Open AccessIsolation and characterization of the Serratia entomophila antifeeding prophage
Author(s) -
Hurst Mark R. H.,
Beard Sam S.,
Jackson Trevor A.,
Jones Sandra M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2007.00645.x
Subject(s) - prophage , biology , serratia , microbiology and biotechnology , larva , bacteriophage , bacteria , escherichia coli , genetics , botany , gene , pseudomonas
The Serratia entomophila antifeeding prophage (Afp) is thought to form a virus‐like structure that has activity towards the New Zealand grass grub, Costelytra zealandica . Through the trans based expression of AnfA1, an RfaH – like transcriptional antiterminator, the Afp, was able to be induced. The expressed Afp was purified and visualized by electron microscopy. The Afp resembled a phage tail‐like bacteriocin, exhibiting two distinct morphologies: an extended and a contracted form. The purified Afp conferred rapid activity towards C. zealandica larvae, causing cessation of feeding and a change to an amber colouration within 48 h postinoculation, with increased dose rates causing larval mortality.