Xanthoferrin, the α ‐hydroxycarboxylate‐type siderophore of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris , is required for optimum virulence and growth inside cabbage

Summary Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris causes black rot, a serious disease of crucifers. Xanthomonads encode a siderophore biosynthesis and uptake gene cluster xss ( Xanthomonas s iderophore s ynthesis) involved in the production of a vibrioferrin‐type siderophore. However, little is known about the role of the siderophore in the iron uptake and virulence of X . campestris pv. campestris . In this study, we show that X . campestris pv. campestris produces an α‐hydroxycarboxylate‐type siderophore (named xanthoferrin), which is required for growth under low‐iron conditions and for optimum virulence. A mutation in the siderophore synthesis xssA gene causes deficiency in siderophore production and growth under low‐iron conditions. In contrast, the siderophore utilization Δ xsuA mutant is able to produce siderophore, but exhibits a defect in the utilization of the siderophore–iron complex. Our radiolabelled iron uptake studies confirm that the Δ xssA and Δ xsuA mutants exhibit defects in ferric iron (Fe 3+ ) uptake. The Δ xssA mutant is able to utilize and transport the exogenous xanthoferrin–Fe 3+ complex; in contrast, the siderophore utilization or uptake mutant Δ xsuA exhibits defects in siderophore uptake. Expression analysis of the xss operon using a chromosomal gusA fusion indicates that the xss operon is expressed during in planta growth and under low‐iron conditions. Furthermore, exogenous iron supplementation in cabbage leaves rescues the in planta growth deficiency of Δ xssA and Δ xsuA mutants. Our study reveals that the siderophore xanthoferrin is an important virulence factor of X . campestris pv. campestris which promotes in planta growth by the sequestration of Fe 3+ .