Open AccessA gene cluster required for coordinated biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide and extracellular polysaccharide also affects virulence of Pseudomonas solanacearum
Author(s) -
C. Cheng Kao,
Luís Sequeira
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of bacteriology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.652
H-Index - 246
eISSN - 1067-8832
pISSN - 0021-9193
DOI - 10.1128/jb.173.24.7841-7847.1991
Subject(s) - virulence , complementation , biology , gene cluster , microbiology and biotechnology , biosynthesis , extracellular , pseudomonas , lipopolysaccharide , pathogen , virulence factor , biochemistry , gene , pseudomonas aeruginosa , pseudomonadaceae , bacteria , mutant , genetics , immunology
Bacterial cell surface components can be important determinants of virulence. At least three gene clusters important for extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis have been previously identified in the plant pathogen Pseudomonas solanacearum. We have found that one of these gene clusters, named ops, is also required for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis. Mutations in any complementation unit of this cluster decreased EPS production, prevented the binding of an LPS-specific phage, and altered the mobility of purified LPS in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, restoration of LPS biosynthesis alone was not sufficient to restore virulence to the wild-type level, suggesting that EPS is important for pathogenesis.