Effector innovation in genome-reduced phytoplasmas and other host-dependent mollicutes.

ABSTRACT: Obligate host-associated bacteria with reduced genomes, such as phytoplasmas, face strong evolutionary constraints, including metabolic dependence on hosts, limited opportunities for horizontal gene transfer (HGT), and frequent population bottlenecks. Despite these limitations, phytoplasmas, which are parasitic, insect-transmitted plant pathogens, maintain a diverse arsenal of secreted effectors that manipulate both plant and insect hosts to promote infection and transmission. These effectors can suppress immunity and reprogram plant development, inducing alterations such as witch's broom and leaf-like flowers, through ubiquitin-independent degradation of key transcription factors. However, how phytoplasmas diversify and maintain these effectors in the absence of frequent genetic exchange

SUBMITTER: Mirkin FG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12633904 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature