Study of Frankia Symbionts and Their Secreted Proteins
Author Information
Author(s): Mastronunzio Juliana E, Tisa Louis S, Normand Philippe, Benson David R
Primary Institution: University of Connecticut
Hypothesis
The relative lack of secreted polysaccharide-degrading enzymes in Frankia reflects a strategy used by these bacteria to avoid eliciting host defense responses.
Conclusion
The predicted secretomes of Frankia sp. are relatively small and include few hydrolases, suggesting that plant cell wall polysaccharide degradation may not be crucial to root infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Frankia strains have conserved secretion systems but a smaller secretome compared to other actinobacteria.
- Only a small fraction of predicted secreted proteins are hydrolases.
- The core Frankia secretome includes proteins that may facilitate symbiotic interactions.
Takeaway
Frankia bacteria, which help some plants grow, don't release many enzymes to break down plant cell walls, possibly to avoid making the plants defensive.
Methodology
Genome-based secretome analysis using signal peptide detection algorithms to predict secreted proteins.
Limitations
The study is limited by the lack of genetic tools for generating Frankia mutants and the slow growth of Frankia strains.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website