title: Synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography as a tool for in situ elucidation of insect bacteriomes.
abstract: Obligate bacterial endosymbionts are common, influential associates of arthropods, and are often found in specific organs termed bacteriomes. Three dimensional images of bacteriomes of the leafhopper Orosius albicinctus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) were reconstructed from synchrotron-based X-ray micro-computed tomography (CT). Results show that bilateral bacteriomes are located between the first and second abdominal tergites, are mushroom-shaped and consist two different types of tissue. Fluorescence in situ hybridization reveals that the primary bacterial symbiont Sulcia muelleri is in the 'cap' part of the of organ. The technique allows a noninvasive, in situ, means of visualizing bacteriomes and will facilitate understanding their form and function.
authors.affiliation: Agricultural Research Organization, Gilat Research Center, D.N. Negev 85280, Israel. Electronic address: phyllisw@agri.gov.il.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Weintraub
authors.affiliation: Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity at the Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hoch
authors.affiliation: Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Research on Evolution and Biodiversity at the Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mühlethaler
authors.affiliation: Agricultural Research Organization, Newe Ya'ar Research Center, Ramat Yishay, Israel.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zchori-Fein
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006430:Hemiptera / Q000382:microbiology*; D064307:Microbiota; D017356:Synchrotrons; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Cicadellidae; FISH; Leafhopper; Orosius albicinctus; Symbiotic bacteria