Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EF) are recognized biological control agents of insects. Basically, the entomopathogenic fungi pathogen activity depends on the ability of its enzymatic equipment, consisting of lipases, proteases and chitinases, which are in charge of breaking down the insect’s integument. Lipases are the first enzymes synthesized by the entomopathogenic fungi. Recently, a cytochrome P450 subfamily, referred as CYP52XI and MrCYP52 has been identified in Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii, respectively. These break down long-chain alkenes and fatty acids to become initial nutrients. Subsequently, subtilisin type (Pr1) proteases sintetize; these enzymes are considered as virulence indicators and they are regulated by a signal transduction mechanism activated by the protein kinase A (PKA) mediated by AMPc. Through the employment of genetic engineering, it has been possible to increase virulence producing Pr1 recombinants with Androctonus australis neurotoxins or with chitinases, reducing the insect’s time of death. In the course of time, the Pr1 protease gene has presented evolutionary adaptations by gene duplication or horizontal transfer infecting different orders of insects. In the same way, the entomopathogenic fungi chitinases have presented a functional diversification. Currently, these have been phylogenetically classified into three subgroups, in accordance to the catalytic site domain and the chitin binding domain. The chitinolytic activity has increased through a directed evolution processes and genetic recombination with Bombyx mori chitinase. Recently, enzymes have been employed as control agents for insects and phytopathogenic fungi (disease originator) opening new potentialities in order to improve the entomopathogenic fungi use. Solid state fermentation is a bioprocess that would produce at great scale enzymes and some other metabolites in grade of increasing the entomopathogenic fungi virulence, in the control of insects and potentially in some diseases affecting plants.
Highlights
Entomopathogenic fungi (EF) have an important position in the biological control of insect pests, due to the fact that they are responsible of causing diseases and the death of the insects [1]
Entomopathogenic fungi develop an appressorium with the purpose of beginning the penetration stage through the germ tube formation [5]. 2) The cuticle penetration is the result of combined action of mechanical force and the enzymatic action of those enzymes secreted by the fungus
The enzymatic action offers nutrients to the fungus, facilitating its proliferation inside the insect [11] [12]. The purpose of this revision is to present the advances about the enzymes which synthetize the entomopathogenic fungi in the infective process, the strategies that have been developed with the purpose of increasing its bioinsecticide action and the potentiality those enzymes have as control agents in insects and plant diseases
Summary
Entomopathogenic fungi (EF) have an important position in the biological control of insect pests, due to the fact that they are responsible of causing diseases and the death of the insects [1]. 2) The cuticle penetration is the result of combined action of mechanical force and the enzymatic action of those enzymes secreted by the fungus. Toxicity in the secondary metabolites has been proved over the insect cellular lines, opening the possibility of developing new bioinsecticides This can be achieved in these molecules by using molecular biology and biotechnology tools for the pest control [9]. The enzymatic action offers nutrients to the fungus, facilitating its proliferation inside the insect [11] [12] The purpose of this revision is to present the advances about the enzymes which synthetize the entomopathogenic fungi in the infective process, the strategies that have been developed with the purpose of increasing its bioinsecticide action and the potentiality those enzymes have as control agents in insects and plant diseases
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
