Obligate mutualistic heritable symbiosis in sap-feeding insects: an intricate relationship in nature

Abstract

Obligate endosymbionts have a significant impact on the physiology and ecology of their insect hosts and consequently have played an important role in their diversification and evolution. Auchenorrhyncha is a sap-feeding insect group that includes cicadas, spittlebugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, and planthoppers, some of which are well-studied vectors of plant pathogens causing important diseases. Here, we review the obligate symbiotic systems in Auchenorrhyncha. First, we address the diversity of obligate endosymbionts, illustrating the complex scenario characterised by replacements, new acquisitions, and loss of endosymbionts along evolution. Then, we describe the mechanisms that allowed maintaining these long-term associations. Also, we attend to the functional interdependence between host and obligate endosymbionts and how insect hosts support and regulate them. Moreover, we discuss current research that considers the disruption of host-endosymbionts associations as a novel strategy to control these sap-feeding insects. Finally, we suggest directions for further studies regarding obligate mutualistic relationships as well as other symbiotic systems that could be helpful in increasing the knowledge of the complex interactions between Auchenorrhyncha and their associated microbes.