1
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Gerle C, Misumi Y, Kawamoto A, Tanaka H, Kubota-Kawai H, Tokutsu R, Kim E, Chorev D, Abe K, Robinson CV, Mitsuoka K, Minagawa J, Kurisu G. Three structures of PSI-LHCI from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii suggest a resting state re-activated by ferredoxin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2023; 1864:148986. [PMID: 37270022 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2023.148986] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Photosystem I (PSI) from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, with various numbers of membrane bound antenna complexes (LHCI), has been described in great detail. In contrast, structural characterization of soluble binding partners is less advanced. Here, we used X-ray crystallography and single particle cryo-EM to investigate three structures of the PSI-LHCI supercomplex from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. An X-ray structure demonstrates the absence of six chlorophylls from the luminal side of the LHCI belts, suggesting these pigments were either physically absent or less stably associated with the complex, potentially influencing excitation transfer significantly. CryoEM revealed extra densities on luminal and stromal sides of the supercomplex, situated in the vicinity of the electron transfer sites. These densities disappeared after the binding of oxidized ferredoxin to PSI-LHCI. Based on these structures, we propose the existence of a PSI-LHCI resting state with a reduced active chlorophyll content, electron donors docked in waiting positions and regulatory binding partners positioned at the electron acceptor site. The resting state PSI-LHCI supercomplex would be recruited to its active form by the availability of oxidized ferredoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gerle
- Life Science Research Infrastructure Group, RIKEN SPring-8 Center, Kouto, Hyogo, Japan; Laboratory for Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Yuko Misumi
- Laboratory for Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kawamoto
- Laboratory for Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideaki Tanaka
- Laboratory for Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hisako Kubota-Kawai
- Faculty of Science, Department of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan; National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Tokutsu
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Eunchul Kim
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Dror Chorev
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, South Parks Road, Oxford University, United Kingdom
| | - Kazuhiro Abe
- Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Carol V Robinson
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, South Parks Road, Oxford University, United Kingdom
| | - Kaoru Mitsuoka
- Research Center for Ultra-High Voltage Electron Microscopy, Osaka University, Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Minagawa
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, the Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Sokendai, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Genji Kurisu
- Laboratory for Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
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2
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Dumont R, Dowdell J, Song J, Li J, Wang S, Kang W, Li B. Control of charge transport in electronically active systems towards integrated biomolecular circuits (IbC). J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:8302-8314. [PMID: 37464922 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00701d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The miniaturization of traditional silicon-based electronics will soon reach its limitation as quantum tunneling and heat become serious problems at the several-nanometer scale. Crafting integrated circuits via self-assembly of electronically active molecules using a "bottom-up" paradigm provides a potential solution to these technological challenges. In particular, integrated biomolecular circuits (IbC) offer promising advantages to achieve this goal, as nature offers countless examples of functionalities entailed by self-assembly and examples of controlling charge transport at the molecular level within the self-assembled structures. To this end, the review summarizes the progress in understanding how charge transport is regulated in biosystems and the key redox-active amino acids that enable the charge transport. In addition, charge transport mechanisms at different length scales are also reviewed, offering key insights for controlling charge transport in IbC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Dumont
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA, USA.
| | - Juwaan Dowdell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA, USA.
| | - Jisoo Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA, USA.
| | - Jiani Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Centre for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
| | - Suwan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Centre for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
| | - Wei Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Centre for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.
- Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, Ningbo, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA, USA.
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3
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Than L, Wolfe KD, Cliffel DE, Jennings GK. Drop-casted Photosystem I/cytochrome c multilayer films for biohybrid solar energy conversion. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2023; 155:299-308. [PMID: 36564600 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-022-00993-w] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
One of the main barriers to making efficient Photosystem I-based biohybrid solar cells is the need for an electrochemical pathway to facilitate electron transfer between the P700 reaction center of Photosystem I and an electrode. To this end, nature provides inspiration in the form of cytochrome c6, a natural electron donor to the P700 site. Its natural ability to access the P700 binding pocket and reduce the reaction center can be mimicked by employing cytochrome c, which has a similar protein structure and redox chemistry while also being compatible with a variety of electrode surfaces. Previous research has incorporated cytochrome c to improve the photocurrent generation of Photosystem I using time consuming and/or specialized electrode preparation. While those methods lead to high protein areal density, in this work we use the quick and facile vacuum-assisted drop-casting technique to construct a Photosystem I/cytochrome c photoactive composite film with micron-scale thickness. We demonstrate that this simple fabrication technique can result in high cytochrome c loading and improvement in cathodic photocurrent over a drop-casted Photosystem I film without cytochrome c. In addition, we analyze the behavior of the cytochrome c/Photosystem I system at varying applied potentials to show that the improvement in performance can be attributed to enhancement of the electron transfer rate to P700 sites and therefore the PSI turnover rate within the composite film.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Than
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235-1604, USA
| | - Kody D Wolfe
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science and Engineering Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235-0106, USA
| | - David E Cliffel
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235-1822, USA
| | - G Kane Jennings
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235-1604, USA.
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4
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Landino LM, Shuckrow ZT, Mooney AS, Lauderback CO, Lorenzi KE. Photo-oxidation and Photoreduction of Catechols by Chlorophyll Metabolites and Methylene Blue. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:1851-1862. [PMID: 36044382 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While plant-derived oxidants can protect cells from oxidative damage, limited research has examined the role of dietary chlorophyll. Photoreduction of ubiquinone by chlorophyll metabolites and red light has been reported in vitro and in animal models. Herein we examined photo-oxidation and photoreduction reactions of catechols, dopamine and hydrocaffeic acid. Photo-oxidation of dopamine by methylene blue and the chlorophyll metabolites pheophorbide A, chlorin e6 and sodium copper chlorophyllin was studied by monitoring aminochrome, the cyclized product of the dopamine o-quinone with its amine. Singlet oxygen scavengers including sodium azide, ascorbate and glutathione decreased aminochrome formation by methylene blue and pheophorbide A. Addition of EDTA, a tertiary amine electron donor, to the reaction of dopamine, photosensitizer and red light decreased aminochrome formation. Photoreduction of the dopamine o-quinone produced by mushroom tyrosinase was achieved by both methylene blue and pheophorbide A only when an electron donor was included. Due to limited solubility, photo-oxidation and photoreduction reactions by pheophorbide A required 5-7.5% dimethylformamide for optimal reactivity. Catalytic photoreduction of 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-p-benzoquinone by methylene blue or pheophorbide A and tertiary amine electron donors was observed. Among the chlorophyll metabolites, pheophorbide A was more effective than chlorin e6 or sodium copper chlorophyllin in photo-oxidation of dopamine and photoreduction reactions. Singlet oxygen inhibited lactate dehydrogenase A activity, and higher molecular weight protein cross-links were observed on SDS-PAGE. Hydrocaffeic acid competed with lactate dehydrogenase A for reaction with singlet oxygen produced by methylene blue; however, no protection by hydrocaffeic acid (HCA) was observed when pheophorbide A was used. Cysteine modification of lactate dehydrogenase A by the o-quinone of hydrocaffeic acid was detected using a redox cycling stain. Inclusion of an electron donor decreased protein labeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Landino
- Department of Chemistry, William and Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, United States
| | - Zachary T Shuckrow
- Department of Chemistry, William and Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, United States
| | - Alexander S Mooney
- Department of Chemistry, William and Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, United States
| | - Clare O Lauderback
- Department of Chemistry, William and Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, United States
| | - Kristen E Lorenzi
- Department of Chemistry, William and Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, United States
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5
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Gerle C, Kishikawa JI, Yamaguchi T, Nakanishi A, Çoruh O, Makino F, Miyata T, Kawamoto A, Yokoyama K, Namba K, Kurisu G, Kato T. Structures of Multisubunit Membrane Complexes With the CRYO ARM 200. Microscopy (Oxf) 2022; 71:249-261. [PMID: 35861182 PMCID: PMC9535789 DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in structural membrane biology has been significantly accelerated by the ongoing ‘Resolution Revolution’ in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). In particular, structure determination by single-particle analysis has evolved into the most powerful method for atomic model building of multisubunit membrane protein complexes. This has created an ever-increasing demand in cryo-EM machine time, which to satisfy is in need of new and affordable cryo-electron microscopes. Here, we review our experience in using the JEOL CRYO ARM 200 prototype for the structure determination by single-particle analysis of three different multisubunit membrane complexes: the Thermus thermophilus V-type ATPase VO complex, the Thermosynechococcus elongatus photosystem I monomer and the flagellar motor lipopolysaccharide peptidoglycan ring (LP ring) from Salmonella enterica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gerle
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,RIKEN SPring-8 Center, Life Science Research Infrastructure Group, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Kishikawa
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoko Yamaguchi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Atsuko Nakanishi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kamigamo-Motoyama, Kyoto, Japan.,Research Center for Ultra-High Voltage Electron Microscopy, Osaka, University, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
| | - Orkun Çoruh
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, 3400 Austria
| | - Fumiaki Makino
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,JEOL Ltd., Akishima, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Miyata
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kawamoto
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ken Yokoyama
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kamigamo-Motoyama, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiichi Namba
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Genji Kurisu
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kato
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, 3-2 Yamada Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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6
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Çoruh O, Frank A, Tanaka H, Kawamoto A, El-Mohsnawy E, Kato T, Namba K, Gerle C, Nowaczyk MM, Kurisu G. Cryo-EM structure of a functional monomeric Photosystem I from Thermosynechococcus elongatus reveals red chlorophyll cluster. Commun Biol 2021; 4:304. [PMID: 33686186 PMCID: PMC7940658 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01808-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A high-resolution structure of trimeric cyanobacterial Photosystem I (PSI) from Thermosynechococcus elongatus was reported as the first atomic model of PSI almost 20 years ago. However, the monomeric PSI structure has not yet been reported despite long-standing interest in its structure and extensive spectroscopic characterization of the loss of red chlorophylls upon monomerization. Here, we describe the structure of monomeric PSI from Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1. Comparison with the trimer structure gave detailed insights into monomerization-induced changes in both the central trimerization domain and the peripheral regions of the complex. Monomerization-induced loss of red chlorophylls is assigned to a cluster of chlorophylls adjacent to PsaX. Based on our findings, we propose a role of PsaX in the stabilization of red chlorophylls and that lipids of the surrounding membrane present a major source of thermal energy for uphill excitation energy transfer from red chlorophylls to P700.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orkun Çoruh
- Laboratory for Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anna Frank
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Hideaki Tanaka
- Laboratory for Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kawamoto
- Laboratory for Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Eithar El-Mohsnawy
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr Al Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Takayuki Kato
- Laboratory of CryoEM Structural Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiichi Namba
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research and SPring-8 Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- JEOL YOKOGUSHI Research Alliance Laboratories, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Christoph Gerle
- Laboratory for Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Marc M Nowaczyk
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Genji Kurisu
- Laboratory for Protein Crystallography, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan.
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7
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Ahmed H, Pathak J, Rajneesh, Sonkar PK, Ganesan V, Häder DP, Sinha RP. Responses of a hot spring cyanobacterium under ultraviolet and photosynthetically active radiation: photosynthetic performance, antioxidative enzymes, mycosporine-like amino acid profiling and its antioxidative potentials. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:10. [PMID: 33442509 PMCID: PMC7778668 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02562-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study summarizes the response of a hot spring cyanobacterium Fischerella sp. strain HKAR-14, under simulated light conditions of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), PAR + UV-A (PA) and PAR + UV-A + UV-B (PAB). Exposure to UVR caused a decline in growth and Chl a while total carotene content increased under PA and PAB. Maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (F v /F m) and relative electron transport rate decreased significantly in PA and PAB exposure. Higher non-photochemical quenching and lower photochemical quenching values were observed in UVR-exposed samples as compared to the control. Levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased significantly in PAB and PA. Fluorescence microscopic images showed an increase in green fluorescence, indicating the generation of ROS in UVR. The antioxidant machinery including superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase showed an increase of 1.76-fold and 2.5-fold superoxide dismutase, 2.4-fold and 3.7-fold catalase, 1.83-fold and 2.5-fold peroxidase activities under PA and PAB, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography equipped with photodiode array detector, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analyses reveal the occurrence of a single mycosporine-like amino acid, shinorine (λ max 332.3 ± 2 nm, m/z 333.1), with a retention time of 1.157 min. The electrochemical characterization of shinorine was determined by cyclic voltammetry. The shinorine molecule possesses electrochemical activity and represents diffusion-controlled process in 0.1 M (pH 7.0) phosphate buffer. An antioxidant assay of shinorine showed its efficient activity as antioxidant which increased in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haseen Ahmed
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Center of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
- Department of Botany, Government Girls P.G. College, Satna, MP 485001 India
| | - Jainendra Pathak
- Department of Botany, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru College, Banda, 210001 India
| | - Rajneesh
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Center of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
| | - Piyush K. Sonkar
- Department of Chemistry, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Vellaichamy Ganesan
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Donat-P. Häder
- Department of Biology, Emeritus of Friedrich-Alexander University, Neue Str. 9, 91096 Möhrendorf, Germany
| | - Rajeshwar P. Sinha
- Laboratory of Photobiology and Molecular Microbiology, Center of Advanced Study in Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005 India
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8
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Montepietra D, Bellingeri M, Ross AM, Scotognella F, Cassi D. Modelling photosystem I as a complex interacting network. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200813. [PMID: 33171073 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we model the excitation energy transfer (EET) of photosystem I (PSI) of the common pea plant Pisum sativum as a complex interacting network. The magnitude of the link energy transfer between nodes/chromophores is computed by Forster resonant energy transfer (FRET) using the pairwise physical distances between chromophores from the PDB 5L8R (Protein Data Bank). We measure the global PSI network EET efficiency adopting well-known network theory indicators: the network efficiency (Eff) and the largest connected component (LCC). We also account the number of connected nodes/chromophores to P700 (CN), a new ad hoc measure we introduce here to indicate how many nodes in the network can actually transfer energy to the P700 reaction centre. We find that when progressively removing the weak links of lower EET, the Eff decreases, while the EET paths integrity (LCC and CN) is still preserved. This finding would show that the PSI is a resilient system owning a large window of functioning feasibility and it is completely impaired only when removing most of the network links. From the study of different types of chromophore, we propose different primary functions within the PSI system: chlorophyll a (CLA) molecules are the central nodes in the EET process, while other chromophore types have different primary functions. Furthermore, we perform nodes removal simulations to understand how the nodes/chromophores malfunctioning may affect PSI functioning. We discover that the removal of the CLA triggers the fastest decrease in the Eff, confirming that CAL is the main contributors to the high EET efficiency. Our outcomes open new perspectives of research, such comparing the PSI energy transfer efficiency of different natural and agricultural plant species and investigating the light-harvesting mechanisms of artificial photosynthesis both in plant agriculture and in the field of solar energy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Montepietra
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, via Campi, 213/a, 41125 Modena, Italy.,CNR NANO S3, Via Campi 213/A, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - M Bellingeri
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Informatiche, Università di Parma, via G.P. Usberti, 7/a, 43124 Parma, Italy.,Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - A M Ross
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - F Scotognella
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.,Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Giovanni Pascoli, 70/3, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - D Cassi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Informatiche, Università di Parma, via G.P. Usberti, 7/a, 43124 Parma, Italy
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9
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Kato K, Shinoda T, Nagao R, Akimoto S, Suzuki T, Dohmae N, Chen M, Allakhverdiev SI, Shen JR, Akita F, Miyazaki N, Tomo T. Structural basis for the adaptation and function of chlorophyll f in photosystem I. Nat Commun 2020; 11:238. [PMID: 31932639 PMCID: PMC6957486 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13898-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlorophylls (Chl) play pivotal roles in energy capture, transfer and charge separation in photosynthesis. Among Chls functioning in oxygenic photosynthesis, Chl f is the most red-shifted type first found in a cyanobacterium Halomicronema hongdechloris. The location and function of Chl f in photosystems are not clear. Here we analyzed the high-resolution structures of photosystem I (PSI) core from H. hongdechloris grown under white or far-red light by cryo-electron microscopy. The structure showed that, far-red PSI binds 83 Chl a and 7 Chl f, and Chl f are associated at the periphery of PSI but not in the electron transfer chain. The appearance of Chl f is well correlated with the expression of PSI genes induced under far-red light. These results indicate that Chl f functions to harvest the far-red light and enhance uphill energy transfer, and changes in the gene sequences are essential for the binding of Chl f. Chlorophyll f (Chl f) is the most red-shifted Chl in oxygenic photosynthesis but its localization in photosystem I (PSI) has been unknown so far. Here the authors determine the cryo-EM structures of PSI complexes from a Chl f-containing cyanobacterium grown either under white light or far-red light conditions and identify seven Chls f in the far-red light PSI structure, whereas PSI from cells grown under white light contains only Chl a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Kato
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Shinoda
- Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, 162-8601, Japan
| | - Ryo Nagao
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Seiji Akimoto
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Min Chen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Suleyman I Allakhverdiev
- K.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology RAS, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Basic Biological Problems RAS, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia.,M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow region, Russia.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology ANAS, -Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Jian-Ren Shen
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Fusamichi Akita
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan. .,Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
| | - Naoyuki Miyazaki
- Institute for Protein Research, Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan. .,Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan.
| | - Tatsuya Tomo
- Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, 162-8601, Japan.
