The Molecular Biology of Photorhabdus Bacteria

This book provides an essential update on the startling array of novel insecticidal toxins and drugs produced by the fascinating bacterium Photorhabdus. The respective chapters describe everything from the detailed molecular biology of the 'Toxin complexes' or Tc's to the complexity of insect immune response in relation to both the bacterium and its nematode vector. The volume covers both primary (toxin production and regulation) and secondary (natural product synthesis and regulation) metabolism and emphasises the potential use of toxins and drugs in both agriculture and medicine. It also discusses in detail two totally novel quorum sensing mechanisms and the likely role of LuxR solos in sensing the presence of different bacterial hosts. Lastly, the book explores the unique case of P. asymbiotica, which seems to have evolved the ability to infect both insects and humans. This synthesis proves that Photorhabdus truly does offer a 'gold mine' for the discovery ofnovel insecticidal proteins and novel natural products with potential uses in agriculture and medicine alike.

Focuses on recent advances in the molecular biology of Photorhabdus bacteria Emphasises the application of this new research to agriculture and medicine Discusses open questions and the need for further research

Inhalt

Insecticidal Toxin complexes from Photorhabdus luminescens.- Identifying anti-host effectors in Photorhabdus.- Flagellar regulation and virulence in the entomopathogenic bacteria Xenorhabdus nematophila and Photorhabdus luminescens.- Natural products from Photorhabdus and other entomopathogenic bacteria.- The regulation of secondary metabolism in Photorhabdus.- Quorum sensing and LuxR solos in Photorhabdus.- Insect immunity to entomopathogenic nematodes and their mutualistic bacteria.- Photorhabdus asymbiotica as an insect and human pathogen.- A review of clinical cases of infection with Photorhabdus asymbiotica.- A Practical Guide to Recombineering in Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus.