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Pena MM, Martins TZ, Teper D, Zamuner C, Alves HA, Ferreira H, Wang N, Ferro MIT, Ferro JA. EnvC Homolog Encoded by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Is Necessary for Cell Division and Virulence. Microorganisms 2024; 12:691. [PMID: 38674634 PMCID: PMC11051873 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptidoglycan hydrolases are enzymes responsible for breaking the peptidoglycan present in the bacterial cell wall, facilitating cell growth, cell division and peptidoglycan turnover. Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri), the causal agent of citrus canker, encodes an Escherichia coli M23 peptidase EnvC homolog. EnvC is a LytM factor essential for cleaving the septal peptidoglycan, thereby facilitating the separation of daughter cells. In this study, the investigation focused on EnvC contribution to the virulence and cell separation of X. citri. It was observed that disruption of the X. citri envC gene (ΔenvC) led to a reduction in virulence. Upon inoculation into leaves of Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia Osbeck), the X. citri ΔenvC exhibited a delayed onset of citrus canker symptoms compared with the wild-type X. citri. Mutant complementation restored the wild-type phenotype. Sub-cellular localization confirmed that X. citri EnvC is a periplasmic protein. Moreover, the X. citri ΔenvC mutant exhibited elongated cells, indicating a defect in cell division. These findings support the role of EnvC in the regulation of cell wall organization, cell division, and they clarify the role of this peptidase in X. citri virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M. Pena
- Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology Graduation Program, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (M.M.P.); (T.Z.M.)
| | - Thaisa Z. Martins
- Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology Graduation Program, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (M.M.P.); (T.Z.M.)
| | - Doron Teper
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Institute of Plant Protection Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Institute, Rishon LeZion 7505101, Israel;
| | - Caio Zamuner
- Biochemistry Building, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (C.Z.); (H.F.)
| | - Helen A. Alves
- Department of Agricultural, Livestock and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (H.A.A.); (M.I.T.F.)
| | - Henrique Ferreira
- Biochemistry Building, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (C.Z.); (H.F.)
| | - Nian Wang
- Citrus Research and Education Center, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, USA;
| | - Maria Inês T. Ferro
- Department of Agricultural, Livestock and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (H.A.A.); (M.I.T.F.)
| | - Jesus A. Ferro
- Department of Agricultural, Livestock and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (H.A.A.); (M.I.T.F.)
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Thompson AF, Blackburn PR, Arons NS, Stevens SN, Babovic-Vuksanovic D, Lian JB, Klee EW, Stumpff J. Pathogenic mutations in the chromokinesin KIF22 disrupt anaphase chromosome segregation. eLife 2022; 11:78653. [PMID: 35730929 PMCID: PMC9302971 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromokinesin KIF22 generates forces that contribute to mitotic chromosome congression and alignment. Mutations in the α2 helix of the motor domain of KIF22 have been identified in patients with abnormal skeletal development, and we report the identification of a patient with a novel mutation in the KIF22 tail. We demonstrate that pathogenic mutations do not result in a loss of KIF22’s functions in early mitosis. Instead, mutations disrupt chromosome segregation in anaphase, resulting in reduced proliferation, abnormal daughter cell nuclear morphology, and, in a subset of cells, cytokinesis failure. This phenotype could be explained by a failure of KIF22 to inactivate in anaphase. Consistent with this model, constitutive activation of the motor via a known site of phosphoregulation in the tail phenocopied the effects of pathogenic mutations. These results suggest that the motor domain α2 helix may be an important site for regulation of KIF22 activity at the metaphase to anaphase transition. In support of this conclusion, mimicking phosphorylation of α2 helix residue T158 also prevents inactivation of KIF22 in anaphase. These findings demonstrate the importance of both the head and tail of the motor in regulating the activity of KIF22 and offer insight into the cellular consequences of preventing KIF22 inactivation and disrupting force balance in anaphase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex F Thompson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, United States
| | | | - Noah S Arons
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, United States
| | - Sarah N Stevens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, United States
| | | | - Jane B Lian
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, United States
| | - Eric W Klee
- Biomedical Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Jason Stumpff
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, United States
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de Oliveira ACP, Ferreira RM, Ferro MIT, Ferro JA, Zamuner C, Ferreira H, Varani AM. XAC4296 Is a Multifunctional and Exclusive Xanthomonadaceae Gene Containing a Fusion of Lytic Transglycosylase and Epimerase Domains. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10051008. [PMID: 35630451 PMCID: PMC9143381 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10051008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms have a limited and highly adaptable repertoire of genes capable of encoding proteins containing single or variable multidomains. The phytopathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri) (Xanthomonadaceae family), the etiological agent of Citrus Canker (CC), presents a collection of multidomain and multifunctional enzymes (MFEs) that remains to be explored. Recent studies have shown that multidomain enzymes that act on the metabolism of the peptidoglycan and bacterial cell wall, belonging to the Lytic Transglycosylases (LTs) superfamily, play an essential role in X. citri biology. One of these LTs, named XAC4296, apart from the Transglycosylase SLT_2 and Peptidoglycan binding-like domains, contains an unexpected aldose 1-epimerase domain linked to the central metabolism; therefore, resembling a canonical MFE. In this work, we experimentally characterized XAC4296 revealing its role as an MFE and demonstrating its probable gene fusion origin and evolutionary history. The XAC4296 is expressed during plant-pathogen interaction, and the Δ4296 mutant impacts CC progression. Moreover, Δ4296 exhibited chromosome segregation and cell division errors, and sensitivity to ampicillin, suggesting not only LT activity but also that the XAC4296 may also contribute to resistance to β-lactams. However, both Δ4296 phenotypes can be restored when the mutant is supplemented with sucrose or glutamic acid as a carbon and nitrogen source, respectively; therefore, supporting the epimerase domain’s functional relationship with the central carbon and cell wall metabolism. Taken together, these results elucidate the role of XAC4296 as an MFE in X. citri, also bringing new insights into the evolution of multidomain proteins and antimicrobial resistance in the Xanthomonadaceae family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C. P. de Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Agricultural and Livestock Microbiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil;
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (R.M.F.); (M.I.T.F.); (J.A.F.)
| | - Rafael M. Ferreira
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (R.M.F.); (M.I.T.F.); (J.A.F.)
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Inês T. Ferro
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (R.M.F.); (M.I.T.F.); (J.A.F.)
| | - Jesus A. Ferro
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (R.M.F.); (M.I.T.F.); (J.A.F.)
| | - Caio Zamuner
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (C.Z.); (H.F.)
| | - Henrique Ferreira
- Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro 13506-900, SP, Brazil; (C.Z.); (H.F.)
| | - Alessandro M. Varani
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal 14884-900, SP, Brazil; (R.M.F.); (M.I.T.F.); (J.A.F.)
- Correspondence:
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Duan S, Long Y, Cheng S, Li J, Ouyang Z, Wang N. Rapid Evaluation of the Resistance of Citrus Germplasms Against Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2022; 112:765-774. [PMID: 34495678 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-04-21-0175-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) is the causal agent of citrus bacterial canker (CBC), one of the most devastating citrus diseases. Most commercial citrus varieties are susceptible to CBC. However, some citrus varieties and wild citrus germplasms are CBC resistant and are promising in genetic increases in citrus resistance against CBC. We aimed to evaluate citrus germplasms for resistance against CBC. First, we developed a rapid evaluation method based on enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP)-labeled Xcc. The results demonstrated that eYFP does not affect the growth and virulence of Xcc. Xcc-eYFP allows measurement of bacterial titers but is more efficient and rapid than the plate colony counting method. Next, we evaluated citrus germplasms collected in China. Based on symptoms and bacterial titers, we identified that two citrus germplasms ('Ichang' papeda and 'Huapi' kumquat) are resistant, whereas eight citrus germplasms ('Chongyi' wild mandarin, 'Mangshan' wild mandarin, 'Ledong' kumquat, 'Dali' citron, 'Yiliang' citron, 'Longyan' kumquat, 'Bawang' kumquat, and 'Daoxian' wild mandarin) are tolerant. In summary, we have developed a rapid evaluation method to test the resistance of citrus plants against CBC. This method was successfully used to identify two highly canker-resistant citrus germplasms and eight citrus germplasms with canker tolerance. These results could be leveraged in traditional breeding contexts or be used to identify canker resistance genes to increase the disease resistance of commercial citrus varieties via biotechnological approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Duan
