Genetic basis of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

What is it about?

A cluster of genes has been identified to be involved in the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. As far as possible the functions of the biosynthetic proteins that were encoded by these genes has been elucidated.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Xanthomonads are world-wide relevant as plant pathogens and as producers of the polysaccharide xanthan. Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, a pathogen affecting brassicaceae like Arabidopsis thaliana, is frequently employed as a scientific model organism to study these organisms. LPS, also known as endotoxin, is an important virulence factor, and may compete with xanthan for metabolic resources. This study gives the first systematic insight into LPS biosynthesis in xanthomonads.