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7032537 
Journal Article 
Molecular identification of an endosymbiotic bacterium associated with pederin biosynthesis in Paederus sabaeus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) 
Kellner, RL; , 
2002 
Yes 
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
ISSN: 0965-1748 
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD 
OXFORD 
389-395 
English 
11886773 
WOS:000174778300004 
Biosynthesis of the structurally complex hemolymph toxin pederin is an eminent character of Paederus females. For that capability, however, they rely on endosymbiotic bacteria that are lacking in aposymbiotic females. The bacterial inhabitants of the two phenotypes in Paederus sabaeus are evaluated in a PCR-based analysis of 16S rDNA. A certain fragment, which is not found in aposymbiotic females, is highly dominant in the other, biosynthesizing females and thus identifies the endosymbiont. Its DNA sequence reveals a member of the gamma subdivision of the Proteobacteria that is clustered within the genus Pseudomonas (sensu stricto) as it is most closely related to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria appear as the hypothesized common producers of pederin and the pederin family of analogs from marine sponges.