Regulation of cyanobacterial type IV pilus-dependent functions by interaction between a c-di-GMP receptor and two transcription factors

Abstract

Cyanobacteria utilize type IV pili for many behavioural responses, such as phototaxis, aggregation, floating, and DNA uptake. Type IV pilus-dependent functions are regulated by the nucleotide second messengers, c-di-GMP and cAMP. In this study, we investigated the role of a recently identified c-di-GMP receptor (CdgR) in cyanobacteria that harbours a ComFB domain. ComFB-domain proteins are widespread in cyanobacteria and are also present in heterotrophic bacteria. We demonstrated that the CdgR homolog from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, a model organism for studying type IV pilus-dependent functions, specifically binds to c-di-GMP. Genetic and phenotypic analyses revealed that Synechocystis CdgR is involved in phototactic motility and natural competence. Inactivation of cdgR resulted in altered expression of specific sets of minor pilins, which are essential for motility or natural competence. We identified interactions between CdgR and the CRP-family transcription factors, SyCRP1 and SyCRP2. Disruption of these CdgR-SyCRP1 and CdgR/SyCRP2 complexes is initiated by elevated c-di-GMP levels. Moreover, the assembly and stability of these complexes are influenced by other cyclic nucleotides, such as cAMP and c-di-AMP. These observed interactions imply a complex regulatory mechanism by which CdgR influences gene expression in response to cyclic nucleotide messenger signalling, particularly c-di-GMP. The present findings highlight the importance of CdgR in c-di-GMP signalling and its role in regulating type IV pilus-dependent functions in Synechocystis. The modulation of the expression of specific minor pilin genes by CdgR, through interactions with the transcription factors SyCRP1 and SyCRP2, contributes to the establishment of multiple type IV pilus functions and adaptive behaviours of cyanobacteria.