Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Using the Fluorescent Dye, Rhodamine B, to Study Mating Competitiveness in Male Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
07:10

Using the Fluorescent Dye, Rhodamine B, to Study Mating Competitiveness in Male Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

Published on: May 7, 2021

Hidden cytoplasmic incompatibility alters the dynamics of male-killer/host interactions

E A Hornett1, J Engelstädter, G D D Hurst

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. e.hornett@liverpool.ac.uk

Journal of Evolutionary Biology
|December 31, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Wolbachia bacteria can combine male-killing and cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) phenotypes. Hidden CI can drive suppressor genes to fixation in high prevalence infections but impede invasion in low prevalence ones.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Microbial genetics
  • Population dynamics

Background:

  • Wolbachia are bacteria that manipulate arthropod reproduction.
  • They can exhibit male-killing and cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) phenotypes, sometimes concurrently.
  • The evolutionary impact of 'hidden' CI phenotypes on host suppressor genes is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To mathematically model the influence of hidden CI on the evolutionary dynamics of host genes suppressing male-killing.
  • To investigate how varying infection prevalence affects the interaction between Wolbachia and suppressor genes.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a mathematical model.
  • Simulation of host-bacterium interactions under different infection prevalence scenarios.
  • Analysis of the invasion dynamics of male-killing suppressor genes.

Main Results:

  • In high prevalence infections, CI promotes the spread of both Wolbachia and suppressor genes, masking the male-killing phenotype.
  • In low prevalence infections, CI hinders suppressor gene invasion due to incompatibility with the majority of females.
  • The evolutionary trajectory depends significantly on the interplay between CI, infection prevalence, and suppressor gene frequency.

Conclusions:

  • Both observable and hidden Wolbachia phenotypes critically influence host gene evolution.
  • Understanding combined phenotypes is essential for predicting suppressor gene invasion and its consequences.
  • Mathematical modeling provides insights into complex host-parasite evolutionary dynamics.

More Related Videos

Understanding the Development of Compensatory Pathways in a Mutant Malaria Parasite Harbouring Hypomorphic Allele of Plant-Like Kinases09:13

Understanding the Development of Compensatory Pathways in a Mutant Malaria Parasite Harbouring Hypomorphic Allele of Plant-Like Kinases

Published on: November 22, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers01:17

Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers

A species is a group of organisms that interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Typically, individuals of the same species appear similar and share common characteristics due to their highly similar genomes. However, not all organisms that look alike are members of the same species. Various mechanisms keep most species discrete. While some mechanisms prevent reproductive behavior and fertilization (pre-zygotic isolation), others prevent the production of fertile offspring after mating has...
Microbial Interactions: Parasitism01:22

Microbial Interactions: Parasitism

Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes02:45

The Ratio of X Chromosome to Autosomes

In most organisms, sex is determined by the ratio of X and Y chromosomes. However, in some organisms, such as Drosophila and C.elegans, sex is determined by the ratio of the number of X chromosomes to the number of sets of autosomes. The Y chromosome in Drosophila is active but does not determine sex. It contains genes responsible for the production of sperms in adult flies.  
Normal male Drosophila has a ratio of one X chromosome to two sets of autosomes. In contrast, normal female Drosophila...
Dosage Compensation02:50

Dosage Compensation

In animals, gender is determined by the number and type of sex chromosome. For example, human females have two X chromosomes, and males have one X and one Y chromosome, whereas C.elegans with one X chromosome is a male, and the one with two X chromosomes is a hermaphrodite.
In addition to sexual development, the X chromosome has genes involved in autosomal functions such as brain development and the immune system. Therefore, males and females with  distinct numbers of X chromosomes will have...
Diversity of Protists II01:27

Diversity of Protists II

Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
Hybrid Zones02:29

Hybrid Zones

Hybrid zones are narrow regions where two closely related species interact, mate, and produce hybrids. Relative to either parent species, hybrids may possess distinct phenotypic or genetic differences that impact their survival and reproductive success. The genetic variances introduced by hybridization influence species diversity and speciation processes within the hybrid zone.Gene flow and natural selection are evolutionary mechanisms that shape the outcome of a hybrid zone. Gene flow...