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Identification of Post-translational Modifications of Plant Protein Complexes
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Published on: February 22, 2014

Host recognition and integration of filamentous phage phiRSM in the phytopathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum

Ahmed Askora1, Takeru Kawasaki, Shoji Usami

  • 1Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Graduate School of Advanced Sciences of Matter, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan.

Virology
|December 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Two new filamentous phages, varphiRSM3 and varphiRSM4, were discovered in Ralstonia solanacearum. These phages influence bacterial aggregation and reduce virulence in tomato plants.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Plant Pathology

Background:

  • Ralstonia solanacearum is a significant plant pathogen.
  • Filamentous phages can influence bacterial behavior and virulence.
  • Previous studies identified filamentous phage varphiRSM1 in R. solanacearum.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize novel filamentous phages in Ralstonia solanacearum.
  • To investigate the genetic differences and functional impact of these phages.
  • To understand the role of phages in bacterial aggregation and virulence.

Main Methods:

  • Prophage isolation and characterization.
  • PCR amplification and transfection for phage conversion.
  • Nucleotide sequencing and comparative genomics.
  • Gel electrophoresis for fimbriae analysis.
  • Virulence assays in tomato plants.

Main Results:

  • Two new prophages, varphiRSM3 and varphiRSM4, were detected in R. solanacearum strains.
  • varphiRSM3 was converted to infectious phage and sequenced, showing high conservation with varphiRSM1 except for specific ORFs.
  • Differences in ORF9, encoding the adsorption protein, correlated with distinct host ranges and fimbriae patterns.
  • Infection by varphiRSM1 and varphiRSM3 enhanced bacterial cell aggregation and reduced virulence in tomato.

Conclusions:

  • Novel filamentous phages varphiRSM3 and varphiRSM4 are present in Ralstonia solanacearum.
  • These phages exhibit distinct host ranges and influence bacterial cell aggregation.
  • Phage infection can attenuate the virulence of R. solanacearum in tomato plants, suggesting potential applications in disease control.

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