Multi-omics analysis combined with in vitro strain culture experiments resolved the complete metabolic pathway of α-tomatine degradation by gut symbionts and clarified the co-evolution mechanism between insects and host plants.
Core Findings
Identified Enterococcus mundtii as the core gut symbiont mediating α-tomatine detoxification
Elucidated the three-step transformation pathway of α-tomatine: deglycosylation, reduction and hydrolysis to cholesterol
Proposed a novel green pest management strategy targeting intestinal symbiotic bacteria of Tuta absoluta
Publication Info: Published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (IF = 6.7, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c16815)
Research Progress
Gut Bacteria Mediate α-Tomatine Detoxification in Tuta absoluta, Revealing a Novel Host Adaptation Mechanism of Invasive Pests
👤 Chen Yaping, Chen Yao, Du Siwei’s Group
📅 三月 11, 2026
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Summary:The study confirmed that gut bacteria of Tuta absoluta convert α-tomatine (a defensive phytotoxin of tomato) into cholesterol, conferring toxin resistance to the pest. The paper was published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (IF = 6.7, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5c16815).