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Karthick PV, Senthil A, Djanaguiraman M, Anitha K, Kuttimani R, Boominathan P, Karthikeyan R, Raveendran M. Improving Crop Yield through Increasing Carbon Gain and Reducing Carbon Loss. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1317. [PMID: 38794389 PMCID: PMC11124956 DOI: 10.3390/plants13101317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Photosynthesis is a process where solar energy is utilized to convert atmospheric CO2 into carbohydrates, which forms the basis for plant productivity. The increasing demand for food has created a global urge to enhance yield. Earlier, the plant breeding program was targeting the yield and yield-associated traits to enhance the crop yield. However, the yield cannot be further improved without improving the leaf photosynthetic rate. Hence, in this review, various strategies to enhance leaf photosynthesis were presented. The most promising strategies were the optimization of Rubisco carboxylation efficiency, the introduction of a CO2 concentrating mechanism in C3 plants, and the manipulation of photorespiratory bypasses in C3 plants, which are discussed in detail. Improving Rubisco's carboxylation efficiency is possible by engineering targets such as Rubisco subunits, chaperones, and Rubisco activase enzyme activity. Carbon-concentrating mechanisms can be introduced in C3 plants by the adoption of pyrenoid and carboxysomes, which can increase the CO2 concentration around the Rubisco enzyme. Photorespiration is the process by which the fixed carbon is lost through an oxidative process. Different approaches to reduce carbon and nitrogen loss were discussed. Overall, the potential approaches to improve the photosynthetic process and the way forward were discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palanivelu Vikram Karthick
- Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India; (P.V.K.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (R.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Alagarswamy Senthil
- Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India; (P.V.K.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (R.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Maduraimuthu Djanaguiraman
- Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India; (P.V.K.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (R.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Kuppusamy Anitha
- Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India; (P.V.K.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (R.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Ramalingam Kuttimani
- Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India; (P.V.K.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (R.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Parasuraman Boominathan
- Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India; (P.V.K.); (M.D.); (K.A.); (R.K.); (P.B.)
| | - Ramasamy Karthikeyan
- Directorate of Crop Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India;
| | - Muthurajan Raveendran
- Directorate of Research, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore 641003, India;
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2
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Ito K, Sugawara S, Kageyama S, Sawaguchi N, Hyotani T, Miyazawa SI, Makino A, Suzuki Y. Equisetum praealtum and E. hyemale have abundant Rubisco with a high catalytic turnover rate and low CO 2 affinity. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2024; 137:255-264. [PMID: 38112982 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-023-01514-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The kinetic properties of Rubisco, a key enzyme for photosynthesis, have been examined in numerous plant species. However, this information on some plant groups, such as ferns, is scarce. This study examined Rubisco carboxylase activity and leaf Rubisco levels in seven ferns, including four Equisetum plants (E. arvense, E. hyemale, E. praealtum, and E. variegatum), considered living fossils. The turnover rates of Rubisco carboxylation (kcatc) in E. praealtum and E. hyemale were comparable to those in the C4 plants maize (Zea mays) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), whose kcatc values are high. Rubisco CO2 affinity, estimated from the percentage of Rubisco carboxylase activity under CO2 unsaturated conditions in kcatc in these Equisetum plants, was low and also comparable to that in maize and sorghum. In contrast, kcatc and CO2 affinities of Rubisco in other ferns, including E. arvense and E. variegatum were comparable with those in C3 plants. The N allocation to Rubisco in the ferns examined was comparable to that in the C3 plants. These results indicate that E. praealtum and E. hyemale have abundant Rubisco with high kcatc and low CO2 affinity, whereas the carboxylase activity and abundance of Rubisco in other ferns were similar to those in C3 plants. Herein, the Rubisco properties of E. praealtum and E. hyemale were discussed regarding their evolution and physiological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Ito
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | | | - Sota Kageyama
- Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Naoki Sawaguchi
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Takuro Hyotani
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Amane Makino
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Present address: Institute for Excellence in Higher Education, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuji Suzuki
- Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan.
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3
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Atkinson N, Stringer R, Mitchell SR, Seung D, McCormick AJ. SAGA1 and SAGA2 promote starch formation around proto-pyrenoids in Arabidopsis chloroplasts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2311013121. [PMID: 38241434 PMCID: PMC10823261 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311013121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The pyrenoid is a chloroplastic microcompartment in which most algae and some terrestrial plants condense the primary carboxylase, Rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) as part of a CO2-concentrating mechanism that improves the efficiency of CO2 capture. Engineering a pyrenoid-based CO2-concentrating mechanism (pCCM) into C3 crop plants is a promising strategy to enhance yield capacities and resilience to the changing climate. Many pyrenoids are characterized by a sheath of starch plates that is proposed to act as a barrier to limit CO2 diffusion. Recently, we have reconstituted a phase-separated "proto-pyrenoid" Rubisco matrix in the model C3 plant Arabidopsis thaliana using proteins from the alga with the most well-studied pyrenoid, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii [N. Atkinson, Y. Mao, K. X. Chan, A. J. McCormick, Nat. Commun. 11, 6303 (2020)]. Here, we describe the impact of introducing the Chlamydomonas proteins StArch Granules Abnormal 1 (SAGA1) and SAGA2, which are associated with the regulation of pyrenoid starch biogenesis and morphology. We show that SAGA1 localizes to the proto-pyrenoid in engineered Arabidopsis plants, which results in the formation of atypical spherical starch granules enclosed within the proto-pyrenoid condensate and adjacent plate-like granules that partially cover the condensate, but without modifying the total amount of chloroplastic starch accrued. Additional expression of SAGA2 further increases the proportion of starch synthesized as adjacent plate-like granules that fully encircle the proto-pyrenoid. Our findings pave the way to assembling a diffusion barrier as part of a functional pCCM in vascular plants, while also advancing our understanding of the roles of SAGA1 and SAGA2 in starch sheath formation and broadening the avenues for engineering starch morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Atkinson
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre of Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Rhea Stringer
- Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, NorwichNR4 7UH, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen R. Mitchell
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - David Seung
- Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, NorwichNR4 7UH, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair J. McCormick
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre of Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, EdinburghEH9 3BF, United Kingdom
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4
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Adler L, Lau CS, Shaikh KM, van Maldegem KA, Payne-Dwyer AL, Lefoulon C, Girr P, Atkinson N, Barrett J, Emrich-Mills TZ, Dukic E, Blatt MR, Leake MC, Peltier G, Spetea C, Burlacot A, McCormick AJ, Mackinder LCM, Walker CE. The role of BST4 in the pyrenoid of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.15.545204. [PMID: 38014171 PMCID: PMC10680556 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.15.545204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
In many eukaryotic algae, CO2 fixation by Rubisco is enhanced by a CO2-concentrating mechanism, which utilizes a Rubisco-rich organelle called the pyrenoid. The pyrenoid is traversed by a network of thylakoid-membranes called pyrenoid tubules, proposed to deliver CO2. In the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamydomonas), the pyrenoid tubules have been proposed to be tethered to the Rubisco matrix by a bestrophin-like transmembrane protein, BST4. Here, we show that BST4 forms a complex that localizes to the pyrenoid tubules. A Chlamydomonas mutant impaired in the accumulation of BST4 (bst4) formed normal pyrenoid tubules and heterologous expression of BST4 in Arabidopsis thaliana did not lead to the incorporation of thylakoids into a reconstituted Rubisco condensate. Chlamydomonas bst4 mutant did not show impaired growth at air level CO2. By quantifying the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of chlorophyll fluorescence, we show that bst4 displays a transiently lower thylakoid lumenal pH during dark to light transition compared to control strains. When acclimated to high light, bst4 had sustained higher NPQ and elevated levels of light-induced H2O2 production. We conclude that BST4 is not a tethering protein, but rather is an ion channel involved in lumenal pH regulation possibly by mediating bicarbonate transport across the pyrenoid tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Adler
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre for Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Department of Plant Biology, The Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94305 USA
| | - Chun Sing Lau
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Kashif M Shaikh
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Kim A van Maldegem
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Alex L Payne-Dwyer
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Cecile Lefoulon
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Bower Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Philipp Girr
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky Atkinson
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre for Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - James Barrett
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Z Emrich-Mills
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Emilija Dukic
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Michael R Blatt
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Bower Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mark C Leake
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
- School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Gilles Peltier
- Aix-Marseille Université, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, CEA Cadarache, 13108 Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France
| | - Cornelia Spetea
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Adrien Burlacot
- Department of Plant Biology, The Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford, CA, 94305 USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Alistair J McCormick
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Centre for Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Luke C M Mackinder
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte E Walker
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
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Frangedakis E, Marron AO, Waller M, Neubauer A, Tse SW, Yue Y, Ruaud S, Waser L, Sakakibara K, Szövényi P. What can hornworts teach us? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1108027. [PMID: 36968370 PMCID: PMC10030945 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1108027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The hornworts are a small group of land plants, consisting of only 11 families and approximately 220 species. Despite their small size as a group, their phylogenetic position and unique biology are of great importance. Hornworts, together with mosses and liverworts, form the monophyletic group of bryophytes that is sister to all other land plants (Tracheophytes). It is only recently that hornworts became amenable to experimental investigation with the establishment of Anthoceros agrestis as a model system. In this perspective, we summarize the recent advances in the development of A. agrestis as an experimental system and compare it with other plant model systems. We also discuss how A. agrestis can help to further research in comparative developmental studies across land plants and to solve key questions of plant biology associated with the colonization of the terrestrial environment. Finally, we explore the significance of A. agrestis in crop improvement and synthetic biology applications in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan O. Marron
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Waller
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Neubauer
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sze Wai Tse
