Genomic basis of adaptation to host-plants in closely related fig wasp species

• Project/Area Number: 15K21705
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Evolutionary biology; Ecology/Environment
• Research Institution: University of the Ryukyus (2017); Research Institute of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries, Osaka Prefecture (2016); JT Biohistory Research Hall (2015)
• Principal Investigator: WACHI Nakatada 琉球大学, 熱帯生物圏研究センター, ポスドク研究員 (40635299)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Project Status: Completed (Fiscal Year 2017)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,160,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥960,000); Fiscal Year 2017: ¥780,000 (Direct Cost: ¥600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥180,000); Fiscal Year 2016: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000); Fiscal Year 2015: ¥1,950,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥450,000)
• Keywords: 昆虫 / イチジクコバチ科 / イチジク属 / 生物間相互作用 / 共生 / ゲノム / 遺伝的多様性 / 分子生態学 / 共種分化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The genomic region that determines host-utilization of fig wasps (Agaonidae), which have obligate mutualism with fig trees (Ficus) were investigated. Multiple genomic regions with particularly high genetic differentiation among species were found by comparisons of the closely related species using different host plants (Blastophaga nipponica and B. taiwanensins). There is a possibility that these regions or the flanking regions of them are the genomic regions which determine the host-utilization of these fig wasps.

Research Products

• [Int'l Joint Research] 国立中興大学(台湾)
• [Journal Article] Application of next-generation sequencing to the study of non-model insects (2018)
  • Author(s): Wachi, N., Matsubayashi, K.W., Maeto, K.
  • Journal Title: Entomological Science Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Pages: 3-11
  • DOI: 10.1111/ens.12281
  • NAID: 120006634978
  • Peer Reviewed / Open Access
• [Journal Article] Genome-wide sequence data suggest the possibility of pollinator sharing by host shift in dioecious figs (Moraceae, Ficus) (2016)
  • Author(s): Nakatada Wachi, Junko Kusumi, Hsy-Yu Tzeng, Zhi-Hui Su
  • Journal Title: Molecular Ecology Volume: 25 Issue: 22 Pages: 5732-5746
  • DOI: 10.1111/mec.13876
  • Peer Reviewed / Int'l Joint Research / Acknowledgement Compliant
• [Presentation] イヌビワコバチとその近縁種の寄主適応の遺伝的基盤の解明 (2016)
  • Author(s): 和智仲是・蘇 智慧
  • Organizer: 日本進化学会・第18回大会
  • Place of Presentation: 東京工業大学（東京都目黒区）
  • Year and Date: 2016-08-25
• [Presentation] 次世代シーケンス技術を用いた非モデル昆虫の分子生態学的研究 -イチジクコバチを例として- (2016)
  • Author(s): 和智仲是・蘇 智慧
  • Organizer: 日本昆虫学会第76回大会・日本応用動物昆虫学会第60回大会
  • Place of Presentation: 大阪府立大学（大阪府堺市）
  • Year and Date: 2016-03-28
• [Presentation] イチジクコバチ科昆虫の網羅的遺伝子発現解析と系統関係の推定 (2015)
  • Author(s): 和智仲是・橋口康之・蘇 智慧
  • Organizer: 日本進化学会第17回大会
  • Place of Presentation: 中央大学（東京都文京区）
  • Year and Date: 2015-08-22