scholarly journals Genome-resolved insights into a novel Spiroplasma symbiont of the Wheat Stem Sawfly (Cephus cinctus)

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl J. Yeoman ◽  
Laura M. Brutscher ◽  
Özcan C. Esen ◽  
Furkan Ibaoglu ◽  
Curtis Fowler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Draft Genome ◽  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Wheat Stem Sawfly ◽  
Cephus Cinctus ◽  
Microbial Symbionts

Arthropods often have obligate relationships with symbiotic microbes, and recent investigations have demonstrated that such host-microbe relationships could be exploited to suppress natural populations of vector carrying mosquitos. Strategies that target the interplay between agricultural pests and their symbionts could decrease the burden caused by agricultural pests; however, the lack of comprehensive genomic insights into naturally occurring microbial symbionts presents a significant bottleneck. Here we employed amplicon surveys, genome-resolved metagenomics, and scanning electron microscopy to investigate symbionts of the wheat stem sawfly (Cephus cinctus), a major pest that causes an estimated $350 million dollars or more in wheat yield losses in the northwestern United States annually. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing of two major haplotypes and life stages of wheat stem sawfly, we show a novel Spiroplasma species is ever-present and predominant, with phylogenomic analyses placing it as a member of the ixodetis clade of mollicutes. Using state-of-the-art metagenomic assembly and binning strategies we were able to reconstruct a 714 Kb, 72.7%-complete Spiroplasma genome, which represents just the second draft genome from the ixodetis clade of mollicutes. Functional annotation of the Spiroplasma genome indicated carbohydrate-metabolism involved PTS-mediated import of glucose and fructose followed by glycolysis to lactate, acetate, and propionoate. The bacterium also encoded biosynthetic pathways for essential vitamins B2, B3, and B9. We identified putative Spiroplasma virulence genes: cardiolipin and chitinase. These results identify a previously undescribed symbiosis between wheat stem sawfly and a novel Spiroplasma sp., availing insight into their molecular relationship, and may yield new opportunities for microbially-mediated pest control strategies.

scholarly journals Caterpillars lack a resident gut microbiome

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobin J. Hammer ◽  
Daniel H. Janzen ◽  
Winnifred Hallwachs ◽  
Samuel L. Jaffe ◽  
Noah Fierer
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Evolutionary Diversification ◽  
Transit Times ◽  
Microbial Symbionts ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing

AbstractMany animals are inhabited by microbial symbionts that influence their hosts’ development, physiology, ecological interactions, and evolutionary diversification. However, firm evidence for the existence and functional importance of resident microbiomes in larval Lepidoptera (caterpillars) is lacking, despite the fact that these insects are enormously diverse, major agricultural pests, and dominant herbivores in many ecosystems. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR, we characterized the gut microbiomes of wild leaf-feeding caterpillars in the United States and Costa Rica, representing 124 species from 16 families. Compared with other insects and vertebrates assayed using the same methods, the microbes we detected in caterpillar guts were unusually low-density and highly variable among individuals. Furthermore, the abundance and composition of leaf-associated microbes were reflected in the feces of caterpillars consuming the same plants. Thus, microbes ingested with food are present (though possibly dead or dormant) in the caterpillar gut, but host-specific, resident symbionts are largely absent. To test whether transient microbes might still contribute to feeding and development, we conducted an experiment on field-collected caterpillars of the model speciesManduca sexta. Antibiotic suppression of gut bacterial activity did not significantly affect caterpillar weight gain, development, or survival. The high pH, simple gut structure, and fast transit times that typify caterpillar digestive physiology may prevent microbial colonization. Moreover, host-encoded digestive and detoxification mechanisms likely render microbes unnecessary for caterpillar herbivory. Caterpillars illustrate the potential ecological and evolutionary benefits of independence from symbionts, a lifestyle which may be widespread among animals.

scholarly journals Caterpillars lack a resident gut microbiome

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (36) ◽  
pp. 9641-9646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobin J. Hammer ◽  
Daniel H. Janzen ◽  
Winnie Hallwachs ◽  
Samuel P. Jaffe ◽  
Noah Fierer
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Ecological Interactions ◽  
Agricultural Pests ◽  
Evolutionary Diversification ◽  
Transit Times ◽  
Microbial Symbionts ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing

Many animals are inhabited by microbial symbionts that influence their hosts’ development, physiology, ecological interactions, and evolutionary diversification. However, firm evidence for the existence and functional importance of resident microbiomes in larval Lepidoptera (caterpillars) is lacking, despite the fact that these insects are enormously diverse, major agricultural pests, and dominant herbivores in many ecosystems. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR, we characterized the gut microbiomes of wild leaf-feeding caterpillars in the United States and Costa Rica, representing 124 species from 15 families. Compared with other insects and vertebrates assayed using the same methods, the microbes that we detected in caterpillar guts were unusually low-density and variable among individuals. Furthermore, the abundance and composition of leaf-associated microbes were reflected in the feces of caterpillars consuming the same plants. Thus, microbes ingested with food are present (although possibly dead or dormant) in the caterpillar gut, but host-specific, resident symbionts are largely absent. To test whether transient microbes might still contribute to feeding and development, we conducted an experiment on field-collected caterpillars of the model speciesManduca sexta. Antibiotic suppression of gut bacterial activity did not significantly affect caterpillar weight gain, development, or survival. The high pH, simple gut structure, and fast transit times that typify caterpillar digestive physiology may prevent microbial colonization. Moreover, host-encoded digestive and detoxification mechanisms likely render microbes unnecessary for caterpillar herbivory. Caterpillars illustrate the potential ecological and evolutionary benefits of independence from symbionts, a lifestyle that may be widespread among animals.

scholarly journals Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Anaplasma Spp. in Cattle in Al-Qadisiyah Province of Iraq

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-188
Author(s):  
Hayder N. Ayyez ◽  
Yahia I. Khudhair ◽  
Qassim Haleem Kshash
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cattle Breed ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing

AbstractAnaplasma spp. are widely spread rickettsial bacteria transmitted by ticks and placing high impacts on veterinary and public health. A limited number of studies have been carried out on Anaplasmosis in the central part of Iraq. This study was conducted to determine the presence of Anaplasma spp. in cattle in Al-Qadisiyah province, Iraq. A total of 400 blood specimens were collected from cattle suffering from heavy tick infestation. Cattle were blood-sampled from four hyper-endemic areas with ticks. Blood samples were screened using microscopic and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Diff-quick stained blood smears revealed Anaplasma-like inclusion bodies in 254 (63.5%) samples. According to the 16S rRNA-gene-based PCR analysis, Anaplasma spp. was detected in 124 of the 400 (31%) samples, divided as 96/254 (37.8%) among the microscopical positive samples and 28/146 (19.17%) among the microscopical negative samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing of ten-PCR positive samples were 99–97% identical to sequences deposited in the GenBank, revealing presence of A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale and unnamed Anaplasma spp. in 40%, 20%, and 40% samples, respectively. Relationships among Anaplasma spp. infections and cattle breed, age, and sex were analyzed. Calves less than one year old showed significantly higher rates (p<0.005) than those from other age groups, whereas sex and breed demonstrated no significant differences (p˃0.001). This study shows that a variety of Anaplasma spp., were endemic in central part of Iraq and is still a hidden problem in cattle in the hyperendemic areas of tick, which requires serious control strategies.

scholarly journals Identification of a Novel Brevibacillus laterosporus Strain With Insecticidal Activity Against Aedes albopictus Larvae

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulia Barbieri ◽  
Carolina Ferrari ◽  
Stefania Mamberti ◽  
Paolo Gabrieli ◽  
Michele Castelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Morphological Characterization ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Brevibacillus Laterosporus

Bacterial species able to produce proteins that are toxic against insects have been discovered at the beginning of the last century. However, up to date only two of them have been used as pesticides in mosquito control strategies targeting larval breeding sites: Bacillus thuringensis var. israelensis and Lysinibacillus sphaericus. Aiming to expand the arsenal of biopesticides, bacterial cultures from 44 soil samples were assayed for their ability to kill larvae of Aedes albopictus. A method to select, grow and test the larvicidal capability of spore-forming bacteria from each soil sample was developed. This allowed identifying 13 soil samples containing strains capable of killing Ae. albopictus larvae. Among the active isolates, one strain with high toxicity was identified as Brevibacillus laterosporus by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and by morphological characterization using transmission electron microscopy. The new isolate showed a larvicidal activity significantly higher than the B. laterosporus LMG 15441 reference strain. Its genome was phylogenomically characterized and compared to the available Brevibacillus genomes. Thus, the new isolate can be considered as a candidate adjuvant to biopesticides formulations that would help preventing the insurgence of resistance.

