A Xanthomonas Pathogenicity Locus Is Induced by Sucrose and Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids

Expression of hrp (hypersensitive reaction and pathogenicity) genes from Xanthomonas campestris pv vesicatoria is suppressed in complex media but induced in the plant. We examined the effects of macronutrients on transcription of hrp-gusA ([beta]-glucuronidase) fusions by growth of the bacteria in defined medium. Modified MM1 minimal medium, supplemented with casamino acids, was able to induce hrpF strongly when sucrose or fructose was added as a carbon source. However, high concentrations of casamino acids suppressed hrpF induction. Sulfur-containing amino acids were required for induction, with methionine induction being comparable to induction in plants. Both sucrose and methionine were required for induction. Induction in medium optimal for hrpF induction, designated XVM1, occurred at pH 5.5 to pH 7.5. High concentrations of phosphate or sodium chloride suppressed gene activation. Gene induction was inhibited by succinate, citrate, pyruvate, and glutamine. Expression levels of different hrp loci from X. c. vesicatoria in XVM1 varied, dependent on the genetic background of the Xanthomonas strain used. The results suggest that several control mechanisms might be involved in the expression of hrp genes.