The type III protein secretion system contributes to Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri biofilm formation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Several bacterial plant pathogens colonize their hosts through the secretion of effector proteins by a Type III protein secretion system (T3SS). The role of T3SS in bacterial pathogenesis is well established but whether this system is involved in multicellular processes, such as bacterial biofilm formation has not been elucidated. Here, the phytopathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri) was used as a model to gain further insights about the role of the T3SS in biofilm formation.

Results

The capacity of biofilm formation of different X. citri T3SS mutants was compared to the wild type strain and it was observed that this secretion system was necessary for this process. Moreover, the T3SS mutants adhered proficiently to leaf surfaces but were impaired in le

SUBMITTER: Zimaro T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4021560 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature