Zeaxanthin has enhanced antioxidant capacity with respect to all other xanthophylls in Arabidopsis leaves and functions independent of binding to PSII antennae

The impact of light and thioredoxins on the plant thiol-disulfide proteome

Thiol-based redox regulation is a crucial posttranslational mechanism to acclimate plants to changing light availability. Here, we conducted a biotin switch-based redox proteomics study in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to systematically investigate dynamics of thiol-redox networks in response to temporal changes in light availability and across genotypes lacking parts of the thioredoxin (Trx) or NADPH-Trx-reductase C (NTRC) systems in the chloroplast. Time-resolved dynamics revealed light led to marked decreases in the oxidation states of many chloroplast proteins with photosynthetic functions during the first 10 min, followed by their partial reoxidation after 2 to 6 h into the photoperiod. This involved f, m, and x-type Trx proteins showing similar light-induced reduction-oxidation dynamics, while NTRC, 2-Cys peroxiredoxins, and Trx y2 showed an opposing pattern, being more oxidized in light than dark. In Arabidopsis trxf1f2, trxm1m2, or ntrc mutants, most proteins showed increased oxidation states in the light compared to wild type, suggesting their light-dependent dynamics were related to NTRC/Trx networks. While NTRC deficiency had a strong influence in all light conditions, deficiencies in f- or m-type Trxs showed differential impacts on the thiol-redox proteome depending on the light environment, being higher in constant or fluctuating light, respectively. The results indicate plant redox proteomes are subject to dynamic changes in reductive and oxidative pathways to cooperatively fine-tune photosynthetic and metabolic processes in the light. The importance of the individual elements of the NTRC/Trx networks mediating these responses depend on the extent of light variability, with NTRC playing a crucial role to balance protein-redox states in rapidly fluctuating light.

Photoautotrophic cultivation of a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant with zeaxanthin as the sole xanthophyll

BACKGROUND

Photosynthetic microalgae are known for their sustainable and eco-friendly potential to convert carbon dioxide into valuable products. Nevertheless, the challenge of self-shading due to high cell density has been identified as a drawback, hampering productivity in sustainable photoautotrophic mass cultivation. To address this issue, mutants with altered pigment composition have been proposed to allow a more efficient light diffusion but further study on the role of the different pigments is still needed to correctly engineer this process.

RESULTS

We here investigated the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Δzl mutant with zeaxanthin as the sole xanthophyll. The Δzl mutant displayed altered pigment composition, characterized by lower chlorophyll content, higher chlorophyll a/b ratio, and lower chlorophyll/carotenoid ratio compared to the wild type (Wt). The Δzl mutant also exhibited a significant decrease in the light-harvesting complex II/Photosystem II ratio (LHCII/PSII) and the absence of trimeric LHCIIs. This significantly affects the organization and stability of PSII supercomplexes. Consequently, the estimated functional antenna size of PSII in the Δzl mutant was approximately 60% smaller compared to that of Wt, and reduced PSII activity was evident in this mutant. Notably, the Δzl mutant showed impaired non-photochemical quenching. However, the Δzl mutant compensated by exhibiting enhanced cyclic electron flow compared to Wt, seemingly offsetting the impaired PSII functionality. Consequently, the Δzl mutant achieved significantly higher cell densities than Wt under high-light conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight significant changes in pigment content and pigment-protein complexes in the Δzl mutant compared to Wt, resulting in an advantage for high-density photoautotrophic cultivation. This advantage is attributed to the decreased chlorophyll content of the Δzl mutant, allowing better light penetration. In addition, the accumulated zeaxanthin in the mutant could serve as an antioxidant, offering protection against reactive oxygen species generated by chlorophylls.

Physiology, gene expression, and epiphenotype of two Dianthus broteri polyploid cytotypes under temperature stress

Increasing evidence supports a major role for abiotic stress response in the success of plant polyploids, which usually thrive in harsh environments. However, understanding the ecophysiology of polyploids is challenging due to interactions between genome doubling and natural selection. Here, we investigated physiological responses, gene expression, and the epiphenotype of two related Dianthus broteri cytotypes-with different genome duplications (4× and 12×) and evolutionary trajectories-to short extreme temperature events (42/28 °C and 9/5 °C). The 12× cytotype showed higher expression of stress-responsive genes (SWEET1, PP2C16, AI5L3, and ATHB7) and enhanced gas exchange compared with 4×. Under heat stress, both ploidies had greatly impaired physiological performance and altered gene expression, with reduced cytosine methylation. However, the 12× cytotype exhibited remarkable physiological tolerance (maintaining gas exchange and water status via greater photochemical integrity and probably enhanced water storage) while down-regulating PP2C16 expression. Conversely, 4× D. broteri was susceptible to thermal stress despite prioritizing water conservation, showing signs of non-stomatal photosynthetic limitations and irreversible photochemical damage. This cytotype also presented gene-specific expression patterns under heat, up-regulating ATHB7. These findings provide insights into divergent stress response strategies and physiological resistance resulting from polyploidy, highlighting its widespread influence on plant function.

Reduced expression of chlorophyllide a oxygenase (CAO) decreases the metabolic flux for chlorophyll synthesis and downregulates photosynthesis in tobacco plants

Chlorophyll b is synthesized from chlorophyllide a, catalyzed by chlorophyllide a oxygenase (CAO). To examine whether reduced chlorophyll b content regulates chlorophyll (Chl) synthesis and photosynthesis, we raised CAO transgenic tobacco plants with antisense CAO expression, which had lower chlorophyll b content and, thus, higher Chl a/b ratio. Further, these plants had (i) lower chlorophyll b and total Chl content, whether they were grown under low or high light; (ii) decreased steady-state levels of chlorophyll biosynthetic intermediates, due, perhaps, to a feedback-controlled reduction in enzyme expressions/activities; (iii) reduced electron transport rates in their intact leaves, and reduced Photosystem (PS) I, PS II and whole chain electron transport activities in their isolated thylakoids; (iv) decreased carbon assimilation in plants grown under low or high light. We suggest that reduced synthesis of chlorophyll b by antisense expression of CAO, acting at the end of Chl biosynthesis pathway, downregulates the chlorophyll b biosynthesis, resulting in decreased Chl b, total chlorophylls and increased Chl a/b. We have previously shown that the controlled up-regulation of chlorophyll b biosynthesis and decreased Chl a/b ratio by over expression of CAO enhance the rates of electron transport and CO2 assimilation in tobacco. Conversely, our data, presented here, demonstrate that-antisense expression of CAO in tobacco, which decreases Chl b biosynthesis and increases Chl a/b ratio, leads to reduced photosynthetic electron transport and carbon assimilation rates, both under low and high light. We conclude that Chl b modulates photosynthesis; its controlled down regulation/ up regulation decreases/ increases light-harvesting, rates of electron transport, and carbon assimilation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01395-5.

Long-term rain exclusion in a Mediterranean forest: response of physiological and physico-chemical traits of Quercus pubescens across seasons

With climate change, an aggravation in summer drought is expected in the Mediterranean region. To assess the impact of such a future scenario, we compared the response of Quercus pubescens, a drought-resistant deciduous oak species, to long-term amplified drought (AD) (partial rain exclusion in natura for 10 years) and natural drought (ND). We studied leaf physiological and physico-chemical trait responses to ND and AD over the seasonal cycle, with a focus on chemical traits including major groups of central (photosynthetic pigments and plastoquinones) and specialized (tocochromanols, phenolic compounds, and cuticular waxes) metabolites. Seasonality was the main driver of all leaf traits, including cuticular triterpenoids, which were highly concentrated in summer, suggesting their importance to cope with drought and thermal stress periods. Under AD, trees not only reduced CO2 assimilation (-42%) in summer and leaf concentrations of some phenolic compounds and photosynthetic pigments (carotenoids from the xanthophyll cycle) but also enhanced the levels of other photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls, lutein, and neoxanthin) and plastochromanol-8, an antioxidant located in chloroplasts. Overall, the metabolomic adjustments across seasons and drought conditions reinforce the idea that Q. pubescens is highly resistant to drought although significant losses of antioxidant defenses and photoprotection were identified under AD.

Revealing the significance of chlorophyll b in the moss Physcomitrium patens by knocking out two functional chlorophyllide a oxygenase

The chlorophyllide a oxygenase (CAO) plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of chlorophyll b (Chl b). In the moss Physcomitrium patens (P. patens), two distinct gene copies, PpCAO1 and PpCAO2, are present. In this study, we investigate the differential expression of these CAOs following light exposure after a period of darkness (24 h) and demonstrate that the accumulation of Chl b is only abolished when both genes are knocked out. In the ppcao1cao2 mutant, most of the antenna proteins associated with both photosystems (PS) I and II are absent. Despite of the existence of LHCSR proteins and zeaxanthin, the mutant exhibits minimal non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) capacity. Nevertheless, the ppcao1cao2 mutant retains a certain level of pseudo-cyclic electron transport to provide photoprotection for PSI. These findings shed light on the dual dependency of Chl b synthesis on two CAOs and highlight the distinct effects of Chl b deprival on PSI and PSII core complexes in P. patens, a model species for bryophytes.

Symbiodiniaceae photophysiology and stress resilience is enhanced by microbial associations

Symbiodiniaceae form associations with extra- and intracellular bacterial symbionts, both in culture and in symbiosis with corals. Bacterial associates can regulate Symbiodiniaceae fitness in terms of growth, calcification and photophysiology. However, the influence of these bacteria on interactive stressors, such as temperature and light, which are known to influence Symbiodiniaceae physiology, remains unclear. Here, we examined the photophysiological response of two Symbiodiniaceae species (Symbiodinium microadriaticum and Breviolum minutum) cultured under acute temperature and light stress with specific bacterial partners from their microbiome (Labrenzia (Roseibium) alexandrii, Marinobacter adhaerens or Muricauda aquimarina). Overall, bacterial presence positively impacted Symbiodiniaceae core photosynthetic health (photosystem II [PSII] quantum yield) and photoprotective capacity (non-photochemical quenching; NPQ) compared to cultures with all extracellular bacteria removed, although specific benefits were variable across Symbiodiniaceae genera and growth phase. Symbiodiniaceae co-cultured with M. aquimarina displayed an inverse NPQ response under high temperatures and light, and those with L. alexandrii demonstrated a lowered threshold for induction of NPQ, potentially through the provision of antioxidant compounds such as zeaxanthin (produced by Muricauda spp.) and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP; produced by this strain of L. alexandrii). Our co-culture approach empirically demonstrates the benefits bacteria can deliver to Symbiodiniaceae photochemical performance, providing evidence that bacterial associates can play important functional roles for Symbiodiniaceae.

Basking in the sun: how mosses photosynthesise and survive in Antarctica

The Antarctic environment is extremely cold, windy and dry. Ozone depletion has resulted in increasing ultraviolet-B radiation, and increasing greenhouse gases and decreasing stratospheric ozone have altered Antarctica's climate. How do mosses thrive photosynthetically in this harsh environment? Antarctic mosses take advantage of microclimates where the combination of protection from wind, sufficient melt water, nutrients from seabirds and optimal sunlight provides both photosynthetic energy and sufficient warmth for efficient metabolism. The amount of sunlight presents a challenge: more light creates warmer canopies which are optimal for photosynthetic enzymes but can contain excess light energy that could damage the photochemical apparatus. Antarctic mosses thus exhibit strong photoprotective potential in the form of xanthophyll cycle pigments. Conversion to zeaxanthin is high when conditions are most extreme, especially when water content is low. Antarctic mosses also produce UV screening compounds which are maintained in cell walls in some species and appear to protect from DNA damage under elevated UV-B radiation. These plants thus survive in one of the harshest places on Earth by taking advantage of the best real estate to optimise their metabolism. But survival is precarious and it remains to be seen if these strategies will still work as the Antarctic climate changes.

J, Hase T, Jensen P, Hanke GT. Ferredoxin C2 is required for chlorophyll biosynthesis and accumulation of photosynthetic antennae in Arabidopsis

Ferredoxins (Fd) are small iron-sulphur proteins, with sub-types that have evolved for specific redox functions. Ferredoxin C2 (FdC2) proteins are essential Fd homologues conserved in all photosynthetic organisms and a number of different FdC2 functions have been proposed in angiosperms. Here we use RNAi silencing in Arabidopsis thaliana to generate a viable fdC2 mutant line with near-depleted FdC2 protein levels. Mutant leaves have ~50% less chlorophyll a and b, and chloroplasts have poorly developed thylakoid membrane structure. Transcriptomics indicates upregulation of genes involved in stress responses. Although fdC2 antisense plants show increased damage at photosystem II (PSII) when exposed to high light, PSII recovers at the same rate as wild type in the dark. This contradicts literature proposing that FdC2 regulates translation of the D1 subunit of PSII, by binding to psbA transcript. Measurement of chlorophyll biosynthesis intermediates revealed a build-up of Mg-protoporphyrin IX, the substrate of the aerobic cyclase. We localise FdC2 to the inner chloroplast envelope and show that the FdC2 RNAi line has a disproportionately lower protein abundance of antennae proteins, which are nuclear-encoded and must be refolded at the envelope after import.

The Amount of Zeaxanthin Epoxidase But Not the Amount of Violaxanthin De-Epoxidase Is a Critical Determinant of Zeaxanthin Accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum

The generation of violaxanthin (Vx) de-epoxidase (VDE), photosystem II subunit S (PsbS) and zeaxanthin (Zx) epoxidase (ZEP) (VPZ) lines, which simultaneously overexpress VDE, PsbS and ZEP, has been successfully used to accelerate the kinetics of the induction and relaxation of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Here, we studied the impact of the overexpression of VDE and ZEP on the conversion of the xanthophyll cycle pigments in VPZ lines of Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum. The protein amount of both VDE and ZEP was determined to be increased to about 3- to 5-fold levels of wild-type (WT) plants for both species. Compared to WT plants, the conversion of Vx to Zx, and hence VDE activity, was only marginally accelerated in VPZ lines, whereas the conversion of Zx to Vx, and thus ZEP activity, was strongly increased in VPZ lines. This indicates that the amount of ZEP but not the amount of VDE is a critical determinant of the equilibrium of the de-epoxidation state of xanthophyll cycle pigments under saturating light conditions. Comparing the two steps of epoxidation, particularly the second step (antheraxanthin to Vx) was found to be accelerated in VPZ lines, implying that the intermediate Ax is released into the membrane during epoxidation by ZEP.

Generation and physiological characterization of genome-edited Nicotiana benthamiana plants containing zeaxanthin as the only leaf xanthophyll

MAIN CONCLUSION

Simultaneous genome editing of the two homeologous LCYe and ZEP genes of Nicotiana benthamiana results in plants in which all xanthophylls are replaced by zeaxanthin. Plant carotenoids act both as photoreceptors and photoprotectants in photosynthesis and as precursors of apocarotenoids, which include signaling molecules such as abscisic acid (ABA). As dietary components, the xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin have photoprotective functions in the human macula. We developed transient and stable combinatorial genome editing methods, followed by direct LC-MS screening for zeaxanthin accumulation, for the simultaneous genome editing of the two homeologous Lycopene Epsilon Cyclase (LCYe) and the two Zeaxanthin Epoxidase (ZEP) genes present in the allopolyploid Nicotiana benthamiana genome. Editing of the four genes resulted in plants in which all leaf xanthophylls were substituted by zeaxanthin, but with different ABA levels and growth habits, depending on the severity of the ZEP1 mutation. In high-zeaxanthin lines, the abundance of the major photosystem II antenna LHCII was reduced with respect to wild-type plants and the LHCII trimeric state became unstable upon thylakoid solubilization. Consistent with the depletion in LHCII, edited plants underwent a compensatory increase in PSII/PSI ratios and a loss of the large-size PSII supercomplexes, while the level of PSI-LHCI supercomplex was unaffected. Reduced activity of the photoprotective mechanism NPQ was shown in high-zeaxanthin plants, while PSII photoinhibition was similar for all genotypes upon exposure to excess light, consistent with the antioxidant and photoprotective role of zeaxanthin in vivo.

Photosynthetic and transcriptome responses to fluctuating light in Arabidopsis thylakoid ion transport triple mutant

Fluctuating light intensity challenges fluent photosynthetic electron transport in plants, inducing photoprotection while diminishing carbon assimilation and growth, and also influencing photosynthetic signaling for regulation of gene expression. Here, we employed in vivo chlorophyll-a fluorescence and P700 difference absorption measurements to demonstrate the enhancement of photoprotective energy dissipation of both photosystems in wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana after 6 h exposure to fluctuating light as compared with constant light conditions. This acclimation response to fluctuating light was hampered in a triple mutant lacking the thylakoid ion transport proteins KEA3, VCCN1, and CLCe, leading to photoinhibition of photosystem I. Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of genes involved in biotic stress and defense responses in both genotypes after exposure to fluctuating as compared with constant light, yet these responses were demonstrated to be largely upregulated in triple mutant already under constant light conditions compared with wild type. The current study illustrates the rapid acclimation of plants to fluctuating light, including photosynthetic, transcriptomic, and metabolic adjustments, and highlights the connection among thylakoid ion transport, photosynthetic energy balance, and cell signaling.

Overexpression of a pseudo-etiolated-in-light-like protein in Taraxacum koksaghyz leads to a pale green phenotype and enables transcriptome-based network analysis of photomorphogenesis and isoprenoid biosynthesis

Introduction

Plant growth and greening in response to light require the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, which are derived from isoprenoid precursors. In Arabidopsis, the pseudo-etiolated-in-light phenotype is caused by the overexpression of repressor of photosynthetic genes 2 (RPGE2), which regulates chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic genes.

Methods

We investigated a homologous protein in the Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz) to determine its influence on the rich isoprenoid network in this species, using a combination of in silico analysis, gene overexpression, transcriptomics and metabolic profiling.

Results

Homology-based screening revealed a gene designated pseudo-etiolated-in-light-like (TkPEL-like), and in silico analysis identified a light-responsive G-box element in its promoter. TkPEL-like overexpression in dandelion plants and other systems reduced the levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids, but this was ameliorated by the mutation of one or both conserved cysteine residues. Comparative transcriptomics in dandelions overexpressing TkPEL-like showed that genes responsible for the synthesis of isoprenoid precursors and chlorophyll were downregulated, probably explaining the observed pale green leaf phenotype. In contrast, genes responsible for carotenoid synthesis were upregulated, possibly in response to feedback signaling. The evaluation of additional differentially expressed genes revealed interactions between pathways.

Discussion

We propose that TkPEL-like negatively regulates chlorophyll- and photosynthesis-related genes in a light-dependent manner, which appears to be conserved across species. Our data will inform future studies addressing the regulation of leaf isoprenoid biosynthesis and photomorphogenesis and could be used in future breeding strategies to optimize selected plant isoprenoid profiles and generate suitable plant-based production platforms.

The impact of long-term acclimation to different growth light intensities on the regulation of zeaxanthin epoxidase in different plant species

Proper short- and long-term acclimation to different growth light intensities is essential for the survival and competitiveness of plants in the field. High light exposure is known to induce the down-regulation and photoinhibition of photosystem II (PSII) activity to reduce photo-oxidative stress. The xanthophyll zeaxanthin (Zx) serves central photoprotective functions in these processes. We have shown in recent work with different plant species (Arabidopsis, tobacco, spinach and pea) that photoinhibition of PSII and degradation of the PSII reaction center protein D1 is accompanied by the inactivation and degradation of zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP), which catalyzes the reconversion of Zx to violaxanthin. Different high light sensitivity of the above-mentioned species correlated with differential down-regulation of both PSII and ZEP activity. Applying light and electron microscopy, chlorophyll fluorescence, and protein and pigment analyses, we investigated the acclimation properties of these species to different growth light intensities with respect to the ability to adjust their photoprotective strategies. We show that the species differ in phenotypic plasticity in response to short- and long-term high light conditions at different morphological and physiological levels. However, the close co-regulation of PSII and ZEP activity remains a common feature in all species and under all conditions. This work supports species-specific acclimation strategies and properties in response to high light stress and underlines the central role of the xanthophyll Zx in photoprotection.

Role of Bacteria-Derived Flavins in Plant Growth Promotion and Phytochemical Accumulation in Leafy Vegetables

Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 bacteria secretes a considerable amount of flavins (FLs) and can form a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with legumes. This strain is also associated with non-legume plants. However, its role in plant growth promotion (PGP) of non-legumes is not well understood. The present study evaluated the growth and development of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) plants inoculated with S. meliloti 1021 (FL+) and its mutant 1021ΔribBA, with a limited ability to secrete FLs (FL-). The results from this study indicated that inoculation with 1021 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the lengths and surface areas of the roots and hypocotyls of the seedlings compared to 1021ΔribBA. The kale and lettuce seedlings recorded 19% and 14% increases in total root length, respectively, following inoculation with 1021 compared to 1021ΔribBA. A greenhouse study showed that plant growth, photosynthetic rate, and yield were improved by 1021 inoculation. Moreover, chlorophylls a and b, and total carotenoids were more significantly (p < 0.05) increased in kale plants associated with 1021 than non-inoculated plants. In kale, total phenolics and flavonoids were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 6% and 23%, respectively, and in lettuce, the increments were 102% and 57%, respectively, following 1021 inoculation. Overall, bacterial-derived FLs enhanced kale and lettuce plant growth, physiological indices, and yield. Future investigation will use proteomic approaches combined with plant physiological responses to better understand host-plant responses to bacteria-derived FLs.

How do barley plants with impaired photosynthetic light acclimation survive under high-light stress?

MAIN CONCLUSION

WHIRLY1 deficient barley plants surviving growth at high irradiance displayed increased non-radiative energy dissipation, enhanced contents of zeaxanthin and the flavonoid lutonarin, but no changes in α-tocopherol nor glutathione. Plants are able to acclimate to environmental conditions to optimize their functions. With the exception of obligate shade plants, they can adjust their photosynthetic apparatus and the morphology and anatomy of their leaves to irradiance. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L., cv. Golden Promise) plants with reduced abundance of the protein WHIRLY1 were recently shown to be unable to acclimatise important components of the photosynthetic apparatus to high light. Nevertheless, these plants did not show symptoms of photoinhibition. High-light (HL) grown WHIRLY1 knockdown plants showed clear signs of exposure to excessive irradiance such as a low epoxidation state of the violaxanthin cycle pigments and an early light saturation of electron transport. These responses were underlined by a very large xanthophyll cycle pool size and by an increased number of plastoglobules. Whereas zeaxanthin increased with HL stress, α-tocopherol, which is another lipophilic antioxidant, showed no response to excessive light. Also the content of the hydrophilic antioxidant glutathione showed no increase in W1 plants as compared to the wild type, whereas the flavone lutonarin was induced in W1 plants. HPLC analysis of removed epidermal tissue indicated that the largest part of lutonarin was presumably located in the mesophyll. Since lutonarin is a better antioxidant than saponarin, the major flavone present in barley leaves, it is concluded that lutonarin accumulated as a response to oxidative stress. It is also concluded that zeaxanthin and lutonarin may have served as antioxidants in the WHIRLY1 knockdown plants, contributing to their survival in HL despite their restricted HL acclimation.

Cypyrafluone, a 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Inhibitor to Control Weed in Wheat Fields

As a bleaching herbicide, cypyrafluone was applied postemergence in wheat fields for annual weed control; especially, this herbicide possesses high efficacy against cool-season grass weed species such as Alopecurus aequalis and Alopecurus japonicus. In this study, the target of action of cypyrafluone on 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibition was confirmed. This herbicide caused severe foliar whitening symptoms at 5-7 days after treatment (DAT) and death of the whole plant within 10 DAT. Significant increases in phytoene content and significant decreases in kinds of carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments were observed. The content of chlorophyll pigments in cypyrafluone-treated Spirodela polyrhiza decreased upon the addition of homogentisic acid (HGA), which indicated that cypyrafluone prevents the HGA production, possibly by inhibiting the catalytic activity of 4-HPPD. Indeed, cypyrafluone strongly inhibited the catalytic activity of Arabidopsis thaliana HPPD produced by Escherichia coli, which was approximately 2 times less effective than mesotrione. In addition, overexpression of Oryza sativa HPPD in rice and A. thaliana both conferred a high tolerance level to cypyrafluone on them. Molecular docking found that cypyrafluone bonded well to the active site of the HPPD and formed a bidentate coordination interaction with the Fe²⁺ atom, with distances of 2.6 and 2.7 Å between oxygen atoms and the Fe²⁺ atom and a binding energy of -8.0 kcal mol^-1.

Raman imaging monitors the time-resolved response of A. thaliana to the artificial inhibition of PSII

The short-term (0-96 h) response of A. thaliana to the oxidative stress induced by PSII inhibitor metribuzin was examined using Raman spectroscopy. Whole leaves of wildtype (WT, Col-0) and ros1 mutant were scanned and changes in carotenoids were examined. Strong differences in Raman intensity distributions between WT and ros1 were observed. A stronger decrease of carotenoid v₁(C=C) band intensity across the leaf was observed in ros1 after 48 h of exposure to metribuzin. It can be assumed that higher sensitivity to oxidative stress in ros1 mutant results in significantly faster degradation of carotenoids.

