Analysis of gene expression in response to acid stress in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

Abstract

Plant cells are continuously exposed to environmental stresses such as high light, low temperature and acid rain, and then have to respond in order to survive. Some mechanisms of responses to these stresses have been clarified, but there is little information about the acclimation process to acid stress. In this study, we investigated the change in gene expression accompanying the acid-stress response of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by use of DNA microarrays. Expression profiles from both cells treated at pH3.0 and normal pH condition (pH8.0) were compared. As a result, we found about 30 genes upregulated more than 3-fold in their expression after the acid treatment. This was confirmed by Northern hybridization. We also constructed the mutants deleting the genes upregulated by the acid treatment and will report about their phenotypes.