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10
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Kato K, Nagao R, Jiang TY, Ueno Y, Yokono M, Chan SK, Watanabe M, Ikeuchi M, Shen JR, Akimoto S, Miyazaki N, Akita F. Structure of a cyanobacterial photosystem I tetramer revealed by cryo-electron microscopy. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4929. [PMID: 31666526 PMCID: PMC6821847 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12942-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosystem I (PSI) functions to harvest light energy for conversion into chemical energy. The organisation of PSI is variable depending on the species of organism. Here we report the structure of a tetrameric PSI core isolated from a cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, analysed by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) at 3.3 Å resolution. The PSI tetramer has a C2 symmetry and is organised in a dimer of dimers form. The structure reveals interactions at the dimer-dimer interface and the existence of characteristic pigment orientations and inter-pigment distances within the dimer units that are important for unique excitation energy transfer. In particular, characteristic residues of PsaL are identified to be responsible for the formation of the tetramer. Time-resolved fluorescence analyses showed that the PSI tetramer has an enhanced excitation-energy quenching. These structural and spectroscopic findings provide insights into the physiological significance of the PSI tetramer and evolutionary changes of the PSI organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Kato
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Ryo Nagao
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Tian-Yi Jiang
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Ueno
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Makio Yokono
- Nippon Flour Mills Co., Ltd., Innovation Center, Kanagawa, 243-0041, Japan
| | - Siu Kit Chan
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Mai Watanabe
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ikeuchi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Jian-Ren Shen
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Seiji Akimoto
- Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, 657-8501, Japan.
| | - Naoyuki Miyazaki
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
- Institute for Protein Research, Laboratory of Protein Synthesis and Expression, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Fusamichi Akita
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
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11
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Zheng L, Li Y, Li X, Zhong Q, Li N, Zhang K, Zhang Y, Chu H, Ma C, Li G, Zhao J, Gao N. Structural and functional insights into the tetrameric photosystem I from heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria. NATURE PLANTS 2019; 5:1087-1097. [PMID: 31595062 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-019-0525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Two large protein-cofactor complexes, photosystem I and photosystem II, are the central components of photosynthesis in the thylakoid membranes. Here, we report the 2.37-Å structure of a tetrameric photosystem I complex from a heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Four photosystem I monomers, organized in a dimer of dimer, form two distinct interfaces that are largely mediated by specifically orientated polar lipids, such as sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol. The structure depicts a more closely connected network of chlorophylls across monomer interfaces than those seen in trimeric PSI from thermophilic cyanobacteria, possibly allowing a more efficient energy transfer between monomers. Our physiological data also revealed a functional link of photosystem I oligomerization to cyclic electron flow and thylakoid membrane organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lvqin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanbing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qinglu Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Ningning Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuebin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Huiying Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Chengying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guohui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
| | - Jindong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Phycological Research, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Ning Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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12
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Kubota-Kawai H, Burton-Smith RN, Tokutsu R, Song C, Akimoto S, Yokono M, Ueno Y, Kim E, Watanabe A, Murata K, Minagawa J. Ten antenna proteins are associated with the core in the supramolecular organization of the photosystem I supercomplex in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:4304-4314. [PMID: 30670590 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosystem I (PSI) is a large pigment-protein complex mediating light-driven charge separation and generating a highly negative redox potential, which is eventually utilized to produce organic matter. In plants and algae, PSI possesses outer antennae, termed light-harvesting complex I (LHCI), which increase the energy flux to the reaction center. The number of outer antennae for PSI in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is known to be larger than that of land plants. However, their exact number and location remain to be elucidated. Here, applying a newly established sample purification procedure, we isolated a highly pure PSI-LHCI supercomplex containing all nine LHCA gene products under state 1 conditions. Single-particle cryo-EM revealed the 3D structure of this supercomplex at 6.9 Å resolution, in which the densities near the PsaF and PsaJ subunits were assigned to two layers of LHCI belts containing eight LHCIs, whereas the densities between the PsaG and PsaH subunits on the opposite side of the LHCI belt were assigned to two extra LHCIs. Using single-particle cryo-EM, we also determined the 2D projection map of the lhca2 mutant, which confirmed the assignment of LHCA2 and LHCA9 to the densities between PsaG and PsaH. Spectroscopic measurements of the PSI-LHCI supercomplex suggested that the bound LHCA2 and LHCA9 proteins have the ability to increase the light-harvesting energy for PSI. We conclude that the PSI in C. reinhardtii has a larger and more distinct outer-antenna organization and higher light-harvesting capability than that in land plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisako Kubota-Kawai
- From the Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan.,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Raymond N Burton-Smith
- From the Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan.,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Ryutaro Tokutsu
- From the Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan.,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.,the Departments of Basic Biology and
| | - Chihong Song
- the National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Seiji Akimoto
- the Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan, and
| | - Makio Yokono
- the Innovation Center, Nippon Flour Mills Co., Ltd., Atsugi 243-0041, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Ueno
- the Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan, and
| | - Eunchul Kim
- From the Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Akimasa Watanabe
- From the Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan.,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.,the Departments of Basic Biology and
| | - Kazuyoshi Murata
- the National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.,Physiological Sciences, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Jun Minagawa
- From the Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan, .,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama 332-0012, Japan.,the Departments of Basic Biology and
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13
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Singh H. Desiccation and radiation stress tolerance in cyanobacteria. J Basic Microbiol 2018; 58:813-826. [PMID: 30080267 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201800216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are among the oldest living organisms on this planet, existing since more than 3 billion years. They are ideal organisms for investigating biological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, circadian rhythm, photoregulation of gene expression, developmental gene rearrangements, and specialized cell differentiation. They are nearly ubiquitous in distribution, have colonized a wide range of ecosystems including soil, air, dry rock, and aquatic systems, and even occupy extreme niches that are inaccessible to other organisms. Such wide ecological distribution reflects their capacity to acclimate to extreme environments. They show great adaptive abilities and have survived various adverse physiological growth conditions like desiccation, high temperatures, extreme pH, cold, osmosis, salt, light, nitrogen, and high salinity. Their ancient origin and surviving through numerous stresses during evolution indicates their remarkable capabilities to survive and prevail under different environmental and man-made stresses. It has been hypothesized that similar and overlap stress response mechanisms help them to survive different stresses. It has been stated that responses against stresses like radiation has been accidental-exhibited because of similar response against desiccation stress, which has prevailed more during evolution. These overlaps and similarities in stress responses have been instrumental in making these organisms a large class of biological entities today. Present review discuss about stress tolerance in cyanobacteria against two extreme stresses - desiccation and gamma radiation. It also discuss the commonality and underlying molecular mechanisms in these two stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harinder Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sunandan Divatia School of Science, NMIMS (Deemed-to-be) University, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
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14
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Unique organization of photosystem I-light-harvesting supercomplex revealed by cryo-EM from a red alga. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:4423-4428. [PMID: 29632169 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1722482115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosystem I (PSI) is one of the two photosystems present in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms and functions to harvest and convert light energy into chemical energy in photosynthesis. In eukaryotic algae and higher plants, PSI consists of a core surrounded by variable species and numbers of light-harvesting complex (LHC)I proteins, forming a PSI-LHCI supercomplex. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of PSI-LHCR from the red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae in two forms, one with three Lhcr subunits attached to the side, similar to that of higher plants, and the other with two additional Lhcr subunits attached to the opposite side, indicating an ancient form of PSI-LHCI. Furthermore, the red algal PSI core showed features of both cyanobacterial and higher plant PSI, suggesting an intermediate type during evolution from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. The structure of PsaO, existing in eukaryotic organisms, was identified in the PSI core and binds three chlorophylls a and may be important in harvesting energy and in mediating energy transfer from LHCII to the PSI core under state-2 conditions. Individual attaching sites of LHCRs with the core subunits were identified, and each Lhcr was found to contain 11 to 13 chlorophylls a and 5 zeaxanthins, which are apparently different from those of LHCs in plant PSI-LHCI. Together, our results reveal unique energy transfer pathways different from those of higher plant PSI-LHCI, its adaptation to the changing environment, and the possible changes of PSI-LHCI during evolution from prokaryotes to eukaryotes.
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15
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Niroomand H, Mukherjee D, Khomami B. Tuning the photoexcitation response of cyanobacterial Photosystem I via reconstitution into Proteoliposomes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2492. [PMID: 28559589 PMCID: PMC5449388 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02746-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of natural thylakoid membrane housing of Photosystem I (PSI), the transmembrane photosynthetic protein, in its robust photoactivated charge separation with near unity quantum efficiency is not fundamentally understood. To this end, incorporation of suitable protein scaffolds for PSI incorporation is of great scientific and device manufacturing interest. Areas of interest include solid state bioelectronics, and photoelectrochemical devices that require bio-abio interfaces that do not compromise the photoactivity and photostability of PSI. Therefore, the surfactant-induced membrane solubilization of a negatively charged phospholipid (DPhPG) with the motivation of creating biomimetic reconstructs of PSI reconstitution in DPhPG liposomes is studied. Specifically, a simple yet elegant method for incorporation of PSI trimeric complexes into DPhPG bilayer membranes that mimic the natural thylakoid membrane housing of PSI is introduced. The efficacy of this method is demonstrated via absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements as well as direct visualization using atomic force microscopy. This study provides direct evidence that PSI confinements in synthetic lipid scaffolds can be used for tuning the photoexcitation characteristics of PSI. Hence, it paves the way for development of fundamental understanding of microenvironment alterations on photochemical response of light activated membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Niroomand
- Sustainable Energy Education and Research Center (SEERC), Knoxville, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Knoxville, USA
| | - Dibyendu Mukherjee
- Sustainable Energy Education and Research Center (SEERC), Knoxville, USA. .,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Knoxville, USA. .,Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA.
| | - Bamin Khomami
- Sustainable Energy Education and Research Center (SEERC), Knoxville, USA. .,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Knoxville, USA. .,Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA.
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16
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The Cosmic Zoo: The (Near) Inevitability of the Evolution of Complex, Macroscopic Life. Life (Basel) 2016; 6:life6030025. [PMID: 27376334 PMCID: PMC5041001 DOI: 10.3390/life6030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Life on Earth provides a unique biological record from single-cell microbes to technologically intelligent life forms. Our evolution is marked by several major steps or innovations along a path of increasing complexity from microbes to space-faring humans. Here we identify various major key innovations, and use an analytical toolset consisting of a set of models to analyse how likely each key innovation is to occur. Our conclusion is that once the origin of life is accomplished, most of the key innovations can occur rather readily. The conclusion for other worlds is that if the origin of life can occur rather easily, we should live in a cosmic zoo, as the innovations necessary to lead to complex life will occur with high probability given sufficient time and habitat. On the other hand, if the origin of life is rare, then we might live in a rather empty universe.
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17
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Carter JR, Baker DR, Witt TA, Bruce BD. Enhanced photocurrent from Photosystem I upon in vitro truncation of the antennae chlorophyll. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2016; 127:161-70. [PMID: 26031418 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-015-0162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Current effects on climate change and dwindling fossil fuel reserves require new materials and methods to convert solar energy into a viable clean energy source. Recent progress in the direct conversion of light into photocurrent has been well documented using Photosystem I. In plants, PSI consists of a core complex and multiple light-harvesting complexes, denoted LHCI and LHCII. Most of the methods for isolating PSI from plants involve a selective, detergent solubilization from thylakoids followed by sucrose gradient density centrifugation. These processes isolate one variant of PSI with a specific ratio of Chl:P700. In this study, we have developed a simple and potentially scalable method for isolating multiple PSI variants using Hydroxyapatite chromatography, which has been well documented in other Photosystem I isolation protocols. By varying the wash conditions, we show that it is possible to change the Chl:P700 ratios. These different PSI complexes were cast into a PSI-Nafion-osmium polymer film that enabled their photoactivity to be measured. Photocurrent increases nearly 400% between highly washed and untreated solutions based on equal chlorophyll content. Importantly, the mild washing conditions remove peripheral Chl and some LHCI without inhibiting the photochemical activity of PSI as suggested by SDS-PAGE analysis. This result could indicate that more P700 could be loaded per surface area for biohybrid devices. Compared with other PSI isolations, this protocol also allows isolation of multiple PSI variants without loss of photochemical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ridge Carter
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - David R Baker
- Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate, United States Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD, 20783, USA
| | - T Austin Witt
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Barry D Bruce
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
- Program in Energy Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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18
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Photosynthetic Membranes of Synechocystis or Plants Convert Sunlight to Photocurrent through Different Pathways due to Different Architectures. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122616. [PMID: 25915422 PMCID: PMC4411099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thylakoid membranes contain the redox active complexes catalyzing the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria, algae and plants. Crude thylakoid membranes or purified photosystems from different organisms have previously been utilized for generation of electrical power and/or fuels. Here we investigate the electron transferability from thylakoid preparations from plants or the cyanobacterium Synechocystis. We show that upon illumination, crude Synechocystis thylakoids can reduce cytochrome c. In addition, this crude preparation can transfer electrons to a graphite electrode, producing an unmediated photocurrent of 15 μA/cm2. Photocurrent could be obtained in the presence of the PSII inhibitor DCMU, indicating that the source of electrons is QA, the primary Photosystem II acceptor. In contrast, thylakoids purified from plants could not reduce cyt c, nor produced a photocurrent in the photocell in the presence of DCMU. The production of significant photocurrent (100 μA/cm2) from plant thylakoids required the addition of the soluble electron mediator DCBQ. Furthermore, we demonstrate that use of crude thylakoids from the D1-K238E mutant in Synechocystis resulted in improved electron transferability, increasing the direct photocurrent to 35 μA/cm2. Applying the analogous mutation to tobacco plants did not achieve an equivalent effect. While electron abstraction from crude thylakoids of cyanobacteria or plants is feasible, we conclude that the site of the abstraction of the electrons from the thylakoids, the architecture of the thylakoid preparations influence the site of the electron abstraction, as well as the transfer pathway to the electrode. This dictates the use of different strategies for production of sustainable electrical current from photosynthetic thylakoid membranes of cyanobacteria or higher plants.
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Abstract
Technical progress in laser-sources and detectors has allowed the temporal and spatial resolution of chemical reactions down to femtoseconds and Å-units. In photon-excitable systems the key to chemical kinetics, trajectories across the vibrational saddle landscape, are experimentally accessible. Simple and thus well-defined chemical compounds are preferred objects for calibrating new methodologies and carving out paradigms of chemical dynamics, as shown in several contributions to this Faraday Discussion. Aerobic life on earth is powered by solar energy, which is captured by microorganisms and plants. Oxygenic photosynthesis relies on a three billion year old molecular machinery which is as well defined as simpler chemical constructs. It has been analysed to a very high precision. The transfer of excitation between pigments in antennae proteins, of electrons between redox-cofactors in reaction centres, and the oxidation of water by a Mn4Ca-cluster are solid state reactions. ATP, the general energy currency of the cell, is synthesized by a most agile, rotary molecular machine. While the efficiency of photosynthesis competes well with photovoltaics at the time scale of nanoseconds, it is lower by an order of magnitude for crops and again lower for bio-fuels. The enormous energy demand of mankind calls for engineered (bio-mimetic or bio-inspired) solar-electric and solar-fuel devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Junge
- Dept. Biology & Chemistry, University of Osnabrück, R. 35/E42 Barbarastrasse 11, 49076 Osnabrück, Germany.
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20
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Abstract
Oxygenic photosynthesis is the principal converter of sunlight into chemical energy on Earth. Cyanobacteria and plants provide the oxygen, food, fuel, fibers, and platform chemicals for life on Earth. The conversion of solar energy into chemical energy is catalyzed by two multisubunit membrane protein complexes, photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). Light is absorbed by the pigment cofactors, and excitation energy is transferred among the antennae pigments and converted into chemical energy at very high efficiency. Oxygenic photosynthesis has existed for more than three billion years, during which its molecular machinery was perfected to minimize wasteful reactions. Light excitation transfer and singlet trapping won over fluorescence, radiation-less decay, and triplet formation. Photosynthetic reaction centers operate in organisms ranging from bacteria to higher plants. They are all evolutionarily linked. The crystal structure determination of photosynthetic protein complexes sheds light on the various partial reactions and explains how they are protected against wasteful pathways and why their function is robust. This review discusses the efficiency of photosynthetic solar energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel;
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21
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Caffarri S, Tibiletti T, Jennings RC, Santabarbara S. A comparison between plant photosystem I and photosystem II architecture and functioning. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2015; 15:296-331. [PMID: 24678674 PMCID: PMC4030627 DOI: 10.2174/1389203715666140327102218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Oxygenic photosynthesis is indispensable both for the development and maintenance of life on earth by converting
light energy into chemical energy and by producing molecular oxygen and consuming carbon dioxide. This latter
process has been responsible for reducing the CO2 from its very high levels in the primitive atmosphere to the present low
levels and thus reducing global temperatures to levels conducive to the development of life. Photosystem I and photosystem
II are the two multi-protein complexes that contain the pigments necessary to harvest photons and use light energy to
catalyse the primary photosynthetic endergonic reactions producing high energy compounds. Both photosystems are
highly organised membrane supercomplexes composed of a core complex, containing the reaction centre where electron
transport is initiated, and of a peripheral antenna system, which is important for light harvesting and photosynthetic activity
regulation. If on the one hand both the chemical reactions catalysed by the two photosystems and their detailed structure
are different, on the other hand they share many similarities. In this review we discuss and compare various aspects of
the organisation, functioning and regulation of plant photosystems by comparing them for similarities and differences as
obtained by structural, biochemical and spectroscopic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stefano Santabarbara
- Laboratoire de Génétique et de Biophysique des Plantes (LGBP), Aix-Marseille Université, Faculté des Sciences de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13009, Marseille, France.
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22
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Qin X, Wang W, Chang L, Chen J, Wang P, Zhang J, He Y, Kuang T, Shen JR. Isolation and characterization of a PSI-LHCI super-complex and its sub-complexes from a siphonaceous marine green alga, Bryopsis Corticulans. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2015; 123:61-76. [PMID: 25214185 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-014-0039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
A novel super-complex of photosystem I (PSI)-light-harvesting complex I (LHCI) was isolated from a siphonaceous marine green alga, Bryopsis corticulans. The super-complex contained 9-10 Lhca antennas as external LHCI bound to the core complex. The super-complex was further disintegrated into PSI core and LHCI sub-complexes, and analysis of the pigment compositions by high-performance liquid chromatography revealed unique characteristics of the B. corticulans PSI in that one PSI core contained around 14 α-carotenes and 1-2 ε-carotenes. This is in sharp contrast to the PSI core from higher plants and most cyanobacteria where only β-carotenes were present, and is the first report for an α-carotene-type PSI core complex among photosynthetic eukaryotes, suggesting a structural flexibility of the PSI core. Lhca antennas from B. corticulans contained seven kinds of carotenoids (siphonaxanthin, all-trans neoxanthin, 9'-cis neoxanthin, violaxanthin, siphonein, ε-carotene, and α-carotene) and showed a high carotenoid:chlorophyll ratio of around 7.5:13. PSI-LHCI super-complex and PSI core showed fluorescence emission peaks at 716 and 718 nm at 77 K, respectively; whereas two Lhca oligomers had fluorescence peaks at 681 and 684 nm, respectively. By comparison with spinach PSI preparations, it was found that B. corticulans PSI had less red chlorophylls, most of them are present in the core complex but not in the outer light-harvesting systems. These characteristics may contribute to the fine tuning of the energy transfer network, and to acclimate to the ever-changing light conditions under which the unique green alga inhabits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Qin
- Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China,
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Effect of biogenic polyamine spermine on the structure and function of photosystem I. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2014; 141:76-83. [PMID: 25318020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We located the binding sites of spermine (Spm) to PSI sub-membrane proteins and the impact of this interaction on the photoprotection of PSI activity, using spectroscopic methods and molecular modeling. Our results showed that at high Spm content the polyamine binds PSI polypeptides through H-bonding and induces major protein conformational changes with the reduction of α-helix from 52% to 42% and an increase of the β-sheet from 26% to 29%. However, polyamine does not affect significantly the photooxidizable P700 in control sample and considerably protects it against strong illumination. On the contrary, protein conformational changes coincide with an important inhibition of O2 uptake rates by polyamine, which revealed that the protein of the PSI donor side plastocyanin is a main target for Spm inhibition. The photoprotection of PSI photochemical activity may be due to the stabilization of the PSI stromal polypeptides by Spm as shown by the docking results. Spm binds to different amino acids with hydrophilic and hydrophobic characters, while the presence of several H-bondings stabilizes Spm-PSI complexation.
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Nellaepalli S, Zsiros O, Tóth T, Yadavalli V, Garab G, Subramanyam R, Kovács L. Heat- and light-induced detachment of the light harvesting complex from isolated photosystem I supercomplexes. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2014; 137:13-20. [PMID: 24874922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2014.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In a previous study, using photosystem I enriched stroma thylakoid membrane vesicles, we have shown that the light harvesting complexes of this photosystem are prone to heat- and light-induced, thermo-optically driven detachment from the supercomplex [43]. We have also shown that the splitting of the supercomplex occurs in a gradual and specific manner, selectively affecting the different constituents of the antenna complexes. Here we further analyse these heat- and light-induced processes in isolated Photosystem I supercomplex using circular dichroism and 77K fluorescence emission spectroscopy and immuno blotting, and obtain further details on the sequence of events of the dissociation process as well as on the thermal stability of the different components. Our absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopy and immuno blotting data show that the dissociation of LHCI from PSI-LHCI supercomplex starts above 50°C. Also, the low temperature fluorescence emission spectra depicts decrease of maximum fluorescence emission at 730nm and an increase of the intensity at 685nm, and about 10nm blue-shifts, from 730 to 720nm and from 685 to 676nm, respectively, indicating the heat (50°C) induced detachment of LHCI from PSI core complexes. The reaction centre proteins are highly stable even at high temperatures. Lhca2 is more heat stable than the other light harvesting protein complexes of PSI, whereas Lhca4 and Lhca3 are rather labile. Combined heat and light treatments significantly enhances the disorganization of PSI-LHCI supercomplexes, indicating a thermo-optic mechanism, which might have significant role under combined heat and light stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreedhar Nellaepalli
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Ottó Zsiros
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary
| | - Tünde Tóth
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary
| | - Venkateswarlu Yadavalli
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - Győző Garab
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary
| | - Rajagopal Subramanyam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India; Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India
| | - László Kovács
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hungary.
