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Wang X, Tang H, Lu T, Shen P, Chen J, Dong W, Song Y. Novel underlying regulatory mechanism of the MsDAD2-mediated salt stress response in alfalfa. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 690:149252. [PMID: 37995452 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), a crucial and widely grown forage legume, faces yield and quality challenges due to salinity stress. The defender against apoptotic death (DAD) gene, recognized initially as an apoptosis suppressor in mammals, plays a pivotal role in catalyzing N-glycosylation, acting as a positive regulator for protein folding and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) export. Here, we found that the MsDAD2 gene was specially induced in the salt-tolerant alfalfa cultivar (DL) under salinity stress, but not in the salt-sensitive cultivar (SD). Overexpression of MsDAD2 enhanced the salinity resistance of transgenic alfalfa by promoting NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) and cytochrome b6f complex subunit (Cyt b6/f) expression, thereby mitigating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. ChIP-qPCR analysis suggested that the differential expression of MsDAD2 in DL and SD under salinity stress may be linked to dynamic histone modifications in its promoter. Therefore, our findings elucidate a novel regulatory mechanism of MsDAD2 in alfalfa's response to salinity stress, underscoring its significance as a target for alfalfa breeding to enhance salt tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, PR China
| | - Haoyan Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, PR China
| | - Tongchen Lu
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, PR China
| | - Peihan Shen
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jifeng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, PR China
| | - Wei Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yuguang Song
- School of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong, PR China.
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2
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Chang H, Chen YT, Huang HE, Ger MJ. Overexpressing plant ferredoxin-like protein enhances photosynthetic efficiency and carbohydrates accumulation in Phalaenopsis. Transgenic Res 2023; 32:547-560. [PMID: 37851307 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-023-00370-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) is one of three major models of carbon dioxide assimilation pathway with better water-use efficiency and slower photosynthetic efficiency in photosynthesis. Previous studies indicated that the gene of sweet pepper plant ferredoxin-like protein (PFLP) shows high homology to the ferredoxin-1(Fd-1) family that belongs to photosynthetic type Fd and involves in photosystem I. It is speculated that overexpressing pflp in the transgenic plant may enhance photosynthetic efficiency through the electron transport chain (ETC). To reveal the function of PFLP in photosynthetic efficiency, pflp transgenic Phalaenopsis, a CAM plant, was generated to analyze photosynthetic markers. Transgenic plants exhibited 1.2-folds of electron transport rate than that of wild type (WT), and higher CO2 assimilation rates up to 1.6 and 1.5-folds samples at 4 pm and 10 pm respectively. Enzyme activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) was increased to 5.9-folds in Phase III, and NAD+-linked malic enzyme (NAD+-ME) activity increased 1.4-folds in Phase IV in transgenic plants. The photosynthesis products were analyzed between transgenic plants and WT. Soluble sugars contents such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose were found to significantly increase to 1.2, 1.8, and 1.3-folds higher in transgenic plants. The starch grains were also accumulated up to 1.4-folds in transgenic plants than that of WT. These results indicated that overexpressing pflp in transgenic plants increases carbohydrates accumulation by enhancing electron transport flow during photosynthesis. This is the first evidence for the PFLP function in CAM plants. Taken altogether, we suggest that pflp is an applicable gene for agriculture application that enhances electron transport chain efficiency during photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiang Chang
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, 30015, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ting Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, 81148, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-En Huang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Taitung University, Taitung, 95002, Taiwan
| | - Mang-Jye Ger
- Department of Life Sciences, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, 81148, Taiwan.
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3
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Guo Y, Li Q, Ji D, Tian L, Meurer J, Chi W. A Ubiquitin-Based Module Directing Protein-Protein Interactions in Chloroplasts. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16673. [PMID: 38068997 PMCID: PMC10706609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316673] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A promising approach for the genetic engineering of multiprotein complexes in living cells involves designing and reconstructing the interaction between two proteins that lack native affinity. Thylakoid-embedded multiprotein complexes execute the light reaction of plant photosynthesis, but their engineering remains challenging, likely due to difficulties in accurately targeting heterologous membrane-bound proteins to various sub-compartments of thylakoids. In this study, we developed a ubiquitin-based module (Nub-Cub) capable of directing interactions in vivo between two chloroplast proteins lacking native affinities. We applied this module to genetically modify thylakoid multiprotein complexes. We demonstrated the functionality of the Nub-Cub module in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. Employing this system, we successfully modified the Photosystem II (PSII) complex by ectopically attaching an extrinsic subunit of PSII, PsbTn1, to CP26-a component of the antenna system of PSII. Surprisingly, this mandatory interaction between CP26 and PsbTn1 in plants impairs the efficiency of electron transport in PSII and unexpectedly results in noticeable defects in leaf development. Our study not only offers a general strategy to modify multiprotein complexes embedded in thylakoid membranes but it also sheds light on the possible interplay between two proteins without native interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjie Guo
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; (Y.G.); (Q.L.); (D.J.); (L.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiuxin Li
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; (Y.G.); (Q.L.); (D.J.); (L.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Daili Ji
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; (Y.G.); (Q.L.); (D.J.); (L.T.)
| | - Lijin Tian
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; (Y.G.); (Q.L.); (D.J.); (L.T.)
| | - Jörg Meurer
- Faculty of Biology, Plant Molecular Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, D-82152 Munich, Germany;
| | - Wei Chi
- Photosynthesis Research Center, Key Laboratory of Photobiology, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China; (Y.G.); (Q.L.); (D.J.); (L.T.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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4
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Gu L. Optimizing the electron transport chain to sustainably improve photosynthesis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:2398-2412. [PMID: 37671674 PMCID: PMC10663115 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiad490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetically improving photosynthesis is a key strategy to boosting crop production to meet the rising demand for food and fuel by a rapidly growing global population in a warming climate. Many components of the photosynthetic apparatus have been targeted for genetic modification for improving photosynthesis. Successful translation of these modifications into increased plant productivity in fluctuating environments will depend on whether the electron transport chain (ETC) can support the increased electron transport rate without risking overreduction and photodamage. At present atmospheric conditions, the ETC appears suboptimal and will likely need to be modified to support proposed photosynthetic improvements and to maintain energy balance. Here, I derive photochemical equations to quantify the transport capacity and the corresponding reduction level based on the kinetics of redox reactions along the ETC. Using these theoretical equations and measurements from diverse C3/C4 species across environments, I identify several strategies that can simultaneously increase the transport capacity and decrease the reduction level of the ETC. These strategies include increasing the abundances of reaction centers, cytochrome b6f complexes, and mobile electron carriers, improving their redox kinetics, and decreasing the fraction of secondary quinone-nonreducing photosystem II reaction centers. I also shed light on several previously unexplained experimental findings regarding the physiological impacts of the abundances of the cytochrome b6f complex and plastoquinone. The model developed, and the insights generated from it facilitate the development of sustainable photosynthetic systems for greater crop yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianhong Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
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5
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Liu X, Qiao Y, Zhou W, Dong W, Gu L. Determinants of photochemical characteristics of the photosynthetic electron transport chain of maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1279963. [PMID: 38053761 PMCID: PMC10694277 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1279963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The photosynthetic electron transport chain (ETC) is the bridge that links energy harvesting during the photophysical reactions at one end and energy consumption during the biochemical reactions at the other. Its functioning is thus fundamental for the proper balance between energy supply and demand in photosynthesis. Currently, there is a lack of understanding regarding how the structural properties of the ETC are affected by nutrient availability and plant developmental stages, which is a major roadblock to comprehensive modeling of photosynthesis. Methods Redox parameters reflect the structural controls of ETC on the photochemical reactions and electron transport. We conducted joint measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) and gas exchange under systematically varying environmental conditions and growth stages of maize and sampled foliar nutrient contents. We utilized the recently developed steady-state photochemical model to infer redox parameters of electron transport from these measurements. Results and discussion We found that the inferred values of these photochemical redox parameters varied with leaf macronutrient content. These variations may be caused either directly by these nutrients being components of protein complexes on the ETC or indirectly by their impacts on the structural integrity of the thylakoid and feedback from the biochemical reactions. Also, the redox parameters varied with plant morphology and developmental stage, reflecting seasonal changes in the structural properties of the ETC. Our findings will facilitate the parameterization and simulation of complete models of photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yunzhou Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wangming Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Anqing Normal University, Anqing, China
| | - Wenxu Dong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Water Resources, Hebei Key Laboratory of Soil Ecology, Center for Agricultural Resources Research, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lianhong Gu
- Environmental Sciences Division and Climate Change Science Institute, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, United States
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Varghese R, Cherukuri AK, Doddrell NH, Doss CGP, Simkin AJ, Ramamoorthy S. Machine learning in photosynthesis: Prospects on sustainable crop development. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 335:111795. [PMID: 37473784 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111795] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Improving photosynthesis is a promising avenue to increase food security. Studying photosynthetic traits with the aim to improve efficiency has been one of many strategies to increase crop yield but analyzing large data sets presents an ongoing challenge. Machine learning (ML) represents a ubiquitous tool that can provide a more elaborate data analysis. Here we review the application of ML in various domains of photosynthetic research, as well as in photosynthetic pigment studies. We highlight how correlating hyperspectral data with photosynthetic parameters to improve crop yield could be achieved through various ML algorithms. We also propose strategies to employ ML in promoting photosynthetic pigment research for furthering crop yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ressin Varghese
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aswani Kumar Cherukuri
- School of Information Technology and Engineering, VIT University, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - C George Priya Doss
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Andrew J Simkin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Siva Ramamoorthy
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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7
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Balyan S, Kansal S, Jajo R, Behere PR, Chatterjee R, Raghuvanshi S. Delineating the tissue-mediated drought stress governed tuning of conserved miR408 and its targets in rice. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:187. [PMID: 37243818 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01111-2] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Engineering drought tolerance in rice needs to focus on regulators that enhance tolerance while boosting plant growth and vigor. The present study delineated the concealed function and tissue-mediated interplay of the miR408/target module in imparting drought stress tolerance in rice. The plant miR408 family comprises three dominant mature forms (21 nt), including a distinct monocot variant (F-7 with 5' C) and is divided into six groups. miR408 majorly cleaves genes belonging to the blue copper protein in addition to several other species-specific targets in plants. Comparative sequence analysis in 4726 rice accessions identified 22 sequence variants (SNP and InDELs) in its promoter (15) and pre-miR408 region. Haplotype analysis of the sequence variants indicated eight haplotypes (three: Japonica-specific and five: Indica-specific) of the miR408 promoter. In drought-tolerant Nagina 22, miR408 follows flag leaf preferential expression. Under drought conditions, its levels are upregulated in flag leaf and roots which seems to be regulated by a differential fraction of methylated cytosines (mCs) in the precursor region. The active pool of miR408 regulated targets under control and drought conditions is impacted by the tissue type. Comparative expression analysis of the miR408/target module under different sets of conditions features 83 targets exhibiting antagonistic expression in rice, out of which 12 genes, including four PLANTACYANINS (OsUCL6, 7, 9 and 30), PIRIN, OsLPR1, OsCHUP1, OsDOF12, OsBGLU1, glycine-rich cell wall gene, OsDUT, and OsERF7, are among the high confidence targets. Further, overexpression of MIR408 in drought-sensitive rice cultivar (PB1) leads to the massive enhancement of vegetative growth in rice with improved ETR and Y(II) and enhanced dehydration stress tolerance. The above results suggest that miR408 is likely to act as a positive regulator of growth and vigor, as well as dehydration stress, making it a potential candidate for engineering drought tolerance in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Balyan
