Transcriptomic analysis of a desiccation tolerant cyanobacterium under different light and temperature conditions

Filamentous cyanobacteria inhabiting desert biological soil crusts obtain moisture mostly from early morning dew. They must prepare towards the inevitable dehydration that follows, otherwise their revival with the next dew event is severely impaired. The mechanisms involved in this preparation are unknown but signaling of forthcoming dehydration by dawn illumination was demonstrated. We combined physiological measurements and transcriptomics in order to understand the role of light and temperature signaling on the genetic program allowing these organisms to tolerate the harsh desert conditions.