Switch to survive - RNA metabolism during stationary transition in hyperthermophile archaea

In the wild, microbial populations, such as archaea, bacteria or yeast, rarely inhabit environments that support long-lasting exponential growth. The cells enter a stationary state in response to different type of stresses i.e., starvation, temperature, cell density or toxic products, to be able to persist in adverse conditions for undefined periods of time. It requires the cells to re-program their gene expression and to switch their metabolism. We investigate the processes that occur in hyperthermophilic archaeal cells (Thermococcus barophilus) as they enter stationary phase, with a focus on both transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. 

We address the role of members of RNA machineries in driving the cells to stationary switch using the combination of high-throughput RNA sequencing, genetic, biochemical and molecular biology as well as high-resolution immunofluorescent microscopy.

We currently establish transcriptional, energetic/metabolic, and proteomic profile of T. barophilus cells in exponential and stationary phases so that we can next characterise switches that prompt cells to enter a stationary state.

Beyond the universality of mechanisms that regulate stress response, their comprehensive understanding in the hyperthermophile microorganisms constituting important part of oceans biomass is crucial in the context of global temperature increase. 

Collaborators

Yann Moalic - ISEN, Yncréa, Brest, France

Mohamed Jebbar & Remi Dulermo - BEEP, Brest, France

Anaïs Cario & Samuel Marre - ICMCB, Bordeaux, France

Funding