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2‐oxoglutarate enhances NtcA binding activity to promoter regions of the microcystin synthesis gene cluster
Author(s) -
Kuniyoshi Taís M.,
Gonzalez Andres,
Lopez-Gomollon Sara,
Valladares Ana,
Bes M. Teresa,
Fillat Maria F.,
Peleato M. Luisa
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2011.10.034
Subject(s) - microcystin , gene cluster , electrophoretic mobility shift assay , promoter , gene , biology , limiting , binding site , microcystis aeruginosa , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , transcription factor , gene expression , cyanobacteria , genetics , bacteria , engineering , mechanical engineering
The binding affinity of NtcA towards promoter regions of the microcystin gene cluster from Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 has been analyzed by band‐shift assay (EMSA). The key nitrogen transcriptional regulator exhibits affinity for two fragments of the bidirectional mcyDA promoter, as well as for promoter regions of mcyE and mcyH . The presence of 2‐oxoglutarate increased by 2.5 fold the affinity of NtcA for the mcyA promoter region. The 2‐oxoglutarate effect peaked at 0.8 mM, a physiological concentration for this compound under nitrogen‐limiting conditions. The results suggest that the 2‐oxoglutarate level, as a signal of the C to N balance of the cells, regulates the microcystin gene cluster.