Deletion of pilA, a Minor Pilin-Like Gene, from Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Influences Bacterial Physiology and Pathogenesis

Curr Microbiol. 2016 Dec;73(6):904-914. doi: 10.1007/s00284-016-1138-1. Epub 2016 Sep 24.

Abstract

Type IV pili (Tfp) are widely distributed adhesins of bacterial surfaces. In plant pathogenic bacteria, Tfp are involved in host colonization and pathogenesis. Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) is the phytopathogen responsible for citrus canker disease. In this work, three Tfp structural genes, fimA, fimA1, and pilA from Xcc were studied. A pilA mutant strain from Xcc (XccΔpilA) was constructed and differences in physiological features, such as motilities, adhesion, and biofilm formation, were observed. A structural study of the purified Tfp fractions from Xcc wild-type and Xcc∆pilA showed that pilins are glycosylated in both strains and that FimA and FimA1 are the main structural components of the pili. Furthermore, smaller lesion symptoms and reduced bacterial growth were produced by Xcc∆pilA in orange plants compared to the wild-type strain. These results indicate that the minor pilin-like gene, pilA, is involved in Tfp performance during the infection process.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Citrus / microbiology*
  • Fimbriae Proteins / genetics
  • Fimbriae Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Deletion
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology*
  • Virulence
  • Xanthomonas / genetics
  • Xanthomonas / metabolism*
  • Xanthomonas / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Fimbriae Proteins