Mutualistic Interactions between Dinoflagellates and Pigmented Bacteria Mitigate Environmental Stress

Scleractinian corals form symbiotic relationships with a variety of microorganisms, including endosymbiotic dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae, and with bacteria, which are collectively termed coral holobionts. Interactions between hosts and their symbionts are critical to the physiological status of corals. Coral-microorganism interactions have been studied extensively, but dinoflagellate-bacterial interactions remain largely unexplored. Here, we developed a microbiome manipulation method employing KAS-antibiotic treatment (kanamycin, ampicillin, and streptomycin) to favor pigmented bacteria residing on cultured Cladocopium and Durusdinium, major endosymbionts of corals, and isolated several carotenoid-producing bacteria from cell surfaces of the microalgae. Following KAS-antibiotic treatment of Cladocopium sp. strain NIES-4077, pigmented bacteria increased 8-fold based on colony-forming assays from the parental strain, and 100% of bacterial sequences retrieved through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were affiliated with the genus Maribacter. Microbiome manipulation enabled host microalgae to maintain higher maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (variable fluorescence divided by maximum fluorescence [F_v/F_m]) under light-stress conditions, compared to the parental strain. Furthermore, by combining culture-dependent and -independent techniques, we demonstrated that species of the family Symbiodiniaceae and pigmented bacteria form strong interactions. Dinoflagellates protected bacteria from antibiotics, while pigmented bacteria protected microalgal cells from light stress via carotenoid production. Here, we describe for the first time a symbiotic relationship in which dinoflagellates and bacteria mutually reduce environmental stress. Investigations of microalgal-bacterial interactions further document bacterial contributions to coral holobionts and may facilitate development of novel techniques for microbiome-mediated coral reef conservation. IMPORTANCE Coral reefs cover less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, but about 25% of all marine species depend on coral reefs at some point in their life cycles. However, rising ocean temperatures associated with global climate change are a serious threat to coral reefs, causing dysfunction of the photosynthetic apparatus of endosymbiotic microalgae of corals, and overproducing reactive oxygen species harmful to corals. We manipulated the microbiome using an antibiotic treatment to favor pigmented bacteria, enabling their symbiotic microalgal partners to maintain higher photosynthetic function under insolation stress. Furthermore, we investigated mechanisms underlying microalgal-bacterial interactions, describing for the first time a symbiotic relationship in which the two symbionts mutually reduce environmental stress. Our findings extend current insights about microalgal-bacterial interactions, enabling better understanding of bacterial contributions to coral holobionts under stressful conditions and offering hope of reducing the adverse impacts of global warming on coral reefs.

Photoinhibition and Photoprotective Responses of a Brown Marine Macroalga Acclimated to Different Light and Nutrient Regimes

Plants and brown algae avoid photoinhibition (decline in photosystem II efficiency, Fv/Fm) caused by excess light energy and oxidative stress through several photoprotective mechanisms, such as antioxidant xanthophyll production and heat dissipation. The heat dissipation can be measured as non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and is strongly driven by de-epoxidation of xanthophyll cycle pigments (XCP). Although NPQ is known to increase under high light acclimation and nutrient-deficient conditions, a few studies have investigated the combined effects of the conditions on both NPQ and associated xanthophyll-to-chlorophyll (Chl) a ratio. The present study investigated the photosynthetic parameters of the brown alga Sargassum fusiforme acclimated to three irradiance levels combined with three nutrient levels. Elevated irradiance decreased Fv/Fm but increased NPQ, XCP/Chl a ratio, and fucoxanthin/Chl a ratio, suggesting the photoprotective role of antioxidant fucoxanthin in brown algae. Reduced nutrient availability increased NPQ but had no effect on the other variables, including XCP/Chl a ratio and its de-epoxidation state. The results indicate that NPQ can be used as a sensitive stress marker for nutrient deficiency, but cannot be used to estimate XCP pool size and state.

The Functions of Chloroplastic Ascorbate in Vascular Plants and Algae

Ascorbate (Asc) is a multifunctional metabolite essential for various cellular processes in plants and animals. The best-known property of Asc is to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), in a highly regulated manner. Besides being an effective antioxidant, Asc also acts as a chaperone for 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases that are involved in the hormone metabolism of plants and the synthesis of various secondary metabolites. Asc also essential for the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, signaling and iron transport. Thus, Asc affects plant growth, development, and stress resistance via various mechanisms. In this review, the intricate relationship between Asc and photosynthesis in plants and algae is summarized in the following major points: (i) regulation of Asc biosynthesis by light, (ii) interaction between photosynthetic and mitochondrial electron transport in relation to Asc biosynthesis, (iii) Asc acting as an alternative electron donor of photosystem II, (iv) Asc inactivating the oxygen-evolving complex, (v) the role of Asc in non-photochemical quenching, and (vi) the role of Asc in ROS management in the chloroplast. The review also discusses differences in the regulation of Asc biosynthesis and the effects of Asc on photosynthesis in algae and vascular plants.

Light Drives and Temperature Modulates: Variation of Phenolic Compounds Profile in Relation to Photosynthesis in Spring Barley

Accumulation and metabolic profile of phenolic compounds (PheCs; serving as UV-screening pigments and antioxidants) as well as carbon fixation rate (A_n) and plant growth are sensitive to irradiance and temperature. Since these factors are naturally co-acting in the environment, it is worthy to study the combined effects of these environmental factors to assess their possible physiological consequences. We investigated how low and high irradiance in combination with different temperatures modify the metabolic profile of PheCs and expression of genes involved in the antioxidative enzyme and PheCs biosynthesis, in relation to photosynthetic activity and availability of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in spring barley seedlings. High irradiance positively affected A_n, NSC, PheCs content, and antioxidant activity (AOX). High temperature led to decreased A_n, NSC, and increased dark respiration, whilst low temperature was accompanied by reduction of UV-A shielding but increase of PheCs content and AOX. Besides that, irradiance and temperature caused changes in the metabolic profile of PheCs, particularly alteration in homoorientin/isovitexin derivatives ratio, possibly related to demands on AOX-based protection. Moreover, we also observed changes in the ratio of sinapoyl-/feruloyl- acylated flavonoids, the function of which is not yet known. The data also strongly suggested that the NSC content may support the PheCs production.

Multiple pathways mediate chloroplast singlet oxygen stress signaling

Chloroplast singlet oxygen initiates multiple pathways to control chloroplast degradation, cell death, and nuclear gene expression. Chloroplasts can respond to stress and changes in the environment by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Aside from being cytotoxic, ROS also have signaling capabilities. For example, the ROS singlet oxygen (¹O₂) can initiate nuclear gene expression, chloroplast degradation, and cell death. To unveil the signaling mechanisms involved, researchers have used several ¹O₂-producing Arabidopsis thaliana mutants as genetic model systems, including plastid ferrochelatase two (fc2), fluorescent in blue light (flu), chlorina 1 (ch1), and accelerated cell death 2 (acd2). Here, we compare these ¹O₂-producing mutants to elucidate if they utilize one or more signaling pathways to control cell death and nuclear gene expression. Using publicly available transcriptomic data, we demonstrate fc2, flu, and ch1 share a core response to ¹O₂ accumulation, but maintain unique responses, potentially tailored to respond to their specific stresses. Subsequently, we used a genetic approach to determine if these mutants share ¹O₂ signaling pathways by testing the ability of genetic suppressors of one ¹O₂ producing mutant to suppress signaling in a different ¹O₂ producing mutant. Our genetic analyses revealed at least two different chloroplast ¹O₂ signaling pathways control cellular degradation: one specific to the flu mutant and one shared by fc2, ch1, and acd2 mutants, but with life-stage-specific (seedling vs. adult) features. Overall, this work reveals chloroplast stress signaling involving ¹O₂ is complex and may allow cells to finely tune their physiology to environmental inputs.

