Nucleoid compaction influences carboxysome localization and dynamics in <i>Synechococcus elongatus</i> PCC 7942.

ABSTRACT: The bacterial nucleoid is not just a genetic repository-it serves as a dynamic scaffold for spatially organizing key cellular components. ParA-family ATPases exploit this nucleoid matrix to position a wide range of cargos, yet how nucleoid compaction influences these positioning reactions remains poorly understood. We previously characterized the maintenance of carboxysome distribution (Mcd) system in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, where the ParA-like ATPase McdA binds the nucleoid and interacts with its partner protein, McdB, to generate dynamic gradients that distribute carboxysomes for optimal carbon fixation. Here, we investigate how nucleoid compaction impacts carboxysome positioning, particularly during metabolic dormancy when McdAB activity is downregula

SUBMITTER: Dudley CE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12506020 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature