7th joint conference "Joint Microbiology & Infection Conference 2024" of the DGHM and VAAM

Abstract: In this talk, current insights will be presented into the genetic regulation of stress response in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, a thermoacidophilic model crenarchaeon thriving in volcanic hot springs. The impact of heat shock on the transcriptomic and proteomic landscape is highlighted, revealing prominent roles of both transcriptional and post-transcriptional/post-translational regulation. These findings underscore the prevalence of alternative mechanisms beyond classical transcription factor regulation in Crenarchaeota. Notably, the presence of RNA thermometer-like elements is proposed as one such mechanism, as exemplified by their identification in a gene encoding a thermosome subunit. Furthermore, the significance of chromatin restructuring, particularly mediated by proteins from the Lrs14 family, is emphasized. These abundant small non-specific DNA-binding proteins are hypothesized to be involved in various stress responses beyond heat shock, as well as exerting a control over pleiotropic physiological switches, such as the transition between planktonic and biofilm growth.

Eveline Peeters

Invited Speaker