Phenotypic and Genomic Comparison of Photorhabdus Luminescens Subsp

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Phenotypic and Genomic Comparison of Photorhabdus Luminescens Subsp Zamora-Lagos et al. BMC Genomics (2018) 19:854 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-018-5121-z RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Phenotypic and genomic comparison of Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. laumondii TT01 and a widely used rifampicin-resistant Photorhabdus luminescens laboratory strain Maria-Antonia Zamora-Lagos1†, Simone Eckstein2†, Angela Langer2, Athanasios Gazanis2, Friedhelm Pfeiffer1 , Bianca Habermann1,3* and Ralf Heermann2* Abstract Background: Photorhabdus luminescens is an enteric bacterium, which lives in mutualistic association with soil nematodes and is highly pathogenic for a broad spectrum of insects. A complete genome sequence for the type strain P. luminescens subsp. laumondii TT01, which was originally isolated in Trinidad and Tobago, has been described earlier. Subsequently, a rifampicin resistant P. luminescens strain has been generated with superior possibilities for experimental characterization. This strain, which is widely used in research, was described as a spontaneous rifampicin resistant mutant of TT01 and is known as TT01-RifR. Results: Unexpectedly, upon phenotypic comparison between the rifampicin resistant strain and its presumed parent TT01, major differences were found with respect to bioluminescence, pigmentation, biofilm formation, haemolysis as well as growth. Therefore, we renamed the strain TT01-RifR to DJC. To unravel the genomic basis of the observed differences, we generated a complete genome sequence for strain DJC using the PacBio long read technology. As strain DJC was supposed to be a spontaneous mutant, only few sequence differences were expected. In order to distinguish these from potential sequencing errors in the published TT01 genome, we re-sequenced a derivative of strain TT01 in parallel, also using the PacBio technology. The two TT01 genomes differed at only 30 positions. In contrast, the genome of strain DJC varied extensively from TT01, showing 13,000 point mutations, 330 frameshifts, and 220 strain-specific regions with a total length of more than 300 kb in each of the compared genomes. Conclusions: According to the major phenotypic and genotypic differences, the rifampicin resistant P. luminescens strain, now named strain DJC, has to be considered as an independent isolate rather than a derivative of strain TT01. Strains TT01 and DJC both belong to P. luminescens subsp. laumondii. Background two species are highly pathogenic toward insects, P. asym- Photorhabdus spp. are pathogenic enteric bacteria that biotica is additionally associated with severe soft-tissue and maintain a mutualistic interaction with heterorhabditid systemic infections in humans, and is considered as an nematodes and can infect a wide variety of insect species. emerging threat [2]. Commonly, the bacteria colonize the To date, three Photorhabdus species are known: P. lumines- gut of the infective juvenile stage of Heterorhabditis spp. cens, P. temperata,andP. asymbiotica [1]. Whereas the first nematodes. Upon entering insect larvae, the nematodes in- ject the bacteria by regurgitation into the insect’s hemocoel. * Correspondence: [email protected]; [email protected] † Onceinsidetheinsect,thebacteriareplicaterapidlyand Maria-Antonia Zamora-Lagos and Simone Eckstein contributed equally to quickly establish a lethal septicaemia in the host by produc- this work. 1Computational Biology Group, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Am tion of a broad range of different toxins that kill the insect Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany within 48 h. Bioconversion of the insect’s body by Photo- 2 Biozentrum, Bereich Mikrobiologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität rhabdus spp. produces a rich food source for the bacteria as München, Großhaderner Str. 2-4, 82152 Martinsried, Germany Full list of author information is available at the end of the article well as for the nematodes. Nematode reproduction is © The Author(s). 2018 Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated. Zamora-Lagos et al. BMC Genomics (2018) 19:854 Page 2 of 17 supported by the bacteria, probably by providing essential one inoculated with strain DJC turned orange, revealing nutrients that are required for efficient nematode prolifera- that both P. luminescens strains have differences in sec- tion [3]. Furthermore, the bacteria produce several second- ondary metabolite production and/or the regulation of ary metabolites like antibiotics to defend the insect cadaver the corresponding genes (Fig. 1b). from invasion by other microorganisms. P. luminescens Pathogenicity and bioluminescence. We next analyzed glows because of bacterial luciferase production. When the pathogenicity against Galleria mellonella wax moth larvae insect cadaver is depleted, the nematodes and bacteria of both P. luminescens strains. For that purpose, G. mello- re-associate and emerge from the carcass in search for a nella larvae were infected with either 200 or 200,000 cells, newinsecthost(see[4, 5]forreview). respectively, of P. luminescens strain TT01 or DJC. How- P. luminescens subsp. laumondii strain TT01 (DSM ever, we could not observe major differences in pathogen- 15139) was originally isolated from Heterorhabditis bac- icity between the two strains: 100% of the larvae died teriophora nematodes in Trinidad and Tobago [6]. Since within 48 h after infection either with strain TT01 or DJC, strain TT01 was difficult to access for genetic manipula- respectively. Approximately 1/3 of the larvae even died tion methods, a rifampicin resistant strain was isolated after 24 h for both strains at the higher bacterial load (Fig. by the group of David J. Clarke (University College Cork, 1c). Furthermore, G. mellonella larvae killed by either Ireland) by growing strain TT01 in the presence of the TT01 or DJC both turned red due to anthraquinone pro- antibiotic [7]. This strain showed enhanced suitability duction and were both positive for bioluminescence (Fig. for genetic manipulation due to the resistance marker, 1c). Additionally, light production of populations of both and was described as a spontaneous rifampicin resistant strains was quantified in liquid culture. Here we observed mutant of strain TT01 (TT01-RifR)[7]. In the scientific that bioluminescence of P. luminescens strain TT01 was literature, authors working with either TT01-RifR or the significantly higher compared to strain DJC (p-value < original TT01 strain commonly refer only to TT01, 0.001), especially at the time point of growth when the making this assignment highly ambiguous [8–10]. cells entered the stationary growth phase (Fig. 1d). Here we performed a phenotypic comparison between Nematode symbiosis. To investigate the symbiotic cap- P. luminescens strains TT01 and TT01-RifR. Since both acity of both P. luminescens strains, we tested whether strains differed in many phenotypic traits, we performed the bacteria were able to support nematode develop- detailed genomic analysis, generating a finalized complete ment. For that purpose, infective juveniles (IJs) of Het- genome sequence based on the PacBio long read approach erorhabditis bacteriophora were added to lipid agar [11]. We compared the genomes of the two strains in de- plates containing either P. luminescens strain TT01 or tail and report extensive sequence differences, indicating DJC, respectively. After 8 days of incubation, the num- that TT01-RifR is an independent isolate from type strain ber of hermaphrodites that developed from the IJs were TT01. Therefore, we renamed TT01-RifR to DJC. counted. No significant differences between P. lumines- cens strain TT01 and DJC were observed (Fig. 1e). Results Rifampicin resistance. Strains DJC and TT01 were tested Phenotypic comparison of P. luminescens strains TT01 and for rifampicin resistance, and only strain DJC was found to DJC be resistant (Fig. 2a). Furthermore, we tested both strains As a first step to investigate the differences between P. for their ability to produce exoproteinases, their ability to luminescens TT01 and DJC we started by comparing perform haemolysis and for antibiotic production (Fig. 2a). some of the most important phenotypes of Photorhab- To compare proteolytic activity, we spotted P. luminescens dus spp. like growth rate, pigmentation, biolumines- strain TT01 and DJC, respectively, on Ca-caseinate agar cence, insect pathogenicity and nematode support. plates. Both strains showed comparable protein degradation Growth behaviour. P. luminescens strains TT01 and (Fig. 2a). Furthermore, we plated both strains on sheep DJC showed differences in growth behaviour. The blood agar plates and LB agar plates to investigate haemoly- growth rate in the exponential growth phase was higher sis and antibiotic production, respectively. Surprisingly, P. for strain TT01 (μ = 0.39/h) compared to DJC (μ = 0.16/ luminescens DJC showed a significantly higher haemolytic h). Furthermore, in LB broth strain TT01 (OD600 = 21) activity (p-value < 0.001) as well as antibiotic production reached higher cell densities compared to strain DJC (p-value < 0.05) compared
Recommended publications
  • Identification of Photorhabdus Symbionts by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
    bioRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.01.10.901900; this version posted January 11, 2020. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under aCC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license. Identification of Photorhabdus symbionts by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry Virginia Hill1,2, Peter Kuhnert2, Matthias Erb1, Ricardo A. R. Machado1* 1 Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Switzerland 2Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland. *Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract Species of the bacterial genus Photorhabus live in a symbiotic relationship with Heterorhabditis entomopathogenic nematodes. Besides their use as biological control agents against agricultural pests, some Photorhabdus species are also a source of natural products and are of medical interest due to their ability to cause tissue infections and subcutaneous lesions in humans. Given the diversity of Photorhabdus species, rapid and reliable methods to resolve this genus to the species level are needed. In this study, we evaluated the potential of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of Photorhabdus species. To this end, we established a collection of 55 isolates consisting of type strains and multiple field strains that belong to each of the validly described species and subspecies of this genus. Reference spectra for the strains were generated and used to complement a currently available database. The extended reference database was then used for identification based on the direct transfer and protein fingerprint of single colonies.
    [Show full text]
  • The Louse Fly-Arsenophonus Arthropodicus Association
    THE LOUSE FLY-ARSENOPHONUS ARTHROPODICUS ASSOCIATION: DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW MODEL SYSTEM FOR THE STUDY OF INSECT-BACTERIAL ENDOSYMBIOSES by Kari Lyn Smith A dissertation submitted to the faculty of The University of Utah in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Biology The University of Utah August 2012 Copyright © Kari Lyn Smith 2012 All Rights Reserved The University of Utah Graduate School STATEMENT OF DISSERTATION APPROVAL The dissertation of Kari Lyn Smith has been approved by the following supervisory committee members: Colin Dale Chair June 18, 2012 Date Approved Dale Clayton Member June 18, 2012 Date Approved Maria-Denise Dearing Member June 18, 2012 Date Approved Jon Seger Member June 18, 2012 Date Approved Robert Weiss Member June 18, 2012 Date Approved and by Neil Vickers Chair of the Department of __________________________Biology and by Charles A. Wight, Dean of The Graduate School. ABSTRACT There are many bacteria that associate with insects in a mutualistic manner and offer their hosts distinct fitness advantages, and thus have likely played an important role in shaping the ecology and evolution of insects. Therefore, there is much interest in understanding how these relationships are initiated and maintained and the molecular mechanisms involved in this process, as well as interest in developing symbionts as platforms for paratransgenesis to combat disease transmission by insect hosts. However, this research has been hampered by having only a limited number of systems to work with, due to the difficulties in isolating and modifying bacterial symbionts in the lab. In this dissertation, I present my work in developing a recently described insect-bacterial symbiosis, that of the louse fly, Pseudolynchia canariensis, and its bacterial symbiont, Candidatus Arsenophonus arthropodicus, into a new model system with which to investigate the mechanisms and evolution of symbiosis.
    [Show full text]
  • Recent Advances and Perspectives in Nasonia Wasps
    Disentangling a Holobiont – Recent Advances and Perspectives in Nasonia Wasps The Harvard community has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you. Your story matters Citation Dittmer, Jessica, Edward J. van Opstal, J. Dylan Shropshire, Seth R. Bordenstein, Gregory D. D. Hurst, and Robert M. Brucker. 2016. “Disentangling a Holobiont – Recent Advances and Perspectives in Nasonia Wasps.” Frontiers in Microbiology 7 (1): 1478. doi:10.3389/ fmicb.2016.01478. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01478. Published Version doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.01478 Citable link http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:29408381 Terms of Use This article was downloaded from Harvard University’s DASH repository, and is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Other Posted Material, as set forth at http:// nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of- use#LAA fmicb-07-01478 September 21, 2016 Time: 14:13 # 1 REVIEW published: 23 September 2016 doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01478 Disentangling a Holobiont – Recent Advances and Perspectives in Nasonia Wasps Jessica Dittmer1, Edward J. van Opstal2, J. Dylan Shropshire2, Seth R. Bordenstein2,3, Gregory D. D. Hurst4 and Robert M. Brucker1* 1 Rowland Institute at Harvard, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA, 2 Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA, 3 Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA, 4 Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK The parasitoid wasp genus Nasonia (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is a well-established model organism for insect development, evolutionary genetics, speciation, and symbiosis.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessing the Pathogenicity of Two Bacteria Isolated from the Entomopathogenic Nematode Heterorhabditis Indica Against Galleria Mellonella and Some Pest Insects
    insects Article Assessing the Pathogenicity of Two Bacteria Isolated from the Entomopathogenic Nematode Heterorhabditis indica against Galleria mellonella and Some Pest Insects Rosalba Salgado-Morales 1,2 , Fernando Martínez-Ocampo 2 , Verónica Obregón-Barboza 2, Kathia Vilchis-Martínez 3, Alfredo Jiménez-Pérez 3 and Edgar Dantán-González 2,* 1 Doctorado en Ciencias, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Chamilpa, 62209 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; [email protected] 2 Laboratorio de Estudios Ecogenómicos, Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Av. Universidad 1001, Chamilpa, 62209 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; [email protected] (F.M.-O.); [email protected] (V.O.-B.) 3 Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Calle Ceprobi No. 8, San Isidro, Yautepec, 62739 Morelos, Mexico; [email protected] (K.V.-M.); [email protected] (A.J.-P.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +52-777-329-7000 Received: 20 December 2018; Accepted: 15 March 2019; Published: 26 March 2019 Abstract: The entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis are parasites of insects and are associated with mutualist symbiosis enterobacteria of the genus Photorhabdus; these bacteria are lethal to their host insects. Heterorhabditis indica MOR03 was isolated from sugarcane soil in Morelos state, Mexico. The molecular identification of the nematode was confirmed using sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the D2/D3 expansion segment of the 28S rRNA gene. In addition, two bacteria HIM3 and NA04 strains were isolated from the entomopathogenic nematode. The genomes of both bacteria were sequenced and assembled de novo.
    [Show full text]
  • Characterization and Synthesis of Selected Secondary Metabolites Produced by Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus Spp
    Characterization and Synthesis of Selected Secondary Metabolites produced by Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus spp Dissertation zur Erlangung des Doktorgrades der Naturwissenschaften vorgelegt dem Fachbereich der Biowissenschaften (15) der Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Universität, Frankfurt a. M. von Friederike Inga Nollmann geboren am 30. 11. 1985 in Stade D30 vom Fachbereich für Biowissenschaften (15) der Johann-Wolfgan-von-Goethe-Universität als Dissertation angenommen. Dekanin: Prof. Dr. Meike Piepenbring Gutachter: Prof. Dr. Helge B. Bode Jun. Prof. Dr. Martin Grininger Datum der Disputation: 3 4 There is no answer as big as the question, there is no victory as big as the lesson, you go on and you see where your detours will take you to, there is no power like understanding. Tina Dico To my friends and my family who were neglected now and then in the process of this work but nevertheless helped to make it happen. 5 6 Acknowledgement Anybody who has been seriously engaged in scientific work of any kind realizes that over the entrance to the gates of the temple of science are written the words: “Ye must have faith.” Max Planck With these words I would like to thank all the people who were involved in this work and had to restore my faith in sciences from time to time, namely Prof. Dr. Helge B. Bode, my mentor, who gave me the opportunity to work on a quite diverse topic which never stopped being challenging. I also appreciate it that he always had the confidence in me to make it click. Jun. Prof. Dr. Martin Grininger, my second reviewer, who was willing to survey this work without hesitation.
    [Show full text]
  • Studies of the Spread and Diversity of the Insect Symbiont Arsenophonus Nasoniae
    Studies of the Spread and Diversity of the Insect Symbiont Arsenophonus nasoniae Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements of the University of Liverpool for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy By Steven R. Parratt September 2013 Abstract: Heritable bacterial endosymbionts are a diverse group of microbes, widespread across insect taxa. They have evolved numerous phenotypes that promote their own persistence through host generations, ranging from beneficial mutualisms to manipulations of their host’s reproduction. These phenotypes are often highly diverse within closely related groups of symbionts and can have profound effects upon their host’s biology. However, the impact of their phenotype on host populations is dependent upon their prevalence, a trait that is highly variable between symbiont strains and the causative factors of which remain enigmatic. In this thesis I address the factors affecting spread and persistence of the male-Killing endosymbiont Arsenophonus nasoniae in populations of its host Nasonia vitripennis. I present a model of A. nasoniae dynamics in which I incorporate the capacity to infectiously transmit as well as direct costs of infection – factors often ignored in treaties on symbiont dynamics. I show that infectious transmission may play a vital role in the epidemiology of otherwise heritable microbes and allows costly symbionts to invade host populations. I then support these conclusions empirically by showing that: a) A. nasoniae exerts a tangible cost to female N. vitripennis it infects, b) it only invades, spreads and persists in populations that allow for both infectious and heritable transmission. I also show that, when allowed to reach high prevalence, male-Killers can have terminal effects upon their host population.
    [Show full text]
  • Microbial Kinetics of Photorhabdus Luminescens in Glucose Batch Cultures
    Microbial Kinetics of Photorhabdus luminescens in Glucose Batch Cultures Matt Bowen University of North Carolina at Pembroke with Danica Co, William Peace University Faculty Mentors: Len Holmes with Floyd Inman University of North Carolina at Pembroke ABSTRACT Photorhabdus luminescens, an entomopathogenic bacterial symbiont of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, was studied in batch cultures to determine the specific growth rates of the bacterium in various glucose concentrations. P. luminescens was cultured in a defined liquid medium containing various concentrations of glucose. Culture parameters were monitored and controlled utilizing a Sartorius stedim Biostat® A plus fermentation system. Agitation and air flow remained constant; however, the pH of the media was chemically buffered and monitored over the course of bacterial growth. Measurements of culture turbidity were obtained utilizing an optical cell density probe. Specific growth rates of P. luminescens were determined graphically and mathematically. The substrate saturation constant of glucose for P. luminescens was also determined along with the bacterium’s maximum specific growth rate. that kill and bioconvert the insect host into 1. INTRODUCTION nutritional components for both organisms (Boemare, Laumond, and Mauleon, Photorhabdus luminescens is a Gram-negative, 1996). Furthermore, P. luminescens secretes bioluminescent,entomopathogenic bacterium pigments and antimicrobials to ward that is found to be a bacterial symbiont of the off other contaminating microbes and nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Inman, as a result, ideal conditions are created Singh and Holmes, 2012). These symbiotic for nematode growth and development partners serve as a bacto-helminthic complex (Waterfield, Ciche and Clark, 2009). that is considered to be a safe alternative to The symbiotic relationship between H.
    [Show full text]
  • International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (2016), 66, 5575–5599 DOI 10.1099/Ijsem.0.001485
    International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (2016), 66, 5575–5599 DOI 10.1099/ijsem.0.001485 Genome-based phylogeny and taxonomy of the ‘Enterobacteriales’: proposal for Enterobacterales ord. nov. divided into the families Enterobacteriaceae, Erwiniaceae fam. nov., Pectobacteriaceae fam. nov., Yersiniaceae fam. nov., Hafniaceae fam. nov., Morganellaceae fam. nov., and Budviciaceae fam. nov. Mobolaji Adeolu,† Seema Alnajar,† Sohail Naushad and Radhey S. Gupta Correspondence Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Radhey S. Gupta L8N 3Z5, Canada [email protected] Understanding of the phylogeny and interrelationships of the genera within the order ‘Enterobacteriales’ has proven difficult using the 16S rRNA gene and other single-gene or limited multi-gene approaches. In this work, we have completed comprehensive comparative genomic analyses of the members of the order ‘Enterobacteriales’ which includes phylogenetic reconstructions based on 1548 core proteins, 53 ribosomal proteins and four multilocus sequence analysis proteins, as well as examining the overall genome similarity amongst the members of this order. The results of these analyses all support the existence of seven distinct monophyletic groups of genera within the order ‘Enterobacteriales’. In parallel, our analyses of protein sequences from the ‘Enterobacteriales’ genomes have identified numerous molecular characteristics in the forms of conserved signature insertions/deletions, which are specifically shared by the members of the identified clades and independently support their monophyly and distinctness. Many of these groupings, either in part or in whole, have been recognized in previous evolutionary studies, but have not been consistently resolved as monophyletic entities in 16S rRNA gene trees. The work presented here represents the first comprehensive, genome- scale taxonomic analysis of the entirety of the order ‘Enterobacteriales’.
    [Show full text]
  • Opportunities and Challenges of Entomopathogenic Nematodes As Biocontrol Agents in Their Tripartite Interactions Tarique H
    Askary and Abd-Elgawad Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control (2021) 31:42 Egyptian Journal of https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-021-00391-9 Biological Pest Control REVIEW ARTICLE Open Access Opportunities and challenges of entomopathogenic nematodes as biocontrol agents in their tripartite interactions Tarique H. Askary1 and Mahfouz M. M. Abd-Elgawad2* Abstract Background: The complex including entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) of the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis and their mutualistic partner, i.e., Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria, respectively possesses many attributes of ideal biological control agents against numerous insect pests as a third partner. Despite authenic opportunities for their practical use as biocontrol agents globally, they are challenged by major impediments especially their cost and reliability. Main body: This review article presents major attributes of EPNs to familiarize growers and stakeholders with their careful application. As relatively high EPN costs and frequently low efficacy are still hindering them from reaching broader biopesticide markets, this is to review the latest findings on EPN strain/species enhancement, improvement of production, formulation and application technology, and achieving biological control of insects from the standpoint of facing these challenges. The conditions and practices that affected the use of EPNs for integrated pest management (IPM) are identified. Besides, efforts have been made to address such practices in various ways that grasp their effective approaches, identify research priority areas, and allow refined techniques. Additionally, sampling factors responsible for obtaining more EPN isolates with differential pathogenicity and better adaptation to control specific pest(s) are discussed. Conclusion: Specific improvements of EPN production, formulation, and application technology are reviewed which may help in their broader use.
    [Show full text]
  • Regulation of Phenotypic Switching and Heterogeneity in Photorhabdus Luminescens Cell Populations
    Regulation of phenotypic switching and heterogeneity in Photorhabdus luminescens cell populations Dissertation zur Erlangung des Doktorgrades der Naturwissenschaften (Dr. rer. nat.) der Fakultät für Biologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München vorgelegt von Angela Katharina Langer geb. Glaeser am 17.11.2016 1. Gutachter: PD Dr. Ralf Heermann, LMU München 2. Gutachter: Prof. Dr. Marc Bramkamp, LMU München Datum der Abgabe: 17.11.2016 Datum der mündlichen Prüfung: 12.12.2016 II Eidesstattliche Erklärung Ich versichere hiermit an Eides statt, dass die vorgelegte Dissertation von mir selbstständig und ohne unerlaubte Hilfe angefertigt wurde. Des Weiteren erkläre ich, dass ich nicht anderweitig ohne Erfolg versucht habe, eine Dissertation einzureichen oder mich der Doktorprüfung zu unterziehen. Die folgende Dissertation liegt weder ganz, noch in wesentlichen Teilen einer anderen Prüfungskommission vor. München, den 17.11.2016 Angela Langer Statutory Declaration I declare that I have authored this thesis independently, that I have not used other than the declared sources/references. As well I declare that I have not submitted a dissertation without success and not passed the oral exam. The present dissertation (neither the entire dissertation nor parts) has not been presented to another examination board. Munich, 17.11.2016 Angela Langer III Contents Eidesstattliche Erklärung ...................................................................................................................... III Statutory Declaration...........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Characterization of the Entomopathogenic Bacterium Photorhadus Luminescens Sonorensis, and Bioactivity of Its Secondary Metabolites
    Characterization of the Entomopathogenic Bacterium Photorhadus Luminescens Sonorensis, and Bioactivity of its Secondary Metabolites Item Type text; Electronic Thesis Authors Orozco, Rousel Antonio Publisher The University of Arizona. Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. Download date 25/09/2021 03:57:11 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/228614 1 CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ENTOMOPATHOGENIC BACTERIUM PHOTORHADUS LUMINESCENS SONORENSIS, AND BIOACTIVITY OF ITS SECONDARY METABOLITES. Rousel Antonio Orozco Copyright © Rousel A Orozco 2012 ________________ A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE In the Graduate College THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 2012 2 STATEMENT BY AUTHOR This thesis has been submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for an advanced degree at the University of Arizona and is deposited in the University Library to be made available to borrowers under rules of the Library. Brief quotations from this thesis are allowable without special permission, provided that accurate acknowledgment of source is made. Requests for permission for extended quotation from or reproduction of this manuscript in whole or in part may be granted by the copyright holder. SIGNED: Rousel. A. Orozco. APPROVAL BY THESIS DIRECTOR _______________________________________ S. Patricia Stock, PhD. Professor of Entomology Date ____May 1st 2012_________________ 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I want to begin by expressing my infinity gratitude to my mentor, Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • A Comparative Genomic and Phylogenetic Study
    GBE A Phage Tail-Derived Element with Wide Distribution among Both Prokaryotic Domains: A Comparative Genomic and Phylogenetic Study Panagiotis F. Sarris1,4,*, Emmanuel D. Ladoukakis2, Nickolas J. Panopoulos2,3, and Effie V. Scoulica1,* 1Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology and Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece 2Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece 3Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Center for Plant Cell Biology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside 4Present address: The Sainsbury Laboratory, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom. *Corresponding author: E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]. Accepted: June 16, 2014 Abstract Prophage sequences became an integral part of bacterial genomes as a consequence of coevolution, encoding fitness or virulence factors. Such roles have been attributed to phage-derived elements identified in several Gram-negative species: The type VI secretion system (T6SS), the R- and F-type pyocins, and the newly discovered Serratia entomophila antifeeding prophage (Afp), and the Photorhabdus luminescens virulence cassette (PVC). In this study, we provide evidence that remarkably conserved gene clusters, homologous to Afp/PVC, are not restricted to Gram-negative bacteria but are widespread throughout all prokaryotes including the Archaea. Even though they are phylogenetically closer to pyocins, they share key characteristics in common with the T6SS, such as the use of a chaperon-type AAA+ ATPase and the lack of a host cell lysis mechanism. We thus suggest that Afp/PVC-like elements could be classified as phage-like-protein-translocation structures (PLTSs) rather than as pyocins.
    [Show full text]