Transitions in symbiosis: evidence for environmental acquisition & social transmission within a clade of heritable symbionts

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia C Drew ◽  
Giles E Budge ◽  
Crystal L Frost ◽  
Peter Neumann ◽  
Stefanos Siozios ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Bacterial Symbionts ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Obligate Mutualism ◽  
Environmental Microbes

AbstractA dynamic continuum exists from free-living environmental microbes to strict host associated symbionts that are vertically inherited. However, knowledge of the forces that drive transitions in the modes by which symbioses form is lacking. Arsenophonus is a diverse clade of bacterial symbionts, comprising reproductive parasites to coevolving obligate mutualists, in which the predominant mode of transmission is vertical. We describe a symbiosis between a member of the genus Arsenophonus and the Western honey bee. We then present multiple lines of evidence that this symbiont deviates from a heritable model of transmission. Field sampling uncovered marked spatial and seasonal dynamics in symbiont prevalence, and rapid infection loss events were observed in field colonies and individuals in the laboratory. Fluorescent in-situ hybridization showed Arsenophonus localised in the gut, and detection of the bacterium was rare in screens of early honey bee life stages. We directly show horizontal transmission of Arsenophonus between bees under varying social conditions. We conclude that honey bees acquire Arsenophonus through a combination of environmental exposure and social contacts. Together these findings uncover a key link in the Arsenophonus clades trajectory from free-living ancestral life to obligate mutualism, and provide a foundation for studying transitions in symbiotic lifestyle.

scholarly journals Transitions in symbiosis: evidence for environmental acquisition and social transmission within a clade of heritable symbionts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia C. Drew ◽  
Giles E. Budge ◽  
Crystal L. Frost ◽  
Peter Neumann ◽  
Stefanos Siozios ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
In Situ Hybridisation ◽  
Bacterial Symbionts ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Obligate Mutualism ◽  
Metabolic Properties ◽  
Environmental Microbes

AbstractA dynamic continuum exists from free-living environmental microbes to strict host-associated symbionts that are vertically inherited. However, knowledge of the forces that drive transitions in symbiotic lifestyle and transmission mode is lacking. Arsenophonus is a diverse clade of bacterial symbionts, comprising reproductive parasites to coevolving obligate mutualists, in which the predominant mode of transmission is vertical. We describe a symbiosis between a member of the genus Arsenophonus and the Western honey bee. The symbiont shares common genomic and predicted metabolic properties with the male-killing symbiont Arsenophonus nasoniae, however we present multiple lines of evidence that the bee Arsenophonus deviates from a heritable model of transmission. Field sampling uncovered spatial and seasonal dynamics in symbiont prevalence, and rapid infection loss events were observed in field colonies and laboratory individuals. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation showed Arsenophonus localised in the gut, and detection was rare in screens of early honey bee life stages. We directly show horizontal transmission of Arsenophonus between bees under varying social conditions. We conclude that honey bees acquire Arsenophonus through a combination of environmental exposure and social contacts. These findings uncover a key link in the Arsenophonus clades trajectory from free-living ancestral life to obligate mutualism, and provide a foundation for studying transitions in symbiotic lifestyle.

Ultrastructural and molecular characterization of endosymbionts of the reed beetle genusMacroplea(Chrysomelidae, Donaciinae), and proposal of “CandidatusMacropleicola appendiculatae” and “CandidatusMacropleicola muticae”

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (11) ◽  
pp. 1250-1260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregor Kölsch ◽  
Corinna Matz-Grund ◽  
Bo V. Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Malpighian Tubules ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Beetle Species ◽  
Bacterial Symbionts ◽  
The 16S Rrna Gene

Intracellular bacterial symbionts are known from various insect groups, particularly from those feeding on unbalanced diets, where the bacteria provide essential nutrients to the host. In the case of reed beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Donaciinae), however, the endosymbionts appear to be associated with specialized “glands” that secrete a material used for the beetles’ unusual water-tight cocoon. These glands were discovered over a century ago, but the bacteria they contain have yet to be characterized and placed in a phylogenetic context. Here, we describe the ultrastructure of two endosymbiotic species (“ Candidatus Macropleicola appendiculatae” and “ Candidatus Macropleicola muticae”) that reside in cells of the Malpighian tubules of the reed beetle species Macroplea appendiculata and Macroplea mutica , respectively. Fluorescent in situ hybridization using oligonucleotides targeting the 16S rRNA gene specific to Macroplea symbionts verified the localization of the symbionts in these organs. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA placed “Candidatus Macropleicola” in a clade of typically endosymbiotic Enterobacteriaceae (γ-proteobacteria). Finally, we discuss the evidence available for the hypothesis that the beetle larvae use a secretion produced by the bacteria for the formation of an underwater cocoon.

scholarly journals Symbiont transmission entails the risk of parasite infection

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 20150840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Salem ◽  
Thomas O. Onchuru ◽  
Eugen Bauer ◽  
Martin Kaltenpoth
Keyword(s):  
High Efficiency ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Bacterial Symbionts ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Symbiont Transmission ◽  
Gut Symbionts ◽  
Behavioural Adaptations

Like many animals, firebugs (Hemiptera, Pyrrhocoridae) rely on behavioural adaptations to successfully endow their offspring with microbial mutualists. To transmit the nutritionally beneficial Coriobacteriaceae symbionts, female firebugs smear egg surfaces with symbiont-containing faecal droplets that are subsequently ingested by newly hatched nymphs through active probing to initiate infection. Alternatively, the symbionts can be acquired horizontally through contact with faeces of infected conspecifics. Here, we report that these adaptations ensuring successful transmission of bacterial symbionts among firebugs are exploited by the specialized trypanosomatid parasite Leptomonas pyrrhocoris . Using comparative transcriptomics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and controlled bioassays, we demonstrate that the transmission cycle of L. pyrrhocoris mirrors that of the bacterial mutualists, with high efficiency for both vertical and horizontal transmission. This indicates that the parasite capitalizes on pre-existing behavioural adaptations (egg smearing and probing) to facilitate its own transfer within host populations, adaptations that likely evolved to initiate and maintain an association with beneficial gut symbionts. Thus, the transmission of mutualistic microbes across host generations can entail a significant risk of co-transmitting pathogens or parasites, thereby exerting selective pressures on the host to evolve more specific mechanisms of transfer.

scholarly journals Unexpected host dependency of Antarctic Nanohaloarchaeota

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (29) ◽  
pp. 14661-14670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua N. Hamm ◽  
Susanne Erdmann ◽  
Emiley A. Eloe-Fadrosh ◽  
Allegra Angeloni ◽  
Ling Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Hypersaline Environments ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Metagenome Analysis ◽  
Symbiotic Relationships ◽  
Cell Structures ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Globally Distributed

In hypersaline environments, Nanohaloarchaeota (Diapherotrites, Parvarchaeota, Aenigmarchaeota, Nanoarchaeota, Nanohaloarchaeota [DPANN] superphylum) are thought to be free-living microorganisms. We report cultivation of 2 strains of Antarctic Nanohaloarchaeota and show that they require the haloarchaeon Halorubrum lacusprofundi for growth. By performing growth using enrichments and fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we demonstrated successful cultivation of Candidatus Nanohaloarchaeum antarcticus, purification of Ca. Nha. antarcticus away from other species, and growth and verification of Ca. Nha. antarcticus with Hrr. lacusprofundi; these findings are analogous to those required for fulfilling Koch’s postulates. We use fluorescent in situ hybridization and transmission electron microscopy to assess cell structures and interactions; metagenomics to characterize enrichment taxa, generate metagenome assembled genomes, and interrogate Antarctic communities; and proteomics to assess metabolic pathways and speculate about the roles of certain proteins. Metagenome analysis indicates the presence of a single species, which is endemic to Antarctic hypersaline systems that support the growth of haloarchaea. The presence of unusually large proteins predicted to function in attachment and invasion of hosts plus the absence of key biosynthetic pathways (e.g., lipids) in metagenome assembled genomes of globally distributed Nanohaloarchaeota indicate that all members of the lineage have evolved as symbionts. Our work expands the range of archaeal symbiotic lifestyles and provides a genetically tractable model system for advancing understanding of the factors controlling microbial symbiotic relationships.

scholarly journals Using Citizen Science to Scout Honey Bee Colonies that Naturally Survive Varroa destructor Infestations

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 536
Author(s):  
Arrigo Moro ◽  
Alexis Beaurepaire ◽  
Raffaele Dall’Olio ◽  
Steve Rogenstein ◽  
Tjeerd Blacquière ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Varroa Destructor ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Successful Recruitment ◽  
Mite Control ◽  
Colony Survival

Citizen Science contributes significantly to the conservation of biodiversity, but its application to honey bee research has remained minimal. Even though certain European honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations are known to naturally survive Varroa destructor infestations, it is unclear how widespread or common such populations are. Such colonies are highly valuable for investigating the mechanisms enabling colony survival, as well as for tracking the conservation status of free-living honey bees. Here, we use targeted Citizen Science to identify potentially new cases of managed or free-living A. mellifera populations that survive V. destructor without mite control strategies. In 2018, a survey containing 20 questions was developed, translated into 13 languages, and promoted at beekeeping conferences and online. After three years, 305 reports were collected from 28 countries: 241 from managed colonies and 64 from free-living colonies. The collected data suggest that there could be twice as many naturally surviving colonies worldwide than are currently known. Further, online and personal promotion seem to be key for successful recruitment of participants. Although the survivor status of these colonies still needs to be confirmed, the volume of reports and responses already illustrate how effectively Citizen Science can contribute to bee research by massively increasing generated data, broadening opportunities for comparative research, and fostering collaboration between scientists, beekeepers, and citizens. The success of this survey spurred the development of a more advanced Citizen Science platform, Honey Bee Watch, that will enable a more accurate reporting, confirmation, and monitoring of surviving colonies, and strengthen the ties between science, stakeholders, and citizens to foster the protection of both free-living and managed honey bees.

scholarly journals Novel Parachlamydia acanthamoebae Quantification Method Based on Coculture with Amoebae

2008 ◽  
Vol 74 (20) ◽  
pp. 6397-6404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junji Matsuo ◽  
Yasuhiro Hayashi ◽  
Shinji Nakamura ◽  
Marie Sato ◽  
Yoshihiko Mizutani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Vero Cells ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Infectious Dose ◽  
Quantification Method ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Dilution Curves

ABSTRACT Parachlamydia acanthamoebae, belonging to the order Chlamydiales, is an obligately intracellular bacterium that infects free-living amoebae and is a potential human pathogen. However, no method exists to accurately quantify viable bacterial numbers. We present a novel quantification method for P. acanthamoebae based on coculture with amoebae. P. acanthamoebae was cultured either with Acanthamoeba spp. or with mammalian epithelial HEp-2 or Vero cells. The infection rate of P. acanthamoebae (amoeba-infectious dose [AID]) was determined by DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining and was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization. AIDs were plotted as logistic sigmoid dilution curves, and P. acanthamoebae numbers, defined as amoeba-infectious units (AIU), were calculated. During culture, amoeba numbers and viabilities did not change, and amoebae did not change from trophozoites to cysts. Eight amoeba strains showed similar levels of P. acanthamoebae growth, and bacterial numbers reached ca. 1,000-fold (109 AIU preculture) after 4 days. In contrast, no increase was observed for P. acanthamoebae in either mammalian cell line. However, aberrant structures in epithelial cells, implying possible persistent infection, were seen by transmission electron microscopy. Thus, our method could monitor numbers of P. acanthamoebae bacteria in host cells and may be useful for understanding chlamydiae present in the natural environment as human pathogens.

scholarly journals Biofilm-forming lactic acid bacteria of honey bee origin intended for potential probiotic use

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bohumil Bielik ◽  
Ladislav Molnár ◽  
Vladimír Vrabec ◽  
Romana Andrášiová ◽  
Ivana Cingel'ová Maruščáková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Lactic Acid Bacteria ◽  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
European Foulbrood ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Fresh Pollen ◽  
Bee Colonies

AbstractScientists around the world are focusing their interest on the use of probiotics in honey bees as an alternative method of prophylaxis against causative agents of both American and European foulbrood. In our study we tested inhibitory activity against Paenibacillus larvae and the biofilm formation activity by various lactic acid bacteria isolated from honey bee guts or fresh pollen samples in the presence of different sugars added to the cultivation media. In addition, we tested the probiotic effect of a newly selected Apilactobacillus kunkeei V18 in an in situ experiment in bee colonies. We found antibacterial activity against P. larvae in four isolates. Biofilm formation activity of varying intensity was noted in six of the seven isolates in the presence of different sugars. The strongest biofilm formation (OD570 ≥ 1) was noted in A. kunkeei V18 in the presence of fructose; moreover, this isolate strongly inhibited the growth of P. larvae under laboratory conditions. Inhibition of P. larvae and Melissococcus plutonius by A. kunkeei V18 in situ was confirmed in a pilot study.

scholarly journals New Gammaproteobacteria Associated with Blood-Feeding Leeches and a Broad Phylogenetic Analysis of Leech Endosymbionts

2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (9) ◽  
pp. 5219-5224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan L. Perkins ◽  
Rebecca B. Budinoff ◽  
Mark E. Siddall
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
16S Rrna Genes ◽  
Rrna Genes ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Bacterial Symbionts ◽  
Aeromonas Veronii

ABSTRACT Many monophagous animals have coevolutionary relationships with bacteria that provide unavailable nutrients to the host. Frequently, these microbial partners are vertically inherited and reside in specialized structures or tissues. Here we report three new lineages of bacterial symbionts of blood-feeding leeches, one from the giant Amazonian leech, Haementeria ghilianii, and two others from Placobdelloides species. These hosts each possess a different mycetome or esophageal organ morphology where the bacterial cells are located. DNA sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fluorescent in situ hybridization placed these symbionts in two separate clades in the class Gammaproteobacteria. We also conducted a broad phylogenetic analysis of the herein-reported DNA sequences as well as others from bacterial symbionts reported elsewhere in the literature, including alphaproteobacterial symbionts from the leech genus Placobdella as well as Aeromonas veronii from the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, and a Rickettsia sp. detected in Hemiclepsis marginata. Combined, these results indicate that blood-feeding leeches have forged bacterial partnerships at least five times during their evolutionary history.

1796: Analysis of Chromosomal Aneuploidy in Patients with Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia(OAT) Using Fluorescent in-situ Hybridization

2007 ◽  
Vol 177 (4S) ◽  
pp. 596-597
Author(s):  
Joseph P. Alukal ◽  
Bobby B. Najari ◽  
Wilson Chuang ◽  
Lata Murthy ◽  
Monica Lopez-Perdomo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Chromosomal Aneuploidy
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