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Variations in the non-coding transcriptome as a driver of inter-strain divergence and physiological adaptation in
Matthias Kopf1, Stephan Klähn1, Ingeborg Scholz1
1Genetics and Experimental Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|April 23, 2015
Summary
Non-coding RNAs are crucial regulatory elements in cyanobacteria. Comparing two closely related Synechocystis strains reveals significant transcriptome variations, highlighting non-coding RNA
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play vital regulatory roles across organisms.
- Cyanobacteria possess substantial ncRNA fractions within their transcriptomes.
- Understanding inter-strain transcriptome differences is key to adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare primary transcriptomes of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6714 and PCC 6803.
- To identify conserved and divergent transcriptional start sites (TSSs) and ncRNAs.
- To investigate the role of ncRNAs in bacterial adaptation and evolution.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide mapping and classification of TSSs.
- Comparative transcriptome analysis under diverse conditions.
- Identification and characterization of ncRNAs and novel mRNA structures.
Main Results:
- Identified conserved TSSs yielding ncRNAs within genes and antisense orientations.
- Discovered strain-specific TSS variations due to single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting gene regulation.
- Characterized a novel sRNA/mRNA structure, termed 'actuaton', involved in transcriptional remodeling.
Conclusions:
- Non-coding transcripts represent the most dynamic transcriptome component.
- Variations in ncRNAs contribute significantly to inter-strain divergence and physiological adaptation.
- Actuaton structures offer a novel mechanism for bacterial transcriptional network modification.
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