T. Fukatsu

High temperature treatment optimized for symbiont suppression in an obligatory gut bacterial symbiosis in the stinkbug Plautia stali

This study investigates the effect of high temperature on symbiont suppression in the stinkbug Plautia stali, finding that 37°C treatment effectively reduces symbiont titers with minimal host damage.

Defensive fungal symbiosis on insect hindlegs

The paper identifies a novel defensive fungal symbiosis in stinkbugs where females transfer fungi to eggs to protect them from wasp parasitism.

Paleocene origin of a streamlined digestive symbiosis in leaf beetles

This study determines the Paleocene origin of a symbiotic relationship between Cassidinae leaf beetles and their bacterial symbiont, showing how the symbiont enhances digestive capabilities and promotes host diversification.

Mechanisms underpinning morphogenesis of symbiotic organ specialized for hosting indispensable microbial symbiont in stinkbug

The paper investigates the morphogenesis of a symbiotic organ in stinkbugs, showing that muscle fiber arrangement and epithelial cell proliferation drive crypt formation, which occurs autonomously even in the absence of symbionts.

Cuticle supplementation and nitrogen recycling by a dual bacterial symbiosis in a family of xylophagous beetles (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

The paper characterizes a dual bacterial symbiosis in xylophagous beetles, showing how two symbionts complement each other in cuticle synthesis and nitrogen recycling.

Seasonal polyphenism underlies the origin of a sterile caste in aphids

This study shows that seasonal polyphenism in aphids was repurposed to evolve a sterile soldier caste, with shared developmental mechanisms and fitness benefits.

Single mutation makes Escherichia coli an insect mutualist

The paper shows that a single mutation in E. coli enables it to become an insect mutualist by disrupting carbon catabolite repression.