Role of vesicle-inducing protein in plastids 1 in cpTat transport at the thylakoid

Mechanism for Vipp1 spiral formation, ring biogenesis, and membrane repair

The ESCRT-III-like protein Vipp1 couples filament polymerization with membrane remodeling. It assembles planar sheets as well as 3D rings and helical polymers, all implicated in mitigating plastid-associated membrane stress. The architecture of Vipp1 planar sheets and helical polymers remains unknown, as do the geometric changes required to transition between polymeric forms. Here we show how cyanobacterial Vipp1 assembles into morphologically-related sheets and spirals on membranes in vitro. The spirals converge to form a central ring similar to those described in membrane budding. Cryo-EM structures of helical filaments reveal a close geometric relationship between Vipp1 helical and planar lattices. Moreover, the helical structures reveal how filaments twist-a process required for Vipp1, and likely other ESCRT-III filaments, to transition between planar and 3D architectures. Overall, our results provide a molecular model for Vipp1 ring biogenesis and a mechanism for Vipp1 membrane stabilization and repair, with implications for other ESCRT-III systems.

Structure, biogenesis, and evolution of thylakoid membranes

Cyanobacteria and chloroplasts of algae and plants harbor specialized thylakoid membranes (TMs) that convert sunlight into chemical energy. These membranes house PSII and I, the vital protein-pigment complexes that drive oxygenic photosynthesis. In the course of their evolution, TMs have diversified in structure. However, the core machinery for photosynthetic electron transport remained largely unchanged, with adaptations occurring primarily in the light-harvesting antenna systems. Whereas TMs in cyanobacteria are relatively simple, they become more complex in algae and plants. The chloroplasts of vascular plants contain intricate networks of stacked grana and unstacked stroma thylakoids. This review provides an in-depth view of TM architectures in phototrophs and the determinants that shape their forms, as well as presenting recent insights into the spatial organization of their biogenesis and maintenance. Its overall goal is to define the underlying principles that have guided the evolution of these bioenergetic membranes.

Biomolecular condensates in plant cells: Mediating and integrating environmental signals and development

In response to the spatiotemporal coordination of various biochemical reactions and membrane-encapsulated organelles, plants appear to provide another effective mechanism for cellular organization by phase separation that allows the internal compartmentalization of cells to form a variety of membrane-less organelles. Most of the research on phase separation has centralized in various non-plant systems, such as yeast and animal systems. Recent studies have shown a remarkable correlation between the formation of condensates in plant systems and the formation of condensates in these systems. Moreover, the last decade has made new advances in phase separation research in the context of plant biology. Here, we provide an overview of the physicochemical forces and molecular factors that drive liquid-liquid phase separation in plant cells and the biochemical characterization of condensates. We then explore new developments in phase separation research specific to plants, discussing examples of condensates found in green plants and detailing their role in plant growth and development. We propose that phase separation may be a conserved organizational mechanism in plant evolution to help plants respond rapidly and effectively to various environmental stresses as sessile organisms.

TurboID reveals the proxiomes of Chlamydomonas proteins involved in thylakoid biogenesis and stress response

In Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), the VESICLE-INDUCING PROTEIN IN PLASTIDS 1 and 2 (VIPP1 and VIPP2) play roles in the sensing and coping with membrane stress and in thylakoid membrane biogenesis. To gain more insight into these processes, we aimed to identify proteins interacting with VIPP1/2 in the chloroplast and chose proximity labeling (PL) for this purpose. We used the transient interaction between the nucleotide exchange factor CHLOROPLAST GRPE HOMOLOG 1 (CGE1) and the stromal HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 70B (HSP70B) as test system. While PL with APEX2 and BioID proved to be inefficient, TurboID resulted in substantial biotinylation in vivo. TurboID-mediated PL with VIPP1/2 as baits under ambient and H2O2 stress conditions confirmed known interactions of VIPP1 with VIPP2, HSP70B, and the CHLOROPLAST DNAJ HOMOLOG 2 (CDJ2). Proteins identified in the VIPP1/2 proxiomes can be grouped into proteins involved in the biogenesis of thylakoid membrane complexes and the regulation of photosynthetic electron transport, including PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION 5-LIKE 1 (PGRL1). A third group comprises 11 proteins of unknown function whose genes are upregulated under chloroplast stress conditions. We named them VIPP PROXIMITY LABELING (VPL). In reciprocal experiments, we confirmed VIPP1 in the proxiomes of VPL2 and PGRL1. Our results demonstrate the robustness of TurboID-mediated PL for studying protein interaction networks in the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas and pave the way for analyzing functions of VIPPs in thylakoid biogenesis and stress responses.

Characterization of thylakoid division using chloroplast dividing mutants in Arabidopsis

Chloroplasts are double membrane bound organelles that are found in plants and algae. Their division requires a number of proteins to assemble into rings along the center of the organelle and to constrict in synchrony. Chloroplasts possess a third membrane system, the thylakoids, which house the majority of proteins responsible for the light-dependent reactions. The mechanism that allows chloroplasts to sort out and separate the intricate thylakoid membrane structures during organelle division remain unknown. By characterizing the sizes of thylakoids found in a number of different chloroplast division mutants in Arabidopsis, we show that thylakoids do not divide independently of the chloroplast division cycle. More specifically, we show that thylakoid division requires the formation of both the inner and the outer contractile rings of the chloroplast.

Distinctive in vitro ATP Hydrolysis Activity of AtVIPP1, a Chloroplastic ESCRT-III Superfamily Protein in Arabidopsis

Vesicle-inducing protein in plastid 1 (VIPP1), characteristic to oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, is a membrane-remodeling factor that forms homo-oligomers and functions in thylakoid membrane formation and maintenance. The cyanobacterial VIPP1 structure revealed a monomeric folding pattern similar to that of endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) III. Characteristic to VIPP1, however, is its own GTP and ATP hydrolytic activity without canonical domains. In this study, we found that histidine-tagged Arabidopsis VIPP1 (AtVIPP1) hydrolyzed GTP and ATP to produce GDP and ADP in vitro, respectively. Unexpectedly, the observed GTPase and ATPase activities were biochemically distinguishable, because the ATPase was optimized for alkaline conditions and dependent on Ca²⁺ as well as Mg²⁺, with a higher affinity for ATP than GTP. We found that a version of AtVIPP1 protein with a mutation in its nucleotide-binding site, as deduced from the cyanobacterial structure, retained its hydrolytic activity, suggesting that Arabidopsis and cyanobacterial VIPP1s have different properties. Negative staining particle analysis showed that AtVIPP1 formed particle or rod structures that differed from those of cyanobacteria and Chlamydomonas. These results suggested that the nucleotide hydrolytic activity and oligomer formation of VIPP1 are common in photosynthetic organisms, whereas their properties differ among species.

Membrane Translocation of Folded Proteins

An ever-increasing number of proteins have been shown to translocate across various membranes of bacterial as well as eukaryotic cells in their folded states as a part of physiological and/or pathophysiological processes. Herein we provide an overview of the systems/processes that are established or likely to involve the membrane translocation of folded proteins, such as protein export by the twin-arginine translocation (TAT) system in bacteria and chloroplasts, unconventional protein secretion (UPS) and protein import into the peroxisome in eukaryotes, and the cytosolic entry of proteins (e.g., bacterial toxins) and viruses into eukaryotes. We also discuss the various mechanistic models that have previously been proposed for the membrane translocation of folded proteins including pore/channel formation, local membrane disruption, membrane thinning, and transport by membrane vesicles. Finally, we introduce a newly discovered vesicular transport mechanism, vesicle budding and collapse (VBC), and present evidence that VBC may represent a unifying mechanism that drives some (and potentially all) of folded protein translocation processes.

Bacterial Vipp1 and PspA are members of the ancient ESCRT-III membrane-remodeling superfamily

Membrane remodeling and repair are essential for all cells. Proteins that perform these functions include Vipp1/IM30 in photosynthetic plastids, PspA in bacteria, and ESCRT-III in eukaryotes. Here, using a combination of evolutionary and structural analyses, we show that these protein families are homologous and share a common ancient evolutionary origin that likely predates the last universal common ancestor. This homology is evident in cryo-electron microscopy structures of Vipp1 rings from the cyanobacterium Nostoc punctiforme presented over a range of symmetries. Each ring is assembled from rungs that stack and progressively tilt to form dome-shaped curvature. Assembly is facilitated by hinges in the Vipp1 monomer, similar to those in ESCRT-III proteins, which allow the formation of flexible polymers. Rings have an inner lumen that is able to bind and deform membranes. Collectively, these data suggest conserved mechanistic principles that underlie Vipp1, PspA, and ESCRT-III-dependent membrane remodeling across all domains of life.

GTP hydrolysis by Synechocystis IM30 does not decisively affect its membrane remodeling activity

The function of IM30 (also known as Vipp1) is linked to protection and/or remodeling of the thylakoid membrane system in chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. Recently, it has been revealed that the Arabidopsis IM30 protein exhibits GTP hydrolyzing activity in vitro, which was unexpected, as IM30 does not show any classical GTPase features. In the present study, we addressed the question, whether an apparent GTPase activity is conserved in IM30 proteins and can also be observed for IM30 of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. We show that Synechocystis IM30 is indeed able to bind and hydrolyze GTP followed by the release of Pi. Yet, the apparent GTPase activity of Synechocystis IM30 does not depend on Mg2+, which, together with the lack of classical GTPase features, renders IM30 an atypical GTPase. To elucidate the impact of this cryptic GTPase activity on the membrane remodeling activity of IM30, we tested whether GTP hydrolysis influences IM30 membrane binding and/or IM30-mediated membrane fusion. We show that membrane remodeling by Synechocystis IM30 is slightly affected by nucleotides. Yet, despite IM30 clearly catalyzing GTP hydrolysis, this does not seem to be vital for its membrane remodeling function.

