Host resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis is linked to altered bacterial community within a specialist insect herbivore.

ABSTRACT: Evolution of resistance to transgenic crops producing toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) threatens the sustainability of the technology. Examination of resistance mechanisms has largely focused on characterization of mutations in proteins serving as Bt toxin binding sites. However, insect microbial communities have the potential to provide host resistance to pesticides in a myriad of ways. Previous findings suggest the killing mechanism of Bt relies on enteric bacteria becoming pathogenic in the disrupted gut environment of the insect following Bt intoxication. Thus, here we hypothesized that resistance to Bt would alter the microbiome composition of the insect. Previous studies have manipulated the microbiome of susceptible insects and monitored their response to Bt. In our study, we

SUBMITTER: Paddock KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9290792 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature