Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
Target Audience:This research project targets different audiences including graduate and undergraduate students, other researchers, potato and tomato growers, and other industry groups. For this research project, I involved and trained students in the study of insect biology: graduate and undergraduate students were trained in the lab. Post-graduate scientists were also involved. Results obtained were also presented in seminars given at Texas A&M University, as well as internationally in Parana (Brazil) and through a Webinar with over 200 participants across Latinoamerica which included academy and industry, and other students and scientists. Further, information was shared through invited participation in classes and seminars at Texas A&M University at the graduate and undergraduate level. Changes/Problems:The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our advancement of the project. Similarly, one of the PhD students graduated and a new PhD student was recruited and is being trained. While these events did not led to changes in the project, they had slowed our progress. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has allowed to train 1 technician, 4 PhD , and 1 undergraduate students on insect molecular biology and transmission of vector-borne pathogens. The skills acquired by the students during this project are essential to secure future jobs in vector biology and entomology once the students graduate. For all personnel, the training consisted of research projects with one-on-one meetings as needed to troubleshoot experiments, analyze results, or interpret results. Further, there were weekly meetings with all members of the team and presentations. Graduate students also learned to mentor undergraduate students, this was a "training the future trainers" activity. A graduate mini-course on insects as vectors of pathogens was offered in the Agronomy program at the Maringa State University in Parana, Brazil. The information was also shared with the international community by presenting at the meeting of the Entomological Society of America in St. Louis in November 2019. Other presentations were cancelled because of COVID-19 pandemic. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been shared with other stakeholders through peer-reviewed publications and presentations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting session, we will continue our study, particular objectives 1, 2, and 4. We have generated many datasets that we are analyzing' for example the plant responses to each Lso haplotype, the changes in gene expression n fire ants in the presence or absence of brood, etc. All members of the team will continue their efforts disseminating the results.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We are investigating the difference of transmission and symptoms associated with the two haplotypes of the bacterial plant pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso), haplotypes A and B. Both types are transmitted by the potato psyllid and infect solanaceous crops in the USA. This information is needed to understand the epidemiology of the diseases and to predict risks associated with the pathogen and the vector. These results also will pave the way to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in pathogen transmission which could be targeted to disrupt the process and control the diseases caused by these pathogens. The discovery of this pathogen has resulted in commercial embargoes, this information is key to help deal with these economical and trade issues. We have identified differences of pathogenicity: haplotype B causes more severe symptoms in tomato and potato. While those differences are significant in tomato, so far the differences of disease caused in potato are non-significant. Similarly, we have identified differences in the effect of those pathogens in the vector: harboring the B haplotype has more negative effects on the vector. These results can have serious implications for disease ecology and the prevalence of the pathogen in nature. Objective 1: We have shown that there are no differences in the transmission or accumulation of the pathogen in the gut of adults if the pathogen was acquired during the nymphal stages. However, psyllids are able to transmit LsoB more efficiently than LsoA when the pathogens are acquired by adults.We have identified differences in accumulation between the two haplotypes that also correlate with differences in transmission. We hypothesize that these differences in accumulation and transmission are linked to differences in the psyllid responses mounted upon infection. Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that can be triggered in response to intracellular pathogens such as 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum'; furthermore, apoptosis has been implicated in the reduced acquisition of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' by the Asian citrus psyllids. We found no evidence of apoptosis in the gut of the potato psyllid upon acquisition of LsoA or LsoB by adults. We are currently investigating the mechanisms leading to the disruption of psyllid immunity. We are also investigating Lso acquisition and transmission by nymphs. Objective 2: We continue characterizing the interaction between the host plant and the bacterial pathogens. We have shown differences in virulence between the Lso haplotypes in tomato but not potato. Currently, we are characterizing the potato and tomato response to each Lso haplotype. We have identified Lso proteins potentially involved in the disruption of the host immunity. We are characterizing these proteins and developing the tools to further study these proteins. Objective 3: We finished our investigation of Raman spectroscopy as an early diagnostic tool for Lso infection. This technology could be used for the early detection of Lso infection. Objective 4: A new objective to study fire ants is on-going. We have identified genes involved in the social organization of this invasive species. In particular, we have identified differential regulation of the hexamerin genes depending on the caste as well as the task performed by the individual. Fire ants encode four hexamerin genes, and while the four are regulated in workers in response to the application of the juvenile hormone analog S-hydroprene, only two are regulated in queens in response to this analog. Therefore, hexamerins are potentially involved in caste differentiation in this social species. This investigation is on-going.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Tang X., Ibanez F., Tamborindeguy C. (2020)Concanavalin A toxicity towards potato psyllid and apoptosis induction in midgut cells. Insects, 11:243.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Sanchez L., Ermolenkov A., Tang X., Tamborindeguy C., Kurouski D. (2020) Non-invasive diagnostics of Liberibacter disease on tomatoes using a hand-held Raman spectrometer. Planta 251:64
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Levy J.G., Gross R., Mendoza Herrera M.A., Tang X., Babilonia K., Shan L., Kuhl J., Dibble M., Xiao F., Tamborindeguy C. (2020) Lso-HPE1, an effector of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum can repress plant immune response. Phytopathology, 110:648-655.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Tang X., Tamborindeguy C. (2019) No evidence of apoptotic response of the potato psyllid to "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" at the gut interface. Infection and Immunity, 88: e00242-19
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Ti�n�bo E.O., Harrison K.***, Abo K., Brou Y.C., Pierson L.S., Tamborindeguy C., Pierson E.A., Levy J.G. (2019). Mycorrhization mitigates disease caused by "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" in tomato. Plants, 8:507
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Tang X. (2020) Molecular interaction between Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum and potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli in the gut interface.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2020
Citation:
Tang X., Longnecker M., Tamborindeguy C. Acquisition and transmission of two Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum haplotypes by the tomato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli. Scientific Reports, 10: 14000
|
Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:This research project targets different audiences including graduate and undergraduate students, other researchers, potato and tomato growers, and other industry groups. For this research project, I involved and trained students to the study of insect vector biology: graduate and undergraduate students were trained in the lab. Post-graduate scientists were also involved. Results obtained were also presented in seminars given in Texas A&M University, as well as internationally in Glasgow (Scotland) and Vancouver (Canada) and elsewhere to other students, and scientists. Further, information was be shared through invited participation in classes and seminars in Texas A&M University at the graduate and underraduate level. Changes/Problems:We are dependent on the availability of insects for our research. Problems with temperature or infestation with other pests can affect our advancement. We have dealt with one such problem this past year which has reduced our availability of insects and slowed our progress. The problem has been solved. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has allowed to train 1 technician, 3 PhD , and 2 undergraduate students on insect molecular biology and transmission of vector-borne pathogens. The skills acquied by the students during this project are essential to secure future jobs in vector biology and entomology once the students graduate. For all personnel, the training consisted in research projects with one-on-one meetings as needed to troubleshoot experiments, analysze results, or interpret results. Further, there were weekly meetings with all members of the team and presentations. Graduate students also learned to mentor undergraduate students, this was a training the future trainers activity. The undergraduate students participated and presented their work on the TAMU undergraduate research day or the national and branch meeting of the Entomological Society of America. The information was also shared with the international community by presenting at the 2019 International Society Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions (IS-MPMI) Dynamics and Mechanism of Insect-Transmitted Pathogens Satellite meeting in Glasgow, Scotland in July 2019, as well as the meeting of the Entomological Society of America in Vancouver Canada in November 2018. A seminar in the department of Plant Pathology at TAMU was also given, updating on our research. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been shared with other stakeholders through peer-reviewed publications and presentation. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting session, we will continue our study. We have generated many datasets that we are analyzing. for example the plant responses to each Lso haplotype, the changes in gene expression n fire ants in the presence or absence of brood, etc. All members of the team will continue their efforts disseminating the results.