Dissecting the dynamics of the Xanthomonas citri - Dictyostelium discoideum interaction

• Grant number: 23/14811-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Cristina Elisa Alvarez Martinez
• Grantee: Cristina Elisa Alvarez Martinez
• Principal researcher abroad: Thierry SOLDATI
• Institution abroad: Université de Genève, Switzerland
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/06555-3 - Molecular mechanisms of the Xanthomonas citri resistance to Dictyostelium discoideum predation and the role of the type VI secretion system, AP.R

Abstract

Bacterial secretion systems are protein nanomachines that specifically translocate protein substrates (effectors) to target cells or to the extracellular milieu, playing major roles in biotic and abiotic interactions. Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are widespread in Proteobacteria and have been mainly characterized for their roles as antibacterial weapons in interspecies competition. Several anti-eukaryotic T6SSs have also been identified, playing major roles in virulence and host colonization, but their effectors and mechanisms of secretion remain largely ellusive. The T6SS of the phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas citri is required for resistance to predation by the soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, possibly having a substantial impact on bacterial fitness and dissemination. A research project between our research groups is in progress, aiming to elucidate several key mechanistic aspects of the X. citri - Dd interaction and the role of the X. citri T6SS in this interaction. Therefore, this mobility project will involve exchange visits of research group members from UNICAMP and University of Geneva for data analysis and brainstorming sessions to evaluate the progress of the ongoing project, strenghten the scientific interaction between the research groups, data collection and training on tecniques used by each laboratory involved in the collaboration. (AU)