Whole transcriptome analysis of the silicon response of the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Silicon plays important biological roles, but the mechanisms of cellular responses to silicon are poorly understood. We report the first analysis of cell cycle arrest and recovery from silicon starvation in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana using whole genome microarrays.

Results

Three known responses to silicon were examined, 1) silicified cell wall synthesis, 2) recovery from silicon starvation, and 3) co-regulation with silicon transporter (SIT) genes. In terms of diatom cell wall formation, thus far only cell surface proteins and proteins tightly associated with silica have been characterized. Our analysis has identified new genes potentially involved in silica formation, and other genes potentially involved in signaling, trafficking, protein degradation, gl

SUBMITTER: Shrestha RP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3478156 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature