GC-TOF/MS-based metabolomics analysis to investigate the changes driven by N-Acetylcysteine in the plant-pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri

Abstract N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant, anti-adhesive, and antimicrobial compound. Even though there much information regarding the role of NAC as antioxidant anti-adhesive agent, little known about its activity. In order to assess mode action in bacterial cells, we investigated metabolic responses triggered by at neutral pH. As a model organism, chose Gram-negative plant pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. ( X. ), causal agent citrus canker disease, due potential use sustainable molecule against phytopathogens dissemination cultivated areas. presence NAC, cell proliferation was affected after 4 h, but damages membrane were observed only 24 h. Targeted metabolite profiling analysis using GC–MS/TOF unravelled that seems be metabolized cells affecting cysteine metabolism. Intriguingly, glutamine, marker for nitrogen status, not detected among treated with NAC. The absence glutamine followed decrease levels majority proteinogenic amino acids, suggesting reduced availability acids affect protein synthesis consequently proliferation.