In vitro Determination of Extracellular Proteins from Xylella fastidiosa

Author(s)

Mendes, Juliano S. ; Santiago, Andre S. ; Toledo, Marcelo A. S. ; Horta, Maria A. C. ; de Souza, Alessandra A. ; Tasic, Ljubica ; de Souza, Anete P.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY; v. 7, DEC 26 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

The phytopathogen Xylella fastidiosa causes economic losses in important agricultural crops. Xylem vessel occlusion caused by biofilm formation is the major mechanism underlying the pathogenicity of distinct strains of X. fastidiosa. Here, we provide a detailed in vitro characterization of the extracellular proteins of X. fastidiosa. Based on the results, we performed a comparison with a strain J1a12, which cannot induce citrus variegated chlorosis symptoms when inoculated into citrus plants. We then extend this approach to analyze the extracellular proteins of X. fastidiosa in media supplemented with calcium. We verified increases in extracellular proteins concomitant with the days of growth and, consequently, biofilm development (330 days). Outer membrane vesicles carrying toxins were identified beginning at 10 days of growth in the 9a5c strain. In addition, a decrease in extracellular proteins in media supplemented with calcium was observed in both strains. Using mass spectrometry, 71 different proteins were identified during 30 days of X. fastidiosa biofilm development, including proteases, quorum-sensing proteins, biofilm formation proteins, hypothetical proteins, phage-related proteins, chaperones, toxins, antitoxins, and extracellular vesicle membrane components. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/51580-4 - Molecular and functional characterization of proteins potentially related to the phytopatogenicity of biofilm-forming bacteria Xylella fastidiosa
• Grantee: Anete Pereira de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants