Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025
11:45
Fluorescence Live-cell Imaging of the Complete Vegetative Cell Cycle of the Slow-growing Social Bacterium Myxococcus xanthus
Published on: June 20, 2018
9.5K
Genetic and Functional Diversity Help Explain Pathogenic, Weakly Pathogenic, and Commensal Lifestyles in the Genus
Michelle M Pena1,2, Rishi Bhandari1, Robert M Bowers3
1Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
Genome Biology and Evolution
|April 22, 2024
Summary
This study reveals unexplored diversity in nonpathogenic Xanthomonas, identifying genomic traits linked to their ecological strategies. These findings help understand the evolution from commensals to plant pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The genus Xanthomonas is known for plant pathogenicity.
- Nonpathogenic strains exist as commensals or weak pathogens in various environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diversity and evolution of nonpathogenic Xanthomonas.
- To identify genomic traits associated with different ecological strategies.
- To understand the transition from commensalism to pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing genomes of 83 Xanthomonas strains.
- Phylogenetic analysis and co-occurrence studies.
- Association analysis on 337 Xanthomonas strains.
Main Results:
- Identified eight novel Xanthomonas species, highlighting unexplored diversity.
- Observed loss of the type III secretion system (hrp2 cluster) in some nonpathogenic strains, but no clear lifestyle association.
- Found distinct genes for nutrient utilization, transcriptional regulation, and chemotaxis linked to lifestyle adaptations.
Conclusions:
- Genomic traits like transcriptional regulators and nutrient utilization genes differentiate Xanthomonas lifestyles.
- The hrp2 cluster's role in lifestyle adaptation requires further investigation.
- This study provides a framework for understanding Xanthomonas ecological strategies.
Related Concept Videos
03:21Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes
8.0K
While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major factor that impacts genome size is whether the organism is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. In prokaryotes, the genome contains little to no non-coding sequence, such that genes are tightly clustered in groups or operons sequentially along the chromosome. Conversely, the genes in eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of non-coding sequence.
8.0K
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
35.3K
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
35.3K
02:13Overview of Transposition and Recombination
15.5K
Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
15.5K
00:58Symbiosis
27.9K
Symbiotic relationships are long-term, close interactions between individuals of different species that affect the distribution and abundance of those species. When a relationship is beneficial to both species, this is called mutualism. When the relationship is beneficial to one species but neither beneficial nor harmful to the other species, this is called commensalism. When one organism is harmed to benefit another, the relationship is known as parasitism. These types of relationships often...
27.9K
02:32Exon Recombination
3.6K
The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes.
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon...
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon...
3.6K
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
1.4K
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
1.4K