Effects of a type-II RNA-binding protein on fatty acid composition in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis 6803, rbp3, a type-II RNA-binding protein gene, is slightly induced by temperature downshift. An rbp3 mutant shows significant reduction in total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in membrane lipids. However, the reduction in PUFA has not attained the extent that would significantly affect the growth of the mutant at low temperature. Transcripts of fatty acid desaturase genes desA, desB and desD, and ccr-1, a gene required for growth at 15 degrees C, are significantly reduced in the mutant relative to the wild type, while transcripts of rbp1 (RNA-binding protein 1) and crhR (RNA helicase Light) are not affected. Rbp3 may directly or indirectly affect mRNA levels of certain genes.