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Nguyen K, Bruce BD. Growing green electricity: progress and strategies for use of photosystem I for sustainable photovoltaic energy conversion. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2014; 1837:1553-66. [PMID: 24388916 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2013.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Oxygenic photosynthesis is driven via sequential action of Photosystem II (PSII) and (PSI)reaction centers via the Z-scheme. Both of these pigment-membrane protein complexes are found in cyanobacteria, algae, and plants. Unlike PSII, PSI is remarkably stable and does not undergo limiting photo-damage. This stability, as well as other fundamental structural differences, makes PSI the most attractive reaction centers for applied photosynthetic applications. These applied applications exploit the efficient light harvesting and high quantum yield of PSI where the isolated PSI particles are redeployed providing electrons directly as a photocurrent or, via a coupled catalyst to yield H₂. Recent advances in molecular genetics, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology have merged to allow PSI to be integrated into a myriad of biohybrid devices. In photocurrent producing devices, PSI has been immobilized onto various electrode substrates with a continuously evolving toolkit of strategies and novel reagents. However, these innovative yet highly variable designs make it difficult to identify the rate-limiting steps and/or components that function as bottlenecks in PSI-biohybrid devices. In this study we aim to highlight these recent advances with a focus on identifying the similarities and differences in electrode surfaces, immobilization/orientation strategies, and artificial redox mediators. Collectively this work has been able to maintain an annual increase in photocurrent density (Acm⁻²) of ~10-fold over the past decade. The potential drawbacks and attractive features of some of these schemes are also discussed with their feasibility on a large-scale. As an environmentally benign and renewable resource, PSI may provide a new sustainable source of bioenergy. This article is part of a special issue entitled: photosynthesis research for sustainability: keys to produce clean energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Barry D Bruce
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
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Kirchhoff H. Diffusion of molecules and macromolecules in thylakoid membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2013; 1837:495-502. [PMID: 24246635 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The survival and fitness of photosynthetic organisms is critically dependent on the flexible response of the photosynthetic machinery, harbored in thylakoid membranes, to environmental changes. A central element of this flexibility is the lateral diffusion of membrane components along the membrane plane. As demonstrated, almost all functions of photosynthetic energy conversion are dependent on lateral diffusion. The mobility of both small molecules (plastoquinone, xanthophylls) as well as large protein supercomplexes is very sensitive to changes in structural boundary conditions. Knowledge about the design principles that govern the mobility of photosynthetic membrane components is essential to understand the dynamic response of the photosynthetic machinery. This review summarizes our knowledge about the factors that control diffusion in thylakoid membranes and bridges structural membrane alterations to changes in mobility and function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Dynamic and ultrastructure of bioenergetic membranes and their components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Kirchhoff
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
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Singh H, Anurag K, Apte SK. High radiation and desiccation tolerance of nitrogen-fixing cultures of the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 emanates from genome/proteome repair capabilities. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2013; 118:71-81. [PMID: 24122300 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-013-9936-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The filamentous nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 was found to tolerate very high doses of 60Co-gamma radiation or prolonged desiccation. Post-stress, cells remained intact and revived all the vital functions. A remarkable capacity to repair highly disintegrated genome and recycle the damaged proteome appeared to underlie such high radioresistance and desiccation tolerance. The close similarity observed between the cellular response to irradiation or desiccation stress lends strong support to the notion that tolerance to these stresses may involve similar mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harinder Singh
- Molecular Biology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, Maharashtra, India
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Nelson N. Evolution of photosystem I and the control of global enthalpy in an oxidizing world. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2013; 116:145-151. [PMID: 23954951 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-013-9902-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Life on earth is governed by light, chemical reactions, and the second law of thermodynamics, which defines the tendency for increasing entropy as an expression of disorder or randomness. Life is an expression of increasing order, and a constant influx of energy and loss of entropic wastes are required to maintain or increase order in living organisms. Most of the energy for life comes from sunlight and, thus, photosynthesis underlies the survival of all life forms. Oxygenic photosynthesis determines not only the global amount of enthalpy in living systems, but also the composition of the Earth's atmosphere and surface. Photosynthesis was established on the Earth more than 3.5 billion years ago. The primordial reaction center has been suggested to comprise a homodimeric unit resembling the core complex of the current reaction centers in Chlorobi, Heliobacteria, and Acidobacteria. Here, an evolutionary scenario based on the known structures of the current reaction centers is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel,
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Mazor Y, Nataf D, Toporik H, Nelson N. Crystal structures of virus-like photosystem I complexes from the mesophilic cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC 6803. eLife 2013; 3:e01496. [PMID: 24473073 PMCID: PMC3903132 DOI: 10.7554/elife.01496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygenic photosynthesis supports virtually all life forms on earth. Light energy is converted by two photosystems—photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). Globally, nearly 50% of photosynthesis takes place in the Ocean, where single cell cyanobacteria and algae reside together with their viruses. An operon encoding PSI was identified in cyanobacterial marine viruses. We generated a PSI that mimics the salient features of the viral complex, named PSIPsaJF. PSIPsaJF is promiscuous for its electron donors and can accept electrons from respiratory cytochromes. We solved the structure of PSIPsaJF and a monomeric PSI, with subunit composition similar to the viral PSI, providing for the first time a detailed description of the reaction center and antenna system from mesophilic cyanobacteria, including red chlorophylls and cofactors of the electron transport chain. Our finding extends the understanding of PSI structure, function and evolution and suggests a unique function for the viral PSI. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01496.001 Photosynthesis—the process by which plants and other organisms harness the energy in sunlight—is the source of almost all oxygen, food and fuel on earth. Oxygenic photosynthesis in living cells involves a series of reactions catalyzed by large protein complexes, various other soluble chemicals, and the transfer of electrons from so-called donors to acceptors. The energy in the sunlight is captured by two membrane-embedded protein complexes—photosystem I, which is the most powerful electron donor in nature, and photosystem II—and converted into chemical energy. Almost half of the world’s photosynthesis occurs in the oceans, and is performed by single-celled cyanobacteria and algae. Interestingly, some of the genes that encode photosynthetic enzymes in cyanobacteria are also found in the genomes of viruses that infect these bacteria. It is thought that these viruses can alter photosynthetic pathways in their hosts, but the interactions between these viruses and their hosts are not fully understood. Now, Mazor et al. have created a photosystem I complex that mimics the viral version of this complex, and have gone on to solve its three-dimensional structure. This mimetic virus-encoded complex was shown to be a ‘promiscuous’ electron acceptor: this means that, unlike most electron acceptors, it can accept electrons from more than one electron donor. Further, Mazor et al. solved the structure of photosystem I from Synechocystis, a cyanobacterium that lives in fresh water; and found some surprising differences between it and the only other published structure for photosystem I from a cyanobacterium (which was from a species that lives in hot water springs). These included differences in components involved in the electron transfer chain—a series of chemical reactions in which electrons are passed from donor to acceptor molecules—that were thought to be highly conserved. Other differences in the structures allowed Mazor et al. to identify the location of a unique chlorophyll pigment group in the Synechocystis photosystem I. Since Synechocystis is commonly used as a model to study photosynthesis, an improved understanding of its photosystem I should lead to further improvements in our knowledge of photosynthesis. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01496.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Mazor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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30
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Saen-Oon S, Lucas MF, Guallar V. Electron transfer in proteins: theory, applications and future perspectives. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013; 15:15271-85. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cp50484k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Kargul J, Janna Olmos JD, Krupnik T. Structure and function of photosystem I and its application in biomimetic solar-to-fuel systems. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 169:1639-1653. [PMID: 22784471 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2012.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Photosystem I (PSI) is one of the most efficient biological macromolecular complexes that converts solar energy into condensed energy of chemical bonds. Despite high structural complexity, PSI operates with a quantum yield close to 1.0 and to date, no man-made synthetic system approached this remarkable efficiency. This review highlights recent developments in dissecting molecular structure and function of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic PSI. It also overviews progress in the application of this complex as a natural photocathode for production of hydrogen within the biomimetic solar-to-fuel nanodevices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kargul
- Department of Plant Molecular Physiology, University of Warsaw, ul. Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland.
