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Wagner H, Schad A, Höhmann S, Briol TA, Wilhelm C. Carbon and energy balance of biotechnological glycolate production from microalgae in a pre-industrial scale flat panel photobioreactor. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2024; 17:42. [PMID: 38486283 PMCID: PMC10941469 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-024-02479-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Glycolate is produced by microalgae under photorespiratory conditions and has the potential for sustainable organic carbon production in biotechnology. This study explores the glycolate production balance in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, using a custom-built 10-L flat panel bioreactor with sophisticated measurements of process factors such as nutrient supply, gassing, light absorption and mass balances. As a result, detailed information regarding carbon and energy balance is obtained to support techno-economic analyses. It is shown how nitrogen is a crucial element in the biotechnological process and monitoring nitrogen content is vital for optimum performance. Moreover, the suitable reactor design is advantageous to efficiently adjust the gas composition. The oxygen content has to be slightly above 30% to induce photorespiration while maintaining photosynthetic efficiency. The final volume productivity reached 27.7 mg of glycolate per litre per hour, thus, the total process capacity can be calculated to 13 tonnes of glycolate per hectare per annum. The exceptional volume productivity of both biomass and glycolate production is demonstrated, and consequently can achieve a yearly CO2 sequestration rate of 35 tonnes per hectare. Although the system shows such high productivity, there are still opportunities to enhance the achieved volume productivity and thus exploit the biotechnological potential of glycolate production from microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Wagner
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Institute for Biology, University of Leipzig, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Antonia Schad
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Institute for Biology, University of Leipzig, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonja Höhmann
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tim Arik Briol
- Department of Solar Materials, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Institute for Biology, University of Leipzig, Permoserstrasse 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
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2
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Liu D, Wei L. Epigenetic Regulation in Response to CO 2 Fluctuation in Marine Microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 87:4. [PMID: 38015286 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae often undergo different CO2 experiment in their habitat. To adapt to low CO2, carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM) could be launched in majority of microalgae and CCM are regulated at RNA level are well known. However, epigenetic modifications and their potential regulation of the transcription of masked genes at the genome level in response to CO2 fluctuation remain unclear. Here epigenetic regulation in response to CO2 fluctuation and epigenome-association with phenotypic plasticity of CCM are firstly uncovered in marine microalga Nannochloropsis oceanica IMET1. The result showed that lysine butyrylation (Kbu) and histone H3K9m2 modifications were present in N. oceanica IMET1. Moreover, Kbu modification positively regulated gene expression. In response to CO2 fluctuation, there were 5,438 and 1,106 genes regulated by Kbu and H3K9m2 in Nannochloropsis, respectively. Gained or lost histone methylations were closely associated with activating or repressing gene expressions. Differential modifications were mainly enriched in carbon fixation, photorespiration, photosynthesis, and lipid metabolism etc. Massive genome-wide epigenetic reprogramming was observed after N. oceanica cells shifted from high CO2 to low CO2. Particularly, we firstly noted that the transcription of the key low CO2 responsive carbonic anhydrase (CA5), a key component involved in CCM stress signaling, was potentially regulated by bivalent Kbu-H3K9m2 modifications in microalgae. This study provides novel insights into the relationship between gene transcription and epigenetic modification in Nannochloropsis, which will lay foundation on genetic improvement of CCM at epigenetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danmei Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Li Wei
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China.
- Hainan Observation and Research Station of Dongzhaigang Mangrove Wetland Ecosystem, Haikou, 571129, China.
- International Science and Technology Cooperation Laboratory for Marine Microalgae Ecological Carbon Sinks, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China.
