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Cultivation of the Drosophila sex-ratio spiroplasma

K J Hackett, D E Lynn, D L Williamson

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |June 6, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    The sex-ratio spiroplasma of Drosophila willistoni, previously uncultivable, was successfully grown in cell culture. This breakthrough enables further research into the Drosophila sex-ratio trait.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Entomology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • The sex-ratio spiroplasma of Drosophila willistoni has remained uncultivable for over 25 years.
    • This microorganism is associated with the sex-ratio trait in Drosophila, influencing offspring sex determination.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To develop a viable cell culture method for the sex-ratio spiroplasma of Drosophila willistoni.
    • To facilitate the study of the sex-ratio trait by enabling cultivation of the associated spiroplasma.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized a tissue culture medium (H-2) containing an embryo-derived lepidopteran cell line (IPLB-TN-R(2)) for initial spiroplasma cultivation.
    • Adapted the spiroplasma to grow in a cell-free H-2 medium after initial culture.

    Main Results:

    • Achieved successful cultivation of the previously uncultivable sex-ratio spiroplasma of Drosophila willistoni.
    • Demonstrated the spiroplasma's ability to grow in a cell-free medium after adaptation.

    Conclusions:

    • Cell culture systems are effective for cultivating fastidious microorganisms like the sex-ratio spiroplasma.
    • This advancement provides a crucial tool for investigating the mechanisms underlying the sex-ratio trait in Drosophila.

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