Biomaterial Database

Cell-cell communication in the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens. 2007

Catharine E White, and Stephen C Winans

Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.

The plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens induces the formation of crown gall tumours at wound sites on host plants by directly transforming plant cells. This disease strategy benefits the bacteria as the infected plant tissue produces novel nutrients, called opines, that the colonizing bacteria can use as nutrients. Almost all of the genes that are required for virulence, and all of the opine uptake and utilization genes, are carried on large tumour-inducing (Ti) plasmids. The observation more than 25 years ago that specific opines are required for Ti plasmid conjugal transfer led to the discovery of a cell-cell signalling system on these plasmids that is similar to the LuxR-LuxI system first described in Vibrio fischeri. All Ti plasmids that have been described to date carry a functional LuxI-type N-acylhomoserine lactone synthase (TraI), and a LuxR-type signal receptor and transcriptional regulator called TraR. The traR genes are expressed only in the presence of specific opines called conjugal opines. The TraR-TraI system provides an important model for LuxR-LuxI-type systems, especially those found in the agriculturally important Rhizobiaceae family. In this review, we discuss current advances in the biochemistry and structural biology of the TraR-TraI system.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008958	Models, Molecular	Models used experimentally or theoretically to study molecular shape, electronic properties, or interactions; includes analogous molecules, computer-generated graphics, and mechanical structures.	Molecular Models,Model, Molecular,Molecular Model
D010940	Plant Proteins	Proteins found in plants (flowers, herbs, shrubs, trees, etc.). The concept does not include proteins found in vegetables for which PLANT PROTEINS, DIETARY is available.	Plant Protein,Protein, Plant,Proteins, Plant
D010941	Plant Tumors	A localized proliferation of plant tissue forming a swelling or outgrowth, commonly with a characteristic shape and unlike any organ of the normal plant. Plant tumors or galls usually form in response to the action of a pathogen or a pest. (Holliday, P., A Dictionary of Plant Pathology, 1989, p330)	Crown Gall,Galls, Plant,Plant Galls,Crown Galls,Gall, Crown,Gall, Plant,Galls, Crown,Plant Gall,Plant Tumor,Tumor, Plant,Tumors, Plant
D010944	Plants	Multicellular, eukaryotic life forms of kingdom Plantae. Plants acquired chloroplasts by direct endosymbiosis of CYANOBACTERIA. They are characterized by a mainly photosynthetic mode of nutrition; essentially unlimited growth at localized regions of cell divisions (MERISTEMS); cellulose within cells providing rigidity; the absence of organs of locomotion; absence of nervous and sensory systems; and an alternation of haploid and diploid generations. It is a non-taxonomical term most often referring to LAND PLANTS. In broad sense it includes RHODOPHYTA and GLAUCOPHYTA along with VIRIDIPLANTAE.	Plant
D003227	Conjugation, Genetic	A parasexual process in BACTERIA; ALGAE; FUNGI; and ciliate EUKARYOTA for achieving exchange of chromosome material during fusion of two cells. In bacteria, this is a uni-directional transfer of genetic material; in protozoa it is a bi-directional exchange. In algae and fungi, it is a form of sexual reproduction, with the union of male and female gametes.	Bacterial Conjugation,Conjugation, Bacterial,Genetic Conjugation
D016960	Agrobacterium tumefaciens	A species of gram-negative, aerobic bacteria isolated from soil and the stems, leafs, and roots of plants. Some biotypes are pathogenic and cause the formation of PLANT TUMORS in a wide variety of higher plants. The species is a major research tool in biotechnology.	Alcaligenes radiobacter,Bacillus radiobacter,Bacterium radiobacter,Bacterium tumefaciens,Phytomonas tumefaciens,Polymonas tumefaciens,Pseudomonas radiobacter,Pseudomonas tumefaciens,Rhizobium radiobacter,Agrobacterium radiobacter
D053038	Quorum Sensing	A phenomenon where microorganisms communicate and coordinate their behavior by the accumulation of signaling molecules. A reaction occurs when a substance accumulates to a sufficient concentration. This is most commonly seen in bacteria.	Quorum Quenching,Quenching, Quorum,Quenchings, Quorum,Quorum Quenchings,Sensing, Quorum