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Dou B, Li Y, Wang F, Chen L, Zhang W. Chassis engineering for high light tolerance in microalgae and cyanobacteria. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38987975 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2024.2357368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Oxygenic photosynthesis in microalgae and cyanobacteria is considered an important chassis to accelerate energy transition and mitigate global warming. Currently, cultivation systems for photosynthetic microbes for large-scale applications encountered excessive light exposure stress. High light stress can: affect photosynthetic efficiency, reduce productivity, limit cell growth, and even cause cell death. Deciphering photoprotection mechanisms and constructing high-light tolerant chassis have been recent research focuses. In this review, we first briefly introduce the self-protection mechanisms of common microalgae and cyanobacteria in response to high light stress. These mechanisms mainly include: avoiding excess light absorption, dissipating excess excitation energy, quenching excessive high-energy electrons, ROS detoxification, and PSII repair. We focus on the species-specific differences in these mechanisms as well as recent advancements. Then, we review engineering strategies for creating high-light tolerant chassis, such as: reducing the size of the light-harvesting antenna, optimizing non-photochemical quenching, optimizing photosynthetic electron transport, and enhancing PSII repair. Finally, we propose a comprehensive exploration of mechanisms: underlying identified high light tolerant chassis, identification of new genes pertinent to high light tolerance using innovative methodologies, harnessing CRISPR systems and artificial intelligence for chassis engineering modification, and introducing plant photoprotection mechanisms as future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyun Dou
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Fangzhong Wang
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
- Center for Biosafety Research and Strategy, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Weiwen Zhang
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
- Center for Biosafety Research and Strategy, Tianjin University, Tianjin, P.R. China
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2
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Vera-Vives AM, Michelberger T, Morosinotto T, Perin G. Assessment of photosynthetic activity in dense microalgae cultures using oxygen production. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 208:108510. [PMID: 38471244 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108510] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms playing a pivotal role in primary production in aquatic ecosystems, sustaining the entry of carbon in the biosphere. Microalgae have also been recognized as sustainable source of biomass to complement crops. For this objective they are cultivated in photobioreactors or ponds at high cell density to maximize biomass productivity and lower the cost of downstream processes. Photosynthesis depends on light availability, that is often not constant over time. In nature, sunlight fluctuates over diurnal cycles and weather conditions. In high-density microalgae cultures of photobioreactors outdoors, on top of natural variations, microalgae are subjected to further complexity in light exposure. Because of the high-density cells experience self-shading effects that heavily limit light availability in most of the mass culture volume. This limitation strongly affects biomass productivity of industrial microalgae cultivation plants with important implications on economic feasibility. Understanding how photosynthesis responds to cell density is informative to assess functionality in the inhomogeneous light environment of industrial photobioreactors. In this work we exploited a high-sensitivity Clark electrode to measure microalgae photosynthesis and compare cultures with different densities, using Nannochloropsis as model organism. We observed that cell density has a substantial impact on photosynthetic activity, and demonstrated the reduction of the cell's light-absorption capacity by genetic modification is a valuable strategy to increase photosynthetic functionality on a chlorophyll-basis of dense microalgae cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim Michelberger
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Perin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131, Padova, Italy.
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3
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Dennis G, Posewitz MC. Advances in light system engineering across the phototrophic spectrum. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1332456. [PMID: 38410727 PMCID: PMC10895028 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1332456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Current work in photosynthetic engineering is progressing along the lines of cyanobacterial, microalgal, and plant research. These are interconnected through the fundamental mechanisms of photosynthesis and advances in one field can often be leveraged to improve another. It is worthwhile for researchers specializing in one or more of these systems to be aware of the work being done across the entire research space as parallel advances of techniques and experimental approaches can often be applied across the field of photosynthesis research. This review focuses on research published in recent years related to the light reactions of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae, and plants. Highlighted are attempts to improve photosynthetic efficiency, and subsequent biomass production. Also discussed are studies on cross-field heterologous expression, and related work on augmented and novel light capture systems. This is reviewed in the context of translatability in research across diverse photosynthetic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galen Dennis
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Matthew C Posewitz
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
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4
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Cano M, Krishnan A, Karns DA, Likhogrud MA, Weissman JC, Posewitz MC. Cas9 deletion of lutein biosynthesis in the marine alga Picochlorum celeri reduces photosynthetic pigments while sustaining high biomass productivity. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1332461. [PMID: 38274009 PMCID: PMC10808502 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1332461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestication of algae for food and renewable biofuels remains limited by the low photosynthetic efficiencies of processes that have evolved to be competitive for optimal light capture, incentivizing the development of large antennas in light-limiting conditions, thus decreasing efficient light utilization in cultivated ponds or photobioreactors. Reducing the pigment content to improve biomass productivity has been a strategy discussed for several decades and the ability to reduce pigment significantly is now fully at hand thanks to the widespread use of genome editing tools. Picochlorum celeri is one of the fastest growing marine algae identified and holds particular promise for outdoor cultivation, especially in saline water and warm climates. We show that while chlorophyll b is essential to sustain high biomass productivities under dense cultivation, removing Picochlorum celeri's main carotenoid, lutein, leads to a decreased total chlorophyll content, higher a/b ratio, reduced functional LHCII cross section and higher maximum quantum efficiencies at lower light intensities, resulting in an incremental increase in biomass productivity and increased PAR-to-biomass conversion efficiency. These findings further strengthen the existing strategies to improve photosynthetic efficiency and biomass production in algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Cano
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Anagha Krishnan
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Devin A. Karns
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
| | - Maria A. Likhogrud
- ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Annandale, NJ, United States
| | - Joseph C. Weissman
- ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Company, Annandale, NJ, United States
| | - Matthew C. Posewitz
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States
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5
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Krishnan A, Cano M, Karns DA, Burch TA, Likhogrud M, Aqui M, Bailey S, Verruto J, Lambert W, Kuzminov F, Naghipor M, Wang Y, Ebmeier CC, Weissman JC, Posewitz MC. Simultaneous CAS9 editing of cp SRP43, LHCA6, and LHCA7 in Picochlorum celeri lowers chlorophyll levels and improves biomass productivity. PLANT DIRECT 2023; 7:e530. [PMID: 37711644 PMCID: PMC10497401 DOI: 10.1002/pld3.530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
High cellular pigment levels in dense microalgal cultures contribute to excess light absorption. To improve photosynthetic yields in the marine microalga Picochlorum celeri, CAS9 gene editing was used to target the molecular chaperone cpSRP43. Depigmented strains (>50% lower chlorophyll) were generated, with proteomics showing attenuated levels of most light harvesting complex (LHC) proteins. Gene editing generated two types of cpSRP43 transformants with distinct lower pigment phenotypes: (i) a transformant (Δsrp43) with both cpSRP43 diploid alleles modified to encode non-functional polypeptides and (ii) a transformant (STR30309) with a 3 nt in-frame insertion in one allele at the CAS9 cut site (non-functional second allele), leading to expression of a modified cpSRP43. STR30309 has more chlorophyll than Δsrp43 but substantially less than wild type. To further decrease light absorption by photosystem I in STR30309, CAS9 editing was used to stack in disruptions of both LHCA6 and LHCA7 to generate STR30843, which has higher (5-24%) productivities relative to wild type in solar-simulating bioreactors. Maximal productivities required frequent partial harvests throughout the day. For STR30843, exemplary diel bioreactor yields of ~50 g m-2 day-1 were attained. Our results demonstrate diel productivity gains in P. celeri by lowering pigment levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anagha Krishnan
- Department of ChemistryColorado School of MinesGoldenColoradoUSA
| | - Melissa Cano
- Department of ChemistryColorado School of MinesGoldenColoradoUSA
| | - Devin A. Karns
- Department of ChemistryColorado School of MinesGoldenColoradoUSA
| | - Tyson A. Burch
- Department of ChemistryColorado School of MinesGoldenColoradoUSA
| | - Maria Likhogrud
- ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering CompanyAnnandaleNew JerseyUSA
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Wang YQ, Ye JJ, Yang HZ, Li D, Li XX, Wang YK, Zheng XQ, Ye JH, Li QS, Liang YR, Lu JL. Shading-Dependent Greening Process of the Leaves in the Light-Sensitive Albino Tea Plant 'Huangjinya': Possible Involvement of the Light-Harvesting Complex II Subunit of Photosystem II in the Phenotypic Characteristic. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10314. [PMID: 37373460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The light-sensitive albino tea plant can produce pale-yellow shoots with high levels of amino acids which are suitable to process high-quality tea. In order to understand the mechanism of the albino phenotype formation, the changes in the physio-chemical characteristics, chloroplast ultrastructure, chlorophyll-binding proteins, and the relevant gene expression were comprehensively investigated in the leaves of the light-sensitive albino cultivar 'Huangjinya' ('HJY') during short-term shading treatment. In the content of photosynthetic pigments, the ultrastructure of the chloroplast, and parameters of the photosynthesis in the leaves of 'HJY' could be gradually normalized along with the extension of the shading time, resulting in the leaf color transformed from pale yellow to green. BN-PAGE and SDS-PAGE revealed that function restoration of the photosynthetic apparatus was attributed to the proper formation of the pigment-protein complexes on the thylakoid membrane that benefited from the increased levels of the LHCII subunits in the shaded leaves of 'HJY', indicating the low level of LHCII subunits, especially the lack of the Lhcb1 might be responsible for the albino phenotype of the 'HJY' under natural light condition. The deficiency of the Lhcb1 was mainly subject to the strongly suppressed expression of the Lhcb1.x which might be modulated by the chloroplast retrograde signaling pathway GUN1 (GENOMES UNCOUPLED 1)-PTM (PHD type transcription factor with transmembrane domains)-ABI4 (ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Qi Wang
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jing-Jing Ye
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | | | - Da Li
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Xiao-Xiang Li
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yong-Kang Wang
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xin-Qiang Zheng
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jian-Hui Ye
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qing-Sheng Li
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
| | - Yue-Rong Liang
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jian-Liang Lu
- Tea Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Nymark M, Finazzi G, Volpe C, Serif M, Fonseca DDM, Sharma A, Sanchez N, Sharma AK, Ashcroft F, Kissen R, Winge P, Bones AM. Loss of CpFTSY Reduces Photosynthetic Performance and Affects Insertion of PsaC of PSI in Diatoms. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 64:583-603. [PMID: 36852859 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The chloroplast signal recognition particle (CpSRP) receptor (CpFTSY) is a component of the CpSRP pathway that post-translationally targets light-harvesting complex proteins (LHCPs) to the thylakoid membranes in plants and green algae containing chloroplasts derived from primary endosymbiosis. In plants, CpFTSY also plays a major role in the co-translational incorporation of chloroplast-encoded subunits of photosynthetic complexes into the thylakoids. This role has not been demonstrated in green algae. So far, its function in organisms with chloroplasts derived from secondary endosymbiotic events has not been elucidated. Here, we report the generation and characterization of mutants lacking CpFTSY in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. We found that this protein is not involved in inserting LHCPs into thylakoid membranes, indicating that the post-translational part of the CpSRP pathway is not active in this group of microalgae. The lack of CpFTSY caused an increased level of photoprotection, low electron transport rates, inefficient repair of photosystem II (PSII), reduced growth, a strong decline in the PSI subunit PsaC and upregulation of proteins that might compensate for a non-functional co-translational CpSRP pathway during light stress conditions. The phenotype was highly similar to the one described for diatoms lacking another component of the co-translational CpSRP pathway, the CpSRP54 protein. However, in contrast to cpsrp54 mutants, only one thylakoid membrane protein, PetD of the Cytb6f complex, was downregulated in cpftsy. Our results point to a minor role for CpFTSY in the co-translational CpSRP pathway, suggesting that other mechanisms may partially compensate for the effect of a disrupted CpSRP pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Nymark
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
- Department of Fisheries and New Biomarine Industry, SINTEF Ocean, Trondheim 7010, Norway
| | - Giovanni Finazzi
- Cell & Plant Physiology Laboratory, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, INRAE, IRIG, LPCV, Grenoble 38000, France
| | - Charlotte Volpe
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
- Department of Fisheries and New Biomarine Industry, SINTEF Ocean, Trondheim 7010, Norway
| | - Manuel Serif
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
| | - Davi de Miranda Fonseca
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
- Proteomics and Modomics Experimental Core Facility (PROMEC), NTNU and Central Administration, St. Olavs Hospital, The University Hospital in Trondheim, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
| | - Animesh Sharma
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
- Proteomics and Modomics Experimental Core Facility (PROMEC), NTNU and Central Administration, St. Olavs Hospital, The University Hospital in Trondheim, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
| | - Nicolas Sanchez
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
| | - Amit Kumar Sharma
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
| | - Felicity Ashcroft
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
| | - Ralph Kissen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
| | - Per Winge
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
| | - Atle Magnar Bones
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim N-7491, Norway
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8
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Li R, He Y, Chen J, Zheng S, Zhuang C. Research Progress in Improving Photosynthetic Efficiency. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119286. [PMID: 37298238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Photosynthesis is the largest mass- and energy-conversion process on Earth, and it is the material basis for almost all biological activities. The efficiency of converting absorbed light energy into energy substances during photosynthesis is very low compared to theoretical values. Based on the importance of photosynthesis, this article summarizes the latest progress in improving photosynthesis efficiency from various perspectives. The main way to improve photosynthetic efficiency is to optimize the light reactions, including increasing light absorption and conversion, accelerating the recovery of non-photochemical quenching, modifying enzymes in the Calvin cycle, introducing carbon concentration mechanisms into C3 plants, rebuilding the photorespiration pathway, de novo synthesis, and changing stomatal conductance. These developments indicate that there is significant room for improvement in photosynthesis, providing support for improving crop yields and mitigating changes in climate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Li
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ying He
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shaoyan Zheng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chuxiong Zhuang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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9
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Advances in Genetic Engineering in Improving Photosynthesis and Microalgal Productivity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031898. [PMID: 36768215 PMCID: PMC9915242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though sunlight energy far outweighs the energy required by human activities, its utilization is a key goal in the field of renewable energies. Microalgae have emerged as a promising new and sustainable feedstock for meeting rising food and feed demand. Because traditional methods of microalgal improvement are likely to have reached their limits, genetic engineering is expected to allow for further increases in the photosynthesis and productivity of microalgae. Understanding the mechanisms that control photosynthesis will enable researchers to identify targets for genetic engineering and, in the end, increase biomass yield, offsetting the costs of cultivation systems and downstream biomass processing. This review describes the molecular events that happen during photosynthesis and microalgal productivity through genetic engineering and discusses future strategies and the limitations of genetic engineering in microalgal productivity. We highlight the major achievements in manipulating the fundamental mechanisms of microalgal photosynthesis and biomass production, as well as promising approaches for making significant contributions to upcoming microalgal-based biotechnology.
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10
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Fine Tuning of ROS, Redox and Energy Regulatory Systems Associated with the Functions of Chloroplasts and Mitochondria in Plants under Heat Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021356. [PMID: 36674866 PMCID: PMC9865929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress severely affects plant growth and crop production. It is therefore urgent to uncover the mechanisms underlying heat stress responses of plants and establish the strategies to enhance heat tolerance of crops. The chloroplasts and mitochondria are known to be highly sensitive to heat stress. Heat stress negatively impacts on the electron transport chains, leading to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can cause damages on the chloroplasts and mitochondria. Disruptions of photosynthetic and respiratory metabolisms under heat stress also trigger increase in ROS and alterations in redox status in the chloroplasts and mitochondria. However, ROS and altered redox status in these organelles also activate important mechanisms that maintain functions of these organelles under heat stress, which include HSP-dependent pathways, ROS scavenging systems and retrograde signaling. To discuss heat responses associated with energy regulating organelles, we should not neglect the energy regulatory hub involving TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN (TOR) and SNF-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 1 (SnRK1). Although roles of TOR and SnRK1 in the regulation of heat responses are still unknown, contributions of these proteins to the regulation of the functions of energy producing organelles implicate the possible involvement of this energy regulatory hub in heat acclimation of plants.
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11
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Zhang T, Dong X, Yuan X, Hong Y, Zhang L, Zhang X, Chen S. Identification and characterization of CsSRP43, a major gene controlling leaf yellowing in cucumber. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhac212. [PMID: 36479584 PMCID: PMC9719040 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mutants are crucial to extending our understanding of genes and their functions in higher plants. In this study a spontaneous cucumber mutant, yf, showed yellow color leaves, had significant decreases in related physiological indexes of photosynthesis characteristics, and had more abnormal chloroplasts and thylakoids. Inheritance analysis indicated that the yellow color of the leaf was controlled by a recessive nuclear locus, yf. A candidate gene, CsSRP43, encoding a chloroplast signal recognition particle 43 protein, was identified through map-based cloning and whole-genome sequence analysis. Alignment of the CsSRP43 gene homologs between both parental lines revealed a 7-kb deletion mutation including the promoter region and the coding sequence in the yf mutant. In order to determine if the CsSRP43 gene was involved in the formation of leaf color, the CRISPR/Cas9-mediate system was used to modify CsSRP43 in the 9930 background; two independent transgenic lines, srp43-1 and srp43-2, were generated, and they showed yellow leaves with abnormal chloroplasts and thylakoids. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes associated with the photosynthesis-related pathway were highly enriched between srp43-1 and wild type, most of which were significantly downregulated in line srp43-1. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid and biomolecular fluorescence complementation assays were used to confirm that CsSRP43 directly interacted with LHCP and cpSRP54 proteins. A model was established to explain the molecular mechanisms by which CsSRP43 participates in the leaf color and photosynthesis pathway, and it provides a valuable basis for understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms of leaf color in cucumber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiangyu Dong
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xin Yuan
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yuanyuan Hong
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Vegetables, Yangling 712100, China
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12
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Xue Y, Dong H, Huang H, Li S, Shan X, Li H, Liu H, Xia D, Su S, Yuan Y. Mutation in Mg-Protoporphyrin IX Monomethyl Ester (Oxidative) Cyclase Gene ZmCRD1 Causes Chlorophyll-Deficiency in Maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:912215. [PMID: 35873969 PMCID: PMC9301084 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.912215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Chlorophyll molecules are non-covalently associated with chlorophyll-binding proteins to harvest light and perform charge separation vital for energy conservation during photosynthetic electron transfer in photosynthesis for photosynthetic organisms. The present study characterized a pale-green leaf (pgl) maize mutant controlled by a single recessive gene causing chlorophyll reduction throughout the whole life cycle. Through positional mapping and complementation allelic test, Zm00001d008230 (ZmCRD1) with two missense mutations (p.A44T and p.T326M) was identified as the causal gene encoding magnesium-protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester cyclase (MgPEC). Phylogenetic analysis of ZmCRD1 within and among species revealed that the p.T326M mutation was more likely to be causal. Subcellular localization showed that ZmCRD1 was targeted to chloroplasts. The pgl mutant showed a malformed chloroplast morphology and reduced number of starch grains in bundle sheath cells. The ZmCRD1 gene was mainly expressed in WT and mutant leaves, but the expression was reduced in the mutant. Most of the genes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis, chlorophyll degradation, chloroplast development and photosynthesis were down-regulated in pgl. The photosynthetic capacity was limited along with developmental retardation and production reduction in pgl. These results confirmed the crucial role of ZmCRD1 in chlorophyll biosynthesis, chloroplast development and photosynthesis in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shengzhong Su
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Crop Biotechnology Breeding, College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yaping Yuan
- Jilin Engineering Research Center for Crop Biotechnology Breeding, College of Plant Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Cecchin M, Jeong J, Son W, Kim M, Park S, Zuliani L, Cazzaniga S, Pompa A, Young Kang C, Bae S, Ballottari M, Jin E. LPA2 protein is involved in photosystem II assembly in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 107:1648-1662. [PMID: 34218480 PMCID: PMC8518032 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic eukaryotes require the proper assembly of photosystem II (PSII) in order to strip electrons from water and fuel carbon fixation reactions. In Arabidopsis thaliana, one of the PSII subunits (CP43/PsbC) was suggested to be assembled into the PSII complex via its interaction with an auxiliary protein called Low PSII Accumulation 2 (LPA2). However, the original articles describing the role of LPA2 in PSII assembly have been retracted. To investigate the function of LPA2 in the model organism for green algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we generated knockout lpa2 mutants by using the CRISPR-Cas9 target-specific genome editing system. Biochemical analyses revealed the thylakoidal localization of LPA2 protein in the wild type (WT), whereas lpa2 mutants were characterized by a drastic reduction in the levels of D1, D2, CP47 and CP43 proteins. Consequently, reduced PSII supercomplex accumulation, chlorophyll content per cell, PSII quantum yield and photosynthetic oxygen evolution were measured in the lpa2 mutants, leading to the almost complete impairment of photoautotrophic growth. Pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that the absence of LPA2 protein caused reduced PSII assembly and reduced PSII turnover. Taken together, our data indicate that, in C. reinhardtii, LPA2 is required for PSII assembly and proper function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Cecchin
- Dipartimento di BiotecnologieUniversità di VeronaStrada le Grazie 15Verona37134Italy
| | - Jooyeon Jeong
- Department of Life ScienceHanyang University222, Wangsimni‐ro, Seongdong‐guSeoul04763Korea
| | - Woojae Son
- Department of ChemistryHanyang University222, Wangsimni‐ro, Seongdong‐guSeoul04763Korea
| | - Minjae Kim
- Department of Life ScienceHanyang University222, Wangsimni‐ro, Seongdong‐guSeoul04763Korea
| | - Seunghye Park
- Department of Life ScienceHanyang University222, Wangsimni‐ro, Seongdong‐guSeoul04763Korea
| | - Luca Zuliani
- Dipartimento di BiotecnologieUniversità di VeronaStrada le Grazie 15Verona37134Italy
| | - Stefano Cazzaniga
- Dipartimento di BiotecnologieUniversità di VeronaStrada le Grazie 15Verona37134Italy
| | - Andrea Pompa
- Dipartimento di Scienze BiomolecolariUniversità degli studi di UrbinoVia Aurelio Saffi, 2Urbino61029Italy
- Istituto di Bioscienze e BiorisorseConsiglio Nazionale delle RicercheVia Madonna Alta, 130Perugia06128Italy
| | - Chan Young Kang
- Department of ChemistryHanyang University222, Wangsimni‐ro, Seongdong‐guSeoul04763Korea
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Department of ChemistryHanyang University222, Wangsimni‐ro, Seongdong‐guSeoul04763Korea
| | - Matteo Ballottari
- Dipartimento di BiotecnologieUniversità di VeronaStrada le Grazie 15Verona37134Italy
| | - EonSeon Jin
- Department of Life ScienceHanyang University222, Wangsimni‐ro, Seongdong‐guSeoul04763Korea
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14
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Nymark M, Grønbech Hafskjold MC, Volpe C, Fonseca DDM, Sharma A, Tsirvouli E, Serif M, Winge P, Finazzi G, Bones AM. Functional studies of CpSRP54 in diatoms show that the mechanism of thylakoid protein insertion differs from that in plants and green algae. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 106:113-132. [PMID: 33372269 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The chloroplast signal recognition particle 54 kDa (CpSRP54) protein is a member of the CpSRP pathway known to target proteins to thylakoid membranes in plants and green algae. Loss of CpSRP54 in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum lowers the accumulation of a selection of chloroplast-encoded subunits of photosynthetic complexes, indicating a role in the co-translational part of the CpSRP pathway. In contrast to plants and green algae, absence of CpSRP54 does not have a negative effect on the content of light-harvesting antenna complex proteins and pigments in P. tricornutum, indicating that the diatom CpSRP54 protein has not evolved to function in the post-translational part of the CpSRP pathway. Cpsrp54 KO mutants display altered photophysiological responses, with a stronger induction of photoprotective mechanisms and lower growth rates compared to wild type when exposed to increased light intensities. Nonetheless, their phenotype is relatively mild, thanks to the activation of mechanisms alleviating the loss of CpSRP54, involving upregulation of chaperones. We conclude that plants, green algae, and diatoms have evolved differences in the pathways for co-translational and post-translational insertion of proteins into the thylakoid membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Nymark
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Marthe Caroline Grønbech Hafskjold
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Charlotte Volpe
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Davi de Miranda Fonseca
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
- Proteomics and Modomics Experimental Core Facility (PROMEC), NTNU and Central Administration, St Olavs Hospital, The University Hospital in Trondheim, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Animesh Sharma
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
- Proteomics and Modomics Experimental Core Facility (PROMEC), NTNU and Central Administration, St Olavs Hospital, The University Hospital in Trondheim, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eirini Tsirvouli
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Manuel Serif
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Per Winge
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
| | - Giovanni Finazzi
- Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA), Laboratoire de Physiologie Cellulaire et Végétale, UMR 5168, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Interdisciplinary Research Institute of Grenoble (IRIG), CEA-Grenoble, Grenoble, 38000, France
| | - Atle Magnar Bones
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, N-7491, Norway
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15
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Shi Y, He Y, Lv X, Wei Y, Zhang X, Xu X, Li L, Wu JL. Chloroplast SRP54s are Essential for Chloroplast Development in Rice. RICE (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 13:54. [PMID: 32761436 PMCID: PMC7410889 DOI: 10.1186/s12284-020-00415-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chloroplast signal recognition particle 54 (cpSRP54) is known for targeting the light-harvesting complex proteins to thylakoids and plays a critical role for chloroplast development in Arabidopsis, but little is known in rice. Here, we reported two homologous cpSRP54s that affect chloroplast development and plant survival in rice. RESULTS Two rice cpSRP54 homologues, OscpSRP54a and OscpSRP54b, were identified in present study. The defective OscpSRP54a (LOC_Os11g05552) was responsible for the pale green leaf phenotype of the viable pale green leaf 14 (pgl14) mutant. A single nucleotide substitution from G to A at the position 278, the first intron splicing site, was detected in LOC_Os11g05552 in pgl14. The wild type allele could rescue the mutant phenotype. Knockout lines of OscpSRP54b (LOC_Os11g05556) exhibited similar pale green phenotype to pgl14 with reduced chlorophyll contents and impaired chloroplast development, but showed apparently arrested-growth and died within 3 weeks. Both OscpSRP54a and OscpSRP54b were constitutively expressed mainly in shoots and leaves at the vegetative growth stage. Subcellular location indicated that both OscpSRP54a and OscpSRP54b were chloroplast-localized. Both OscpSRP54a and OscpSRP54b were able to interact with OscpSRP43, respectively. The transcript level of OscpSRP43 was significantly reduced while the transcript level of OscpSRP54b was apparently increased in pgl14. In contrast, the transcript levels of OscpSRP54a, OscpSRP43 and OscpSRP54b were all significantly decreased in OscpSRP54b knockout lines. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that both OscpSRP54a and OscpSRP54b were essential for normal chloroplast development by interacting with OscpSRP43 in rice. OscpSRP54a and OscpSRP54b might play distinct roles in transporting different chloroplast proteins into thylakoids through cpSRP-mediated pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006 China
| | - Yan He
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006 China
| | - Xiangguang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006 China
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081 China
| | - Yanlin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006 China
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006 China
| | - Xia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006 China
| | - Liangjian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006 China
| | - Jian-li Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, 310006 China
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16
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Zarmi Y, Gordon JM, Mahulkar A, Khopkar AR, Patil SD, Banerjee A, Reddy BG, Griffin TP, Sapre A. Enhanced Algal Photosynthetic Photon Efficiency by Pulsed Light. iScience 2020; 23:101115. [PMID: 32434141 PMCID: PMC7235644 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We present experimental results demonstrating that, relative to continuous illumination, an increase of a factor of 3-10 in the photon efficiency of algal photosynthesis is attainable via the judicious application of pulsed light for light intensities of practical interest (e.g., average-to-peak solar irradiance). We also propose a simple model that can account for all the measurements. The model (1) reflects the essential rate-limiting elements in bioproductivity, (2) incorporates the impact of photon arrival-time statistics, and (3) accounts for how the enhancement in photon efficiency depends on the timescales of light pulsing and photon flux density. The key is avoiding "clogging" of the photosynthetic pathway by properly timing the light-dark cycles experienced by algal cells. We show how this can be realized with pulsed light sources, or by producing pulsed-light effects from continuous illumination via turbulent mixing in dense algal cultures in thin photobioreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yair Zarmi
- Department of Solar Energy and Environmental Physics, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus 8499000, Israel.
| | - Jeffrey M Gordon
- Department of Solar Energy and Environmental Physics, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus 8499000, Israel; School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, University of Western Australia, Perth WA, 6009, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ajit Sapre
- Reliance Industries Ltd., Mumbai, MH, India
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17
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The BF4 and p71 antenna mutants from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2020; 1861:148085. [PMID: 31672413 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2019.148085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Two pale green mutants of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which have been used over the years in many photosynthesis studies, the BF4 and p71 mutants, were characterized and their mutated gene identified in the nuclear genome. The BF4 mutant is defective in the insertase Alb3.1 whereas p71 is defective in cpSRP43. The two mutants showed strikingly similar deficiencies in most of the peripheral antenna proteins associated with either photosystem I or photosystem 2. As a result the two photosystems have a reduced antenna size with photosystem 2 being the most affected. Still up to 20% of the antenna proteins remain in these strains, with the heterodimer Lhca5/Lhca6 showing a lower sensitivity to these mutations. We discuss these phenotypes in light of those of other allelic mutants that have been described in the literature and suggest that eventhough the cpSRP route serves as the main biogenesis pathway for antenna proteins, there should be an escape pathway which remains to be genetically identified.
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18
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Vecchi V, Barera S, Bassi R, Dall’Osto L. Potential and Challenges of Improving Photosynthesis in Algae. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9010067. [PMID: 31947868 PMCID: PMC7020468 DOI: 10.3390/plants9010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sunlight energy largely exceeds the energy required by anthropic activities, and therefore its exploitation represents a major target in the field of renewable energies. The interest in the mass cultivation of green microalgae has grown in the last decades, as algal biomass could be employed to cover a significant portion of global energy demand. Advantages of microalgal vs. plant biomass production include higher light-use efficiency, efficient carbon capture and the valorization of marginal lands and wastewaters. Realization of this potential requires a decrease of the current production costs, which can be obtained by increasing the productivity of the most common industrial strains, by the identification of factors limiting biomass yield, and by removing bottlenecks, namely through domestication strategies aimed to fill the gap between the theoretical and real productivity of algal cultures. In particular, the light-to-biomass conversion efficiency represents one of the major constraints for achieving a significant improvement of algal cell lines. This review outlines the molecular events of photosynthesis, which regulate the conversion of light into biomass, and discusses how these can be targeted to enhance productivity through mutagenesis, strain selection or genetic engineering. This review highlights the most recent results in the manipulation of the fundamental mechanisms of algal photosynthesis, which revealed that a significant yield enhancement is feasible. Moreover, metabolic engineering of microalgae, focused upon the development of renewable fuel biorefineries, has also drawn attention and resulted in efforts for enhancing productivity of oil or isoprenoids.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luca Dall’Osto
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-045-8027806; Fax: +39-045-8027929
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19
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Friedland N, Negi S, Vinogradova-Shah T, Wu G, Ma L, Flynn S, Kumssa T, Lee CH, Sayre RT. Fine-tuning the photosynthetic light harvesting apparatus for improved photosynthetic efficiency and biomass yield. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13028. [PMID: 31506512 PMCID: PMC6736957 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49545-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosynthetic electron transport rates in higher plants and green algae are light-saturated at approximately one quarter of full sunlight intensity. This is due to the large optical cross section of plant light harvesting antenna complexes which capture photons at a rate nearly 10-fold faster than the rate-limiting step in electron transport. As a result, 75% of the light captured at full sunlight intensities is reradiated as heat or fluorescence. Previously, it has been demonstrated that reductions in the optical cross-section of the light-harvesting antenna can lead to substantial improvements in algal photosynthetic rates and biomass yield. By surveying a range of light harvesting antenna sizes achieved by reduction in chlorophyll b levels, we have determined that there is an optimal light-harvesting antenna size that results in the greatest whole plant photosynthetic performance. We also uncover a sharp transition point where further reductions or increases in antenna size reduce photosynthetic efficiency, tolerance to light stress, and impact thylakoid membrane architecture. Plants with optimized antenna sizes are shown to perform well not only in controlled greenhouse conditions, but also in the field achieving a 40% increase in biomass yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Friedland
- New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA
| | - S Negi
- New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA
| | - T Vinogradova-Shah
- New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA.,Pebble Labs, 100 Entrada Drive, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA
| | - G Wu
- New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - L Ma
- New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - S Flynn
- New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA
| | - T Kumssa
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - C-H Lee
- New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA.,Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - R T Sayre
- New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA. .,Pebble Labs, 100 Entrada Drive, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA.
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20
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Perin G, Bellan A, Bernardi A, Bezzo F, Morosinotto T. The potential of quantitative models to improve microalgae photosynthetic efficiency. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2019; 166:380-391. [PMID: 30578540 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.12915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The massive increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere driven by human activities is causing huge negative consequences and new sustainable sources of energy, food and materials are highly needed. Algae are unicellular photosynthetic microorganisms that can provide a highly strategic contribution to this challenge as alternative source of biomass to complement crops cultivation. Algae industrial cultures are commonly limited by light availability, and biomass accumulation is strongly dependent on their photon-to-biomass conversion efficiency. Investigation of algae photosynthetic metabolism is thus strategic for the generation of more efficient strains with higher productivity. Algae are cultivated at industrial scale in conditions highly different from the natural niches they adapted to and strains development efforts must fully consider the seminal influence on productivity of regulatory mechanism of photosynthesis as well as of cultivation parameters like cells concentration, light distribution in the culture, mixing, nutrients and carbon dioxide availability. In this review we will focus in particular on how mathematical models can account for the complex influence of all environmental parameters and can be exploited for development of improved algae strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Perin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bellan
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Bernardi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9 35131, Padova, Italy
- Centre for Process Systems Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Fabrizio Bezzo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Tomas Morosinotto
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B 35131, Padova, Italy
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21
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Kroth PG, Bones AM, Daboussi F, Ferrante MI, Jaubert M, Kolot M, Nymark M, Río Bártulos C, Ritter A, Russo MT, Serif M, Winge P, Falciatore A. Genome editing in diatoms: achievements and goals. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2018; 37:1401-1408. [PMID: 30167805 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-018-2334-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Diatoms are major components of phytoplankton and play a key role in the ecology of aquatic ecosystems. These algae are of great scientific importance for a wide variety of research areas, ranging from marine ecology and oceanography to biotechnology. During the last 20 years, the availability of genomic information on selected diatom species and a substantial progress in genetic manipulation, strongly contributed to establishing diatoms as molecular model organisms for marine biology research. Recently, tailored TALEN endonucleases and the CRISPR/Cas9 system were utilized in diatoms, allowing targeted genetic modifications and the generation of knockout strains. These approaches are extremely valuable for diatom research because breeding, forward genetic screens by random insertion, and chemical mutagenesis are not applicable to the available model species Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Thalassiosira pseudonana, which do not cross sexually in the lab. Here, we provide an overview of the genetic toolbox that is currently available for performing stable genetic modifications in diatoms. We also discuss novel challenges that need to be addressed to fully exploit the potential of these technologies for the characterization of diatom biology and for metabolic engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Kroth
- Fachbereich Biologie, Universität Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
| | - Atle M Bones
- Cell, Molecular Biology and Genomics Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Fayza Daboussi
- LISBP, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INSA, 135 Avenue de Rangueil, 31077, Toulouse, France
| | - Maria I Ferrante
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, Naples, 80121, Italy
| | - Marianne Jaubert
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Misha Kolot
- Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Marianne Nymark
- Cell, Molecular Biology and Genomics Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Andrés Ritter
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Monia T Russo
- Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale 1, Naples, 80121, Italy
| | - Manuel Serif
- LISBP, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INSA, 135 Avenue de Rangueil, 31077, Toulouse, France
| | - Per Winge
- Cell, Molecular Biology and Genomics Group, Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Angela Falciatore
- Laboratoire de Biologie Computationnelle et Quantitative, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005, Paris, France.
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22
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Kirst H, Shen Y, Vamvaka E, Betterle N, Xu D, Warek U, Strickland JA, Melis A. Downregulation of the CpSRP43 gene expression confers a truncated light-harvesting antenna (TLA) and enhances biomass and leaf-to-stem ratio in Nicotiana tabacum canopies. PLANTA 2018; 248:139-154. [PMID: 29623472 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-018-2889-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Downregulation in the expression of the signal recognition particle 43 (SRP43) gene in tobacco conferred a truncated photosynthetic light-harvesting antenna (TLA property), and resulted in plants with a greater leaf-to-stem ratio, improved photosynthetic productivity and canopy biomass accumulation under high-density cultivation conditions. Evolution of sizable arrays of light-harvesting antennae in all photosynthetic systems confers a survival advantage for the organism in the wild, where sunlight is often the growth-limiting factor. In crop monocultures, however, this property is strongly counterproductive, when growth takes place under direct and excess sunlight. The large arrays of light-harvesting antennae in crop plants cause the surface of the canopies to over-absorb solar irradiance, far in excess of what is needed to saturate photosynthesis and forcing them to engage in wasteful dissipation of the excess energy. Evidence in this work showed that downregulation by RNA-interference approaches of the Nicotiana tabacum signal recognition particle 43 (SRP43), a nuclear gene encoding a chloroplast-localized component of the photosynthetic light-harvesting assembly pathway, caused a decrease in the light-harvesting antenna size of the photosystems, a corresponding increase in the photosynthetic productivity of chlorophyll in the leaves, and improved tobacco plant canopy biomass accumulation under high-density cultivation conditions. Importantly, the resulting TLA transgenic plants had a substantially greater leaf-to-stem biomass ratio, compared to those of the wild type, grown under identical agronomic conditions. The results are discussed in terms of the potential benefit that could accrue to agriculture upon application of the TLA-technology to crop plants, entailing higher density planting with plants having a greater biomass and leaf-to-stem ratio, translating into greater crop yields per plant with canopies in a novel agronomic configuration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Kirst
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA
| | - Yanxin Shen
- Biotechnology Division, Altria Client Services, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Evangelia Vamvaka
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA
| | - Nico Betterle
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA
| | - Dongmei Xu
- Biotechnology Division, Altria Client Services, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Ujwala Warek
- Biotechnology Division, Altria Client Services, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - James A Strickland
- Biotechnology Division, Altria Client Services, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Anastasios Melis
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA.
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Chaves JE, Melis A. Engineering isoprene synthesis in cyanobacteria. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:2059-2069. [PMID: 29689603 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The renewable production of isoprene (Isp) hydrocarbons, to serve as fuel and synthetic chemistry feedstock, has attracted interest in the field recently. Isp (C5 H8 ) is naturally produced from sunlight, CO2 and H2 O photosynthetically in terrestrial plant chloroplasts via the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway and emitted in the atmosphere as a response to heat stress. Efforts to institute a high capacity continuous and renewable process have included heterologous expression of the Isp synthesis pathway in photosynthetic microorganisms. This review examines the premise and promise emanating from this relatively new research effort. Also examined are the metabolic engineering approaches applied in the quest of renewable Isp hydrocarbons production, the progress achieved so far, and barriers encountered along the way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie E Chaves
- Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Anastasios Melis
- Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Dann M, Leister D. Enhancing (crop) plant photosynthesis by introducing novel genetic diversity. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0380. [PMID: 28808099 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although some elements of the photosynthetic light reactions might appear to be ideal, the overall efficiency of light conversion to biomass has not been optimized during evolution. Because crop plants are depleted of genetic diversity for photosynthesis, efforts to enhance its efficiency with respect to light conversion to yield must generate new variation. In principle, three sources of natural variation are available: (i) rare diversity within extant higher plant species, (ii) photosynthetic variants from algae, and (iii) reconstruction of no longer extant types of plant photosynthesis. Here, we argue for a novel approach that outsources crop photosynthesis to a cyanobacterium that is amenable to adaptive evolution. This system offers numerous advantages, including a short generation time, virtually unlimited population sizes and high mutation rates, together with a versatile toolbox for genetic manipulation. On such a synthetic bacterial platform, 10 000 years of (crop) plant evolution can be recapitulated within weeks. Limitations of this system arise from its unicellular nature, which cannot reproduce all aspects of crop photosynthesis. But successful establishment of such a bacterial host for crop photosynthesis promises not only to enhance the performance of eukaryotic photosynthesis but will also reveal novel facets of the molecular basis of photosynthetic flexibility.This article is part of the themed issue 'Enhancing photosynthesis in crop plants: targets for improvement'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Dann
- Plant Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Dario Leister
- Plant Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
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Jeong J, Baek K, Yu J, Kirst H, Betterle N, Shin W, Bae S, Melis A, Jin E. Deletion of the chloroplast LTD protein impedes LHCI import and PSI-LHCI assembly in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2018; 69:1147-1158. [PMID: 29300952 PMCID: PMC6018721 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erx457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear-encoded light-harvesting chlorophyll- and carotenoid-binding proteins (LHCPs) are imported into the chloroplast and transported across the stroma to thylakoid membrane assembly sites by the chloroplast signal recognition particle (CpSRP) pathway. The LHCP translocation defect (LTD) protein is essential for the delivery of imported LHCPs to the CpSRP pathway in Arabidopsis. However, the function of the LTD protein in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has not been investigated. Here, we generated a C. reinhardtii ltd (Crltd) knockout mutant by using CRISPR-Cas9, a new target-specific knockout technology. The Crltd1 mutant showed a low chlorophyll content per cell with an unusual increase in appressed thylakoid membranes and enlarged cytosolic vacuoles. Profiling of thylakoid membrane proteins in the Crltd1 mutant showed a more severe reduction in the levels of photosystem I (PSI) core proteins and absence of functional LHCI compared with those of photosystem II, resulting in a much smaller PSI pool size and diminished chlorophyll antenna size. The lack of CrLTD did not prevent photoautotrophic growth of the cells. These results are substantially different from those for Arabidopsis ltd null mutant, indicating LTD function in LHCP delivery and PSI assembly may not be as stringent in C. reinhardtii as it is in higher plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyeon Jeong
- Department of Life Science and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwangryul Baek
- Department of Life Science and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jihyeon Yu
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Henning Kirst
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California USA
| | - Nico Betterle
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California USA
| | - Woongghi Shin
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Sangsu Bae
- Department of Chemistry, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Anastasios Melis
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California USA
| | - EonSeon Jin
- Department of Life Science and Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
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Complementation of a mutation in CpSRP43 causing partial truncation of light-harvesting chlorophyll antenna in Chlorella vulgaris. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17929. [PMID: 29263352 PMCID: PMC5738337 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18221-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosynthesis of microalgae enables conversion of light energy into chemical energy to produce biomass and biomaterials. However, the efficiency of this process must be enhanced, and truncation of light-harvesting complex (LHC) has been suggested to improve photosynthetic efficiency. We reported an EMS-induced mutant (E5) showing partially reduced LHC in Chlorella vulgaris. We determined the mutation by sequencing the whole genome of WT and E5. Augustus gene prediction was used for determining CDS, and non-synonymous changes in E5 were screened. Among these, we found a point mutation (T to A) in a gene homologous to chloroplast signal recognition particle 43 kDa (CpSRP43). The point mutation changed the 102nd valine to glutamic acid (V102E) located in the first chromodomain. Phylogenetic analyses of CpSRP43 revealed that this amino acid was valine or isoleucine in microalgae and plants, suggesting important functions. Transformation of E5 with WT CpSRP43 showed varying degrees of complementation, which was demonstrated by partial recovery of the LHCII proteins to the WT level, and partially restored photosynthetic pigments, photosynthetic ETR, NPQ, and growth, indicating that the V102E mutation was responsible for the reduced LHC in E5.
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Kirst H, Gabilly ST, Niyogi KK, Lemaux PG, Melis A. Photosynthetic antenna engineering to improve crop yields. PLANTA 2017; 245:1009-1020. [PMID: 28188423 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-017-2659-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
MAIN CONCLUSION Evidence shows that decreasing the light-harvesting antenna size of the photosystems in tobacco helps to increase the photosynthetic productivity and plant canopy biomass accumulation under high-density cultivation conditions. Decreasing, or truncating, the chlorophyll antenna size of the photosystems can theoretically improve photosynthetic solar energy conversion efficiency and productivity in mass cultures of algae or plants by up to threefold. A Truncated Light-harvesting chlorophyll Antenna size (TLA), in all classes of photosynthetic organisms, would help to alleviate excess absorption of sunlight and the ensuing wasteful non-photochemical dissipation of excitation energy. Thus, solar-to-biomass energy conversion efficiency and photosynthetic productivity in high-density cultures can be increased. Applicability of the TLA concept was previously shown in green microalgae and cyanobacteria, but it has not yet been demonstrated in crop plants. In this work, the TLA concept was applied in high-density tobacco canopies. The work showed a 25% improvement in stem and leaf biomass accumulation for the TLA tobacco canopies over that measured with their wild-type counterparts grown under the same ambient conditions. Distinct canopy appearance differences are described between the TLA and wild type tobacco plants. Findings are discussed in terms of concept application to crop plants, leading to significant improvements in agronomy, agricultural productivity, and application of photosynthesis for the generation of commodity products in crop leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Kirst
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, 111 Koshland Hall, MC-3102, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA
| | - Stéphane T Gabilly
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, 111 Koshland Hall, MC-3102, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA
| | - Krishna K Niyogi
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, 111 Koshland Hall, MC-3102, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Peggy G Lemaux
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, 111 Koshland Hall, MC-3102, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA
| | - Anastasios Melis
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, 111 Koshland Hall, MC-3102, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA.
