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Intestinal microecology associated with fluoride resistance capability of the silkworm (Bombyx mori L.)

Guan-Nan Li1,2, Xue-Juan Xia3, Wen-Chao Tang1,2

  • 1Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of Silkworm, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, P. R. China.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
|May 6, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Fluoride exposure significantly altered silkworm gut bacteria, decreasing numbers in susceptible strains but increasing diversity in resistant ones. This impacts understanding of silkworm microecology and fluoride resistance mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Environmental Science
  • Insect Physiology

Background:

  • The silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) is a key model organism in Lepidoptera research.
  • The intestinal microbiota's diversity and function in silkworms are not well understood.
  • Investigating silkworm microecology responses to environmental stressors like fluoride is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of fluoride exposure on the intestinal microecology of fluoride-resistant (T6) and fluoride-susceptible (734) silkworm strains.
  • To characterize changes in bacterial numbers, pH, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, and microbial diversity in response to fluoride.

Main Methods:

  • Silkworm strains T6 and 734 were exposed to 200 mg/kg fluoride or deionized water.
  • Culture-dependent methods were used to quantify intestinal bacteria.
  • Intestinal content pH and SCFA concentrations were analyzed.
  • High-throughput sequencing was employed to assess microbial diversity and community composition.

Main Results:

  • Fluoride exposure significantly decreased intestinal bacterial numbers in the susceptible 734 strain.
  • Intestinal pH decreased in the fluoride-treated 734 group; SCFA concentrations decreased in both treated groups.
  • High-throughput sequencing revealed significantly higher microbial diversity in the 734-T group, with distinct shifts in bacterial phyla (e.g., increased Thaumarchaeota, Euryarchaeota).

Conclusions:

  • Fluoride exposure differentially affects the intestinal microbiota of silkworm strains with varying fluoride resistance.
  • The susceptible 734 strain showed reduced bacterial counts and altered pH, while the resistant T6 strain's microbiota composition was also affected.
  • This study provides insights into silkworm intestinal microbiota dynamics under fluoride stress and highlights strain-specific responses.
Keywords:
Fluoride-resistance capabilityIllumina MiseqIntestinal environmentIntestinal microbiotaSilkworm (Bombyx mori L.)

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