Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolB oncogene: An intriguing player for many roles

The rolB oncogene is one of the so-called rol genes found in the T-DNA region of the Agrobacterium rhizogenes Ri plasmid and involved in the hairy root syndrome, a tumour characterized by adventitious root overgrowth on plant stem. rolB produces in plants a peculiar phenotype that, together with its root-inducing capacity, has been connected to auxin sensitivity. The gene is able to modify the plant genetic programme to induce meristem cells and direct them to differentiate not only roots, but also other cells, tissues or organs. Besides its essential function in hairy root pathogenesis, the rolB role has been progressively extended to cover several physiological aspects in the transgenic plants: from secondary metabolites production and ROS inhibition, to abiotic and biotic stress tolerance and photosynthesis improvement. Some of the observed effects could be determined, at least in part, through microRNAs molecules, suggesting an epigenetic control rolB-mediated. These multifaceted capacities could allow plants to withstand adverse environmental conditions, enhancing fitness. In spite of this expanding knowledge, functional analyses did not detect yet any definitive rolB-derived biochemical product, even if more than one enzymatic activity has been ascribed to it. Moreover, phylogenetic and evolutionary studies evidenced no homology with any plant sequences but, otherwise, it belongs to the Plast family, a group of rolB-homologous bacterial genes. Finally, the finding of sequences similar to rolB in plants not infected by A. rhizogenes suggests a hypothetical plant origin for this gene, implying different possibilities about its evolution.

Automated summary

The rolB oncogene is found in the T-DNA region of the Agrobacterium rhizogenes Ri plasmid and plays a role in hairy root syndrome by inducing adventitious roots on plant stems. It modifies plant genetic program to induce meristem cells to differentiate into not only roots, but also other cells, tissues or organs, and has been linked to auxin sensitivity. In addition to its role in hairy root pathogenesis, rolB has been implicated in various physiological aspects in transgenic plants, such as secondary metabolites production and stress tolerance. Its multifaceted capacities may be mediated through microRNAs molecules, indicating an epigenetic control. Moreover, its evolution seems to be distinct from plant sequences but shows homology to bacterial genes.