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Wang LM, Shen BR, Li BD, Zhang CL, Lin M, Tong PP, Cui LL, Zhang ZS, Peng XX. A Synthetic Photorespiratory Shortcut Enhances Photosynthesis to Boost Biomass and Grain Yield in Rice. MOLECULAR PLANT 2020; 13:1802-1815. [PMID: 33075506 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Several photorespiratory bypasses have been introduced into plants and shown to improve photosynthesis by increasing chloroplastic CO2 concentrations or optimizing energy balance. We recently reported that an engineered GOC bypass could increase photosynthesis and productivity in rice. However, the grain yield of GOC plants was unstable, fluctuating in different cultivation seasons because of varying seed setting rates. In this study, we designed a synthetic photorespiratory shortcut (the GCGT bypass) consisting of genes encoding Oryza sativa glycolate oxidase and Escherichia coli catalase, glyoxylate carboligase, and tartronic semialdehyde reductase. The GCGT bypass was guided by an optimized chloroplast transit peptide that targeted rice chloroplasts and redirected 75% of carbon from glycolate metabolism to the Calvin cycle, identical to the native photorespiration pathway. GCGT transgenic plants exhibited significantly increased biomass production and grain yield, which were mainly attributed to enhanced photosynthesis due to increased chloroplastic CO2 concentrations. Despite the increases in biomass production and grain yield, GCGT transgenic plants showed a reduced seed setting rate, a phenotype previously reported for the GOC plants. Integrative transcriptomic, physiological, and biochemical assays revealed that photosynthetic carbohydrates were not transported to grains in an efficient manner, thereby reducing the seed setting rate. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the GCGT photorespiratory shortcut confers higher yield by promoting photosynthesis in rice, mainly through increasing chloroplastic CO2 concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Agriculture and Biology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo-Ran Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Bo-Di Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chuan-Ling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Min Lin
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Pan-Pan Tong
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Li-Li Cui
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhi-Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xin-Xiang Peng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Zhu Y, Li T, Xu J, Wang J, Wang L, Zou W, Zeng D, Zhu L, Chen G, Hu J, Gao Z, Dong G, Ren D, Shen L, Zhang Q, Guo L, Hu S, Qian Q, Zhang G. Leaf width gene LW5/D1 affects plant architecture and yield in rice by regulating nitrogen utilization efficiency. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2020; 157:359-369. [PMID: 33189056 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2020.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Leaves are the primary structures responsible for photosynthesis, making leaf morphology one of the most important traits of rice plant architecture. Both plant architecture and nutrient utilization jointly affect rice yield, however, their molecular association is still poorly understood. We identified a rice mutant, leaf width 5 (lw5), that displayed small grains and wide leaves and possesses characteristics typical of a small "sink" and a large "source". Map-based cloning and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing indicated that LW5 affects both the plant architecture and yield. It is an allele of D1, encoding the rice G protein α subunit. The loss of LW5 functioning leads to an increase in the rate of photosynthesis, vascular bundles, and chlorophyll content. However, the grain-straw ratio and the rate of grain filling decreased significantly. The detection results of 15N-ammonium nitrate and an expression analysis of genes associated with nitrogen demonstrated that LW5 serves an important role in nitrate uptake and transport. LW5 affects plant architecture and grain size by regulating nitrogen transfer. These results provide a theoretical foundation for further research surrounding the molecular mechanism of "source-sink" balance in rice and suggest novel methods of molecular design for the cultivation of breeding super rice in ideal plant types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China; College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China
| | - Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Dali Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Li Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Guang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jiang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Zhenyu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Guojun Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Deyong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Lan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Longbiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Songping Hu
- College of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.
| | - Qian Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Guangheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
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53
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Emerging research in plant photosynthesis. Emerg Top Life Sci 2020; 4:137-150. [PMID: 32573736 DOI: 10.1042/etls20200035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Photosynthesis involves capturing light energy and, most often, converting it to chemical energy stored as reduced carbon. It is the source of food, fuel, and fiber and there is a resurgent interest in basic research on photosynthesis. Plants make excellent use of visible light energy; leaves are ideally suited to optimize light use by having a large area per amount of material invested and also having leaf angles to optimize light utilization. It is thought that plants do not use green light but in fact they use green light better than blue light under some conditions. Leaves also have mechanisms to protect against excess light and how these work in a stochastic light environment is currently a very active area of current research. The speed at which photosynthesis can begin when leaves are first exposed to light and the speed of induction of protective mechanisms, as well as the speed at which protective mechanisms dissipate when light levels decline, have recently been explored. Research is also focused on reducing wasteful processes such as photorespiration, when oxygen instead of carbon dioxide is used. Some success has been reported in altering the path of carbon in photorespiration but on closer inspection there appears to be unforeseen effects contributing to the good news. The stoichiometry of interaction of light reactions with carbon metabolism is rigid and the time constants vary tremendously presenting large challenges to regulatory mechanisms. Regulatory mechanisms will be the topic of photosynthesis research for some time to come.
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Makino A, Kaneta Y, Obara M, Ishiyama K, Kanno K, Kondo E, Suzuki Y, Mae T. High yielding ability of a large-grain rice cultivar, Akita 63. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12231. [PMID: 32699370 PMCID: PMC7376063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69289-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To increase the yield potential while limiting the environmental impact of N management practices is an important issue in rice cultivation. The large-grain rice cultivar Akita 63 showed higher N-use efficiency for grain production. To elucidate this, we analyzed yield characteristics of Akita 63 in comparison with those of a maternal cultivar, Oochikara with a large grain, a paternal cultivar, Akita 39 with a normal grain, and a Japanese leading cultivar, Akitakomachi. The yields of Akita 63 were 20% higher than those of Oochikara and Akita 39, and 50% higher than those of Akitakomachi for the same N application. Akita 63 showed superior N uptake capacity. Whereas a trade-off between single grain weight and grain number was found for Oochikara, Akita 63 did not show such a relationship. The success in Akita 63 breeding was due to overcoming such a trade-off. Akita 63 had the large-grain alleles of GS3 and qSW5. Thus, an enlargement of grain size can have a great impact on an increase in yield with improved N-use efficiency. However, an enlargement of sink capacity led to source limitation. Thus, both sink and source improvements are essential for a further increase in the yield of today's high-yielding cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amane Makino
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8572, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Kaneta
- Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Shimosinjyou, Akita, 010-0195, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Obara
- Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8686, Japan
| | - Keiki Ishiyama
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8572, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kanno
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8572, Japan
| | - Eri Kondo
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8572, Japan
| | - Yuji Suzuki
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8572, Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, 020-8550, Japan
| | - Tadahiko Mae
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 468-1 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8572, Japan
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Kohli A, Miro B, Balié J, d’A Hughes J. Photosynthesis research: a model to bridge fundamental science, translational products, and socio-economic considerations in agriculture. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:2281-2298. [PMID: 32076700 PMCID: PMC7135011 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite impressive success in molecular physiological understanding of photosynthesis, and preliminary evidence on its potential for quantum shifts in agricultural productivity, the question remains of whether increased photosynthesis, without parallel fine-tuning of the associated processes, is enough. There is a distinct lack of formal socio-economic impact studies that address the critical questions of product profiling, cost-benefit analysis, environmental trade-offs, and technological and market forces in product acceptability. When a relatively well understood process gains enough traction for translational value, its broader scientific and technical gap assessment, in conjunction with its socio-economic impact assessment for success, should be a prerequisite. The successes in the upstream basic understanding of photosynthesis should be integrated with a gap analysis for downstream translational applications to impact the farmers' and customers' lifestyles and livelihoods. The purpose of this review is to assess how the laboratory, the field, and the societal demands from photosynthesis could generate a transformative product. Two crucial recommendations from the analysis of the state of knowledge and potential ways forward are (i) the formulation of integrative mega-projects, which span the multistakeholder spectrum, to ensure rapid success in harnessing the transformative power of photosynthesis; and (ii) stipulating spatiotemporal, labour, and economic criteria to stage-gate deliverables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kohli
