Interaction between the membrane protein of a pathogen and insect microfilament complex determines insect-vector specificity.

ABSTRACT: Many insect-transmissible pathogens are transmitted by specific insect species and not by others, even if they are closely related. The molecular mechanisms underlying such strict pathogen-insect specificity are poorly understood. Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris, OY strain, line W (OY), is a phytopathogenic bacterium transmitted from plant to plant by sap-feeding insect vectors (leafhoppers). Our study focused on an abundant cell-surface membrane protein of the phytoplasma named antigenic membrane protein (Amp), which is not homologous with any reported functional protein. Immunofluorescence microscopy of the phytoplasma-infected insect showed that OY phytoplasma was localized to the microfilaments of the visceral smooth muscle surrounding the insect's intestinal tract. The affinity column

SUBMITTER: Suzuki S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1449679 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature