C. elegans avoids toxin-producing Streptomyces using a seven transmembrane domain chemosensory receptor.
Elife
; 62017 09 05.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28873053
ABSTRACT
Predators and prey co-evolve, each maximizing their own fitness, but the effects of predator-prey interactions on cellular and molecular machinery are poorly understood. Here, we study this process using the predator Caenorhabditis elegans and the bacterial prey Streptomyces, which have evolved a powerful defense the production of nematicides. We demonstrate that upon exposure to Streptomyces at their head or tail, nematodes display an escape response that is mediated by bacterially produced cues. Avoidance requires a predicted G-protein-coupled receptor, SRB-6, which is expressed in five types of amphid and phasmid chemosensory neurons. We establish that species of Streptomyces secrete dodecanoic acid, which is sensed by SRB-6. This behavioral adaptation represents an important strategy for the nematode, which utilizes specialized sensory organs and a chemoreceptor that is tuned to recognize the bacteria. These findings provide a window into the molecules and organs used in the coevolutionary arms race between predator and potential prey.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Streptomyces
/
Células Quimiorreceptoras
/
Caenorhabditis elegans
/
Proteínas de Caenorhabditis elegans
/
Neurônios
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article