Inactivation of a chromosome- and plasmid-localised HEPN-MNT TA system alters expression of key regulators of nitrogen assimilation and arginine biosynthesis in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
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ABSTRACT: Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems play key roles in regulating cellular physiology and stress responses. In Synechocystis, two HEPN-MNT TA systems are located on the chromosome (mnt-hepn(c)) and pSYSM plasmid (mnt-hepn(p)). Although individual gene deletions were viable, simultaneous disruption of both systems was lethal, demonstrating their essential role in cell survival. The partially segregated double mutant (∆∆mnt-hepn(cp)) showed slow growth and a pale-yellow phenotype. Sequence and structural analyses revealed conserved HEPN and MNT motifs similar to that of Shewanella, where MNT neutralizes HEPN ribonuclease activity through AMPylation. Physical association of TA components were demonstrated by overexpression co-elution assay. Individual mutants displayed enhanced growth, electron transport rate, and PSII activity. Transcriptomic analyses revealed increased expression of gifA, gifB, and pirA, and reduced expression of nrtABCD, nirA, and glnA. Increased stability of gifA and pirA transcripts suggests that HEPN mediates their degradation, possibly with NsiR4, thereby regulating nitrogen assimilation and cellular physiology post-transcriptionally.
ORGANISM(S): Geminocystis herdmanii PCC 6308
PROVIDER: GSE346365 | GEO | 2026/09/12
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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