A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Food quality affects the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes upon simulated parasite attack in the larvae of greater wax moth
Authors: Indrikis Krams, Sanita Kecko, Inna Inashkina, Giedrius Trakimas, Ronalds Krams, Didzis Elferts, Jolanta Vrublevska, Priit Joers, Markus J. Rantala, Severi Luoto, Jorge Contreras-Garduno, Liga Jankevica, Laila Meija, Tatjana Krama
Publisher: WILEY
Publication year: 2017
Journal: Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata
Journal name in source: ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA
Journal acronym: ENTOMOL EXP APPL
Volume: 165
Issue: 2-3
First page : 129
Last page: 137
Number of pages: 9
ISSN: 0013-8703
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12629
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/28900749
Predator-prey interactions are an important evolutionary force affecting the immunity of the prey. Parasitoids and mites pierce the cuticle of their prey, which respond by activating their immune system against predatory attacks. Immunity is a costly function for the organism, as it often competes with other life-history traits for limited nutrients. We tested whether the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) of the larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) changes as a consequence of insertion of a nylon monofilament, which acts like a synthetic parasite. The treatment was done for larvae grown on a high-quality vs. a low-quality diet. The expression of Gloverin and 6-tox were upregulated in response to the insertion of the nylon monofilament. The expression of 6-tox, Cecropin-D, and Gallerimycin were significantly higher in the low-quality diet' group than in the high-quality diet' group. As food quality seems to affect AMP gene expression in G. mellonella larvae, it should always be controlled for in studies on bacterial and fungal infections in G. mellonella.
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