Enterococci Mediate the Oviposition Preference of Drosophila melanogaster through Sucrose Catabolism

Abstract

Sucrose, one of the main products of photosynthesis in plants, functions as a universal biomarker for nutritional content and maturity of different fruits across diverse ecological niches. Drosophila melanogaster congregates to lay eggs in rotting fruits, yet the factors that influence these decisions remains uncovered. Here, we report that lactic acid bacteria Enterococci are critical modulators to attract Drosophila to lay eggs on decaying food. Drosophila-associated Enterococci predominantly catabolize sucrose for growing their population in fly food, and thus generate a unique ecological niche with depleted sucrose, but enriched bacteria. Female flies navigate these favorable oviposition sites by probing the sucrose cue with their gustatory sensory neurons. Acquirement of indigenous microbiota facilitated the development and systemic growth of Drosophila, thereby benefiting the survival and fitness of their offspring. Thus, our finding highlights the pivotal roles of commensal bacteria in influencing host behavior, opening the door to a better understanding of the ecological relationships between the microbial and metazoan worlds.

Pathogenic fungi-induced susceptibility is mitigated by mutual Lactobacillus plantarum in the Drosophila melanogaster model

“…This is achieved by evaluating the nutritional and microbial content of potential oviposition sites. Previous studies, including our work, have shown a general theme that Drosophila are robustly allured to lay eggs in fermented food by commensal Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Weissella, and Saccharomyces [23,43]. However, they were vigorously repelled by the presence of harmful molds (e.g., Penicillium expansum) [44].…”

“…PGRP-LC mutant flies were kindly gifted by Dr. Zhai (Hunan Normal University, China). All flies were reared at 25°C, 60% humidity with a 12 h/12 h light/dark cycle on standard cornmeal-yeast-sucrose food unless otherwise stated [23].…”

Pathogenic fungi-induced susceptibility is mitigated by mutual Lactobacillus plantarum in the Drosophila melanogaster model

“…They evaluate nutritional and microbial contents of potential oviposition sites. Previous Studies, including our work, have shown a general theme that Drosophila is robustly allured to lay eggs in fermented food by commensal Lactococcus, Lactobacillus, Weissella and Saccharomyces [23,43]. However, they was vigorously repelled by harmful molds, such as Penicillium expansum [44].…”

“…Dechlorinated eggs were used to generate the specific interaction of hosts and specific microbes as previously described [23]. As a result in Fig.…”

“…In order to enhance the survival and fitness of their offspring, Drosophila females select favorable sites to deposit their eggs [28,29]. Our earlier work showed that commensals, like L. plantarum, elicited the oviposition preference of Drosophila using the two-choice assay as described [23].…”