Sidestepping Darwin: horizontal gene transfer from plants to insects

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Entomology
• Plant Science

Background:

• Horizontal transfer (HT) of genetic material is a non-reproductive DNA exchange between organisms.
• Increasing reports of HT in insects involve diverse sources, including plants.
• Understanding plant-to-insect HT is crucial for comprehending insect biology and evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail known plant-to-insect horizontal gene transfer events.
• To identify insect species and specific genes involved in these transfers.
• To discuss methodologies for characterizing plant-to-insect HT and its ecological significance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of reported plant-to-insect HT events.
• Identification of insect species and orders documented to receive plant genetic material.
• Examination of gene families involved in plant-parasite interactions within HT events.

Main Results:

• At least 14 insect species across 6 orders have undergone plant-to-insect HT.
• The whitefly Bemisia tabaci shows a high frequency, with 28 HT events and 55 plant-derived genes identified.
• Several transferred genes are associated with plant-parasite interactions.

Conclusions:

• Plant-to-insect HT is likely underestimated and occurs across various insect taxa.
• The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a significant recipient of plant genetic material via HT.
• Further research into plant-to-insect HT will illuminate complex plant-insect relationships and evolutionary dynamics.