Abstract for presentation at 11th International Congress of Human Genetics

Can Wolbachia Mediate Iron Homeostasis In Insects? Understanding Host-Symbiont Interactions For Novel Pest Control Strategies

  • Ms Bodil Cass, University of Queensland, Australia
  • Dr Jeremy Brownlie, University of Queensland, Australia
  • Prof Scott O'Neill, University of Queensland, Australia

    • The maternally inherited, intracellular symbiont Wolbachia infects a broad range of medically and agriculturally important invertebrates. The mechanisms by which Wolbachia can rapidly invade new host populations are not fully understood. Recent Wolbachia genome sequencing projects have identified genes involved in iron homeostasis. Preliminary data indicates that Wolbachia may confer a significant fitness advantage to its host under conditions of iron stress (see poster by Brownlie, J.C. McGraw, E.A., and O'Neill, S.L.). We will discuss the generality and genotypic basis of the observed fitness benefit in a range of Wolbachia strains in various host backgrounds.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd