PtrA regulates prodigiosin synthesis and biological functions in Serratia marcescens FZSF02

Pathogenicity of Serratia marcescens strains as biological control agent: Implications for sustainable pest management

The escalating demand for sustainable and eco-friendly pest management strategies has raised interest in harnessing the pathogenic potential of microorganisms. Serratia marcescens, a Gram-negative bacterium, has emerged as a potential biological control agent for sustainable pest management. This review critically examines the history, biology, identification, and pathogenicity of S. marcescens strain with their potential application in pest management. The diverse mechanisms employed by the strain to exert control over pests, including the production of metabolites and the induction of systemic resistance in plants, are examined. The review also summarizes the ecological significance and global distribution of S. marcescens associated with the use of S. marcescens in biological control strategies. Furthermore, the usage efficacy of S. marcescens over other conventional chemicals is discussed. A comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic potential of S. marcescens strains as biological control agents is crucial for developing effective and sustainable pest management strategies. This review consolidates current research advances on S. marcescens, and provides insights into the prospects and challenges of using S. marcescens for integrated pest management.

Prodigiosin: unveiling the crimson wonder - a comprehensive journey from diverse bioactivity to synthesis and yield enhancement

Prodigiosin (PG) is a red tripyrrole pigment from the prodiginine family that has attracted widespread attention due to its excellent biological activities, including anticancer, antibacterial and anti-algal activities. The synthesis and production of PG is of particular significance, as it has the potential to be utilized in a number of applications, including those pertaining to clinical drug development, food safety, and environmental management. This paper provides a systematic review of recent research on PG, covering aspects like chemical structure, bioactivity, biosynthesis, gene composition and regulation, and optimization of production conditions, with a particular focus on the biosynthesis and regulation of PG in Serratia marcescens. This provides a solid theoretical basis for the drug development and production of PG, and is expected to promote the further development of PG in medicine and other applications.

Improving the quality of quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiments: 15 years of MIQE

The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is fundamental to molecular biology. It is not just a laboratory technique, qPCR is a bridge between research and clinical practice. Its theoretical foundations guide the design of experiments, while its practical implications extend to diagnostics, treatment, and research advancements in the life sciences, human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, and forensics. However, the accuracy, reliability and reproducibility of qPCR data face challenges arising from various factors associated with experimental design, execution, data analysis and inadequate reporting details. Addressing these concerns, the Minimum Information for the Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines have emerged as a cohesive framework offering a standardised set of recommendations that describe the essential information required for assessing qPCR experiments. By emphasising the importance of methodological rigour, the MIQE guidelines have made a major contribution to improving the trustworthiness, consistency, and transparency of many published qPCR results. However, major challenges related to awareness, resources, and publication pressures continue to affect their consistent application.