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Updated: May 10, 2026

Single-Cell Analysis of the Expression of Pseudomonas syringae Genes within the Plant Tissue
Published on: October 6, 2022
Testing temperature-induced proteomic changes in the plant-associated bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25
C G Knight1, X X Zhang, A Gunn
1Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK. Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK. Oxford Glycobiology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK. New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study and Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, North Shore Mail Centre 0745, Auckland, New Zealand.
Bacterial adaptation to cooler temperatures is crucial for ecological success. This study reveals specific proteins in Pseudomonas fluorescens that enhance plant colonization at 14°C, highlighting temperature-dependent fitness strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Physiology
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial ecological performance is influenced by environmental factors, yet traits enhancing adaptation are not fully understood.
- Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25, a saprophytic plant colonizer, naturally encounters temperatures cooler than standard laboratory conditions (28°C).
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify temperature-responsive proteins in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25.
- To investigate the ecological significance of these proteins at environmentally relevant temperatures (14°C vs. 28°C).
Main Methods:
- Comparative proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry to identify differentially expressed proteins between 14°C and 28°C.
- Genetic analysis of selected temperature-responsive genes to assess their fitness contribution.
- In vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate bacterial colonization of plant environments.
Main Results:
- Out of 2102 protein isoforms analyzed, 32 were identified as temperature-responsive.
- Seven proteins (OmpR, MucD, GuaD, OsmY, Tee1, Tee2, Tee3) were selected for further study, with expression changes mirrored at the transcriptional level.
- Genes encoding these proteins showed greater fitness contributions at 14°C than 28°C, with MucD and Tee2 exhibiting fitness trade-offs.
Conclusions:
- Temperature significantly impacts the expression and function of bacterial proteins, influencing ecological fitness.
- OsmY and MucD are key temperature-responsive proteins that substantially contribute to Pseudomonas fluorescens plant colonization.
- Understanding bacterial adaptation to temperature is vital for predicting their ecological roles and developing biotechnological applications.
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