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Zhang M, Zhao M, Qiao P, Liu D, Bai Q, Guan W, Yang Y, Zhao T. Comparison of Copper-Tolerance Genes between Different Groups of Acidovorax citrulli. Microorganisms 2024; 12:682. [PMID: 38674626 PMCID: PMC11052375 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040682] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Acidovorax citrulli populations exhibit genetic and phenotypic variations, particularly in terms of copper tolerance. Group I strains of A. citrulli generally exhibit higher copper tolerance compared to group II strains. This study aims to identify genes involved in copper tolerance to better understand the differences in copper tolerance between group I and group II strains. Representative strains pslb65 (group I) and pslbtw14 (group II) were selected for comparison. Deletion mutants of putative copper-tolerance genes and their corresponding complementary strains were constructed. The copper tolerance of each strain was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration method. The results showed that the copA, copZ, cueR, and cueO genes played major roles in copper tolerance in A. citrulli, while cusC-like, cusA-like, and cusB-like genes had minor effects. The different expression levels of copper-tolerance-related genes in pslb65 and pslbtw14 under copper stress indicated that they had different mechanisms for coping with copper stress. Overall, this study provides insights into the mechanisms of copper tolerance in A. citrulli and highlights the importance of specific genes in copper tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (M.Z.); (D.L.); (Q.B.)
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (P.Q.); (W.G.)
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Pei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (P.Q.); (W.G.)
| | - Dehua Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (M.Z.); (D.L.); (Q.B.)
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (P.Q.); (W.G.)
| | - Qingrong Bai
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; (M.Z.); (D.L.); (Q.B.)
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Wei Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (P.Q.); (W.G.)
| | - Yuwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (P.Q.); (W.G.)
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Tingchang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (P.Q.); (W.G.)
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
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Heo L, Han Y, Cho Y, Choi J, Lee J, Han SW. A putative glucose 6-phosphate isomerase has pleiotropic functions on virulence and other mechanisms in Acidovorax citrulli. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1275438. [PMID: 38023913 PMCID: PMC10664246 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1275438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Acidovorax citrulli (Ac) is a causal agent of watermelon bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) disease. Because resistance cultivars/lines have not yet been developed, it is imperative to elucidate Ac's virulence factors and their mechanisms to develop resistant cultivars/lines in different crops, including watermelon. The glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) is a reversible enzyme in both glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways in living organisms. However, the functions of GPI are not characterized in Ac. In this study, we determined the roles of GpiAc (GPI in Ac) by proteomic and phenotypic analyses of the mutant lacking GPI. The mutant displayed significantly reduced virulence to watermelon in two different virulence assays. The mutant's growth patterns were comparable to the wild-type strain in rich medium and M9 with glucose but not with fructose. The comparative proteome analysis markedly identified proteins related to virulence, motility, and cell wall/membrane/envelope. In the mutant, biofilm formation and twitching halo production were reduced. We further demonstrated that the mutant was less tolerant to osmotic stress and lysozyme treatment than the wild-type strain. Interestingly, the tolerance to alkali conditions was remarkably enhanced in the mutant. These results reveal that GpiAc is involved not only in virulence and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis but also in biofilm formation, twitching motility, and tolerance to diverse external stresses suggesting the pleiotropic roles of GpiAc in Ac. Our study provides fundamental and valuable information on the functions of previously uncharacterized glucose 6-phosphate isomerase and its virulence mechanism in Ac.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sang-Wook Han
- Department of Plant Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
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3
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Yang L, Zhao M, Zhang X, Jiang J, Fei N, Ji W, Ye Y, Guan W, Yang Y, Zhao T. Acidovorax citrulli type III effector AopU interferes with plant immune responses and interacts with a watermelon E3 ubiquitin ligase. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1275032. [PMID: 37876782 PMCID: PMC10590900 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1275032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acidovorax citrulli is a seed-borne bacterium that causes bacterial fruit blotch of watermelon and other cucurbit plants worldwide. It uses a type III secretion system to inject type III effectors (T3Es) into plant cells, which affect the host immune responses and facilitate pathogen colonization. However, the current understanding of the specific molecular mechanisms and targets of these effectors in A. citrulli is limited. In this study, we characterized a novel T3E called AopU in A. citrulli group II strain Aac5, which shares homology with XopU in Xanthomonas oryzae. The Agrobacterium-mediated gene transient expression system was used to study the effect of AopU on host immunity. The results showed that AopU localized on the cell membrane and nucleus of Nicotiana benthamiana, inhibited reactive oxygen species burst induced by flg22 and the expression of marker genes associated with pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity, but activated salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signal pathways. Further investigations revealed that AopU interacts with E3 ubiquitin ligase ClE3R in watermelon, both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, the deletion of aopU did not affect the virulence of A. citrulli, suggesting that AopU may have functional redundancy with other effectors in terms of its role in virulence. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the mechanism of plant immune responses regulated by A. citrulli T3Es.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Yang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nuoya Fei
