Abstract Detail

Biotic and abiotic stress

Owttrim, George [1], Lewis, Allison [2], Chamot, Danuta [1], Li Ling, Lo [1], Horn, Collin J. [1].

Convergent signaling through the redox status of the electron transport chain regulates abiotic stress gene expression in a hierarchical fashion.

Cyanobacteria are increasingly becoming a major player for biotechnological and bioremediation applications. Optimization of these processes requires the ability to tightly regulate gene expression. Towards this end we have characterized expression of the cyanobacterial DEAD-box RNA helicase, crhR, from Synechocystis PCC 6803. It is well established that, is induced in response to light-driven reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain. Further analysis indicated that crhR expression is also induced by a range of abiotic stresses including low temperature, salt, osmotic and heavy metals. Surprisingly, the response to each of these stresses is mediated by the redox status of the electron transport chain. This convergence of signaling pathways is unexpected as other prokaryotic systems utilize independent sensor-signal transduction pathways to respond to these stresses. Similar convergent signaling pathways have recently been proposed to play crucial roles in stem cells, cancers and plants. Furthermore, there is a hierarchy of the response, with the light signal overriding other stresses.

1 - University of Alberta, Biological Sciences, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
2 - University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada

Keywords:
redox regulated expression
cyanobacteria
RNA Helicase
Abiotic stress
convergent signaling.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 20
Location: Salon 13/14/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 4:00 PM
Number: 20008
Abstract ID:1274
Candidate for Awards:None