Unravelling HetC as a peptidase-based ABC exporter driving functional cell differentiation in the cyanobacterium Nostoc PCC 7120.

ABSTRACT: The export of peptides or proteins is essential for a variety of important functions in bacteria. Among the diverse protein-translocation systems, peptidase-containing ABC transporters (PCAT) are involved in the maturation and export of quorum-sensing or antimicrobial peptides in Gram-positive bacteria and of toxins in Gram-negative organisms. In the multicellular and diazotrophic cyanobacterium Nostoc PCC 7120, the protein HetC is essential for the differentiation of functional heterocysts, which are micro-oxic and non-dividing cells specialized in atmospheric nitrogen fixation. HetC shows similarities to PCAT systems, but whether it actually acts as a peptidase-based exporter remains to be established. In this study, we show that the N-terminal part of HetC, encompassing the pepti

SUBMITTER: Rachedi R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10986499 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature