Two-component signal transduction systems and regulation of virulence factors in Xanthomonas: a perspective

Two-component signal transduction systems(TCSTSs),consisting of a histidine kinase and a response regulator,play a critical role in regulating virulence gene expression in Gram-negative phytopathogenic bacteria Xanthomonas spp..To date,12 TCSTS genes have been identified,accounting for approximately 10%of the TCSTS genes in each genome that have been experimen-tally identified to be related to pathogenesis.These TCSTSs modulate the expression of a number of virulence factors through diverse molecular mechanisms such as interacting with DNA,protein-binding and involvement in second messenger metabolism,which generates a high level of regulatory versatility.Here we summarize the current knowledge in thisfield and discuss the emerging themes and remaining questions that are important in deciphering the signaling network of TCSTSs in Xantho-monas.