Genome and pathogenicity of Xylella fastidiosa

• Author(s): Filho, Helvecio; Kuramae, Eiko; Machado, Marcos; Souza, Alessandra; Takita, M.;
• Abstract: The complete sequencing of the Xylella fastidiosa genome was the first project of this kind to focus on a plant pathogen. The choice of this bacteria was tightly associated with its importance as the causal agent of citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC). Adopting a sequencing strategy based on shotgun and cosmids, the project allowed a 10 fold coverage of the genome. The specific mechanisms of pathogenicity are not yet clear while the annotation of the genome took in consideration several hypothesis. Based on the current pathogenicity hypothesis, the genes were sorted into different categories with special focus on those associated with attachment to bacterial cells and different hosts, as well as genes related to the adaptation capacity to the xylem conditions. Genes previously found only in animal pathogens were also observed in X. fastidiosa, suggesting that they could share some of the pathogenicity mechanisms.
• Publication Date: Feb 2001
• Journal: Molecular Biology Today