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Wang T, Hua C, Deng X. c-di-GMP signaling in Pseudomonas syringae complex. Microbiol Res 2023; 275:127445. [PMID: 37450986 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The Pseudomonas syringae Complex is one of the model phytopathogenic bacteria for exploring plant-microbe interactions, causing devastating plant diseases and economic losses worldwide. The ubiquitous second messenger bis-(3'-5')-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) plays an important role in the 'lifestyle switch' from single motile cells to biofilm formation and modulates bacterial behavior, thus influencing virulence in Pseudomonas and other bacterial species. However, less is known about the role of c-di-GMP in the P. syringae complex, in which c-di-GMP levels are controlled by diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) and phosphodiesterases (PDEs), such as Chp8, BifA and WspR. Deletion the chemotaxis receptor PscA also influences c-di-GMP levels, suggesting a cross-talk between chemotaxis and c-di-GMP pathways. Another transcription factor, FleQ, plays a dual role (positive or negative) in regulating cellulose synthesis as a c-di-GMP effector, whereas the transcription factor AmrZ regulates local c-di-GMP levels by inhibiting the DGC enzyme AdcA and the PDE enzyme MorA. Our recent research demonstrated that an increase in the c-di-GMP concentration increased biofilm development, siderophore biosynthesis and oxidative stress tolerance, while it decreased the siderophore content, bacterial motility and type III secretion system activity in P. syringae complex. These findings show that c-di-GMP intricately controls virulence in P. syringae complex, indicating that adjusting c-di-GMP levels may be a valuable tactic for defending plants against pathogens. This review highlights recent research on metabolic enzymes, regulatory mechanisms and the phenotypic consequences of c-di-GMP signaling in the P. syringae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Department of Biomedicine, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Canfeng Hua
- Department of Biomedicine, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedicine, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Hong Kong SAR, China; Tung Research Centre, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Chengdu Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Chengdu, China.
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2
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Geraffi N, Gupta P, Wagner N, Barash I, Pupko T, Sessa G. Comparative sequence analysis of pPATH pathogenicity plasmids in Pantoea agglomerans gall-forming bacteria. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1198160. [PMID: 37583594 PMCID: PMC10425158 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1198160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Acquisition of the pathogenicity plasmid pPATH that encodes a type III secretion system (T3SS) and effectors (T3Es) has likely led to the transition of a non-pathogenic bacterium into the tumorigenic pathogen Pantoea agglomerans. P. agglomerans pv. gypsophilae (Pag) forms galls on gypsophila (Gypsophila paniculata) and triggers immunity on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), while P. agglomerans pv. betae (Pab) causes galls on both gypsophila and sugar beet. Draft sequences of the Pag and Pab genomes were previously generated using the MiSeq Illumina technology and used to determine partial T3E inventories of Pab and Pag. Here, we fully assembled the Pab and Pag genomes following sequencing with PacBio technology and carried out a comparative sequence analysis of the Pab and Pag pathogenicity plasmids pPATHpag and pPATHpab. Assembly of Pab and Pag genomes revealed a ~4 Mbp chromosome with a 55% GC content, and three and four plasmids in Pab and Pag, respectively. pPATHpag and pPATHpab share 97% identity within a 74% coverage, and a similar GC content (51%); they are ~156 kb and ~131 kb in size and consist of 198 and 155 coding sequences (CDSs), respectively. In both plasmids, we confirmed the presence of highly similar gene clusters encoding a T3SS, as well as auxin and cytokinins biosynthetic enzymes. Three putative novel T3Es were identified in Pab and one in Pag. Among T3SS-associated proteins encoded by Pag and Pab, we identified two novel chaperons of the ShcV and CesT families that are present in both pathovars with high similarity. We also identified insertion sequences (ISs) and transposons (Tns) that may have contributed to the evolution of the two pathovars. These include seven shared IS elements, and three ISs and two transposons unique to Pab. Finally, comparative sequence analysis revealed plasmid regions and CDSs that are present only in pPATHpab or in pPATHpag. The high similarity and common features of the pPATH plasmids support the hypothesis that the two strains recently evolved into host-specific pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naama Geraffi
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Priya Gupta
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naama Wagner
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Isaac Barash
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Pupko
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guido Sessa
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Huang J, Yao C, Sun Y, Ji Q, Deng X. Virulence-related regulatory network of Pseudomonas syringae. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:6259-6270. [PMID: 36420163 PMCID: PMC9678800 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) play important roles in regulating multiple biological processes by binding to promoter regions and regulating the global gene transcription levels. Pseudomonas syringae is a Gram-negative phytopathogenic bacterium harbouring 301 putative TFs in its genome, approximately 50 of which are responsible for virulence-related gene and pathway regulation. Over the past decades, RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, high-throughput systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment, and other technologies have been applied to identify the functions of master regulators and their interactions in virulence-related pathways. This review summarises the recent advances in the regulatory networks of TFs involved in the type III secretion system (T3SS) and non-T3SS virulence-associated pathways, including motility, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, nucleotide-based secondary messengers, phytotoxins, siderophore production, and oxidative stress. Moreover, this review discusses the future perspectives in terms of TF-mediated pathogenesis mechanisms and provides novel insights that will help combat P. syringae infections based on the regulatory networks of TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiadai Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
| | - Chunyan Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
| | - Quanjiang Ji
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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Marunga J, Kang Y, Goo E, Hwang I. Hierarchical regulation of Burkholderia glumae type III secretion system by GluR response regulator and Lon protease. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2022; 23:1461-1471. [PMID: 35717678 PMCID: PMC9452761 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Expression of type III secretion system (T3SS) genes, which are important for the virulence of phytopathogenic bacteria, is induced in the plant apoplastic environment or artificially amended growth conditions. Wild-type Burkholderia glumae BGR1, which causes rice panicle blight, induced a hypersensitive response (HR) in tobacco plants, whereas the T3SS genes were not significantly expressed in the commonly used hrp induction medium. T3SS gene expression in B. glumae was dependent on HrpB, a well known T3SS gene transcriptional regulator. Here, we report a stepwise mechanism of T3SS gene regulation by the GluR response regulator and Lon protease in addition to HrpB-mediated control of T3SS genes in B. glumae. The gluR mutant showed no HR in tobacco plants and exhibited attenuated virulence in rice plants. GluR directly activated hrpB expression, indicating that hrpB belongs to the GluR regulon. The lon mutation allowed high expression of the T3SS genes in nutrient-rich media. Lon directly activated gluR expression but repressed hrpB expression, indicating that Lon acts as a regulator rather than a protease. However, the lon mutant failed to induce an HR and virulence, suggesting that Lon not only acts as a negative regulator, but also has an essential, yet to be determined role for T3SS. Our results demonstrate the involvement of the two-component system response regulator GluR and Lon in T3SS gene regulation, providing new insight into the complex interplay mechanisms of regulators involved in T3SS gene expression in bacteria-plant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Marunga
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologySeoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Yongsung Kang
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologySeoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Eunhye Goo
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologySeoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Ingyu Hwang
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologySeoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
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Xie Y, Li J, Ding Y, Shao X, Sun Y, Xie F, Liu S, Tang S, Deng X. An atlas of bacterial two-component systems reveals function and plasticity in signal transduction. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111502. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Holban AM, Gregoire CM, Gestal MC. Conquering the host: Bordetella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa molecular regulators in lung infection. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:983149. [PMID: 36225372 PMCID: PMC9549215 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.983149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
When bacteria sense cues from the host environment, stress responses are activated. Two component systems, sigma factors, small RNAs, ppGpp stringent response, and chaperones start coordinate the expression of virulence factors or immunomodulators to allow bacteria to respond. Although, some of these are well studied, such as the two-component systems, the contribution of other regulators, such as sigma factors or ppGpp, is increasingly gaining attention. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the gold standard pathogen for studying the molecular mechanisms to sense and respond to environmental cues. Bordetella spp., on the other hand, is a microbial model for studying host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level. These two pathogens have the ability to colonize the lungs of patients with chronic diseases, suggesting that they have the potential to share a niche and interact. However, the molecular networks that facilitate adaptation of Bordetella spp. to cues are unclear. Here, we offer a side-by-side comparison of what is known about these diverse molecular mechanisms that bacteria utilize to counteract host immune responses, while highlighting the relatively unexplored interactions between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina M. Holban
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Courtney M. Gregoire
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Monica C. Gestal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Monica C. Gestal, ;
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Luisi B, Hegab R, Person C, Seo K, Gleason J. Engineered Biosensors in an Encapsulated and Deployable System for Environmental Chemical Detection. ACS Sens 2022; 7:2589-2596. [PMID: 36070566 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c00775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The long-term exposure of low levels of the fungicide, 2-phenylphenol (2-PP), to the environment presents a hazard to human and aquatic health. The cost and difficulty in large-scale production limit the use of existing sensors to detect 2-PP for applications such as personal protection and persistent environmental monitoring of large areas. While advances have been made in using whole cells as biosensors for specific chemical detection, a whole-cell biosensor system with robust biocontainment for field deployment and a strong visual reporter for readouts in the deployed environment has yet to be realized. Here, engineered biosensors in an encapsulated and deployable system (eBEADS) were created to demonstrate a portable, no-power living sensor for detection of 2-PP in the environment. A whole-cell living sensor to detect 2-PP was developed in Escherichia coli by utilizing the 2-PP degradation pathway with an agenetic amplification circuit to produce a visual colorimetric output. To enable field deployment, a physical biocontainment system comprising polyacrylamide alginate beads was designed to encapsulate sensor strains, support long-term viability without supplemental nutrients, and allow permeability of the target analyte. Integration of materials and sensing strains has led to the development of a potential deployable end-to-end living sensor that, with the addition of an amplification circuit, has up to a 66-fold increase in β-galactosidase reporter output over non-amplified strains, responding to as little as 1 μM 2-PP while unencapsulated and 10 μM 2-PP while encapsulated. eBEADS enable sensitive and specific in-field detection of environmental perturbations and chemical threats without electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Luisi
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel 20723, Maryland, United States
| | - Rachel Hegab
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel 20723, Maryland, United States
| | - Chanel Person
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel 20723, Maryland, United States
| | - Kevin Seo
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel 20723, Maryland, United States
| | - Julie Gleason
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel 20723, Maryland, United States
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Sun Y, Shao X, Zhang Y, Han L, Huang J, Xie Y, Liu J, Deng X. Maintenance of tRNA and elongation factors supports T3SS proteins translational elongations in pathogenic bacteria during nutrient starvation. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:147. [PMID: 36064743 PMCID: PMC9446538 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00884-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Sufficient nutrition contributes to rapid translational elongation and protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic bacteria. Fast synthesis and accumulation of type III secretion system (T3SS) proteins conduce to the invasion of pathogenic bacteria into the host cells. However, the translational elongation patterns of T3SS proteins in pathogenic bacteria under T3SS-inducing conditions remain unclear. Here, we report a mechanism of translational elongation of T3SS regulators, effectors and structural protein in four model pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Xanthomonas oryzae and Ralstonia solanacearum) and a clinical isolate (Pseudomonas aeruginosa UCBPP-PA14) under nutrient-limiting conditions. We proposed a luminescence reporter system to quantitatively determine the translational elongation rates (ERs) of T3SS regulators, effectors and structural protein under different nutrient-limiting conditions and culture durations.
Results
The translational ERs of T3SS regulators, effectors and structural protein in these pathogenic bacteria were negatively regulated by the nutrient concentration and culture duration. The translational ERs in 0.5× T3SS-inducing medium were the highest of all tested media. In 1× T3SS-inducing medium, the translational ERs were highest at 0 min and then rapidly decreased. The translational ERs of T3SS regulators, effectors and structural protein were inhibited by tRNA degradation and by reduced levels of elongation factors (EFs).
Conclusions
Rapid translational ER and synthesis of T3SS protein need adequate tRNAs and EFs in nutrient-limiting conditions. Numeric presentation of T3SS translation visually indicates the invasion of bacteria and provides new insights into T3SS expression that can be applied to other pathogenic bacteria.
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Xie Y, Ding Y, Shao X, Yao C, Li J, Liu J, Deng X. Pseudomonas syringae senses polyphenols via phosphorelay crosstalk to inhibit virulence. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52805. [PMID: 34580996 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria use a variety of mechanisms, such as two-component regulatory systems (TCSs), to rapidly sense and respond to distinct conditions and signals in their host organisms. For example, a type III secretion system (T3SS) is a key determinant of the virulence of the model plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and contains the TCS RhpRS as a key regulator. However, the plant-derived compound targeting RhpRS remains unknown. Here, we report that RhpRS directly interacts with polyphenols and responds by switching off P. syringae T3SS via crosstalk with alternative histidine kinases. We identify three natural polyphenols that induce the expression of the rhpRS operon in an RhpS-dependent manner. The presence of these three specific polyphenols inhibits the phosphatase activity of RhpS, thus suppressing T3SS activation in T3SS-inducing conditions. The Pro40 residue of RhpS is essential to respond to these polyphenols. In addition, three non-cognate histidine kinases cooperatively phosphorylate RhpR and antagonize the rhpS mutant phenotype. This work illustrates that plant polyphenols can directly target P. syringae RhpRS, which results in bacterial virulence being switched off via a phosphorylation-related crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingpeng Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiqing Ding
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaolong Shao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunyan Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingwei Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingui Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
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The Rhizobacterium Pseudomonas alcaligenes AVO110 Induces the Expression of Biofilm-Related Genes in Response to Rosellinia necatrix Exudates. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071388. [PMID: 34202389 PMCID: PMC8304167 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The rhizobacterium Pseudomonas alcaligenes AVO110 exhibits antagonism toward the phytopathogenic fungus Rosellinia necatrix. This strain efficiently colonizes R. necatrix hyphae and is able to feed on their exudates. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of P. alcaligenes AVO110. The phylogeny of all available P. alcaligenes genomes separates environmental isolates, including AVO110, from those obtained from infected human blood and oyster tissues, which cluster together with Pseudomonas otitidis. Core and pan-genome analyses showed that P. alcaligenes strains encode highly heterogenic gene pools, with the AVO110 genome encoding the largest and most exclusive variable region (~1.6 Mb, 1795 genes). The AVO110 singletons include a wide repertoire of genes related to biofilm formation, several of which are transcriptionally modulated by R. necatrix exudates. One of these genes (cmpA) encodes a GGDEF/EAL domain protein specific to Pseudomonas spp. strains isolated primarily from the rhizosphere of diverse plants, but also from soil and water samples. We also show that CmpA has a role in biofilm formation and that the integrity of its EAL domain is involved in this function. This study contributes to a better understanding of the niche-specific adaptations and lifestyles of P. alcaligenes, including the mycophagous behavior of strain AVO110.
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O’Malley MR, Anderson JC. Regulation of the Pseudomonas syringae Type III Secretion System by Host Environment Signals. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061227. [PMID: 34198761 PMCID: PMC8228185 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae are Gram-negative, plant pathogenic bacteria that use a type III secretion system (T3SS) to disarm host immune responses and promote bacterial growth within plant tissues. Despite the critical role for type III secretion in promoting virulence, T3SS-encoding genes are not constitutively expressed by P. syringae and must instead be induced during infection. While it has been known for many years that culturing P. syringae in synthetic minimal media can induce the T3SS, relatively little is known about host signals that regulate the deployment of the T3SS during infection. The recent identification of specific plant-derived amino acids and organic acids that induce T3SS-inducing genes in P. syringae has provided new insights into host sensing mechanisms. This review summarizes current knowledge of the regulatory machinery governing T3SS deployment in P. syringae, including master regulators HrpRS and HrpL encoded within the T3SS pathogenicity island, and the environmental factors that modulate the abundance and/or activity of these key regulators. We highlight putative receptors and regulatory networks involved in linking the perception of host signals to the regulation of the core HrpRS–HrpL pathway. Positive and negative regulation of T3SS deployment is also discussed within the context of P. syringae infection, where contributions from distinct host signals and regulatory networks likely enable the fine-tuning of T3SS deployment within host tissues. Last, we propose future research directions necessary to construct a comprehensive model that (a) links the perception of host metabolite signals to T3SS deployment and (b) places these host–pathogen signaling events in the overall context of P. syringae infection.
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Vandelle E, Colombo T, Regaiolo A, Maurizio V, Libardi T, Puttilli MR, Danzi D, Polverari A. Transcriptional Profiling of Three Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae Biovars Reveals Different Responses to Apoplast-Like Conditions Related to Strain Virulence on the Host. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2021; 34:376-396. [PMID: 33356409 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-09-20-0248-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae is a phytopathogen that causes devastating bacterial canker in kiwifruit. Among five biovars defined by genetic, biochemical, and virulence traits, P. syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 (Psa3) is the most aggressive and is responsible for the most recent reported outbreaks; however, the molecular basis of its heightened virulence is unclear. Therefore, we designed the first P. syringae multistrain whole-genome microarray, encompassing biovars Psa1, Psa2, and Psa3 and the well-established model P. syringae pv. tomato, and analyzed early bacterial responses to an apoplast-like minimal medium. Transcriptomic profiling revealed i) the strong activation in Psa3 of all hypersensitive reaction and pathogenicity (hrp) and hrp conserved (hrc) cluster genes, encoding components of the type III secretion system required for bacterial pathogenicity and involved in responses to environmental signals; ii) potential repression of the hrp/hrc cluster in Psa2; and iii) activation of flagellum-dependent cell motility and chemotaxis genes in Psa1. The detailed investigation of three gene families encoding upstream regulatory proteins (histidine kinases, their cognate response regulators, and proteins with diguanylate cyclase or phosphodiesterase domains) indicated that cyclic di-GMP may be a key regulator of virulence in P. syringae pv. actinidiae biovars. The gene expression data were supported by the quantification of biofilm formation. Our findings suggest that diverse early responses to the host apoplast, even among bacteria belonging to the same pathovar, can lead to different virulence strategies and may explain the differing outcomes of infections. Based on our detailed structural analysis of hrp operons, we also propose a revision of hrp cluster organization and operon regulation in P. syringae.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Vandelle
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Teresa Colombo
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM) c/o Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Alice Regaiolo
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Vanessa Maurizio
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | - Tommaso Libardi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
| | | | - Davide Danzi
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, 37134, Italy
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Shao X, Tan M, Xie Y, Yao C, Wang T, Huang H, Zhang Y, Ding Y, Liu J, Han L, Hua C, Wang X, Deng X. Integrated regulatory network in Pseudomonas syringae reveals dynamics of virulence. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108920. [PMID: 33789108 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae, a Gram-negative plant pathogen, expresses multitudinous transcriptional regulators to control the type III secretion system (T3SS) and response to diverse environmental challenges. Although the mechanisms of virulence-associated regulators of P. syringae have been studied for decades, the overall crosstalk underlying these regulators is still elusive. Here, we identify five T3SS regulators (EnvZ-OmpR, CbrAB2, PhoPQ, PilRS, and MgrA), and find that the two-component systems EnvZ-OmpR and CbrAB2 negatively regulate the T3SS. To elucidate crosstalk between 16 virulence-associated regulators in P. syringae, we map an online intricate network called "PSRnet" (Pseudomonas syringae regulatory network) by combining the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of these 16 regulators by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and their binding loci by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq). Consequently, we identify 238 and 153 functional genes involved in the T3SS and other virulence-related pathways in KB and MM media, respectively. Our results provide insights into the mechanism of plant infections caused by P. syringae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Shao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Miaomiao Tan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingpeng Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunyan Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingchao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiqing Ding
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingui Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liangliang Han
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Canfeng Hua
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China.
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14
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Xie Y, Liu W, Shao X, Zhang W, Deng X. Signal transduction schemes in Pseudomonas syringae. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:3415-3424. [PMID: 33294136 PMCID: PMC7691447 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To cope with their continually fluctuating surroundings, pathovars of the unicellular phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae have developed rapid and sophisticated signalling networks to sense extracellular stimuli, which allow them to adjust their cellular composition to survive and cause diseases in host plants. Comparative genomic analyses of P. syringae strains have identified various genes that encode several classes of signalling proteins, although how this bacterium directly perceives these environmental cues remains elusive. Recent work has revealed new mechanisms of a cluster of bacterial signal transduction systems that mainly include two-component systems (such as RhpRS, GacAS, CvsRS and AauRS), extracytoplasmic function sigma factors (such as HrpL and AlgU), nucleotide-based secondary messengers, methyl-accepting chemotaxis sensor proteins and several other intracellular surveillance systems. In this review, we compile a list of the signal transduction mechanisms that P. syringae uses to monitor and respond in a timely manner to intracellular and external conditions. Further understanding of these surveillance processes will provide new perspectives from which to combat P. syringae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingpeng Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Wenbao Liu
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shandong Agriculture and Engineering University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xiaolong Shao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Weihua Zhang
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.,Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
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15
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Dang Y, Wei Y, Wang Y, Liu S, Julia C, Zhang SH. Cleavage of PrePL by Lon promotes growth and pathogenesis in Magnaporthe oryzae. Environ Microbiol 2020; 23:4881-4895. [PMID: 33225564 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
ATP-dependent Lon proteases function in bacterial pathogenesis by regulating the expression of the Type III secretion system; however, little is known about how Lon proteases regulate fungal pathogenesis. We previously investigated Lon-binding proteins involved in fungal pathogenesis that interact with PrePL, the smallest Magnaporthe oryzae Lon-binding protein. Here, we show that Lon cleaves PrePL and produces Pc, an extracellular 11-kDa isoform with catalase and peroxidase activity. The ΔPrePL loss-of-function strain showed stronger sporulation and accelerated disease development, suggesting a temporally specific negative regulatory mechanism controlled by PrePL in disease progression. Neither the truncated Pc, nor the full-length PrePL missing the Lon cleavage site complemented the ΔPrePL phenotype, suggesting that full-length PrePL and Pc both function in fungal development. PrePL targeted to the mitochondria undergoes hydrolysis by Lon to produce Pc, which accumulates in the fungal apoplast. Importantly, recombinant Pc induced plant defence responses and cell death after being infiltrated into selected plant leaves, indicating that it functions as an avirulence factor. This work thus reveals a novel pathogenic factor in the fungal Lon-mediated pathway. Additionally, our results provide new insight into the functions of a full-length protein and its cleaved isoform in fungal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejia Dang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yi Wei
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.,College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Shaoshuai Liu
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.,Institute of Phytopathology, Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Heinrich Buff-Ring 26-32, D-35392, Germany
| | - Chekanova Julia
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
| | - Shi-Hong Zhang
- College of Plant Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.,College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, 110866, China
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16
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Hua C, Wang T, Shao X, Xie Y, Huang H, Liu J, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Ding Y, Jiang L, Wang X, Deng X. Pseudomonas syringaedual‐function protein Lon switches between virulence and metabolism by acting as bothDNA‐binding transcriptional regulator and protease in different environments. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:2968-2988. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Canfeng Hua
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Xiaolong Shao
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Yingpeng Xie
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Jingui Liu
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Weitong Zhang
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Yingchao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Yiqing Ding
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Road, 16 Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong China
- Shenzhen Research InstituteCity University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Guangdong China
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17
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Xie Y, Shao X, Deng X. Regulation of type III secretion system inPseudomonas syringae. Environ Microbiol 2019; 21:4465-4477. [DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yingpeng Xie
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong Kowloon Tong Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
| | - Xiaolong Shao
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong Kowloon Tong Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong Kong Kowloon Tong Hong Kong SAR 999077 China
- Shenzhen Research InstituteCity University of Hong Kong Shenzhen 518057 China
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18
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Ferreiro MD, Nogales J, Farias GA, Olmedilla A, Sanjuán J, Gallegos MT. Multiple CsrA Proteins Control Key Virulence Traits in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2018; 31:525-536. [PMID: 29261011 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-09-17-0232-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The phytopathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 has a complex Gac-rsm global regulatory pathway that controls virulence, motility, production of secondary metabolites, carbon metabolism, and quorum sensing. However, despite the fact that components of this pathway are known, their physiological roles have not yet been established. Regarding the CsrA/RsmA type proteins, five paralogs, three of which are well conserved within the Pseudomonas genus (csrA1, csrA2, and csrA3), have been found in the DC3000 genome. To decipher their function, mutants lacking the three most conserved CsrA proteins have been constructed and their physiological outcomes examined. We show that they exert nonredundant functions and demonstrate that CsrA3 and, to a lesser extent, CsrA2 but not CsrA1 alter the expression of genes involved in a variety of pathways and systems important for motility, exopolysaccharide synthesis, growth, and virulence. Particularly, alginate synthesis, syringafactin production, and virulence are considerably de-repressed in a csrA3 mutant, whereas growth in planta is impaired. We propose that the linkage of growth and symptom development is under the control of CsrA3, which functions as a pivotal regulator of the DC3000 life cycle, repressing virulence traits and promoting cell division in response to environmental cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Dolores Ferreiro
- 1 Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain; and
| | - Joaquina Nogales
- 1 Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain; and
| | - Gabriela A Farias
- 1 Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain; and
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology of Plants, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Adela Olmedilla
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology of Plants, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Sanjuán
- 1 Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain; and
| | - María Trinidad Gallegos
- 1 Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain; and
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19
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Abstract
Most pathogenic bacteria deliver virulence factors into host cytosol through type III secretion systems (T3SS) to perturb host immune responses. The expression of T3SS is often repressed in rich medium but is specifically induced in the host environment. The molecular mechanisms underlying host-specific induction of T3SS expression is not completely understood. Here we demonstrate in Xanthomonas citri that host-induced phosphorylation of the ATP-dependent protease Lon stabilizes HrpG, the master regulator of T3SS, conferring bacterial virulence. Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphoproteome analysis revealed that phosphorylation of Lon at serine 654 occurs in the citrus host. In rich medium, Lon represses T3SS by degradation of HrpG via recognition of its N terminus. Genetic and biochemical data indicate that phosphorylation at serine 654 deactivates Lon proteolytic activity and attenuates HrpG proteolysis. Substitution of alanine for Lon serine 654 resulted in repression of T3SS gene expression in the citrus host through robust degradation of HrpG and reduced bacterial virulence. Our work reveals a novel mechanism for distinct regulation of bacterial T3SS in different environments. Additionally, our data provide new insight into the role of protein posttranslational modification in the regulation of bacterial virulence.IMPORTANCE Type III secretion systems (T3SS) are an essential virulence trait of many bacterial pathogens because of their indispensable role in the delivery of virulence factors. However, expression of T3SS in the noninfection stage is energy consuming. Here, we established a model to explain the differential regulation of T3SS in host and nonhost environments. When Xanthomonas cells are grown in rich medium, the T3SS regulator HrpG is targeted by Lon protease for proteolysis. The degradation of HrpG leads to downregulated expression of HrpX and the hrp/hrc genes. When Xanthomonas cells infect the host, specific plant stimuli can be perceived and induce Lon phosphorylation at serine 654. Phosphorylation on Lon attenuates its proteolytic activity and protects HrpG from degradation. Consequently, enhanced stability of HrpG activates HrpX and turns on bacterial T3SS in the host. Our work provides a novel molecular mechanism underlying host-dependent activation of bacterial T3SS.
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20
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Panopoulos NJ. A Career on Both Sides of the Atlantic: Memoirs of a Molecular Plant Pathologist. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2017; 55:1-21. [PMID: 28777925 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-080516-035506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This article recounts the experiences that shaped my career as a molecular plant pathologist. It focuses primarily on technical and conceptual developments in molecular phytobacteriology, shares some personal highlights and untold stories that impacted my professional development, and describes the early years of agricultural biotechnology. Writing this article required reflection on events occurring over several decades that were punctuated by a mid-career relocation across the Atlantic. I hope it will still be useful, informative, and enjoyable to read. An extended version of the abstract is provided in the Supplemental Materials , available online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickolas J Panopoulos
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, California 94619
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, GR-71003, Greece;
- Hellenic Agricultural Academy, Agricultural University of Athens, 118 55 Athens, Greece
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21
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Jovanovic M, Waite C, James E, Synn N, Simpson T, Kotta-Loizou I, Buck M. Functional Characterization of Key Residues in Regulatory Proteins HrpG and HrpV of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2017; 30:656-665. [PMID: 28488468 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-03-17-0073-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 uses a type III secretion system (T3SS) to transfer effector proteins into the host. The expression of T3SS proteins is controlled by the HrpL σ factor. Transcription of hrpL is σ54-dependent and bacterial enhancer-binding proteins HrpR and HrpS coactivate the hrpL promoter. The HrpV protein imposes negative control upon HrpR and HrpS through direct interaction with HrpS. HrpG interacts with HrpV and relieves such negative control. The sequence alignments across Hrp group I-type plant pathogens revealed conserved HrpV and HrpG amino acids. To establish structure-function relationships in HrpV and HrpG, either truncated or alanine substitution mutants were constructed. Key functional residues in HrpV and HrpG are found within their C-terminal regions. In HrpG, L101 and L105 are indispensable for the ability of HrpG to directly interact with HrpV and suppress HrpV-dependent negative regulation of HrpR and HrpS. In HrpV, L108 and G110 are major determinants for interactions with HrpS and HrpG. We propose that mutually exclusive binding of HrpS and HrpG to the same binding site of HrpV governs a transition from negative control to activation of the HrpRS complex leading to HrpL expression and pathogenicity of P. syringae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milija Jovanovic
- 1 Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Christopher Waite
- 1 Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Ellen James
- 2 Trio Medicines Ltd., Hammersmith Medicines Research, Cumberland Avenue, London, NW10 7EW, U.K.; and
| | - Nicholas Synn
- 1 Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Timothy Simpson
- 3 Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, U.K
| | - Ioly Kotta-Loizou
- 1 Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Martin Buck
- 1 Imperial College London, Imperial College Road, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
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22
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McCraw SL, Park DH, Jones R, Bentley MA, Rico A, Ratcliffe RG, Kruger NJ, Collmer A, Preston GM. GABA (γ-Aminobutyric Acid) Uptake Via the GABA Permease GabP Represses Virulence Gene Expression in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2016; 29:938-949. [PMID: 28001093 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-08-16-0172-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The nonprotein amino acid γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the most abundant amino acid in the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf apoplast and is synthesized by Arabidopsis thaliana in response to infection by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (hereafter called DC3000). High levels of exogenous GABA have previously been shown to repress the expression of the type III secretion system (T3SS) in DC3000, resulting in reduced elicitation of the hypersensitive response (HR) in the nonhost plant tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). This study demonstrates that the GABA permease GabP provides the primary mechanism for GABA uptake by DC3000 and that the gabP deletion mutant ΔgabP is insensitive to GABA-mediated repression of T3SS expression. ΔgabP displayed an enhanced ability to elicit the HR in young tobacco leaves and in tobacco plants engineered to produce increased levels of GABA, which supports the hypothesis that GABA uptake via GabP acts to regulate T3SS expression in planta. The observation that P. syringae can be rendered insensitive to GABA through loss of gabP but that gabP is retained by this bacterium suggests that GabP is important for DC3000 in a natural setting, either for nutrition or as a mechanism for regulating gene expression. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
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Affiliation(s)
- S L McCraw
- 1 Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, U.K
| | - D H Park
- 2 Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - R Jones
- 1 Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, U.K
| | - M A Bentley
- 1 Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, U.K
| | - A Rico
- 3 Departamento de Didáctica de la 9 Matemática y de las Ciencias Experimentales, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Juan Ibañez de Sto. Domingo 1, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; and
| | - R G Ratcliffe
- 1 Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, U.K
| | - N J Kruger
- 1 Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, U.K
| | - A Collmer
- 4 School of Integrative Plant Science, Section of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, U.S.A
| | - G M Preston
- 1 Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, U.K
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23
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Rufián JS, Sánchez-Romero MA, López-Márquez D, Macho AP, Mansfield JW, Arnold DL, Ruiz-Albert J, Casadesús J, Beuzón CR. Pseudomonas syringae Differentiates into Phenotypically Distinct Subpopulations During Colonization of a Plant Host. Environ Microbiol 2016; 18:3593-3605. [PMID: 27516206 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial microcolonies with heterogeneous sizes are formed during colonization of Phaseolus vulgaris by Pseudomonas syringae. Heterogeneous expression of structural and regulatory components of the P. syringae type III secretion system (T3SS), essential for colonization of the host apoplast and disease development, is likewise detected within the plant apoplast. T3SS expression is bistable in the homogeneous environment of nutrient-limited T3SS-inducing medium, suggesting that subpopulation formation is not a response to different environmental cues. T3SS bistability is reversible, indicating a non-genetic origin, and the T3SSHIGH and T3SSLOW subpopulations show differences in virulence. T3SS bistability requires the transcriptional activator HrpL, the double negative regulatory loop established by HrpV and HrpG, and may be enhanced through a positive feedback loop involving HrpA, the main component of the T3SS pilus. To our knowledge, this is the first example of phenotypic heterogeneity in the expression of virulence determinants during colonization of a non-mammalian host.
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Affiliation(s)
- José S Rufián
- Depto. Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Málaga, E-29071, Spain
| | | | - Diego López-Márquez
- Depto. Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Málaga, E-29071, Spain
| | - Alberto P Macho
- Depto. Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Málaga, E-29071, Spain
| | - John W Mansfield
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Dawn L Arnold
- Centre for Research in Bioscience, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Javier Ruiz-Albert
- Depto. Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Málaga, E-29071, Spain
| | - Josep Casadesús
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, 1095, Spain
| | - Carmen R Beuzón
- Depto. Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Málaga, E-29071, Spain.
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24
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GamR, the LysR-Type Galactose Metabolism Regulator, Regulates hrp Gene Expression via Transcriptional Activation of Two Key hrp Regulators, HrpG and HrpX, in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Appl Environ Microbiol 2016; 82:3947-3958. [PMID: 27107122 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00513-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is the causal agent of bacterial leaf blight of rice. For the virulence of the bacterium, the hrp genes, encoding components of the type III secretion system, are indispensable. The expression of hrp genes is regulated by two key hrp regulators, HrpG and HrpX: HrpG regulates hrpX, and HrpX regulates other hrp genes. Several other regulators have been shown to be involved in the regulation of hrp genes. Here, we found that a LysR-type transcriptional regulator that we named GamR, encoded by XOO_2767 of X. oryzae pv. oryzae strain MAFF311018, positively regulated the transcription of both hrpG and hrpX, which are adjacent to each other but have opposite orientations, with an intergenic upstream region in common. In a gel electrophoresis mobility shift assay, GamR bound directly to the middle of the upstream region common to hrpG and hrpX The loss of either GamR or its binding sites decreased hrpG and hrpX expression. Also, GamR bound to the upstream region of either a galactose metabolism-related gene (XOO_2768) or a galactose metabolism-related operon (XOO_2768 to XOO_2771) located next to gamR itself and positively regulated the genes. The deletion of the regulator gene resulted in less bacterial growth in a synthetic medium with galactose as a sole sugar source. Interestingly, induction of the galactose metabolism-related gene was dependent on galactose, while that of the hrp regulator genes was galactose independent. Our results indicate that the LysR-type transcriptional regulator that regulates the galactose metabolism-related gene(s) also acts in positive regulation of two key hrp regulators and the following hrp genes in X. oryzae pv. oryzae. IMPORTANCE The expression of hrp genes encoding components of the type III secretion system is essential for the virulence of many plant-pathogenic bacteria, including Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. It is specifically induced during infection. Research has revealed that in this bacterium, hrp gene expression is controlled by two key hrp regulators, HrpG and HrpX, along with several other regulators in the complex regulatory network, but the details remain unclear. Here, we found that a novel LysR-type transcriptional activator, named GamR, functions as an hrp regulator by directly activating the transcription of both hrpG and hrpX Interestingly, GamR also regulates a galactose metabolism-related gene (or operon) in a galactose-dependent manner, while the regulation of hrpG and hrpX is independent of the sugar. Our finding of a novel hrp regulator that directly and simultaneously regulates two key hrp regulators provides new insights into an important and complex regulation system of X. oryzae pv. oryzae hrp genes.
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25
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Lee JH, Sundin GW, Zhao Y. Identification of the HrpS binding site in the hrpL promoter and effect of the RpoN binding site of HrpS on the regulation of the type III secretion system in Erwinia amylovora. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2016; 17:691-702. [PMID: 26440313 PMCID: PMC6638409 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a key pathogenicity factor in Erwinia amylovora. Previous studies have demonstrated that the T3SS in E. amylovora is transcriptionally regulated by an RpoN-HrpL sigma factor cascade, which is activated by the bacterial alarmone (p)ppGpp. In this study, the binding site of HrpS, an enhancer binding protein, was identified for the first time in plant-pathogenic bacteria. Complementation of the hrpL mutant with promoter deletion constructs of the hrpL gene and promoter activity analyses using various lengths of the hrpL promoter fused to a promoter-less green fluorescent protein (gfp) reporter gene delineated the upstream region for HrpS binding. Sequence analysis revealed a dyad symmetry sequence between -138 and -125 nucleotides (TGCAA-N4-TTGCA) as the potential HrpS binding site, which is conserved in the promoter of the hrpL gene among plant enterobacterial pathogens. Results of quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and electrophoresis mobility shift assay coupled with site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) analysis showed that the intact dyad symmetry sequence was essential for HrpS binding, full activation of T3SS gene expression and virulence. In addition, the role of the GAYTGA motif (RpoN binding site) of HrpS in the regulation of T3SS gene expression in E. amylovora was characterized by complementation of the hrpS mutant using mutant variants generated by SDM. Results showed that a Y100F substitution of HrpS complemented the hrpS mutant, whereas Y100A and Y101A substitutions did not. These results suggest that tyrosine (Y) and phenylalanine (F) function interchangeably in the conserved GAYTGA motif of HrpS in E. amylovora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hoon Lee
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - George W Sundin
- Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Youfu Zhao
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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Feng K, Li R, Chen Y, Zhao B, Yin T. Sequencing and Analysis of the Pseudomonas fluorescens GcM5-1A Genome: A Pathogen Living in the Surface Coat of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141515. [PMID: 26517369 PMCID: PMC4627797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that several bacteria are adherent to the surface coat of pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), but their function and role in the pathogenesis of pine wilt disease remains debatable. The Pseudomonas fluorescens GcM5-1A is a bacterium isolated from the surface coat of pine wood nematodes. In previous studies, GcM5-1A was evident in connection with the pathogenicity of pine wilt disease. In this study, we report the de novo sequencing of the GcM5-1A genome. A 600-Mb collection of high-quality reads was obtained and assembled into sequence contigs spanning a 6.01-Mb length. Sequence annotation predicted 5,413 open reading frames, of which 2,988 were homologous to genes in the other four sequenced P. fluorescens isolates (SBW25, WH6, Pf0-1 and Pf-5) and 1,137 were unique to GcM5-1A. Phylogenetic studies and genome comparison revealed that GcM5-1A is more closely related to SBW25 and WH6 isolates than to Pf0-1 and Pf-5 isolates. Towards study of pathogenesis, we identified 79 candidate virulence factors in the genome of GcM5-1A, including the Alg, Fl, Waa gene families, and genes coding the major pathogenic protein fliC. In addition, genes for a complete T3SS system were identified in the genome of GcM5-1A. Such systems have proved to play a critical role in subverting and colonizing the host organisms of many gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Although the functions of the candidate virulence factors need yet to be deciphered experimentally, the availability of this genome provides a basic platform to obtain informative clues to be addressed in future studies by the pine wilt disease research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Feng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Ronggui Li
- Department of Biology, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yingnan Chen
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Boguang Zhao
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- * E-mail: (BZ); (TY)
| | - Tongming Yin
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- * E-mail: (BZ); (TY)
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Chatnaparat T, Li Z, Korban SS, Zhao Y. The Stringent Response Mediated by (p)ppGpp Is Required for Virulence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato and Its Survival on Tomato. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2015; 28:776-789. [PMID: 25675257 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-11-14-0378-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (hrp) type III secretion system (T3SS) is a key pathogenicity factor in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (DC3000). In this study, the role of the second messenger (p)ppGpp on virulence and survival of DC3000 was investigated. Results have demonstrated that (p)ppGpp-deficient mutant (ppGpp(0)) of DC3000 exhibited lower levels of expression of the T3SS and genes of other virulence traits, such as coronatine toxin. The ppGpp(0) mutant of DC3000 was greatly impaired in causing disease and in growth in planta. Furthermore, (p)ppGpp was required for swarming motility, pyoverdine production, the oxidative stress response, as well as γ-amino butyric acid utilization. Screening of amino acids, major signals in activation of ppGpp biosynthesis, revealed that promoter activities of the avrPto gene could be either activated or suppressed by various amino acids in a ppGpp-dependent or -independent manner. Moreover, the ppGpp(0) mutant exhibited increased cell size and decreased survival on plant surfaces. Altogether, these findings indicate that ppGpp acts as an internal signal that regulates the T3SS as well as other virulence factors in pseudomonads and suggest that bacterial pathogens utilize intracellular messengers to sense environmental and nutritional signals for rapid, precise, and reversible control of their pathogenesis and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiyakhon Chatnaparat
- 1 Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, U.S.A
| | - Zhong Li
- 2 Metabolomics Center, Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois at-Urbana-Champaign
| | - Schuyler S Korban
- 3 Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- 4 Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, U.S.A
| | - Youfu Zhao
- 1 Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, U.S.A
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Gazi AD, Charova S, Aivaliotis M, Panopoulos NJ, Kokkinidis M. HrpG and HrpV proteins from the Type III secretion system of Erwinia amylovora form a stable heterodimer. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014; 362:1-8. [PMID: 25790492 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnu011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial type III secretion systems (T3SSs) are specialized multicomponent nanomachines that mediate the transport of proteins either to extracellular locations or directly into eukaryotic host cell cytoplasm. Erwinia amylovora, the main agent of rosaceous plants fireblight disease, employs an Hrp/Hrc1 T3SS to accomplish its pathogenesis. The regulatory network that controls the activation of this T3SS is largely unknown in E. amylovora. However, in Pseudomonas syringae pathovars, the HrpG/HrpV complex has been shown to directly regulate the activity of transcription factor HrpS and consequently the upregulation of the Hrp/Hrc1 T3SS related genes. In this work, we report the successful recombinant production and purification of a stable E. amylovora HrpG/HrpV complex, using pPROpET, a bicistronic expression vector. Furthermore, we present the first solution structure of this complex based on small-angle X-ray scattering data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia D Gazi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira 100, GR-70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece Biology Department, University of Crete, Vasilika Vouton, 71409 Heraklio, Crete, Greece
| | - Spyridoula Charova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira 100, GR-70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Michalis Aivaliotis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira 100, GR-70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nicholas J Panopoulos
- Professor Emeritus, Biology Department, University of Crete, Vasilika Vouton, 71409 Heraklio, Crete, Greece Professor Emeritus, Department of Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720-3114, USA
| | - Michael Kokkinidis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Nikolaou Plastira 100, GR-70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece Biology Department, University of Crete, Vasilika Vouton, 71409 Heraklio, Crete, Greece
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Jovanovic M, Lawton E, Schumacher J, Buck M. Interplay among Pseudomonas syringae HrpR, HrpS and HrpV proteins for regulation of the type III secretion system. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014; 356:201-11. [PMID: 24863420 PMCID: PMC4145663 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, a plant pathogenic gram-negative bacterium, employs the type III secretion system (T3SS) to cause disease in tomato and Arabidopsis and to induce the hypersensitive response in nonhost plants. The expression of T3SS is regulated by the HrpL extracytoplasmic sigma factor. Expression of HrpL is controlled by transcriptional activators HrpR and HrpS and negative regulator HrpV. In this study, we analysed the organization of HrpRS and HrpV regulatory proteins and interplay between them. We identified one key residue I26 in HrpS required for repression by HrpV. Substitution of I26 in HrpS abolishes its interaction with HrpV and impairs interactions between HrpS and HrpR and the self-association of HrpS. We show that HrpS self-associates and can associate simultaneously with HrpR and HrpV. We now propose that HrpS has a central role in the assembly of the regulatory HrpRSV complex. Deletion analysis of HrpR and HrpS proteins showed that C-terminal parts of HrpR and HrpS confer determinants indispensable for their self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milija Jovanovic
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Vargas P, Farias GA, Nogales J, Prada H, Carvajal V, Barón M, Rivilla R, Martín M, Olmedilla A, Gallegos MT. Plant flavonoids target Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 flagella and type III secretion system. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2013; 5:841-50. [PMID: 24249293 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Flavonoids are among the most abundant plant secondary metabolites involved in plant protection against pathogens, but micro-organisms have developed resistance mechanisms to those compounds. We previously demonstrated that the MexAB-OprM efflux pump mediates resistance of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000 to flavonoids, facilitating its survival and the colonization of the host. Here, we have shown that tomato plants respond to Pto infection producing flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. The effects of flavonoids on key traits of this model plant-pathogen bacterium have also been investigated observing that they reduce Pto swimming and swarming because of the loss of flagella, and also inhibited the expression and assembly of a functional type III secretion system. Those effects were more severe in a mutant lacking the MexAB-OprM pump. Our results suggest that flavonoids inhibit the function of the GacS/GacA two-component system, causing a depletion of rsmY RNA, therefore affecting the synthesis of two important virulence factors in Pto DC3000, flagella and the type III secretion system. These data provide new insights into the flavonoid role in the molecular dialog between host and pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Vargas
- Department of Soil Microbiology and Symbiotic Systems, Estación Experimental del Zaidín (EEZ-CSIC), Granada, Spain
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Lohou D, Lonjon F, Genin S, Vailleau F. Type III chaperones & Co in bacterial plant pathogens: a set of specialized bodyguards mediating effector delivery. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2013; 4:435. [PMID: 24319448 PMCID: PMC3837300 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Gram-negative plant pathogenic bacteria possess a type III secretion system (T3SS) to inject bacterial proteins, called type III effectors (T3Es), into host cells through a specialized syringe structure. T3Es are virulence factors that can suppress plant immunity but they can also conversely be recognized by the plant and trigger specific resistance mechanisms. The T3SS and injected T3Es play a central role in determining the outcome of a host-pathogen interaction. Still little is known in plant pathogens on the assembly of the T3SS and the regulatory mechanisms involved in the temporal control of its biosynthesis and T3E translocation. However, recent insights point out the role of several proteins as prime candidates in the role of regulators of the type III secretion (T3S) process. In this review we report on the most recent advances on the regulation of the T3S by focusing on protein players involved in secretion/translocation regulations, including type III chaperones (T3Cs), type III secretion substrate specificity switch (T3S4) proteins and other T3S orchestrators.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lohou
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR441, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-MicroorganismesCastanet-Tolosan, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR2594, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-MicroorganismesCastanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Fabien Lonjon
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR441, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-MicroorganismesCastanet-Tolosan, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR2594, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-MicroorganismesCastanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Stéphane Genin
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR441, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-MicroorganismesCastanet-Tolosan, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR2594, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-MicroorganismesCastanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Fabienne Vailleau
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR441, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-MicroorganismesCastanet-Tolosan, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR2594, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-MicroorganismesCastanet-Tolosan, France
- Institut National Polytechnique, École Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse, Université de ToulouseCastanet-Tolosan, France
- *Correspondence: Fabienne Vailleau, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR441, Laboratoire des Interactions Plantes-Microorganismes, CS 52627, 24 Chemin de Borde Rouge-Auzeville, Castanet-Tolosan cedex 31326, France e-mail:
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Protein export according to schedule: architecture, assembly, and regulation of type III secretion systems from plant- and animal-pathogenic bacteria. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2012; 76:262-310. [PMID: 22688814 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.05017-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Flagellar and translocation-associated type III secretion (T3S) systems are present in most gram-negative plant- and animal-pathogenic bacteria and are often essential for bacterial motility or pathogenicity. The architectures of the complex membrane-spanning secretion apparatuses of both systems are similar, but they are associated with different extracellular appendages, including the flagellar hook and filament or the needle/pilus structures of translocation-associated T3S systems. The needle/pilus is connected to a bacterial translocon that is inserted into the host plasma membrane and mediates the transkingdom transport of bacterial effector proteins into eukaryotic cells. During the last 3 to 5 years, significant progress has been made in the characterization of membrane-associated core components and extracellular structures of T3S systems. Furthermore, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulators that control T3S gene expression and substrate specificity have been described. Given the architecture of the T3S system, it is assumed that extracellular components of the secretion apparatus are secreted prior to effector proteins, suggesting that there is a hierarchy in T3S. The aim of this review is to summarize our current knowledge of T3S system components and associated control proteins from both plant- and animal-pathogenic bacteria.
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Stauber JL, Loginicheva E, Schechter LM. Carbon source and cell density-dependent regulation of type III secretion system gene expression in Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato DC3000. Res Microbiol 2012; 163:531-9. [PMID: 22944041 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2012.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae utilizes a type III secretion system (T3SS) encoded by the hrp/hrc genes to translocate virulence proteins called effectors into plant cells. To ensure that the T3SS functions at appropriate times during infection, hrp/hrc and effector gene expression is modulated by environmental conditions and a complex network of transcription factors. The sigma factor HrpL activates hrp/hrc and effector genes, while σ(54) and enhancer binding proteins HrpR and HrpS regulate hrpL. To better understand how environmental conditions control the T3SS regulatory cascade in P. syringae pathovar tomato strain DC3000, we tested the effects of various growth media and carbon sources on expression of the hrpRS operon, hrpL, and the effector avrPto. Fructose optimally induced hrpRS expression, while most other carbon sources had only mild stimulatory effects. In contrast, hrpL and avrPto were highly induced by several sugars and organic acids, yet expression decreased as cultures reached higher cell densities. This cell density-dependent regulation was not due to alteration of the pH of the medium, although involvement of a quorum sensing signal was also not apparent. Our findings may explain conflicting results from previous studies and additionally indicate that culture conditions should be considered carefully when examining T3SS gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Stauber
- Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA.
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Lon protease of Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571 is required for suppression of reb gene expression. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012; 78:6251-61. [PMID: 22752172 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01039-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial Lon proteases play important roles in a variety of biological processes in addition to housekeeping functions. In this study, we focused on the Lon protease of Azorhizobium caulinodans, which can fix nitrogen both during free-living growth and in stem nodules of the legume Sesbania rostrata. The nitrogen fixation activity of an A. caulinodans lon mutant in the free-living state was not significantly different from that of the wild-type strain. However, the stem nodules formed by the lon mutant showed little or no nitrogen fixation activity. By microscopic analyses, two kinds of host cells were observed in the stem nodules formed by the lon mutant. One type has shrunken host cells containing a high density of bacteria, and the other type has oval or elongated host cells containing a low density or no bacteria. This phenotype is similar to a praR mutant highly expressing the reb genes. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analyses revealed that reb genes were also highly expressed in the lon mutant. Furthermore, a lon reb double mutant formed stem nodules showing higher nitrogen fixation activity than the lon mutant, and shrunken host cells were not observed in these stem nodules. These results suggest that Lon protease is required to suppress the expression of the reb genes and that high expression of reb genes in part causes aberrance in the A. caulinodans-S. rostrata symbiosis. In addition to the suppression of reb genes, it was found that Lon protease was involved in the regulation of exopolysaccharide production and autoagglutination of bacterial cells.
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Macho AP, Zumaquero A, Gonzalez-Plaza JJ, Ortiz-Martín I, Rufián JS, Beuzón CR. Genetic analysis of the individual contribution to virulence of the type III effector inventory of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35871. [PMID: 22558247 PMCID: PMC3338808 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Several reports have recently contributed to determine the effector inventory of the sequenced strain Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (Pph) 1448a. However, the contribution to virulence of most of these effectors remains to be established. Genetic analysis of the contribution to virulence of individual P. syringae effectors has been traditionally hindered by the lack of phenotypes of the corresponding knockout mutants, largely attributed to a high degree of functional redundancy within their effector inventories. In support of this notion, effectors from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000 have been classified into redundant effector groups (REGs), analysing virulence of polymutants in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. However, using competitive index (CI) as a virulence assay, we were able to establish the individual contribution of AvrPto1(Pto) (DC3000) to Pto DC3000 virulence in tomato, its natural host, even though typically, contribution to virulence of AvrPto1 is only shown in strains also lacking AvrPtoB (also called HopAB2), a member of its REG. This report raised the possibility that even effectors targeting the same defence signalling pathway may have an individual contribution to virulence, and pointed out to CI assays as the means to establish such a contribution for individual effectors. In this work, we have analysed the individual contribution to virulence of the majority of previously uncharacterised Pph 1448a effectors, by monitoring the development of disease symptoms and determining the CI of single knockout mutants at different stages of growth within bean, its natural host. Despite their potential functional redundancy, we have found individual contributions to virulence for six out of the fifteen effectors analysed. In addition, we have analysed the functional relationships between effectors displaying individual contribution to virulence, highlighting the diversity that these relationships may present, and the interest of analysing their functions within the context of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Carmen R. Beuzón
- Department of Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Málaga, Spain
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Tegli S, Gori A, Cerboneschi M, Cipriani MG, Sisto A. Type Three Secretion System in Pseudomonas savastanoi Pathovars: Does Timing Matter? Genes (Basel) 2011; 2:957-79. [PMID: 24710300 PMCID: PMC3927595 DOI: 10.3390/genes2040957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi is the causal agent of Olive knot disease, relying on the Type Three Secretion System (TTSS) for its pathogenicity. In this regard, nothing was known about the two other pathovars belonging to this species, pv. nerii and pv. fraxini, characterized by a different host range. Here we report on the organization of the entire TTSS cluster on the three pathovars, and a phylogenetic analysis including the TTSS of those bacteria belonging to the P. syringae complex sequenced so far, highlighting the evolution of each operon (hrpC, hrpJ, hrpRS, hrpU and hrpZ). Moreover, by Real-Time PCR we analyzed the in vitro expression of four main TTSS genes, revealing different activation patterns in the three pathovars, hypothetically related to their diverse virulence behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Tegli
- Laboratorio di Patologia Vegetale Molecolare, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Agrarie, Universitá degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy; E-Mails: (A.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Andrea Gori
- Laboratorio di Patologia Vegetale Molecolare, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Agrarie, Universitá degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy; E-Mails: (A.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Cerboneschi
- Laboratorio di Patologia Vegetale Molecolare, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Agrarie, Universitá degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy; E-Mails: (A.G.); (M.C.)
