1
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Doron L, Kerfeld CA. Bacterial microcompartments as a next-generation metabolic engineering tool: utilizing nature's solution for confining challenging catabolic pathways. Biochem Soc Trans 2024:BST20230229. [PMID: 38813858 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in synthetic biology have facilitated the incorporation of heterologous metabolic pathways into various bacterial chassis, leading to the synthesis of targeted bioproducts. However, total output from heterologous production pathways can suffer from low flux, enzyme promiscuity, formation of toxic intermediates, or intermediate loss to competing reactions, which ultimately hinder their full potential. The self-assembling, easy-to-modify, protein-based bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) offer a sophisticated way to overcome these obstacles by acting as an autonomous catalytic module decoupled from the cell's regulatory and metabolic networks. More than a decade of fundamental research on various types of BMCs, particularly structural studies of shells and their self-assembly, the recruitment of enzymes to BMC shell scaffolds, and the involvement of ancillary proteins such as transporters, regulators, and activating enzymes in the integration of BMCs into the cell's metabolism, has significantly moved the field forward. These advances have enabled bioengineers to design synthetic multi-enzyme BMCs to promote ethanol or hydrogen production, increase cellular polyphosphate levels, and convert glycerol to propanediol or formate to pyruvate. These pioneering efforts demonstrate the enormous potential of synthetic BMCs to encapsulate non-native multi-enzyme biochemical pathways for the synthesis of high-value products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Doron
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
| | - Cheryl A Kerfeld
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology and Molecular Biophysics and Integrative Bioimaging Divisions, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, U.S.A
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2
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de Pins B, Greenspoon L, Bar-On YM, Shamshoum M, Ben-Nissan R, Milshtein E, Davidi D, Sharon I, Mueller-Cajar O, Noor E, Milo R. A systematic exploration of bacterial form I rubisco maximal carboxylation rates. EMBO J 2024:10.1038/s44318-024-00119-z. [PMID: 38806660 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00119-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Autotrophy is the basis for complex life on Earth. Central to this process is rubisco-the enzyme that catalyzes almost all carbon fixation on the planet. Yet, with only a small fraction of rubisco diversity kinetically characterized so far, the underlying biological factors driving the evolution of fast rubiscos in nature remain unclear. We conducted a high-throughput kinetic characterization of over 100 bacterial form I rubiscos, the most ubiquitous group of rubisco sequences in nature, to uncover the determinants of rubisco's carboxylation velocity. We show that the presence of a carboxysome CO2 concentrating mechanism correlates with faster rubiscos with a median fivefold higher rate. In contrast to prior studies, we find that rubiscos originating from α-cyanobacteria exhibit the highest carboxylation rates among form I enzymes (≈10 s-1 median versus <7 s-1 in other groups). Our study systematically reveals biological and environmental properties associated with kinetic variation across rubiscos from nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit de Pins
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Lior Greenspoon
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Yinon M Bar-On
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Melina Shamshoum
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Roee Ben-Nissan
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Eliya Milshtein
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Dan Davidi
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
- Aleph, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6688210, Israel
| | - Itai Sharon
- Migal Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, 11016, Israel
| | - Oliver Mueller-Cajar
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Elad Noor
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Ron Milo
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel.
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3
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Kong WW, Zhu Y, Zhao HR, Du K, Zhou RQ, Li B, Yang F, Hou P, Huang XH, Chen Y, Wang YC, Sun F, Jiang YL, Zhou CZ. Cryo-electron tomography reveals the packaging pattern of RuBisCOs in Synechococcus β-carboxysome. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00184-9. [PMID: 38823379 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Carboxysomes are large self-assembled microcompartments that serve as the central machinery of a CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM). Biogenesis of carboxysome requires the fine organization of thousands of individual proteins; however, the packaging pattern of internal RuBisCOs remains largely unknown. Here we purified the intact β-carboxysomes from Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and identified the protein components by mass spectrometry. Cryo-electron tomography combined with subtomogram averaging revealed the general organization pattern of internal RuBisCOs, in which the adjacent RuBisCOs are mainly arranged in three distinct manners: head-to-head, head-to-side, and side-by-side. The RuBisCOs in the outermost layer are regularly aligned along the shell, the majority of which directly interact with the shell. Moreover, statistical analysis enabled us to propose an ideal packaging model of RuBisCOs in the β-carboxysome. These results provide new insights into the biogenesis of β-carboxysomes and also advance our understanding of the efficient carbon fixation functionality of carboxysomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Wen Kong
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Heng-Rui Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Kang Du
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Rui-Qian Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Bo Li
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Feng Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Pu Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Xia-He Huang
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuxing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Ying-Chun Wang
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fei Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yong-Liang Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
| | - Cong-Zhao Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
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4
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Pulsford SB, Outram MA, Förster B, Rhodes T, Williams SJ, Badger MR, Price GD, Jackson CJ, Long BM. Cyanobacterial α-carboxysome carbonic anhydrase is allosterically regulated by the Rubisco substrate RuBP. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk7283. [PMID: 38728392 PMCID: PMC11086599 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk7283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Cyanobacterial CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) sequester a globally consequential proportion of carbon into the biosphere. Proteinaceous microcompartments, called carboxysomes, play a critical role in CCM function, housing two enzymes to enhance CO2 fixation: carbonic anhydrase (CA) and Rubisco. Despite its importance, our current understanding of the carboxysomal CAs found in α-cyanobacteria, CsoSCA, remains limited, particularly regarding the regulation of its activity. Here, we present a structural and biochemical study of CsoSCA from the cyanobacterium Cyanobium sp. PCC7001. Our results show that the Cyanobium CsoSCA is allosterically activated by the Rubisco substrate ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate and forms a hexameric trimer of dimers. Comprehensive phylogenetic and mutational analyses are consistent with this regulation appearing exclusively in cyanobacterial α-carboxysome CAs. These findings clarify the biologically relevant oligomeric state of α-carboxysomal CAs and advance our understanding of the regulation of photosynthesis in this globally dominant lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sacha B. Pulsford
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Megan A. Outram
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Britta Förster
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Timothy Rhodes
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Simon J. Williams
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Murray R. Badger
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - G. Dean Price
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Colin J. Jackson
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Benedict M. Long
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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5
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Mantovani O, Haffner M, Walke P, Elshereef AA, Wagner B, Petras D, Forchhammer K, Selim KA, Hagemann M. The redox-sensitive R-loop of the carbon control protein SbtB contributes to the regulation of the cyanobacterial CCM. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7885. [PMID: 38570698 PMCID: PMC10991534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58354-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SbtB is a PII-like protein that regulates the carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) in cyanobacteria. SbtB proteins can bind many adenyl nucleotides and possess a characteristic C-terminal redox sensitive loop (R-loop) that forms a disulfide bridge in response to the diurnal state of the cell. SbtBs also possess an ATPase/ADPase activity that is modulated by the redox-state of the R-loop. To investigate the R-loop in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, site-specific mutants, unable to form the hairpin and permanently in the reduced state, and a R-loop truncation mutant, were characterized under different inorganic carbon (Ci) and light regimes. Growth under diurnal rhythm showed a role of the R-loop as sensor for acclimation to changing light conditions. The redox-state of the R-loop was found to impact the binding of the adenyl-nucleotides to SbtB, its membrane association and thereby the CCM regulation, while these phenotypes disappeared after truncation of the R-loop. Collectively, our data imply that the redox-sensitive R-loop provides an additional regulatory layer to SbtB, linking the CO2-related signaling activity of SbtB with the redox state of cells, mainly reporting the actual light conditions. This regulation not only coordinates CCM activity in the diurnal rhythm but also affects the primary carbon metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Mantovani
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Rostock, A.-Einstein-Str. 3, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Michael Haffner
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter Walke
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Rostock, A.-Einstein-Str. 3, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Abdalla A Elshereef
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products Department, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Berenike Wagner
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Petras
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karl Forchhammer
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Khaled A Selim
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen, Germany.
- Institute of Biology, Microbiology/Molecular Physiology of Prokaryotes, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Martin Hagemann
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Rostock, A.-Einstein-Str. 3, 18059, Rostock, Germany.
- Interdisciplinary Faculty, Department Life, Light and Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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6
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Zhou RQ, Jiang YL, Li H, Hou P, Kong WW, Deng JX, Chen Y, Zhou CZ, Zeng Q. Structure and assembly of the α-carboxysome in the marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus. NATURE PLANTS 2024; 10:661-672. [PMID: 38589484 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-024-01660-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Carboxysomes are bacterial microcompartments that encapsulate the enzymes RuBisCO and carbonic anhydrase in a proteinaceous shell to enhance the efficiency of photosynthetic carbon fixation. The self-assembly principles of the intact carboxysome remain elusive. Here we purified α-carboxysomes from Prochlorococcus and examined their intact structures using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to solve the basic principles of their shell construction and internal RuBisCO organization. The 4.2 Å icosahedral-like shell structure reveals 24 CsoS1 hexamers on each facet and one CsoS4A pentamer at each vertex. RuBisCOs are organized into three concentric layers within the shell, consisting of 72, 32 and up to 4 RuBisCOs at the outer, middle and inner layers, respectively. We uniquely show how full-length and shorter forms of the scaffolding protein CsoS2 bind to the inner surface of the shell via repetitive motifs in the middle and C-terminal regions. Combined with previous reports, we propose a concomitant 'outside-in' assembly principle of α-carboxysomes: the inner surface of the self-assembled shell is reinforced by the middle and C-terminal motifs of the scaffolding protein, while the free N-terminal motifs cluster to recruit RuBisCO in concentric, three-layered spherical arrangements. These new insights into the coordinated assembly of α-carboxysomes may guide the rational design and repurposing of carboxysome structures for improving plant photosynthetic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Qian Zhou
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yong-Liang Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Haofu Li
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pu Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wen-Wen Kong
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jia-Xin Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuxing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Cong-Zhao Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Qinglu Zeng
- Department of Ocean Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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7
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Faisal M, Sarnaik AP, Kannoju N, Hajinajaf N, Asad MJ, Davis RW, Varman AM. RuBisCO activity assays: a simplified biochemical redox approach for in vitro quantification and an RNA sensor approach for in vivo monitoring. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:83. [PMID: 38486280 PMCID: PMC10938803 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02357-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) is the most abundant soluble protein in nature. Extensive studies have been conducted for improving its activity in photosynthesis through approaches like protein engineering. Concurrently, multiple biochemical and radiolabeling assays have been developed for determining its activity. Although these existing assays yield reliable results, they require addition of multiple external components, rendering them less convenient and expensive. Therefore, in this study, we have developed two relatively cheaper, convenient, and easily reproducible assays for quantitative and qualitative estimation of RuBisCO activity. RESULTS We simplified a contemporary NADH based spectrophotometric RuBisCO assay by using cyanobacterial cell lysate as the source for Calvin cycle enzymes. We analyzed the influence of inorganic carbon substrates, CO2 and NaHCO3, and varying protein concentrations on RuBisCO activity. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) consumption rates for the cultures grown under 5% CO2 were 5-7 times higher than the ones grown with 20 mM NaHCO3, at different protein concentrations. The difference could be due to the impaired activity of carbonic anhydrase in the cell lysate, which is required for the conversion of HCO3- to CO2. The highest RuBisCO activity of 2.13 nmol of NAD+/ µg of Chl-a/ min was observed with 50 µg of protein and 5% CO2. Additionally, we developed a novel RNA-sensor based fluorescence assay that is based on the principle of tracking the kinetics of ATP hydrolysis to ADP during the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PG) to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate (1,3-BPG) in the Calvin cycle. Under in vitro conditions, the fluorometric assay exhibited ~ 3.4-fold slower reaction rate (0.37 min-1) than the biochemical assay when using 5% CO2. We also confirmed the in vivo application of this assay, where increase in the fluorescence was observed with the recombinant strain of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (SSL142) expressing the ADP-specific RNA sensor, compared to the WT. In addition, SSL142 exhibited three-fold higher fluorescence when supplemented with 20 mM NaHCO3 as compared to the cells that were grown without NaHCO3 supplementation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we have developed a simplified biochemical assay for monitoring RuBisCO activity and demonstrated that it can provide reliable results as compared to the prior literature. Furthermore, the biochemical assay using 5% CO2 (100% relative activity) provided faster RuBP consumption rate compared to the biochemical assay utilizing 20 mM NaHCO3 (30.70% relative activity) and the in vitro fluorometric assay using 5% CO2 (29.64% relative activity). Therefore, the absorbance-based biochemical assay using 5% CO2 or higher would be suitable for in vitro quantification of the RuBisCO activity. On the other hand, the RNA-sensor based in vivo fluorometric assay can be applied for qualitative analysis and be used for high-throughput screening of RuBisCO variants. As RuBisCO is an enzyme shared amongst all the photoautotrophs, the assays developed in this study can easily be extended for analyzing the RuBisCO activities even in microalgae and higher plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faisal
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (SEMTE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
- University Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Aditya P Sarnaik
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (SEMTE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Nandini Kannoju
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (SEMTE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Nima Hajinajaf
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (SEMTE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Muhammad Javaid Asad
- University Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi, 46000, Pakistan
| | - Ryan W Davis
- Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Arul M Varman
- Chemical Engineering, School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy (SEMTE), Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA.
