Functional characterization of Vip3Aa from Bacillus thuringiensis reveals the contributions of specific domains to its insecticidal activity.

ABSTRACT: Microbially derived, protein-based biopesticides offer a more sustainable pest management alternative to synthetic pesticides. Vegetative insecticidal proteins (Vip3), multidomain proteins secreted by Bacillus thuringiensis, represent a second-generation insecticidal toxin that has been preliminarily used in transgenic crops. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Vip3's toxicity is poorly understood. Here, we determine the distinct functions and contributions of the domains of the Vip3Aa protein to its toxicity against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. We demonstrate that Vip3Aa domains II and III (DII-DIII) bind the midgut epithelium, while DI is essential for Vip3Aa's stability and toxicity inside the protease-enriched host insect midgut. DI-DIII can be activated by midgut proteases an

SUBMITTER: Jiang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10017365 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature