SsrA and SmpB have multifaceted physiological roles in the black rot pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pathovar campestris

Functional characterization of SsrA and SmpB in phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris pathovar campestris. SsrA and SmpB are known to play important roles in translational quality control and are essential for virulence in many human and animal pathogenic bacteria. The physiological roles and contribution of SsrA and SmpB to plant pathogen are unclear. Here, we present evidence to show that ssrA and smpB are involved in pathogenesis of Xanthomonas campestris pathovar campestris, the cause of black rot diseases in crucifers. The ssrA and smpB mutants exhibited defects in bacterial attachment, cell motility, and extracellular enzyme activity. The mutation of ssrA and smpB also resulted in a reduction in temperature tolerance. These altered phenotypes of the ssrA and smpB mutants could be complemented to wild-type levels by the intact ssrA and smpB genes. This is the first demonstration of the roles of SsrA and SmpB in phytopathogen.

Automated summary

In the phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris pathovar campestris, the ssrA and smpB genes are shown to be involved in pathogenesis, affecting bacterial attachment, cell motility, and extracellular enzyme activity, as well as reducing temperature tolerance. This study provides the first demonstration of the roles of SsrA and SmpB in a plant pathogen.