Transcriptome investigation shed light into the role of volatile organic compounds in the growth inhibition of Xanthomonas species

X. albilineans is one of the most important phytobacteria species which affect sugarcane production. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by microorganisms may have a noteworthy role in the control of plant diseases. Thus, this study investigated VOC-producing soil bacteria with an antagonistic effect against X. albilineans and evaluated the molecular mechanisms of growth inhibition trigged by the volatile dimethyl disulfide (DMDS). The comparative transcriptomic data of X. albilineans treated with DMDS showed that several metabolic pathways are up-regulated, such as two-component system, flagellar assembly, chemotaxis and bacterial secretion system. Interesting, although the ethanol used as DMDS solvent did not inhibit X. albilineans growth, it triggers a similar gene up-regulation and somehow, the phytopathogen can deal with this harmful compound better than DMDS. Overall design: Study of the effect of bacterial volatiles on the transcriptome of Xanthomonas albilineans. The RNA-seq experiment was carried out using 3 replicates of X. albilienans treated with the volatile dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), 4 replicates of X. albilienans treated ethanol (VOC-solvent) and 4 replicates in the control condition (X. albilineans only).