No detectable effect of Wolbachia wMel on the prevalence and abundance of the RNA virome of Drosophila melanogaster

We examined the effect of Wolbachia on viral abundance by comparing the total transcriptome of wMel-positive and wMel-negative D. melanogaster populations sampled from six locations in Australia. In addition, we examined the impact of wMel on individual flies by obtaining transcriptome data from 20 wMel-positive and 20 wMel-negative D. melanogaster from the location (Melbourne) with highest density of wMel. These data revealed high viral abundance in both Wolbachia-positive and -negative populations and individuals. Notably, none of the viral species identified, representing RNA viruses from at least nine families/floating genera, showed evidence of protection by wMel. Although the viral loads of picorna-like viruses are reduced by wMel under experimental conditions, we observed no such effect here. These data show that D. melanogaster can harbour abundant RNA viruses regardless of its Wolbachia status and imply that the interaction between Wolbachia and viruses in nature is more complex than simple blocking.

Source: Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences - July 25, 2018 Category: Biology Authors: Shi, M., White, V. L., Schlub, T., Eden, J.-S., Hoffmann, A. A., Holmes, E. C. Tags: microbiology, evolution Source Type: research