Genomic analysis reveals male-killing functionality in Spiroplasma and potential cytoplasmic incompatibility in Rickettsia, implying host influence on genome expansion.
Key Points
This research aims to explore the genome characteristics of Spiroplasma and Rickettsia in relation to the male-killing phenotype and potential traits.
Sequenced and assembled the genomes of Spiroplasma and Rickettsia co-infecting lacewing Mallada desjardinsi.
Identified effector genes in Spiroplasma and analyzed the cifA/cifB gene pairs in Rickettsia.
Assessed genome expansion relative to congeneric symbionts through comparative genomic analyses.
Spiroplasma lacked conserved functional domains necessary for male-killing despite having candidate effector genes.
Rickettsia exhibited two cifA/cifB gene pairs, indicating the potential for cytoplasmic incompatibility.
Both symbiont genomes showed significant secondary expansion, influenced by mobile elements and host factors.