RRC ID 74111
Author Katsuma S, Hirota K, Matsuda-Imai N, Fukui T, Muro T, Nishino K, Kosako H, Shoji K, Takanashi H, Fujii T, Arimura SI, Kiuchi T.
Title A Wolbachia factor for male killing in lepidopteran insects.
Journal Nat Commun
Abstract Bacterial symbionts, such as Wolbachia species, can manipulate the sexual development and reproduction of their insect hosts. For example, Wolbachia infection induces male-specific death in the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis by targeting the host factor Masculinizer (Masc), an essential protein for masculinization and dosage compensation in lepidopteran insects. Here we identify a Wolbachia protein, designated Oscar, which interacts with Masc via its ankyrin repeats. Embryonic expression of Oscar inhibits Masc-induced masculinization and leads to male killing in two lepidopteran insects, O. furnacalis and the silkworm Bombyx mori. Our study identifies a mechanism by which Wolbachia induce male killing of host progeny.
Volume 13(1)
Pages 6764
Published 2022-11-14
DOI 10.1038/s41467-022-34488-y
PII 10.1038/s41467-022-34488-y
PMID 36376299
PMC PMC9663696
MeSH Animals Bombyx* / genetics Bombyx* / metabolism Dosage Compensation, Genetic Insect Proteins / genetics Insect Proteins / metabolism Male Moths* / microbiology Wolbachia* / metabolism
IF 12.121
Resource
Silkworms p50