The ExpR/Sin quorum-sensing system controls succinoglycan production in Sinorhizobium meliloti

J Bacteriol. 2007 Oct;189(19):7077-88. doi: 10.1128/JB.00906-07. Epub 2007 Jul 20.

Abstract

Sinorhizobium meliloti is a gram-negative soil bacterium capable of forming a symbiotic nitrogen-fixing relationship with its plant host, Medicago sativa. Various bacterially produced factors are essential for successful nodulation. For example, at least one of two exopolysaccharides produced by S. meliloti (succinoglycan or EPS II) is required for nodule invasion. Both of these polymers are produced in high- and low-molecular-weight (HMW and LMW, respectively) fractions; however, only the LMW forms of either succinoglycan or EPS II are active in nodule invasion. The production of LMW succinoglycan can be generated by direct synthesis or through the depolymerization of HMW products by the action of two specific endoglycanases, ExsH and ExoK. Here, we show that the ExpR/Sin quorum-sensing system in S. meliloti is involved in the regulation of genes responsible for succinoglycan biosynthesis as well as in the production of LMW succinoglycan. Therefore, quorum sensing, which has been shown to regulate the production of EPS II, also plays an important role in succinoglycan biosynthesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
  • Models, Genetic
  • Molecular Weight
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • Quorum Sensing / genetics
  • Quorum Sensing / physiology*
  • Sinorhizobium meliloti / genetics
  • Sinorhizobium meliloti / metabolism*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial
  • succinoglycan