Genomic Characterization of Xanthomonas Pathogens in Strawberry Plants

Genomic characterisation of Xanthomonas pathogens in strawberry has advanced our understanding of the bacterial factors that underlie angular leaf spot and related diseases. Whole-genome sequencing of multiple Xanthomonas fragariae isolates has revealed a relatively compact genome of around 4.2–4.3 Mb, often accompanied by one or more plasmids carrying virulence genes. Comparative analyses have highlighted reductive evolution in core metabolic pathways alongside acquisition of secretion systems and effector repertoires that drive host specificity. Interspecies comparisons between X. fragariae and related pathovars such as X. arboricola pv. fragariae have uncovered both conserved and unique virulence determinants, including type III secretion effectors and lipopolysaccharide synthesis clusters. Population‐level genome surveys and molecular typing methods have delineated distinct genetic groups, informing on global spread and outbreak dynamics. Transcriptomic profiling in infected leaves has mapped the dynamic regulation of genes involved in motility, signal transduction and nutrient acquisition, while functional studies of novel effectors are beginning to clarify host–pathogen interactions. Together, these approaches provide a foundation for targeted diagnostics, surveillance and breeding for disease resistance in strawberry crops worldwide.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have applied high‐throughput transcriptome sequencing to map gene expression profiles of Xanthomonas fragariae during infection of strawberry leaves. Comparison of bacterial mRNAs from culture medium and in planta conditions revealed nearly half of coding sequences to be differentially expressed, with in planta upregulation of motility, chemotaxis and secretion system genes. Notably, a substantial subset of plasmid-borne genes showed elevated expression in planta, suggesting a role in virulence and adaptation to the leaf environment. This in vivo transcriptome atlas offers insight into the temporal deployment of pathogenicity factors and pinpoints candidate genes for functional follow-up and resistance screening.

Genomic Characterization of Xanthomonas Pathogens in Strawberry Plants publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in genomic characterization of xanthomonas pathogens in strawberry plants across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Type III secretion system: A multi-protein apparatus in Gram-negative bacteria that injects effector proteins directly into host cells to manipulate plant defences.

Effector protein: A secreted bacterial molecule that alters host cell processes to facilitate infection or suppress immune responses.

Comparative genomics: The analysis of multiple genome sequences to identify conserved and divergent features, such as gene content and structural rearrangements.

Transcriptome: The complete set of RNA transcripts produced by a genome under specific conditions, revealing dynamic gene expression patterns.

Plasmid: An extra-chromosomal DNA molecule that can carry accessory genes, including those encoding virulence factors and antibiotic resistance.

References

1. Complete Genome Sequences of Three Isolates of Xanthomonas fragariae, the Bacterium Responsible for Angular Leaf Spots on Strawberry Plants. Microbiology Resource Announcements (2017).
2. Draft genome sequence of Xanthomonas fragariaereveals reductive evolution and distinct virulence-related gene content. BMC Genomics (2013).
3. Comparative genomics of Xanthomonas fragariae and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. fragariae reveals intra- and interspecies variations. Phytopathology Research (2020).
4. Genome-based population structure analysis of the strawberry plant pathogen Xanthomonas fragariae reveals two distinct groups that evolved independently before its species description. Microbial Genomics (2018).
5. Transcriptome analysis of Xanthomonas fragariae in strawberry leaves. Scientific Reports (2020).
6. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genome analysis of Xanthomonas fragariae YM2 causing angular leaf spot disease in strawberry. Frontiers in Plant Science (2023).
7. Complete genome sequence of an Israeli isolate of Xanthomonas hortorum pv. pelargonii strain 305 and novel type III effectors identified in Xanthomonas. Frontiers in Plant Science (2023).