This book provides an essential update on the startling array of novel insecticidal toxins and
drugs produced by the fascinating bacterium Photorhabdus . The respective chapters describe
everything from the detailed molecular biology of the 'Toxin complexes' or Tc's to the
complexity of insect immune response in relation to both the bacterium and its nematode vector.
The volume covers both primary (toxin production and regulation) and secondary (natural product
synthesis and regulation) metabolism and emphasises the potential use of toxins and drugs in
both agriculture and medicine. It also discusses in detail two totally novel quorum sensing
mechanisms and the likely role of LuxR solos in sensing the presence of different bacterial
hosts. Lastly the book explores the unique case of P. asymbiotica which seems to have
evolved the ability to infect both insects and humans. This synthesis proves that Photorhabdus
truly does offer a 'gold mine' for the discovery of novel insecticidal proteins and novel
natural products with potential uses in agriculture and medicine alike.
