T. Swaroopa Rani

Bio: T. Swaroopa Rani is an academic researcher from University of Hyderabad. The author has contributed to research in topics: Proteome & Rhizobacteria. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 10 publications receiving 179 citations.

Root exudate-induced alterations in Bacillus cereus cell wall contribute to root colonization and plant growth promotion.

Abstract: The outcome of an interaction between plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and plants may depend on the chemical composition of root exudates (REs). We report the colonization of tobacco, and not groundnut, roots by a non-rhizospheric Bacillus cereus (MTCC 430). There was a differential alteration in the cell wall components of B. cereus in response to the REs from tobacco and groundnut. Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy revealed a split in amide I region of B. cereus cells exposed to tobacco-root exudates (TRE), compared to those exposed to groundnut-root exudates (GRE). In addition, changes in exopolysaccharides and lipid-packing were observed in B. cereus grown in TRE-amended minimal media that were not detectable in GRE-amended media. Cell-wall proteome analyses revealed upregulation of oxidative stress-related alkyl hydroperoxide reductase, and DNA-protecting protein chain (Dlp-2), in response to GRE and TRE, respectively. Metabolism-related enzymes like 2-amino-3-ketobutyrate coenzyme A ligase and 2-methylcitrate dehydratase and a 60 kDa chaperonin were up-regulated in response to TRE and GRE. In response to B. cereus, the plant roots altered their exudate-chemodiversity with respect to carbohydrates, organic acids, alkanes, and polyols. TRE-induced changes in surface components of B. cereus may contribute to successful root colonization and subsequent plant growth promotion.

Key Residues Affecting Transglycosylation Activity in Family 18 Chitinases: Insights into Donor and Acceptor Subsites.

Abstract: Understanding features that determine transglycosylation (TG) activity in glycoside hydrolases is important because it would allow the construction of enzymes that can catalyze controlled synthesis of oligosaccharides. To increase TG activity in two family 18 chitinases, chitinase D from Serratia proteamaculans (SpChiD) and chitinase A from Serratia marcescens (SmChiA), we have mutated residues important for stabilizing the reaction intermediate and substrate binding in both donor and acceptor sites. To help mutant design, the crystal structure of the inactive SpChiD-E153Q mutant in complex with chitobiose was determined. We identified three mutations with a beneficial effect on TG activity: Y28A (affecting the −1 subsite and the intermediate), Y222A (affecting the intermediate), and Y226W (affecting the +2 subsite). Furthermore, exchange of D151, the middle residue in the catalytically important DXDXE motif, to asparagine reduced hydrolytic activity ≤99% with a concomitant increase in apparent TG activit...

Changes in Root Exudates and Root Proteins in Groundnut–Pseudomonas sp. Interaction Contribute to Root Colonization by Bacteria and Defense Response of the Host

Abstract: Selection and application of rhizobacteria, for improved plant health will benefit from a complete understanding of the plant–bacteria interaction. Root exudates (REs) are known to contain signal molecules that facilitate beneficial association of plants with microbes. We have selected a tentatively identified Pseudomonas sp. (RP2), from 126 groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)-associated bacterial isolates that significantly promoted growth of groundnut and also induced resistance against the stem rot pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii. REs were collected from 12 to 24 days grown RP2-bacterized and non-bacterized plants and analyzed through gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer. Several organic acids, fatty acids, sugars, hydrocarbons, and alcohols were detected. In the untargeted multivariate analysis of the REs, relative content of eight compounds varied significantly on RP2 bacterization. Among these eight compounds, myristic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid, positively influenced the root colonization by RP2. Benzoic acid and salicylic acid, increased in RP2-bacterized REs, showed the highest growth inhibition of S. rolfsii. In root proteomics, 11 differentially expressed proteins were identified by 2D-gel electrophoresis followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight. Chitinase, thaumatin-like protein, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, known to have a role in plant defense against phytopathogens, were upregulated in RP2 interaction. Similarly, upregulation of enolase in roots is likely to improve plant growth in RP2-bacterized groundnut. We conclude that colonization of groundnut roots by RP2 resulted in exudation of metabolites that facilitated root colonization, suppressed fungal growth, promoted plant growth, and also increased the expression of defense-related proteins in the roots.

