Abstract
The Serratia entomophila antifeeding prophage (Afp) is thought to form a virus-like structure that has activity towards the New Zealand grass grub, Costelytra zealandica. Through the trans based expression of AnfA1, an RfaH - like transcriptional antiterminator, the Afp, was able to be induced. The expressed Afp was purified and visualized by electron microscopy. The Afp resembled a phage tail-like bacteriocin, exhibiting two distinct morphologies: an extended and a contracted form. The purified Afp conferred rapid activity towards C. zealandica larvae, causing cessation of feeding and a change to an amber colouration within 48 h postinoculation, with increased dose rates causing larval mortality.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Arabinose / pharmacology
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Bacterial Proteins / genetics
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Bacterial Proteins / pharmacology
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Bacterial Proteins / ultrastructure
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Coleoptera / microbiology*
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / pharmacology
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DNA-Binding Proteins / ultrastructure
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Feeding Behavior / drug effects
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Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / drug effects
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Genes, Bacterial / genetics
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Larva / microbiology
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Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
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Models, Biological
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Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Prophages / genetics
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Prophages / isolation & purification*
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Prophages / ultrastructure
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Serratia / genetics*
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Serratia / growth & development
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Serratia / virology
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Temperature
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Trans-Activators / genetics
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Trans-Activators / pharmacology
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Trans-Activators / ultrastructure
Substances
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Bacterial Proteins
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Trans-Activators
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Arabinose