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Wolbachia Promotes Its Own Uptake by Host Cells
Lindsay B Nevalainen1, Emily M Layton1, Irene L G Newton1
1Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.
Infection and Immunity
|January 17, 2023
Summary
Live Wolbachia bacteria actively infect host cells, utilizing the host actin cytoskeleton for uptake. This finding is crucial for understanding and controlling insect populations using Wolbachia infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Insect Pathology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Wolbachia pipientis is a widespread bacterial symbiont infecting 25-52% of insect species.
- Wolbachia is maternally transmitted but can transfer between species, necessitating an extracellular phase.
- Understanding Wolbachia's infection mechanism is key for its use in insect population control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for live tracking Wolbachia during host cell infection.
- To investigate the active role of Wolbachia in its own uptake by host cells.
- To determine the host cell factors involved in Wolbachia colonization.
Main Methods:
- Development of a live-tracking assay using stains and microscopy.
- Comparison of live versus dead Wolbachia cell uptake rates.
- Assessment of host actin cytoskeleton's role using disruption drugs.
Main Results:
- Live Wolbachia cells exhibit significantly faster uptake than dead cells.
- Wolbachia uptake is an active, non-passive process involving bacterial factors.
- The host actin cytoskeleton is essential for Wolbachia entry; its disruption inhibits infection.
Conclusions:
- Wolbachia actively participates in its own host cell invasion.
- The host actin cytoskeleton is a critical component for successful Wolbachia colonization.
- The developed live infection assay will facilitate further research into Wolbachia infection factors.
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