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A Visual Guide for Studying Behavioral Defenses to Pathogen Attacks in Leaf-Cutting Ants
Published on: October 12, 2018
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Chemical warfare between leafcutter ant symbionts and a co-evolved pathogen
Daniel Heine1, Neil A Holmes2, Sarah F Worsley2
1Department of Molecular Microbiology, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7UH, UK.
Nature Communications
|June 9, 2018
Summary
Leafcutter ants rely on a symbiotic fungus and bacteria for survival. A parasitic fungus, Escovopsis, produces toxins that harm the bacteria and ants, leading to colony collapse.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Symbiosis
- Chemical Ecology
Background:
- Acromyrmex leafcutter ants engage in a tripartite symbiosis with Leucoagaricus gongylophorus fungus and Pseudonocardia bacteria.
- This symbiosis is crucial for ant nutrition and defense against pathogens like Escovopsis fungi.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemical interactions between Escovopsis fungi and the ant's symbiotic partners.
- To understand how Escovopsis infection impacts the ant colony's defenses and survival.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of specialized metabolites produced by Escovopsis upon infection of the fungal cultivar.
- Assessing the effects of these metabolites on Pseudonocardia bacteria and ant behavior.
Main Results:
- Escovopsis upregulates production of two specialized metabolites when infecting the fungal cultivar.
- These compounds inhibit Pseudonocardia bacteria, and one, shearinine D, impairs ant defenses and is toxic to ants.
Conclusions:
- Escovopsis exploits the ant's symbiotic system by producing inhibitory and toxic compounds.
- This chemical warfare drives an evolutionary arms race, potentially leading to unavoidable colony collapse once infections escalate.
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