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiqin Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfeng Ye
- Horticultural Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Tingchang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
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Kan Y, Zhang Y, Lin W, Dong T. Differential plant cell responses to Acidovorax citrulli T3SS and T6SS reveal an effective strategy for controlling plant-associated pathogens. mBio 2023; 14:e0045923. [PMID: 37288971 PMCID: PMC10470598 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00459-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Acidovorax citrulli is a gram-negative plant pathogen that employs the type Ⅲ secretion system (T3SS) to infect cucurbit crops and cause bacterial fruit blotch. This bacterium also possesses an active type Ⅵ secretion system (T6SS) with strong antibacterial and antifungal activities. However, how plant cells respond to these two secretion systems and whether there is any cross talk between T3SS and T6SS during infection remain unknown. Here, we employ transcriptomic analysis to compare cellular responses to the T3SS and the T6SS during in planta infection and report distinctive effects on multiple pathways. The T3SS-mediated differentially expressed genes were enriched in the pathways of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant-pathogen interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, and glutathione metabolism, while the T6SS uniquely affected genes were related to photosynthesis. The T6SS does not contribute to the in planta virulence of A. citrulli but is critical for the survival of the bacterium when mixed with watermelon phyllosphere bacteria. In addition, T3SS-mediated virulence is independent of the T6SS, and the inactivation of the T3SS does not affect the T6SS-mediated competition against a diverse set of bacterial pathogens that commonly contaminate edible plants or directly infect plants. A T6SS-active T3SS-null mutant (Acav) could inhibit the growth of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae significantly both in vitro and in vivo and also reduce symptoms of rice bacterial blight. In conclusion, our data demonstrate the T6SS in A. citrulli is nonpathogenic to the plant host and can be harnessed as a pathogen killer against plant-associated bacteria. IMPORTANCE Chemical pesticides are widely used to protect crops from various pathogens. Still, their extensive use has led to severe consequences, including drug resistance and environmental contamination. Here, we show that an engineered T6SS-active, but avirulent mutant of Acidovorax citrulli has strong inhibition capabilities against several pathogenic bacteria, demonstrating an effective strategy that is an alternative to chemical pesticides for sustainable agricultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Kan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Dong
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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5
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Kim YR, Sang MK. Effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on growth, metabolism, and virulence of the plant pathogenic bacterium Acidovorax citrulli. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1228713. [PMID: 37692166 PMCID: PMC10485622 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1228713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acidovorax citrulli is a seed-borne bacterial pathogen that causes bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbits and severely affects the production of cucumbers and watermelons globally. In this study, we investigated the effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on the growth, metabolism, and virulence of A. citrulli. Bacterial population was not affected by DEHP exposure; moreover, significant changes were not observed in lipid peroxidation, membrane permeability, and nucleic acid leakage. However, palmitoleic acid content was increased in the cell membrane of DEHP-exposed A. citrulli. Further, DEHP exposure increased the activity of TCA cycle-related enzymes, including α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and succinyl-CoA synthetase, along with increase in the content of glutamate, succinate, fumarate, and malate in TCA cycle. Additionally, total 270 genes were differentially expressed by the treatment, of which 28 genes were upregulated and 242 genes, including those related to translation, flagellum-dependent cell motility, and flagellum assembly, were downregulated. Regarding virulence traits, swimming activity was decreased in DEHP-exposed A. citrulli; however, biofilm formation was not affected in in vitro assay. Moreover, relative expression of pathogenicity genes, including hrpX and hrpG, were decreased in DEHP-exposed A. citrulli compared to that of unexposed A. citrulli. Therefore, these results suggest that DEHP accumulation in soil could potentially influence the metabolism and virulence traits of A. citrulli.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mee Kyung Sang
- Division of Agricultural Microbiology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, Republic of Korea
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Yang Y, Fei N, Ji W, Qiao P, Yang L, Liu D, Guan W, Zhao T. pilA Gene Contributes to Virulence, Motility, Biofilm Formation, and Interspecific Competition of Bacteria in Acidovorax citrulli. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1806. [PMID: 37512977 PMCID: PMC10385852 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071806] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acidovorax citrulli, the causative agent of bacterial fruit blotch, can be divided into two main groups based on factors such as pathogenicity and host species preference. PilA is an important structural and functional component of type IV pili (T4P). Previous studies have found significant differences in pilA DNA sequences between group I and group II strains of A. citrulli. In this study, we characterized pilA in the group I strain pslb65 and the group II strain Aac5. pilA mutants, complementation strains, and cross-complementation strains were generated, and their biological phenotypes were analyzed to identify functional differences between pilA in the two groups. pilA deletion mutants (pslb65-ΔpilA and Aac5-ΔpilA) showed significantly reduced pathogenicity compared with the wild-type (WT) strains; pslb65-ΔpilA also completely lost twitching motility, whereas Aac5-ΔpilA only partially lost motility. In King's B medium, there were no significant differences in biofilm formation between pslb65-ΔpilA and WT pslb65, but Aac5-ΔpilA showed significantly reduced biofilm formation compared to WT Aac5. In M9 minimal medium, both mutants showed significantly lower biofilm formation compared to the corresponding WT strains, although biofilm formation was recovered in the complementation strains. The biofilm formation capacity was somewhat recovered in the cross-complementation strains but remained significantly lower than in the WT strains. The interspecies competitive abilities of pslb65-ΔpilA and Aac5-ΔpilA were significantly lower than in the WT strains; Aac5-ΔpilA was more strongly competitive than pslb65-ΔpilA, and the complementation strains recovered competitiveness to WT levels. Furthermore, the cross-complementation strains showed stronger competitive abilities than the corresponding WT strains. The relative expression levels of genes related to T4P and the type VI secretion system were then assessed in the pilA mutants via quantitative PCR. The results showed significant differences in the relative expression levels of multiple genes in pslb65-ΔpilA and Aac5-ΔpilA compared to the corresponding WT stains. This indicated the presence of specific differences in pilA function between the two A. citrulli groups, but the regulatory mechanisms involved require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Nuoya Fei
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin Normal University, Siping 136000, China
| | - Weiqin Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Linlin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Dehua Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Wei Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tingchang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute (Sanya), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya 572024, China
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7
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Qiao P, Zhao M, Guan W, Walcott R, Ye Y, Yang Y, Zhao T. A putative multi-sensor hybrid histidine kinase, BarA Ac , inhibits the expression of the type III secretion system regulator HrpG in Acidovorax citrulli. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1064577. [PMID: 36532489 PMCID: PMC9748350 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1064577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), caused by Acidovorax citrulli, severely damages watermelon, melon, and other cucurbit crops worldwide. Although many virulence determinants have been identified in A. citrulli, including swimming motility, twitching motility, biofilm formation, and the type III secretion system (T3SS), research on their regulation is lacking. To study virulence regulation mechanisms, we found a putative histidine kinase BarA Ac that may be related to the T3SS regulator HrpG in A. citrulli. We deleted and characterized barAAc (Aave_2063) in A. citrulli Aac5 strain. Compared to the wild-type Aac5, virulence and early proliferation of barAAc mutant in host watermelon cotyledons were significantly increased, and induction of hypersensitive response in non-host tobacco was accelerated, while biofilm formation and swimming motility were significantly reduced. In addition, the transcriptomic analysis revealed that the expression of many T3SS-related genes was upregulated in the ΔbarAAc deletion mutant when cultured in KB medium. Meanwhile, the ΔbarAAc deletion mutant showed increased accumulation of the T3SS regulator HrpG in KB medium, which may account for the increased deployment of T3SS. This suggests that the putative histidine kinase BarA Ac is able to repress the T3SS expression by inhibiting HrpG in the KB medium, which appears to be important for rational energy allocation. In summary, our research provides further understanding of the regulatory network of A. citrulli virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Wei Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ron Walcott
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Yunfeng Ye
- Horticultural Research Institute, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Yuwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingchang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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8
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Lee J, Lee J, Cho Y, Choi J, Han SW. A putative 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate-dependent phosphoglycerate mutase is involved in the virulence, carbohydrate metabolism, biofilm formation, twitching halo, and osmotic tolerance in Acidovorax citrulli. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1039420. [PMID: 36438092 PMCID: PMC9681784 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1039420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Acidovorax citrulli (Ac) is a gram-negative bacterium that causes bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) disease in cucurbit crops including watermelon. However, despite the great economic losses caused by this disease worldwide, Ac-resistant watermelon cultivars have not been developed. Therefore, characterizing the virulence factors/mechanisms of Ac would enable the development of effective control strategies against BFB disease. The 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate-dependent phosphoglycerate mutase (BdpM) is known to participate in the glycolysis and gluconeogenesis pathways. However, the roles of the protein have not been characterized in Ac. To elucidate the functions of BdpmAc (Bdpm in Ac), comparative proteomic analysis and diverse phenotypic assays were conducted using a bdpmAc knockout mutant (bdpmAc:Tn) and a wild-type strain. The virulence of the mutant to watermelon was remarkably reduced in both germinated seed inoculation and leaf infiltration assays. Moreover, the mutant could not grow with fructose or pyruvate as a sole carbon source. However, the growth of the mutant was restored to levels similar to those of the wild-type strain in the presence of both fructose and pyruvate. Comparative proteomic analyses revealed that diverse proteins involved in motility and wall/membrane/envelop biogenesis were differentially abundant. Furthermore, the mutant exhibited decreased biofilm formation and twitching halo size. Interestingly, the mutant exhibited a higher tolerance against osmotic stress. Overall, our findings suggest that BdpmAc affects the virulence, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, biofilm formation, twitching halo size, and osmotic tolerance of Ac, suggesting that this protein has pleiotropic properties. Collectively, our findings provide fundamental insights into the functions of a previously uncharacterized phosphoglycerate mutase in Ac.
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Acidovorax citrulli Effector AopV Suppresses Plant Immunity and Interacts with Aromatic Dehydratase ADT6 in Watermelon. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911719. [PMID: 36233021 PMCID: PMC9570411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911719] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) is a disease of cucurbit plants caused by Acidovorax citrulli. Although A. citrulli has great destructive potential, the molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity of A. citrulli are not clear, particularly with regard to its type III secreted effectors. In this study, we characterized the type III secreted effector protein, AopV, from A. citrulli strain Aac5. We show that AopV significantly inhibits reactive oxygen species and the expression of PTI marker genes, and helps the growth of Pseudomonas syringae D36E in Nicotiana benthamiana. In addition, we found that the aromatic dehydratase ADT6 from watermelon was a target of AopV. AopV interacts with ADT6 in vivo and in vitro. Subcellular localization indicated ADT6 and AopV were co-located at the cell membrane. Together, our results reveal that AopV suppresses plant immunity and targets ADT6 in the cell membrane. These findings provide an new characterization of the molecular interaction of A. citrulli effector protein AopV with host cells.
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10
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Fei N, Ji W, Yang L, Yu C, Qiao P, Yan J, Guan W, Yang Y, Zhao T. Hcp of the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in Acidovorax citrulli Group II Strain Aac5 Has a Dual Role as a Core Structural Protein and an Effector Protein in Colonization, Growth Ability, Competition, Biofilm Formation, and Ferric Iron Absorption. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9632. [PMID: 36077040 PMCID: PMC9456162 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A type VI secretion system (T6SS) gene cluster has been reported in Acidovorax citrulli. Research on the activation conditions, functions, and the interactions between key elements in A. citrulli T6SS is lacking. Hcp (Hemolysin co-regulated protein) is both a structural protein and a secretion protein of T6SS, which makes it a special element. The aims of this study were to determine the role of Hcp and its activated conditions to reveal the functions of T6SS. In virulence and colonization assays of hcp deletion mutant strain Δhcp, tssm (type VI secretion system membrane subunit) deletion mutant strain Δtssm and double mutant ΔhcpΔtssm, population growth was affected but not virulence after injection of cotyledons and seed-to-seedling transmission on watermelon. The population growth of Δhcp and Δtssm were lower than A. citrulli wild type strain Aac5 of A. citrulli group II at early stage but higher at a later stage. Deletion of hcp also affected growth ability in different culture media, and the decline stage of Δhcp was delayed in KB medium. Biofilm formation ability of Δhcp, Δtssm and ΔhcpΔtssm was lower than Aac5 with competition by prey bacteria but higher in KB and M9-Fe3+ medium. Deletion of hcp reduced the competition and survival ability of Aac5. Based on the results of Western blotting and qRT-PCR analyses, Hcp is activated by cell density, competition, ferric irons, and the host plant. The expression levels of genes related to bacterial secretion systems, protein export, and several other pathways, were significantly changed in the Δhcp mutant compared to Aac5 when T6SS was activated at high cell density. Based on transcriptome data, we found that a few candidate effectors need further identification. The phenotypes, activated conditions and transcriptome data all supported the conclusion that although there is only one T6SS gene cluster present in the A. citrulli group II strain Aac5, it related to multiple biological processes, including colonization, growth ability, competition and biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuoya Fei
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Weiqin Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Chunyan Yu
- Department of Plant Pathology, Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianpei Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tingchang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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11
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Ji W, Zhao M, Fei N, Yang L, Qiao P, Walcott R, Yang Y, Zhao T. Essential Acidovorax citrulli Virulence Gene hrpE Activates Host Immune Response against Pathogen. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169144. [PMID: 36012409 PMCID: PMC9409176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) caused by Acidovorax citrulli (Ac) is a devastating watermelon disease that severely impacts the global watermelon industry. Like other Gram-negative bacteria, the type three secretion system (T3SS) is the main pathogenicity factor of A. citrulli. The T3SS apparatus gene hrpE codes for the Hrp pilus and serves as a conduit to secret effector proteins into host cells. In this study, we found that the deletion of hrpE in A. citrulli results in the loss of pathogenicity on hosts and the hypersensitive response on non-hosts. In addition, the A. citrulli hrpE mutant showed a reduction in in vitro growth, in planta colonization, swimming and twitching motility, and displayed increases in biofilm formation ability compared to the wild type. However, when HrpE was transiently expressed in hosts, the defense responses, including reactive oxygen species bursts, callose deposition, and expression of defense-related genes, were activated. Thus, the A. Citrulli growth in HrpE-pretreated hosts was suppressed. These results indicated that HrpE is essential for A. citrulli virulence but can also be used by hosts to help resist A. citrulli. Our findings provide a better understanding of the T3SS pathogenesis in A. citrulli, thus providing a molecular basis for biopesticide development, and facilitating the effective control of BFB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqin Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Nuoya Fei
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Linlin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Pei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ron Walcott
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Yuwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (T.Z.)
| | - Tingchang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (T.Z.)
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12
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Wang Y, Zhao Y, Xia L, Chen L, Liao Y, Chen B, Liu Y, Gong W, Tian Y, Hu B. yggS Encoding Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate Binding Protein Is Required for Acidovorax citrulli Virulence. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:783862. [PMID: 35087487 PMCID: PMC8787154 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.783862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial fruit blotch, caused by seed-borne pathogen Acidovorax citrulli, poses a serious threat to the production of cucurbits globally. Although the disease can cause substantial economic losses, limited information is available about the molecular mechanisms of virulence. This study identified that, a random transposon insertion mutant impaired in the ability to elicit a hypersensitive response on tobacco. The disrupted gene in this mutant was determined to be Aave_0638, which is predicted to encode a YggS family pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme. YggS is a highly conserved protein among multiple organisms, and is responsible for maintaining the homeostasis of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and amino acids in cells. yggS deletion mutant of A. citrulli strain XjL12 displayed attenuated virulence, delayed hypersensitive response, less tolerance to H2O2 and pyridoxine, increased sensitivity to antibiotic β-chloro-D-alanine, and reduced swimming. In addition, RNA-Seq analysis demonstrated that yggS was involved in regulating the expression of certain pathogenicity-associated genes related to secretion, motility, quorum sensing and oxidative stress response. Importantly, YggS significantly affected type III secretion system and its effectors in vitro. Collectively, our results suggest that YggS is indispensable for A.citrulli virulence and expands the role of YggS in the biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjie Wang
- College of Plant Protection and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqiang Zhao
- Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-sen), Nanjing, China
| | - Liming Xia
- College of Plant Protection and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- College of Plant Protection and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yajie Liao
- College of Plant Protection and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baohui Chen
- College of Plant Protection and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiyang Liu
- College of Plant Protection and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weirong Gong
- Plant Protection and Quarantine Station of Province, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanli Tian
- College of Plant Protection and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baishi Hu
- College of Plant Protection and Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Lee J, Heo L, Han SW. Comparative Proteomic Analysis for a Putative Pyridoxal Phosphate-Dependent Aminotransferase Required for Virulence in Acidovorax citrulli. THE PLANT PATHOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 37:673-680. [PMID: 34897258 PMCID: PMC8666244 DOI: 10.5423/ppj.nt.09.2021.0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Acidovorax citrulli (Ac) is the causative agent of bacterial fruit blotch disease in watermelon. Since resistant cultivars have not yet been developed, the virulence factors/mechanisms of Ac need to be characterized. This study reports the functions of a putative pyridoxal phosphate-dependent aminotransferase (PpdaAc) that transfers amino groups to its substrates and uses pyridoxal phosphate as a coenzyme. It was observed that a ppdaAc knockout mutant had a significantly reduced virulence in watermelon when introduced via germinated-seed inoculation as well as leaf infiltration. Comparative proteomic analysis predicted the cellular mechanisms related to PpdaAc. Apart from causing virulence, the PpdaAc may have significant roles in energy production, cell membrane, motility, chemotaxis, post-translational modifications, and iron-related mechanisms. Therefore, it is postulated that PpdaAc may possess pleiotropic effects. These results provide new insights into the functions of a previously unidentified PpdaAc in Ac.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sang-Wook Han
- Corresponding author: Phone) +82-31-670-3150, FAX) +82-2-670-8845, E-mail)
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14
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Rahimi-Midani A, Kim MJ, Choi TJ. Identification of a Cupin Protein Gene Responsible for Pathogenicity, Phage Susceptibility and LPS Synthesis of Acidovorax citrulli. THE PLANT PATHOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 37:555-565. [PMID: 34897248 PMCID: PMC8666233 DOI: 10.5423/ppj.oa.08.2021.0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Bacteriophages infecting Acidovorax citrulli, the causal agent of bacterial fruit blotch, have been proven to be effective for the prevention and control of this disease. However, the occurrence of bacteriophage-resistant bacteria is one of hurdles in phage biocontrol and the understanding of phage resistance in this bacterium is an essential step. In this study, we aim to investigate possible phage resistance of A. citrulli and relationship between phage resistance and pathogenicity, and to isolate and characterize the genes involved in these phenomena. A phage-resistant and less-virulent mutant named as AC-17-G1 was isolated among 3,264 A. citrulli Tn5 mutants through serial spot assays and plaque assays followed by pathogenicity test using seed coating method. The mutant has the integrated Tn5 in the middle of a cupin protein gene. This mutant recovered its pathogenicity and phage sensitivity by complementation with corresponding wild-type gene. Site-directed mutation of this gene from wild-type by CRISPR/Cas9 system resulted in the loss of pathogenicity and acquisition of phage resistance. The growth of AC-17-G1 in King's B medium was much less than the wild-type, but the growth turned into normal in the medium supplemented with D-mannose 6-phosphate or D-fructose 6-phosphate indicating the cupin protein functions as a phosphomannos isomerase. Sodium dodecyl sulfa analysis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from the mutant was smaller than that from wild-type. All these data suggest that the cupin protein is a phosphomannos isomerase involved in LPS synthesis, and LPS is an important determinant of pathogenicity and phage susceptibility of A. citrulli.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Min-Jung Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513,
Korea
| | - Tae-Jin Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513,
Korea
- Division of Marine Biosciences, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513,
Korea
- Corresponding author: Phone) +82-51-620-6367, FAX) +82-51-611-6358, E-mail)
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15
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The HrpG/HrpX Regulon of Xanthomonads-An Insight to the Complexity of Regulation of Virulence Traits in Phytopathogenic Bacteria. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9010187. [PMID: 33467109 PMCID: PMC7831014 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas cause a wide variety of economically important diseases in most crops. The virulence of the majority of Xanthomonas spp. is dependent on secretion and translocation of effectors by the type 3 secretion system (T3SS) that is controlled by two master transcriptional regulators HrpG and HrpX. Since their discovery in the 1990s, the two regulators were the focal point of many studies aiming to decipher the regulatory network that controls pathogenicity in Xanthomonas bacteria. HrpG controls the expression of HrpX, which subsequently controls the expression of T3SS apparatus genes and effectors. The HrpG/HrpX regulon is activated in planta and subjected to tight metabolic and genetic regulation. In this review, we cover the advances made in understanding the regulatory networks that control and are controlled by the HrpG/HrpX regulon and their conservation between different Xanthomonas spp.
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16
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Zhang X, Yang Y, Zhao M, Yang L, Jiang J, Walcott R, Yang S, Zhao T. Acidovorax citrulli Type III Effector AopP Suppresses Plant Immunity by Targeting the Watermelon Transcription Factor WRKY6. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:579218. [PMID: 33329640 PMCID: PMC7718035 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.579218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Acidovorax citrulli (Ac) is the causal agent of bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), and BFB poses a threat to global watermelon production. Despite its economic importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying Ac pathogenicity and virulence are not well understood, particularly with regard to its type III secreted effectors. We identify a new effector, AopP, in Ac and confirm its secretion and translocation. AopP suppresses reactive oxygen species burst and salicylic acid (SA) content and significantly contributes to virulence. Interestingly, AopP interacts with a watermelon transcription factor, ClWRKY6, in vivo and in vitro. ClWRKY6 shows typical nuclear localization, and AopP and ClWRKY6 co-localize in the nucleus. Ac infection, SA, and the pathogen-associated molecular pattern flg22 Ac promote ClWRKY6 production, suggesting that ClWRKY6 is involved in plant immunity and SA signaling. Furthermore, ClWRKY6 positively regulates PTI and SA production when expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Importantly, AopP reduces ClWRKY6 mRNA and ClWRKY6 protein levels, suggesting that AopP suppresses plant immunity by targeting ClWRKY6. In summary, we identify a novel effector associated with the virulence mechanism of Ac, which interacts with the transcription factor of the natural host, watermelon. The findings of this study provide insights into the mechanisms of watermelon immune responses and may facilitate molecular breeding for bacterial fruit blotch resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Linlin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ron Walcott
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingchang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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17
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Zhang X, Zhao M, Jiang J, Yang L, Yang Y, Yang S, Walcott R, Qiu D, Zhao T. Identification and Functional Analysis of AopN, an Acidovorax Citrulli Effector that Induces Programmed Cell Death in Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6050. [PMID: 32842656 PMCID: PMC7504669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), caused by Acidovorax citrulli, seriously affects watermelon and other cucurbit crops, resulting in significant economic losses. However, the pathogenicity mechanism of A. citrulli is not well understood. Plant pathogenic bacteria often suppress the plant immune response by secreting effector proteins. Thus, identifying A. citrulli effector proteins and determining their functions may improve our understanding of the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. In this study, a novel effector, AopN, which is localized on the cell membrane of Nicotiana benthamiana, was identified. The functional analysis revealed that AopN significantly inhibited the flg22-induced reactive oxygen species burst. AopN induced a programmed cell death (PCD) response. Unlike its homologous protein, the ability of AopN to induce PCD was dependent on two motifs of unknown functions (including DUP4129 and Cpta_toxin), but was not dependent on LXXLL domain. More importantly, the virulence of the aopN mutant of A. citrulli in N. benthamiana significantly decreased, indicating that it was a core effector. Further analysis revealed that AopN interacted with watermelon ClHIPP and ClLTP, which responds to A. citrulli strain Aac5 infection at the transcription level. Collectively, these findings indicate that AopN suppresses plant immunity and activates the effector-triggered immunity pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (J.J.); (L.Y.); (Y.Y.); (D.Q.)
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (M.Z.); (R.W.)
| | - Jie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (J.J.); (L.Y.); (Y.Y.); (D.Q.)
| | - Linlin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (J.J.); (L.Y.); (Y.Y.); (D.Q.)
| | - Yuwen Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (J.J.); (L.Y.); (Y.Y.); (D.Q.)
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China;
| | - Ron Walcott
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (M.Z.); (R.W.)
| | - Dewen Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (J.J.); (L.Y.); (Y.Y.); (D.Q.)
| | - Tingchang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (X.Z.); (J.J.); (L.Y.); (Y.Y.); (D.Q.)
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18
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Zhang H, Wei J, Qian W, Deng C. Analysis of HrpG regulons and HrpG-interacting proteins by ChIP-seq and affinity proteomics in Xanthomonas campestris. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2020; 21:388-400. [PMID: 31916392 PMCID: PMC7036363 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Gamma-proteobacteria Xanthomonas spp. cause at least 350 different plant diseases among important agricultural crops, which result in serious yield losses. Xanthomonas spp. rely mainly on the type III secretion system (T3SS) to infect their hosts and induce a hypersensitive response in nonhosts. HrpG, the master regulator of the T3SS, plays the dominant role in bacterial virulence. In this study, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) and tandem affinity purification (TAP) to systematically characterize the HrpG regulon and HrpG interacting proteins in vivo. We obtained 186 candidate HrpG downstream genes from the ChIP-seq analysis, which represented the genomic-wide regulon spectrum. A consensus HrpG-binding motif was obtained and three T3SS genes, hpa2, hrcU, and hrpE, were confirmed to be directly transcriptionally activated by HrpG in the inducing medium. A total of 273 putative HrpG interacting proteins were identified from the TAP data and the DNA-binding histone-like HU protein of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (HUxcc ) was proved to be involved in bacterial virulence by increasing the complexity and intelligence of the bacterial signalling pathways in the T3SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong‐Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant GenomicsInstitute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jin‐Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Plant GenomicsInstitute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Wei Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Plant GenomicsInstitute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Chao‐Ying Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Plant GenomicsInstitute of MicrobiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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19
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Jiménez‐Guerrero I, Pérez‐Montaño F, Da Silva GM, Wagner N, Shkedy D, Zhao M, Pizarro L, Bar M, Walcott R, Sessa G, Pupko T, Burdman S. Show me your secret(ed) weapons: a multifaceted approach reveals a wide arsenal of type III-secreted effectors in the cucurbit pathogenic bacterium Acidovorax citrulli and novel effectors in the Acidovorax genus. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2020; 21:17-37. [PMID: 31643123 PMCID: PMC6913199 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The cucurbit pathogenic bacterium Acidovorax citrulli requires a functional type III secretion system (T3SS) for pathogenicity. In this bacterium, as with Xanthomonas and Ralstonia spp., an AraC-type transcriptional regulator, HrpX, regulates expression of genes encoding T3SS components and type III-secreted effectors (T3Es). The annotation of a sequenced A. citrulli strain revealed 11 T3E genes. Assuming that this could be an underestimation, we aimed to uncover the T3E arsenal of the A. citrulli model strain, M6. Thorough sequence analysis revealed 51 M6 genes whose products are similar to known T3Es. Furthermore, we combined machine learning and transcriptomics to identify novel T3Es. The machine-learning approach ranked all A. citrulli M6 genes according to their propensity to encode T3Es. RNA-Seq revealed differential gene expression between wild-type M6 and a mutant defective in HrpX: 159 and 28 genes showed significantly reduced and increased expression in the mutant relative to wild-type M6, respectively. Data combined from these approaches led to the identification of seven novel T3E candidates that were further validated using a T3SS-dependent translocation assay. These T3E genes encode hypothetical proteins that seem to be restricted to plant pathogenic Acidovorax species. Transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana revealed that two of these T3Es localize to the cell nucleus and one interacts with the endoplasmic reticulum. This study places A. citrulli among the 'richest' bacterial pathogens in terms of T3E cargo. It also revealed novel T3Es that appear to be involved in the pathoadaptive evolution of plant pathogenic Acidovorax species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Jiménez‐Guerrero
- Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyThe Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and EnvironmentThe Hebrew University of JerusalemRehovotIsrael
| | - Francisco Pérez‐Montaño
- Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyThe Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and EnvironmentThe Hebrew University of JerusalemRehovotIsrael
- Department of MicrobiologyUniversity of SevilleSevilleSpain
| | - Gustavo Mateus Da Silva
- Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyThe Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and EnvironmentThe Hebrew University of JerusalemRehovotIsrael
| | - Naama Wagner
- The School of Molecular Cell Biology and BiotechnologyThe George S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Dafna Shkedy
- The School of Molecular Cell Biology and BiotechnologyThe George S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Plant PathologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Lorena Pizarro
