Virus resistance induced by Wolbachia

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25660262
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Insect science
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Ote Manabu 東北大学, 生命科学研究科, 研究支援者 (20386717)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: ボルバキア / ショウジョウバエ / ウイルス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Based on the Serbus's report, I elucidated the possible involvement of RNA-binding proteins in the Wolbachia-induced phenomenon. It was revealed that Drosophila mutants of RNA-binding proteins phenocopy the host resistance to RNA viruses induced by Wolbachia. The RNA-binding proteins were colocalized with Wolbachia in somatic cells, implying the direct interaction of Wolbachia and the RNA-binding proteins. These findings raise the possibility that Wolbachia target the RNA-binding proteins for manipulation of host biology.

Free Research Field

昆虫学