Molecular and biochemical markers for monitoring dynamic shifts of cellulolytic protozoa in Reticulitermes flavipes

Marsha M. Wheeler, Xuguo Zhou, Michael E. Scharf, Faith M. Oi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lower termites rely on cellulolytic protozoa to aid in the digestion of their wood-based diet. However, despite the major contribution of protozoa to the lower termite digestive system, few techniques have been developed to monitor shifts in protozoan populations. This study investigated whether quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and/or cellulase enzyme assays can be used to monitor changes of cellulolytic protozoan populations in the lower termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar). Previously developed cellulase primer sets were used to test for changes in cellulase gene expression, while three different cellulase enzyme assays were used to assess changes in cellulase enzyme activity. The results from this study indicate that qRT-PCR is a reliable method to monitor shifts in cellulolytic protozoan populations. Specifically, qRT-PCR can serve as a useful monitoring technique during high-throughput screening of novel termite control agents such as cellulase inhibitors, and help to answer questions relating to whether or not such control agents impact cellulolytic protozoan populations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1366-1374
Number of pages9
JournalInsect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Volume37
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2007

Keywords

  • Cellulase
  • Endoglucanase
  • Exoglucanase
  • Protozoa
  • Quantitative real-time PCR
  • R. flavipes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Insect Science

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