Characterization of Burkholderia sp. genes associated to biological control of pathogens

• Grant number: 13/02124-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: April 15, 2013
• End date: July 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Welington Luiz de Araújo
• Grantee: Welington Luiz de Araújo
• Host Investigator: Joyce Loper
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Oregon State University (OSU), United States

Abstract

The genus Burkholderia is a Gram-negative bacteria, that present a high physiological and genetic diversity. Bacteria belonging to this genus are currently being subject to studies and have been widely used for many biotechnological applications, such as agricultural management (biocontrol agents, plant growth promoters), in bioremediation/biodegradation and as producer of important industrial, medicine and agriculture important molecules. In a previous study (Proc. FAPESP no. 2008/52407-9; no. 2008/52406-2; no. 08/56505-5), a mutant library was generated using the Burkholderia cenocepacea strain TC3.4.2R3. This bacterium was previously isolated endophytically from roots sugarcane (Proc. FAPESP 2002/14143-3), and used to control of plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria, as well as antibiotic producer. Some mutants, defective to pathogens control, were characterized showing that some genes close to putative pyocin, patatin, modification enzymes and transcriptional factors are related to antimicrobial activity and defense responses in plants. Thus, this project aims to contribute to a better understanding of the involvement of these B. cenocepacia genes in biological process related to pathogens control and synthesis of bioactivity molecules. These genes, if better characterized, could contribute to development of applicable products and using appropriate technologies the generation of agricultural formulations, recombinant microorganisms, genetically modified plants, among other applications. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

ARAUJO, WELINGTON L.; CREASON, ALLISON L.; MANO, EMY T.; CAMARGO-NEVES, ALINE A.; MINAMI, SONIA N.; CHANG, JEFF H.; LOPER, JOYCE E.. Genome Sequencing and Transposon Mutagenesis of Burkholderia seminalis TC3.4.2R3 Identify Genes Contributing to Suppression of Orchid Necrosis Caused by B-gladioli. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS, v. 29, n. 6, p. 435-446, JUN 2016. (12/24217-6, 13/02124-9)