-
Current Biology : CB Dec 2018Egan et al. introduce the reader to gall wasps, including a description of their life cycle and complex ecological interactions with host plants and natural enemies.
Egan et al. introduce the reader to gall wasps, including a description of their life cycle and complex ecological interactions with host plants and natural enemies.
Topics: Animals; Host-Parasite Interactions; Plant Physiological Phenomena; Plant Tumors; Plants; Symbiosis; Wasps
PubMed: 30562523
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.10.028 -
The New Phytologist Jan 2022Agrobacterium tumefaciens colonizes the galls (plant tumors) it causes, and the roots of host and nonhost plants. Transposon-sequencing (Tn-Seq) was used to discover...
Agrobacterium tumefaciens colonizes the galls (plant tumors) it causes, and the roots of host and nonhost plants. Transposon-sequencing (Tn-Seq) was used to discover A.tumefaciens genes involved in reproductive success (fitness genes) on Solanum lycopersicum and Populus trichocarpa tumors and S.lycopersicum and Zea mays roots. The identified fitness genes represent 3-8% of A. tumefaciens genes and contribute to carbon and nitrogen metabolism, synthesis and repair of DNA, RNA and proteins and envelope-associated functions. Competition assays between 12 knockout mutants and wild-type confirmed the involvement of 10 genes (trpB, hisH, metH, cobN, ntrB, trxA, nrdJ, kamA, exoQ, wbbL) in A.tumefaciens fitness under both tumor and root conditions. The remaining two genes (fecA, noxA) were important in tumors only. None of these mutants was nonpathogenic, but four (hisH, trpB, exoQ, ntrB) exhibited impaired virulence. Finally, we used this knowledge to search for chemical and biocontrol treatments that target some of the identified fitness pathways and report reduced tumorigenesis and impaired establishment of A.tumefaciens on tomato roots using tannic acid or Pseudomonas protegens, which affect iron assimilation. This work revealed A.tumefaciens pathways that contribute to its competitive survival in plants and highlights a strategy to identify plant protection approaches against this pathogen.
Topics: Agrobacterium tumefaciens; Carbon; Solanum lycopersicum; Plant Roots; Plant Tumors; Virulence
PubMed: 34655498
DOI: 10.1111/nph.17810 -
Current Biology : CB Jun 2008
Topics: Animals; Aphids; Female; Genome, Insect; Insect Vectors; Male; Pisum sativum; Plant Diseases; Plant Tumors; Styrax
PubMed: 18579086
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2008.03.034 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2023Myrtaceae have a wide geographical distribution in Brazil and host a great richness of Cecidomyiidae galls. However, the number of cecidomyiid species on them has not... (Review)
Review
Myrtaceae have a wide geographical distribution in Brazil and host a great richness of Cecidomyiidae galls. However, the number of cecidomyiid species on them has not yet been established and the knowledge of their geographic distribution is deficient. We provide the first list of cecidomyiid species on Myrtaceae and analyze their distribution in Brazilian biomes. A literature review was performed and new data were obtained from herbarium specimens of the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. In Brazil, 13 species of Myrtaceae of five genera shelter described species of gall midges. Eugenia hosts the greatest richness of gall-inducers. All plant species have human uses and are native to Brazil, being seven endemic. Myrtaceae shelter 25 cecidomyiid species of 13 genera in 25 gall morphotypes. Sixteen species occur on endemic hosts, highlighting the peculiarity of the Brazilian fauna. These Cecidomyiidae occur collectively in five biomes, but most species (92%) are known from the Atlantic Forest, where 72% appear exclusively. Sixty per cent are restricted to a single Brazilian state, indicating their still poorly known distribution.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Diptera; Insecta; Brazil; Myrtaceae; Plant Tumors; Host-Parasite Interactions
PubMed: 37585890
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320200684 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Dec 2010The species Rhus chinensis Mill. (Anacardiaceae) is an important representative of the genus Rhus, which contains over 250 individual species found in temperate and... (Review)
Review
The species Rhus chinensis Mill. (Anacardiaceae) is an important representative of the genus Rhus, which contains over 250 individual species found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Rhus chinensis has long been used by folk medicine practitioners in Asia. Leaves, roots, stem, bark, fruit and particularly the galls on Rhus chinensis leaves, Galla chinensis, are recognized to have preventative and therapeutic effects on different ailments (such as diarrhea, dysentery, rectal and intestinal cancer, diabetes mellitus, sepsis, oral diseases and inflammation). However, it is critical to separate evidence from anecdote. Fortunately, recent scientific research has revealed that Rhus chinensis compounds possess strong antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities. Moreover, compounds isolated from the stem of Rhus chinensis significantly suppressed HIV-1 activity in vitro. Compounds from this plant were also found to inhibit enamel demineralization in vitro and enhance remineralization of dental enamel with fluoride. This review highlights claims from traditional and tribal medicinal lore and makes a contemporary summary of phytochemical, biological and pharmacological findings on this plant material. It aims to show that the pharmaceutical potential of this plant deserves closer attention.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-HIV Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antidiarrheals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Antioxidants; Antiviral Agents; Cariostatic Agents; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Medicine, East Asian Traditional; Plant Extracts; Plant Tumors; Rhus
PubMed: 20564459
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3215 -
Current Biology : CB May 2021Galls are abnormal plant growths induced by animals, especially insects, to foster their own developing offspring. Which molecular malware gall-inducers use to hack into...
Galls are abnormal plant growths induced by animals, especially insects, to foster their own developing offspring. Which molecular malware gall-inducers use to hack into the plant's genetic programs is unclear. In an aphid, a gene affecting gall color has been discovered, part of a large family of putative effectors.
Topics: Animals; Aphids; Host-Parasite Interactions; Insecta; Plant Tumors; Plants
PubMed: 33974866
DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.03.095 -
Plant Physiology Nov 2003
Review
Topics: Agrobacterium tumefaciens; Arabidopsis; DNA, Bacterial; Plant Tumors; Plants; Plants, Genetically Modified; Transformation, Genetic
PubMed: 14612581
DOI: 10.1104/pp.103.032243 -
Plant, Cell & Environment Feb 2021Gall-inducing insects and their hosts present some of the most intricate plant-herbivore interactions. Oviposition on the host is often the first cue of future herbivory...
Gall-inducing insects and their hosts present some of the most intricate plant-herbivore interactions. Oviposition on the host is often the first cue of future herbivory and events at this early time point can affect later life stages. Many gallers are devastating plant pests, yet little information regarding the plant-insect molecular interplay exists, particularly following egg deposition. We studied the physiological and transcriptional responses of Eucalyptus following oviposition by the gall-inducing wasp, Leptocybe invasa, to explore potential mechanisms governing defence responses and gall development. RNA sequencing and microscopy were used to explore a susceptible Eucalyptus-L. invasa interaction. Infested and control material was compared over time (1-3, 7 and 90 days post oviposition) to examine the transcriptional and morphological changes. Oviposition induces accumulation of reactive oxygen species and phenolics which is reflected in the transcriptome analysis. Gene expression supports phytohormones and 10 transcription factor subfamilies as key regulators. The egg and oviposition fluid stimulate cell division resulting in gall development. Eucalyptus responses to oviposition are apparent within 24 hr. Putative defences include the oxidative burst and barrier reinforcement. However, egg and oviposition fluid stimuli may redirect these responses towards gall development.
Topics: Animals; Eucalyptus; Female; Herbivory; Insecta; Oviposition; Ovum; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Tumors; Wasps
PubMed: 33125164
DOI: 10.1111/pce.13930 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2016Phenolic compounds (PCs) are known as a chemically diverse category of secondary and reactive metabolites which are produced in plants via the shikimate-phenylpropanoid... (Review)
Review
Phenolic compounds (PCs) are known as a chemically diverse category of secondary and reactive metabolites which are produced in plants via the shikimate-phenylpropanoid pathways. These compounds-ubiquitous in plants-are an essential part of the human diet, and are of considerable interest due to their antioxidant properties. Phenolic compounds are essential for plant functions, because they are involved in oxidative stress reactions, defensive systems, growth, and development. A large body of cellular and animal evidence carried out in recent decades has confirmed the anticancer role of PCs. Phytohormones-especially auxins and cytokinins-are key contributors to uncontrolled growth and tumor formation. Phenolic compounds can prevent plant growth by the endogenous regulation of auxin transport and enzymatic performance, resulting in the prevention of tumorigenesis. To conclude, polyphenols can reduce plant over-growth rate and the development of tumors in plant cells by regulating phytohormones. Future mechanistic studies are necessary to reveal intracellular transcription and transduction agents associated with the preventive role of phenolics versus plant pathological malignancy cascades.
Topics: Antioxidants; Cytokinins; Humans; Indoleacetic Acids; Phenols; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Tumors
PubMed: 27563858
DOI: 10.3390/molecules21091104 -
PLoS Genetics Nov 2019Galls are plant tissues whose development is induced by another organism for the inducer's benefit. 30,000 arthropod species induce galls, and in most cases the inducing...
Galls are plant tissues whose development is induced by another organism for the inducer's benefit. 30,000 arthropod species induce galls, and in most cases the inducing effectors and target plant systems are unknown. Cynipid gall wasps are a speciose monophyletic radiation that induce structurally complex galls on oaks and other plants. We used a model system comprising the gall wasp Biorhiza pallida and the oak Quercus robur to characterise inducer and host plant gene expression at defined stages through the development of galled and ungalled plant tissues, and tested alternative hypotheses for the origin and type of galling effectors and plant metabolic pathways involved. Oak gene expression patterns diverged markedly during development of galled and normal buds. Young galls showed elevated expression of oak genes similar to legume root nodule Nod factor-induced early nodulin (ENOD) genes and developmental parallels with oak buds. In contrast, mature galls showed substantially different patterns of gene expression to mature leaves. While most oak transcripts could be functionally annotated, many gall wasp transcripts of interest were novel. We found no evidence in the gall wasp for involvement of third-party symbionts in gall induction, for effector delivery using virus-like-particles, or for gallwasp expression of genes coding for plant hormones. Many differentially and highly expressed genes in young larvae encoded secretory peptides, which we hypothesise are effector proteins exported to plant tissues. Specifically, we propose that host arabinogalactan proteins and gall wasp chitinases interact in young galls to generate a somatic embryogenesis-like process in oak tissues surrounding the gall wasp larvae. Gall wasp larvae also expressed genes encoding multiple plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs). These have functional orthologues in other gall inducing cynipids but not in figitid parasitoid sister groups, suggesting that they may be evolutionary innovations associated with cynipid gall induction.
Topics: Animals; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Genomics; Host-Parasite Interactions; Larva; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Phenotype; Plant Growth Regulators; Plant Leaves; Plant Tumors; Quercus; Wasps
PubMed: 31682601
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008398