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Gotthard G, Mous S, Weinert T, Maia RNA, James D, Dworkowski F, Gashi D, Furrer A, Ozerov D, Panepucci E, Wang M, Schertler GFX, Heberle J, Standfuss J, Nogly P. Capturing the blue-light activated state of the Phot-LOV1 domain from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography. IUCRJ 2024; 11:792-808. [PMID: 39037420 PMCID: PMC11364019 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252524005608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) domains are small photosensory flavoprotein modules that allow the conversion of external stimuli (sunlight) into intracellular signals responsible for various cell behaviors (e.g. phototropism and chloroplast relocation). This ability relies on the light-induced formation of a covalent thioether adduct between a flavin chromophore and a reactive cysteine from the protein environment, which triggers a cascade of structural changes that result in the activation of a serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) kinase. Recent developments in time-resolved crystallography may allow the activation cascade of the LOV domain to be observed in real time, which has been elusive. In this study, we report a robust protocol for the production and stable delivery of microcrystals of the LOV domain of phototropin Phot-1 from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrPhotLOV1) with a high-viscosity injector for time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography (TR-SSX). The detailed process covers all aspects, from sample optimization to data collection, which may serve as a guide for soluble protein preparation for TR-SSX. In addition, we show that the crystals obtained preserve the photoreactivity using infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the results of the TR-SSX experiment provide high-resolution insights into structural alterations of CrPhotLOV1 from Δt = 2.5 ms up to Δt = 95 ms post-photoactivation, including resolving the geometry of the thioether adduct and the C-terminal region implicated in the signal transduction process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Gotthard
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Department of BiologyETH Zurich8093ZürichSwitzerland
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and ChemistryPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
| | - Sandra Mous
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Department of BiologyETH Zurich8093ZürichSwitzerland
| | - Tobias Weinert
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and ChemistryPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
| | - Raiza Nara Antonelli Maia
- Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Department of PhysicsFreie Universität BerlinArnimallee 1414195BerlinGermany
| | - Daniel James
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and ChemistryPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
| | - Florian Dworkowski
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Swiss Light SourcePaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
| | - Dardan Gashi
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and ChemistryPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
- Laboratory of Femtochemistry, Photon Science DivisionPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
| | - Antonia Furrer
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and ChemistryPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
| | - Dmitry Ozerov
- Science ITPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
| | - Ezequiel Panepucci
- Laboratory for Macromolecules and Bioimaging, Photon Science DivisionPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
| | - Meitian Wang
- Laboratory for Macromolecules and Bioimaging, Photon Science DivisionPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
| | - Gebhard F. X. Schertler
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and ChemistryPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
- Department of BiologyETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
| | - Joachim Heberle
- Experimental Molecular Biophysics, Department of PhysicsFreie Universität BerlinArnimallee 1414195BerlinGermany
| | - Joerg Standfuss
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Research, Division of Biology and ChemistryPaul Scherrer Institute5232Villigen PSISwitzerland
| | - Przemyslaw Nogly
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Department of BiologyETH Zurich8093ZürichSwitzerland
- Dioscuri Center For Structural Dynamics of Receptors, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and BiotechnologyJagiellonian University in Kraków30-387KrakówPoland
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Volná A, Červeň J, Nezval J, Pech R, Špunda V. Bridging the Gap: From Photoperception to the Transcription Control of Genes Related to the Production of Phenolic Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7066. [PMID: 39000174 PMCID: PMC11241081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenolic compounds are a group of secondary metabolites responsible for several processes in plants-these compounds are involved in plant-environment interactions (attraction of pollinators, repelling of herbivores, or chemotaxis of microbiota in soil), but also have antioxidative properties and are capable of binding heavy metals or screening ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the accumulation of these compounds has to be precisely driven, which is ensured on several levels, but the most important aspect seems to be the control of the gene expression. Such transcriptional control requires the presence and activity of transcription factors (TFs) that are driven based on the current requirements of the plant. Two environmental factors mainly affect the accumulation of phenolic compounds-light and temperature. Because it is known that light perception occurs via the specialized sensors (photoreceptors) we decided to combine the biophysical knowledge about light perception in plants with the molecular biology-based knowledge about the transcription control of specific genes to bridge the gap between them. Our review offers insights into the regulation of genes related to phenolic compound production, strengthens understanding of plant responses to environmental cues, and opens avenues for manipulation of the total content and profile of phenolic compounds with potential applications in horticulture and food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Volná
- Department of Physics, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic; (A.V.); (J.N.); (R.P.)
| | - Jiří Červeň
- Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic;
| | - Jakub Nezval
- Department of Physics, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic; (A.V.); (J.N.); (R.P.)
| | - Radomír Pech
- Department of Physics, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic; (A.V.); (J.N.); (R.P.)
| | - Vladimír Špunda
- Department of Physics, University of Ostrava, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic; (A.V.); (J.N.); (R.P.)
- Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, 603 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Shankar U, Lenka SK, Leigh Ackland M, Callahan DL. Review of the structures and functions of algal photoreceptors to optimize bioproduct production with novel bioreactor designs for strain improvement. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2031-2045. [PMID: 35441370 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28116] [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: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Microalgae are important renewable feedstock to produce biodiesel and high-value chemicals. Different wavelengths of light influence the growth and metabolic activities of algae. Recent research has identified the light-sensing proteins called photoreceptors that respond to blue or red light. Structural elucidations of algal photoreceptors have gained momentum over recent years. These include channelrhodopsins, PHOT proteins, animal-like cryptochromes, blue-light sensors utilizing flavin-adenine dinucleotide (BLUF) proteins. Pulsing light has also been investigated as a means to optimize energy inputs into bioreactors. This review summarizes the current structural and functional basis of photoreceptor modulation to optimize the growth, production of carotenoids and other high-value metabolites from microalgae. The review also encompasses novel photobioreactor designs that implement different light regimes including light wavelengths and time to optimize algal growth and desired metabolite profiles for high-value products. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uttara Shankar
- TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute, Gurugram, Haryana, 122001, India.,Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, (Burwood Campus), Centre for Cellular and Molecular biology. 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Sangram K Lenka
- TERI-Deakin Nanobiotechnology Centre, The Energy and Resources Institute, Gurugram, Haryana, 122001, India.,Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - M Leigh Ackland
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, (Burwood Campus), Centre for Cellular and Molecular biology. 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
| | - Damien L Callahan
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, (Burwood Campus), Centre for Cellular and Molecular biology. 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia
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Time-resolved detection of association/dissociation reactions and conformation changes in photosensor proteins for application in optogenetics. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:1053-1059. [DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00868-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Hart JE, Gardner KH. Lighting the way: Recent insights into the structure and regulation of phototropin blue light receptors. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100594. [PMID: 33781746 PMCID: PMC8086140 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The phototropins (phots) are light-activated kinases that are critical for plant physiology and the many diverse optogenetic tools that they have inspired. Phototropins combine two blue-light-sensing Light-Oxygen-Voltage (LOV) domains (LOV1 and LOV2) and a C-terminal serine/threonine kinase domain, using the LOV domains to control the catalytic activity of the kinase. While much is known about the structure and photochemistry of the light-perceiving LOV domains, particularly in how activation of the LOV2 domain triggers the unfolding of alpha helices that communicate the light signal to the kinase domain, many questions about phot structure and mechanism remain. Recent studies have made progress addressing these questions by utilizing small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and other biophysical approaches to study multidomain phots from Chlamydomonas and Arabidopsis, leading to models where the domains have an extended linear arrangement, with the regulatory LOV2 domain contacting the kinase domain N-lobe. We discuss this and other advances that have improved structural and mechanistic understanding of phot regulation in this review, along with the challenges that will have to be overcome to obtain high-resolution structural information on these exciting photoreceptors. Such information will be essential to advancing fundamental understanding of plant physiology while enabling engineering efforts at both the whole plant and molecular levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaynee E Hart
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kevin H Gardner
- Structural Biology Initiative, CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, New York, New York, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, City College of New York, New York, USA; PhD Programs in Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Biology, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, USA.
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Henry L, Berntsson O, Panman MR, Cellini A, Hughes AJ, Kosheleva I, Henning R, Westenhoff S. New Light on the Mechanism of Phototransduction in Phototropin. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3206-3215. [PMID: 32786255 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Phototropins are photoreceptor proteins that regulate blue light-dependent biological processes for efficient photosynthesis in plants and algae. The proteins consist of a photosensory domain that responds to the ambient light and an output module that triggers cellular responses. The photosensory domain of phototropin from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii contains two conserved LOV (light-oxygen-voltage) domains with flavin chromophores. Blue light triggers the formation of a covalent cysteine-flavin adduct and upregulates the phototropin kinase activity. Little is known about the structural mechanism that leads to kinase activation and how the two LOV domains contribute to this. Here, we investigate the role of the LOV1 domain from C. reinhardtii phototropin by characterizing the structural changes occurring after blue light illumination with nano- to millisecond time-resolved X-ray solution scattering. By structurally fitting the data with atomic models generated by molecular dynamics simulations, we find that adduct formation induces a rearrangement of the hydrogen bond network from the buried chromophore to the protein surface. In particular, the change in conformation and the associated hydrogen bonding of the conserved glutamine 120 induce a global movement of the β-sheet, ultimately driving a change in the electrostatic potential on the protein surface. On the basis of the change in the electrostatics, we propose a structural model of how LOV1 and LOV2 domains interact and regulate the full-length phototropin from C. reinhardtii. This provides a rationale for how LOV photosensor proteins function and contributes to the optimal design of optogenetic tools based on LOV domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Henry
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - O Berntsson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.,MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - M R Panman
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A Cellini
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A J Hughes
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - I Kosheleva
- Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - R Henning
- Center for Advanced Radiation Sources, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - S Westenhoff
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
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