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Date of Award

Spring 4-13-2020

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Biology

Abstract

Wolbachia is a maternally transmitted endosymbiotic bacterium that infects a wide range of insect hosts. Effective mechanisms of bacterial transmission are required to maintain sufficient titer in the maternal germline and ensure infection of future host generations. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate Wolbachia titer are not well understood. Previous studies have suggested that host diet can impact bacterial titer during the oogenesis of D. melanogaster. It was demonstrated that Drosophila exposed to a yeast-enriched diet caused a reduction of Wolbachia titer that was mediated through insulin stimulation. However, the location of the cells containing the insulin receptors responsible for regulating the yeast-based suppression of titer during oogenesis is not yet known. Using the GAL4-UAS system, dietary treatments and confocal imaging, this study aimed to identify whether insulin receptors of the germline cells in the ovaries of D. melanogaster are responsible for regulating Wolbachia titer. Preliminary results confirmed that titer suppression is specific to late stages of Drosophila oogenesis. The data collected in this experiment further suggest that germline insulin receptors are responsible for nutrient-dependent bacterial titer reductions. These results are consistent with a model for germline colonization as mediated by endocytic pathways that are insulin receptor-associated. In summary, these findings provide further knowledge to continue building upon, and ultimately understand the mechanisms that regulate bacteria-host interactions.

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