Researchers have discovered a fascinating symbiotic relationship between a wasp species and a newly discovered bacterial species a relationship that potentially sheds light on how bacteria can be successfully utilized by higher organisms in defensive mechanisms against other microbes. In the new work, researchers show that a solitary ground-nesting wasp, the European beewolf, harbors Streptomyces bacteria in unique structures within its antennae and that females utilize these bacterial symbionts to protect the wasp larvae against pathogenic fungi.

Detrimental microorganisms are a permanent threat to higher organisms, and because of their high reproductive potential and adaptability, they are extremely difficult to control. Ironically, the best counteragents against microbes are often other microbes that produce very potent antibiotics. Thus, an effective and elegant way to counter the threat caused by bacteria and fungi is to establish a symbiotic relationship with innocuous antibiotic-producing bacteria that provide protection against the most dangerous pathogens. As yet, only a few cases of defensive symbioses between higher organisms and bacteria have been reported.

In their new paper, Martin Kaltenpoth and his colleagues at the Biocenter of the University of Wrzburg show that the European beewolf Philanthus triangulum has evolved a defensive symbiosis with a new species of bacteria of the genus Streptomyces. Interestingly, this genus comprises the most important group of bacteria for the production of antibiotics for human medicine.

Female beewolves provision their larvae with paralyzed honeybees in brood cells in the soil. As part of this process, the researchers show, they use their antennae to deliver the symbiotic bacteria to the ceiling of the brood cell before finally closing off the cell. The larvae then take up the bacteria and apply them to the silk threads of their cocoons. The researchers found that experimental removal of
'"/>

Contact: Heidi Hardman
hhardman@cell.com
1-617-397-2879
Cell Press
7-Mar-2005

Page: 1 2
Related biology news :

1. Symbiotic fungus does not depend on fungus-farming ants for reproduction, researchers say
2. In limiting life span, study finds booming bacteria innocent
3. Cornell scientists link E. coli bacteria to Crohns disease
4. Pets could be source of multiresistant bacteria infections in humans, MU researchers investigate
5. Researchers watch antibiotics, bacteria meet at atomic level
6. A new plant-bacterial symbiotic mechanism promising
7. Piecing together the cyanobacteria puzzle
8. New research shows vaginal bacteria vary among healthy women, need customized treatment
9. New way to target and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria found
10. UCF professor finds bacterial pathogen may be key to understanding cancer development
11. Helping chlorine-eating bacteria clean up toxic waste