Mutation at different sites in the Nostoc punctiforme cyaC gene, encoding the multiple-domain enzyme adenylate cyclase, results in different levels of infection of the host plant Blasia pusilla.

The filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme forms symbioses with plants. Disruption of the catalytic domain of the N. punctiforme adenylate cyclase (CyaC) significantly increased symbiotic competence, whereas reduced infectivity was observed in a mutant with a disruption close to the N terminus of CyaC. The total cellular cyclic AMP levels were significantly reduced in both mutants.