VIPP2 interacts with VIPP1 and HSP22E/F at chloroplast membranes and modulates a retrograde signal for HSP22E/F gene expression

VIPP proteins aid thylakoid biogenesis and membrane maintenance in cyanobacteria, algae, and plants. Some members of the Chlorophyceae contain two VIPP paralogs termed VIPP1 and VIPP2, which originate from an early gene duplication event during the evolution of green algae. VIPP2 is barely expressed under nonstress conditions but accumulates in cells exposed to high light intensities or H₂ O₂ , during recovery from heat stress, and in mutants with defective integration (alb3.1) or translocation (secA) of thylakoid membrane proteins. Recombinant VIPP2 forms rod-like structures in vitro and shows a strong affinity for phosphatidylinositol phosphate. Under stress conditions, >70% of VIPP2 is present in membrane fractions and localizes to chloroplast membranes. A vipp2 knock-out mutant displays no growth phenotypes and no defects in the biogenesis or repair of photosystem II. However, after exposure to high light intensities, the vipp2 mutant accumulates less HSP22E/F and more LHCSR3 protein and transcript. This suggests that VIPP2 modulates a retrograde signal for the expression of nuclear genes HSP22E/F and LHCSR3. Immunoprecipitation of VIPP2 from solubilized cells and membrane-enriched fractions revealed major interactions with VIPP1 and minor interactions with HSP22E/F. Our data support a distinct role of VIPP2 in sensing and coping with chloroplast membrane stress.

Lipid droplets throughout the evolutionary tree

Intracellular lipid droplets are utilized for lipid storage and metabolism in organisms as evolutionarily diverse as animals, fungi, plants, bacteria, and archaea. These lipid droplets demonstrate great diversity in biological functions and protein and lipid compositions, yet fundamentally share common molecular and ultrastructural characteristics. Lipid droplet research has been largely fragmented across the diversity of lipid droplet classes and sub-classes. However, we suggest that there is great potential benefit to the lipid community in better integrating the lipid droplet research fields. To facilitate such integration, we survey the protein and lipid compositions, functional roles, and mechanisms of biogenesis across the breadth of lipid droplets studied throughout the natural world. We depict the big picture of lipid droplet biology, emphasizing shared characteristics and unique differences seen between different classes. In presenting the known diversity of lipid droplets side-by-side it becomes necessary to offer for the first time a consistent system of categorization and nomenclature. We propose a division into three primary classes that reflect their sub-cellular location: i) cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CYTO-LDs), that are present in the eukaryotic cytoplasm, ii) prokaryotic lipid droplets (PRO-LDs), that exist in the prokaryotic cytoplasm, and iii) plastid lipid droplets (PL-LDs), that are found in plant plastids, organelles of photosynthetic eukaryotes. Within each class there is a remarkable array of sub-classes displaying various sizes, shapes and compositions. A more integrated lipid droplet research field will provide opportunities to better build on discoveries and accelerate the pace of research in ways that have not been possible.

VIPP1 rods engulf membranes containing phosphatidylinositol phosphates

In cyanobacteria and plants, VIPP1 plays crucial roles in the biogenesis and repair of thylakoid membrane protein complexes and in coping with chloroplast membrane stress. In chloroplasts, VIPP1 localizes in distinct patterns at or close to envelope and thylakoid membranes. In vitro, VIPP1 forms higher-order oligomers of >1 MDa that organize into rings and rods. However, it remains unknown how VIPP1 oligomerization is related to function. Using time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy and sucrose density gradient centrifugation, we show here that Chlamydomonas reinhardtii VIPP1 binds strongly to liposomal membranes containing phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P). Cryo-electron tomography reveals that VIPP1 oligomerizes into rods that can engulf liposomal membranes containing PI4P. These findings place VIPP1 into a group of membrane-shaping proteins including epsin and BAR domain proteins. Moreover, they point to a potential role of phosphatidylinositols in directing the shaping of chloroplast membranes.

Two Novel Vesicle-Inducing Proteins in Plastids 1 Genes Cloned and Characterized in Triticum urartu

Vesicle-inducing protein in plastids 1 (Vipp1) is thought to play an important role both in thylakoid biogenesis and chloroplast envelope maintenance during stress. Vipp1 is conserved in photosynthetic organisms and forms a high homo-oligomer complex structure that may help sustain the membrane integrity of chloroplasts. This study cloned two novel VIPP1 genes from Triticum urartu and named them TuVipp1 and TuVipp2. Both proteins shared high identity with the homologous proteins AtVipp1 and CrVipp1. TuVipp1 and TuVipp2 were expressed in various organs of common wheat, and both genes were induced by light and various stress treatments. Purified TuVipp1 and TuVipp2 proteins showed secondary and advanced structures similar to those of the homologous proteins. Similar to AtVipp1, TuVipp1 is a chloroplast target protein. Additionally, TuVipp1 was able to rescue the phenotypes of pale leaves, lethality, and disordered chloroplast structures of AtVipp1 (-/-) mutant lines. Collectively, our data demonstrate that TuVipp1 and TuVipp2 are functional proteins in chloroplasts in wheat and may be critical for maintaining the chloroplast envelope under stress and membrane biogenesis upon photosynthesis.

The IM30/Vipp1 C-terminus associates with the lipid bilayer and modulates membrane fusion

IM30/Vipp1 proteins are crucial for thylakoid membrane biogenesis in chloroplasts and cyanobacteria. A characteristic C-terminal extension distinguishes these proteins from the homologous bacterial PspA proteins, and this extension has been discussed to be key for the IM30/Vipp1 activity. Here we report that the extension of the Synechocystis IM30 protein is indispensable, and argue that both, the N-terminal PspA-domain as well as the C-terminal extension are needed in order for the IM30 protein to conduct its in vivo function. In vitro, we show that the PspA-domain of IM30 is vital for stability/folding and oligomer formation of IM30 as well as for IM30-triggered membrane fusion. In contrast, the IM30 C-terminal domain is involved in and necessary to stabilize defined contacts to negatively charged membrane surfaces, and to modulate the IM30-induced membrane fusion activity. Although the two IM30 protein domains have distinct functional roles, only together they enable IM30 to work properly.

Membrane remodelling in bacteria

In bacteria the ability to remodel membrane underpins basic cell processes such as growth, and more sophisticated adaptations like inter-cell crosstalk, organelle specialisation, and pathogenesis. Here, selected examples of membrane remodelling in bacteria are presented and the diverse mechanisms for inducing membrane fission, fusion, and curvature discussed. Compared to eukaryotes, relatively few curvature-inducing proteins have been characterised so far. Whilst it is likely that many such proteins remain to be discovered, it also reflects the importance of alternative membrane remodelling strategies in bacteria where passive mechanisms for generating curvature are utilised.

Specific interaction of IM30/Vipp1 with cyanobacterial and chloroplast membranes results in membrane remodeling and eventually in membrane fusion

The photosynthetic light reaction takes place within the thylakoid membrane system in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts. Besides its global importance, the biogenesis, maintenance and dynamics of this membrane system are still a mystery. In the last two decades, strong evidence supported the idea that these processes involve IM30, the inner membrane-associated protein of 30kDa, a protein also known as the vesicle-inducing protein in plastids 1 (Vipp1). Even though we just only begin to understand the precise physiological function of this protein, it is clear that interaction of IM30 with membranes is crucial for biogenesis of thylakoid membranes. Here we summarize and discuss forces guiding IM30-membrane interactions, as the membrane properties as well as the oligomeric state of IM30 appear to affect proper interaction of IM30 with membrane surfaces. Interaction of IM30 with membranes results in an altered membrane structure and can finally trigger fusion of adjacent membranes, when Mg²⁺ is present. Based on recent results, we finally present a model summarizing individual steps involved in IM30-mediated membrane fusion. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Lipid order/lipid defects and lipid-control of protein activity edited by Dirk Schneider.

Revisiting the photosystem II repair cycle

The ability of photosystem (PS) II to catalyze the light-driven oxidation of water comes along with its vulnerability to oxidative damage, in particular of the D1 core subunit. Photodamaged PSII undergoes repair in a multi-step process involving (i) reversible phosphorylation of PSII core subunits; (ii) monomerization and lateral migration of the PSII core from grana to stroma thylakoids; (iii) partial disassembly of PSII; (iv) proteolytic degradation of damaged D1; (v) replacement of damaged D1 protein with a new copy; (vi) reassembly of PSII monomers and migration back to grana thylakoids for dimerization and supercomplex assembly. Here we review the current knowledge on the PSII repair cycle.

In vitro reconstitution of co-translational D1 insertion reveals a role of the cpSec-Alb3 translocase and Vipp1 in photosystem II biogenesis

Photosystem II (PS II) is a multi-subunit complex localized in the thylakoid membrane that performs the light-dependent photosynthetic charge separation. The PS II reaction centre comprises, among others, the D1 protein. De novo synthesis and repair of PS II require efficient mechanisms for transport and insertion of plastid encoded D1 into the thylakoid membrane. To elucidate the process of D1 insertion, we used an in vitro translation system derived from pea chloroplasts to reconstitute the D1 insertion. Thereby, truncated D1 encoding psbA mRNAs lacking a stop codon were translated in the presence of thylakoid membranes and the translation was stalled by addition of chloramphenicol. The generated ribosome nascent chain complexes (RNCs) were tightly associated with the thylakoids. Subsequently, these D1 insertion intermediates were enriched from solubilized thylakoids by sucrose cushion centrifugation. Immunological analyses demonstrated the presence of the cpSec translocase, Alb3, cpFtsY, cpSRP54 and Vipp1 (vesicle-inducing protein in plastids 1) in the enriched D1 insertion intermediates. A complex formation between cpSecY, Alb3, cpFtsY and Vipp1 in thylakoid membranes was shown by gel filtration chromatography, BN (Blue Native)/SDS-PAGE and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Furthermore, a stimulating effect of recombinant Vipp1 on the formation of a D1 insertion intermediate was observed in vitro. These results suggest a co-operative function of these proteins in D1 insertion.

