Frontiers in microbiology
Wolbachia infection and its effects on mitochondrial ND5 gene variation in Aedes albopictus from Shandong Province
By Cai T, Liu Q, Xu R and 12 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Wolbachia, a matrilineally inherited endosymbiont, has the potential to influence host mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity through cytoplasmic hitchhiking and selective sweeps. Aedes albopictus naturally harbors Wolbachia, making it an ideal model for studying host-symbiont interactions. However, Wolbachia infection in Shandong Province and its effects on host mitochondrial ND5 gene remain poorly characterized.
Methods
A total of 388 female Ae. albopictus were collected from 16 cities across 5 climatic zones in Shandong. Wolbachia infection was detected using wsp-based typing primers, and geographical distribution and climatic responses were analyzed. ND5 gene was amplified and sequenced. Haplotype networks, phylogenetic trees, and Wolbachia-ND5 association plots were constructed. Correlation analyses, neutrality tests, and AMOVA were performed to assess the associations between Wolbachia infection and ND5 genetic diversity.