- Research Article
- 10.22207/jpam.20.2.18
Xenorhabdus as an Emerging Biotechnological Tool: From Pest Control to Cancer Therapy
- May 05, 2026
- Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology
- R Katherine + 2 more +2
The Xenorhabdus genus encompasses of the bacteria that forms symbiotic association with the Entomopathogenic nematodes of Steinernema genus. The Xenorhabdus spp. exhibits dual relationship of pathogenic relationship with insects and mutualistic relationship with the nematodes. The Xenorhabdus spp. isolation is performed using Galleria mellonella as a bait. Xenorhabdus spp. produces secondary metabolites that have various inhibitory activities, from insecticidal to anti-tumour activity, with mechanisms ranging from membrane disruption to inhibition of RNA, protein synthesis, and immune suppression. These activities have been employed in various fields such as agriculture field for pesticides, mosquito control for larvicide, in medicine for antibiotics and particularly in cancer therapy. The compounds like rhabduscin is used in insecticides, lecithinase in larvicide, Xenorhabdicin as antibiotic and rhabdopeptides in anti-tumour activity. In general, Xenorhabdus is an important but not thoroughly investigated resource for creating sustainable biocontrol agents and new therapeutic compounds.
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