Structure and function of the cyanobacterial color sensor Cph2

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Lars-Oliver Essen
• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms ; Structural Biology
• Term: from 2010 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 171106024

Cyanobacterial phytochromes are a diverse family of light receptors controlling different biological cell functions including phototaxis. Among canonical bona fide phytochromes of the well characterized plant-type clade, cyanobacteria also harbor phytochromes that absorb green, violet or blue light. The Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 photoreceptor Cph2 is both a red/far-red and blue light sensor. It regulates phototaxis possibly via alterations in the c-di-GMP level. We have analyzed spectroscopic characteristics of the two light-absorbing domains and started to crystallize them for detailed analysis. Here, we will combine the expertise of two laboratories working together on a structural and biological base to unravel the mechanism how two different light signals are processed and transmitted by one photosensor, Cph2. Structural and biochemical information will be correlated to biological output, namely alterations in phototaxis and c-di-GMP level.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants