Expression of two nblA-homologous genes is required for phycobilisome degradation in nitrogen-starved Synechocystis sp. PCC6803.

Abstract

One of the responses exhibited by cyanobacteria when they are limited for an essential nutrient is the rapid degradation of their light-harvesting complex, the phycobilisome. Phycobilisome degradation is an ordered proteolytic process, visible by a color change of the cyanobacterial cell from blue-green to yellow-green (chlorosis). The small polypeptide NblA plays a key role in degradation of phycobilisomes in Synechococcus sp. PCC7942. Unlike Synechococcus, Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 has two nblA-homologous genes, nblA1 and nblA2, which are contiguous on the genome. Here we show that nblA1 and nblA2 are simultaneously expressed in Synechocystis 6803 upon nitrogen deprivation, and are both required for phycobilisome degradation.

• Authors: K Baier, S Nicklisch, C Grundner, J Reinecke, W Lockau
• Journal: FEMS microbiology letters (FEMS Microbiol Lett) Vol. 195 Issue 1 Pg. 35-9 (Feb 05 2001) ISSN: 0378-1097 [Print] England
• PMID: 11166992 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Bacterial Proteins
• Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins
• Phycobilisomes
• nblA protein, Synechocystis
• Nitrogen

Topics

• Amino Acid Sequence
• Bacterial Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Biodegradation, Environmental
• Cyanobacteria (genetics, growth & development, metabolism)
• Molecular Sequence Data
• Nitrogen (metabolism)
• Photosynthetic Reaction Center Complex Proteins (metabolism)
• Phycobilisomes
• Sequence Homology, Amino Acid