Aphids are pests that cause millions of pounds of damage to crops in the UK, but new research led by biologists at the University of York reveals potential new targets for aphid-specific insecticides.
Because it lives exclusively on the sugary sap of plants, aphids' diet is limited in nitrogenous essential amino acids. To solve this problem, the aphid must use a bacterial symbiont, Buchnera, that lives inside special insect cells and supplements the animal's diet with the required nutrients.
Researchers funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in the Department of Biology at the University of York and Cornell University in the USA, publish today a significant advance in our understanding of how this symbiosis works by studying the specific adaptations in the specialised bacteriocyte cells that have evolved to house the bacteria.
By using computational modelling of the metabolism of the aphid bacteriocytes, combined with experimental data, the scientists have revealed an unexpected twist in the metabolic basis of the symbiosis, namely that it is the insect cells that recycle nitrogen to build essential amino acids, rather than the bacterial cells themselves as previously thought. The work also demonstrates that the overall metabolism of the bacteriocyte has evolved to provide for the metabolic demands of its partner and also to recycle waste products produced by Buchnera metabolism.
Project lead at the University of York, Dr. Gavin Thomas said: "The research reveals enzymes that are needed by the aphid to manage its bacterial symbionts, thus also providing potential targets for aphid-specific insecticides.
On the approach that was used, he added: "The project is a great example of the possibilities of systems biology, integrating transcriptomic, proteomics, metabolic models and flux balance analysis to propose and test novel hypotheses about the way these two organisms interact."
'/>"/>
| Contact: David Garner david.garner@york.ac.uk 44-190-432-2153 University of York Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. European researchers harness unique properties of boron to develop new drugs and diagnostics
2. Caltech geobiologists discover unique magnetic death star fossil
3. GUMC and Oak Ridge National Labs announce unique research partnership
4. NC State takes research lead in protecting Puerto Ricos unique freshwater fisheries
5. Unique transatlantic tie-up to understand the aging process
6. Researchers find pathway and enzyme unique to tularemia organism
7. Rots unique wood degrading machinery to be harnessed for better biofuels production
8. Weizmann Institute scientists develop a unique approach for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen
9. Climate change threatens Lake Baikals unique biota
10. New DNA and RNA aptamers offer unique therapeutic advantages
11. Unique winter-hardy hibiscus has roots with AgriLife Research scientist in Vernon
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |