The RNA-binding protein Rbp3 couples photosynthetic gene stability to high-light acclimation in Synechocystis via post-transcriptional regulation
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are increasingly recognized as pivotal post-transcriptional regulators of environmental plasticity in cyanobacteria. However, the specific function of the RRM domain-containing protein Rbp3 (Slr0193) in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has remained elusive, largely due to its sequence similarity to Rbp1 and presumed functional redundancy during cold stress. Here, we uncover a distinct and critical role for Rbp3 in modulating photosynthetic capacity under high-light (HL) stress.