Scientists Modify Bt Toxin to Improve Activation in Pea Aphid Gut
June 8, 2016| |
Aphids are one of the most destructive insect pests of many agricultural crops. Thus, Iowa State University (ISU) scientist Michael Rausch and partners optimized the Bt toxin to be used against pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum).
The Bt protein, Cry4Aa toxin, has low aphicidal activity. The ISU researchers introduced cathepsin L and cathepsin B cleavage sites into Cry4Aa for immediate activation in the aphid gut environment. Results showed that the incubation of modified Cry4Aa and aphid proteases in vitro had improved activation in some of the modified constructs compared to non-modified Cry4Aa. Furthermore, aphids fed with diets containing the modified toxin exhibited higher mortality rates. Based on these results, toxin modification can be used to effectively manage aphid populations through transgenic plant resistance.
Read the research paper in Plos One.
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- Researchers Crack Genome that May Lead to Development of Allergen-free Peanuts
- Oxford University Scientists Discover Oldest Root Meristem
- Biologist Finds Way for New Approaches to Fight Plant Disease
- CropLife Reports 20 Years of GM Crop Benefits in Australia
- Plants Remember Previous Stress to Help Protect Themselves
- Silenced Susceptibility Genes in Potato Result in Late Blight Resistance
- Scientists Discover Protein which Boosts Rice Yield by 50 Percent
-
Research Highlights
- Scientists Modify Bt Toxin to Improve Activation in Pea Aphid Gut
- Rol Genes Enhance Production of Antioxidants in Artemisia carvifolia
- NtTTG2 Gene Regulates Tobacco Growth and Seed Production via AUXIN RESPONSIVE FACTOR Genes
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- Genomes of Wild Parents Reveal Complex History of Garden Petunias
- Chemists and Biologists Make Bionic Leaf That Produces Alcohol Fuel
- University at Buffalo Researchers Develop Vaccine that Strikes Only When Needed
-
Announcements
- CAFEi2016
-
Resources
- Feeding the World in Future: Where Does GM Fit in?
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (April 17, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (April 10, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet