PatD, a Gene Regulated by NtcA, Is Involved in the Optimization of Heterocyst Frequency in the Cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120.

ABSTRACT: In the filamentous multicellular cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, 5 to 10% of the cells differentiate into heterocysts, which are specialized in N2 fixation. Heterocysts and vegetative cells are mutually dependent for filament growth through nutrient exchange. Thus, the heterocyst frequency should be optimized to maintain the cellular carbon and nitrogen (C/N) balance for filament fitness in the environment. Here, we report the identification of patD, whose expression is directly activated in developing cells by the transcription factor NtcA. The inactivation of patD increases heterocyst frequency and promotes the upregulation of the positive regulator of heterocyst development hetR, whereas its overexpression decreases the heterocyst frequency. The change in heterocyst frequen

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6779454 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature