Nematode endosymbiont competition: Fortune favors the fittest.

Authors :: Heryanto C
Eleftherianos I
Source :: Molecular and biochemical parasitology [Mol Biochem Parasitol] 2020 Jul; Vol. 238, pp. 111298. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jul 01.
Publication Year :: 2020
Abstract: Endosymbiotic bacteria that obligately associate with entomopathogenic nematodes as a complex are a unique model system to study competition. These nematodes seek an insect host and provide entry for their endosymbionts. Through their natural products, the endosymbionts nurture their nematodes by eliminating secondary infection, providing nutrients through bioconversion of the insect cadaver, and facilitating reproduction. On one hand, they cooperatively colonize the insect host and neutralize other opportunistic biotic threats. On the other hand, inside the insect cadaver as a fighting pit, they fiercely compete for the fittest partnership that will grant them the reproductive dominance. Here, we review the protective and nurturing nature of endosymbiotic bacteria for their nematodes and how their selective preference shapes the superior nematode-endosymbiont pairs as we know today.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no competing financial interest.<br /> (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)