1887

Abstract

In sp. PCC 7942, PipX forms complexes with P, a protein found in all three domains of life as an integrator of signals of the nitrogen and carbon balance, and with the cyanobacterial nitrogen regulator NtcA. We recently showed that previous inactivation of facilitates subsequent inactivation of the gene. Here, we show that the three spontaneous point mutations , and initially found in different strains, are indeed suppressor mutations. When these mutations were reconstructed in the wild-type background, the gene could be efficiently inactivated. Furthermore, the point mutations have different effects on PipX levels, coactivation of NtcA-dependent genes and protein–protein interactions. Further support for an role of PipX–P complexes is provided by interaction analysis with the -generated P protein, a P derivative unable to interact with its regulatory target -acetyl--glutamate kinase, but which retains the ability to bind to PipX. The implications of these results are discussed.

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2010-05-01
2024-03-29
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