Coupling transcriptional activation of CRISPR–Cas system and DNA repair genes by Csa3a in Sulfolobus islandicus

Tao Liu, Zhenzhen Liu, Qing Ye, Saifu Pan, Xiaodi Wang, Yingjun Li, Wenfang Peng, Yunxiang Liang, Qunxin She, Nan Peng

27 Citationer (Scopus)
268 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

CRISPR-Cas system provides the adaptive immunity against invading genetic elements in prokaryotes. Recently, we demonstrated that Csa3a regulator mediates spacer acquisition in Sulfolobus islandicus by activating the expression of Type IA adaptation cas genes. However, links between the activation of spacer adaptation and CRISPR transcription/processing, and the requirement for DNA repair genes during spacer acquisition remained poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that de novo spacer acquisition required Csa1, Cas1, Cas2 and Cas4 proteins of the Sulfolobus Type IA system. Disruption of genes implicated in crRNA maturation or DNA interference led to a significant accumulation of acquired spacers, mainly derived from host genomic DNA. Transcriptome and proteome analyses showed that Csa3a activated expression of adaptation cas genes, CRISPR RNAs, and DNA repair genes, including herA helicase, nurA nuclease and DNA polymerase II genes. Importantly, Csa3a specifically bound the promoters of the above DNA repair genes, suggesting that they were directly activated by Csa3a for adaptation. The Csa3a regulator also specifically bound to the leader sequence to activate CRISPR transcription in vivo. Our data indicated that the Csa3a regulator couples transcriptional activation of the CRISPR-Cas system and DNA repair genes for spacer adaptation and efficient interference of invading genetic elements.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
Artikelnummergkx612
TidsskriftNucleic Acids Research
Vol/bind45
Udgave nummer15
Sider (fra-til)8978–8992
Antal sider15
ISSN0305-1048
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 1 sep. 2017

Fingeraftryk

Dyk ned i forskningsemnerne om 'Coupling transcriptional activation of CRISPR–Cas system and DNA repair genes by Csa3a in Sulfolobus islandicus'. Sammen danner de et unikt fingeraftryk.

Citationsformater