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Bellasio C, Lundgren MR. The operation of PEPCK increases light harvesting plasticity in C 4 NAD-ME and NADP-ME photosynthetic subtypes: A theoretical study. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:2288-2309. [PMID: 38494958 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14869] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
The repeated emergence of NADP-malic enzyme (ME), NAD-ME and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) subtypes of C4 photosynthesis are iconic examples of convergent evolution, which suggests that these biochemistries do not randomly assemble, but are instead specific adaptations resulting from unknown evolutionary drivers. Theoretical studies that are based on the classic biochemical understanding have repeatedly proposed light-use efficiency as a possible benefit of the PEPCK subtype. However, quantum yield measurements do not support this idea. We explore this inconsistency here via an analytical model that features explicit descriptions across a seamless gradient between C4 biochemistries to analyse light harvesting and dark photosynthetic metabolism. Our simulations show that the NADP-ME subtype, operated by the most productive crops, is the most efficient. The NAD-ME subtype has lower efficiency, but has greater light harvesting plasticity (the capacity to assimilate CO2 in the broadest combination of light intensity and spectral qualities). In both NADP-ME and NAD-ME backgrounds, increasing PEPCK activity corresponds to greater light harvesting plasticity but likely imposed a reduction in photosynthetic efficiency. We draw the first mechanistic links between light harvesting and C4 subtypes, providing the theoretical basis for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Bellasio
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Crop Ecophysiology, School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Chemistry, Biology ond Biotechnology, Università Degli Studi Di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Mohanta TK, Mohanta YK, Kaushik P, Kumar J. Physiology, genomics, and evolutionary aspects of desert plants. J Adv Res 2024; 58:63-78. [PMID: 37160225 PMCID: PMC10982872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the exposure to arid environmental conditions across the globe ultimately hampering the sustainability of the living organism, few plant species are equipped with several unique genotypic, biochemical, and physiological features to counter such harsh conditions. Physiologically, they have evolved with reduced leaf size, spines, waxy cuticles, thick leaves, succulent hydrenchyma, sclerophyll, chloroembryo, and photosynthesis in nonfoliar and other parts. At the biochemical level, they are evolved to perform efficient photosynthesis through Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) and C4 pathways with the formation of oxaloacetic acid (Hatch-Slack pathway) instead of the C3 pathway. Additionally, comparative genomics with existing data provides ample evidence of the xerophytic plants' positive selection to adapt to the arid environment. However, adding more high-throughput sequencing of xerophyte plant species is further required for a comparative genomic study toward trait discovery related to survival. Learning from the mechanism to survive in harsh conditions could pave the way to engineer crops for future sustainable agriculture. AIM OF THE REVIEW The distinct physiology of desert plants allows them to survive in harsh environments. However, the genomic composition also contributes significantly to this and requires great attention. This review emphasizes the physiological and genomic adaptation of desert plants. Other important parameters, such as desert biodiversity and photosynthetic strategy, are also discussed with recent progress in the field. Overall, this review discusses the different features of desert plants, which prepares them for harsh conditions intending to translate knowledge to engineer plant species for sustainable agriculture. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review comprehensively presents the physiology, molecular mechanism, and genomics of desert plants aimed towards engineering a sustainable crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan Kumar Mohanta
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa 611, Oman.
| | - Yugal Kishore Mohanta
- Dept. of Applied Biology, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, Baridua, Meghalaya 793101, India
| | - Prashant Kaushik
- Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, 125004, India
| | - Jitesh Kumar
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, United States
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3
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Ouyang W, Wientjes E, van der Putten PEL, Caracciolo L, Zhao R, Agho C, Chiurazzi MJ, Bongers M, Struik PC, van Amerongen H, Yin X. Roles for leakiness and O 2 evolution in explaining lower-than-theoretical quantum yields of photosynthesis in the PEP-CK subtype of C 4 plants. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:431-443. [PMID: 38406986 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19614] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Theoretically, the PEP-CK C4 subtype has a higher quantum yield of CO2 assimilation (Φ CO 2 ) than NADP-ME or NAD-ME subtypes because ATP required for operating the CO2-concentrating mechanism is believed to mostly come from the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC). However, reportedΦ CO 2 is not higher in PEP-CK than in the other subtypes. We hypothesise, more photorespiration, associated with higher leakiness and O2 evolution in bundle-sheath (BS) cells, cancels out energetic advantages in PEP-CK species. Nine species (two to four species per subtype) were evaluated by gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and two-photon microscopy to estimate the BS conductance (gbs) and leakiness using a biochemical model. Average gbs estimates were 2.9, 4.8, and 5.0 mmol m-2 s-1 bar-1, and leakiness values were 0.129, 0.179, and 0.180, in NADP-ME, NAD-ME, and PEP-CK species, respectively. The BS CO2 level was somewhat higher, O2 level was marginally lower, and thus, photorespiratory loss was slightly lower, in NADP-ME than in NAD-ME and PEP-CK species. Differences in these parameters existed among species within a subtype, and gbs was co-determined by biochemical decarboxylating sites and anatomical characteristics. Our hypothesis and results partially explain variations in observedΦ CO 2 , but suggest that PEP-CK species probably use less ATP from mETC than classically defined PEP-CK mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Ouyang
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- School of Agriculture, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650504, Yunnan, China
| | - Emilie Wientjes
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 8128, 6700 ET, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter E L van der Putten
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ludovico Caracciolo
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 8128, 6700 ET, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ruixuan Zhao
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- School of Agriculture, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650504, Yunnan, China
| | - Collins Agho
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maurizio Junior Chiurazzi
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marius Bongers
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul C Struik
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Herbert van Amerongen
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 8128, 6700 ET, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Xinyou Yin
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 430, 6700 AK, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Yang QY, Wang XQ, Yang YJ, Huang W. Fluctuating light induces a significant photoinhibition of photosystem I in maize. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 207:108426. [PMID: 38340689 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108426] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
In nature, light intensity usually fluctuates and a sudden shade-sun transition can induce photodamage to photosystem I (PSI) in many angiosperms. Photosynthetic regulation in fluctuating light (FL) has been studied extensively in C3 plants; however, little is known about how C4 plants cope FL to prevent PSI photoinhibition. We here compared photosynthetic responses to FL between maize (Zea mays, C4) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, C3) grown under full sunlight. Maize leaves had significantly higher cyclic electron flow (CEF) activity and lower photorespiration activity than tomato. Upon a sudden shade-sun transition, maize showed a significant stronger transient PSI over-reduction than tomato, resulting in a significant greater PSI photoinhibition in maize after FL treatment. During the first seconds upon shade-sun transition, CEF was stimulated in maize at a much higher extent than tomato, favoring the rapid formation of trans-thylakoid proton gradient (ΔpH), which was helped by a transient down-regulation of chloroplast ATP synthase activity. Therefore, modulation of ΔpH by regulation of CEF and chloroplast ATP synthase adjusted PSI redox state at donor side, which partially compensated for the deficiency of photorespiration. We propose that C4 plants use different photosynthetic strategies for coping with FL as compared with C3 plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yan Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Shannxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China; Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shannxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Ying-Jie Yang
- Flower Research Institute of Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, 650205, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
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Arce Cubas L, Rodrigues Gabriel Sales C, Vath RL, Bernardo EL, Burnett AC, Kromdijk J. Lessons from relatives: C4 photosynthesis enhances CO2 assimilation during the low-light phase of fluctuations. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:1073-1090. [PMID: 37335935 PMCID: PMC10517189 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite the global importance of species with C4 photosynthesis, there is a lack of consensus regarding C4 performance under fluctuating light. Contrasting hypotheses and experimental evidence suggest that C4 photosynthesis is either less or more efficient in fixing carbon under fluctuating light than the ancestral C3 form. Two main issues have been identified that may underly the lack of consensus: neglect of evolutionary distance between selected C3 and C4 species and use of contrasting fluctuating light treatments. To circumvent these issues, we measured photosynthetic responses to fluctuating light across 3 independent phylogenetically controlled comparisons between C3 and C4 species from Alloteropsis, Flaveria, and Cleome genera under 21% and 2% O2. Leaves were subjected to repetitive stepwise changes in light intensity (800 and 100 µmol m-2 s-1 photon flux density) with 3 contrasting durations: 6, 30, and 300 s. These experiments reconciled the opposing results found across previous studies and showed that (i) stimulation of CO2 assimilation in C4 species during the low-light phase was both stronger and more sustained than in C3 species; (ii) CO2 assimilation patterns during the high-light phase could be attributable to species or C4 subtype differences rather than photosynthetic pathway; and (iii) the duration of each light step in the fluctuation regime can strongly influence experimental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucίa Arce Cubas
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EA Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Richard L Vath
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EA Cambridge, UK
| | - Emmanuel L Bernardo
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EA Cambridge, UK
- Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Angela C Burnett
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EA Cambridge, UK
| | - Johannes Kromdijk
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, CB2 3EA Cambridge, UK
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Arslan AM, Wang X, Liu BY, Xu YN, Li L, Gong XY. Photosynthetic resource-use efficiency trade-offs triggered by vapour pressure deficit and nitrogen supply in a C 4 species. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 197:107666. [PMID: 37001304 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.107666] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Trade-offs in resource-use efficiency (including water-, nitrogen-, and light-use efficiency, i.e., WUE, NUE, and LUE) are an important acclimation strategy of plants to environmental stresses. C4 photosynthesis, featured by a CO2 concentrating mechanism, is believed to be more efficient in using resources compared to C3 photosynthesis. However, response of photosynthetic resource-use efficiency trade-offs in C4 plants to vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and N supply has rarely been studied. Here, we studied the photosynthetic acclimation of Cleistogenes squarrosa, a perennial C4 grass, to controlled growth conditions with high or low VPD and N supply. High VPD increased WUE by 12% and decreased NUE by 16%, the ratio of net photosynthetic rate (A) to electron transport rate (J) (A/J) by 7% and the apparent quantum yield by 6%. High N supply tended to reduce NUE and increased maximum phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylation rate by 71% and slightly increased WUE. Stomatal conductance showed acclimation to VPD according to the Ball-Berry model, while a balanced cost of carboxylation and transpiration capacity was found across VPD and N treatments based on the least-cost model. WUE correlated negatively with NUE and LUE indicating that there was a trade-off between them, which is likely associated with acclimations in stomatal conductance and CO2 concentrating mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Muhammad Arslan
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Mountain Ecology (Ministry of Science and Technology and Fujian Province Funded), College of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Xuming Wang
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Mountain Ecology (Ministry of Science and Technology and Fujian Province Funded), College of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China; Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Eco-physiology, Fuzhou, 350007, China.
