A Filamentous Hemagglutinin-Like Protein of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, the Phytopathogen Responsible for Citrus Canker, Is Involved in Bacterial Virulence
2009

Role of a Protein in Citrus Canker Pathogen Virulence

Sample size: 20 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Natalia Gottig, Betiana S. Garavaglia, Cecilia G. Orellano, Elena G. Ottado, Jorgelina Ottado

Primary Institution: Instituto de BiologĂ­a Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Argentina

Hypothesis

The hemagglutinin-like protein XacFhaB is involved in the virulence of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri.

Conclusion

XacFhaB is essential for the virulence of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, affecting adhesion, biofilm formation, and overall pathogenicity.

Supporting Evidence

  • XacFhaB mutants showed reduced virulence in both epiphytic and wound inoculations.
  • Adhesion assays indicated that XacFhaB is crucial for bacterial attachment to plant surfaces.
  • Biofilm formation was significantly impaired in the absence of XacFhaB.

Takeaway

A protein called XacFhaB helps a bacteria stick to plants and cause disease, and without it, the bacteria can't infect well.

Methodology

The study involved mutation analysis of XacFhaB and XacFhaC genes, expression analysis, and various inoculation methods on citrus plants.

Limitations

The study did not explore all potential transport partners for XacFhaB.

Participant Demographics

Citrus sinensis (orange) plants were used as the host for the experiments.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004358

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