Insights into the venom composition and evolution of an endoparasitoid wasp by combining proteomic and transcriptomic analyses
Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2016 papers
Abstract
Parasitoid wasps are abundant and diverse hymenopteran insects that lay their eggs into the internal body (endoparasitoid) or on the external surface (ectoparasitoid) of their hosts. To make a more conducive environment for the wasps' young, both ecto- and endoparasitoids inject venoms into the host to modulate host immunity, metabolism and development. Endoparasitoids have evolved from ectoparasitoids independently in different hymenopteran lineages. Pteromalus puparum, a pupal endoparasitoid of various butterflies, represents a relatively recent evolution of endoparasitism within pteromalids. Using a combination of transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, we have identified 70 putative venom proteins in P. puparum. Most of them show higher similarity to venom proteins from the related ectoparasitoid Nasonia vitripennis than from other more distantly related endoparasitoids. In addition, 13 venom proteins are similar to venoms of distantly related endoparasitoids but have no detectable venom matches in Nasonia. These venom proteins may have a role in adaptation to endoparasitism. Overall, these results lay the groundwork for more detailed studies of venom function and adaptation to the endoparasitic lifestyle.
Related Papers
- → The venom optimisation hypothesis: a spider injects large venom quantities only into difficult prey types(2002)133 cited
- → Quantity and quality of venom released by a spider (Cupiennius salei, Ctenidae)(1995)73 cited
- → General biochemical and immunological characteristics of the venom from Peruvian scorpion Hadruroides lunatus(2012)17 cited
- → Analysis of Differing Patterns of Cross-Reactivity of Honeybee and Yellow Jacket Venom-Specific IgE: Use of Purified Venom Fractions(1989)29 cited
- Comparison of the lethal components in Vipera aspis aspis and Vipera aspis zinnikeri venom.(1998)