The genome sequence of the entomopathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens

TLDR

Photorhabdus luminescens is a nematode symbiont and broad‑spectrum insect pathogen whose genome shows extensive horizontal acquisition of virulence factors, shedding light on insect pathogen evolution. The study aims to identify new insecticidal proteins that could serve as alternatives for pest control. The 5.69‑Mb TT01 genome encodes 4,839 proteins, including numerous adhesins, toxins, hemolysins, proteases, lipases, and antibiotic‑synthesizing genes that likely mediate competition, host colonization, invasion, and cadaver bioconversion, positioning P.

Abstract

Photorhabdus luminescens is a symbiont of nematodes and a broad-spectrum insect pathogen. The complete genome sequence of strain TT01 is 5,688,987 base pairs (bp) long and contains 4,839 predicted protein-coding genes. Strikingly, it encodes a large number of adhesins, toxins, hemolysins, proteases and lipases, and contains a wide array of antibiotic synthesizing genes. These proteins are likely to play a role in the elimination of competitors, host colonization, invasion and bioconversion of the insect cadaver, making P. luminescens a promising model for the study of symbiosis and host-pathogen interactions. Comparison with the genomes of related bacteria reveals the acquisition of virulence factors by extensive horizontal transfer and provides clues about the evolution of an insect pathogen. Moreover, newly identified insecticidal proteins may be effective alternatives for the control of insect pests.