Mechanisms underpinning morphogenesis of symbiotic organ specialized for hosting indispensable microbial symbiont in stinkbug

• DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.02.530924
• Publication Date: 2023-03-07T07:05:29Z
• Authors: Sayumi Oishi; Toshiyuki Harumoto; Keiko Okamoto-Furuta; Minoru Moriyama; Takema Fukatsu
• Keywords: Coelom

ABSTRACT Microbial mutualists are pivotal for insect adaptation, which often entails the evolution of elaborate organs symbiosis. Addressing what mechanisms underpin development such is evolutionary interest. Here we investigated stinkbug Plautia stali whose posterior midgut transformed into a specialized symbiotic organ. Despite being simple tube in newborns, it developed numerous crypts four rows, inner cavity hosts specific bacterial symbiont, during 1 st to 2 nd nymphal instar. Visualization dividing cells revealed that active cell proliferation was coincident with crypt formation, although spatial patterns proliferating did not reflect arrangement. visceral muscles midgut, consisting circular and longitudinal muscles, uncovered that, strikingly, exhibited characteristic arrangement running between specifically Even early instar when no were seen, two rows epithelial areas delineated by bifurcated identified. In instar, crossing muscle fibers newly appeared connected adjacent whereby epithelium divided crypt-to-be areas. The formation proceeded even aposymbiotic nymphs, uncovering autonomous nature development. We propose mechanistic model wherein as evaginations. IMPORTANCE Diverse organisms associated microbial mutualists, host develop retaining partners. light origin novelties, important understand morphogenesis organs, must have been shaped through interactions symbionts. Using model, demonstrated muscular patterning intestinal stages involved symbiont-harboring arranged constitute Strikingly, occurred normally symbiont-free proceeds autonomously. These findings suggest deeply implemented normal P. , considerably ancient organ stinkbugs.