Trypanosomatid parasite dynamically changes the transcriptome during infection and modifies honey bee physiology

Area of Science:

• Molecular biology
• Parasitology
• Insect pathology

Background:

• Honey bee parasites can impact host health and gene expression.
• Understanding host-parasite molecular interactions is crucial for bee health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gene expression changes in both the honey bee parasite Lotmaria passim and its host, the honey bee, during infection.
• To elucidate adaptive strategies of L. passim in the honey bee hindgut and the host's response to infection.

Main Methods:

• Dual RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to profile gene expression in both parasite and host simultaneously.
• Analysis focused on changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) levels related to specific metabolic and cellular processes.

Main Results:

• L. passim downregulates genes for protein translation, glycolysis, reactive oxygen species detoxification, and respiration to adapt to the honey bee hindgut environment.
• Honey bees infected long-term exhibit altered mRNA levels, suggesting a poor nutritional status, with increased 'take-out' and decreased vitellogenin mRNAs.

Conclusions:

• Dual RNA-seq provides a comprehensive view of host-parasite molecular crosstalk during infection.
• L. passim exhibits specific adaptive gene expression modifications to thrive within the honey bee, while the host shows physiological stress responses.