The tsetse fly obligate mutualist Wigglesworthia morsitans alters gene expression and population density via exogenous nutrient provisioning

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2012 Nov;78(21):7792-7. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02052-12. Epub 2012 Aug 17.

Abstract

The obligate mutualist Wigglesworthia morsitans provisions nutrients to tsetse flies. The symbiont's response to thiamine (B(1)) supplementation of blood meals, specifically towards the regulation of thiamine biosynthesis and population density, is described. Despite an ancient symbiosis and associated genome tailoring, Wigglesworthia responds to nutrient availability, potentially accommodating a decreased need.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Gene Expression
  • Population Density
  • Symbiosis*
  • Thiamine / metabolism*
  • Tsetse Flies / metabolism
  • Tsetse Flies / microbiology*
  • Wigglesworthia / genetics*
  • Wigglesworthia / metabolism
  • Wigglesworthia / physiology*

Substances

  • Thiamine