Light harvesting regulation: A versatile network of key components operating under various stress conditions in higher plants

Light harvesting is finetuned through two main strategies controlling energy transfer to the reaction centers of photosystems: i) regulating the amount of light energy at the absorption level, ii) regulating the amount of the absorbed energy at the utilization level. The first strategy is ensured by changes in the cross-section, i.e., the size of the photosynthetic antenna. These changes can occur in a short-term (state transitions) or long-term way (changes in antenna protein biosynthesis) depending on the light conditions. The interrelation of these two ways is still underexplored. Regulating light absorption through the long-term modulation of photosystem II antenna size has been mostly considered as an acclimatory mechanism to light conditions. The present review highlights that this mechanism represents one of the most versatile mechanisms of higher plant acclimation to various conditions including drought, salinity, temperature changes, and even biotic factors. We suggest that H₂O₂ is the universal signaling agent providing the switch from the short-term to long-term modulation of photosystem II antenna size under these factors. The second strategy of light harvesting is represented by redirecting energy to waste mainly via thermal energy dissipation in the photosystem II antenna in high light through PsbS protein and xanthophyll cycle. In the latter case, H₂O₂ also plays a considerable role. This circumstance may explain the maintenance of the appropriate level of zeaxanthin not only upon high light but also upon other stress factors. Thus, the review emphasizes the significance of both strategies for ensuring plant sustainability under various environmental conditions.

Reversible down-regulation of photosystems I and II leads to fast photosynthesis recovery after long-term drought in Jatropha curcas

Jatropha curcas is a drought-tolerant plant that maintains its photosynthetic pigments under prolonged drought, and quickly regains its photosynthetic capacity when water is available. It has been reported that drought stress leads to increased thermal dissipation in PSII, but that of PSI has been barely investigated, perhaps due to technical limitations in measuring the PSI absolute quantum yield. In this study, we combined biochemical analysis and spectroscopic measurements using an integrating sphere, and verified that the quantum yields of both photosystems are temporarily down-regulated under drought. We found that the decrease in the quantum yield of PSII was accompanied by a decrease in the core complexes of PSII while light-harvesting complexes are maintained under drought. In addition, in drought-treated plants, we observed a decrease in the absolute quantum yield of PSI as compared with the well-watered control, while the amount of PSI did not change, indicating that non-photochemical quenching occurs in PSI. The down-regulation of both photosystems was quickly lifted in a few days upon re-watering. Our results indicate, that in J. curcas under drought, the down-regulation of both PSII and PSI quantum yield protects the photosynthetic machinery from uncontrolled photodamage.

Flashing lights affect the photophysiology and expression of carotenoid and lipid synthesis genes in Nannochloropsis gaditana

Nannochloropsis gaditana is a promising microalga for biotechnology. One of the strategies to stimulate its full potential in metabolite production is exposure to flashing lights. Here, we report how N. gaditana adapts to different flashing light regimes (5, 50, and 500 Hz) by changing its cellular physiology and the relative expression of genes related to critical cellular functions. We analyzed the differential mRNA abundance of genes related to photosynthesis, nitrogen assimilation and biosynthesis of chlorophyll, carotenoids, lipids, fatty acids and starch. Analysis of photosynthetic efficiency and high mRNA abundance of photoprotection genes supported the inference that excess excitation energy provided by light absorbance during photosynthesis was produced under low frequency flashing lights and was dissipated by photopigments via the xanthophyll-cycle. Increased relative expression levels of genes related to the synthesis of carotenoids and chlorophyll confirmed the accumulation of photopigments previously observed at low frequency flashing lights. Higher differential mRNA abundance of genes related to the triacylglycerol biosynthesis were observed at lower frequency flashing lights, possibly triggered by a poor nitrogen assimilation caused by low mRNA abundance of a nitrate reductase gene. This study advances a new understanding of algal physiology and metabolism leading to improved cellular performance and metabolite production.

Photoinduced chlorophyll charge transfer state identified in the light-harvesting complex II from a marine green alga Bryopsis corticulans

The light-harvesting complex II of Bryopsis corticulans (B-LHCII), a green alga, differs from that of spinach (S-LHCII) in chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoid (Car) compositions. We investigated ultrafast excitation dynamics of B-LHCII with visible-to-near infrared time-resolved absorption spectroscopy. Absolute fluorescence quantum yield (Φ _FL) of LHCII and spectroelectrochemical (SEC) spectra of Chl a and b were measured to assist the spectral analysis. Red-light excitation at Chl Q_y-band, but not Car-band, induced transient features resembling the characteristic SEC spectra of Chl a ^⋅+ and Chl b ^⋅-, indicating ultrafast photogeneration of Chl-Chl charge transfer (CT) species; Φ _FL and ³Car^∗ declined whereas CT species increased upon prolonging excitation wavelength, showing positive correlation of ¹Chl^∗ deactivation with Chl-Chl CT formation. Moreover, ultrafast Chl b-to-Chl a and Car-to-Chl singlet excitation transfer were illustrated. The red-light induction of Chl-Chl CT species, as also observed for S-LHCII, is considered a general occurrence for LHCIIs in light-harvesting form.

Non-destructive insights into photosynthetic and photoprotective mechanisms in Arabidopsis thaliana grown under two light regimes

Probing insights into understanding photosynthetic processes via non-invasive means has an added advantage when used in phenotyping or precision agriculture. We employed Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence-based methods to investigate both the changes in the photosynthetic processes and the underlying protective mechanisms on Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type (WT), and ros1, which is a mutant of a repressor of transcriptional gene silencing, both grown under low light (LL: 100 μmol m^-2s^-1) and high light (HL: 400 μmol m^-2s^-1) regimes. Raman imaging detected a lower carotenoid intensity after two weeks in those plants grown under HL, compared to those grown under the LL regime; we interpret this as the result of oxidative damage of β-carotene molecules. Further, the data revealed a significant depletion in carotenoids with enhanced phenolics around the midrib and tip of the WT leaves, but not in the ros1. On the contrary, small necrotic zones appeared after two weeks of HL in the ros1 mutant, pointing to the starting oxidative damage. The lower maximum quantum yield of the photochemistry (F_v/F_m) in the WT as well as in the ros1 mutant grown in HL (compared to those in the LL two weeks post-exposure), indicates the HL partially inactivated photosystems. Chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging further showed high non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) in the plants grown under the HL regime for both the WT and the ros1 mutant, but the spatial heterogeneity of NPQ images was much higher in the HL-grown ros1 mutant. Fluorescence screening methods revealed significantly high values of chlorophyll proxies in the WT as well as in the ros1 mutant two weeks after in the HL compared to those under LL. The data generally revealed an increased accumulation of phenolics under HL in both the WT and ros1 mutant plants, but the proxies of anthocyanin and flavonols were significantly lower in the ros1 mutant than in the WT. The comparatively low accumulation of anthocyanin in the ros1 mutant compared to the WT supports the Raman data. We conclude that integrated use of these techniques can be efficiently applied for a better understanding of insights into photosynthetic mechanisms.

Plastid and cytoplasmic origins of 1O2-mediated transcriptomic responses

The reactive oxygen species singlet oxygen, ¹O₂, has an extremely short half-life, yet is intimately involved with stress signalling in the cell. We previously showed that the effects of ¹O₂ on the transcriptome are highly correlated with 80S ribosomal arrest due to oxidation of guanosine residues in mRNA. Here, we show that dysregulation of chlorophyll biosynthesis in the flu mutant or through feeding by δ-aminolevulinic acid can lead to accumulation of photoactive chlorophyll intermediates in the cytoplasm, which generates ¹O₂ upon exposure to light and causes the oxidation of RNA, eliciting ¹O₂-responsive genes. In contrast, transcriptomes derived from DCMU treatment, or the Ch1 mutant under moderate light conditions display commonalties with each other but do not induce ¹O₂ gene signatures. Comparing ¹O₂ related transcriptomes to an index transcriptome induced by cycloheximide inhibition enables distinction between ¹O₂ of cytosolic or of plastid origin. These comparisons provide biological insight to cases of mutants or environmental conditions that produce ¹O₂.

Cytological, genetic and transcriptomic characterization of a cucumber albino mutant

Photosynthesis, a fundamental process for plant growth and development, is dependent on chloroplast formation and chlorophyll synthesis. Severe disruption of chloroplast structure results in albinism of higher plants. In the present study, we report a cucumber albino alc mutant that presented white cotyledons under normal light conditions and was unable to produce first true leaf. Meanwhile, alc mutant could grow creamy green cotyledons under dim light conditions but died after exposure to normal light irradiation. No chlorophyll and carotenoid were detected in the alc mutant grown under normal light conditions. Using transmission electron microscopy, impaired chloroplasts were observed in this mutant. The genetic analysis indicated that the albino phenotype was recessively controlled by a single locus. Comparative transcriptomic analysis between the alc mutant and wild type revealed that genes involved in chlorophyll metabolism and the methylerythritol 4-phosphate pathway were affected in the alc mutant. In addition, three genes involved in chloroplast development, including two FtsH genes and one PPR gene, were found to have negligible expression in this mutant. The quality of RNA sequencing results was further confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR analysis. We also examined 12 homologous genes from alc mutant in other plant species, but no genetic variation in the coding sequences of these genes was found between alc mutant and wild type. Taken together, we characterized a cucumber albino mutant with albinism phenotype caused by chloroplast development deficiency and this mutant can pave way for future studies on plastid development.

