1
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Arévalo S, Pérez Rico D, Abarca D, Dijkhuizen LW, Sarasa-Buisan C, Lindblad P, Flores E, Nierzwicki-Bauer S, Schluepmann H. Genome Engineering by RNA-Guided Transposition for Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:901-912. [PMID: 38445989 PMCID: PMC10949235 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
In genome engineering, the integration of incoming DNA has been dependent on enzymes produced by dividing cells, which has been a bottleneck toward increasing DNA insertion frequencies and accuracy. Recently, RNA-guided transposition with CRISPR-associated transposase (CAST) was reported as highly effective and specific in Escherichia coli. Here, we developed Golden Gate vectors to test CAST in filamentous cyanobacteria and to show that it is effective in Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. The comparatively large plasmids containing CAST and the engineered transposon were successfully transferred into Anabaena via conjugation using either suicide or replicative plasmids. Single guide (sg) RNA encoding the leading but not the reverse complement strand of the target were effective with the protospacer-associated motif (PAM) sequence included in the sgRNA. In four out of six cases analyzed over two distinct target loci, the insertion site was exactly 63 bases after the PAM. CAST on a replicating plasmid was toxic, which could be used to cure the plasmid. In all six cases analyzed, only the transposon cargo defined by the sequence ranging from left and right elements was inserted at the target loci; therefore, RNA-guided transposition resulted from cut and paste. No endogenous transposons were remobilized by exposure to CAST enzymes. This work is foundational for genome editing by RNA-guided transposition in filamentous cyanobacteria, whether in culture or in complex communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Arévalo
- Biology
Department, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Microbial
Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Lägerhyddsvägen 1, 751
20 Uppsala, Sweden
- Instituto
de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad
de Sevilla, Avenida Americo Vespucio 49, Sevilla 41092, Spain
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, 110 Eighth
Street, Troy, New York 12180-3590, United
States
| | - Daniel Pérez Rico
- Biology
Department, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dolores Abarca
- Biology
Department, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura W. Dijkhuizen
- Biology
Department, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina Sarasa-Buisan
- Instituto
de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad
de Sevilla, Avenida Americo Vespucio 49, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial
Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Lägerhyddsvägen 1, 751
20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Enrique Flores
- Instituto
de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad
de Sevilla, Avenida Americo Vespucio 49, Sevilla 41092, Spain
| | - Sandra Nierzwicki-Bauer
- Department
of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, 110 Eighth
Street, Troy, New York 12180-3590, United
States
| | - Henriette Schluepmann
- Biology
Department, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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2
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Gupta A, Pandey P, Gupta R, Tiwari S, Singh SP. Responding to light signals: a comprehensive update on photomorphogenesis in cyanobacteria. PHYSIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF PLANTS : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 29:1915-1930. [PMID: 38222287 PMCID: PMC10784256 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-023-01386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are ancestors of chloroplast and perform oxygen-evolving photosynthesis similar to higher plants and algae. However, an obligatory requirement of photons for their growth results in the exposure of cyanobacteria to varying light conditions. Therefore, the light environment could act as a signal to drive the developmental processes, in addition to photosynthesis, in cyanobacteria. These Gram-negative prokaryotes exhibit characteristic light-dependent developmental processes that maximize their fitness and resource utilization. The development occurring in response to radiance (photomorphogenesis) involves fine-tuning cellular physiology, morphology and metabolism. The best-studied example of cyanobacterial photomorphogenesis is chromatic acclimation (CA), which allows a selected number of cyanobacteria to tailor their light-harvesting antenna called phycobilisome (PBS). The tailoring of PBS under existing wavelengths and abundance of light gives an advantage to cyanobacteria over another photoautotroph. In this work, we will provide a comprehensive update on light-sensing, molecular signaling and signal cascades found in cyanobacteria. We also include recent developments made in other aspects of CA, such as mechanistic insights into changes in the size and shape of cells, filaments and carboxysomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Gupta
- Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP 221005 India
| | - Priyul Pandey
- Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP 221005 India
| | - Rinkesh Gupta
- Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP 221005 India
| | - Sapna Tiwari
- Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP 221005 India
| | - Shailendra Pratap Singh
- Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP 221005 India
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3
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Velázquez-Suárez C, Springstein BL, Nieves-Morión M, Helbig AO, Kieninger AK, Maldener I, Nürnberg DJ, Stucken K, Luque I, Dagan T, Herrero A. SepT, a novel protein specific to multicellular cyanobacteria, influences peptidoglycan growth and septal nanopore formation in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. mBio 2023; 14:e0098323. [PMID: 37650636 PMCID: PMC10653889 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00983-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Multicellular organization is a requirement for the development of complex organisms, and filamentous cyanobacteria such as Anabaena represent a paradigmatic case of bacterial multicellularity. The Anabaena filament can include hundreds of communicated cells that exchange nutrients and regulators and, depending on environmental conditions, can include different cell types specialized in distinct biological functions. Hence, the specific features of the Anabaena filament and how they are propagated during cell division represent outstanding biological issues. Here, we studied SepT, a novel coiled-coil-rich protein of Anabaena that is located in the intercellular septa and influences the formation of the septal specialized structures that allow communication between neighboring cells along the filament, a fundamental trait for the performance of Anabaena as a multicellular organism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mercedes Nieves-Morión
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Andreas O. Helbig
- AG Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ann-Katrin Kieninger
- Department of Microbiology/Organismic Interactions, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Iris Maldener
- Department of Microbiology/Organismic Interactions, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dennis J. Nürnberg
- Institute of Experimental Physics and Dahlem Centre of Plant Sciences, Free University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karina Stucken
- Department of Food Engineering, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile
| | - Ignacio Luque
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Tal Dagan
- Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Antonia Herrero
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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4
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Hao F, Li X, Wang J, Li R, Zou L, Wang K, Chen F, Shi F, Yang H, Wang W, Tian M. Separation of Bioproducts through the Integration of Cyanobacterial Metabolism and Membrane Filtration: Facilitating Cyanobacteria's Industrial Application. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:963. [PMID: 36295722 PMCID: PMC9611232 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we propose the development of an efficient, economical, automated, and sustainable method for separating bioproducts from culture medium via the integration of a sucrose-secreting cyanobacteria production process and pressure-driven membrane filtration technology. Firstly, we constructed sucrose-secreting cyanobacteria with a sucrose yield of 600-700 mg/L sucrose after 7 days of salt stress, and the produced sucrose could be fully separated from the cyanobacteria cultures through an efficient and automated membrane filtration process. To determine whether this new method is also economical and sustainable, the relationship between membrane species, operating pressure, and the growth status of four cyanobacterial species was systematically investigated. The results revealed that all four cyanobacterial species could continue to grow after UF filtration. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy results indicate that the cyanobacteria did not cause severe destruction to the membrane surface structure. The good cell viability and intact membrane surface observed after filtration indicated that this innovative cyanobacteria-membrane system is economical and sustainable. This work pioneered the use of membrane separation to achieve the in situ separation of cyanobacterial culture and target products, laying the foundation for the industrialization of cyanobacterial bioproducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Hao
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Jiameng Wang
- School of Astronautics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Ruoyue Li
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Liyan Zou
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Fuqing Chen
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Feixiong Shi
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- Center of Special Environmental Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Wen Wang
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Miao Tian
- School of Ecology and Environment, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
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5
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Santer M, Kupczok A, Dagan T, Uecker H. Fixation dynamics of beneficial alleles in prokaryotic polyploid chromosomes and plasmids. Genetics 2022; 222:6663764. [PMID: 35959975 PMCID: PMC9526072 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Theoretical population genetics has been mostly developed for sexually reproducing diploid and for monoploid (haploid) organisms, focusing on eukaryotes. The evolution of bacteria and archaea is often studied by models for the allele dynamics in monoploid populations. However, many prokaryotic organisms harbor multicopy replicons—chromosomes and plasmids—and theory for the allele dynamics in populations of polyploid prokaryotes remains lacking. Here, we present a population genetics model for replicons with multiple copies in the cell. Using this model, we characterize the fixation process of a dominant beneficial mutation at 2 levels: the phenotype and the genotype. Our results show that depending on the mode of replication and segregation, the fixation of the mutant phenotype may precede genotypic fixation by many generations; we term this time interval the heterozygosity window. We furthermore derive concise analytical expressions for the occurrence and length of the heterozygosity window, showing that it emerges if the copy number is high and selection strong. Within the heterozygosity window, the population is phenotypically adapted, while both alleles persist in the population. Replicon ploidy thus allows for the maintenance of genetic variation following phenotypic adaptation and consequently for reversibility in adaptation to fluctuating environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Santer
- Research group Stochastic Evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany
| | - Anne Kupczok
- Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany.,Bioinformatics group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, 6708PB Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Tal Dagan
- Institute of General Microbiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Hildegard Uecker
- Research group Stochastic Evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, 24306 Plön, Germany
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6
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The Role of Mre Factors and Cell Division in Peptidoglycan Growth in the Multicellular Cyanobacterium Anabaena. mBio 2022; 13:e0116522. [PMID: 35876506 PMCID: PMC9426583 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01165-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria in general serve two main tasks: cell growth and division. Both processes include peptidoglycan extension to allow cell expansion and to form the poles of the daughter cells, respectively. The cyanobacterium Anabaena forms filaments of communicated cells in which the outer membrane and the peptidoglycan sacculus, which is engrossed in the intercellular regions between contiguous cells, are continuous along the filament. During the growth of Anabaena, peptidoglycan incorporation was weak at the cell periphery. During cell division, midcell peptidoglycan incorporation matched the localization of the divisome, and incorporation persisted in the intercellular septa, even after the division was completed. MreB, MreC, and MreD were located throughout the cell periphery and, in contrast to other bacteria, also to the divisome all along midcell peptidoglycan growth. In Anabaena mutants bearing inactivated mreB, mreC, or mreD genes, which showed conspicuous alterations in the filament morphology, consecutive septal bands of peptidoglycan growth were frequently not parallel to each other and were irregularly spaced along the filament, reproducing the disposition of the Z-ring. Both lateral and septal growth was impaired in strains down-expressing Z-ring components, and MreB and MreD appeared to directly interact with some divisome components. We propose that, in Anabaena, association with the divisome is a way for localization of MreB, MreC, and MreD at the cell poles, where they regulate lateral, midcell, and septal peptidoglycan growth with the latter being involved in localization and maintenance of the intercellular septal-junction protein structures that mediate cell-cell communication along the filament.
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7
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Expression of Cyanobacterial Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in Escherichia coli. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2489:315-332. [PMID: 35524058 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2273-5_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria represent an attractive source of natural bioactive compounds, ranging from sunscreens to cancer treatments. While many biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that encode cyanobacterial natural products are known, the slow growth and lack of genetic tools in the native producers hampers their modification, characterization, and large-scale production. By engineering heterologous hosts for the expression of cyanobacterial BGCs, sufficient material can be produced for research or industry. Although several hosts have been evaluated for the expression of cyanobacterial natural products, this work details the process of expressing BGCs in Escherichia coli via promoter exchange.
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8
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Popin RV, Alvarenga DO, Castelo-Branco R, Fewer DP, Sivonen K. Mining of Cyanobacterial Genomes Indicates Natural Product Biosynthetic Gene Clusters Located in Conjugative Plasmids. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:684565. [PMID: 34803938 PMCID: PMC8600333 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.684565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial natural products are compounds with unique chemical structures and diverse biological activities. Cyanobacteria commonly possess a wide range of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) to produce natural products. Although natural product BGCs have been found in almost all cyanobacterial genomes, little attention has been given in cyanobacterial research to the partitioning of these biosynthetic pathways in chromosomes and plasmids. Cyanobacterial plasmids are believed to disperse several natural product BGCs, such as toxins, by plasmids through horizontal gene transfer. Therefore, plasmids may confer the ability to produce toxins and may play a role in the evolution of diverse natural product BGCs from cyanobacteria. Here, we performed an analysis of the distribution of natural product BGCs in 185 genomes and mapped the presence of genes involved in the conjugation in plasmids. The 185 analyzed genomes revealed 1817 natural products BGCs. Individual genomes contained 1–42 biosynthetic pathways (mean 8), 95% of which were present in chromosomes and the remaining 5% in plasmids. Of the 424 analyzed cyanobacterial plasmids, 12% contained homologs of genes involved in conjugation and natural product biosynthetic pathways. Among the biosynthetic pathways in plasmids, manual curation identified those to produce aeruginosin, anabaenopeptin, ambiguine, cryptophycin, hassallidin, geosmin, and microcystin. These compounds are known toxins, protease inhibitors, odorous compounds, antimicrobials, and antitumorals. The present study provides in silico evidence using genome mining that plasmids may be involved in the distribution of natural product BGCs in cyanobacteria. Consequently, cyanobacterial plasmids have importance in the context of biotechnology, water management, and public health risk assessment. Future research should explore in vivo conjugation and the end products of natural product BGCs in plasmids via chemical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danillo Oliveira Alvarenga
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raquel Castelo-Branco
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - David Peter Fewer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaarina Sivonen
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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9
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Schätzle H, Arévalo S, Flores E, Schleiff E. A TonB-Like Protein, SjdR, Is Involved in the Structural Definition of the Intercellular Septa in the Heterocyst-Forming Cyanobacterium Anabaena. mBio 2021; 12:e0048321. [PMID: 34101487 PMCID: PMC8262864 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00483-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms with a Gram-negative envelope structure. Certain filamentous species such as Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 can fix dinitrogen upon depletion of combined nitrogen. Because the nitrogen-fixing enzyme, nitrogenase, is oxygen sensitive, photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation are spatially separated in Anabaena. Nitrogen fixation takes place in specialized cells called heterocysts, which differentiate from vegetative cells. During heterocyst differentiation, a microoxic environment is created by dismantling photosystem II and restructuring the cell wall. Moreover, solute exchange between the different cell types is regulated to limit oxygen influx into the heterocyst. The septal zone containing nanopores for solute exchange is constricted between heterocysts and vegetative cells, and cyanophycin plugs are located at the heterocyst poles. We identified a protein previously annotated as TonB1 that is largely conserved among cyanobacteria. A mutant of the encoding gene formed heterocysts but was impaired in diazotrophic growth. Mutant heterocysts appeared elongated and exhibited abnormal morphological features, including a reduced cyanophycin plug, an enhanced septum size, and a restricted nanopore zone in the septum. In spite of this, the intercellular transfer velocity of the fluorescent marker calcein was increased in the mutant compared to the wild type. Thus, the protein is required for proper formation of septal structures, expanding our emerging understanding of Anabaena peptidoglycan plasticity and intercellular solute exchange, and is therefore renamed SjdR (septal junction disk regulator). Notably, calcium supplementation compensated for the impaired diazotrophic growth and alterations in septal peptidoglycan in the sjdR mutant, emphasizing the importance of calcium for cell wall structure. IMPORTANCE Multicellularity in bacteria confers an improved adaptive capacity to environmental conditions and stresses. This includes an enhanced capability of resource utilization through a distribution of biochemical processes between constituent cells. This specialization results in a mutual dependency of different cell types, as is the case for nitrogen-fixing heterocysts and photosynthetically active vegetative cells in Anabaena. In this cyanobacterium, intercellular solute exchange is facilitated through nanopores in the peptidoglycan between adjacent cells. To ensure functionality of the specialized cells, septal size as well as the position, size, and frequency of nanopores in the septum need to be tightly established. The novel septal junction disk regulator SjdR characterized here is conserved in the cyanobacterial phylum. It influences septal size and septal nanopore distribution. Consequently, its absence severely affects the intercellular communication and the strains' growth capacity under nitrogen depletion. Thus, SjdR is involved in septal structure remodeling in cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Schätzle
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- FIERCE, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sergio Arévalo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Enrique Flores
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Enrico Schleiff
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- FIERCE, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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10
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Springstein BL, Nürnberg DJ, Weiss GL, Pilhofer M, Stucken K. Structural Determinants and Their Role in Cyanobacterial Morphogenesis. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E355. [PMID: 33348886 PMCID: PMC7766704 DOI: 10.3390/life10120355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells have to erect and sustain an organized and dynamically adaptable structure for an efficient mode of operation that allows drastic morphological changes during cell growth and cell division. These manifold tasks are complied by the so-called cytoskeleton and its associated proteins. In bacteria, FtsZ and MreB, the bacterial homologs to tubulin and actin, respectively, as well as coiled-coil-rich proteins of intermediate filament (IF)-like function to fulfil these tasks. Despite generally being characterized as Gram-negative, cyanobacteria have a remarkably thick peptidoglycan layer and possess Gram-positive-specific cell division proteins such as SepF and DivIVA-like proteins, besides Gram-negative and cyanobacterial-specific cell division proteins like MinE, SepI, ZipN (Ftn2) and ZipS (Ftn6). The diversity of cellular morphologies and cell growth strategies in cyanobacteria could therefore be the result of additional unidentified structural determinants such as cytoskeletal proteins. In this article, we review the current advances in the understanding of the cyanobacterial cell shape, cell division and cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L. Springstein
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Dennis J. Nürnberg
- Department of Physics, Biophysics and Biochemistry of Photosynthetic Organisms, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Gregor L. Weiss
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland; (G.L.W.); (M.P.)
| | - Martin Pilhofer
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology & Biophysics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland; (G.L.W.); (M.P.)
| | - Karina Stucken
- Department of Food Engineering, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena 1720010, Chile;
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11
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Springstein BL, Nürnberg DJ, Woehle C, Weissenbach J, Theune ML, Helbig AO, Maldener I, Dagan T, Stucken K. Two novel heteropolymer-forming proteins maintain the multicellular shape of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. FEBS J 2020; 288:3197-3216. [PMID: 33205554 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Polymerizing and filament-forming proteins are instrumental for numerous cellular processes such as cell division and growth. Their function in stabilization and localization of protein complexes and replicons is achieved by a filamentous structure. Known filamentous proteins assemble into homopolymers consisting of single subunits - for example, MreB and FtsZ in bacteria - or heteropolymers that are composed of two subunits, for example, keratin and α/β tubulin in eukaryotes. Here, we describe two novel coiled-coil-rich proteins (CCRPs) in the filament-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 (hereafter Anabaena) that assemble into a heteropolymer and function in the maintenance of the Anabaena multicellular shape (termed trichome). The two CCRPs - Alr4504 and Alr4505 (named ZicK and ZacK) - are strictly interdependent for the assembly of protein filaments in vivo and polymerize nucleotide independently in vitro, similar to known intermediate filament (IF) proteins. A ΔzicKΔzacK double mutant is characterized by a zigzagged cell arrangement and hence a loss of the typical linear Anabaena trichome shape. ZicK and ZacK interact with themselves, with each other, with the elongasome protein MreB, the septal junction protein SepJ and the divisome associate septal protein SepI. Our results suggest that ZicK and ZacK function in cooperation with SepJ and MreB to stabilize the Anabaena trichome and are likely essential for the manifestation of the multicellular shape in Anabaena. Our study reveals the presence of filament-forming IF-like proteins whose function is achieved through the formation of heteropolymers in cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marius L Theune
- Institute of General Microbiology, University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas O Helbig
- AG Proteomics & Bioanalytics, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Germany
| | - Iris Maldener
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen/Organismic Interactions, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tal Dagan
- Institute of General Microbiology, University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Karina Stucken
- Department of Food Engineering, University of La Serena, Chile
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12
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Li H, Gao T. MreB and MreC act as the geometric moderators of the cell wall synthetic machinery in Thermus thermophiles. Microbiol Res 2020; 243:126655. [PMID: 33279728 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2020.126655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
How cell morphology is maintained in thermophilic bacteria is unknown. In this study, the functions and mechanisms of the potential cell shape determinants (e.g. MreB, MreC, MreD and RodA homologues) of the model extremely thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus were initially analyzed. Deletion of mreC, mreD or rodA only resulted in heterozygous mutants indicating that these genes are all essential. In the MreB-inhibited (by A22) strain and the heterozygous mreC, mreD or rodA mutant, cell morphologies were drastically changed, and enlarged spherical cells were eventually dead indicating that they are vital for cell shape maintenance. When fused to sGFP, MreB, MreC, MreD, RodA, and the enzymes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis (e.g. PBP2 and MurG) exhibited similar subcellular localization pattern, appearing as patches, or bands slightly angled to the cell length. The localizations and functions of all the 6 proteins required a natural peptidoglycan synthesis pattern, additionally those of MreD, RodA and MurG were dependent on MreB polymerization. Consistently, through comprehensive bacterial two-hybrid analyses, it was revealed that MreB could interact with itself, MreC, MreD, RodA and MurG, and MreC could associate with PBP2. In conclusion, in T. thermophilus, MreB, MreC, MreD, RodA and the peptidoglycan synthesis enzymes probably form a network of interactions centered with MreB and bridged with MreC, thereby maintaining cell morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijuan Li
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, No. 168 South Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710065, China.
| | - Tianpeng Gao
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, No. 168 South Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710065, China
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13
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Springstein BL, Weissenbach J, Koch R, Stücker F, Stucken K. The role of the cytoskeletal proteins MreB and FtsZ in multicellular cyanobacteria. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:2510-2531. [PMID: 33112491 PMCID: PMC7714070 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiseriate and true‐branching cyanobacteria are at the peak of prokaryotic morphological complexity. However, little is known about the mechanisms governing multiplanar cell division and morphogenesis. Here, we study the function of the prokaryotic cytoskeletal proteins, MreB and FtsZ in Fischerella muscicola PCC 7414 and Chlorogloeopsis fritschii PCC 6912. Vancomycin and HADA labeling revealed a mixed apical, septal, and lateral trichome growth mode in F. muscicola, whereas C. fritschii exhibits septal growth. In all morphotypes from both species, MreB forms either linear filaments or filamentous strings and can interact with FtsZ. Furthermore, multiplanar cell division in F. muscicola likely depends on FtsZ dosage. Our results lay the groundwork for future studies on cytoskeletal proteins in morphologically complex cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Weissenbach
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Robin Koch
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Fenna Stücker
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany
| | - Karina Stucken
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany
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14
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The Inorganic Nutrient Regime and the mre Genes Regulate Cell and Filament Size and Morphology in the Phototrophic Multicellular Bacterium Anabaena. mSphere 2020; 5:5/5/e00747-20. [PMID: 33115834 PMCID: PMC7593598 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00747-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Most studies on the determination of bacterial cell morphology have been conducted in heterotrophic organisms. Here, we present a study of how the availability of inorganic nitrogen and carbon sources influence cell size and morphology in the context of a phototrophic metabolism, as found in the multicellular cyanobacterium Anabaena. In Anabaena, the expression of the MreB, MreC, and MreD proteins, which influence cell size and length, are regulated by NtcA, a transcription factor that globally coordinates cellular responses to the C-to-N balance of the cells. Moreover, MreB, MreC, and MreD also influence septal peptidoglycan construction, thus affecting filament length and, possibly, intercellular molecular exchange that is required for diazotrophic growth. Thus, here we identified new roles for Mre proteins in relation to the phototrophic and multicellular character of a cyanobacterium, Anabaena. The model cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 exhibits a phototrophic metabolism relying on oxygenic photosynthesis and a complex morphology. The organismic unit is a filament of communicated cells that may include cells specialized in different nutritional tasks, thus representing a paradigm of multicellular bacteria. In Anabaena, the inorganic carbon and nitrogen regime influenced not only growth, but also cell size, cell shape, and filament length, which also varied through the growth cycle. When using combined nitrogen, especially with abundant carbon, cells enlarged and elongated during active growth. When fixing N2, which imposed lower growth rates, shorter and smaller cells were maintained. In Anabaena, gene homologs to mreB, mreC, and mreD form an operon that was expressed at higher levels during the phase of fastest growth. In an ntcA mutant, mre transcript levels were higher than in the wild type and, consistently, cells were longer. Negative regulation by NtcA can explain that Anabaena cells were longer in the presence of combined nitrogen than in diazotrophic cultures, in which the levels of NtcA are higher. mreB, mreC, and mreD mutants could grow with combined nitrogen, but only the latter mutant could grow diazotrophically. Cells were always larger and shorter than wild-type cells, and their orientation in the filament was inverted. Consistent with increased peptidoglycan width and incorporation in the intercellular septa, filaments were longer in the mutants, suggesting a role for MreB, MreC, and MreD in the construction of septal peptidoglycan that could affect intercellular communication required for diazotrophic growth. IMPORTANCE Most studies on the determination of bacterial cell morphology have been conducted in heterotrophic organisms. Here, we present a study of how the availability of inorganic nitrogen and carbon sources influence cell size and morphology in the context of a phototrophic metabolism, as found in the multicellular cyanobacterium Anabaena. In Anabaena, the expression of the MreB, MreC, and MreD proteins, which influence cell size and length, are regulated by NtcA, a transcription factor that globally coordinates cellular responses to the C-to-N balance of the cells. Moreover, MreB, MreC, and MreD also influence septal peptidoglycan construction, thus affecting filament length and, possibly, intercellular molecular exchange that is required for diazotrophic growth. Thus, here we identified new roles for Mre proteins in relation to the phototrophic and multicellular character of a cyanobacterium, Anabaena.
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15
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Ohbayashi R, Hirooka S, Onuma R, Kanesaki Y, Hirose Y, Kobayashi Y, Fujiwara T, Furusawa C, Miyagishima SY. Evolutionary Changes in DnaA-Dependent Chromosomal Replication in Cyanobacteria. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:786. [PMID: 32411117 PMCID: PMC7198777 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Replication of the circular bacterial chromosome is initiated at a unique origin (oriC) in a DnaA-dependent manner in which replication proceeds bidirectionally from oriC to ter. The nucleotide compositions of most bacteria differ between the leading and lagging DNA strands. Thus, the chromosomal DNA sequence typically exhibits an asymmetric GC skew profile. Further, free-living bacteria without genomes encoding dnaA were unknown. Thus, a DnaA-oriC-dependent replication initiation mechanism may be essential for most bacteria. However, most cyanobacterial genomes exhibit irregular GC skew profiles. We previously found that the Synechococcus elongatus chromosome, which exhibits a regular GC skew profile, is replicated in a DnaA-oriC-dependent manner, whereas chromosomes of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Nostoc sp. PCC 7120, which exhibit an irregular GC skew profile, are replicated from multiple origins in a DnaA-independent manner. Here we investigate the variation in the mechanisms of cyanobacterial chromosome replication. We found that the genomes of certain free-living species do not encode dnaA and such species, including Cyanobacterium aponinum PCC 10605 and Geminocystis sp. NIES-3708, replicate their chromosomes from multiple origins. Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, which is phylogenetically closely related to dnaA-lacking free-living species as well as to dnaA-encoding but DnaA-oriC-independent Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, possesses dnaA. In Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, dnaA was not essential and its chromosomes were replicated from a unique origin in a DnaA-oriC independent manner. Our results also suggest that loss of DnaA-oriC-dependency independently occurred multiple times during cyanobacterial evolution and raises a possibility that the loss of dnaA or loss of DnaA-oriC dependency correlated with an increase in ploidy level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryudo Ohbayashi
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Hirooka
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Ryo Onuma
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yu Kanesaki
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuu Hirose
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Life Science, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kobayashi
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takayuki Fujiwara
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Chikara Furusawa
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Osaka, Japan.,Universal Biology Institute, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-Ya Miyagishima
- Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Shizuoka, Japan
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16
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Springstein BL, Woehle C, Weissenbach J, Helbig AO, Dagan T, Stucken K. Identification and characterization of novel filament-forming proteins in cyanobacteria. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1894. [PMID: 32024928 PMCID: PMC7002697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Filament-forming proteins in bacteria function in stabilization and localization of proteinaceous complexes and replicons; hence they are instrumental for myriad cellular processes such as cell division and growth. Here we present two novel filament-forming proteins in cyanobacteria. Surveying cyanobacterial genomes for coiled-coil-rich proteins (CCRPs) that are predicted as putative filament-forming proteins, we observed a higher proportion of CCRPs in filamentous cyanobacteria in comparison to unicellular cyanobacteria. Using our predictions, we identified nine protein families with putative intermediate filament (IF) properties. Polymerization assays revealed four proteins that formed polymers in vitro and three proteins that formed polymers in vivo. Fm7001 from Fischerella muscicola PCC 7414 polymerized in vitro and formed filaments in vivo in several organisms. Additionally, we identified a tetratricopeptide repeat protein - All4981 - in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 that polymerized into filaments in vitro and in vivo. All4981 interacts with known cytoskeletal proteins and is indispensable for Anabaena viability. Although it did not form filaments in vitro, Syc2039 from Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 assembled into filaments in vivo and a Δsyc2039 mutant was characterized by an impaired cytokinesis. Our results expand the repertoire of known prokaryotic filament-forming CCRPs and demonstrate that cyanobacterial CCRPs are involved in cell morphology, motility, cytokinesis and colony integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Springstein
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
- Department of Microbiology, Blavatnick Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Christian Woehle
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Max Planck-Genome-centre Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Weissenbach
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Andreas O Helbig
- Institute for Experimental Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tal Dagan
- Institute of General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Karina Stucken
- Department of Food Engineering, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile.
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17
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Gram-negative synergy and mechanism of action of alkynyl bisbenzimidazoles. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14171. [PMID: 31578425 PMCID: PMC6775084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisbenzimidazoles with terminal alkynyl linkers, selective inhibitors of bacterial topoisomerase I, have been evaluated using bacterial cytological profiling (BCP) to ascertain their mechanism of action and screened for synergism to improve Gram-negative bacterial coverage. Principal component analysis of high throughput fluorescence images suggests a dual-mechanism of action affecting DNA synthesis and cell membrane integrity. Fluorescence microscopy of bacteria challenged with two of the alkynyl-benzimidazoles revealed changes in the cellular ultrastructure that differed from topoisomerase II inhibitors including induction of spheroplasts and membrane lysis. The cytoskeleton recruitment enzyme inhibitor A22 in combination with one of the alkynyl-benzimidazoles was synergistic against Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli. Gram-positive coverage remained unchanged in the A22-alkynyl bisbenzimidazole combination. Efflux inhibitors were not synergistic, suggesting that the Gram-negative outer membrane was a significant barrier for alkynyl-bisbenzimidazole uptake. Time-kill assays demonstrated the A22-bisbenzimidazole combination had a similar growth inhibition curve to that of norfloxacin in E.coli. Bisbenzimidazoles with terminal alkynyl linkers likely impede bacterial growth by compromising cell membrane integrity and by interfering with DNA synthesis against Gram-positive pathogens and in the synergistic combination against Gram-negative pathogens including E. coli and multidrug-resistant A. baumanii.
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18
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Sevilla E, Sarasa-Buisan C, González A, Cases R, Kufryk G, Peleato ML, Fillat MF. Regulation by FurC in Anabaena Links the Oxidative Stress Response to Photosynthetic Metabolism. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 60:1778-1789. [PMID: 31111929 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcz094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The FUR (Ferric Uptake Regulator) family in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 consists of three paralogs named FurA (Fur), FurB (Zur) and FurC (PerR). furC seems to be an essential gene in the filamentous nitrogen-fixing strain Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, suggesting that it plays a fundamental role in this organism. In order to better understand the functions of FurC in Anabaena, the phenotype of a derivative strain that overexpresses this regulator (EB2770FurC) has been characterized. The furC-overexpressing variant presented alterations in growth rate, morphology and ultrastructure, as well as higher sensitivity to peroxide than Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Interestingly, the overexpression of furC led to reduced photosynthetic O2 evolution, increased respiratory activity, and had a significant influence in the composition and efficiency of both photosystems. Comparative transcriptional analyses, together with electrophoretic mobility shift assays allowed the identification of different genes directly controlled by FurC, and involved in processes not previously related to PerR proteins, such as the cell division gene ftsZ and the major thylakoid membrane protease ftsH. The rise in the transcription of ftsH in EB2770FurC cells correlated with reduced levels of the D1 protein, which is involved in the PSII repair cycle. Deregulation of the oxidative stress response in EB2770FurC cells led to the identification of novel FurC targets involved in the response to H2O2 through different mechanisms. These results, together with the effect of furC overexpression on the composition, stability and efficiency of the photosynthetic machinery of Anabaena, disclose novel links between PerR proteins, cell division and photosynthesis in filamentous cyanobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sevilla
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cristina Sarasa-Buisan
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Andrés González
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rafael Cases
- Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón, Universidad de Zaragoza-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
- Departamento de Física de la Materia Condensada, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Galyna Kufryk
- College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Grand Canyon University, 3300 W. Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - M Luisa Peleato
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María F Fillat
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute for Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems, Universidad de Zaragoza, Pedro Cerbuna 12, Zaragoza, Spain
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Hu S, Hu R, Dong X, Wei T, Chen S, Sun D. Translational and rotational manipulation of filamentous cells using optically driven microrobots. OPTICS EXPRESS 2019; 27:16475-16482. [PMID: 31252872 DOI: 10.1364/oe.27.016475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Optical cell manipulation has become increasingly valuable in cell-based assays. In this paper, we demonstrate the translational and rotational manipulation of filamentous cells using multiple cooperative microrobots automatically driven by holographic optical tweezers. The photodamage of the cells due to direct irradiation of the laser beam can be effectively avoided. The proposed method will enable fruitful biomedical applications where precise cell manipulation and less photodamage are required.
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20
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Abstract
Polyploidy has evolved many times across the kingdom of life. The relationship between cell growth and chromosome replication in bacteria has been studied extensively in monoploid model organisms such as Escherichia coli but not in polyploid organisms. Our study of the polyploid cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus demonstrates that replicating chromosome number is restricted and regulated by DnaA to maintain a relatively stable gene copy number/cell volume ratio during cell growth. In addition, our results suggest that polyploidy confers resistance to UV, which damages DNA. This compensatory polyploidy is likely necessitated by photosynthesis, which requires sunlight and generates damaging reactive oxygen species, and may also explain how polyploid bacteria can adapt to extreme environments with high risk of DNA damage. Homologous chromosome number (ploidy) has diversified among bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes over evolution. In bacteria, model organisms such as Escherichia coli possess a single chromosome encoding the entire genome during slow growth. In contrast, other bacteria, including cyanobacteria, maintain multiple copies of individual chromosomes (polyploid). Although a correlation between ploidy level and cell size has been observed in bacteria and eukaryotes, it is poorly understood how replication of multicopy chromosomes is regulated and how ploidy level is adjusted to cell size. In addition, the advantages conferred by polyploidy are largely unknown. Here we show that only one or a few multicopy chromosomes are replicated at once in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus and that this restriction depends on regulation of DnaA activity. Inhibiting the DnaA intrinsic ATPase activity in S. elongatus increased the number of replicating chromosomes and chromosome number per cell but did not affect cell growth. In contrast, when cell growth rate was increased or decreased, DnaA level, DnaA activity, and the number of replicating chromosomes also increased or decreased in parallel, resulting in nearly constant chromosome copy number per unit of cell volume at constant temperature. When chromosome copy number was increased by inhibition of DnaA ATPase activity or reduced culture temperature, cells exhibited greater resistance to UV light. Thus, it is suggested that the stepwise replication of the genome enables cyanobacteria to maintain nearly constant gene copy number per unit of cell volume and that multicopy chromosomes function as backup genetic information to compensate for genomic damage.
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21
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Random Chromosome Partitioning in the Polyploid Bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB27. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2019; 9:1249-1261. [PMID: 30792193 PMCID: PMC6469415 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about chromosome segregation in polyploid prokaryotes. In this study, whether stringent or variable chromosome segregation occurs in polyploid thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus was analyzed. A stable heterozygous strain (HL01) containing two antibiotic resistance markers at one gene locus was generated. The inheritance of the two alleles in the progeny of the heterozygous strain was then followed. During incubation without selection pressure, the fraction of heterozygous cells decreased and that of homozygous cells increased, while the relative abundance of each allele in the whole population remained constant, suggesting chromosome segregation had experienced random event. Consistently, in comparison with Bacillus subtilis in which the sister chromosomes were segregated equally, the ratios of DNA content in two daughter cells of T. thermophilus had a broader distribution and a larger standard deviation, indicating that the DNA content in the two daughter cells was not always identical. Further, the protein homologs (i.e., ParA and MreB) which have been suggested to be involved in bacterial chromosome partitioning did not actively participate in the chromosome segregation in T. thermophilus. Therefore, it seems that protein-based chromosome segregation machineries are less critical for the polyploid T. thermophilus, and chromosome segregation in this bacterium are not stringently controlled but tend to be variable, and random segregation can occur.
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22
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Li H. Selection-free markerless genome manipulations in the polyploid bacterium Thermus thermophilus. 3 Biotech 2019; 9:148. [PMID: 30944795 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-019-1682-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A genome manipulation approach based on double-crossover homologous recombination was developed in the polyploid model organism Thermus thermophilus HB27 without the use of any selectable marker. The method was established and optimized by targeting the megaplasmid-encoded β-glucosidase gene bgl. When linear and supercoiled forms of marker-free suicide vector were used for transformations, the frequencies of obtaining apparent Bgl- mutant were 10- 5 and 10- 3, respectively; while the frequency could reach 10- 2 when transformation with concatemer form of the same vector. All randomly selected Bgl- colonies from the transformations were found to be true bgl knockout mutants. Thus, markerless gene deletion mutants could be constructed in T. thermophilus by the direct selection-free method. The functionality of this approach was further demonstrated by deletion of one chromosomal locus (TTC_0340-0341) as well as by generation of a reporter strain for the phytoene synthase promoter (PcrtB), homozygous mutants of the both targets could also be detected with a frequency of approximately 10- 2. During the genome modification process, heterozygous cells carrying two different alleles at a same locus (e.g., bgl and pyrE) could also be generated. However, in the absence of selection pressure, these strains could rapidly convert to homozygous strains containing only one of the two alleles. This indicated that allele segregation could occur in the heterozygous T. thermophilus cells, which probably explained the ease of obtaining homozygous gene deletion mutants with high frequency (10- 2) in the polyploid genomic background, as after the mutant allele had been introduced to the target region, allele segregation would lead to homozygous mutant cells. This marker-free genome manipulation approach does not require phenotype-based screens, and is applicable in gene deletion and tagging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijuan Li
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, No. 168 South Taibai Road, Xi'an, 710065 China
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23
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Niu TC, Lin GM, Xie LR, Wang ZQ, Xing WY, Zhang JY, Zhang CC. Expanding the Potential of CRISPR-Cpf1-Based Genome Editing Technology in the Cyanobacterium Anabaena PCC 7120. ACS Synth Biol 2019; 8:170-180. [PMID: 30525474 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR systems, such as CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-Cpf1, have been successfully used for genome editing in a variety of organisms. Although the technique of CRISPR-Cpf1 has been applied in cyanobacteria recently, its use was limited without exploiting the full potential of such a powerful genetic system. Using the cyanobacterium Anabaena PCC 7120 as a model strain, we improved the tools and designed genetic strategies based on CRISPR-Cpf1, which enabled us to realize genetic experiments that have been so far difficult to do in cyanobacteria. The development includes: (1) a "two-spacers" strategy for single genomic modification, with a success rate close to 100%; (2) rapid multiple genome editing using editing plasmids with different resistance markers; (3) using sacB, a counter-selection marker conferring sucrose sensitivity, to enable the active loss of the editing plasmids and facilitate multiple rounds of genetic modification or phenotypic analysis; (4) manipulation of essential genes by the creation of conditional mutants, using as example, polA encoding the DNA polymerase I essential for DNA replication and repair; (5) large DNA fragment deletion, up to 118 kb, from the Anabaena chromosome, corresponding to the largest bacterial chromosomal region removed with CRISPR systems so far. The genome editing vectors and the strategies developed here will expand our ability to study and engineer cyanobacteria, which are extensively used for fundamental studies, biotechnological applications including biofuel production, and synthetic biology research. The vectors developed here have a broad host range, and could be readily used for genetic modification in other microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Cai Niu
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Gui-Ming Lin
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Li-Rui Xie
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zi-Qian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei-Yue Xing
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Ju-Yuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Cheng-Cai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Cullen A, Pearson LA, Mazmouz R, Liu T, Soeriyadi AH, Ongley SE, Neilan BA. Heterologous expression and biochemical characterisation of cyanotoxin biosynthesis pathways. Nat Prod Rep 2019; 36:1117-1136. [DOI: 10.1039/c8np00063h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses cyanotoxin biosynthetic pathways and highlights the heterologous expression and biochemical studies used to characterise them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alescia Cullen
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences
- University of Newcastle
- Callaghan 2308
- Australia
| | - Leanne A. Pearson
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences
- University of Newcastle
- Callaghan 2308
- Australia
| | - Rabia Mazmouz
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences
- University of Newcastle
- Callaghan 2308
- Australia
| | - Tianzhe Liu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences
- The University of New South Wales
- Sydney 2052
- Australia
| | - Angela H. Soeriyadi
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences
- The University of New South Wales
- Sydney 2052
- Australia
| | - Sarah E. Ongley
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences
- University of Newcastle
- Callaghan 2308
- Australia
| | - Brett A. Neilan
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences
- University of Newcastle
- Callaghan 2308
- Australia
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25
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MacCready JS, Hakim P, Young EJ, Hu L, Liu J, Osteryoung KW, Vecchiarelli AG, Ducat DC. Protein gradients on the nucleoid position the carbon-fixing organelles of cyanobacteria. eLife 2018; 7:39723. [PMID: 30520729 PMCID: PMC6328274 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Carboxysomes are protein-based bacterial organelles encapsulating key enzymes of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle. Previous work has implicated a ParA-like protein (hereafter McdA) as important for spatially organizing carboxysomes along the longitudinal axis of the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. Yet, how self-organization of McdA emerges and contributes to carboxysome positioning is unknown. Here, we identify a small protein, termed McdB that localizes to carboxysomes and drives emergent oscillatory patterning of McdA on the nucleoid. Our results demonstrate that McdB directly stimulates McdA ATPase activity and its release from DNA, driving carboxysome-dependent depletion of McdA locally on the nucleoid and promoting directed motion of carboxysomes towards increased concentrations of McdA. We propose that McdA and McdB are a previously unknown class of self-organizing proteins that utilize a Brownian-ratchet mechanism to position carboxysomes in cyanobacteria, rather than a cytoskeletal system. These results have broader implications for understanding spatial organization of protein mega-complexes and organelles in bacteria. Cyanobacteria are tiny organisms that can harness the energy of the sun to power their cells. Many of the tools required for this complex photosynthetic process are packaged into small compartments inside the cell, the carboxysomes. In Synechococcus elongatus, a cyanobacterium that is shaped like a rod, the carboxysomes are positioned at regular intervals along the length of the cell. This ensures that, when the bacterium splits itself in half to reproduce, both daughter cells have the same number of carboxysomes. Researchers know that, in S. elongatus, a protein called McdA can oscillate from one end of the cell to the other. This protein is responsible for the carboxysomes being in the right place, and some scientists believe that it helps to create an internal skeleton that anchors and drags the compartments into position. Here, MacCready et al. propose another mechanism and, by combining various approaches, identify a new partner for McdA. This protein, called McdB, is present on the carboxysomes. McdB also binds to McdA, which itself attaches to the nucleoid – the region in the cell that contains the DNA. McdB forces McdA to release itself from DNA, causing the protein to reposition itself along the nucleoid. Because McdB attaches to McdA, the carboxysomes then follow suit, constantly seeking the highest concentrations of McdA bound to nearby DNA. Instead of relying on a cellular skeleton, these two proteins can organize themselves on their own using the nucleoid as a scaffold; in turn, they distribute carboxysomes evenly along the length of a cell. Plants also obtain their energy from the sun via photosynthesis, but they do not carry carboxysomes. Scientists have tried to introduce these compartments inside plant cells, hoping that it could generate crops with higher yields. Knowing how carboxysomes are organized so they can be passed down from one generation to the next could be important for these experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S MacCready
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States
| | - Pusparanee Hakim
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Michigan, United States
| | - Eric J Young
- Department of Biochemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States
| | - Longhua Hu
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Jian Liu
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | | | - Anthony G Vecchiarelli
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Michigan, United States
| | - Daniel C Ducat
- Department of Biochemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States.,MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States
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26
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Corrales-Guerrero L, Camargo S, Valladares A, Picossi S, Luque I, Ochoa de Alda JAG, Herrero A. FtsZ of Filamentous, Heterocyst-Forming Cyanobacteria Has a Conserved N-Terminal Peptide Required for Normal FtsZ Polymerization and Cell Division. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2260. [PMID: 30333801 PMCID: PMC6175996 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous cyanobacteria grow by intercalary cell division, which should involve distinct steps compared to those producing separate daughter cells. The N-terminal region of FtsZ is highly conserved in the clade of filamentous cyanobacteria capable of cell differentiation. A derivative of the model strain Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 expressing only an FtsZ lacking the amino acids 2–51 of the N-terminal peptide (ΔN-FtsZ) could not be segregated. Strain CSL110 expresses both ΔN-FtsZ, from the endogenous ftsZ gene promoter, and the native FtsZ from a synthetic regulated promoter. Under conditions of ΔN-FtsZ predominance, cells of strain CSL110 progressively enlarge, reflecting reduced cell division, and show instances of asymmetric cell division and aberrant Z-structures notably differing from the Z-ring formed by FtsZ in the wild type. In bacterial 2-hybrid assays FtsZ interacted with ΔN-FtsZ. However, ΔN-FtsZ-GFP appeared impaired for incorporation into Z-rings when expressed together with FtsZ. FtsZ, but not ΔN-FtsZ, interacted with the essential protein SepF. Both FtsZ and ΔN-FtsZ polymerize in vitro exhibiting comparable GTPase activities. However, filaments of FtsZ show a distinct curling forming toroids, whereas ΔN-FtsZ form thick bundles of straight filaments. Thus, the N-terminal FtsZ sequence appears to contribute to a distinct FtsZ polymerization mode that is essential for cell division and division plane location in Anabaena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Corrales-Guerrero
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Sergio Camargo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Ana Valladares
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Silvia Picossi
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Ignacio Luque
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Antonia Herrero
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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27
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Perez-Sepulveda B, Pitt F, N'Guyen AN, Ratin M, Garczarek L, Millard A, Scanlan DJ. Relative stability of ploidy in a marine Synechococcus across various growth conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2018; 10:428-432. [PMID: 29327508 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine picocyanobacteria of the genus Synechococcus are ubiquitous phototrophs in oceanic systems. Consistent with these organisms occupying vast tracts of the nutrient impoverished ocean, most marine Synechococcus so far studied are monoploid, i.e., contain a single chromosome copy. The exception is the oligoploid strain Synechococcus sp. WH7803, which on average possesses around 4 chromosome copies. Here, we set out to understand the role of resource availability (through nutrient deplete growth) and physical stressors (UV, exposure to low and high temperature) in regulating ploidy level in this strain. Using qPCR to assay ploidy status we demonstrate the relative stability of chromosome copy number in Synechococcus sp. WH7803. Such robustness in maintaining an oligoploid status even under nutrient and physical stress is indicative of a fundamental role, perhaps facilitating recombination of damaged DNA regions as a result of prolonged exposure to oxidative stress, or allowing added flexibility in gene expression via possessing multiple alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frances Pitt
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - An N N'Guyen
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC-Université Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7144, Station Biologique, Roscoff, France
| | - Morgane Ratin
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC-Université Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7144, Station Biologique, Roscoff, France
| | - Laurence Garczarek
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC-Université Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7144, Station Biologique, Roscoff, France
| | - Andrew Millard
- Department of Infection Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - David J Scanlan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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28
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Özdemir B, Asgharzadeh P, Birkhold AI, Mueller SJ, Röhrle O, Reski R. Cytological analysis and structural quantification of FtsZ1-2 and FtsZ2-1 network characteristics in Physcomitrella patens. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11165. [PMID: 30042487 PMCID: PMC6057934 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29284-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the concept of the cytoskeleton as a cell-shape-determining scaffold is well established, it remains enigmatic how eukaryotic organelles adopt and maintain a specific morphology. The Filamentous Temperature Sensitive Z (FtsZ) protein family, an ancient tubulin, generates complex polymer networks, with striking similarity to the cytoskeleton, in the chloroplasts of the moss Physcomitrella patens. Certain members of this protein family are essential for structural integrity and shaping of chloroplasts, while others are not, illustrating the functional diversity within the FtsZ protein family. Here, we apply a combination of confocal laser scanning microscopy and a self-developed semi-automatic computational image analysis method for the quantitative characterisation and comparison of network morphologies and connectivity features for two selected, functionally dissimilar FtsZ isoforms, FtsZ1-2 and FtsZ2-1. We show that FtsZ1-2 and FtsZ2-1 networks are significantly different for 8 out of 25 structural descriptors. Therefore, our results demonstrate that different FtsZ isoforms are capable of generating polymer networks with distinctive morphological and connectivity features which might be linked to the functional differences between the two isoforms. To our knowledge, this is the first study to employ computational algorithms in the quantitative comparison of different classes of protein networks in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bugra Özdemir
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pouyan Asgharzadeh
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 7, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science (SimTech), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 5a, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Annette I Birkhold
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 7, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Stefanie J Mueller
- INRES - Chemical Signalling, University of Bonn, Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 144, 53113, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Röhrle
- Institute of Applied Mechanics, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 7, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Stuttgart Center for Simulation Science (SimTech), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 5a, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- BIOSS - Centre for Biological Signalling Research, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestr. 18, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110, Freiburg, Germany.
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29
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Zhang JY, Lin GM, Xing WY, Zhang CC. Diversity of Growth Patterns Probed in Live Cyanobacterial Cells Using a Fluorescent Analog of a Peptidoglycan Precursor. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:791. [PMID: 29740419 PMCID: PMC5928242 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria were the first oxygenic photosynthetic organisms during evolution and were ancestors of plastids. Cyanobacterial cells exhibit an extraordinary diversity in their size and shape, and bacterial cell morphology largely depends on the synthesis and the dynamics of the peptidoglycan (PG) layer. Here, we used a fluorescence analog of the PG synthesis precursor D-Ala, 7-Hydroxycoumarin-amino-D-alanine (HADA), to probe the PG synthesis pattern in live cells of cyanobacteria with different morphology. They displayed diverse synthesis patterns, with some strains showing an intensive HADA incorporation at the septal region, whereas others gave an HADA signal distributed around the cells. Growth zones covering several cells at the tips of the filament were present in some filamentous strains such as in Arthrospira. In Anabaena PCC 7120, which is capable of differentiating heterocysts for N2 fixation, PG synthesis followed the cell division cycle. In addition, an HADA incorporation was strongly activated from 12 to 15 h following the initiation of heterocyst development, indicating a thickening of the PG layer in heterocysts. The PG synthesis pattern is diverse in cyanobacteria and responds to developmental regulation. The use of fluorescent analogs may serve as a useful tool for understanding the mechanisms of cell growth and morphogenesis operating in these organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Yuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Gui-Ming Lin
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei-Yue Xing
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng-Cai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Algal Biology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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30
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Abstract
Viruses are integral to ecological and evolutionary processes, but we have a poor understanding of what drives variation in key traits across diverse viruses. For lytic viruses, burst size, latent period, and genome size are primary characteristics controlling host-virus dynamics. Here we synthesize data on these traits for 75 strains of phytoplankton viruses, which play an important role in global biogeochemistry. We find that primary traits of the host (genome size, growth rate) explain 40%-50% of variation in burst size and latent period. Specifically, burst size and latent period both exhibit saturating relationships versus the host∶virus genome size ratio, with both traits increasing at low genome size ratios while showing no relationship at high size ratios. In addition, latent period declines as host growth rate increases. We analyze a model of latent period evolution to explore mechanisms that could cause these patterns. The model predicts that burst size may often be set by the host genomic resources available for viral construction, while latent period evolves to permit this maximal burst size, modulated by host metabolic rate. These results suggest that general mechanisms may underlie the evolution of diverse viruses. Future extensions of this work could help explain viral regulation of host populations, viral influence on community structure and diversity, and viral roles in biogeochemical cycles.
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31
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Patel VK, Srivastava R, Sharma A, Srivastava AK, Singh S, Srivastava AK, Kashyap PL, Chakdar H, Pandiyan K, Kalra A, Saxena AK. Halotolerant Exiguobacterium profundum PHM11 Tolerate Salinity by Accumulating L-Proline and Fine-Tuning Gene Expression Profiles of Related Metabolic Pathways. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:423. [PMID: 29662469 PMCID: PMC5890156 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Salinity stress is one of the serious factors, limiting production of major agricultural crops; especially, in sodic soils. A number of approaches are being applied to mitigate the salt-induced adverse effects in agricultural crops through implying different halotolerant microbes. In this aspect, a halotolerant, Exiguobacterium profundum PHM11 was evaluated under eight different salinity regimes; 100, 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 mM to know its inherent salt tolerance limits and salt-induced consequences affecting its natural metabolism. Based on the stoichiometric growth kinetics; 100 and 1500 mM concentrations were selected as optimal and minimal performance limits for PHM11. To know, how salt stress affects the expression profiles of regulatory genes of its key metabolic pathways, and total production of important metabolites; biomass, carotenoids, beta-carotene production, IAA and proline contents, and expression profiles of key genes affecting the protein folding, structural adaptations, transportation across the cell membrane, stress tolerance, carotenoids, IAA and mannitol production in PHM11 were studied under 100 and 1500 mM salinity. E. profundum PHM11 showed maximum and minimum growth, biomass and metabolite production at 100 and 1500 mM salinity respectively. Salt-induced fine-tuning of expression profiles of key genes of stress pathways was determined in halotolerant bacterium PHM11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas K Patel
- Laboratory of Genomics, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Ruchi Srivastava
- Laboratory of Genomics, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Anjney Sharma
- Laboratory of Genomics, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Anchal K Srivastava
- Laboratory of Genomics, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Savita Singh
- Laboratory of Genomics, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Alok K Srivastava
- Laboratory of Genomics, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Prem L Kashyap
- Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India
| | - Hillol Chakdar
- Laboratory of Genomics, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - K Pandiyan
- Laboratory of Genomics, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Maunath Bhanjan, India
