Uncovering the interaction of the bacteria Xanthomonas albilineans and Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus with the sugarcane endophytic microbiome

• Grant number: 17/21880-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: March 01, 2018
• End date: April 30, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Marie-Anne Van Sluys
• Grantee: Juliane Karine Ishida
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/17545-8 - Genes, genomes & transposable elements contribution to plant-microbe interaction: a sugarcane study case, AP.BIOEN.TEM

Abstract

A surprising number of microorganisms colonizes sugarcane. Several of them are associated with profound effects on plant growth and development, nutrition, tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses. The endophytic bacterium Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus promotes the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen and alleviates the symptoms of leaf scald disease caused by the pathogenic agent Xanthomonas albilineans. Despite their biological relevance and promising biotechnological applications, the molecular mechanisms of the host-microorganisms remain elusive. Here we propose to study the interaction of sugarcane with G. diazotrophicus and X. albilineans through large-scale sequencing analysis. We will investigate: (1) the shared host responses or (2) those preferentially activated by the beneficial and pathogenic bacteria; (3) and the up- and down-regulated bacterial genes after plant interaction. In addition, the gene sequencing of 16S and 18S rDNAs will be applied to unravel the structure of endophytic microbial community and its variations after the introduction of G. diazotrophicus and X. albilineans. In short, at the end of the project we will be able to understand how the symbiotic bacteria interact with their host and with the surrounding environment. Our results will provide relevant biotechnology tools for a sustainable agricultural practice. (AU)