Research progress in secondary metabolites from fungus-growing insects associated actinomycetes

Abstract:

Insect symbiotic microbes are a group of special microbial resources. The actinomycetes widely exist in the insect intestines, cuticle or the nest. Some of fungus-growing insects associated actinomycetes can produce secondary metabolites that inhabit pathogenic microorganisms of the insects, plants or human tumor cells. Thus, the research on insect symbiotic actinomycetes not only can facilitate understanding of the symbiotic mechanism between insects and symbionts, but also explore new bioactive compounds for the development of biological pesticides and medicines. This review summarizes the advances in the study on the secondary metabolites from fungus-growing insects associated actinomycetes.

Key words:fungus-growing insects;actinomycetes;secondary metabolites