- Citrus Huanglongbing Joint Laboratory, National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Yunfei Long
- Citrus Huanglongbing Joint Laboratory, National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Shuyuan Cheng
- Citrus Huanglongbing Joint Laboratory, National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Jinyun Li
- Citrus Research and Education Center, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, U.S.A
| | - Zhigang Ouyang
- Citrus Huanglongbing Joint Laboratory, National Navel Orange Engineering Research Center, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Nian Wang
- Citrus Research and Education Center, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Lake Alfred, FL 33850, U.S.A
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Bourigault Y, Chane A, Barbey C, Jafra S, Czajkowski R, Latour X. Biosensors Used for Epifluorescence and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopies to Study Dickeya and Pectobacterium Virulence and Biocontrol. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020295. [PMID: 33535657 PMCID: PMC7912877 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020295] [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: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Promoter-probe vectors carrying fluorescent protein-reporter genes are powerful tools used to study microbial ecology, epidemiology, and etiology. In addition, they provide direct visual evidence of molecular interactions related to cell physiology and metabolism. Knowledge and advances carried out thanks to the construction of soft-rot Pectobacteriaceae biosensors, often inoculated in potato Solanum tuberosum, are discussed in this review. Under epifluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopies, Dickeya and Pectobacterium-tagged strains managed to monitor in situ bacterial viability, microcolony and biofilm formation, and colonization of infected plant organs, as well as disease symptoms, such as cell-wall lysis and their suppression by biocontrol antagonists. The use of dual-colored reporters encoding the first fluorophore expressed from a constitutive promoter as a cell tag, while a second was used as a regulator-based reporter system, was also used to simultaneously visualize bacterial spread and activity. This revealed the chronology of events leading to tuber maceration and quorum-sensing communication, in addition to the disruption of the latter by biocontrol agents. The promising potential of these fluorescent biosensors should make it possible to apprehend other activities, such as subcellular localization of key proteins involved in bacterial virulence in planta, in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvann Bourigault
- Laboratory of Microbiology Signals and Microenvironment (LMSM EA 4312), University of Rouen Normandy, 55 rue Saint-Germain, F-27000 Evreux, France; (Y.B.); (A.C.); (C.B.)
- Research Federations NORVEGE Fed4277 & NORSEVE, Normandy University, F-76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Andrea Chane
- Laboratory of Microbiology Signals and Microenvironment (LMSM EA 4312), University of Rouen Normandy, 55 rue Saint-Germain, F-27000 Evreux, France; (Y.B.); (A.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Corinne Barbey
- Laboratory of Microbiology Signals and Microenvironment (LMSM EA 4312), University of Rouen Normandy, 55 rue Saint-Germain, F-27000 Evreux, France; (Y.B.); (A.C.); (C.B.)
- Research Federations NORVEGE Fed4277 & NORSEVE, Normandy University, F-76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Sylwia Jafra
- Division of Biological Plant Protection, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, University of Gdansk, ul. A. Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Robert Czajkowski
- Division of Biologically Active Compounds, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG and MUG, University of Gdansk, ul. A. Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (X.L.); Tel.: +48-58-523-63-33 (R.C.); +33-235-146-000 (X.L.)
| | - Xavier Latour
- Laboratory of Microbiology Signals and Microenvironment (LMSM EA 4312), University of Rouen Normandy, 55 rue Saint-Germain, F-27000 Evreux, France; (Y.B.); (A.C.); (C.B.)
- Research Federations NORVEGE Fed4277 & NORSEVE, Normandy University, F-76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Correspondence: (R.C.); (X.L.); Tel.: +48-58-523-63-33 (R.C.); +33-235-146-000 (X.L.)
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