Unbalancing Zur (FurB)-mediated homeostasis in Anabaena sp. PCC7120: Consequences on metal trafficking, heterocyst development and biofilm formation

Olivan-Muro, Irene (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Sarasa-Buisan, Cristina ; Guio, Jorge (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Arenas, Jesús (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Sevilla, Emma (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Fillat, Maria F. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Zinc is required for the activity of many enzymes and plays an essential role in gene regulation and redox homeostasis. In Anabaena (Nostoc) sp. PCC7120, the genes involved in zinc uptake and transport are controlled by the metalloregulator Zur (FurB). Comparative transcriptomics of a zur mutant (Δzur) with the parent strain unveiled unexpected links between zinc homeostasis and other metabolic pathways. A notable increase in the transcription of numerous desiccation tolerance-related genes, including genes involved in the synthesis of trehalose and the transference of saccharide moieties, among many others, was detected. Biofilm formation analysis under static conditions revealed a reduced capacity of Δzur filaments to form biofilms compared to the parent strain, and such capacity was enhanced when Zur was overexpressed. Furthermore, microscopy analysis revealed that zur expression is required for the correct formation of the envelope polysaccharide layer in the heterocyst, as Δzur cells showed reduced staining with alcian blue compared to Anabaena sp. PCC7120. We suggest that Zur is an important regulator of the enzymes involved in the synthesis and transport of the envelope polysaccharide layer, influencing heterocyst development and biofilm formation, both relevant processes for cell division and interaction with substrates in its ecological niche.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16434

Año: 2023

Publicado en: Environmental Microbiology 25, 11 (2023), 2142-2162
ISSN: 1462-2912

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/E35-20R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MCIU/PID2019-104889GB-I00

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Sanidad Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)
Área (Departamento): Área Fisiología Vegetal (Dpto. Bioq.Biolog.Mol. Celular)
Área (Departamento): Área Bioquímica y Biolog.Mole. (Dpto. Bioq.Biolog.Mol. Celular)