Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Detection of Toxin Translocation into the Host Cytosol by Surface Plasmon Resonance
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Published on: January 3, 2012

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The mechanism of Cry41-related toxin against Myzus persicae based on its interaction with Buchnera-derived

Liang Jin1, Bin-Wu Zhang1, Jing-Wen Lu1

  • 1Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology (Huaqiao University), Department of Bioengineering & Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, China.

Pest Management Science
|January 5, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Bacillus thuringiensis Cry41-related toxin targets Buchnera-derived PFKA in Myzus persicae, inhibiting its activity and reducing Buchnera numbers, ultimately leading to aphid death. This reveals a new mechanism for Cry toxin action against pests.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Entomology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbial Pest Control

Background:

  • Myzus persicae is a significant global crop pest.
  • Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins show limited efficacy against M. persicae.
  • Buchnera, an aphid endosymbiont, provides essential nutrients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Buchnera-derived ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase (PFKA) in Cry41-related toxin toxicity.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of Cry41-related toxin action against M. persicae.

Main Methods:

  • Recombinant PFKA expression and purification.
  • In vitro binding and enzyme inhibition assays.
  • Treatment of M. persicae with Cry41-related toxin and analysis of Buchnera gene expression.

Main Results:

  • PFKA directly bound to Cry41-related toxin.
  • Cry41-related toxin inhibited PFKA enzymatic activity.
  • Toxin exposure reduced Buchnera numbers by decreasing dnak gene expression.

Conclusions:

  • Cry41-related toxin targets Buchnera-derived PFKA, inhibiting its function and reducing endosymbiont populations.
  • This interaction leads to M. persicae mortality, suggesting a novel mode of action for Cry toxins.
  • Findings offer insights for developing improved Cry toxin-based aphid control strategies.
Keywords:
ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase (PFKA)Bacillus thuringiensisBuchneraCry41-related toxinMyzus persicae

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