Coupled chaperone action in folding and assembly of hexadecameric Rubisco

Exploring Components of the CO2-Concentrating Mechanism in Alkaliphilic Cyanobacteria Through Genome-Based Analysis

In cyanobacteria, the CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM) is a vital biological process that provides effective photosynthetic CO2 fixation by elevating the CO2 level near the active site of Rubisco. This process enables the adaptation of cyanobacteria to various habitats, particularly in CO2-limited environments. Although CCM of freshwater and marine cyanobacteria are well studied, there is limited information on the CCM of cyanobacteria living under alkaline environments. Here, we aimed to explore the molecular components of CCM in 12 alkaliphilic cyanobacteria through genome-based analysis. These cyanobacteria included 6 moderate alkaliphiles; Pleurocapsa sp. PCC 7327, Synechococcus spp., Cyanobacterium spp., Spirulina subsalsa PCC 9445, and 6 strong alkaliphiles (i.e. Arthrospira spp.). The results showed that both groups belong to β-cyanobacteria based on β-carboxysome shell proteins with form 1B of Rubisco. They also contained standard genes, ccmKLMNO cluster, which is essential for β-carboxysome formation. Most strains did not have the high-affinity Na+/HCO3- symporter SbtA and the medium-affinity ATP-dependent HCO3- transporter BCT1. Specifically, all strong alkaliphiles appeared to lack BCT1. Beside the transport systems, carboxysomal β-CA, CcaA, was absent in all alkaliphiles, except for three moderate alkaliphiles: Pleurocapsa sp. PCC 7327, Cyanobacteriumstranieri PCC 7202, and Spirulina subsalsa PCC 9445. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the CCM components among freshwater, marine, and alkaliphilic β-cyanobacteria revealed that the basic molecular components of the CCM in the alkaliphilic cyanobacteria seemed to share more degrees of similarity with freshwater than marine cyanobacteria. These findings provide a relationship between the CCM components of cyanobacteria and their habitats.

The Diverse AAA+ Machines that Repair Inhibited Rubisco Active Sites

Gaseous carbon dioxide enters the biosphere almost exclusively via the active site of the enzyme ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). This highly conserved catalyst has an almost universal propensity to non-productively interact with its substrate ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate, leading to the formation of dead-end inhibited complexes. In diverse autotrophic organisms this tendency has been counteracted by the recruitment of dedicated AAA+ (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) proteins that all use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to remodel inhibited Rubisco active sites leading to release of the inhibitor. Three evolutionarily distinct classes of these Rubisco activases (Rcas) have been discovered so far. Green and red-type Rca are mostly found in photosynthetic eukaryotes of the green and red plastid lineage respectively, whereas CbbQO is associated with chemoautotrophic bacteria. Ongoing mechanistic studies are elucidating how the various motors are utilizing both similar and contrasting strategies to ultimately perform their common function of cracking the inhibited Rubisco active site. The best studied mechanism utilized by red-type Rca appears to involve transient threading of the Rubisco large subunit C-terminal peptide, reminiscent of the action performed by Clp proteases. As well as providing a fascinating example of convergent molecular evolution, Rca proteins can be considered promising crop-improvement targets. Approaches aiming to replace Rubisco in plants with improved enzymes will need to ensure the presence of a compatible Rca protein. The thermolability of the Rca protein found in crop plants provides an opportunity to fortify photosynthesis against high temperature stress. Photosynthesis also appears to be limited by Rca when light conditions are fluctuating. Synthetic biology strategies aiming to enhance the autotrophic CO₂ fixation machinery will need to take into consideration the requirement for Rubisco activases as well as their properties.

Is RAF1 protein from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 really needed in the cyanobacterial Rubisco assembly process?

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is responsible for carbon dioxide conversion during photosynthesis and, therefore, is the most important protein in biomass generation. Modifications of this biocatalyst toward improvements in its properties are hindered by the complicated and not yet fully understood assembly process required for the formation of active holoenzymes. An entire set of auxiliary factors, including chaperonin GroEL/GroES and assembly chaperones RbcX or Rubisco accumulation factor 1 (RAF1), is involved in the folding and subsequent assembly of Rubisco subunits. Recently, it has been shown that cyanobacterial RAF1 acts during the formation of the large Rubisco subunit (RbcL) dimer. However, both its physiological function and its necessity in the prokaryotic Rubisco formation process remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 strain with raf1 gene disruption shows the same growth rate as wild-type cells under standard conditions. Moreover, the Rubisco biosynthesis process seems to be unperturbed in mutant cells despite the absence of RbcL-RAF1 complexes. However, in the tested environmental conditions, sulfur starvation triggers the degradation of RbcL and subsequent proteolysis of other polypeptides in wild-type but not Δraf1 strains. Pull-down experiments also indicate that, apart from Rubisco, RAF1 co-purifies with phycocyanins. We postulate that RAF1 is not an obligatory factor in cyanobacterial Rubisco assembly, but rather participates in environmentally regulated Rubisco homeostasis.

Biogenesis and Metabolic Maintenance of Rubisco

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) mediates the fixation of atmospheric CO₂ in photosynthesis by catalyzing the carboxylation of the 5-carbon sugar ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP). Rubisco is a remarkably inefficient enzyme, fixing only 2-10 CO₂ molecules per second. Efforts to increase crop yields by bioengineering Rubisco remain unsuccessful, owing in part to the complex cellular machinery required for Rubisco biogenesis and metabolic maintenance. The large subunit of Rubisco requires the chaperonin system for folding, and recent studies have shown that assembly of hexadecameric Rubisco is mediated by specific assembly chaperones. Moreover, Rubisco function can be inhibited by a range of sugar-phosphate ligands, including RuBP. Metabolic repair depends on remodeling of Rubisco by the ATP-dependent Rubisco activase and hydrolysis of inhibitory sugar phosphates by specific phosphatases. Here, we review our present understanding of the structure and function of these auxiliary factors and their utilization in efforts to engineer more catalytically efficient Rubisco enzymes.

A Proteome Translocation Response to Complex Desert Stress Environments in Perennial Phragmites Sympatric Ecotypes with Contrasting Water Availability

After a long-term adaptation to desert environment, the perennial aquatic plant Phragmites communis has evolved a desert-dune ecotype. The desert-dune ecotype (DR) of Phragmites communis showed significant differences in water activity and protein distribution compared to its sympatric swamp ecotype (SR). Many proteins that were located in the soluble fraction of SR translocated to the insoluble fraction of DR, suggesting that membrane-associated proteins were greatly reinforced in DR. The unknown phenomenon in plant stress physiology was defined as a proteome translocation response. Quantitative 2D-DIGE technology highlighted these 'bound' proteins in DR. Fifty-eight kinds of proteins were identified as candidates of the translocated proteome in Phragmites. The majority were chloroplast proteins. Unexpectedly, Rubisco was the most abundant protein sequestered by DR. Rubisco activase, various chaperons and 2-cysteine peroxiredoxin were major components in the translocation response. Conformational change was assumed to be the main reason for the Rubisco translocation due to no primary sequence difference between DR and SR. The addition of reductant in extraction process partially reversed the translocation response, implying that intracellular redox status plays a role in the translocation response of the proteome. The finding emphasizes the realistic significance of the membrane-association of biomolecule for plant long-term adaptation to complex stress conditions.

Dimer crystallization of chiral proteoids

When slowly crowded while undergoing Brownian motion, hard proteomimetic colloids (“proteoids”) hierarchically self-assemble into microcrystals of enantiopure lock-and-key dimers.

Physiological and Proteomic Responses of Continuous Cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 to Changes in Iron Bioavailability and Growth Rate

The hepatotoxin microcystin (MCYST) is produced by a variety of freshwater cyanobacterial species, including Microcystis aeruginosa Interestingly, MCYST-producing M. aeruginosa strains have been shown to outcompete their nontoxic counterparts under iron-limiting conditions. However, the reasons for this are unclear. Here we examined the proteomic response of M. aeruginosa PCC 7806 continuous cultures under different iron and growth regimes. Iron limitation was correlated with a global reduction in levels of proteins associated with energy metabolism and photosynthesis. These proteomic changes were consistent with physiological observations, including reduced chlorophyll a content and reduced cell size. While levels of MCYST biosynthesis proteins did not fluctuate during the study period, both intra- and extracellular toxin quotas were significantly higher under iron-limiting conditions. Our results support the hypothesis that intracellular MCYST plays a role in protecting the cell against oxidative stress. Further, we propose that extracellular MCYST may act as a signaling molecule, stimulating MCYST production under conditions of iron limitation and enhancing the fitness of bloom populations.

IMPORTANCE

Microcystin production in water supply reservoirs is a global public health problem. Understanding the ecophysiology of hepatotoxic cyanobacteria, including their responses to the presence of key micronutrient metals such as iron, is central to managing harmful blooms. To our knowledge, this was the first study to examine proteomic and physiological changes occurring in M. aeruginosa continuous cultures under conditions of iron limitation at different growth rates.

Introducing extra NADPH consumption ability significantly increases the photosynthetic efficiency and biomass production of cyanobacteria

Increasing photosynthetic efficiency is crucial to increasing biomass production to meet the growing demands for food and energy. Previous theoretical arithmetic analysis suggests that the light reactions and dark reactions are imperfectly coupled due to shortage of ATP supply, or accumulation of NADPH. Here we hypothesized that solely increasing NADPH consumption might improve the coupling of light reactions and dark reactions, thereby increasing the photosynthetic efficiency and biomass production. To test this hypothesis, an NADPH consumption pathway was constructed in cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The resulting extra NADPH-consuming mutant grew much faster and achieved a higher biomass concentration. Analyses of photosynthesis characteristics showed the activities of photosystem II and photosystem I and the light saturation point of the NADPH-consuming mutant all significantly increased. Thus, we demonstrated that introducing extra NADPH consumption ability is a promising strategy to increase photosynthetic efficiency and to enable utilization of high-intensity lights.

Downregulation of Rubisco Activity by Non-enzymatic Acetylation of RbcL

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is assimilated by the most abundant but sluggish enzyme, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). Here we show that acetylation of lysine residues of the Rubisco large subunit (RbcL), including Lys201 and Lys334 in the active sites, may be an important mechanism in the regulation of Rubisco activities. It is well known that Lys201 reacts with CO2 for carbamylation, a prerequisite for both carboxylase and oxygenase activities of Rubisco, and Lys334 contacts with ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP). The acetylation level of RbcL in plants is lower during the day and higher at night, inversely correlating with the Rubisco carboxylation activity. A search of the chloroplast proteome database did not reveal a canonical acetyltransferase; instead, we found that a plant-derived metabolite, 7-acetoxy-4-methylcoumarin (AMC), can non-enzymatically acetylate both native Rubisco and synthesized RbcL peptides spanning Lys334 or Lys201. Furthermore, lysine residues were modified by synthesized 4-methylumbelliferone esters with different electro- and stereo-substitutes, resulting in varied Rubisco activities. 1-Chloroethyl 4-methylcoumarin-7-yl carbonate (ClMC) could transfer the chloroethyl carbamate group to lysine residues of RbcL and completely inactivate Rubisco, whereas bis(4-methylcoumarin-7-yl) carbonate (BMC) improved Rubisco activity through increasing the level of Lys201 carbamylation. Our findings indicate that RbcL acetylation negatively regulates Rubisco activity, and metabolic derivatives can be designed to dissect and improve CO2 fixation efficiency of plants through lysine modification.

Photosynthetic responses to chilling in a chilling-tolerant and chilling-sensitive Miscanthus hybrid

Miscanthus is a C4 perennial grass being developed for bioenergy production in temperate regions where chilling events are common. To evaluate chilling effects on Miscanthus, we assessed the processes controlling net CO2 assimilation rate (A) in Miscanthus x giganteus (M161) and a chilling-sensitive Miscanthus hybrid (M115) before and after a chilling treatment of 12/5 °C. The temperature response of A and maximum Rubisco activity in vitro were identical below 20 °C in chilled and unchilled M161, demonstrating Rubisco capacity limits or co-limits A at cooler temperatures. By contrast, A in M115 decreased at all measurement temperatures after growth at 12/5 °C. Rubisco activity in vitro declined in proportion to the reduction in A in chilled M115 plants, indicating Rubisco capacity is responsible in part for the decline in A. Pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase activities were also reduced by the chilling treatment when assayed at 28 °C, indicating this enzyme may also contribute to the reduction in A in M115. The maximum extractable activities of PEPCase and NADP-ME remained largely unchanged after chilling. The carboxylation efficiency of the C4 cycle was depressed in both genotypes to a similar extent after chilling. ΦP :ΦCO2 remained unchanged in both genotypes indicating the C3 and C4 cycles decline equivalently upon chilling.

RubisCO selection using the vigorously aerobic and metabolically versatile bacterium Ralstonia eutropha

Recapturing atmospheric CO2 is key to reducing global warming and increasing biological carbon availability. Ralstonia eutropha is a biotechnologically useful aerobic bacterium that uses the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle and the enzyme ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) for CO2 utilization, suggesting that it may be a useful host to bioselect RubisCO molecules with improved CO2 -capture capabilities. A host strain of R. eutropha was constructed for this purpose after deleting endogenous genes encoding two related RubisCOs. This strain could be complemented for CO2 -dependent growth by introducing native or heterologous RubisCO genes. Mutagenesis and suppressor selection identified amino acid substitutions in a hydrophobic region that specifically influences RubisCO's interaction with its substrates, particularly O2 , which competes with CO2 at the active site. Unlike most RubisCOs, the R. eutropha enzyme has evolved to retain optimal CO2 -fixation rates in a fast-growing host, despite the presence of high levels of competing O2 . Yet its structure-function properties resemble those of several commonly found RubisCOs, including the higher plant enzymes, allowing strategies to engineer analogous enzymes. Because R. eutropha can be cultured rapidly under harsh environmental conditions (e.g., with toxic industrial flue gas), in the presence of near saturation levels of oxygen, artificial selection and directed evolution studies in this organism could potentially impact efforts toward improving RubisCO-dependent biological CO2 utilization in aerobic environments.

ENZYMES

d-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, EC 4.1.1.39; phosphoribulokinase, EC 2.7.1.19.

Prospects for improving CO2 fixation in C3-crops through understanding C4-Rubisco biogenesis and catalytic diversity

By operating a CO2 concentrating mechanism, C4-photosynthesis offers highly successful solutions to remedy the inefficiency of the CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco. C4-plant Rubisco has characteristically evolved faster carboxylation rates with low CO2 affinity. Owing to high CO2 concentrations in bundle sheath chloroplasts, faster Rubisco enhances resource use efficiency in C4 plants by reducing the energy and carbon costs associated with photorespiration and lowering the nitrogen investment in Rubisco. Here, we show that C4-Rubisco from some NADP-ME species, such as maize, are also of potential benefit to C3-photosynthesis under current and future atmospheric CO2 pressures. Realizing this bioengineering endeavour necessitates improved understanding of the biogenesis requirements and catalytic variability of C4-Rubisco, as well as the development of transformation capabilities to engineer Rubisco in a wider variety of food and fibre crops.

Structural insight into the cooperation of chloroplast chaperonin subunits

Background

Chloroplast chaperonin, consisting of multiple subunits, mediates folding of the highly abundant protein Rubisco with the assistance of co-chaperonins. ATP hydrolysis drives the chaperonin allosteric cycle to assist substrate folding and promotes disassembly of chloroplast chaperonin. The ways in which the subunits cooperate during this cycle remain unclear.

Results

Here, we report the first crystal structure of Chlamydomonas chloroplast chaperonin homo-oligomer (CPN60β1) at 3.8 Å, which shares structural topology with typical type I chaperonins but with looser compaction, and possesses a larger central cavity, less contact sites and an enlarged ATP binding pocket compared to GroEL. The overall structure of Cpn60 resembles the GroEL allosteric intermediate state. Moreover, two amino acid (aa) residues (G153, G154) conserved among Cpn60s are involved in ATPase activity regulated by co-chaperonins. Domain swapping analysis revealed that the monomeric state of CPN60α is controlled by its equatorial domain. Furthermore, the C-terminal segment (aa 484–547) of CPN60β influenced oligomer disassembly and allosteric rearrangement driven by ATP hydrolysis. The entire equatorial domain and at least one part of the intermediate domain from CPN60α are indispensable for functional cooperation with CPN60β1, and this functional cooperation is strictly dependent on a conserved aa residue (E461) in the CPN60α subunit.

Conclusions

The first crystal structure of Chlamydomonas chloroplast chaperonin homo-oligomer (CPN60β1) is reported. The equatorial domain maintained the monomeric state of CPN60α and the C-terminus of CPN60β affected oligomer disassembly driven by ATP. The cooperative roles of CPN60 subunits were also established.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-016-0251-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Transgenic tobacco plants with improved cyanobacterial Rubisco expression but no extra assembly factors grow at near wild-type rates if provided with elevated CO2

Introducing a carbon-concentrating mechanism and a faster Rubisco enzyme from cyanobacteria into higher plant chloroplasts may improve photosynthetic performance by increasing the rate of CO2 fixation while decreasing losses caused by photorespiration. We previously demonstrated that tobacco plants grow photoautotrophically using Rubisco from Synechococcus elongatus, although the plants exhibited considerably slower growth than wild-type and required supplementary CO2 . Because of concerns that vascular plant assembly factors may not be adequate for assembly of a cyanobacterial Rubisco, prior transgenic plants included the cyanobacterial chaperone RbcX or the carboxysomal protein CcmM35. Here we show that neither RbcX nor CcmM35 is needed for assembly of active cyanobacterial Rubisco. Furthermore, by altering the gene regulatory sequences on the Rubisco transgenes, cyanobacterial Rubisco expression was enhanced and the transgenic plants grew at near wild-type growth rates, although still requiring elevated CO2 . We performed detailed kinetic characterization of the enzymes produced with and without the RbcX and CcmM35 cyanobacterial proteins. These transgenic plants exhibit photosynthetic characteristics that confirm the predicted benefits of introduction of non-native forms of Rubisco with higher carboxylation rate constants in vascular plants and the potential nitrogen-use efficiency that may be achieved provided that adequate CO2 is available near the enzyme.

Structure of GPN-Loop GTPase Npa3 and Implications for RNA Polymerase II Assembly

Biogenesis of the 12-subunit RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription complex requires so-called GPN-loop GTPases, but the function of these enzymes is unknown. Here we report the first crystal structure of a eukaryotic GPN-loop GTPase, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae enzyme Npa3 (a homolog of human GPN1, also called RPAP4, XAB1, and MBDin), and analyze its catalytic mechanism. The enzyme was trapped in a GDP-bound closed conformation and in a novel GTP analog-bound open conformation displaying a conserved hydrophobic pocket distant from the active site. We show that Npa3 has chaperone activity and interacts with hydrophobic peptide regions of Pol II subunits that form interfaces in the assembled Pol II complex. Biochemical results are consistent with a model that the hydrophobic pocket binds peptides and that this can allosterically stimulate GTPase activity and subsequent peptide release. These results suggest that GPN-loop GTPases are assembly chaperones for Pol II and other protein complexes.

The GroEL-GroES Chaperonin Machine: A Nano-Cage for Protein Folding

The bacterial chaperonin GroEL and its cofactor GroES constitute the paradigmatic molecular machine of protein folding. GroEL is a large double-ring cylinder with ATPase activity that binds non-native substrate protein (SP) via hydrophobic residues exposed towards the ring center. Binding of the lid-shaped GroES to GroEL displaces the bound protein into an enlarged chamber, allowing folding to occur unimpaired by aggregation. GroES and SP undergo cycles of binding and release, regulated allosterically by the GroEL ATPase. Recent structural and functional studies are providing insights into how the physical environment of the chaperonin cage actively promotes protein folding, in addition to preventing aggregation. Here, we review different models of chaperonin action and discuss issues of current debate.

Structural Analysis of the Rubisco-Assembly Chaperone RbcX-II from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The most prevalent form of the Rubisco enzyme is a complex of eight catalytic large subunits (RbcL) and eight regulatory small subunits (RbcS). Rubisco biogenesis depends on the assistance by specific molecular chaperones. The assembly chaperone RbcX stabilizes the RbcL subunits after folding by chaperonin and mediates their assembly to the RbcL₈ core complex, from which RbcX is displaced by RbcS to form active holoenzyme. Two isoforms of RbcX are found in eukaryotes, RbcX-I, which is more closely related to cyanobacterial RbcX, and the more distant RbcX-II. The green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii contains only RbcX-II isoforms, CrRbcX-IIa and CrRbcX-IIb. Here we solved the crystal structure of CrRbcX-IIa and show that it forms an arc-shaped dimer with a central hydrophobic cleft for binding the C-terminal sequence of RbcL. Like other RbcX proteins, CrRbcX-IIa supports the assembly of cyanobacterial Rubisco in vitro, albeit with reduced activity relative to cyanobacterial RbcX-I. Structural analysis of a fusion protein of CrRbcX-IIa and the C-terminal peptide of RbcL suggests that the peptide binding mode of RbcX-II may differ from that of cyanobacterial RbcX. RbcX homologs appear to have adapted to their cognate Rubisco clients as a result of co-evolution.

Structure and mechanism of the Rubisco-assembly chaperone Raf1

Biogenesis of the photosynthetic enzyme Rubisco, a complex of eight large (RbcL) and eight small (RbcS) subunits, requires assembly chaperones. Here we analyzed the role of Rubisco accumulation factor1 (Raf1), a dimer of ∼40-kDa subunits. We find that Raf1 from Synechococcus elongatus acts downstream of chaperonin-assisted RbcL folding by stabilizing RbcL antiparallel dimers for assembly into RbcL8 complexes with four Raf1 dimers bound. Raf1 displacement by RbcS results in holoenzyme formation. Crystal structures show that Raf1 from Arabidopsis thaliana consists of a β-sheet dimerization domain and a flexibly linked α-helical domain. Chemical cross-linking and EM reconstruction indicate that the β-domains bind along the equator of each RbcL2 unit, and the α-helical domains embrace the top and bottom edges of RbcL2. Raf1 fulfills a role similar to that of the assembly chaperone RbcX, thus suggesting that functionally redundant factors ensure efficient Rubisco biogenesis.

