Isolation and Characterization of Xenorhabdus nematophila Transposon Insertion Mutants Defective in Lipase Activity against Tween

We identified Xenorhabdus nematophila transposon mutants with defects in lipase activity. One of the mutations, in yigL, a conserved gene of unknown function, resulted in attenuated virulence against Manduca sexta insects. We discuss possible connections between lipase production, YigL, and specific metabolic pathways.