Molecular phylogeny and genome evolution of insect symbiotic bacteria

RNDr. Eva NOVÁKOVÁ

Doctoral thesis

Abstract:

Since the introduction of advanced molecular methods the research on insect bacterial symbioses underwent a major focus shift towards large scale phylogenetics and comparative genomics. These new fields provided answers to several fundamental questions of symbiont evolution, functional capabilities of the host-associated bacteria, and the role of symbionts in the host?s biology. However, the vast diversity and complexity of symbiotic relationships still leaves gaps in our understanding to a rich mosaic of various symbiont types, effects and transitions from facultative association to obligate mutualism. The presented study focuses on distribution, diversity, phylogenetic patterns, evolutionary transitions and genome evolution of two less known but ecologically diverse bacterial genera, Arsenophonus and Sodalis. The thesis also takes advantage of the knowledge on a well established symbiotic model between aphids and Buchnera and reveals several evolutionary patterns in the host and symbiont.

Abstract:

Since the introduction of advanced molecular methods the research on insect bacterial symbioses underwent a major focus shift towards large scale phylogenetics and comparative genomics. These new fields provided answers to several fundamental questions of symbiont evolution, functional capabilities of the host-associated bacteria, and the role of symbionts in the host?s biology. However, the vast diversity and complexity of symbiotic relationships still leaves gaps in our understanding to a rich mosaic of various symbiont types, effects and transitions from facultative association to obligate mutualism. The presented study focuses on distribution, diversity, phylogenetic patterns, evolutionary transitions and genome evolution of two less known but ecologically diverse bacterial genera, Arsenophonus and Sodalis. The thesis also takes advantage of the knowledge on a well established symbiotic model between aphids and Buchnera and reveals several evolutionary patterns in the host and symbiont.

Keywords

symbiotické bakterie, evoluce, fylogeneze, genom, Arsenophonus, Sodalis, Buchnera

Language used: Czech

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 5. 2012

Accessible from:: 15. 5. 2012

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 18. 6. 2012
• Supervisor: prof. RNDr. Václav Hypša, CSc.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BOHEMIA IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

Faculty of Science

Doctoral programme / field:
Biology / Parasitology