Transcriptomic Analysis of Steinernema Nematodes Highlights Metabolic Costs Associated to Xenorhabdus Endosymbiont Association and Rearing Conditions.

ABSTRACT: Entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Steinernema have a mutualistic relationship with bacteria of the genus Xenorhabdus and together they form an antagonist partnership against their insect hosts. The nematodes (third-stage infective juveniles, or IJs) protect the bacteria from the external environmental stressors and vector them from one insect host to another. Xenorhabdus produce secondary metabolites and antimicrobial compounds inside the insect that protect the cadaver from soil saprobes and scavengers. The bacteria also become the nematodes' food, allowing them to grow and reproduce. Despite these benefits, it is yet unclear what the potential metabolic costs for Steinernema IJs are relative to the maintenance and vectoring of Xenorhabdus. In this

SUBMITTER: Lefoulon E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8914265 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature