Tortoise beetles use pigmentation protein to shield bacteria that help digest plants
More than 80 years ago, scientists discovered that differences in yellow pigmentation were critical to courtship success and failure for fruit flies. It was one of the first demonstrations linking genes to complex behavior, and ever since, the Yellow proteins that paint these shades in nature have been a fruitful source of scientific inquiry.
Scientists have discovered that the Yellow protein, known for pigmentation and behavior in fruit flies, is being repurposed by tortoise beetles to protect symbiotic bacteria that aid in digestion. This protein, which codes for the Yellow protein, is highly expressed in the ovaries of female beetles and is nearly undetectable in males.
By sequencing the genome of the tortoise beetle Chelymorpha alternans, researchers found that the Yellow protein forms a dense, glue-like matrix around the bacteria, creating a protective capsule. This capsule allows the bacteria to survive for over a week outside the beetle's body, providing essential nutrients for the beetle's offspring.
The discovery, published in Nature Communications, highlights how existing genes can be repurposed for new purposes through evolution. Tortoise beetles, which are pests of crops, could potentially be targeted for pest control by disrupting the beetle's bacterial partner. Further research is needed to understand the biochemical processes behind the formation of the protective matrix.
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