scholarly journals Draft Genome Sequence of Propionispora sp. Strain 2/2-37, a New Xylan-Degrading Bacterium Isolated from a Mesophilic Biogas Reactor

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela E. Koeck ◽  
Irena Maus ◽  
Daniel Wibberg ◽  
Anika Winkler ◽  
Vladimir V. Zverlov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Sequence ◽  
Draft Genome ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Draft Genome Sequence ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Fuel Production ◽  
Degrading Bacterium ◽  
Biogas Reactor ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing

The novel mesophilic bacterial strain Propionispora sp. 2/2-37 was isolated from an industrial-scale biogas plant. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the isolate constitutes a new subcluster within the order Selenomonadales . The 2/2-37 draft genome sequence was established and provides the genetic basis for application of this microorganism in degradation of biomass for bio-fuel production.

scholarly journals Genome sequence of the wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus, a primitive hymenopteran and wheat pest, illuminates evolution of hymenopteran chemoreceptors

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh M. Robertson ◽  
Robert M. Waterhouse ◽  
Kimberly K. O. Walden ◽  
Livio Ruzzante ◽  
Maarten J. M. F. Reijnders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Family ◽  
Gene Annotation ◽  
Draft Genome ◽  
Phylogenomic Analysis ◽  
Gene Repertoire ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Wheat Stem Sawfly ◽  
Cephus Cinctus ◽  
Draft Genome Assembly ◽  
New Perspective

AbstractThe wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus, is a major pest of wheat and key ecological player in the grasslands of western North America. It also represents a distinctive lineage of sawflies that appeared early during the hymenopteran radiation, but after the clade of Eusymphyta sawflies that is the sister lineage of all other Hymenoptera. We present a high-quality draft genome assembly of 162 Mbp in 1,976 scaffolds with a scaffold N50 of 622 kbp. Automated gene annotation identified 11,210 protein-coding gene models and 1,307 non-coding RNA models. Thirteen percent of the assembly consists of ~58,000 transposable elements partitioned equally between Class-I and Class-II elements. Orthology analysis reveals that 86% of Cephus proteins have identifiable orthologs in other insects. Phylogenomic analysis of conserved subsets of these proteins supports the placement of the Cephidae between the Eusymphyta and the parasitic woodwasp superfamily Orussoidea. Manual annotation and phylogenetic analysis of families of odorant, gustatory, and ionotropic receptors, plus odorant binding proteins, shows that Cephus has representatives for most conserved and expanded gene lineages in the Apocrita (wasps, ants, and bees). Cephus has also maintained several insect gene lineages that have been lost from the Apocrita, most prominently the carbon dioxide receptor subfamily. Furthermore, Cephus encodes a few small lineage-specific chemoreceptor gene family expansions that might be involved in adaptations to new grasses including wheat. These comparative analyses identify gene family members likely to have been present in the hymenopteran ancestor and provide a new perspective on the evolution of the chemosensory gene repertoire.

scholarly journals Biofilms on Hospital Shower Hoses: Characterization and Implications for Nosocomial Infections

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (9) ◽  
pp. 2872-2883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria J. Soto-Giron ◽  
Luis M. Rodriguez-R ◽  
Chengwei Luo ◽  
Michael Elk ◽  
Hodon Ryu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Draft Genome ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Virulence Determinants ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogens ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Water Pipelines ◽  
Metagenome Sequencing

