Mysterious protein sets up a beneficial partnership between bacteria and insects
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Buchnera bacteria that live in the cells of insects known as aphids secrete a protein called SyeA, which is crucial for colonization. The structural similarity of SyeA to proteins secreted by disease-causing bacteria indicates that the beneficial symbiotic relationship between Buchnera and aphids had pathogenic origins. Symbiotic bacteria colonize aphid hosts by secreting a protein similar to some used by pathogens.
Source: Nature
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $12,690
OpenAlex ID: W7166884850