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The circadian clock and darkness control natural competence in cyanobacteria

Author

Listed:
  • Arnaud Taton

    (University of California, San Diego)

  • Christian Erikson

    (University of California, San Diego
    University of California, Berkeley)

  • Yiling Yang

    (University of California, San Diego
    the Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Benjamin E. Rubin

    (University of California, San Diego
    University of California, Berkeley)

  • Scott A. Rifkin

    (University of California, San Diego)

  • James W. Golden

    (University of California, San Diego)

  • Susan S. Golden

    (University of California, San Diego
    University of California, San Diego)

Abstract

The cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus is a model organism for the study of circadian rhythms. It is naturally competent for transformation—that is, it takes up DNA from the environment, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we use a genome-wide screen to identify genes required for natural transformation in S. elongatus, including genes encoding a conserved Type IV pilus, genes known to be associated with competence in other bacteria, and others. Pilus biogenesis occurs daily in the morning, while natural transformation is maximal when the onset of darkness coincides with the dusk circadian peak. Thus, the competence state in cyanobacteria is regulated by the circadian clock and can adapt to seasonal changes of day length.

Suggested Citation

  • Arnaud Taton & Christian Erikson & Yiling Yang & Benjamin E. Rubin & Scott A. Rifkin & James W. Golden & Susan S. Golden, 2020. "The circadian clock and darkness control natural competence in cyanobacteria," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-15384-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15384-9
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