Positive regulation of the PhcB neighbouring regulator PrhX on expression of the type III secretion system and pathogenesis in Ralstonia solanacearum

Abstract

Ralstonia solanacearum PhcB and PhcA control a quorum‐sensing (QS) system that globally regulates expression of about one third of all genes, including pathogenesis genes. The PhcB–PhcA QS system positively regulates the production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) and negatively regulates hrp gene expression, which is crucial for the type III secretion system (T3SS). Both EPS and the T3SS are essential for pathogenicity. The gene rsc2734 is located upstream of a phcBSR operon and annotated as a response regulator of a two‐component system. Here, we demonstrated that RSc2734, hereafter named PrhX, positively regulated hrp gene expression via a PrhA–PrhIR–PrhJ–HrpG signalling cascade. Moreover, PrhX was crucial for R. solanacearum to invade host roots and grow in planta naturally. prhX expression was independent of the PhcB–PhcA QS system. PrhX did not affect the expression of phcB and phcA and the QS‐dependent phenotypes, such as EPS production and biofilm formation. Our results provide novel insights into the complex regulatory network of the T3SS and pathogenesis in R. solanacearum.