Influences of Wolbachia (Rickettsiales Rickettsiaceae) on the cellular response to cold stress in Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera Drosophilidae)

Abstract

Wolbachia pipiensis (Hertig et Wolbach, 1924) is known to manipulate the expression of genes implicated in the metabolism, immunity and reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen, 1830). Under stress, cells activate the cellular stress response (CSR). The CSR is a conserved network of pathways regulating identification, check and response to stress, preserving the cellular homeostasis. The CSR involves the unfolded protein response, autophagy, the heat shock response and other subcellular pathways. How Wolbachia affects the CSR has not yet been investigated. Here, we report the influence of Wolbachia infection and cold stress on the expression of the Heat-shock-protein-70Aa (Hsp70Aa), Autophagy-related gene-1 (Atg1) and X box binding protein-1 (Xbp1) genes and the influence of cold stress on the Wolbachia surface protein gene (wsp). The Hsp70Aa, Atg1, and Xbp1 genes were affected by Wolbachia infection since they were found to be up-regulated in the Wolbachia-free flies. After cold stress, the Wolbachia-infected flies showed high expression of the Atg1 and Hsp70Aa genes in comparison to the Wolbachia-free flies. Moreover, cold stress negatively influenced the expression of the wsp gene.