ABSTRACTAlthough the source of drinking water (DW) used in hospitals is commonly disinfected, biofilms forming on water pipelines are a refuge for bacteria, including possible pathogens that survive different disinfection strategies. These biofilm communities are only beginning to be explored by culture-independent techniques that circumvent the limitations of conventional monitoring efforts. Hence, theories regarding the frequency of opportunistic pathogens in DW biofilms and how biofilm members withstand high doses of disinfectants and/or chlorine residuals in the water supply remain speculative. The aim of this study was to characterize the composition of microbial communities growing on five hospital shower hoses using both 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacterial isolates and whole-genome shotgun metagenome sequencing. The resulting data revealed aMycobacterium-like population, closely related toMycobacterium rhodesiaeandMycobacterium tusciae, to be the predominant taxon in all five samples, and its nearly complete draft genome sequence was recovered. In contrast, the fraction recovered by culture was mostly affiliated withProteobacteria, including members of the generaSphingomonas,Blastomonas, andPorphyrobacter.The biofilm community harbored genes related to disinfectant tolerance (2.34% of the total annotated proteins) and a lower abundance of virulence determinants related to colonization and evasion of the host immune system. Additionally, genes potentially conferring resistance to β-lactam, aminoglycoside, amphenicol, and quinolone antibiotics were detected. Collectively, our results underscore the need to understand the microbiome of DW biofilms using metagenomic approaches. This information might lead to more robust management practices that minimize the risks associated with exposure to opportunistic pathogens in hospitals.

Screening and Molecular Characterization of Cellulase Producing Actinobacteria from Litchi Orchard

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-101
Author(s):  
Sanju Kumari ◽  
Utkarshini Sharma ◽  
Rohit Krishna ◽  
Kanak Sinha ◽  
Santosh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Biochemical Characterization ◽  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Gene Sequencing ◽  
Cellulase Activity ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing

Background: Cellulolysis is of considerable economic importance in laundry detergents, textile and pulp and paper industries and in fermentation of biomass into biofuels. Objective: The aim was to screen cellulase producing actinobacteria from the fruit orchard because of its requirement in several chemical reactions. Methods: Strains of actinobacteria were isolated on Sabouraud’s agar medium. Similarities in cultural and biochemical characterization by growing the strains on ISP medium and dissimilarities among them perpetuated to recognise nine groups of actinobacteria. Cellulase activity was measured by the diameter of clear zone around colonies on CMC agar and the amount of reducing sugar liberated from carboxymethyl cellulose in the supernatant of the CMC broth. Further, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and molecular characterization were placed before NCBI for obtaining recognition with accession numbers. Results: Prominent clear zones on spraying Congo Red were found around the cultures of strains of three groups SK703, SK706, SK708 on CMC agar plates. The enzyme assay for carboxymethylcellulase displayed extra cellulase activity in broth: 0.14, 0.82 and 0.66 &#181;mol mL-1 min-1, respectively at optimum conditions of 35°C, pH 7.3 and 96 h of incubation. However, the specific cellulase activities per 1 mg of protein did not differ that way. It was 1.55, 1.71 and 1.83 μmol mL-1 min-1. The growing mycelia possessed short compact chains of 10-20 conidia on aerial branches. These morphological and biochemical characteristics, followed by their verification by Bergey’s Manual, categorically allowed the strains to be placed under actinobacteria. Further, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, molecular characterization and their evolutionary relationship through phylogenetics also confirmed the putative cellulase producing isolates of SK706 and SK708 subgroups to be the strains of Streptomyces. These strains on getting NCBI recognition were christened as Streptomyces glaucescens strain SK91L (KF527284) and Streptomyces rochei strain SK78L (KF515951), respectively. Conclusion: Conclusive evidence on the basis of different parameters established the presence of cellulase producing actinobacteria in the litchi orchard which can convert cellulose into fermentable sugar.

scholarly journals Diversity, Composition and Functional Inference of Gut Microbiota in Indian Cabbage white Pieris canidia (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

Life ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 254
Author(s):  
Ying Wang ◽  
Jianqing Zhu ◽  
Jie Fang ◽  
Li Shen ◽  
Shuojia Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Adult Survival ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Life Stages ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Functional Inference ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Insect Fitness

We characterized the gut microbial composition and relative abundance of gut bacteria in the larvae and adults of Pieris canidia by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The gut microbiota structure was similar across the life stages and sexes. The comparative functional analysis on P. canidia bacterial communities with PICRUSt showed the enrichment of several pathways including those for energy metabolism, immune system, digestive system, xenobiotics biodegradation, transport, cell growth and death. The parameters often used as a proxy of insect fitness (development time, pupation rate, emergence rate, adult survival rate and weight of 5th instars larvae) showed a significant difference between treatment group and untreated group and point to potential fitness advantages with the gut microbiomes in P. canidia. These data provide an overall view of the bacterial community across the life stages and sexes in P. canidia.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document