Characterization of proteins involved in stress tolerance in cyanobacteria
We investigate the role of ferritin-like proteins in the cyanobacterium Nostoc.
In this project we use different genetic and biochemical strategies to investigate the role of ferritin-like proteins in redox control, iron homeostasis and regulation of ROS levels. The ferritin-like proteins in Nostoc include one putative bacterioferritin and four Dps proteins. Dps are strongly connected to DNA protection, iron storage as well as detoxification of H2O2 within bacterial cells combating oxidative stress.
Figure 1 and 2. A model of the protein backbone structure of a Dps protein.
The first aim of this part of the project will be to study the response of N. punctiforme to oxidative stress by utilizing a proteomics approach. More precisely, the proteomic profile of deletion and overexpression strains will be studied using quantitative gel-based (LC-MS) methodology in cells cultivated under “normal” growth conditions as well as in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and under high light. This work will provide an understanding of overall cellular response to stress conditions and more specifically the role of the ferritin-like proteins such as Dps proteins and bacterioferritins in this process. The results will be of importance for future systems metabolic engineering efforts to design robust strains of cyanobacteria for large scale cultivation for production of biofuels.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 3. A phylogenetic tree of the five different Dps-like proteins in Nostoc punctiformeA phylogenetic tree of the five different Dps-like proteins in Nostoc punctiforme.
Figure 4. Two dimensional gel-electrophoresis to identify proteins involved in stress tolerance.
Cooperation partners
More information to come.