A novel insecticidal toxin from Photorhabdus luminescens, toxin complex a (Tca), and its histopathological effects on the midgut of Manduca sexta

Article Abstract:

The histopathological effects of toxin complex a (Tca) from Photorhabdus luminescens on the midgut of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta has been studied. P. luminescens is a gram-negative bacterium that is mutualistic with entomophagous nematodes and produces toxins when released into the insect hemocoel upon nematode invasion. Results reveal an acceleration in the blebbing of the midgut epithelium into the gut lumen and susbequent lysis of the epithelium. This findings indicate that Tca is a highly active oral insecticide.

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A genomic sample sequence of the Entomopathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens W14: potential implications for virulence

Article Abstract:

The pathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens has several classes of virulence compounds, including Tc insecticidal toxin complexes, Rtx-like toxins, proteases, lipases, colicin and pyocins, and antibiotics. This bacterium lives in nematodes that prey upon insects.

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Oral toxicity of Photorhabdus luminescens W14 toxin complexes in Escherichia coli

Article Abstract:

The coexpression of txxC and the tcdAB operon from Photorhabdus luminescens strain W14 in Escherichia coli is required for the production of the P. luminescens W14 toxins. Adding mitomycin C to the culture medium maximizes the production of the toxins.

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