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We are investigating the difference of transmission and symptoms associated with the two haplotypes of the bacterial plant pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (haplotypes A and B). Both types are transmitted by the potato psyllid and infect solanaceous crops. This information is needed to understand the epidemiology of the diseases and to predict risks associated with the pathogen and the vector. These results also open the door to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in pathogen transmission which could be targeted to disrupt the process and control the diseases caused by these pathogens. The discovery of this pathogen has resulted in commercial embargoes, this information is key to help deal with these economical and trade issues. We have identified differences of pathogenicity: haplotype B causes more severe symptoms in tomato and potato. While those differences are significant in tomato, so far the differences of disease caused in potato are non significant. Similarly, we have identified differences in the effect of those pathogens in the vector: harboring the B haplotype has more negative effects on the vector. These results can have serious implications for disease ecology and the prevalence of the pathogen in nature. Objective 1: We have shown that there are no differences in transmission or accumulation of the pathogen in the gut of adults if the pathogen was acquired during the nymphal stages. As part of this effort we have annotated apoptosis-related genes in Bactericera cockerelli, the potato psyllid. Apoptosis is a form of progammed cell death that can be triggered in response to intracellular pathogens such as 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum'. We are now comparing the accumulation of each haplotype in the gut of adults if the acquisition is done during the adult life stage. We have identified differences in accumulation between the two haplotypes that also correlate with differences in transmission. We hypothesize that these differences in accumulation and transmission are linked to differences in the psyllid responses mounted upon infection. We are currently focusing on these events. We also started investigating the acquisiiotn and transmission by nymphs. No results were generated yet in this new phase. Similarly, we started investigating the molecular responses to the pathogen in the salivary gland. Objective 2: We are continuing characterizing the interaction betweent the host plant and the bacterial pathogens. We have shown differences in virulence between the Lso haplotypes in tomato but not potato. So currently we are characterizing the potato and tomato response to each Lso haplotype. The preliminary analyses showed that indeed tomato responses to each Lso haplotype are different while no differences were observed in response to potato. This is in agreement with the symptoms associated with each haplotype in tomato and potato. Objective 3: We are investigating Raman spectroscopy as an early diagnostic tool for Lso infection. This is on-going. Objective 4: A new objective to study fire ants is on-going. We have identified genes involved in the social organization of this invasive species. In particular we have identified differential regulation of the hexamerin genes depending on the caste as well as the task performed by the individual. Fire ants encode four hexamerin genes, and while the four are regulated in workers in resposne to the application of the juvenile hormone analog S-hydroprene, only two are regulated in queens in response to this analog. Therefore, hexamerins are potentially involved in caste differenciation in this social species.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Hawkings, C; Calkins, T; Pietrantonio, P; Tamborindeguy, C. 2019 Caste-based differential transcriptional expression of hexamerins in response to a juvenile hormone analog in the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). PloS One 14:e0216800 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone. 0216800
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Tang, X, Ibanez, F, Tamborindeguy, C. 2019 Quenching autofluorescence in the alimentary canal tissues of Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) for immunofluorescence labeling. Insect Science. doi:10.1111/1744-7917.12660
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Calkins, T; Tamborindeguy, C; Pietrantonio P. 2019 GPCR annotation, G proteins, and transcriptomics of fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) queen and worker brain: An improved view of signaling in an invasive superorganism. General and Comparative Endocrinology 278:89-103. doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.12.008
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Hawkings, C. 2018 The Role of Gene Expression in Task Regulation of the Worker Caste of the Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta, Buren)
|
Progress 05/14/18 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:This research project targets different audiences including graduate and undergraduate students, other researchers, potato and tomato growers, and other industry groups. For this research project, I involved and trained students to the study of insect vector biology: graduate and undergraduate students were trained in the lab. Results obtained were also presemted in seminars given in Texas A&M University and elsewhere to other students, and scientists. Further, information was be shared through invited participation in classes in Texas A&M University. Changes/Problems:We are also working with the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. This is an invasive pest of agricultural, veterinary, urban, and medical importance. We are investigating the determinants of social organization. The objective is tho identify novel ways to target colony growth and reproduction to control this pest. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has allowed to train 1 technician, 2 PhD , and 2 undergraduate students on insect molecular biology and transmission of vector-borne pathogens. The skills acquied by the students during this project are essential to secure future jobs in vector biology once the students graduate, For all personnel, the training consisted in research projects with oone-on-one meetings as needed to troubleshoot experiments, analysze results, or interpret results. Further, there were weekly meetring with allmembers of the team and presentations. Graduate students also learned to mentor undergraduate students, this was a training the future trainers activity. The undergraduate students participated and presented their work on the TAMU undergraduate research day. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been shared with other stakeholders through peer-reviewed publications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting session, we will continue our study. We have generated many datasets that we are analyzing. All members of the team will continue their efforts disseminating the results.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
We are investigating the difference of transmission and symptoms associated with the two haplotypes of the bacterial plant pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (haplotypes A and B). Both types are transmitted by the potato psyllid and infect solanaceous crops. This information is needed to understand the epidemiology of the diseases and to predict risks associated with the pathogen and the vector. These results also open the door to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in pathogen transmission which could be targeted to disrupt the process and control the diseases caused by these pathogens. The discovery of this pathogen has resulted in commercial embargoes, this information is key to help deal with these economical and trade issues. We have identified differences of pathogenicity: haplotype B causes more severe symptoms in tomato and potato. While those differences are significant in tomato, so far the differences of disease caused in potato are non significant. Similarly, we have identified differences in the effect of those pathogens in the vector: harboring the B haplotype has more negative effects on the vector. These results can have serious implications for disease ecology and the prevalence of the pathogen in nature. Objective 1: We are evaluating the interaction between each haplotye and the vector. We have identified fitness costs differences when the vector harbors haplotype A and haplotype B. We are also investigating differences of acquisition and transmission. Those differences will allow us to understand how the pathogen in transmitted. Objective 2: We are evaluating the interaction between each haplotye and the host plants. We have detrmined that both haplotypes induce the developement of symptoms in potato and result in early death of the plant. However, in tomato, haplotype B causes severe symptoms and plant death, whereas haplotype A only causes stunting and chlorosis. We have alos identified differences in the accumulation and distribution of the haplotypes in tomato plants. This information is being used to understand how plants can defens againt Liberibacter pathogens, Objective 3: We are evaluating other methods to control the vector. Objective 4: A new objective to study fire ants is on-going. We have identified genes involved in the social organization of this invasive species.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Hawkings, C, Tamborindeguy, C. 2018 Expression analysis of vitellogenins in the workers of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). PeerJ, e4875 do:10.7717/peerj.4875
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Albuquerque Tomilhero Frias, A., Ibanez, F., Mendoza-Herrera, A., de Carvalho Nunes, W. M., Tamborindeguy, C.2018 Effects of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (haplotype B) on Bactericera cockerelli (`ulc) during first oviposition cycle: fitness and vitellogenesis. Insect Science
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Mendoza-Herrera, A., Levy, J., Harrison, K., Yao, J., Ibanez, F., Tamborindeguy, C. 2018 Infection by Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum haplotypes A and B in Solanum lycopersicum 'Moneymaker'
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Huot O., Levy J., Tamborindeguy C. 2018 Global gene regulation in tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) responding to vector (Bactericera cockerelli) feeding and pathogen ('Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum') infection. Plant Molecular Biology, 97: 57-72. doi: 10.1007/s11103-018-0724-y.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Calkins, T.; Chen, M.; Arora, A.; Hawkings, C.; Tamborindeguy, C.; Pietrantonio, P. 2018 Brain gene expression analyses in virgin and mated queens of fire ants reveal mating- independent and socially-regulated changes. Ecology and Evolution, 8:4312-4327. doi: 10.1002/ece3.3976
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Levy, J., Tamborindeguy, C., Athrey, G., Scheuring, D.C., Koym, J.W. and Miller, J.C., 2018. Transcriptome of Russet Norkotah and its clonal selection, TXNS278. BMC research notes, 11(1), p.160. doi: 10.1186/s13104-018-3254-4
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Ravindran A., Saenkham P., Levy J., Tamborindeguy C., Lin H., Gross D., Pierson E. 2018 Characterization of the Serralysin-like gene of 'Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum' associated with potato zebra chip disease. Phytopathology, 108(3):327-335 doi: 10.1094/PHYTO-02-17-0064-R.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Ibanez F., Tang X., Tamborindeguy C. 2018 Bactericera cockerelli vitellogenin-6 like, a vitellogenin without a direct reproductive function? Insect Molecular Biology, 27:166-176doi: 10.1111/imb.1236
|
|