Na+-dependent K+ uptake Ktr system from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and its role in the early phases of cell adaptation to hyperosmotic shock

Na + -driven pH regulation by Na+/H+ antiporters promotes photosynthetic efficiency in cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic organisms have developed mechanisms to regulate light reactions in response to varying light conditions. Photosynthetic electron transport leads to the formation of a ΔpH across the thylakoid membrane (TM), which is crucial for regulating electron transport. However, other pH modulators remain to be identified, particularly in cyanobacteria. In this study, we evaluated the potential involvement of six Na+/H+ antiporters (NhaS1 to NhaS6) in control of pH in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Synechocystis showed a strong requirement for Na+ at high light intensities, with ΔnhaS1 and ΔnhaS2 strains unable to grow under high-light conditions. We analyzed Na+ efflux-driven H + -uptake activities of NhaS1 to NhaS6 in inverted membranes of Escherichia coli. Biological fractionation and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that NhaS1 localizes to both the plasma and TMs, while NhaS2 localizes to the plasma membrane (PM). Measurement of photosynthesis activity indicated that NhaS2 promotes ATP production and electron transport from PQ to P700. Measurements of pH outside of the cells and in the cytoplasm suggested that both NhaS1 and NhaS2 are involved in PM-mediated light-dependent H+ uptake and cytoplasmic acidification. NhaS1 and NhaS2 were also found to prevent photoinhibition under high-light treatment. These results indicate that H+ transport mediated by NhaS1 and NhaS2 plays a role in regulating intracellular pH and maintaining photosynthetic electron transport.

Bacterial cell volume regulation and the importance of cyclic di-AMP

SUMMARYNucleotide-derived second messengers are present in all domains of life. In prokaryotes, most of their functionality is associated with general lifestyle and metabolic adaptations, often in response to environmental fluctuations of physical parameters. In the last two decades, cyclic di-AMP has emerged as an important signaling nucleotide in many prokaryotic lineages, including Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria. Its importance is highlighted by the fact that both the lack and overproduction of cyclic di-AMP affect viability of prokaryotes that utilize cyclic di-AMP, and that it generates a strong innate immune response in eukaryotes. In bacteria that produce the second messenger, most molecular targets of cyclic di-AMP are associated with cell volume control. Besides, other evidence links the second messenger to cell wall remodeling, DNA damage repair, sporulation, central metabolism, and the regulation of glycogen turnover. In this review, we take a biochemical, quantitative approach to address the main cellular processes that are directly regulated by cyclic di-AMP and show that these processes are very connected and require regulation of a similar set of proteins to which cyclic di-AMP binds. Altogether, we argue that cyclic di-AMP is a master regulator of cell volume and that other cellular processes can be connected with cyclic di-AMP through this core function. We further highlight important directions in which the cyclic di-AMP field has to develop to gain a full understanding of the cyclic di-AMP signaling network and why some processes are regulated, while others are not.

Structural basis and synergism of ATP and Na+ activation in bacterial K+ uptake system KtrAB

The K+ uptake system KtrAB is essential for bacterial survival in low K+ environments. The activity of KtrAB is regulated by nucleotides and Na+. Previous studies proposed a putative gating mechanism of KtrB regulated by KtrA upon binding to ATP or ADP. However, how Na+ activates KtrAB and the Na+ binding site remain unknown. Here we present the cryo-EM structures of ATP- and ADP-bound KtrAB from Bacillus subtilis (BsKtrAB) both solved at 2.8 Å. A cryo-EM density at the intra-dimer interface of ATP-KtrA was identified as Na+, as supported by X-ray crystallography and ICP-MS. Thermostability assays and functional studies demonstrated that Na+ binding stabilizes the ATP-bound BsKtrAB complex and enhances its K+ flux activity. Comparing ATP- and ADP-BsKtrAB structures suggests that BsKtrB Arg417 and Phe91 serve as a channel gate. The synergism of ATP and Na+ in activating BsKtrAB is likely applicable to Na+-activated K+ channels in central nervous system.

The Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Family: A New Member of the Voltage Gated Ion Channel Superfamily?

In this report we present seven lines of bioinformatic evidence supporting the conclusion that the Pentameric Ligand-gated Ion Channel (pLIC) Family is a member of the Voltage-gated Ion Channel (VIC) Superfamily. In our approach, we used the Transporter Classification Database (TCDB) as a reference and applied a series of bioinformatic methods to search for similarities between the pLIC family and members of the VIC superfamily. These include: (1) sequence similarity, (2) compatibility of topology and hydropathy profiles, (3) shared domains, (4) conserved motifs, (5) similarity of Hidden Markov Model profiles between families, (6) common 3D structural folds, and (7) clustering analysis of all families. Furthermore, sequence and structural comparisons as well as the identification of a 3-TMS repeat unit in the VIC superfamily suggests that the sixth transmembrane segment evolved into a re-entrant loop. This evidence suggests that the voltage-sensor domain and the channel domain have a common origin. The classification of the pLIC family within the VIC superfamily sheds light onto the topological origins of this family and its evolution, which will facilitate experimental verification and further research into this superfamily by the scientific community.

Upstream nitrogen availability determines the Microcystis salt tolerance and influences microcystins release in brackish water

The occurrence of large Microcystis biomass in brackish waters is primarily caused by its downward transportation from the upstream freshwater lakes and reservoirs through rivers rather than due to in situ bloom formation. Factors that determine the survival of freshwater cyanobacteria in brackish waters have not been well investigated. Here, we studied the spatiotemporal variability of inorganic nitrogen in an upstream lake and conducted laboratory and in-situ experiments to assess the role of nitrogen availability on the salt tolerance of Microcystis and the release of microcystins. A series of field experiments were carried out during bloom seasons to evaluate the salt tolerance of natural Microcystis colonies. The salt tolerance threshold varied from 7 to 17 and showed a positive relationship with intracellular carbohydrate content and a negative relationship with nitrogen availability in water. In August when upstream nitrogen availability was lower, the Microcystis colonies could maintain their biomass even after a sudden increase in salinity from 4 to 10. Laboratory-cultivated Microcystis that accumulated higher carbohydrate content at lower nitrogen availability showed better cell survival at higher salinity. The sharp release of microcystins into the surrounding water occurred when salinity exceeded the salt tolerance threshold of the Microcystis. Thus, Microcystis with higher salt tolerance can accumulate more toxins in cells. The obtained results suggest that the cell survival and toxin concentration in brackish waters depend on the physiological properties of Microcystis formed in the upstream waters. Thus, the life history of Microcystis in upstream waters could have a significant impact on its salt tolerance in downstream brackish waters, where the ecological risk of the salt-tolerant Microcystis requires special and careful management in summer at low nitrogen availability.

Ammonia-induced oxidative stress triggered proinflammatory response and apoptosis in pig lungs

Ammonia, a common toxic gas, is not only one of the main causes of haze, but also can enter respiratory tract and directly affect the health of humans and animals. Pig was used as an animal model for exploring the molecular mechanism and dose effect of ammonia toxicity to lung. In this study, the apoptosis of type II alveolar epithelial cells was observed in high ammonia exposure group using transmission electron microscopy. Gene and protein expression analysis using transcriptome sequencing and western blot showed that low ammonia exposure induced T-cell-involved proinflammatory response, but high ammonia exposure repressed the expression of DNA repair-related genes and affected ion transport. Moreover, high ammonia exposure significantly increased 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level, meaning DNA oxidative damage occurred. In addition, both low and high ammonia exposure caused oxidative stress in pig lungs. Integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome revealed that the up-regulation of LDHB and ND2 took part in high ammonia exposure-affected pyruvate metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation progress, respectively. Inclusion, oxidative stress mediated ammonia-induced proinflammatory response and apoptosis of porcine lungs. These findings may provide new insights for understanding the ammonia toxicity to workers in livestock farms and chemical fertilizer plants.

Two Trk/Ktr/HKT-type potassium transporters, TrkG and TrkH, perform distinct functions in Escherichia coli K-12

Escherichia coli K-12 possesses two versions of Trk/Ktr/HKT-type potassium ion (K⁺) transporters, TrkG and TrkH. The current paradigm is that TrkG and TrkH have largely identical characteristics, and little information is available regarding their functional differences. Here, we show using cation uptake experiments with K⁺ transporter knockout mutants that TrkG and TrkH have distinct ion transport activities and physiological roles. K⁺-transport by TrkG required Na⁺, whereas TrkH-mediated K⁺ uptake was not affected by Na⁺. An aspartic acid located five residues away from a critical glycine in the third pore-forming region might be involved in regulation of Na⁺-dependent activation of TrkG. In addition, we found that TrkG but not TrkH had Na⁺ uptake activity. Our analysis of K⁺ transport mutants revealed that TrkH supported cell growth more than TrkG; however, TrkG was able to complement loss of TrkH-mediated K⁺ uptake in E. coli. Furthermore, we determined that transcription of trkG in E. coli was downregulated but not completely silenced by the xenogeneic silencing factor H-NS (histone-like nucleoid structuring protein or heat-stable nucleoid-structuring protein). Taken together, the transport function of TrkG is clearly distinct from that of TrkH, and TrkG seems to have been accepted by E. coli during evolution as a K⁺ uptake system that coexists with TrkH.

Diurnal metabolic control in cyanobacteria requires perception of second messenger signaling molecule c-di-AMP by the carbon control protein SbtB

Because of their photosynthesis-dependent lifestyle, cyanobacteria evolved sophisticated regulatory mechanisms to adapt to oscillating day-night metabolic changes. How they coordinate the metabolic switch between autotrophic and glycogen-catabolic metabolism in light and darkness is poorly understood. Recently, c-di-AMP has been implicated in diurnal regulation, but its mode of action remains elusive. To unravel the signaling functions of c-di-AMP in cyanobacteria, we isolated c-di-AMP receptor proteins. Thereby, the carbon-sensor protein SbtB was identified as a major c-di-AMP receptor, which we confirmed biochemically and by x-ray crystallography. In search for the c-di-AMP signaling function of SbtB, we found that both SbtB and c-di-AMP cyclase–deficient mutants showed reduced diurnal growth and that c-di-AMP–bound SbtB interacts specifically with the glycogen-branching enzyme GlgB. Accordingly, both mutants displayed impaired glycogen synthesis during the day and impaired nighttime survival. Thus, the pivotal role of c-di-AMP in day-night acclimation can be attributed to SbtB-mediated regulation of glycogen metabolism.

Lack of plastid-encoded Ycf10, a homolog of the nuclear-encoded DLDG1 and the cyanobacterial PxcA, enhances the induction of non-photochemical quenching in tobacco

pH homeostasis in the chloroplast is crucial for the control of photosynthesis and other metabolic processes in plants. Recently, nuclear-encoded Day-Length-dependent Delayed Greening1 (DLDG1) and Fluctuating-Light Acclimation Protein1 (FLAP1) that are required for the light-inducible optimization of plastidial pH in Arabidopsis thaliana were identified. DLDG1 and FLAP1 homologs are specifically conserved in oxygenic phototrophs, and a DLDG1 homolog, Ycf10, is encoded in the chloroplast genome in plant cells. However, the function of Ycf10 and its physiological significance are unknown. To address this, we constructed ycf10 tobacco Nicotiana tabacum mutants and characterized their phenotypes. The ycf10 tobacco mutants grown under continuous-light conditions showed a pale-green phenotype only in developing leaves, and it was suppressed in short-day conditions. The ycf10 mutants also induced excessive non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) compared with those in the wild-type at the induction stage of photosynthesis. These phenotypes resemble those of Arabidopsis dldg1 mutants, suggesting that they have similar functions. However, there are distinct differences between the two mutant phenotypes: The highly induced NPQ in tobacco ycf10 and the Arabidopsis dldg1 mutants are diminished and enhanced, respectively, with increasing duration of the fluctuating actinic-light illumination. Ycf10 and DLDG1 were previously shown to localize in chloroplast envelope-membranes, suggesting that Ycf10 and DLDG1 differentially control H+ exchange across these membranes in a light-dependent manner to control photosynthesis.

Molecular Mechanisms for Bacterial Potassium Homeostasis

Potassium ion homeostasis is essential for bacterial survival, playing roles in osmoregulation, pH homeostasis, regulation of protein synthesis, enzyme activation, membrane potential adjustment and electrical signaling. To accomplish such diverse physiological tasks, it is not surprising that a single bacterium typically encodes several potassium uptake and release systems. To understand the role each individual protein fulfills and how these proteins work in concert, it is important to identify the molecular details of their function. One needs to understand whether the systems transport ions actively or passively, and what mechanisms or ligands lead to the activation or inactivation of individual systems. Combining mechanistic information with knowledge about the physiology under different stress situations, such as osmostress, pH stress or nutrient limitation, one can identify the task of each system and deduce how they are coordinated with each other. By reviewing the general principles of bacterial membrane physiology and describing the molecular architecture and function of several bacterial K⁺-transporting systems, we aim to provide a framework for microbiologists studying bacterial potassium homeostasis and the many K⁺-translocating systems that are still poorly understood.

