Bacteriology

Researchers from University of Wisconsin describe findings in life sciences

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"Despite the potential of being infected by phylogenetically diverse strains of parasites, each ant colony maintains only a single Pseudonocardia symbiont strain, which is primarily vertically transmitted between colonies by the founding queens. In this study, we show that Acromyrmex leaf-cutter ants are able to differentiate between their native actinomycete strain and a variety of foreign strains isolated from sympatric and allopatric Acromyrmex species, in addition to strains originating from other fungus-growing ant genera. The recognition mechanism is sufficiently sensitive for the ants to discriminate between closely related symbiont strains," wrote M.M. Zhang and colleagues, University of Wisconsin.

The researchers concluded: "Our findings suggest that symbiont recognition may play a crucial role in the fungus-growing ant-bacterium mutualism, likely allowing the ants to retain ecological flexibility necessary for defending their garden from diverse parasites and, at the same time, resolve potential conflict that can arise from rearing competing symbiont strains."

Zhang and colleagues published their study in Isme Journal (Symbiont recognition of mutualistic bacteria by Acromyrmex leaf-cutting ants. Isme Journal, 2007;1(4):313-320).

For more information, contact C.R. Currie, University of Wisconsin, Dept. of Bacteriology, 420 Henry Mall, 157 Old Biochemistry, Madison, WI 53706, USA.

Publisher contact information for the Isme Journal is: Nature Publishing Group, 75 Varick Street, 9TH Floor, New York, NY 10013-1917, USA.

Keywords: United States, Madison, Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin.

This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.