional condition on photosymbiotic consortium of cultured Globigerinoides sacculifer (Rhizaria, Foraminifera).},
journal = {Symbiosis (Philadelphia, Pa.)},
volume = {76},
number = {1},
pages = {25-39},
pmid = {30147222},
issn = {0334-5114},
abstract = {Several foraminifers found in warm and low-nutrient ocean surface water have photosynthetic algae as endosymbionts (photosymbiosis). To understand the trophic interactions, we studied Globigerinoides sacculifer, a spinose planktic foraminifer that has a dinoflagellate endosymbiont. We controlled two nutritional factors, feeding and inorganic nutrients in the seawater. The growth of the host and the symbionts and the photophysiological parameters were monitored under four experimental conditions. The results demonstrated that the holobionts primarily relied on phagotrophy for growth. The foraminifers grew considerably, and the chlorophyll a content per foraminifer, which is an indicator of the symbiont population, increased in the fed groups, but not in the unfed groups. The nutrient-rich seawater used for some of the cultures made no difference in either the growth or photophysiology of the holobionts. These observations indicated that the symbionts mainly utilized metabolites from the hosts for photosynthesis rather than inorganic nutrients in the seawater. Additionally, we observed that the symbionts in the starved hosts maintained their photosynthetic capability for at least 12 days, and that the hosts maintained at least some symbionts until gametogenesis was achieved. This suggests that the hosts have to retain the symbionts as an energy source for reproduction. The symbionts may also play an indispensable role in the metabolic activities of the hosts including waste transport or essential compound synthesis. Overall, our results revealed a novel mode of photosymbiosis in planktic foraminifers which contrasts with that found in benthic photosymbiotic foraminifers and corals.},
}
@article {pmid30148833,
year = {2018},
author = {Cerutti, F and Modesto, P and Rizzo, F and Cravero, A and Jurman, I and Costa, S and Giammarino, M and Mandola, ML and Goria, M and Radovic, S and Cattonaro, F and Acutis, PL and Peletto, S},
title = {The microbiota of hematophagous ectoparasites collected from migratory birds.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {e0202270},
pmid = {30148833},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animal Migration ; Animals ; Arthropods/*microbiology ; Bacteria/*isolation &amp; purification ; Bird Diseases/*parasitology ; Birds/parasitology ; Computational Biology ; Ectoparasitic Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary ; Italy ; *Microbiota ; Molecular Typing ; Parasites/*microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Ticks/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Arthropod vectors are responsible for the transmission of human pathogens worldwide. Several arthropod species are bird ectoparasites, however, no study to date has characterized their microbiota as a whole. We sampled hematophagous ectoparasites that feed on migratory birds and performed 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding to characterize their microbial community. A total of 194 ectoparasites were collected from 115 avian hosts and classified into three groups: a) Hippoboscidae diptera; b) ticks; c) other arthropods. Metabarcoding showed that endosymbionts were the most abundant genera of the microbial community, including Wolbachia for Hippoboscidae diptera, Candidatus Midichloria for ticks, Wolbachia and Arsenophonus for the other arthropod group. Genera including pathogenic species were: Rickettsia, Borrelia, Coxiella, Francisella, Bartonella, Anaplasma. Co-infection with Borrelia-Rickettsia and Anaplasma-Rickettsia was also observed. A global overview of the microbiota of ectoparasites sampled from migratory birds was obtained with the use of 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. A novel finding is the first identification of Rickettsia in the common swift louse fly, Crataerina pallida. Given their possible interaction with pathogenic viruses and bacteria, the presence of endosymbionts in arthropods merits attention. Finally, molecular characterization of genera, including both pathogenic and symbiont species, plays a pivotal role in the design of targeted molecular diagnostics.},
}
@article {pmid30149793,
year = {2018},
author = {Pawlowska, TE and Gaspar, ML and Lastovetsky, OA and Mondo, SJ and Real-Ramirez, I and Shakya, E and Bonfante, P},
title = {Biology of Fungi and Their Bacterial Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Annual review of phytopathology},
volume = {56},
number = {},
pages = {289-309},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-phyto-080417-045914},
pmid = {30149793},
issn = {1545-2107},
mesh = {*Bacterial Physiological Phenomena/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Fungi/genetics/*physiology ; *Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Heritable symbioses, in which endosymbiotic bacteria (EB) are transmitted vertically between host generations, are an important source of evolutionary novelties. A primary example of such symbioses is the eukaryotic cell with its EB-derived organelles. Recent discoveries suggest that endosymbiosis-related innovations can be also found in associations formed by early divergent fungi in the phylum Mucoromycota with heritable EB from two classes, Betaproteobacteria and Mollicutes. These symbioses exemplify novel types of host-symbiont interactions. Studies of these partnerships fuel theoretical models describing mechanisms that stabilize heritable symbioses, control the rate of molecular evolution, and enable the establishment of mutualisms. Lastly, by altering host phenotypes and metabolism, these associations represent an important instrument for probing the basic biology of the Mucoromycota hosts, which remain one of the least explored filamentous fungi.},
}
@article {pmid30149795,
year = {2018},
author = {Brown, AMV},
title = {Endosymbionts of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes.},
journal = {Annual review of phytopathology},
volume = {56},
number = {},
pages = {225-242},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-phyto-080417-045824},
pmid = {30149795},
issn = {1545-2107},
mesh = {Animals ; *Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Nematoda/*microbiology ; Plant Diseases/parasitology/*prevention &amp; control ; Plants/*parasitology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Some of the most agriculturally important plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) harbor endosymbionts. Extensive work in other systems has shown that endosymbionts can have major effects on host virulence and biology. This review highlights the discovery, development, and diversity of PPN endosymbionts, incorporating inferences from genomic data. Cardinium, reported from five PPN hosts to date, is characterized by its presence in the esophageal glands and other tissues, with a discontinuous distribution across populations, and genomic data suggestive of horizontal gene exchange. Xiphinematobacter occurs in at least 27 species of dagger nematode in the ovaries and gut epithelial cells, where genomic data suggest it may serve in nutritional supplementation. Wolbachia, reported in just three PPNs, appears to have an ancient history in the Pratylenchidae and displays broad tissue distribution and genomic features intermediate between parasitic and reproductive groups. Finally, a model is described that integrates these insights to explain patterns of endosymbiont replacement.},
}
@article {pmid30154059,
year = {2019},
author = {Cafiso, A and Sassera, D and Romeo, C and Serra, V and Hervet, C and Bandi, C and Plantard, O and Bazzocchi, C},
title = {Midichloria mitochondrii, endosymbiont of Ixodes ricinus: evidence for the transmission to the vertebrate host during the tick blood meal.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {5-12},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.08.008},
pmid = {30154059},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Bacterial/*blood ; Bacterial Infections/microbiology/*transmission ; Bacterial Proteins/*blood ; DNA, Bacterial/*blood ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Ixodes/growth &amp; development/*microbiology/*physiology ; Kinetics ; Male ; Nymph/growth &amp; development/microbiology/physiology ; Rabbits ; Rickettsiales/*physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Ticks are important vectors of a variety of pathogens affecting humans and other animals, but they also harbor numerous microorganisms whose role is still limitedly investigated. Ixodes ricinus harbors the endosymbiont Midichloria mitochondrii, which is localized in ovaries and in salivary glands. The bacterium is vertically transmitted and is present in 100% of wild adult females, while prevalence values drop after some generations under laboratory conditions. Molecular and serological evidences showed that M. mitochondrii molecules are transmitted to the vertebrate hosts by I. ricinus during the blood meal. Our work was focused on monitoring M. mitochondrii antigens and DNA in a vertebrate model after infestation with I. ricinus for a time-span of four months. Two groups of rabbits were infested with I. ricinus females, respectively from the wild (naturally infected with the symbiont) and laboratory strain (lab; considered devoid of M. mitochondrii after quantitative PCR investigations) and screened using molecular and serological assays at nine time points. M. mitochondrii presence was detected in rabbits infested with wild I. ricinus ticks, but surprisingly also in those infested with lab ticks, albeit at later time points. This result prompted a more sensitive molecular screening of lab ticks, which were found to harbor very low symbiont loads. Our results indicate that transmission of the bacterium occurs even at low bacterial loads, and that antibody response against M. mitochondrii antigens begins within one week post-infestation with wild I. ricinus. Circulating DNA was detected in the blood of rabbits belonging to both groups up to the end of the experiment, suggesting a replication of the symbiont inside the vertebrate host.},
}
@article {pmid30160099,
year = {2018},
author = {Dose, B and Niehs, SP and Scherlach, K and Flórez, LV and Kaltenpoth, M and Hertweck, C},
title = {Unexpected Bacterial Origin of the Antibiotic Icosalide: Two-Tailed Depsipeptide Assembly in Multifarious Burkholderia Symbionts.},
journal = {ACS chemical biology},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {2414-2420},
doi = {10.1021/acschembio.8b00600},
pmid = {30160099},
issn = {1554-8937},
mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*metabolism ; Burkholderia/enzymology/genetics/*physiology ; Coleoptera/*microbiology ; Genes, Bacterial ; Peptide Synthases/genetics/metabolism ; Peptides, Cyclic/genetics/*metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; Depsipeptides ; Lipopeptides ; },
abstract = {Icosalide is an unusual two-tailed lipocyclopeptide antibiotic that was originally isolated from a fungal culture. Yet, its biosynthesis and ecological function have remained enigmatic. By genome mining and metabolic profiling of a bacterial endosymbiont (Burkholderia gladioli) of the pest beetle Lagria villosa, we unveiled a bacterial origin of icosalide. Functional analysis of the biosynthetic gene locus revealed an unprecedented nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) that incorporates two β-hydroxy acids by means of two starter condensation domains in different modules. This unusual assembly line, which may inspire new synthetic biology approaches, is widespread among many symbiotic Burkholderia species from diverse habitats. Biological assays showed that icosalide is active against entomopathogenic bacteria, thus adding to the chemical armory protecting beetle offspring. By creating a null mutant, we found that icosalide is a swarming inhibitor, which may play a role in symbiotic interactions and bears the potential for therapeutic applications.},
}
@article {pmid30165658,
year = {2018},
author = {Cevidanes, A and Di Cataldo, S and Vera, F and Lillo, P and Millán, J},
title = {Molecular Detection of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Rural Dogs and Associated Ctenocephalides felis Fleas (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) in Easter Island (Chile).},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {6},
pages = {1659-1663},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjy141},
pmid = {30165658},
issn = {1938-2928},
mesh = {Animals ; Ctenocephalides/*microbiology ; Dogs/*parasitology ; Female ; Insect Vectors/*microbiology ; Male ; Polynesia ; },
abstract = {The presence of vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and public health interest have received little attention in Chile. In Easter Island, in particular, a Chilean territory in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, no information is available. To fill this gap, 153 rural dogs were inspected for ectoparasites during a sterilization campaign carried out in 2016. Fleas were observed in 46% of the dogs, and Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché, 1835) was the only species present. Morphological identification of fleas was genetically confirmed using conventional polymerase chain reaction targeting the cox2 gene. No tick was observed in any dog. The presence of DNA of Rickettsia sp. (gltA and ompA fragment genes), Anaplasmataceae (16S rRNA), and Bartonella sp. (16S-23S ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer) was investigated in blood samples of 70 of the dogs and in 126 fleas analyzed in 68 pools that included 1-5 fleas. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 97% (n = 66) of the flea pools. Of these, 57 showed between 99 and 100% identity for both genes with published sequences of Candidatus Rickettsia asemboensis (CRa), six with Rickettsia felis, and one with Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis. For two pools, gltA amplicons were identical to CRa but ompB amplicions showed 99-100% identity with R. felis. Anaplasmataceae DNA was detected in 16% (n = 11) pools. Sequenced amplicons showed highest identity with the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis. Bartonella DNA, showing 99% identity to Bartonella clarridgeiae, was detected in one pool (1.4%). No positive reaction was observed for any dog. This is the first detection of members of the 'R. felis-like' group other than R. felis in Chile.},
}
@article {pmid30172712,
year = {2018},
author = {Lai, JH and Luo, SF and Ho, LJ},
title = {Operation of mitochondrial machinery in viral infection-induced immune responses.},
journal = {Biochemical pharmacology},
volume = {156},
number = {},
pages = {348-356},
pmid = {30172712},
issn = {1873-2968},
mesh = {Animals ; Antiviral Agents/*pharmacology ; Humans ; Immunity, Innate/*physiology ; Mitochondria/*immunology ; Mitochondrial Dynamics ; Virus Diseases/drug therapy/*immunology ; },
abstract = {Mitochondria have been recognized as ancient bacteria that contain evolutionary endosymbionts. Metabolic pathways and inflammatory signals interact within mitochondria in response to different stresses, such as viral infections. In this commentary, we address several interesting questions, including (1) how do mitochondrial machineries participate in immune responses; (2) how do mitochondria mediate antiviral immunity; (3) what mechanisms involved in mitochondrial machinery, including the downregulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), disturbances of mitochondrial dynamics, and the induction of mitophagy and regulation of apoptosis, have been adopted by viruses to evade antiviral immunity; (4) what mechanisms involve the regulation of mitochondrial machineries in antiviral therapeutics; and (5) what are the potential challenges and perspectives in developing mitochondria-targeting antiviral treatments? This commentary provides a comprehensive review of the roles and mechanisms of mitochondrial machineries in immunity, viral infections and related antiviral therapeutics.},
}
@article {pmid30186672,
year = {2018},
author = {Ross, BJ and Hallock, P},
title = {Challenges in using CellTracker Green on foraminifers that host algal endosymbionts.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e5304},
pmid = {30186672},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {The uses of fluorescent microscopy and fluorescent probes, such as the metabolically activated probe CellTracker™ Green CMFDA (CTG), have become common in studies of living Foraminifera. This metabolic requirement, as well as the relatively quick production of the fluorescent reaction products, makes CTG a prime candidate for determining mortality in bioassay and other laboratory experiments. Previous work with the foraminifer Amphistegina gibbosa, which hosts diatom endosymbionts, has shown that the species is capable of surviving both acute chemical exposure and extended periods of total darkness by entering a low-activity dormant state. This paper explores the use of CTG and fluorescent microscopy to determine mortality in such experiments, as well as to explore the physiology of dormant foraminifers. The application of CTG was found to be complicated by the autofluorescence of the diatom symbionts, which masks the signal of the CTG, as well as by interactions between CTG and propylene glycol, a chemical of interest known to cause dormancy. These complications necessitated adapting methods from earlier studies using CTG. Here we present observations on CTG fluorescence and autofluorescence in A. gibbosa following both chemical exposure and periods of total darkness. While CTG can indicate vital activity in dormant foraminifers, complications include underestimates of total survival and recovery, and falsely indicating dead individuals as live due to rapid microbial colonization. Nonetheless, the brightness of the CTG signal in dormant individuals exposed to propylene glycol supports previously published results of survival patterns in A. gibbosa. Observations of CTG fluorescence in individuals kept for extended periods in aphotic conditions indicate uptake of CTG may begin within 30 min of exposure to light, suggesting darkness-induced dormancy and subsequent recovery can occur on short time scales. These results suggest that CTG accurately reflects changes associated with dormancy, and can be useful in laboratory experiments utilizing symbiont-bearing foraminifers.},
}
@article {pmid30186690,
year = {2018},
author = {Tang, XT and Cai, L and Shen, Y and Du, YZ},
title = {Diversity and evolution of the endosymbionts of Bemisia tabaci in China.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e5516},
pmid = {30186690},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {The whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cryptic species complex, including members that are pests of global importance. This study presents a screening of B. tabaci species in China for infection by the primary endosymbiont, Portiera aleyrodidarum, and two secondary endosymbionts, Arsenophonus and Cardinium. The results showed that P. aleyrodidarum was detected in all B. tabaci individuals, while Arsenophonus was abundant in indigenous species of B. tabaci Asia II 1, Asia II 3, and China 1 but absent in the invasive species, Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1); Cardinium presented in the Mediterranean (MED), Asia II 1 and Asia II 3 species but was rarely detected in the MEAM1 and China 1 species. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses revealed that the P. aleyrodidarum and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (mtCO1) phylograms were similar and corresponding with the five distinct cryptic species clades to some extent, probably indicating an ancient infection followed by vertical transmission and subsequent co-evolutionary diversification. In contrast, the phylogenetic trees of Arsenophonus and Cardinium were incongruent with the mtCO1 phylogram, potentially indicating horizontal transmission in B. tabaci cryptic species complex. Taken together, our study showed the distinct infection status of endosymbionts in invasive and indigenous whiteflies; we also most likely indicated the co-evolution of primary endosymbiont and its host as well as the potential horizontal transfer of secondary endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid30190541,
year = {2018},
author = {Chung, M and Teigen, L and Liu, H and Libro, S and Shetty, A and Kumar, N and Zhao, X and Bromley, RE and Tallon, LJ and Sadzewicz, L and Fraser, CM and Rasko, DA and Filler, SG and Foster, JM and Michalski, ML and Bruno, VM and Dunning Hotopp, JC},
title = {Targeted enrichment outperforms other enrichment techniques and enables more multi-species RNA-Seq analyses.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {13377},
pmid = {30190541},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {U19 AI110820/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Aspergillus fumigatus/*genetics ; Brugia malayi/*genetics ; *RNA, Bacterial/chemistry/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *RNA, Fungal/chemistry/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *RNA, Helminth/chemistry/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *RNA, Messenger/chemistry/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Sequence Analysis, RNA/*methods ; Wolbachia/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Enrichment methodologies enable the analysis of minor members in multi-species transcriptomic data. We compared the standard enrichment of bacterial and eukaryotic mRNA to a targeted enrichment using an Agilent SureSelect (AgSS) capture for Brugia malayi, Aspergillus fumigatus, and the Wolbachia endosymbiont of B. malayi (wBm). Without introducing significant systematic bias, the AgSS quantitatively enriched samples, resulting in more reads mapping to the target organism. The AgSS-enriched libraries consistently had a positive linear correlation with their unenriched counterparts (r[2] = 0.559-0.867). Up to a 2,242-fold enrichment of RNA from the target organism was obtained following a power law (r[2] = 0.90), with the greatest fold enrichment achieved in samples with the largest ratio difference between the major and minor members. While using a single total library for prokaryote and eukaryote enrichment from a single RNA sample could be beneficial for samples where RNA is limiting, we observed a decrease in reads mapping to protein coding genes and an increase in multi-mapping reads to rRNAs in AgSS enrichments from eukaryotic total RNA libraries compared to eukaryotic poly(A)-enriched libraries. Our results support a recommendation of using AgSS targeted enrichment on poly(A)-enriched libraries for eukaryotic captures, and total RNA libraries for prokaryotic captures, to increase the robustness of multi-species transcriptomic studies.},
}
@article {pmid30194350,
year = {2018},
author = {Alleman, A and Hertweck, KL and Kambhampati, S},
title = {Random Genetic Drift and Selective Pressures Shaping the Blattabacterium Genome.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {13427},
pmid = {30194350},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Cockroaches/microbiology ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Flavobacteriaceae/*genetics ; *Genetic Drift ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Estimates suggest that at least half of all extant insect genera harbor obligate bacterial mutualists. Whereas an endosymbiotic relationship imparts many benefits upon host and symbiont alike, the intracellular lifestyle has profound effects on the bacterial genome. The obligate endosymbiont genome is a product of opposing forces: genes important to host survival are maintained through physiological constraint, contrasted by the fixation of deleterious mutations and genome erosion through random genetic drift. The obligate cockroach endosymbiont, Blattabacterium - providing nutritional augmentation to its host in the form of amino acid synthesis - displays radical genome alterations when compared to its most recent free-living relative Flavobacterium. To date, eight Blattabacterium genomes have been published, affording an unparalleled opportunity to examine the direction and magnitude of selective forces acting upon this group of symbionts. Here, we find that the Blattabacterium genome is experiencing a 10-fold increase in selection rate compared to Flavobacteria. Additionally, the proportion of selection events is largely negative in direction, with only a handful of loci exhibiting signatures of positive selection. These findings suggest that the Blattabacterium genome will continue to erode, potentially resulting in an endosymbiont with an even further reduced genome, as seen in other insect groups such as Hemiptera.},
}
@article {pmid30197044,
year = {2018},
author = {Lin, Z and Wang, L and Chen, M and Chen, J},
title = {The acute transcriptomic response of coral-algae interactions to pH fluctuation.},
journal = {Marine genomics},
volume = {42},
number = {},
pages = {32-40},
doi = {10.1016/j.margen.2018.08.006},
pmid = {30197044},
issn = {1876-7478},
mesh = {Animals ; Anthozoa/genetics/*physiology ; China ; Dinoflagellida/genetics/*physiology ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; *Symbiosis ; *Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Little is known about how the coral host and its endosymbiont interactions change when they are exposed to a sudden nonlinear environmental transformation, yet this is crucial to coral survival in extreme events. Here, we present a study that investigates the transcriptomic response of corals and their endosymbionts to an abrupt change in pH (pH 7.60 and 8.35). The transcriptome indicates that the endosymbiont demonstrates a synchronized downregulation in carbon acquisition and fixation processes and may result in photosynthetic dysfunction in endosymbiotic Symbiodinium, suggesting that the mutualistic continuum of coral-algae interactions is compromised in response to high-CO2 exposure. Transcriptomic data also shows that corals are still capable of calcifying in response to the low pH but could experience a series of negative effects on their energy dynamics, which including protein damage, DNA repair, ion transport, cellular apoptosis, calcification acclimation and maintenance of intracellular pH homeostasis and stress tolerance to pH swing. This suggests enhanced energy costs for coral metabolic adaptation. This study provides a deeper understanding of the biological basis related to the symbiotic corals in response to extreme future climate change and environmental variability.},
}
@article {pmid30201781,
year = {2018},
author = {Compton, KK and Hildreth, SB and Helm, RF and Scharf, BE},
title = {Sinorhizobium meliloti Chemoreceptor McpV Senses Short-Chain Carboxylates via Direct Binding.},
journal = {Journal of bacteriology},
volume = {200},
number = {23},
pages = {},
pmid = {30201781},
issn = {1098-5530},
mesh = {Amino Acids/metabolism ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Calcium Channels ; Calorimetry ; Carboxylic Acids/*metabolism ; Chemotactic Factors/*metabolism ; *Chemotaxis ; Fluorometry ; Ligands ; Medicago sativa/*microbiology ; Models, Molecular ; Periplasm/metabolism ; Plant Exudates ; Protein Domains ; Sinorhizobium meliloti/genetics/*physiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Sinorhizobium meliloti is a soil-dwelling endosymbiont of alfalfa that has eight chemoreceptors to sense environmental stimuli during its free-living state. The functions of two receptors have been characterized, with McpU and McpX serving as general amino acid and quaternary ammonium compound sensors, respectively. Both receptors use a dual Cache (calcium channels and chemotaxis receptors) domain for ligand binding. We identified that the ligand-binding periplasmic region (PR) of McpV contains a single Cache domain. Homology modeling revealed that McpV[PR] is structurally similar to a sensor domain of a chemoreceptor with unknown function from Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans, which crystallized with acetate in its binding pocket. We therefore assayed McpV for carboxylate binding and S. meliloti for carboxylate sensing. Differential scanning fluorimetry identified 10 potential ligands for McpV[PR] Nine of these are monocarboxylates with chain lengths between two and four carbons. We selected seven compounds for capillary assay analysis, which established positive chemotaxis of the S. meliloti wild type, with concentrations of peak attraction at 1 mM for acetate, propionate, pyruvate, and glycolate, and at 100 mM for formate and acetoacetate. Deletion of mcpV or mutation of residues essential for ligand coordination abolished positive chemotaxis to carboxylates. Using microcalorimetry, we determined that dissociation constants of the seven ligands with McpV[PR] were in the micromolar range. An McpV[PR] variant with a mutation in the ligand coordination site displayed no binding to isobutyrate or propionate. Of all the carboxylates tested as attractants, only glycolate was detected in alfalfa seed exudates. This work examines the relevance of carboxylates and their sensor to the rhizobium-legume interaction.IMPORTANCE Legumes share a unique association with certain soil-dwelling bacteria known broadly as rhizobia. Through concerted interorganismal communication, a legume allows intracellular infection by its cognate rhizobial species. The plant then forms an organ, the root nodule, dedicated to housing and supplying fixed carbon and nutrients to the bacteria. In return, the engulfed rhizobia, differentiated into bacteroids, fix atmospheric N2 into ammonium for the plant host. This interplay is of great benefit to the cultivation of legumes, such as alfalfa and soybeans, and is initiated by chemotaxis to the host plant. This study on carboxylate chemotaxis contributes to the understanding of rhizobial survival and competition in the rhizosphere and aids the development of commercial inoculants.},
}
@article {pmid30202647,
year = {2018},
author = {Pascar, J and Chandler, CH},
title = {A bioinformatics approach to identifying Wolbachia infections in arthropods.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e5486},
pmid = {30202647},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {Wolbachia is the most widespread endosymbiont, infecting >20% of arthropod species, and capable of drastically manipulating the host's reproductive mechanisms. Conventionally, diagnosis has relied on PCR amplification; however, PCR is not always a reliable diagnostic technique due to primer specificity, strain diversity, degree of infection and/or tissue sampled. Here, we look for evidence of Wolbachia infection across a wide array of arthropod species using a bioinformatic approach to detect the Wolbachia genes ftsZ, wsp, and the groE operon in next-generation sequencing samples available through the NCBI Sequence Read Archive. For samples showing signs of infection, we attempted to assemble entire Wolbachia genomes, and in order to better understand the relationships between hosts and symbionts, phylogenies were constructed using the assembled gene sequences. Out of the 34 species with positively identified infections, eight species of arthropod had not previously been recorded to harbor Wolbachia infection. All putative infections cluster with known representative strains belonging to supergroup A or B, which are known to only infect arthropods. This study presents an efficient bioinformatic approach for post-sequencing diagnosis and analysis of Wolbachia infection in arthropods.},
}
@article {pmid30208057,
year = {2018},
author = {Humphreys, AF and Halfar, J and Ingle, JC and Manzello, D and Reymond, CE and Westphal, H and Riegl, B},
title = {Effect of seawater temperature, pH, and nutrients on the distribution and character of low abundance shallow water benthic foraminifera in the Galápagos.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {e0202746},
pmid = {30208057},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Chlorophyll A/analysis ; Cluster Analysis ; Coral Reefs ; Ecuador ; El Nino-Southern Oscillation ; Foraminifera/*growth &amp; development ; Geologic Sediments/chemistry ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Models, Statistical ; Nutrients/*chemistry ; Seawater/*chemistry ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {In order to help predict the effects of anthropogenic stressors on shallow water carbonate environments, it is important to focus research on regions containing natural oceanographic gradients, particularly with respect to interactions between oceanography and ecologically sensitive carbonate producers. The Galápagos Archipelago, an island chain in the eastern equatorial Pacific, spans a natural nutrient, pH, and temperature gradient due to the interaction of several major ocean currents. Further, the region is heavily impacted by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Galápagos exhibited widespread coral bleaching and degradation following the strong ENSO events of 1982-1983 and 1997-1998. These findings are coupled with reports of unusually low abundances of time-averaged benthic foraminiferal assemblages throughout the region. Foraminifera, shelled single-celled protists, are sensitive to environmental change and rapidly respond to alterations to their surrounding environment, making them ideal indicator species for the study of reef water quality and health. Here, statistical models and analyses were used to compare modern shallow water benthic foraminiferal assemblages from 19 samples spanning the Galápagos Archipelago to predominant oceanographic parameters at each collection site. Fisher α diversity indices, Ternary diagrams, Canonical Correspondence Analysis, regression tree analysis and FORAM-Index (FI; a single metric index for evaluating water quality associated with reef development) implied a combined impact from ENSO and upwelling from Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) waters to primarily impact foraminiferal abundances and drive assemblage patterns throughout the archipelago. For instance, repeated ENSO temperature anomalies might be responsible for low foraminiferal density, while chronically high nutrients and low aragonite saturation and low pH-induced by EUC upwelling and La Niña anomalies-likely inhibited post-ENSO recovery, and caused foraminiferal assemblages to exhibit a heterotrophic dominance in the southern archipelago. What resulted are low FI values in the southern collection sites, indicating environments not conducive to endosymbiont development and/or recovery.},
}
@article {pmid30209475,
year = {2018},
author = {Niehs, SP and Scherlach, K and Hertweck, C},
title = {Genomics-driven discovery of a linear lipopeptide promoting host colonization by endofungal bacteria.},
journal = {Organic &amp; biomolecular chemistry},
volume = {16},
number = {37},
pages = {8345-8352},
doi = {10.1039/c8ob01515e},
pmid = {30209475},
issn = {1477-0539},
mesh = {Burkholderia/*genetics/*physiology ; Conserved Sequence ; *Genomics ; Lipopeptides/*metabolism ; Multigene Family/genetics ; Rhizopus/*physiology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The rice seedling blight fungus Rhizopus microsporus weakens or kills plants by means of a potent toxin produced by endobacteria (Burkholderia rhizoxinica) that live within the fungal hyphae. The success of the highly attuned microbial interaction is partly based on the bacteria's ability to roam and re-colonize the fungal host. Yet, apart from the toxin, chemical mediators of the symbiosis have remained elusive. By genome mining and comparison we identified a cryptic NRPS gene cluster that is conserved among all sequenced Rhizopus endosymbionts. Metabolic profiling and targeted gene inactivation led to the discovery of a novel linear lipopeptide, holrhizin A, which was fully characterized. Through in vitro and in vivo assays we found that holrhizin acts (A) as a biosurfactant to reduce surface tension, (B) influences the formation of mature biofilms and thus cell motility behavior that ultimately supports the bacterial cells to (C) colonize and invade the fungal host, consequently supporting the re-establishment of the exceptional Burkholderia-Rhizopus symbiosis. We not only unveil structure and function of an linear lipopeptide from endofungal bacteria but also provide a functional link between the symbiont's orphan NRPS genes and a chemical mediator that promotes bacterial invasion into the fungal host.},
}
@article {pmid30219893,
year = {2018},
author = {Zélé, F and Santos, JL and Godinho, DP and Magalhães, S},
title = {Wolbachia both aids and hampers the performance of spider mites on different host plants.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology ecology},
volume = {94},
number = {12},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiy187},
pmid = {30219893},
issn = {1574-6941},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteroidetes/metabolism ; Fabaceae/microbiology/parasitology ; Female ; Host Specificity ; Ipomoea nil/*microbiology/*parasitology ; Solanum lycopersicum/*microbiology/*parasitology ; Rickettsia/metabolism ; Solanum melongena/*microbiology/*parasitology ; Symbiosis/physiology ; Tetranychidae/metabolism/*microbiology ; Wolbachia/*metabolism ; },
abstract = {In the last few decades, many studies have revealed the potential role of arthropod bacterial endosymbionts in shaping the host range of generalist herbivores and their performance on different host plants, which, in turn, might affect endosymbiont distribution in herbivore populations. We tested this by measuring the prevalence of endosymbionts in natural populations of the generalist spider mite Tetranychus urticae on different host plants. Focusing on Wolbachia, we then analysed how symbionts affected mite life-history traits on the same host plants in the laboratory. Overall, the prevalences of Cardinium and Rickettsia were low, whereas that of Wolbachia was high, with the highest values on bean and eggplant and the lowest on morning glory, tomato and zuchini. Although most mite life-history traits were affected by the plant species only, Wolbachia infection was detrimental for the egg-hatching rate on morning glory and zucchini, and led to a more female-biased sex ratio on morning glory and eggplant. These results suggest that endosymbionts may affect the host range of polyphagous herbivores, both by aiding and hampering their performance, depending on the host plant and on the life-history trait that affects performance the most. Conversely, endosymbiont spread may be facilitated or hindered by the plants on which infected herbivores occur.},
}
@article {pmid30223906,
year = {2018},
author = {Bredon, M and Dittmer, J and Noël, C and Moumen, B and Bouchon, D},
title = {Lignocellulose degradation at the holobiont level: teamwork in a keystone soil invertebrate.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {162},
pmid = {30223906},
issn = {2049-2618},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/enzymology/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Isopoda/*metabolism/*microbiology/physiology ; Lignin/*metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Soil/parasitology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Woodlice are recognized as keystone species in terrestrial ecosystems due to their role in the decomposition of organic matter. Thus, they contribute to lignocellulose degradation and nutrient cycling in the environment together with other macroarthropods. Lignocellulose is the main component of plants and is composed of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose. Its digestion requires the action of multiple Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (called CAZymes), typically acting together as a cocktail with complementary, synergistic activities and modes of action. Some invertebrates express a few endogenous lignocellulose-degrading enzymes but in most species, an efficient degradation and digestion of lignocellulose can only be achieved through mutualistic associations with endosymbionts. Similar to termites, it has been suspected that several bacterial symbionts may be involved in lignocellulose degradation in terrestrial isopods, by completing the CAZyme repertoire of their hosts.<br><br>RESULTS: To test this hypothesis, host transcriptomic and microbiome shotgun metagenomic datasets were obtained and investigated from the pill bug Armadillidium vulgare. Many genes of bacterial and archaeal origin coding for CAZymes were identified in the metagenomes of several host tissues and the gut content of specimens from both laboratory lineages and a natural population of A. vulgare. Some of them may be involved in the degradation of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Reconstructing a lignocellulose-degrading microbial community based on the prokaryotic taxa contributing relevant CAZymes revealed two taxonomically distinct but functionally redundant microbial communities depending on host origin. In parallel, endogenous CAZymes were identified from the transcriptome of the host and their expression in digestive tissues was demonstrated by RT-qPCR, demonstrating a complementary enzyme repertoire for lignocellulose degradation from both the host and the microbiome in A. vulgare.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide new insights into the role of the microbiome in the evolution of terrestrial isopods and their adaptive radiation in terrestrial habitats.},
}
@article {pmid30231855,
year = {2018},
author = {Zeng, Z and Fu, Y and Guo, D and Wu, Y and Ajayi, OE and Wu, Q},
title = {Bacterial endosymbiont Cardinium cSfur genome sequence provides insights for understanding the symbiotic relationship in Sogatella furcifera host.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {688},
