Frontiers in Microbiology (Apr 2017)

Metagenomic Sequencing of Diamondback Moth Gut Microbiome Unveils Key Holobiont Adaptations for Herbivory

  • Minsheng You,
  • Minsheng You,
  • Minsheng You,
  • Minsheng You,
  • Xiaofeng Xia,
  • Xiaofeng Xia,
  • Xiaofeng Xia,
  • Xiaofeng Xia,
  • Geoff M. Gurr,
  • Geoff M. Gurr,
  • Geoff M. Gurr,
  • Geoff M. Gurr,
  • Liette Vasseur,
  • Liette Vasseur,
  • Liette Vasseur,
  • Liette Vasseur,
  • Dandan Zheng,
  • Dandan Zheng,
  • Dandan Zheng,
  • Dandan Zheng,
  • Huanzi Zhong,
  • Bingcai Qin,
  • Junhan Lin,
  • Junhan Lin,
  • Junhan Lin,
  • Junhan Lin,
  • Yue Wang,
  • Yue Wang,
  • Yue Wang,
  • Yue Wang,
  • FengQin Song,
  • FengQin Song,
  • FengQin Song,
  • FengQin Song,
  • Yong Li,
  • Yong Li,
  • Yong Li,
  • Yong Li,
  • Hailan Lin,
  • Hailan Lin,
  • Hailan Lin,
  • Hailan Lin

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2017.00663
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

Read online

Herbivore specialists adapt to feed on a specific group of host plants by evolving various mechanisms to respond to plant defenses. Insects also possess complex gut microbiotas but their potential role in adaptation is poorly understood. Our previous study of the genome of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, revealed an intrinsic capacity to detoxify plant defense compounds, which is an important factor in its success as a pest. Here we expand on that work with a complete taxonomic and functional profile of the P. xylostella gut microbiota obtained by metagenomic sequencing. Gene enrichment in the metagenome, accompanied by functional identification, revealed an important role of specific gut bacteria in the breakdown of plant cell walls, detoxification of plant phenolics, and synthesis of amino acids. Microbes participating in these pathways mainly belonged to three highly abundant bacteria: Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter asburiae, and Carnobacterium maltaromaticum. Results show that while the gut microbial community may be complex, a small number of functionally active species can be disproportionally important. The presence of specific enzymes in the microbiota community, such as supporting amino acid synthesis, digestion and detoxification functions, demonstrates the beneficial interactions between P. xylostella and its gut microbiota. These interactions can be potential targets for manipulation to provide novel pest management approaches.

Keywords