1
|
Amy Lyu MJ, Tang Q, Wang Y, Essemine J, Chen F, Ni X, Chen G, Zhu XG. Evolution of gene regulatory network of C 4 photosynthesis in the genus Flaveria reveals the evolutionary status of C 3-C 4 intermediate species. Plant Commun 2023; 4:100426. [PMID: 35986514 PMCID: PMC9860191 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2022.100426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
C4 photosynthesis evolved from ancestral C3 photosynthesis by recruiting pre-existing genes to fulfill new functions. The enzymes and transporters required for the C4 metabolic pathway have been intensively studied and well documented; however, the transcription factors (TFs) that regulate these C4 metabolic genes are not yet well understood. In particular, how the TF regulatory network of C4 metabolic genes was rewired during the evolutionary process is unclear. Here, we constructed gene regulatory networks (GRNs) for four closely evolutionarily related species from the genus Flaveria, which represent four different evolutionary stages of C4 photosynthesis: C3 (F. robusta), type I C3-C4 (F. sonorensis), type II C3-C4 (F. ramosissima), and C4 (F. trinervia). Our results show that more than half of the co-regulatory relationships between TFs and core C4 metabolic genes are species specific. The counterparts of the C4 genes in C3 species were already co-regulated with photosynthesis-related genes, whereas the required TFs for C4 photosynthesis were recruited later. The TFs involved in C4 photosynthesis were widely recruited in the type I C3-C4 species; nevertheless, type II C3-C4 species showed a divergent GRN from C4 species. In line with these findings, a 13CO2 pulse-labeling experiment showed that the CO2 initially fixed into C4 acid was not directly released to the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle in the type II C3-C4 species. Therefore, our study uncovered dynamic changes in C4 genes and TF co-regulation during the evolutionary process; furthermore, we showed that the metabolic pathway of the type II C3-C4 species F. ramosissima represents an alternative evolutionary solution to the ammonia imbalance in C3-C4 intermediate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ju Amy Lyu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiming Tang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Yanjie Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Jemaa Essemine
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Faming Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Ni
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Genyun Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Guang Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Behera D, Swain A, Karmakar S, Dash M, Swain P, Baig MJ, Molla KA. Overexpression of Setaria italica phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene in rice positively impacts photosynthesis and agronomic traits. Plant Physiol Biochem 2023; 194:169-181. [PMID: 36417836 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
C4 plants have the inherent capacity to concentrate atmospheric CO2 in the vicinity of RuBisCo, thereby increasing carboxylation, and inhibiting photorespiration. Carbonic anhydrase (CA), the first enzyme of C4 photosynthesis, converts atmospheric CO2 to HCO3-, which is utilized by PEPC to produce C4 acids. Bioengineering of C4 traits into C3 crops is an attractive strategy to increase photosynthesis and water use efficiency. In the present study, we isolated the PEPC gene from the C4 plant Setaria italica and transferred it to C3 rice. Overexpression of SiPEPC resulted in a 2-6-fold increment in PEPC enzyme activity in transgenic lines with respect to non-transformed control. Photosynthetic efficiency was enhanced in transformed plants, which was associated with increased ФPSII, ETR, lower NPQ, and higher chlorophyll accumulation. Water use efficiency was increased by 16-22% in PEPC transgenic rice lines. Increased PEPC activity enhanced quantum yield and carboxylation efficiency of PEPC transgenic lines. Transgenic plants exhibited higher light saturation photosynthesis rate and lower CO2 compensation point, as compared to non-transformed control. An increase in net photosynthesis increased the yield by (23-28.9%) and biomass by (24.1-29%) in transgenic PEPC lines. Altogether, our findings indicate that overexpression of C4-specific SiPEPC enzyme is able to enhance photosynthesis and related parameters in transgenic rice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alaka Swain
- ICAR- National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, 753006, Odisha, India
| | - Subhasis Karmakar
- ICAR- National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, 753006, Odisha, India
| | - Manaswini Dash
- ICAR- National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, 753006, Odisha, India
| | - Padmini Swain
- ICAR- National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, 753006, Odisha, India
| | - Mirza J Baig
- ICAR- National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, 753006, Odisha, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Muroyama R, Ito H, Takahashi S, Kang DJ, Hamada S. Biochemical analysis of a novel allele of the OsPPDKB gene associated with floury endosperm. J Cereal Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2022.103529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
4
|
Zhao H, Wang Y, Lyu MJA, Zhu XG. Two major metabolic factors for an efficient NADP-malic enzyme type C4 photosynthesis. Plant Physiol 2022; 189:84-98. [PMID: 35166833 PMCID: PMC9070817 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Compared to the large number of studies focused on the factors controlling C3 photosynthesis efficiency, there are relatively fewer studies of the factors controlling photosynthetic efficiency in C4 leaves. Here, we used a dynamic systems model of C4 photosynthesis based on maize (Zea mays) to identify features associated with high photosynthetic efficiency in NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME) type C4 photosynthesis. We found that two additional factors related to coordination between C4 shuttle metabolism and C3 metabolism are required for efficient C4 photosynthesis: (1) accumulating a high concentration of phosphoenolpyruvate through maintaining a large PGA concentration in the mesophyll cell chloroplast and (2) maintaining a suitable oxidized status in bundle sheath cell chloroplasts. These identified mechanisms are in line with the current cellular location of enzymes/proteins involved in the starch synthesis, the Calvin-Benson cycle and photosystem II of NADP-ME type C4 photosynthesis. These findings suggested potential strategies for improving C4 photosynthesis and engineering C4 rice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Honglong Zhao
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Ming-Ju Amy Lyu
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang J, Gao H, Guo Z, Meng Y, Yang M, Li X, Yang Q. Adaptation responses in C 4 photosynthesis of sweet maize (Zea mays L.) exposed to nicosulfuron. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2021; 214:112096. [PMID: 33647854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nicosulfuron is an ingredient in photosynthesis-inhibiting herbicides and has been widely used in corn post-emergence weed control. In the current study, a pair of sister lines, HK301 (nicosulfuron-tolerence, NT) and HK320 (nicosulfuron-sensitive, NS), was used to study the effect of nicosulfuron in sweet maize seedlings on C4 photosynthetic enzymes and non-enzymatic substances, expression levels of key enzymes, and chloroplast structure. Nicosulfuron was sprayed at the four-leaf stage, and water was sprayed as a control. After nicosulfuron treatment, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), NADP-malic dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH), NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME), pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK), and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activities of NT were significantly higher than those of NS. Compared to NT, malate, oxaloacetic acid, and pyruvic acid significantly decreased as exposure time increased in NS. Compared to NS, nicosulfuron treatment significantly increased the expression levels of PEPC, NADP-MDH, NADP-ME, PPDK, and Rubisco genes in NT. Under nicosulfuron treatment, chloroplast ultrastructure of NS, compared to that of NT, nicosulfuron induced swelling of the chloroplast volume and reduced starch granules in NS. In general, our results indicate that in different resistant sweet maize, C4 photosynthetic enzymes activity and key genes expression play a critical role in enhancing the adaptability of plants to nicosulfuron stress at a photosynthetic physiological level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology, Hebei Normal University of Science &Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Hui Gao
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology, Hebei Normal University of Science &Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhenqing Guo
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology, Hebei Normal University of Science &Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yanyu Meng
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology, Hebei Normal University of Science &Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Min Yang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology, Hebei Normal University of Science &Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xiangling Li
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology, Hebei Normal University of Science &Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Qing Yang
- College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology, Hebei Normal University of Science &Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, Hebei Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ermakova M, Arrivault S, Giuliani R, Danila F, Alonso‐Cantabrana H, Vlad D, Ishihara H, Feil R, Guenther M, Borghi GL, Covshoff S, Ludwig M, Cousins AB, Langdale JA, Kelly S, Lunn JE, Stitt M, von Caemmerer S, Furbank RT. Installation of C 4 photosynthetic pathway enzymes in rice using a single construct. Plant Biotechnol J 2021; 19:575-588. [PMID: 33016576 PMCID: PMC7955876 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction of a C4 photosynthetic mechanism into C3 crops offers an opportunity to improve photosynthetic efficiency, biomass and yield in addition to potentially improving nitrogen and water use efficiency. To create a two-cell metabolic prototype for an NADP-malic enzyme type C4 rice, we transformed Oryza sativa spp. japonica cultivar Kitaake with a single construct containing the coding regions of carbonic anhydrase, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase, NADP-malate dehydrogenase, pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase and NADP-malic enzyme from Zea mays, driven by cell-preferential promoters. Gene expression, protein accumulation and enzyme activity were confirmed for all five transgenes, and intercellular localization of proteins was analysed. 13 CO2 labelling demonstrated a 10-fold increase in flux though PEP carboxylase, exceeding the increase in measured in vitro enzyme activity, and estimated to be about 2% of the maize photosynthetic flux. Flux from malate via pyruvate to PEP remained low, commensurate with the low NADP-malic enzyme activity observed in the transgenic lines. Physiological perturbations were minor and RNA sequencing revealed no substantive effects of transgene expression on other endogenous rice transcripts associated with photosynthesis. These results provide promise that, with enhanced levels of the C4 proteins introduced thus far, a functional C4 pathway is achievable in rice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ermakova
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational PhotosynthesisDivision of Plant ScienceResearch School of BiologyThe Australian National UniversityActonACTAustralia
| | | | - Rita Giuliani
- School of Biological SciencesMolecular Plant SciencesWashington State UniversityPullmanWAUSA
| | - Florence Danila
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational PhotosynthesisDivision of Plant ScienceResearch School of BiologyThe Australian National UniversityActonACTAustralia
| | - Hugo Alonso‐Cantabrana
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational PhotosynthesisDivision of Plant ScienceResearch School of BiologyThe Australian National UniversityActonACTAustralia
- Grains Research and Development CorporationBartonACTAustralia
| | - Daniela Vlad
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Hirofumi Ishihara
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam‐GolmGermany
| | - Regina Feil
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam‐GolmGermany
| | - Manuela Guenther
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam‐GolmGermany
| | - Gian Luca Borghi
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam‐GolmGermany
| | - Sarah Covshoff
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Martha Ludwig
- School of Molecular SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyWAAustralia
| | - Asaph B. Cousins
- School of Biological SciencesMolecular Plant SciencesWashington State UniversityPullmanWAUSA
| | | | - Steven Kelly
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - John E. Lunn
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam‐GolmGermany
| | - Mark Stitt
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam‐GolmGermany
| | - Susanne von Caemmerer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational PhotosynthesisDivision of Plant ScienceResearch School of BiologyThe Australian National UniversityActonACTAustralia
| | - Robert T. Furbank
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational PhotosynthesisDivision of Plant ScienceResearch School of BiologyThe Australian National UniversityActonACTAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yadav S, Rathore MS, Mishra A. The Pyruvate-Phosphate Dikinase (C 4- SmPPDK) Gene From Suaeda monoica Enhances Photosynthesis, Carbon Assimilation, and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in a C 3 Plant Under Elevated CO 2 Conditions. Front Plant Sci 2020; 11:345. [PMID: 32373137 PMCID: PMC7186359 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
A pyruvate-phosphate dikinase (C4-PPDK) gene was cloned from Suaeda monoica, which had a single-cell C4 photosynthesis pathway without Kranz anatomy and was functionally validated in a C3 model plant under different abiotic stress conditions in an ambient and elevated CO2 environment. Overexpression of SmPPDK promoted growth of C3 transgenic plants, enhancing their photosynthesis (CO2 assimilation) by lowering photorespiration under stress conditions. Transgenic plants also showed an improved physiological status, with higher relative water content (RWC), membrane integrity, concentration of glycine betaine, total soluble sugars, free amino acids, polyphenols and antioxidant activity, and lower electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, free radical accumulation, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), compared to control plants. Moreover, SmPPDK transgenic plants exhibited earlier flowering and higher dry biomass compared to controls. These results suggested that the C4-PPDK gene was appropriate for improvement of carbon assimilation, and it also played an important role in adaption to salinity and severe drought-induced stress. More intriguingly, an elevated CO2 environment alleviated the adverse effects of abiotic stress, particularly caused by drought through coordination of osmoprotectants and antioxidant defense systems. The molecular, physiological, metabolic, and biochemical indicators ameliorated the overall performance of model C3 plants overexpressing the C4-PPDK gene in an elevated CO2 environment, by lowering photorespiration metabolic processes, however, further studies are needed to confirm its precise role in C3 plants as protection against future climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Avinash Mishra
- Division of Applied Phycology and Biotechnology, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Komori T, Sun Y, Kashihara M, Uekawa N, Kato N, Usami S, Ishikawa N, Hiei Y, Kobayashi K, Kum R, Bortiri E, White K, Oeller P, Takemori N, Bate NJ, Komari T. High-throughput phenotypic screening of random genomic fragments in transgenic rice identified novel drought tolerance genes. Theor Appl Genet 2020; 133:1291-1301. [PMID: 31980835 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-020-03548-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Novel drought tolerance genes were identified by screening thousands of random genomic fragments from grass species in transgenic rice. Identification of agronomically important genes is a critical step for crop breeding through biotechnology. Multiple approaches have been employed to identify new gene targets, including comprehensive screening platforms for gene discovery such as the over-expression of libraries of cDNA clones. In this study, random genomic fragments from plants were introduced into rice and screened for drought tolerance in a high-throughput manner with the aim of finding novel genetic elements not exclusively limited to coding sequences. To illustrate the power of this approach, genomic libraries were constructed from four grass species, and screening a total of 50,825 transgenic rice lines for drought tolerance resulted in the identification of 12 reproducibly efficacious fragments. Of the twelve, two were from the mitochondrial genome of signal grass and ten were from the nuclear genome of buffalo grass. Subsequent sequencing and analyses revealed that the ten fragments from buffalo grass carried a similar genetic element with no significant homology to any previously characterized gene. The deduced protein sequence was rich in acidic amino acid residues in the C-terminal half, and two of the glutamic acid residues in the C-terminal half were shown to play an important role in drought tolerance. The results demonstrate that an open-ended screening approach using random genomic fragments could discover trait genes distinct from gene discovery based on known pathways or biased toward coding sequence over-expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Komori
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan.
| | - Yuejin Sun
- Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, 9 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Masakazu Kashihara
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan
| | - Natsuko Uekawa
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan
| | - Norio Kato
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan
| | - Satoru Usami
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan
| | - Noriko Ishikawa
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan
| | - Yukoh Hiei
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan
| | - Kei Kobayashi
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan
| | - Rise Kum
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan
| | - Esteban Bortiri
- Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, 9 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Kimberly White
- Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, 9 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Paul Oeller
- Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, 9 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Naoki Takemori
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan
| | - Nicholas J Bate
- Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, 9 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
- Pairwise Plants, 110 TW Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Toshihiko Komari
- Plant Innovation Center, Japan Tobacco Inc., 700 Higashibara, Iwata, Shizuoka, 438-0802, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shi W, Yue L, Guo J, Wang J, Yuan X, Dong S, Guo J, Guo P. Identification and evolution of C 4 photosynthetic pathway genes in plants. BMC Plant Biol 2020; 20:132. [PMID: 32228460 PMCID: PMC7106689 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-020-02339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NADP-malic enzyme (NAPD-ME), and pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) are important enzymes that participate in C4 photosynthesis. However, the evolutionary history and forces driving evolution of these genes in C4 plants are not completely understood. RESULTS We identified 162 NADP-ME and 35 PPDK genes in 25 species and constructed respective phylogenetic trees. We classified NADP-ME genes into four branches, A1, A2, B1 and B2, whereas PPDK was classified into two branches in which monocots were in branch I and dicots were in branch II. Analyses of selective pressure on the NAPD-ME and PPDK gene families identified four positively selected sites, including 94H and 196H in the a5 branch of NADP-ME, and 95A and 559E in the e branch of PPDK at posterior probability thresholds of 95%. The positively selected sites were located in the helix and sheet regions. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses revealed that expression levels of 6 NADP-ME and 2 PPDK genes from foxtail millet were up-regulated after exposure to light. CONCLUSION This study revealed that positively selected sites of NADP-ME and PPDK evolution in C4 plants. It provides information on the classification and positive selection of plant NADP-ME and PPDK genes, and the results should be useful in further research on the evolutionary history of C4 plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Shi
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Linqi Yue
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Jiahui Guo
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Jianming Wang
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Xiangyang Yuan
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Shuqi Dong
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Jie Guo
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China.
| | - Pingyi Guo
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lin H, Arrivault S, Coe RA, Karki S, Covshoff S, Bagunu E, Lunn JE, Stitt M, Furbank RT, Hibberd JM, Quick WP. A Partial C 4 Photosynthetic Biochemical Pathway in Rice. Front Plant Sci 2020; 11:564463. [PMID: 33178234 PMCID: PMC7593541 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.564463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Introduction of a C4 photosynthetic pathway into C3 rice (Oryza sativa) requires installation of a biochemical pump that concentrates CO2 at the site of carboxylation in modified bundle sheath cells. To investigate the feasibility of this, we generated a quadruple line that simultaneously accumulates four of the core C4 photosynthetic enzymes from the NADP-malic enzyme subtype, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (ZmPEPC), NADP-malate dehydrogenase (ZmNADP-MDH), NADP-malic enzyme (ZmNADP-ME), and pyruvate phosphate dikinase (ZmPPDK). This led to enhanced enzyme activity and mild phenotypic perturbations but was largely neutral in its effects on photosynthetic rate. Measurements of the flux of 13CO2 through photosynthetic metabolism revealed a significant increase in the incorporation of 13C into malate, consistent with increased fixation of 13CO2 via PEP carboxylase in lines expressing the maize PEPC enzyme. However, there was no significant differences in labeling of 3-phosphoglycerate (3PGA) indicating that there was no carbon flux through NADP-ME into the Calvin-Benson cycle. There was also no significant difference in labeling of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) indicating that there was no carbon flux through PPDK. Crossing the quadruple line with a line with reduced glycine decarboxylase H-protein (OsGDCH) abundance led to a photosynthetic phenotype characteristic of the reduced OsGDCH line and higher labeling of malate, aspartate and citrate than in the quintuple line. There was evidence of 13C labeling of aspartate indicating 13CO2 fixation into oxaloacetate by PEPC and conversion to aspartate by the endogenous aspartate aminotransferase activity. While Kranz anatomy or other anatomical modifications have not yet been installed in these plants to enable a fully functional C4 cycle, these results demonstrate for the first-time a partial flux through the carboxylation phase of NADP-ME C4 metabolism in transgenic rice containing two of the key metabolic steps in the C4 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- HsiangChun Lin
- C4 Rice Centre, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Stéphanie Arrivault
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Robert A. Coe
- C4 Rice Centre, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Shanta Karki
- National Centre for Fruit Development, Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Sarah Covshoff
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Efren Bagunu
- C4 Rice Centre, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Philippines
| | - John E. Lunn
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mark Stitt
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Robert T. Furbank
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Julian M. Hibberd
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - William Paul Quick
- C4 Rice Centre, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Philippines
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: William Paul Quick,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang X, Xu C, Cai X, Wang Q, Dai S. Heat-Responsive Photosynthetic and Signaling Pathways in Plants: Insight from Proteomics. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2191. [PMID: 29053587 PMCID: PMC5666872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress is a major abiotic stress posing a serious threat to plants. Heat-responsive mechanisms in plants are complicated and fine-tuned. Heat signaling transduction and photosynthesis are highly sensitive. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism in heat stressed-signaling transduction and photosynthesis is necessary to protect crop yield. Current high-throughput proteomics investigations provide more useful information for underlying heat-responsive signaling pathways and photosynthesis modulation in plants. Several signaling components, such as guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein, nucleoside diphosphate kinase, annexin, and brassinosteroid-insensitive I-kinase domain interacting protein 114, were proposed to be important in heat signaling transduction. Moreover, diverse protein patterns of photosynthetic proteins imply that the modulations of stomatal CO₂ exchange, photosystem II, Calvin cycle, ATP synthesis, and chlorophyll biosynthesis are crucial for plant heat tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Plant Germplasm Resources, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
| | - Chenxi Xu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Plant Germplasm Resources, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Cai
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Plant Germplasm Resources, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
| | - Quanhua Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Plant Germplasm Resources, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
| | - Shaojun Dai
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Plant Germplasm Resources, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xie T, Gu W, Meng Y, Li J, Li L, Wang Y, Qu D, Wei S. Exogenous DCPTA Ameliorates Simulated Drought Conditions by Improving the Growth and Photosynthetic Capacity of Maize Seedlings. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12684. [PMID: 28978944 PMCID: PMC5627246 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12977-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous reports have indicated that 2-(3,4-dichlorophenoxy)triethylamine (DCPTA) can promote the growth and photosynthetic capacity of plants. However, only a small number of these studies have focused on crops, and few reports have focused on whether DCPTA affects stress tolerance. In this study, maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings were pretreated with or without DCPTA and then exposed to drought stress in a controlled growth room for 7 days, and the growth and photosynthesis indexes of the seedlings were investigated. The DCPTA treatment partly counteracted the observed decreases in biomass, net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), effective photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (ΦPSII), maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), and photosynthetic pigment content and increased the minimal fluorescence (Fo) induced by drought stress. The DCPTA treatment also alleviated the damage induced by drought stress in the photosynthetic apparatus. In addition, DCPTA pretreatment simultaneously increased the root size (e.g., the length, surface area, and volume) and root hydraulic conductivity, which promoted the maintenance of higher relative leaf water contents (RLWCs) under stress conditions. These results indicate that exogenous DCPTA ameliorates simulated drought conditions by improving the growth and photosynthetic capacity of maize seedlings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tenglong Xie
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Wanrong Gu
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China. .,The Observation Experiment Station of the Ministry of Agriculture for Crop Cultivation Science in Northeast Area, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China.
| | - Yao Meng
- Heilongjiang Academy of Land Reclamation Sciences, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China.,The Observation Experiment Station of the Ministry of Agriculture for Crop Cultivation Science in Northeast Area, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Lijie Li
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Yongchao Wang
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Danyang Qu
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| | - Shi Wei
- College of Agriculture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China.,The Observation Experiment Station of the Ministry of Agriculture for Crop Cultivation Science in Northeast Area, Harbin, 150030, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bachir DG, Saeed I, Song Q, Linn TZ, Chen L, Hu YG. Characterization and expression patterns of key C 4 photosynthetic pathway genes in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under field conditions. J Plant Physiol 2017; 213:87-97. [PMID: 28340469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Wheat is a C3 plant with relatively low photosynthetic efficiency and is a potential target for C4 photosynthetic pathway engineering. Here we reported the characterization of four key C4 pathway genes and assessed their expression patterns and enzymatic activities at three growth stages in flag leaves of 59 bread wheat genotypes. The C4-like genes homologous to PEPC, NADP-ME, MDH, and PPDK in maize were identified in the A, B, and D sub-genomes of bread wheat, located on the long arms of chromosomes 3 and 5 (TaPEPC), short arms of chromosomes 1 and 3 (TaNADP-ME), long arms of chromosomes 1 and 7 (TaMDH), and long arms of chromosome 1 (TaPPDK), respectively. All the four C4-like genes were expressed in the flag leaves at the three growth stages with considerable variations among the 59 bread wheat genotypes. Significant differences were observed between the photosynthesis rates (A) of wheat genotypes with higher expressions of TaPEPC_5, TaNADP-ME_1, and TaMDH_7 at heading and middle grain-filling stages and those with intermediate and low expressions. Our results also indicated that the four C4 enzymes showed activity in the flag leaves and were obviously different among the 59 wheat genotypes. The activities of PEPcase and PPDK decreased at anthesis and slightly increased at grain-filling stage, while NADP-ME and MDH exhibited a decreasing trend at the three stages. The results of the current study could be very valuable and useful for wheat researchers in improving photosynthetic capacity of wheat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daoura Goudia Bachir
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Iqbal Saeed
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; NIFA, PO BOX 446, Tarnab, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan
| | - Quanhao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Tay Zar Linn
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yin-Gang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; Institute of Water Saving Agriculture in Arid Regions of China, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lin Z, Wang Z, Zhang X, Liu Z, Li G, Wang S, Ding Y. Complementary Proteome and Transcriptome Profiling in Developing Grains of a Notched-Belly Rice Mutant Reveals Key Pathways Involved in Chalkiness Formation. Plant Cell Physiol 2017; 58:560-573. [PMID: 28158863 PMCID: PMC5444571 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcx001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Rice grain chalkiness is a highly complex trait involved in multiple metabolic pathways and controlled by polygenes and growth conditions. To uncover novel aspects of chalkiness formation, we performed an integrated profiling of gene activity in the developing grains of a notched-belly rice mutant. Using exhaustive tandem mass spectrometry-based shotgun proteomics and whole-genome RNA sequencing to generate a nearly complete catalog of expressed mRNAs and proteins, we reliably identified 38,476 transcripts and 3,840 proteins. Comparison between the translucent part and chalky part of the notched-belly grains resulted in only a few differently express genes (240) and differently express proteins (363), thus making it possible to focus on 'core' genes or common pathways. Several novel key pathways were identified as of relevance to chalkiness formation, in particular the shift of C and N metabolism, the down-regulation of ribosomal proteins and the resulting low abundance of storage proteins especially the 13 kDa prolamin subunit, and the suppressed photosynthetic capacity in the pericarp of the chalky part. Further, genes and proteins as transporters for carbohydrates, amino acid/peptides, proteins, lipids and inorganic ions showed an increasing expression pattern in the chalky part of the notched-belly grains. Similarly, transcripts and proteins of receptors for auxin, ABA, ethylene and brassinosteroid were also up-regulated. In summary, this joint analysis of transcript and protein profiles provides a comprehensive reference map of gene activity regarding the physiological state in the chalky endosperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaomiao Lin
- College of Agronomy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Zunxin Wang
- College of Agronomy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xincheng Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Zhenghui Liu
- College of Agronomy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, Nanjing 210095, PR China
- Corresponding author: E-mail, ; Fax, +86-25-84395313
| | - Ganghua Li
- College of Agronomy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Shaohua Wang
- College of Agronomy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Yanfeng Ding
- College of Agronomy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Crop Production, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fraiture MA, Roosens NH, Taverniers I, De Loose M, Deforce D, Herman P. Biotech rice: Current developments and future detection challenges in food and feed chain. Trends Food Sci Technol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
16
|
Mu X, Chen Q, Chen F, Yuan L, Mi G. Within-Leaf Nitrogen Allocation in Adaptation to Low Nitrogen Supply in Maize during Grain-Filling Stage. Front Plant Sci 2016; 7:699. [PMID: 27252716 PMCID: PMC4877366 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) plays a vital role in photosynthesis and crop productivity. Maize plants may be able to increase physiological N utilization efficiency (NUtE) under low-N stress by increasing photosynthetic rate (P n) per unit leaf N, that is, photosynthetic N-use efficiency (PNUE). In this study, we analyzed the relationship between PNUE and N allocation in maize ear-leaves during the grain-filling stage under low N (no N application) and high N (180 kg N ha(-1)) in a 2-year field experiment. Under low N, grain yield decreased while NUtE increased. Low-N treatment reduced the specific N content of ear leaves by 38% without significant influencing P n, thereby increasing PNUE by 54%. Under low-N stress, maize plants tended to invest relatively more N into bioenergetics to sustain electron transport. In contrast, N allocated to chlorophyll and light-harvesting proteins was reduced to control excess electron production. Soluble proteins were reduced to shrink the N storage reservoir. We conclude that optimization of N allocation within leaves is a key adaptive mechanism to maximize P n and crop productivity when N is limited during the grain-filling stage in maize under low-N conditions.
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang ZM, Li HX, Liu XF, He Y, Zeng HL. Reduction of pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase activity is associated with high temperature-induced chalkiness in rice grains. Plant Physiol Biochem 2015; 89:76-84. [PMID: 25725409 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Global warming affects both rice (Oryza sativa) yields and grain quality. Rice chalkiness due to high temperature during grain filling would lower the grain quality. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms responsible for the increased occurrence of chalkiness under high temperature are not fully understood. Previous research suggested that cytosolic pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (cyPPDK, EC 2.7.9.1) in rice modulates carbon metabolism. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between cyPPDK and high temperature-induced chalkiness. High temperature treatments were applied during the grain filling of two rice cultivars (9311 and TXZ-25) which had different sensitivity of chalkiness to high temperature. Chalkiness was increased significantly under high temperature treatment, especially for TXZ-25. A shortened grain filling duration and a decreased grain weight in both cultivars were caused by high temperature treatment. A reduction in PPDK activities due to high temperature was observed during the middle and late grain filling periods, accompanied by down regulated cyPPDK mRNA and protein levels. The temperature effects on the developmental regulation of PPDK activity were confirmed at transcription, translation and post-translational levels. PPDK activities were insensitive to variation in PPDK levels, suggesting the rapid phosphorylation mechanism of this protein. The two varieties showed similar responses to the high temperature treatment in both PPDK activities and chalkiness. We concluded that high temperature-induced chalkiness was associated with the reduction of PPDK activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-mei Wang
- MOA Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hai-xia Li
- MOA Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiong-feng Liu
- MOA Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ying He
- MOA Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Han-lai Zeng
- MOA Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Fukayama H, Masumoto C, Taniguchi Y, Baba-Kasai A, Katoh Y, Ohkawa H, Miyao M. Characterization and expression analyses of two plastidic enolase genes in rice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2014; 79:402-9. [PMID: 25402448 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2014.980219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To verify the presence of enolase related to the chloroplastic glycolysis in rice, database search was carried out and identified seven putative enolase genes in the rice genome. Among them, OsEno1 and OsEno3 encode long proteins with N-terminal extensions. GFP protein fusions of these N-terminal extensions were both targeted to plastids of onion epidermal cell. Promoter::GUS analysis showed that OsEno3 was highly expressed in young developing leaves, but its expression was drastically decreased during leaf development and greening. On the other hand, the expression of OsEno1 was low and detected in limited portions such as leaf sheath at the tiller base. Recombinant OsEno1 protein showed enolase activity with a pH optimum at pH 8.0, whereas OsEno3 did not exhibit detectable activity. Although it remains obscure if OsEno3 encodes a functional enolase in vivo, our results demonstrate that the entire glycolytic pathway does not operate in rice chloroplasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fukayama
- a Graduate School of Agricultural Science , Kobe University , Kobe , Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang H, Xu W, Wang H, Hu L, Li Y, Qi X, Zhang L, Li C, Hua X. Pyramiding expression of maize genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) synergistically improve the photosynthetic characteristics of transgenic wheat. Protoplasma 2014; 251:1163-73. [PMID: 24595619 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-014-0624-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Using particle bombardment transformation, we introduced maize pepc cDNA encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and ppdk cDNA encoding pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) into the C3 crop wheat to generate transgenic wheat lines carrying cDNA of pepc (PC lines), ppdk (PK lines) or both (PKC lines). The integration, transcription, and expression of the foreign genes were confirmed by Southern blot, Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Q-RT-PCR), and Western blot analysis. Q-RT-PCR results indicated that the average relative expression levels of pepc and ppdk in the PKC lines reached 10 and 4.6, respectively, compared to their expressions in untransformed plants (set to 1). The enzyme activities of PEPC and PPDK in the PKC lines were 4.3- and 2.1-fold higher, respectively, than in the untransformed control. The maximum daily net photosynthetic rates of the PKC, PC, and PK lines were enhanced by 26.4, 13.3, and 4.5%, respectively, whereas the diurnal accumulations of photosynthesis were 21.3, 13.9, and 6.9%, respectively, higher than in the control. The Fv/Fm of the transgenic plants decreased less than in the control under high temperature and high light conditions (2 weeks after anthesis), suggesting that the transgenic wheat transports more absorbed light energy into a photochemical reaction. The exogenous maize C4-specific pepc gene was more effective than ppdk at improving the photosynthetic performance and yield characteristics of transgenic wheat, while the two genes showed a synergistic effect when they were transformed into the same genetic background, because the PKC lines exhibited improved photosynthetic and physiological traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- HuiFang Zhang
- College of Agronomy, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450002, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lian L, Wang X, Zhu Y, He W, Cai Q, Xie H, Zhang M, Zhang J. Physiological and photosynthetic characteristics of indica Hang2 expressing the sugarcane PEPC gene. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:2189-97. [PMID: 24469712 PMCID: PMC3968443 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3070-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is known to play a key role in the initial fixation of CO2 in C4 photosynthesis. The PEPC gene from sugarcane (a C4 plant) was introduced into indica rice (Hang2), a process mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Integration patterns and copy numbers of the gene was confirmed by DNA blot analysis. RT-PCR and western blotting results showed that the PEPC gene was expressed at both the mRNA and protein levels in the transgenic lines. Real-time PCR results indicated that expression of the sugarcane PEPC gene occurred mostly in green tissues and changed under high temperature and drought stress. All transgenic lines showed higher PEPC enzyme activities compared to the untransformed controls, with the highest activity (11.1 times higher than the controls) being observed in the transgenic line, T34. The transgenic lines also exhibited higher photosynthetic rates. The highest photosynthetic rate was observed in the transgenic line, T54 (22.3 μmol m−2 s−1; 24.6 % higher than that in non-transgenic plants) under high-temperature conditions. Furthermore, the filled grain and total grain numbers for transgenic lines were higher than those for non-transgenic plants, but the grain filling (%) and 1,000-grain weights of all transgenic lines remained unchanged. We concluded that over-expression of the PEPC gene from sugarcane in indica rice (Hang2) resulted in higher PEPC enzyme activities and higher photosynthesis rates under high-temperature conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Lian
- Rice Research Institute, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350018, People's Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Karki S, Rizal G, Quick WP. Improvement of photosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by inserting the C4 pathway. Rice (N Y) 2013; 6:28. [PMID: 24280149 PMCID: PMC4883725 DOI: 10.1186/1939-8433-6-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
To boost food production for a rapidly growing global population, crop yields must significantly increase. One of the avenues being recently explored is the improvement of photosynthetic capacity by installing the C4 photosynthetic pathway into C3 crops like rice to drastically increase their yield. Crops with an enhanced photosynthetic mechanism would better utilize the solar radiation that can be translated into yield. This subsequently will help in producing more grain yield, reduce water loss and increase nitrogen use efficiency especially in hot and dry environments. This review provides a summary of the factors that need to be modified in rice so that the C4 pathway can be introduced successfully. It also discusses the differences between the C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways in terms of anatomy, biochemistry and genetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanta Karki
- />C4 Rice Center, International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Laguna Philippines
| | - Govinda Rizal
- />C4 Rice Center, International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Laguna Philippines
| | - William Paul Quick
- />C4 Rice Center, International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Laguna Philippines
- />Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Albacete AA, Martínez-Andújar C, Pérez-Alfocea F. Hormonal and metabolic regulation of source-sink relations under salinity and drought: from plant survival to crop yield stability. Biotechnol Adv 2013; 32:12-30. [PMID: 24513173 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2013.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Securing food production for the growing population will require closing the gap between potential crop productivity under optimal conditions and the yield captured by farmers under a changing environment, which is termed agronomical stability. Drought and salinity are major environmental factors contributing to the yield gap ultimately by inducing premature senescence in the photosynthetic source tissues of the plant and by reducing the number and growth of the harvestable sink organs by affecting the transport and use of assimilates between and within them. However, the changes in source-sink relations induced by stress also include adaptive changes in the reallocation of photoassimilates that influence crop productivity, ranging from plant survival to yield stability. While the massive utilization of -omic technologies in model plants is discovering hundreds of genes with potential impacts in alleviating short-term applied drought and salinity stress (usually measured as plant survival), only in relatively few cases has an effect on crop yield stability been proven. However, achieving the former does not necessarily imply the latter. Plant survival only requires water status conservation and delayed leaf senescence (thus maintaining source activity) that is usually accompanied by growth inhibition. However, yield stability will additionally require the maintenance or increase in sink activity in the reproductive structures, thus contributing to the transport of assimilates from the source leaves and to delayed stress-induced leaf senescence. This review emphasizes the role of several metabolic and hormonal factors influencing not only the source strength, but especially the sink activity and their inter-relations, and their potential to improve yield stability under drought and salinity stresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso A Albacete
- Departamento de Nutrición Vegetal, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura (C.E.B.A.S.), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (C.S.I.C.), Campus Universitario de Espinardo, P.O. Box 164, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Martínez-Andújar
- Departamento de Nutrición Vegetal, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura (C.E.B.A.S.), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (C.S.I.C.), Campus Universitario de Espinardo, P.O. Box 164, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Francisco Pérez-Alfocea
- Departamento de Nutrición Vegetal, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada del Segura (C.E.B.A.S.), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (C.S.I.C.), Campus Universitario de Espinardo, P.O. Box 164, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gan L, Zhang CY, Wang XD, Wang H, Long Y, Yin YT, Li DR, Tian JH, Li ZY, Lin ZW, Yu LJ, Li MT. Proteomic and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Two Brassica napus Lines Differing in Oil Content. J Proteome Res 2013; 12:4965-78. [DOI: 10.1021/pr4005635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Gan
- Institute
of Resource Biology and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and
Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Chun-yu Zhang
- National
Key Laboratory of Crop Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1, Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiao-dong Wang
- Institute
of Resource Biology and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and
Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center of Shaanxi Province, Dali 715105, China
| | - Yan Long
- National
Key Laboratory of Crop Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1, Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yong-tai Yin
- Institute
of Resource Biology and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and
Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Dian-Rong Li
- Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center of Shaanxi Province, Dali 715105, China
| | - Jian-Hua Tian
- Hybrid Rapeseed Research Center of Shaanxi Province, Dali 715105, China
| | - Zai-yun Li
- National
Key Laboratory of Crop Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, No.1, Shizishan Street, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhi-wei Lin
- Institute
of Resource Biology and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and
Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Long-Jiang Yu
- Institute
of Resource Biology and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and
Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Mao-Teng Li
- Institute
of Resource Biology and Biotechnology, College of Life Science and
Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu Z, Sun N, Yang S, Zhao Y, Wang X, Hao X, Qiao Z. Evolutionary transition from C3 to C4 photosynthesis and the route to C4 rice. Biologia (Bratisl) 2013; 68:577-86. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-013-0191-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
25
|
Tolley BJ, Sage TL, Langdale JA, Hibberd JM. Individual maize chromosomes in the C(3) plant oat can increase bundle sheath cell size and vein density. Plant Physiol 2012; 159:1418-27. [PMID: 22675083 PMCID: PMC3425187 DOI: 10.1104/pp.112.200584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
C(4) photosynthesis has evolved in at least 66 lineages within the angiosperms and involves alterations to the biochemistry, cell biology, and development of leaves. The characteristic "Kranz" anatomy of most C(4) leaves was discovered in the 1890s, but the genetic basis of these traits remains poorly defined. Oat × maize addition lines allow the effects of individual maize (Zea mays; C(4)) chromosomes to be investigated in an oat (Avena sativa; C(3)) genetic background. Here, we have determined the extent to which maize chromosomes can introduce C(4) characteristics into oat and have associated any C(4)-like changes with specific maize chromosomes. While there is no indication of a simultaneous change to C(4) biochemistry, leaf anatomy, and ultrastructure in any of the oat × maize addition lines, the C(3) oat leaf can be modified at multiple levels. Maize genes encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase, and the 2'-oxoglutarate/malate transporter are expressed in oat and generate transcripts of the correct size. Three maize chromosomes independently cause increases in vein density, and maize chromosome 3 results in larger bundle sheath cells with increased cell wall lipid deposition in oat leaves. These data provide proof of principle that aspects of C(4) biology could be integrated into leaves of C(3) crops.
Collapse
|
26
|
Fukayama H, Ueguchi C, Nishikawa K, Katoh N, Ishikawa C, Masumoto C, Hatanaka T, Misoo S. Overexpression of rubisco activase decreases the photosynthetic CO2 assimilation rate by reducing rubisco content in rice leaves. Plant Cell Physiol 2012; 53:976-86. [PMID: 22470057 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcs042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The effects of overexpression of Rubisco activase on photosynthesis were studied in transgenic rice expressing barley or maize Rubisco activase. Immunoblot and SDS-PAGE analyses showed that transgenic lines from both gene constructs expressed the foreign Rubisco activase at high levels. The activation state of Rubisco in transgenic lines was slightly higher than that in non-transgenic plants (NT). In addition, light activation of Rubisco was significantly more rapid in transgenic lines compared with NT. These findings indicate that the overexpression of Rubisco activase can enhance Rubisco activation. However, despite enhanced activation of Rubisco in these transgenic plants, the CO(2) assimilation rate at ambient CO(2) conditions was decreased. This decrease in CO(2) assimilation rate was observed in both young developing and mature leaves independent of nitrogen nutrition. The contents of nitrogen and Chl did not differ significantly between transformants and NT; however, Rubisco content was substantially decreased in transgenic lines. There was no evidence for reduced transcription of RbcS or RbcL in these transgenic lines; in fact, transcript levels were marginally increased compared with NT. These results indicate that the overexpression of Rubisco activase leads to a decrease in Rubisco content, possibly due to post-transcriptional mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fukayama
- Laboratory of Crop Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Omoto E, Taniguchi M, Miyake H. Adaptation responses in C4 photosynthesis of maize under salinity. J Plant Physiol 2012; 169:469-77. [PMID: 22209164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2011.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/25/2011] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The effect of salinity on C(4) photosynthesis was examined in leaves of maize, a NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME) type C(4) species. Potted plants with the fourth leaf blade fully developed were treated with 3% NaCl solution for 5d. Under salt treatment, the activities of pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase), NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH) and NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase (NAD-MDH), which are derived mainly from mesophyll cells, increased, whereas those of NADP-ME and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase, which are derived mainly from bundle sheath cells (BSCs), decreased. Immunocytochemical studies by electron microscopy revealed that PPDK protein increased, while the content of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase protein decreased under salinity. In salt-treated plants, the photosynthetic metabolites malate, pyruvate and starch decreased by 40, 89 and 81%, respectively. Gas-exchange analysis revealed that the net photosynthetic rate, the transpiration rate, stomatal conductance (g(s)) and the intercellular CO(2) concentration decreased strongly in salt-treated plants. The carbon isotope ratio (δ(13)C) in these plants was significantly lower than that in control. These findings suggest that the decrease in photosynthetic metabolites under salinity was induced by a reduction in gas-exchange. Moreover, in addition to the decrease in g(s), the decrease in enzyme activities in BSCs was responsible for the decline of C(4) photosynthesis. The increase of PPDK, PEPCase, NADP-MDH, and NAD-MDH activities and the decrease of NADP-ME activity are interpreted as adaptation responses to salinity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Omoto
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ishikawa C, Hatanaka T, Misoo S, Miyake C, Fukayama H. Functional incorporation of sorghum small subunit increases the catalytic turnover rate of Rubisco in transgenic rice. Plant Physiol 2011; 156:1603-11. [PMID: 21562335 PMCID: PMC3135941 DOI: 10.1104/pp.111.177030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Rubisco limits photosynthetic CO(2) fixation because of its low catalytic turnover rate (k(cat)) and competing oxygenase reaction. Previous attempts to improve the catalytic efficiency of Rubisco by genetic engineering have gained little progress. Here we demonstrate that the introduction of the small subunit (RbcS) of high k(cat) Rubisco from the C(4) plant sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) significantly enhances k(cat) of Rubisco in transgenic rice (Oryza sativa). Three independent transgenic lines expressed sorghum RbcS at a high level, accounting for 30%, 44%, and 79% of the total RbcS. Rubisco was likely present as a chimera of sorghum and rice RbcS, and showed 1.32- to 1.50-fold higher k(cat) than in nontransgenic rice. Rubisco from transgenic lines showed a higher K(m) for CO(2) and slightly lower specificity for CO(2) than nontransgenic controls. These results suggest that Rubisco in rice transformed with sorghum RbcS partially acquires the catalytic properties of sorghum Rubisco. Rubisco content in transgenic lines was significantly increased over wild-type levels but Rubisco activation was slightly decreased. The expression of sorghum RbcS did not affect CO(2) assimilation rates under a range of CO(2) partial pressures. The J(max)/V(cmax) ratio was significantly lower in transgenic line compared to the nontransgenic plants. These observations suggest that the capacity of electron transport is not sufficient to support the increased Rubisco capacity in transgenic rice. Although the photosynthetic rate was not enhanced, the strategy presented here opens the way to engineering Rubisco for improvement of photosynthesis and productivity in the future.
Collapse
|
29
|
Ruan CJ, Shao HB, Teixeira da Silva JA. A critical review on the improvement of photosynthetic carbon assimilation in C3 plants using genetic engineering. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2011; 32:1-21. [PMID: 21699437 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2010.533119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Global warming is one of the most serious challenges facing us today. It may be linked to the increase in atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs), leading to a rise in sea level, notable shifts in ecosystems, and in the frequency and intensity of wild fires. There is a strong interest in stabilizing the atmospheric concentration of CO2 and other GHGs by decreasing carbon emission and/or increasing carbon sequestration. Biotic sequestration is an important and effective strategy to mitigate the effects of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations by increasing carbon sequestration and storage capacity of ecosystems using plant photosynthesis and by decreasing carbon emission using biofuel rather than fossil fuel. Improvement of photosynthetic carbon assimilation, using transgenic engineering, potentially provides a set of available and effective tools for enhancing plant carbon sequestration. In this review, firstly different biological methods of CO2 assimilation in C3, C4 and CAM plants are introduced and three types of C4 pathways which have high photosynthetic performance and have evolved as CO2 pumps are briefly summarized. Then (i) the improvement of photosynthetic carbon assimilation of C3 plants by transgenic engineering using non-C4 genes, and (ii) the overexpression of individual or multiple C4 cycle photosynthetic genes (PEPC, PPDK, PCK, NADP-ME and NADP-MDH) in transgenic C3 plants (e.g. tobacco, potato, rice and Arabidopsis) are highlighted. Some transgenic C3 plants (e.g. tobacco, rice and Arabidopsis) overexpressing the FBP/SBPase, ictB and cytochrome c6 genes showed positive effects on photosynthetic efficiency and growth characteristics. However, over the last 28 years, efforts to overexpress individual, double or multiple C4 enzymes in C3 plants like tobacco, potato, rice, and Arabidopsis have produced mixed results that do not confirm or eliminate the possibility of improving photosynthesis of C3 plants by this approach. Finally, a prospect is provided on the challenges of enhancing carbon assimilation of C3 plants using transgenic engineering in the face of global warming, and the trends of the most promising approaches to improving the photosynthetic performance of C3 plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Jiang Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology & Bio-Resources Utilization, Dalian Nationalities University, Dalian City, Liaoning, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bräutigam A, Weber APM. Chapter 11 Transport Processes: Connecting the Reactions of C4 Photosynthesis. In: Raghavendra AS, Sage RF, editors. C4 Photosynthesis and Related CO2 Concentrating Mechanisms. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands; 2011. pp. 199-219. [DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-9407-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
|
31
|
Abstract
Engineering the C4 photosynthetic pathway into C3 crops has the potential to dramatically increase the yields of major C3 crops. The genetic control of features involved in C4 photosynthesis are still far from being understood; which partially explains why we have gained little success in C4 engineering thus far. Next generation sequencing techniques and other high throughput technologies are offering an unprecedented opportunity to elucidate the developmental and evolutionary processes of C4 photosynthesis. Two contrasting hypotheses about the evolution of C4 photosynthesis exist, i.e. the master switch hypothesis and the incremental gain hypothesis. These two hypotheses demand two different research strategies to proceed in parallel to maximize the success of C4 engineering. In either case, systems biology research will play pivotal roles in identifying key regulatory elements controlling development of C4 features, identifying essential biochemical and anatomical features required to achieve high photosynthetic efficiency, elucidating genetic mechanisms underlining C4 differentiation and ultimately identifying viable routes to engineer C4 rice. As a highly interdisciplinary project, the C4 rice project will have far-reaching impacts on both basic and applied research related to agriculture in the 21st century.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Guang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Taylor L, Nunes-Nesi A, Parsley K, Leiss A, Leach G, Coates S, Wingler A, Fernie AR, Hibberd JM. Cytosolic pyruvate,orthophosphate dikinase functions in nitrogen remobilization during leaf senescence and limits individual seed growth and nitrogen content. Plant J 2010; 62:641-52. [PMID: 20202167 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2010.04179.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The protein content of seeds determines their nutritive value, downstream processing properties and market value. Up to 95% of seed protein is derived from amino acids that are exported to the seed after degradation of existing protein in leaves, but the pathways responsible for this nitrogen metabolism are poorly defined. The enzyme pyruvate,orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) interconverts pyruvate and phosphoenolpyruvate, and is found in both plastids and the cytosol in plants. PPDK plays a cardinal role in C(4) photosynthesis, but its role in the leaves of C(3) species has remained unclear. We demonstrate that both the cytosolic and chloroplastic isoforms of PPDK are up-regulated in naturally senescing leaves. Cytosolic PPDK accumulates preferentially in the veins, while chloroplastic PPDK also accumulates in mesophyll cells. Analysis of microarrays and labelling patterns after feeding (13)C-labelled pyruvate indicated that PPDK functions in a pathway that generates the transport amino acid glutamine, which is then loaded into the phloem. In Arabidopsis thaliana, over-expression of PPDK during senescence can significantly accelerate nitrogen remobilization from leaves, and thereby increase rosette growth rate and the weight and nitrogen content of seeds. This indicates an important role for cytosolic PPDK in the leaves of C(3) plants, and allows us to propose a metabolic pathway that is responsible for production of transport amino acids during natural leaf senescence. Given that increased seed size and nitrogen content are desirable agronomic traits, and that efficient remobilization of nitrogen within the plant reduces the demand for fertiliser applications, PPDK and the pathway in which it operates are targets for crop improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Taylor
- Department of Plant Sciences, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Masumoto C, Miyazawa S, Ohkawa H, Fukuda T, Taniguchi Y, Murayama S, Kusano M, Saito K, Fukayama H, Miyao M. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase intrinsically located in the chloroplast of rice plays a crucial role in ammonium assimilation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:5226-31. [PMID: 20194759 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0913127107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is a key enzyme of primary metabolism in bacteria, algae, and vascular plants, and is believed to be cytosolic. Here we show that rice (Oryza sativa L.) has a plant-type PEPC, Osppc4, that is targeted to the chloroplast. Osppc4 was expressed in all organs tested and showed high expression in the leaves. Its expression in the leaves was confined to mesophyll cells, and Osppc4 accounted for approximately one-third of total PEPC protein in the leaf blade. Recombinant Osppc4 was active in the PEPC reaction, showing V(max) comparable to cytosolic isozymes. Knockdown of Osppc4 expression by the RNAi technique resulted in stunting at the vegetative stage, which was much more marked when rice plants were grown with ammonium than with nitrate as the nitrogen source. Comparison of leaf metabolomes of ammonium-grown plants suggested that the knockdown suppressed ammonium assimilation and subsequent amino acid synthesis by reducing levels of organic acids, which are carbon skeleton donors for these processes. We also identified the chloroplastic PEPC gene in other Oryza species, all of which are adapted to waterlogged soil where the major nitrogen source is ammonium. This suggests that, in addition to glycolysis, the genus Oryza has a unique route to provide organic acids for ammonium assimilation that involves a chloroplastic PEPC, and that this route is crucial for growth with ammonium. This work provides evidence for diversity of primary ammonium assimilation in the leaves of vascular plants.