Possible function of VIPP1 in maintaining chloroplast membranes

A protein designated as VIPP1 is found widely in organisms performing oxygenic photosynthesis, but its precise role in chloroplasts has remained somewhat mysterious. Based on its structural similarity, it presumably has evolved from bacterial Phage shock protein A (PspA) with a C-terminal extension of approximately 40 amino acids. Both VIPP1 and PspA are membrane-associated despite the lack of transmembrane helices. They form an extremely large homo-complex that consists of an oligomeric ring unit. Although PspA is known to respond to membrane stress and although it acts in maintaining proton motive force through membrane repair, the multiple function of VIPP1, such as vesicle budding from inner envelope to deliver lipids to thylakoids, maintenance of photosynthetic complexes in thylakoid membranes, biogenesis of Photosystem I, and protective role of inner envelope against osmotic stress, has been proposed. Whatever its precise function in chloroplasts, it is an important protein because depletion of VIPP1 in mutants severely affects photoautotrophic growth. Recent reports of the relevant literature describe that VIPP1 becomes highly mobile when chloroplasts receive hypotonic stress, and that VIPP1 is tightly bound to lipids, which implies a crucial role of VIPP1 in membrane repair through lipid transfer. This review presents a summary of our current knowledge related to VIPP1, particularly addressing the dynamic behavior of complexes against stress and its property of lipid binding. Those data altogether suggest that VIPP1 acts a priori in chloroplast membrane maintenance through its activity to transfer lipids rather than in thylakoid formation through vesicles. This article is part of a Special Issue titled: Chloroplast Biogenesis.

Proteome analysis of cytoplasmatic and plastidic β-carotene lipid droplets in Dunaliella bardawil

The halotolerant green alga Dunaliella bardawil is unique in that it accumulates under stress two types of lipid droplets: cytoplasmatic lipid droplets (CLD) and β-carotene-rich (βC) plastoglobuli. Recently, we isolated and analyzed the lipid and pigment compositions of these lipid droplets. Here, we describe their proteome analysis. A contamination filter and an enrichment filter were utilized to define core proteins. A proteome database of Dunaliella salina/D. bardawil was constructed to aid the identification of lipid droplet proteins. A total of 124 and 42 core proteins were identified in βC-plastoglobuli and CLD, respectively, with only eight common proteins. Dunaliella spp. CLD resemble cytoplasmic droplets from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and contain major lipid droplet-associated protein and enzymes involved in lipid and sterol metabolism. The βC-plastoglobuli proteome resembles the C. reinhardtii eyespot and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plastoglobule proteomes and contains carotene-globule-associated protein, plastid-lipid-associated protein-fibrillins, SOUL heme-binding proteins, phytyl ester synthases, β-carotene biosynthesis enzymes, and proteins involved in membrane remodeling/lipid droplet biogenesis: VESICLE-INDUCING PLASTID PROTEIN1, synaptotagmin, and the eyespot assembly proteins EYE3 and SOUL3. Based on these and previous results, we propose models for the biogenesis of βC-plastoglobuli and the biosynthesis of β-carotene within βC-plastoglobuli and hypothesize that βC-plastoglobuli evolved from eyespot lipid droplets.

Localisation and interactions of the Vipp1 protein in cyanobacteria

The Vipp1 protein is essential in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts for the maintenance of photosynthetic function and thylakoid membrane architecture. To investigate its mode of action we generated strains of the cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and Synechococcus sp. PCC7942 in which Vipp1 was tagged with green fluorescent protein at the C-terminus and expressed from the native chromosomal locus. There was little perturbation of function. Live-cell fluorescence imaging shows dramatic relocalisation of Vipp1 under high light. Under low light, Vipp1 is predominantly dispersed in the cytoplasm with occasional concentrations at the outer periphery of the thylakoid membranes. High light induces Vipp1 coalescence into localised puncta within minutes, with net relocation of Vipp1 to the vicinity of the cytoplasmic membrane and the thylakoid membranes. Pull-downs and mass spectrometry identify an extensive collection of proteins that are directly or indirectly associated with Vipp1 only after high-light exposure. These include not only photosynthetic and stress-related proteins but also RNA-processing, translation and protein assembly factors. This suggests that the Vipp1 puncta could be involved in protein assembly. One possibility is that Vipp1 is involved in the formation of stress-induced localised protein assembly centres, enabling enhanced protein synthesis and delivery to membranes under stress conditions.

Structure and dynamics of thylakoids in land plants

Thylakoids of land plants have a bipartite structure, consisting of cylindrical grana stacks, made of membranous discs piled one on top of the other, and stroma lamellae which are helically wound around the cylinders. Protein complexes predominantly located in the stroma lamellae and grana end membranes are either bulky [photosystem I (PSI) and the chloroplast ATP synthase (cpATPase)] or are involved in cyclic electron flow [the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) and PGRL1-PGR5 heterodimers], whereas photosystem II (PSII) and its light-harvesting complex (LHCII) are found in the appressed membranes of the granum. Stacking of grana is thought to be due to adhesion between Lhcb proteins (LHCII or CP26) located in opposed thylakoid membranes. The grana margins contain oligomers of CURT1 proteins, which appear to control the size and number of grana discs in a dosage- and phosphorylation-dependent manner. Depending on light conditions, thylakoid membranes undergo dynamic structural changes that involve alterations in granum diameter and height, vertical unstacking of grana, and swelling of the thylakoid lumen. This plasticity is realized predominantly by reorganization of the supramolecular structure of protein complexes within grana stacks and by changes in multiprotein complex composition between appressed and non-appressed membrane domains. Reversible phosphorylation of LHC proteins (LHCPs) and PSII components appears to initiate most of the underlying regulatory mechanisms. An update on the roles of lipids, proteins, and protein complexes, as well as possible trafficking mechanisms, during thylakoid biogenesis and the de-etiolation process complements this review.

Vipp1 is essential for the biogenesis of Photosystem I but not thylakoid membranes in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002

The biogenesis of thylakoid membranes in cyanobacteria is presently not well understood, but the vipp1 gene product has been suggested to play an important role in this process. Previous studies in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 reported that vipp1 (sll0617) was essential. By constructing a fully segregated null mutant in vipp1 (SynPCC7002_A0294) in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002, we show that Vipp1 is not essential. Spectroscopic studies revealed that Photosystem I (PS I) was below detection limits in the vipp1 mutant, but Photosystem II (PS II) was still assembled and was active. Thylakoid membranes were still observed in vipp1 mutant cells and resembled those in a psaAB mutant that completely lacks PS I. When the vipp1 mutation was complemented with the orthologous vipp1 gene from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 that was expressed from the strong P(cpcBA) promoter, PS I content and activities were restored to normal levels, and cells again produced thylakoids that were indistinguishable from those of wild type. Transcription profiling showed that psaAB transcripts were lower in abundance in the vipp1 mutant. However, when the yfp gene was expressed from the P(psaAB) promoter in the presence and the absence of Vipp1, no difference in YFP expression was observed, which shows that Vipp1 is not a transcription factor for the psaAB genes. This study shows that thylakoids are still produced in the absence of Vipp1 and that normal thylakoid biogenesis in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 requires expression and biogenesis of PS I, which in turn requires Vipp1.

Protein transport by the bacterial Tat pathway

The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system accomplishes the remarkable feat of translocating large - even dimeric - proteins across tightly sealed energy-transducing membranes. All of the available evidence indicates that it is unique in terms of both structure and mechanism; however its very nature has hindered efforts to probe the core translocation events. At the heart of the problem is the fact that two large sub-complexes are believed to coalesce to form the active translocon, and 'capturing' this translocation event has been too difficult. Nevertheless, studies on the individual components have come a long way in recent years, and structural studies have reached the point where educated guesses can be made concerning the most interesting aspects of Tat. In this article we review these studies and the emerging ideas in this field. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein trafficking and secretion in bacteria. Guest Editors: Anastassios Economou and Ross Dalbey.

Chloroplast-targeted Hsp90 plays essential roles in plastid development and embryogenesis in Arabidopsis possibly linking with VIPP1

The Arabidopsis genome contains seven members of Hsp90. Mutations in plastid AtHsp90.5 were reported to cause defects in chloroplast development and embryogenesis. However, the exact function of plastid AtHsp90.5 has not yet been defined. In this study, albino seedlings were found among AtHsp90.5 transformed Arabidopsis, which were revealed to be AtHsp90.5 co-suppressed plants. The accumulation of photosynthetic super-complexes in the albinos was decreased, and expression of genes involved in photosynthesis was significantly down-regulated. AtHsp90.5 T-DNA insertion mutants were embryo-lethal with embryo arrested at the heart stage. Further investigation showed AtHsp90.5 expression was up-regulated in the siliques at 4 days post anthesis (DPA). Confocal microscopy proved AtHsp90.5 was located in the chloroplasts. Plastid development in the AtHsp90.5 mutants and co-suppressed plants was seriously impaired, and few thylakoid membranes were observed, indicating the involvement of AtHsp90.5 in chloroplast biogenesis. AtHsp90.5 was found to interact with vesicle-inducing protein in plastids 1 (VIPP1) by bimolecular fluorescence complementation system. The ratio between VIPP1 oligomers and monomers in AtHsp90.5 co-suppressed plants drastically shifted toward the oligomeric state. Our study confirmed that AtHsp90.5 is vital for chloroplast biogenesis and embryogenesis. Further evidence also suggested that AtHsp90.5 may help in the disassembly of VIPP1 for thylakoid membrane formation and/or maintenance.

