Xenorhabdus nematophila lrhA is necessary for motility, lipase activity, toxin expression, and virulence in Manduca sexta insects.

ABSTRACT: The gram-negative insect pathogen Xenorhabdus nematophila possesses potential virulence factors including an assortment of toxins, degradative enzymes, and regulators of these compounds. Here, we describe the lysR-like homolog A (lrhA) gene, a gene required by X. nematophila for full virulence in Manduca sexta insects. In several other gram-negative bacteria, LrhA homologs are transcriptional regulators involved in the expression (typically repression) of virulence factors. Based on phenotypic and genetic evidence, we report that X. nematophila LrhA has a positive effect on transcription and expression of certain potential virulence factors, including a toxin subunit-encoding gene, xptD1. Furthermore, an lrhA mutant lacks in vitro lipase activity and has reduced swimming motility compared

SUBMITTER: Richards GR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2447004 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature