Positive selection analysis of Cyt proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis: A conservative trend driven by negative (purifying) selection.

Bacillus thuringiensis is a Gram-positive entomopathogenic bacterium that produces different pesticidal proteins: vegetative insecticidal proteins (Vpb1/Vpa2, Vip3, and Vpb4) during vegetative growth, which are secreted to the culture medium, and δ-endotoxins (Cry and Cyt) during sporulation, which accumulate into parasporal crystals. Cyt proteins are the smaller subset of δ-endotoxins targeting Diptera species. While Cry and Vip3 proteins undergo positive selection, our analysis suggests that Cyt proteins evolve following a conservative trend driven negative (purifying) selection.

: A Broader View of Its Biocidal Activity.

(Bt) is a Gram-positive bacterium that forms spores and produces parasporal crystalline inclusions containing Cry and Cyt proteins [...

Bt_UNVM-84, a Novel Strain Showing Insecticidal Activity against Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

is a Gram-positive bacterium known for its insecticidal proteins effective against various insect pests. However, limited strains and proteins target coleopteran pests like Boheman, causing substantial economic losses in the cotton industry. This study focuses on characterizing a sp.