pmid = {30231855},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {XDB11040400//Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; 2014CB138405//Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China/ ; 31571305//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/*genetics ; Cytophagaceae/*physiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Genomics ; Hemiptera/*genetics/growth &amp; development/*microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/*physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sogatella furcifera is a migratory pest that damages rice plants and causes severe economic losses. Due to its ability to annually migrate long distances, S. furcifera has emerged as a major pest of rice in several Asian countries. Symbiotic relationships of inherited bacteria with terrestrial arthropods have significant implications. The genus Cardinium is present in many types of arthropods, where it influences some host characteristics. We present a report of a newly identified strain of the bacterial endosymbiont Cardinium cSfur in S. furcifera.<br><br>RESULT: From the whole genome of S. furcifera previously sequenced by our laboratory, we assembled the whole genome sequence of Cardinium cSfur. The sequence comprised 1,103,593&#xa0;bp with a GC content of 39.2%. The phylogenetic tree of the Bacteroides phylum to which Cardinium cSfur belongs suggests that Cardinium cSfur is closely related to the other strains (Cardinium cBtQ1 and cEper1) that are members of the Amoebophilaceae family. Genome comparison between the host-dependent endosymbiont including Cardinium cSfur and free-living bacteria revealed that the endosymbiont has a smaller genome size and lower GC content, and has lost some genes related to metabolism because of its special environment, which is similar to the genome pattern observed in other insect symbionts. Cardinium cSfur has limited metabolic capability, which makes it less contributive to metabolic and biosynthetic processes in its host. From our findings, we inferred that, to compensate for its limited metabolic capability, Cardinium cSfur harbors a relatively high proportion of transport proteins, which might act as the hub between it and its host. With its acquisition of the whole operon related to biotin synthesis and glycolysis related genes through HGT event, Cardinium cSfur seems to be undergoing changes while establishing a symbiotic relationship with its host.<br><br>CONCLUSION: A novel bacterial endosymbiont strain (Cardinium cSfur) has been discovered. A genomic analysis of the endosymbiont in S. furcifera suggests that its genome has undergone certain changes to facilitate its settlement in the host. The envisaged potential reproduction manipulative ability of the new endosymbiont strain in its S. furcifera host has vital implications in designing eco-friendly approaches to combat the insect pest.},
}
@article {pmid30243102,
year = {2018},
author = {Jacobson, AL and Duffy, S and Sseruwagi, P},
title = {Whitefly-transmitted viruses threatening cassava production in Africa.},
journal = {Current opinion in virology},
volume = {33},
number = {},
pages = {167-176},
doi = {10.1016/j.coviro.2018.08.016},
pmid = {30243102},
issn = {1879-6265},
mesh = {Africa ; Animals ; Begomovirus/*growth &amp; development/isolation &amp; purification ; Developing Countries ; Hemiptera/*virology ; Insect Vectors/*virology ; Manihot/*growth &amp; development ; Plant Diseases/*virology ; Potyviridae/*growth &amp; development/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Emerging plant viruses are one of the greatest problems facing crop production worldwide, and have severe consequences in the developing world where subsistence farming is a major source of food production, and knowledge and resources for management are limited. In Africa, evolution of two viral disease complexes, cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs) (Geminiviridae) and cassava brown streak viruses (CBSVs) (Potyviridae), have resulted in severe pandemics that continue to spread and threaten cassava production. Identification of genetically diverse and rapidly evolving CMBs and CBSVs, extensive genetic variation in the vector, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and numerous secondary endosymbiont profiles that influence vector phenotypes suggest that complex local and regional vector-virus-plant-environment interactions may be driving the evolution and epidemiology of these viruses.},
}
@article {pmid30244151,
year = {2019},
author = {Schön, I and Kamiya, T and Van den Berghe, T and Van den Broecke, L and Martens, K},
title = {Novel Cardinium strains in non-marine ostracod (Crustacea) hosts from natural populations.},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {130},
number = {},
pages = {406-415},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2018.09.008},
pmid = {30244151},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {Animals ; Aquatic Organisms/*microbiology ; Bacteroidetes/genetics/*physiology ; Base Sequence ; Crustacea/genetics/*microbiology ; Diptera/genetics ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Species Specificity ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Endosymbiotic bacteria are known from many metazoan taxa, where they manipulate host biology and reproduction. Here, we used classic PCR amplification and direct DNA sequencing with universal primers for four different endosymbionts to test for their presence in more than 300 specimens of three recent non-marine ostracod superfamilies from different geographic areas and aquatic habitats. We verified these results with "high throughput" amplicon sequencing of 16S of nine selected specimens and evolutionary placement algorithms. The phylogenetic position of endosymbionts detected in ostracod hosts was compared to known endosymbionts from other metazoans. While Wolbachia, Spiroplasma and Rickettsia are absent, we find evidence for the general presence of Cardinium bacteria in natural populations of various non-marine ostracod species. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on Cardinium 16S data and estimates of genetic distances both indicate that Cardinium from ostracods are distantly related to Cardinium from Diptera and Nematoda but represent novel strains with a monophyletic origin. Cardinium bacteria from different ostracod hosts have genetic distances of up to 3.8%, providing evidence against recent and frequent horizontal transmissions amongst the three ostracod superfamilies. High throughput sequencing reveals more than 400 different 16S amplicon sequence variants in the investigated ostracods as well as the presence of different Cardinium strains within individual Eucypris virens and Heterocypris hosts. These results call for future, more in-depth investigations. Mapping Cardinium infections on COI trees of non-marine ostracod hosts shows that the occurrence of these endosymbionts is not linked to genetic species identity or phylogenetic host groups and, except for one ostracod morphospecies, prevalence never reaches 100%.},
}
@article {pmid30247558,
year = {2018},
author = {Mix, AK and Cenci, U and Heimerl, T and Marter, P and Wirkner, ML and Moog, D},
title = {Identification and Localization of Peroxisomal Biogenesis Proteins Indicates the Presence of Peroxisomes in the Cryptophyte Guillardia theta and Other "Chromalveolates".},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {10},
pages = {2834-2852},
pmid = {30247558},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Conserved Sequence ; Cryptophyta/genetics/*metabolism ; *Organelle Biogenesis ; Peroxins/genetics/*metabolism ; Peroxisomes/*metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Protein Domains ; },
abstract = {Peroxisomes are single-membrane-bound organelles with a huge metabolic versatility, including the degradation of fatty acids (β-oxidation) and the detoxification of reactive oxygen species as most conserved functions. Although peroxisomes seem to be present in the majority of investigated eukaryotes, where they are responsible for many eclectic and important spatially separated metabolic reactions, knowledge about their existence in the plethora of protists (eukaryotic microorganisms) is scarce. Here, we investigated genomic data of organisms containing complex plastids with red algal ancestry (so-called "chromalveolates") for the presence of genes encoding peroxins-factors specific for the biogenesis, maintenance, and division of peroxisomes in eukaryotic cells. Our focus was on the cryptophyte Guillardia theta, a marine microalga, which possesses two phylogenetically different nuclei of host and endosymbiont origin, respectively, thus being of enormous evolutionary significance. Besides the identification of a complete set of peroxins in G. theta, we heterologously localized selected factors as GFP fusion proteins via confocal and electron microscopy in the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Furthermore, we show that peroxins, and thus most likely peroxisomes, are present in haptophytes as well as eustigmatophytes, brown algae, and alveolates including dinoflagellates, chromerids, and noncoccidian apicomplexans. Our results indicate that diatoms are not the only "chromalveolate" group devoid of the PTS2 receptor Pex7, and thus a PTS2-dependent peroxisomal import pathway, which seems to be absent in haptophytes (Emiliania huxleyi) as well. Moreover, important aspects of peroxisomal biosynthesis and protein import in "chromalveolates"are highlighted.},
}
@article {pmid30254612,
year = {2018},
author = {Schmidt, C and Morard, R and Romero, O and Kucera, M},
title = {Diverse Internal Symbiont Community in the Endosymbiotic Foraminifera Pararotalia calcariformata: Implications for Symbiont Shuffling Under Thermal Stress.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {2018},
pmid = {30254612},
issn = {1664-302X},
support = {EP-C-17-015/EPA/EPA/United States ; },
abstract = {Many shallow-water tropical and subtropical foraminifera engage in photosymbiosis with eukaryotic microalgae. Some of these foraminifera appear to harbor a diverse consortium of endosymbiotic algae within a single host. Such apparent ability to contain different symbionts could facilitate change in symbiont community composition (symbiont shuffling) and mediate the ecological success of the group in a changing environment. However, the discovery of the intra-individual symbiont diversity was thus far based on symbiont culturing, which provides strong constraints on the vitality of the identified algae but provides poor constraints on their initial abundance and thus functional relevance to the host. Here we analyze the algal symbiont diversity in Pararotalia calcariformata, a benthic foraminifera sampled at four stations, inside and outside of a thermal plume in the eastern Mediterranean coast of Israel. This species has recently invaded the Mediterranean, is unusually thermally tolerant and was described previously to host at least one different diatom symbiont than other symbiont-bearing foraminifera. Our results using genotyping and isolation of algae in culture medium, confirm multiple associations with different diatom species within the same individual. Both methods revealed spatially consistent symbiont associations and identified the most common symbiont as a pelagic diatom Minutocellus polymorphus. In one case, an alternative dominant symbiont, the diatom Navicula sp., was detected by genotyping. This diatom was the third most abundant species identified using standard algae culturing method. This method further revealed a spatially consistent pattern in symbiont diversity of a total of seventeen identified diatom species, across the studied localities. Collectively, these results indicate that P. calcariformata hosts a diverse consortium of diatom endosymbionts, where different members can become numerically dominant and thus functionally relevant in a changing environment.},
}
@article {pmid30261054,
year = {2018},
author = {Carpinone, EM and Li, Z and Mills, MK and Foltz, C and Brannon, ER and Carlow, CKS and Starai, VJ},
title = {Identification of putative effectors of the Type IV secretion system from the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {e0204736},
pmid = {30261054},
issn = {1932-6203},
support = {R01 AI100913/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Bacterial Proteins/biosynthesis/genetics ; Brugia malayi/*microbiology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/*physiology ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; *Type IV Secretion Systems/genetics/metabolism ; *Wolbachia/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an unculturable, intracellular bacterium that persists within an extremely broad range of arthropod and parasitic nematode hosts, where it is transmitted maternally to offspring via vertical transmission. In the filarial nematode Brugia malayi, a causative agent of human lymphatic filariasis, Wolbachia is an endosymbiont, and its presence is essential for proper nematode development, survival, and pathogenesis. While the elucidation of Wolbachia:nematode interactions that promote the bacterium's intracellular persistence is of great importance, research has been hampered due to the fact that Wolbachia cannot be cultured in the absence of host cells. The Wolbachia endosymbiont of B. malayi (wBm) has an active Type IV secretion system (T4SS). Here, we have screened 47 putative T4SS effector proteins of wBm for their ability to modulate growth or the cell biology of a typical eukaryotic cell, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Five candidates strongly inhibited yeast growth upon expression, and 6 additional proteins showed toxicity in the presence of zinc and caffeine. Studies on the uptake of an endocytic vacuole-specific fluorescent marker, FM4-64, identified 4 proteins (wBm0076 wBm00114, wBm0447 and wBm0152) involved in vacuole membrane dynamics. The WAS(p)-family protein, wBm0076, was found to colocalize with yeast cortical actin patches and disrupted actin cytoskeleton dynamics upon expression. Deletion of the Arp2/3-activating protein, Abp1p, provided resistance to wBm0076 expression, suggesting a role for wBm0076 in regulating eukaryotic actin dynamics and cortical actin patch formation. Furthermore, wBm0152 was found to strongly disrupt endosome:vacuole cargo trafficking in yeast. This study provides molecular insight into the potential role of the T4SS in the Wolbachia endosymbiont:nematode relationship.},
}
@article {pmid30266174,
year = {2018},
author = {Wintermantel, WM},
title = {Integration of Omics Approaches toward Understanding Whitefly Transmission of Viruses.},
journal = {Advances in virus research},
volume = {102},
number = {},
pages = {199-223},
doi = {10.1016/bs.aivir.2018.06.005},
pmid = {30266174},
issn = {1557-8399},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/growth &amp; development/metabolism ; Begomovirus/genetics/metabolism ; Biological Coevolution ; Crinivirus/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Hemiptera/*virology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/*genetics ; Insect Control/methods ; Insect Proteins/classification/*genetics/metabolism ; Insect Vectors/*virology ; Metabolomics/*methods ; Plant Diseases/virology ; Plants/*virology ; Symbiosis/genetics ; Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {Viruses transmitted by whiteflies are predominantly classified as having either persistent circulative or semipersistent transmission, and the majority of studies have addressed transmission of viruses in the genera Begomovirus (family Geminiviridae) and Crinivirus (family Closteroviridae), respectively. Early studies on vector transmission primarily addressed individual aspects of transmission; however, with the breadth of new technology now available, an increasingly greater number of studies involve coordinated research that is beginning to assemble a more complete picture of how whiteflies and viruses have coevolved to facilitate transmission. In particular the integration of gene expression and metabolomic studies into broader research topics is providing knowledge of changes within the whitefly vector in response to the presence of viruses that would have been impossible to identify previously. Examples include comparative studies on the response of Bemisia tabaci to begomovirus and crinivirus infection of common host plants, evolution of whitefly endosymbiont relationships, and opportunities to evaluate responses to specific transmission-related events. Integration of metabolomics, as well as the application of electrical penetration graphing, can lead to an ability to monitor the changes that occur in vector insects associated with specific aspects of virus transmission. Through gaining more complete knowledge of the mechanisms behind whitefly transmission of viruses new control strategies will undoubtedly emerge for control of whiteflies and the viruses they transmit.},
}
@article {pmid30271976,
year = {2018},
author = {Liu, H and Stephens, TG and González-Pech, RA and Beltran, VH and Lapeyre, B and Bongaerts, P and Cooke, I and Aranda, M and Bourne, DG and Forêt, S and Miller, DJ and van Oppen, MJH and Voolstra, CR and Ragan, MA and Chan, CX},
title = {Symbiodinium genomes reveal adaptive evolution of functions related to coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis.},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {1},
number = {},
pages = {95},
pmid = {30271976},
issn = {2399-3642},
abstract = {Symbiosis between dinoflagellates of the genus Symbiodinium and reef-building corals forms the trophic foundation of the world's coral reef ecosystems. Here we present the first draft genome of Symbiodinium goreaui (Clade C, type C1: 1.03 Gbp), one of the most ubiquitous endosymbionts associated with corals, and an improved draft genome of Symbiodinium kawagutii (Clade F, strain CS-156: 1.05 Gbp) to further elucidate genomic signatures of this symbiosis. Comparative analysis of four available Symbiodinium genomes against other dinoflagellate genomes led to the identification of 2460 nuclear gene families (containing 5% of Symbiodinium genes) that show evidence of positive selection, including genes involved in photosynthesis, transmembrane ion transport, synthesis and modification of amino acids and glycoproteins, and stress response. Further, we identify extensive sets of genes for meiosis and response to light stress. These draft genomes provide a foundational resource for advancing our understanding of Symbiodinium biology and the coral-algal symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid30273387,
year = {2018},
author = {Ruocco, N and Mutalipassi, M and Pollio, A and Costantini, S and Costantini, M and Zupo, V},
title = {First evidence of Halomicronema metazoicum (Cyanobacteria) free-living on Posidonia oceanica leaves.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {10},
pages = {e0204954},
pmid = {30273387},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Alismatales/*microbiology ; Base Sequence ; Cyanobacteria/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Plant Leaves/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/chemistry/isolation &amp; purification/metabolism ; Seawater/microbiology ; Sequence Alignment ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Cyanobacteria contribute to the ecology of various marine environments, also for their symbioses, since some of them are common hosts of sponges and ascidians. They are also emerging as an important source of novel bioactive secondary metabolites in pharmacological (as anticancer drugs) and biotechnological applications. In the present work we isolated a cyanobacteria in a free-living state from leaves of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica leaves. This newly collected strain was then cultivated under two laboratory conditions, and then characterized by combining morphological observation and molecular studies based on 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis. The strain showed 99% pairwise sequence identity with Halomicronema metazoicum ITAC101, never isolated before as a free-living organisms, but firstly described as an endosymbiont of the Mediterranean marine spongae Petrosia ficiformis, under the form of a filamentous strain. Further studies will investigate the actual role of this cyanobacterium in the leaf stratum of P. oceanica leaves, given its demonstrated ability to influence the vitality and the life cycle of other organisms. In fact, its newly demonstrated free-living stage, described in this study, indicate that Phormidium-like cyanobacteria could play important roles in the ecology of benthic and planktonic communities.},
}
@article {pmid30275487,
year = {2018},
author = {de Moraes, LA and Muller, C and Bueno, RCOF and Santos, A and Bello, VH and De Marchi, BR and Watanabe, LFM and Marubayashi, JM and Santos, BR and Yuki, VA and Takada, HM and de Barros, DR and Neves, CG and da Silva, FN and Gonçalves, MJ and Ghanim, M and Boykin, L and Pavan, MA and Krause-Sakate, R},
title = {Distribution and phylogenetics of whiteflies and their endosymbiont relationships after the Mediterranean species invasion in Brazil.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {14589},
pmid = {30275487},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Alphaproteobacteria/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Animals ; Brazil ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Gammaproteobacteria/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Genetic Variation ; Hemiptera/*classification/genetics/*growth &amp; development/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Phylogeography ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The Bemisia tabaci is a polyphagous insect and a successful vector of plant viruses. B. tabaci is a species complex and in Brazil native species from the New World (NW) group, as well as the invasive species, Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) were reported. For better understanding the distribution of the different species four years after the Mediterranean species invasion in Brazil, whiteflies were collected from 237 locations throughout the country between the years of 2013 and 2017, species were identified and the facultative endosymbionts detected. The survey revealed that MEAM1 was the prevalent species found on major crops across Brazil. It is the only species present in North, Northwestern and Central Brazil and was associated with virus-infected plants. MED was found in five States from Southeast to South regions, infesting mainly ornamental plants and was not associated with virus-infected plants. The prevalent endosymbionts identified in MEAM1 were Hamiltonella and Rickettsia; and the mtCOI analysis revealed low genetic diversity for MEAM1. In contrast, several different endosymbionts were identified in MED including Hamiltonella, Rickettsia, Wolbachia and Arsenophonus; and two distinct genetic groups were found based on the mtCOI analysis. Monitoring the distribution of the whiteflies species in Brazil is essential for proper management of this pest.},
}
@article {pmid30277756,
year = {2018},
author = {Farfan, GA and Apprill, A and Webb, SM and Hansel, CM},
title = {Coupled X-ray Fluorescence and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy for Microscale Imaging and Identification of Sulfur Species within Tissues and Skeletons of Scleractinian Corals.},
journal = {Analytical chemistry},
volume = {90},
number = {21},
pages = {12559-12566},
doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.8b02638},
pmid = {30277756},
issn = {1520-6882},
mesh = {Animals ; Anthozoa/*chemistry ; Chondroitin Sulfates/analysis ; Cysteine/*analysis ; Glutathione Disulfide/*analysis ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Sulfates/*analysis ; X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy ; },
abstract = {Identifying and mapping the wide range of sulfur species within complex matrices presents a challenge for understanding the distribution of these important biomolecules within environmental and biological systems. Here, we present a coupled micro X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy method for determining the presence of specific sulfur species in coral tissues and skeletons at high spatial resolution. By using multiple energy stacks and principal component analysis of a large spectral database, we were able to more accurately identify sulfur species components and distinguish different species and distributions of sulfur formerly unresolved by previous studies. Specifically, coral tissues were dominated by more reduced sulfur species, such as glutathione disulfide, cysteine, and sulfoxide, as well as organic sulfate as represented by chondroitin sulfate. Sulfoxide distributions were visually correlated with the presence of zooxanthellae endosymbionts. Coral skeletons were composed primarily of carbonate-associated sulfate (CAS) along with minor contributions from organic sulfate and a separate inorganic sulfate likely in the form of adsorbed sulfate. This coupled XRF-XANES approach allows for a more accurate and informative view of sulfur within biological systems in situ and holds great promise for pairing with other techniques to allow for a more encompassing understanding of elemental distributions within the environment.},
}
@article {pmid30279399,
year = {2018},
author = {Montes-Rodríguez, IM and Rodríguez-Pou, Y and González-Méndez, RR and Lopez-Garriga, J and Ropelewski, AJ and Cadilla, CL},
title = {Characterization of Histone Genes from the Bivalve Lucina Pectinata.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {30279399},
issn = {1660-4601},
support = {U54 MD007600/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; T36 GM095335/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; P20 GM103475/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; T36 GM008789/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; U54 MD007587/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; G12 MD007600/MD/NIMHD NIH HHS/United States ; P20 RR016470/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States ; R25 GM088023/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Bivalvia/*genetics ; Conserved Sequence ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Exons ; Extreme Environments ; Histones/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; Puerto Rico ; RNA, Messenger/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Wetlands ; },
abstract = {Lucina pectinata is a clam that lives in sulfide-rich environments and houses intracellular sulfide-oxidizing endosymbionts. To identify new Lucina pectinata proteins, we produced libraries for genome and transcriptome sequencing and assembled them de novo. We searched for histone-like sequences using the Lucina pectinata histone H3 partial nucleotide sequence against our previously described genome assembly to obtain the complete coding region and identify H3 coding sequences from mollusk sequences in Genbank. Solen marginatus histone nucleotide sequences were used as query sequences using the genome and transcriptome assemblies to identify the Lucina pectinata H1, H2A, H2B and H4 genes and mRNAs and obtained the complete coding regions of the five histone genes by RT-PCR combined with automated Sanger DNA sequencing. The amino acid sequence conservation between the Lucina pectinata and Solen marginatus histones was: 77%, 93%, 83%, 96% and 97% for H1, H2A, H2B, H3 and H4, respectively. As expected, the H3 and H4 proteins were the most conserved and the H1 proteins were most similar to H1's from aquatic organisms like Crassostrea gigas, Aplysia californica, Mytilus trossulus and Biomphalaria glabrata. The Lucina pectinata draft genome and transcriptome assemblies, obtained by semiconductor sequencing, were adequate for identification of conserved proteins as evidenced by our results for the histone genes.},
}
@article {pmid30279438,
year = {2018},
author = {Quintanilla, E and Ramírez-Portilla, C and Adu-Oppong, B and Walljasper, G and Glaeser, SP and Wilke, T and Muñoz, AR and Sánchez, JA},
title = {Local confinement of disease-related microbiome facilitates recovery of gorgonian sea fans from necrotic-patch disease.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {14636},
pmid = {30279438},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Anthozoa/*microbiology ; Bacteria/*classification/*genetics ; Microbiota/*genetics ; Pacific Ocean ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Bacterial ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Microbiome disruptions triggering disease outbreaks are increasingly threatening corals worldwide. In the Tropical Eastern Pacific, a necrotic-patch disease affecting gorgonian corals (sea fans, Pacifigorgia spp.) has been observed in recent years. However, the composition of the microbiome and its disease-related disruptions remain unknown in these gorgonian corals. Therefore, we analysed 16S rRNA gene amplicons from tissues of healthy colonies (n = 19) and from symptomatic-asymptomatic tissues of diseased colonies (n = 19) of Pacifigorgia cairnsi (Gorgoniidae: Octocorallia) in order to test for disease-related changes in the bacterial microbiome. We found that potential endosymbionts (mostly Endozoicomonas spp.) dominate the core microbiome in healthy colonies. Moreover, healthy tissues differed in community composition and functional profile from those of the symptomatic tissues but did not show differences to asymptomatic tissues of the diseased colonies. A more diverse set of bacteria was observed in symptomatic tissues, together with the decline in abundance of the potential endosymbionts from the healthy core microbiome. Furthermore, according to a comparative taxonomy-based functional profiling, these symptomatic tissues were characterized by the increase in heterotrophic, ammonia oxidizer and dehalogenating bacteria and by the depletion of nitrite and sulphate reducers. Overall, our results suggest that the bacterial microbiome associated with the disease behaves opportunistically and is likely in a state of microbial dysbiosis. We also conclude that the confinement of the disease-related consortium to symptomatic tissues may facilitate colony recovery.},
}
@article {pmid30283652,
year = {2017},
author = {Kageyama, D and Ohno, M and Sasaki, T and Yoshido, A and Konagaya, T and Jouraku, A and Kuwazaki, S and Kanamori, H and Katayose, Y and Narita, S and Miyata, M and Riegler, M and Sahara, K},
title = {Feminizing Wolbachia endosymbiont disrupts maternal sex chromosome inheritance in a butterfly species.},
journal = {Evolution letters},
volume = {1},
number = {5},
pages = {232-244},
pmid = {30283652},
issn = {2056-3744},
abstract = {Wolbachia is a maternally inherited ubiquitous endosymbiotic bacterium of arthropods that displays a diverse repertoire of host reproductive manipulations. For the first time, we demonstrate that Wolbachia manipulates sex chromosome inheritance in a sexually reproducing insect. Eurema mandarina butterfly females on Tanegashima Island, Japan, are infected with the wFem Wolbachia strain and produce all-female offspring, while antibiotic treatment results in male offspring. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed that wFem-positive and wFem-negative females have Z0 and WZ sex chromosome sets, respectively, demonstrating the predicted absence of the W chromosome in wFem-infected lineages. Genomic quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis showed that wFem-positive females lay only Z0 eggs that carry a paternal Z, whereas females from lineages that are naturally wFem-negative lay both WZ and ZZ eggs. In contrast, antibiotic treatment of adult wFem females resulted in the production of Z0 and ZZ eggs, suggesting that this Wolbachia strain can disrupt the maternal inheritance of Z chromosomes. Moreover, most male offspring produced by antibiotic-treated wFem females had a ZZ karyotype, implying reduced survival of Z0 individuals in the absence of feminizing effects of Wolbachia. Antibiotic treatment of wFem-infected larvae induced male-specific splicing of the doublesex (dsx) gene transcript, causing an intersex phenotype. Thus, the absence of the female-determining W chromosome in Z0 individuals is functionally compensated by Wolbachia-mediated conversion of sex determination. We discuss how Wolbachia may manipulate the host chromosome inheritance and that Wolbachia may have acquired this coordinated dual mode of reproductive manipulation first by the evolution of female-determining function and then cytoplasmically induced disruption of sex chromosome inheritance.},
}
@article {pmid30291507,
year = {2018},
author = {Day, PM and Theg, SM},
title = {Evolution of protein transport to the chloroplast envelope membranes.},
journal = {Photosynthesis research},
volume = {138},
number = {3},
pages = {315-326},
pmid = {30291507},
issn = {1573-5079},
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Chloroplasts/*metabolism ; Intracellular Membranes/*metabolism ; Models, Biological ; Protein Transport ; },
abstract = {Chloroplasts are descendants of an ancient endosymbiotic cyanobacterium that lived inside a eukaryotic cell. They inherited the prokaryotic double membrane envelope from cyanobacteria. This envelope contains prokaryotic protein sorting machineries including a Sec translocase and relatives of the central component of the bacterial outer membrane β-barrel assembly module. As the endosymbiont was integrated with the rest of the cell, the synthesis of most of its proteins shifted from the stroma to the host cytosol. This included nearly all the envelope proteins identified so far. Consequently, the overall biogenesis of the chloroplast envelope must be distinct from cyanobacteria. Envelope proteins initially approach their functional locations from the exterior rather than the interior. In many cases, they have been shown to use components of the general import pathway that also serves the stroma and thylakoids. If the ancient prokaryotic protein sorting machineries are still used for chloroplast envelope proteins, their activities must have been modified or combined with the general import pathway. In this review, we analyze the current knowledge pertaining to chloroplast envelope biogenesis and compare this to bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid30294317,
year = {2018},
author = {Bellec, L and Cambon-Bonavita, MA and Cueff-Gauchard, V and Durand, L and Gayet, N and Zeppilli, D},
title = {A Nematode of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge Hydrothermal Vents Harbors a Possible Symbiotic Relationship.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {2246},
pmid = {30294317},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Deep-sea hydrothermal vent meiofauna have been the focus of recent research and the discovery of an abundant well-adapted free-living marine nematode on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge offers new perspectives on adaptations to the vent environment. Indeed, knowledge concerning biological interactions of microbes and meiofauna in marine extreme environments is scarce, especially for nematodes. In this study, we used microscopic observations [fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] and metabarcoding of 16S rRNA to characterize the bacterial community of the nematode species Oncholaimus dyvae, an overlooked but ecologically important vent organism. Detection of bacteria in the buccal cavity and on the cuticle (SEM) and epibionts in its intestine (FISH) suggests that O. dyvae harbors its own bacterial community. Molecular results and phylogenetic analysis show that bacteria associated with this species are related to symbiotic lineages typical of hydrothermal vent fauna, such as sulfur-oxidizing bacteria related to Epsilonproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria. This multi-approach study suggests a potential symbiotic role of bacteria with its nematode host and opens new research perspectives on vent meiofauna.},
}
@article {pmid30309901,
year = {2018},
author = {Kikuchi, S and Asakura, Y and Imai, M and Nakahira, Y and Kotani, Y and Hashiguchi, Y and Nakai, Y and Takafuji, K and Bédard, J and Hirabayashi-Ishioka, Y and Mori, H and Shiina, T and Nakai, M},
title = {A Ycf2-FtsHi Heteromeric AAA-ATPase Complex Is Required for Chloroplast Protein Import.},
journal = {The Plant cell},
volume = {30},
number = {11},
pages = {2677-2703},
pmid = {30309901},
issn = {1532-298X},
mesh = {Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; Chloroplast Proteins/*metabolism ; Chloroplasts/metabolism ; Malate Dehydrogenase/metabolism ; Plant Proteins/*metabolism ; Protein Transport ; },
abstract = {Chloroplasts import thousands of nucleus-encoded preproteins synthesized in the cytosol through the TOC and TIC translocons on the outer and inner envelope membranes, respectively. Preprotein translocation across the inner membrane requires ATP; however, the import motor has remained unclear. Here, we report that a 2-MD heteromeric AAA-ATPase complex associates with the TIC complex and functions as the import motor, directly interacting with various translocating preproteins. This 2-MD complex consists of a protein encoded by the previously enigmatic chloroplast gene ycf2 and five related nuclear-encoded FtsH-like proteins, namely, FtsHi1, FtsHi2, FtsHi4, FtsHi5, and FtsH12. These components are each essential for plant viability and retain the AAA-type ATPase domain, but only FtsH12 contains the zinc binding active site generally conserved among FtsH-type metalloproteases. Furthermore, even the FtsH12 zinc binding site is dispensable for its essential function. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that all AAA-type members of the Ycf2/FtsHi complex including Ycf2 evolved from the chloroplast-encoded membrane-bound AAA-protease FtsH of the ancestral endosymbiont. The Ycf2/FtsHi complex also contains an NAD-malate dehydrogenase, a proposed key enzyme for ATP production in chloroplasts in darkness or in nonphotosynthetic plastids. These findings advance our understanding of this ATP-driven protein translocation system that is unique to the green lineage of photosynthetic eukaryotes.},
}
@article {pmid30311439,
year = {2019},
author = {Zhu, YX and Song, YL and Hoffmann, AA and Jin, PY and Huo, SM and Hong, XY},
title = {A change in the bacterial community of spider mites decreases fecundity on multiple host plants.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {8},
number = {6},
pages = {e00743},
pmid = {30311439},
issn = {2045-8827},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Female ; Fertility ; Host Specificity ; Male ; *Microbiota ; Plants/parasitology ; Spiroplasma/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Tetranychidae/*microbiology/*physiology ; Wolbachia/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Bacterial symbionts may influence the fitness of their herbivore hosts, but such effects have been poorly studied across most invertebrate groups. The spider mite, Tetranychus truncatus, is a polyphagous agricultural pest harboring various bacterial symbionts whose function is largely unknown. Here, by using a high-throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing approach, we characterized the bacterial diversity and community composition of spider mites fed on five host plants after communities were modified following tetracycline exposure. We demonstrated that spider mite bacterial diversity and community composition were significantly affected by host plants and antibiotics. In particular, the abundance of the maternally inherited endosymbionts Wolbachia and Spiroplasma significantly differed among spider mites that were reared on different plant species and were completely removed by antibiotics. There was an overall tendency for daily fecundity to be lower in the mites with reduced bacterial diversity following the antibiotic treatment. Our data suggest that host plants and antibiotics can shape spider mite bacterial communities and that bacterial symbionts improve mite performance.},
}
@article {pmid30311675,
year = {2018},
author = {Leftwich, PT and Hutchings, MI and Chapman, T},
title = {Diet, Gut Microbes and Host Mate Choice: Understanding the significance of microbiome effects on host mate choice requires a case by case evaluation.},
journal = {BioEssays : news and reviews in molecular, cellular and developmental biology},
volume = {40},
number = {12},
pages = {e1800053},
doi = {10.1002/bies.201800053},
pmid = {30311675},
issn = {1521-1878},
support = {BB/K000489/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Alleles ; Animals ; Biological Evolution ; *Diet ; Drosophila melanogaster/physiology ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/*physiology ; Male ; Mating Preference, Animal/*physiology ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {All organisms live in close association with microbes. However, not all such associations are meaningful in an evolutionary context. Current debate concerns whether hosts and microbes are best described as communities of individuals or as holobionts (selective units of hosts plus their microbes). Recent reports that assortative mating of hosts by diet can be mediated by commensal gut microbes have attracted interest as a potential route to host reproductive isolation (RI). Here, the authors discuss logical problems with this line of argument. The authors briefly review how microbes can affect host mating preferences and evaluate recent findings from fruitflies. Endosymbionts can potentially influence host RI given stable and recurrent co-association of hosts and microbes over evolutionary time. However, observations of co-occurrence of microbes and hosts are ripe for misinterpretation and such associations will rarely represent a meaningful holobiont. A framework in which hosts and their microbes are independent evolutionary units provides the only satisfactory explanation for the observed range of effects and associations.},
}
@article {pmid30313172,
year = {2018},
author = {GÜrellİ, G and Mohamed, ARA},
title = {Ciliated Protozoan Fauna in the Forestomach of Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Libya.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {4434},
number = {3},
pages = {429-440},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.4434.3.2},
pmid = {30313172},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Camelus ; Ciliophora ; Libya ; Myxozoa ; Rumen ; },
abstract = {Species composition and distribution of ciliated protozoa obtained from the forestomach of 20 dromedary camels living in Zawiya, Libya were examined. Nineteen species and 10 morphotypes belonging to eight genera were identified. The mean number of ciliates was 54.2 ± 32.9 × 104 cells ml-1 in the forestomach contents, and the mean number of ciliate species per host was 6.5 ± 2.9. Entodinium and Epidinium were the main genera, as these ciliates were found consistently at higher proportions than those of the other genera. In contrast, Ophryoscolex and Polyplastron were only observed at low frequencies. Diplodinium rangiferi, Entodinium ellipsoideum, E. simulans, and Polyplastron multivesiculatum were new endosymbionts recorded from camels.},
}
@article {pmid30319574,
year = {2018},
author = {Santos-Garcia, D and Juravel, K and Freilich, S and Zchori-Fein, E and Latorre, A and Moya, A and Morin, S and Silva, FJ},
title = {To B or Not to B: Comparative Genomics Suggests Arsenophonus as a Source of B Vitamins in Whiteflies.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {2254},
pmid = {30319574},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Insect lineages feeding on nutritionally restricted diets such as phloem sap, xylem sap, or blood, were able to diversify by acquiring bacterial species that complement lacking nutrients. These bacteria, considered obligate/primary endosymbionts, share a long evolutionary history with their hosts. In some cases, however, these endosymbionts are not able to fulfill all of their host's nutritional requirements, driving the acquisition of additional symbiotic species. Phloem-feeding members of the insect family Aleyrodidae (whiteflies) established an obligate relationship with Candidatus Portiera aleyrodidarum, which provides its hots with essential amino acids and carotenoids. In addition, many whitefly species harbor additional endosymbionts which may potentially further supplement their host's diet. To test this hypothesis, genomes of several endosymbionts of the whiteflies Aleurodicus dispersus, Aleurodicus floccissimus and Trialeurodes vaporariorum were analyzed. In addition to Portiera, all three species were found to harbor one Arsenophonus and one Wolbachia endosymbiont. A comparative analysis of Arsenophonus genomes revealed that although all three are capable of synthesizing B vitamins and cofactors, such as pyridoxal, riboflavin, or folate, their genomes and phylogenetic relationship vary greatly. Arsenophonus of A. floccissimus and T. vaporariorum belong to the same clade, and display characteristics of facultative endosymbionts, such as large genomes (3 Mb) with thousands of genes and pseudogenes, intermediate GC content, and mobile genetic elements. In contrast, Arsenophonus of A. dispersus belongs to a different lineage and displays the characteristics of a primary endosymbiont-a reduced genome (670 kb) with ~400 genes, 32% GC content, and no mobile genetic elements. However, the presence of 274 pseudogenes suggests that this symbiotic association is more recent than other reported primary endosymbionts of hemipterans. The gene repertoire of Arsenophonus of A. dispersus is completely integrated in the symbiotic consortia, and the biosynthesis of most vitamins occurs in shared pathways with its host. In addition, Wolbachia endosymbionts have also retained the ability to produce riboflavin, flavin adenine dinucleotide, and folate, and may make a nutritional contribution. Taken together, our results show that Arsenophonus hold a pivotal place in whitefly nutrition by their ability to produce B vitamins.},
}
@article {pmid30323231,
year = {2018},
author = {Cenci, U and Qiu, H and Pillonel, T and Cardol, P and Remacle, C and Colleoni, C and Kadouche, D and Chabi, M and Greub, G and Bhattacharya, D and Ball, SG},
title = {Host-pathogen biotic interactions shaped vitamin K metabolism in Archaeplastida.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {15243},
pmid = {30323231},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Archaea/genetics/metabolism ; Cyanobacteria/classification/*genetics/*metabolism ; Eukaryotic Cells/metabolism ; Evolution, Molecular ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genome, Plastid ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/*genetics ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Plastids/*genetics ; Rhodophyta/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis/physiology ; Vitamin K/*metabolism ; },
abstract = {Menaquinone (vitamin K2) shuttles electrons between membrane-bound respiratory complexes under microaerophilic conditions. In photosynthetic eukaryotes and cyanobacteria, phylloquinone (vitamin K1) participates in photosystem I function. Here we elucidate the evolutionary history of vitamin K metabolism in algae and plants. We show that Chlamydiales intracellular pathogens made major genetic contributions to the synthesis of the naphthoyl ring core and the isoprenoid side-chain of these quinones. Production of the core in extremophilic red algae is under control of a menaquinone (Men) gene cluster consisting of 7 genes that putatively originated via lateral gene transfer (LGT) from a chlamydial donor to the plastid genome. In other green and red algae, functionally related nuclear genes also originated via LGT from a non-cyanobacterial, albeit unidentified source. In addition, we show that 3-4 of the 9 required steps for synthesis of the isoprenoid side chains are under control of genes of chlamydial origin. These results are discussed in the light of the hypoxic response experienced by the cyanobacterial endosymbiont when it gained access to the eukaryotic cytosol.},
}
@article {pmid30337547,
year = {2018},
author = {Morioka, E and Oida, M and Tsuchida, T and Ikeda, M},
title = {Nighttime activities and peripheral clock oscillations depend on Wolbachia endosymbionts in flies.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {15432},
pmid = {30337547},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {JP16H04651//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/International ; JP16H04651//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Circadian Clocks/genetics/*physiology ; Circadian Rhythm/genetics/*physiology ; Crosses, Genetic ; Drosophila Proteins/genetics ; Drosophila melanogaster/*microbiology/physiology ; Female ; Genes, Reporter ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; Locomotion/*physiology/radiation effects ; Male ; Period Circadian Proteins/genetics ; Photic Stimulation ; Symbiosis/physiology ; Tetracycline/pharmacology ; Wolbachia/drug effects/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are ubiquitous bacterial endosymbionts of arthropods and affect host gene expression. Although Wolbachia infections were suggested to modulate sleep in flies, their influence on the circadian clock remained obscure. Here, we screened bacterial symbionts in a laboratory Drosophila melanogaster colony, and observed widespread infections of wMel strain Wolbachia. We established a Wolbachia-free strain from a clock gene reporter strain, period-luciferase (per-luc). Temperature (19-29 °C)-compensated free-running periods were detected regardless of infections which may reflect the lack of wMel infections in central circadian pacemaker neurons. However, locomotor activity levels during the night or subjective night were significantly amplified in uninfected flies. Moreover, the behavioral phenotype of F1 offspring of an uninfected female and infected male resembled that of uninfected flies. This trait is consistent with maternal transmission of Wolbachia infection. Interestingly, per-luc activities in headless bodies, as an index of peripheral circadian oscillators, were severely damped in uninfected flies. Additionally, circadian amplitudes of PER immunoreactivities in Malpighian tubules were reduced in uninfected flies. These results demonstrate that Wolbachia boost fly peripheral clock oscillations and diurnal behavioral patterns. Genetic mechanisms underlying behavioral rhythms have been widely analyzed using mutant flies whereas screening of Wolbachia will be necessary for future studies.},
}
@article {pmid30356282,
year = {2018},
author = {Chan, LL and Mak, JW and Ambu, S and Chong, PY},
title = {Identification and ultrastructural characterization of Acanthamoeba bacterial endocytobionts belonging to the Alphaproteobacteria class.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {10},
pages = {e0204732},
pmid = {30356282},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Acanthamoeba/*genetics ; Alphaproteobacteria/*genetics ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Genome, Bacterial/genetics ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission/methods ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {The detection and identification of two endocytobiotic bacterial strains, one affiliated to the "Candidatus Caedibacter acanthamoebae"/"Ca. Paracaedimonas acanthamoeba", and another to the endosymbiont of Acanthamoeba UWC8 and "Ca. Jidaibacter acanthamoeba" are described. For endocytobiont screening, we developed a PCR method with a set of broad-range bacterial 16S rRNA primers to substitute the commonly used but technically demanding fluorescent in situ hybridization technique. Our PCR test alone without sequencing failed to discriminate the endocytobiont-containing and endocytobiont-free Acanthamoeba sp. due to the presence of mismatched primers to host mitochondrial DNA. We highlighted the need to perform bacterial primer checking against the Acanthamoeba genome to avoid false positive detection in PCR. Although the genetic aspect of "Ca. Caedibacter acanthamoebae"/"Ca. Paracaedimonas acanthamoeba" and the endosymbiont of Acanthamoeba UWC8/"Ca. Jidaibacter acanthamoeba" are well studied, knowledge pertaining to their morphologies are quite vague. Hence, we used transmission electron microscopy to examine our endocytobionts which are affiliated to previously described intracellular bacteria of Acanthamoeba sp. We used good-quality TEM images for the localization and the fate of the current endocytobionts inside different life stages of the hosts. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, our TEM findings are the first to provide morphological evidence for the clearance of defective Acanthamoeba endocytobionts via an autophagic-like process.},
}
@article {pmid30358065,
year = {2018},
author = {Paris, Z and Alfonzo, JD},
title = {How the intracellular partitioning of tRNA and tRNA modification enzymes affects mitochondrial function.},
journal = {IUBMB life},
volume = {70},
number = {12},
pages = {1207-1213},
pmid = {30358065},
issn = {1521-6551},
support = {R01 GM084065/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R56 AI131248/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AI131348/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Cytoplasm/genetics ; Genome, Mitochondrial/*genetics ; Intracellular Membranes ; Mitochondria/*genetics ; Mitochondrial Membranes/metabolism ; Protein Biosynthesis/*genetics ; RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional/genetics ; RNA, Transfer/*genetics ; Symbiosis/genetics ; },
abstract = {Organisms have evolved different strategies to seclude certain molecules to specific locations of the cell. This is most pronounced in eukaryotes with their extensive intracellular membrane systems. Intracellular compartmentalization is particularly critical in genome containing organelles, which because of their bacterial evolutionary ancestry still maintain protein-synthesis machinery that resembles more their evolutionary origin than the extant eukaryotic cell they once joined as an endosymbiont. Despite this, it is clear that genome-containing organelles such as the mitochondria are not in isolation and many molecules make it across the mitochondrial membranes from the cytoplasm. In this realm the import of tRNAs and the enzymes that modify them prove most consequential. In this review, we discuss two recent examples of how modifications typically found in cytoplasmic tRNAs affect mitochondrial translation in organisms that forcibly import all their tRNAs from the cytoplasm. In our view, the combination of tRNA import and the compartmentalization of modification enzymes must have played a critical role in the evolution of the organelle. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(12):1207-1213, 2018.},
}
@article {pmid30358445,
year = {2018},
author = {Sigwart, JD and Chen, C},
title = {Comparative Oxygen Consumption of Gastropod Holobionts from Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents in the Indian Ocean.},
journal = {The Biological bulletin},
volume = {235},
number = {2},
pages = {102-112},
doi = {10.1086/699326},
pmid = {30358445},
issn = {1939-8697},
mesh = {Animals ; Gastropoda/*metabolism ; *Hydrothermal Vents ; Indian Ocean ; Oxygen Consumption/*physiology ; Symbiosis/*physiology ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Physiological traits are the foundation of an organism's success in a dynamic environment, yet basic measurements are unavailable for many taxa and even ecosystems. We measured routine metabolism in two hydrothermal vent gastropods, Alviniconcha marisindica (n = 40) and the scaly-foot gastropod Chrysomallon squamiferum (n = 18), from Kairei and Edmond vent fields on the Central Indian Ridge (23-25°S, about 3000 meter depth). No previous studies have measured metabolism in any Indian Ocean vent animals. After recovering healthy animals to the surface, we performed shipboard closed-chamber respirometry experiments to compare oxygen uptake at different temperatures (10, 16, and 25 °C) at surface pressure (1 atm). The physiology of these species is driven by the demands of their chemoautotrophic symbionts. Chrysomallon has very enlarged respiratory and circulatory systems, and endosymbionts are housed in its trophosome-like internal esophageal gland. By contrast, Alviniconcha has chemoautotrophic bacteria within the gill and less extensive associated anatomical adaptations. Thus, we predicted that routine oxygen consumption of Chrysomallon might be higher than that of Alviniconcha. However, oxygen consumption of Chrysomallon was not higher than that of Alviniconcha, and, further, Chrysomallon maintained a steady metabolic demand in two widely separated experimental temperatures, while Alviniconcha did not. We interpret that these findings indicate that (1) the "trophosome" does not fundamentally increase oxygen requirement compared to other gastropod holobionts, and (2) cold temperatures (10 °C) induce a stress response in Alviniconcha, resulting in aberrantly high uptake. While these two large gastropod species co-occur, differences in oxygen consumption may reflect the separate niches they occupy in the vent ecosystem.},
}
@article {pmid30368822,
year = {2019},
author = {Sun, X and Chen, W and Ivanov, S and MacLean, AM and Wight, H and Ramaraj, T and Mudge, J and Harrison, MJ and Fei, Z},
title = {Genome and evolution of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Diversispora epigaea (formerly Glomus versiforme) and its bacterial endosymbionts.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {221},
number = {3},
pages = {1556-1573},
doi = {10.1111/nph.15472},
pmid = {30368822},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {1237993//US National Science Foundation, Plant Genome Research program/International ; DE-SC0012460//Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research/International ; 2014-67013-21571//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/International ; },
mesh = {*Biological Evolution ; Gene Duplication ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal/genetics ; Genes, Fungal ; *Genome, Fungal ; Glomeromycota/*genetics/metabolism ; Multigene Family ; Mycoplasma/*physiology ; Mycorrhizae/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; Spores, Fungal/physiology ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; Tenericutes/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form endosymbioses with most plants, and they themselves are hosts for Mollicutes/Mycoplasma-related endobacteria (MRE). Despite their significance, genomic information for AM fungi and their MRE are relatively sparse, which hinders our understanding of their biology and evolution. We assembled the genomes of the AM fungus Diversispora epigaea (formerly Glomus versiforme) and its MRE and performed comparative genomics and evolutionary analyses. The D. epigaea genome showed a pattern of substantial gene duplication and differential evolution of gene families, including glycosyltransferase family 25, whose activities are exclusively lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Genes acquired by horizontal transfer from bacteria possibly function in defense against foreign DNA or viruses. The MRE population was diverse, with multiple genomes displaying characteristics of differential evolution and encoding many MRE-specific genes as well as genes of AM fungal origin. Gene family expansion in D. epigaea may enhance adaptation to both external and internal environments, such as expansion of kinases for signal transduction upon external stimuli and expansion of nucleoside salvage pathway genes potentially for competition with MRE, whose genomes lack purine and pyrimidine biosynthetic pathways. Collectively, this metagenome provides high-quality references and begins to reveal the diversity within AM fungi and their MRE.},
}
@article {pmid30373839,
year = {2018},
author = {Mehta, AP and Supekova, L and Chen, JH and Pestonjamasp, K and Webster, P and Ko, Y and Henderson, SC and McDermott, G and Supek, F and Schultz, PG},
title = {Engineering yeast endosymbionts as a step toward the evolution of mitochondria.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {115},
number = {46},
pages = {11796-11801},
pmid = {30373839},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {P41 GM103445/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Bioengineering/*methods ; Biological Evolution ; Escherichia coli/genetics/metabolism ; Mitochondria/*genetics/metabolism ; Models, Biological ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics/metabolism ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; Thiamine/metabolism ; },
abstract = {It has been hypothesized that mitochondria evolved from a bacterial ancestor that initially became established in an archaeal host cell as an endosymbiont. Here we model this first stage of mitochondrial evolution by engineering endosymbiosis between Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae An ADP/ATP translocase-expressing E. coli provided ATP to a respiration-deficient cox2 yeast mutant and enabled growth of a yeast-E. coli chimera on a nonfermentable carbon source. In a reciprocal fashion, yeast provided thiamin to an endosymbiotic E. coli thiamin auxotroph. Expression of several SNARE-like proteins in E. coli was also required, likely to block lysosomal degradation of intracellular bacteria. This chimeric system was stable for more than 40 doublings, and GFP-expressing E. coli endosymbionts could be observed in the yeast by fluorescence microscopy and X-ray tomography. This readily manipulated system should allow experimental delineation of host-endosymbiont adaptations that occurred during evolution of the current, highly reduced mitochondrial genome.},
}
@article {pmid30374192,
year = {2018},
author = {Estes, AM and Hearn, DJ and Agrawal, S and Pierson, EA and Dunning Hotopp, JC},
title = {Comparative genomics of the Erwinia and Enterobacter olive fly endosymbionts.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {15936},
pmid = {30374192},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Base Composition ; Enterobacter/*genetics ; Erwinia/*genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Genomics/*methods ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Olea/microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/chemistry/genetics/metabolism ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The pestivorous tephritid olive fly has long been known as a frequent host of the obligately host-associated bacterial endosymbiont, Erwinia dacicola, as well as other facultative endosymbionts. The genomes of Erwinia dacicola and Enterobacter sp. OLF, isolated from a California olive fly, encode the ability to supplement amino acids and vitamins missing from the olive fruit on which the larvae feed. The Enterobacter sp. OLF genome encodes both uricase and ureases, and the Er. dacicola genome encodes an allantoate transport pathway, suggesting that bird feces or recycling the fly's waste products may be important sources of nitrogen. No homologs to known nitrogenases were identified in either bacterial genome, despite suggestions of their presence from experiments with antibiotic-treated flies. Comparisons between the olive fly endosymbionts and their free-living relatives revealed similar GC composition and genome size. The Er. dacicola genome has fewer genes for amino acid metabolism, cell motility, and carbohydrate transport and metabolism than free-living Erwinia spp. while having more genes for cell division, nucleotide metabolism and replication as well as mobile elements. A 6,696 bp potential lateral gene transfer composed primarily of amino acid synthesis and transport genes was identified that is also observed in Pseudomonas savastanoii pv savastanoii, the causative agent of olive knot disease.},
}
@article {pmid30374735,
year = {2019},
author = {Hashmi, TR and Devi, SR and Ahmad, A and Meshram, NM and Prasad, R},
title = {Genetic Status and Endosymbionts Diversity of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on Hosts Belonging to Family Malvaceae in India.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {48},
number = {2},
pages = {207-218},
pmid = {30374735},
issn = {1678-8052},
mesh = {Abelmoschus ; Animals ; Bacteria/*classification ; DNA Primers ; Gossypium ; Hemiptera/*microbiology ; India ; *Malvaceae ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {A study was instigated to examine the genetic status and distribution of known endosymbionts namely Portiera, Rickettsia, Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Arsenophonus in the populations of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) from three host plants: cotton (Gossypium herbaceum), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), and China rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) belonging to the family Malvaceae. The presence of four secondary endosymbionts Rickettsia, Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Arsenophonus was checked in Bemisia tabaci populations. Phylogenetic analyses grounded on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCO1) unveiled the presence of Asia 1, Asia II 1, and Asia II 7 genetic groups for Bemisia tabaci on abovementioned crops. Individuals were examined for symbiotic bacterial infection with specific primers amplifying the 16S rRNA gene for Portiera, Rickettsia, Cardinium, and Wolbachia, and the 23S rRNA gene for Arsenophonus. The results show that Portiera was present in all the Bemisia tabaci samples. However, variations were noted in the circulation frequencies of secondary endosymbionts among the Bemisia tabaci populations. A significant difference was noticed in the distribution frequency of Rickettsia between cotton and China rose or okra with their p values as 0.016 and 0.033 respectively. The uneven incidence of secondary endosymbionts ropes the assumption that each endosymbiotic bacterium not only has a role in the endurance but may contribute to the polyphagous nature of Bemisia tabaci. It also brings an uncomplicated evidence for progressive studies on control measures of this notorious insect pest.},
}
@article {pmid30384840,
year = {2018},
author = {Ying, H and Cooke, I and Sprungala, S and Wang, W and Hayward, DC and Tang, Y and Huttley, G and Ball, EE and Forêt, S and Miller, DJ},
title = {Comparative genomics reveals the distinct evolutionary trajectories of the robust and complex coral lineages.},
journal = {Genome biology},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {175},
pmid = {30384840},
issn = {1474-760X},
mesh = {Animals ; Anthozoa/*classification/*genetics ; *Biological Evolution ; Genome ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; Genomics/*methods ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite the biological and economic significance of scleractinian reef-building corals, the lack of large molecular datasets for a representative range of species limits understanding of many aspects of their biology. Within the Scleractinia, based on molecular evidence, it is generally recognised that there are two major clades, Complexa and Robusta, but the genomic bases of significant differences between them remain unclear.<br><br>RESULTS: Draft genome assemblies and annotations were generated for three coral species: Galaxea fascicularis (Complexa), Fungia sp., and Goniastrea aspera (Robusta). Whilst phylogenetic analyses strongly support a deep split between Complexa and Robusta, synteny analyses reveal a high level of gene order conservation between all corals, but not between corals and sea anemones or between sea anemones. HOX-related gene clusters are, however, well preserved across all of these combinations. Differences between species are apparent in the distribution and numbers of protein domains and an apparent correlation between number of HSP20 proteins and stress tolerance. Uniquely amongst animals, a complete histidine biosynthesis pathway is present in robust corals but not in complex corals or sea anemones. This pathway appears to be ancestral, and its retention in the robust coral lineage has important implications for coral nutrition and symbiosis.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The availability of three new coral genomes enabled&#xa0;recognition of a de novo histidine biosynthesis pathway in robust corals which is only the second identified biosynthetic difference between corals. These datasets provide a platform for understanding many aspects of coral biology, particularly the interactions of corals with their endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid30391314,
year = {2019},
author = {Konecka, E and Olszanowski, Z},
title = {A new Cardinium group of bacteria found in Achipteria coleoptrata (Acari: Oribatida).},
journal = {Molecular phylogenetics and evolution},
volume = {131},
number = {},
pages = {64-71},
doi = {10.1016/j.ympev.2018.10.043},
pmid = {30391314},
issn = {1095-9513},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteroidetes/*physiology ; Base Sequence ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Likelihood Functions ; Mites/*microbiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; },
abstract = {The understanding of the biology of arthropods requires an understanding of their bacterial associates. We determined the distribution of bacteria Wolbachia sp., Rickettsia sp., Cardinium sp., Spiroplasma sp., Arsenophonus sp., Hamiltonella sp., and Flavobacterium in oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida). We identified Cardinium sp. in Achipteria coleoptrata. This is the first report of this bacterium in A. coleoptrata. Approximately 30% of the mite population was infected by Cardinium sp. The Cardinium 16S rDNA was examined for the presence of two sequences unique for this microorganism. One of them was noted in Cardinium sp. of A. coleoptrata. In the second sequence, we found nucleotide substitution in the 7th position: A instead of T. In our opinion, this demonstrated the unique nature of Cardinium sp. of A. coleoptrata. We also determined phylogenetic relationship between Cardinium sp., including the strain found in A. coleoptrata by studying the 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences. It revealed that Cardinium from A. coleoptrata did not cluster together with strains from groups A, B, C or D, and constituted a separate clade E. These observations make A. coleoptrata a unique Cardinium host in terms of the distinction of the strain.},
}
@article {pmid30398619,
year = {2018},
author = {Hagen, R and Verhoeve, VI and Gillespie, JJ and Driscoll, TP},
title = {Conjugative Transposons and Their Cargo Genes Vary across Natural Populations of Rickettsia buchneri Infecting the Tick Ixodes scapularis.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {10},
number = {12},
pages = {3218-3229},
pmid = {30398619},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {R01 AI017828/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI126853/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI126108/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; *Gene Amplification ; Genetic Variation ; Genome, Bacterial ; *Interspersed Repetitive Sequences ; Ixodes/*microbiology ; Male ; Rickettsia/*genetics ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {Rickettsia buchneri (formerly Rickettsia endosymbiont of Ixodes scapularis, or REIS) is an obligate intracellular endoparasite of the black-legged tick, the primary vector of Lyme disease in North America. It is noteworthy among the rickettsiae for its relatively large genome (1.8 Mb) and extraordinary proliferation of mobile genetic elements (MGEs), which comprise nearly 35% of its genome. Previous analysis of the R. buchneri genome identified several integrative conjugative elements named Rickettsiales amplified genomic elements (RAGEs); the composition of these RAGEs suggests that continued genomic invasions by MGEs facilitated the proliferation of rickettsial genes related to an intracellular lifestyle. In this study, we compare the genomic diversity at RAGE loci among sequenced rickettsiae that infect three related Ixodes spp., including two strains of R. buchneri and Rickettsia endosymbiont of Ixodes pacificus strain Humboldt, as well as a closely related species R. tamurae infecting Amblyomma testudinarium ticks. We further develop a novel multiplex droplet digital PCR assay and use it to quantify copy number ratios of chromosomal R. buchneri RAGE-A and RAGE-B to the single-copy gene gltA within natural populations of I. scapularis. Our results reveal substantial diversity among R. buchneri at these loci, both within individual ticks as well as in the I. scapularis population at large, demonstrating that genomic rearrangement of MGEs is an active process in these intracellular bacteria.},
}
@article {pmid30405656,
year = {2018},
author = {Cissoko, M and Hocher, V and Gherbi, H and Gully, D and Carré-Mlouka, A and Sane, S and Pignoly, S and Champion, A and Ngom, M and Pujic, P and Fournier, P and Gtari, M and Swanson, E and Pesce, C and Tisa, LS and Sy, MO and Svistoonoff, S},
title = {Actinorhizal Signaling Molecules: Frankia Root Hair Deforming Factor Shares Properties With NIN Inducing Factor.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {1494},
pmid = {30405656},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Actinorhizal plants are able to establish a symbiotic relationship with Frankia bacteria leading to the formation of root nodules. The symbiotic interaction starts with the exchange of symbiotic signals in the soil between the plant and the bacteria. This molecular dialog involves signaling molecules that are responsible for the specific recognition of the plant host and its endosymbiont. Here we studied two factors potentially involved in signaling between Frankia casuarinae and its actinorhizal host Casuarina glauca: (1) the Root Hair Deforming Factor (CgRHDF) detected using a test based on the characteristic deformation of C. glauca root hairs inoculated with F. casuarinae and (2) a NIN activating factor (CgNINA) which is able to activate the expression of CgNIN, a symbiotic gene expressed during preinfection stages of root hair development. We showed that CgRHDF and CgNINA corresponded to small thermoresistant molecules. Both factors were also hydrophilic and resistant to a chitinase digestion indicating structural differences from rhizobial Nod factors (NFs) or mycorrhizal Myc-LCOs. We also investigated the presence of CgNINA and CgRHDF in 16 Frankia strains representative of Frankia diversity. High levels of root hair deformation (RHD) and activation of ProCgNIN were detected for Casuarina-infective strains from clade Ic and closely related strains from clade Ia unable to nodulate C. glauca. Lower levels were present for distantly related strains belonging to clade III. No CgRHDF or CgNINA could be detected for Frankia coriariae (Clade II) or for uninfective strains from clade IV.},
}
@article {pmid30410449,
year = {2018},
author = {Colella, S and Parisot, N and Simonet, P and Gaget, K and Duport, G and Baa-Puyoulet, P and Rahbé, Y and Charles, H and Febvay, G and Callaerts, P and Calevro, F},
title = {Bacteriocyte Reprogramming to Cope With Nutritional Stress in a Phloem Sap Feeding Hemipteran, the Pea Aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {1498},
pmid = {30410449},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Nutritional symbioses play a central role in the ability of insects to thrive on unbalanced diets and in ensuring their evolutionary success. A genomic model for nutritional symbiosis comprises the hemipteran Acyrthosiphon pisum, and the gamma-3-proteobacterium, Buchnera aphidicola, with genomes encoding highly integrated metabolic pathways. A. pisum feeds exclusively on plant phloem sap, a nutritionally unbalanced diet highly variable in composition, thus raising the question of how this symbiotic system responds to nutritional stress. We addressed this by combining transcriptomic, phenotypic and life history trait analyses to determine the organismal impact of deprivation of tyrosine and phenylalanine. These two aromatic amino acids are essential for aphid development, are synthesized in a metabolic pathway for which the aphid host and the endosymbiont are interdependent, and their concentration can be highly variable in plant phloem sap. We found that this nutritional challenge does not have major phenotypic effects on the pea aphid, except for a limited weight reduction and a 2-day delay in onset of nymph laying. Transcriptomic analyses through aphid development showed a prominent response in bacteriocytes (the core symbiotic tissue which houses the symbionts), but not in gut, thus highlighting the role of bacteriocytes as major modulators of this homeostasis. This response does not involve a direct regulation of tyrosine and phenylalanine biosynthetic pathway and transporter genes. Instead, we observed an extensive transcriptional reprogramming of the bacteriocyte with a rapid down-regulation of genes encoding sugar transporters and genes required for sugar metabolism. Consistently, we observed continued overexpression of the A. pisum homolog of RRAD, a small GTPase implicated in repressing aerobic glycolysis. In addition, we found increased transcription of genes involved in proliferation, cell size control and signaling. We experimentally confirmed the significance of these gene expression changes detecting an increase in bacteriocyte number and cell size in vivo under tyrosine and phenylalanine depletion. Our results support a central role of bacteriocytes in the aphid response to amino acid deprivation: their transcriptional and cellular responses fine-tune host physiology providing the host insect with an effective way to cope with the challenges posed by the variability in composition of phloem sap.},
}
@article {pmid30414119,
year = {2019},
author = {Schuler, H and Lopez, JA and Doellman, MM and Hood, GR and Egan, SP and Feder, JL},
title = {Target-Enriched Endosymbiont Sequencing (TEEseq): A New High-Throughput Sequencing Approach Applied to the Comprehensive Characterization of Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {1858},
number = {},
pages = {195-212},
doi = {10.1007/978-1-4939-8775-7_14},
pmid = {30414119},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Computational Biology/*methods ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis/genetics ; *Genome, Bacterial ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/*methods ; Insecta/*microbiology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; },
abstract = {Intracellular bacteria are ubiquitous in the insect world, with perhaps the best-studied example being the alphaproteobacterium, Wolbachia. Like most endosymbionts, Wolbachia cannot be cultivated outside of its host cells, hindering traditional microbial characterization techniques. Furthermore, multiple Wolbachia strains can be present within a single host, and certain strains can be present in densities below the detection limit of current methods. To date, Wolbachia has most commonly been studied using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and Sanger DNA sequencing by targeting specific genes in the bacterium's genome. PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing of multiple Wolbachia strains requires analysis of individually cloned sequences, which is resource and labor intensive. To help mitigate these difficulties, we present a modified double digest restriction site associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) approach to target and sequence in parallel multiple genes by adding restriction enzyme recognition sites to gene-specific PCR primers. Adopting this strategy allows us to uniquely tag and sequence amplicons from multiple hosts simultaneously on an Illumina MiSeq platform. Our approach represents an efficient and cost-effective method to characterize multiple target genes in population surveys.},
}
@article {pmid30415881,
year = {2019},
author = {Flores-Félix, JD and Sánchez-Juanes, F and García-Fraile, P and Valverde, A and Mateos, PF and Gónzalez-Buitrago, JM and Velázquez, E and Rivas, R},
title = {Phaseolus vulgaris is nodulated by the symbiovar viciae of several genospecies of Rhizobium laguerreae complex in a Spanish region where Lens culinaris is the traditionally cultivated legume.},
journal = {Systematic and applied microbiology},
volume = {42},
number = {2},
pages = {240-247},
doi = {10.1016/j.syapm.2018.10.009},
pmid = {30415881},
issn = {1618-0984},
mesh = {Bacterial Typing Techniques ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Genes, Bacterial ; Phaseolus/*microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; Rhizobium/*classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Root Nodules, Plant/microbiology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Soil Microbiology ; Spain ; },
abstract = {Phaseolus vulgaris and Lens culinaris are two legumes with different distribution centers that were introduced in Spain at different times, but in some regions L. culinaris has been traditionally cultivated and P. vulgaris did not. Here we analysed the rhizobia isolated from nodules of these two legumes in one of these regions. MALDI-TOF MS analysis showed that all isolated strains matched with Rhizobium laguerreae and the phylogenetic analysis of rrs, atpD and recA genes confirmed these results. The phylogenetic analysis of these core genes allowed the differentiation of several groups within R. laguerreae and unexpectedly, strains with housekeeping genes identical to that of the type strain of R. laguerreae presented some differences in the rrs gene. In some strains this gene contains an intervening sequence (IVS) identical to that found in Rhizobium strains nodulating several legumes in different geographical locations. The atpD, recA and nodC genes of all isolated strains clustered with those of strains nodulating L. culinaris in its distribution centers, but not with those nodulating P. vulgaris in theirs. Therefore, all these strains belong to the symbiovar viciae, including those isolated from P. vulgaris, which in the studied region established effective symbiosis with the common endosymbiont of L. culinaris, instead to with its common endosymbiont, the symbiovar phaseoli. These results are particularly interesting for biogeography studies, because they showed that, due its high promiscuity degree, P. vulgaris is able to establish symbiosis with local symbiovars well established in the soil after centuries of cultivation with other legumes.},
}
@article {pmid30423824,
year = {2018},
author = {Lv, N and Wang, L and Sang, W and Liu, CZ and Qiu, BL},
title = {Effects of Endosymbiont Disruption on the Nutritional Dynamics of the Pea Aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {30423824},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2016TX03N273//the Guangdong science and technology innovation leading talent program/ ; 2014-19//he Guangdong Province Universities and Colleges Pearl River Scholar Funded Scheme/ ; 201509010023, 201804020070//the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou/ ; },
abstract = {Pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) is a worldwide pest that feeds exclusively on the phloem sap of numerous host plants. It harbours a well-known primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola that helps to overcome the nutritional deficiency of a plant-based diet. However, how the Buchnera contributes to the nutritional and energy metabolism of its aphid host is unclear to date. In the current study, the function of Buchnera in relation to nutritional synthesis of pea aphid was investigated by disrupting the primary endosymbiont with an antibiotic rifampicin. Our findings revealed that the disruption of Buchnera led to infertility and higher loss in body mass of aphid hosts. Body length and width were also decreased significantly compared to healthy aphids. The detection of nutrition indicated that the quantity of proteins, soluble sugars, and glycogen in aposymbiotic pea aphids increased slowly with the growth of the aphid host. In comparison, the quantities of all the nutritional factors were significantly lower than those of symbiotic pea aphids, while the quantity of total lipid and neutral fat in aposymbiotic pea aphids were distinctly higher than those of symbiotic ones. Thus, we concluded that the significant reduction of the total amount of proteins, soluble sugars, and glycogen and the significant increase of neutral fats in aposymbiotic pea aphids were due to the disruption of Buchnera, which confirmed that the function of Buchnera is irreplaceable in the pea aphid.},
}
@article {pmid30425149,
year = {2018},
author = {Campbell, MA and Łukasik, P and Meyer, MC and Buckner, M and Simon, C and Veloso, C and Michalik, A and McCutcheon, JP},
title = {Changes in Endosymbiont Complexity Drive Host-Level Compensatory Adaptations in Cicadas.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {9},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {30425149},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {P20 GM103546/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Alphaproteobacteria/genetics ; Animals ; Evolution, Molecular ; Female ; Genome, Bacterial ; Hemiptera/*microbiology/*physiology ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; Ovum/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {For insects that depend on one or more bacterial endosymbionts for survival, it is critical that these bacteria are faithfully transmitted between insect generations. Cicadas harbor two essential bacterial endosymbionts, "Candidatus Sulcia muelleri" and "Candidatus Hodgkinia cicadicola." In some cicada species, Hodgkinia has fragmented into multiple distinct but interdependent cellular and genomic lineages that can differ in abundance by more than two orders of magnitude. This complexity presents a potential problem for the host cicada, because low-abundance but essential Hodgkinia lineages risk being lost during the symbiont transmission bottleneck from mother to egg. Here we show that all cicada eggs seem to receive the full complement of Hodgkinia lineages, and that in cicadas with more complex Hodgkinia this outcome is achieved by increasing the number of Hodgkinia cells transmitted by up to 6-fold. We further show that cicada species with varying Hodgkinia complexity do not visibly alter their transmission mechanism at the resolution of cell biological structures. Together these data suggest that a major cicada adaptation to changes in endosymbiont complexity is an increase in the number of Hodgkinia cells transmitted to each egg. We hypothesize that the requirement to increase the symbiont titer is one of the costs associated with Hodgkinia fragmentation.IMPORTANCE Sap-feeding insects critically rely on one or more bacteria or fungi to provide essential nutrients that are not available at sufficient levels in their diets. These microbes are passed between insect generations when the mother places a small packet of microbes into each of her eggs before it is laid. We have previously described an unusual lineage fragmentation process in a nutritional endosymbiotic bacterium of cicadas called Hodgkinia In some cicadas, a single Hodgkinia lineage has split into numerous related lineages, each performing a subset of original function and therefore each required for normal host function. Here we test how this splitting process affects symbiont transmission to eggs. We find that cicadas dramatically increase the titer of Hodgkinia cells passed to each egg in response to lineage fragmentation, and we hypothesize that this increase in bacterial cell count is one of the major costs associated with endosymbiont fragmentation.},
}
@article {pmid30426159,
year = {2019},
author = {Mohanty, I and Rath, A and Swain, SP and Pradhan, N and Hazra, RK},
title = {Wolbachia Population in Vectors and Non-vectors: A Sustainable Approach Towards Dengue Control.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {76},
number = {2},
pages = {133-143},
pmid = {30426159},
issn = {1432-0991},
support = {0//Lady Tata Memorial Trust/ ; },
mesh = {Aedes/microbiology ; Animals ; Biological Control Agents ; Communicable Disease Control/*methods ; Dengue/*prevention &amp; control/transmission ; Female ; India ; Male ; Mosquito Vectors/classification/*microbiology ; Ovary/microbiology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; Salivary Glands/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/genetics/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is gram negative obligate endosymbiont known for reproductive manipulation in the host. It is important to study the presence of natural Wolbachia in mosquitoes which can later help in understanding the effect of transfected strain on indigenous strain. With this view, the present study is undertaken to focus on the prevalence, diversity, infection frequencies, phylogeny and density of indigenous Wolbachia strains in wild mosquito species of Odisha. Our study confirms Wolbachia presence in Ae. albopictus, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. vishnui, Cx. gelidus, Ar. subalbatus, Mn. uniformis, and Mn. indiana. Wolbachia in the above mosquitoes were separated into two supergroups (A and B). Ae. albopictus, the major vector of dengue and chikungungunya had both super-infection and mono-infection. The ovaries of Ae. albopictus were highest in density of Wolbachia as compared to midguts or salivary glands. wAlBA and wAlbB density were variable in mosquitoes of F1 generation for both the sex and at different age. We also found that Wolbachia super-infection in females tends to increase whereas wAlbA density reduced completely as compared to wAlbB in males when they grew old. Giemsa stained squashed ovaries revealed pink pleomorphic Wolbachia cells with different shapes and forms. This study is unique in its kind covering the major aspects of the endosymbiont Wolbachia and focusing on its potential as a biocontrol agent in arboviral outbreaks. Knowledge on potential of the indigenous strain and interactions between Wolbachia and viruses can be utilized further to reduce the global burden of vector borne diseases.},
}
@article {pmid30447617,
year = {2018},
author = {Hines, HN and Onsbring, H and Ettema, TJG and Esteban, GF},
title = {Molecular Investigation of the Ciliate Spirostomum semivirescens, with First Transcriptome and New Geographical Records.},
journal = {Protist},
volume = {169},
number = {6},
pages = {875-886},
doi = {10.1016/j.protis.2018.08.001},
pmid = {30447617},
issn = {1618-0941},
mesh = {Chlorella/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Ciliophora/*classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/microbiology ; Codon, Terminator ; Endophytes/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; *Gene Expression Profiling ; *Phylogeography ; Protein Biosynthesis ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; Sweden ; United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {The ciliate Spirostomum semivirescens is a large freshwater protist densely packed with endosymbiotic algae and capable of building a protective coating from surrounding particles. The species has been rarely recorded and it lacks any molecular investigations. We obtained such data from S. semivirescens isolated in the UK and Sweden. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of isolates from both countries, the transcriptome of S. semivirescens was generated. A phylogenetic analysis identified S. semivirescens as a close relative to S. minus. Additionally, rRNA sequence analysis of the green algal endosymbiont revealed that it is closely related to Chlorella vulgaris. Along with the molecular species identification, an analysis of the ciliates' stop codons was carried out, which revealed a relationship where TGA stop codon frequency decreased with increasing gene expression levels. The observed codon bias suggests that S. semivirescens could be in an early stage of reassigning the TGA stop codon. Analysis of the transcriptome indicates that S. semivirescens potentially uses rhodoquinol-dependent fumarate reduction to respire in the oxygen-depleted habitats where it lives. The data also shows that despite large geographical distances (over 1,600km) between the sampling sites investigated, a morphologically-identical species can share an exact molecular signature, suggesting that some ciliate species, even those over 1mm in size, could have a global biogeographical distribution.},
}
@article {pmid30448382,
year = {2019},
author = {Herran, B and Cerveau, N and Houdelet, C and Bernier, C and Debenest, C and Delaunay, C and Raimond, M and Bertaux, J and Grève, P},
title = {IGFBP-rP1, a strongly conserved member of the androgenic hormone signalling pathway in Isopoda.},
journal = {General and comparative endocrinology},
volume = {272},
number = {},
pages = {9-19},
doi = {10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.11.006},
pmid = {30448382},
issn = {1095-6840},
mesh = {Androgens ; Animals ; Female ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins/*genetics/*metabolism ; Isopoda/*metabolism ; Male ; Signal Transduction ; },
abstract = {The first protein which has been described to interact with the malacostracan Androgenic Gland Hormone (AGH) is a binding protein called IGFBP-rP1. It has been identified and studied in several species of decapods, in which its interaction with the masculinizing hormone and its expression patterns have been established in several ways. However, this protein remains uncharacterised to date in the other malacostracan orders, like Amphipoda and Isopoda, although they were historically the first ones in which the androgenic gland and the corresponding hormone were respectively described. In this article, we identified the IGFBP-rP1 of isopods and established its implication in the pathway of the AGH with a silencing approach in the model species Armadillidium vulgare. We also showed that this gene is expressed in all the tissues of males and females, with a similar pattern in animals infected with Wolbachia, a feminizing endosymbiont of several isopod species. The expression pattern did not differ during the development of uninfected and infected animals either. We finally studied the evolution of the IGFBP-rP1 in 68 isopod species, looking for conserved motifs and evidence of natural selection. Altogether, our results showed that this gene is constitutively expressed and strongly conserved in isopods, in which it likely constitutes a key element of the insulin/IGF signalling pathway. However, we also illustrated that IGFBP-rP1 is not sufficient on its own to explain the different developmental paths taken by the males and the females or feminized genetic males.},
}
@article {pmid30454555,
year = {2018},
author = {Sapountzis, P and Zhukova, M and Shik, JZ and Schiott, M and Boomsma, JJ},
title = {Reconstructing the functions of endosymbiotic Mollicutes in fungus-growing ants.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {30454555},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {323085/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; ERC Advanced Grant 323085/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Acetates/metabolism ; Animals ; Ants/*microbiology ; Arginine/metabolism ; Biotransformation ; Citrates/metabolism ; Glucose/metabolism ; Intestines/microbiology ; *Symbiosis ; Tenericutes/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Mollicutes, a widespread class of bacteria associated with animals and plants, were recently identified as abundant abdominal endosymbionts in healthy workers of attine fungus-farming leaf-cutting ants. We obtained draft genomes of the two most common strains harbored by Panamanian fungus-growing ants. Reconstructions of their functional significance showed that they are independently acquired symbionts, most likely to decompose excess arginine consistent with the farmed fungal cultivars providing this nitrogen-rich amino-acid in variable quantities. Across the attine lineages, the relative abundances of the two Mollicutes strains are associated with the substrate types that foraging workers offer to fungus gardens. One of the symbionts is specific to the leaf-cutting ants and has special genomic machinery to catabolize citrate/glucose into acetate, which appears to deliver direct metabolic energy to the ant workers. Unlike other Mollicutes associated with insect hosts, both attine ant strains have complete phage-defense systems, underlining that they are actively maintained as mutualistic symbionts.},
}
@article {pmid30455292,
year = {2018},
author = {Melnikov, SV and van den Elzen, A and Stevens, DL and Thoreen, CC and Söll, D},
title = {Loss of protein synthesis quality control in host-restricted organisms.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {115},
number = {49},
pages = {E11505-E11512},
pmid = {30455292},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {R01 GM125955/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R35 GM122560/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; Amino Acids ; Bacteria/*genetics/*metabolism ; Conserved Sequence ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial/physiology ; Protein Biosynthesis ; Protein Domains ; RNA Editing ; },
abstract = {Intracellular organisms, such as obligate parasites and endosymbionts, typically possess small genomes due to continuous genome decay caused by an environment with alleviated natural selection. Previously, a few species with highly reduced genomes, including the intracellular pathogens Mycoplasma and Microsporidia, have been shown to carry degenerated editing domains in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. These defects in the protein synthesis machinery cause inaccurate translation of the genetic code, resulting in significant statistical errors in protein sequences that are thought to help parasites to escape immune response of a host. In this study we analyzed 10,423 complete bacterial genomes to assess conservation of the editing domains in tRNA synthetases, including LeuRS, IleRS, ValRS, ThrRS, AlaRS, and PheRS. We found that, while the editing domains remain intact in free-living species, they are degenerated in the overwhelming majority of host-restricted bacteria. Our work illustrates that massive genome erosion triggered by an intracellular lifestyle eradicates one of the most fundamental components of a living cell: the system responsible for proofreading of amino acid selection for protein synthesis. This finding suggests that inaccurate translation of the genetic code might be a general phenomenon among intercellular organisms with reduced genomes.},
}
@article {pmid30456532,
year = {2019},
author = {Schneider, DI and Ehrman, L and Engl, T and Kaltenpoth, M and Hua-Van, A and Le Rouzic, A and Miller, WJ},
title = {Symbiont-Driven Male Mating Success in the Neotropical Drosophila paulistorum Superspecies.},
journal = {Behavior genetics},
volume = {49},
number = {1},
pages = {83-98},
pmid = {30456532},
issn = {1573-3297},
support = {P 22634/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 28255/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Behavior, Animal ; Biological Evolution ; Drosophila/*microbiology ; Drosophila Proteins/metabolism ; Female ; Male ; Reproduction/*physiology ; Reproductive Isolation ; Sex Attractants/metabolism/physiology ; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology ; Species Specificity ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {Microbial symbionts are ubiquitous associates of living organisms but their role in mediating reproductive isolation (RI) remains controversial. We addressed this knowledge gap by employing the Drosophila paulistorum-Wolbachia model system. Semispecies in the D. paulistorum species complex exhibit strong RI between each other and knockdown of obligate mutualistic Wolbachia bacteria in female D. paulistorum flies triggers loss of assortative mating behavior against males carrying incompatible Wolbachia strains. Here we set out to determine whether de novo RI can be introduced by Wolbachia-knockdown in D. paulistorum males. We show that Wolbachia-knockdown D. paulistorum males (i) are rejected as mates by wild type females, (ii) express altered sexual pheromone profiles, and (iii) are devoid of the endosymbiont in pheromone producing cells. Our findings suggest that changes in Wolbachia titer and tissue tropism can induce de novo premating isolation by directly or indirectly modulating sexual behavior of their native D. paulistorum hosts.},
}
@article {pmid30458311,
year = {2019},
author = {Yu, J and Wang, M and Liu, B and Yue, X and Li, C},
title = {Gill symbionts of the cold-seep mussel Bathymodiolus platifrons: Composition, environmental dependency and immune control.},
journal = {Fish &amp; shellfish immunology},
volume = {86},
number = {},
pages = {246-252},
doi = {10.1016/j.fsi.2018.11.041},
pmid = {30458311},
issn = {1095-9947},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/classification/metabolism ; Gene Expression ; Gills/metabolism/*microbiology ; Methane/metabolism ; Mytilidae/immunology/metabolism/*microbiology ; R-SNARE Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Symbiosis/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Deep-sea Bathymodiolus mussels depend on the organic carbon supplied by symbionts inside their gills. In this study, optimized methods of quantitative real-time PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization targeted to both mRNA and 16S rRNA were used to investigate the gill symbionts of the cold-seep mussel Bathymodiolus platifrons, including species composition, environmental dependency and immune control by the host. Our results showed that methanotrophs were the major symbiotic bacteria in the gills of B. platifrons, while thiotrophs were scarce. In the mussels freshly collected from the deep sea, methanotrophs were housed in bacteriocytes in a unique circular pattern, and a lysosome-related gene (VAMP) encoding a vesicle-associated membrane protein was expressed at a high level and presented exactly where the methanotrophs occurred. After the mussels were reared for three months in aquaria without methane supply, the abundance of methanotrophs decreased significantly and their circle-shaped distribution pattern disappeared; in addition, the expression of VAMP decreased significantly. These results suggest that the symbiosis between B. platifrons and methanotrophs is influenced by the environment and that the lysosomal system plays an important immune role in controlling the abundance of endosymbionts in host. This study provides a reliable method for investigating symbionts in deep-sea mussels and enriches the knowledge about symbionts in B. platifrons.},
}
@article {pmid30459726,
year = {2018},
author = {Brown, AMV and Wasala, SK and Howe, DK and Peetz, AB and Zasada, IA and Denver, DR},
title = {Comparative Genomics of Wolbachia-Cardinium Dual Endosymbiosis in a Plant-Parasitic Nematode.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {2482},
pmid = {30459726},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Wolbachia and Cardinium are among the most important and widespread of all endosymbionts, occurring in nematodes and more than half of insect and arachnid species, sometimes as coinfections. These symbionts are of significant interest as potential biocontrol agents due to their abilities to cause major effects on host biology and reproduction through cytoplasmic incompatibility, sex ratio distortion, or obligate mutualism. The ecological and metabolic effects of coinfections are not well understood. This study examined a Wolbachia-Cardinium coinfection in the plant-parasitic nematode (PPN), Pratylenchus penetrans, producing the first detailed study of such a coinfection using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and comparative genomic analysis. Results from FISH and single-nematode PCR showed 123/127 individuals in a focal population carried Cardinium (denoted strain cPpe), and 48% were coinfected with Wolbachia strain wPpe. Both endosymbionts showed dispersed tissue distribution with highest densities in the anterior intestinal walls and gonads. Phylogenomic analyses confirmed an early place of cPpe and long distance from a sister strain in another PPN, Heterodera glycines, supporting a long history of both Cardinium and Wolbachia in PPNs. The genome of cPpe was 1.36 Mbp with 35.8% GC content, 1,131 predicted genes, 41% having no known function, and missing biotin and lipoate synthetic capacity and a plasmid present in other strains, despite having a slightly larger genome compared to other sequenced Cardinium. The larger genome revealed expansions of gene families likely involved in host-cellular interactions. More than 2% of the genes of cPpe and wPpe were identified as candidate horizontally transferred genes, with some of these from eukaryotes, including nematodes. A model of the possible Wolbachia-Cardinium interaction is proposed with possible complementation in function for pathways such as methionine and fatty acid biosynthesis and biotin transport.},
}
@article {pmid30464337,
year = {2018},
author = {Chen, YL and Chen, LJ and Chu, CC and Huang, PK and Wen, JR and Li, HM},
title = {TIC236 links the outer and inner membrane translocons of the chloroplast.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {564},
number = {7734},
pages = {125-129},
doi = {10.1038/s41586-018-0713-y},
pmid = {30464337},
issn = {1476-4687},
mesh = {Arabidopsis/*cytology/metabolism ; Arabidopsis Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/metabolism ; Chloroplast Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Chloroplasts/genetics/*metabolism ; Escherichia coli Proteins/metabolism ; Evolution, Molecular ; Intracellular Membranes/*metabolism ; Membrane Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics/*metabolism ; Multiprotein Complexes/genetics/metabolism ; Mutation ; Pisum sativum/cytology ; Protein Binding ; Protein Precursors/metabolism ; Protein Transport ; },
abstract = {The two-membrane envelope is a defining feature of chloroplasts. Chloroplasts evolved from a Gram-negative cyanobacterial endosymbiont. During evolution, genes of the endosymbiont have been transferred to the host nuclear genome. Most chloroplast proteins are synthesized in the cytosol as higher-molecular-mass preproteins with an N-terminal transit peptide. Preproteins are transported into chloroplasts by the TOC and TIC (translocons at the outer- and inner-envelope membranes of chloroplasts, respectively) machineries[1,2], but how TOC and TIC are assembled together is unknown. Here we report the identification of the TIC component TIC236; TIC236 is an integral inner-membrane protein that projects a 230-kDa domain into the intermembrane space, which binds directly to the outer-membrane channel TOC75. The knockout mutation of TIC236 is embryonically lethal. In TIC236-knockdown mutants, a smaller amount of the inner-membrane channel TIC20 was associated with TOC75; the amount of TOC-TIC supercomplexes was also reduced. This resulted in a reduced import rate into the stroma, though outer-membrane protein insertion was unaffected. The size and the essential nature of TIC236 indicate that-unlike in mitochondria, in which the outer- and inner-membrane translocons exist as separate complexes and a supercomplex is only transiently assembled during preprotein translocation[3,4]-a long and stable protein bridge in the intermembrane space is required for protein translocation into chloroplasts. Furthermore, TIC236 and TOC75 are homologues of bacterial inner-membrane TamB[5] and outer-membrane BamA, respectively. Our evolutionary analyses show that, similar to TOC75, TIC236 is preserved only in plants and has co-evolved with TOC75 throughout the plant lineage. This suggests that the backbone of the chloroplast protein-import machinery evolved from the bacterial TamB-BamA protein-secretion system.},
}
@article {pmid30468769,
year = {2019},
author = {Bi, J and Zheng, Y and Wang, RF and Ai, H and Haynes, PR and Brownlie, JC and Yu, XQ and Wang, YF},
title = {Wolbachia infection may improve learning and memory capacity of Drosophila by altering host gene expression through microRNA.},
journal = {Insect biochemistry and molecular biology},
volume = {106},
number = {},
pages = {47-54},
doi = {10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.11.007},
pmid = {30468769},
issn = {1879-0240},
mesh = {Animals ; Drosophila melanogaster/microbiology/*physiology ; Drosophila simulans/microbiology/*physiology ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; Learning ; Memory ; MicroRNAs/*genetics/metabolism ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria present in a wide range of invertebrates. Although their dramatic effects on host reproductive biology have been well studied, little is known about the effects of Wolbachia on the learning and memory capacity (LMC) of hosts, despite their distribution in the host nervous system, including brain. In this study, we found that Wolbachia infection significantly enhanced LMC in both Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans. Expression of LMC-related genes was significantly increased in the head of D. melanogaster infected with the wMel strain, and among these genes, crebA was up-regulated the most. Knockdown of crebA in Wolbachia-infected flies significantly decreased LMC, while overexpression of crebA in Wolbachia-free flies significantly enhanced the LMC of flies. More importantly, a microRNA (miRNA), dme-miR-92b, was identified to be complementary to the 3'UTR of crebA. Wolbachia infection was correlated with reduced expression of dme-miR-92b in D. melanogaster, and dme-miR-92b negatively regulated crebA through binding to its 3'UTR region. Overexpression of dme-miR-92b in Wolbachia-infected flies by microinjection of agomirs caused a significant decrease in crebA expression and LMC, while inhibition of dme-miR-92b in Wolbachia-free flies by microinjection of antagomirs resulted in a significant increase in crebA expression and LMC. These results suggest that Wolbachia may improve LMC in Drosophila by altering host gene expression through a miRNA-target pathway. Our findings help better understand the host-endosymbiont interactions and, in particular, the impact of Wolbachia on cognitive processes in invertebrate hosts.},
}
@article {pmid30470176,
year = {2018},
author = {Zaidman-Rémy, A and Vigneron, A and Weiss, BL and Heddi, A},
title = {What can a weevil teach a fly, and reciprocally? Interaction of host immune systems with endosymbionts in Glossina and Sitophilus.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {Suppl 1},
pages = {150},
pmid = {30470176},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {R01 AI051584/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Evolution ; Enterobacteriaceae/immunology ; Host Microbial Interactions/*immunology ; Pest Control ; Symbiosis/*immunology ; Tsetse Flies/immunology/*microbiology ; Weevils/immunology/*microbiology ; Wigglesworthia/immunology ; Wolbachia/immunology ; },
abstract = {The tsetse fly (Glossina genus) is the main vector of African trypanosomes, which are protozoan parasites that cause human and animal African trypanosomiases in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the frame of the IAEA/FAO program 'Enhancing Vector Refractoriness to Trypanosome Infection', in addition to the tsetse, the cereal weevil Sitophilus has been introduced as a comparative system with regards to immune interactions with endosymbionts. The cereal weevil is an agricultural pest that destroys a significant proportion of cereal stocks worldwide. Tsetse flies are associated with three symbiotic bacteria, the multifunctional obligate Wigglesworthia glossinidia, the facultative commensal Sodalis glossinidius and the parasitic Wolbachia. Cereal weevils house an obligatory nutritional symbiosis with the bacterium Sodalis pierantonius, and occasionally Wolbachia. Studying insect host-symbiont interactions is highly relevant both for understanding the evolution of symbiosis and for envisioning novel pest control strategies. In both insects, the long co-evolution between host and endosymbiont has led to a stringent integration of the host-bacteria partnership. These associations were facilitated by the development of specialized host traits, including symbiont-housing cells called bacteriocytes and specific immune features that enable both tolerance and control of the bacteria. In this review, we compare the tsetse and weevil model systems and compile the latest research findings regarding their biological and ecological similarities, how the immune system controls endosymbiont load and location, and how host-symbiont interactions impact developmental features including cuticle synthesis and immune system maturation. We focus mainly on the interactions between the obligate symbionts and their host's immune systems, a central theme in both model systems. Finally, we highlight how parallel studies on cereal weevils and tsetse flies led to mutual discoveries and stimulated research on each model, creating a pivotal example of scientific improvement through comparison between relatively distant models.},
}
@article {pmid30470178,
year = {2018},
author = {Griffith, BC and Weiss, BL and Aksoy, E and Mireji, PO and Auma, JE and Wamwiri, FN and Echodu, R and Murilla, G and Aksoy, S},
title = {Analysis of the gut-specific microbiome from field-captured tsetse flies, and its potential relevance to host trypanosome vector competence.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {Suppl 1},
pages = {146},
pmid = {30470178},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {D43 TW007391/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI051584/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI068932/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U01 AI115648/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/*classification ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Geography ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Insect Vectors/*microbiology/parasitology ; Kenya ; Symbiosis ; Trypanosoma/*physiology ; Tsetse Flies/*microbiology/parasitology ; Uganda ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The tsetse fly (Glossina sp.) midgut is colonized by maternally transmitted and environmentally acquired bacteria. Additionally, the midgut serves as a niche in which pathogenic African trypanosomes reside within infected flies. Tsetse's bacterial microbiota impacts many aspects of the fly's physiology. However, little is known about the structure of tsetse's midgut-associated bacterial communities as they relate to geographically distinct fly habitats in east Africa and their contributions to parasite infection outcomes. We utilized culture dependent and independent methods to characterize the taxonomic structure and density of bacterial communities that reside within the midgut of tsetse flies collected at geographically distinct locations in Kenya and Uganda.<br><br>RESULTS: Using culture dependent methods, we isolated 34 strains of bacteria from four different tsetse species (G. pallidipes, G. brevipalpis, G. fuscipes and G. fuscipleuris) captured at three distinct locations in Kenya. To increase the depth of this study, we deep sequenced midguts from individual uninfected and trypanosome infected G. pallidipes captured at two distinct locations in Kenya and one in Uganda. We found that tsetse's obligate endosymbiont, Wigglesworthia, was the most abundant bacterium present in the midgut of G. pallidipes, and the density of this bacterium remained largely consistent regardless of whether or not its tsetse host was infected with trypanosomes. These fly populations also housed the commensal symbiont Sodalis, which was found at significantly higher densities in trypanosome infected compared to uninfected flies. Finally, midguts of field-captured G. pallidipes were colonized with distinct, low density communities of environmentally acquired microbes that differed in taxonomic structure depending on parasite infection status and the geographic location from which the flies were collected.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will enhance our understanding of the tripartite relationship between tsetse, its microbiota and trypanosome vector competence. This information may be useful for developing novel disease control strategies or enhancing the efficacy of those already in use.},
}
@article {pmid30470184,
year = {2018},
author = {Channumsin, M and Ciosi, M and Masiga, D and Turner, CMR and Mable, BK},
title = {Sodalis glossinidius presence in wild tsetse is only associated with presence of trypanosomes in complex interactions with other tsetse-specific factors.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {Suppl 1},
pages = {163},
pmid = {30470184},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {//Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 093692//Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Age Factors ; Animals ; Enterobacteriaceae/*physiology ; Environment ; Female ; Geography ; Kenya ; Male ; Sex Factors ; *Symbiosis ; Tsetse Flies/*microbiology/*parasitology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Susceptibility of tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) to trypanosomes of both humans and animals has been associated with the presence of the endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius. However, intrinsic biological characteristics of the flies and environmental factors can influence the presence of both S. glossinidius and the parasites. It thus remains unclear whether it is the S. glossinidius or other attributes of the flies that explains the apparent association. The objective of this study was to test whether the presence of Trypanosoma vivax, T. congolense and T. brucei are related to the presence of S. glossinidius in tsetse flies when other factors are accounted for: geographic location, species of Glossina, sex or age of the host flies.<br><br>RESULTS: Flies (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;1090) were trapped from four sites in the Shimba Hills and Nguruman regions in Kenya. Sex and species of tsetse (G. austeni, G. brevipalpis, G. longipennis and G. pallidipes) were determined based on external morphological characters and age was estimated by a wing fray score method. The presence of trypanosomes and S. glossinidius was detected using PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer region 1 and the haemolysin gene, respectively. Sequencing was used to confirm species identification. Generalised Linear Models (GLMs) and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) were applied to investigate multivariable associations. The overall prevalence of trypanosomes was 42.1%, but GLMs revealed complex patterns of associations: the presence of S. glossinidius was associated with trypanosome presence but only in interactions with other factors and only in some species of trypanosomes. The strongest association was found for T. congolense, and no association was found for T. vivax. The MCA also suggested only a weak association between the presence of trypanosomes and S. glossinidius. Trypanosome-positive status showed strong associations with sex and age while S. glossinidius-positive status showed a strong association with geographic location and species of fly.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that previous conclusions about the presence of endosymbionts increasing probability of trypanosome presence in tsetse flies may have been confounded by other factors, such as community composition of the tsetse flies and the specific trypanosomes found in different regions.},
}
@article {pmid30470188,
year = {2018},
author = {Engl, T and Michalkova, V and Weiss, BL and Uzel, GD and Takac, P and Miller, WJ and Abd-Alla, AMM and Aksoy, S and Kaltenpoth, M},
title = {Effect of antibiotic treatment and gamma-irradiation on cuticular hydrocarbon profiles and mate choice in tsetse flies (Glossina m. morsitans).},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {Suppl 1},
pages = {145},
pmid = {30470188},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {P 22634/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; P 28255/FWF_/Austrian Science Fund FWF/Austria ; R01 AI051584/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Ampicillin/pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*pharmacology ; Female ; Hydrocarbons/*analysis ; Insect Proteins/*chemistry/radiation effects ; Male ; Microbiota/*drug effects ; *Sexual Behavior, Animal/drug effects/radiation effects ; Symbiosis/drug effects ; Tetracycline/pharmacology ; Tsetse Flies/*physiology/radiation effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symbiotic microbes represent a driving force of evolutionary innovation by conferring novel ecological traits to their hosts. Many insects are associated with microbial symbionts that contribute to their host's nutrition, digestion, detoxification, reproduction, immune homeostasis, and defense. In addition, recent studies suggest a microbial involvement in chemical communication and mating behavior, which can ultimately impact reproductive isolation and, hence, speciation. Here we investigated whether a disruption of the microbiota through antibiotic treatment or irradiation affects cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, and possibly mate choice behavior in the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans. Four independent experiments that differentially knock down the multiple bacterial symbionts of tsetse flies were conducted by subjecting tsetse flies to ampicillin, tetracycline, or gamma-irradiation and analyzing their cuticular hydrocarbon profiles in comparison to untreated controls by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. In two of the antibiotic experiments, flies were mass-reared, while individual rearing was done for the third experiment to avoid possible chemical cross-contamination between individual flies.<br><br>RESULTS: All three antibiotic experiments yielded significant effects of antibiotic treatment (particularly tetracycline) on cuticular hydrocarbon profiles in both female and male G. m. morsitans, while irradiation itself had no effect on the CHC profiles. Importantly, tetracycline&#xa0;treatment reduced relative amounts of 15,19,23-trimethyl-heptatriacontane, a known compound of the female contact sex pheromone, in two of the three experiments, suggesting a possible implication of microbiota disturbance on mate choice decisions. Concordantly, both female and male flies preferred non-treated over tetracycline-treated flies in direct choice assays.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: While we cannot exclude the possibility that antibiotic treatment had a directly detrimental effect on fly vigor as we are unable&#xa0;to recolonize antibiotic treated flies with individual symbiont taxa, our results are consistent with an effect of the microbiota, particularly the obligate nutritional endosymbiont Wigglesworthia, on CHC profiles and mate choice behavior. These findings highlight the importance of considering host-microbiota interactions when studying chemical communication and mate choice in insects.},
}
@article {pmid30470198,
year = {2018},
author = {Scolari, F and Attardo, GM and Aksoy, E and Weiss, B and Savini, G and Takac, P and Abd-Alla, A and Parker, AG and Aksoy, S and Malacrida, AR},
title = {Symbiotic microbes affect the expression of male reproductive genes in Glossina m. morsitans.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {18},
number = {Suppl 1},
pages = {169},
pmid = {30470198},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {R21 AI109263/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Insect Control ; Male ; *Microbiota ; Reproduction/genetics ; Sex Factors ; *Symbiosis ; Testis ; Transcriptome ; Tsetse Flies/*genetics/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tsetse flies (Diptera, Glossinidae) display unique reproductive biology traits. Females reproduce through adenotrophic viviparity, nourishing the growing larva into their modified uterus until parturition. Males transfer their sperm and seminal fluid, produced by both testes and male accessory glands, in a spermatophore capsule transiently formed within the female reproductive tract upon mating. Both sexes are obligate blood feeders and have evolved tight relationships with endosymbionts, already shown to provide essential nutrients lacking in their diet. However, the partnership between tsetse and its symbionts has so far been investigated, at the molecular, genomic and metabolomics level, only in females, whereas the roles of microbiota in male reproduction are still unexplored.<br><br>RESULTS: Here we begin unravelling the impact of microbiota on Glossina m. morsitans (G. morsitans) male reproductive biology by generating transcriptomes from the reproductive tissues of males deprived of their endosymbionts (aposymbiotic) via maternal antibiotic treatment and dietary supplementation. We then compared the transcriptional profiles of genes expressed in the male reproductive tract of normal and these aposymbiotic flies. We showed that microbiota removal impacts several male reproductive genes by depressing the activity of genes in the male accessory glands (MAGs), including sequences encoding seminal fluid proteins, and increasing expression of genes in the testes. In the MAGs, in particular, the expression of genes related to mating, immunity and seminal fluid components' synthesis is reduced. In the testes, the absence of symbionts activates genes involved in the metabolic apparatus at the basis of male reproduction, including sperm production, motility and function.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our findings mirrored the complementary roles male accessory glands and testes play in supporting male reproduction and open new avenues for disentangling the interplay between male insects and endosymbionts. From an applied perspective, unravelling the metabolic and functional relationships between tsetse symbionts and male reproductive physiology will provide fundamental information useful to understanding the biology underlying improved male reproductive success in tsetse. This information is of particular importance in the context of tsetse population control via Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and its impact on trypanosomiasis transmission.},
}
@article {pmid30472481,
year = {2019},
author = {Marangoni, LFB and Pinto, MMAN and Marques, JA and Bianchini, A},
title = {Copper exposure and seawater acidification interaction: Antagonistic effects on biomarkers in the zooxanthellate scleractinian coral Mussismilia harttii.},
journal = {Aquatic toxicology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {206},
number = {},
pages = {123-133},
doi = {10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.11.005},
pmid = {30472481},
issn = {1879-1514},
mesh = {Animals ; Anthozoa/*drug effects ; Biomarkers/*metabolism ; Chlorophyll A/analysis ; Copper/*toxicity ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Photosynthesis/drug effects ; Seawater/*chemistry ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity ; },
abstract = {Coral reefs are threatened by global and local impacts, such as ocean acidification (OA) and metal contamination. Toxicity of metals, such as copper (Cu), is expected to be enhanced with OA. However, the interaction between these environmental stressors is still poorly evaluated. In the present study, the interactive effects of seawater acidification and increasing Cu concentrations were evaluated in a zooxanthellate scleractinian coral (Mussismilia harttii), using biochemical biomarkers involved in the coral calcification process and the photosynthetic metabolism of endosymbionts. Corals were kept under control conditions (no seawater acidification and no Cu addition in seawater) or exposed to combined treatments of reduced seawater pH (8.1, 7.8, 7.5 and 7.2) and environmentally relevant concentrations of dissolved Cu (measured: 1.0, 1.6, 2.3 and 3.2 μg/L) in a mesocosm system. After 15- and 35-days exposure, corals were analyzed for photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll a content, Ca-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity. Results showed that 76% of the interactions between reduced seawater pH and increasing Cu concentrations were antagonistic. Only 24% of these interactions were additive or synergistic. In general, the combination of stressors had no significant deleterious effects in the photosynthetic metabolism of endosymbionts or Ca-ATPase activity. In fact, the lowest dissolved Cu concentration tested had a consistent positive effect on Ca-ATPase activity in corals facing any of the reduced seawater pH conditions tested. In turn, potentially deleterious effects on acid-base balance in M. harttii, associated with changes in CA activity, were intensified by the combination of stressors. Findings reported here indicate that Cu toxicity in future OA scenarios can be less severe than previously suggested in this coral holobiont.},
}
@article {pmid30474731,
year = {2019},
author = {Hosseinzadeh, S and Shams-Bakhsh, M and Mann, M and Fattah-Hosseini, S and Bagheri, A and Mehrabadi, M and Heck, M},
title = {Distribution and Variation of Bacterial Endosymbiont and "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" Titer in the Huanglongbing Insect Vector, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {78},
number = {1},
pages = {206-222},
pmid = {30474731},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {5300-163//California Citrus Research Board/ ; 2016-70016-24779//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; 8062-22410-006-00-D//Agricultural Research Service/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Citrus/*microbiology/parasitology ; Endophytes/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; Female ; Hemiptera/*microbiology/physiology ; Insect Vectors/microbiology/physiology ; Male ; Plant Diseases/*microbiology ; Rhizobiaceae/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/*physiology ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; },
abstract = {The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is an economic insect pest in most citrus-growing regions and the vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas), one of at least three known bacteria associated with Huanglongbing (HLB or citrus greening disease). D. citri harbors bacterial endosymbionts, including Wolbachia pipientis (strain Wolbachia wDi), 'Candidatus Carsonella ruddii,' and 'Candidatus Profftella armatura.' Many important functions of these bacteria can be inferred from their genome sequences, but their interactions with each other, CLas, and their D. citri host are poorly understood. In the present study, the titers of the endosymbionts in different tissues, in each sex, and in insects reared on healthy citrus (referred to as unexposed) and CLas-infected citrus (referred to as CLas-exposed) D. citri were investigated using real-time, quantitative PCR (qPCR) using two different quantitative approaches. Wolbachia and CLas were detected in all insect tissues. The titer of Wolbachia was higher in heads of CLas-exposed males as compared to unexposed males. In males and females, Wolbachia titer was highest in the Malpighian tubules. The highest titer of CLas was observed in the gut. Profftella and Carsonella titers were significantly reduced in the bacteriome of CLas-exposed males compared with that of unexposed males, but this effect was not observed in females. In ovaries of CLas-exposed females, the Profftella and Carsonella titers were increased as compared to non-exposed females. CLas appeared to influence the overall levels of the symbionts but did not drastically perturb the overall microbial community structure. In all the assessed tissues, CLas titer in males was significantly higher than that of females using absolute quantification. These data provide a better understanding of multi-trophic interactions regulating symbiont dynamics in the HLB pathosystem.},
}
@article {pmid30482201,
year = {2018},
author = {Cenci, U and Sibbald, SJ and Curtis, BA and Kamikawa, R and Eme, L and Moog, D and Henrissat, B and Maréchal, E and Chabi, M and Djemiel, C and Roger, AJ and Kim, E and Archibald, JM},
title = {Nuclear genome sequence of the plastid-lacking cryptomonad Goniomonas avonlea provides insights into the evolution of secondary plastids.},
journal = {BMC biology},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {137},
pmid = {30482201},
issn = {1741-7007},
mesh = {Algal Proteins/analysis ; Cell Nucleus/genetics ; Cryptophyta/cytology/*genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome ; Phylogeny ; Plastids/*genetics ; Tryptophan-tRNA Ligase/analysis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The evolution of photosynthesis has been a major driver in eukaryotic diversification. Eukaryotes have acquired plastids (chloroplasts) either directly via the engulfment and integration of a photosynthetic cyanobacterium (primary endosymbiosis) or indirectly by engulfing a photosynthetic eukaryote (secondary or tertiary endosymbiosis). The timing and frequency of secondary endosymbiosis during eukaryotic evolution is currently unclear but may be resolved in part by studying cryptomonads, a group of single-celled eukaryotes comprised of both photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic species. While cryptomonads such as Guillardia theta harbor a red algal-derived plastid of secondary endosymbiotic origin, members of the sister group Goniomonadea lack plastids. Here, we present the genome of Goniomonas avonlea-the first for any goniomonad-to address whether Goniomonadea are ancestrally non-photosynthetic or whether they lost a plastid secondarily.<br><br>RESULTS: We sequenced the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of Goniomonas avonlea and carried out a comparative analysis of Go. avonlea, Gu. theta, and other cryptomonads. The Go. avonlea genome assembly is ~&#x2009;92 Mbp in size, with 33,470 predicted protein-coding genes. Interestingly, some metabolic pathways (e.g., fatty acid biosynthesis) predicted to occur in the plastid and periplastidal compartment of Gu. theta appear to operate in the cytoplasm of Go. avonlea, suggesting that metabolic redundancies were generated during the course of secondary plastid integration. Other cytosolic pathways found in Go. avonlea are not found in Gu. theta, suggesting secondary loss in Gu. theta and other plastid-bearing cryptomonads. Phylogenetic analyses revealed no evidence for algal endosymbiont-derived genes in the Go. avonlea genome. Phylogenomic analyses point to a specific relationship between Cryptista (to which cryptomonads belong) and Archaeplastida.<br><br>CONCLUSION: We found no convincing genomic or phylogenomic evidence that Go. avonlea evolved from a secondary red algal plastid-bearing ancestor, consistent with goniomonads being ancestrally non-photosynthetic eukaryotes. The Go. avonlea genome sheds light on the physiology of heterotrophic cryptomonads and serves as an important reference point for studying the metabolic "rewiring" that took place during secondary plastid integration in the ancestor of modern-day Cryptophyceae.},
}
@article {pmid30483601,
year = {2018},
author = {Jeffries, CL and Lawrence, GG and Golovko, G and Kristan, M and Orsborne, J and Spence, K and Hurn, E and Bandibabone, J and Tantely, LM and Raharimalala, FN and Keita, K and Camara, D and Barry, Y and Wat'senga, F and Manzambi, EZ and Afrane, YA and Mohammed, AR and Abeku, TA and Hedge, S and Khanipov, K and Pimenova, M and Fofanov, Y and Boyer, S and Irish, SR and Hughes, GL and Walker, T},
title = {Novel Wolbachia strains in Anopheles malaria vectors from Sub-Saharan Africa.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {3},
number = {},
pages = {113},
pmid = {30483601},
issn = {2398-502X},
support = {U01 CK000512/CK/NCEZID CDC HHS/United States ; R21 AI124452/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U01CK000512/ACL/ACL HHS/United States ; R21 AI138074/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI129507/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; /WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; R01 AI123074/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Background: Wolbachia, a common insect endosymbiotic bacterium that can influence pathogen transmission and manipulate host reproduction, has historically been considered absent from the Anopheles (An.) genera, but has recently been found in An. gambiae s.l. populations in West Africa. As there are numerous Anopheles species that have the capacity to transmit malaria, we analysed a range of species across five malaria endemic countries to determine Wolbachia prevalence rates, characterise novel Wolbachia strains and determine any correlation between the presence of Plasmodium, Wolbachia and the competing bacterium Asaia. Methods: Anopheles adult mosquitoes were collected from five malaria-endemic countries: Guinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana, Uganda and Madagascar, between 2013 and 2017. Molecular analysis was undertaken using quantitative PCR, Sanger sequencing, Wolbachia multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Results: Novel Wolbachia strains were discovered in five species: An. coluzzii, An. gambiae s.s., An. arabiensis, An. moucheti and An. species A, increasing the number of Anopheles species known to be naturally infected. Variable prevalence rates in different locations were observed and novel strains were phylogenetically diverse, clustering with Wolbachia supergroup B strains. We also provide evidence for resident strain variants within An. species A. Wolbachia is the dominant member of the microbiome in An. moucheti and An. species A but present at lower densities in An. coluzzii. Interestingly, no evidence of Wolbachia/Asaia co-infections was seen and Asaia infection densities were shown to be variable and location dependent. Conclusions: The important discovery of novel Wolbachia strains in Anopheles provides greater insight into the prevalence of resident Wolbachia strains in diverse malaria vectors. Novel Wolbachia strains (particularly high-density strains) are ideal candidate strains for transinfection to create stable infections in other Anopheles mosquito species, which could be used for population replacement or suppression control strategies.},
}
@article {pmid30484903,
year = {2019},
author = {Grover, S and Jindal, V and Banta, G and Taning, CNT and Smagghe, G and Christiaens, O},
title = {Potential of RNA interference in the study and management of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {100},
number = {2},
pages = {e21522},
doi = {10.1002/arch.21522},
pmid = {30484903},
issn = {1520-6327},
support = {//Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India/ ; //Special Research Fund (BOF)/ ; //Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Hemiptera/*genetics/physiology ; Insect Control ; *RNA Interference ; },
abstract = {Whiteflies cause considerable losses to crops, directly by feeding, and indirectly by transmission of viruses. The current control methods consist of a combination of different control tactics, mainly still relying on unsafe and non-ecofriendly chemical control. RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-transcriptional gene-silencing strategy in which double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), corresponding specifically to a target gene, is introduced in a target organism. Research on RNAi in the previous decade has shown its success as a potential insect control strategy, which can be highly species-specific and environment friendly. In whiteflies, the success of dsRNA delivery through the oral route opened possibilities for its management through plant-mediated RNAi. To date, several genes have been targeted in whiteflies through RNAi and these assays demonstrated its potential to manage whiteflies at lab level. However, further research and investments are needed to move toward an application at field level. In this review, for the first time, we collected the literature on genes targeted for silencing via RNAi in whiteflies and discuss the potential of RNAi in whitefly pest control. We also discuss likely delivery methods, including transgenic in planta delivery and symbiont-mediated delivery, and its potential for studying and interfering with insecticide resistance mechanisms and virus transmission by whiteflies.},
}
@article {pmid30496431,
year = {2019},
author = {Sakamoto, H and Suzuki, R and Nishizawa, N and Matsuda, T and Gotoh, T},
title = {Effects of Wolbachia/Cardinium Infection on the Mitochondrial Phylogeny of Oligonychus castaneae (Acari: Tetranychidae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {112},
number = {2},
pages = {883-893},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toy354},
pmid = {30496431},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteroidetes ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; Japan ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; *Tetranychidae ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {A wide range of invertebrates harbor intracellular endosymbiotic bacteria. Within these endosymbionts, Wolbachia and Cardinium, have been attracting particular attention because these bacteria frequently affect the genetic structure and genetic diversity of their hosts. They cause various reproductive alterations such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis induction, male-killing, and feminization. Through these alterations, they also affect the maternally inherited organelles of their hosts. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can be used for molecular phylogenetic analysis of invertebrates. However, in Wolbachia- or Cardinium-infected invertebrates, phylogenetic trees based on mtDNA are often inconsistent with those based on nuclear DNA. In the present study, we determined the Wolbachia/Cardinium infection status of 45 populations of the mite, Oligonychus castaneae Ehara &amp; Gotoh (Acari: Tetranychidae), collected throughout Japan. Then, we compared phylogenetic trees of O. castaneae based on both the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene of mtDNA and the 28S rRNA gene of nuclear DNA to clarify the effects of Wolbachia and/or Cardinium infection. We found 106 Wolbachia-infected individuals and 250 Cardinium-infected individuals in a total of 450 individuals, indicating an infection rate of 79%. No double-infected individuals were observed. In the 28S tree, almost all populations formed a single group. In the COI tree, O. castaneae formed four separate groups that more closely followed Wolbachia/Cardinium infection than geographic distribution. These results strongly suggest that the endosymbionts affected mitochondrial variation of O. castaneae.},
}
@article {pmid30498482,
year = {2018},
author = {Khare, E and Mishra, J and Arora, NK},
title = {Multifaceted Interactions Between Endophytes and Plant: Developments and Prospects.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {2732},
pmid = {30498482},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Microbial endophytes are present in all known plant species. The ability to enter and thrive in the plant tissues makes endophytes unique, showing multidimensional interactions within the host plant. Several vital activities of the host plant are known to be influenced by the presence of endophytes. They can promote plant growth, elicit defense response against pathogen attack, and can act as remediators of abiotic stresses. To date, most of the research has been done assuming that the interaction of endophytes with the host plant is similar to the plant growth-promoting (PGP) microbes present in the rhizosphere. However, a new appreciation of the difference of the rhizosphere environment from that of internal plant tissues is gaining attention. It would be interesting to explore the impact of endosymbionts on the host's gene expression, metabolism, and other physiological aspects essential in conferring resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. A more intriguing and inexplicable issue with many endophytes that has to be critically evaluated is their ability to produce host metabolites, which can be harnessed on a large scale for potential use in diverse areas. In this review, we discuss the concept of endophytism, looking into the latest insights related to the multifarious interactions beneficial for the host plant and exploring the importance of these associations in agriculture and the environment and in other vital aspects such as human health.},
}
@article {pmid30503908,
year = {2019},
author = {McLean, BJ and Dainty, KR and Flores, HA and O'Neill, SL},
title = {Differential suppression of persistent insect specific viruses in trans-infected wMel and wMelPop-CLA Aedes-derived mosquito lines.},
journal = {Virology},
volume = {527},
number = {},
pages = {141-145},
pmid = {30503908},
issn = {1096-0341},
support = {102591/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Aedes/*microbiology/*virology ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Coinfection ; Flavivirus/*physiology ; Microbial Interactions ; Mosquito Vectors/microbiology/virology ; Orthobunyavirus/*physiology ; RNA, Viral/genetics/metabolism ; Species Specificity ; Virus Replication ; Wolbachia/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia suppresses the replication of +ssRNA viruses such as dengue and Zika viruses in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. However, the range of viruses affected by this endosymbiont is yet to be explored. Recently, novel insect-specific viruses (ISVs) have been described from numerous mosquito species and mosquito-derived cell lines. Cell-fusing agent virus (Flaviviridae) and Phasi Charoen-like virus (Bunyaviridae) persistently infect the Ae. aegypti cell line Aag2 which has been used for experimental studies with both the wMel and wMelPop-CLA strains. Wolbachia was found to restrict the replication of CFAV but not the PCLV infection in these lines. Furthermore, an additional Ae. albopictus cell line (RML-12) which contained either wMel or wMelPop-CLA was assessed. While no infectious +ssRNA or dsRNA viruses were detected, a PCLV infection was identified. These observations provide additional evidence to support that insect-specific, +ssRNA viruses can be suppressed in cell culture by Wolbachia but -ssRNA viruses may not.},
}
@article {pmid30506836,
year = {2019},
author = {Hartmann, AC and Marhaver, KL and Klueter, A and Lovci, MT and Closek, CJ and Diaz, E and Chamberland, VF and Archer, FI and Deheyn, DD and Vermeij, MJA and Medina, M},
title = {Acquisition of obligate mutualist symbionts during the larval stage is not beneficial for a coral host.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {28},
number = {1},
pages = {141-155},
doi = {10.1111/mec.14967},
pmid = {30506836},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {//PADI Foundation/International ; //CARMABI Foundation/International ; Graduate Office//Scripps Institution of Oceanography Graduate Office/International ; GK-12 Fellowship//National Science Foundation (NSF) GK-12 Fellowship, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship/International ; Graduate Research Fellowship//National Science Foundation (NSF) GK-12 Fellowship, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship/International ; IOS-1146880//National Science Foundation (NSF) GK-12 Fellowship, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship/International ; OCE-0926822//National Science Foundation (NSF) GK-12 Fellowship, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship/International ; OCE-1442206//National Science Foundation (NSF) GK-12 Fellowship, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship/International ; OCE-1642311//National Science Foundation (NSF) GK-12 Fellowship, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Anthozoa/genetics/*physiology ; *Biological Evolution ; Caribbean Region ; Coral Reefs ; Dinoflagellida/genetics/growth &amp; development ; *Ecology ; Larva/genetics ; Photosynthesis/genetics ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Theory suggests that the direct transmission of beneficial endosymbionts (mutualists) from parents to offspring (vertical transmission) in animal hosts is advantageous and evolutionarily stable, yet many host species instead acquire their symbionts from the environment (horizontal acquisition). An outstanding question in marine biology is why some scleractinian corals do not provision their eggs and larvae with the endosymbiotic dinoflagellates that are necessary for a juvenile's ultimate survival. We tested whether the acquisition of photosynthetic endosymbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae) during the planktonic larval stage was advantageous, as is widely assumed, in the ecologically important and threatened Caribbean reef-building coral Orbicella faveolata. Following larval acquisition, similar changes occurred in host energetic lipid use and gene expression regardless of whether their symbionts were photosynthesizing, suggesting the symbionts did not provide the energetic benefit characteristic of the mutualism in adults. Larvae that acquired photosymbionts isolated from conspecific adults on their natal reef exhibited a reduction in swimming, which may interfere with their ability to find suitable settlement substrate, and also a decrease in survival. Larvae exposed to two cultured algal species did not exhibit differences in survival, but decreased their swimming activity in response to one species. We conclude that acquiring photosymbionts during the larval stage confers no advantages and can in fact be disadvantageous to this coral host. The timing of symbiont acquisition appears to be a critical component of a host's life history strategy and overall reproductive fitness, and this timing itself appears to be under selective pressure.},
}
@article {pmid30518817,
year = {2019},
author = {Lim, SJ and Davis, BG and Gill, DE and Walton, J and Nachman, E and Engel, AS and Anderson, LC and Campbell, BJ},
title = {Taxonomic and functional heterogeneity of the gill microbiome in a symbiotic coastal mangrove lucinid species.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {902-920},
pmid = {30518817},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/*classification/genetics ; Bivalvia/*microbiology ; Gills/microbiology ; Microbiota ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sulfides/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Wetlands ; },
abstract = {Lucinidae clams harbor gammaproteobacterial thioautotrophic gill endosymbionts that are environmentally acquired. Thioautotrophic lucinid symbionts are related to metabolically similar symbionts associated with diverse marine host taxa and fall into three distinct phylogenetic clades. Most studies on the lucinid-bacteria chemosymbiosis have been done with seagrass-dwelling hosts, whose symbionts belong to the largest phylogenetic clade. In this study, we examined the taxonomy and functional repertoire of bacterial endosymbionts at an unprecedented resolution from Phacoides pectinatus retrieved from mangrove-lined coastal sediments, which are underrepresented in chemosymbiosis studies. The P. pectinatus thioautotrophic endosymbiont expressed metabolic gene variants for thioautotrophy, respiration, and nitrogen assimilation distinct from previously characterized lucinid thioautotrophic symbionts and other marine symbionts. At least two other bacterial species with different metabolisms were also consistently identified in the P. pectinatus gill microbiome, including a Kistimonas-like species and a Spirochaeta-like species. Bacterial transcripts involved in adhesion, growth, and virulence and mixotrophy were highly expressed, as were host-related hemoglobin and lysozyme transcripts indicative of sulfide/oxygen/CO2 transport and bactericidal activity. This study suggests the potential roles of P. pectinatus and its gill microbiome species in mangrove sediment biogeochemistry and offers insights into host and microbe metabolisms in the habitat.},
}
@article {pmid30519408,
year = {2018},
author = {Burmester, EM and Breef-Pilz, A and Lawrence, NF and Kaufman, L and Finnerty, JR and Rotjan, RD},
title = {The impact of autotrophic versus heterotrophic nutritional pathways on colony health and wound recovery in corals.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {8},
number = {22},
pages = {10805-10816},
pmid = {30519408},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {For animals that harbor photosynthetic symbionts within their tissues, such as corals, the different relative contributions of autotrophy versus heterotrophy to organismal energetic requirements have direct impacts on fitness. This is especially true for facultatively symbiotic corals, where the balance between host-caught and symbiont-produced energy can be altered substantially to meet the variable demands of a shifting environment. In this study, we utilized a temperate coral-algal system (the northern star coral, Astrangia poculata, and its photosynthetic endosymbiont, Symbiodinium psygmophilum) to explore the impacts of nutritional sourcing on the host's health and ability to regenerate experimentally excised polyps. For fed and starved colonies, wound healing and total colony tissue cover were differentially impacted by heterotrophy versus autotrophy. There was an additive impact of positive nutritional and symbiotic states on a coral's ability to initiate healing, but a greater influence of symbiont state on the recovery of lost tissue at the lesion site and complete polyp regeneration. On the other hand, regardless of symbiont state, fed corals maintained a higher overall colony tissue cover, which also enabled more active host behavior (polyp extension) and endosymbiont behavior (photosynthetic ability of Symbiondinium). Overall, we determined that the impact of nutritional state and symbiotic state varied between biological functions, suggesting a diversity in energetic sourcing for each of these processes.},
}
@article {pmid30533624,
year = {2018},
author = {Estes, AM and Hearn, DJ and Nadendla, S and Pierson, EA and Dunning Hotopp, JC},
title = {Draft Genome Sequence of Erwinia dacicola, a Dominant Endosymbiont of Olive Flies.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {7},
number = {10},
pages = {},
pmid = {30533624},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {Erwinia dacicola is a dominant endosymbiont of the pestiferous olive fly. Its genome is similar in size and GC content to those of free-living Erwinia species, including the plant pathogen Erwinia amylovora. The E. dacicola genome encodes the metabolic capability to supplement and detoxify the olive fly's diet in larval and adult stages.},
}
@article {pmid30533772,
year = {2018},
author = {Chung, M and Teigen, L and Libro, S and Bromley, RE and Kumar, N and Sadzewicz, L and Tallon, LJ and Foster, JM and Michalski, ML and Dunning Hotopp, JC},
title = {Multispecies Transcriptomics Data Set of Brugia malayi, Its Wolbachia Endosymbiont wBm, and Aedes aegypti across the B. malayi Life Cycle.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {7},
number = {18},
pages = {},
pmid = {30533772},
issn = {2576-098X},
support = {U19 AI110820/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Here, we present a comprehensive transcriptomics data set of Brugia malayi, its Wolbachia endosymbiont wBm, and its vector host. This study samples from 16 stages across the entire B. malayi life cycle, including stage 1 through 4 larvae, adult males and females, embryos, immature microfilariae, and mature microfilariae.},
}
@article {pmid30533936,
year = {2018},
author = {Estes, AM and Hearn, DJ and Nadendla, S and Pierson, EA and Dunning Hotopp, JC},
title = {Draft Genome Sequence of Enterobacter sp. Strain OLF, a Colonizer of Olive Flies.},
journal = {Microbiology resource announcements},
volume = {7},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {30533936},
issn = {2576-098X},
abstract = {Enterobacter sp. strain OLF colonizes laboratory-reared and wild individuals of the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae. The 5.07-kbp genome sequence of Enterobacter sp. strain OLF encodes metabolic pathways that allow the bacterium to partially supplement the diet of the olive fly when its dominant endosymbiont, Erwinia dacicola, is absent.},
}
@article {pmid30535231,
year = {2019},
author = {Qi, LD and Sun, JT and Hong, XY and Li, YX},
title = {Diversity and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Horizontal Transmission of Endosymbionts Between Whiteflies and Their Parasitoids.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {112},
number = {2},
pages = {894-905},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toy367},
pmid = {30535231},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; China ; *Hemiptera ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; *Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Endosymbionts are widely distributed among insects via intraspecific vertical transmission and interspecific horizontal transmission. Parasitoids have attracted considerable interest due to their possible role in the horizontal transmission of endosymbionts. Horizontal transmission of endosymbionts between whiteflies via parasitoids has been revealed in the laboratory. However, whether this occurs under field conditions remains unknown. Here, the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of endosymbionts in 1,350 whiteflies and 36 parasitoids that emerged from whitefly nymphs collected from three locations in Jiangsu Province of China were investigated. Only Rickettsia and Wolbachia were identified in both whiteflies and parasitoids, with an overall infection frequency of 22.67% in whiteflies and 16.67% in parasitoids for Wolbachia and of 12.15% in whiteflies and 25% in parasitoids for Rickettsia. Despite the distant relationship between whiteflies and their parasitoids, phylogenetic analyses revealed that the Rickettsia and Wolbachia individuals collected from the two types of organisms were grouped together. Furthermore, shared haplotypes were also identified, which was consistent with the horizontal transmission of endosymbionts between parasitoids and whiteflies. In addition, a parasitoid resistance-related symbiont, Hamiltonella, was detected in whiteflies at a 100% infection frequency, probably accounting for the relatively low parasitism of the whiteflies in the field. The factors affecting the infection frequency of the four secondary endosymbionts in whiteflies were also examined.},
}
@article {pmid30536677,
year = {2019},
author = {Crowell, RM and Nienow, JA and Cahoon, AB},
title = {The complete chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of the diatom Nitzschia palea (Bacillariophyceae) demonstrate high sequence similarity to the endosymbiont organelles of the dinotom Durinskia baltica.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {55},
number = {2},
pages = {352-364},
doi = {10.1111/jpy.12824},
pmid = {30536677},
issn = {1529-8817},
mesh = {Chloroplasts ; *Diatoms ; *Dinoflagellida ; *Genome, Chloroplast ; *Genome, Mitochondrial ; Phylogeny ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; },
abstract = {Nitzschia palea is a common freshwater diatom used as a bioindicator because of its tolerance of polluted waterways. There is also evidence it may be the tertiary endosymbiont within the "dinotom" dinoflagellate Durinskia baltica. A putative strain of N. palea was collected from a pond on the University of Virginia's College at Wise campus and cultured. For initial identification, three markers were sequenced-nuclear 18S rDNA, the chloroplast 23S rDNA, and rbcL. Morphological characteristics were determined using light and scanning electron microscopy; based on these observations the cells were identified as N. palea and named strain "Wise." DNA from N. palea was deep sequenced and the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes assembled. Single gene phylogenies grouped N. palea-Wise within a clearly defined N. palea clade and showed it was most closely related to the strain "SpainA3." The chloroplast genome of N. palea is 119,447 bp with a quadripartite structure, 135 protein-coding, 28 tRNA, and 3 rRNA genes. The mitochondrial genome is 37,754 bp with a single repeat region as found in other diatom chondriomes, 37 protein-coding, 23 tRNA, and 2 rRNA genes. The chloroplast genomes of N. palea and D. baltica have identical gene content, synteny, and a 92.7% pair-wise sequence similarity with most differences occurring in intergenic regions. The N. palea mitochondrial genome and D. baltica's endosymbiont mitochondrial genome also have identical gene content and order with a sequence similarity of 90.7%. Genome-based phylogenies demonstrated that D. baltica is more similar to N. palea than any other diatom sequence currently available. These data provide the genome sequences of two organelles for a widespread diatom and show they are very similar to those of Durinskia baltica's endosymbiont.},
}
@article {pmid30540238,
year = {2019},
author = {Altamia, MA and Shipway, JR and Concepcion, GP and Haygood, MG and Distel, DL},
title = {Thiosocius teredinicola gen. nov., sp. nov., a sulfur-oxidizing chemolithoautotrophic endosymbiont cultivated from the gills of the giant shipworm, Kuphus polythalamius.},
journal = {International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology},
volume = {69},
number = {3},
pages = {638-644},
pmid = {30540238},
issn = {1466-5034},
support = {U01 TW008163/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; U19 TW008163/TW/FIC NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Base Composition ; Bivalvia/*microbiology ; Chemoautotrophic Growth ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Fatty Acids/chemistry ; Gammaproteobacteria/*classification/isolation &amp; purification ; Geologic Sediments/microbiology ; Gills/*microbiology ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Philippines ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Sulfur/metabolism ; Thiosulfates ; },
abstract = {A chemolithoautotrophic sulfur-oxidizing, diazotrophic, facultatively heterotrophic, endosymbiotic bacterium, designated as strain 2141T, was isolated from the gills of the giant shipworm Kuphus polythalamius (Teredinidae: Bivalvia). Based on its 16S rRNA sequence, the endosymbiont falls within a clade that includes the as-yet-uncultivated thioautotrophic symbionts of a marine ciliate and hydrothermal vent gastropods, uncultivated marine sediment bacteria, and a free-living sulfur-oxidizing bacterium ODIII6, all of which belong to the Gammaproteobacteria. The endosymbiont is Gram-negative, rod-shaped and has a single polar flagellum when grown in culture. This bacterium can be grown chemolithoautotrophically on a chemically defined medium supplemented with either hydrogen sulfide, thiosulfate, tetrathionate or elemental sulfur. The closed-circular genome has a DNA G+C content of 60.1 mol% and is 4.79 Mbp in size with a large nitrogenase cluster spanning nearly 40 kbp. The diazotrophic capability was confirmed by growing the strain on chemolithoautotrophic thiosulfate-based medium without a combined source of fixed nitrogen. The bacterium is also capable of heterotrophic growth on organic acids such as acetate and propionate. The pH, temperature and salinity optima for chemolithoautotrophic growth on thiosulfate were found to be 8.5, 34 °C and 0.2 M NaCl, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pure culture of a thioautotrophic animal symbiont. The type strain of Thiosocius teredinicola is PMS-2141T.STBD.0c.01a[T] (=DSM 108030[T]).},
}
@article {pmid30545379,
year = {2018},
author = {Song, S and Chen, C and Yang, M and Zhao, S and Wang, B and Hornok, S and Makhatov, B and Rizabek, K and Wang, Y},
title = {Diversity of Rickettsia species in border regions of northwestern China.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {634},
pmid = {30545379},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {2018ZX10101002-002-007//National Key Research &amp; Development Program of China/ ; 2017YFD0500304//National Key Research &amp; Development Program of China/ ; 2017ZX10304402-002-005//National Key Research &amp; Development Program of China/ ; 81560338//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Biodiversity ; China ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Disease Vectors/classification ; Genes, Bacterial/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Geography ; Ixodidae/classification/*microbiology ; *Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rickettsia/*classification/*genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Rickettsia Infections/*microbiology ; Siphonaptera/classification/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Rickettsia species belonging to the spotted fever group (SFG) cause infections in humans, domestic animals and wildlife. At least ten SFG Rickettsia species are known to occur in China. However, the distribution of rickettsiae in ticks and fleas in the border region of northwestern China have not been systematically studied to date.<br><br>RESULTS: A total of 982 ticks (Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor marginatus, D. nuttalli and Haemaphysalis punctata) and 5052 fleas (18 flea species from 14 species of wild mammals) were collected in ten and five counties, respectively, of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (northwestern China). Tick and flea species were identified according to morphological and molecular characteristics. Seven sets of primers for amplifying the 17-kDa antigen gene (17-kDa), citrate synthase gene (gltA), 16S rRNA gene (rrs), outer membrane protein A and B genes (ompA, ompB), surface cell antigen 1 gene (sca1) and PS120-protein encoding gene (gene D) were used to identify the species of rickettsiae. Nine Rickettsia species have been detected, seven of them in ticks: R. aeschlimannii, R. conorii, R. raoultii, Rickettsia sibirica, R. slovaca, R. massiliae and "Candidatus R. barbariae". In addition, R. bellii and two genotypes of a rickettsia endosymbiont (phylogenetically in an ancestral position to R. bellii) have been detected from flea pools.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides molecular evidence for the occurrence of several SFG rickettsiae in Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor nuttalli and D. marginatus. Furthermore, R. bellii and two ancestral rickettsia endosymbionts are present in fleas infesting wild rodents in the border regions of northwestern China. These data extend our knowledge on the diversity of rickettsiae in Central Asia.},
}
@article {pmid30545384,
year = {2018},
author = {Baldini, F and Rougé, J and Kreppel, K and Mkandawile, G and Mapua, SA and Sikulu-Lord, M and Ferguson, HM and Govella, N and Okumu, FO},
title = {First report of natural Wolbachia infection in the malaria mosquito Anopheles arabiensis in Tanzania.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {635},
pmid = {30545384},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; EP-C-15-008/EPA/EPA/United States ; WT102350/Z/13/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Anopheles/classification/*microbiology ; Cluster Analysis ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Malaria/*transmission ; Mosquito Vectors/classification/*microbiology ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Tanzania ; Wolbachia/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Natural infections of the endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia have recently been discovered in populations of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) in Burkina Faso and Mali, West Africa. This Anopheles specific strain wAnga limits the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum infections in the mosquito, thus it offers novel opportunities for malaria control.<br><br>RESULTS: We investigated Wolbachia presence in Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles funestus, which are the two main malaria vectors in the Kilombero Valley, a malaria endemic region in south-eastern Tanzania. We found 3.1% (n = 65) and 7.5% (n = 147) wAnga infection prevalence in An. arabiensis in mosquitoes collected in 2014 and 2016, respectively, while no infection was detected in An. funestus (n = 41). Phylogenetic analysis suggests that at least two distinct strains of wAnga were detected, both belonging to Wolbachia supergroup A and B.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first confirmation of natural Wolbachia in malaria vectors in Tanzania, which opens novel questions on the ecological and genetic basis of its persistence and pathogen transmission in the vector hosts. Understanding the basis of interactions between Wolbachia, Anopheles mosquitoes and malaria parasites is crucial for investigation of its potential application as a biocontrol strategy to reduce malaria transmission, and assessment of how natural wAnga infections influence pathogen transmission in different ecological settings.},
}
@article {pmid30549849,
year = {2017},
author = {Maddah, FE and Nazir, M and König, GM},
title = {The Rare Amino Acid Building Block 3-(3-furyl)-Alanine in the Formation of Non-ribosomal Peptides.},
journal = {Natural product communications},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {147-150},
pmid = {30549849},
issn = {1934-578X},
mesh = {Burkholderia/metabolism ; Peptide Synthases/*metabolism ; Peptides/*chemistry ; Rhizopus/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Microorganisms have made considerable contributions to the production of peptide secondary metabolites, many of them with therapeutic potential eg, the fungus-derived immunosuppressant cyclosporine A and the antibiotic daptomycin originating from Streptomyces. Most of the medically used peptides are the :product of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), incorporating apart from proteinogenic also unique, non-proteinogenic amino acids into the peptides. An extremely rare such amino acid is 3-(3-furyl)-alanine. So far, only few peptides have been found that contain this residue, including the rhizonins, bingchamide B and endolides. The producer of the rhizonins was proven to be the bacterial endosymbiont Burkholderia endofungorum inside the fungus Rhizopus microsporus. The microbial origin, chemistry and bioactivity of the 3-(3-furyl)-alanine containing peptides are the focus of this review.},
}
@article {pmid30552191,
year = {2019},
author = {Asselin, AK and Villegas-Ospina, S and Hoffmann, AA and Brownlie, JC and Johnson, KN},
title = {Contrasting Patterns of Virus Protection and Functional Incompatibility Genes in Two Conspecific Wolbachia Strains from Drosophila pandora.},
journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology},
volume = {85},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {30552191},
issn = {1098-5336},
support = {R01 GM104325/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animal Diseases/microbiology ; Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Base Sequence ; Cytoplasm/physiology ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Dicistroviridae/genetics/metabolism/pathogenicity ; Drosophila/*microbiology/*virology ; Female ; Genes, Bacterial/genetics ; Genes, Viral ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Male ; Phenotype ; *Reproduction ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/genetics/*physiology/*virology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia infections can present different phenotypes in hosts, including different forms of reproductive manipulation and antiviral protection, which may influence infection dynamics within host populations. In populations of Drosophila pandora two distinct Wolbachia strains coexist, each manipulating host reproduction: strain wPanCI causes cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), whereas strain wPanMK causes male killing (MK). CI occurs when a Wolbachia-infected male mates with a female not infected with a compatible type of Wolbachia, leading to nonviable offspring. wPanMK can rescue wPanCI-induced CI but is unable to induce CI. The antiviral protection phenotypes provided by the wPanCI and wPanMK infections were characterized; the strains showed differential protection phenotypes, whereby cricket paralysis virus (CrPV)-induced mortality was delayed in flies infected with wPanMK but enhanced in flies infected with wPanCI compared to their respective Wolbachia-cured counterparts. Homologs of the cifA and cifB genes involved in CI identified in wPanMK and wPanCI showed a high degree of conservation; however, the CifB protein in wPanMK is truncated and is likely nonfunctional. The presence of a likely functional CifA in wPanMK and wPanMK's ability to rescue wPanCI-induced CI are consistent with the recent confirmation of CifA's involvement in CI rescue, and the absence of a functional CifB protein further supports its involvement as a CI modification factor. Taken together, these findings indicate that wPanCI and wPanMK have different relationships with their hosts in terms of their protective and CI phenotypes. It is therefore likely that different factors influence the prevalence and dynamics of these coinfections in natural Drosophila pandora hosts.IMPORTANCEWolbachia strains are common endosymbionts in insects, with multiple strains often coexisting in the same species. The coexistence of multiple strains is poorly understood but may rely on Wolbachia organisms having diverse phenotypic effects on their hosts. As Wolbachia is increasingly being developed as a tool to control disease transmission and suppress pest populations, it is important to understand the ways in which multiple Wolbachia strains persist in natural populations and how these might then be manipulated. We have therefore investigated viral protection and the molecular basis of cytoplasmic incompatibility in two coexisting Wolbachia strains with contrasting effects on host reproduction.},
}
@article {pmid30552831,
year = {2019},
author = {Manzello, DP and Matz, MV and Enochs, IC and Valentino, L and Carlton, RD and Kolodziej, G and Serrano, X and Towle, EK and Jankulak, M},
title = {Role of host genetics and heat-tolerant algal symbionts in sustaining populations of the endangered coral Orbicella faveolata in the Florida Keys with ocean warming.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {25},
number = {3},
pages = {1016-1031},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.14545},
pmid = {30552831},
issn = {1365-2486},
mesh = {Alveolata/genetics/*physiology ; Animals ; Anthozoa/genetics/*parasitology/*physiology ; Coral Reefs ; Florida ; Genetic Variation ; *Hot Temperature ; Oceans and Seas ; *Symbiosis ; Thermotolerance/genetics/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Identifying which factors lead to coral bleaching resistance is a priority given the global decline of coral reefs with ocean warming. During the second year of back-to-back bleaching events in the Florida Keys in 2014 and 2015, we characterized key environmental and biological factors associated with bleaching resilience in the threatened reef-building coral Orbicella faveolata. Ten reefs (five inshore, five offshore, 179 corals total) were sampled during bleaching (September 2015) and recovery (May 2016). Corals were genotyped with 2bRAD and profiled for algal symbiont abundance and type. O. faveolata at the inshore sites, despite higher temperatures, demonstrated significantly higher bleaching resistance and better recovery compared to offshore. The thermotolerant Durusdinium trenchii (formerly Symbiondinium trenchii) was the dominant endosymbiont type region-wide during initial (78.0% of corals sampled) and final (77.2%) sampling; >90% of the nonbleached corals were dominated by D. trenchii. 2bRAD host genotyping found no genetic structure among reefs, but inshore sites showed a high level of clonality. While none of the measured environmental parameters were correlated with bleaching, 71% of variation in bleaching resistance and 73% of variation in the proportion of D. trenchii was attributable to differences between genets, highlighting the leading role of genetics in shaping natural bleaching patterns. Notably, D. trenchii was rarely dominant in O. faveolata from the Florida Keys in previous studies, even during bleaching. The region-wide high abundance of D. trenchii was likely driven by repeated bleaching associated with the two warmest years on record for the Florida Keys (2014 and 2015). On inshore reefs in the Upper Florida Keys, O. faveolata was most abundant, had the highest bleaching resistance, and contained the most corals dominated by D. trenchii, illustrating a causal link between heat tolerance and ecosystem resilience with global change.},
}
@article {pmid30557379,
year = {2018},
author = {Wang, X and Li, C and Wang, M and Zheng, P},
title = {Stable isotope signatures and nutritional sources of some dominant species from the PACManus hydrothermal area and the Desmos caldera.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {13},
number = {12},
pages = {e0208887},
pmid = {30557379},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Carbon Isotopes/*analysis ; *Crustacea ; *Ecosystem ; Geologic Sediments ; *Hydrothermal Vents ; Nitrogen Isotopes/*analysis ; },
abstract = {Deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the western Pacific are increasingly explored for potential mineral extraction. The study of the composition of the food web plays an important guiding role in the ecological protection and restoration of potential mining areas. The general picture of the nutritional sources of species should be established to assess the potential impacts of future mining activities on the biological composition and food sources. To provide basic information, we analyzed the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of the dominant macrofauna (mussels, commensal scale worms, crustaceans, gastropods, and vestimentiferans) at three different sites in the PACManus hydrothermal area and the Desmos caldera. The δ13C ratio was significantly different between species: mussels and commensal scale worms showed lighter δ13C ratios, whereas crustaceans showed heavier ratios. In terms of δ15N, mussels had the lowest values and the crustaceans had the highest values. By taking into account these stable isotope signatures, we were able to develop inferences of the food sources for vent community organisms. We found that the food web was based on various species of chemoautotrophic bacteria. Mussels appeared to rely primarily on sulfur-based endosymbionts, which use the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle and RuBisCO form I as the CO2-fixing enzyme. Commensal polychaetes mostly obtained their nutrition from their hosts. Crustacean species were omnivorous, feeding on chemosynthetic bacteria, sedimentary debris, or even animals according to the local environment. In contrast, gastropods relied mainly on symbiotic bacteria with some supplementary consumption of detritus. Vestimentiferans obtained food from symbiotic bacteria using the RuBisCO form II enzyme in the CBB cycle and may have several symbionts using different fixation pathways. Although most macrofauna relied on symbiotic chemoautotrophic bacteria, our study suggested a closer trophic relationship between animals. Therefore, to evaluate the potential impacts of deep sea mining, it is necessary to study the cascade effects on the food web of the whole ecosystem. Before exploiting deep-sea resources, further systematic investigations concerning the protection of deep-sea ecosystems are necessary.},
}
@article {pmid30560551,
year = {2019},
author = {Maleki-Ravasan, N and Akhavan, N and Raz, A and Jafari, M and Zakeri, S and Dinparast Djadid, N},
title = {Co-occurrence of pederin-producing and Wolbachia endobacteria in Paederus fuscipes Curtis, 1840 (Coleoptera: Staphilinidae) and its evolutionary consequences.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {8},
number = {7},
pages = {e00777},
pmid = {30560551},
issn = {2045-8827},
abstract = {The dual occurrence of Pseudomonas-like and Wolbachia endobacteria has not been investigated in the Pederus beetles yet. We investigated pederin-producing bacteria (PPB) infection in Paederus fuscipes specimens from the southern margins of the Caspian Sea by designed genus-specific (OprF) and species-specific (16S rRNA) primers. Wolbachia infection was studied through a nested-PCR assay of Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene. Of the 125 analyzed beetles, 42 females (82.35%) and 15 males (20.27%) were positive to PPB infection; this is the first study reporting male P. fuscipes infection to PPB. Wolbachia infection was found in 45 female (88.23%) and 50 male (67.57%) analyzed beetles. Surprisingly, a number of 36 females (70.59%) and 13 males (17.57%) were found to be infected with both PPB and Wolbachia endosymbionts. In general, population infection rates to PPB and Wolbachia were determined to be 45.6% and 76%, respectively. The infection rates of female beetles to PPB and PPB-Wolbachia were significantly higher than males. In Paederus species, only female beetles shelter PPB and the discovery of this bacterium in adult males may reflect their cannibalistic behavior on the contaminated stages. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequences of OprF gene were unique among Pseudomonas spp.; however, sequences of 16S rRNA gene were related to the PPB of Pederus species. The co-occurrence and random distribution of these endobacteria may imply putative tripartite interactions among PPB, Wolbachia, and Paederus. In order to elucidate these possible tripartite interactions, further studies are required even at gender level.},
}
@article {pmid30581663,
year = {2018},
author = {Mioduchowska, M and Czyż, MJ and Gołdyn, B and Kilikowska, A and Namiotko, T and Pinceel, T and Łaciak, M and Sell, J},
title = {Detection of bacterial endosymbionts in freshwater crustaceans: the applicability of non-degenerate primers to amplify the bacterial 16S rRNA gene.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {e6039},
pmid = {30581663},
issn = {2167-8359},
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts of aquatic invertebrates remain poorly studied. This is at least partly due to a lack of suitable techniques and primers for their identification. We designed a pair of non-degenerate primers which enabled us to amplify a fragment of ca. 500 bp of the 16S rRNA gene from various known bacterial endosymbiont species. By using this approach, we identified four bacterial endosymbionts, two endoparasites and one uncultured bacterium in seven, taxonomically diverse, freshwater crustacean hosts from temporary waters across a wide geographical area. The overall efficiency of our new WOLBSL and WOLBSR primers for amplification of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was 100%. However, if different bacterial species from one sample were amplified simultaneously, sequences were illegible, despite a good quality of PCR products. Therefore, we suggest using our primers at the first stage of bacterial endosymbiont identification. Subsequently, genus specific primers are recommended. Overall, in the era of next-generation sequencing our method can be used as a first simple and low-cost approach to identify potential microbial symbionts associated with freshwater crustaceans using simple Sanger sequencing. The potential to detected bacterial symbionts in various invertebrate hosts in such a way will facilitate studies on host-symbiont interactions and coevolution.},
}
@article {pmid30595344,
year = {2019},
author = {Gangwar, M and Jha, R and Goyal, M and Srivastava, M},
title = {Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Recombinase A from Wolbachia endosymbiont of filarial nematode Brugia malayi (wBmRecA).},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {37},
number = {4},
pages = {571-580},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.12.015},
pmid = {30595344},
issn = {1873-2518},
mesh = {Animals ; Antibodies, Helminth/blood ; B-Lymphocytes/immunology ; Brugia malayi/*microbiology ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; Cloning, Molecular ; Cytokines/immunology ; Elephantiasis, Filarial/immunology/prevention &amp; control ; Female ; *Immunogenicity, Vaccine ; Immunoglobulin G/blood ; Mice ; Rec A Recombinases/genetics/*immunology ; Spleen/immunology ; Wolbachia/*enzymology ; },
abstract = {Lymphatic filariasis causes global morbidity. Wolbachia, an endo-symbiotic intracellular bacterium of the filarial nematode helps in their growth and development, regulates fecundity in female worms and contributes to the immunopathogenesis of the disease. However, genes and proteins of Wolbachia that may act as putative vaccine candidates are not known. In this study, we cloned recombinase-A protein of Wolbachia from Brugia malayi (wBmRecA) and carried out its detailed biochemical and immunological characterization. Bioinformatics analysis, circular dichroism and fluorescence spectral studies showed significant sequence and structural similarities between wBmRecA and RecA of other alpha-proteo- bacterial species. wBmRecA was ubiquitously expressed in all the three major life stages of B. malayi, including excretory-secretory products of the adult worm. In silico studies suggested immunogenic potential of wBmRecA, and mice immunized with wBmRecA exhibited elevated levels of immunoglobulins IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 in their serum along with increased percentages of CD4[+], CD8[+] T cells and CD19[+] B cells in their spleens. Notably, splenocytes from immunized mice showed increased m-RNA expression of T-bet, elevated proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12, while peritoneal MФs exhibited increased levels of iNOS, downregulated Arg-1 and secreted copious amounts of nitric oxide which contributed to severely impaired development of the infective larvae (Bm-L3). Interestingly, sera from immunized mice promoted significant cellular adherence and cytotoxicity against microfilariae and Bm-L3. Importantly, wBmRecA demonstrated strong immuno-reactivity with bancroftian sera from endemic normal individuals. These results suggest that wBmRecA is highly immunogenic, and should be explored further as a putative vaccine candidate against lymphatic filariasis.},
}
@article {pmid30598000,
year = {2018},
author = {Mannaa, M and Park, I and Seo, YS},
title = {Genomic Features and Insights into the Taxonomy, Virulence, and Benevolence of Plant-Associated Burkholderia Species.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {30598000},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {918019-04-1-HD030//Strategic Initiative for Microbiomes in Agriculture and Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Republic of Korea/ ; },
mesh = {Burkholderia/classification/*genetics/pathogenicity ; Crops, Agricultural/*microbiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The members of the Burkholderia genus are characterized by high versatility and adaptability to various ecological niches. With the availability of the genome sequences of numerous species of Burkholderia, many studies have been conducted to elucidate the unique features of this exceptional group of bacteria. Genomic and metabolic plasticity are common among Burkholderia species, as evidenced by their relatively large multi-replicon genomes that are rich in insertion sequences and genomic islands and contain a high proportion of coding regions. Such unique features could explain their adaptability to various habitats and their versatile lifestyles, which are reflected in a multiplicity of species including free-living rhizospheric bacteria, plant endosymbionts, legume nodulators, and plant pathogens. The phytopathogenic Burkholderia group encompasses several pathogens representing threats to important agriculture crops such as rice. Contrarily, plant-beneficial Burkholderia have also been reported, which have symbiotic and growth-promoting roles. In this review, the taxonomy of Burkholderia is discussed emphasizing the recent updates and the contributions of genomic studies to precise taxonomic positioning. Moreover, genomic and functional studies on Burkholderia are reviewed and insights are provided into the mechanisms underlying the virulence and benevolence of phytopathogenic and plant-beneficial Burkholderia, respectively, on the basis of cutting-edge knowledge.},
}
@article {pmid30602581,
year = {2019},
author = {Hall, RJ and Flanagan, LA and Bottery, MJ and Springthorpe, V and Thorpe, S and Darby, AC and Wood, AJ and Thomas, GH},
title = {A Tale of Three Species: Adaptation of Sodalis glossinidius to Tsetse Biology, Wigglesworthia Metabolism, and Host Diet.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {30602581},
issn = {2150-7511},
support = {//Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; BB/M011151/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/N010426/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; BB/J017698/1//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; WT095024MA//Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {*Adaptation, Physiological ; Animals ; Carbon/metabolism ; Culture Media/chemistry ; Disease Vectors ; Energy Metabolism ; Enterobacteriaceae/*growth &amp; development/*metabolism ; *Feeding Behavior ; Glucose/metabolism ; Glutamates/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; Thiamine/metabolism ; Tsetse Flies/*microbiology/*physiology ; },
abstract = {The tsetse fly is the insect vector for the Trypanosoma brucei parasite, the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis. The colonization and spread of the trypanosome correlate positively with the presence of a secondary symbiotic bacterium, Sodalis glossinidius The metabolic requirements and interactions of the bacterium with its host are poorly understood, and herein we describe a metabolic model of S. glossinidius metabolism. The model enabled the design and experimental verification of a defined medium that supports S. glossinidius growth ex vivo This has been used subsequently to analyze in vitro aspects of S. glossinidius metabolism, revealing multiple unique adaptations of the symbiont to its environment. Continued dependence on a sugar, and the importance of the chitin monomer N-acetyl-d-glucosamine as a carbon and energy source, suggests adaptation to host-derived molecules. Adaptation to the amino acid-rich blood diet is revealed by a strong dependence on l-glutamate as a source of carbon and nitrogen and by the ability to rescue a predicted l-arginine auxotrophy. Finally, the selective loss of thiamine biosynthesis, a vitamin provided to the host by the primary symbiont Wigglesworthia glossinidia, reveals an intersymbiont dependence. The reductive evolution of S. glossinidius to exploit environmentally derived metabolites has resulted in multiple weaknesses in the metabolic network. These weaknesses may become targets for reagents that inhibit S. glossinidius growth and aid the reduction of trypanosomal transmission.IMPORTANCE Human African trypanosomiasis is caused by the Trypanosoma brucei parasite. The tsetse fly vector is of interest for its potential to prevent disease spread, as it is essential for T. brucei life cycle progression and transmission. The tsetse's mutualistic endosymbiont Sodalis glossinidius has a link to trypanosome establishment, providing a disease control target. Here, we describe a new, experimentally verified model of S. glossinidius metabolism. This model has enabled the development of a defined growth medium that was used successfully to test aspects of S. glossinidius metabolism. We present S. glossinidius as uniquely adapted to life in the tsetse, through its reliance on the blood diet and host-derived sugars. Additionally, S. glossinidius has adapted to the tsetse's obligate symbiont Wigglesworthia glossinidia by scavenging a vitamin it produces for the insect. This work highlights the use of metabolic modeling to design defined growth media for symbiotic bacteria and may provide novel inhibitory targets to block trypanosome transmission.},
}
@article {pmid30602718,
year = {2019},
author = {Clare, RH and Bardelle, C and Harper, P and Hong, WD and Börjesson, U and Johnston, KL and Collier, M and Myhill, L and Cassidy, A and Plant, D and Plant, H and Clark, R and Cook, DAN and Steven, A and Archer, J and McGillan, P and Charoensutthivarakul, S and Bibby, J and Sharma, R and Nixon, GL and Slatko, BE and Cantin, L and Wu, B and Turner, J and Ford, L and Rich, K and Wigglesworth, M and Berry, NG and O'Neill, PM and Taylor, MJ and Ward, SA},
title = {Industrial scale high-throughput screening delivers multiple fast acting macrofilaricides.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {11},
pmid = {30602718},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {MC_PC_17167/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MR/R025401/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Aedes ; Animals ; Cell Line ; *Drug Discovery ; Filaricides/*analysis ; *High-Throughput Screening Assays ; Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Nematodes causing lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis rely on their bacterial endosymbiont, Wolbachia, for survival and fecundity, making Wolbachia a promising therapeutic target. Here we perform a high-throughput screen of AstraZeneca's 1.3 million in-house compound library and identify 5 novel chemotypes with faster in vitro kill rates (<2 days) than existing anti-Wolbachia drugs that cure onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. This industrial scale anthelmintic neglected tropical disease (NTD) screening campaign is the result of a partnership between the Anti-Wolbachia consortium (A∙WOL) and AstraZeneca. The campaign was informed throughout by rational prioritisation and triage of compounds using cheminformatics to balance chemical diversity and drug like properties reducing the chance of attrition from the outset. Ongoing development of these multiple chemotypes, all with superior time-kill kinetics than registered antibiotics with anti-Wolbachia activity, has the potential to improve upon the current therapeutic options and deliver improved, safer and more selective macrofilaricidal drugs.},
}
@article {pmid30603945,
year = {2018},
author = {Pavlova, LV},
title = {First Finding of Representatives of the Eccrinida Order in the Digestive Tract of King Crab Specie from the Barents Sea.},
journal = {Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections},
volume = {483},
number = {1},
pages = {231-234},
pmid = {30603945},
issn = {1608-3105},
mesh = {Animals ; Anomura/*anatomy &amp; histology ; Gastrointestinal Tract/*anatomy &amp; histology ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {This is the first report on the finding of large intra-intestinal symbionts belonging to the order Eccrinida in crab-like decapod crustaceans of the family Lithodidae, Paralithodes camtschaticus and Lithodes maja, inhabiting the Barents Sea. Studies have been regularly conducted since the early 2000s in Kola Bay and in one of the inlets of the Eastern Murman Coast. Since 2005, Eccrinida representatives (presumably, a new species of the genus Arundinula) have been found in the guts of the red king crab. A brief description of the endosymbionts and data on their frequency of occurrence are presented. The possible reasons for the distribution of eccrinids in the crab-like decapod crustaceans of the Barents Sea are discussed.},
}
@article {pmid30605507,
year = {2017},
author = {Vera-Ponce de León, A and Ormeño-Orrillo, E and Ramírez-Puebla, ST and Rosenblueth, M and Degli Esposti, M and Martínez-Romero, J and Martínez-Romero, E},
title = {Candidatus Dactylopiibacterium carminicum, a Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiont of Dactylopius Cochineal Insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Dactylopiidae).},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {9},
number = {9},
pages = {2237-2250},
pmid = {30605507},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Animals ; Female ; Genome, Bacterial ; Hemiptera/*microbiology ; *Nitrogen Fixation ; Ovary/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Rhodocyclaceae/*classification/isolation &amp; purification ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The domesticated carmine cochineal Dactylopius coccus (scale insect) has commercial value and has been used for more than 500 years for natural red pigment production. Besides the domesticated cochineal, other wild Dactylopius species such as Dactylopius opuntiae are found in the Americas, all feeding on nutrient poor sap from native cacti. To compensate nutritional deficiencies, many insects harbor symbiotic bacteria which provide essential amino acids or vitamins to their hosts. Here, we characterized a symbiont from the carmine cochineal insects, Candidatus Dactylopiibacterium carminicum (betaproteobacterium, Rhodocyclaceae family) and found it in D. coccus and in D. opuntiae ovaries by fluorescent in situ hybridization, suggesting maternal inheritance. Bacterial genomes recovered from metagenomic data derived from whole insects or tissues both from D. coccus and from D. opuntiae were around 3.6 Mb in size. Phylogenomics showed that dactylopiibacteria constituted a closely related clade neighbor to nitrogen fixing bacteria from soil or from various plants including rice and other grass endophytes. Metabolic capabilities were inferred from genomic analyses, showing a complete operon for nitrogen fixation, biosynthesis of amino acids and vitamins and putative traits of anaerobic or microoxic metabolism as well as genes for plant interaction. Dactylopiibacterium nif gene expression and acetylene reduction activity detecting nitrogen fixation were evidenced in D. coccus hemolymph and ovaries, in congruence with the endosymbiont fluorescent in situ hybridization location. Dactylopiibacterium symbionts may compensate for the nitrogen deficiency in the cochineal diet. In addition, this symbiont may provide essential amino acids, recycle uric acid, and increase the cochineal life span.},
}
@article {pmid30608924,
year = {2019},
author = {Makki, A and Rada, P and Žárský, V and Kereïche, S and Kováčik, L and Novotný, M and Jores, T and Rapaport, D and Tachezy, J},
title = {Triplet-pore structure of a highly divergent TOM complex of hydrogenosomes in Trichomonas vaginalis.},
journal = {PLoS biology},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {e3000098},
pmid = {30608924},
issn = {1545-7885},
mesh = {Carrier Proteins/genetics/*metabolism/physiology ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism ; Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism ; Mitochondria/metabolism ; Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins/*metabolism ; Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins ; Organelles ; Phylogeny ; Protein Transport/physiology ; Trichomonas vaginalis/*metabolism/pathogenicity/physiology ; },
abstract = {Mitochondria originated from proteobacterial endosymbionts, and their transition to organelles was tightly linked to establishment of the protein import pathways. The initial import of most proteins is mediated by the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM). Although TOM is common to all forms of mitochondria, an unexpected diversity of subunits between eukaryotic lineages has been predicted. However, experimental knowledge is limited to a few organisms, and so far, it remains unsettled whether the triplet-pore or the twin-pore structure is the generic form of TOM complex. Here, we analysed the TOM complex in hydrogenosomes, a metabolically specialised anaerobic form of mitochondria found in the excavate Trichomonas vaginalis. We demonstrate that the highly divergent β-barrel T. vaginalis TOM (TvTom)40-2 forms a translocation channel to conduct hydrogenosomal protein import. TvTom40-2 is present in high molecular weight complexes, and their analysis revealed the presence of four tail-anchored (TA) proteins. Two of them, Tom36 and Tom46, with heat shock protein (Hsp)20 and tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains, can bind hydrogenosomal preproteins and most likely function as receptors. A third subunit, Tom22-like protein, has a short cis domain and a conserved Tom22 transmembrane segment but lacks a trans domain. The fourth protein, hydrogenosomal outer membrane protein 19 (Homp19) has no known homology. Furthermore, our data indicate that TvTOM is associated with sorting and assembly machinery (Sam)50 that is involved in β-barrel assembly. Visualisation of TvTOM by electron microscopy revealed that it forms three pores and has an unconventional skull-like shape. Although TvTOM seems to lack Tom7, our phylogenetic profiling predicted Tom7 in free-living excavates. Collectively, our results suggest that the triplet-pore TOM complex, composed of three conserved subunits, was present in the last common eukaryotic ancestor (LECA), while receptors responsible for substrate binding evolved independently in different eukaryotic lineages.},
}
@article {pmid30609847,
year = {2019},
author = {Bustamante-Brito, R and Vera-Ponce de León, A and Rosenblueth, M and Martínez-Romero, JC and Martínez-Romero, E},
title = {Metatranscriptomic Analysis of the Bacterial Symbiont Dactylopiibacterium carminicum from the Carmine Cochineal Dactylopius coccus (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Dactylopiidae).},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {30609847},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {IN207718//Universidad Nacional Aut&#xf3;noma de M&#xe9;xico/ ; 253116//Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnolog&#xed;a/ ; },
abstract = {The scale insect Dactylopius coccus produces high amounts of carminic acid, which has historically been used as a pigment by pre-Hispanic American cultures. Nowadays carmine is found in food, cosmetics, and textiles. Metagenomic approaches revealed that Dactylopius spp. cochineals contain two Wolbachia strains, a betaproteobacterium named Candidatus Dactylopiibacterium carminicum and Spiroplasma, in addition to different fungi. We describe here a transcriptomic analysis indicating that Dactylopiibacterium is metabolically active inside the insect host, and estimate that there are over twice as many Dactylopiibacterium cells in the hemolymph than in the gut, with even fewer in the ovary. Albeit scarce, the transcripts in the ovaries support the presence of Dactylopiibacterium in this tissue and a vertical mode of transmission. In the cochineal, Dactylopiibacterium may catabolize plant polysaccharides, and be active in carbon and nitrogen provisioning through its degradative activity and by fixing nitrogen. In most insects, nitrogen-fixing bacteria are found in the gut, but in this study they are shown to occur in the hemolymph, probably delivering essential amino acids and riboflavin to the host from nitrogen substrates derived from nitrogen fixation.},
}
@article {pmid30611207,
year = {2019},
author = {Kamm, K and Schierwater, B and DeSalle, R},
title = {Innate immunity in the simplest animals - placozoans.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {30611207},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {Schi-277/26//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; Schi-277/27//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; Schi-277/29//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Genome/*immunology ; Immunity, Innate/*genetics ; Invertebrates/genetics/immunology ; *Phylogeny ; Placozoa/genetics/*immunology ; Symbiosis/genetics/immunology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Innate immunity provides the core recognition system in animals for preventing infection, but also plays an important role in managing the relationship between an animal host and its symbiont. Most of our knowledge about innate immunity stems from a few animal model systems, but substantial variation between metazoan phyla has been revealed by comparative genomic studies. The exploration of more taxa is still needed to better understand the evolution of immunity related mechanisms. Placozoans are morphologically the simplest organized metazoans and the association between these enigmatic animals and their rickettsial endosymbionts has recently been elucidated. Our analyses of the novel placozoan nuclear genome of Trichoplax sp. H2 and its associated rickettsial endosymbiont genome clearly pointed to a mutualistic and co-evolutionary relationship. This discovery raises the question of how the placozoan holobiont manages symbiosis and, conversely, how it defends against harmful microorganisms. In this study, we examined the annotated genome of Trichoplax sp. H2 for the presence of genes involved in innate immune recognition and downstream signaling.<br><br>RESULTS: A rich repertoire of genes belonging to the Toll-like and NOD-like receptor pathways, to scavenger receptors and to secreted fibrinogen-related domain genes was identified in the genome of Trichoplax sp. H2. Nevertheless, the innate immunity related pathways in placozoans deviate in several instances from well investigated vertebrates and invertebrates. While true Toll- and NOD-like receptors are absent, the presence of many genes of the downstream signaling cascade suggests at least primordial Toll-like receptor signaling in Placozoa. An abundance of scavenger receptors, fibrinogen-related domain genes and Apaf-1 genes clearly constitutes an expansion of the immunity related gene repertoire specific to Placozoa.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The found wealth of immunity related genes present in Placozoa is surprising and quite striking in light of the extremely simple placozoan body plan and their sparse cell type makeup. Research is warranted to reveal how Placozoa utilize this immune repertoire to manage and maintain their associated microbiota as well as to fend-off pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid30613848,
year = {2019},
author = {Ye, S and Bhattacharjee, M and Siemann, E},
title = {Thermal Tolerance in Green Hydra: Identifying the Roles of Algal Endosymbionts and Hosts in a Freshwater Holobiont Under Stress.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {77},
number = {2},
pages = {537-545},
pmid = {30613848},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; Chlorophyta/*physiology ; Fresh Water/chemistry/parasitology ; Hot Temperature ; Hydra/*parasitology/physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {It has been proposed that holobionts (host-symbiont units) could swap endosymbionts, rapidly alter the hologenome (host plus symbiont genome), and increase their stress tolerance. However, experimental tests of individual and combined contributions of hosts and endosymbionts to holobiont stress tolerance are needed to test this hypothesis. Here, we used six green hydra (Hydra viridissima) strains to tease apart host (hydra) and symbiont (algae) contributions to thermal tolerance. Heat shock experiments with (1) hydra with their original symbionts, (2) aposymbiotic hydra (algae removed), (3) novel associations (a single hydra strain hosting different algae individually), and (4) control hydra (aposymbiotic hydra re-associated with their original algae) showed high variation in thermal tolerance in each group. Relative tolerances of strains were the same within original, aposymbiotic, and control treatments, but reversed in the novel associations group. Aposymbiotic hydra had similar or higher thermal tolerance than hydra with algal symbionts. Selection on the holobiont appears to be stronger than on either partner alone, suggesting endosymbiosis could become an evolutionary trap under climate change. Our results suggest that green hydra thermal tolerance is strongly determined by the host, with a smaller, non-positive role for the algal symbiont. Once temperatures exceed host tolerance limits, swapping symbionts is unlikely to allow these holobionts to persist. Rather, increases in host tolerance through in situ adaptation or migration of pre-adapted host strains appear more likely to increase local thermal tolerance. Overall, our results indicate green hydra is a valuable system for studying aquatic endosymbiosis under changing environmental conditions, and demonstrate how the host and the endosymbiont contribute to holobiont stress tolerance.},
}
@article {pmid30615101,
year = {2019},
author = {Sen, D and Paul, K and Saha, C and Mukherjee, G and Nag, M and Ghosh, S and Das, A and Seal, A and Tripathy, S},
title = {A unique life-strategy of an endophytic yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa JGTA-S1-a comparative genomics viewpoint.},
journal = {DNA research : an international journal for rapid publication of reports on genes and genomes},
volume = {26},
number = {2},
pages = {131-146},
pmid = {30615101},
issn = {1756-1663},
mesh = {Bacteria/metabolism ; *Endophytes ; *Genome, Fungal ; Genomics ; *Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Pseudomonas stutzeri/metabolism ; Rhodotorula/*genetics/metabolism/physiology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Symbiosis ; Typhaceae ; },
abstract = {Endophytic yeasts of genus Rhodotorula are gaining importance for their ability to improve plant growth. The nature of their interaction with plants, however, remains unknown. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa JGTA-S1 was isolated as an endophyte of Typha angustifolia and promoted growth in the host. To investigate the life-strategy of the yeast from a genomics perspective, we used Illumina and Oxford Nanopore reads to generate a high-quality annotated draft assembly of JGTA-S1 and compared its genome to three other Rhodotorula yeasts and the close relative Rhodosporidium toruloides. JGTA-S1 is a haploid yeast possessing several genes potentially facilitating its endophytic lifestyle such as those responsible for solubilizing phosphate and producing phytohormones. An intact mating-locus in JGTA-S1 raised the possibility of a yet unknown sexual reproductive cycle in Rhodotorula yeasts. Additionally, JGTA-S1 had functional anti-freezing genes and was also unique in lacking a functional nitrate-assimilation pathway-a feature that is associated with obligate biotrophs. Nitrogen-fixing endobacteria were found within JGTA-S1 that may circumvent this defective N-metabolism. JGTA-S1 genome data coupled with experimental evidence give us an insight into the nature of its beneficial interaction with plants.},
}
@article {pmid30617067,
year = {2019},
author = {Hong, WD and Benayoud, F and Nixon, GL and Ford, L and Johnston, KL and Clare, RH and Cassidy, A and Cook, DAN and Siu, A and Shiotani, M and Webborn, PJH and Kavanagh, S and Aljayyoussi, G and Murphy, E and Steven, A and Archer, J and Struever, D and Frohberger, SJ and Ehrens, A and Hübner, MP and Hoerauf, A and Roberts, AP and Hubbard, ATM and Tate, EW and Serwa, RA and Leung, SC and Qie, L and Berry, NG and Gusovsky, F and Hemingway, J and Turner, JD and Taylor, MJ and Ward, SA and O'Neill, PM},
title = {AWZ1066S, a highly specific anti-Wolbachia drug candidate for a short-course treatment of filariasis.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {116},
number = {4},
pages = {1414-1419},
pmid = {30617067},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {MC_PC_16052/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MC_PC_17167/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MR/R025401/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*pharmacology ; Elephantiasis, Filarial/drug therapy/microbiology ; Female ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, SCID ; Onchocerciasis/drug therapy/microbiology ; Pyrimidines/pharmacology ; Quinazolines/pharmacology ; Wolbachia/*drug effects ; },
abstract = {Onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis are two neglected tropical diseases that together affect ∼157 million people and inflict severe disability. Both diseases are caused by parasitic filarial nematodes with elimination efforts constrained by the lack of a safe drug that can kill the adult filaria (macrofilaricide). Previous proof-of-concept human trials have demonstrated that depleting >90% of the essential nematode endosymbiont bacterium, Wolbachia, using antibiotics, can lead to permanent sterilization of adult female parasites and a safe macrofilaricidal outcome. AWZ1066S is a highly specific anti-Wolbachia candidate selected through a lead optimization program focused on balancing efficacy, safety and drug metabolism/pharmacokinetic (DMPK) features of a thienopyrimidine/quinazoline scaffold derived from phenotypic screening. AWZ1066S shows superior efficacy to existing anti-Wolbachia therapies in validated preclinical models of infection and has DMPK characteristics that are compatible with a short therapeutic regimen of 7 days or less. This candidate molecule is well-positioned for onward development and has the potential to make a significant impact on communities affected by filariasis.},
}
@article {pmid30617214,
year = {2019},
author = {Brenner, WG and Mader, M and Müller, NA and Hoenicka, H and Schroeder, H and Zorn, I and Fladung, M and Kersten, B},
title = {High Level of Conservation of Mitochondrial RNA Editing Sites Among Four Populus Species.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {709-717},
pmid = {30617214},
issn = {2160-1836},
mesh = {Gene Expression Profiling ; Mitochondria/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Populus/*genetics/metabolism ; *RNA Editing ; RNA, Mitochondrial/*metabolism ; RNA, Plant/metabolism ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; },
abstract = {RNA editing occurs in the endosymbiont organelles of higher plants as C-to-U conversions of defined nucleotides. The availability of large quantities of RNA sequencing data makes it possible to identify RNA editing sites and to quantify their editing extent. We have investigated RNA editing in 34 protein-coding mitochondrial transcripts of four Populus species, a genus noteworthy for its remarkably small number of RNA editing sites compared to other angiosperms. 27 of these transcripts were subject to RNA editing in at least one species. In total, 355 RNA editing sites were identified with high confidence, their editing extents ranging from 10 to 100%. The most heavily edited transcripts were ccmB with the highest density of RNA editing sites (53.7 sites / kb) and ccmFn with the highest number of sites (39 sites). Most of the editing events are at position 1 or 2 of the codons, usually altering the encoded amino acid, and are highly conserved among the species, also with regard to their editing extent. However, one SNP was found in the newly sequenced and annotated mitochondrial genome of P. alba resulting in the loss of an RNA editing site compared to P. tremula and P. davidiana This SNP causes a C-to-T transition and an amino acid exchange from Ser to Phe, highlighting the widely discussed role of RNA editing in compensating mutations.},
}
@article {pmid30619179,
year = {2018},
author = {Regier, Y and Komma, K and Weigel, M and Pulliainen, AT and Göttig, S and Hain, T and Kempf, VAJ},
title = {Microbiome Analysis Reveals the Presence of Bartonella spp. and Acinetobacter spp. in Deer Keds (Lipoptena cervi).},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {3100},
pmid = {30619179},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The deer ked (Lipoptena cervi) is distributed in Europe, North America, and Siberia and mainly infests cervids as roe deer, fallow deer, and moose. From a one health perspective, deer keds occasionally bite other animals or humans and are a potential vector for Bartonella schoenbuchensis. This bacterium belongs to a lineage of ruminant-associated Bartonella spp. and is suspected to cause dermatitis and febrile diseases in humans. In this study, we analyzed the microbiome from 130 deer keds collected from roe deer, fallow deer and humans in the federal states of Hesse, Baden-Wuerttemberg, and Brandenburg, Germany. Endosymbiontic Arsenophonus spp. and Bartonella spp. represented the biggest portion (~90%) of the microbiome. Most Bartonella spp. (n = 93) were confirmed to represent B. schoenbuchensis. In deer keds collected from humans, no Bartonella spp. were detected. Furthermore, Acinetobacter spp. were present in four samples, one of those was confirmed to represent A. baumannii. These data suggest that deer keds harbor only a very narrow spectrum of bacteria which are potentially pathogenic for animals of humans.},
}
@article {pmid30619600,
year = {2018},
author = {Li, S and Liu, D and Zhang, R and Zhai, Y and Huang, X and Wang, D and Shi, X},
title = {Effects of a presumably protective endosymbiont on life-history characters and their plasticity for its host aphid on three plants.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {8},
number = {24},
pages = {13004-13013},
pmid = {30619600},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Hamiltonella defensa is well known for its protective roles against parasitoids for its aphid hosts, but its functional roles in insect-plant interactions are less understood. Thus, the impact of H. defensa infections on life-history characters and the underlying genetic variation for the grain aphid, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), was explored on three plants (i.e., wheat, oat, and rye). Compared to cured lines, H. defensa infected lines of S. avenae had lower fecundity on wheat and oat, but not on rye, suggesting an infection cost for the aphid on susceptible host plants. However, when tested on rye, the infected lines showed a shorter developmental time for the nymphal stage than corresponding cured lines, showing some benefit for S. avenae carrying the endosymbiont on resistant host plants. The infection of H. defensa altered genetic variation underlying its host S. avenea's life-history characters, which was shown by differences in heritabilities and genetic correlations of life-history characters between S. avenae lines infected and cured of the endosymbiont. This was further substantiated by disparity in G-matrices of their life-history characters for the two types of aphid lines. The G-matrices for life-history characters of aphid lines infected with and cured of H. defensa were significantly different from each other on rye, but not on oat, suggesting strong plant-dependent effects. The developmental durations of infected S. avenae lines showed a lower plasticity compared with those of corresponding cured lines, and this could mean higher adaptability for the infected lines.Overall, our results showed novel functional roles of a common secondary endosymbiont (i.e., H. defensa) in plant-insect interactions, and its infections could have significant consequences for the evolutionary ecology of its host insect populations in nature.},
}
@article {pmid30620733,
year = {2019},
author = {Garcia, GA and Sylvestre, G and Aguiar, R and da Costa, GB and Martins, AJ and Lima, JBP and Petersen, MT and Lourenço-de-Oliveira, R and Shadbolt, MF and Rašić, G and Hoffmann, AA and Villela, DAM and Dias, FBS and Dong, Y and O'Neill, SL and Moreira, LA and Maciel-de-Freitas, R},
title = {Matching the genetics of released and local Aedes aegypti populations is critical to assure Wolbachia invasion.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {e0007023},
pmid = {30620733},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Aedes/*drug effects/genetics/*virology ; Animals ; Arboviruses/*growth &amp; development ; Biological Control Agents ; Brazil ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; Female ; Insecticide Resistance/*genetics ; Male ; Mosquito Vectors/virology ; Pest Control, Biological/*methods ; Pyrethrins/pharmacology ; Wolbachia/*growth &amp; development ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Traditional vector control approaches such as source reduction and insecticide spraying have limited effect on reducing Aedes aegypti population. The endosymbiont Wolbachia is pointed as a promising tool to mitigate arbovirus transmission and has been deployed worldwide. Models predict a rapid increase on the frequency of Wolbachia-positive Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in local settings, supported by cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) and high maternal transmission rate associated with the wMelBr strain.<br><br>Wolbachia wMelBr strain was released for 20 consecutive weeks after receiving >87% approval of householders of the isolated community of Tubiacanga, Rio de Janeiro. wMelBr frequency plateued~40% during weeks 7-19, peaked 65% but dropped as releases stopped. A high (97.56%) maternal transmission was observed. Doubling releases and deploying mosquitoes with large wing length and low laboratory mortality produced no detectable effects on invasion trend. By investigating the lab colony maintenance procedures backwardly, pyrethroid resistant genotypes in wMelBr decreased from 68% to 3.5% after 17 generations. Therefore, we initially released susceptible mosquitoes in a local population highly resistant to pyrethroids which, associated with the over use of insecticides by householders, ended jeopardizing Wolbachia invasion. A new strain (wMelRio) was produced after backcrossing wMelBr females with males from field to introduce mostly pyrethroid resistance alleles. The new strain increased mosquito survival but produced relevant negative effects on Ae. aegypti fecundity traits, reducing egg clutche size and egg hatch. Despite the cost on fitness, wMelRio successful established where wMelBr failed, revealing that matching the local population genetics, especially insecticide resistance background, is critical to achieve invasion.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Local householders support was constantly high, reaching 90% backing on the second release (wMelRio strain). Notwithstanding the drought summer, the harsh temperature recorded (daily average above 30&#xb0;C) did not seem to affect the expression of maternal transmission of wMel on a Brazilian background. Wolbachia deployment should match the insecticide resistance profile of the wild population to achieve invasion. Considering pyrethroid-resistance is a widely distributed phenotype in natural Ae. aegypti populations, future Wolbachia deployments must pay special attention in maintaining insecticide resistance in lab colonies for releases.},
}
@article {pmid30626679,
year = {2019},
author = {Dunigan, DD and Al-Sammak, M and Al-Ameeli, Z and Agarkova, IV and DeLong, JP and Van Etten, JL},
title = {Chloroviruses Lure Hosts through Long-Distance Chemical Signaling.},
journal = {Journal of virology},
volume = {93},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {30626679},
issn = {1098-5514},
mesh = {DNA Viruses/*genetics ; Host Microbial Interactions/*genetics ; Phycodnaviridae/*genetics ; Population Dynamics ; },
abstract = {Chloroviruses exist in aquatic systems around the planet and they infect certain eukaryotic green algae that are mutualistic endosymbionts in a variety of protists and metazoans. Natural chlorovirus populations are seasonally dynamic, but the precise temporal changes in these populations and the mechanisms that underlie them have heretofore been unclear. We recently reported the novel concept that predator/prey-mediated virus activation regulates chlorovirus population dynamics, and in the current study, we demonstrate virus-packaged chemotactic modulation of prey behavior.IMPORTANCE Viruses have not previously been reported to act as chemotactic/chemoattractive agents. Rather, viruses as extracellular entities are generally viewed as non-metabolically active spore-like agents that await further infection events upon collision with appropriate host cells. That a virus might actively contribute to its fate via chemotaxis and change the behavior of an organism independent of infection is unprecedented.},
}
@article {pmid30627761,
year = {2019},
author = {Fokin, SI and Serra, V and Ferrantini, F and Modeo, L and Petroni, G},
title = {"Candidatus Hafkinia simulans" gen. nov., sp. nov., a Novel Holospora-Like Bacterium from the Macronucleus of the Rare Brackish Water Ciliate Frontonia salmastra (Oligohymenophorea, Ciliophora): Multidisciplinary Characterization of the New Endosymbiont and Its Host.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {77},
number = {4},
pages = {1092-1106},
pmid = {30627761},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {PRA_2018_63//Universit&#xe0; di Pisa/ ; },
mesh = {Holosporaceae/classification/genetics/*physiology/ultrastructure ; Italy ; Macronucleus/microbiology ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Peniculina/*microbiology/physiology ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Bacterial/analysis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/analysis ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {We characterized a novel Holospora-like bacterium (HLB) (Alphaproteobacteria, Holosporales) living in the macronucleus of the brackish water ciliate Frontonia salmastra. This bacterium was morphologically and ultrastructurally investigated, and its life cycle and infection capabilities were described. We also obtained its 16S rRNA gene sequence and performed in situ hybridization experiments with a specifically-designed probe. A new taxon, "Candidatus Hafkinia simulans", was established for this HLB. The phylogeny of the family Holosporaceae based on 16S rRNA gene sequences was inferred, adding to the already available data both the sequence of the novel bacterium and those of other Holospora and HLB species recently characterized. Our phylogenetic analysis provided molecular support for the monophyly of HLBs and placed the new endosymbiont as the sister genus of Holospora. Additionally, the host ciliate F. salmastra, recorded in Europe for the first time, was concurrently described through a multidisciplinary study. Frontonia salmastra's phylogenetic position in the subclass Peniculia and the genus Frontonia was assessed according to 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Comments on the biodiversity of this genus were added according to past and recent literature.},
}
@article {pmid30629155,
year = {2019},
author = {Sazama, EJ and Ouellette, SP and Wesner, JS},
title = {Bacterial Endosymbionts Are Common Among, but not Necessarily Within, Insect Species.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {127-133},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvy188},
pmid = {30629155},
issn = {1938-2936},
mesh = {Animals ; Insecta/*microbiology ; Linear Models ; Rickettsiales ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Bacterial endosymbionts, particularly Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), Rickettsia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), and Cardinium (Bacteroidales: Bacteroidaceae), are commonly found in several arthropod groups, including insects. Most estimates of the global infection rate of Wolbachia (52% [95% credible intervals: 44-60]) show that these bacteria infect more than half of all insect species. Other endosymbionts, such as Rickettsia (24% [confidence intervals [CIs] 20-42]) and Cardinium (13% [CIs 13-55]), infect a smaller but still substantial proportion of insect species. In spite of these observations, it is unclear what proportion of individuals within those species are infected. Here, we used published databases to estimate the proportion of individuals that are infected with either Wolbachia, Rickettsia, or Cardinium. We found that the majority (69%) of Wolbachia-infected species have less than half of their individuals infected with Wolbachia, indicating that although the bacterium may be common among species, it is not common within species. The same was true for Rickettsia (81%) and Cardinium (87%). This discrepancy was consistent across orders, in which less than 10% of individuals were typically infected, even though more than 50% of species within orders were infected. For example, according to our model, nearly 50% of beetle (Coleoptera) species are infected with Wolbachia (i.e., contain at least one individual that has tested positive for Wolbachia), but less than 5% of all individuals are infected. These results add to the growing knowledge base about endosymbionts in insects and should guide future sampling efforts and investigations on the role that these bacteria play in populations.},
}
@article {pmid30629162,
year = {2019},
author = {Ševcíková, T and Yurchenko, T and Fawley, KP and Amaral, R and Strnad, H and Santos, LMA and Fawley, MW and Eliáš, M},
title = {Plastid Genomes and Proteins Illuminate the Evolution of Eustigmatophyte Algae and Their Bacterial Endosymbionts.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {362-379},
pmid = {30629162},
issn = {1759-6653},
support = {P20 GM103429/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Amino Acid Sequence ; *Biological Evolution ; *Genome, Plastid ; *Operon ; Rickettsiaceae/*genetics ; Stramenopiles/*genetics/microbiology ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Eustigmatophytes, a class of stramenopile algae (ochrophytes), include not only the extensively studied biotechnologically important genus Nannochloropsis but also a rapidly expanding diversity of lineages with much less well characterized biology. Recent discoveries have led to exciting additions to our knowledge about eustigmatophytes. Some proved to harbor bacterial endosymbionts representing a novel genus, Candidatus Phycorickettsia, and an operon of unclear function (ebo) obtained by horizontal gene transfer from the endosymbiont lineage was found in the plastid genomes of still other eustigmatophytes. To shed more light on the latter event, as well as to generally improve our understanding of the eustigmatophyte evolutionary history, we sequenced plastid genomes of seven phylogenetically diverse representatives (including new isolates representing undescribed taxa). A phylogenomic analysis of plastid genome-encoded proteins resolved the phylogenetic relationships among the main eustigmatophyte lineages and provided a framework for the interpretation of plastid gene gains and losses in the group. The ebo operon gain was inferred to have probably occurred within the order Eustigmatales, after the divergence of the two basalmost lineages (a newly discovered hitherto undescribed strain and the Pseudellipsoidion group). When looking for nuclear genes potentially compensating for plastid gene losses, we noticed a gene for a plastid-targeted acyl carrier protein that was apparently acquired by horizontal gene transfer from Phycorickettsia. The presence of this gene in all eustigmatophytes studied, including representatives of both principal clades (Eustigmatales and Goniochloridales), is a genetic footprint indicating that the eustigmatophyte-Phycorickettsia partnership started no later than in the last eustigmatophyte common ancestor.},
}
@article {pmid30635006,
year = {2019},
author = {Brinkmann, A and Hekimoğlu, O and Dinçer, E and Hagedorn, P and Nitsche, A and Ergünay, K},
title = {A cross-sectional screening by next-generation sequencing reveals Rickettsia, Coxiella, Francisella, Borrelia, Babesia, Theileria and Hemolivia species in ticks from Anatolia.},
journal = {Parasites &amp; vectors},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {26},
pmid = {30635006},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {not applicable//Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (DE)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Arthropod Vectors/microbiology ; Arthropods ; Babesia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Bacteria/*isolation &amp; purification ; Borrelia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Coxiella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Francisella/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Humans ; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques/*methods ; Rickettsia/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Species Specificity ; Theileria/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Ticks/*microbiology ; Turkey ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ticks participate as arthropod vectors in the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to humans. Several tick-borne infections have reemerged, along with newly described agents of unexplored pathogenicity. In an attempt to expand current information on tick-associated bacteria and protozoans, we performed a cross-sectional screening of ticks, using next-generation sequencing. Ticks seeking hosts and infesting domestic animals were collected in four provinces across the Aegean, Mediterranean and Central Anatolia regions of Turkey and analyzed by commonly used procedures and platforms.<br><br>RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty ticks comprising 10 species were evaluated in 40 pools. Contigs from tick-associated microorganisms were detected in 22 (55%) questing and 4 feeding (10%) tick pools, with multiple microorganisms identified in 12 pools. Rickettsia 16S ribosomal RNA gene, gltA, sca1 and ompA sequences were present in 7 pools (17.5%), comprising feeding Haemaphysalis parva and questing/hunting Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) and Hyalomma marginatum specimens. A near-complete genome and conjugative plasmid of a Rickettsia hoogstraalii strain could be characterized in questing Ha. parva. Coxiella-like endosymbionts were identified in pools of questing (12/40) as well as feeding (4/40) ticks of the genera Rhipicephalus, Haemaphysalis and Hyalomma. Francisella-like endosymbionts were also detected in 22.5% (9/40) of the pools that comprise hunting Hyalomma ticks in 8 pools. Coxiella-like and Francisella-like endosymbionts formed phylogenetically distinct clusters associated with their tick hosts. Borrelia turcica was characterized in 5% (2/40) of the pools, comprising hunting Hyalomma aegyptium ticks. Co-infection of Coxiella-like endosymbiont and Babesia was noted in a questing R. sanguineus (s.l.) specimen. Furthermore, protozoan 18S rRNA gene sequences were detected in 4 pools of questing/hunting ticks (10%) and identified as Babesia ovis, Hemolivia mauritanica, Babesia and Theileria spp.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Our metagenomic approach enabled identification of diverse pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms in questing and feeding ticks in Anatolia.},
}
@article {pmid30640905,
year = {2019},
author = {Ravi, A and Ereqat, S and Al-Jawabreh, A and Abdeen, Z and Abu Shamma, O and Hall, H and Pallen, MJ and Nasereddin, A},
title = {Metagenomic profiling of ticks: Identification of novel rickettsial genomes and detection of tick-borne canine parvovirus.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {e0006805},
pmid = {30640905},
issn = {1935-2735},
support = {//Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Anaplasma ovis/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Animals ; Camelus ; Coxiella/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics ; Dogs ; Francisella/classification/genetics/isolation &amp; purification ; Genome, Bacterial/*genetics ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; Insect Vectors/genetics/microbiology/virology ; Israel/epidemiology ; Ixodes/*microbiology/*virology ; Parvovirus, Canine/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rickettsia/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Sheep ; Tick-Borne Diseases/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Across the world, ticks act as vectors of human and animal pathogens. Ticks rely on bacterial endosymbionts, which often share close and complex evolutionary links with tick-borne pathogens. As the prevalence, diversity and virulence potential of tick-borne agents remain poorly understood, there is a pressing need for microbial surveillance of ticks as potential disease vectors.<br><br>We developed a two-stage protocol that includes 16S-amplicon screening of pooled samples of hard ticks collected from dogs, sheep and camels in Palestine, followed by shotgun metagenomics on individual ticks to detect and characterise tick-borne pathogens and endosymbionts. Two ticks isolated from sheep yielded an abundance of reads from the genus Rickettsia, which were assembled into draft genomes. One of the resulting genomes was highly similar to Rickettsia massiliae strain MTU5. Analysis of signature genes showed that the other represents the first genome sequence of the potential pathogen Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae. Ticks from a dog and a sheep yielded draft genome sequences of Coxiella strains. A sheep tick yielded sequences from the sheep pathogen Anaplasma ovis, while Hyalomma ticks from camels yielded sequences belonging to Francisella-like endosymbionts. From the metagenome of a dog tick from Jericho, we generated a genome sequence of a canine parvovirus.<br><br>SIGNIFICANCE: Here, we have shown how a cost-effective two-stage protocol can be used to detect and characterise tick-borne pathogens and endosymbionts. In recovering genome sequences from an unexpected pathogen (canine parvovirus) and a previously unsequenced pathogen (Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae), we demonstrate the open-ended nature of metagenomics. We also provide evidence that ticks can carry canine parvovirus, raising the possibility that ticks might contribute to the spread of this troublesome virus.},
}
@article {pmid30657252,
year = {2019},
author = {Adhav, A and Harne, S and Bhide, A and Giri, A and Gayathri, P and Joshi, R},
title = {Mechanistic insights into enzymatic catalysis by trehalase from the insect gut endosymbiont Enterobacter cloacae.},
journal = {The FEBS journal},
volume = {286},
number = {9},
pages = {1700-1716},
doi = {10.1111/febs.14760},
pmid = {30657252},
issn = {1742-4658},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/chemistry/*metabolism ; Biocatalysis ; Catalytic Domain ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; Enterobacter cloacae/*enzymology ; Inositol/analogs &amp; derivatives/pharmacology ; Kinetics ; Ligands ; Models, Molecular ; Moths/microbiology ; Protein Binding ; Protein Conformation ; Recombinant Proteins/chemistry/metabolism ; Symbiosis ; Trehalase/antagonists &amp; inhibitors/chemistry/*metabolism ; Tryptophan/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Energy metabolism in the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella is facilitated by trehalase, an enzyme which assists in trehalose hydrolysis, from the predominant gut bacterium Enterobacter cloacae. We report the biochemical and structural characterization of recombinant trehalase from E. cloacae (Px_EclTre). Px_EclTre showed KM of 1.47 (±0.05) mm, kcat of 6254.72 min[-1] and Vmax 0.2 (±0.002) mm·min[-1] at 55 °C and acidic pH. Crystal structures of Px_EclTre were determined in the ligand-free form and bound to the inhibitor Validoxylamine A. The crystal structure of the ligand-free form, unavailable until now for any other bacterial trehalases, enabled us to delineate the conformational changes accompanying ligand binding in trehalases. Multiple salt bridges were identified that potentially facilitated closure of a hood over the substrate-binding site. A cluster of five tryptophans lined the -1 substrate-binding subsite, interacted with crucial active site residues and contributed to both trehalase activity and stability. The importance of these residues in enzyme activity was further validated by mutagenesis studies. Many of these identified residues form part of signature motifs and other conserved sequences in trehalases. The structure analysis thus led to the assignment of the functional role to these conserved residues. This information can be further explored for the design of effective inhibitors against trehalases.},
}
@article {pmid30663253,
year = {2020},
author = {Tang, XT and Ibanez, F and Tamborindeguy, C},
title = {Quenching autofluorescence in the alimentary canal tissues of Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) for immunofluorescence labeling.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {475-486},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.12660},
pmid = {30663253},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {//Texas A&amp;M University and Texas A&amp;M AgriLife Research (Controlling Exotic and Invasive Insect-Transmitted Pathogens)/ ; 1015773//Hatch project TEX0-1-9381/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Azo Compounds ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique/*methods ; Gastrointestinal Tract/*microbiology ; Hemiptera/*anatomy &amp; histology/microbiology ; *Naphthalenes ; Optical Imaging/methods ; Rhizobiaceae/isolation &amp; purification ; Staining and Labeling/*methods ; },
abstract = {Immunofluorescence has been widely used to localize microbes or specific molecules in insect tissues or cells. However, significant autofluorescence is frequently observed in tissues which can interfere with the fluorescent identification of target antigens, leading to inaccurate or even false positive fluorescent labeling. The alimentary canal of the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli Šulc, exhibits intense autofluorescence, hindering the application of immunolocalization for the detection and localization of the economically important pathogen transmitted by this insect, "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" (Lso). In the present study, we tested the use of irradiation, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2) and Sudan black B (SBB) treatments to reduce the autofluorescence in the B. cockerelli alimentary canal tissues. Furthermore, we assessed the compatibility of the above-mentioned treatments with Lso immunolocalization and actin staining using phalloidin. Our results showed that the autofluorescence in the alimentary canal was reduced by irradiation, H2 O2 , or SBB treatments. The compatibility assays indicated that irradiation and H2 O2 treatment both greatly reduced the fluorescent signal associated with Lso and actin. However, the SBB incubation preserved those target signals, while efficiently eliminating autofluorescence in the psyllid alimentary canal. Therefore, herein we propose a robust method for reducing the autofluorescence in the B. cockerelli alimentary canal with SBB treatment, which may improve the use of immunofluorescence labeling in this organism. This method may also have a wide range of uses by reducing the autofluorescence in other arthropod species.},
}
@article {pmid30668658,
year = {2019},
author = {Moreira, M and Aguiar, AMF and Bourtzis, K and Latorre, A and Khadem, M},
title = {Wolbachia (Alphaproteobacteria: Rickettsiales) Infections in Isolated Aphid Populations from Oceanic Islands of the Azores Archipelago: Revisiting the Supergroups M and N.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {48},
number = {2},
pages = {326-334},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvy189},
pmid = {30668658},
issn = {1938-2936},
mesh = {Animals ; Aphids/genetics/*microbiology ; Azores ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; },
abstract = {Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) have provided a suitable model to study endosymbionts, their community, and dynamics since the discovery of the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola in these organisms. In previous studies, Wolbachia was found in some aphid species. In the present study, we report the prevalence of Wolbachia in aphids sampled from a geographically isolated region (Azores Islands), aiming at a better understanding and characterization of the two newly reported supergroups, M and N. The description of the supergroup M was based on 16S rRNA as well as some protein-coding genes. However, the assignment of the supergroup N was according to 16S rRNA gene sequences of a very few samples. We collected aphid samples and performed phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene as well as four protein-coding genes (gatB, ftsZ, coxA, and hcpA). The results demonstrate that the 16S rRNA gene data can unambiguously assign the strain supergroup and that the two supergroups, N and M, are equally prevalent in Azorean aphids. The available sequence data for the protein-coding markers can identify supergroup M but the status of supergroup N is inconclusive, requiring further studies. The data suggest that horizontal transmission of Wolbachia (Hertig and Wolbach) between two phylogenetically distant aphid species cohabiting the same plant host.},
}
@article {pmid30668787,
year = {2019},
author = {Chebbi, MA and Becking, T and Moumen, B and Giraud, I and Gilbert, C and Peccoud, J and Cordaux, R},
title = {The Genome of Armadillidium vulgare (Crustacea, Isopoda) Provides Insights into Sex Chromosome Evolution in the Context of Cytoplasmic Sex Determination.},
journal = {Molecular biology and evolution},
volume = {36},
number = {4},
pages = {727-741},
doi = {10.1093/molbev/msz010},
pmid = {30668787},
issn = {1537-1719},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biological Evolution ; Female ; *Genome ; Isopoda/*genetics ; Male ; *Sex Chromosomes ; *Sex Determination Processes ; Wolbachia/genetics ; },
abstract = {The terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare is an original model to study the evolution of sex determination and symbiosis in animals. Its sex can be determined by ZW sex chromosomes, or by feminizing Wolbachia bacterial endosymbionts. Here, we report the sequence and analysis of the ZW female genome of A. vulgare. A distinguishing feature of the 1.72 gigabase assembly is the abundance of repeats (68% of the genome). We show that the Z and W sex chromosomes are essentially undifferentiated at the molecular level and the W-specific region is extremely small (at most several hundreds of kilobases). Our results suggest that recombination suppression has not spread very far from the sex-determining locus, if at all. This is consistent with A. vulgare possessing evolutionarily young sex chromosomes. We characterized multiple Wolbachia nuclear inserts in the A. vulgare genome, none of which is associated with the W-specific region. We also identified several candidate genes that may be involved in the sex determination or sexual differentiation pathways. The A. vulgare genome serves as a resource for studying the biology and evolution of crustaceans, one of the most speciose and emblematic metazoan groups.},
}
@article {pmid30670614,
year = {2019},
author = {González-Torres, P and Rodríguez-Mateos, F and Antón, J and Gabaldón, T},
title = {Impact of Homologous Recombination on the Evolution of Prokaryotic Core Genomes.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {30670614},
issn = {2150-7511},
mesh = {*Adaptation, Biological ; Archaea/*genetics ; Bacteria/*genetics ; Computational Biology ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome, Archaeal ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Homologous Recombination ; },
abstract = {Homologous recombination (HR) enables the exchange of genetic material between and within species. Recent studies suggest that this process plays a major role in the microevolution of microbial genomes, contributing to core genome homogenization and to the maintenance of cohesive population structures. However, we still have a very poor understanding of the possible adaptive roles of intraspecific HR and of the factors that determine its differential impact across clades and lifestyles. Here we used a unified methodological framework to assess HR in 338 complete genomes from 54 phylogenetically diverse and representative prokaryotic species, encompassing different lifestyles and a broad phylogenetic distribution. Our results indicate that lifestyle and presence of restriction-modification (RM) machineries are among the main factors shaping HR patterns, with symbionts and intracellular pathogens having the lowest HR levels. Similarly, the size of exchanged genomic fragments correlated with the presence of RM and competence machineries. Finally, genes exchanged by HR showed functional enrichments which could be related to adaptations to different environments and ecological strategies. Taken together, our results clarify the factors underlying HR impact and suggest important adaptive roles of genes exchanged through this mechanism. Our results also revealed that the extent of genetic exchange correlated with lifestyle and some genomic features. Moreover, the genes in exchanged regions were enriched for functions that reflected specific adaptations, supporting identification of HR as one of the main evolutionary mechanisms shaping prokaryotic core genomes.IMPORTANCE Microbial populations exchange genetic material through a process called homologous recombination. Although this process has been studied in particular organisms, we lack an understanding of its differential impact over the genome and across microbes with different life-styles. We used a common analytical framework to assess this process in a representative set of microorganisms. Our results uncovered important trends. First, microbes with different lifestyles are differentially impacted, with endosymbionts and obligate pathogens being those less prone to undergo this process. Second, certain genetic elements such as restriction-modification systems seem to be associated with higher rates of recombination. Most importantly, recombined genomes show the footprints of natural selection in which recombined regions preferentially contain genes that can be related to specific ecological adaptations. Taken together, our results clarify the relative contributions of factors modulating homologous recombination and show evidence for a clear a role of this process in shaping microbial genomes and driving ecological adaptations.},
}
@article {pmid30705413,
year = {2019},
author = {Epstein, HE and Torda, G and Munday, PL and van Oppen, MJH},
title = {Parental and early life stage environments drive establishment of bacterial and dinoflagellate communities in a common coral.},
journal = {The ISME journal},
volume = {13},
number = {6},
pages = {1635-1638},
pmid = {30705413},
issn = {1751-7370},
mesh = {Animals ; Anthozoa/*growth &amp; development/*microbiology/parasitology/physiology ; Bacteria/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena ; Dinoflagellida/classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Microbiota ; Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {The establishment of coral microbial communities in early developmental stages is fundamental to coral fitness, but its drivers are largely unknown, particularly for bacteria. Using an in situ reciprocal transplant experiment, we examined the influence of parental, planulation and early recruit environments on the microbiome of brooded offspring in the coral Pocillopora damicornis. 16S rRNA and ITS2 rDNA gene metabarcoding showed that bacterial and microalgal endosymbiont communities varied according to parental and planulation environments, but not with early recruit environment. Only a small number of bacterial strains were shared between offspring and their respective parents, revealing bacterial establishment as largely environmentally driven in very early life stages. Conversely, microalgal communities of recruits were highly similar to those of their respective parents, but also contained additional low abundance strains, suggesting both vertical transmission and novel ('horizontal') acquisition. Altogether, recruits harboured more variable microbiomes compared to their parents, indicating winnowing occurs as corals mature.},
}
@article {pmid30708135,
year = {2019},
author = {Konecka, E and Olszanowski, Z},
title = {Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rDNA, gltA, gatB, and hcpA gene sequences of Wolbachia from the novel host Ceratozetes thienemanni (Acari: Oribatida).},
journal = {Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases},
volume = {70},
number = {},
pages = {175-181},
doi = {10.1016/j.meegid.2019.01.032},
pmid = {30708135},
issn = {1567-7257},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Host Microbial Interactions ; Mites/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; Wolbachia/*classification/genetics ; },
abstract = {We determined the occurrence of intracellular endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Cardinium, Arsenophonus, Rickettsia, Spiroplasma, Hamiltonella, flavobacteria, and microsporidia) in oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) with the use of PCR technique. For the first time we looked for and detected Wolbachia in parthenogenetic oribatid mite Ceratozetes thienemanni Willmann, 1943. The 16S rDNA, gatB, hcpA, and gltA sequences of Wolbachia in C. thienemanni showed the highest similarity (≥ 90%) to the genes of Wolbachia from springtails (Collembola) and oribatid mite Gustavia microcephala. We found the unique sequence 5'-GGGGTAATGGCC-3' in 16S rDNA of Wolbachia from C. thienemanni and collembolan representing group E. The phylogeny of Wolbachia based on the analysis of single genes as well as concatenated alignments of four bacterial loci showed that the bacteria from C. thienemanni belonged to Wolbachia group E, like the endosymbionts from springtail hosts and G. microcephala. Considering coexisting of representatives of Oribatida and Collembola in the same soil habitat and similar food, it is possible that the source of Wolbachia infection was the same. Residues of dead invertebrates could be in organic matter of their soil food, so the scenario of infection transferred by eating of remains of soil cohabitates is also possible. It could explain the similarity and relationship of the Wolbachia in these two arthropod groups. Oribatid mite C. thienemanni is a parthenogenetic mite which is a unique feature in the genus Ceratozetes. Moreover, this species, within the entire genus Ceratozetes, is characterized by the most northerly distribution. It is difficult to determine either it is parthenogenesis or the presence of endosymbionts that are in some way responsible for this kind of evolutionary success. Maybe we are dealing here with a kind of synergy of both factors?},
}
@article {pmid30713526,
year = {2018},
author = {Lavy, O and Gophna, U and Gefen, E and Ayali, A},
title = {The Effect of Density-Dependent Phase on the Locust Gut Bacterial Composition.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {3020},
pmid = {30713526},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The desert locust demonstrates density-dependent phase polyphenism: For extended periods it appears in a non-aggregating, non-migrating phenotype, known as the solitary phase. When circumstances change, solitary individuals may aggregate and transform to the gregarious phenotype, which have a strong propensity for generating large swarms. Previous reports have suggested a role for gut-bacteria derived volatiles in the swarming phenomenon, and suggested that locusts are capable of manipulating their gut microbiome according to their density-dependent phases. Here, we directly tested this hypothesis for the first time. Using locusts of both phases from well-controlled laboratory cultures as well as gregarious field-collected individuals; and high-throughput sequencing. We characterized the hindgut bacterial community composition in the two phases of the desert locust. Our findings demonstrate that laboratory-reared gregarious and solitary locusts maintain a stable core of Enterobacter. However, while different generations of gregarious locust experience shifts in their Enterobacter's relative abundance; the solitary locusts maintain a stable gut microbiome, highly similar to that of the field-collected locusts. Tentative phase differences in wild populations' microbiome may thus be an indirect effect of environmental or other factors that push the swarming individuals to homogenous gut bacteria. We therefore conclude that there are phase-related differences in the population dynamics of the locust hindgut bacterial composition, but there is no intrinsic density-dependent mechanism directly affecting the gut microbiome.},
}
@article {pmid30714238,
year = {2019},
author = {Fromont, C and Adair, KL and Douglas, AE},
title = {Correlation and causation between the microbiome, Wolbachia and host functional traits in natural populations of drosophilid flies.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {28},
number = {7},
pages = {1826-1841},
doi = {10.1111/mec.15041},
pmid = {30714238},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {BIO 1241099//National Science Foundation/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/*classification ; Drosophila/classification/*microbiology ; *Microbiota ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Spiroplasma/genetics ; Symbiosis ; Sympatry ; Transcriptome ; Wolbachia/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Resident microorganisms are known to influence the fitness and traits of animals under controlled laboratory conditions, but the relevance of these findings to wild animals is uncertain. This study investigated the host functional correlates of microbiota composition in a wild community of three sympatric species of mycophagous drosophilid flies, Drosophila falleni, Drosophila neotestacea and Drosophila putrida. Specifically, we quantified bacterial communities and host transcriptomes by parallel 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and RNA-Seq of individual flies. Among-fly variation in microbiota composition did not partition strongly by sex or species, and included multiple modules, that is, sets of bacterial taxa whose abundance varied in concert across different flies. The abundance of bacteria in several modules varied significantly with multiple host transcripts, especially in females, but the identity of the correlated host transcriptional functions differed with host species, including epithelial barrier function in D. falleni, muscle function in D. putrida, and insect growth and development in D. neotestacea. In D. neotestacea, which harbours the endosymbionts Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, Wolbachia promotes the abundance of Spiroplasma, and is positively correlated with abundance of Lactobacillales and Bacteroidales. Furthermore, most correlations between host gene expression and relative abundance of bacterial modules were co-correlated with abundance of Wolbachia (but not Spiroplasma), indicative of an interdependence between host functional traits, microbiota composition and Wolbachia abundance in this species. These data suggest that, in these natural populations of drosophilid flies, different host species interact with microbial communities in functionally different ways that can vary with the abundance of endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid30715337,
year = {2019},
author = {Sinha, A and Li, Z and Sun, L and Carlow, CKS},
title = {Complete Genome Sequence of the Wolbachia wAlbB Endosymbiont of Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {706-720},
pmid = {30715337},
issn = {1759-6653},
mesh = {Aedes/*microbiology ; Animals ; Ankyrins/genetics ; Cell Line ; DNA Transposable Elements ; Genome Size ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Prophages/genetics ; Proteome ; Type IV Secretion Systems ; Wolbachia/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia, an alpha-proteobacterium closely related to Rickettsia, is a maternally transmitted, intracellular symbiont of arthropods and nematodes. Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are naturally infected with Wolbachia strains wAlbA and wAlbB. Cell line Aa23 established from Ae. albopictus embryos retains only wAlbB and is a key model to study host-endosymbiont interactions. We have assembled the complete circular genome of wAlbB from the Aa23 cell line using long-read PacBio sequencing at 500× median coverage. The assembled circular chromosome is 1.48 megabases in size, an increase of more than 300 kb over the published draft wAlbB genome. The annotation of the genome identified 1,205 protein coding genes, 34 tRNA, 3 rRNA, 1 tmRNA, and 3 other ncRNA loci. The long reads enabled sequencing over complex repeat regions which are difficult to resolve with short-read sequencing. Thirteen percent of the genome comprised insertion sequence elements distributed throughout the genome, some of which cause pseudogenization. Prophage WO genes encoding some essential components of phage particle assembly are missing, while the remainder are found in five prophage regions/WO-like islands or scattered around the genome. Orthology analysis identified a core proteome of 535 orthogroups across all completed Wolbachia genomes. The majority of proteins could be annotated using Pfam and eggNOG analyses, including ankyrins and components of the Type IV secretion system. KEGG analysis revealed the absence of five genes in wAlbB which are present in other Wolbachia. The availability of a complete circular chromosome from wAlbB will enable further biochemical, molecular, and genetic analyses on this strain and related Wolbachia.},
}
@article {pmid30716127,
year = {2019},
author = {Piquet, B and Shillito, B and Lallier, FH and Duperron, S and Andersen, AC},
title = {High rates of apoptosis visualized in the symbiont-bearing gills of deep-sea Bathymodiolus mussels.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {e0211499},
pmid = {30716127},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Apoptosis ; Bivalvia/*cytology/*physiology ; Gills/*cytology ; Hydrothermal Vents ; Species Specificity ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Symbiosis between Bathymodiolus and Gammaproteobacteria allows these deep-sea mussels to live in toxic environments such as hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. The quantity of endosymbionts within the gill-bacteriocytes appears to vary according to the hosts environment; however, the mechanisms of endosymbiont population size regulation remain obscure. We investigated the possibility of a control of endosymbiont density by apoptosis, a programmed cell death, in three mussel species. Fluorometric TUNEL and active Caspase-3-targeting antibodies were used to visualize and quantify apoptotic cells in mussel gills. To control for potential artefacts due to depressurization upon specimen recovery from the deep-sea, the apoptotic rates between mussels recovered unpressurised, versus mussels recovered in a pressure-maintaining device, were compared in two species from hydrothermal vents on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Bathymodiolus azoricus and B. puteoserpentis. Results show that pressurized recovery had no significant effect on the apoptotic rate in the gill filaments. Apoptotic levels were highest in the ciliated zone and in the circulating hemocytes, compared to the bacteriocyte zone. Apoptotic gill-cells in B. aff. boomerang from cold seeps off the Gulf of Guinea show similar distribution patterns. Deep-sea symbiotic mussels have much higher rates of apoptosis in their gills than the coastal mussel Mytilus edulis, which lacks chemolithoautotrophic symbionts. We discuss how apoptosis might be one of the mechanisms that contribute to the adaptation of deep-sea mussels to toxic environments and/or to symbiosis.},
}
@article {pmid30716462,
year = {2019},
author = {Odeniran, PO and Macleod, ET and Ademola, IO and Welburn, SC},
title = {Endosymbionts interaction with trypanosomes in Palpalis group of Glossina captured in southwest Nigeria.},
journal = {Parasitology international},
volume = {70},
number = {},
pages = {64-69},
doi = {10.1016/j.parint.2019.01.011},
pmid = {30716462},
issn = {1873-0329},
mesh = {Animals ; Enterobacteriaceae/*isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Insect Vectors/microbiology/parasitology ; Nigeria ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; *Symbiosis ; Trypanosoma/microbiology/*physiology ; Tsetse Flies/*microbiology/*parasitology ; Wolbachia ; },
abstract = {Glossina species epidemiological studies were conducted in "fly-belt" endemic zone of southwest Nigeria. Two major study areas were identified and four Nzi traps were set in each site for tsetse collection. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of endosymbionts (Wigglesworthia glossinidia, Sodalis glossinidius and Wolbachia) in natural field-trapped populations of G. p. palpalis and G. tachinoides and investigate the corresponding interactions with African trypanosomes. A total of 64 tsetse flies were collected, these included G. p. palpalis (n = 28) and G. tachinoides (n = 36). Trypanosome infection and endosymbionts of these flies were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. The infection rates of W. glossinidia was 100.0% in both species, no flies were positive for Wolbachia. Sodalis glossinidius prevalence was similar between the two-tsetse species, with G. p. palpalis and G. tachinoides showing prevalence of 35.7% (95%CI: 20.7-54.2) and 27.8% (95%CI: 15.9-44.0) respectively. No relationship was found between the endosymbionts and trypanosomes in trapped tsetse flies. More studies are needed to enhance the potential control interventions mediated by endosymbionts to reduce parasitic infections.},
}
@article {pmid30718604,
year = {2019},
author = {Lanzoni, O and Sabaneyeva, E and Modeo, L and Castelli, M and Lebedeva, N and Verni, F and Schrallhammer, M and Potekhin, A and Petroni, G},
title = {Diversity and environmental distribution of the cosmopolitan endosymbiont "Candidatus Megaira".},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {1179},
pmid = {30718604},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Aquatic Organisms/microbiology ; Ciliophora/*microbiology ; DNA, Bacterial/chemistry/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Phylogeny ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Rickettsiaceae/*classification/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification/physiology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {Members of the order Rickettsiales are often found in association with ciliated protists. An interesting case is the bacterial endosymbiont "Candidatus Megaira", which is phylogenetically closely related to the pathogen Rickettsia. "Candidatus Megaira" was first described as an intracellular bacterium in several ciliate species. Since then it has been found in association with diverse evolutionary distantly-related hosts, among them other unicellular eukaryotes, and also algae, and metazoa, such as cnidarians. We provide the characterization of several new strains of the type species "Candidatus Megaira polyxenophila", and the multidisciplinary description of a novel species, "Candidatus Megaira venefica", presenting peculiar features, which highlight the diversity and variability of these widespread bacterial endosymbionts. Screening of the 16S rRNA gene short amplicon database and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene hypervariable regions revealed the presence of further hidden lineages, and provided hints on the possibility that these bacteria may be horizontally transmitted among aquatic protists and metazoa. The phylogenetic reconstruction supports the existence of at least five different separate species-level clades of "Candidatus Megaira", and we designed a set of specific probes allowing easy recognition of the four major clades of the genus.},
}
@article {pmid30727955,
year = {2019},
author = {Détrée, C and Haddad, I and Demey-Thomas, E and Vinh, J and Lallier, FH and Tanguy, A and Mary, J},
title = {Global host molecular perturbations upon in situ loss of bacterial endosymbionts in the deep-sea mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus assessed using proteomics and transcriptomics.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {109},
pmid = {30727955},
issn = {1471-2164},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacteria/*metabolism ; *Chemoautotrophic Growth ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; Gills/microbiology ; Hydrothermal Vents ; Microbiota ; Mytilidae/genetics/*microbiology ; Proteomics ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Colonization of deep-sea hydrothermal vents by most invertebrates was made efficient through their adaptation to a symbiotic lifestyle with chemosynthetic bacteria, the primary producers in these ecosystems. Anatomical adaptations such as the establishment of specialized cells or organs have been evidenced in numerous deep-sea invertebrates. However, very few studies detailed global inter-dependencies between host and symbionts in these ecosystems. In this study, we proposed to describe, using a proteo-transcriptomic approach, the effects of symbionts loss on the deep-sea mussel Bathymodiolus azoricus' molecular biology. We induced an in situ depletion of symbionts and compared the proteo-transcriptome of the gills of mussels in three conditions: symbiotic mussels (natural population), symbiont-depleted mussels and aposymbiotic mussels.<br><br>RESULTS: Global proteomic and transcriptomic results evidenced a global disruption of host machinery in aposymbiotic organisms. We observed that the total number of proteins identified decreased from 1118 in symbiotic mussels to 790 in partially depleted mussels and 761 in aposymbiotic mussels. Using microarrays we identified 4300 transcripts differentially expressed between symbiont-depleted and symbiotic mussels. Among these transcripts, 799 were found differentially expressed in aposymbiotic mussels and almost twice as many in symbiont-depleted mussels as compared to symbiotic mussels. Regarding apoptotic and immune system processes - known to be largely involved in symbiotic interactions - an overall up-regulation of associated proteins and transcripts was observed in symbiont-depleted mussels.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Overall, our study showed a global impairment of host machinery and an activation of both the immune and apoptotic system following symbiont-depletion. One of the main assumptions is the involvement of symbiotic bacteria in the inhibition and regulation of immune and apoptotic systems. As such, symbiotic bacteria may increase their lifespan in gill cells while managing the defense of the holobiont against putative pathogens.},
}
@article {pmid30727958,
year = {2019},
author = {Kampfraath, AA and Klasson, L and Anvar, SY and Vossen, RHAM and Roelofs, D and Kraaijeveld, K and Ellers, J},
title = {Genome expansion of an obligate parthenogenesis-associated Wolbachia poses an exception to the symbiont reduction model.},
journal = {BMC genomics},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {106},
pmid = {30727958},
issn = {1471-2164},
support = {865.12.003//Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; 15494//Stichting voor de Technische Wetenschappen/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Arthropods/*microbiology/physiology ; DNA Repair ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; *Genome, Bacterial ; *Parthenogenesis ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/*genetics/physiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Theory predicts that dependency within host-endosymbiont interactions results in endosymbiont genome size reduction. Unexpectedly, the largest Wolbachia genome was found in the obligate, parthenogenesis-associated wFol. In this study, we investigate possible processes underlying this genome expansion by comparing a re-annotated wFol genome to other Wolbachia genomes. In addition, we also search for candidate genes related to parthenogenesis induction (PI).<br><br>RESULTS: Within wFol, we found five phage WO regions representing 25.4% of the complete genome, few pseudogenized genes, and an expansion of DNA-repair genes in comparison to other Wolbachia. These signs of genome conservation were mirrored in the wFol host, the springtail F. candida, which also had an expanded DNA-repair gene family and many horizontally transferred genes. Across all Wolbachia genomes, there was a strong correlation between gene numbers of Wolbachia strains and their hosts. In order to identify genes with a potential link to PI, we assembled the genome of an additional PI strain, wLcla. Comparisons between four PI Wolbachia, including wFol and wLcla, and fourteen non-PI Wolbachia yielded a small set of potential candidate genes for further investigation.<br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The strong similarities in genome content of wFol and its host, as well as the correlation between host and Wolbachia gene numbers suggest that there may be some form of convergent evolution between endosymbiont and host genomes. If such convergent evolution would be strong enough to overcome the evolutionary forces causing genome reduction, it would enable expanded genomes within long-term obligate endosymbionts.},
}
@article {pmid30733451,
year = {2019},
author = {Vujanovic, V and Kim, SH and Lahlali, R and Karunakaran, C},
title = {Spectroscopy and SEM imaging reveal endosymbiont-dependent components changes in germinating kernel through direct and indirect coleorhiza-fungus interactions under stress.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {1665},
pmid = {30733451},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {//CIHR/Canada ; },
mesh = {Disease Resistance ; Fungi/*physiology ; Germination ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/*immunology ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning/methods ; Plant Diseases/*immunology/microbiology ; Seeds/*anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared/methods ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Symbiosis ; Triticum/*anatomy &amp; histology/growth &amp; development/microbiology ; },
abstract = {In the present study, FTIR spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging was introduced as a non-destructive, sensitive-reliable tool for assessing the tripartite kernel-fungal endophyte environment interaction. Composition of coleorhizae of Triticum durum was studied under ambient and drought stress conditions. The OH-stretch IR absorption spectrum suggests that the water-deficit was possibly improved or moderated by kernel's endophytic partner. The OH-stretch frequency pattern coincides with other (growth and stress) related molecular changes. Analysis of lipid (3100-2800 cm[-1]) and protein (1700-1550 cm[-1]) regions seems to demonstrate that drought has a positive impact on lipids. The fungal endosymbiont direct contact with kernel during germination had highest effect on both lipid and protein (Amide I and II) groups, indicating an increased stress resistance in inoculated kernel. Compared to the indirect kernel-fungus interaction and to non-treated kernels (control), direct interaction produced highest effect on lipids. Among treatments, the fingerprint region (1800-800 cm[-1]) and SEM images indicated an important shift in glucose oligosaccharides, possibly linked to coleorhiza-polymer layer disappearance. Acquired differentiation in coleorhiza composition of T. durum, between ambient and drought conditions, suggests that FTIR spectroscopy could be a promising tool for studying endosymbiont-plant interactions within a changing environment.},
}
@article {pmid30740457,
year = {2019},
author = {Gruber, A},
title = {What's in a name? How organelles of endosymbiotic origin can be distinguished from endosymbionts.},
journal = {Microbial cell (Graz, Austria)},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {123-133},
pmid = {30740457},
issn = {2311-2638},
abstract = {Mitochondria and plastids evolved from free-living bacteria, but are now considered integral parts of the eukaryotic species in which they live. Therefore, they are implicitly called by the same eukaryotic species name. Historically, mitochondria and plastids were known as "organelles", even before their bacterial origin became fully established. However, since organelle evolution by endosymbiosis has become an established theory in biology, more and more endosymbiotic systems have been discovered that show various levels of host/symbiont integration. In this context, the distinction between "host/symbiont" and "eukaryote/organelle" systems is currently unclear. The criteria that are commonly considered are genetic integration (via gene transfer from the endosymbiont to the nucleus), cellular integration (synchronization of the cell cycles), and metabolic integration (the mutual dependency of the metabolisms). Here, I suggest that these criteria should be evaluated according to the resulting coupling of genetic recombination between individuals and congruence of effective population sizes, which determines if independent speciation is possible for either of the partners. I would like to call this aspect of integration "sexual symbiont integration". If the partners lose their independence in speciation, I think that they should be considered one species. The partner who maintains its genetic recombination mechanisms and life cycle should then be the name giving "host"; the other one would be the organelle. Distinguishing between organelles and symbionts according to their sexual symbiont integration is independent of any particular mechanism or structural property of the endosymbiont/host system under investigation.},
}
@article {pmid30744707,
year = {2019},
author = {Augustinos, AA and Moraiti, CA and Drosopoulou, E and Kounatidis, I and Mavragani-Tsipidou, P and Bourtzis, K and Papadopoulos, NT},
title = {Old residents and new arrivals of Rhagoletis species in Europe.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {109},
number = {6},
pages = {701-712},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485319000063},
pmid = {30744707},
issn = {1475-2670},
mesh = {Animals ; Europe ; Insect Control/methods ; Introduced Species ; Population Dynamics ; Tephritidae/*classification/genetics/microbiology ; Wolbachia/physiology ; },
abstract = {The genus Rhagoletis (Diptera: Tephritidae) comprises more than 65 species distributed throughout Europe, Asia and America, including many species of high economic importance. Currently, there are three Rhagoletis species that infest fruits and nuts in Europe. The European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi (may have invaded Europe a long time ago from the Caucasian area of West Asia), and two invasive species (recently introduced from North America): the eastern American cherry fruit fly, R. cingulata, and the walnut husk fly, R. completa. The presence of different Rhagoletis species may enhance population dynamics and establish an unpredictable economic risk for several fruit and nut crops in Europe. Despite their excessive economic importance, little is known on population dynamics, genetics and symbiotic associations for making sound pest control decisions in terms of species-specific, environmental friendly pest control methods. To this end, the current paper (a) summarizes recently accumulated genetic and population data for the European Rhagoletis species and their association with the endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis, and (b) explores the possibility of using the current knowledge for implementing the innovative biological control methods of sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique.},
}
@article {pmid30744948,
year = {2019},
author = {Binetruy, F and Bailly, X and Chevillon, C and Martin, OY and Bernasconi, MV and Duron, O},
title = {Phylogenetics of the Spiroplasma ixodetis endosymbiont reveals past transfers between ticks and other arthropods.},
journal = {Ticks and tick-borne diseases},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {575-584},
doi = {10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.02.001},
pmid = {30744948},
issn = {1877-9603},
mesh = {Animals ; Arthropods/*microbiology ; Bacterial Typing Techniques ; Disease Transmission, Infectious ; Female ; Genetic Variation ; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/*transmission ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; Male ; Multilocus Sequence Typing ; *Phylogeny ; Spiroplasma/classification/*genetics ; *Symbiosis ; Ticks/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {The bacterium Spiroplasma ixodetis is a maternally inherited endosymbiont primarily described from ticks but also found widespread across other arthropods. While it has been identified as a male-killing agent in some insect species, the consequences of infection with S. ixodetis in ticks are entirely unknown, and it is unclear how this endosymbiont spreads across tick species. Here, we have investigated this aspect through the examination of the diversity and evolutionary history of S. ixodetis infections in 12 tick species and 12 other arthropod species. Using a multi-locus typing approach, we identified that ticks harbor a substantial diversity of divergent S. ixodetis strains. Phylogenetic investigations revealed that these S. ixodetis strains do not cluster within a tick-specific subclade but rather exhibit distinct evolutionary origins. In their past, these strains have undergone repeated horizontal transfers between ticks and other arthropods, including aphids and flies. This diversity pattern strongly suggests that maternal inheritance and horizontal transfers are key drivers of S. ixodetis spread, dictating global incidence of infections across tick communities. We do not, however, detect evidence of S. ixodetis-based male-killing since we observed that infections were widely present in both males and females across populations of the African blue tick Rhipicephalus decoloratus.},
}
@article {pmid30762095,
year = {2019},
author = {Martínez-Rodríguez, P and Rolán-Alvarez, E and Del Mar Pérez-Ruiz, M and Arroyo-Yebras, F and Carpena-Catoira, C and Carvajal-Rodríguez, A and Bella, JL},
title = {Geographic and Temporal Variation of Distinct Intracellular Endosymbiont Strains of Wolbachia sp. in the Grasshopper Chorthippus parallelus: a Frequency-Dependent Mechanism?.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {77},
number = {4},
pages = {1036-1047},
pmid = {30762095},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {CGL2016-75482-P//Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnolog?a/ ; BFU2013-44635//Ministerio de Econom?a, Industria y Competitividad, Gobierno de Espa?a/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Biological Coevolution ; Computer Simulation ; Geography ; Grasshoppers/*microbiology ; Linear Models ; *Polymorphism, Genetic ; Seasons ; *Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/genetics/*physiology ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia is an intracellular endosymbiont that can produce a range of effects on host fitness, but the temporal dynamics of Wolbachia strains have rarely been experimentally evaluated. We compare interannual strain frequencies along a geographical region for understanding the forces that shape Wolbachia strain frequency in natural populations of its host, Chorthippus parallelus (Orthoptera, Acrididae). General linear models show that strain frequency changes significantly across geographical and temporal scales. Computer simulation allows to reject the compatibility of the observed patterns with either genetic drift or sampling errors. We use consecutive years to estimate total Wolbachia strain fitness. Our estimation of Wolbachia fitness is significant in most cases, within locality and between consecutive years, following a negatively frequency-dependent trend. Wolbachia spp. B and F strains show a temporal pattern of variation that is compatible with a negative frequency-dependent natural selection mechanism. Our results suggest that such a mechanism should be at least considered in future experimental and theoretical research strategies that attempt to understand Wolbachia biodiversity.},
}
@article {pmid30765418,
year = {2019},
author = {Yamashita, T and Rhoads, DD and Pummill, J},
title = {Genome Analyses of a New Mycoplasma Species from the Scorpion Centruroides vittatus.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {9},
number = {4},
pages = {993-997},
pmid = {30765418},
issn = {2160-1836},
support = {P20 GM103429/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Base Composition ; DNA, Bacterial/chemistry ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Mycoplasma/classification/*genetics ; Phylogeny ; Scorpions/*microbiology ; Symbiosis ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; },
abstract = {Arthropod Mycoplasma are little known endosymbionts in insects, primarily known as plant disease vectors. Mycoplasma in other arthropods such as arachnids are unknown. We report the first complete Mycoplasma genome sequenced, identified, and annotated from a scorpion, Centruroides vittatus, and designate it as Mycoplasma vittatus We find the genome is at least a 683,827 bp single circular chromosome with a GC content of 42.7% and with 987 protein-coding genes. The putative virulence determinants include 11 genes associated with the virulence operon associated with protein synthesis or DNA transcription and ten genes with antibiotic and toxic compound resistance. Comparative analysis revealed that the M. vittatus genome is smaller than other Mycoplasma genomes and exhibits a higher GC content. Phylogenetic analysis shows M. vittatus as part of the Hominis group of Mycoplasma As arthropod genomes accumulate, further novel Mycoplasma genomes may be identified and characterized.},
}
@article {pmid30779681,
year = {2019},
author = {Thu, MJ and Qiu, Y and Kataoka-Nakamura, C and Sugimoto, C and Katakura, K and Isoda, N and Nakao, R},
title = {Isolation of Rickettsia, Rickettsiella, and Spiroplasma from Questing Ticks in Japan Using Arthropod Cells.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {19},
number = {7},
pages = {474-485},
doi = {10.1089/vbz.2018.2373},
pmid = {30779681},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Aedes ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Coxiellaceae/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; DNA, Bacterial ; Ixodes ; Japan ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rickettsia/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Spiroplasma/genetics/*isolation &amp; purification ; Symbiosis ; Ticks/*microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites that transmit zoonotic pathogens to humans and animals. Ticks harbor not only pathogenic microorganisms but also endosymbionts. Although some tick endosymbionts are known to be essential for the survival of ticks, their roles in ticks remain poorly understood. The main aim of this study was to isolate and characterize tick-borne microorganisms from field-collected ticks using two arthropod cell lines derived from Ixodes scapularis embryos (ISE6) and Aedes albopictus larvae (C6/36). A total of 170 tick homogenates originating from 15 different tick species collected in Japan were inoculated into each cell line. Bacterial growth was confirmed by PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of eubacteria. During the 8-week observation period, bacterial isolation was confirmed in 14 and 4 samples using ISE6 and C6/36 cells, respectively. The sequencing analysis of the 16S rDNA PCR products indicated that they were previously known tick-borne pathogens/endosymbionts in three different genera: Rickettsia, Rickettsiella, and Spiroplasma. These included four previously validated rickettsial species namely Rickettsia asiatica (n = 2), Rickettsia helvetica (n = 3), Rickettsia monacensis (n = 2), and Rickettsia tamurae (n = 3) and one uncharacterized genotype Rickettsia sp. LON (n = 2). Four isolates of Spiroplasma had the highest similarity with previously reported Spiroplasma isolates: Spiroplasma ixodetis obtained from ticks in North America and Spiroplasma sp. Bratislava 1 obtained from Ixodes ricinus in Europe, while two isolates of Rickettsiella showed 100% identity with Rickettsiella sp. detected from Ixodes uriae at Grimsey Island in Iceland. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on successful isolation of Rickettsiella from ticks. The isolates obtained in this study can be further analyzed to evaluate their pathogenic potential in animals and their roles as symbionts in ticks.},
}
@article {pmid30786854,
year = {2019},
author = {Garcia-Arraez, MG and Masson, F and Escobar, JCP and Lemaitre, B},
title = {Functional analysis of RIP toxins from the Drosophila endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {46},
pmid = {30786854},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {339970/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics ; Bacterial Toxins/*genetics/metabolism ; Drosophila melanogaster/*microbiology ; Embryo, Nonmammalian/microbiology ; Female ; Hemocytes ; Hemolymph/microbiology ; *Host Microbial Interactions ; Longevity ; Male ; Ribosome Inactivating Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Spiroplasma/*chemistry/metabolism ; *Symbiosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Insects frequently live in close relationship with symbiotic bacteria that carry out beneficial functions for their host, like protection against parasites and viruses. However, in some cases, the mutualistic nature of such associations is put into question because of detrimental phenotypes caused by the symbiont. One example is the association between the vertically transmitted facultative endosymbiont Spiroplasma poulsonii and its natural host Drosophila melanogaster. Whereas S. poulsonii protects its host against parasitoid wasps and nematodes by the action of toxins from the family of Ribosome Inactivating Proteins (RIPs), the presence of S. poulsonii has been reported to reduce host's life span and to kill male embryos by a toxin called Spaid. In this work, we investigate the harmful effects of Spiroplasma RIPs on Drosophila in the absence of parasite infection.<br><br>RESULTS: We show that only two Spiroplasma RIPs (SpRIP1 and SpRIP2) among the five RIP genes encoded in the S. poulsonii genome are significantly expressed during the whole Drosophila life cycle. Heterologous expression of SpRIP1 and 2 in uninfected flies confirms their toxicity, as indicated by a reduction of Drosophila lifespan and hemocyte number. We also show that RIPs can cause the death of some embryos, including females.<br><br>CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that RIPs released by S. poulsonii contribute to the reduction of host lifespan and embryo mortality. This suggests that SpRIPs may impact the insect-symbiont homeostasis beyond their protective function against parasites.},
}
@article {pmid30792089,
year = {2019},
author = {Morozov, AA and Galachyants, YP},
title = {Diatom genes originating from red and green algae: Implications for the secondary endosymbiosis models.},
journal = {Marine genomics},
volume = {45},
number = {},
pages = {72-78},
doi = {10.1016/j.margen.2019.02.003},
pmid = {30792089},
issn = {1876-7478},
mesh = {Algal Proteins/analysis ; Chlorophyta/*genetics ; Diatoms/*genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome ; Phylogeny ; Rhodophyta/*genetics ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; },
abstract = {Previous phylogenomic analyses of diatoms have discovered some plastid-targeted genes apparently coming from green algae. Number of these genes varied from less than a half of EGT-compatible genes to an overwhelming majority, and their presence was treated as an evidence of cryptic green plastid. We have performed such an analysis with a novel weighted approach on an extended dataset of diatom genomes and proteomes. Approximately equal evidence was found for red and green algal origins for diatoms genes. Considering that very similar results were obtained on other secondary photosynthetic groups whose endosymbioses were independent from that of the diatom ancestors, we consider the serial plastid replacements unparsimonious. A better explanation of these data can be provided by the shopping bag model, where a future host switches numerous endosymbionts and acquires some genes from each of them. Eventually the host loses the ability to replace endosymbionts (e.g. through the loss of phagotrophy) and whatever symbiont was present at the moment gets fixed and reduced to an organelle.},
}
@article {pmid30796245,
year = {2019},
author = {Lhee, D and Ha, JS and Kim, S and Park, MG and Bhattacharya, D and Yoon, HS},
title = {Evolutionary dynamics of the chromatophore genome in three photosynthetic Paulinella species.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {2560},
pmid = {30796245},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Amoeba/*genetics ; *Chromatophores ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Genome, Protozoan ; Symbiosis/*genetics ; },
abstract = {The thecate amoeba Paulinella is a valuable model for understanding plastid organellogenesis because this lineage has independently gained plastids (termed chromatophores) of alpha-cyanobacterial provenance. Plastid primary endosymbiosis in Paulinella occurred relatively recently (90-140 million years ago, Mya), whereas the origin of the canonical Archaeplastida plastid occurred >1,500 Mya. Therefore, these two events provide independent perspectives on plastid formation on vastly different timescales. Here we generated the complete chromatophore genome sequence from P. longichromatophora (979,356 bp, GC-content = 38.8%, 915 predicted genes) and P. micropora NZ27 (977,190 bp, GC-content = 39.9%, 911 predicted genes) and compared these data to that from existing chromatophore genomes. Our analysis suggests that when a basal split occurred among photosynthetic Paulinella species ca. 60 Mya, only 35% of the ancestral orthologous gene families from the cyanobacterial endosymbiont remained in chromatophore DNA. Following major gene losses during the early stages of endosymbiosis, this process slowed down significantly, resulting in a conserved gene content across extant taxa. Chromatophore genes faced relaxed selection when compared to homologs in free-living alpha-cyanobacteria, likely reflecting the homogeneous intracellular environment of the Paulinella host. Comparison of nucleotide substitution and insertion/deletion events among different P. micropora strains demonstrates that increases in AT-content and genome reduction are ongoing and dynamic processes in chromatophore evolution.},
}
@article {pmid30798391,
year = {2019},
author = {Singhal, K and Mohanty, S},
title = {Genome organisation and comparative genomics of four novel Wolbachia genome assemblies from Indian Drosophila host.},
journal = {Functional &amp; integrative genomics},
volume = {19},
number = {4},
pages = {617-632},
pmid = {30798391},
issn = {1438-7948},
mesh = {Animals ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Drosophila/microbiology ; *Genome, Bacterial ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Polymorphism, Genetic ; Symbiosis ; Wolbachia/*genetics/pathogenicity ; },
abstract = {Wolbachia has long been known to share an endosymbiotic relationship with its host as an obligate intracellular organism. Wolbachia diversity as different supergroups is found to be host-specific in most cases except a few, where the host species is seen to accommodate multiple strains. Besides, the Wolbachia genome must have undergone several changes in response to the evolving host genome in order to adapt and establish a strong association with its host, thus making a distinctive Wolbachia-host alliance. The present study focusses on four novel genome assembly and genome-wide sequence variations of Indian Wolbachia strains, i.e. wMel and wRi isolated from two different Drosophila hosts. The genome assembly has an average size of ~ 1.1 Mb and contains ~ 1100 genes, which is comparable with the previously sequenced Wolbachia genomes. The comparative genomics analysis of these genomes and sequence-wide comparison of some functionally significant genes, i.e. ankyrin repeats, Wsp and T4SS, highlight their sequence similarities and dissimilarities, further supporting the strain-specific association of Wolbachia to its host. Interestingly, some of the sequence variations are also found to be restricted to only Indian Wolbachia strains. Further analysis of prophage and their flanking regions in the Wolbachia genome reveals the presence of several functional genes which may assist the phage to reside inside the bacterial host, thus providing a trade-off for the endosymbiont-host association. Understanding this endosymbiont genome in different eco-geographical conditions has become imperative for the recent use of Wolbachia in medical entomology as a vector-control agent.},
}
@article {pmid30805132,
year = {2019},
author = {Gardner, SG and Camp, EF and Smith, DJ and Kahlke, T and Osman, EO and Gendron, G and Hume, BCC and Pogoreutz, C and Voolstra, CR and Suggett, DJ},
title = {Coral microbiome diversity reflects mass coral bleaching susceptibility during the 2016 El Niño heat wave.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {938-956},
pmid = {30805132},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Repeat marine heat wave-induced mass coral bleaching has decimated reefs in Seychelles for 35 years, but how coral-associated microbial diversity (microalgal endosymbionts of the family Symbiodiniaceae and bacterial communities) potentially underpins broad-scale bleaching dynamics remains unknown. We assessed microbiome composition during the 2016 heat wave peak at two contrasting reef sites (clear