The NtcA-dependent P1 promoter is utilized for glnA expression in N2-fixing heterocysts of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120

Expression of the glnA gene encoding glutamine synthetase, a key enzyme in nitrogen metabolism, is subject to a variety of regulatory mechanisms in different organisms. In the filamentous, N2-fixing cyanobacteritim Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, glnA is expressed from multiple promoters that generate...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Valladares Ruiz, Ana, Muro Pastor, Alicia María, Herrero Moreno, Antonia, Flores García, Enrique
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2004
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/63084
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/11441/63084
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.186.21.7337–7343.2004
Access Level:acceso abierto
Descripción
Sumario:Expression of the glnA gene encoding glutamine synthetase, a key enzyme in nitrogen metabolism, is subject to a variety of regulatory mechanisms in different organisms. In the filamentous, N2-fixing cyanobacteritim Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120, glnA is expressed from multiple promoters that generate several transcripts whose abundance is influenced by NtcA, the transcription factor exerting global nitrogen control in cyanobacteria. Whereas RNAI originates from a canonical NtcA-dependent promoter (P 1) and RNAII originates from a σ70-type promoter (P2), RNAIV is influenced by NtcA but the corresponding promoter (P3) does not have the structure of NtcA-activated promoters. Using RNA isolated from Anabaena filaments grown under different nitrogen regimens, we observed, in addition to these transcripts, RNAV, which has previously been detected only in in vitro transcription assays and should originate from P4. However, in heterocysts, which are differentiated cells specialized in N2 fixation, RNAI was the almost exclusive glnA transcript. Analysis of PglnA::lacZ fusions containing different fragments of the glnA upstream region confirmed that fragments carrying P1, P2, or P3 and P4 have the ability to promote transcription. Mutation of the NtcA-binding site in P1 eliminated P 1-directed transcription and allowed increased use of P2. The NtcA-binding site in the P1 promoter and binding of NtcA to this site appear to be key factors in determining glnA gene expression in vegetative cells and heterocysts.