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Jeong J, Baek K, Kirst H, Melis A, Jin E. Loss of CpSRP54 function leads to a truncated light-harvesting antenna size in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2017; 1858:45-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Shin SE, Koh HG, Kang NK, Suh WI, Jeong BR, Lee B, Chang YK. Isolation, phenotypic characterization and genome wide analysis of a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain naturally modified under laboratory conditions: towards enhanced microalgal biomass and lipid production for biofuels. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2017; 10:308. [PMID: 29296121 PMCID: PMC5740574 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-017-1000-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microalgal strain development through genetic engineering has received much attention as a way to improve the traits of microalgae suitable for biofuel production. However, there are still some limitations in application of genetically modified organisms. In this regard, there has been recent interest in the isolation and characterization of superior strains naturally modified and/or adapted under a certain condition and on the interpretation of phenotypic changes through the whole genome sequencing. RESULTS In this study, we isolated and characterized a novel derivative of C. reinhardtii, whose phenotypic traits diverged significantly from its ancestral strain, C. reinhardtii CC-124. This strain, designated as CC-124H, displayed cell population containing increased numbers of larger cells, which resulted in an increased biomass productivity compared to its ancestor CC-124. CC-124H was further compared with the CC-124 wild-type strain which underwent long-term storage under low light condition, designated as CC-124L. In an effort to evaluate the potential of CC-124H for biofuel production, we also found that CC-124H accumulated 116 and 66% greater lipids than that of the CC-124L, after 4 days under nitrogen and sulfur depleted conditions, respectively. Taken together, our results revealed that CC-124H had significantly increased fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) yields that were 2.66 and 1.98 times higher than that of the CC-124L at 4 days after the onset of cultivation under N and S depleted conditions, respectively, and these higher FAME yields were still maintained by day 8. We next analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletions (indels) based on the whole genome sequencing. The result revealed that of the 44 CDS region alterations, 34 resulted in non-synonymous substitutions within 33 genes which may mostly be involved in cell cycle, division or proliferation. CONCLUSION Our phenotypic analysis, which emphasized lipid productivity, clearly revealed that CC-124H had a dramatically enhanced biomass and lipid content compared to the CC-124L. Moreover, SNPs and indels analysis enabled us to identify 34 of non-synonymous substitutions which may result in phenotypic changes of CC-124H. All of these results suggest that the concept of adaptive evolution combined with genome wide analysis can be applied to microalgal strain development for biofuel production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Eun Shin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
- Present Address: LG Chem, 188 Munji-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34122 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Gi Koh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Kyu Kang
- Advanced Biomass R&D Center, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - William I. Suh
- Advanced Biomass R&D Center, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-ryool Jeong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Bongsoo Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Keun Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
- Advanced Biomass R&D Center, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34141 Republic of Korea
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Xu W, Lv H, Zhao M, Li Y, Qi Y, Peng Z, Xia G, Wang M. Proteomic comparison reveals the contribution of chloroplast to salt tolerance of a wheat introgression line. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32384. [PMID: 27562633 PMCID: PMC4999883 DOI: 10.1038/srep32384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously bred a salt tolerant wheat cv. SR3 with bread wheat cv. JN177 as the parent via asymmetric somatic hybridization, and found that the tolerance is partially attributed to the superior photosynthesis capacity. Here, we compared the proteomes of two cultivars to unravel the basis of superior photosynthesis capacity. In the maps of two dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), there were 26 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 18 cultivar-based and 8 stress-responsive ones. 21 of 26 DEPs were identified and classified into four categories, including photosynthesis, photosynthesis system stability, linolenic acid metabolism, and protein synthesis in chloroplast. The chloroplast localization of some DEPs confirmed that the identified DEPs function in the chloroplast. The overexpression of a DEP enhanced salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. In line with these data, it is concluded that the contribution of chloroplast to high salinity tolerance of wheat cv. SR3 appears to include higher photosynthesis efficiency by promoting system protection and ROS clearance, stronger production of phytohormone JA by enhancing metabolism activity, and modulating the in chloroplast synthesis of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, 27 Shandanan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Hongjun Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, 27 Shandanan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, 27 Shandanan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Yongchao Li
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, 27 Shandanan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Yueying Qi
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, 27 Shandanan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Zhenying Peng
- Bio-Tech Research Center, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Improvement, Ecology and Physiology of Crop, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Guangmin Xia
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, 27 Shandanan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
| | - Mengcheng Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Plant Cell Engineering and Germplasm Innovation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Shandong University, 27 Shandanan Road, Jinan, Shandong 250100, China
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Guan H, Xu X, He C, Liu C, Liu Q, Dong R, Liu T, Wang L. Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of the Leaf-Color Gene ygl-1 in Maize. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153962. [PMID: 27100184 PMCID: PMC4839758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel yellow-green leaf mutant yellow-green leaf-1 (ygl-1) was isolated in self-pollinated progenies from the cross of maize inbred lines Ye478 and Yuanwu02. The mutant spontaneously showed yellow-green character throughout the lifespan. Meanwhile, the mutant reduced contents of chlorophyll and Car, arrested chloroplast development and lowered the capacity of photosynthesis compared with the wild-type Lx7226. Genetic analysis revealed that the mutant phenotype was controlled by a recessive nuclear gene. The ygl-1 locus was initially mapped to an interval of about 0.86 Mb in bin 1.01 on the short arm of chromosome 1 using 231 yellow-green leaf individuals of an F2 segregating population from ygl-1/Lx7226. Utilizing four new polymorphic SSR markers, the ygl-1 locus was narrowed down to a region of about 48 kb using 2930 and 2247 individuals of F2 and F3 mapping populations, respectively. Among the three predicted genes annotated within this 48 kb region, GRMZM2G007441, which was predicted to encode a cpSRP43 protein, had a 1-bp nucleotide deletion in the coding region of ygl-1 resulting in a frame shift mutation. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that YGL-1 was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues and its expression level was not significantly affected in the ygl-1 mutant from early to mature stages, while light intensity regulated its expression both in the ygl-1 mutant and wild type seedlings. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of some genes involved in chloroplast development were affected in the six-week old ygl-1 plants. These findings suggested that YGL-1 plays an important role in chloroplast development of maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Guan
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of North Summer Maize, Ministry of Agriculture, Jinan, China
- National Maize Improvement Sub-Center, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangbo Xu
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of North Summer Maize, Ministry of Agriculture, Jinan, China
- National Maize Improvement Sub-Center, Jinan, China
| | - Chunmei He
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of North Summer Maize, Ministry of Agriculture, Jinan, China
- National Maize Improvement Sub-Center, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxiao Liu
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of North Summer Maize, Ministry of Agriculture, Jinan, China
- National Maize Improvement Sub-Center, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of North Summer Maize, Ministry of Agriculture, Jinan, China
- National Maize Improvement Sub-Center, Jinan, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of North Summer Maize, Ministry of Agriculture, Jinan, China
- National Maize Improvement Sub-Center, Jinan, China
| | - Tieshan Liu
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of North Summer Maize, Ministry of Agriculture, Jinan, China
- National Maize Improvement Sub-Center, Jinan, China
- * E-mail: (TSL); (LMW)
| | - Liming Wang
- Maize Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of North Summer Maize, Ministry of Agriculture, Jinan, China
- National Maize Improvement Sub-Center, Jinan, China
- * E-mail: (TSL); (LMW)
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Wobbe L, Bassi R, Kruse O. Multi-Level Light Capture Control in Plants and Green Algae. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 21:55-68. [PMID: 26545578 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Life on Earth relies on photosynthesis, and the ongoing depletion of fossil carbon fuels has renewed interest in phototrophic light-energy conversion processes as a blueprint for the conversion of atmospheric CO2 into various organic compounds. Light-harvesting systems have evolved in plants and green algae, which are adapted to the light intensity and spectral composition encountered in their habitats. These organisms are constantly challenged by a fluctuating light supply and other environmental cues affecting photosynthetic performance. Excess light can be especially harmful, but plants and microalgae are equipped with different acclimation mechanisms to control the processing of sunlight absorbed at both photosystems. We summarize the current knowledge and discuss the potential for optimization of phototrophic light-energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz Wobbe
- Bielefeld University, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Roberto Bassi
- Universita degli Studi di Verona, Department of Biotechnology, Strada Le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Olaf Kruse
- Bielefeld University, Faculty of Biology, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Universitätsstrasse 27, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany.
