Project description:The NifA-RpoN complex is a master regulator of the nitrogen fixation genes in alpha-proteobacteria. Based on the complete Rhizobium etli genome sequence, we constructed the R. etli CFN42 oligonucleotide (70 mer) microarray, and utilized this tool to survey changes in gene expression in R. etli CFN42 wild type compared with NifA CFNX247 mutant strain in symbiosis with Phaseolus vulgaris. As expected, the genes associated with a NifA and RpoN binding sites were downregulated in the NifA mutant strain.
Project description:89 small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) were identified in the soil-dwelling alpha-proteobacterium Rhizobium etli by comparing an extensive compilation of ncRNA predictions to intergenic expression data of a whole-genome tiling array. The differential expression levels of some of these ncRNAs during free-living growth and during interaction with the eukaryotic host plant may indicate a role in adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Project description:Stress response regulators identified through genome-wide transcriptome analysis of the (p)ppGpp-dependent response in Rhizobium etli
Project description:Gene expression during stationary phase and symbiosis of R. etli CFN42 was compared to that of exponentially growing cells. This allowed us to better understand how R. etli adapts to a non-growing lifestyle, both the free-living and symbiotic state, as well as to determine to what extent this adaptation is similar in both states.
Project description:89 small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) were identified in the soil-dwelling alpha-proteobacterium Rhizobium etli by comparing an extensive compilation of ncRNA predictions to intergenic expression data of a whole-genome tiling array. The differential expression levels of some of these ncRNAs during free-living growth and during interaction with the eukaryotic host plant may indicate a role in adaptation to changing environmental conditions. In order to study expression in the free-living state, wild-type R. etli CFN42 was grown at 30ËC in acid minimal salts medium supplied with 10 mM NH4Cl and 10 mM succinate while monitoring the optical density (OD) of the culture. Samples were taken at OD600 = 0.3, 0.7 and 6 hours after reaching the maximum OD, representing early/late exponential and stationary phase, respectively. In order to study gene expression during host-associated growth, common bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Limburgse vroege) were cultivated and inoculated as described previously. Nodules were harvested 2 and 3 weeks after inoculation and the bacteroids were purified by differential centrifugation.