A regulatory hierarchy controls the dynamic transcriptional response to extreme oxidative stress in archaea.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Networks of interacting transcription factors are central to the regulation of cellular responses to abiotic stress. Although the architecture of many such networks has been mapped, their dynamic function remains unclear. Here we address this challenge in archaea, microorganisms possessing transcription factors that resemble those of both eukaryotes and bacteria. Using genome-wide DNA binding location analysis integrated with gene expression and cell physiological data, we demonstrate that a bacterial-type transcription factor (TF), called RosR, and five TFIIB proteins, homologs of eukaryotic TFs, combinatorially regulate over 100 target genes important for the response to extremely high levels of peroxide. These genes include 20 other transcription factors and oxidative damage repair genes. RosR promoter occupancy is surprisingly dynamic, with the pattern of target gene expression during the transition from rapid growth to stress correlating strongly with the pattern of dynamic binding. We conclude that a hierarchical regulatory network orchestrated by TFs of hybrid lineage enables dynamic response and survival under extreme stress in archaea. This raises questions regarding the evolutionary trajectory of gene networks in response to stress.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Tonner, PD; Pittman, AMC; Gulli, JG; Sharma, K; Schmid, AK

Published Date

  • January 2015

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 11 / 1

Start / End Page

  • e1004912 -

PubMed ID

  • 25569531

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC4287449

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1553-7404

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1553-7390

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004912

Language

  • eng