| | - Maria Grazia Cipriani
- Plant Protection Institute, Section of Bari, National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola 122/D, 70126 Bari, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Angelo Sisto
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA), National Research Council (CNR), Via Amendola 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; E-Mail:
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Li YR, Zou HS, Che YZ, Cui YP, Guo W, Zou LF, Chatterjee S, Biddle EM, Yang CH, Chen GY. A novel regulatory role of HrpD6 in regulating hrp-hrc-hpa genes in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2011; 24:1086-1101. [PMID: 21615204 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-09-10-0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola, the causal agent of bacterial leaf streak in the model plant rice, possesses a hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (hrp), hrp-conserved (hrc), hrp-associated (hpa) cluster (hrp-hrc-hpa) that encodes a type III secretion system (T3SS) through which T3SS effectors are injected into host cells to cause disease or trigger plant defenses. Mutations in this cluster usually abolish the bacterial ability to cause hypersensitive response in nonhost tobacco and pathogenicity in host rice. In Xanthomonas spp., these genes are generally assumed to be regulated by the key master regulators HrpG and HrpX. However, we present evidence that, apart from HrpG and HrpX, HrpD6 is also involved in regulating the expression of hrp genes. Interestingly, the expression of hpa2, hpa1, hpaB, hrcC, and hrcT is positively controlled by HrpD6. Transcriptional expression assays demonstrated that the expression of the hrcC, hrpD5, hrpE, and hpa3 genes was not completely abolished by hrpG and hrpX mutations. As observed in analysis of their corresponding mutants, HrpG and HrpX exhibit contrasting gene regulation, particularly for hpa2 and hrcT. Other two-component system regulators (Zur, LrpX, ColR/S, and Trh) did not completely inhibit the expression of hrcC, hrpD5, hrpE, and hpa3. Immunoblotting assays showed that the secretion of HrpF, which is an HpaB-independent translocator, is not affected by the mutation in hrpD6. However, the mutation in hrpD6 affects the secretion of an HpaB-dependent TAL effector, AvrXa27. These novel findings suggest that, apart from HrpG and HrpX, HrpD6 plays important roles not only in the regulation of hrp genes but also in the secretion of TAL effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Rong Li
- Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shangai, China
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Arnold DL, Lovell HC, Jackson RW, Mansfield JW. Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola: from 'has bean' to supermodel. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2011; 12:617-27. [PMID: 21726364 PMCID: PMC6640400 DOI: 10.1111/j.1364-3703.2010.00697.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola causes halo blight of the common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, worldwide and remains difficult to control. Races of the pathogen cause either disease symptoms or a resistant hypersensitive response on a series of differentially reacting bean cultivars. The molecular genetics of the interaction between P. syringae pv. phaseolicola and bean, and the evolution of bacterial virulence, have been investigated in depth and this research has led to important discoveries in the field of plant-microbe interactions. In this review, we discuss several of the areas of study that chart the rise of P. syringae pv. phaseolicola from a common pathogen of bean plants to a molecular plant-pathogen supermodel bacterium. TAXONOMY Bacteria; Proteobacteria, gamma subdivision; order Pseudomonadales; family Pseudomonadaceae; genus Pseudomonas; species Pseudomonas syringae; Genomospecies 2; pathogenic variety phaseolicola. MICROBIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped, 1.5 µm long, 0.7-1.2 µm in diameter, at least one polar flagellum, optimal temperatures for growth of 25-30°C, oxidase negative, arginine dihydrolase negative, levan positive and elicits the hypersensitive response on tobacco. HOST RANGE Major bacterial disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in temperate regions and above medium altitudes in the tropics. Natural infections have been recorded on several other legume species, including all members of the tribe Phaseoleae with the exception of Desmodium spp. and Pisum sativum. DISEASE SYMPTOMS Water-soaked lesions on leaves, pods, stems or petioles, that quickly develop greenish-yellow haloes on leaves at temperatures of less than 23°C. Infected seeds may be symptomless, or have wrinkled or buttery-yellow patches on the seed coat. Seedling infection is recognized by general chlorosis, stunting and distortion of growth. EPIDEMIOLOGY Seed borne and disseminated from exudation by water-splash and wind occurring during rainfall. Bacteria invade through wounds and natural openings (notably stomata). Weedy and cultivated alternative hosts may also harbour the bacterium. DISEASE CONTROL Some measure of control is achieved with copper formulations and streptomycin. Pathogen-free seed and resistant cultivars are recommended. USEFUL WEBSITES Pseudomonas-plant interaction http://www.pseudomonas-syringae.org/; PseudoDB http://xbase.bham.ac.uk/pseudodb/; Plant Associated and Environmental Microbes Database (PAMDB) http://genome.ppws.vt.edu/cgi-bin/MLST/home.pl; PseudoMLSA Database http://www.uib.es/microbiologiaBD/Welcome.html.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn L Arnold
- Centre for Research in Plant Science, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK.
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Jovanovic M, James EH, Burrows PC, Rego FGM, Buck M, Schumacher J. Regulation of the co-evolved HrpR and HrpS AAA+ proteins required for Pseudomonas syringae pathogenicity. Nat Commun 2011; 2:177. [PMID: 21285955 PMCID: PMC3105312 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial AAA+ enhancer-binding proteins (EBPs) HrpR and HrpS (HrpRS) of Pseudomonas syringae (Ps) activate σ54-dependent transcription at the hrpL promoter; triggering type-three secretion system-mediated pathogenicity. In contrast with singly acting EBPs, the evolution of the strictly co-operative HrpRS pair raises questions of potential benefits and mechanistic differences this transcription control system offers. Here, we show distinct properties of HrpR and HrpS variants, indicating functional specialization of these non-redundant, tandemly arranged paralogues. Activities of HrpR, HrpS and their control proteins HrpV and HrpG from Ps pv. tomato DC3000 in vitro establish that HrpRS forms a transcriptionally active hetero-hexamer, that there is a direct negative regulatory role for HrpV through specific binding to HrpS and that HrpG suppresses HrpV. The distinct HrpR and HrpS functionalities suggest how partial paralogue degeneration has potentially led to a novel control mechanism for EBPs and indicate subunit-specific roles for EBPs in σ54-RNA polymerase activation. HrpR and HrpS enhancer-binding proteins of Pseudomonas syringae activate σ54-dependent transcription of the HrpL promoter and are required for type-three secretion pathogenicity. Here, the authors demonstrate that, despite being co-regulated, HrpR and HrpS each have distinct functions for activating σ54.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milija Jovanovic
- Division of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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Kimbrel JA, Givan SA, Halgren AB, Creason AL, Mills DI, Banowetz GM, Armstrong DJ, Chang JH. An improved, high-quality draft genome sequence of the Germination-Arrest Factor-producing Pseudomonas fluorescens WH6. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:522. [PMID: 20920191 PMCID: PMC2997014 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pseudomonas fluorescens is a genetically and physiologically diverse species of bacteria present in many habitats and in association with plants. This species of bacteria produces a large array of secondary metabolites with potential as natural products. P. fluorescens isolate WH6 produces Germination-Arrest Factor (GAF), a predicted small peptide or amino acid analog with herbicidal activity that specifically inhibits germination of seeds of graminaceous species. Results We used a hybrid next-generation sequencing approach to develop a high-quality draft genome sequence for P. fluorescens WH6. We employed automated, manual, and experimental methods to further improve the draft genome sequence. From this assembly of 6.27 megabases, we predicted 5876 genes, of which 3115 were core to P. fluorescens and 1567 were unique to WH6. Comparative genomic studies of WH6 revealed high similarity in synteny and orthology of genes with P. fluorescens SBW25. A phylogenomic study also placed WH6 in the same lineage as SBW25. In a previous non-saturating mutagenesis screen we identified two genes necessary for GAF activity in WH6. Mapping of their flanking sequences revealed genes that encode a candidate anti-sigma factor and an aminotransferase. Finally, we discovered several candidate virulence and host-association mechanisms, one of which appears to be a complete type III secretion system. Conclusions The improved high-quality draft genome sequence of WH6 contributes towards resolving the P. fluorescens species, providing additional impetus for establishing two separate lineages in P. fluorescens. Despite the high levels of orthology and synteny to SBW25, WH6 still had a substantial number of unique genes and represents another source for the discovery of genes with implications in affecting plant growth and health. Two genes are demonstrably necessary for GAF and further characterization of their proteins is important for developing natural products as control measure against grassy weeds. Finally, WH6 is the first isolate of P. fluorescens reported to encode a complete T3SS. This gives us the opportunity to explore the role of what has traditionally been thought of as a virulence mechanism for non-pathogenic interactions with plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Kimbrel
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Ortiz-Martín I, Thwaites R, Macho AP, Mansfield JW, Beuzón CR. Positive regulation of the Hrp type III secretion system in Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2010; 23:665-81. [PMID: 20367474 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-23-5-0665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Disease in compatible hosts and induction of the hypersensitive response in resistant plants by most plant-pathogenic bacteria require a functional type III secretion system (T3SS). Expression of T3SS genes responds to host and environmental factors and is induced within the plant. In Pseudomonas syringae, expression of the T3SS requires HrpL, which is transcriptionally upregulated by HrpR and HrpS. In some pathovars, expression of the hrpRS genes is upregulated by the GacA/S two-component system. Additionally, HrpA, the major component of the T3SS pilus, has also been linked to the regulation of the hrpRS gene expression. Previous studies concerning regulation of hypersensitive response and pathogenesis/hypersensitive response conserved (hrp/hrc) gene expression have used mostly in vitro inducing conditions, different pathovars, and methodology. Here, we analyze the roles of HrpL, GacA, and HrpA in the bean pathogen, using single, double, and triple mutants as well as strains ectopically expressing the regulators. We use real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis in vitro and in planta to quantify gene expression and competitive indices and other assays to assess bacterial fitness. Our results indicate that i) HrpL acts as a general virulence regulator that upregulates non-T3SS virulence determinants and downregulates flagellar function; ii) GacA modulates the expression of hrpL, and its contribution to virulence is entirely HrpL dependent; iii) there is a basal HrpL-independent expression of the T3SS genes in rich medium that is important for full activation of the system, maybe by keeping the system primed for rapid activation upon contact with the plant; and iv) HrpA upregulates expression of the T3SS genes and is essential to activate expression of the hrpZ operon upon contact with the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Ortiz-Martín
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterranea, Universidad de Málaga-Consejo Superior de Inverstigaciones Cientificas, Depto. Biología cellular, Genética y Fisiología, Spain.
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