- International Rice Research Institute, Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Berta Miro
- International Rice Research Institute, Los Baños, Philippines
| | - Jean Balié
- International Rice Research Institute, Los Baños, Philippines
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Evans JR, Lawson T. From green to gold: agricultural revolution for food security. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:2211-2215. [PMID: 32251509 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John R Evans
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Tracy Lawson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, UK
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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: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [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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Yoon DK, Ishiyama K, Suganami M, Tazoe Y, Watanabe M, Imaruoka S, Ogura M, Ishida H, Suzuki Y, Obara M, Mae T, Makino A. Transgenic rice overproducing Rubisco exhibits increased yields with improved nitrogen-use efficiency in an experimental paddy field. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 1:134-139. [PMID: 37127998 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-020-0033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The green revolution's breeding of semi-dwarf rice cultivars in the 1960s improved crop yields, with large increases in the use of nitrogen (N) fertilizer. However, excess N application has caused serious environmental problems, including acid rain and the eutrophication of rivers and oceans. To use N to improve crop yields, while minimizing the associated environmental costs, there is a need to produce crops with higher N-use efficiency and higher yield components. Here we show that transgenic rice overproducing ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco)-the key enzyme of photosynthesis-exhibits increased yields with improved N-use efficiency for increasing biomass production when receiving sufficient N fertilization in an experimental paddy field. This field experiment demonstrates an improvement in photosynthesis linked to yield increase due to a higher N-use efficiency in a major crop.
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60
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Wang Y, Burgess SJ, de Becker EM, Long SP. Photosynthesis in the fleeting shadows: an overlooked opportunity for increasing crop productivity? THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 101:874-884. [PMID: 31908116 PMCID: PMC7064922 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis measurements are traditionally taken under steady-state conditions; however, leaves in crop fields experience frequent fluctuations in light and take time to respond. This slow response reduces the efficiency of carbon assimilation. Transitions from low to high light require photosynthetic induction, including the activation of Rubisco and the opening of stomata, whereas transitions from high to low light require the relaxation of dissipative energy processes, collectively known as non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Previous attempts to assess the impact of these delays on net carbon assimilation have used simplified models of crop canopies, limiting the accuracy of predictions. Here, we use ray tracing to predict the spatial and temporal dynamics of lighting for a rendered mature Glycine max (soybean) canopy to review the relative importance of these delays on net cumulative assimilation over the course of both a sunny and a cloudy summer day. Combined limitations result in a 13% reduction in crop carbon assimilation on both sunny and cloudy days, with induction being more important on cloudy than on sunny days. Genetic variation in NPQ relaxation rates and photosynthetic induction in parental lines of a soybean nested association mapping (NAM) population was assessed. Short-term NPQ relaxation (<30 min) showed little variation across the NAM lines, but substantial variation was found in the speeds of photosynthetic induction, attributable to Rubisco activation. Over the course of a sunny and an intermittently cloudy day these would translate to substantial differences in total crop carbon assimilation. These findings suggest an unexplored potential for breeding improved photosynthetic potential in our major crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Steven J. Burgess
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Elsa M. de Becker
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
| | - Stephen P. Long
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Department of Crop SciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIL61801USA
- Lancaster Environment CentreLancaster UniversityLancasterLA1 4YQUK
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Garcia-Molina A, Leister D. Accelerated relaxation of photoprotection impairs biomass accumulation in Arabidopsis. NATURE PLANTS 2020; 6:9-12. [PMID: 31907400 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-019-0572-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Faster onset of photoprotection could potentially increase biomass accumulation. Indeed, this has been realized in tobacco VPZ lines by overexpression of three photoprotective proteins in parallel. To explore the range of application of this approach, we generated Arabidopsis VPZ lines. These lines triggered photoprotection more rapidly, but growth rate and biomass accumulation were impaired under fluctuating light. This implies that the strategy might interfere with other mechanisms controlling excitation energy distribution, or with source-sink relationships or plastid signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Garcia-Molina
- Plant Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dario Leister
- Plant Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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