The production, cargo of extracellular vesicles in Dickeya dadantii 3937 and Pectobacterium brasiliense 1692

Experimental analyses demonstrated that both species produce EVs with single and double membrane structures, consistent with outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and outer–inner membrane vesicles (OIMVs). EV production increased during the stationary phase, and chemical stress altered vesicle yield and protein composition, particularly under ethanol and EDTA treatment. Molecular analyses confirmed that EVs carry DNA, RNA, and pectate lyases.

Vesicle-associated nucleic acids included low-molecular-weight DNA and short RNAs, suggesting selective packaging and potential functional significance. Sequencing of DNA and RNA of EVs from P. brasiliense<i> </i>revealed that over half of its genes are represented within vesicular DNA, enriched in biosynthetic and catalytic functions. Distinct differences between externally associated and luminal RNA cargo were identified.

As such, this work deepens our understanding of vesicle biology in SRP by characterising their production, structural features, and nucleic acid cargo composition.</p>