Identification of genes involved in the Burkholderia tuberum nodulating symbiosis
M. LUM (1), A. Arnell (2), B. Kwak (2), N. Behnken (2), J. Blankenship (2) (1) Loyola Marymount University, U.S.A.; (2) Loyola Marymount University, U.S.A.

The Burkholderia genus contains numerous beneficial plant-associative bacteria, including Burkholderia tuberum, a beta-rhizobia that engages in a nodulating symbiosis with legumes. Functional genomics approaches are being used to better understand the genetic mechanisms involved in the association of Burkholderia tuberum with plants, particularly with regards to nodulation. Specifically, targeted deletions were made of genes known to be involved in nodulation by alpha-rhizobia. In addition, transposon mutagenesis was carried out and mutants screened for nodulation defects as well as alterations in exopolysaccharide production and motility, both processes known to be important for plant-microbe interactions. A number of genes have been identified that are required for the effective symbiosis of B. tuberum, including various nod genes and genes involved in lipopolysaccharide transport, phosphate transport and drug transport. In many cases, the mutant phenotype parallels that found in analogous mutants of alpha-rhizobia. However, in some cases genes found critical for the B. tuberum symbiosis have not been reported as necessary in the alpha-rhizobia symbiosis.

Abstract Number: C1-3, P2-57
Session Type: Concurrent