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Microbe Profile: Pectobacterium atrosepticum: an enemy at the door
1Cell and Molecular Sciences, James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, UK.
Microbiology (Reading, England)
|August 2, 2022
Summary
Pectobacterium atrosepticum, a soft rot bacterium, possesses horizontally acquired genes enabling plant pathogen survival. These genes facilitate the production of enzymes and toxins crucial for plant disease.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Pectobacterium atrosepticum belongs to the Pectobacteriaceae family, causing widespread crop diseases.
- This genus is closely related to Enterobacteriaceae, with some species acting as opportunistic pathogens in animals and humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic basis of Pectobacterium atrosepticum's pathogenicity.
- To understand the role of horizontally acquired genes in plant-associated lifestyles.
Main Methods:
- Genomic analysis of Pectobacterium atrosepticum.
- Identification and characterization of horizontally acquired genomic islands.
Main Results:
- Horizontally acquired genomic islands in P. atrosepticum contain genes for plant cell wall degrading enzymes.
- These islands also encode plant toxins and siderophores essential for virulence.
- Genes are exported via multiple secretion systems under coordinated regulation.
Conclusions:
- Horizontally acquired genes are critical for Pectobacterium atrosepticum's ability to colonize and infect plants.
- The genomic makeup supports its role as a significant plant pathogen.
Keywords:
Pectobacterium atrosepticum
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