Wolbachia and the Evolution of CI-Modifiers
Author Information
Author(s): Koehncke Arnulf, Telschow Arndt, Werren John H., Hammerstein Peter
Primary Institution: Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
Can host mutants that enhance or repress Wolbachia action lead to the loss of Wolbachia infections over evolutionary time scales?
Conclusion
Wolbachia is likely to be lost from host populations due to the reduction of CI levels in males, either through single large-effect mutations or the accumulation of several small-effect mutations.
Supporting Evidence
- Wolbachia infections are often lost in host species over time.
- Host mutants that decrease CI levels can spread even at a cost to mutant males.
- Selection on host modifiers is sexually antagonistic, favoring different mutations in males and females.
Takeaway
Wolbachia are bacteria that can make insects unable to reproduce with uninfected partners. This study shows that changes in the host can help get rid of these bacteria over time.
Methodology
The study used a population genetic model to investigate the spread of host mutants affecting Wolbachia action.
Limitations
The model may not account for all ecological and evolutionary factors influencing Wolbachia dynamics.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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