Award details

301a: The identification and characterisation of novel bacterial toxins for pest control

Reference	BBS/E/H/00032109
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr James Morgan
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of Warwick
Department	Warwick HRI
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	557,900
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2000
End date	31/03/2003
Duration	36 months

Abstract

We have identified and characterised by sequence analysis, a series of highly active insecticidal protein toxins from bacteria normally found associated with insect parasitic nematodes (Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus species). Although it is well known that these bacteria kill insects once they have been injected by the nematode into the insects body cavity (hemeocoel), the toxins we have identified kill insects when fed to them on an artificial diet (orally). The toxins have an effect against a wider range of insects than those controlled by B. thuringiensis. This makes them commercially interesting for the biocontrol of insects. Understanding the structure, function and mode of action of these novel toxins is essential for commercial use. From one bacterial strain (Xenorhabdus nematophilus pMFI) a cosmid clone (cHRIM1) that encoded proteins with insecticidal activity has been obtained. From this clone we have identified 4 classes of genes involved in insecticidal activity. Preliminary work has indicated that no single gene encodes a protein with full insecticidal activity, presenting a series of complex scientific questions. However, the gene products must interact with each other in some way to produce a fully active toxin. Recent work has led to the identification of a new family of genes from X. bovienii which encode proteins with nematocidal activity. The sequence of these genes do not show similarity to those which code for insecticidal activity. A preliminary characterisation of these genes is underway to determine their structure and mode of action.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Plant & Microbial Sciences (PMS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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