Elevated Carbon Dioxide Levels Lead to Proteome-Wide Alterations for Optimal Growth of a Fast-Growing Cyanobacterium, Synechococcus Elongatus PCC 11801

The study investigated the metabolic responses of the fast-growing cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 11801 to elevated CO2 levels using quantitative proteomics. It was found that the organism adapted by regulating cellular transporters for carbon-nitrogen uptake and enhancing processes like photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and glycolysis. There was a significant up-regulation of photosynthetic components, while proteins related to photoprotection and redox maintenance were downregulated. Enzymes in the TCA cycle and oxidative pentose phosphate pathway showed decreased expression, indicating that photosynthesis primarily met the demand for reduced cofactors. This research provided a comprehensive understanding of the molecular changes in this strain under carbon-sufficient conditions, potentially aiding future developments in sustainable fuel production through efficient CO2 capture.