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Updated: Feb 24, 2026
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Determining Genetic Expression Profiles in C. elegans Using Microarray and Real-time PCR
Published on: July 30, 2011
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Parasitoid gene expression changes after adaptation to symbiont-protected hosts
Alice B Dennis1,2,3, Vilas Patel4, Kerry M Oliver4
1Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|August 26, 2017
Summary
Parasitoid wasps rapidly evolved specific defenses against aphid endosymbionts. This coevolutionary arms race involves unique toxins and viral particles, showcasing genetic variation for adaptation in parasitoid wasps.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Insect Ecology
- Microbial Symbiosis
Background:
- Aphids rely on protective endosymbionts for defense against natural enemies.
- Parasitoid wasps coevolve with aphids and their symbionts, driving reciprocal adaptations.
- Understanding symbiont-mediated defense is crucial for insect coevolutionary studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adaptive evolution of parasitoid wasps to symbiont-conferred aphid defenses.
- To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying parasitoid adaptation to specific endosymbiont strains.
Main Methods:
- Experimental evolution of parasitoid wasps (Lysiphlebus fabarum) on aphids (Aphis fabae) with different Hamiltonella defensa symbiont strains.
- Assessing parasitoid infectivity and oviposition behavior.
- Comparative transcriptomics of evolved parasitoid lineages.
Main Results:
- Parasitoid wasps evolved enhanced ability to parasitize aphids with the symbiont strain they were reared on.
- Symbiont strains encode different toxins, suggesting distinct counter-adaptation targets.
- Transcriptomics revealed lineage-specific gene expression in wasps, enriched with venom toxins and viral particles.
Conclusions:
- Parasitoid wasps exhibit rapid, specific adaptation to microbial defenses conferred by aphid endosymbionts.
- Genetic variation in parasitoid offensive arsenals, including toxins and viral particles, facilitates adaptation.
- This study highlights the complex interplay between hosts, symbionts, and natural enemies in driving coevolution.
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