VAR2/AtFtsH2 and EVR2/BCM1/CBD1 synergistically regulate the accumulation of PSII reaction centre D1 protein during de-etiolation in Arabidopsis

Thylakoid FtsH complex participates in PSII repair cycle during high light-induced photoinhibition. The Arabidopsis yellow variegated2 (var2) mutants are defective in the VAR2/AtFtsH2 subunit of thylakoid FtsH complex. Taking advantage of the var2 leaf variegation phenotype, dissections of genetic enhancer loci have yielded novel paradigms in understanding functions of thylakoid FtsH complex. Here, we report the isolation of a new var2 enhancer, enhancer of variegation2-1 (evr2-1). We confirmed that EVR2 encodes a chloroplast protein that was known as BALANCE OF CHLOROPHYLL METABOLISM 1 (BCM1), or CHLOROPHYLL BIOSYNTHETIC DEFECT 1 (CBD1). We showed that EVR2/BCM1/CBD1 was involved in the oligomerization of photosystem I complexes. Genetic assays indicated that general defects in chlorophyll biosynthesis and the accumulation of photosynthetic complexes do not necessarily enhance var2 leaf variegation. In addition, we found that VAR2/AtFtsH2 is required for the accumulation of photosynthetic proteins during de-etiolation. Moreover, we identified PSII core proteins D1 and PsbC as potential EVR2-associated proteins using Co-IP/MS. Furthermore, the accumulation of D1 protein was greatly compromised in the var2-5 evr2-1 double mutant during de-etiolation. Together, our findings reveal a functional link between VAR2/AtFtsH2 and EVR2/BCM1/CBD1 in regulating chloroplast development and the accumulation of PSII reaction centre D1 protein during de-etiolation.

Loss of a single chlorophyll in CP29 triggers re-organization of the Photosystem II supramolecular assembly

In land plants, both efficient light capture and photoprotective dissipation of chlorophyll excited states in excess require proper assembly of Photosystem II supercomplexes PSII-LHCs. These include a dimeric core moiety and a peripheral antenna system made of trimeric LHCII proteins connected to the core through monomeric LHC subunits. Regulation of light harvesting involves re-organization of the PSII supercomplex, including dissociation of its LHCII-CP24-CP29 domain under excess light. The Chl a603-a609-a616 chromophore cluster within CP29 was recently identified as responsible for the fast component of Non-Photochemical Quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence. Here, we pinpointed a chlorophyll-protein domain of CP29 involved in the macro-organization of PSII-LHCs. By complementing an Arabidopsis knock-out mutant with CP29 sequences deleted in the residue binding chlorophyll b614/b3-binding, we found that the site is promiscuous for chlorophyll a and b. By plotting NPQ amplitude vs. CP29 content we observed that quenching activity was significantly reduced in mutants compared to the wild type. Analysis of pigment-binding supercomplexes showed that the missing Chl did hamper the assembly of PSII-LHCs supercomplexes, while observation by electron microscopy of grana membranes highlighted the PSII particles were organized in two-dimensional arrays in mutant grana partitions. As an effect of such array formation electron transport rate between Q_A and Q_B reduced, likely due to restricted plastoquinone diffusion. We conclude that chlorophyll b614, rather being part of pigment cluster responsible for quenching, is needed to maintain full rate of electron flow in the thylakoids by controlling protein-protein interactions between PSII units in grana partitions.

Can we improve the chilling tolerance of maize photosynthesis through breeding?

Chilling tolerance is necessary for crops to thrive in temperate regions where cold snaps and lower baseline temperatures place limits on life processes; this is particularly true for crops of tropical origin such as maize. Photosynthesis is often adversely affected by chilling stress, yet the maintenance of photosynthesis is essential for healthy growth and development, and most crucially for yield. In this review, we describe the physiological basis for enhancing chilling tolerance of photosynthesis in maize by examining nine key responses to chilling stress. We synthesize current knowledge of genetic variation for photosynthetic chilling tolerance in maize with respect to each of these traits and summarize the extent to which genetic mapping and candidate genes have been used to understand the genomic regions underpinning chilling tolerance. Finally, we provide perspectives on the future of breeding for photosynthetic chilling tolerance in maize. We advocate for holistic and high-throughput approaches to screen for chilling tolerance of photosynthesis in research and breeding programmes in order to develop resilient crops for the future.

Bioaugmentation Improves Phytoprotection in Halimione portulacoides Exposed to Mild Salt Stress: Perspectives for Salinity Tolerance Improvement

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can promote plant growth through mechanisms such as mineral phosphates solubilization, biological N2 fixation and siderophores and phytohormones production. The present work aims to evaluate the physiological fitness improvement by PGPR in Halimione portulacoides under mild and severe salt stress. PGPR-inoculated plants showed improved energy use efficiencies, namely in terms of the trapped and electron transport energy fluxes, and reduced energy dissipation. Allied to this, under mild stress, inoculated plants exhibited a significant reduction of the Na and Cl root concentrations, accompanied by a significant increase in K and Ca leaf content. This ion profile reshaping was intrinsically connected with an increased leaf proline content in inoculated plants. Moreover, bioaugmented plants showed an increased photoprotection ability, through lutein and zeaxanthin leaf concentration increase, allowing plants to cope with potentially photoinhibition conditions. Reduced Na leaf uptake in inoculated plants, apparently reduced the oxidative stress degree as observed by the superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity reduction. Additionally, a reduced lipid peroxidation degree was observed in inoculated plants, while compared to their non-inoculated counterparts. These results, point out an important role of bioaugmentation in promoting plant fitness and improving salt tolerance, with a great potential for applications in biosaline agriculture and salinized soil restoration.

The role of photosynthesis related pigments in light harvesting, photoprotection and enhancement of photosynthetic yield in planta

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.

The role of light-harvesting complex I in excitation energy transfer from LHCII to photosystem I in Arabidopsis

Photosynthesis powers nearly all life on Earth. Light absorbed by photosystems drives the conversion of water and carbon dioxide into sugars. In plants, photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) work in series to drive the electron transport from water to NADP+. As both photosystems largely work in series, a balanced excitation pressure is required for optimal photosynthetic performance. Both photosystems are composed of a core and light-harvesting complexes (LHCI) for PSI and LHCII for PSII. When the light conditions favor the excitation of one photosystem over the other, a mobile pool of trimeric LHCII moves between both photosystems thus tuning their antenna cross-section in a process called state transitions. When PSII is overexcited multiple LHCIIs can associate with PSI. A trimeric LHCII binds to PSI at the PsaH/L/O site to form a well-characterized PSI-LHCI-LHCII supercomplex. The binding site(s) of the "additional" LHCII is still unclear, although a mediating role for LHCI has been proposed. In this work, we measured the PSI antenna size and trapping kinetics of photosynthetic membranes from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants. Membranes from wild-type (WT) plants were compared to those of the ΔLhca mutant that completely lacks the LHCI antenna. The results showed that "additional" LHCII complexes can transfer energy directly to the PSI core in the absence of LHCI. However, the transfer is about two times faster and therefore more efficient, when LHCI is present. This suggests LHCI mediates excitation energy transfer from loosely bound LHCII to PSI in WT plants.

Photosynthetic Light Harvesting and Thylakoid Organization in a CRISPR/Cas9 Arabidopsis Thaliana LHCB1 Knockout Mutant

Light absorbed by chlorophylls of Photosystems II and I drives oxygenic photosynthesis. Light-harvesting complexes increase the absorption cross-section of these photosystems. Furthermore, these complexes play a central role in photoprotection by dissipating the excess of absorbed light energy in an inducible and regulated fashion. In higher plants, the main light-harvesting complex is trimeric LHCII. In this work, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to knockout the five genes encoding LHCB1, which is the major component of LHCII. In absence of LHCB1, the accumulation of the other LHCII isoforms was only slightly increased, thereby resulting in chlorophyll loss, leading to a pale green phenotype and growth delay. The Photosystem II absorption cross-section was smaller, while the Photosystem I absorption cross-section was unaffected. This altered the chlorophyll repartition between the two photosystems, favoring Photosystem I excitation. The equilibrium of the photosynthetic electron transport was partially maintained by lower Photosystem I over Photosystem II reaction center ratio and by the dephosphorylation of LHCII and Photosystem II. Loss of LHCB1 altered the thylakoid structure, with less membrane layers per grana stack and reduced grana width. Stable LHCB1 knockout lines allow characterizing the role of this protein in light harvesting and acclimation and pave the way for future in vivo mutational analyses of LHCII.

Environmental implications of MoS2 nanosheets on rice and associated soil microbial communities

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is a transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) material that is seeing rapidly increasing use. The wide range of applications will result in significant environmental release. Here, the impact of MoS₂ nanosheets on rice and associated soil microbial communities was evaluated. Rice plants were grown for 4 weeks in a natural paddy soil amended with either 1T or 2H phase MoS₂ nanosheets at 10 and 100 mg kg^-1. The 1T MoS₂ nanosheets have a significantly greater dissolution rate (58.9%) compared to 2H MoS₂ (4.4%), indicating the instability of 1T MoS₂ in environment. High dissolution rate resulted in a high Mo bioaccumulation in rice leaves (272 and 189 mg kg^-1 under 1T and 2H exposure at 100 mg kg^-1). However, this did not induce overt phytotoxicity, as indicated by a range of phenotypic or biochemical based determine endpoints, e.g., biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, rice P uptake was significantly increased upon exposure to 1T and 2H MoS₂ (10 mg kg^-1). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) reveals that both phases of MoS₂ in soil systematically enhanced the carbon and nitrogen related metabolic pathways in exposed plants. Soil 16S rRNA gene sequencing data show that soil microbial community structure was unchanged upon MoS₂ exposure. However, both phases of MoS₂ remarkably increased the relative abundance of N₂-fixation cyanobacteria, and 2H MoS₂ exposure increased a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria-Bacillus. Overall, our results suggest that MoS₂ nanosheets at tested doses did not exert negative impacts on rice plant and the associated soil microbial community.

The Loroxanthin Cycle: A New Type of Xanthophyll Cycle in Green Algae (Chlorophyta)

Xanthophyll cycles (XC) have proven to be major contributors to photoacclimation for many organisms. This work describes a light-driven XC operating in the chlorophyte Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and involving the xanthophylls Lutein (L) and Loroxanthin (Lo). Pigments were quantified during a switch from high to low light (LL) and at different time points from cells grown in Day/Night cycle. Trimeric LHCII was purified from cells acclimated to high or LL and their pigment content and spectroscopic properties were characterized. The Lo/(L + Lo) ratio in the cells varies by a factor of 10 between cells grown in low or high light (HL) leading to a change in the Lo/(L + Lo) ratio in trimeric LHCII from .5 in low light to .07 in HL. Trimeric LhcbMs binding Loroxanthin have 5 ± 1% higher excitation energy (EE) transfer (EET) from carotenoid to Chlorophyll as well as higher thermo- and photostability than trimeric LhcbMs that only bind Lutein. The Loroxanthin cycle operates on long time scales (hours to days) and likely evolved as a shade adaptation. It has many similarities with the Lutein-epoxide - Lutein cycle (LLx) of plants.

Here comes the sun: How optimization of photosynthetic light reactions can boost crop yields

Photosynthesis started to evolve some 3.5 billion years ago CO₂ is the substrate for photosynthesis and in the past 200-250 years, atmospheric levels have approximately doubled due to human industrial activities. However, this time span is not sufficient for adaptation mechanisms of photosynthesis to be evolutionarily manifested. Steep increases in human population, shortage of arable land and food, and climate change call for actions, now. Thanks to substantial research efforts and advances in the last century, basic knowledge of photosynthetic and primary metabolic processes can now be translated into strategies to optimize photosynthesis to its full potential in order to improve crop yields and food supply for the future. Many different approaches have been proposed in recent years, some of which have already proven successful in different crop species. Here, we summarize recent advances on modifications of the complex network of photosynthetic light reactions. These are the starting point of all biomass production and supply the energy equivalents necessary for downstream processes as well as the oxygen we breathe.

Effective Use of Water in Crop Plants in Dryland Agriculture: Implications of Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidative System

Under dryland conditions, annual and perennial food crops are exposed to dry spells, severely affecting crop productivity by limiting available soil moisture at critical and sensitive growth stages. Climate variability continues to be the primary cause of uncertainty, often making timing rather than quantity of precipitation the foremost concern. Therefore, mitigation and management of stress experienced by plants due to limited soil moisture are crucial for sustaining crop productivity under current and future harsher environments. Hence, the information generated so far through multiple investigations on mechanisms inducing drought tolerance in plants needs to be translated into tools and techniques for stress management. Scope to accomplish this exists in the inherent capacity of plants to manage stress at the cellular level through various mechanisms. One of the most extensively studied but not conclusive physiological phenomena is the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and scavenging them through an antioxidative system (AOS), which determines a wide range of damage to the cell, organ, and the plant. In this context, this review aims to examine the possible roles of the ROS-AOS balance in enhancing the effective use of water (EUW) by crops under water-limited dryland conditions. We refer to EUW as biomass produced by plants with available water under soil moisture stress rather than per unit of water (WUE). We hypothesize that EUW can be enhanced by an appropriate balance between water-saving and growth promotion at the whole-plant level during stress and post-stress recovery periods. The ROS-AOS interactions play a crucial role in water-saving mechanisms and biomass accumulation, resulting from growth processes that include cell division, cell expansion, photosynthesis, and translocation of assimilates. Hence, appropriate strategies for manipulating these processes through genetic improvement and/or application of exogenous compounds can provide practical solutions for improving EUW through the optimized ROS-AOS balance under water-limited dryland conditions. This review deals with the role of ROS-AOS in two major EUW determining processes, namely water use and plant growth. It describes implications of the ROS level or content, ROS-producing, and ROS-scavenging enzymes based on plant water status, which ultimately affects photosynthetic efficiency and growth of plants.

Long-term acclimation to cadmium exposure reveals extensive phenotypic plasticity in Chlamydomonas

Increasing industrial and anthropogenic activities are producing and releasing more and more pollutants in the environment. Among them, toxic metals are one of the major threats for human health and natural ecosystems. Because photosynthetic organisms play a critical role in primary productivity and pollution management, investigating their response to metal toxicity is of major interest. Here, the green microalga Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) was subjected to short (3 d) or chronic (6 months) exposure to 50 µM cadmium (Cd), and the recovery from chronic exposure was also examined. An extensive phenotypic characterization and transcriptomic analysis showed that the impact of Cd on biomass production of short-term (ST) exposed cells was almost entirely abolished by long-term (LT) acclimation. The underlying mechanisms were initiated at ST and further amplified after LT exposure resulting in a reversible equilibrium allowing biomass production similar to control condition. This included modification of cell wall-related gene expression and biofilm-like structure formation, dynamics of metal ion uptake and homeostasis, photosynthesis efficiency recovery and Cd acclimation through metal homeostasis adjustment. The contribution of the identified coordination of phosphorus and iron homeostasis (partly) mediated by the main phosphorus homeostasis regulator, Phosphate Starvation Response 1, and a basic Helix-Loop-Helix transcription factor (Cre05.g241636) was further investigated. The study reveals the highly dynamic physiological plasticity enabling algal cell growth in an extreme environment.

Attenuation of cytosolic translation by RNA oxidation is involved in singlet oxygen-mediated transcriptomic responses

Singlet oxygen (¹ O₂ ) production is associated with stress signalling. Here, using Arabidopsis as a model system, we study the effects of the accumulation of 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-oxoG), a major product of ¹ O₂ -mediated RNA oxidation. We show that 8-oxoG can accumulate in vivo when ¹ O₂ is produced in the cytoplasm. Conditions for such production include the application of RB in the light, dark-to-light transitions in the flu mutant, or subjecting plants to combined dehydration/light exposure. Transcriptomes of these treatments displayed a significant overlap with transcripts stimulated by the cytosolic 80S ribosomal translation inhibitors, cycloheximide and homoharringtonine. We demonstrate that 8-oxoG accumulation correlates with a decrease in RNA translatability, resulting in the rapid decrease of the levels of labile gene repressor elements such as IAA1 and JAZ1 in a proteasome-dependent manner. Indeed, genes regulated by the labile repressors of the jasmonic acid signalling pathway were induced by cycloheximide, RB or dehydration/light treatment independently of the hormone. The results suggest that ¹ O₂ , by oxidizing RNA, attenuated cellular translatability and caused specific genes to be released from the repression of their cognate short half-life repressors. The findings here describe a novel means of gene regulation via the direct interaction of ¹ O₂ with RNA.

