Antibiotic-producing symbionts dynamically transition between plant pathogenicity and insect-defensive mutualism.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Florez LV
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5414355 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Antibiotic-producing symbionts dynamically transition between plant pathogenicity and insect-defensive mutualism.
Flórez Laura V LV Scherlach Kirstin K Gaube Paul P Ross Claudia C Sitte Elisabeth E Hermes Cornelia C Rodrigues Andre A Hertweck Christian C Kaltenpoth Martin M
Nature communications 20170428
Pathogenic and mutualistic bacteria associated with eukaryotic hosts often lack distinctive genomic features, suggesting regular transitions between these lifestyles. Here we present evidence supporting a dynamic transition from plant pathogenicity to insect-defensive mutualism in symbiotic Burkholderia gladioli bacteria. In a group of herbivorous beetles, these symbionts protect the vulnerable egg stage against detrimental microbes. The production of a blend of antibiotics by B. gladioli, inclu ...[more]
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