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32
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Gupta RS. Origin and Spread of Photosynthesis Based upon Conserved Sequence Features in Key Bacteriochlorophyll Biosynthesis Proteins. Mol Biol Evol 2012; 29:3397-412. [DOI: 10.1093/molbev/mss145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Nevo R, Charuvi D, Tsabari O, Reich Z. Composition, architecture and dynamics of the photosynthetic apparatus in higher plants. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 70:157-76. [PMID: 22449050 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2011.04876.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The process of oxygenic photosynthesis enabled and still sustains aerobic life on Earth. The most elaborate form of the apparatus that carries out the primary steps of this vital process is the one present in higher plants. Here, we review the overall composition and supramolecular organization of this apparatus, as well as the complex architecture of the lamellar system within which it is harbored. Along the way, we refer to the genetic, biochemical, spectroscopic and, in particular, microscopic studies that have been employed to elucidate the structure and working of this remarkable molecular energy conversion device. As an example of the highly dynamic nature of the apparatus, we discuss the molecular and structural events that enable it to maintain high photosynthetic yields under fluctuating light conditions. We conclude the review with a summary of the hypotheses made over the years about the driving forces that underlie the partition of the lamellar system of higher plants and certain green algae into appressed and non-appressed membrane domains and the segregation of the photosynthetic protein complexes within these domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinat Nevo
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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34
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Assembly of Light Harvesting Pigment-Protein Complexes in Photosynthetic Eukaryotes. PHOTOSYNTHESIS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-1579-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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35
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Drop B, Webber-Birungi M, Fusetti F, Kouřil R, Redding KE, Boekema EJ, Croce R. Photosystem I of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii contains nine light-harvesting complexes (Lhca) located on one side of the core. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:44878-87. [PMID: 22049081 PMCID: PMC3247965 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.301101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work we have purified the Photosystem I (PSI) complex of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to homogeneity. Biochemical, proteomic, spectroscopic, and structural analyses reveal the main properties of this PSI-LHCI supercomplex. The data show that the largest purified complex is composed of one core complex and nine Lhca antennas and that it contains all Lhca gene products. A projection map at 15 Å resolution obtained by electron microscopy reveals that the Lhcas are organized on one side of the core in a double half-ring arrangement, in contrast with previous suggestions. A series of stable disassembled PSI-LHCI intermediates was purified. The analysis of these complexes suggests the sequence of the assembly/disassembly process. It is shown that PSI-LHCI of C. reinhardtii is larger but far less stable than the complex from higher plants. Lhca2 and Lhca9 (the red-most antenna complexes), although present in the largest complex in 1:1 ratio with the core, are only loosely associated with it. This can explain the large variation in antenna composition of PSI-LHCI from C. reinhardtii found in the literature. The analysis of several subcomplexes with reduced antenna size allows determination of the position of Lhca2 and Lhca9 and leads to a proposal for a model of the organization of the Lhcas within the PSI-LHCI supercomplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartlomiej Drop
- From the Department of Biophysical Chemistry and
- the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Fabrizia Fusetti
- Department of Biochemistry and the Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Groningen Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roman Kouřil
- From the Department of Biophysical Chemistry and
| | - Kevin E. Redding
- the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-1604, and
| | | | - Roberta Croce
- From the Department of Biophysical Chemistry and
- the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kargul J, Barber J. Structure and Function of Photosynthetic Reaction Centres. MOLECULAR SOLAR FUELS 2011. [DOI: 10.1039/9781849733038-00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Extensive biochemical, biophysical, molecular biological and structural studies on a wide range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms has revealed common features of their reaction centres where light induced charge separation and stabilization occurs. There is little doubt that all reaction centres have evolved from a common ancestor and have been optimized to maximum efficiency. As such they provide principles that can be used as a blueprint for developing artificial photo-electrochemical catalytic systems to generate solar fuels. This chapter summarises the common features of the organization of cofactors, electron transfer pathways and protein environments of reaction centres of anoxygenic and oxygenic phototrophs. In particular, the latest molecular details derived from X-ray crystallography are discussed in context of the specific catalytic functions of the Type I and Type II reaction centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kargul
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ UK
| | - James Barber
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ UK
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Allen JF, de Paula WBM, Puthiyaveetil S, Nield J. A structural phylogenetic map for chloroplast photosynthesis. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2011; 16:645-55. [PMID: 22093371 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Revised: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Chloroplasts are cytoplasmic organelles and the sites of photosynthesis in eukaryotic cells. Advances in structural biology and comparative genomics allow us to identify individual components of the photosynthetic apparatus precisely with respect to the subcellular location of their genes. Here we present outline maps of four energy-transducing thylakoid membranes. The maps for land plants and red and green algae distinguish protein subunits encoded in the nucleus from those encoded in the chloroplast. We find no defining structural feature that is common to all chloroplast gene products. Instead, conserved patterns of gene location are consistent with photosynthetic redox chemistry exerting gene regulatory control over its own rate-limiting steps. Chloroplast DNA carries genes whose expression is placed under this control.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Allen
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK.
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38
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Alboresi A, Gerotto C, Cazzaniga S, Bassi R, Morosinotto T. A red-shifted antenna protein associated with photosystem II in Physcomitrella patens. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:28978-28987. [PMID: 21705318 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.226126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenna systems of plants and green algae are made up of pigment-protein complexes belonging to the light-harvesting complex (LHC) multigene family. LHCs increase the light-harvesting cross-section of photosystems I and II and catalyze photoprotective reactions that prevent light-induced damage in an oxygenic environment. The genome of the moss Physcomitrella patens contains two genes encoding LHCb9, a new antenna protein that bears an overall sequence similarity to photosystem II antenna proteins but carries a specific motif typical of photosystem I antenna proteins. This consists of the presence of an asparagine residue as a ligand for Chl 603 (A5) chromophore rather than a histidine, the common ligand in all other LHCbs. Asparagine as a Chl 603 (A5) ligand generates red-shifted spectral forms associated with photosystem I rather than with photosystem II, suggesting that in P. patens, the energy landscape of photosystem II might be different with respect to that of most green algae and plants. In this work, we show that the in vitro refolded LHCb9-pigment complexes carry a red-shifted fluorescence emission peak, different from all other known photosystem II antenna proteins. By using a specific antibody, we localized LHCb9 within PSII supercomplexes in the thylakoid membranes. This is the first report of red-shifted spectral forms in a PSII antenna system, suggesting that this biophysical feature might have a special role either in optimization of light use efficiency or in photoprotection in the specific environmental conditions experienced by this moss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alboresi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università di Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Caterina Gerotto
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58 B, 35121 Padova, Italy, and
| | - Stefano Cazzaniga
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università di Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Roberto Bassi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università di Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy,; ICG-3, Phytosphäre Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany.
| | - Tomas Morosinotto
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58 B, 35121 Padova, Italy, and
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Nelson N. Photosystems and global effects of oxygenic photosynthesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2010; 1807:856-63. [PMID: 20955682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2010.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Revised: 10/10/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Because life on earth is governed by the second law of thermodynamics, it is subject to increasing entropy. Oxygenic photosynthesis, the earth's major producer of both oxygen and organic matter, is a principal player in the development and maintenance of life, and thus results in increased order. The primary steps of oxygenic photosynthesis are driven by four multi-subunit membrane protein complexes: photosystem I, photosystem II, cytochrome b(6)f complex, and F-ATPase. Photosystem II generates the most positive redox potential found in nature and thus capable of extracting electrons from water. Photosystem I generates the most negative redox potential found in nature; thus, it largely determines the global amount of enthalpy in living systems. The recent structural determination of PSII and PSI complexes from cyanobacteria and plants sheds light on the evolutionary forces that shaped oxygenic photosynthesis. This newly available structural information complements knowledge gained from genomic and proteomic data, allowing for a more precise description of the scenario in which the evolution of life systems took place. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Regulation of Electron Transport in Chloroplasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Nelson
- Department of Biochemistry, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, The Daniella Rich Institute for Structural Biology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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40
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Morosinotto T, Segalla A, Giacometti GM, Bassi R. Purification of structurally intact grana from plants thylakoids membranes. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2010; 42:37-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s10863-009-9261-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2009] [Accepted: 10/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Iwuchukwu IJ, Vaughn M, Myers N, O'Neill H, Frymier P, Bruce BD. Self-organized photosynthetic nanoparticle for cell-free hydrogen production. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2010; 5:73-9. [PMID: 19898496 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2009.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 09/26/2009] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in making use of solar energy through photosynthesis to create alternative forms of fuel. Here, we show that photosystem I from a thermophilic bacterium and cytochrome-c(6) can, in combination with a platinum catalyst, generate a stable supply of hydrogen in vitro upon illumination. The self-organized platinization of the photosystem I nanoparticles allows electron transport from sodium ascorbate to photosystem I via cytochrome-c(6) and finally to the platinum catalyst, where hydrogen gas is formed. Our system produces hydrogen at temperatures up to 55 degrees C and is temporally stable for >85 days with no decrease in hydrogen yield when tested intermittently. The maximum yield is approximately 5.5 micromol H(2) h(-1) mg(-1) chlorophyll and is estimated to be approximately 25-fold greater than current biomass-to-fuel strategies. Future work will further improve this yield by increasing the kinetics of electron transfer, extending the spectral response and replacing the platinum catalyst with a renewable hydrogenase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeyinwa J Iwuchukwu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
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Amunts A, Nelson N. Plant Photosystem I Design in the Light of Evolution. Structure 2009; 17:637-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2009.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Revised: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Vanselow C, Weber AP, Krause K, Fromme P. Genetic analysis of the Photosystem I subunits from the red alga, Galdieria sulphuraria. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2009; 1787:46-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2008.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2008] [Revised: 09/28/2008] [Accepted: 10/02/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Carter DR. Plastocyanin-ferredoxin oxidoreduction and endosymbiotic gene transfer. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2008; 97:245-253. [PMID: 18661249 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-008-9333-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2008] [Accepted: 07/10/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Sequence similarities of proteins associated with plastocyanin-ferredoxin oxidoreduction (PcFdOR) activity of Photosystem I (PSI) were grouped and compared. PsaA, psaB, psaC, and petG represent genes that have been retained in the chloroplasts of both green- and red-lineage species. PsaD, psaE, psaF, and petF represent genes that have been retained in the chloroplast of red-lineage species, but have been transferred to the nuclear genome of green-lineage species. Translated sequences from red- and green-lineage proteins were compared to that of contemporary cyanobacteria, Synechocystis PCC 6803, and Gloeobacter violaceus PCC 7421. Within the green lineage, a lower level of sequence conservation coincided with gene transfer to the nuclear genome. Surprisingly, a similar pattern of sequence conservation existed for the same set of genes found in the red lineage even though all those genes were retained in their chloroplast genomes. This discrepancy between green and red lineage is discussed in terms of endosymbiotic gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas R Carter
- Department of Biology, Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley St., New Britain, CT, 06050, USA.
