Publications by authors named "M Soberon"

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces Cry toxins that are used to control insect pests worldwide. However, evolution of insect resistance threatens the sustainable application of these toxins. In some cases, Cry toxin resistance has been linked to mutations affecting toxin receptors expression.

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Article Synopsis
  • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria produce insecticidal proteins Cry and Vip3, which kill certain insect larvae by disrupting their gut cells through pore formation.
  • The Vip3Aa protoxin requires proteolytic activation to change its structure and enhance binding to the brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) in insects, while the unactivated form shows little binding and no toxicity.
  • Research identified domain III of Vip3Aa as the main binding domain and highlighted critical amino acids (K385, K526, V529) that become exposed upon activation, which are essential for the protein's receptor binding and insecticidal effects.
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The Aedes aegypti cadherin-like protein (Aae-Cad) and the membrane-bound alkaline phosphatase (Aae-mALP) are membrane proteins identified as putative receptors for the larvicidal Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis bacteria. Cry toxins are the most used toxins in the control of different agricultural pest and mosquitos.

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Executive Summary: Microbes are all pervasive in their distribution and influence on the functioning and well-being of humans, life in general and the planet. Microbially-based technologies contribute hugely to the supply of important goods and services we depend upon, such as the provision of food, medicines and clean water. They also offer mechanisms and strategies to mitigate and solve a wide range of problems and crises facing humanity at all levels, including those encapsulated in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) formulated by the United Nations.

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Ditylenchus destructor is a migratory plant-parasitic nematode that severely harms many agriculturally important crops. The control of this pest is difficult, thus efficient strategies for its management in agricultural production are urgently required. Cathepsin L-like cysteine protease (CPL) is one important protease that has been shown to participate in various physiological and pathological processes.

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