Wasps’ ability to reprogram leaf cells could inspire plant engineering efforts
The Science: Like many other insects, cynipid wasps have developed the ability to create complex structures on plants called galls. These small cone- or urchin-shaped structures provide a safe place for larvae to develop. They also allow the larva to feed on nutrients from the plant. However, not much is known about the exact mechanisms involved in developing these galls. Researchers analyzed the molecular changes that occur during gall formation in order to better understand these fascinating structures and potentially use them as inspiration for plant engineering efforts.
The Impact:The researchers found that cynipid wasps change the metabolite profile (all the molecules in a living organism) and restructure plant cell walls in order to create galls. They demonstrated that the composition of galls is significantly different from the plants wasps use to create them. They also found evidence that galls create new vascular systems that differ from those found in normal plant tissue. Many current methods that researchers use to modify plants are based on techniques found in nature. It’s possible that these findings could influence future efforts to design new features within plants.
Summary: Researchers analyzed two species of cynipid wasps’ gall production in order to better understand their development. They used a variety of techniques, including metabolomics, 3D light microscopy, lignin composition analysis, histology, and immunomicroscopy. Their research shows that the cell wall lignin and polysaccharide composition of galls differ greatly from the plant tissue. The finding of de novo vascularization in the galls contrasts with previous findings that galling insects only modified existing vasculature. Further research and comparing these findings to better studied galls, such as those made by bacteria, will provide a deeper understanding of these complex structures.
Publication: Markel, K., Novak, V., Bowen, B., et al. Cynipid wasps systematically reprogram host metabolism and restructure cell walls in developing galls. Plant Physiology (2024). [DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae001]
To learn more about this research, listen to the Genome Insider podcast episode, “Gotta Catch ‘Em Gall“
Written by Emily Nelson