Regulators Involved in Dickeya solani Virulence, Genetic Conservation and Functional Variability
Marta Potrykus1, Małgorzata Golanowska1, Nicole Hugouvieux-Cotte-Pattat2
11 Department of Biotechnology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Kladki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland.
Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions : MPMI
|November 15, 2016
Summary
Dickeya solani, a potato pathogen, has virulence regulated by specific genes. Key regulators PecT, PecS, KdgR, and quorum sensing molecules ExpI/ExpR control virulence factor production, impacting disease severity.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Bacteriology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Dickeya solani is a significant bacterial pathogen causing potato diseases in Europe.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the regulation of Dickeya solani virulence factors.
- Genetic similarity among Dickeya solani strains contrasts with observed differences in potato virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory mechanisms controlling Dickeya solani virulence.
- To characterize the roles of specific negative regulators (KdgR, PecS, PecT) and quorum sensing systems (ExpI, ExpR) in virulence.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic characterization of four Dickeya solani strains, including virulence assays on potato.
- Construction and analysis of mutants with inactivated virulence regulatory genes (kdgR, pecS, pecT, expI, expR).
- Assessment of virulence factor production, including pectate lyase, cellulase, protease, and biosurfactant activity.
Main Results:
- PecS, PecT, and KdgR function as negative regulators of virulence factor synthesis in Dickeya solani, similar to Dickeya dadantii.
- The thermoregulator PecT is identified as a major virulence regulator in Dickeya solani.
- Quorum sensing mediated by ExpI and ExpR plays a crucial role in Dickeya solani virulence on potato.
Conclusions:
- Dickeya solani virulence is significantly influenced by the interplay of negative regulators and quorum sensing.
- Targeting these regulatory pathways, particularly PecT and quorum sensing, offers potential strategies for disease management.
- Understanding virulence regulation is key to controlling potato diseases caused by Dickeya solani.
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