| | - Bo Ya Liu
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Mountain Ecology (Ministry of Science and Technology and Fujian Province Funded), College of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Yi Ning Xu
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Mountain Ecology (Ministry of Science and Technology and Fujian Province Funded), College of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Lei Li
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Mountain Ecology (Ministry of Science and Technology and Fujian Province Funded), College of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China
| | - Xiao Ying Gong
- Key Laboratory for Subtropical Mountain Ecology (Ministry of Science and Technology and Fujian Province Funded), College of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China; Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, 350007, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Eco-physiology, Fuzhou, 350007, China.
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7
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Zhou H, Akçay E, Helliker B. Optimal coordination and reorganization of photosynthetic properties in C 4 grasses. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:796-811. [PMID: 36478594 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14506] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Each of >20 independent evolutions of C4 photosynthesis in grasses required reorganization of the Calvin-Benson-cycle (CB-cycle) within the leaf, along with coordination of C4 -cycle enzymes with the CB-cycle to maximize CO2 assimilation. Considering the vast amount of time over which C4 evolved, we hypothesized (i) trait divergences exist within and across lineages with both C4 and closely related C3 grasses, (ii) trends in traits after C4 evolution yield the optimization of C4 through time, and (iii) the presence/absence of trends in coordination between the CB-cycle and C4 -cycle provides information on the strength of selection. To address these hypotheses, we used a combination of optimality modelling, physiological measurements and phylogenetic-comparative-analysis. Photosynthesis was optimized after the evolution of C4 causing diversification in maximal assimilation, electron transport, Rubisco carboxylation, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase and chlorophyll within C4 lineages. Both theory and measurements indicated a higher light-reaction to CB-cycle ratio (Jatpmax /Vcmax ) in C4 than C3 . There were no evolutionary trends with photosynthetic coordination between the CB-cycle, light reactions and the C4 -cycle, suggesting strong initial selection for coordination. The coordination of CB-C4 -cycles (Vpmax /Vcmax ) was optimal for CO2 of 200 ppm, not to current conditions. Our model indicated that a higher than optimal Vpmax /Vcmax affects assimilation minimally, thus lessening recent selection to decrease Vpmax /Vcmax .
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhou
- School of Earth System Science, Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Erol Akçay
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brent Helliker
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Arce Cubas L, Vath RL, Bernardo EL, Sales CRG, Burnett AC, Kromdijk J. Activation of CO 2 assimilation during photosynthetic induction is slower in C 4 than in C 3 photosynthesis in three phylogenetically controlled experiments. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1091115. [PMID: 36684779 PMCID: PMC9848656 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1091115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite their importance for the global carbon cycle and crop production, species with C4 photosynthesis are still somewhat understudied relative to C3 species. Although the benefits of the C4 carbon concentrating mechanism are readily observable under optimal steady state conditions, it is less clear how the presence of C4 affects activation of CO2 assimilation during photosynthetic induction. METHODS In this study we aimed to characterise differences between C4 and C3 photosynthetic induction responses by analysing steady state photosynthesis and photosynthetic induction in three phylogenetically linked pairs of C3 and C4 species from Alloteropsis, Flaveria, and Cleome genera. Experiments were conducted both at 21% and 2% O2 to evaluate the role of photorespiration during photosynthetic induction. RESULTS Our results confirm C4 species have slower activation of CO2 assimilation during photosynthetic induction than C3 species, but the apparent mechanism behind these differences varied between genera. Incomplete suppression of photorespiration was found to impact photosynthetic induction significantly in C4 Flaveria bidentis, whereas in the Cleome and Alloteropsis C4 species, delayed activation of the C3 cycle appeared to limit induction and a potentially supporting role for photorespiration was also identified. DISCUSSION The sheer variation in photosynthetic induction responses observed in our limited sample of species highlights the importance of controlling for evolutionary distance when comparing C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Arce Cubas
- The University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard L. Vath
- The University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel L. Bernardo
- The University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- University of the Philippines Los Baños, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, College, Laguna, Philippines
| | | | - Angela C. Burnett
- The University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Kromdijk
- The University of Cambridge, Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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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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Sonmez MC, Ozgur R, Uzilday B, Turkan I, Ganie SA. Redox regulation in
C
3
and
C
4
plants during climate change and its implications on food security. Food Energy Secur 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/fes3.387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rengin Ozgur
- Department of Biology Faculty of Science Ege University Izmir Turkey
- Graduate School of Life Sciences Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Baris Uzilday
- Department of Biology Faculty of Science Ege University Izmir Turkey
- Graduate School of Life Sciences Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Ismail Turkan
- Department of Biology Faculty of Science Ege University Izmir Turkey
| | - Showkat Ahmad Ganie
- Plant Molecular Science and Centre of Systems and Synthetic Biology Department of Biological Sciences Royal Holloway University of London Egham UK
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Clark TJ, Schwender J. Elucidation of Triacylglycerol Overproduction in the C 4 Bioenergy Crop Sorghum bicolor by Constraint-Based Analysis. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:787265. [PMID: 35251073 PMCID: PMC8892208 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.787265] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Upregulation of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in vegetative plant tissues such as leaves has the potential to drastically increase the energy density and biomass yield of bioenergy crops. In this context, constraint-based analysis has the promise to improve metabolic engineering strategies. Here we present a core metabolism model for the C4 biomass crop Sorghum bicolor (iTJC1414) along with a minimal model for photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, sucrose and TAG biosynthesis in C3 plants. Extending iTJC1414 to a four-cell diel model we simulate C4 photosynthesis in mature leaves with the principal photo-assimilatory product being replaced by TAG produced at different levels. Independent of specific pathways and per unit carbon assimilated, energy content and biosynthetic demands in reducing equivalents are about 1.3 to 1.4 times higher for TAG than for sucrose. For plant generic pathways, ATP- and NADPH-demands per CO2 assimilated are higher by 1.3- and 1.5-fold, respectively. If the photosynthetic supply in ATP and NADPH in iTJC1414 is adjusted to be balanced for sucrose as the sole photo-assimilatory product, overproduction of TAG is predicted to cause a substantial surplus in photosynthetic ATP. This means that if TAG synthesis was the sole photo-assimilatory process, there could be an energy imbalance that might impede the process. Adjusting iTJC1414 to a photo-assimilatory rate that approximates field conditions, we predict possible daily rates of TAG accumulation, dependent on varying ratios of carbon partitioning between exported assimilates and accumulated oil droplets (TAG, oleosin) and in dependence of activation of futile cycles of TAG synthesis and degradation. We find that, based on the capacity of leaves for photosynthetic synthesis of exported assimilates, mature leaves should be able to reach a 20% level of TAG per dry weight within one month if only 5% of the photosynthetic net assimilation can be allocated into oil droplets. From this we conclude that high TAG levels should be achievable if TAG synthesis is induced only during a final phase of the plant life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa J. Clark
- Biology Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, United States
| | - Jorg Schwender
- Biology Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, United States
- Department of Energy Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation, Upton, NY, United States
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12
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Johnson JE, Field CB, Berry JA. The limiting factors and regulatory processes that control the environmental responses of C 3, C 3-C 4 intermediate, and C 4 photosynthesis. Oecologia 2021; 197:841-866. [PMID: 34714387 PMCID: PMC8591018 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-05062-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Here, we describe a model of C3, C3-C4 intermediate, and C4 photosynthesis that is designed to facilitate quantitative analysis of physiological measurements. The model relates the factors limiting electron transport and carbon metabolism, the regulatory processes that coordinate these metabolic domains, and the responses to light, carbon dioxide, and temperature. It has three unique features. First, mechanistic expressions describe how the cytochrome b6f complex controls electron transport in mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts. Second, the coupling between the mesophyll and bundle sheath expressions represents how feedback regulation of Cyt b6f coordinates electron transport and carbon metabolism. Third, the temperature sensitivity of Cyt b6f is differentiated from that of the coupling between NADPH, Fd, and ATP production. Using this model, we present simulations demonstrating that the light dependence of the carbon dioxide compensation point in C3-C4 leaves can be explained by co-occurrence of light saturation in the mesophyll and light limitation in the bundle sheath. We also present inversions demonstrating that population-level variation in the carbon dioxide compensation point in a Type I C3-C4 plant, Flaveria chloraefolia, can be explained by variable allocation of photosynthetic capacity to the bundle sheath. These results suggest that Type I C3-C4 intermediate plants adjust pigment and protein distributions to optimize the glycine shuttle under different light and temperature regimes, and that the malate and aspartate shuttles may have originally functioned to smooth out the energy supply and demand associated with the glycine shuttle. This model has a wide range of potential applications to physiological, ecological, and evolutionary questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Johnson
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Christopher B Field
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, 473 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Joseph A Berry
- Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, 260 Panama Street, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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13
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Tofanello VR, Andrade LM, Flores-Borges DNA, Kiyota E, Mayer JLS, Creste S, Machado EC, Yin X, Struik PC, Ribeiro RV. Role of bundle sheath conductance in sustaining photosynthesis competence in sugarcane plants under nitrogen deficiency. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2021; 149:275-287. [PMID: 34091828 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-021-00848-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The role of bundle sheath conductance (gbs) in sustaining sugarcane photosynthesis under nitrogen deficiency was investigated. Sugarcane was grown under different levels of nitrogen supply and gbs was estimated using simultaneous measurements of leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence at 21% or 2% [O2] and varying air [CO2] and light intensity. Maximum rates of PEPC carboxylation, Rubisco carboxylation, and ATP production increased with an increase in leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) from 1 to 3 g m-2. Low nitrogen supply reduced Rubisco and PEPC abundancies, the quantum efficiency of CO2 assimilation and gbs. Because of reduced gbs, low photosynthetic rates were not associated with increased leakiness under nitrogen deficiency. In fact, low nitrogen supply increased bundle sheath cell wall thickness, probably accounting for low gbs and increased estimates of [CO2] at Rubisco sites. Effects of nitrogen on expression of ShPIP2;1 and ShPIP1;2 aquaporins did not explain changes in gbs. Our data revealed that reduced Rubisco carboxylation was the main factor causing low sugarcane photosynthesis at low nitrogen supply, in contrast to the previous report on the importance of an impaired CO2 concentration mechanism under N deficiency. Our findings suggest higher investment of nitrogen into Rubisco protein would favour photosynthesis and plant performance under low nitrogen availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa R Tofanello
- Laboratory of Crop Physiology (LCroP), Dept. Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Larissa M Andrade
- Centro de Cana, Instituto Agronômico (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Denisele N A Flores-Borges
- Laboratory of Crop Physiology (LCroP), Dept. Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Kiyota
- Laboratory of Crop Physiology (LCroP), Dept. Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana L S Mayer
- Laboratory of Crop Physiology (LCroP), Dept. Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvana Creste
- Centro de Cana, Instituto Agronômico (IAC), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo C Machado
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology "Coaracy M. Franco", Center for Research and Development in Ecophysiology and Biophysics, IAC, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Xinyou Yin
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Dept. Plant Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul C Struik
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Dept. Plant Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rafael V Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Crop Physiology (LCroP), Dept. Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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14
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Yin X, Busch FA, Struik PC, Sharkey TD. Evolution of a biochemical model of steady-state photosynthesis. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2021; 44:2811-2837. [PMID: 33872407 PMCID: PMC8453732 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the publication of the landmark model by Farquhar, von Caemmerer & Berry on steady-state C3 photosynthesis (known as the "FvCB model"), we review three major further developments of the model. These include: (1) limitation by triose phosphate utilization, (2) alternative electron transport pathways, and (3) photorespiration-associated nitrogen and C1 metabolisms. We discussed the relation of the third extension with the two other extensions, and some equivalent extensions to model C4 photosynthesis. In addition, the FvCB model has been coupled with CO2 -diffusion models. We review how these extensions and integration have broadened the use of the FvCB model in understanding photosynthesis, especially with regard to bioenergetic stoichiometries associated with photosynthetic quantum yields. Based on the new insights, we present caveats in applying the FvCB model. Further research needs are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyou Yin
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Florian A. Busch
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Institute of Forest ResearchUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Paul C. Struik
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisWageningen University & ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Thomas D. Sharkey
- MSU‐DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Plant Resilience InstituteMichigan State UniversityEast LansingMichiganUSA
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15
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Sagun JV, Badger MR, Chow WS, Ghannoum O. Mehler reaction plays a role in C 3 and C 4 photosynthesis under shade and low CO 2. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2021; 149:171-185. [PMID: 33534052 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-021-00819-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Alternative electron fluxes such as the cyclic electron flux (CEF) around photosystem I (PSI) and Mehler reaction (Me) are essential for efficient photosynthesis because they generate additional ATP and protect both photosystems against photoinhibition. The capacity for Me can be estimated by measuring O2 exchange rate under varying irradiance and CO2 concentration. In this study, mass spectrometric measurements of O2 exchange were made using leaves of representative species of C3 and C4 grasses grown under natural light (control; PAR ~ 800 µmol quanta m-2 s-1) and shade (~ 300 µmol quanta m-2 s-1), and in representative species of gymnosperm, liverwort and fern grown under natural light. For all control grown plants measured at high CO2, O2 uptake rates were similar between the light and dark, and the ratio of Rubisco oxygenation to carboxylation (Vo/Vc) was low, which suggests little potential for Me, and that O2 uptake was mainly due to photorespiration or mitochondrial respiration under these conditions. Low CO2 stimulated O2 uptake in the light, Vo/Vc and Me in all species. The C3 species had similar Vo/Vc, but Me was highest in the grass and lowest in the fern. Among the C4 grasses, shade increased O2 uptake in the light, Vo/Vc and the assimilation quotient (AQ), particularly at low CO2, whilst Me was only substantial at low CO2 where it may contribute 20-50% of maximum electron flow under high light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Ver Sagun
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - Murray R Badger
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Wah Soon Chow
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Oula Ghannoum
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
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16
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Wang Y, Chan KX, Long SP. Towards a dynamic photosynthesis model to guide yield improvement in C4 crops. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 107:343-359. [PMID: 34087011 PMCID: PMC9291162 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The most productive C4 food and biofuel crops, such as Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane), Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) and Zea mays (maize), all use NADP-ME-type C4 photosynthesis. Despite high productivities, these crops fall well short of the theoretical maximum solar conversion efficiency of 6%. Understanding the basis of these inefficiencies is key for bioengineering and breeding strategies to increase the sustainable productivity of these major C4 crops. Photosynthesis is studied predominantly at steady state in saturating light. In field stands of these crops light is continually changing, and often with rapid fluctuations. Although light may change in a second, the adjustment of photosynthesis may take many minutes, leading to inefficiencies. We measured the rates of CO2 uptake and stomatal conductance of maize, sorghum and sugarcane under fluctuating light regimes. The gas exchange results were combined with a new dynamic photosynthesis model to infer the limiting factors under non-steady-state conditions. The dynamic photosynthesis model was developed from an existing C4 metabolic model for maize and extended to include: (i) post-translational regulation of key photosynthetic enzymes and their temperature responses; (ii) dynamic stomatal conductance; and (iii) leaf energy balance. Testing the model outputs against measured rates of leaf CO2 uptake and stomatal conductance in the three C4 crops indicated that Rubisco activase, the pyruvate phosphate dikinase regulatory protein and stomatal conductance are the major limitations to the efficiency of NADP-ME-type C4 photosynthesis during dark-to-high light transitions. We propose that the level of influence of these limiting factors make them targets for bioengineering the improved photosynthetic efficiency of these key crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Kher Xing Chan
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Stephen P. Long
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- DOE Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts InnovationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Departments of Plant Biology and of Crop SciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Lancaster Environment CentreLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YQUK
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17
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Photosynthetic Linear Electron Flow Drives CO 2 Assimilation in Maize Leaves. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094894. [PMID: 34063101 PMCID: PMC8124781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosynthetic organisms commonly develop the strategy to keep the reaction center chlorophyll of photosystem I, P700, oxidized for preventing the generation of reactive oxygen species in excess light conditions. In photosynthesis of C4 plants, CO2 concentration is kept at higher levels around ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) by the cooperation of the mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, which enables them to assimilate CO2 at higher rates to survive under drought stress. However, the regulatory mechanism of photosynthetic electron transport for P700 oxidation is still poorly understood in C4 plants. Here, we assessed gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, electrochromic shift, and near infrared absorbance in intact leaves of maize (a NADP-malic enzyme C4 subtype species) in comparison with mustard, a C3 plant. Instead of the alternative electron sink due to photorespiration in the C3 plant, photosynthetic linear electron flow was strongly suppressed between photosystems I and II, dependent on the difference of proton concentration across the thylakoid membrane (ΔpH) in response to the suppression of CO2 assimilation in maize. Linear relationships among CO2 assimilation rate, linear electron flow, P700 oxidation, ΔpH, and the oxidation rate of ferredoxin suggested that the increase of ΔpH for P700 oxidation was caused by the regulation of proton conductance of chloroplast ATP synthase but not by promoting cyclic electron flow. At the scale of intact leaves, the ratio of PSI to PSII was estimated almost 1:1 in both C3 and C4 plants. Overall, the photosynthetic electron transport was regulated for P700 oxidation in maize through the same strategies as in C3 plants only except for the capacity of photorespiration despite the structural and metabolic differences in photosynthesis between C3 and C4 plants.
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18
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Chen Y, Zhong D, Yang X, Zhao Y, Dai L, Zeng D, Wang Q, Gao L, Li S. ZmFdC2 Encoding a Ferredoxin Protein With C-Terminus Extension Is Indispensable for Maize Growth. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:646359. [PMID: 33968104 PMCID: PMC8104031 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.646359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As important electron carriers, ferredoxin (Fd) proteins play important roles in photosynthesis, and the assimilation of CO2, nitrate, sulfate, and other metabolites. In addition to the well-studied Fds, plant genome encodes two Fd-like protein members named FdC1 and FdC2, which have extension regions at the C-terminus of the 2Fe-2S cluster. Mutation or overexpression of FdC genes caused alterations in photosynthetic electron transfer rate in rice and Arabidopsis. Maize genome contains one copy of each FdC gene. However, the functions of these genes have not been reported. In this study, we identified the ZmFdC2 gene by forward genetics approach. Mutation of this gene causes impaired photosynthetic electron transport and collapsed chloroplasts. The mutant plant is seedling-lethal, indicating the indispensable function of ZmFdC2 gene in maize development. The ZmFdC2 gene is specifically expressed in photosynthetic tissues and induced by light treatment, and the encoded protein is localized on chloroplast, implying its specialized function in photosynthesis. Furthermore, ZmFdC2 expression was detected in both mesophyll cells and bundle sheath cells, the two cell types specialized for C4 and C3 photosynthesis pathways in maize. Epigenomic analyses showed that ZmFdC2 locus was enriched for active histone modifications. Our results demonstrate that ZmFdC2 is a key component of the photosynthesis pathway and is crucial for the development of maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Agricultural Genomics Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Deyi Zhong
- Agricultural Genomics Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiu Yang
- Agricultural Genomics Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- Plant Phenomics Research Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liping Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dali Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Agricultural Genomics Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Gao
- College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengben Li
- Agricultural Genomics Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Plant Phenomics Research Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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19
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Yin X, Struik PC. Exploiting differences in the energy budget among C 4 subtypes to improve crop productivity. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 229:2400-2409. [PMID: 33067814 PMCID: PMC7894359 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