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Yuling Yue
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Ruaud
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Waser
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Péter Szövényi
- Department of Systematic and Evolutionary Botany, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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Cavanagh AP, Slattery R, Kubien DS. Temperature-induced changes in Arabidopsis Rubisco activity and isoform expression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:651-663. [PMID: 36124740 PMCID: PMC9833042 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In many plant species, expression of the nuclear encoded Rubisco small subunit (SSu) varies with environmental changes, but the functional role of any changes in expression remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of differential expression of Rubisco SSu isoforms on carbon assimilation in Arabidopsis. Using plants grown at contrasting temperatures (10 °C and 30 °C), we confirm the previously reported temperature response of the four RbcS genes and extend this to protein expression, finding that warm-grown plants produce Rubisco containing ~65% SSu-B and cold-grown plants produce Rubisco with ~65% SSu-A as a proportion of the total pool of subunits. We find that these changes in isoform concentration are associated with kinetic changes to Rubisco in vitro: warm-grown plants produce a Rubisco having greater CO2 affinity (i.e. higher SC/O and lower KC) but lower kcatCO2 at warm measurement temperatures. Although warm-grown plants produce 38% less Rubisco than cold-grown plants on a leaf area basis, warm-grown plants can maintain similar rates of photosynthesis to cold-grown plants at ambient CO2 and 30 °C, indicating that the carboxylation capacity of warm-grown Rubisco is enhanced at warmer measurement temperatures, and is able to compensate for the lower Rubisco content in warm-grown plants. This association between SSu isoform expression and maintenance of Rubisco activity at high temperature suggests that SSu isoform expression could impact the temperature response of C3 photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Slattery
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - David S Kubien
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada
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7
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Oh ZG, Askey B, Gunn LH. Red Rubiscos and opportunities for engineering green plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:520-542. [PMID: 36055563 PMCID: PMC9833100 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nature's vital, but notoriously inefficient, CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco often limits the growth of photosynthetic organisms including crop species. Form I Rubiscos comprise eight catalytic large subunits and eight auxiliary small subunits and can be classified into two distinct lineages-'red' and 'green'. While red-type Rubiscos (Form IC and ID) are found in rhodophytes, their secondary symbionts, and certain proteobacteria, green-type Rubiscos (Form IA and IB) exist in terrestrial plants, chlorophytes, cyanobacteria, and other proteobacteria. Eukaryotic red-type Rubiscos exhibit desirable kinetic properties, namely high specificity and high catalytic efficiency, with certain isoforms outperforming green-type Rubiscos. However, it is not yet possible to functionally express a high-performing red-type Rubisco in chloroplasts to boost photosynthetic carbon assimilation in green plants. Understanding the molecular and evolutionary basis for divergence between red- and green-type Rubiscos could help us to harness the superior CO2-fixing power of red-type Rubiscos. Here we review our current understanding about red-type Rubisco distribution, biogenesis, and sequence-structure, and present opportunities and challenges for utilizing red-type Rubisco kinetics towards crop improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Guo Oh
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Bryce Askey
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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8
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Mao Y, Catherall E, Díaz-Ramos A, Greiff GRL, Azinas S, Gunn L, McCormick AJ. The small subunit of Rubisco and its potential as an engineering target. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:543-561. [PMID: 35849331 PMCID: PMC9833052 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Rubisco catalyses the first rate-limiting step in CO2 fixation and is responsible for the vast majority of organic carbon present in the biosphere. The function and regulation of Rubisco remain an important research topic and a longstanding engineering target to enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis for agriculture and green biotechnology. The most abundant form of Rubisco (Form I) consists of eight large and eight small subunits, and is found in all plants, algae, cyanobacteria, and most phototrophic and chemolithoautotrophic proteobacteria. Although the active sites of Rubisco are located on the large subunits, expression of the small subunit regulates the size of the Rubisco pool in plants and can influence the overall catalytic efficiency of the Rubisco complex. The small subunit is now receiving increasing attention as a potential engineering target to improve the performance of Rubisco. Here we review our current understanding of the role of the small subunit and our growing capacity to explore its potential to modulate Rubisco catalysis using engineering biology approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aranzazú Díaz-Ramos
- SynthSys & Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, King’s Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edingburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - George R L Greiff
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Stavros Azinas
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, S-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laura Gunn
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, S-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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9
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Iqbal WA, Lisitsa A, Kapralov MV. Predicting plant Rubisco kinetics from RbcL sequence data using machine learning. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:638-650. [PMID: 36094849 PMCID: PMC9833099 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is responsible for the conversion of atmospheric CO2 to organic carbon during photosynthesis, and often acts as a rate limiting step in the later process. Screening the natural diversity of Rubisco kinetics is the main strategy used to find better Rubisco enzymes for crop engineering efforts. Here, we demonstrate the use of Gaussian processes (GPs), a family of Bayesian models, coupled with protein encoding schemes, for predicting Rubisco kinetics from Rubisco large subunit (RbcL) sequence data. GPs trained on published experimentally obtained Rubisco kinetic datasets were applied to over 9000 sequences encoding RbcL to predict Rubisco kinetic parameters. Notably, our predicted kinetic values were in agreement with known trends, e.g. higher carboxylation turnover rates (Kcat) for Rubisco enzymes from C4 or crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) species, compared with those found in C3 species. This is the first study demonstrating machine learning approaches as a tool for screening and predicting Rubisco kinetics, which could be applied to other enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasim A Iqbal
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Alexei Lisitsa
- Department of Computer Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, United Kingdom
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10
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Adler L, Díaz-Ramos A, Mao Y, Pukacz KR, Fei C, McCormick AJ. New horizons for building pyrenoid-based CO2-concentrating mechanisms in plants to improve yields. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:1609-1627. [PMID: 35961043 PMCID: PMC9614477 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Many photosynthetic species have evolved CO2-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to improve the efficiency of CO2 assimilation by Rubisco and reduce the negative impacts of photorespiration. However, the majority of plants (i.e. C3 plants) lack an active CCM. Thus, engineering a functional heterologous CCM into important C3 crops, such as rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), has become a key strategic ambition to enhance yield potential. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the pyrenoid-based CCM in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and engineering progress in C3 plants. We also discuss recent modeling work that has provided insights into the potential advantages of Rubisco condensation within the pyrenoid and the energetic costs of the Chlamydomonas CCM, which, together, will help to better guide future engineering approaches. Key findings include the potential benefits of Rubisco condensation for carboxylation efficiency and the need for a diffusional barrier around the pyrenoid matrix. We discuss a minimal set of components for the CCM to function and that active bicarbonate import into the chloroplast stroma may not be necessary for a functional pyrenoid-based CCM in planta. Thus, the roadmap for building a pyrenoid-based CCM into plant chloroplasts to enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis now appears clearer with new challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuwei Mao
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Krzysztof Robin Pukacz
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Chenyi Fei
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
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11
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Pradhan B, Panda D, Bishi SK, Chakraborty K, Muthusamy SK, Lenka SK. Progress and prospects of C 4 trait engineering in plants. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2022; 24:920-931. [PMID: 35727191 DOI: 10.1111/plb.13446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Incorporating C4 photosynthetic traits into C3 crops is a rational approach for sustaining future demands for crop productivity. Using classical plant breeding, engineering this complex trait is unlikely to achieve its target. Therefore, it is critical and timely to implement novel biotechnological crop improvement strategies to accomplish this goal. However, a fundamental understanding of C3 , C4 , and C3 -C4 intermediate metabolism is crucial for the targeted use of biotechnological tools. This review assesses recent progress towards engineering C4 photosynthetic traits in C3 crops. We also discuss lessons learned from successes and failures of recent genetic engineering attempts in C3 crops, highlighting the pros and cons of using rice as a model plant for short-, medium- and long-term goals of genetic engineering. This review provides an integrated approach towards engineering improved photosynthetic efficiency in C3 crops for sustaining food, fibre and fuel production around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Pradhan
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty Centre for Integrated Rural Development and Management, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - D Panda
- Department of Biodiversity & Conservation of Natural Resources, Central University of Odisha, Koraput, India
| | - S K Bishi
- School of Genomics and Molecular Breeding, ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, India
| | - K Chakraborty
- Department of Plant Physiology, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, India
| | - S K Muthusamy
- Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - S K Lenka
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gujarat, India
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12
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Metabolic and Proteomic Analysis of Chlorella sorokiniana, Chloroidium saccharofilum, and Chlorella vulgaris Cells Cultured in Autotrophic, Photoheterotrophic, and Mixotrophic Cultivation Modes. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27154817. [PMID: 35956768 PMCID: PMC9369600 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlorella is one of the most well-known microalgal genera, currently comprising approximately a hundred species of single-celled green algae according to the AlgaeBase. Strains of the genus Chlorella have the ability to metabolize both inorganic and organic carbon sources in various trophic modes and synthesize valuable metabolites that are widely used in many industries. The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of three trophic modes on the growth parameters, productivities of individual cell components, and biochemical composition of Chlorella sorokiniana, Chloroidium saccharofilum, and Chlorella vulgaris cells with special consideration of protein profiles detected by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Mixotrophic conditions with the use of an agro-industrial by-product stimulated the growth of all Chlorella species, which was confirmed by the highest specific growth rates and the shortest biomass doubling times. The mixotrophic cultivation of all Chlorella species yielded a high amount of protein-rich biomass with reduced contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and carbohydrates. Additionally, this work provides the first information about the proteome of Chloroidium saccharofilum, Chlorella sorokiniana, and Chlorella vulgaris cells cultured in molasses supplementation conditions. The proteomic analysis of the three Chlorella species growing photoheterotrophically and mixotrophically showed increased accumulation of proteins involved in the cell energy metabolism and carbon uptake, photosynthesis process, and protein synthesis, as well as proteins involved in intracellular movements and chaperone proteins.
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13
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Krämer K, Brock J, Heyer AG. Interaction of Nitrate Assimilation and Photorespiration at Elevated CO 2. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:897924. [PMID: 35845694 PMCID: PMC9284316 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.897924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
It has been shown repeatedly that exposure to elevated atmospheric CO2 causes an increased C/N ratio of plant biomass that could result from either increased carbon or - in relation to C acquisition - reduced nitrogen assimilation. Possible reasons for diminished nitrogen assimilation are controversial, but an impact of reduced photorespiration at elevated CO2 has frequently been implied. Using a mutant defective in peroxisomal hydroxy-pyruvate reductase (hpr1-1) that is hampered in photorespiratory turnover, we show that indeed, photorespiration stimulates the glutamine-synthetase 2 (GS) / glutamine-oxoglutarate-aminotransferase (GOGAT) cycle, which channels ammonia into amino acid synthesis. However, mathematical flux simulations demonstrated that nitrate assimilation was not reduced at elevated CO2, pointing to a dilution of nitrogen containing compounds by assimilated carbon at elevated CO2. The massive growth reduction in the hpr1-1 mutant does not appear to result from nitrogen starvation. Model simulations yield evidence for a loss of cellular energy that is consumed in supporting high flux through the GS/GOGAT cycle that results from inefficient removal of photorespiratory intermediates. This causes a futile cycling of glycolate and hydroxy-pyruvate. In addition to that, accumulation of serine and glycine as well as carboxylates in the mutant creates a metabolic imbalance that could contribute to growth reduction.
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14
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Role of Microalgae in Global CO2 Sequestration: Physiological Mechanism, Recent Development, Challenges, and Future Prospective. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132313061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The rising concentration of global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has severely affected our planet’s homeostasis. Efforts are being made worldwide to curb carbon dioxide emissions, but there is still no strategy or technology available to date that is widely accepted. Two basic strategies are employed for reducing CO2 emissions, viz. (i) a decrease in fossil fuel use, and increased use of renewable energy sources; and (ii) carbon sequestration by various biological, chemical, or physical methods. This review has explored microalgae’s role in carbon sequestration, the physiological apparatus, with special emphasis on the carbon concentration mechanism (CCM). A CCM is a specialized mechanism of microalgae. In this process, a sub-cellular organelle known as pyrenoid, containing a high concentration of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco), helps in the fixation of CO2. One type of carbon concentration mechanism in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the association of pyrenoid tubules with thylakoids membrane is represented through a typical graphical model. Various environmental factors influencing carbon sequestration in microalgae and associated techno-economic challenges are analyzed critically.
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15
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Iñiguez C, Aguiló-Nicolau P, Galmés J. Improving photosynthesis through the enhancement of Rubisco carboxylation capacity. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2007-2019. [PMID: 34623388 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rising human population, along with the reduction in arable land and the impacts of global change, sets out the need for continuously improving agricultural resource use efficiency and crop yield (CY). Bioengineering approaches for photosynthesis optimization have largely demonstrated the potential for enhancing CY. This review is focused on the improvement of Rubisco functioning, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of CO2 fixation required for plant growth, but also catalyzes the ribulose-bisphosphate oxygenation initiating the carbon and energy wasteful photorespiration pathway. Rubisco carboxylation capacity can be enhanced by engineering the Rubisco large and/or small subunit genes to improve its catalytic traits, or by engineering the mechanisms that provide enhanced Rubisco expression, activation and/or elevated [CO2] around the active sites to favor carboxylation over oxygenation. Recent advances have been made in the expression, assembly and activation of foreign (either natural or mutant) faster and/or more CO2-specific Rubisco versions. Some components of CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) from bacteria, algae and C4 plants has been successfully expressed in tobacco and rice. Still, none of the transformed plant lines expressing foreign Rubisco versions and/or simplified CCM components were able to grow faster than wild type plants under present atmospheric [CO2] and optimum conditions. However, the results obtained up to date suggest that it might be achievable in the near future. In addition, photosynthetic and yield improvements have already been observed when manipulating Rubisco quantity and activation degree in crops. Therefore, engineering Rubisco carboxylation capacity continues being a promising target for the improvement in photosynthesis and yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concepción Iñiguez
- Research Group on Plant Biology Under Mediterranean Conditions, Universitat de les Illes Balears-INAGEA, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Pere Aguiló-Nicolau
- Research Group on Plant Biology Under Mediterranean Conditions, Universitat de les Illes Balears-INAGEA, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Jeroni Galmés
- Research Group on Plant Biology Under Mediterranean Conditions, Universitat de les Illes Balears-INAGEA, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
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16
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Sales CRG, Wang Y, Evers JB, Kromdijk J. Improving C4 photosynthesis to increase productivity under optimal and suboptimal conditions. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:5942-5960. [PMID: 34268575 PMCID: PMC8411859 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although improving photosynthetic efficiency is widely recognized as an underutilized strategy to increase crop yields, research in this area is strongly biased towards species with C3 photosynthesis relative to C4 species. Here, we outline potential strategies for improving C4 photosynthesis to increase yields in crops by reviewing the major bottlenecks limiting the C4 NADP-malic enzyme pathway under optimal and suboptimal conditions. Recent experimental results demonstrate that steady-state C4 photosynthesis under non-stressed conditions can be enhanced by increasing Rubisco content or electron transport capacity, both of which may also stimulate CO2 assimilation at supraoptimal temperatures. Several additional putative bottlenecks for photosynthetic performance under drought, heat, or chilling stress or during photosynthetic induction await further experimental verification. Based on source-sink interactions in maize, sugarcane, and sorghum, alleviating these photosynthetic bottlenecks during establishment and growth of the harvestable parts are likely to improve yield. The expected benefits are also shown to be augmented by the increasing trend in planting density, which increases the impact of photosynthetic source limitation on crop yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina R G Sales
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jochem B Evers
- Centre for Crops Systems Analysis (WUR), Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Kromdijk
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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17
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Shen C, Zhang Y, Li Q, Liu S, He F, An Y, Zhou Y, Liu C, Yin W, Xia X. PdGNC confers drought tolerance by mediating stomatal closure resulting from NO and H 2 O 2 production via the direct regulation of PdHXK1 expression in Populus. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 230:1868-1882. [PMID: 33629353 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Drought is one of the primary abiotic stresses, seriously implicating plant growth and productivity. Stomata play a crucial role in regulating drought tolerance. However, the molecular mechanism on stomatal movement-mediated drought tolerance remains unclear. Using genetic, molecular and biochemical techniques, we identified that the PdGNC directly activating the promoter of PdHXK1 by binding the GATC element, a hexokinase (HXK) synthesis key gene. Here, PdGNC, a member of the GATA transcription factor family, was greatly induced by abscisic acid and dehydration. Overexpressing PdGNC in poplar (Populus clone 717) resulted in reduced stomatal aperture with greater water-use efficiency and increased water deficit tolerance. By contrast, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated poplar mutant gnc exhibited increased stomatal aperture and water loss with reducing drought resistance. PdGNC activates PdHXK1 (a hexokinase synthesis key gene), resulting in a remarkable increase in hexokinase activity in poplars subjected to water deficit. Furthermore, hexokinase promoted nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) production in guard cells, which ultimately reduced stomatal aperture and increased drought resistance. Together, PdGNC confers drought stress tolerance by reducing stomatal aperture caused by NO and H2 O2 production via the direct regulation of PdHXK1 expression in poplars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Shen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Qing Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Shujing Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Fang He
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yi An
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yangyan Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Weilun Yin
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xinli Xia
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Tree Breeding by Molecular Design, National Engineering Laboratory for Tree Breeding, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100083, China
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18
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Lin MT, Orr DJ, Worrall D, Parry MAJ, Carmo-Silva E, Hanson MR. A procedure to introduce point mutations into the Rubisco large subunit gene in wild-type plants. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 106:876-887. [PMID: 33576096 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic inefficiencies limit the productivity and sustainability of crop production and the resilience of agriculture to future societal and environmental challenges. Rubisco is a key target for improvement as it plays a central role in carbon fixation during photosynthesis and is remarkably inefficient. Introduction of mutations to the chloroplast-encoded Rubisco large subunit rbcL is of particular interest for improving the catalytic activity and efficiency of the enzyme. However, manipulation of rbcL is hampered by its location in the plastome, with many species recalcitrant to plastome transformation, and by the plastid's efficient repair system, which can prevent effective maintenance of mutations introduced with homologous recombination. Here we present a system where the introduction of a number of silent mutations into rbcL within the model plant Nicotiana tabacum facilitates simplified screening via additional restriction enzyme sites. This system was used to successfully generate a range of transplastomic lines from wild-type N. tabacum with stable point mutations within rbcL in 40% of the transformants, allowing assessment of the effect of these mutations on Rubisco assembly and activity. With further optimization the approach offers a viable way forward for mutagenic testing of Rubisco function in planta within tobacco and modification of rbcL in other crops where chloroplast transformation is feasible. The transformation strategy could also be applied to introduce point mutations in other chloroplast-encoded genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myat T Lin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Douglas J Orr
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Library Avenue, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Dawn Worrall
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Library Avenue, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Martin A J Parry
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Library Avenue, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Elizabete Carmo-Silva
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Library Avenue, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Maureen R Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
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Barrett J, Girr P, Mackinder LCM. Pyrenoids: CO 2-fixing phase separated liquid organelles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:118949. [PMID: 33421532 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.118949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pyrenoids are non-membrane bound organelles found in chloroplasts of algae and hornwort plants that can be seen by light-microscopy. Pyrenoids are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of Rubisco, the primary CO2 fixing enzyme, with an intrinsically disordered multivalent Rubisco-binding protein. Pyrenoids are the heart of algal and hornwort biophysical CO2 concentrating mechanisms, which accelerate photosynthesis and mediate about 30% of global carbon fixation. Even though LLPS may underlie the apparent convergent evolution of pyrenoids, our current molecular understanding of pyrenoid formation comes from a single example, the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In this review, we summarise current knowledge about pyrenoid assembly, regulation and structural organization in Chlamydomonas and highlight evidence that LLPS is the general principle underlying pyrenoid formation across algal lineages and hornworts. Detailed understanding of the principles behind pyrenoid assembly, regulation and structural organization within diverse lineages will provide a fundamental understanding of this biogeochemically important organelle and help guide ongoing efforts to engineer pyrenoids into crops to increase photosynthetic performance and yields.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Barrett
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Philipp Girr
- Department of Biology, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
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20
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Jeon S, Koh HG, Cho JM, Kang NK, Chang YK. Enhancement of lipid production in Nannochloropsis salina by overexpression of endogenous NADP-dependent malic enzyme. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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21
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Abstract
Since 1893, when the word "photosynthesis" was first coined by Charles Reid Barnes and Conway MacMillan, our understanding of the elements and regulation of this complex process is far from being entirely understood. We aim to review the most relevant advances in photosynthesis research from the last few years and to provide a perspective on the forthcoming research in this field. Recent discoveries related to light sensing, harvesting, and dissipation; kinetics of CO2 fixation; components and regulators of CO2 diffusion through stomata and mesophyll; and genetic engineering for improving photosynthetic and production capacities of crops are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia V Perera-Castro
- Department of Biology, Universitat de les Illes Balears, INAGEA, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Jaume Flexas
- Department of Biology, Universitat de les Illes Balears, INAGEA, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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22
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Ji H, Liu D, Yang Z. High oil accumulation in tuber of yellow nutsedge compared to purple nutsedge is associated with more abundant expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol storage. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2021; 14:54. [PMID: 33653389 PMCID: PMC7923336 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-021-01909-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yellow nutsedge is a unique plant species that can accumulate up to 35% oil of tuber dry weight, perhaps the highest level observed in the tuber tissues of plant kingdom. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism that leads to high oil accumulation in yellow nutsedge, gene expression profiles of oil production pathways involved carbon metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, triacylglycerol synthesis, and triacylglycerol storage during tuber development were compared with purple nutsedge, the closest relative of yellow nutsedge that is poor in oil accumulation. RESULTS Compared with purple nutsedge, high oil accumulation in yellow nutsedge was associated with significant up-regulation of specific key enzymes of plastidial RubisCO bypass as well as malate and pyruvate metabolism, almost all fatty acid synthesis enzymes, and seed-like oil-body proteins. However, overall transcripts for carbon metabolism toward carbon precursor for fatty acid synthesis were comparable and for triacylglycerol synthesis were similar in both species. Two seed-like master transcription factors ABI3 and WRI1 were found to display similar transcript patterns but were expressed at 6.5- and 14.3-fold higher levels in yellow nutsedge than in purple nutsedge, respectively. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that ABI3 was in strong transcriptional coordination with WRI1 and other key oil-related genes. CONCLUSIONS These results implied that pyruvate availability and fatty acid synthesis in plastid, along with triacylglycerol storage in oil bodies, rather than triacylglycerol synthesis in endoplasmic reticulum, are the major factors responsible for high oil production in tuber of yellow nutsedge, and ABI3 most likely plays a critical role in regulating oil accumulation. This study is of significance with regard to understanding the molecular mechanism controlling carbon partitioning toward oil production in oil-rich tuber and provides a valuable reference for enhancing oil accumulation in non-seed tissues of crops through genetic breeding or metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongying Ji
- Key Lab of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Dantong Liu
- Key Lab of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Zhenle Yang
- Key Lab of Plant Resources, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093 China
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23
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Koester RP, Pignon CP, Kesler DC, Willison RS, Kang M, Shen Y, Priest HD, Begemann MB, Cook KA, Bannon GA, Oufattole M. Transgenic insertion of the cyanobacterial membrane protein ictB increases grain yield in Zea mays through increased photosynthesis and carbohydrate production. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246359. [PMID: 33539477 PMCID: PMC7861388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The C4 crop maize (Zea mays) is the most widely grown cereal crop worldwide and is an essential feedstock for food and bioenergy. Improving maize yield is important to achieve food security and agricultural sustainability in the 21st century. One potential means to improve crop productivity is to enhance photosynthesis. ictB, a membrane protein that is highly conserved across cyanobacteria, has been shown to improve photosynthesis, and often biomass, when introduced into diverse C3 plant species. Here, ictB from Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7942 was inserted into maize using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. In three controlled-environment experiments, ictB insertion increased leaf starch and sucrose content by up to 25% relative to controls. Experimental field trials in four growing seasons, spanning the Midwestern United States (Summers 2018 & 2019) and Argentina (Winter 2018 & 2019), showed an average of 3.49% grain yield improvement, by as much as 5.4% in a given season and up to 9.4% at certain trial locations. A subset of field trial locations was used to test for modification of ear traits and ФPSII, a proxy for photosynthesis. Results suggested that yield gain in transgenics could be associated with increased ФPSII, and the production of longer, thinner ears with more kernels. ictB localized primarily to the microsome fraction of leaf bundle-sheath cells, but not to chloroplasts. Extramembrane domains of ictB interacted in vitro with proteins involved in photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. To our knowledge, this is the first published evidence of ictB insertion into a species using C4 photosynthesis and the largest-scale demonstration of grain yield enhancement from ictB insertion in planta. Results show that ictB is a valuable yield gene in the economically important crop maize, and are an important proof of concept that transgenic manipulation of photosynthesis can be used to create economically viable crop improvement traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dylan C Kesler
- Benson Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | - Miyoung Kang
- Benson Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Yu Shen
- Benson Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Henry D Priest
- Benson Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | - Kevin A Cook
- Benson Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Gary A Bannon
- Benson Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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24
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González-Morales S, Solís-Gaona S, Valdés-Caballero MV, Juárez-Maldonado A, Loredo-Treviño A, Benavides-Mendoza A. Transcriptomics of Biostimulation of Plants Under Abiotic Stress. Front Genet 2021; 12:583888. [PMID: 33613631 PMCID: PMC7888440 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.583888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant biostimulants are compounds, living microorganisms, or their constituent parts that alter plant development programs. The impact of biostimulants is manifested in several ways: via morphological, physiological, biochemical, epigenomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic changes. For each of these, a response and alteration occur, and these alterations in turn improve metabolic and adaptive performance in the environment. Many studies have been conducted on the effects of different biotic and abiotic stimulants on plants, including many crop species. However, as far as we know, there are no reviews available that describe the impact of biostimulants for a specific field such as transcriptomics, which is the objective of this review. For the commercial registration process of products for agricultural use, it is necessary to distinguish the specific impact of biostimulants from that of other legal categories of products used in agriculture, such as fertilizers and plant hormones. For the chemical or biological classification of biostimulants, the classification is seen as a complex issue, given the great diversity of compounds and organisms that cause biostimulation. However, with an approach focused on the impact on a particular field such as transcriptomics, it is perhaps possible to obtain a criterion that allows biostimulants to be grouped considering their effects on living systems, as well as the overlap of the impact on metabolism, physiology, and morphology occurring between fertilizers, hormones, and biostimulants.
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25
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Synthetic Biology Approaches To Enhance Microalgal Productivity. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:1019-1036. [PMID: 33541719 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The major bottleneck in commercializing biofuels and other commodities produced by microalgae is the high cost associated with phototrophic cultivation. Improving microalgal productivities could be a solution to this problem. Synthetic biology methods have recently been used to engineer the downstream production pathways in several microalgal strains. However, engineering upstream photosynthetic and carbon fixation metabolism to enhance growth, productivity, and yield has barely been explored in microalgae. We describe strategies to improve the generation of reducing power from light, as well as to improve the assimilation of CO2 by either the native Calvin cycle or synthetic alternatives. Overall, we are optimistic that recent technological advances will prompt long-awaited breakthroughs in microalgal research.
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26
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Donovan S, Mao Y, Orr DJ, Carmo-Silva E, McCormick AJ. CRISPR-Cas9-Mediated Mutagenesis of the Rubisco Small Subunit Family in Nicotiana tabacum. Front Genome Ed 2020; 2:605614. [PMID: 34713229 PMCID: PMC8525408 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2020.605614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineering the small subunit of the key CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco (SSU, encoded by rbcS) in plants currently poses a significant challenge, as many plants have polyploid genomes and SSUs are encoded by large multigene families. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing approach to simultaneously knock-out multiple rbcS homologs in the model tetraploid crop tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Petit Havana). The three rbcS homologs rbcS_S1a, rbcS_S1b and rbcS_T1 account for at least 80% of total rbcS expression in tobacco. In this study, two multiplexing guide RNAs (gRNAs) were designed to target homologous regions in these three genes. We generated tobacco mutant lines with indel mutations in all three genes, including one line with a 670 bp deletion in rbcS-T1. The Rubisco content of three selected mutant lines in the T1 generation was reduced by ca. 93% and mutant plants accumulated only 10% of the total biomass of wild-type plants. As a second goal, we developed a proof-of-principle approach to simultaneously introduce a non-native rbcS gene while generating the triple SSU knockout by co-transformation into a wild-type tobacco background. Our results show that CRISPR-Cas9 is a viable tool for the targeted mutagenesis of rbcS families in polyploid species and will contribute to efforts aimed at improving photosynthetic efficiency through expression of superior non-native Rubisco enzymes in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Donovan
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yuwei Mao
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas J. Orr
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alistair J. McCormick
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Atkinson N, Mao Y, Chan KX, McCormick AJ. Condensation of Rubisco into a proto-pyrenoid in higher plant chloroplasts. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6303. [PMID: 33298923 PMCID: PMC7726157 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosynthetic CO2 fixation in plants is limited by the inefficiency of the CO2-assimilating enzyme Rubisco. In most eukaryotic algae, Rubisco aggregates within a microcompartment known as the pyrenoid, in association with a CO2-concentrating mechanism that improves photosynthetic operating efficiency under conditions of low inorganic carbon. Recent work has shown that the pyrenoid matrix is a phase-separated, liquid-like condensate. In the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, condensation is mediated by two components: Rubisco and the linker protein EPYC1 (Essential Pyrenoid Component 1). Here, we show that expression of mature EPYC1 and a plant-algal hybrid Rubisco leads to spontaneous condensation of Rubisco into a single phase-separated compartment in Arabidopsis chloroplasts, with liquid-like properties similar to a pyrenoid matrix. This work represents a significant initial step towards enhancing photosynthesis in higher plants by introducing an algal CO2-concentrating mechanism, which is predicted to significantly increase the efficiency of photosynthetic CO2 uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Atkinson
- SynthSys & Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Yuwei Mao
- SynthSys & Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Kher Xing Chan
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Alistair J McCormick
- SynthSys & Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, King's Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK.
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Cavanagh AP. Big progress for small subunits: new Rubisco mutants in Arabidopsis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:5721-5724. [PMID: 33027530 PMCID: PMC7541911 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This article comments on:
Khumsupan P, Kozlowska MA, Orr DJ, Andreou AI, Nakayama N, Patron N, Carmo-Silva E, McCormick AJ. 2020. Generating and characterizing single- and multigene mutants of the Rubisco small subunit family in Arabidopsis. Journal of Experimental Botany 71, 5963–5975.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda P Cavanagh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, UK
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Khumsupan P, Kozlowska MA, Orr DJ, Andreou AI, Nakayama N, Patron N, Carmo-Silva E, McCormick AJ. Generating and characterizing single- and multigene mutants of the Rubisco small subunit family in Arabidopsis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:5963-5975. [PMID: 32734287 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The primary CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco limits the productivity of plants. The small subunit of Rubisco (SSU) can influence overall Rubisco levels and catalytic efficiency, and is now receiving increasing attention as a potential engineering target to improve the performance of Rubisco. However, SSUs are encoded by a family of nuclear rbcS genes in plants, which makes them challenging to engineer and study. Here we have used CRISPR/Cas9 [clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9] and T-DNA insertion lines to generate a suite of single and multiple gene knockout mutants for the four members of the rbcS family in Arabidopsis, including two novel mutants 2b3b and 1a2b3b. 1a2b3b contained very low levels of Rubisco (~3% relative to the wild-type) and is the first example of a mutant with a homogenous Rubisco pool consisting of a single SSU isoform (1B). Growth under near-outdoor levels of light demonstrated Rubisco-limited growth phenotypes for several SSU mutants and the importance of the 1A and 3B isoforms. We also identified 1a1b as a likely lethal mutation, suggesting a key contributory role for the least expressed 1B isoform during early development. The successful use of CRISPR/Cas here suggests that this is a viable approach for exploring the functional roles of SSU isoforms in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panupon Khumsupan
- SynthSys & Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marta A Kozlowska
- SynthSys & Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Douglas J Orr
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Andreas I Andreou
- SynthSys & Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Naomi Nakayama
- SynthSys & Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nicola Patron
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Alistair J McCormick
- SynthSys & Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Elucidation and genetic intervention of CO2 concentration mechanism in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for increased plant primary productivity. J Biosci 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-020-00080-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Martin-Avila E, Lim YL, Birch R, Dirk LMA, Buck S, Rhodes T, Sharwood RE, Kapralov MV, Whitney SM. Modifying Plant Photosynthesis and Growth via Simultaneous Chloroplast Transformation of Rubisco Large and Small Subunits. THE PLANT CELL 2020; 32:2898-2916. [PMID: 32647068 PMCID: PMC7474299 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.20.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Engineering improved Rubisco for the enhancement of photosynthesis is challenged by the alternate locations of the chloroplast rbcL gene and nuclear RbcS genes. Here we develop an RNAi-RbcS tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) master-line, tobRrΔS, for producing homogenous plant Rubisco by rbcL-rbcS operon chloroplast transformation. Four genotypes encoding alternative rbcS genes and adjoining 5'-intergenic sequences revealed that Rubisco production was highest (50% of the wild type) in the lines incorporating a rbcS gene whose codon use and 5' untranslated-region matched rbcL Additional tobacco genotypes produced here incorporated differing potato (Solanum tuberosum) rbcL-rbcS operons that either encoded one of three mesophyll small subunits (pS1, pS2, and pS3) or the potato trichome pST-subunit. The pS3-subunit caused impairment of potato Rubisco production by ∼15% relative to the lines producing pS1, pS2, or pST However, the βA-βB loop Asn-55-His and Lys-57-Ser substitutions in the pS3-subunit improved carboxylation rates by 13% and carboxylation efficiency (CE) by 17%, relative to potato Rubisco incorporating pS1 or pS2-subunits. Tobacco photosynthesis and growth were most impaired in lines producing potato Rubisco incorporating the pST-subunit, which reduced CE and CO2/O2 specificity 40% and 15%, respectively. Returning the rbcS gene to the plant plastome provides an effective bioengineering chassis for introduction and evaluation of novel homogeneous Rubisco complexes in a whole plant context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martin-Avila
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Yi-Leen Lim
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Rosemary Birch
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Lynnette M A Dirk
- Department of Horticulture, Seed Biology Group, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0312
| | - Sally Buck
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Timothy Rhodes
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Robert E Sharwood
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Maxim V Kapralov
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Spencer M Whitney
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
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Oleksienko AA, Kot YG, Komaristaya VP. DNA-Specific DAPI Staining of the Pyrenoid Matrix During its Fission in Dunaliella salina (Dunal) Teodoresco (Chlorophyta). Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:3450-3459. [PMID: 32780204 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02159-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The algal pyrenoid is a naked phase-separated liquid compartment inside the chloroplast consisting predominantly of densely packaged Rubisco and most often transversed by a system of lipid membranes. The pyrenoid participates in carbon-concentrating mechanisms of algae. During the cell division, the daughter cells of algae acquire the pyrenoids via their assembly or fission, the mechanisms of which are not fully understood. We suppose that the chloroplast nucleoid scaffolds the new pyrenoid like the cyanobacterial nucleoid positions carboxysomes before the cell division. This work was aimed at visualization and localization of the chloroplast DNA relative to the pyrenoid in synchronously dividing cells of Dunaliella salina with DNA-specific fluorescent DAPI stain through the fluorescent confocal microscope. The intense DNA-specific blue DAPI fluorescence was discovered in the pyrenoids matrix under the starch shell in the presumably pre-mitotic cells, during and following the pyrenoid fission. In the interphase cells, the chloroplast DNA localized both in the pyrenoid core and in several small nucleoids on the outer surface of the starch shell around the pyrenoid. The observations were compared with the literature data on the same and other algal species. The spatial pre-requisite exists in D. salina for the chloroplast nucleoid to scaffold the pyrenoid fission. A potential alternative explanation was declared being the algal pyrenoid as the chloroplast genetic center. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Oleksienko
- The School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Svobody sq., 4, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine
| | - Yurii G Kot
- The School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Svobody sq., 4, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine
| | - Victoria P Komaristaya
- The School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Svobody sq., 4, Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine.
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Goudet MMM, Orr DJ, Melkonian M, Müller KH, Meyer MT, Carmo-Silva E, Griffiths H. Rubisco and carbon-concentrating mechanism co-evolution across chlorophyte and streptophyte green algae. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 227:810-823. [PMID: 32249430 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Green algae expressing a carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) are usually associated with a Rubisco-containing micro-compartment, the pyrenoid. A link between the small subunit (SSU) of Rubisco and pyrenoid formation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has previously suggested that specific RbcS residues could explain pyrenoid occurrence in green algae. A phylogeny of RbcS was used to compare the protein sequence and CCM distribution across the green algae and positive selection in RbcS was estimated. For six streptophyte algae, Rubisco catalytic properties, affinity for CO2 uptake (K0.5 ), carbon isotope discrimination (δ13 C) and pyrenoid morphology were compared. The length of the βA-βB loop in RbcS provided a phylogenetic marker discriminating chlorophyte from streptophyte green algae. Rubisco kinetic properties in streptophyte algae have responded to the extent of inducible CCM activity, as indicated by changes in inorganic carbon uptake affinity, δ13 C and pyrenoid ultrastructure between high and low CO2 conditions for growth. We conclude that the Rubisco catalytic properties found in streptophyte algae have coevolved and reflect the strength of any CCM or degree of pyrenoid leakiness, and limitations to inorganic carbon in the aquatic habitat, whereas Rubisco in extant land plants reflects more recent selective pressures associated with improved diffusive supply of the terrestrial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam M M Goudet
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
| | - Douglas J Orr
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Michael Melkonian
- Institute for Plant Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674, Cologne, Germany
- Central Collection of Algal Cultures, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Karin H Müller
- Cambridge Advanced Imaging Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Moritz T Meyer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | | | - Howard Griffiths
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK
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Hennacy JH, Jonikas MC. Prospects for Engineering Biophysical CO 2 Concentrating Mechanisms into Land Plants to Enhance Yields. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 71:461-485. [PMID: 32151155 PMCID: PMC7845915 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-081519-040100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Although cyanobacteria and algae represent a small fraction of the biomass of all primary producers, their photosynthetic activity accounts for roughly half of the daily CO2 fixation that occurs on Earth. These microorganisms are able to accomplish this feat by enhancing the activity of the CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco using biophysical CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs). Biophysical CCMs operate by concentrating bicarbonate and converting it into CO2 in a compartment that houses Rubisco (in contrast with other CCMs that concentrate CO2 via an organic intermediate, such as malate in the case of C4 CCMs). This activity provides Rubisco with a high concentration of its substrate, thereby increasing its reaction rate. The genetic engineering of a biophysical CCM into land plants is being pursued as a strategy to increase crop yields. This review focuses on the progress toward understanding the molecular components of cyanobacterial and algal CCMs, as well as recent advances toward engineering these components into land plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica H Hennacy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA; ,
| | - Martin C Jonikas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA; ,
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Batista-Silva W, da Fonseca-Pereira P, Martins AO, Zsögön A, Nunes-Nesi A, Araújo WL. Engineering Improved Photosynthesis in the Era of Synthetic Biology. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2020; 1:100032. [PMID: 33367233 PMCID: PMC7747996 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2020.100032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Much attention has been given to the enhancement of photosynthesis as a strategy for the optimization of crop productivity. As traditional plant breeding is most likely reaching a plateau, there is a timely need to accelerate improvements in photosynthetic efficiency by means of novel tools and biotechnological solutions. The emerging field of synthetic biology offers the potential for building completely novel pathways in predictable directions and, thus, addresses the global requirements for higher yields expected to occur in the 21st century. Here, we discuss recent advances and current challenges of engineering improved photosynthesis in the era of synthetic biology toward optimized utilization of solar energy and carbon sources to optimize the production of food, fiber, and fuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Batista-Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Paula da Fonseca-Pereira
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | | | - Agustín Zsögön
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Adriano Nunes-Nesi
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Wagner L. Araújo
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
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Omta AW, Talmy D, Inomura K, Irwin AJ, Finkel ZV, Sher D, Liefer JD, Follows MJ. Quantifying nutrient throughput and DOM production by algae in continuous culture. J Theor Biol 2020; 494:110214. [PMID: 32142805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater and marine algae can balance nutrient demand and availability by regulating uptake, accumulation and exudation. To obtain insight into these processes under nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) limitation, we reanalyze published data from continuous cultures of the chlorophyte Selenastrum minutum. Based on mass budgets, we argue that much of the non-limiting N and P had passed through the organisms and was present as dissolved organic phosphorus or nitrogen (DOP or DON). We construct a model that describes the production of biomass and dissolved organic matter (DOM) as a function of the growth rate. A fit of this model against the chemostat data suggests a high turnover of the non-limiting N and P: at the highest growth rates, N and P atoms spent on average only about 3 h inside an organism, before they were exuded as DON and DOP, respectively. This DOM exudation can explain the observed trends in the algal stoichiometric ratios as a function of the dilution rate. We discuss independent evidence from isotope experiments for this apparently wasteful behavior and we suggest experiments to quantify and characterize DON and DOP exudation further.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Omta
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
| | - D Talmy
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, 1311 Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916, United States.
| | - K Inomura
- School of Oceanography, University of Washington, 1492 NE Boat Street, Seattle, WA 98105, United States.
| | - A J Irwin
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Dalhousie University, 6316 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Z V Finkel
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - D Sher
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Avenue, Mount Carmel 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
| | - J D Liefer
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, 63B York Street, Sackville, NB E4L 1G7, Canada.
| | - M J Follows
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
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Atkinson N, Velanis CN, Wunder T, Clarke DJ, Mueller-Cajar O, McCormick AJ. The pyrenoidal linker protein EPYC1 phase separates with hybrid Arabidopsis-Chlamydomonas Rubisco through interactions with the algal Rubisco small subunit. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2019; 70:5271-5285. [PMID: 31504763 PMCID: PMC6793452 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic efficiencies in plants are restricted by the CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco but could be enhanced by introducing a CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM) from green algae, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (hereafter Chlamydomonas). A key feature of the algal CCM is aggregation of Rubisco in the pyrenoid, a liquid-like organelle in the chloroplast. Here we have used a yeast two-hybrid system and higher plants to investigate the protein-protein interaction between Rubisco and essential pyrenoid component 1 (EPYC1), a linker protein required for Rubisco aggregation. We showed that EPYC1 interacts with the small subunit of Rubisco (SSU) from Chlamydomonas and that EPYC1 has at least five SSU interaction sites. Interaction is crucially dependent on the two surface-exposed α-helices of the Chlamydomonas SSU. EPYC1 could be localized to the chloroplast in higher plants and was not detrimental to growth when expressed stably in Arabidopsis with or without a Chlamydomonas SSU. Although EPYC1 interacted with Rubisco in planta, EPYC1 was a target for proteolytic degradation. Plants expressing EPYC1 did not show obvious evidence of Rubisco aggregation. Nevertheless, hybrid Arabidopsis Rubisco containing the Chlamydomonas SSU could phase separate into liquid droplets with purified EPYC1 in vitro, providing the first evidence of pyrenoid-like aggregation for Rubisco derived from a higher plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Atkinson
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christos N Velanis
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tobias Wunder
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David J Clarke
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Oliver Mueller-Cajar
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alistair J McCormick
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Correspondence:
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Selection of Cyanobacterial ( Synechococcus sp. Strain PCC 6301) RubisCO Variants with Improved Functional Properties That Confer Enhanced CO 2-Dependent Growth of Rhodobacter capsulatus, a Photosynthetic Bacterium. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.01537-19. [PMID: 31337726 PMCID: PMC6650557 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01537-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RubisCO catalysis has a significant impact on mitigating greenhouse gas accumulation and CO2 conversion to food, fuel, and other organic compounds required to sustain life. Because RubisCO-dependent CO2 fixation is severely compromised by oxygen inhibition and other physiological constraints, improving RubisCO’s kinetic properties to enhance growth in the presence of atmospheric O2 levels has been a longstanding goal. In this study, RubisCO variants with superior structure-functional properties were selected which resulted in enhanced growth of an autotrophic host organism (R. capsulatus), indicating that RubisCO function was indeed growth limiting. It is evident from these results that genetically engineered RubisCO with kinetically enhanced properties can positively impact growth rates in primary producers. Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) is a ubiquitous enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of atmospheric CO2 into organic carbon in primary producers. All naturally occurring RubisCOs have low catalytic turnover rates and are inhibited by oxygen. Evolutionary adaptations of the enzyme and its host organisms to changing atmospheric oxygen concentrations provide an impetus to artificially evolve RubisCO variants under unnatural selective conditions. A RubisCO deletion strain of the nonsulfur purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus was previously used as a heterologous host for directed evolution and suppressor selection studies that led to the identification of a conserved hydrophobic region near the active site where amino acid substitutions selectively impacted the enzyme’s sensitivity to O2. In this study, structural alignments, mutagenesis, suppressor selection, and growth complementation with R. capsulatus under anoxic or oxygenic conditions were used to analyze the importance of semiconserved residues in this region of Synechococcus RubisCO. RubisCO mutant substitutions were identified that provided superior CO2-dependent growth capabilities relative to the wild-type enzyme. Kinetic analyses of the mutant enzymes indicated that enhanced growth performance was traceable to differential interactions of the enzymes with CO2 and O2. Effective residue substitutions also appeared to be localized to two other conserved hydrophobic regions of the holoenzyme. Structural comparisons and similarities indicated that regions identified in this study may be targeted for improvement in RubisCOs from other sources, including crop plants.
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John Mackie Christie. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 222:1688-1689. [PMID: 31066072 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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Wunder T, Oh ZG, Mueller‐Cajar O. CO
2
‐fixing liquid droplets: Towards a dissection of the microalgal pyrenoid. Traffic 2019; 20:380-389. [DOI: 10.1111/tra.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wunder
- School of Biological SciencesNanyang Technological University Singapore
| | - Zhen Guo Oh
- School of Biological SciencesNanyang Technological University Singapore
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41
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Khumsupan P, Donovan S, McCormick AJ. CRISPR/Cas in Arabidopsis: overcoming challenges to accelerate improvements in crop photosynthetic efficiencies. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2019; 166:428-437. [PMID: 30706492 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The rapid and widespread adoption of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas technologies has allowed genetic editing in plants to enter a revolutionary new era. In this mini review, we highlight the current CRISPR/Cas tools available in plants and the use of Arabidopsis thaliana as a model to guide future improvements in crop yields, such as enhancing photosynthetic potential. We also outline the current socio-political landscape for CRISPR/Cas research and highlight the growing need for governments to better facilitate research into plant genetic-editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panupon Khumsupan
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Sophie Donovan
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Alistair J McCormick
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
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42
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South PF, Cavanagh AP, Lopez-Calcagno PE, Raines CA, Ort DR. Optimizing photorespiration for improved crop productivity. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 60:1217-1230. [PMID: 30126060 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In C3 plants, photorespiration is an energy-expensive process, including the oxygenation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) by ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and the ensuing multi-organellar photorespiratory pathway required to recycle the toxic byproducts and recapture a portion of the fixed carbon. Photorespiration significantly impacts crop productivity through reducing yields in C3 crops by as much as 50% under severe conditions. Thus, reducing the flux through, or improving the efficiency of photorespiration has the potential of large improvements in C3 crop productivity. Here, we review an array of approaches intended to engineer photorespiration in a range of plant systems with the goal of increasing crop productivity. Approaches include optimizing flux through the native photorespiratory pathway, installing non-native alternative photorespiratory pathways, and lowering or even eliminating Rubisco-catalyzed oxygenation of RuBP to reduce substrate entrance into the photorespiratory cycle. Some proposed designs have been successful at the proof of concept level. A plant systems-engineering approach, based on new opportunities available from synthetic biology to implement in silico designs, holds promise for further progress toward delivering more productive crops to farmer's fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul F South
- Global Change and Photosynthesis Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Amanda P Cavanagh
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | | | - Christine A Raines
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Donald R Ort
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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43
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Valegård K, Hasse D, Andersson I, Gunn LH. Structure of Rubisco from Arabidopsis thaliana in complex with 2-carboxyarabinitol-1,5-bisphosphate. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2018; 74:1-9. [PMID: 29372894 PMCID: PMC5786004 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798317017132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The crystal structure of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) from Arabidopsis thaliana is reported at 1.5 Å resolution. In light of the importance of A. thaliana as a model organism for understanding higher plant biology, and the pivotal role of Rubisco in photosynthetic carbon assimilation, there has been a notable absence of an A. thaliana Rubisco crystal structure. A. thaliana Rubisco is an L8S8 hexadecamer comprising eight plastome-encoded catalytic large (L) subunits and eight nuclear-encoded small (S) subunits. A. thaliana produces four distinct small-subunit isoforms (RbcS1A, RbcS1B, RbcS2B and RbcS3B), and this crystal structure provides a snapshot of A. thaliana Rubisco containing the low-abundance RbcS3B small-subunit isoform. Crystals were obtained in the presence of the transition-state analogue 2-carboxy-D-arabinitol-1,5-bisphosphate. A. thaliana Rubisco shares the overall fold characteristic of higher plant Rubiscos, but exhibits an interesting disparity between sequence and structural relatedness to other Rubisco isoforms. These results provide the structural framework to understand A. thaliana Rubisco and the potential catalytic differences that could be conferred by alternative A. thaliana Rubisco small-subunit isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Valegård
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dirk Hasse
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Inger Andersson
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laura H. Gunn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 596, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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Mackinder LCM. The Chlamydomonas CO 2 -concentrating mechanism and its potential for engineering photosynthesis in plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2018; 217:54-61. [PMID: 28833179 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Contents Summary I. Introduction 54 II. Recent advances in our understanding of the Chlamydomonas CCM 55 III. Current gaps in our understanding of the Chlamydomonas CCM 58 IV. Approaches to rapidly advance our understanding of the Chlamydomonas CCM 58 V. Engineering a CCM into higher plants 58 VI. Conclusion and outlook 59 Acknowledgements 60 References 60 SUMMARY: To meet the food demands of a rising global population, innovative strategies are required to increase crop yields. Improvements in plant photosynthesis by genetic engineering show considerable potential towards this goal. One prospective approach is to introduce a CO2 -concentrating mechanism into crop plants to increase carbon fixation by supplying the central carbon-fixing enzyme, Rubisco, with a higher concentration of its substrate, CO2 . A promising donor organism for the molecular machinery of this mechanism is the eukaryotic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of carbon concentration in Chlamydomonas, outlines the most pressing gaps in our knowledge and discusses strategies to transfer a CO2 -concentrating mechanism into higher plants to increase photosynthetic performance.
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45
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Dobrescu A, Scorza LCT, Tsaftaris SA, McCormick AJ. A "Do-It-Yourself" phenotyping system: measuring growth and morphology throughout the diel cycle in rosette shaped plants. PLANT METHODS 2017; 13:95. [PMID: 29151842 PMCID: PMC5678596 DOI: 10.1186/s13007-017-0247-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improvements in high-throughput phenotyping technologies are rapidly expanding the scope and capacity of plant biology studies to measure growth traits. Nevertheless, the costs of commercial phenotyping equipment and infrastructure remain prohibitively expensive for wide-scale uptake, while academic solutions can require significant local expertise. Here we present a low-cost methodology for plant biologists to build their own phenotyping system for quantifying growth rates and phenotypic characteristics of Arabidopsis thaliana rosettes throughout the diel cycle. RESULTS We constructed an image capture system consisting of a near infra-red (NIR, 940 nm) LED panel with a mounted Raspberry Pi NoIR camera and developed a MatLab-based software module (iDIEL Plant) to characterise rosette expansion. Our software was able to accurately segment and characterise multiple rosettes within an image, regardless of plant arrangement or genotype, and batch process image sets. To further validate our system, wild-type Arabidopsis plants (Col-0) and two mutant lines with reduced Rubisco contents, pale leaves and slow growth phenotypes (1a3b and 1a2b) were grown on a single plant tray. Plants were imaged from 9 to 24 days after germination every 20 min throughout the 24 h light-dark growth cycle (i.e. the diel cycle). The resulting dataset provided a dynamic and uninterrupted characterisation of differences in rosette growth and expansion rates over time for the three lines tested. CONCLUSION Our methodology offers a straightforward solution for setting up automated, scalable and low-cost phenotyping facilities in a wide range of lab environments that could greatly increase the processing power and scalability of Arabidopsis soil growth experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Dobrescu
- Institute of Digital Communications, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
- Daniel Rutherford Building, SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Livia C. T. Scorza
- Daniel Rutherford Building, SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
| | - Sotirios A. Tsaftaris
- Institute of Digital Communications, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB UK
| | - Alistair J. McCormick
- Daniel Rutherford Building, SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF UK
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46
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Zhu B, Chen G, Cao X, Wei D. Molecular characterization of CO 2 sequestration and assimilation in microalgae and its biotechnological applications. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2017; 244:1207-1215. [PMID: 28606753 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2017.05.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are renewable feedstock for sustainable biofuel production, cell factory for valuable chemicals and promising in alleviation of greenhouse gas CO2. However, the carbon assimilation capacity is still the bottleneck for higher productivity. Molecular characterization of CO2 sequestration and assimilation in microalgae has advanced in the past few years and are reviewed here. In some cyanobacteria, genes for 2-oxoglytarate dehydrogenase was replaced by four alternative mechanisms to fulfill TCA cycle. In green algae Coccomyxa subellipsoidea C-169, alternative carbon assimilation pathway was upregulated under high CO2 conditions. These advances thus provide new insights and new targets for accelerating CO2 sequestration rate and enhancing bioproduct synthesis in microalgae. When integrated with conventional parameter optimization, molecular approach for microalgae modification targeting at different levels is promising in generating value-added chemicals from green algae and cyanobacteria efficiently in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojun Zhu
- School of Food Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Rd. 381, Guangzhou 510641, PR China
| | - Gu Chen
- School of Food Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Rd. 381, Guangzhou 510641, PR China
| | - Xupeng Cao
- Marine Bioengineering Group, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, PR China
| | - Dong Wei
- School of Food Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Rd. 381, Guangzhou 510641, PR China.
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47
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Orr DJ, Pereira AM, da Fonseca Pereira P, Pereira-Lima ÍA, Zsögön A, Araújo WL. Engineering photosynthesis: progress and perspectives. F1000Res 2017; 6:1891. [PMID: 29263782 PMCID: PMC5658708 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.12181.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosynthesis is the basis of primary productivity on the planet. Crop breeding has sustained steady improvements in yield to keep pace with population growth increases. Yet these advances have not resulted from improving the photosynthetic process
per se but rather of altering the way carbon is partitioned within the plant. Mounting evidence suggests that the rate at which crop yields can be boosted by traditional plant breeding approaches is wavering, and they may reach a “yield ceiling” in the foreseeable future. Further increases in yield will likely depend on the targeted manipulation of plant metabolism. Improving photosynthesis poses one such route, with simulations indicating it could have a significant transformative influence on enhancing crop productivity. Here, we summarize recent advances of alternative approaches for the manipulation and enhancement of photosynthesis and their possible application for crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J Orr
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Auderlan M Pereira
- Max-Planck Partner Group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paula da Fonseca Pereira
- Max-Planck Partner Group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ítalo A Pereira-Lima
- Max-Planck Partner Group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Agustin Zsögön
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wagner L Araújo
- Max-Planck Partner Group at the Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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48
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Selvaraj G, Kaliamurth S, Cakmak ZE, Cakmak T. RuBisCO of Microalgae as Potential Targets for Nutraceutical Peptides: A Computational Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.3923/biotech.2017.130.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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49
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Rae BD, Long BM, Förster B, Nguyen ND, Velanis CN, Atkinson N, Hee WY, Mukherjee B, Price GD, McCormick AJ. Progress and challenges of engineering a biophysical CO2-concentrating mechanism into higher plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2017; 68:3717-3737. [PMID: 28444330 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erx133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Growth and productivity in important crop plants is limited by the inefficiencies of the C3 photosynthetic pathway. Introducing CO2-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) into C3 plants could overcome these limitations and lead to increased yields. Many unicellular microautotrophs, such as cyanobacteria and green algae, possess highly efficient biophysical CCMs that increase CO2 concentrations around the primary carboxylase enzyme, Rubisco, to enhance CO2 assimilation rates. Algal and cyanobacterial CCMs utilize distinct molecular components, but share several functional commonalities. Here we outline the recent progress and current challenges of engineering biophysical CCMs into C3 plants. We review the predicted requirements for a functional biophysical CCM based on current knowledge of cyanobacterial and algal CCMs, the molecular engineering tools and research pipelines required to translate our theoretical knowledge into practice, and the current challenges to achieving these goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Rae
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Benedict M Long
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Britta Förster
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Nghiem D Nguyen
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Christos N Velanis
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Nicky Atkinson
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Wei Yih Hee
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Bratati Mukherjee
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
| | - G Dean Price
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Alistair J McCormick
- SynthSys and Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
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50
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Sharwood RE. A step forward to building an algal pyrenoid in higher plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2017; 214:496-499. [PMID: 28318030 DOI: 10.1111/nph.14514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Sharwood
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Building 134 Linnaeus Way, Canberra, ACT, 2602, Australia
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