Fungal Effectors and Plant Susceptibility

Abstract: Plants can be colonized by fungi that have adopted highly diverse lifestyles, ranging from symbiotic to necrotrophic. Colonization is governed in all systems by hundreds of secreted fungal effector molecules. These effectors suppress plant defense responses and modulate plant physiology to accommodate fungal invaders and provide them with nutrients. Fungal effectors either function in the interaction zone between the fungal hyphae and host or are transferred to plant cells. This review describes the effector repertoires of 84 plant-colonizing fungi. We focus on the mechanisms that allow these fungal effectors to promote virulence or compatibility, discuss common plant nodes that are targeted by effectors, and provide recent insights into effector evolution. In addition, we address the issue of effector uptake in plant cells and highlight open questions and future challenges.

The Bacillus cereus Group: Bacillus Species with Pathogenic Potential

Abstract: The Bacillus cereus group includes several Bacillus species with closely related phylogeny. The most well-studied members of the group, B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, are known for their pathogenic potential. Here, we present the historical rationale for speciation and discuss shared and unique features of these bacteria. Aspects of cell morphology and physiology, and genome sequence similarity and gene synteny support close evolutionary relationships for these three species. For many strains, distinct differences in virulence factor synthesis provide facile means for species assignment. B. anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax. Some B. cereus strains are commonly recognized as food poisoning agents, but strains can also cause localized wound and eye infections as well as systemic disease. Certain B. thuringiensis strains are entomopathogens and have been commercialized for use as biopesticides, while some strains have been reported to cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. In this article we compare and contrast B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, including ecology, cell structure and development, virulence attributes, gene regulation and genetic exchange systems, and experimental models of disease.

Dominant resistance against plant viruses.

Abstract: To establish a successful infection plant viruses have to overcome a defense system composed of several layers. This review will overview the various strategies plants employ to combat viral infections with main emphasis on the current status of single dominant resistance (R) genes identified against plant viruses and the corresponding avirulence (Avr) genes identified so far. The most common models to explain the mode of action of dominant R genes will be presented. Finally, in brief the hypersensitive response (HR) and extreme resistance (ER), and the functional and structural similarity of R genes to sensors of innate immunity in mammalian cell systems will be described.

Organic acids from root exudates of banana help root colonization of PGPR strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NJN-6

Abstract: The successful colonization of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the rhizosphere is an initial and compulsory step in the protection of plants from soil-borne pathogens. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the role of root exudates in the colonization of PGPR. Banana root exudates were analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) which revealed exudates contained several organic acids (OAs) including oxalic, malic and fumaric acid. The chemotactic response and biofilm formation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NJN-6 were investigated in response to OA’s found in banana root exudates. Furthermore, the transcriptional levels of genes involved in biofilm formation, yqxM and epsD, were evaluated in response to OAs via quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results suggested that root exudates containing the OAs both induced the chemotaxis and biofilm formation in NJN-6. In fact, the strongest chemotactic and biofilm response was found when 50 μM of OAs were applied. More specifically, malic acid showed the greatest chemotactic response whereas fumaric acid significantly induced biofilm formation by a 20.7–27.3% increase and therefore biofilm formation genes expression. The results showed banana root exudates, in particular the OAs released, play a crucial role in attracting and initiating PGPR colonization on the host roots.

Innate immune memory: An evolutionary perspective.

Abstract: Over the last decades, there was increasing evidence for the presence of innate immune memory in living organisms. In this review, we compare the innate immune memory of various organisms with a focus on phylogenetics. We discuss the acquisition and molecular basis of immune memory and we describe the innate immune memory paradigm and its role in host defense during evolution. The molecular characterization of innate immunological memory in diverse organisms and host-parasite systems reconciles mechanisms with phenomena and paves the way to molecular comprehension of innate immune memory. We also revise the traditional classification of innate and adaptive immunity in jawed vertebrates. We emphasize that innate immune responses have the capacity to be "primed" or "trained", thereby exerting a yet unknown type of immunological memory upon re-infection.