| | - Alok Kalra
- Department of Microbial Technology, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
| | - Anil K Saxena
- Laboratory of Genomics, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Maunath Bhanjan, India
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32
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Bornikoel J, Staiger J, Madlung J, Forchhammer K, Maldener I. LytM factor Alr3353 affects filament morphology and cell-cell communication in the multicellular cyanobacteriumAnabaenasp. PCC 7120. Mol Microbiol 2018; 108:187-203. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bornikoel
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, Organismic Interactions; University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28; 72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Julia Staiger
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, Organismic Interactions; University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28; 72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Johannes Madlung
- Proteome Center Tübingen; University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15; 72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Karl Forchhammer
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, Organismic Interactions; University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28; 72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Iris Maldener
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, Organismic Interactions; University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 28; 72076 Tübingen Germany
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33
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Tailoring cyanobacterial cell factory for improved industrial properties. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:430-442. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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34
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Watanabe S, Noda A, Ohbayashi R, Uchioke K, Kurihara A, Nakatake S, Morioka S, Kanesaki Y, Chibazakura T, Yoshikawa H. ParA-like protein influences the distribution of multi-copy chromosomes in cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2017; 164:45-56. [PMID: 29165230 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
While many bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, harbour a single-copy chromosome, freshwater cyanobacteria have multiple copies of each chromosome per cell. Although it has been reported that multi-copy chromosomes are evenly distributed along the major axis of the cell in cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, the distribution mechanism of these chromosomes remains unclear. In S. elongatus, the carboxysome, a metabolic microcompartment for carbon fixation that is distributed in a similar manner to the multi-copy chromosomes, is regulated by ParA-like protein (hereafter ParA). To elucidate the role of ParA in the distribution of multi-copy chromosomes, we constructed and analysed ParA disruptant and overexpressing strains of S. elongatus. Our fluorescence in situ hybridization assay revealed that the parA disruptants displayed an aberrant distribution of their multi-copy chromosomes. In the parA disruptant the multiple origin and terminus foci, corresponding to the intracellular position of each chromosomal region, were aggregated, which was compensated by the expression of exogenous ParA from other genomic loci. The parA disruptant is sensitive to UV-C compared to the WT strain. Additionally, giant cells appeared under ParA overexpression at the late stage of growth indicating that excess ParA indirectly inhibits cell division. Screening of the ParA-interacting proteins by yeast two-hybrid analysis revealed four candidates that are involved in DNA repair and cell membrane biogenesis. These results suggest that ParA is involved in the pleiotropic cellular functions with these proteins, while parA is dispensable for cell viability in S. elongatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Watanabe
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aska Noda
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryudo Ohbayashi
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan.,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Japan.,Department of Cell Genetics, National Institute of Genetics, Shizuoka, 411-8540, Japan
| | - Kana Uchioke
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ami Kurihara
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shizuka Nakatake
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayumi Morioka
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Kanesaki
- Genome Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taku Chibazakura
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Yoshikawa
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan.,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Japan
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35
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Characterization of Seven Species of Cyanobacteria for High-Quality Biomass Production. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13369-017-2666-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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36
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Chen Y, Taton A, Go M, London RE, Pieper LM, Golden SS, Golden JW. Self-replicating shuttle vectors based on pANS, a small endogenous plasmid of the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. Microbiology (Reading) 2016; 162:2029-2041. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- You Chen
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Arnaud Taton
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michaela Go
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ross E. London
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lindsey M. Pieper
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Susan S. Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - James W. Golden
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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37
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Johnson TJ, Gibbons JL, Gu L, Zhou R, Gibbons WR. Molecular genetic improvements of cyanobacteria to enhance the industrial potential of the microbe: A review. Biotechnol Prog 2016; 32:1357-1371. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.2358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tylor J. Johnson
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
- Dept. of MicrobiologyThe University of TennesseeKnoxville TN37996
| | - Jaimie L. Gibbons
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
| | - Liping Gu
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
| | - Ruanbao Zhou
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
| | - William R. Gibbons
- Dept. of Biology and MicrobiologySouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings SD57007
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Chen K, Zhu H, Gu L, Tian S, Zhou R. Target Gene Inactivation in Cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Bio Protoc 2016. [DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.1890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Singh SP, Montgomery BL. Regulation of BolA abundance mediates morphogenesis in Fremyella diplosiphon. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1215. [PMID: 26594203 PMCID: PMC4633512 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous cyanobacterium Fremyella diplosiphon is known to alter its pigmentation and morphology during complementary chromatic acclimation (CCA) to efficiently harvest available radiant energy for photosynthesis. F. diplosiphon cells are rectangular and filaments are longer under green light (GL), whereas smaller, spherical cells and short filaments are prevalent under red light (RL). Light regulation of bolA morphogene expression is correlated with photoregulation of cellular morphology in F. diplosiphon. Here, we investigate a role for quantitative regulation of cellular BolA protein levels in morphology determination. Overexpression of bolA in WT was associated with induction of RL-characteristic spherical morphology even when cultures were grown under GL. Overexpression of bolA in a ΔrcaE background, which lacks cyanobacteriochrome photosensor RcaE and accumulates lower levels of BolA than WT, partially reverted the cellular morphology of the strain to a WT-like state. Overexpression of BolA in WT and ΔrcaE backgrounds was associated with decreased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and an increase in filament length under both GL and RL. Morphological defects and high ROS levels commonly observed in ΔrcaE could, thus, be in part due to low accumulation of BolA. Together, these findings support an emerging model for RcaE-dependent photoregulation of BolA in controlling the cellular morphology of F. diplosiphon during CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra P. Singh
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East LansingMI, USA
| | - Beronda L. Montgomery
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East LansingMI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East LansingMI, USA
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The Peptidoglycan-Binding Protein SjcF1 Influences Septal Junction Function and Channel Formation in the Filamentous Cyanobacterium Anabaena. mBio 2015; 6:e00376. [PMID: 26126850 PMCID: PMC4488944 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00376-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous, heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria exchange nutrients and regulators between cells for diazotrophic growth. Two alternative modes of exchange have been discussed involving transport either through the periplasm or through septal junctions linking adjacent cells. Septal junctions and channels in the septal peptidoglycan are likely filled with septal junction complexes. While possible proteinaceous factors involved in septal junction formation, SepJ (FraG), FraC, and FraD, have been identified, little is known about peptidoglycan channel formation and septal junction complex anchoring to the peptidoglycan. We describe a factor, SjcF1, involved in regulation of septal junction channel formation in the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. SjcF1 interacts with the peptidoglycan layer through two peptidoglycan-binding domains and is localized throughout the cell periphery but at higher levels in the intercellular septa. A strain with an insertion in sjcF1 was not affected in peptidoglycan synthesis but showed an altered morphology of the septal peptidoglycan channels, which were significantly wider in the mutant than in the wild type. The mutant was impaired in intercellular exchange of a fluorescent probe to a similar extent as a sepJ deletion mutant. SjcF1 additionally bears an SH3 domain for protein-protein interactions. SH3 binding domains were identified in SepJ and FraC, and evidence for interaction of SjcF1 with both SepJ and FraC was obtained. SjcF1 represents a novel protein involved in structuring the peptidoglycan layer, which links peptidoglycan channel formation to septal junction complex function in multicellular cyanobacteria. Nonetheless, based on its subcellular distribution, this might not be the only function of SjcF1. Cell-cell communication is central not only for eukaryotic but also for multicellular prokaryotic systems. Principles of intercellular communication are well established for eukaryotes, but the mechanisms and components involved in bacteria are just emerging. Filamentous heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria behave as multicellular organisms and represent an excellent model to study prokaryotic cell-cell communication. A path for intercellular metabolite exchange appears to involve transfer through molecular structures termed septal junctions. They are reminiscent of metazoan gap junctions that directly link adjacent cells. In cyanobacteria, such structures need to traverse the peptidoglycan layers in the intercellular septa of the filament. Here we describe a factor involved in the formation of channels across the septal peptidoglycan layers, thus contributing to the multicellular behavior of these organisms.
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Montgomery BL. Light-dependent governance of cell shape dimensions in cyanobacteria. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:514. [PMID: 26074902 PMCID: PMC4443024 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of cellular dimension is important for the function and survival of cells. Cellular dimensions, such as size and shape, are regulated throughout the life cycle of bacteria and can be adapted in response to environmental changes to fine-tune cellular fitness. Cell size and shape are generally coordinated with cell growth and division. Cytoskeletal regulation of cell shape and cell wall biosynthesis and/or deposition occurs in a range of organisms. Photosynthetic organisms, such as cyanobacteria, particularly exhibit light-dependent regulation of morphogenes and generation of reactive oxygen species and other signals that can impact cellular dimensions. Environmental signals initiate adjustments of cellular dimensions, which may be vitally important for optimizing resource acquisition and utilization or for coupling the cellular dimensions with the regulation of subcellular organization to maintain optimal metabolism. Although the involvement of cytoskeletal components in the regulation of cell shape is widely accepted, the signaling factors that regulate cytoskeletal and other distinct components involved in cell shape control, particularly in response to changes in external light cues, remain to be fully elucidated. In this review, factors impacting the inter-coordination of growth and division, the relationship between the regulation of cellular dimensions and central carbon metabolism, and consideration of the effects of specific environment signals, primarily light, on cell dimensions in cyanobacteria will be discussed. Current knowledge about the molecular bases of the light-dependent regulation of cellular dimensions and cell shape in cyanobacteria will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beronda L. Montgomery
- Department of Energy-Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Characterization of chromosomal and megaplasmid partitioning loci in Thermus thermophilus HB27. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:317. [PMID: 25909452 PMCID: PMC4409726 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In low-copy-number plasmids, the partitioning loci (par) act to ensure proper plasmid segregation and copy number maintenance in the daughter cells. In many bacterial species, par gene homologues are encoded on the chromosome, but their function is much less understood. In the two-replicon, polyploid genome of the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus, both the chromosome and the megaplasmid encode par gene homologues (parABc and parABm, respectively). The mode of partitioning of the two replicons and the role of the two Par systems in the replication, segregation and maintenance of the genome copies are completely unknown in this organism. Results We generated a series of chromosomal and megaplasmid par mutants and sGFP reporter strains and analyzed them with respect to DNA segregation defects, genome copy number and replication origin localization. We show that the two ParB proteins specifically bind their cognate centromere-like sequences parS, and that both ParB-parS complexes localize at the cell poles. Deletion of the chromosomal parAB genes did not apparently affect the cell growth, the frequency of cells with aberrant nucleoids, or the chromosome and megaplasmid replication. In contrast, deletion of the megaplasmid parAB operon or of the parB gene was not possible, indicating essentiality of the megaplasmid-encoded Par system. A mutant expressing lower amounts of ParABm showed growth defects, a high frequency of cells with irregular nucleoids and a loss of a large portion of the megaplasmid. The truncated megaplasmid could not be partitioned appropriately, as interlinked megaplasmid molecules (catenenes) could be detected, and the ParBm-parSm complexes in this mutant lost their polar localization. Conclusions We show that in T. thermophilus the chromosomal par locus is not required for either the chromosomal or megaplasmid bulk DNA replication and segregation. In contrast, the megaplasmid Par system of T. thermophilus is needed for the proper replication and segregation of the megaplasmid, and is essential for its maintenance. The two Par sets in T. thermophilus appear to function in a replicon-specific manner. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of Par systems in a polyploid bacterium. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1523-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Graumann PL. Chromosome architecture and segregation in prokaryotic cells. J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 24:291-300. [PMID: 25732333 DOI: 10.1159/000369100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Graumann
- SYNMIKRO, LOEWE Center for Synthetic Microbiology, and Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Simultaneous gene inactivation and promoter reporting in cyanobacteria. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 99:1779-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-6209-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Watabe K, Mimuro M, Tsuchiya T. Development of a high-frequency in vivo transposon mutagenesis system for Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 55:2017-26. [DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcu128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Cell envelope components influencing filament length in the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. J Bacteriol 2014; 196:4026-35. [PMID: 25201945 DOI: 10.1128/jb.02128-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria grow as chains of cells (known as trichomes or filaments) that can be hundreds of cells long. The filament consists of individual cells surrounded by a cytoplasmic membrane and peptidoglycan layers. The cells, however, share a continuous outer membrane, and septal proteins, such as SepJ, are important for cell-cell contact and filament formation. Here, we addressed a possible role of cell envelope components in filamentation, the process of producing and maintaining filaments, in the model cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. We studied filament length and the response of the filaments to mechanical fragmentation in a number of strains with mutations in genes encoding cell envelope components. Previously published peptidoglycan- and outer membrane-related gene mutants and strains with mutations in two genes (all5045 and alr0718) encoding class B penicillin-binding proteins isolated in this work were used. Our results show that filament length is affected in most cell envelope mutants, but the filaments of alr5045 and alr2270 gene mutants were particularly fragmented. All5045 is a dd-transpeptidase involved in peptidoglycan elongation during cell growth, and Alr2270 is an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of lipid A, a key component of lipopolysaccharide. These results indicate that both components of the cell envelope, the murein sacculus and the outer membrane, influence filamentation. As deduced from the filament fragmentation phenotypes of their mutants, however, none of these elements is as important for filamentation as the septal protein SepJ.
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Singh SP, Montgomery BL. Morphogenes bolA and mreB mediate the photoregulation of cellular morphology during complementary chromatic acclimation in Fremyella diplosiphon. Mol Microbiol 2014; 93:167-82. [PMID: 24823920 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Photoregulation of pigmentation during complementary chromatic acclimation (CCA) is well studied in Fremyella diplosiphon; however, mechanistic insights into the CCA-associated morphological changes are still emerging. F. diplosiphon cells are rectangular under green light (GL), whereas cells are smaller and spherical under red light (RL). Here, we investigate the role of morphogenes bolA and mreB during CCA using gene expression and gene function analyses. The F. diplosiphon bolA gene is essential as its complete removal from the genome was unsuccessful. Depletion of bolA resulted in slow growth, morphological defects and the accumulation of high levels of reactive oxygen species in a partially segregated ΔbolA strain. Higher expression of bolA was observed under RL and was correlated with lower expression of mreB and mreC genes in wild type. In a ΔrcaE strain that lacks the red-/green-responsive RcaE photoreceptor, the expression of bolA and mre genes was altered under both RL and GL. Observed gene expression relationships suggest that mreB and mreC expression is controlled by RcaE-dependent photoregulation of bolA expression. Expression of F. diplosiphon bolA and mreB homologues in Escherichia coli demonstrated functional conservation of the encoded proteins. Together, these studies establish roles for bolA and mreB in RcaE-dependent regulation of cellular morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra P Singh
- Department of Energy - Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, Plant Biology Laboratories, 612 Wilson Road, Room 106, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1312, USA
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Sinha R, Pearson LA, Davis TW, Muenchhoff J, Pratama R, Jex A, Burford MA, Neilan BA. Comparative genomics of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii strains with differential toxicities. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:83. [PMID: 24476316 PMCID: PMC3922686 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is an invasive filamentous freshwater cyanobacterium, some strains of which produce toxins. Sporadic toxicity may be the result of gene deletion events, the horizontal transfer of toxin biosynthesis gene clusters, or other genomic variables, yet the evolutionary drivers for cyanotoxin production remain a mystery. Through examining the genomes of toxic and non-toxic strains of C. raciborskii, we hoped to gain a better understanding of the degree of similarity between these strains of common geographical origin, and what the primary differences between these strains might be. Additionally, we hoped to ascertain why some cyanobacteria possess the cylindrospermopsin biosynthesis (cyr) gene cluster and produce toxin, while others do not. It has been hypothesised that toxicity or lack thereof might confer a selective advantage to cyanobacteria under certain environmental conditions. RESULTS In order to examine the fundamental differences between toxic and non-toxic C. raciborskii strains, we sequenced the genomes of two closely related isolates, CS-506 (CYN+) and CS-509 (CYN-) sourced from different lakes in tropical Queensland, Australia. These genomes were then compared to a third (reference) genome from C. raciborskii CS-505 (CYN+). Genome sizes were similar across all three strains and their G + C contents were almost identical. At least 2,767 genes were shared among all three strains, including the taxonomically important rpoc1, ssuRNA, lsuRNA, cpcA, cpcB, nifB and nifH, which exhibited 99.8-100% nucleotide identity. Strains CS-506 and CS-509 contained at least 176 and 101 strain-specific (or non-homologous) genes, respectively, most of which were associated with DNA repair and modification, nutrient uptake and transport, or adaptive measures such as osmoregulation. However, the only significant genetic difference observed between the two strains was the presence or absence of the cylindrospermopsin biosynthesis gene cluster. Interestingly, we also identified a cryptic secondary metabolite gene cluster in strain CS-509 (CYN-) and a second cryptic cluster common to CS-509 and the reference strain, CS-505 (CYN+). CONCLUSIONS Our results confirm that the most important factor contributing to toxicity in C. raciborskii is the presence or absence of the cyr gene cluster. We did not identify any other distally encoded genes or gene clusters that correlate with CYN production. The fact that the additional genomic differences between toxic and non-toxic strains were primarily associated with stress and adaptation genes suggests that CYN production may be linked to these physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rati Sinha
- School of Biotechnology and Bimolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052 Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Leanne A Pearson
- School of Biotechnology and Bimolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052 Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Timothy W Davis
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, 4111 Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julia Muenchhoff
- School of Biotechnology and Bimolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052 Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ryanbi Pratama
- School of Biotechnology and Bimolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052 Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aaron Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michele A Burford
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, 4111 Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett A Neilan
- School of Biotechnology and Bimolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, 2052 Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
Large cell size is not restricted to a particular bacterial lifestyle, dispersal method, or cell envelope type. What is conserved among the very large bacteria are the quantity and arrangement of their genomic resources. All large bacteria described to date appear to be highly polyploid. This review focuses on Epulopiscium sp. type B, which maintains tens of thousands of genome copies throughout its life cycle. Only a tiny proportion of mother cell DNA is inherited by intracellular offspring, but surprisingly DNA replication takes place in the terminally differentiated mother cell as offspring grow. Massive polyploidy supports the acquisition of unstable genetic elements normally not seen in essential genes. Further studies of how large bacteria manage their genomic resources will provide insight into how simple cellular modifications can support unusual lifestyles and exceptional cell forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther R Angert
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
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Yang Y, Huang XZ, Wang L, Risoul V, Zhang CC, Chen WL. Phenotypic variation caused by variation in the relative copy number of pDU1-based plasmids expressing the GAF domain of Pkn41 or Pkn42 in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Res Microbiol 2012; 164:127-35. [PMID: 23142489 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2012.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The cyanobacterium Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. PCC 7120 is a model for cyanobacterial cell differentiation studies. pDU1, an endogenous plasmid in Nostoc sp. PCC 7524, is used as the only cyanobacterial replicon for Anabaena (Nostoc) studies. However, the relative copy numbers of pDU1-based plasmids in Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. PCC 7120 are not well studied. We found that the relative plasmid copy number of one such vector, pRL25T, varied widely, especially when the vector carried a recombinant insert, under different conditions, ranging from 0.53 to 1812 per chromosome in different recombinant strains tested, either in independent clones of the same strain or in the same clone under different growth conditions. The phenotypes caused by pRL25T-driven expression of green fluorescent protein or the GAF domain of Pkn41 or Pkn42 varied depending on the independent clones analyzed. This phenotypic variation correlated with the relative plasmid copy number present in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, China.
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