Abstract Detail

Symbioses: Plant, Animal, and Microbe Interactions

Pretz, Chelsea [1], Mutka, Andrew [2], Rebecca, Bart [3].

Investigation of Virulence Functions of Type III Effectors in the Cassava Pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Bondar) Using Bioluminescence Imaging.

Cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz, is a dietary staple in many tropical countries, accounting for a third of calories consumed in the world. Cassava is grown agriculturally in large populations making it susceptible to spread of several diseases. The primary bacterial pathogen is, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis Bondar (Xam) that causes the disease Cassava Bacteria Blight (CBB). Xam, like many other bacteria, interacts with the host cell using the Type 3 Secretion System. This system has a needle-like protein complex structure that is inserted and secretes effector proteins in the host cell. Preliminary bacterial growth assays in the host were done with knockout mutant of these different effector proteins and showed subtle changes in phenotypes. The result of these assays showed slight differences between wild type and mutant strains. To explore the virulence through other phenotypes we utilized imaging techniques that allow us to observe spatial and temporal dimensions of the infection. To look at the Xam motility within the vascular system, bioluminescence imaging was used. There is a notable difference in how fast the disease spreads and even which strain spreads first. Future studies will consider (1) Proximity to major vein when being inoculated. There might be a smaller distance the strain has to travel before it integrates itself into the host. (2) The developmental stage of the inoculated leaf. Some leaves may be activity taking up more nurturance and have a strong pull in the vascular system. (3) Lastly, the environmental factors, such as temperature, and humidity.

1 - 6979 Plainview Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63109, USA
2 - Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63132, USA
3 - Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63132, United States

Keywords:
interaction
phylogenetic comparative methods.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Symbioses: Plant, Animal, and Microbe Interactions Posters
Location: Exhibit Hall/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 1st, 2016
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 6:15 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PSB002
Abstract ID:342
Candidate for Awards:None