IU researcher develops solutions leveraging microbes to benefit insects and society

Around 40-65% of insects are infected with Wolbachia pipientis, which is a maternally transmitted bacterium that manipulates host reproduction. Vector-borne diseases, such as Zika and dengue fever, affect millions worldwide and are quickly becoming an increasing threat, however, Wolbachia-infected mosquitos block the replication and transmission of these pathogens and are used to control the spread of these diseases.

Irene Newton, a professor of biology and microbiology section associate chair of biology at the College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington, has discovered a Wolbachia protein that, when expressed in an infected insect, allows for better establishment of Wolbachia in insect populations. This is because the protein increases the number of Wolbachia cells that are transmitted to the next generation.

As Newton explains, if a mosquito with Wolbachia takes a blood meal from a person infected with a disease such as Zika, the virus cannot replicate in the mosquito. Furthermore, when that same mosquito takes a blood meal from an uninfected person, it does not transmit Zika. Establishing Wolbachia in mosquitos is therefore an important aspect for its use in vector control.

Newton dedicates her lab to studying host microbe interactions to better understand how microbes modify hosts, and how to use this information for the common good.

“My lab studies fundamental mechanisms of host-microbe interaction; we look to identify the molecular tools microbes use to manipulate their hosts. In this way, we reveal a lot about the biology of infection and colonization by beneficial microbes.” Newton said.

In addition to her work on Wolbachia, Newton also studies the honey bee microbiome and how it supports health of this important pollinator. This led her to discovering a microbe that protects honeybees against nutritional stress and fungal pathogens. Both pathogens and deficits in nutrition are cited as significant sources of stress for honey bee colonies and have led to the decline of pollinator health and vitality. The Newton laboratory is working to identify microbial solutions to this important problem.

“We’ve discovered that when Bombella apis, a bacterial symbiont of honeybees, is supplemented along with the bee’s diet then the bees are protected from both fungal pathogens and nutritional stress,” Newton said. “This same microbe could therefore be used as a probiotic for honeybees as well industrial insect farming such as cricket, mealworm, fly, and waxworm production.”

Through studying fundamental biology, the Newton lab develops technologies that promote insect growth and protect against vector-borne diseases. She has partnered with the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office to disclose her technologies and file patents to protect her research.