Proteomic and Metabolomic Analyses of OMV-Enriched Fractions Reveal Association with Virulence Factors and Signaling Molecules of the DSF Family.

releases outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) known to play a role in the systemic dissemination of this pathogen. OMVs inhibit bacterial attachment to xylem wall and traffic lipases/esterases that act on the degradation of plant cell wall. Here, we extended the characterization of OMVs by identifying proteins and metabolites potentially associated with OMVs produced by Temecula1, a Pierce's disease strain, and by 9a5c and Fb7, two citrus variegated chlorosis strains. These results strengthen that one of the OMVs multiple functions is to carry determinants of virulence, such as lipases/esterases, adhesins, proteases, porins, and a pectin lyase-like protein. For the first time, we show that the two citrus variegated chlorosis strains produce diffusible signaling factor 2 (DSF2) and citrus variegated chlorosis-DSF (likewise, Temecula1) and most importantly, that these compounds of the DSF ( DSF) family are associated with OMV-enriched fractions. Altogether, our findings widen the potential functions of OMVs in intercellular signaling and host-pathogen interactions.