Colonization dynamics of a defensive insect ectosymbiont
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Colonization dynamics of a defensive insect ectosymbiont. / Ganesan, Ramya; Janke, Rebekka S.; Kaltenpoth, Martin; Flórez, Laura V.
In: Biology Letters, Vol. 19, No. 5, 20230100, 2023.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Colonization dynamics of a defensive insect ectosymbiont
AU - Ganesan, Ramya
AU - Janke, Rebekka S.
AU - Kaltenpoth, Martin
AU - Flórez, Laura V.
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors.
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - Beneficial symbionts are horizontally or vertically transmitted to offspring, relying on host- or microbe-mediated mechanisms for colonization. While multiple studies on symbionts transmitted internally or by feeding highlight host adaptations and dynamics of symbiont colonization, less is known for beneficial microbes colonizing host external surfaces, such as the insect cuticle. Here, we investigate the colonization dynamics of a bacterial symbiont that protects eggs and larvae of Lagria villosa beetles against pathogens. After maternal application to the egg surface, symbionts colonize specialized cuticular invaginations on the dorsal surface of larvae. We assessed the colonization time point and investigated the involvement of the host during this process. Symbionts remain on the egg surface before hatching, providing protection. Immediately after hatching, cells from the egg surface colonize the larvae and horizontal acquisition can occur, yet efficiency decreases with increasing larval age. Additionally, passive or host-aided translocation likely supports colonization of the larval symbiotic organs. This may be especially important for the dominant non-motile symbiont strain, while motility of additional strains in the symbiont community might also play a role. Our findings provide insights into the colonization dynamics of cuticle-associated defensive symbionts and suggest alternate or complementary strategies used by different strains for colonization.
AB - Beneficial symbionts are horizontally or vertically transmitted to offspring, relying on host- or microbe-mediated mechanisms for colonization. While multiple studies on symbionts transmitted internally or by feeding highlight host adaptations and dynamics of symbiont colonization, less is known for beneficial microbes colonizing host external surfaces, such as the insect cuticle. Here, we investigate the colonization dynamics of a bacterial symbiont that protects eggs and larvae of Lagria villosa beetles against pathogens. After maternal application to the egg surface, symbionts colonize specialized cuticular invaginations on the dorsal surface of larvae. We assessed the colonization time point and investigated the involvement of the host during this process. Symbionts remain on the egg surface before hatching, providing protection. Immediately after hatching, cells from the egg surface colonize the larvae and horizontal acquisition can occur, yet efficiency decreases with increasing larval age. Additionally, passive or host-aided translocation likely supports colonization of the larval symbiotic organs. This may be especially important for the dominant non-motile symbiont strain, while motility of additional strains in the symbiont community might also play a role. Our findings provide insights into the colonization dynamics of cuticle-associated defensive symbionts and suggest alternate or complementary strategies used by different strains for colonization.
KW - animal-microbe interactions
KW - bacterial colonization
KW - motility
KW - symbiosis
KW - transmission
U2 - 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0100
DO - 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0100
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 37161294
AN - SCOPUS:85159681316
VL - 19
JO - Biology Letters
JF - Biology Letters
SN - 1744-9561
IS - 5
M1 - 20230100
ER -
ID: 347978573