The puzzle of chloroplast vesicle transport - involvement of GTPases

In the cytosol of plant cells vesicle transport occurs via secretory pathways among the endoplasmic reticulum network, Golgi bodies, secretory granules, endosome, and plasma membrane. Three systems transfer lipids, proteins and other important molecules through aqueous spaces to membrane-enclosed compartments, via vesicles that bud from donor membranes, being coated and uncoated before tethered and fused with acceptor membranes. In addition, molecular, biochemical and ultrastructural evidence indicates presence of a vesicle transport system in chloroplasts. Little is known about the protein components of this system. However, as chloroplasts harbor the photosynthetic apparatus that ultimately supports most organisms on the planet, close attention to their pathways is warranted. This may also reveal novel diversification and/or distinct solutions to the problems posed by the targeted intra-cellular trafficking of important molecules. To date two homologs to well-known yeast cytosolic vesicle transport proteins, CPSAR1 and CPRabA5e (CP, chloroplast localized), have been shown to have roles in chloroplast vesicle transport, both being GTPases. Bioinformatic data indicate that several homologs of cytosolic vesicle transport system components are putatively chloroplast-localized and in addition other proteins have been implicated to participate in chloroplast vesicle transport, including vesicle-inducing protein in plastids 1, thylakoid formation 1, snowy cotyledon 2/cotyledon chloroplast biogenesis factor, curvature thylakoid 1 proteins, and a dynamin like GTPase FZO-like protein. Several putative potential cargo proteins have also been identified, including building blocks of the photosynthetic apparatus. Here we discuss details of the largely unknown putative chloroplast vesicle transport system, focusing on GTPase-related components.

Proteomic evidence for genetic epistasis: ClpR4 mutations switch leaf variegation to virescence in Arabidopsis

Chloroplast development in plants is regulated by a series of coordinated biological processes. In this work, a genetic suppressor screen for the leaf variegation phenotype of the thylakoid formation 1 (thf1) mutant combined with a proteomic assay was employed to elucidate this complicated network. We identified a mutation in ClpR4, named clpR4-3, which leads to leaf virescence and also rescues the var2 variegation. Proteomic analysis showed that the chloroplast proteome of clpR4-3 thf1 is dominantly controlled by clpR4-3, providing molecular mechanisms that cause genetic epistasis of clpR4-3 to thf1. Classification of the proteins significantly mis-regulated in the mutants revealed that those functioning in the expression of plastid genes are oppositely regulated while proteins functioning in antioxidative stress, protein folding, and starch metabolism are changed in the same direction between thf1 and clpR4-3. The levels of FtsHs including FtsH2/VAR2, FtsH8, and FtsH5/VAR1 are greatly reduced in thf1 compared with those in the wild type, but are higher in clpR4-3 thf1 than in thf1. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that FtsH expression in clpR4-3 thf1 is regulated post-transcriptionally. In addition, a number of ribosomal proteins are less expressed in the clpR4-3 proteome, which is in line with the reduced levels of rRNAs in clpR4-3. Furthermore, knocking out PRPL11, one of the most downregulated proteins in the clpR4-3 thf1 proteome, rescues the leaf variegation phenotype of the thf1 and var2 mutants. These results provide insights into molecular mechanisms by which the virescent clpR4-3 mutation suppresses leaf variegation of thf1 and var2.

A role of VIPP1 as a dynamic structure within thylakoid centers as sites of photosystem biogenesis?

The vesicle inducing protein in plastids (VIPP1) is an essential protein for the biogenesis of thylakoids in modern cyanobacteria, algae, and plants. Although its exact function is still not clear, recent work has provided important hints to its mode of action. We believe that these data are consistent with a structural role of VIPP1 within thylakoid centers, which are considered as sites from which thylakoid membranes emerge and at which the biogenesis at least of photosystem II is thought to occur. Here we present a model that may serve as starting point for future research.

Substrate-dependent assembly of the Tat translocase as observed in live Escherichia coli cells

The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway guides fully folded proteins across membranes of bacteria, archaea and plant chloroplasts. In Escherichia coli, Tat-specific transport is executed in a still largely unknown manner by three functionally diverse membrane proteins, termed TatA, TatB, and TatC. In order to follow the intracellular distribution of the TatABC proteins in live E. coli cells, we have individually expressed fluorophore-tagged versions of each Tat protein in addition to a set of chromosomally encoded TatABC proteins. In this way, a Tat translocase could form from the native TatABC proteins and be visualized via the association of a fluorescent Tat variant. A functionally active TatA-green fluorescent protein fusion was found to re-locate from a uniform distribution in the membrane into a few clusters preferentially located at the cell poles. Clustering was absolutely dependent on the co-expression of functional Tat substrates, the proton-motive force, and the cognate TatBC subunits. Likewise, polar cluster formation of a functional TatB-mCherry fusion required TatA and TatC and that of a functional TatC-mCherry fusion a functional Tat substrate. Furthermore we directly demonstrate the co-localization of TatA and TatB in the same fluorescent clusters. Our collective results are consistent with distinct Tat translocation sites dynamically forming in vivo in response to newly synthesized Tat substrates.

Release of proteins from intact chloroplasts induced by reactive oxygen species during biotic and abiotic stress

Plastids sustain life on this planet by providing food, feed, essential biomolecules and oxygen. Such diverse metabolic and biosynthetic functions require efficient communication between plastids and the nucleus. However, specific factors, especially large molecules, released from plastids that regulate nuclear genes have not yet been fully elucidated. When tobacco and lettuce transplastomic plants expressing GFP within chloroplasts, were challenged with Erwinia carotovora (biotic stress) or paraquat (abiotic stress), GFP was released into the cytoplasm. During this process GFP moves gradually towards the envelope, creating a central red zone of chlorophyll fluorescence. GFP was then gradually released from intact chloroplasts into the cytoplasm with an intact vacuole and no other visible cellular damage. Different stages of GFP release were observed inside the same cell with a few chloroplasts completely releasing GFP with detection of only red chlorophyll fluorescence or with no reduction in GFP fluorescence or transitional steps between these two phases. Time lapse imaging by confocal microscopy clearly identified sequence of these events. Intactness of chloroplasts during this process was evident from chlorophyll fluorescence emanated from thylakoid membranes and in vivo Chla fluorescence measurements (maximum quantum yield of photosystem II) made before or after infection with pathogens to evaluate their photosynthetic competence. Hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion serve as signal molecules for generation of reactive oxygen species and Tiron, scavenger of superoxide anion, blocked release of GFP from chloroplasts. Significant increase in ion leakage in the presence of paraquat and light suggests changes in the chloroplast envelope to facilitate protein release. Release of GFP-RC101 (an antimicrobial peptide), which was triggered by Erwinia infection, ceased after conferring protection, further confirming this export phenomenon. These results suggest a novel signaling mechanism, especially for participation of chloroplast proteins (e.g. transcription factors) in retrograde signaling, thereby offering new opportunities to regulate pathways outside chloroplasts.

New putative chloroplast vesicle transport components and cargo proteins revealed using a bioinformatics approach: an Arabidopsis model

Proteins and lipids are known to be transported to targeted cytosolic compartments in vesicles. A similar system in chloroplasts is suggested to transfer lipids from the inner envelope to the thylakoids. However, little is known about both possible cargo proteins and the proteins required to build a functional vesicle transport system in chloroplasts. A few components have been suggested, but only one (CPSAR1) has a verified location in chloroplast vesicles. This protein is localized in the donor membrane (envelope) and vesicles, but not in the target membrane (thylakoids) suggesting it plays a similar role to a cytosolic homologue, Sar1, in the secretory pathway. Thus, we hypothesized that there may be more similarities, in addition to lipid transport, between the vesicle transport systems in the cytosol and chloroplast, i.e. similar vesicle transport components, possible cargo proteins and receptors. Therefore, using a bioinformatics approach we searched for putative chloroplast components in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, corresponding mainly to components of the cytosolic vesicle transport system that may act in coordination with previously proposed COPII chloroplast homologues. We found several additional possible components, supporting the notion of a fully functional vesicle transport system in chloroplasts. Moreover, we found motifs in thylakoid-located proteins similar to those of COPII vesicle cargo proteins, supporting the hypothesis that chloroplast vesicles may transport thylakoid proteins from the envelope to the thylakoid membrane. Several putative cargo proteins are involved in photosynthesis, thus we propose the existence of a novel thylakoid protein pathway that is important for construction and maintenance of the photosynthetic machinery.

Possible function of VIPP1 in thylakoids: protection but not formation?

VIPP1 protein in photosynthetic organisms is homologous to bacterial PspA, which protects plasma membrane integrity upon stresses. Despite the proposed role of VIPP1 in thylakoid biogenesis, its precise function remains unclear. Recently, our in-depth analysis of Arabidopsis vipp1 mutants revealed VIPP1's involvement in the maintenance of chloroplast envelopes. Chloroplasts in intact vipp1 leaves exhibited spherical balloon-like morphology, which resulted from osmotic stress across envelopes. In fact, observation of VIPP1 fused to green fluorescence protein in vivo revealed that most VIPP1 is localized as a lattice-like macro complex attached along with the envelope. Because of the proposed function in thylakoids, we examined whether vipp1 also exhibited altered morphologies in thylakoids. Results show that thylakoid morphologies were detected irregularly, but vipp1 chloroplasts retained normal-appearing grana stacks. We infer that VIPP1 might influence thylakoids as well as envelopes, but that it is not involved directly in thylakoid membrane formation.

The Tat system for membrane translocation of folded proteins recruits the membrane-stabilizing Psp machinery in Escherichia coli

Tat systems transport folded proteins across energized membranes of bacteria, archaea, and plant plastids. In Escherichia coli, TatBC complexes recognize the transported proteins, and TatA complexes are recruited to facilitate transport. We achieved an abstraction of TatA from membranes without use of detergents and observed a co-purification of PspA, a membrane-stress response protein. The N-terminal transmembrane domain of TatA was required for the interaction. Electron microscopy displayed TatA complexes in direct contact with PspA. PspB and PspC were important for the TatA-PspA contact. The activator protein PspF was not involved in the PspA-TatA interaction, demonstrating that basal levels of PspA already interact with TatA. Elevated TatA levels caused membrane stress that induced a strictly PspBC- and PspF-dependent up-regulation of PspA. TatA complexes were found to destabilize membranes under these conditions. At native TatA levels, PspA deficiency clearly affected anaerobic TMAO respiratory growth, suggesting that energetic costs for transport of large Tat substrates such as TMAO reductase can become growth limiting in the absence of PspA. The physiological role of PspA recruitment to TatA may therefore be the control of membrane stress at active translocons.