Mutation of an alternative sigma factor in the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme results in increased infection of its symbiotic plant partner, Anthoceros punctatus.

ABSTRACT: An alternative group 2 sigma factor was identified in the nitrogen-fixing, symbiotically competent cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme and designated sigH. Transcription of sigH was specifically induced within 1.5 h following exposure of N. punctiforme to its symbiotic plant partner, Anthoceros punctatus. A mutation in sigH resulted in a sixfold-higher initial infection of A. punctatus tissue without a parallel increase in nitrogen-fixing activity.

SUBMITTER: Campbell EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC107520 | biostudies-literature | 1998 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature