Molecular bases of Wolbachia-host interactions

• Autor(a) principal: Duarte, Elves Heleno
• Data de Publicação: 2018
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: http://hdl.handle.net/10362/98062
• topic: Wolbachia; insects; Molecular Biology

"Insects are arguably one of the most successful groups of animals. This fruitful distribution is, at least partially due to their reproductive potential and several morphological adaptations. In addition, acquisition of intracellular symbionts by insects also contribute to their fitness and, consequently, adaptation and evolution. Endosymbionts complement the nutrientpoor diet of several insect species, mostly blood- and sap-sucking insects. Other intracellular symbionts, such as Spiroplasma and Hamiltonella, are able to protect their carriers against pathogens. Some facultative endosymbionts, such as Wolbachia, which is the main focus of this thesis can be highly virulent; being able to kill their host, in certain conditions, within a few days. Hence, the regulation of intracellular symbionts is essential for the long-term co-evolution of these organisms and their hosts.(...)".