Bacterial bioluminescence is an important regulator of multitrophic interactions in the soil
Arthur Muller,
Patricia Morales-Montero,
Anja Boss,
Alexandre Hiltmann,
Carlos Castaneda-Alvarez,
Aashaq H. Bhat,
Carla C.M. Arce,
Gaetan Glauser,
Susan A. Joyce,
David J. Clarke,
Ricardo A.R. Machado
Affiliations
Arthur Muller
Experimental Biology Group, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Patricia Morales-Montero
Experimental Biology Group, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Anja Boss
Experimental Biology Group, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Alexandre Hiltmann
Experimental Biology Group, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Carlos Castaneda-Alvarez
Experimental Biology Group, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Aashaq H. Bhat
Experimental Biology Group, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Carla C.M. Arce
Laboratory of Fundamental and Applied Research in Chemical Ecology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Gaetan Glauser
Neuchâtel Platform of Analytical Chemistry, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Susan A. Joyce
APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
David J. Clarke
APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; School of Microbiology, University College Cork, T12 YN60 Cork, Ireland
Ricardo A.R. Machado
Experimental Biology Group, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Corresponding author
Summary: Enormous efforts have been made to understand the functions of bioluminescence; however, its relevance in soil ecosystems has barely been investigated. In addition, our understanding of the biological relevance of bioluminescence is hampered by the scarcity of tools to genetically manipulate this trait. Using the symbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes, Photorhabdus bacteria, we show that bioluminescence plays important regulatory roles in multitrophic interactions in the soil. Through genetic modifications and exploiting natural variability, we provide direct evidence for the multifunctional nature of bioluminescence. It regulates abiotic and biotic stress resistance, impacts other trophic levels, including nematodes, insects, and plants, and contributes to symbiosis. Our study contributes to understanding the factors that have driven the evolution and maintenance of this trait in belowground ecosystems.