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Hong SG, Jeon H, Kim HS, Jun SH, Jin E, Kim J. One-pot enzymatic conversion of carbon dioxide and utilization for improved microbial growth. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:4466-72. [PMID: 25815899 DOI: 10.1021/es505143f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We developed a process for one-pot CO2 conversion and utilization based on simple conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate at ambient temperature with no energy input, by using the cross-linking-based composites of carboxylated polyaniline nanofibers (cPANFs) and carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic anhydrase was immobilized on cPANFs via the approach of magnetically separable enzyme precipitate coatings (Mag-EPC), which consists of covalent enzyme attachment, enzyme precipitation, and cross-linking with amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. Mag-EPC showed a half-life of 236 days under shaking, even resistance to 70% ethanol sterilization, and recyclability via facile magnetic separation. For one-pot CO2 conversion and utilization, Mag-EPC was used to accelerate the growth of microalga by supplying bicarbonate from CO2, representing 1.8-fold increase of cell concentration when compared to the control sample. After two repeated uses via simple magnetic separation, the cell concentration with Mag-EPC was maintained as high as the first cycle. This one-pot CO2 conversion and utilization is an alternative as well as complementary process to adsorption-based CO2 capture and storage as an environmentally friendly approach, demanding no energy input based on the effective action of the stabilized enzyme system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Gil Hong
- †Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hancheol Jeon
- ‡Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Sol Kim
- †Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hyun Jun
- †Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - EonSeon Jin
- ‡Department of Life Science, Research Institute for Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, 133-791, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungbae Kim
- †Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
- §Green School, Korea University, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
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Perin G, Bellan A, Segalla A, Meneghesso A, Alboresi A, Morosinotto T. Generation of random mutants to improve light-use efficiency of Nannochloropsis gaditana cultures for biofuel production. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2015; 8:161. [PMID: 26413160 PMCID: PMC4583171 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-015-0337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The productivity of an algal culture depends on how efficiently it converts sunlight into biomass and lipids. Wild-type algae in their natural environment evolved to compete for light energy and maximize individual cell growth; however, in a photobioreactor, global productivity should be maximized. Improving light use efficiency is one of the primary aims of algae biotechnological research, and genetic engineering can play a major role in attaining this goal. RESULTS In this work, we generated a collection of Nannochloropsis gaditana mutant strains and screened them for alterations in the photosynthetic apparatus. The selected mutant strains exhibited diverse phenotypes, some of which are potentially beneficial under the specific artificial conditions of a photobioreactor. Particular attention was given to strains showing reduced cellular pigment contents, and further characterization revealed that some of the selected strains exhibited improved photosynthetic activity; in at least one case, this trait corresponded to improved biomass productivity in lab-scale cultures. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates that genetic modification of N. gaditana has the potential to generate strains with improved biomass productivity when cultivated under the artificial conditions of a photobioreactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Perin
- />Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bellan
- />Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padua, Italy
- />Centro studi di economia e tecnica dell’energia Giorgio Levi Cases, Università di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Segalla
- />Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Meneghesso
- />Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alboresi
- />Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Tomas Morosinotto
- />Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35121 Padua, Italy
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Kirst H, Formighieri C, Melis A. Maximizing photosynthetic efficiency and culture productivity in cyanobacteria upon minimizing the phycobilisome light-harvesting antenna size. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2014; 1837:1653-64. [PMID: 25046143 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A phycocyanin-deletion mutant of Synechocystis (cyanobacteria) was generated upon replacement of the CPC-operon with a kanamycin resistance cassette. The Δcpc transformant strains (Δcpc) exhibited a green phenotype, compared to the blue-green of the wild type (WT), lacked the distinct phycocyanin absorbance at 625nm, and had a lower Chl per cell content and a lower PSI/PSII reaction center ratio compared to the WT. Molecular and genetic analyses showed replacement of all WT copies of the Synechocystis DNA with the transgenic version, thereby achieving genomic DNA homoplasmy. Biochemical analyses showed the absence of the phycocyanin α- and β-subunits, and the overexpression of the kanamycin resistance NPTI protein in the Δcpc. Physiological analyses revealed a higher, by a factor of about 2, intensity for the saturation of photosynthesis in the Δcpc compared to the WT. Under limiting intensities of illumination, growth of the Δcpc was slower than that of the WT. This difference in the rate of cell duplication diminished gradually as growth irradiance increased. Identical rates of cell duplication of about 13h for both WT and Δcpc were observed at about 800μmolphotonsm(-2)s(-1) or greater. Culture productivity analyses under simulated bright sunlight and high cell-density conditions showed that biomass accumulation by the Δcpc was 1.57-times greater than that achieved by the WT. Thus, the work provides first-time direct evidence of the applicability of the Truncated Light-harvesting Antenna (TLA)-concept in cyanobacteria, entailing substantial improvements in the photosynthetic efficiency and productivity of mass cultures upon minimizing the phycobilisome light-harvesting antenna size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Kirst
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3102, USA
| | - Cinzia Formighieri
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3102, USA
| | - Anastasios Melis
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3102, USA.
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Montgomery BL. The Regulation of Light Sensing and Light-Harvesting Impacts the Use of Cyanobacteria as Biotechnology Platforms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2014; 2:22. [PMID: 25023122 PMCID: PMC4090899 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2014.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Light is harvested in cyanobacteria by chlorophyll-containing photosystems embedded in the thylakoid membranes and phycobilisomes (PBSs), photosystem-associated light-harvesting antennae. Light absorbed by the PBSs and photosystems can be converted to chemical energy through photosynthesis. Photosynthetically fixed carbon pools, which are constrained by photosynthetic light capture versus the dissipation of excess light absorbed, determine the available organismal energy budget. The molecular bases of the environmental regulation of photosynthesis, photoprotection, and photomorphogenesis are still being elucidated in cyanobacteria. Thus, the potential impacts of these phenomena on the efficacy of developing cyanobacteria as robust biotechnological platforms require additional attention. Current advances and persisting needs for developing cyanobacterial production platforms that are related to light sensing and harvesting include the development of tools to balance the utilization of absorbed photons for conversion to chemical energy and biomass versus light dissipation in photoprotective mechanisms. Such tools can be used to direct energy to more effectively support the production of desired bioproducts from sunlight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beronda L. Montgomery
- Plant Research Laboratory, Department of Energy, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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