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In silico and biochemical analysis of Physcomitrella patens photosynthetic antenna: identification of subunits which evolved upon land adaptation. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2033. [PMID: 18446222 PMCID: PMC2323573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2008] [Accepted: 03/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In eukaryotes the photosynthetic antenna system is composed of subunits encoded by the light harvesting complex (Lhc) multigene family. These proteins play a key role in photosynthesis and are involved in both light harvesting and photoprotection. The moss Physcomitrella patens is a member of a lineage that diverged from seed plants early after land colonization and therefore by studying this organism, we may gain insight into adaptations to the aerial environment. Principal Findings In this study, we characterized the antenna protein multigene family in Physcomitrella patens, by sequence analysis as well as biochemical and functional investigations. Sequence identification and analysis showed that some antenna polypeptides, such as Lhcb3 and Lhcb6, are present only in land organisms, suggesting they play a role in adaptation to the sub-aerial environment. Our functional analysis which showed that photo-protective mechanisms in Physcomitrella patens are very similar to those in seed plants fits with this hypothesis. In particular, Physcomitrella patens also activates Non Photochemical Quenching upon illumination, consistent with the detection of an ortholog of the PsbS protein. As a further adaptation to terrestrial conditions, the content of Photosystem I low energy absorbing chlorophylls also increased, as demonstrated by differences in Lhca3 and Lhca4 polypeptide sequences, in vitro reconstitution experiments and low temperature fluorescence spectra. Conclusions This study highlights the role of Lhc family members in environmental adaptation and allowed proteins associated with mechanisms of stress resistance to be identified within this large family.
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Amunts A, Nelson N. Functional organization of a plant Photosystem I: evolution of a highly efficient photochemical machine. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2008; 46:228-37. [PMID: 18272382 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2007.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite its enormous complexity, a plant Photosystem I (PSI) is arguably the most efficient nano-photochemical machine in Nature. It emerged as a homodimeric structure containing several chlorophyll molecules over 3.5 billion years ago, and has perfected its photoelectric properties ever since. The recently determined structure of plant PSI, which is at the top of the evolutionary tree of this kind of complexes, provided the first relatively high-resolution structural model of the supercomplex containing a reaction center (RC) and a peripheral antenna (LHCI) complexes. The RC is highly homologous to that of the cyanobacterial PSI and maintains the position of most transmembrane helices and chlorophylls during 1.5 years of separate evolution. The LHCI is composed of four nuclear gene products (Lhca1-Lhca4) that are unique among the chlorophyll a/b binding proteins in their pronounced long-wavelength absorbance and their assembly into dimers. In this respect, we describe structural elements, which establish the biological significance of a plant PSI and discuss structural variance from the cyanobacterial version. The present comprehensive structural analysis summarizes our current state of knowledge, providing the first glimpse at the architecture of this highly efficient photochemical machine at the atomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Amunts
- Biochemistry Department, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, The Daniella Rich Institute for Structural Biology, Tel Aviv University, Sherman Building, Room 531, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Amunts A, Drory O, Nelson N. The structure of a plant photosystem I supercomplex at 3.4 A resolution. Nature 2007; 447:58-63. [PMID: 17476261 DOI: 10.1038/nature05687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 02/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
All higher organisms on Earth receive energy directly or indirectly from oxygenic photosynthesis performed by plants, green algae and cyanobacteria. Photosystem I (PSI) is a supercomplex of a reaction centre and light-harvesting complexes. It generates the most negative redox potential in nature, and thus largely determines the global amount of enthalpy in living systems. We report the structure of plant PSI at 3.4 A resolution, revealing 17 protein subunits. PsaN was identified in the luminal side of the supercomplex, and most of the amino acids in the reaction centre were traced. The crystal structure of PSI provides a picture at near atomic detail of 11 out of 12 protein subunits of the reaction centre. At this level, 168 chlorophylls (65 assigned with orientations for Q(x) and Q(y) transition dipole moments), 2 phylloquinones, 3 Fe(4)S(4) clusters and 5 carotenoids are described. This structural information extends the understanding of the most efficient nano-photochemical machine in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Amunts
- Department of Biochemistry, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, The Daniella Rich Institute for Structural Biology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
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Lefebvre-Legendre L, Rappaport F, Finazzi G, Ceol M, Grivet C, Hopfgartner G, Rochaix JD. Loss of phylloquinone in Chlamydomonas affects plastoquinone pool size and photosystem II synthesis. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:13250-63. [PMID: 17339322 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m610249200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Phylloquinone functions as the electron transfer cofactor at the A(1) site of photosystem I. We have isolated and characterized a mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, menD1, that is deficient in MenD, which encodes 2-succinyl-6-hydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxylate synthase, an enzyme that catalyzes the first specific step of the phylloquinone biosynthetic pathway. The mutant is photosynthetically active but light-sensitive. Analysis of total pigments by mass spectrometry reveals that phylloquinone is absent in menD1, but plastoquinone levels are not affected. This is further confirmed by the rescue of menD1 by addition of phylloquinone to the growth medium. Analysis of electron transfer by absorption spectroscopy indicates that plastoquinone replaces phylloquinone in photosystem I and that electron transfer from A(1) to the iron-sulfur centers is slowed down at least 40-fold. Consistent with a replacement of phylloquinone by plastoquinone, the size of the free plastoquinone pool of menD1 is reduced by 20-30%. In contrast to cyanobacterial MenD-deficient mutants, photosystem I accumulates normally in menD1, whereas the level of photosystem II declines. This decrease is because of reduced synthesis of the photosystem II core subunits. The relationship between plastoquinone occupancy of the A(1) site in photosystem I and the reduced accumulation of photosystem II is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnka Lefebvre-Legendre
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Geneva, 30, Quai Ernest Ansermet 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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Mulkidjanian AY, Koonin EV, Makarova KS, Mekhedov SL, Sorokin A, Wolf YI, Dufresne A, Partensky F, Burd H, Kaznadzey D, Haselkorn R, Galperin MY. The cyanobacterial genome core and the origin of photosynthesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:13126-31. [PMID: 16924101 PMCID: PMC1551899 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0605709103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Comparative analysis of 15 complete cyanobacterial genome sequences, including "near minimal" genomes of five strains of Prochlorococcus spp., revealed 1,054 protein families [core cyanobacterial clusters of orthologous groups of proteins (core CyOGs)] encoded in at least 14 of them. The majority of the core CyOGs are involved in central cellular functions that are shared with other bacteria; 50 core CyOGs are specific for cyanobacteria, whereas 84 are exclusively shared by cyanobacteria and plants and/or other plastid-carrying eukaryotes, such as diatoms or apicomplexans. The latter group includes 35 families of uncharacterized proteins, which could also be involved in photosynthesis. Only a few components of cyanobacterial photosynthetic machinery are represented in the genomes of the anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria Chlorobium tepidum, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Chloroflexus aurantiacus, or Heliobacillus mobilis. These observations, coupled with recent geological data on the properties of the ancient phototrophs, suggest that photosynthesis originated in the cyanobacterial lineage under the selective pressures of UV light and depletion of electron donors. We propose that the first phototrophs were anaerobic ancestors of cyanobacteria ("procyanobacteria") that conducted anoxygenic photosynthesis using a photosystem I-like reaction center, somewhat similar to the heterocysts of modern filamentous cyanobacteria. From procyanobacteria, photosynthesis spread to other phyla by way of lateral gene transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armen Y. Mulkidjanian
- *School of Physics, University of Osnabrück, D-49069 Osnabrück, Germany
- A. N. Belozersky Institute of Physico–Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow 119899, Russia
| | - Eugene V. Koonin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894
| | - Kira S. Makarova
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894
| | - Sergey L. Mekhedov
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894
| | - Alexander Sorokin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894
| | - Yuri I. Wolf
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894
| | - Alexis Dufresne
- Station Biologique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7144, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université Paris 6, BP74, F-29682 Roscoff Cedex, France
| | - Frédéric Partensky
- Station Biologique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7144, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université Paris 6, BP74, F-29682 Roscoff Cedex, France
| | - Henry Burd
- Integrated Genomics, Inc., Chicago, IL 60612; and
| | | | - Robert Haselkorn
- **Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, 920 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Michael Y. Galperin
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Kobuke
- Graduate School of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916‐5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630‐0192, Japan, Fax: +81‐743‐72‐6119
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