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3
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Adler L, Lau CS, Shaikh KM, van Maldegem KA, Payne-Dwyer AL, Lefoulon C, Girr P, Atkinson N, Barrett J, Emrich-Mills TZ, Dukic E, Blatt MR, Leake MC, Peltier G, Spetea C, Burlacot A, McCormick AJ, Mackinder LCM, Walker CE. The role of BST4 in the pyrenoid of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.15.545204. [PMID: 38014171 PMCID: PMC10680556 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.15.545204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
In many eukaryotic algae, CO2 fixation by Rubisco is enhanced by a CO2-concentrating mechanism, which utilizes a Rubisco-rich organelle called the pyrenoid. The pyrenoid is traversed by a network of thylakoid-membranes called pyrenoid tubules, proposed to deliver CO2. In the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamydomonas), the pyrenoid tubules have been proposed to be tethered to the Rubisco matrix by a bestrophin-like transmembrane protein, BST4. Here, we show that BST4 forms a complex that localizes to the pyrenoid tubules. A Chlamydomonas mutant impaired in the accumulation of BST4 (bst4) formed normal pyrenoid tubules and heterologous expression of BST4 in Arabidopsis thaliana did not lead to the incorporation of thylakoids into a reconstituted Rubisco condensate. Chlamydomonas bst4 mutant did not show impaired growth at air level CO2. By quantifying the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll fluorescence, we show that bst4 displays a transiently lower thylakoid lumenal pH during dark to light transition compared to control strains. When acclimated to high light, bst4 had sustained higher NPQ and elevated levels of light-induced H2O2 production. We conclude that BST4 is not a tethering protein, but rather is an ion channel involved in lumenal pH regulation possibly by mediating bicarbonate transport across the pyrenoid tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Adler
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre for Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Department of Plant Biology, The Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94305 USA
| | - Chun Sing Lau
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Kashif M Shaikh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Kim A van Maldegem
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Alex L Payne-Dwyer
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Cecile Lefoulon
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Bower Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Philipp Girr
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky Atkinson
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre for Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - James Barrett
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Z Emrich-Mills
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Emilija Dukic
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Michael R Blatt
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Bower Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mark C Leake
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Gilles Peltier
- Aix-Marseille Université, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, CEA Cadarache, 13108 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Cornelia Spetea
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Adrien Burlacot
- Department of Plant Biology, The Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94305 USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Alistair J McCormick
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre for Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Luke C M Mackinder
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte E Walker
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
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4
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Supuran CT. Carbonic anhydrase versatility: from pH regulation to CO 2 sensing and metabolism. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1326633. [PMID: 38028557 PMCID: PMC10676200 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1326633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
While the carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) superfamily of enzymes has been described primarily as involved only in pH regulation for decades, it also has many other important functions. CO2, bicarbonate, and protons, the physiological substrates of CA, are indeed the main buffering system in organisms belonging to all life kingdoms; however, in the last period, relevant progress has been made in the direction of elucidating the involvement of the eight genetically distinct CA families in chemical sensing, metabolism, and several other crucial physiological processes. Interference with CA activity, both by inhibiting and activating these enzymes, has thus led to novel applications for CA inhibitors and activators in the field of innovative biomedicine and environment and health. In this perspective article, I will discuss the recent advances which have allowed for a deeper understanding of the biochemistry of these versatile enzymes and various applications of their modulators of activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiu T. Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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5
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McQuillan JL, Cutolo EA, Evans C, Pandhal J. Proteomic characterization of a lutein-hyperaccumulating Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant reveals photoprotection-related factors as targets for increasing cellular carotenoid content. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2023; 16:166. [PMID: 37925447 PMCID: PMC10625216 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02421-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microalgae are emerging hosts for the sustainable production of lutein, a high-value carotenoid; however, to be commercially competitive with existing systems, their capacity for lutein sequestration must be augmented. Previous attempts to boost microalgal lutein production have focussed on upregulating carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes, in part due to a lack of metabolic engineering targets for expanding lutein storage. RESULTS Here, we isolated a lutein hyper-producing mutant of the model green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and characterized the metabolic mechanisms driving its enhanced lutein accumulation using label-free quantitative proteomics. Norflurazon- and high light-resistant C. reinhardtii mutants were screened to yield four mutant lines that produced significantly more lutein per cell compared to the CC-125 parental strain. Mutant 5 (Mut-5) exhibited a 5.4-fold increase in lutein content per cell, which to our knowledge is the highest fold increase of lutein in C. reinhardtii resulting from mutagenesis or metabolic engineering so far. Comparative proteomics of Mut-5 against its parental strain CC-125 revealed an increased abundance of light-harvesting complex-like proteins involved in photoprotection, among differences in pigment biosynthesis, central carbon metabolism, and translation. Further characterization of Mut-5 under varying light conditions revealed constitutive overexpression of the photoprotective proteins light-harvesting complex stress-related 1 (LHCSR1) and LHCSR3 and PSII subunit S regardless of light intensity, and increased accrual of total chlorophyll and carotenoids as light intensity increased. Although the photosynthetic efficiency of Mut-5 was comparatively lower than CC-125, the amplitude of non-photochemical quenching responses of Mut-5 was 4.5-fold higher than in CC-125 at low irradiance. CONCLUSIONS We used C. reinhardtii as a model green alga and identified light-harvesting complex-like proteins (among others) as potential metabolic engineering targets to enhance lutein accumulation in microalgae. These have the added value of imparting resistance to high light, although partially compromising photosynthetic efficiency. Further genetic characterization and engineering of Mut-5 could lead to the discovery of unknown players in photoprotective mechanisms and the development of a potent microalgal lutein production system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie L McQuillan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
| | - Edoardo Andrea Cutolo
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Bioenergy, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Caroline Evans
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Jagroop Pandhal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK.
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6
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He S, Crans VL, Jonikas MC. The pyrenoid: the eukaryotic CO2-concentrating organelle. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3236-3259. [PMID: 37279536 PMCID: PMC10473226 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The pyrenoid is a phase-separated organelle that enhances photosynthetic carbon assimilation in most eukaryotic algae and the land plant hornwort lineage. Pyrenoids mediate approximately one-third of global CO2 fixation, and engineering a pyrenoid into C3 crops is predicted to boost CO2 uptake and increase yields. Pyrenoids enhance the activity of the CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco by supplying it with concentrated CO2. All pyrenoids have a dense matrix of Rubisco associated with photosynthetic thylakoid membranes that are thought to supply concentrated CO2. Many pyrenoids are also surrounded by polysaccharide structures that may slow CO2 leakage. Phylogenetic analysis and pyrenoid morphological diversity support a convergent evolutionary origin for pyrenoids. Most of the molecular understanding of pyrenoids comes from the model green alga Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). The Chlamydomonas pyrenoid exhibits multiple liquid-like behaviors, including internal mixing, division by fission, and dissolution and condensation in response to environmental cues and during the cell cycle. Pyrenoid assembly and function are induced by CO2 availability and light, and although transcriptional regulators have been identified, posttranslational regulation remains to be characterized. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of pyrenoid function, structure, components, and dynamic regulation in Chlamydomonas and extrapolate to pyrenoids in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Victoria L Crans
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Martin C Jonikas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
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7
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Burlacot A, Peltier G. Energy crosstalk between photosynthesis and the algal CO 2-concentrating mechanisms. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:795-807. [PMID: 37087359 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microalgal photosynthesis is responsible for nearly half of the CO2 annually captured by Earth's ecosystems. In aquatic environments where the CO2 availability is low, the CO2-fixing efficiency of microalgae greatly relies on mechanisms - called CO2-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) - for concentrating CO2 at the catalytic site of the CO2-fixing enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). While the transport of inorganic carbon (Ci) across membrane bilayers against a concentration gradient consumes part of the chemical energy generated by photosynthesis, the bioenergetics and cellular mechanisms involved are only beginning to be elucidated. Here, we review the current knowledge relating to the energy requirement of CCMs in the light of recent advances in photosynthesis regulatory mechanisms and the spatial organization of CCM components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Burlacot
- Department of Plant Biology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Gilles Peltier
- Aix-Marseille Université, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, CEA Cadarache, 13108 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France.
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8
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Arend M, Yuan Y, Ruiz-Sola MÁ, Omranian N, Nikoloski Z, Petroutsos D. Widening the landscape of transcriptional regulation of green algal photoprotection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2687. [PMID: 37164999 PMCID: PMC10172295 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38183-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Availability of light and CO2, substrates of microalgae photosynthesis, is frequently far from optimal. Microalgae activate photoprotection under strong light, to prevent oxidative damage, and the CO2 Concentrating Mechanism (CCM) under low CO2, to raise intracellular CO2 levels. The two processes are interconnected; yet, the underlying transcriptional regulators remain largely unknown. Employing a large transcriptomic data compendium of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii's responses to different light and carbon supply, we reconstruct a consensus genome-scale gene regulatory network from complementary inference approaches and use it to elucidate transcriptional regulators of photoprotection. We show that the CCM regulator LCR1 also controls photoprotection, and that QER7, a Squamosa Binding Protein, suppresses photoprotection- and CCM-gene expression under the control of the blue light photoreceptor Phototropin. By demonstrating the existence of regulatory hubs that channel light- and CO2-mediated signals into a common response, our study provides an accessible resource to dissect gene expression regulation in this microalga.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Arend
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Systems Biology and Mathematical Modeling Group, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modeling Department, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Yizhong Yuan
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - M Águila Ruiz-Sola
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Universidad de Sevilla-CSIC, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Nooshin Omranian
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Systems Biology and Mathematical Modeling Group, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
- Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modeling Department, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Zoran Nikoloski
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
- Systems Biology and Mathematical Modeling Group, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476, Potsdam, Germany.
- Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modeling Department, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
| | - Dimitris Petroutsos
- University of Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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9
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Águila Ruiz-Sola M, Flori S, Yuan Y, Villain G, Sanz-Luque E, Redekop P, Tokutsu R, Küken A, Tsichla A, Kepesidis G, Allorent G, Arend M, Iacono F, Finazzi G, Hippler M, Nikoloski Z, Minagawa J, Grossman AR, Petroutsos D. Light-independent regulation of algal photoprotection by CO 2 availability. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1977. [PMID: 37031262 PMCID: PMC10082802 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37800-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Photosynthetic algae have evolved mechanisms to cope with suboptimal light and CO2 conditions. When light energy exceeds CO2 fixation capacity, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii activates photoprotection, mediated by LHCSR1/3 and PSBS, and the CO2 Concentrating Mechanism (CCM). How light and CO2 signals converge to regulate these processes remains unclear. Here, we show that excess light activates photoprotection- and CCM-related genes by altering intracellular CO2 concentrations and that depletion of CO2 drives these responses, even in total darkness. High CO2 levels, derived from respiration or impaired photosynthetic fixation, repress LHCSR3/CCM genes while stabilizing the LHCSR1 protein. Finally, we show that the CCM regulator CIA5 also regulates photoprotection, controlling LHCSR3 and PSBS transcript accumulation while inhibiting LHCSR1 protein accumulation. This work has allowed us to dissect the effect of CO2 and light on CCM and photoprotection, demonstrating that light often indirectly affects these processes by impacting intracellular CO2 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Águila Ruiz-Sola
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Instituto de Bioquímica Vegetal y Fotosíntesis, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Serena Flori
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Yizhong Yuan
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Gaelle Villain
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Emanuel Sanz-Luque
- The Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Plant Biology, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- University of Cordoba, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Petra Redekop
- The Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Plant Biology, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ryutaro Tokutsu
- Division of Environmental photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), Nishigonaka 38, Myodaiji, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Anika Küken
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Golm, Germany
| | - Angeliki Tsichla
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Georgios Kepesidis
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Guillaume Allorent
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Marius Arend
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Golm, Germany
| | - Fabrizio Iacono
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Giovanni Finazzi
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG-LPCV, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Michael Hippler
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms Universität, 48143, Münster, Germany
| | - Zoran Nikoloski
- Bioinformatics Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Golm, Germany
| | - Jun Minagawa
- Division of Environmental photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), Nishigonaka 38, Myodaiji, Okazaki, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Arthur R Grossman
- The Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Plant Biology, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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10
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Kupriyanova EV, Pronina NA, Los DA. Adapting from Low to High: An Update to CO 2-Concentrating Mechanisms of Cyanobacteria and Microalgae. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1569. [PMID: 37050194 PMCID: PMC10096703 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular accumulation of inorganic carbon (Ci) by microalgae and cyanobacteria under ambient atmospheric CO2 levels was first documented in the 80s of the 20th Century. Hence, a third variety of the CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM), acting in aquatic photoautotrophs with the C3 photosynthetic pathway, was revealed in addition to the then-known schemes of CCM, functioning in CAM and C4 higher plants. Despite the low affinity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) of microalgae and cyanobacteria for the CO2 substrate and low CO2/O2 specificity, CCM allows them to perform efficient CO2 fixation in the reductive pentose phosphate (RPP) cycle. CCM is based on the coordinated operation of strategically located carbonic anhydrases and CO2/HCO3- uptake systems. This cooperation enables the intracellular accumulation of HCO3-, which is then employed to generate a high concentration of CO2 molecules in the vicinity of Rubisco's active centers compensating up for the shortcomings of enzyme features. CCM functions as an add-on to the RPP cycle while also acting as an important regulatory link in the interaction of dark and light reactions of photosynthesis. This review summarizes recent advances in the study of CCM molecular and cellular organization in microalgae and cyanobacteria, as well as the fundamental principles of its functioning and regulation.
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Adler L, Díaz-Ramos A, Mao Y, Pukacz KR, Fei C, McCormick AJ. New horizons for building pyrenoid-based CO2-concentrating mechanisms in plants to improve yields. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:1609-1627. [PMID: 35961043 PMCID: PMC9614477 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Many photosynthetic species have evolved CO2-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to improve the efficiency of CO2 assimilation by Rubisco and reduce the negative impacts of photorespiration. However, the majority of plants (i.e. C3 plants) lack an active CCM. Thus, engineering a functional heterologous CCM into important C3 crops, such as rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), has become a key strategic ambition to enhance yield potential. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the pyrenoid-based CCM in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and engineering progress in C3 plants. We also discuss recent modeling work that has provided insights into the potential advantages of Rubisco condensation within the pyrenoid and the energetic costs of the Chlamydomonas CCM, which, together, will help to better guide future engineering approaches. Key findings include the potential benefits of Rubisco condensation for carboxylation efficiency and the need for a diffusional barrier around the pyrenoid matrix. We discuss a minimal set of components for the CCM to function and that active bicarbonate import into the chloroplast stroma may not be necessary for a functional pyrenoid-based CCM in planta. Thus, the roadmap for building a pyrenoid-based CCM into plant chloroplasts to enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis now appears clearer with new challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuwei Mao
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Krzysztof Robin Pukacz
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Chenyi Fei
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
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12
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Schad A, Rössler S, Nagel R, Wagner H, Wilhelm C. Crossing and selection of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strains for biotechnological glycolate production. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:3539-3554. [PMID: 35511277 PMCID: PMC9151519 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11933-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abstract As an alternative to chemical building blocks derived from algal biomass, the excretion of glycolate has been proposed. This process has been observed in green algae such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a product of the photorespiratory pathway. Photorespiration generally occurs at low CO2 and high O2 concentrations, through the key enzyme RubisCO initiating the pathway via oxygenation of 1.5-ribulose-bisphosphate. In wild-type strains, photorespiration is usually suppressed in favour of carboxylation due to the cellular carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) controlling the internal CO2 concentration. Additionally, newly produced glycolate is directly metabolized in the C2 cycle. Therefore, both the CCMs and the C2 cycle are the key elements which limit the glycolate production in wild-type cells. Using conventional crossing techniques, we have developed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii double mutants deficient in these two key pathways to direct carbon flux to glycolate excretion. Under aeration with ambient air, the double mutant D6 showed a significant and stable glycolate production when compared to the non-producing wild type. Interestingly, this mutant can act as a carbon sink by fixing atmospheric CO2 into glycolate without requiring any additional CO2 supply. Thus, the double-mutant strain D6 can be used as a photocatalyst to produce chemical building blocks and as a future platform for algal-based biotechnology. Key Points • Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cia5 gyd double mutants were developed by sexual crossing • The double mutation eliminates the need for an inhibitor in glycolate production • The strain D6 produces significant amounts of glycolate with ambient air only Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-022-11933-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Schad
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sonja Rössler
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Raimund Nagel
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 21-23, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Heiko Wagner
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian Wilhelm
- Department of Algal Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science, University of Leipzig, Permoserstraße 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany.
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13
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Reduction in Phosphoribulokinase Amount and Re-Routing Metabolism in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CP12 Mutants. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052710. [PMID: 35269851 PMCID: PMC8910624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The chloroplast protein CP12 is involved in the dark/light regulation of the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle, in particular, in the dark inhibition of two enzymes: glyceraldehyde−3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and phosphoribulokinase (PRK), but other functions related to stress have been proposed. We knocked out the unique CP12 gene to prevent its expression in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (ΔCP12). The growth rates of both wild-type and ΔCP12 cells were nearly identical, as was the GAPDH protein abundance and activity in both cell lines. On the contrary, the abundance of PRK and its specific activity were significantly reduced in ΔCP12, as revealed by relative quantitative proteomics. Isolated PRK lost irreversibly its activity over-time in vitro, which was prevented in the presence of recombinant CP12 in a redox-independent manner. We have identified amino acid residues in the CP12 protein that are required for this new function preserving PRK activity. Numerous proteins involved in redox homeostasis and stress responses were more abundant and the expressions of various metabolic pathways were also increased or decreased in the absence of CP12. These results highlight CP12 as a moonlighting protein with additional functions beyond its well-known regulatory role in carbon metabolism.
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14
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Choi BY, Kim H, Shim D, Jang S, Yamaoka Y, Shin S, Yamano T, Kajikawa M, Jin E, Fukuzawa H, Lee Y. The Chlamydomonas bZIP transcription factor BLZ8 confers oxidative stress tolerance by inducing the carbon-concentrating mechanism. THE PLANT CELL 2022; 34:910-926. [PMID: 34893905 PMCID: PMC8824676 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic organisms are exposed to various environmental sources of oxidative stress. Land plants have diverse mechanisms to withstand oxidative stress, but how microalgae do so remains unclear. Here, we characterized the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor BLZ8, which is highly induced by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress tolerance increased with increasing BLZ8 expression levels. BLZ8 regulated the expression of genes likely involved in the carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM): HIGH-LIGHT ACTIVATED 3 (HLA3), CARBONIC ANHYDRASE 7 (CAH7), and CARBONIC ANHYDRASE 8 (CAH8). BLZ8 expression increased the photosynthetic affinity for inorganic carbon under alkaline stress conditions, suggesting that BLZ8 induces the CCM. BLZ8 expression also increased the photosynthetic linear electron transfer rate, reducing the excitation pressure of the photosynthetic electron transport chain and in turn suppressing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production under oxidative stress conditions. A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, ethoxzolamide, abolished the enhanced tolerance to alkaline stress conferred by BLZ8 overexpression. BLZ8 directly regulated the expression of the three target genes and required bZIP2 as a dimerization partner in activating CAH8 and HLA3. Our results suggest that a CCM-mediated increase in the CO2 supply for photosynthesis is critical to minimize oxidative damage in microalgae, since slow gas diffusion in aqueous environments limits CO2 availability for photosynthesis, which can trigger ROS formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donghwan Shim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134 Korea
| | - Sunghoon Jang
- Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | | | - Seungjun Shin
- Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea
| | - Takashi Yamano
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | | | - EonSeon Jin
- Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, South Korea
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15
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Kselíková V, Singh A, Bialevich V, Čížková M, Bišová K. Improving microalgae for biotechnology - From genetics to synthetic biology - Moving forward but not there yet. Biotechnol Adv 2021; 58:107885. [PMID: 34906670 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2021.107885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that can be exploited for the production of different compounds, ranging from crude biomass and biofuels to high value-added biochemicals and synthetic proteins. Traditionally, algal biotechnology relies on bioprospecting to identify new highly productive strains and more recently, on forward genetics to further enhance productivity. However, it has become clear that further improvements in algal productivity for biotechnology is impossible without combining traditional tools with the arising molecular genetics toolkit. We review recent advantages in developing high throughput screening methods, preparing genome-wide mutant libraries, and establishing genome editing techniques. We discuss how algae can be improved in terms of photosynthetic efficiency, biofuel and high value-added compound production. Finally, we critically evaluate developments over recent years and explore future potential in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Kselíková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, 379 81 Třeboň, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Anjali Singh
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, 379 81 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Vitali Bialevich
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, 379 81 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Mária Čížková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, 379 81 Třeboň, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Bišová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Centre Algatech, Laboratory of Cell Cycles of Algae, 379 81 Třeboň, Czech Republic.
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