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed ResearchAgricultural Research OrganizationThe Volcani CenterBet DaganIsrael
| | - Maya Bar
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed ResearchAgricultural Research OrganizationThe Volcani CenterBet DaganIsrael
| | - Ron Walcott
- Department of Plant PathologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Guido Sessa
- School of Plant Sciences and Food SecurityThe George S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Tal Pupko
- The School of Molecular Cell Biology and BiotechnologyThe George S. Wise Faculty of Life SciencesTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Saul Burdman
- Department of Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyThe Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and EnvironmentThe Hebrew University of JerusalemRehovotIsrael
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20
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Kim M, Lee J, Heo L, Han SW. Putative Bifunctional Chorismate Mutase/Prephenate Dehydratase Contributes to the Virulence of Acidovorax citrulli. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:569552. [PMID: 33101336 PMCID: PMC7546022 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.569552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Acidovorax citrulli (Ac) is a plant pathogenic bacterium that causes bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) in cucurbit crops. Despite its importance in the cucurbit industry, resistant cultivars/lines against BFB have not yet been identified. Therefore, there is a need to characterize the virulence factors/mechanisms in Ac to control the disease. Chorismate mutase, a key enzyme in the shikimate pathway, produces aromatic amino acids. Here, we report the functions of putative bifunctional chorismate mutase/prephenate dehydratase in Ac (CmpAc) determined by proteomic analysis and phenotypic assays. Ac strain lacking CmpAc, AcΔcmpAc(EV), were significantly less virulent on watermelon in the germinated-seed inoculation and leaf infiltration assays. Sequence analysis revealed that CmpAc possesses two distinct domains: chorismate mutase and prephenate dehydratase, indicating that CmpAc is a bifunctional protein. Auxotrophic assays demonstrated that CmpAc is required for the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, but not tyrosine. The comparative proteomic analysis revealed that CmpAc is mostly involved in cell wall/membrane/envelop biogenesis. Furthermore, AcΔcmpAc(EV) showed reduced twitching halo production and enhanced biofilm formation. In addition, AcΔcmpAc(EV) was less tolerant to osmotic stress but more tolerant to antibiotics (polymyxin B). Thus, our study provides new insights into the functions of a putative bifunctional protein related to virulence in Ac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyoung Kim
- Department of Plant Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
| | - Jongchan Lee
- Department of Plant Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
| | - Lynn Heo
- Department of Plant Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
| | - Sang-Wook Han
- Department of Plant Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, South Korea
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21
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Ma YN, Chen L, Si NG, Jiang WJ, Zhou ZG, Liu JL, Zhang LQ. Identification of Benzyloxy Carbonimidoyl Dicyanide Derivatives as Novel Type III Secretion System Inhibitors via High-Throughput Screening. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1059. [PMID: 31543889 PMCID: PMC6739442 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The type III secretion system (T3SS) in many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens is regarded as the most critical virulence determinant and an attractive target for novel anti-virulence drugs. In this study, we constructed a T3SS secretion reporter containing the β-lactamase gene fused with a signal peptide sequence of the T3SS effector gene, and established a high-throughput screening system for T3SS inhibitors in the plant pathogenic bacterium Acidovorax citrulli. From a library of 12,000 chemical compounds, we identified a series of benzyloxy carbonimidoyl dicyanide (BCD) derivatives that effectively blocked T3SS-dependent β-lactamase secretion. Substitution of halogens or nitro groups at the para-position on the benzene ring contributed to an increased inhibitory activity. One representative compound, BCD03 (3,4-dichloro-benzyloxy carbonimidoyl dicyanide), dramatically reduced pathogenicity of A. citrulli on melon seedlings, and attenuated hypersensitive responses in the non-host Nicotiana tabacum caused by pathogenic bacteria A. citrulli, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato at sub-MIC concentrations. Western blotting assay further confirmed that BCD03 inhibited effector secretion from the above bacteria via T3SS in the liquid medium. Taken together, our data suggest that BCD derivatives act as novel inhibitors of T3SS in multiple plant bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Nan Ma
- Department of Plant Pathology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Plant Pathology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of the Discovery and Development of Novel Pesticide, Shenyang Sinochem Agrochemicals R&D Co., Ltd, Shenyang, China
| | - Nai-Guo Si
- State Key Laboratory of the Discovery and Development of Novel Pesticide, Shenyang Sinochem Agrochemicals R&D Co., Ltd, Shenyang, China
| | - Wen-Jun Jiang
- Department of Plant Pathology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhou
- China-Norway Joint Lab on Fish Gut Microbiota, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of the Discovery and Development of Novel Pesticide, Shenyang Sinochem Agrochemicals R&D Co., Ltd, Shenyang, China
| | - Li-Qun Zhang
- Department of Plant Pathology and MOA Key Laboratory of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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