The PTSNtr System Globally Regulates ATP-Dependent Transporters in Rhizobium leguminosarum

Jürgen Prell, Philip Poole, Verena Untiet, Ramakrishnan Karunakaran

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mutation of ptsP encoding EI(Ntr) of the PTS(Ntr) system in Rhizobium leguminosarum strain Rlv3841 caused a pleiotropic phenotype as observed with many bacteria. The mutant formed dry colonies and grew poorly on organic nitrogen or dicarboxylates. Most strikingly the ptsP mutant had low activity of a broad range of ATP-dependent ABC transporters. This lack of activation, which occurred post-translationally, may explain many of the pleiotropic effects. In contrast proton-coupled transport systems were not inhibited in a ptsP mutant. Regulation by PtsP also involves two copies of ptsN that code for EIIA(Ntr) , resulting in a phosphorylation cascade. As in Escherichia coli, the Rlv3841 PTS(Ntr) system also regulates K(+) homeostasis by transcriptional activation of the high-affinity ATP-dependent K(+) transporter KdpABC. This involves direct interaction of a two-component sensor regulator pair KdpDE with unphosphorylated EIIA(Ntr) . Critically, ptsP mutants, which cannot phosphorylate PtsN1 or PtsN2, had a fully activated KdpABC transporter. This is the opposite pattern from that observed with ABC transporters which apparently require phosphorylation of PtsN. These results suggest that ATP-dependent transport might be regulated via PTS(Ntr) responding to the cellular energy charge. ABC transport may be inactivated at low energy charge, conserving ATP for essential processes including K(+) homeostasis.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBiological Nitrogen Fixation
Number of pages8
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
Publication dateApr 2012
Pages349-356
ISBN (Print)9781119053095
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2012
Externally publishedYes
SeriesBiological Nitrogen Fixation
Volume1-2

Keywords

  • ABC transport
  • ATP
  • Carbon metabolism
  • Nitrogen
  • PTS
  • Phosphotransferase system
  • Potassium homeostasis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The PTSNtr System Globally Regulates ATP-Dependent Transporters in Rhizobium leguminosarum'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this