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Diesel exhaust particles alter gut microbiome and gene expression in the bumblebee Bombus terrestris
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  • Dimitri Seidenath,
  • Alfons Weig,
  • Andreas Mittereder,
  • Thomas Hillenbrand,
  • Dieter Brüggemann,
  • Thorsten Opel,
  • Nico Langhof,
  • Marcel Riedl,
  • Heike Feldhaar,
  • Oliver Otti
Dimitri Seidenath
University of Bayreuth Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research
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Alfons Weig
University of Bayreuth Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research
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Andreas Mittereder
University of Bayreuth Faculty of Engineering Science
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Thomas Hillenbrand
University of Bayreuth Faculty of Engineering Science
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Dieter Brüggemann
University of Bayreuth Faculty of Engineering Science
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Thorsten Opel
University of Bayreuth Faculty of Engineering Science
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Nico Langhof
University of Bayreuth Faculty of Engineering Science
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Marcel Riedl
University of Bayreuth Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research
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Heike Feldhaar
University of Bayreuth Bayreuth Center of Ecology and Environmental Research

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Oliver Otti
TU Dresden
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Abstract

Insect decline is a major threat for ecosystems around the world as they provide many important functions, such as pollination or pest control. Pollution is one of the main reasons for the decline, besides changes in land use, global warming, and invasive species. While negative impacts of pesticides are well studied, there is still a lack of knowledge about the effects of other anthropogenic pollutants, such as airborne particulate matter, on insects. To address this, we exposed workers of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris to sublethal doses of diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) and brake dust, orally or via air. After seven days, we looked at the composition of the gut microbiome and tracked changes in gene expression. While there were no changes in the other treatments, oral DEP exposure significantly altered the structure of the gut microbiome. In particular, the core bacterium Snodgrassella had a decreased abundance in the DEP treatment. Similarly, transcriptome analysis revealed changes in gene expression after oral DEP exposure, but not in the other treatments. The changes are related to metabolism and signal transduction which indicates a general stress response. Taken together, our results suggest potential health effects of DEP exposure on insects, here shown in bumblebees, as gut dysbiosis may increase the susceptibility of bumblebees to pathogens, while a general stress response may lower available energy resources. However, experiments with multiple stressors and on colony level are needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of DEPs on insects.
21 Dec 2022Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
22 Dec 2022Submission Checks Completed
22 Dec 2022Assigned to Editor
05 Jan 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
09 Feb 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Feb 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
13 Apr 20231st Revision Received
15 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
15 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
15 Apr 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 May 2023Editorial Decision: Accept