Genetic and structural determinants on iron assimilation pathways in the plant pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri and Xanthomonas sp.

Author(s)

Guerra, Gabriel Soares ; Balan, Andrea

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Microbiology; v. 51, n. 3, p. 13-pg., 2019-12-17.

Abstract

Iron is a vital nutrient to bacteria, not only in the basal metabolism but also for virulent species in infection and pathogenicity at their hosts. Despite its relevance, the role of iron inXanthomonas citriinfection, the etiological agent of citrus canker disease, is poorly understood in contrast to other pathogens, including other members of theXanthomonasgenus. In this review, we present iron assimilation pathways inX. citriincluding the ones for siderophore production and siderophore-iron assimilation, proven to be key factors to virulence in many organisms likeEscherichia coliandXanthomonas campestris. Based on classical iron-related proteins previously characterized inE. coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and alsoXanthomonadaceae, we identified orthologs inX. citriand evaluated their sequences, structural characteristics such as functional motifs, and residues that support their putative functions. Among the identified proteins are TonB-dependent receptors, periplasmic-binding proteins, active transporters, efflux pumps, and cytoplasmic enzymes. The role of each protein for the bacterium was analyzed and complemented with proteomics data previously reported. The global view of different aspects of iron regulation and nutrition inX. citrivirulence and pathogenesis may help guide future investigations aiming the development of new drug targets against this important phytopathogen. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/14514-1 - Functional and structural studies of ABC transporters from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Xanthomonas citri
• Grantee: Andrea Balan Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants