Microbial ecology-based methods to characterize the bacterial communities of non-model insects

• Published in: Journal of microbiological methods 2015-12, Vol.119, p.110-125
• Main Authors: Prosdocimi, Erica M., Mapelli, Francesca, Gonella, Elena, Borin, Sara, Crotti, Elena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animalia; Animals; Apis mellifera; Bacteria; Bacteria - classification; Bacteria - genetics; Bacteria - isolation & purification; Bacterial community; Bacterial symbiont cultivation; Biodiversity; Bombyx mori; Humans; Insect microbiome; Insecta - microbiology; Microbial ecology; Molecular methods; Non-model insects; Symbiosis
• ISSN: 0167-7012; 1872-8359
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2015.10.010

Among the animals of the Kingdom Animalia, insects are unparalleled for their widespread diffusion, diversity and number of occupied ecological niches. In recent years they have raised researcher interest not only because of their importance as human and agricultural pests, disease vectors and as useful breeding species (e.g. honeybee and silkworm), but also because of their suitability as animal models. It is now fully recognized that microorganisms form symbiotic relationships with insects, influencing their survival, fitness, development, mating habits and the immune system and other aspects of the biology and ecology of the insect host. Thus, any research aimed at deepening the knowledge of any given insect species (perhaps species of applied interest or species emerging as novel pests or vectors) must consider the characterization of the associated microbiome. The present review critically examines the microbiology and molecular ecology techniques that can be applied to the taxonomical and functional analysis of the microbiome of non-model insects. Our goal is to provide an overview of current approaches and methods addressing the ecology and functions of microorganisms and microbiomes associated with insects. Our focus is on operational details, aiming to provide a concise guide to currently available advanced techniques, in an effort to extend insect microbiome research beyond simple descriptions of microbial communities. •Insects establish important symbiotic interactions with microorganisms.•Overview of methods used to study microbial diversity and functionality in insects.•Operational details of the methods and some practical considerations are provided.