Specialization of the hindgut wall for the attachment of symbiotic micro-organisms in a termite Procubitermes aburiensis (Isoptera, Termitidae, Termitinae)

Bignell, David E.; Oskarsson, H.; Anderson, J. M.

doi:10.1007/bf00310080

Cited by 37 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Strains of Gilliamella associated with the honey bee have been shown to form thick biofilms within the ileum (14), and genes involved in biofilm formation/adhesion were overrepresented in the A. mellifera Gamma bin (15). More generally, adhesion to the gut wall may play a critical role for insect gut associates because, unlike mammals, insects do not secrete a mucus layer that facilitates microbial residence (57).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genomic Features of a Bumble Bee Symbiont Reflect Its Host Environment

Martinson

Magoč

Koch

et al. 2014

Appl Environ Microbiol

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dHere, we report the genome of one gammaproteobacterial member of the gut microbiota, for which we propose the name "Candidatus Schmidhempelia bombi," that was inadvertently sequenced alongside the genome of its host, the bumble bee, Bombus impatiens. This symbiont is a member of the recently described bacterial order Orbales, which has been collected from the guts of diverse insect species; however, "Ca. Schmidhempelia" has been identified exclusively with bumble bees. Metabolic reconstruction reveals that "Ca. Schmidhempelia" lacks many genes for a functioning NADH dehydrogenase I, all genes for the highoxygen cytochrome o, and most genes in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. "Ca. Schmidhempelia" has retained NADH dehydrogenase II, the low-oxygen specific cytochrome bd, anaerobic nitrate respiration, mixed-acid fermentation pathways, and citrate fermentation, which may be important for survival in low-oxygen or anaerobic environments found in the bee hindgut. Additionally, a type 6 secretion system, a Flp pilus, and many antibiotic/multidrug transporters suggest complex interactions with its host and other gut commensals or pathogens. This genome has signatures of reduction (2.0 megabase pairs) and rearrangement, as previously observed for genomes of host-associated bacteria. A survey of wild and laboratory B. impatiens revealed that "Ca. Schmidhempelia" is present in 90% of individuals and, therefore, may provide benefits to its host.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genomic Features of a Bumble Bee Symbiont Reflect Its Host Environment

Martinson

Magoč

Koch

et al. 2014

Appl Environ Microbiol

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“…The Malpighian tubules enter the gut at the junction of the midgut and the first proctodeal segment. The epithelium forms distinct sites for the attachment of symbiotic microorganisms [26]. Fig.…”

Section: Anatomy and Chemistry Of The Termite Gutmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lignocellulose degradation by microorganisms from termite hills and termite guts: A survey on the present state of art

Varma

Kolli

Paul

et al. 1994

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

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In several aspects termites are a fascinating group of insects having attracted the interest of many researchers. They exhibit a complex social behavior and caste differentiation occurring elsewhere only among the hymenoptera. In an enlarged part of the hindgut, the paunch, termites have established a unique symbiotic association with prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. A similar flora is also found in wood‐eating roaches of the genus Cryptocercus. The study of symbiosis between termites and their intestinal microbes is of general interest, because due to this symbiotic interaction termites can feed on complex biopolymers such as wood. Flagellates and bacteria occur in the gut of lower termites, while higher termites possess only bacteria. In particular spirochetes are abundant in the termite gut. Apart from spirochetes and other more common bacteria, actinomycetes, yeasts and fungi have also been isolated from different species of termites. This review summarizes the distinct role of the intestinal flora in degradation of wood components such as cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.

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“…Special structures (e.g. cuticular pits) for the attachment of bacteria were reported in the colonic epithelium of a soil-feeding termite (Bignell et al, 1980), but such specializations were not found in N. takasagoensis. It is known that the proportion of the colon in related to the whole gut is much higher in the soil-feeding termites than the wood-feeding termites (Bignell, 1994).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%