C4 crops of agricultural importance all belong to the NADP-malic enzyme (ME) subtype, and this subtype has been the template for C4 introductions into C3 crops, like rice, to improve their productivity. However, the ATP cost for the C4 cycle in both NADP-ME and NAD-ME subtypes accounts for > 40% of the total ATP requirement for CO2 assimilation. These high ATP costs, and the associated need for intense cyclic electron transport and low intrinsic quantum yield ΦCO2 , are major constraints in realizing strong improvements of canopy photosynthesis and crop productivity. Based on mathematical modelling, we propose a C4 ideotype that utilizes low chloroplastic ATP requirements present in the nondomesticated phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEP-CK) subtype. The ideotype is a mixed form of NAD(P)-ME and PEP-CK types, requires no cyclic electron transport under low irradiances, and its theoretical ΦCO2 is c. 25% higher than that of a C4 crop type. Its cell-type-specific ATP and NADPH requirements can be fulfilled by local energy production. The ideotype is projected to have c. 10% yield advantage over NADP-ME-type crops and > 50% advantage over C3 counterparts. The ideotype provides a unique (theoretical) case where ΦCO2 could be improved, thereby paving a new avenue for improving photosynthesis in both C3 and C4 crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyou Yin
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisDepartment of Plant SciencesWageningen University & ResearchPO Box 430Wageningen6700 AKthe Netherlands
| | - Paul C. Struik
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisDepartment of Plant SciencesWageningen University & ResearchPO Box 430Wageningen6700 AKthe Netherlands
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20
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Huang J, Lu G, Liu L, Raihan MS, Xu J, Jian L, Zhao L, Tran TM, Zhang Q, Liu J, Li W, Wei C, Braun DM, Li Q, Fernie AR, Jackson D, Yan J. The Kernel Size-Related Quantitative Trait Locus qKW9 Encodes a Pentatricopeptide Repeat Protein That Aaffects Photosynthesis and Grain Filling. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 183:1696-1709. [PMID: 32482908 PMCID: PMC7401109 DOI: 10.1104/pp.20.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In maize (Zea mays), kernel weight is an important component of yield that has been selected during domestication. Many genes associated with kernel weight have been identified through mutant analysis. Most are involved in the biogenesis and functional maintenance of organelles or other fundamental cellular activities. However, few quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying quantitative variation in kernel weight have been cloned. Here, we characterize a QTL, qKW9, associated with maize kernel weight. This QTL encodes a DYW motif pentatricopeptide repeat protein involved in C-to-U editing of ndhB, a subunit of the chloroplast NADH dehydrogenase-like complex. In a null qkw9 background, C-to-U editing of ndhB was abolished, and photosynthesis was reduced, resulting in less maternal photosynthate available for grain filling. Characterization of qKW9 highlights the importance of optimizing photosynthesis for maize grain yield production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Gang Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lei Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
| | - Mohammad Sharif Raihan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jieting Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Wimi Biotechnology Company, Xinbei District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Liumei Jian
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lingxiao Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Xuzhou Sweetpotato Research Center, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221000, China
| | - Thu M Tran
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
- Division of Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Plant Group, Missouri Maize Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jie Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Cunxu Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Physiology, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - David M Braun
- Division of Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Plant Group, Missouri Maize Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211
| | - Qing Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - David Jackson
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724
| | - Jianbing Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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21
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Shi W, Yue L, Guo J, Wang J, Yuan X, Dong S, Guo J, Guo P. Identification and evolution of C 4 photosynthetic pathway genes in plants. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 20:132. [PMID: 32228460 PMCID: PMC7106689 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-020-02339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NADP-malic enzyme (NAPD-ME), and pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK) are important enzymes that participate in C4 photosynthesis. However, the evolutionary history and forces driving evolution of these genes in C4 plants are not completely understood. RESULTS We identified 162 NADP-ME and 35 PPDK genes in 25 species and constructed respective phylogenetic trees. We classified NADP-ME genes into four branches, A1, A2, B1 and B2, whereas PPDK was classified into two branches in which monocots were in branch I and dicots were in branch II. Analyses of selective pressure on the NAPD-ME and PPDK gene families identified four positively selected sites, including 94H and 196H in the a5 branch of NADP-ME, and 95A and 559E in the e branch of PPDK at posterior probability thresholds of 95%. The positively selected sites were located in the helix and sheet regions. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses revealed that expression levels of 6 NADP-ME and 2 PPDK genes from foxtail millet were up-regulated after exposure to light. CONCLUSION This study revealed that positively selected sites of NADP-ME and PPDK evolution in C4 plants. It provides information on the classification and positive selection of plant NADP-ME and PPDK genes, and the results should be useful in further research on the evolutionary history of C4 plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Shi
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Linqi Yue
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Jiahui Guo
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Jianming Wang
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Xiangyang Yuan
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Shuqi Dong
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Jie Guo
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China.
| | - Pingyi Guo
- College of Agronomy, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China.
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22
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Jurić I, Hibberd JM, Blatt M, Burroughs NJ. Computational modelling predicts substantial carbon assimilation gains for C3 plants with a single-celled C4 biochemical pump. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1007373. [PMID: 31568503 PMCID: PMC6786660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Achieving global food security for the estimated 9 billion people by 2050 is a major scientific challenge. Crop productivity is fundamentally restricted by the rate of fixation of atmospheric carbon. The dedicated enzyme, RubisCO, has a low turnover and poor specificity for CO2. This limitation of C3 photosynthesis (the basic carbon-assimilation pathway present in all plants) is alleviated in some lineages by use of carbon-concentrating-mechanisms, such as the C4 cycle-a biochemical pump that concentrates CO2 near RubisCO increasing assimilation efficacy. Most crops use only C3 photosynthesis, so one promising research strategy to boost their productivity focuses on introducing a C4 cycle. The simplest proposal is to use the cycle to concentrate CO2 inside individual chloroplasts. The photosynthetic efficiency would then depend on the leakage of CO2 out of a chloroplast. We examine this proposal with a 3D spatial model of carbon and oxygen diffusion and C4 photosynthetic biochemistry inside a typical C3-plant mesophyll cell geometry. We find that the cost-efficiency of C4 photosynthesis depends on the gas permeability of the chloroplast envelope, the C4 pathway having higher quantum efficiency than C3 for permeabilities below 300 μm/s. However, at higher permeabilities the C4 pathway still provides a substantial boost to carbon assimilation with only a moderate decrease in efficiency. The gains would be capped by the ability of chloroplasts to harvest light, but even under realistic light regimes a 100% boost to carbon assimilation is possible. This could be achieved in conjunction with lower investment in chloroplasts if their cell surface coverage is also reduced. Incorporation of this C4 cycle into C3 crops could thus promote higher growth rates and better drought resistance in dry, high-sunlight climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Jurić
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Julian M. Hibberd
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Blatt
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel J. Burroughs
- Warwick Systems Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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23
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Dunning LT, Moreno-Villena JJ, Lundgren MR, Dionora J, Salazar P, Adams C, Nyirenda F, Olofsson JK, Mapaura A, Grundy IM, Kayombo CJ, Dunning LA, Kentatchime F, Ariyarathne M, Yakandawala D, Besnard G, Quick WP, Bräutigam A, Osborne CP, Christin PA. Key changes in gene expression identified for different stages of C4 evolution in Alloteropsis semialata. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2019; 70:3255-3268. [PMID: 30949663 PMCID: PMC6598098 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
C4 photosynthesis is a complex trait that boosts productivity in tropical conditions. Compared with C3 species, the C4 state seems to require numerous novelties, but species comparisons can be confounded by long divergence times. Here, we exploit the photosynthetic diversity that exists within a single species, the grass Alloteropsis semialata, to detect changes in gene expression associated with different photosynthetic phenotypes. Phylogenetically informed comparative transcriptomics show that intermediates with a weak C4 cycle are separated from the C3 phenotype by increases in the expression of 58 genes (0.22% of genes expressed in the leaves), including those encoding just three core C4 enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase. The subsequent transition to full C4 physiology was accompanied by increases in another 15 genes (0.06%), including only the core C4 enzyme pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase. These changes probably created a rudimentary C4 physiology, and isolated populations subsequently improved this emerging C4 physiology, resulting in a patchwork of expression for some C4 accessory genes. Our work shows how C4 assembly in A. semialata happened in incremental steps, each requiring few alterations over the previous step. These create short bridges across adaptive landscapes that probably facilitated the recurrent origins of C4 photosynthesis through a gradual process of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke T Dunning
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Marjorie R Lundgren
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Paolo Salazar
- International Rice Research Institute, DAPO, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | - Claire Adams
- Botany Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Florence Nyirenda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jill K Olofsson
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Isla M Grundy
- Institute of Environmental Studies, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Lucy A Dunning
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Menaka Ariyarathne
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeiya, Sri Lanka
| | - Deepthi Yakandawala
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeiya, Sri Lanka
| | - Guillaume Besnard
- Laboratoire Évolution et Diversité Biologique (EDB UMR5174), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - W Paul Quick
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
- International Rice Research Institute, DAPO, Metro Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Colin P Osborne
- Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
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24
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Boretti A, Florentine S. Atmospheric CO₂ Concentration and Other Limiting Factors in the Growth of C₃ and C₄ Plants. PLANTS 2019; 8:plants8040092. [PMID: 30987384 PMCID: PMC6524366 DOI: 10.3390/plants8040092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been widely observed that recent increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations have had, so far, a positive effect on the growth of plants. This is not surprising since CO2 is an important nutrient for plant matter, being directly involved in photosynthesis. However, it is also known that the conditions which have accompanied this increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration have also had significant effects on other environmental factors. It is possible that these other effects may emerge as limiting factors which could act to prevent plant growth. This may involve complex interactions between prevailing sunlight and water conditions, variable temperatures, the availability of essential nutrients and the type of synthetic pathway for the plant species. The issue of concern to this investigation is if we should be worried about a possible shift in the C3-C4 paradigm driven by changes in the atmospheric CO2 concentration, or if some other factor, such as water scarcity, is much more relevant within a 30-year time frame. If an opinion is needed on what will have the worst effect on the survival of the planet between the scarcity of water or the reduced efficiency of C3 plants to sequester CO2, the issue of water is the more incisive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Boretti
- Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
| | - Singarayer Florentine
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria 3350, Australia.
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