Transcriptome profiling helps to identify potential and true molecular switches of stealth to brute force behavior in Pectobacterium atrosepticum during systemic colonization of tobacco plants

In the present study, we have monitored the process of systemic plant colonization by the plant pathogenic bacterium Pectobacterium atrosepticum (Pba) using RNA-Seq analysis in order to compare bacterial traits under in planta and in vitro conditions and to reveal potential players that participate in switching from stealth to brute force strategy of the pathogen. Two stages of tobacco plant colonization have been assayed: i) the initial one associated with visually symptomless spread of bacteria throughout the host body via primary xylem vessels where bacterial emboli were formed (stealth strategy), and ii) the advanced stage coupled with an extensive colonization of core parenchyma and manifestation of soft rot symptoms (brute force strategy). Plant-inducible genes in Pba and potential players switching the pathogen’s behavior were revealed. Genes from the cfa locus responsible for the production of coronafacic acid displayed the strongest induction in the asymptomatic zone relative to the symptomatic one and were shown experimentally to act as the true strategy “switchers” of Pba behavior in planta. Surprisingly, cfa genes appeared to be unnecessary for establishment of the asymptomatic stage of plant colonization but were required for the transition to soft-rot-associated symptomatic stage coupled with over-induction of jasmonate-mediated pathway in the plant.