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Nematodes are used in biological control to combat insect pests. To complete their infectious cycle, they are assisted by their symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus, which produces a multitude of different metabolites. Among these metabolites, Xenorhabdus produces PAX cyclolipopeptides, whose role in the ecological cycle of the bacteria was poorly understood.

This paper highlighted the role of PAX in biofilm formation and bacterial motility. The results also revealed the ability of PAX to promote nematode production, suggesting a role in the symbiotic relationship between Xenorhabdus and its nematode host. Finally, this work demonstrated that the paxTABC genes and the ability to produce PAX were highly conserved within the Xenorhabdus genus and unique to this bacterial genus.

Claveyroles N, Lanois-Nouri A, El Fannassi I, Ogier J, Pagès S, Chouchou A, Cazals G, Valette G, Carré-Mlouka A, Givaudan A. 2025. Pleiotropic role of PAX cyclolipopeptides in the Xenorhabdus bacterium mutualistically associated with entomopathogenic nematodes. Appl Environ Microbiol 91:e00760-25. 
DOI : 10.1128/aem.00760-25

Article_AEM_2025
AEM Cover, october 2025