Acclimation of photosynthetic apparatus in the mesophilic red alga Dixoniella giordanoi

Eukaryotic algae are photosynthetic organisms capable of exploiting sunlight to fix carbon dioxide into biomass with highly variable genetic and metabolic features. Information on algae metabolism from different species is inhomogeneous and, while green algae are, in general, more characterized, information on red algae is relatively scarce despite their relevant position in eukaryotic algae diversity. Within red algae, the best-known species are extremophiles or multicellular, while information on mesophilic unicellular organisms is still lacunose. Here, we investigate the photosynthetic properties of a recently isolated seawater unicellular mesophilic red alga, Dixoniella giordanoi. Upon exposure to different illuminations, D. giordanoi shows the ability to acclimate, modulate chlorophyll content, and re-organize thylakoid membranes. Phycobilisome content is also largely regulated, leading to almost complete disassembly of this antenna system in cells grown under intense illumination. Despite the absence of a light-induced xanthophyll cycle, cells accumulate zeaxanthin upon prolonged exposure to strong light, likely contributing to photoprotection. D. giordanoi cells show the ability to perform cyclic electron transport that is enhanced under strong illumination, likely contributing to the protection of Photosystem I from over-reduction and enabling cells to survive PSII photoinhibition without negative impact on growth.

The Mechanism of Non-Photochemical Quenching in Plants: Localization and Driving Forces

Non-photochemical chlorophyll fluorescence quenching (NPQ) remains one of the most studied topics of the 21st century in photosynthesis research. Over the past 30 years, profound knowledge has been obtained on the molecular mechanism of NPQ in higher plants. First, the largely overlooked significance of NPQ in protecting the reaction center of photosystem II (RCII) against damage, and the ways to assess its effectiveness are highlighted. Then, the key in vivo signals that can monitor the life of the major NPQ component, qE, are presented. Finally, recent knowledge on the site of qE and the possible molecular events that transmit ΔpH into the conformational change in the major LHCII [the major trimeric light harvesting complex of photosystem II (PSII)] antenna complex are discussed. Recently, number of reports on Arabidopsis mutants lacking various antenna components of PSII confirmed that the in vivo site of qE rests within the major trimeric LHCII complex. Experiments on biochemistry, spectroscopy, microscopy and molecular modeling suggest an interplay between thylakoid membrane geometry and the dynamics of LHCII, the PsbS (PSII subunit S) protein and thylakoid lipids. The molecular basis for the qE-related conformational change in the thylakoid membrane, including the possible onset of a hydrophobic mismatch between LHCII and lipids, potentiated by PsbS protein, begins to unfold.

Modulation of Phototropin Signalosome with Artificial Illumination Holds Great Potential in the Development of Climate-Smart Crops

Changes in environmental conditions like temperature and light critically influence crop production. To deal with these changes, plants possess various photoreceptors such as Phototropin (PHOT), Phytochrome (PHY), Cryptochrome (CRY), and UVR8 that work synergistically as sensor and stress sensing receptors to different external cues. PHOTs are capable of regulating several functions like growth and development, chloroplast relocation, thermomorphogenesis, metabolite accumulation, stomatal opening, and phototropism in plants. PHOT plays a pivotal role in overcoming the damage caused by excess light and other environmental stresses (heat, cold, and salinity) and biotic stress. The crosstalk between photoreceptors and phytohormones contributes to plant growth, seed germination, photo-protection, flowering, phototropism, and stomatal opening.

Molecular genetic studies using gene targeting and synthetic biology approaches have revealed the potential role of different photoreceptor genes in the manipulation of various beneficial agronomic traits. Overexpression of PHOT2 in Fragaria ananassa leads to the increase in anthocyanin content in its leaves and fruits. Artificial illumination with blue light alone and in combination with red light influence the growth, yield, and secondary metabolite production in many plants, while in algal species, it affects growth, chlorophyll content, lipid production and also increases its bioremediation efficiency. Artificial illumination alters the morphological, developmental, and physiological characteristics of agronomic crops and algal species. This review focuses on PHOT modulated signalosome and artificial illumination-based photo-biotechnological approaches for the development of climate-smart crops.

Effect of high-intensity light on the photosynthetic activity, pigment content and expression of light-dependent genes of photomorphogenetic Solanum lycopersicum hp mutants

The relationship between photosynthesis, pigment accumulation, and the expression of key light-regulated genes in Solanum lycopersicum hp-1, hp-2 and hp-1.2 photomorphogenetic mutants under conditions of high-intensity light (2000 μm (photons) m^-2s^-1) was studied. The hp-2 mutant (LA3006) and the hp-1 mutants (LA4012 and LA3538) are deficient in DET1 (De-etiolated 1 and DDB1 (DNA DAMAGE-BINDING PROTEIN 1), respectively, which are components of the CDD complex (COP10, DDB1, DET1). HP mutants are superproducers of various pigments and are sensitive to light. We have shown that HIL (high-intensity light) causes a decrease in PSII activity after 24 and 72 h of irradiation, which was partially restored after 72 h in the WT. The photosynthetic rate noticeably decreased only in LA4012 and LA3538 after 24 h of irradiation. After 72 h, the photosynthetic rate decreased in all mutants, with the exception of hp-1.2 LA0279, but the decrease was most noticeable in LA4012, yet significant changes in the respiration rate were absent. The LA0279 mutant was more capable of accumulating anthocyanin in the cells of the subepidermal parenchyma and chlorenchyma, as well as in the cells at the base of large multicellular glandular trichomes and in the mesophyll. Another important difference was the accumulation of increased amounts of antheraxanthin and phenolic compounds in the leaves of LA0279 after 72 h of HIL irradiation. Unlike LA4012, LA3006, LA0279, and LA3538 sowed a significant increase in the expression levels of CHS, HY5, and FLS genes after 24 h, which may be one of the reasons for the higher adaptive potential of those three mutants. In addition to that in LA3538, strong light-induced stress led to an increased level of flavonol synthase (FLS) expression in the LA3006, LA0279, and LA4012 mutants. We hypothesize that the photosynthetic apparatus (PA) of the LA0279 mutant, which is deficient in the DET1 and DDB1 genes, is most adapted to prolonged HIL. Most likely, the resistance of PA mutants to HIL is due to a variety of factors, which, in addition to the redistribution of carotenoids, may include morphological features associated with the accumulation of anthocyanin in the epidermis, subepidermal layer, mesophyll and trichomes of leaves and with an increase in leaf thickness.

Impact of high irradiance and UV-B on the photosynthetic activity, pro-/antioxidant balance and expression of light-activated genes in Arabidopsis thaliana hy4 mutants grown under blue light

The impacts of high-intensity light (HIL) (4 h) and UV-B radiation (1 h) on the photosynthetic activity, content of photosynthetic and UV-absorbing pigments (UAPs), activity of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol-dependent peroxidase (GPX)), content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), expression of some light-regulated genes in 25-day-old wild type (WT) and the cryptochrome 1 (Cry1) hy4 mutant of A. thaliana Col-0 plants grown under blue light (BL) were studied. HIL and UV-B treatments led to decreases in the photosynthetic rate (P_n), photochemical activity of PSII (F_V/F_M) and PSII performance index (PI_ABS) of WT and mutant plants grown under high-intensity BL (HBL) and moderate intensity BL (MBL). However, in HBL plants, the decrease in the photosynthetic activity in hy4 plants was significantly greater than that in WT plants. In addition, hy4 HBL plants demonstrated lowered UAP and carotenoid contents as well as lower activity of APX and GPX enzymes. The difference in the decline in the photosynthetic activity of WT and hy4 plants grown at MBL in response to HIL was nonsignificant, while that in response to UV-B was small. We assume that the deficiency in cryptochrome 1 under HIL irradiation disrupts the interaction between HY5 and HFR1 transcription factors and photoreceptors, which affects the transcription of light-induced genes, such as CAB1, PSY and PAL1 linked to carotenoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. It was concluded that PA stress resistance in WT and hy4 plants depends on the light intensity and reduced stress resistance of hy4 at HBL, is likely linked to low UAP and carotenoid contents as well as lowered APX and GPX enzyme activities in hy4 mutants.