An antifungal polyketide associated with horizontally acquired genes supports symbiont-mediated defense in Lagria villosa beetles

Laura V. Flórez (), Kirstin Scherlach (), Ian J. Miller, Andre Rodrigues, Jason C. Kwan, Christian Hertweck and Martin Kaltenpoth
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Laura V. Flórez: Johannes Gutenberg University
Kirstin Scherlach: HKI
Ian J. Miller: University of Wisconsin
Andre Rodrigues: UNESP-São Paulo State University
Jason C. Kwan: University of Wisconsin
Christian Hertweck: HKI
Martin Kaltenpoth: Johannes Gutenberg University

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Microbial symbionts are often a source of chemical novelty and can contribute to host defense against antagonists. However, the ecological relevance of chemical mediators remains unclear for most systems. Lagria beetles live in symbiosis with multiple strains of Burkholderia bacteria that protect their offspring against pathogens. Here, we describe the antifungal polyketide lagriamide, and provide evidence supporting that it is produced by an uncultured symbiont, Burkholderia gladioli Lv-StB, which is dominant in field-collected Lagria villosa. Interestingly, lagriamide is structurally similar to bistramides, defensive compounds found in marine tunicates. We identify a gene cluster that is probably involved in lagriamide biosynthesis, provide evidence for horizontal acquisition of these genes, and show that the naturally occurring symbiont strains on the egg are protective in the soil environment. Our findings highlight the potential of microbial symbionts and horizontal gene transfer as influential sources of ecological innovation.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04955-6

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