Differential accumulation of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris proteins during the interaction with the host plant: Contributions of an in vivo system

What is it about?

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is the causal agent of black rot, a highly destructive disease that affects all brassicas. This work aimed to study the interaction Xcc-Brassica oleracea using an in vivo system in an attempt to identify proteins involved in pathogenicity. We used label-free shotgun 2D-nanoUPLC/MSE to analyze Xcc proteins in three conditions: in the interaction with susceptible (REK) and resistant (REU) plants and in culture medium (control condition). A model of Xcc-susceptible host interaction is proposed and shows that Xcc increases the abundance of several crucial proteins for infection and cell protection. In this study, we also confirmed the differential expression by qPCR analysis of selected genes. This is the first report showing a large-scale identification of proteins in an in vivo host plant condition. Considering that most studies involving phytopathogens are in vitro (growth in culture medium or in plant extract), this work contributes with relevant information related to the plant-pathogen interaction in planta.

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Why is it important?

Black rot disease, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), is a serious problem that affects the production of crucifer plants worldwide. Understanding Xcc–host plant interaction is crucial to obtain more effective strategies to control this disease. Most studies of phytopathogenic bacteria are performed in culture media. In this work, we analyzed the interaction Xcc–Brassica oleracea using an in vivo system to identify proteins involved in pathogenicity by label-free shotgun proteomics. We present a model of Xcc–susceptible host interaction and show several proteins differentially abundant in the plant–pathogen interaction in planta.

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