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<p>Some endosymbionts manipulate host reproduction to enhance transmission, thereby influencing host sex determination. Among reproductive manipulations, parthenogenesis induction represents a highly efficient strategy. This phenomenon is primarily mediated by symbiotic bacteria such as <i>Wolbachia</i>, <i>Cardinium</i>, and <i>Rickettsia</i>. Unlike <i>Wolbachia</i> mechanisms are well-documented, <i>Rickettsia</i>-induced parthenogenesis remains poorly characterized. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that thelytoky (unfertilized eggs develop into diploid females) in an Eupelmid wasp, <i>Anastatus gansuensis</i>, is induced by <i>Rickettsia</i>, as confirmed through lifetime fecundity analysis, antibiotic treatment, and molecular testing. Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified a single reproductive symbiont, <i>Rickettsia</i>, belonging to a new species in the <i>R. bellii</i> clade. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and qPCR revealed high <i>Rickettsia</i> titers primarily localized in the ovaries, with vertical transmission to offspring. Antibiotic treatment significantly reduced <i>Rickettsia</i> titers, leading to increased male offspring. This study demonstrates that <i>Rickettsia</i>, vertically transmitted via the ovaries, plays a pivotal role in inducing parthenogenesis in its host. These findings establish a foundation for investigating sex determination mechanisms in <i>Anastatus</i>.</p>

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A strain of Rickettsia induces thelytoky in Anastatus gansuensis via maternal transmission

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月10日

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  • Run-Na Gong,
  • Yong-Ming Chen,
  • Jun-Bo Luan,
  • Chen-Yi Li,
  • Xiang Sun,
  • Haneef Tariq,
  • Lian-Sheng Zang

摘要

Some endosymbionts manipulate host reproduction to enhance transmission, thereby influencing host sex determination. Among reproductive manipulations, parthenogenesis induction represents a highly efficient strategy. This phenomenon is primarily mediated by symbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Rickettsia. Unlike Wolbachia mechanisms are well-documented, Rickettsia-induced parthenogenesis remains poorly characterized. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that thelytoky (unfertilized eggs develop into diploid females) in an Eupelmid wasp, Anastatus gansuensis, is induced by Rickettsia, as confirmed through lifetime fecundity analysis, antibiotic treatment, and molecular testing. Gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified a single reproductive symbiont, Rickettsia, belonging to a new species in the R. bellii clade. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and qPCR revealed high Rickettsia titers primarily localized in the ovaries, with vertical transmission to offspring. Antibiotic treatment significantly reduced Rickettsia titers, leading to increased male offspring. This study demonstrates that Rickettsia, vertically transmitted via the ovaries, plays a pivotal role in inducing parthenogenesis in its host. These findings establish a foundation for investigating sex determination mechanisms in Anastatus.