Biofilm dispersal in Xanthomonas campestris is controlled by cell-cell signaling and is required for full virulence to plants.

ABSTRACT: The rpf gene cluster of Xanthomonas campestris pathovar campestris (Xcc) is required for the pathogenesis of this bacterium to plants. Several rpf genes are involved in the coordinate positive regulation of the production of virulence factors mediated by the small diffusible molecule DSF (for diffusible signal factor). RpfF directs the synthesis of DSF, and a two-component sensory transduction system comprising RpfC and RpfG has been implicated in the perception of the DSF signal and signal transduction. In L medium, rpfF, rpfG, rpfC, and rpfGHC mutants grew as matrix-enclosed aggregates, whereas the wild type grew in a dispersed planktonic fashion. Synthesis of the extracellular polysaccharide xanthan was required for aggregate formation. Addition of DSF triggered dispersion of the aggreg

SUBMITTER: Dow JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC196915 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature