Lepidopteran-active variable-region sequence imparts coleopteran activity in eCry3.1Ab, an engineered Bacillus thuringiensis hybrid insecticidal protein.

ABSTRACT: A unique, coleopteran-active protein, termed eCry3.1Ab, was generated following variable-region exchange of a Bacillus thuringiensis lepidopteran-active protein, Cry1Ab, with a Cry3A region. Our results support the hypothesis that this variable-region exchange is responsible for imparting strong bioactivity against the larvae of western corn rootworm (WCR) (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte), a pest species which is not susceptible to either parent protein sequence. This study demonstrates the potential of successfully engineering a portion(s) of a lepidopteran-active B. thuringiensis sequence so that it has activity against coleopterans. Further elucidation of the eCry3.1Ab activity indicated the importance of variable regions 4 to 6 that were derived from Cry1Ab instead of Cry1Ac. T

SUBMITTER: Walters FS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2869115 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature