Genetic tools for desiccation, radiation-tolerant cyanobacteria of the genus Chroococcidiopsis

Cyanobacteria living in arid environments represent an unexplored source of novel and/or particularly efficient molecules which underlie survival of high radiation, prolonged desiccation and extreme temperatures. Members of the genus Chroococcidiopsis are often the only photosynthetic prokaryotes in extremely dry deserts such as the Dry Valleys in Antarctica and the Atacama Desert in Chile. Furthermore they can cope with stressors not so far encountered in nature, e.g. high doses of UV and ionizing radiation. Genetic tools are available for desert strains of the Chroococcidiopsis, including gene transfer and gene inactivation. Plasmids maintained in these cyanobacteria have been developed which make it possible to monitor gene expression and in vivo localization of proteins. The use of these genetic tools in combination with the foreseen availability of genomic sequences will contribute to unravelling the molecular basis of Chroococcidiopsis desiccation and radiation tolerance as well as its biotechnological exploitation.