Identification of the central quorum sensing regulator of virulence in the enteric phytopathogen, Erwinia carotovora: the VirR repressor.

In the Gram-negative phytopathogen, Erwinia carotovora ssp. atroseptica (Eca) virulence depends on the production of a N-(3-oxohexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (OHHL) quorum sensing (QS) signal. This work identifies the elusive 'missing link' between QS and virulence in Erwinia. We have identified and characterized a novel regulator of virulence, VirR, in Eca and show that a virR mutation completely restores virulence factor production to an Eca mutant unable to synthesize OHHL. This effect of the virR mutation translates to a restoration of virulence to wild-type levels and thus provides evidence that VirR acts to prevent the production of virulence factors at low cell density. We also show that, in Eca, transcription of virulence genes is controlled by OHHL and that this control is effected through the action of VirR. We also demonstrate that the VirR regulatory pathway is present and functional in both blackleg and soft rotting species of Erwinia.

The Nep1-like proteins-a growing family of microbial elicitors of plant necrosis.

SUMMARY A novel family of microbial elicitors of plant necrosis has been identified. Designated Nep1-like proteins (NLPs), after the first family member isolated, they range from 24 to 26 kDa and are found in a variety of taxonomically unrelated micro-organisms. These include several fungi and oomycetes, as well as Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Some NLPs induce a hypersensitive-like response in plants, although the basis for initiation of this response remains unclear. Similarly, the cellular role of such highly conserved proteins is undetermined. It is not clear whether the NLPs are dedicated elicitors of plant defences or whether this induction occurs as a result of another activity.

The regulation of virulence in phytopathogenic Erwinia species: quorum sensing, antibiotics and ecological considerations.

Erwinia carotovora is a Gram-negative bacterial phytopathogen that causes soft-rot disease and potato blackleg. The organism is environmentally widespread and exhibits an opportunistic plant pathogenesis. The ability to secrete multiple plant cell wall-degrading enzymes is a key virulence trait and exoenzyme production is responsive to multiple environmental and physiological cues. One important cue is the cell population density of the pathogen. Cell density is monitored via an acylated homoserine lactone (acyl HSL) signalling molecule, which is thought to diffuse between Erwinia cells in a process now commonly known as 'quorum sensing'. This molecule also acts as the chemical communication signal controlling production of a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic (1-carbapen-2-em-3-carboxylic acid; carbapenem) synthesised in concert with exoenzyme elaboration, possibly for niche defence. In antibiotic production control, quorum sensing acts at the level of transcriptional activation of the antibiotic biosynthetic cluster. This is achieved via a dedicated LuxR-type protein, CarR that is bound to the signalling molecule. The molecular relay connecting acyl HSL production and exoenzyme induction is not clear, despite the identification of a multitude of global regulatory genes, including those of the RsmA/rsmB system, impinging on enzyme synthesis. Quorum sensing control mediated by acyl HSLs is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria and is responsible for the regulation of diverse phenotypes. Although there is still a paucity of meaningful information on acyl HSL availability and in-situ biological function, there is growing evidence that such molecules play significant roles in microbial ecology.