Reconstitution of the human U snRNP assembly machinery reveals stepwise Sm protein organization

The assembly of spliceosomal U snRNPs depends on the coordinated action of PRMT5 and SMN complexes in vivo. These trans-acting factors enable the faithful delivery of seven Sm proteins onto snRNA and the formation of the common core of snRNPs. To gain mechanistic insight into their mode of action, we reconstituted the assembly machinery from recombinant sources. We uncover a stepwise and ordered formation of distinct Sm protein complexes on the PRMT5 complex, which is facilitated by the assembly chaperone pICln. Upon completion, the formed pICln-Sm units are displaced by new pICln-Sm protein substrates and transferred onto the SMN complex. The latter acts as a Brownian machine that couples spontaneous conformational changes driven by thermal energy to prevent mis-assembly and to ensure the transfer of Sm proteins to cognate RNA. Investigation of mutant SMN complexes provided insight into the contribution of individual proteins to these activities. The biochemical reconstitution presented here provides a basis for a detailed molecular dissection of the U snRNP assembly reaction.

Role of auxiliary proteins in Rubisco biogenesis and function

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) catalyses the conversion of atmospheric CO2 into organic compounds during photosynthesis. Despite its pivotal role in plant metabolism, Rubisco is an inefficient enzyme and has therefore been a key target in bioengineering efforts to improve crop yields. Much has been learnt about the complex cellular machinery involved in Rubisco assembly and metabolic repair over recent years. The simple form of Rubisco found in certain bacteria and dinoflagellates comprises two large subunits, and generally requires the chaperonin system for folding. However, the evolution of hexadecameric Rubisco, which comprises eight large and eight small subunits, from its dimeric precursor has rendered Rubisco in most plants, algae, cyanobacteria and proteobacteria dependent on an array of additional factors. These auxiliary factors include several chaperones for assembly as well as ATPases of the AAA+ family for functional maintenance. An integrated view of the pathways underlying Rubisco biogenesis and repair will pave the way for efforts to improve the enzyme with the goal of increasing crop yields.

PAB is an assembly chaperone that functions downstream of chaperonin 60 in the assembly of chloroplast ATP synthase coupling factor 1

The chloroplast ATP synthase, a multisubunit complex in the thylakoid membrane, catalyzes the light-driven synthesis of ATP, thereby supplying the energy for carbon fixation during photosynthesis. The chloroplast ATP synthase is composed of both nucleus- and chloroplast-encoded proteins that have required the evolution of novel mechanisms to coordinate the biosynthesis and assembly of chloroplast ATP synthase subunits temporally and spatially. Here we have elucidated the assembly mechanism of the α3β3γ core complex of the chloroplast ATP synthase by identification and functional characterization of a key assembly factor, PAB (protein in chloroplast atpase biogenesis). PAB directly interacts with the nucleus-encoded γ subunit and functions downstream of chaperonin 60 (Cpn60)-mediated CF1γ subunit folding to promote its assembly into the catalytic core. PAB does not have any recognizable motifs or domains but is conserved in photosynthetic eukaryotes. It is likely that PAB evolved together with the transfer of chloroplast genes into the nucleus to assist nucleus-encoded CF1γ assembly into the CF1 core. Such coordination might represent an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for folding and assembly of nucleus-encoded proteins to ensure proper assembly of multiprotein photosynthetic complexes.

Temperature responses of the Rubisco maximum carboxylase activity across domains of life: phylogenetic signals, trade-offs, and importance for carbon gain

Temperature response of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) catalytic properties directly determines the CO2 assimilation capacity of photosynthetic organisms as well as their survival in environments with different thermal conditions. Despite unquestionable importance of Rubisco, the comprehensive analysis summarizing temperature responses of Rubisco traits across lineages of carbon-fixing organisms is lacking. Here, we present a review of the temperature responses of Rubisco carboxylase specific activity (c(cat)(c)) within and across domains of life. In particular, we consider the variability of temperature responses, and their ecological, physiological, and evolutionary controls. We observed over two-fold differences in the energy of activation (ΔH(a)) among different groups of photosynthetic organisms, and found significant differences between C3 plants from cool habitats, C3 plants from warm habitats and C4 plants. According to phylogenetically independent contrast analysis, ΔH(a) was not related to the species optimum growth temperature (T growth), but was positively correlated with Rubisco specificity factor (S(c/o)) across all organisms. However, when only land plants were analyzed, ΔH(a) was positively correlated with both T(growth) and S(c/o), indicating different trends for these traits in plants versus unicellular aquatic organisms, such as algae and bacteria. The optimum temperature (T(opt)) for k(cat)(c) correlated with S(c/o) for land plants and for all organisms pooled, but the effect of T growth on T(opt) was driven by species phylogeny. The overall phylogenetic signal was significant for all analyzed parameters, stressing the importance of considering the evolutionary framework and accounting for shared ancestry when deciphering relationships between Rubisco kinetic parameters. We argue that these findings have important implications for improving global photosynthesis models.

Opposing effects of folding and assembly chaperones on evolvability of Rubisco

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) catalyzes the fixation of CO2 in photosynthesis. Despite its pivotal role, Rubisco is an inefficient enzyme and thus is a key target for directed evolution. Rubisco biogenesis depends on auxiliary factors, including the GroEL/ES-type chaperonin for folding and the chaperone RbcX for assembly. Here we performed directed evolution of cyanobacterial form I Rubisco using a Rubisco-dependent Escherichia coli strain. Overexpression of GroEL/ES enhanced Rubisco solubility and tended to expand the range of permissible mutations. In contrast, the specific assembly chaperone RbcX had a negative effect on evolvability by preventing a subset of mutants from forming holoenzyme. Mutation F140I in the large Rubisco subunit, isolated in the absence of RbcX, increased carboxylation efficiency approximately threefold without reducing CO2 specificity. The F140I mutant resulted in a ∼55% improved photosynthesis rate in Synechocystis PCC6803. The requirement of specific biogenesis factors downstream of chaperonin may have retarded the natural evolution of Rubisco.

Incorporation of Non-Canonical Amino Acids

In this chapter we discuss the strengths, caveats and technical considerations of three approaches for reprogramming the chemical composition of selected amino acids within a membrane protein. In vivo nonsense suppression in the Xenopus laevis oocyte, evolved orthogonal tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase pairs and protein ligation for biochemical production of semisynthetic proteins have been used successfully for ion channel and receptor studies. The level of difficulty for the application of each approach ranges from trivial to technically demanding, yet all have untapped potential in their application to membrane proteins.

A protein with an inactive pterin-4a-carbinolamine dehydratase domain is required for Rubisco biogenesis in plants

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) plays a critical role in sustaining life by catalysis of carbon fixation in the Calvin-Benson pathway. Incomplete knowledge of the assembly pathway of chloroplast Rubisco has hampered efforts to fully delineate the enzyme's properties, or seek improved catalytic characteristics via directed evolution. Here we report that a Mu transposon insertion in the Zea mays (maize) gene encoding a chloroplast dimerization co-factor of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (DCoH)/pterin-4α-carbinolamine dehydratases (PCD)-like protein is the causative mutation in a seedling-lethal, Rubisco-deficient mutant named Rubisco accumulation factor 2 (raf2-1). In raf2 mutants newly synthesized Rubisco large subunit accumulates in a high-molecular weight complex, the formation of which requires a specific chaperonin 60-kDa isoform. Analogous observations had been made previously with maize mutants lacking the Rubisco biogenesis proteins RAF1 and BSD2. Chemical cross-linking of maize leaves followed by immunoprecipitation with antibodies to RAF2, RAF1 or BSD2 demonstrated co-immunoprecipitation of each with Rubisco small subunit, and to a lesser extent, co-immunoprecipitation with Rubisco large subunit. We propose that RAF2, RAF1 and BSD2 form transient complexes with the Rubisco small subunit, which in turn assembles with the large subunit as it is released from chaperonins.

Enhancing C3 photosynthesis: an outlook on feasible interventions for crop improvement

Despite the declarations and collective measures taken to eradicate hunger at World Food Summits, food security remains one of the biggest issues that we are faced with. The current scenario could worsen due to the alarming increase in world population, further compounded by adverse climatic conditions, such as increase in atmospheric temperature, unforeseen droughts and decreasing soil moisture, which will decrease crop yield even further. Furthermore, the projected increase in yields of C3 crops as a result of increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations is much less than anticipated. Thus, there is an urgent need to increase crop productivity beyond existing yield potentials to address the challenge of food security. One of the domains of plant biology that promises hope in overcoming this problem is study of C3 photosynthesis. In this review, we have examined the potential bottlenecks of C3 photosynthesis and the strategies undertaken to overcome them. The targets considered for possible intervention include RuBisCO, RuBisCO activase, Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle enzymes, CO2 and carbohydrate transport, and light reactions among many others. In addition, other areas which promise scope for improvement of C3 photosynthesis, such as mining natural genetic variations, mathematical modelling for identifying new targets, installing efficient carbon fixation and carbon concentrating mechanisms have been touched upon. Briefly, this review intends to shed light on the recent advances in enhancing C3 photosynthesis for crop improvement.

Role of small subunit in mediating assembly of red-type form I Rubisco

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is the key enzyme involved in photosynthetic carbon fixation, converting atmospheric CO2 to organic compounds. Form I Rubisco is a cylindrical complex composed of eight large (RbcL) subunits that are capped by four small subunits (RbcS) at the top and four at the bottom. Form I Rubiscos are phylogenetically divided into green- and red-type. Some red-type enzymes have catalytically superior properties. Thus, understanding their folding and assembly is of considerable biotechnological interest. Folding of the green-type RbcL subunits in cyanobacteria is mediated by the GroEL/ES chaperonin system, and assembly to holoenzyme requires specialized chaperones such as RbcX and RAF1. Here, we show that the red-type RbcL subunits in the proteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides also fold with GroEL/ES. However, assembly proceeds in a chaperone-independent manner. We find that the C-terminal β-hairpin extension of red-type RbcS, which is absent in green-type RbcS, is critical for efficient assembly. The β-hairpins of four RbcS subunits form an eight-stranded β-barrel that protrudes into the central solvent channel of the RbcL core complex. The two β-barrels stabilize the complex through multiple interactions with the RbcL subunits. A chimeric green-type RbcS carrying the C-terminal β-hairpin renders the assembly of a cyanobacterial Rubisco independent of RbcX. Our results may facilitate the engineering of crop plants with improved growth properties expressing red-type Rubisco.

The BSD2 ortholog in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a polysome-associated chaperone that co-migrates on sucrose gradients with the rbcL transcript encoding the Rubisco large subunit

The expression of the CO2 -fixation enzyme ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), which is affected by light, involves the cysteine-rich protein bundle-sheath defective-2 (BSD2) that was originally identified in maize bundle-sheath cells. We identified the BSD2 ortholog in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a small protein (17 kDa) localized to the chloroplast. The algal BSD2-ortholog contains four CXXCXGXG DnaJ-like elements, but lacks the other conserved domains of DnaJ. BSD2 co-migrated with the rbcL transcript on heavy polysomes, and both BSD2 and rbcL mRNA shifted to the lighter fractions under oxidizing conditions that repress the translation of the Rubisco large subunit (RbcL). This profile of co-migration supports the possibility that BSD2 is required for the de novo synthesis of RbcL. Furthermore, BSD2 co-migrated with the rbcL transcript in a C. reinhardtii premature-termination mutant that encodes the first 60 amino acids of RbcL. In both strains, BSD2 shared its migration profile with the rbcL transcript but not with psbA mRNA. The chaperone activity of BSD2 was exemplified by its ability to prevent the aggregation of both citrate synthase (CS) and RbcL in vitro following their chemical denaturation. This activity did not depend on the presence of the thiol groups on BSD2. In contrast, the activity of BSD2 in preventing the precipitation of reduced β-chains in vitro in the insulin turbidity assay was thiol-dependent. We conclude that BSD2 combines a chaperone 'holdase' function with the ability to interact with free thiols, with both activities being required to protect newly synthesized RbcL chains.

Rubisco Accumulation Factor 1 from Thermosynechococcus elongatus participates in the final stages of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase assembly in Escherichia coli cells and in vitro

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) biosynthesis is a multi-step process in which specific chaperones are involved. Recently, a novel polypeptide, Rubisco Accumulation Factor 1 (RAF1), has been identified as a protein that is necessary for proper assembly of this enzyme in maize cells (Zea mays). However, neither its specific function nor its mode of action have as yet been determined. The results presented here show that the prokaryotic homolog of RAF1 from Thermosynechococcus elongatus is expressed in cyanobacterial cells and interacts with a large Rubisco subunit (RbcL). Using a heterologous expression system, it was demonstrated that this protein promotes Rubisco assembly in Escherichia coli cells. Moreover, when co-expressed with RbcL alone, a stable RbcL-RAF1 complex is formed. Molecular mass determination for this Rubisco assembly intermediate by size-exclusion chromatography coupled with multi-angle light scattering indicates that it consists of an RbcL dimer and two RAF1 molecules. A purified RbcL-RAF1 complex dissociated upon addition of a small Rubisco subunit (RbcS), leading to formation of the active holoenzyme. Moreover, titration of the octameric (RbcL8) core of Rubisco with RAF1 results in disassembly of such a stucture and creation of an RbcL-RAF1 intermediate. The results presented here are the first attempt to elucidate the role of cyanobacterial Rubisco Accumulation Factor 1 in the Rubisco biosynthesis process.

Self-assembly of the chaperonin GroEL nanocage induced at submicellar detergent

Protein nanoassemblies possess unique advantage in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, biocatalysis and vaccine development. Despite recent accomplishment in atomic structure data, the underlying molecular mechanism of protein self-assembly remains elusive, where considerable heterogeneity is often involved. Here we use E. coli chaperonin GroEL, a tetradecameric protein with a molecular weight of 805 kDa, to probe its transformation from cage-like oligomers to protein nanofibers. We show that sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), a widely-used protein denaturant, at submicellar concentration binds to and causes partial distortion of GroEL apical domain. Subsequently, the GroEL apical domain with altered secondary structural content converts the GroEL oligomers into modular structural units which are observed to self-assemble into cylindrical nanofibers under an agitated incubation in a physiological buffer. Interestingly, through targeted mutagenesis where two cysteine residues are introduced at the entry site of GroEL cage, we found that the formation of GroEL nanoassembly could be modulated depending on the redox condition of incubation. Without the need of chemical engineering, tunable GroEL nanofibers built by controlled-assembly are among the largest nanoscale bioassembly with broad applications.

Photosynthesis at the forefront of a sustainable life

The development of a sustainable bio-based economy has drawn much attention in recent years, and research to find smart solutions to the many inherent challenges has intensified. In nature, perhaps the best example of an authentic sustainable system is oxygenic photosynthesis. The biochemistry of this intricate process is empowered by solar radiation influx and performed by hierarchically organized complexes composed by photoreceptors, inorganic catalysts, and enzymes which define specific niches for optimizing light-to-energy conversion. The success of this process relies on its capability to exploit the almost inexhaustible reservoirs of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to transform photonic energy into chemical energy such as stored in adenosine triphosphate. Oxygenic photosynthesis is responsible for most of the oxygen, fossil fuels, and biomass on our planet. So, even after a few billion years of evolution, this process unceasingly supports life on earth, and probably soon also in outer-space, and inspires the development of enabling technologies for a sustainable global economy and ecosystem. The following review covers some of the major milestones reached in photosynthesis research, each reflecting lasting routes of innovation in agriculture, environmental protection, and clean energy production.

Development of an activity-directed selection system enabled significant improvement of the carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco

Photosynthetic CO₂ fixation is the ultimate source of organic carbon on earth and thus is essential for crop production and carbon sequestration. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) catalyzes the first step of photosynthetic CO₂ fixation. However, the extreme low carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco makes it the most attractive target for improving photosynthetic efficiency. Extensive studies have focused on re-engineering a more efficient enzyme, but the effort has been impeded by the limited understanding of its structure-function relationships and the lack of an efficient selection system towards its activity. To address the unsuccessful molecular engineering of Rubisco, we developed an Escherichia coli-based activity-directed selection system which links the growth of host cell solely to the Rubisco activity therein. A Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 Rubisco mutant with E49V and D82G substitutions in the small subunit was selected from a total of 15,000 mutants by one round of evolution. This mutant showed an 85% increase in specific carboxylation activity and a 45% improvement in catalytic efficiency towards CO₂. The small-subunit E49V mutation was speculated to influence holoenzyme catalysis through interaction with the large-subunit Q225. This interaction is conserved among various Rubisco from higher plants and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Knowledge of these might provide clues for engineering Rubisco from higher plants, with the potential of increasing the crop yield.

Maintaining photosynthetic CO2 fixation via protein remodelling: the Rubisco activases

The key photosynthetic, CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco forms inactivated complexes with its substrate ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) and other sugar phosphate inhibitors. The independently evolved AAA+ proteins Rubisco activase and CbbX harness energy from ATP hydrolysis to remodel Rubisco complexes, facilitating release of these inhibitors. Here, we discuss recent structural and mechanistic advances towards the understanding of protein-mediated Rubisco activation. Both activating proteins appear to form ring-shaped hexameric arrangements typical for AAA+ ATPases in their functional form, but display very different regulatory and biochemical properties. Considering the thermolability of the plant enzyme, an improved understanding of the mechanism for Rubisco activation may help in developing heat-resistant plants adapted to the challenge of global warming.

Structure and identification of a pterin dehydratase-like protein as a ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) assembly factor in the α-carboxysome

Carboxysomes are proteinaceous bacterial microcompartments that increase the efficiency of the rate-limiting step in carbon fixation by sequestering reaction substrates. Typically, α-carboxysomes are genetically encoded as a single operon expressing the structural proteins and the encapsulated enzymes of the microcompartment. In addition, depending on phylogeny, as many as 13 other genes are found to co-occur near or within α-carboxysome operons. One of these genes codes for a protein with distant homology to pterin-4α-carbinolamine dehydratase (PCD) enzymes. It is present in all α-carboxysome containing bacteria and has homologs in algae and higher plants. Canonical PCDs play an important role in amino acid hydroxylation, a reaction not associated with carbon fixation. We determined the crystal structure of an α-carboxysome PCD-like protein from the chemoautotrophic bacterium Thiomonas intermedia K12, at 1.3-Å resolution. The protein retains a three-dimensional fold similar to canonical PCDs, although the prominent active site cleft present in PCD enzymes is disrupted in the α-carboxysome PCD-like protein. Using a cell-based complementation assay, we tested the PCD-like proteins from T. intermedia and two additional bacteria, and found no evidence for PCD enzymatic activity. However, we discovered that heterologous co-expression of the PCD-like protein from Halothiobacillus neapolitanus with RuBisCO and GroELS in Escherichia coli increased the amount of soluble, assembled RuBisCO recovered from cell lysates compared with co-expression of RuBisCO with GroELS alone. We conclude that this conserved PCD-like protein, renamed here α-carboxysome RuBisCO assembly factor (or acRAF), is a novel RuBisCO chaperone integral to α-carboxysome function.

The complexity of chloroplast chaperonins

Type I chaperonins are large oligomeric protein ensembles that are involved in the folding and assembly of other proteins. Chloroplast chaperonins and co-chaperonins exist in multiple copies of two distinct isoforms that can combine to form a range of labile oligomeric structures. This complex system increases the potential number of chaperonin substrates and possibilities for regulation. The incorporation of unique subunits into the oligomer can modify substrate specificity. Some subunits are upregulated in response to heat shock and some show organ-specific expression, whereas others possess additional functions that are unrelated to their role in protein folding. Accumulating evidence suggests that specific subunits have distinct roles in biogenesis of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco).

Assembly chaperones: a perspective

The historical origins and current interpretation of the molecular chaperone concept are presented, with the emphasis on the distinction between folding chaperones and assembly chaperones. Definitions of some basic terms in this field are offered and misconceptions pointed out. Two examples of assembly chaperone are discussed in more detail: the role of numerous histone chaperones in fundamental nuclear processes and the co-operation of assembly chaperones with folding chaperones in the production of the world's most important enzyme.

OsCpn60α1, encoding the plastid chaperonin 60α subunit, is essential for folding of rbcL

Chaperonins are involved in protein-folding. The rice genome encodes six plastid chaperonin subunits (Cpn60) - three α and three β. Our study showed that they were differentially expressed during normal plant development. Moreover, five were induced by heat stress (42°C) but not by cold (10°C). The oscpn60α1 mutant had a pale-green phenotype at the seedling stage and development ceased after the fourth leaf appeared. Transiently expressed OsCpn60α1:GFP fusion protein was localized to the chloroplast stroma. Immuno-blot analysis indicated that the level of Rubisco large subunit (rbcL) was severely reduced in the mutant while levels were unchanged for some imported proteins, e.g., stromal heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and chlorophyll a/b binding protein 1 (Lhcb1). This demonstrated that OsCpn60α1 is required for the folding of rbcL and that failure of that process is seedling-lethal.

Chaperones: needed for both the good times and the bad times

In this issue, we explore the assembly roles of protein chaperones, mainly through the portal of their associated human diseases (e.g. cardiomyopathy, cataract, neurodegeneration, cancer and neuropathy). There is a diversity to chaperone function that goes beyond the current emphasis in the scientific literature on their undoubted roles in protein folding and refolding. The focus on chaperone-mediated protein folding needs to be broadened by the original Laskey discovery that a chaperone assists the assembly of an oligomeric structure, the nucleosome, and the subsequent suggestion by Ellis that other chaperones may function in assembly processes, as well as in folding. There have been a number of recent discoveries that extend this relatively neglected aspect of chaperone biology to include proteostasis, maintenance of the cellular redox potential, genome stability, transcriptional regulation and cytoskeletal dynamics. So central are these processes that we propose that chaperones stand at the crossroads of life and death because they mediate essential functions, not only during the bad times, but also in the good times. We suggest that chaperones facilitate the success of a species, and hence the evolution of individuals within populations, because of their contributions to so many key cellular processes, of which protein folding is only one.