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Nematicidal enzymes from microorganisms and their applications

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Abstract

Microorganisms can attack and kill nematodes by diverse processes such as capturing, parasitizing, and producing toxins and enzymes. Extracellular enzymes, including serine proteases, chitinases, and collagenases are shown to be important virulence factors that can degrade the main chemical constituents of the nematode cuticle and eggshell. Here, we review the structure, function, regulation, and evolution of these nematicidal enzymes and provide insights into the mechanisms of microbial infections against nematodes. We discuss the practical applications of these nematicidal enzymes in agriculture and other areas.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Prof. Jianping Xu of the Dept. Biology, McMaster University, for valuable comments and critical discussions. The research described here is jointly supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (2013CB127500), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (approved nos. 31272093, 30960229, and 31201565), the Department of Science and Technology of Yunnan Province (2009CI052), the West Light Foundation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (to Jinkui Yang), and the China National Tobacco Corporation (110201002023).

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  1. Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources, and Key Laboratory of Microbial Diversity in Southwest China, Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, People’s Republic of China

    Jinkui Yang, Lianming Liang, Juan Li & Ke-Qin Zhang

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  1. Jinkui Yang
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  2. Lianming Liang
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  3. Juan Li
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  4. Ke-Qin Zhang
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Correspondence to Ke-Qin Zhang.

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Yang, J., Liang, L., Li, J. et al. Nematicidal enzymes from microorganisms and their applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 97, 7081–7095 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-013-5045-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-013-5045-0

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