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
C(4) photosynthesis is normally associated with the compartmentation of photosynthesis between mesophyll (M) and bundle sheath (BS) cells. The mechanisms regulating the differential accumulation of photosynthesis proteins in these specialized cells are fundamental to our understanding of how C(4) photosynthesis operates. Cell-specific accumulation of proteins in M or BS can be mediated by posttranscriptional processes and translational efficiency as well as by differences in transcription. Individual genes are likely regulated at multiple levels. Although cis-elements have been associated with cell-specific expression in C(4) leaves, there has been little progress in identifying trans-factors. When C(4) photosynthesis genes from C(4) species are placed in closely related C(3) species, they are often expressed in a manner faithful to the C(4) cycle. Next-generation sequencing and comprehensive analysis of the extent to which genes from C(4) species are expressed in M or BS cells of C(3) plants should provide insight into how the C(4) pathway is regulated and evolved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian M Hibberd
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
|
36
|
Tazoe Y, Hanba YT, Furumoto T, Noguchi K, Terashima I. Relationships Between Quantum Yield for CO2 Assimilation, Activity of Key Enzymes and CO2 Leakiness in Amaranthus cruentus, a C4 Dicot, Grown in High or Low Light. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 49:19-29. [DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcm160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
37
|
Yokota A, Shigeoka S. Engineering Photosynthetic Pathways. Bioengineering and Molecular Biology of Plant Pathways. Elsevier; 2008. pp. 81-105. [DOI: 10.1016/s1755-0408(07)01004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
|
38
|
Chastain CJ, Heck JW, Colquhoun TA, Voge DG, Gu XY. Posttranslational regulation of pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase in developing rice (Oryza sativa) seeds. Planta 2006; 224:924-34. [PMID: 16596412 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-006-0259-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2006] [Accepted: 02/25/2006] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK; E.C.2.7.9.1) is most well known as a photosynthetic enzyme in C4 plants. The enzyme is also ubiquitous in C3 plant tissues, although a precise non-photosynthetic C3 function(s) is yet to be validated, owing largely to its low abundance in most C3 organs. The single C3 organ type where PPDK is in high abundance, and, therefore, where its function is most amenable to elucidation, are the developing seeds of graminaceous cereals. In this report, we suggest a non-photosynthetic function for C3 PPDK by characterizing its abundance and posttranslational regulation in developing Oryza sativa (rice) seeds. Using primarily an immunoblot-based approach, we show that PPDK is a massively expressed protein during the early syncitial-endosperm/-cellularization stage of seed development. As seed development progresses from this early stage, the enzyme undergoes a rapid, posttranslational down-regulation in activity and amount via regulatory threonyl-phosphorylation (PPDK inactivation) and protein degradation. Immunoblot analysis of separated seed tissue fractions (pericarp, embryo + aleurone, seed embryo) revealed that regulatory phosphorylation of PPDK occurs in the non-green seed embryo and green outer pericarp layer, but not in the endosperm + aleurone layer. The modestly abundant pool of inactive PPDK (phosphorylated + dephosphorylated) that was found to persist in mature rice seeds was shown to remain largely unchanged (inactive) upon seed germination, suggesting that PPDK in rice seeds function in developmental rather than in post-developmental processes. These and related observations lead us to postulate a putative function for the enzyme that aligns its PEP to pyruvate-forming reaction with biosynthetic processes that are specific to early cereal seed development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris J Chastain
- Department of Biosciences, Minnesota State University-Moorhead, Moorhead, MN 56563, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fukayama H, Tamai T, Taniguchi Y, Sullivan S, Miyao M, Nimmo HG. Characterization and functional analysis of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase genes in rice. Plant J 2006; 47:258-68. [PMID: 16762031 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2006.02779.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), a key enzyme of primary metabolism of higher plants, is regulated by reversible phosphorylation, which is catalyzed by PEPC kinase (PPCK). Rice has three functional PPCK genes, OsPPCK1, OsPPCK2 and OsPPCK3, all of which have an intron close to the 3' end of the coding region. A novel control mechanism was found for expression of OsPPCK2, namely alternative transcription initiation, and two different transcripts were detected. The four different transcripts of the OsPPCK genes showed different expression patterns. While OsPPCK1 and OsPPCK3 were highly expressed in roots and at low levels in other organs, the two OsPPCK2 transcripts were expressed in all organs. OsPPCK3 was expressed mostly at night, while the long OsPPCK2 transcripts were present in the leaves only in the daytime. Nitrate supplementation of leaves selectively induced expression of both OsPPCK2 transcripts, while phosphate starvation only induced the shorter one. Such diverse expression patterns of OsPPCK genes suggest the importance and variety of strict activity regulation of PEPC in rice. From the correlation between gene expression and the phosphorylation level of PEPC, which was monitored as that of the maize PEPC expressed in transgenic rice plants, it was concluded that the short OsPPCK2 transcripts were expressed in rice leaf mesophyll cells upon nitrogen supplementation and phosphate starvation, whereas OsPPCK3 participated in the nocturnal phosphorylation of PEPC in these cells. Expression of PPCK proteins in rice leaves was detected by immunoblotting using a specific antiserum, and the expression of two different OsPPCK2 proteins derived from alternative transcription initiation was confirmed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fukayama
- Photobiology and Photosynthesis Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba 305-8602, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kang HG, Park S, Matsuoka M, An G. White-core endosperm floury endosperm-4 in rice is generated by knockout mutations in the C-type pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase gene (OsPPDKB). Plant J 2005; 42:901-11. [PMID: 15941402 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2005.02423.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
We have isolated a floury endosperm-4 (flo4) rice mutant with a floury-white endosperm but a normal outer portion. Scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed that this abnormal endosperm consisted of loosely packed starch granules. The mutant phenotype was generated by T-DNA insertion into the fifth intron of the OsPPDKB gene encoding pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK). Plants containing flo4-1 produced no OsPPDKB transcript or the OsPPDKB protein in their developing kernels and leaves. We obtained two additional alleles, flo4-2 and flo4-3, that also showed the same white-core endosperm phenotype. The flo4 kernels weighed about 6% less than wild-type ones. Starch contents in both kernel types were similar, but the total protein content was slightly higher in the mutant kernels. Moreover, lipid contents were significantly increased in the flo4 kernels. Expression analyses demonstrated that the cytosolic mRNA of OsPPDKB was induced in the reproductive organs after pollination, and greatly increased until about 10 days after fertilization. This mRNA was localized mainly in the endosperm, aleurone, and scutellum of the developing kernel. Our results suggest that cytosolic PPDK functions in rice to modulate carbon metabolism during grain filling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Gyu Kang
- Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
C4 photosynthesis has evolved multiple times among the angiosperms: the spatial rearrangement of the photosynthetic apparatus, combined with alterations to the leaf structure, allows CO2 to be concentrated around Rubisco. Higher CO2 concentrations at Rubisco decrease the rate of oxygenation and therefore reduce the amount of energy lost through photorespiration. C4 plants are particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions because they can sustain higher rates of net photosynthesis; they also represent some of our most productive crops. To date, most progress in identifying genes crucial for C4 photosynthesis has been made using maize and Flaveria. We propose that Cleome, the most closely related genus containing C4 species to the C3 model Arabidopsis, be used together with Arabidopsis resources to accelerate our progress in elucidating the genetic basis of C4 photosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi J Brown
- Department of Plant Sciences, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK CB2 3EA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ohta S, Ishida Y, Usami S. Expression of cold-tolerant pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase cDNA, and heterotetramer formation in transgenic maize plants. Transgenic Res 2005; 13:475-85. [PMID: 15587271 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-004-1452-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Maize is a typical C4 plant of the NADP-malic enzyme type, and its high productivity is supported by the C4 photosynthetic cycle, which concentrates atmospheric CO2 in the leaves. The plant exhibits superior photosynthetic ability under high light and high temperature, but under cold conditions the photosynthetic rate is significantly reduced. Pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK), a key enzyme of the C4 pathway in maize, loses its activity below about 12 degrees C by dissociation of the tetramer and it is considered as one possible cause of the reduction in the photosynthetic rate of maize at low temperatures. To improve the cold stability of the enzyme, we introduced a cold-tolerant PPDK cDNA isolated from Flaveria brownii into maize by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. We obtained higher levels of expression by using a double intron cassette and a chimeric cDNA made from F. bidentis and F. brownii with a maximum content of I mg/g fresh weight. In leaves of transgenic maize, PPDK molecules produced from the transgene were detected in cold-tolerant homotetramers or in heterotetramers of intermediate cold susceptibility formed with the internal PPDK. Simultaneous introduction of an antisense gene for maize PPDK generated plants in which the ratio of heterolologous and endogenous PPDK was greatly improved. Arrhenius plot analysis of the enzyme extracted from one such plant revealed that the break point was shifted about 3 degrees C lower than that of the wild type.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shozo Ohta
- Nagaragawa Research Center, API Company Limited 692-3, Yamasaki, Nagara, Gifu 502-0071, Japan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chen X, Zhang X, Liang R, Zhang L, Yang F, Cao M. Expression of the intact C4 typepepc gene cloned from maize in transgenic winter wheat. Chin Sci Bull 2004. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03185779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
44
|
Zhang F, Chi W, Wang Q, Zhang Q, Wu N. Molecular cloning of C4-specificPpc gene of sorghum and its high level expression in transgenic rice. Chin Sci Bull 2003. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03184064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
45
|
Makino A, Sakuma H, Sudo E, Mae T. Differences between maize and rice in N-use efficiency for photosynthesis and protein allocation. Plant Cell Physiol 2003; 44:952-6. [PMID: 14519777 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcg113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The N-use efficiency for photosynthesis was higher in a C(4) plant, maize, than in a C(3) plant, rice, including rbcS antisense rice with optimal ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) content for CO(2)-saturated photosynthesis, even when photosynthesis was measured under saturating CO(2) conditions. The N cost for the C(4) cycle enzymes in maize was not large, and the lower amount of Rubisco allowed a greater N investment in the thylakoid components. This greater content of the thylakoid components as well as the CO(2) concentrating mechanism may support higher N-use efficiency for photosynthesis in maize.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amane Makino
- Department of Applied Plant Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tohoku University, Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 981-8555 Japan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) has a variety of functions in plants, including a major anaplerotic role in replenishing the tricarboxylic acid cycle with intermediates to meet the demand of carbon skeletons for synthesis of organic acids and amino acids. Various transgenic C3 plants that overproduce PEPC have been produced and analyzed in detail. The results indicate that foreign PEPC is under the control of the regulatory mechanisms intrinsic to the host plant and down-regulated so as not to cause detrimental metabolic effects, although the anaplerotic reaction is slightly enhanced by the foreign PEPC. By use of foreign PEPCs that can avert such regulation, metabolic flow is largely directed toward synthesis of organic acids and amino acids. Observations with transgenic C3 plants also shed light on the interrelation among various metabolic pathways inside the cell.
Collapse
|
47
|
Häusler RE, Hirsch HJ, Kreuzaler F, Peterhänsel C. Overexpression of C(4)-cycle enzymes in transgenic C(3) plants: a biotechnological approach to improve C(3)-photosynthesis. J Exp Bot 2002; 53:591-607. [PMID: 11886879 DOI: 10.1093/jexbot/53.369.591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The process of photorespiration diminishes the efficiency of CO(2) assimilation and yield of C(3)-crops such as wheat, rice, soybean or potato, which are important for feeding the growing world population. Photorespiration starts with the competitive inhibition of CO(2) fixation by O(2) at the active site of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and can result in a loss of up to 50% of the CO(2) fixed in ambient air. By contrast, C(4) plants, such as maize, sugar cane and Sorghum, possess a CO(2) concentrating mechanism, by which atmospheric CO(2) is bound to C(4)-carbon compounds and shuttled from the mesophyll cells where the prefixation of bicarbonate occurs via phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) into the gas-tight bundle-sheath cells, where the bound carbon is released again as CO(2) and enters the Calvin cycle. However, the anatomical division into mesophyll and bundle-sheaths cells ("Kranz"-anatomy) appears not to be a prerequisite for the operation of a CO(2) concentrating mechanism. Submerged aquatic macrophytes, for instance, can induce a C(4)-like CO(2) concentrating mechanism in only one cell type when CO(2) becomes limiting. A single cell C(4)-mechanism has also been reported recently for a terrestrial chenopod. For over 10 years researchers in laboratories around the world have attempted to improve photosynthesis and crop yield by introducing a single cell C(4)-cycle in C(3) plants by a transgenic approach. In the meantime, there has been substantial progress in overexpressing the key enzymes of the C(4) cycle in rice, potato, and tobacco. In this review there will be a focus on biochemical and physiological consequences of the overexpression of C(4)-cycle genes in C(3) plants. Bearing in mind that C(4)-cycle enzymes are also present in C(3) plants, the pitfalls encountered when C(3) metabolism is perturbed by the overexpression of individual C(4) genes will also be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rainer E Häusler
- Botanik II, Botanisches Institut der Universität zu Köln, Gyrhofstrasse 15, D-50931 Cologne, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
C(4) photosynthesis has a number of distinct properties that enable the capture of CO(2) and its concentration in the vicinity of Rubisco, so as to reduce the oxygenase activity of Rubisco, and hence the rate of photorespiration. The aim of this review is to discuss the properties of this CO(2)-concentrating mechanism, and thus to indicate the minimum requirements of any genetically-engineered system. In particular, the Kranz leaf anatomy of C(4) photosynthesis and the division of the C(4)-cycle between two cell types involves intercellular co-operation that requires modifications in regulation and transport to make C(4) photosynthesis work. Some examples of these modifications are discussed. Comparisons are made with the C(4)-type photosynthesis found in single-celled C(4)-type CO(2)-concentrating mechanisms, such as that found in the aquatic plant, Hydrilla verticillata and the single-celled C(4) system found in the terrestrial chenopod Borszczowia aralocaspica. The outcome of recent attempts to engineer C(4) enzymes into C(3) plants is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Leegood
- Robert Hill Institute and Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Chastain CJ, Fries JP, Vogel JA, Randklev CL, Vossen AP, Dittmer SK, Watkins EE, Fiedler LJ, Wacker SA, Meinhover KC, Sarath G, Chollet R. Pyruvate,orthophosphate dikinase in leaves and chloroplasts of C(3) plants undergoes light-/dark-induced reversible phosphorylation. Plant Physiol 2002; 128:1368-78. [PMID: 11950985 PMCID: PMC154264 DOI: 10.1104/pp.010806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2001] [Revised: 10/22/2001] [Accepted: 12/22/2001] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Pyruvate,orthophosphate (Pi) dikinase (PPDK) is best recognized as a chloroplastic C(4) cycle enzyme. As one of the key regulatory foci for controlling flux through this photosynthetic pathway, it is strictly and reversibly regulated by light. This light/dark modulation is mediated by reversible phosphorylation of a conserved threonine residue in the active-site domain by the PPDK regulatory protein (RP), a bifunctional protein kinase/phosphatase. PPDK is also present in C(3) plants, although it has no known photosynthetic function. Nevertheless, in this report we show that C(3) PPDK in leaves of several angiosperms and in isolated intact spinach (Spinacia oleracea) chloroplasts undergoes light-/dark-induced changes in phosphorylation state in a manner similar to C(4) dikinase. In addition, the kinetics of this process closely resemble the reversible C(4) process, with light-induced dephosphorylation occurring rapidly (< or =15 min) and dark-induced phosphorylation occurring much more slowly (> or =30-60 min). In intact spinach chloroplasts, light-induced dephosphorylation of C(3) PPDK was shown to be dependent on exogenous Pi and photosystem II activity but independent of electron transfer from photosystem I. These in organello results implicate a role for stromal pools of Pi and adenylates in regulating the reversible phosphorylation of C(3)-PPDK. Last, we used an in vitro RP assay to directly demonstrate ADP-dependent PPDK phosphorylation in desalted leaf extracts of the C(3) plants Vicia faba and rice (Oryza sativa). We conclude that an RP-like activity mediates the light/dark modulation of PPDK phosphorylation state in C(3) leaves and chloroplasts and likely represents the ancestral isoform of this unusual and key C(4) pathway regulatory "converter" enzyme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris J Chastain
- Department of Biology, Minnesota State University, Moorhead, MN 56563, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|