Dataset Information

Enhanced vitellogenesis in a whitefly via feeding on a begomovirus-infected plant.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The MEAM1 (B biotype) Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the most widespread and damaging whitefly cryptic species. Our previous studies discovered that the MEAM1 whitefly indirectly benefits from interactions with the tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV) via accelerated ovarian development and increased fecundity. However, the physiological mechanism of begomoviruse-infected plants acting on the reproduction of the insect vector was unknown.

Methodology/principal findings

Biochemical and molecular properties of vitellogenin (Vg) and vitellin (Vt) were characterized in the MEAM1 whitefly. In addition, kinetics of Vt levels in ovary and Vg levels in hemolymph in different stages were detected using a sandwich ELISA. The level of hemolymph Vg increased rapidly after eclosion. A significantly higher level of hemolymph Vg and ovary Vt were observed in whiteflies feeding on virus-infected tobacco plants than those feeding on uninfected plants. In order to detect the levels of Vg mRNA transcription, complete vitellogenin (Vg) mRNA transcripts of 6474 bp were sequenced. Vg mRNA level in whiteflies feeding on virus-infected plants was higher than those feeding on uninfected plants. However, virus-infection of the whiteflies per se, as demonstrated using an artificial diet system, did not produce significant changes in Vg mRNA level.

Conclusions/significance

In MEAM1 whitefly, increased levels of both vitellin and vitellogenin as well as increased transcription of Vg mRNA are associated with feeding on begomovirus-infected plants, thus providing a mechanism for accelerated vitellogenesis. We conclude that MEAM1 whitefly profits from feeding on begomovirus-infected plants for yolk protein synthesis and uptake, and thereby increases its fecundity. These results not only provide insights into the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying the elevated reproduction of a whitefly species through its association with a begomovirus-infected plant, but also provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms related to whitefly reproduction.

SUBMITTER: Guo JY

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3427354 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Enhanced vitellogenesis in a whitefly via feeding on a begomovirus-infected plant.

Guo Jian-Yang JY Dong Sheng-Zhang SZ Yang Xiu-ling XL Cheng Lu L Wan Fang-Hao FH Liu Shu-Sheng SS Zhou Xue-ping XP Ye Gong-Yin GY

PloS one 20120824 8

<h4>Background</h4>The MEAM1 (B biotype) Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the most widespread and damaging whitefly cryptic species. Our previous studies discovered that the MEAM1 whitefly indirectly benefits from interactions with the tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV) via accelerated ovarian development and increased fecundity. However, the physiological mechanism of begomoviruse-infected plants acting on the reproduction of the insect vector was unknown.<h4>Methodology/principa ...[more]

PMID: 22937062

Similar Datasets

Project description:Apoptosis is generally considered the first line of defense against viral infection. However, the role of apoptosis in the interactions between plant viruses and their insect vectors has rarely been investigated. By studying plant DNA viruses of the genus Begomovirus within the family Geminiviridae, which are transmitted by whiteflies of the Bemisia tabaci species complex in a persistent manner, we revealed that virus-induced apoptosis in insect vectors can facilitate viral accumulation and transmission. We found that infection with tomato yellow leaf curl virus activated the apoptosis pathway in B. tabaci Suppressing apoptosis by inhibitors or silencing caspase-3 significantly reduced viral accumulation, while the activation of apoptosis increased viral accumulation in vivo Moreover, the positive effect of whitefly apoptosis on virus accumulation and transmission was not due to its cross talk with the autophagy pathway that suppresses begomovirus infection in whiteflies. We further showed that viral replication, rather than the viral coat protein, is likely the critical factor in the activation of apoptosis by the virus. These novel findings indicate that similarly to many animal and a few plant RNA viruses, plant DNA viruses may activate apoptosis in their insect vectors leading to enhanced viral accumulation and transmission.IMPORTANCE Of the approximately 1,100 known plant viruses, about one-third are DNA viruses that are vectored by insects. Plant virus infections often induce cellular and molecular responses in their insect vectors, which can, in many cases, affect the spread of viruses. However, the mechanisms underlying vector responses that affect virus accumulation and transmission are poorly understood. Here, we examined the role of virus-induced apoptosis in the transmission of begomoviruses, a group of single-stranded plant DNA viruses that are transmitted by whiteflies and cause extensive damage to many crops worldwide. We demonstrated that virus infection can induce apoptosis in the insect vector conferring protection to the virions from degradation, leading to enhanced viral accumulation and transmission to host plants. Our findings provide valuable clues for designing new strategies to block the transmission of insect-vectored plant viruses, particularly plant DNA viruses.

Dataset Information

Enhanced vitellogenesis in a whitefly via feeding on a begomovirus-infected plant.

Background

Methodology/principal findings

Conclusions/significance

Publications

Enhanced vitellogenesis in a whitefly via feeding on a begomovirus-infected plant.

Similar Datasets

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