Heads or Tails: Host-Parasite Interactions in the Drosophila-Wolbachia System

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.70.9.5366-5372.2004
• Publication Date: 2004-09-02T20:15:34Z
• Authors: Zoe Veneti; Michael E. Clark; Timothy L. Karr; Charalambos Savakis; Kostas Bourtzis
• Keywords: Cytoplasmic incompatibility; Drosophila embryogenesis

ABSTRACT Wolbachia strains are endosymbiotic bacteria typically found in the reproductive tracts of arthropods. These manipulate host reproduction to ensure maternal transmission. They usually transmitted vertically, so it has been predicted that they have evolved a mechanism target host's germ cells during development. Through cytological analysis we display various affinities for line Drosophila . Different show posterior, anterior, or cortical localization embryos, and this is congruent with classification organisms based on wsp ( surface protein) gene sequence. This embryonic distribution pattern established early oogenesis does not change until late stages embryogenesis. The posterior anterior resembles oskar bicoid mRNAs, respectively, which define anterior-posterior axis oocyte. By comparing properties single strain different backgrounds same background, concluded bacterial factors determine distribution, while density seems be limited by host. Possible implications concerning cytoplasmic incompatibility evolution discussed.