Current knowledge and recent advances in understanding metabolism of the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

Cyanobacteria are key organisms in the global ecosystem, useful models for studying metabolic and physiological processes conserved in photosynthetic organisms, and potential renewable platforms for production of chemicals. Characterizing cyanobacterial metabolism and physiology is key to understanding their role in the environment and unlocking their potential for biotechnology applications. Many aspects of cyanobacterial biology differ from heterotrophic bacteria. For example, most cyanobacteria incorporate a series of internal thylakoid membranes where both oxygenic photosynthesis and respiration occur, while CO2 fixation takes place in specialized compartments termed carboxysomes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of our knowledge on cyanobacterial physiology and the pathways in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (Synechocystis) involved in biosynthesis of sugar-based metabolites, amino acids, nucleotides, lipids, cofactors, vitamins, isoprenoids, pigments and cell wall components, in addition to the proteins involved in metabolite transport. While some pathways are conserved between model cyanobacteria, such as Synechocystis, and model heterotrophic bacteria like Escherichia coli, many enzymes and/or pathways involved in the biosynthesis of key metabolites in cyanobacteria have not been completely characterized. These include pathways required for biosynthesis of chorismate and membrane lipids, nucleotides, several amino acids, vitamins and cofactors, and isoprenoids such as plastoquinone, carotenoids, and tocopherols. Moreover, our understanding of photorespiration, lipopolysaccharide assembly and transport, and degradation of lipids, sucrose, most vitamins and amino acids, and haem, is incomplete. We discuss tools that may aid our understanding of cyanobacterial metabolism, notably CyanoSource, a barcoded library of targeted Synechocystis mutants, which will significantly accelerate characterization of individual proteins.

Achromobacter aestuarii sp. nov., Isolated from an Estuary

A novel strain KS-M25^T was isolated from estuary water in South Korea. Strain KS-M25^T was Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, motile rods-shaped bacterium and showed oxidase- and catalase-positive reactions. Growth of strain KS-M25^T was observed at 10-25 °C (optimum, 20 °C), at pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.5), and with 0-6.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1%). Ubiquinone-8 was identified as the sole isoprenoid quinone and the major fatty acids were C_16:0, cyclo-C_17:0 and sum in feature 3 (comprising C_16:1 ω7c and/or C_16:1 ω6c). The G+C content values based on genome sequences was 62.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain KS-M25^T formed a clear cluster within the genus Achromobacter. Strain KS-M25^T was most closely related to Achromobacter anxifer LMG 26857^T, Achromobacter dolens LMG 26840^T, and Achromobacter xylosoxidans NBRC 15126^T with 97.8%, 97.8%, and 97.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic analysis, strain KS-M25^T represents a novel species of the genes Achromobacter, for which the name Achromobacter aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KS-M25^T (= KACC 21219^T = JCM 33329^T).

How RCK domains regulate gating of K+ channels

Potassium channels play a crucial role in the physiology of all living organisms. They maintain the membrane potential and are involved in electrical signaling, pH homeostasis, cell-cell communication and survival under osmotic stress. Many prokaryotic potassium channels and members of the eukaryotic Slo channels are regulated by tethered cytoplasmic domains or associated soluble proteins, which belong to the family of regulator of potassium conductance (RCK). RCK domains and subunits form octameric rings, which control ion gating. For years, a common regulatory mechanism was suggested: ligand-induced conformational changes in the octameric ring would pull open a gate in the pore via flexible linkers. Consistently, ligand-dependent conformational changes were described for various RCK gating rings. Yet, recent structural and functional data of complete ion channels uncovered that the following signal transduction to the pore domains is divers. The different RCK-regulated ion channels show remarkably heterogeneous mechanisms with neither the connection from the RCK domain to the pore nor the gate being conserved. Some channels even lack the flexible linkers, while in others the gate cannot easily be assigned. In this review we compare available structures of RCK-gated potassium channels, highlight the similarities and differences of channel gating, and delineate existing inconsistencies.

TrkA undergoes a tetramer-to-dimer conversion to open TrkH which enables changes in membrane potential

TrkH is a bacterial ion channel implicated in K⁺ uptake and pH regulation. TrkH assembles with its regulatory protein, TrkA, which closes the channel when bound to ADP and opens it when bound to ATP. However, it is unknown how nucleotides control the gating of TrkH through TrkA. Here we report the structures of the TrkH-TrkA complex in the presence of ADP or ATP. TrkA forms a tetrameric ring when bound to ADP and constrains TrkH to a closed conformation. The TrkA ring splits into two TrkA dimers in the presence of ATP and releases the constraints on TrkH, resulting in an open channel conformation. Functional studies show that both the tetramer-to-dimer conversion of TrkA and the loss of constraints on TrkH are required for channel gating. In addition, deletion of TrkA in Escherichia coli depolarizes the cell, suggesting that the TrkH-TrkA complex couples changes in intracellular nucleotides to membrane potential.

Genomic Survey of Salt Acclimation-Related Genes in the Halophilic Cyanobacterium Euhalothece sp. Z-M001

Like other halophilic cyanobacterial genomes, the de novo-assembled genome of Euhalothece sp. Z-M001 lacks genes encoding keto-carotenoid biosynthesis enzymes, despite the presence of genes encoding carotenoid-binding proteins (CBPs). Consistent with this, HPLC analysis of carotenoids identified β-carotene and zeaxanthin as the dominant carotenoids. CBPs coexpressed with the zeaxanthin biosynthesis gene increased the survival rates of Escherichia coli strains by preventing antibiotic-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RNA-seq analysis of Euhalothece revealed that among various salt resistance-related genes, those encoding the Na⁺ transporting multiple resistance and pH adaptation (Mrp) systems, glycine betaine biosynthesis enzymes, exopolysaccharide metabolic enzymes, and CBPs were highly upregulated, suggesting their importance in hypersaline habitats. During the early phase of salt deprivation, the amounts of β-carotene and zeaxanthin showed a negative correlation with ROS content. Overall, we propose that in some halophilic cyanobacteria, β-carotene and zeaxanthin, rather than keto-carotenoids, serve as the major chromophores for CBPs, which in turn act as effective antioxidants.

Comparative genomics analysis of Nitriliruptoria reveals the genomic differences and salt adaptation strategies

The group Nitriliruptoria, recently classified as a separate class of phylum Actinobacteria, has five members at present, which belong to halophilic or halotolerant Actinobacteria. Here, we sequenced the genomes of Egicoccus halophilus EGI 80432^T and Egibacter rhizosphaerae EGI 80759^T, and performed a comparative genomics approach to analyze the genomic differences and salt adaptation mechanisms in Nitriliruptoria. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that Euzebya tangerina F10^T has a closer phylogenetic relationship to Euzebya rosea DSW09^T, while genomic analysis revealed highest genomic similarity with Nitriliruptor alkaliphilus ANL-iso2^T and E. halophilus EGI 80432^T. Genomic differences of Nitriliruptoria were mainly observed in genome size, gene contents, and the amounts of gene in per functional categories. Furthermore, our analysis also revealed that Nitriliruptoria possess similar synthesis systems of solutes, such as trehalose, glutamine, glutamate, and proline. On the other hand, each member of Nitriliruptoria species possesses specific mechanisms, K⁺ influx and efflux, betaine and ectoine synthesis, and compatible solutes transport to survive in various high-salt environments.

DAY-LENGTH-DEPENDENT DELAYED-GREENING1, the Arabidopsis Homolog of the Cyanobacterial H+-Extrusion Protein, Is Essential for Chloroplast pH Regulation and Optimization of Non-Photochemical Quenching

Plants convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, which supports almost all life activities on earth. Because the intensity and quality of sunlight can change dramatically throughout the day, various regulatory mechanisms help plants adjust their photosynthetic output accordingly, including the regulation of light energy accumulation to prevent the generation of damaging reactive oxygen species. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is a regulatory mechanism that dissipates excess light energy, but how it is regulated is not fully elucidated. In this study, we report a new NPQ-regulatory protein named Day-Length-dependent Delayed-Greening1 (DLDG1). The Arabidopsis DLDG1 associates with the chloroplast envelope membrane, and the dldg1 mutant had a large NPQ value compared with wild type. The mutant also had a pale-green phenotype in developing leaves but only under continuous light; this phenotype was not observed when dldg1 was cultured in the dark for ≥8 h/d. DLDG1 is a homolog of the plasma membrane-localizing cyanobacterial proton-extrusion-protein A that is required for light-induced H+ extrusion and also shows similarity in its amino-acid sequence to that of Ycf10 encoded in the plastid genome. Arabidopsis DLDG1 enhances the growth-retardation phenotype of the Escherichia coli K+/H+ antiporter mutant, and the everted membrane vesicles of the E. coli expressing DLDG1 show the K+/H+ antiport activity. Our findings suggest that DLDG1 functionally interacts with Ycf10 to control H+ homeostasis in chloroplasts, which is important for the light-acclimation response, by optimizing the extent of NPQ.

DAY-LENGTH-DEPENDENT DELAYED-GREENING1, the Arabidopsis Homolog of the Cyanobacterial H+-Extrusion Protein, Is Essential for Chloroplast pH Regulation and Optimization of Non-Photochemical Quenching

Plants convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, which supports almost all life activities on earth. Because the intensity and quality of sunlight can change dramatically throughout the day, various regulatory mechanisms help plants adjust their photosynthetic output accordingly, including the regulation of light energy accumulation to prevent the generation of damaging reactive oxygen species. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) is a regulatory mechanism that dissipates excess light energy, but how it is regulated is not fully elucidated. In this study, we report a new NPQ-regulatory protein named Day-Length-dependent Delayed-Greening1 (DLDG1). The Arabidopsis DLDG1 associates with the chloroplast envelope membrane, and the dldg1 mutant had a large NPQ value compared with wild type. The mutant also had a pale-green phenotype in developing leaves but only under continuous light; this phenotype was not observed when dldg1 was cultured in the dark for ≥8 h/d. DLDG1 is a homolog of the plasma membrane-localizing cyanobacterial proton-extrusion-protein A that is required for light-induced H+ extrusion and also shows similarity in its amino-acid sequence to that of Ycf10 encoded in the plastid genome. Arabidopsis DLDG1 enhances the growth-retardation phenotype of the Escherichia coli K+/H+ antiporter mutant, and the everted membrane vesicles of the E. coli expressing DLDG1 show the K+/H+ antiport activity. Our findings suggest that DLDG1 functionally interacts with Ycf10 to control H+ homeostasis in chloroplasts, which is important for the light-acclimation response, by optimizing the extent of NPQ.

An extracellular cation coordination site influences ion conduction of OsHKT2;2

BACKGROUND

HKT channels mediate sodium uniport or sodium and potassium symport in plants. Monocotyledons express a higher number of HKT proteins than dicotyledons, and it is only within this clade of HKT channels that cation symport mechanisms are found. The prevailing ion composition in the extracellular medium affects the transport abilities of various HKT channels by changing their selectivity or ion transport rates. How this mutual effect is achieved at the molecular level is still unknown. Here, we built a homology model of the monocotyledonous OsHKT2;2, which shows sodium and potassium symport activity. We performed molecular dynamics simulations in the presence of sodium and potassium ions to investigate the mutual effect of cation species.

RESULTS

By analyzing ion-protein interactions, we identified a cation coordination site on the extracellular protein surface, which is formed by residues P71, D75, D501 and K504. Proline and the two aspartate residues coordinate cations, while K504 forms salt bridges with D75 and D501 and may be involved in the forwarding of cations towards the pore entrance. Functional validation via electrophysiological experiments confirmed the biological relevance of the predicted ion coordination site and identified K504 as a central key residue. Mutation of the cation coordinating residues affected the functionality of HKT only slightly. Additional in silico mutants and simulations of K504 supported experimental results.

CONCLUSION

We identified an extracellular cation coordination site, which is involved in ion coordination and influences the conduction of OsHKT2;2. This finding proposes a new viewpoint in the discussion of how the mutual effect of variable ion species may be achieved in HKT channels.

Evidence for potassium transport activity of Arabidopsis KEA1-KEA6

Arabidopsis thaliana contains the putative K+ efflux transporters KEA1-KEA6, similar to KefB and KefC of Escherichia coli. KEA1-KEA3 are involved in the regulation of photosynthetic electron transport and chloroplast development. KEA4-KEA6 mediate pH regulation of the endomembrane network during salinity stress. However, the ion transport activities of KEA1-KEA6 have not been directly characterized. In this study, we used an E. coli expression system to examine KEA activity. KEA1-KEA3 and KEA5 showed bi-directional K+ transport activity, whereas KEA4 and KEA6 functioned as a K+ uptake system. The thylakoid membrane-localized Na+/H+ antiporter NhaS3 from the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis is the closest homolog of KEA3. Changing the putative Na+/H+ selective site of KEA3 (Gln-Asp) to that of NhaS3 (Asp-Asp) did not alter the ion selectivity without loss of K+ transport activity. The first residue in the conserved motif was not a determinant for K+ or Na+ selectivity. Deletion of the possible nucleotide-binding KTN domain from KEA3 lowered K+ transport activity, indicating that the KTN domain was important for this function. The KEA3-G422R mutation discovered in the Arabidopsis dpgr mutant increased K+ transport activity, consistent with the mutant phenotype. These results indicate that Arabidopsis KEA1-KEA6 act as K+ transport systems, and support the interpretation that KEA3 promotes dissipation of ΔpH in the thylakoid membrane.

Reduction of Spermidine Content Resulting from Inactivation of Two Arginine Decarboxylases Increases Biofilm Formation in Synechocystis sp. Strain PCC 6803

The phototropic bacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 is able to adapt its morphology in order to survive in a wide range of harsh environments. Under conditions of high salinity, planktonic cells formed cell aggregates in culture. Further observations using crystal violet staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and field emission-scanning electron microscopy confirmed that these aggregates were Synechocystis biofilms. Polyamines have been implicated in playing a role in biofilm formation, and during salt stress the content of spermidine, the major polyamine in Synechocystis, was reduced. Two putative arginine decarboxylases, Adc1 and Adc2, in Synechocystis were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Adc2 had high arginine decarboxylase activity, whereas Adc1 was much less active. Disruption of the adc genes in Synechocystis resulted in decreased spermidine content and formation of biofilms even under nonstress conditions. Based on the characterization of the adc mutants, Adc2 was the major arginine decarboxylase whose activity led to inhibition of biofilm formation, and Adc1 contributed only minimally to the process of polyamine synthesis. Taken together, in Synechocystis the shift from planktonic lifestyle to biofilm formation was correlated with a decrease in intracellular polyamine content, which is the inverse relationship of what was previously reported in heterotroph bacteria.IMPORTANCE There are many reports concerning biofilm formation in heterotrophic bacteria. In contrast, studies on biofilm formation in cyanobacteria are scarce. Here, we report on the induction of biofilm formation by salt stress in the model phototrophic bacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803. Two arginine decarboxylases (Adc1 and Adc2) possess function in the polyamine synthesis pathway. Inactivation of the adc1 and adc2 genes leads to biofilm formation even in the absence of salt. The shift from planktonic culture to biofilm formation is regulated by a decrease in spermidine content in Synechocystis This negative correlation between biofilm formation and polyamine content, which is the opposite of the relationship reported in other bacteria, is important not only in autotrophic but also in heterotrophic bacteria.

Kup-mediated Cs+ uptake and Kdp-driven K+ uptake coordinate to promote cell growth during excess Cs+ conditions in Escherichia coli

The physiological effects of caesium (Cs) on living cells are poorly understood. Here, we examined the physiological role of Cs⁺ on the activity of the potassium transporters in E. coli. In the absence of potassium (K⁺), Kup-mediated Cs⁺ uptake partially supported cell growth, however, at a much lower rate than with sufficient K⁺. In K⁺-limited medium (0.1 mM), the presence of Cs⁺ (up to 25 mM) in the medium enhanced growth as much as control medium containing 1 mM K⁺. This effect depended on the maintenance of basal levels of intracellular K⁺ by other K⁺ uptake transporters. Higher amounts of K⁺ (1 mM) in the medium eliminated the positive effect of Cs⁺ on growth, and revealed the inhibitory effect of high Cs⁺ on the growth of wild-type E. coli. Cells lacking Kdp, TrkG and TrkH but expressing Kup grew less well when Cs⁺ was increased in the medium. A kdp mutant contained an increased ratio of Cs⁺/K⁺ in the presence of high Cs⁺ in the medium and consequently was strongly inhibited in growth. Taken together, under excess Cs⁺ conditions Kup-mediated Cs⁺ influx sustains cell growth, which is supported by intracellular K⁺ supplied by Kdp.

Involvement of Potassium Transport Systems in the Response of Synechocystis PCC 6803 Cyanobacteria to External pH Change, High-Intensity Light Stress and Heavy Metal Stress

The unicellular photosynthetic cyanobacterium, able to survive in varying environments, is the only prokaryote that directly converts solar energy and CO2 into organic material and is thus relevant for primary production in many ecosystems. To maintain the intracellular and intrathylakoid ion homeostasis upon different environmental challenges, the concentration of potassium as a major intracellular cation has to be optimized by various K(+)uptake-mediated transport systems. We reveal here the specific and concerted physiological function of three K(+)transporters of the plasma and thylakoid membranes, namely of SynK (K(+)channel), KtrB (Ktr/Trk/HKT) and KdpA (Kdp) in Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803, under specific stress conditions. The behavior of the wild type, single, double and triple mutants was compared, revealing that only Synk contributes to heavy metal-induced stress, while only Ktr/Kdp is involved in osmotic and salt stress adaptation. With regards to pH shifts in the external medium, the Kdp/Ktr uptake systems play an important role in the adaptation to acidic pH. Ktr, by affecting the CO2 concentration mechanism via its action on the bicarbonate transporter SbtA, might also be responsible for the observed effects concerning high-light stress and calcification. In the case of illumination with high-intensity light, a synergistic action of Kdr/Ktp and SynK is required in order to avoid oxidative stress and ensure cell viability. In summary, this study dissects, using growth tests, measurement of photosynthetic activity and analysis of ultrastructure, the physiological role of three K(+)transporters in adaptation of the cyanobacteria to various environmental changes.

Structural Studies of Potassium Transport Protein KtrA Regulator of Conductance of K+ (RCK) C Domain in Complex with Cyclic Diadenosine Monophosphate (c-di-AMP)

Although it was only recently identified as a second messenger, c-di-AMP was found to have fundamental importance in numerous bacterial functions such as ion transport. The potassium transporter protein, KtrA, was identified as a c-di-AMP receptor. However, the co-crystallization of c-di-AMP with the protein has not been studied. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the KtrA RCK_C domain in complex with c-di-AMP. The c-di-AMP nucleotide, which adopts a U-shaped conformation, is bound at the dimer interface of RCK_C close to helices α3 and α4. c-di-AMP interacts with KtrA RCK_C mainly by forming hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. c-di-AMP binding induces the contraction of the dimer, bringing the two monomers of KtrA RCK_C into close proximity. The KtrA RCK_C was able to interact with only c-di-AMP, but not with c-di-GMP, 3',3-cGAMP, ATP, and ADP. The structure of the KtrA RCK_C domain and c-di-AMP complex would expand our understanding about the mechanism of inactivation in Ktr transporters governed by c-di-AMP.

Salt acclimation of cyanobacteria and their application in biotechnology

The long evolutionary history and photo-autotrophic lifestyle of cyanobacteria has allowed them to colonize almost all photic habitats on Earth, including environments with high or fluctuating salinity. Their basal salt acclimation strategy includes two principal reactions, the active export of ions and the accumulation of compatible solutes. Cyanobacterial salt acclimation has been characterized in much detail using selected model cyanobacteria, but their salt sensing and regulatory mechanisms are less well understood. Here, we briefly review recent advances in the identification of salt acclimation processes and the essential genes/proteins involved in acclimation to high salt. This knowledge is of increasing importance because the necessary mass cultivation of cyanobacteria for future use in biotechnology will be performed in sea water. In addition, cyanobacterial salt resistance genes also can be applied to improve the salt tolerance of salt sensitive organisms, such as crop plants.

Comparative analysis of kdp and ktr mutants reveals distinct roles of the potassium transporters in the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803

Photoautotrophic bacteria have developed mechanisms to maintain K(+) homeostasis under conditions of changing ionic concentrations in the environment. Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 contains genes encoding a well-characterized Ktr-type K(+) uptake transporter (Ktr) and a putative ATP-dependent transporter specific for K(+) (Kdp). The contributions of each of these K(+) transport systems to cellular K(+) homeostasis have not yet been defined conclusively. To verify the functionality of Kdp, kdp genes were expressed in Escherichia coli, where Kdp conferred K(+) uptake, albeit with lower rates than were conferred by Ktr. An on-chip microfluidic device enabled monitoring of the biphasic initial volume recovery of single Synechocystis cells after hyperosmotic shock. Here, Ktr functioned as the primary K(+) uptake system during the first recovery phase, whereas Kdp did not contribute significantly. The expression of the kdp operon in Synechocystis was induced by extracellular K(+) depletion. Correspondingly, Kdp-mediated K(+) uptake supported Synechocystis cell growth with trace amounts of external potassium. This induction of kdp expression depended on two adjacent genes, hik20 and rre19, encoding a putative two-component system. The circadian expression of kdp and ktr peaked at subjective dawn, which may support the acquisition of K(+) required for the regular diurnal photosynthetic metabolism. These results indicate that Kdp contributes to the maintenance of a basal intracellular K(+) concentration under conditions of limited K(+) in natural environments, whereas Ktr mediates fast potassium movements in the presence of greater K(+) availability. Through their distinct activities, both Ktr and Kdp coordinate the responses of Synechocystis to changes in K(+) levels under fluctuating environmental conditions.

Organelle-localized potassium transport systems in plants

Some intracellular organelles found in eukaryotes such as plants have arisen through the endocytotic engulfment of prokaryotic cells. This accounts for the presence of plant membrane intrinsic proteins that have homologs in prokaryotic cells. Other organelles, such as those of the endomembrane system, are thought to have evolved through infolding of the plasma membrane. Acquisition of intracellular components (organelles) in the cells supplied additional functions for survival in various natural environments. The organelles are surrounded by biological membranes, which contain membrane-embedded K(+) transport systems allowing K(+) to move across the membrane. K(+) transport systems in plant organelles act coordinately with the plasma membrane intrinsic K(+) transport systems to maintain cytosolic K(+) concentrations. Since it is sometimes difficult to perform direct studies of organellar membrane proteins in plant cells, heterologous expression in yeast and Escherichia coli has been used to elucidate the function of plant vacuole K(+) channels and other membrane transporters. The vacuole is the largest organelle in plant cells; it has an important task in the K(+) homeostasis of the cytoplasm. The initial electrophysiological measurements of K(+) transport have categorized three classes of plant vacuolar cation channels, and since then molecular cloning approaches have led to the isolation of genes for a number of K(+) transport systems. Plants contain chloroplasts, derived from photoautotrophic cyanobacteria. A novel K(+) transport system has been isolated from cyanobacteria, which may add to our understanding of K(+) flux across the thylakoid membrane and the inner membrane of the chloroplast. This chapter will provide an overview of recent findings regarding plant organellar K(+) transport proteins.

Biodesalination: a case study for applications of photosynthetic bacteria in water treatment

Shortage of freshwater is a serious problem in many regions worldwide, and is expected to become even more urgent over the next decades as a result of increased demand for food production and adverse effects of climate change. Vast water resources in the oceans can only be tapped into if sustainable, energy-efficient technologies for desalination are developed. Energization of desalination by sunlight through photosynthetic organisms offers a potential opportunity to exploit biological processes for this purpose. Cyanobacterial cultures in particular can generate a large biomass in brackish and seawater, thereby forming a low-salt reservoir within the saline water. The latter could be used as an ion exchanger through manipulation of transport proteins in the cell membrane. In this article, we use the example of biodesalination as a vehicle to review the availability of tools and methods for the exploitation of cyanobacteria in water biotechnology. Issues discussed relate to strain selection, environmental factors, genetic manipulation, ion transport, cell-water separation, process design, safety, and public acceptance.

An orphan two-component response regulator Slr1588 involves salt tolerance by directly regulating synthesis of compatible solutes in photosynthetic Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

We report here the characterization of a novel orphan response regulator Slr1588 directly involved in the synthesis and transport of compatible solutes against salt stress.

Sodium transport system in plant cells

Since sodium, Na, is a non-essential element for the plant growth, the molecular mechanism of Na(+) transport system in plants has remained elusive for the last two decades. The accumulation of Na(+) in soil through irrigation for sustainable agricultural crop production, particularly in arid land, and by changes in environmental and climate conditions leads to the buildup of toxic level of salts in the soil. Since the latter half of the twentieth century, extensive molecular research has identified several classes of Na(+) transporters that play major roles in the alleviation of ionic stress by excluding toxic Na(+) from the cytosol or preventing Na(+) transport to the photosynthetic organs, and also in osmotic stress by modulating intra/extracellular osmotic balance. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of three major Na(+) transporters, namely NHX, SOS1, and HKT transporters, including recently revealed characteristics of these transporters.

Role for cis-acting RNA sequences in the temperature-dependent expression of the multiadhesive lig proteins in Leptospira interrogans

The spirochete Leptospira interrogans causes a systemic infection that provokes a febrile illness. The putative lipoproteins LigA and LigB promote adhesion of Leptospira to host proteins, interfere with coagulation, and capture complement regulators. In this study, we demonstrate that the expression level of the LigA and LigB proteins was substantially higher when L. interrogans proliferated at 37°C instead of the standard culture temperature of 30°C. The RNA comprising the 175-nucleotide 5' untranslated region (UTR) and first six lig codons, whose sequence is identical in ligA and ligB, is predicted to fold into two distinct stem-loop structures separated by a single-stranded region. The ribosome-binding site is partially sequestered in double-stranded RNA within the second structure. Toeprint analysis revealed that in vitro formation of a 30S-tRNA(fMet)-mRNA ternary complex was inhibited unless a 5' deletion mutation disrupted the second stem-loop structure. To determine whether the lig sequence could mediate temperature-regulated gene expression in vivo, the 5' UTR and the first six codons were inserted between the Escherichia coli l-arabinose promoter and bgaB (β-galactosidase from Bacillus stearothermophilus) to create a translational fusion. The lig fragment successfully conferred thermoregulation upon the β-galactosidase reporter in E. coli. The second stem-loop structure was sufficient to confer thermoregulation on the reporter, while sequences further upstream in the 5' UTR slightly diminished expression at each temperature tested. Finally, the expression level of β-galactosidase was significantly higher when point mutations predicted to disrupt base pairs in the second structure were introduced into the stem. Compensatory mutations that maintained base pairing of the stem without restoring the wild-type sequence reinstated the inhibitory effect of the 5' UTR on expression. These results indicate that ligA and ligB expression is limited by double-stranded RNA that occludes the ribosome-binding site. At elevated temperatures, the ribosome-binding site is exposed to promote translation initiation.

Integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals novel genes and regulatory mechanisms involved in salt stress responses in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

Salt stress is a common stress that limits growth and productivity of photosynthetic microbes in natural environments. Although cellular responses of a model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 to high and changing salt concentration have been studied, it remains undefined of the gene components and their regulation in the long-term salt acclimation networks. In this study, we performed an integrated study coupling a quantitative iTRAQ-LC-MS/MS proteomics and a next-generation sequencing-based RNA-seq transcriptomics on Synechocystis under salt stress for an extended period of time. Comparative quantification of protein abundances led to the identification of 68 and 108 proteins differentially regulated by salt treatment at 24 and 48 h, respectively. RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis showed that genes involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis, and genes encoding hypothetical proteins responded to salt stress in a phase-dependent pattern. Notably, a gene encoding CO2-uptake-related protein (CupA) and three genes encoding hypothetical proteins were induced significantly at either transcript or protein level after long-term salt stress. Gene knockout and comparative growth analysis demonstrated that these four genes were involved in salt tolerance in Synechocystis. In addition, a complementary proteome and transcriptome analysis showed that concordance between protein abundances and their corresponding mRNAs varied significantly between various gene-protein pairs, indicating divergent regulation of transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes during salt stress adaptation in Synechocystis. The study provided new insights on genes and regulatory mechanism involved in salt stress response in Synechocystis.

The Ktr potassium transport system in Staphylococcus aureus and its role in cell physiology, antimicrobial resistance and pathogenesis

Potassium (K(+) ) plays a vital role in bacterial physiology, including regulation of cytoplasmic pH, turgor pressure and transmembrane electrical potential. Here, we examine the Staphylococcus aureus Ktr system uniquely comprised of two ion-conducting proteins (KtrB and KtrD) and only one regulator (KtrA). Growth of Ktr system mutants was severely inhibited under K(+) limitation, yet detectable after an extended lag phase, indicating the presence of a secondary K(+) transporter. Disruption of both ktrA and the Kdp-ATPase system, important for K(+) uptake in other organisms, eliminated regrowth in 0.1 mM K(+) , demonstrating a compensatory role for Kdp to the Ktr system. Consistent with K(+) transport mutations, S. aureus devoid of the Ktr system became sensitive to hyperosmotic conditions, exhibited a hyperpolarized plasma membrane, and increased susceptibility to aminoglycoside antibiotics and cationic antimicrobials. In contrast to other organisms, the S. aureus Ktr system was shown to be important for low-K(+) growth under alkaline conditions, but played only a minor role in neutral and acidic conditions. In a mouse competitive index model of bacteraemia, the ktrA mutant was significantly outcompeted by the parental strain. Combined, these results demonstrate a primary mechanism of K(+) uptake in S. aureus and a role for this system in pathogenesis.

Characterization of the role of a mechanosensitive channel in osmotic down shock adaptation in Synechocystis sp PCC 6803

Synechocystis sp strain PCC 6803 contains one gene encoding a putative large conductance mechanosensitive channel homolog [named SyMscL (slr0875)]. However, it is unclear whether SyMscL contributes to the adaptation to hypoosmotic stress in Synechocystis. Here we report the in vivo characteristics of SyMscL. SyMscL was mainly expressed in the plasma membrane of Synechocystis. Cell volume monitoring using stopped-flow spectrophotometry showed that ΔsymscL cells swelled more rapidly than wild-type cells under hypoosmotic stress conditions. Expression of symscL was under circadian control, and its peak corresponded to the beginning of subjective night. These results indicate that SyMscL functioned as one component of the osmotic homeostatic regulatory system of the cell coordinating the response of Synechocystis to daily metabolic osmotic fluctuations and environmental changes.

The structure of the KtrAB potassium transporter

In bacteria, archaea, fungi and plants the Trk, Ktr and HKT ion transporters are key components of osmotic regulation, pH homeostasis and resistance to drought and high salinity. These ion transporters are functionally diverse: they can function as Na(+) or K(+) channels and possibly as cation/K(+) symporters. They are closely related to potassium channels both at the level of the membrane protein and at the level of the cytosolic regulatory domains. Here we describe the crystal structure of a Ktr K(+) transporter, the KtrAB complex from Bacillus subtilis. The structure shows the dimeric membrane protein KtrB assembled with a cytosolic octameric KtrA ring bound to ATP, an activating ligand. A comparison between the structure of KtrAB-ATP and the structures of the isolated full-length KtrA protein with ATP or ADP reveals a ligand-dependent conformational change in the octameric ring, raising new ideas about the mechanism of activation in these transporters.

Gating of the TrkH ion channel by its associated RCK protein TrkA

TrkH belongs to a superfamily of K(+) transport proteins required for growth of bacteria in low external K(+) concentrations. The crystal structure of TrkH from Vibrio parahaemolyticus showed that TrkH resembles a K(+) channel and may have a gating mechanism substantially different from K(+) channels. TrkH assembles with TrkA, a cytosolic protein comprising two RCK (regulate the conductance of K(+)) domains, which are found in certain K(+) channels and control their gating. However, fundamental questions on whether TrkH is an ion channel and how it is regulated by TrkA remain unresolved. Here we show single-channel activity of TrkH that is upregulated by ATP via TrkA. We report two structures of the tetrameric TrkA ring, one in complex with TrkH and one in isolation, in which the ring assumes two markedly different conformations. These results suggest a mechanism for how ATP increases TrkH activity by inducing conformational changes in TrkA.

Quantitative proteomics reveals dynamic responses of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to next-generation biofuel butanol

Butanol is a promising biofuel, and recent metabolic engineering efforts have demonstrated the use of photosynthetic cyanobacterial hosts for its production. However, cyanobacteria have very low tolerance to butanol, limiting the economic viability of butanol production from these renewable producing systems. The existing knowledge of molecular mechanism involved in butanol tolerance in cyanobacteria is very limited. To build a foundation necessary to engineer robust butanol-producing cyanobacterial hosts, in this study, the responses of Synechocystis PCC 6803 to butanol were investigated using a quantitative proteomics approach with iTRAQ - LC-MS/MS technologies. The resulting high-quality dataset consisted of 25,347 peptides corresponding to 1452 unique proteins, a coverage of approximately 40% of the predicted proteins in Synechocystis. Comparative quantification of protein abundances led to the identification of 303 differentially regulated proteins by butanol. Annotation and GO term enrichment analysis showed that multiple biological processes were regulated, suggesting that Synechocystis probably employed multiple and synergistic resistance mechanisms in dealing with butanol stress. Notably, the analysis revealed the induction of heat-shock protein and transporters, along with modification of cell membrane and envelope were the major protection mechanisms against butanol. A conceptual cellular model of Synechocystis PCC 6803 responses to butanol stress was constructed to illustrate the putative molecular mechanisms employed to defend against butanol stress.

Aquaporin AqpZ is involved in cell volume regulation and sensitivity to osmotic stress in Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803

The moderately halotolerant cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 contains a plasma membrane aquaporin, AqpZ. We previously reported that AqpZ plays a role in glucose metabolism under photomixotrophic growth conditions, suggesting involvement of AqpZ in cytosolic osmolarity homeostasis. To further elucidate the physiological role of AqpZ, we have studied its gene expression profile and its function in Synechocystis. The expression level of aqpZ was regulated by the circadian clock. AqpZ activity was insensitive to mercury in Xenopus oocytes and in Synechocystis, indicating that the AqpZ can be categorized as a mercury-insensitive aquaporin. Stopped-flow light-scattering spectrophotometry showed that addition of sorbitol and NaCl led to a slower decrease in cell volume of the Synechocystis ΔaqpZ strain than the wild type. The ΔaqpZ cells were more tolerant to hyperosmotic shock by sorbitol than the wild type. Consistent with this, recovery of oxygen evolution after a hyperosmotic shock by sorbitol was faster in the ΔaqpZ strain than in the wild type. In contrast, NaCl stress had only a small effect on oxygen evolution. The amount of AqpZ protein remained unchanged by the addition of sorbitol but decreased after addition of NaCl. This decrease is likely to be a mechanism to alleviate the effects of high salinity on the cells. Our results indicate that Synechocystis AqpZ functions as a water transport system that responds to daily oscillations of intracellular osmolarity.

Proteomic analysis reveals resistance mechanism against biofuel hexane in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated that photosynthetic cyanobacteria could be an excellent cell factory to produce renewable biofuels and chemicals due to their capability to utilize solar energy and CO2 as the sole energy and carbon sources. Biosynthesis of carbon-neutral biofuel alkanes with good chemical and physical properties has been proposed. However, to make the process economically feasible, one major hurdle to improve the low cell tolerance to alkanes needed to be overcome.

RESULTS

Towards the goal to develop robust and high-alkane-tolerant hosts, in this study, the responses of model cyanobacterial Synechocystis PCC 6803 to hexane, a representative of alkane, were investigated using a quantitative proteomics approach with iTRAQ - LC-MS/MS technologies. In total, 1,492 unique proteins were identified, representing about 42% of all predicted protein in the Synechocystis genome. Among all proteins identified, a total of 164 and 77 proteins were found up- and down-regulated, respectively. Functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that common stress responses were induced by hexane in Synechocystis. Notably, a large number of transporters and membrane-bound proteins, proteins against oxidative stress and proteins related to sulfur relay system and photosynthesis were induced, suggesting that they are possibly the major protection mechanisms against hexane toxicity.

CONCLUSION

The study provided the first comprehensive view of the complicated molecular mechanism employed by cyanobacterial model species, Synechocystis to defend against hexane stress. The study also provided a list of potential targets to engineer Synechocystis against hexane stress.

Genome of alkaliphilic Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4 reveals adaptations that support the ability to grow in an external pH range from 7.5 to 11.4

Bacillus pseudofirmus OF4 is an extreme but facultative alkaliphile that grows non-fermentatively in a pH range from 7.5 to above 11.4 and can withstand large sudden increases in external pH. It is a model organism for studies of bioenergetics at high pH, at which energy demands are higher than at neutral pH because both cytoplasmic pH homeostasis and ATP synthesis require more energy. The alkaliphile also tolerates a cytoplasmic pH > 9.0 at external pH values at which the pH homeostasis capacity is exceeded, and manages other stresses that are exacerbated at alkaline pH, e.g. sodium, oxidative and cell wall stresses. The genome of B. pseudofirmus OF4 includes two plasmids that are lost from some mutants without viability loss. The plasmids may provide a reservoir of mobile elements that promote adaptive chromosomal rearrangements under particular environmental conditions. The genome also reveals a more acidic pI profile for proteins exposed on the outer surface than found in neutralophiles. A large array of transporters and regulatory genes are predicted to protect the alkaliphile from its overlapping stresses. In addition, unanticipated metabolic versatility was observed, which could ensure requisite energy for alkaliphily under diverse conditions.

Osmotic stress response in C. glutamicum: impact of channel- and transporter-mediated potassium accumulation

Potassium accumulation is an essential aspect of bacterial response to diverse stress situations; consequently its uptake plays a pivotal role. Here, we show that the Gram-positive soil bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum which is employed for the large-scale industrial production of amino acids requires potassium under conditions of ionic and non-ionic osmotic stress. Besides the accumulation of high concentrations of potassium contributing significantly to the osmotic potential of the cytoplasm, we demonstrate that glutamate is not the counter ion for potassium under these conditions. Interestingly, potassium is required for the activation of osmotic stress-dependent expression of the genes betP and proP. The Kup-type potassium transport system which is present in C. glutamicum in addition to the potassium channel CglK does not contribute to potassium uptake at conditions of hyperosmotic stress. Furthermore, we established a secondary carrier of the KtrAB type from C. jeikeium in C. glutamicum thus providing an experimental comparison of channel- and carrier-mediated potassium uptake under osmotic stress. While at low potassium availability, the presence of the KtrAB transporter improves both potassium accumulation and growth of C. glutamicum upon osmotic stress, at proper potassium supply, the channel CglK is sufficient.

Plasma membrane aquaporin AqpZ protein is essential for glucose metabolism during photomixotrophic growth of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

The genome of Synechocystis PCC 6803 contains a single gene encoding an aquaporin, aqpZ. The AqpZ protein functioned as a water-permeable channel in the plasma membrane. However, the physiological importance of AqpZ in Synechocystis remains unclear. We found that growth in glucose-containing medium inhibited proper division of ΔaqpZ cells and led to cell death. Deletion of a gene encoding a glucose transporter in the ΔaqpZ background alleviated the glucose-mediated growth inhibition of the ΔaqpZ cells. The ΔaqpZ cells swelled more than the wild type after the addition of glucose, suggesting an increase in cytosolic osmolarity. This was accompanied by a down-regulation of the pentose phosphate pathway and concurrent glycogen accumulation. Metabolite profiling by GC/TOF-MS of wild-type and ΔaqpZ cells revealed a relative decrease of intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and certain amino acids in the mutant. The changed levels of metabolites may have been the cause for the observed decrease in growth rate of the ΔaqpZ cells along with decreased PSII activity at pH values ranging from 7.5 to 8.5. A mutant in sll1961, encoding a putative transcription factor, and a Δhik31 mutant, lacking a putative glucose-sensing kinase, both exhibited higher glucose sensitivity than the ΔaqpZ cells. Examination of protein expression indicated that sll1961 functioned as a positive regulator of aqpZ gene expression but not as the only regulator. Overall, the ΔaqpZ cells showed defects in macronutrient metabolism, pH homeostasis, and cell division under photomixotrophic conditions, consistent with an essential role of AqpZ in glucose metabolism.