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Shivani Kansal
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Ringyao Jajo
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Pratyush Rajiv Behere
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Rishika Chatterjee
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Saurabh Raghuvanshi
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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8
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Rosado-Souza L, Yokoyama R, Sonnewald U, Fernie AR. Understanding source-sink interactions: Progress in model plants and translational research to crops. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:96-121. [PMID: 36447435 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture is facing a massive increase in demand per hectare as a result of an ever-expanding population and environmental deterioration. While we have learned much about how environmental conditions and diseases impact crop yield, until recently considerably less was known concerning endogenous factors, including within-plant nutrient allocation. In this review, we discuss studies of source-sink interactions covering both fundamental research in model systems under controlled growth conditions and how the findings are being translated to crop plants in the field. In this respect we detail efforts aimed at improving and/or combining C3, C4, and CAM modes of photosynthesis, altering the chloroplastic electron transport chain, modulating photorespiration, adopting bacterial/algal carbon-concentrating mechanisms, and enhancing nitrogen- and water-use efficiencies. Moreover, we discuss how modulating TCA cycle activities and primary metabolism can result in increased rates of photosynthesis and outline the opportunities that evaluating natural variation in photosynthesis may afford. Although source, transport, and sink functions are all covered in this review, we focus on discussing source functions because the majority of research has been conducted in this field. Nevertheless, considerable recent evidence, alongside the evidence from classical studies, demonstrates that both transport and sink functions are also incredibly important determinants of yield. We thus describe recent evidence supporting this notion and suggest that future strategies for yield improvement should focus on combining improvements in each of these steps to approach yield optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laise Rosado-Souza
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
| | - Ryo Yokoyama
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstrasse 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
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Kumar A, Pandey SS, Kumar D, Tripathi BN. Genetic manipulation of photosynthesis to enhance crop productivity under changing environmental conditions. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2023; 155:1-21. [PMID: 36319887 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-022-00977-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Current global agricultural production needs to be increased to feed the unconstrained growing population. The changing climatic condition due to anthropogenic activities also makes the conditions more challenging to meet the required crop productivity in the future. The increase in crop productivity in the post green revolution era most likely became stagnant, or no major enhancement in crop productivity observed. In this review article, we discuss the emerging approaches for the enhancement of crop production along with dealing to the future climate changes like rise in temperature, increase in precipitation and decrease in snow and ice level, etc. At first, we discuss the efforts made for the genetic manipulation of chlorophyll metabolism, antenna engineering, electron transport chain, carbon fixation, and photorespiratory processes to enhance the photosynthesis of plants and to develop tolerance in plants to cope with changing environmental conditions. The application of CRISPR to enhance the crop productivity and develop abiotic stress-tolerant plants to face the current changing climatic conditions is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Kumar
- Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, India
| | - Shiv Shanker Pandey
- Biotechnology Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, India.
| | - Dhananjay Kumar
- Laboratory of Algal Biotechnology, Department of Botany and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal, 246 174, India.
| | - Bhumi Nath Tripathi
- Department of Biotechnology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, 484886, India
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10
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Ermakova M, Heyno E, Woodford R, Massey B, Birke H, von Caemmerer S. Enhanced abundance and activity of the chloroplast ATP synthase in rice through the overexpression of the AtpD subunit. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:6891-6901. [PMID: 35904136 PMCID: PMC9629782 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ATP, produced by the light reactions of photosynthesis, acts as the universal cellular energy cofactor fuelling all life processes. Chloroplast ATP synthase produces ATP using the proton motive force created by solar energy-driven thylakoid electron transport reactions. Here we investigate how increasing abundance of ATP synthase affects leaf photosynthesis and growth of rice, Oryza sativa variety Kitaake. We show that overexpression of AtpD, the nuclear-encoded subunit of the chloroplast ATP synthase, stimulates both abundance of the complex, confirmed by immunodetection of thylakoid complexes separated by Blue Native-PAGE, and ATP synthase activity, detected as higher proton conductivity of the thylakoid membrane. Plants with increased AtpD content had higher CO2 assimilation rates when a stepwise increase in CO2 partial pressure was imposed on leaves at high irradiance. Fitting of the CO2 response curves of assimilation revealed that plants overexpressing AtpD had a higher electron transport rate (J) at high CO2, despite having wild-type-like abundance of the cytochrome b6f complex. A higher maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and lower cyclic electron flow detected in transgenic plants both pointed to an increased ATP production compared with wild-type plants. Our results present evidence that the activity of ATP synthase modulates the rate of electron transport at high CO2 and high irradiance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Russell Woodford
- Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Baxter Massey
- Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Hannah Birke
- Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Susanne von Caemmerer
- Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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11
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Adler L, Díaz-Ramos A, Mao Y, Pukacz KR, Fei C, McCormick AJ. New horizons for building pyrenoid-based CO2-concentrating mechanisms in plants to improve yields. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:1609-1627. [PMID: 35961043 PMCID: PMC9614477 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Many photosynthetic species have evolved CO2-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to improve the efficiency of CO2 assimilation by Rubisco and reduce the negative impacts of photorespiration. However, the majority of plants (i.e. C3 plants) lack an active CCM. Thus, engineering a functional heterologous CCM into important C3 crops, such as rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum), has become a key strategic ambition to enhance yield potential. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the pyrenoid-based CCM in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and engineering progress in C3 plants. We also discuss recent modeling work that has provided insights into the potential advantages of Rubisco condensation within the pyrenoid and the energetic costs of the Chlamydomonas CCM, which, together, will help to better guide future engineering approaches. Key findings include the potential benefits of Rubisco condensation for carboxylation efficiency and the need for a diffusional barrier around the pyrenoid matrix. We discuss a minimal set of components for the CCM to function and that active bicarbonate import into the chloroplast stroma may not be necessary for a functional pyrenoid-based CCM in planta. Thus, the roadmap for building a pyrenoid-based CCM into plant chloroplasts to enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis now appears clearer with new challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yuwei Mao
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Krzysztof Robin Pukacz
- Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Chenyi Fei
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
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12
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Zhang K, Wu Y, Su Y, Li H. Implication of quantifying nitrate utilization and CO 2 assimilation of Brassica napus plantlets in vitro under variable ammonium/nitrate ratios. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 22:392. [PMID: 35931951 PMCID: PMC9356413 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-022-03782-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plantlets grown in vitro with a mixed nitrogen source utilize sucrose and CO2 as carbon sources for growth. However, it is very difficult to obtain the correct utilization proportions of nitrate, ammonium, sucrose and CO2 for plantlets. Consequently, the biological effect of ammonium/nitrate utilization, the biological effect of sucrose/CO2 utilization, and the ammonium/nitrate use efficiency for new C input derived from CO2 assimilation/sucrose utilization are still unclear for plantlets. RESULTS The bidirectional stable nitrogen isotope tracer technique quantified the proportions of assimilated nitrate and ammonium in Brassica napus plantlets grown at different ammonium/nitrate ratios. The utilization proportions of sucrose and CO2 could be quantified by a two end-member isotope mixing model for Bn plantlets grown at different ammonium/nitrate ratios. Under the condition that each treatment contained 20 mM ammonium, the proportion of assimilated nitrate did not show a linear increase with increasing nitrate concentration for Bn plantlets. Moreover, the proportion of assimilated CO2 did not show a linear relationship with the nitrate concentration for Bn plantlets. Increasing the nitrate concentration contributed to promoting the assimilation of ammonium and markedly enhanced the ammonium utilization coefficient for Bn plantlets. With increasing nitrate concentration, the amount of nitrogen in leaves derived from nitrate assimilation increased gradually, while the nitrate utilization coefficient underwent no distinct change for Bn plantlets. CONCLUSIONS Quantifying the utilization proportions of nitrate and ammonium can reveal the energy efficiency for N assimilation in plantlets grown in mixed N sources. Quantifying the utilization proportion of CO2 contributes to evaluating the photosynthetic capacity of plantlets grown with variable ammonium/nitrate ratios. Quantifying the utilization proportions of nitrate, ammonium, sucrose and CO2 can reveal the difference in the ammonium/nitrate use efficiency for new C input derived from CO2 assimilation/sucrose utilization for plantlets grown at variable ammonium/nitrate ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyan Zhang
- School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University/State Engineering Technology Institute for Karst Desertification Control, Guiyang, 550001 China
| | - Yanyou Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 99 Lincheng West Road, Guanshanhu District, Guiyang, Guizhou Province 550081 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Su
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Guizhou Vocational College of Agriculture, Qingzhen, 551400 China
| | - Haitao Li
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Guizhou Vocational College of Agriculture, Qingzhen, 551400 China
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13
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Kumari J, Haque MI, Jha RK, Rathore MS. The red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii antiporter gene (KaNa +/H +) confers abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic tobacco. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:3729-3743. [PMID: 35141817 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07213-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant establishment, growth, development and productivity are adversely affected by abiotic stresses that are dominant characteristics of environmentally challenged/degraded habitats created in the Anthropocene. Crop breeding for climate resilience properties is need of the hour to sustain the crop productivity. We report on the characterization of Kappaphycus alvarezii (a red seaweed) Na+/H+ antiporter gene (KaNa+/H+) for enhanced salt and osmotic stress tolerance. METHODS The KaNa+/H+ antiporter gene was cloned and over-expressed in tobacco under the control of CaMV35S promoter. Transgenic analysis was carried out to assess the stress tolerance ability of tobacco over-expressing KaNa+/H+ antiporter gene. RESULTS Over-expression of KaNa+/H+ gene improved the seed germination and seed vigor index under stress. Transgenic plants grew better and exhibited delayed leaf senescence. Improved K+/Na+, carotenoid/total chlorophyll and relative water content; lower accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), MDA and Na+; lower electrolyte leakage; better membrane stability index and accumulation of K+, photosynthetic pigment, starch, sugar, free amino acid, proline and polyphenol contents indicated better physiological health of the transgenic tobacco under stress. Transgenic tobacco exhibited higher photosynthesis, photosystem II efficiency, electron transfer rate, photochemical quenching and activity of water splitting complex. Compared with control tobacco, transgenic tobacco exhibited higher expression of stress-defence genes under stress and better recovery after long-term osmotic stress. CONCLUSIONS Lower Na+ cytotoxicity, lower accumulation of ROS and maintenance of the membrane integrity helped transgenic tobacco to maintain the physiological functioning under stress. Present results established K. alvarezii as a potential gene resource and the KaNa+/H+ antiporter gene as a potential candidate gene in molecular breeding of crops for development of the degraded land.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Kumari
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- Applied Phycology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India
| | - Md Intesaful Haque
- Applied Phycology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India
| | - Rajesh K Jha
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
- Applied Phycology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India
| | - Mangal S Rathore
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
- Applied Phycology and Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India.
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14
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Simkin AJ, Kapoor L, Doss CGP, Hofmann TA, Lawson T, Ramamoorthy S. The role of photosynthesis related pigments in light harvesting, photoprotection and enhancement of photosynthetic yield in planta. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2022; 152:23-42. [PMID: 35064531 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-021-00892-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic pigments are an integral and vital part of all photosynthetic machinery and are present in different types and abundances throughout the photosynthetic apparatus. Chlorophyll, carotenoids and phycobilins are the prime photosynthetic pigments which facilitate efficient light absorption in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. The chlorophyll family plays a vital role in light harvesting by absorbing light at different wavelengths and allowing photosynthetic organisms to adapt to different environments, either in the long-term or during transient changes in light. Carotenoids play diverse roles in photosynthesis, including light capture and as crucial antioxidants to reduce photodamage and photoinhibition. In the marine habitat, phycobilins capture a wide spectrum of light and have allowed cyanobacteria and red algae to colonise deep waters where other frequencies of light are attenuated by the water column. In this review, we discuss the potential strategies that photosynthetic pigments provide, coupled with development of molecular biological techniques, to improve crop yields through enhanced light harvesting, increased photoprotection and improved photosynthetic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Simkin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Leepica Kapoor
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - C George Priya Doss
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tanja A Hofmann
- OSFC, Scrivener Drive, Pinewood, Ipswich, IP8 3SU, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy Lawson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Siva Ramamoorthy
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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15
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Zhuang X, Zhang Y, Xiao AF, Zhang A, Fang B. Applications of Synthetic Biotechnology on Carbon Neutrality Research: A Review on Electrically Driven Microbial and Enzyme Engineering. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:826008. [PMID: 35145960 PMCID: PMC8822124 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.826008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advancement of science, technology, and productivity, the rapid development of industrial production, transportation, and the exploitation of fossil fuels has gradually led to the accumulation of greenhouse gases and deterioration of global warming. Carbon neutrality is a balance between absorption and emissions achieved by minimizing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from human social productive activity through a series of initiatives, including energy substitution and energy efficiency improvement. Then CO2 was offset through forest carbon sequestration and captured at last. Therefore, efficiently reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing CO2 capture are a matter of great urgency. Because many species have the natural CO2 capture properties, more and more scientists focus their attention on developing the biological carbon sequestration technique and further combine with synthetic biotechnology and electricity. In this article, the advances of the synthetic biotechnology method for the most promising organisms were reviewed, such as cyanobacteria, Escherichia coli, and yeast, in which the metabolic pathways were reconstructed to enhance the efficiency of CO2 capture and product synthesis. Furthermore, the electrically driven microbial and enzyme engineering processes are also summarized, in which the critical role and principle of electricity in the process of CO2 capture are canvassed. This review provides detailed summary and analysis of CO2 capture through synthetic biotechnology, which also pave the way for implementing electrically driven combined strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Zhuang
- College of Food and Biology Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- College of Food and Biology Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - An-Feng Xiao
- College of Food and Biology Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Aihui Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Aihui Zhang, ; Baishan Fang,
| | - Baishan Fang
- College of Food and Biology Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Aihui Zhang, ; Baishan Fang,
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16
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Sekhar KM, Kota VR, Reddy TP, Rao KV, Reddy AR. Amelioration of plant responses to drought under elevated CO 2 by rejuvenating photosynthesis and nitrogen use efficiency: implications for future climate-resilient crops. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2021; 150:21-40. [PMID: 32632534 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-020-00772-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The contemporary global agriculture is beset with serious threats from diverse eco-environmental conditions causing decreases in crop yields by ~ 15%. These yield losses might increase further due to climate change scenarios leading to increased food prices triggering social unrest and famines. Urbanization and industrialization are often associated with rapid increases in greenhouse gases (GHGs) especially atmospheric CO2 concentration [(CO2)]. Increase in atmospheric [CO2] significantly improved crop photosynthesis and productivity initially which vary with plant species, genotype, [CO2] exposure time and biotic as well as abiotic stress factors. Numerous attempts have been made using different plant species to unravel the physiological, cellular and molecular effects of elevated [CO2] as well as drought. This review focuses on plant responses to elevated [CO2] and drought individually as well as in combination with special reference to physiology of photosynthesis including its acclimation. Furthermore, the functional role of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and its relation to photosynthetic acclimation and crop productivity under elevated [CO2] and drought are reviewed. In addition, we also discussed different strategies to ameliorate the limitations of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylation and RuBP regeneration. Further, improved stomatal and mesophyll conductance and NUE for enhanced crop productivity under fast changing global climate conditions through biotechnological approaches are also discussed here. We conclude that multiple gene editing approaches for key events in photosynthetic processes would serve as the best strategy to generate resilient crop plants with improved productivity under fast changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalva Madhana Sekhar
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB), Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - Vamsee Raja Kota
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB), Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - T Papi Reddy
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB), Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
| | - K V Rao
- Center for Plant Molecular Biology (CPMB), Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
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17
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Hussain S, Ulhassan Z, Brestic M, Zivcak M, Allakhverdiev SI, Yang X, Safdar ME, Yang W, Liu W. Photosynthesis research under climate change. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2021; 150:5-19. [PMID: 34235625 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-021-00861-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Increasing global population and climate change uncertainties have compelled increased photosynthetic efficiency and yields to ensure food security over the coming decades. Potentially, genetic manipulation and minimization of carbon or energy losses can be ideal to boost photosynthetic efficiency or crop productivity. Despite significant efforts, limited success has been achieved. There is a need for thorough improvement in key photosynthetic limiting factors, such as stomatal conductance, mesophyll conductance, biochemical capacity combined with Rubisco, the Calvin-Benson cycle, thylakoid membrane electron transport, nonphotochemical quenching, and carbon metabolism or fixation pathways. In addition, the mechanistic basis for the enhancement in photosynthetic adaptation to environmental variables such as light intensity, temperature and elevated CO2 requires further investigation. This review sheds light on strategies to improve plant photosynthesis by targeting these intrinsic photosynthetic limitations and external environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Hussain
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211-Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest China (Ministry of Agriculture), Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zaid Ulhassan
- Institute of Crop Science, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Laboratory of Spectroscopy Sensing, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Marian Brestic
- Department of Plant Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, 94976, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Marek Zivcak
- Department of Plant Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, 94976, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Suleyman I Allakhverdiev
- К.A. Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Botanicheskaya St. 35, Moscow, Russia, 127276
| | - Xinghong Yang
- Department of Plant Physiology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Daizong Road No. 61, 271018, Taian, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Wenyu Yang
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211-Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest China (Ministry of Agriculture), Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weiguo Liu
- College of Agronomy, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211-Huimin Road, Wenjiang District, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Crop Ecophysiology and Farming System in Southwest China (Ministry of Agriculture), Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Crop Strip Intercropping System, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Lodeyro AF, Krapp AR, Carrillo N. Photosynthesis and chloroplast redox signaling in the age of global warming: stress tolerance, acclimation, and developmental plasticity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:5919-5937. [PMID: 34111246 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Contemporary climate change is characterized by the increased intensity and frequency of environmental stress events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which have a debilitating impact on photosynthesis and growth, compromising the production of food, feed, and biofuels for an expanding population. The need to increase crop productivity in the context of global warming has fueled attempts to improve several key plant features such as photosynthetic performance, assimilate partitioning, and tolerance to environmental stresses. Chloroplast redox metabolism, including photosynthetic electron transport and CO2 reductive assimilation, are primary targets of most stress conditions, leading to excessive excitation pressure, photodamage, and propagation of reactive oxygen species. Alterations in chloroplast redox poise, in turn, provide signals that exit the plastid and modulate plant responses to the environmental conditions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes could provide novel tools to increase crop yield in suboptimal environments. We describe herein various interventions into chloroplast redox networks that resulted in increased tolerance to multiple sources of environmental stress. They included manipulation of endogenous components and introduction of electron carriers from other organisms, which affected not only stress endurance but also leaf size and longevity. The resulting scenario indicates that chloroplast redox pathways have an important impact on plant growth, development, and defense that goes beyond their roles in primary metabolism. Manipulation of these processes provides additional strategies for the design of crops with improved performance under destabilized climate conditions as foreseen for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabella F Lodeyro
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Adriana R Krapp
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Néstor Carrillo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
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19
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Engineering Climate-Change-Resilient Crops: New Tools and Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157877. [PMID: 34360645 PMCID: PMC8346029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental adversities, particularly drought and nutrient limitation, are among the major causes of crop losses worldwide. Due to the rapid increase of the world's population, there is an urgent need to combine knowledge of plant science with innovative applications in agriculture to protect plant growth and thus enhance crop yield. In recent decades, engineering strategies have been successfully developed with the aim to improve growth and stress tolerance in plants. Most strategies applied so far have relied on transgenic approaches and/or chemical treatments. However, to cope with rapid climate change and the need to secure sustainable agriculture and biomass production, innovative approaches need to be developed to effectively meet these challenges and demands. In this review, we summarize recent and advanced strategies that involve the use of plant-related cyanobacterial proteins, macro- and micronutrient management, nutrient-coated nanoparticles, and phytopathogenic organisms, all of which offer promise as protective resources to shield plants from climate challenges and to boost stress tolerance in crops.
