Evolution in response to prophage activation attenuates the virulence of culturable <i>Serratia symbiotica</i> relatives of aphid endosymbionts.

ABSTRACT: Serratia symbiotica bacteria exhibit a range of relationships with aphids. They may be co-obligate mutualists, commensals, or even pathogens depending on the strain, aphid host species, and environment. Serratia symbiotica CWBI-2.3^T (CWBI), a culturable member of this group, is transmitted to embryos transovarially when it is injected into pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum), the same route used by S. symbiotica strains that are vertically inherited endosymbionts. Yet, aphids colonized with CWBI die before they give birth to infected offspring. We evolved laboratory populations of CWBI through 15-30 serial passages at two different temperatures in rich media. These nutrient-replete conditions mimic aspects of environments within aphid hosts that lead to

SUBMITTER: VanDieren AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12505973 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature