Investigating the role of an endo-polygalacturonase in the pathogenicity of Xylella fastidiosa

Abstract

The proposed project aims the elucidation of the role of an endo-polygalacturonase gene that has been found in the genome of X. fastidiosa, in the pathogenicity of this bacterium. Results from studies on polygalacturonases from Ralstonia solanacearum, that shares with X. fastidiosa the ability to colonize xylem vessels, showed that these enzymes are important factors for infection of the host plant. The expression of the endo-PG gene in E. coli, development of a transformation method for X. fastidiosa, development of a marker-exchange system to knock-out the chromosomal endo-PG gene, and the use of the experimental host Nicotiana tabacum are objectives of this project that are in accordance with those defined as priorities by FAPESP. An approach for the development of transgenic resistance against Citrus Variegated Chlorosis is also proposed in this project. (AU)