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20
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Alexander A, Singh VK, Mishra A. Overexpression of differentially expressed AhCytb6 gene during plant-microbe interaction improves tolerance to N 2 deficit and salt stress in transgenic tobacco. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13435. [PMID: 34183701 PMCID: PMC8239016 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92424-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has plant growth-promoting potential, and interaction with Arachis hypogaea changes host-plant physiology, biochemistry, and metabolomics, which provides tolerance under the N2 starvation conditions. About 226 suppression subtractive hybridization clones were obtained from plant-microbe interaction, of which, about 62% of gene sequences were uncharacterized, whereas 23% of sequences were involved in photosynthesis. An uncharacterized SSH clone, SM409 (full-length sequence showed resemblance with Cytb6), showed about 4-fold upregulation during the interaction was transformed to tobacco for functional validation. Overexpression of the AhCytb6 gene enhanced the seed germination efficiency and plant growth under N2 deficit and salt stress conditions compared to wild-type and vector control plants. Results confirmed that transgenic lines maintained high photosynthesis and protected plants from reactive oxygen species buildup during stress conditions. Microarray-based whole-transcript expression of host plants showed that out of 272,410 genes, 8704 and 24,409 genes were significantly (p < 0.05) differentially expressed (> 2 up or down-regulated) under N2 starvation and salt stress conditions, respectively. The differentially expressed genes belonged to different regulatory pathways. Overall, results suggested that overexpression of AhCytb6 regulates the expression of various genes to enhance plant growth under N2 deficit and abiotic stress conditions by modulating plant physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Alexander
- Division of Applied Phycology and Biotechnology, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Vijay K Singh
- Division of Applied Phycology and Biotechnology, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Avinash Mishra
- Division of Applied Phycology and Biotechnology, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, G. B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR, Ghaziabad, India.
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21
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Metabolomics Intervention Towards Better Understanding of Plant Traits. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020346. [PMID: 33562333 PMCID: PMC7915772 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of the most economically important plant and crop species are enriched with the availability of high-quality reference genome sequences forming the basis of gene discovery which control the important biochemical pathways. The transcriptomics and proteomics resources have also been made available for many of these plant species that intensify the understanding at expression levels. However, still we lack integrated studies spanning genomics–transcriptomics–proteomics, connected to metabolomics, the most complicated phase in phenotype expression. Nevertheless, for the past few decades, emphasis has been more on metabolome which plays a crucial role in defining the phenotype (trait) during crop improvement. The emergence of modern high throughput metabolome analyzing platforms have accelerated the discovery of a wide variety of biochemical types of metabolites and new pathways, also helped in improving the understanding of known existing pathways. Pinpointing the causal gene(s) and elucidation of metabolic pathways are very important for development of improved lines with high precision in crop breeding. Along with other-omics sciences, metabolomics studies have helped in characterization and annotation of a new gene(s) function. Hereby, we summarize several areas in the field of crop development where metabolomics studies have made its remarkable impact. We also assess the recent research on metabolomics, together with other omics, contributing toward genetic engineering to target traits and key pathway(s).
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22
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Synthetic Biology Approaches To Enhance Microalgal Productivity. Trends Biotechnol 2021; 39:1019-1036. [PMID: 33541719 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The major bottleneck in commercializing biofuels and other commodities produced by microalgae is the high cost associated with phototrophic cultivation. Improving microalgal productivities could be a solution to this problem. Synthetic biology methods have recently been used to engineer the downstream production pathways in several microalgal strains. However, engineering upstream photosynthetic and carbon fixation metabolism to enhance growth, productivity, and yield has barely been explored in microalgae. We describe strategies to improve the generation of reducing power from light, as well as to improve the assimilation of CO2 by either the native Calvin cycle or synthetic alternatives. Overall, we are optimistic that recent technological advances will prompt long-awaited breakthroughs in microalgal research.
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Yadav SK, Khatri K, Rathore MS, Jha B. Ectopic Expression of a Transmembrane Protein KaCyt b 6 from a Red Seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii in Transgenic Tobacco Augmented the Photosynthesis and Growth. DNA Cell Biol 2020:dna.2020.5479. [PMID: 32865429 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome b6f complex is a thylakoid membrane-localized protein and catalyses the transfer of electrons from plastoquinol to plastocyanin in photosynthetic electron transport chain. In the present study, Cytochrome b6 (KaCyt b6) gene from Kappaphycus alvarezii (a red seaweed) was overexpressed in tobacco. A 935 base pair (bp) long KaCyt b6 cDNA contained an open reading frame of 648 bp encoding a protein of 215 amino acids with an expected isoelectric point of 8.67 and a molecular mass of 24.37 kDa. The KaCyt b6 gene was overexpressed in tobacco under control of CaMV35S promoter. The transgenic tobacco had higher electron transfer rate and photosynthetic yield over wild-type and vector control tobacco. The KaCyt b6 tobacco also exhibited significantly higher photosynthetic gas exchange (PN) and improved water use efficiency. The transgenic plants had higher ratio of PN and intercellular CO2. The KaCyt b6 transgenic tobacco showed higher estimates of photosystem II quantum yield, higher activity of the water-splitting complex, PSII photochemistry, and photochemical quenching. The basal quantum yield of nonphotochemical processes in PSII was recorded lower in KaCyt b6 tobacco. Transgenic tobacco contained higher contents of carotenoids and total chlorophyll and also had better ratios of chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoids and total chlorophyll contents hence improved photosynthetic efficiency and production of sugar and starch. The KaCyt b6 transgenic plants performed superior under control and greenhouse conditions. To the best of our knowledge through literature survey, this is the first report on characterization of KaCyt b6 gene from K. alvarezii for enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and growth in tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta K Yadav
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Kusum Khatri
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Division of Applied Phycology and Biotechnology, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Bhavnagar, India
| | - Mangal S Rathore
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Division of Applied Phycology and Biotechnology, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Bhavnagar, India
| | - Bhavanath Jha
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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López-Calcagno PE, Brown KL, Simkin AJ, Fisk SJ, Vialet-Chabrand S, Lawson T, Raines CA. Stimulating photosynthetic processes increases productivity and water-use efficiency in the field. NATURE PLANTS 2020; 6:1054-1063. [PMID: 32782406 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-020-0740-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that the independent stimulation of either electron transport or RuBP regeneration can increase the rate of photosynthetic carbon assimilation and plant biomass. In this paper, we present evidence that a multigene approach to simultaneously manipulate these two processes provides a further stimulation of photosynthesis. We report on the introduction of the cyanobacterial bifunctional enzyme fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase/sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase or the overexpression of the plant enzyme sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase, together with the expression of the red algal protein cytochrome c6, and show that a further increase in biomass accumulation under both glasshouse and field conditions can be achieved. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the stimulation of both electron transport and RuBP regeneration can lead to enhanced intrinsic water-use efficiency under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenny L Brown
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | - Andrew J Simkin
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
- Genetics, Genomics and Breeding, NIAB EMR, East Malling, UK
| | - Stuart J Fisk
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | | | - Tracy Lawson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
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Rotasperti L, Sansoni F, Mizzotti C, Tadini L, Pesaresi P. Barley's Second Spring as A Model Organism for Chloroplast Research. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9070803. [PMID: 32604986 PMCID: PMC7411767 DOI: 10.3390/plants9070803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) has been widely used as a model crop for studying molecular and physiological processes such as chloroplast development and photosynthesis. During the second half of the 20th century, mutants such as albostrians led to the discovery of the nuclear-encoded, plastid-localized RNA polymerase and the retrograde (chloroplast-to-nucleus) signalling communication pathway, while chlorina-f2 and xantha mutants helped to shed light on the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway, on the light-harvesting proteins and on the organization of the photosynthetic apparatus. However, during the last 30 years, a large fraction of chloroplast research has switched to the more “user-friendly” model species Arabidopsis thaliana, the first plant species whose genome was sequenced and published at the end of 2000. Despite its many advantages, Arabidopsis has some important limitations compared to barley, including the lack of a real canopy and the absence of the proplastid-to-chloroplast developmental gradient across the leaf blade. These features, together with the availability of large collections of natural genetic diversity and mutant populations for barley, a complete genome assembly and protocols for genetic transformation and gene editing, have relaunched barley as an ideal model species for chloroplast research. In this review, we provide an update on the genomics tools now available for barley, and review the biotechnological strategies reported to increase photosynthesis efficiency in model species, which deserve to be validated in barley.
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Hammel A, Sommer F, Zimmer D, Stitt M, Mühlhaus T, Schroda M. Overexpression of Sedoheptulose-1,7-Bisphosphatase Enhances Photosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Has No Effect on the Abundance of Other Calvin-Benson Cycle Enzymes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:868. [PMID: 32655601 PMCID: PMC7324757 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The productivity of plants and microalgae needs to be increased to feed the growing world population and to promote the development of a low-carbon economy. This goal can be achieved by improving photosynthesis via genetic engineering. In this study, we have employed the Modular Cloning strategy to overexpress the Calvin-Benson cycle (CBC) enzyme sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase (SBP1) up to threefold in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The protein derived from the nuclear transgene represented ∼0.3% of total cell protein. Photosynthetic rate and growth were significantly increased in SBP1-overexpressing lines under high-light and elevated CO2 conditions. Absolute quantification of the abundance of all other CBC enzymes by the QconCAT approach revealed no consistent differences between SBP1-overexpressing lines and the recipient strain. This analysis also revealed that the 11 CBC enzymes represent 11.9% of total cell protein in Chlamydomonas. Here, the range of concentrations of CBC enzymes turned out to be much larger than estimated earlier, with a 128-fold difference between the most abundant CBC protein (rbcL) and the least abundant (triose phosphate isomerase). Accordingly, the concentrations of the CBC intermediates are often but not always higher than the binding site concentrations of the enzymes for which they act as substrates. The enzymes with highest substrate to binding site ratios might represent good candidates for overexpression in subsequent engineering steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hammel
- Molecular Biotechnology & Systems Biology, TU Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Frederik Sommer
- Molecular Biotechnology & Systems Biology, TU Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - David Zimmer
- Computational Systems Biology, TU Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Mark Stitt
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Timo Mühlhaus
- Computational Systems Biology, TU Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Michael Schroda
- Molecular Biotechnology & Systems Biology, TU Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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27
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Lana-Costa J, de Oliveira Silva FM, Batista-Silva W, Carolino DC, Senra RL, Medeiros DB, Martins SCV, Gago J, Araújo WL, Nunes-Nesi A. High Photosynthetic Rates in a Solanum pennellii Chromosome 2 QTL Is Explained by Biochemical and Photochemical Changes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:794. [PMID: 32595679 PMCID: PMC7303335 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Enhanced photosynthesis is strictly associated with to productivity and it can be accomplished by genetic approaches through identification of genetic variation. By using a Solanum pennellii introgression lines (ILs) population, it was previously verified that, under normal (CO2), IL 2-5 and 2-6 display increased photosynthetic rates by up to 20% in comparison with their parental background (M82). However, the physiological mechanisms involved in the enhanced CO2 assimilation exhibited by these lines remained unknown, precluding their use for further biotechnological applications. Thereby, here we attempted to uncover the physiological factors involved in the upregulation of photosynthesis in ILs 2-5 and 2-6 under normal (CO2) as well as under elevated (CO2). The results provide evidence for increased biochemical capacity (higher maximum carboxylation velocity and maximum electron transport rate) in plants from IL 2-5 and 2-6, whereas the diffusive components (stomatal and mesophyll conductances) were unaltered in these ILs in comparison to M82. Our analyses revealed that the higher photosynthetic rate observed in these ILs was associated with higher levels of starch as well as total protein levels, specially increased RuBisCO content. Further analyses performed in plants under high (CO2) confirmed that biochemical properties are involved in genetic variation on chromosome 2 related to enhanced photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaciara Lana-Costa
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | | | | | - Diego Costa Carolino
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Renato Lima Senra
- Departamento de Bioquímica Aplicada, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - David B. Medeiros
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge Gago
- Departament de Biologia, Institute of Agro-Environmental Research and Water Economy – INAGEA, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Wagner L. Araújo
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Adriano Nunes-Nesi
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
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28
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Batista-Silva W, da Fonseca-Pereira P, Martins AO, Zsögön A, Nunes-Nesi A, Araújo WL. Engineering Improved Photosynthesis in the Era of Synthetic Biology. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2020; 1:100032. [PMID: 33367233 PMCID: PMC7747996 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2020.100032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Much attention has been given to the enhancement of photosynthesis as a strategy for the optimization of crop productivity. As traditional plant breeding is most likely reaching a plateau, there is a timely need to accelerate improvements in photosynthetic efficiency by means of novel tools and biotechnological solutions. The emerging field of synthetic biology offers the potential for building completely novel pathways in predictable directions and, thus, addresses the global requirements for higher yields expected to occur in the 21st century. Here, we discuss recent advances and current challenges of engineering improved photosynthesis in the era of synthetic biology toward optimized utilization of solar energy and carbon sources to optimize the production of food, fiber, and fuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Batista-Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Paula da Fonseca-Pereira
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | | | - Agustín Zsögön
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Adriano Nunes-Nesi
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Wagner L. Araújo
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
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29
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Simkin AJ, Faralli M, Ramamoorthy S, Lawson T. Photosynthesis in non-foliar tissues: implications for yield. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 101:1001-1015. [PMID: 31802560 PMCID: PMC7064926 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis is currently a focus for crop improvement. The majority of this work has taken place and been assessed in leaves, and limited consideration has been given to the contribution that other green tissues make to whole-plant carbon assimilation. The major focus of this review is to evaluate the impact of non-foliar photosynthesis on carbon-use efficiency and total assimilation. Here we appraise and summarize past and current literature on the substantial contribution of different photosynthetically active organs and tissues to productivity in a variety of different plant types, with an emphasis on fruit and cereal crops. Previous studies provide evidence that non-leaf photosynthesis could be an unexploited potential target for crop improvement. We also briefly examine the role of stomata in non-foliar tissues, gas exchange, maintenance of optimal temperatures and thus photosynthesis. In the final section, we discuss possible opportunities to manipulate these processes and provide evidence that Triticum aestivum (wheat) plants genetically manipulated to increase leaf photosynthesis also displayed higher rates of ear assimilation, which translated to increased grain yield. By understanding these processes, we can start to provide insights into manipulating non-foliar photosynthesis and stomatal behaviour to identify novel targets for exploitation in continuing breeding programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Simkin
- Genetics, Genomics and BreedingNIAB EMRNew Road, East MallingKentME19 6BJUK
| | - Michele Faralli
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of EssexWivenhoe ParkColchesterCO4 3SQUK
- Present address:
Department of Biodiversity and Molecular EcologyResearch and Innovation CentreFondazione Edmund Mach, via Mach 1San Michele all'Adige (TN)38010Italy
| | - Siva Ramamoorthy
- School of Bio Sciences and TechnologyVellore Institute of TechnologyVellore632014India
| | - Tracy Lawson
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of EssexWivenhoe ParkColchesterCO4 3SQUK
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30
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Simkin AJ. Genetic Engineering for Global Food Security: Photosynthesis and Biofortification. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E586. [PMID: 31835394 PMCID: PMC6963231 DOI: 10.3390/plants8120586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasing demands for food and resources are challenging existing markets, driving a need to continually investigate and establish crop varieties with improved yields and health benefits. By the later part of the century, current estimates indicate that a >50% increase in the yield of most of the important food crops including wheat, rice and barley will be needed to maintain food supplies and improve nutritional quality to tackle what has become known as 'hidden hunger'. Improving the nutritional quality of crops has become a target for providing the micronutrients required in remote communities where dietary variation is often limited. A number of methods to achieve this have been investigated over recent years, from improving photosynthesis through genetic engineering, to breeding new higher yielding varieties. Recent research has shown that growing plants under elevated [CO2] can lead to an increase in Vitamin C due to changes in gene expression, demonstrating one potential route for plant biofortification. In this review, we discuss the current research being undertaken to improve photosynthesis and biofortify key crops to secure future food supplies and the potential links between improved photosynthesis and nutritional quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew John Simkin
- Genetics, Genomics and Breeding, NIAB EMR, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, UK
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31
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Singer SD, Soolanayakanahally RY, Foroud NA, Kroebel R. Biotechnological strategies for improved photosynthesis in a future of elevated atmospheric CO 2. PLANTA 2019; 251:24. [PMID: 31784816 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-019-03301-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The improvement of photosynthesis using biotechnological approaches has been the focus of much research. It is now vital that these strategies be assessed under future atmospheric conditions. The demand for crop products is expanding at an alarming rate due to population growth, enhanced affluence, increased per capita calorie consumption, and an escalating need for plant-based bioproducts. While solving this issue will undoubtedly involve a multifaceted approach, improving crop productivity will almost certainly provide one piece of the puzzle. The improvement of photosynthetic efficiency has been a long-standing goal of plant biotechnologists as possibly one of the last remaining means of achieving higher yielding crops. However, the vast majority of these studies have not taken into consideration possible outcomes when these plants are grown long-term under the elevated CO2 concentrations (e[CO2]) that will be evident in the not too distant future. Due to the considerable effect that CO2 levels have on the photosynthetic process, these assessments should become commonplace as a means of ensuring that research in this field focuses on the most effective approaches for our future climate scenarios. In this review, we discuss the main biotechnological research strategies that are currently underway with the aim of improving photosynthetic efficiency and biomass production/yields in the context of a future of e[CO2], as well as alternative approaches that may provide further photosynthetic benefits under these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy D Singer
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1, Canada.
| | - Raju Y Soolanayakanahally
- Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0X2, Canada
| | - Nora A Foroud
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Roland Kroebel
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1, Canada
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32
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Ermakova M, Lopez-Calcagno PE, Raines CA, Furbank RT, von Caemmerer S. Overexpression of the Rieske FeS protein of the Cytochrome b6f complex increases C 4 photosynthesis in Setaria viridis. Commun Biol 2019; 2:314. [PMID: 31453378 PMCID: PMC6697696 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
C4 photosynthesis is characterised by a CO2 concentrating mechanism that operates between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells increasing CO2 partial pressure at the site of Rubisco and photosynthetic efficiency. Electron transport chains in both cell types supply ATP and NADPH for C4 photosynthesis. Cytochrome b6f is a key control point of electron transport in C3 plants. To study whether C4 photosynthesis is limited by electron transport we constitutively overexpressed the Rieske FeS subunit in Setaria viridis. This resulted in a higher Cytochrome b6f content in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells without marked changes in the abundances of other photosynthetic proteins. Rieske overexpression plants showed better light conversion efficiency in both Photosystems and could generate higher proton-motive force across the thylakoid membrane underpinning an increase in CO2 assimilation rate at ambient and saturating CO2 and high light. Our results demonstrate that removing electron transport limitations can increase C4 photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ermakova
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | | | - Christine A. Raines
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ UK
| | - Robert T. Furbank
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Susanne von Caemmerer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
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33
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Éva C, Oszvald M, Tamás L. Current and possible approaches for improving photosynthetic efficiency. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2019; 280:433-440. [PMID: 30824023 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
One of the most important tasks laying ahead today's biotechnology is to improve crop productivity with the aim of meeting increased food and energy demands of humankind. Plant productivity depends on many genetic factors, including life cycle, harvest index, stress tolerance and photosynthetic activity. Many approaches were already tested or suggested to improve either. Limitations of photosynthesis have also been uncovered and efforts been taken to increase its efficiency. Examples include decreasing photosynthetic antennae size, increasing the photosynthetically available light spectrum, countering oxygenase activity of Rubisco by implementing C4 photosynthesis to C3 plants and altering source to sink transport of metabolites. A natural and effective photosynthetic adaptation, the sugar alcohol metabolism got however remarkably little attention in the last years, despite being comparably efficient as C4, and can be considered easier to introduce to new species. We also propose root to shoot carbon-dioxide transport as a means to improve photosynthetic performance and drought tolerance at the same time. Different suggestions and successful examples are covered here for improving plant photosynthesis as well as novel perspectives are presented for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Éva
- Applied Genomics Department, Agricultural Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Martonvásár 2462, Hungary.
| | - Mária Oszvald
- Plant Biology and Crop Science, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - László Tamás
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Plant Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
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34
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Simkin AJ, López-Calcagno PE, Raines CA. Feeding the world: improving photosynthetic efficiency for sustainable crop production. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2019; 70:1119-1140. [PMID: 30772919 PMCID: PMC6395887 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ery445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
A number of recent studies have provided strong support demonstrating that improving the photosynthetic processes through genetic engineering can provide an avenue to improve yield potential. The major focus of this review is on improvement of the Calvin-Benson cycle and electron transport. Consideration is also given to how altering regulatory process may provide an additional route to increase photosynthetic efficiency. Here we summarize some of the recent successes that have been observed through genetic manipulation of photosynthesis, showing that, in both the glasshouse and the field, yield can be increased by >40%. These results provide a clear demonstration of the potential for increasing yield through improvements in photosynthesis. In the final section, we consider the need to stack improvement in photosynthetic traits with traits that target the yield gap in order to provide robust germplasm for different crops across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Simkin
- NIAB EMR, New Road, East Malling, Kent, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Wivenhoe Park, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | | | - Christine A Raines
- School of Biological Sciences, Wivenhoe Park, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
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35
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Ermakova M, Lopez-Calcagno PE, Raines CA, Furbank RT, von Caemmerer S. Overexpression of the Rieske FeS protein of the Cytochrome b6f complex increases C 4 photosynthesis in Setaria viridis. Commun Biol 2019. [PMID: 31453378 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0561-569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
C4 photosynthesis is characterised by a CO2 concentrating mechanism that operates between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells increasing CO2 partial pressure at the site of Rubisco and photosynthetic efficiency. Electron transport chains in both cell types supply ATP and NADPH for C4 photosynthesis. Cytochrome b6f is a key control point of electron transport in C3 plants. To study whether C4 photosynthesis is limited by electron transport we constitutively overexpressed the Rieske FeS subunit in Setaria viridis. This resulted in a higher Cytochrome b6f content in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells without marked changes in the abundances of other photosynthetic proteins. Rieske overexpression plants showed better light conversion efficiency in both Photosystems and could generate higher proton-motive force across the thylakoid membrane underpinning an increase in CO2 assimilation rate at ambient and saturating CO2 and high light. Our results demonstrate that removing electron transport limitations can increase C4 photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ermakova
- 1Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | | | - Christine A Raines
- 2School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ UK
| | - Robert T Furbank
- 1Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Susanne von Caemmerer
- 1Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Division of Plant Science, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
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36
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Yadav SK, Khatri K, Rathore MS, Jha B. Introgression of UfCyt c 6, a thylakoid lumen protein from a green seaweed Ulva fasciata Delile enhanced photosynthesis and growth in tobacco. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 45:1745-1758. [PMID: 30159639 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4318-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cytochromes are important components of photosynthetic electron transport chain. Here we report on genetic transformation of Cytochrome c6 (UfCyt c6) gene from Ulva fasciata Delile in tobacco for enhanced photosynthesis and growth. UfCyt c6 cDNA had an open reading frame of 330 bp encoding a polypeptide of 109 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 11.65 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.21. UfCyt c6 gene along with a tobacco petE transit peptide sequence under control of CaMV35S promoter was transformed in tobacco through Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation. Transgenic tobacco grew normal and exhibited enhanced growth as compared to wild type (WT) and vector control (VC) tobacco. Transgenic tobacco had higher contents of photosynthetic pigments and better ratios of photosynthetic pigments. The tobacco expressing UfCyt c6 gene exhibited higher photosynthetic rate and improved water use efficiency. Further activity of the water-splitting complex, photosystem II quantum yield, photochemical quenching, electron transfer rate, and photosynthetic yield were found comparatively higher in transgenic tobacco as compared to WT and VC tobacco. Alternatively basal quantum yield of non-photochemical processes in PSII and non-photochemical quenching were estimated lower in tobacco expressing UfCyt c6 gene. As a result of improved photosynthetic performance the transgenic tobacco had higher contents of sugar and starch, and exhibited comparatively better growth. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on expression of UfCyt c6 gene from U. fasciata for improved photosynthesis and growth in tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta K Yadav
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR, New Delhi, India
| | - Kusum Khatri
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR, New Delhi, India
| | - Mangal S Rathore
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR, New Delhi, India.
- Division of Biotechnology and Phycology, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India.
| | - Bhavanath Jha
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR, New Delhi, India.
- Division of Biotechnology and Phycology, CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), G.B. Marg, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India.
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37
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Bar-Even A. Daring metabolic designs for enhanced plant carbon fixation. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 273:71-83. [PMID: 29907311 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasing agricultural productivity is one of the major challenges our society faces. While multiple strategies to enhance plant carbon fixation have been suggested, and partially implemented, most of them are restricted to relatively simple modifications of endogenous metabolism, i.e., "low hanging fruit". Here, I portray the next generation of metabolic solutions to increase carbon fixation rate and yield. These strategies involve major rewiring of central metabolism, including dividing Rubisco's catalysis between several enzymes, replacing Rubisco with a different carboxylation reaction, substituting the Calvin Cycle with alternative carbon fixation pathways, and engineering photorespiration bypass routes that do not release carbon. While the barriers for implementing these elaborated metabolic architectures are quite significant, if we truly want to revolutionize carbon fixation, only daring engineering efforts will lead the way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arren Bar-Even
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
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38
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Alotaibi SS, Sparks CA, Parry MAJ, Simkin AJ, Raines CA. Identification of Leaf Promoters for Use in Transgenic Wheat. PLANTS 2018; 7:plants7020027. [PMID: 29597282 PMCID: PMC6027260 DOI: 10.3390/plants7020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Wheat yields have plateaued in recent years and given the growing global population there is a pressing need to develop higher yielding varieties to meet future demand. Genetic manipulation of photosynthesis in elite wheat varieties offers the opportunity to significantly increase yields. However, the absence of a well-defined molecular tool-box of promoters to manipulate leaf processes in wheat hinders advancements in this area. Two promoters, one driving the expression of sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase (SBPase) and the other fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBPA) from Brachypodium distachyon were identified and cloned into a vector in front of the GUS reporter gene. Both promoters were shown to be functionally active in wheat in both transient assays and in stably transformed wheat plants. Analysis of the stable transformants of wheat (cv. Cadenza) showed that both promoters controlled gus expression throughout leaf development as well as in other green tissues. The availability of these promoters provides new tools for the expression of genes in transgenic wheat leaves and also paves the way for multigene manipulation of photosynthesis to improve yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saqer S Alotaibi
- School of Biological Sciences, Wivenhoe Park, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK.
- Biotechnology Department, Biological Sciences College, Taif University, At Taif 26571, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Caroline A Sparks
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK.
| | - Martin A J Parry
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 2JQ, UK.
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Andrew J Simkin
- School of Biological Sciences, Wivenhoe Park, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK.
- Genetics, Genomics and Breeding, NIAB EMR, New Road, East Malling ME19 6BJ, UK.
| | - Christine A Raines
- School of Biological Sciences, Wivenhoe Park, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK.
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Simkin AJ, McAusland L, Lawson T, Raines CA. Overexpression of the RieskeFeS Protein Increases Electron Transport Rates and Biomass Yield. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 175:134-145. [PMID: 28754840 DOI: 10.1101/133702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants overexpressing the Rieske FeS protein (PetC), a component of the cytochrome b6f (cyt b6f) complex. Increasing the levels of this protein resulted in concomitant increases in the levels of cyt f (PetA) and cyt b6 (PetB), core proteins of the cyt b6f complex. Interestingly, an increase in the levels of proteins in both the photosystem I (PSI) and PSII complexes also was seen in the Rieske FeS overexpression plants. Although the mechanisms leading to these changes remain to be identified, the transgenic plants presented here provide novel tools to explore this. Importantly, overexpression of the Rieske FeS protein resulted in substantial and significant impacts on the quantum efficiency of PSI and PSII, electron transport, biomass, and seed yield in Arabidopsis plants. These results demonstrate the potential for manipulating electron transport processes to increase crop productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Simkin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna McAusland
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy Lawson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Christine A Raines
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
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Chang H, Huang HE, Cheng CF, Ho MH, Ger MJ. Constitutive expression of a plant ferredoxin-like protein (pflp) enhances capacity of photosynthetic carbon assimilation in rice (Oryza sativa). Transgenic Res 2017; 26:279-289. [PMID: 28054169 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-016-0005-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The plant ferredoxin-like protein (PFLP) gene, cloned from sweet peppers predicted as an electron carrier in photosynthesis, shows high homology to the Fd-I sequence of Arabidopsis thaliana, Lycopersicon esculentum, Oryza sativa and Spinacia oleracea. Most of pflp related studies focused on anti-pathogenic effects, while less understanding for the effects in photosynthesis with physiological aspects, such as photosynthesis rate, and levels of carbohydrate metabolites. This project focuses on the effects of pflp overexpression on photosynthesis by physiological evaluations of carbon assimilation with significant higher levels of carbohydrates with higher photosynthesis efficiency. In this report, two independent transgenic lines of rice plants (designated as pflp-1 and pflp-2) were generated from non-transgenic TNG67 rice plant (WT). Both transgenic pflp rice plants exhibited enhanced photosynthesis efficiency, and gas exchange rates of photosynthesis were 1.3- and 1.2-fold higher for pflp-1 and pflp-2 than WT respectively. Significantly higher electron transport rates of pflp rice plants were observed. Moreover, photosynthetic products, such as fructose, glucose, sucrose and starch contents of pflp transgenic lines were increased accordingly. Molecular evidences of carbohydrate metabolism related genes activities (osHXK5, osHXK6, osAGPL3, osAGPS2α, osSPS, ospFBPase, oscFBPase, and osSBPase) in transgenic lines were higher than those of WT. For performance of crop production, 1000-grain weight for pflp-1 and pflp-2 rice plants were 52.9 and 41.1 g that were both significantly higher than 31.6 g for WT, and panicles weights were 1.4- and 1.2-fold higher than WT. Panicle number, tiller number per plants for pflp rice plants were all significantly higher compared with those of WT where there was no significant difference observed between two pflp rice plants. Taken altogether; this study demonstrated that constitutive pflp expression can improve rice production by enhancing the capacity of photosynthetic carbon assimilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiang Chang
- Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, Hsinchu, 30015, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiang-En Huang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Taitung University, Taitung, 95092, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Fu Cheng
- Department of Life Sciences, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, 81148, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsuan Ho
- Department of Life Sciences, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, 81148, Taiwan
| | - Mang-Jye Ger
- Department of Life Sciences, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, 81148, Taiwan.
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Benvenuti G, Ruiz J, Lamers PP, Bosma R, Wijffels RH, Barbosa MJ. Towards microalgal triglycerides in the commodity markets. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2017; 10:188. [PMID: 28725268 PMCID: PMC5514516 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-017-0873-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microalgal triglycerides (TAGs) hold great promise as sustainable feedstock for commodity industries. However, to determine research priorities and support business decisions, solid techno-economic studies are essential. Here, we present a techno-economic analysis of two-step TAG production (growth reactors are operated in continuous mode such that multiple batch-operated stress reactors are inoculated and harvested sequentially) for a 100-ha plant in southern Spain using vertically stacked tubular photobioreactors. The base case is established with outdoor pilot-scale data and based on current process technology. RESULTS For the base case, production costs of 6.7 € per kg of biomass containing 24% TAG (w/w) were found. Several scenarios with reduced production costs were then presented based on the latest biological and technological advances. For instance, much effort should focus on increasing the photosynthetic efficiency during the stress and growth phases, as this is the most influential parameter on production costs (30 and 14% cost reduction from base case). Next, biological and technological solutions should be implemented for a reduction in cooling requirements (10 and 4.5% cost reduction from base case when active cooling is avoided and cooling setpoint is increased, respectively). When implementing all the suggested improvements, production costs can be decreased to 3.3 € per kg of biomass containing 60% TAG (w/w) within the next 8 years. CONCLUSIONS With our techno-economic analysis, we indicated a roadmap for a substantial cost reduction. However, microalgal TAGs are not yet cost efficient when compared to their present market value. Cost-competiveness strictly relies on the valorization of the whole biomass components and on cheaper PBR designs (e.g. plastic film flat panels). In particular, further research should focus on the development and commercialization of PBRs where active cooling is avoided and stable operating temperatures are maintained by the water basin in which the reactor is placed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Benvenuti
- Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jesús Ruiz
- Algades–Alga, Development, Engineering and Services, S.L., c. Margaritas, Costa Oeste, El Puerto de Santa María, 11500 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Packo P. Lamers
- Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rouke Bosma
- Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - René H. Wijffels
- Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, 8049 Bodø, Norway
| | - Maria J. Barbosa
- Bioprocess Engineering, AlgaePARC, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Yamori W, Kondo E, Sugiura D, Terashima I, Suzuki Y, Makino A. Enhanced leaf photosynthesis as a target to increase grain yield: insights from transgenic rice lines with variable Rieske FeS protein content in the cytochrome b6 /f complex. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2016; 39:80-7. [PMID: 26138548 DOI: 10.1111/pce.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Although photosynthesis is the most important source for biomass and grain yield, a lack of correlation between photosynthesis and plant yield among different genotypes of various crop species has been frequently observed. Such observations contribute to the ongoing debate whether enhancing leaf photosynthesis can improve yield potential. Here, transgenic rice plants that contain variable amounts of the Rieske FeS protein in the cytochrome (cyt) b6 /f complex between 10 and 100% of wild-type levels have been used to investigate the effect of reductions of these proteins on photosynthesis, plant growth and yield. Reductions of the cyt b6 /f complex did not affect the electron transport rates through photosystem I but decreased electron transport rates through photosystem II, leading to concomitant decreases in CO2 assimilation rates. There was a strong control of plant growth and grain yield by the rate of leaf photosynthesis, leading to the conclusion that enhancing photosynthesis at the single-leaf level would be a useful target for improving crop productivity and yield both via conventional breeding and biotechnology. The data here also suggest that changing photosynthetic electron transport rates via manipulation of the cyt b6 /f complex could be a potential target for enhancing photosynthetic capacity in higher plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Yamori
- Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University, 6-2-1 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-0882, Japan
- PRESTO and CREST, JST, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Eri Kondo
- Department of Applied Plant Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sugiura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ichiro Terashima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- PRESTO and CREST, JST, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yuji Suzuki
- Department of Applied Plant Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan
| | - Amane Makino
- Department of Applied Plant Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 1-1 Tsutsumidori-Amamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 981-8555, Japan
- PRESTO and CREST, JST, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
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Patel AK, Huang EL, Low-Décarie E, Lefsrud MG. Comparative Shotgun Proteomic Analysis of Wastewater-Cultured Microalgae: Nitrogen Sensing and Carbon Fixation for Growth and Nutrient Removal in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:3051-67. [DOI: 10.1021/pr501316h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anil K. Patel
- Department
of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Eric L. Huang
- Department
of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Etienne Low-Décarie
- School
of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark G. Lefsrud
- Department
of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
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Breuer G, Lamers PP, Janssen M, Wijffels RH, Martens DE. Opportunities to improve the areal oil productivity of microalgae. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2015; 186:294-302. [PMID: 25836038 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2015.03.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are often considered as a promising alternative source of vegetable oils. These oils can be used for food and biofuel applications. Productivities that are projected for large-scale microalgal oil production are, however, often poorly supported by scientific evidence and based on too optimistic assumptions. To facilitate the inclusion of the microalgal physiology in these projections, existing knowledge and novel scientific insights were condensed into a mechanistic model that describes photosynthesis and carbon partitioning during nitrogen starvation. The model is validated using experimental data from both wild-type and a starchless mutant of Scenedesmus obliquus. The model is subsequently used to quantify how reactor design, process design, and strain improvement can improve the oil productivity from 2.1 to up to 10.9 g m(-2) day(-1). These projected productivities are used to reflect on commonly assumed oil productivities and it is concluded that the microalgal oil productivity is often overestimated several folds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Breuer
- Bioprocess Engineering & AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Packo P Lamers
- Bioprocess Engineering & AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Janssen
- Bioprocess Engineering & AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - René H Wijffels
- Bioprocess Engineering & AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands; Faculty Biosciences and Aquaculture, University of Nordland, N-8049 Bodø, Norway
| | - Dirk E Martens
- Bioprocess Engineering & AlgaePARC, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Singh J, Pandey P, James D, Chandrasekhar K, Achary VMM, Kaul T, Tripathy BC, Reddy MK. Enhancing C3 photosynthesis: an outlook on feasible interventions for crop improvement. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2014; 12:1217-30. [PMID: 25196090 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the declarations and collective measures taken to eradicate hunger at World Food Summits, food security remains one of the biggest issues that we are faced with. The current scenario could worsen due to the alarming increase in world population, further compounded by adverse climatic conditions, such as increase in atmospheric temperature, unforeseen droughts and decreasing soil moisture, which will decrease crop yield even further. Furthermore, the projected increase in yields of C3 crops as a result of increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations is much less than anticipated. Thus, there is an urgent need to increase crop productivity beyond existing yield potentials to address the challenge of food security. One of the domains of plant biology that promises hope in overcoming this problem is study of C3 photosynthesis. In this review, we have examined the potential bottlenecks of C3 photosynthesis and the strategies undertaken to overcome them. The targets considered for possible intervention include RuBisCO, RuBisCO activase, Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle enzymes, CO2 and carbohydrate transport, and light reactions among many others. In addition, other areas which promise scope for improvement of C3 photosynthesis, such as mining natural genetic variations, mathematical modelling for identifying new targets, installing efficient carbon fixation and carbon concentrating mechanisms have been touched upon. Briefly, this review intends to shed light on the recent advances in enhancing C3 photosynthesis for crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender Singh
- Plant Molecular Biology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India; School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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Abstract
Structural analyses of protein-protein interactions are required to reveal their functional mechanisms, and accurate protein-protein complex models, based on experimental results, are the starting points for drug development. In addition, structural information about proteins under physiologically relevant conditions is crucially important for understanding biological events. However, for proteins such as those embedded in lipid bilayers and transiently complexed with their effectors under physiological conditions, structural analyses by conventional methods are generally difficult, due to their large molecular weights and inhomogeneity. We have developed the cross-saturation (CS) method, which is an nuclear magnetic resonance measurement technique for the precise identification of the interfaces of protein-protein complexes. In addition, we have developed an extended version of the CS method, termed transferred cross-saturation (TCS), which enables the identification of the residues of protein ligands in close proximity to huge (>150 kDa) and heterogeneous complexes under fast exchange conditions (>0.1 s(-1)). Here, we discuss the outline, basic theory, and practical considerations of the CS and TCS methods. In addition, we will review the recent progress in the construction of models of protein-protein complexes, based on CS and TCS experiments, and applications of TCS to in situ analyses of biologically and medically important proteins in physiologically relevant states.
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47
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Vanholme B, Desmet T, Ronsse F, Rabaey K, Breusegem FV, Mey MD, Soetaert W, Boerjan W. Towards a carbon-negative sustainable bio-based economy. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2013; 4:174. [PMID: 23761802 PMCID: PMC3669761 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The bio-based economy relies on sustainable, plant-derived resources for fuels, chemicals, materials, food and feed rather than on the evanescent usage of fossil resources. The cornerstone of this economy is the biorefinery, in which renewable resources are intelligently converted to a plethora of products, maximizing the valorization of the feedstocks. Innovation is a prerequisite to move a fossil-based economy toward sustainable alternatives, and the viability of the bio-based economy depends on the integration between plant (green) and industrial (white) biotechnology. Green biotechnology deals with primary production through the improvement of biomass crops, while white biotechnology deals with the conversion of biomass into products and energy. Waste streams are minimized during these processes or partly converted to biogas, which can be used to power the processing pipeline. The sustainability of this economy is guaranteed by a third technology pillar that uses thermochemical conversion to valorize waste streams and fix residual carbon as biochar in the soil, hence creating a carbon-negative cycle. These three different multidisciplinary pillars interact through the value chain of the bio-based economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartel Vanholme
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Institute for BiotechnologyGent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent UniversityGent, Belgium
| | - Tom Desmet
- Department of Biochemical and Microbial Technology, Centre of Expertise – Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis, Ghent UniversityGent, Belgium
| | - Frederik Ronsse
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Ghent UniversityGent, Belgium
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Laboratory of Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent UniversityGent, Belgium
- Centre for Microbial Electrosynthesis, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, Australia
- Advanced Water Management Centre, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, Australia
| | - Frank Van Breusegem
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Institute for BiotechnologyGent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent UniversityGent, Belgium
| | - Marjan De Mey
- Department of Biochemical and Microbial Technology, Centre of Expertise – Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis, Ghent UniversityGent, Belgium
| | - Wim Soetaert
- Department of Biochemical and Microbial Technology, Centre of Expertise – Industrial Biotechnology and Biocatalysis, Ghent UniversityGent, Belgium
| | - Wout Boerjan
- Department of Plant Systems Biology, Flanders Institute for BiotechnologyGent, Belgium
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent UniversityGent, Belgium
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Leister D. How Can the Light Reactions of Photosynthesis be Improved in Plants? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2012; 3:199. [PMID: 22973282 PMCID: PMC3428562 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2012.00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Leister
- Plant Molecular Biology, Department Biology I, Ludwig-Maximilians-University MunichPlanegg-Martinsried, Germany
- *Correspondence:
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Ahmad P, Ashraf M, Younis M, Hu X, Kumar A, Akram NA, Al-Qurainy F. Role of transgenic plants in agriculture and biopharming. Biotechnol Adv 2011; 30:524-40. [PMID: 21959304 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2011.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
At present, environmental degradation and the consistently growing population are two main problems on the planet earth. Fulfilling the needs of this growing population is quite difficult from the limited arable land available on the globe. Although there are legal, social and political barriers to the utilization of biotechnology, advances in this field have substantially improved agriculture and human life to a great extent. One of the vital tools of biotechnology is genetic engineering (GE) which is used to modify plants, animals and microorganisms according to desired needs. In fact, genetic engineering facilitates the transfer of desired characteristics into other plants which is not possible through conventional plant breeding. A variety of crops have been engineered for enhanced resistance to a multitude of stresses such as herbicides, insecticides, viruses and a combination of biotic and abiotic stresses in different crops including rice, mustard, maize, potato, tomato, etc. Apart from the use of GE in agriculture, it is being extensively employed to modify the plants for enhanced production of vaccines, hormones, etc. Vaccines against certain diseases are certainly available in the market, but most of them are very costly. Developing countries cannot afford the disease control through such cost-intensive vaccines. Alternatively, efforts are being made to produce edible vaccines which are cheap and have many advantages over the commercialized vaccines. Transgenic plants generated for this purpose are capable of expressing recombinant proteins including viral and bacterial antigens and antibodies. Common food plants like banana, tomato, rice, carrot, etc. have been used to produce vaccines against certain diseases like hepatitis B, cholera, HIV, etc. Thus, the up- and down-regulation of desired genes which are used for the modification of plants have a marked role in the improvement of genetic crops. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the role of genetic engineering in generating transgenic lines/cultivars of different crops with improved nutrient quality, biofuel production, enhanced production of vaccines and antibodies, increased resistance against insects, herbicides, diseases and abiotic stresses as well as the safety measures for their commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaiz Ahmad
- Department of Botany, A.S. College, 190008, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India.
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50
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Ruan CJ, Shao HB, Teixeira da Silva JA. A critical review on the improvement of photosynthetic carbon assimilation in C3 plants using genetic engineering. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2011; 32:1-21. [PMID: 21699437 DOI: 10.3109/07388551.2010.533119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Global warming is one of the most serious challenges facing us today. It may be linked to the increase in atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs), leading to a rise in sea level, notable shifts in ecosystems, and in the frequency and intensity of wild fires. There is a strong interest in stabilizing the atmospheric concentration of CO2 and other GHGs by decreasing carbon emission and/or increasing carbon sequestration. Biotic sequestration is an important and effective strategy to mitigate the effects of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations by increasing carbon sequestration and storage capacity of ecosystems using plant photosynthesis and by decreasing carbon emission using biofuel rather than fossil fuel. Improvement of photosynthetic carbon assimilation, using transgenic engineering, potentially provides a set of available and effective tools for enhancing plant carbon sequestration. In this review, firstly different biological methods of CO2 assimilation in C3, C4 and CAM plants are introduced and three types of C4 pathways which have high photosynthetic performance and have evolved as CO2 pumps are briefly summarized. Then (i) the improvement of photosynthetic carbon assimilation of C3 plants by transgenic engineering using non-C4 genes, and (ii) the overexpression of individual or multiple C4 cycle photosynthetic genes (PEPC, PPDK, PCK, NADP-ME and NADP-MDH) in transgenic C3 plants (e.g. tobacco, potato, rice and Arabidopsis) are highlighted. Some transgenic C3 plants (e.g. tobacco, rice and Arabidopsis) overexpressing the FBP/SBPase, ictB and cytochrome c6 genes showed positive effects on photosynthetic efficiency and growth characteristics. However, over the last 28 years, efforts to overexpress individual, double or multiple C4 enzymes in C3 plants like tobacco, potato, rice, and Arabidopsis have produced mixed results that do not confirm or eliminate the possibility of improving photosynthesis of C3 plants by this approach. Finally, a prospect is provided on the challenges of enhancing carbon assimilation of C3 plants using transgenic engineering in the face of global warming, and the trends of the most promising approaches to improving the photosynthetic performance of C3 plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Jiang Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology & Bio-Resources Utilization, Dalian Nationalities University, Dalian City, Liaoning, China.
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