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8
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Trettel DS, Pacheco SL, Laskie AK, Gonzalez-Esquer CR. Modeling bacterial microcompartment architectures for enhanced cyanobacterial carbon fixation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1346759. [PMID: 38425792 PMCID: PMC10902431 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1346759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The carboxysome is a bacterial microcompartment (BMC) which plays a central role in the cyanobacterial CO2-concentrating mechanism. These proteinaceous structures consist of an outer protein shell that partitions Rubisco and carbonic anhydrase from the rest of the cytosol, thereby providing a favorable microenvironment that enhances carbon fixation. The modular nature of carboxysomal architectures makes them attractive for a variety of biotechnological applications such as carbon capture and utilization. In silico approaches, such as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, can support future carboxysome redesign efforts by providing new spatio-temporal insights on their structure and function beyond in vivo experimental limitations. However, specific computational studies on carboxysomes are limited. Fortunately, all BMC (including the carboxysome) are highly structurally conserved which allows for practical inferences to be made between classes. Here, we review simulations on BMC architectures which shed light on (1) permeation events through the shell and (2) assembly pathways. These models predict the biophysical properties surrounding the central pore in BMC-H shell subunits, which in turn dictate the efficiency of substrate diffusion. Meanwhile, simulations on BMC assembly demonstrate that assembly pathway is largely dictated kinetically by cargo interactions while final morphology is dependent on shell factors. Overall, these findings are contextualized within the wider experimental BMC literature and framed within the opportunities for carboxysome redesign for biomanufacturing and enhanced carbon fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Trettel
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Bioscience Division, Microbial and Biome Sciences Group, Los Alamos, NM, United States
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9
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Kalnins G, Bertins M, Viksna A, Tars K. Functionalization of bacterial microcompartment shell interior with cysteine containing peptides enhances the iron and cobalt loading capacity. Biometals 2024; 37:267-274. [PMID: 37728832 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-023-00538-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are prokaryotic organelles involved in several biochemical processes in bacterial cells. These cellular substructures consist of an icosahedral shell and an encapsulated enzymatic core. The outer shells of BMCs have been proposed as an attractive platform for the creation of novel nanomaterials, nanocages, and nanoreactors. In this study, we present a method for functionalizing recombinant GRM2-type BMC shell lumens with short cysteine-containing sequences and demonstrate that the iron and cobalt loading capacity of such modified shells is markedly increased. These results also imply that a passive flow of cobalt and iron atoms across the BMC shell could be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gints Kalnins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites street 1, Riga, 1067, Latvia.
| | - Maris Bertins
- University of Latvia, Jelgavas street 1, Riga, 1004, Latvia
| | - Arturs Viksna
- University of Latvia, Jelgavas street 1, Riga, 1004, Latvia
| | - Kaspars Tars
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites street 1, Riga, 1067, Latvia
- University of Latvia, Jelgavas street 1, Riga, 1004, Latvia
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10
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Oltrogge LM, Chen AW, Chaijarasphong T, Turnšek JB, Savage DF. α-Carboxysome Size Is Controlled by the Disordered Scaffold Protein CsoS2. Biochemistry 2024; 63:219-229. [PMID: 38085650 PMCID: PMC10795168 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Carboxysomes are protein microcompartments that function in the bacterial CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) to facilitate CO2 assimilation. To do so, carboxysomes assemble from thousands of constituent proteins into an icosahedral shell, which encapsulates the enzymes Rubisco and carbonic anhydrase to form structures typically > 100 nm and > 300 megadaltons. Although many of the protein interactions driving the assembly process have been determined, it remains unknown how size and composition are precisely controlled. Here, we show that the size of α-carboxysomes is controlled by the disordered scaffolding protein CsoS2. CsoS2 contains two classes of related peptide repeats that bind to the shell in a distinct fashion, and our data indicate that size is controlled by the relative number of these interactions. We propose an energetic and structural model wherein the two repeat classes bind at the junction of shell hexamers but differ in their preferences for the shell contact angles, and thus the local curvature. In total, this model suggests that a set of specific and repeated interactions between CsoS2 and shell proteins collectively achieve the large size and monodispersity of α-carboxysomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke M. Oltrogge
- Department
of Molecular and Cell Biology, University
of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Allen W. Chen
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | | | - Julia B. Turnšek
- Department
of Molecular and Cell Biology, University
of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - David F. Savage
- Department
of Molecular and Cell Biology, University
of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Innovative
Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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11
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Launay H, Avilan L, Gérard C, Parsiegla G, Receveur-Brechot V, Gontero B, Carriere F. Location of the photosynthetic carbon metabolism in microcompartments and separated phases in microalgal cells. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2853-2878. [PMID: 37827572 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Carbon acquisition, assimilation and storage in eukaryotic microalgae and cyanobacteria occur in multiple compartments that have been characterised by the location of the enzymes involved in these functions. These compartments can be delimited by bilayer membranes, such as the chloroplast, the lumen, the peroxisome, the mitochondria or monolayer membranes, such as lipid droplets or plastoglobules. They can also originate from liquid-liquid phase separation such as the pyrenoid. Multiple exchanges exist between the intracellular microcompartments, and these are reviewed for the CO2 concentration mechanism, the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, the lipid metabolism and the cellular energetic balance. Progress in microscopy and spectroscopic methods opens new perspectives to characterise the molecular consequences of the location of the proteins involved, including intrinsically disordered proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Launay
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP, UMR7281, Marseille, France
| | - Luisana Avilan
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP, UMR7281, Marseille, France
| | - Cassy Gérard
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, BIP, UMR7281, Marseille, France
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12
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Česle EEL, Ta Rs K, Jansons J, Kalniņš G. Modulation of Hybrid GRM2-type Bacterial Microcompartment Shells through BMC-H Shell Protein Fusion and Incorporation of Non-native BMC-T Shell Proteins. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3275-3286. [PMID: 37937366 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are organelle-like structures in bacteria that facilitate a wide range of enzymatic reactions. The microcompartment shell contains an encapsulated enzymatic core and, in contrast to phospholipid-based eukaryotic organelle membranes, has a pseudoicosahedral shape composed of BMC-H, BMC-T, and BMC-P proteins with conserved structures. This semipermeable microcompartment shell delineates the enzymatic core assemblies and the intermediates from the rest of the cell. It is also thought to function as a barrier against toxic intermediates as well as to increase the reaction rate. These properties of BMCs have made them intriguing candidates for biotechnological applications, for which it is important to explore the potential scope of the BMC shell modulation possibilities. In this work, we explore two BMC shell modulation mechanisms: first, confirming the incorporation of three trimeric BMC-T shell proteins and two truncated BMC-T shell proteins into Klebsiella pneumoniae GRM2-type BMC protein shells containing no representatives of this group, and second, producing BMC particles from double- and triple-fused hexameric BMC-H shell proteins. These results reveal the potential for "mix and match" synthetic BMC shell formation to ensure shell properties specifically suited to the encapsulated cargo and show for the first time the involvement of an essentially dimeric pseudohexameric shell protein in BMC shell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Emi Lija Česle
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Kaspars Ta Rs
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
- University of Latvia, Jelgavas 1, Riga 1004, Latvia
| | - Juris Jansons
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Gints Kalniņš
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k-1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
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13
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Pulsford SB, Nguyen ND, Long BM. The ties that bind. Disordered linkers underpin carboxysome construction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2316828120. [PMID: 37889932 PMCID: PMC10636299 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316828120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sacha B. Pulsford
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Acton, ACT2601, Australia
| | - Nghiem D. Nguyen
- Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, ACT2601, Australia
| | - Benedict M. Long
- Discipline of Biological Sciences, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW2308, Australia
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14
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Ochoa JM, Dershwitz P, Schappert M, Sinha S, Herring TI, Yeates TO, Bobik TA. A single shell protein plays a major role in choline transport across the shell of the choline utilization microcompartment of Escherichia coli 536. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001413. [PMID: 37971493 PMCID: PMC10710832 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial microcompartments (MCPs) are widespread protein-based organelles that play important roles in the global carbon cycle and in the physiology of diverse bacteria, including a number of pathogens. MCPs consist of metabolic enzymes encapsulated within a protein shell. The main roles of MCPs are to concentrate enzymes together with their substrates (to increase reaction rates) and to sequester harmful metabolic intermediates. Prior studies indicate that MCPs have a selectively permeable protein shell, but the mechanisms that allow selective transport across the shell are not fully understood. Here we examine transport across the shell of the choline utilization (Cut) MCP of Escherichia coli 536, which has not been studied before. The shell of the Cut MCP is unusual in consisting of one pentameric and four hexameric bacterial microcompartment (BMC) domain proteins. It lacks trimeric shell proteins, which are thought to be required for the transport of larger substrates and enzymatic cofactors. In addition, its four hexameric BMC domain proteins are very similar in amino acid sequence. This raises questions about how the Cut MCP mediates the selective transport of the substrate, products and cofactors of choline metabolism. In this report, site-directed mutagenesis is used to modify the central pores (the main transport channels) of all four Cut BMC hexamers to assess their transport roles. Our findings indicate that a single shell protein, CmcB, plays the major role in choline transport across the shell of the Cut MCP and that the electrostatic properties of the CmcB pore also impact choline transport. The implications of these findings with regard to the higher-order structure of MCPs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Ochoa
- UCLA-Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Philip Dershwitz
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Mary Schappert
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Sharmistha Sinha
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Taylor I. Herring
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Todd O. Yeates
- UCLA-Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Thomas A. Bobik
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
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15
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Blikstad C, Dugan EJ, Laughlin TG, Turnšek JB, Liu MD, Shoemaker SR, Vogiatzi N, Remis JP, Savage DF. Identification of a carbonic anhydrase-Rubisco complex within the alpha-carboxysome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308600120. [PMID: 37862384 PMCID: PMC10614612 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308600120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Carboxysomes are proteinaceous organelles that encapsulate key enzymes of CO2 fixation-Rubisco and carbonic anhydrase-and are the centerpiece of the bacterial CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM). In the CCM, actively accumulated cytosolic bicarbonate diffuses into the carboxysome and is converted to CO2 by carbonic anhydrase, producing a high CO2 concentration near Rubisco and ensuring efficient carboxylation. Self-assembly of the α-carboxysome is orchestrated by the intrinsically disordered scaffolding protein, CsoS2, which interacts with both Rubisco and carboxysomal shell proteins, but it is unknown how the carbonic anhydrase, CsoSCA, is incorporated into the α-carboxysome. Here, we present the structural basis of carbonic anhydrase encapsulation into α-carboxysomes from Halothiobacillus neapolitanus. We find that CsoSCA interacts directly with Rubisco via an intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain. A 1.98 Å single-particle cryoelectron microscopy structure of Rubisco in complex with this peptide reveals that CsoSCA binding is predominantly mediated by a network of hydrogen bonds. CsoSCA's binding site overlaps with that of CsoS2, but the two proteins utilize substantially different motifs and modes of binding, revealing a plasticity of the Rubisco binding site. Our results advance the understanding of carboxysome biogenesis and highlight the importance of Rubisco, not only as an enzyme but also as a central hub for mediating assembly through protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Blikstad
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala75120, Sweden
| | - Eli J. Dugan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Thomas G. Laughlin
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Julia B. Turnšek
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Mira D. Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Sophie R. Shoemaker
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - Nikoleta Vogiatzi
- Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala75120, Sweden
| | - Jonathan P. Remis
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
| | - David F. Savage
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
- HHMI, University of California, Berkeley, CA94720
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16
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Bai X, Wang H, Cheng W, Wang J, Ma M, Hu H, Song Z, Ma H, Fan Y, Du C, Xu J. Genomic Analysis of Leptolyngbya boryana CZ1 Reveals Efficient Carbon Fixation Modules. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3251. [PMID: 37765415 PMCID: PMC10536570 DOI: 10.3390/plants12183251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria, one of the most widespread photoautotrophic microorganisms on Earth, have evolved an inorganic CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM) to adapt to a variety of habitats, especially in CO2-limited environments. Leptolyngbya boryana, a filamentous cyanobacterium, is widespread in a variety of environments and is well adapted to low-inorganic-carbon environments. However, little is currently known about the CCM of L. boryana, in particular its efficient carbon fixation module. In this study, we isolated and purified the cyanobacterium CZ1 from the Xin'anjiang River basin and identified it as L. boryana by 16S rRNA sequencing. Genome analysis revealed that L. boryana CZ1 contains β-carboxysome shell proteins and form 1B of Rubisco, which is classify it as belonging to the β-cyanobacteria. Further analysis revealed that L. boryana CZ1 employs a fine CCM involving two CO2 uptake systems NDH-13 and NDH-14, three HCO3- transporters (SbtA, BicA, and BCT1), and two carboxysomal carbonic anhydrases. Notably, we found that NDH-13 and NDH-14 are located close to each other in the L. boryana CZ1 genome and are back-to-back with the ccm operon, which is a novel gene arrangement. In addition, L. boryana CZ1 encodes two high-affinity Na+/HCO3- symporters (SbtA1 and SbtA2), three low-affinity Na+-dependent HCO3- transporters (BicA1, BicA2, and BicA3), and a BCT1; it is rare for a single strain to encode all three bicarbonate transporters in such large numbers. Interestingly, L. boryana CZ1 also uniquely encodes two active carbonic anhydrases, CcaA1 and CcaA2, which are also rare. Taken together, all these results indicated that L. boryana CZ1 is more efficient at CO2 fixation. Moreover, compared with the reported CCM gene arrangement of cyanobacteria, the CCM-related gene distribution pattern of L. boryana CZ1 was completely different, indicating a novel gene organization structure. These results can enrich our understanding of the CCM-related gene arrangement of cyanobacteria, and provide data support for the subsequent improvement and increase in biomass through cyanobacterial photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Bai
- College of Life and Environment Science, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, China; (J.W.); (M.M.); (H.H.); (Z.S.); (H.M.); (Y.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Honghui Wang
- Huangshan Institute of Product Quality Inspection, Huangshan 245000, China;
| | - Wenbin Cheng
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China;
| | - Junjun Wang
- College of Life and Environment Science, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, China; (J.W.); (M.M.); (H.H.); (Z.S.); (H.M.); (Y.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Mengyang Ma
- College of Life and Environment Science, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, China; (J.W.); (M.M.); (H.H.); (Z.S.); (H.M.); (Y.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Haihang Hu
- College of Life and Environment Science, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, China; (J.W.); (M.M.); (H.H.); (Z.S.); (H.M.); (Y.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Zilong Song
- College of Life and Environment Science, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, China; (J.W.); (M.M.); (H.H.); (Z.S.); (H.M.); (Y.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Hongguang Ma
- College of Life and Environment Science, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, China; (J.W.); (M.M.); (H.H.); (Z.S.); (H.M.); (Y.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Yan Fan
- College of Life and Environment Science, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, China; (J.W.); (M.M.); (H.H.); (Z.S.); (H.M.); (Y.F.); (C.D.)
- School of Life Science and Technology, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Chenyu Du
- College of Life and Environment Science, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, China; (J.W.); (M.M.); (H.H.); (Z.S.); (H.M.); (Y.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Jingcheng Xu
- College of Life and Environment Science, Huangshan University, Huangshan 245041, China; (J.W.); (M.M.); (H.H.); (Z.S.); (H.M.); (Y.F.); (C.D.)
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17
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Ni T, Jiang Q, Ng PC, Shen J, Dou H, Zhu Y, Radecke J, Dykes GF, Huang F, Liu LN, Zhang P. Intrinsically disordered CsoS2 acts as a general molecular thread for α-carboxysome shell assembly. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5512. [PMID: 37679318 PMCID: PMC10484944 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41211-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Carboxysomes are a paradigm of self-assembling proteinaceous organelles found in nature, offering compartmentalisation of enzymes and pathways to enhance carbon fixation. In α-carboxysomes, the disordered linker protein CsoS2 plays an essential role in carboxysome assembly and Rubisco encapsulation. Its mechanism of action, however, is not fully understood. Here we synthetically engineer α-carboxysome shells using minimal shell components and determine cryoEM structures of these to decipher the principle of shell assembly and encapsulation. The structures reveal that the intrinsically disordered CsoS2 C-terminus is well-structured and acts as a universal "molecular thread" stitching through multiple shell protein interfaces. We further uncover in CsoS2 a highly conserved repetitive key interaction motif, [IV]TG, which is critical to the shell assembly and architecture. Our study provides a general mechanism for the CsoS2-governed carboxysome shell assembly and cargo encapsulation and further advances synthetic engineering of carboxysomes for diverse biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ni
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Qiuyao Jiang
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Pei Cing Ng
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Juan Shen
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Hao Dou
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Yanan Zhu
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Julika Radecke
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
| | - Gregory F Dykes
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Fang Huang
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Lu-Ning Liu
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
- College of Marine Life Sciences, and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK.
- Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK.
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK.
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18
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He S, Crans VL, Jonikas MC. The pyrenoid: the eukaryotic CO2-concentrating organelle. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3236-3259. [PMID: 37279536 PMCID: PMC10473226 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The pyrenoid is a phase-separated organelle that enhances photosynthetic carbon assimilation in most eukaryotic algae and the land plant hornwort lineage. Pyrenoids mediate approximately one-third of global CO2 fixation, and engineering a pyrenoid into C3 crops is predicted to boost CO2 uptake and increase yields. Pyrenoids enhance the activity of the CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco by supplying it with concentrated CO2. All pyrenoids have a dense matrix of Rubisco associated with photosynthetic thylakoid membranes that are thought to supply concentrated CO2. Many pyrenoids are also surrounded by polysaccharide structures that may slow CO2 leakage. Phylogenetic analysis and pyrenoid morphological diversity support a convergent evolutionary origin for pyrenoids. Most of the molecular understanding of pyrenoids comes from the model green alga Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). The Chlamydomonas pyrenoid exhibits multiple liquid-like behaviors, including internal mixing, division by fission, and dissolution and condensation in response to environmental cues and during the cell cycle. Pyrenoid assembly and function are induced by CO2 availability and light, and although transcriptional regulators have been identified, posttranslational regulation remains to be characterized. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of pyrenoid function, structure, components, and dynamic regulation in Chlamydomonas and extrapolate to pyrenoids in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Victoria L Crans
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Martin C Jonikas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
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19
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El-Seedi HR, El-Mallah MF, Yosri N, Alajlani M, Zhao C, Mehmood MA, Du M, Ullah H, Daglia M, Guo Z, Khalifa SAM, Shou Q. Review of Marine Cyanobacteria and the Aspects Related to Their Roles: Chemical, Biological Properties, Nitrogen Fixation and Climate Change. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:439. [PMID: 37623720 PMCID: PMC10456358 DOI: 10.3390/md21080439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Marine cyanobacteria are an ancient group of photosynthetic microbes dating back to 3.5 million years ago. They are prolific producers of bioactive secondary metabolites. Over millions of years, natural selection has optimized their metabolites to possess activities impacting various biological targets. This paper discusses the historical and existential records of cyanobacteria, and their role in understanding the evolution of marine cyanobacteria through the ages. Recent advancements have focused on isolating and screening bioactive compounds and their respective medicinal properties, and we also discuss chemical property space and clinical trials, where compounds with potential pharmacological effects, such as cytotoxicity, anticancer, and antiparasitic properties, are highlighted. The data have shown that about 43% of the compounds investigated have cytotoxic effects, and around 8% have anti-trypanosome activity. We discussed the role of different marine cyanobacteria groups in fixing nitrogen percentages on Earth and their outcomes in fish productivity by entering food webs and enhancing productivity in different agricultural and ecological fields. The role of marine cyanobacteria in the carbon cycle and their outcomes in improving the efficiency of photosynthetic CO2 fixation in the chloroplasts of crop plants, thus enhancing the crop plant's yield, was highlighted. Ultimately, climate changes have a significant impact on marine cyanobacteria where the temperature rises, and CO2 improves the cyanobacterial nitrogen fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham R. El-Seedi
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory of Intelligent Agriculture and Agri-Products Processing, Jiangsu University, Jiangsu Education Department, Nanjing 210024, China
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Islamic University of Madinah, Madinah 42351, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed F. El-Mallah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom 32512, Egypt;
| | - Nermeen Yosri
- Chemistry Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (RIMAP), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt;
- China Light Industry Key Laboratory of Food Intelligent Detection & Processing, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
| | - Muaaz Alajlani
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Sham Private University, Damascus 0100, Syria;
| | - Chao Zhao
- College of Marine Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
| | - Muhammad A. Mehmood
- Bioenergy Research Center, Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ming Du
- School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China;
| | - Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Daglia
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Zhiming Guo
- China Light Industry Key Laboratory of Food Intelligent Detection & Processing, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China;
| | - Shaden A. M. Khalifa
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Capio Saint Göran’s Hospital, Sankt Göransplan 1, 112 19 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qiyang Shou
- Second Clinical Medical College, Jinhua Academy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
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20
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Huang C, Duan X, Ge H, Xiao Z, Zheng L, Wang G, Dong J, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Huang X, An H, Xu W, Wang Y. Parallel Proteomic Comparison of Mutants With Altered Carbon Metabolism Reveals Hik8 Regulation of P II Phosphorylation and Glycogen Accumulation in a Cyanobacterium. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100582. [PMID: 37225018 PMCID: PMC10315926 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon metabolism is central to photosynthetic organisms and involves the coordinated operation and regulation of numerous proteins. In cyanobacteria, proteins involved in carbon metabolism are regulated by multiple regulators including the RNA polymerase sigma factor SigE, the histidine kinases Hik8, Hik31 and its plasmid-borne paralog Slr6041, and the response regulator Rre37. To understand the specificity and the cross-talk of such regulations, we simultaneously and quantitatively compared the proteomes of the gene knockout mutants for the regulators. A number of proteins showing differential expression in one or more mutants were identified, including four proteins that are unanimously upregulated or downregulated in all five mutants. These represent the important nodes of the intricate and elegant regulatory network for carbon metabolism. Moreover, serine phosphorylation of PII, a key signaling protein sensing and regulating in vivo carbon/nitrogen (C/N) homeostasis through reversible phosphorylation, is massively increased with a concomitant significant decrease in glycogen content only in the hik8-knockout mutant, which also displays impaired dark viability. An unphosphorylatable PII S49A substitution restored the glycogen content and rescued the dark viability of the mutant. Together, our study not only establishes the quantitative relationship between the targets and the corresponding regulators and elucidated their specificity and cross-talk but also unveils that Hik8 regulates glycogen accumulation through negative regulation of PII phosphorylation, providing the first line of evidence that links the two-component system with PII-mediated signal transduction and implicates them in the regulation of carbon metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Limin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gaojie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghui Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanya Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiahe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu An
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wu Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA
| | - Yingchun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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21
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Evans SL, Al-Hazeem MMJ, Mann D, Smetacek N, Beavil AJ, Sun Y, Chen T, Dykes GF, Liu LN, Bergeron JRC. Single-particle cryo-EM analysis of the shell architecture and internal organization of an intact α-carboxysome. Structure 2023; 31:677-688.e4. [PMID: 37015227 PMCID: PMC10689251 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Carboxysomes are proteinaceous bacterial microcompartments that sequester the key enzymes for carbon fixation in cyanobacteria and some proteobacteria. They consist of a virus-like icosahedral shell, encapsulating several enzymes, including ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO), responsible for the first step of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle. Despite their significance in carbon fixation and great bioengineering potentials, the structural understanding of native carboxysomes is currently limited to low-resolution studies. Here, we report the characterization of a native α-carboxysome from a marine cyanobacterium by single-particle cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). We have determined the structure of its RuBisCO enzyme, and obtained low-resolution maps of its icosahedral shell, and of its concentric interior organization. Using integrative modeling approaches, we have proposed a complete atomic model of an intact carboxysome, providing insight into its organization and assembly. This is critical for a better understanding of the carbon fixation mechanism and toward repurposing carboxysomes in synthetic biology for biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha L Evans
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Monsour M J Al-Hazeem
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel Mann
- Ernst-Ruska Centre 3, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Nicolas Smetacek
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Andrew J Beavil
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Yaqi Sun
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Taiyu Chen
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gregory F Dykes
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Lu-Ning Liu
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; College of Marine Life Sciences, and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Julien R C Bergeron
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
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22
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Hagan MF, Mohajerani F. Self-assembly coupled to liquid-liquid phase separation. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010652. [PMID: 37186597 PMCID: PMC10212142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid condensate droplets with distinct compositions of proteins and nucleic acids are widespread in biological cells. While it is known that such droplets, or compartments, can regulate irreversible protein aggregation, their effect on reversible self-assembly remains largely unexplored. In this article, we use kinetic theory and solution thermodynamics to investigate the effect of liquid-liquid phase separation on the reversible self-assembly of structures with well-defined sizes and architectures. We find that, when assembling subunits preferentially partition into liquid compartments, robustness against kinetic traps and maximum achievable assembly rates can be significantly increased. In particular, both the range of solution conditions leading to productive assembly and the corresponding assembly rates can increase by orders of magnitude. We analyze the rate equation predictions using simple scaling estimates to identify effects of liquid-liquid phase separation as a function of relevant control parameters. These results may elucidate self-assembly processes that underlie normal cellular functions or pathogenesis, and suggest strategies for designing efficient bottom-up assembly for nanomaterials applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Hagan
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Farzaneh Mohajerani
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
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23
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Nguyen ND, Pulsford SB, Hee WY, Rae BD, Rourke LM, Price GD, Long BM. Towards engineering a hybrid carboxysome. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2023; 156:265-277. [PMID: 36892800 PMCID: PMC10154267 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-023-01009-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Carboxysomes are bacterial microcompartments, whose structural features enable the encapsulated Rubisco holoenzyme to operate in a high-CO2 environment. Consequently, Rubiscos housed within these compartments possess higher catalytic turnover rates relative to their plant counterparts. This particular enzymatic property has made the carboxysome, along with associated transporters, an attractive prospect to incorporate into plant chloroplasts to increase future crop yields. To date, two carboxysome types have been characterized, the α-type that has fewer shell components and the β-type that houses a faster Rubisco. While research is underway to construct a native carboxysome in planta, work investigating the internal arrangement of carboxysomes has identified conserved Rubisco amino acid residues between the two carboxysome types which could be engineered to produce a new, hybrid carboxysome. In theory, this hybrid carboxysome would benefit from the simpler α-carboxysome shell architecture while simultaneously exploiting the higher Rubisco turnover rates in β-carboxysomes. Here, we demonstrate in an Escherichia coli expression system, that the Thermosynechococcus elongatus Form IB Rubisco can be imperfectly incorporated into simplified Cyanobium α-carboxysome-like structures. While encapsulation of non-native cargo can be achieved, T. elongatus Form IB Rubisco does not interact with the Cyanobium carbonic anhydrase, a core requirement for proper carboxysome functionality. Together, these results suggest a way forward to hybrid carboxysome formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghiem Dinh Nguyen
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Building 134, Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Sacha B Pulsford
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Building 46, Sullivan's Creek Road, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Wei Yi Hee
- Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Benjamin D Rae
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Building 134, Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Loraine M Rourke
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Building 134, Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - G Dean Price
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Building 134, Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia.
- Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia.
- Division of Plant Sciences, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Building 134, Linnaeus Way, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Benedict M Long
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Building 134, Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), The Australian National University, 134 Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
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24
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Chen T, Hojka M, Davey P, Sun Y, Dykes GF, Zhou F, Lawson T, Nixon PJ, Lin Y, Liu LN. Engineering α-carboxysomes into plant chloroplasts to support autotrophic photosynthesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2118. [PMID: 37185249 PMCID: PMC10130085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37490-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth in world population, climate change, and resource scarcity necessitate a sustainable increase in crop productivity. Photosynthesis in major crops is limited by the inefficiency of the key CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco, owing to its low carboxylation rate and poor ability to discriminate between CO2 and O2. In cyanobacteria and proteobacteria, carboxysomes function as the central CO2-fixing organelles that elevate CO2 levels around encapsulated Rubisco to enhance carboxylation. There is growing interest in engineering carboxysomes into crop chloroplasts as a potential route for improving photosynthesis and crop yields. Here, we generate morphologically correct carboxysomes in tobacco chloroplasts by transforming nine carboxysome genetic components derived from a proteobacterium. The chloroplast-expressed carboxysomes display a structural and functional integrity comparable to native carboxysomes and support autotrophic growth and photosynthesis of the transplastomic plants at elevated CO2. Our study provides proof-of-concept for a route to engineering fully functional CO2-fixing modules and entire CO2-concentrating mechanisms into chloroplasts to improve crop photosynthesis and productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiyu Chen
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, China
| | - Marta Hojka
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Ernst Chain Building-Wolfson Laboratories, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Philip Davey
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 4SQ, UK
| | - Yaqi Sun
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Gregory F Dykes
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Fei Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, China
| | - Tracy Lawson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 4SQ, UK
| | - Peter J Nixon
- Department of Life Sciences, Sir Ernst Chain Building-Wolfson Laboratories, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Yongjun Lin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, China.
| | - Lu-Ning Liu
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
- College of Marine Life Sciences, and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, 266003, Qingdao, China.
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25
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Kupriyanova EV, Pronina NA, Los DA. Adapting from Low to High: An Update to CO 2-Concentrating Mechanisms of Cyanobacteria and Microalgae. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1569. [PMID: 37050194 PMCID: PMC10096703 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular accumulation of inorganic carbon (Ci) by microalgae and cyanobacteria under ambient atmospheric CO2 levels was first documented in the 80s of the 20th Century. Hence, a third variety of the CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM), acting in aquatic photoautotrophs with the C3 photosynthetic pathway, was revealed in addition to the then-known schemes of CCM, functioning in CAM and C4 higher plants. Despite the low affinity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) of microalgae and cyanobacteria for the CO2 substrate and low CO2/O2 specificity, CCM allows them to perform efficient CO2 fixation in the reductive pentose phosphate (RPP) cycle. CCM is based on the coordinated operation of strategically located carbonic anhydrases and CO2/HCO3- uptake systems. This cooperation enables the intracellular accumulation of HCO3-, which is then employed to generate a high concentration of CO2 molecules in the vicinity of Rubisco's active centers compensating up for the shortcomings of enzyme features. CCM functions as an add-on to the RPP cycle while also acting as an important regulatory link in the interaction of dark and light reactions of photosynthesis. This review summarizes recent advances in the study of CCM molecular and cellular organization in microalgae and cyanobacteria, as well as the fundamental principles of its functioning and regulation.
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26
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Tanaka K, Shirai T, Vavricka CJ, Matsuda M, Kondo A, Hasunuma T. Dark accumulation of downstream glycolytic intermediates initiates robust photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 191:2400-2413. [PMID: 36574371 PMCID: PMC10069908 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis must maintain stability and robustness throughout fluctuating natural environments. In cyanobacteria, dark-to-light transition leads to drastic metabolic changes from dark respiratory metabolism to CO2 fixation through the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle using energy and redox equivalents provided by photosynthetic electron transfer. Previous studies have shown that catabolic metabolism supports the smooth transition into CBB cycle metabolism. However, metabolic mechanisms for robust initiation of photosynthesis are poorly understood due to lack of dynamic metabolic characterizations of dark-to-light transitions. Here, we show rapid dynamic changes (on a time scale of seconds) in absolute metabolite concentrations and 13C tracer incorporation after strong or weak light irradiation in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Integration of this data enabled estimation of time-resolved nonstationary metabolic flux underlying CBB cycle activation. This dynamic metabolic analysis indicated that downstream glycolytic intermediates, including phosphoglycerate and phosphoenolpyruvate, accumulate under dark conditions as major substrates for initial CO2 fixation. Compared with wild-type Synechocystis, significant decreases in the initial oxygen evolution rate were observed in 12 h dark preincubated mutants deficient in glycogen degradation or oxidative pentose phosphate pathways. Accordingly, the degree of decrease in the initial oxygen evolution rate was proportional to the accumulated pool size of glycolytic intermediates. These observations indicate that the accumulation of glycolytic intermediates is essential for efficient metabolism switching under fluctuating light environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenya Tanaka
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Innovation and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Shirai
- Graduate School of Science, Innovation and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Christopher J Vavricka
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Mami Matsuda
- Graduate School of Science, Innovation and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Innovation and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Hasunuma
- Engineering Biology Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
- Graduate School of Science, Innovation and Technology, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 1-7-22 Suehiro, Tsurumi, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
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27
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Jiang Q, Li T, Yang J, Aitchison CM, Huang J, Chen Y, Huang F, Wang Q, Cooper AI, Liu LN. Synthetic engineering of a new biocatalyst encapsulating [NiFe]-hydrogenases for enhanced hydrogen production. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:2684-2692. [PMID: 36883480 PMCID: PMC10032307 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02781j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogenases are microbial metalloenzymes capable of catalyzing the reversible interconversion between molecular hydrogen and protons with high efficiency, and have great potential in the development of new electrocatalysts for renewable fuel production. Here, we engineered the intact proteinaceous shell of the carboxysome, a self-assembling protein organelle for CO2 fixation in cyanobacteria and proteobacteria, and sequestered heterologously produced [NiFe]-hydrogenases into the carboxysome shell. The protein-based hybrid catalyst produced in E. coli shows substantially improved hydrogen production under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions and enhanced material and functional robustness, compared to unencapsulated [NiFe]-hydrogenases. The catalytically functional nanoreactor as well as the self-assembling and encapsulation strategies provide a framework for engineering new bioinspired electrocatalysts to improve the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals in biotechnological and chemical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyao Jiang
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Tianpei Li
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
- Materials Innovation Factory and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Catherine M Aitchison
- Materials Innovation Factory and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Jiafeng Huang
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Yu Chen
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Fang Huang
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Adaptation and Improvement, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Andrew I Cooper
- Materials Innovation Factory and Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 3NY, UK
| | - Lu-Ning Liu
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
- College of Marine Life Sciences, and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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28
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Boeynaems S, Chong S, Gsponer J, Holt L, Milovanovic D, Mitrea DM, Mueller-Cajar O, Portz B, Reilly JF, Reinkemeier CD, Sabari BR, Sanulli S, Shorter J, Sontag E, Strader L, Stachowiak J, Weber SC, White M, Zhang H, Zweckstetter M, Elbaum-Garfinkle S, Kriwacki R. Phase Separation in Biology and Disease; Current Perspectives and Open Questions. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167971. [PMID: 36690068 PMCID: PMC9970028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.167971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In the past almost 15 years, we witnessed the birth of a new scientific field focused on the existence, formation, biological functions, and disease associations of membraneless bodies in cells, now referred to as biomolecular condensates. Pioneering studies from several laboratories [reviewed in1-3] supported a model wherein biomolecular condensates associated with diverse biological processes form through the process of phase separation. These and other findings that followed have revolutionized our understanding of how biomolecules are organized in space and time within cells to perform myriad biological functions, including cell fate determination, signal transduction, endocytosis, regulation of gene expression and protein translation, and regulation of RNA metabolism. Further, condensates formed through aberrant phase transitions have been associated with numerous human diseases, prominently including neurodegeneration and cancer. While in some cases, rigorous evidence supports links between formation of biomolecular condensates through phase separation and biological functions, in many others such links are less robustly supported, which has led to rightful scrutiny of the generality of the roles of phase separation in biology and disease.4-7 During a week-long workshop in March 2022 at the Telluride Science Research Center (TSRC) in Telluride, Colorado, ∼25 scientists addressed key questions surrounding the biomolecular condensates field. Herein, we present insights gained through these discussions, addressing topics including, roles of condensates in diverse biological processes and systems, and normal and disease cell states, their applications to synthetic biology, and the potential for therapeutically targeting biomolecular condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Boeynaems
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Therapeutic Innovation Center (THINC), Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases (CAND), Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (DLDCCC), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shasha Chong
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Jörg Gsponer
- Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Liam Holt
- New York University School of Medicine, Institute for Systems Genetics, New York, NY 10016
| | - Drago Milovanovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Mueller-Cajar
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
| | | | | | | | - Benjamin R. Sabari
- Laboratory of Nuclear Organization, Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Serena Sanulli
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304
| | - James Shorter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Emily Sontag
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Lucia Strader
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Jeanne Stachowiak
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Huaiying Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mellon College of Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Markus Zweckstetter
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Von-Siebold-Str. 3a, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Department of NMR-based Structural Biology, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shana Elbaum-Garfinkle
- Department of Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY and Structural Biology Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, NY
| | - Richard Kriwacki
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee
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29
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Johnston J, Du Z, Behrens S. Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria Maintain Abundance but Lower amoA-Gene Expression during Cold Temperature Nitrification Failure in a Full-Scale Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0257122. [PMID: 36786623 PMCID: PMC10100873 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02571-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we explore the relationship between community structure and transcriptional activity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria during cold temperature nitrification failure in three parallel full-scale sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) treating municipal wastewater. In the three reactors, ammonia concentrations increased with declines in wastewater temperature below 15°C. We quantified and sequenced 16S rRNA and ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene fragments in DNA and RNA extracts from activated sludge samples collected from the SBRs during the warmer seasons (summer and fall) and when water temperatures were below 15°C (winter and spring). Taxonomic community composition of amoA genes and transcripts did not vary much between the warmer and colder seasons. However, we observed significant differences in amoA transcript copy numbers between fall (highest) and spring (lowest). Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas sp. could maintain their population abundance despite lowering their amoA gene expression during winter and spring. In spite of relatively low population abundance, an amoA amplicon sequence variant (ASV) cluster identified as most similar to the amoA gene of Nitrosospira briensis showed the highest amoA transcript-to-gene ratio throughout all four seasons, indicating that some nitrifiers remain active at wastewater temperatures below 15°C. Our results show that 16S rRNA and amoA gene copy numbers are limited predictors of cell activity. To optimize function and performance of mixed community bioprocesses, we need to collect high-resolution quantitative transcriptomic and potentially proteomic data to resolve the response of individual species to changes in environmental parameters in engineered systems. IMPORTANCE The diverse microbial community of activated sludge used in biological treatment systems exhibits dynamic seasonal shifts in community composition and activity. Many wastewater treatment plants in temperate/continental climates experience seasonal cold temperature nitrification failure. "Seasonal nitrification failure" is the discharge of elevated concentrations of ammonia (greater than 4 mg/liter) with treated wastewater during the winter (influent wastewater temperatures below 13°C). This study aims at expanding our understanding of how ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in activated sludge change in activity and growth across seasons. We quantified the ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene and transcript copy numbers using real-time PCR and sequenced the amoA amplicons to reveal community structure and activity changes of nitrifying microbial populations during seasonal nitrification failure in three full-scale sequencing batch reactors (SRBs) treating municipal wastewater. Relevant findings presented in this study contribute to explain seasonal nitrification performance variability in SRBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Johnston
- University of Minnesota, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Livermore, California, USA
| | - Zhe Du
- University of Minnesota, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Center for Environmental Health Risk Assessment and Research, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sebastian Behrens
- University of Minnesota, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- University of Minnesota, BioTechnology Institute, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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30
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Jin K, Chen G, Yang Y, Zhang Z, Lu T. Strategies for manipulating Rubisco and creating photorespiratory bypass to boost C 3 photosynthesis: Prospects on modern crop improvement. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023; 46:363-378. [PMID: 36444099 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis is a process that uses solar energy to fix CO2 in the air and converts it into sugar, and ultimately powers almost all life activities on the earth. C3 photosynthesis is the most common form of photosynthesis in crops. Current efforts of increasing crop yields in response to growing global food requirement are mostly focused on improving C3 photosynthesis. In this review, we summarized the strategies of C3 photosynthesis improvement in terms of Rubisco properties and photorespiratory limitation. Potential engineered targets include Rubisco subunits and their catalytic sites, Rubisco assembly chaperones, and Rubisco activase. In addition, we reviewed multiple photorespiratory bypasses built by strategies of synthetic biology to reduce the release of CO2 and ammonia and minimize energy consumption by photorespiration. The potential strategies are suggested to enhance C3 photosynthesis and boost crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaining Jin
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- Department of Plant Sciences, Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guoxin Chen
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yirong Yang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Tiegang Lu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
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31
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Ang WSL, How JA, How JB, Mueller-Cajar O. The stickers and spacers of Rubiscondensation: assembling the centrepiece of biophysical CO2-concentrating mechanisms. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:612-626. [PMID: 35903998 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic autotrophs that fix carbon using ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) frequently expend metabolic energy to pump inorganic carbon towards the enzyme's active site. A central requirement of this strategy is the formation of highly concentrated Rubisco condensates (or Rubiscondensates) known as carboxysomes and pyrenoids, which have convergently evolved multiple times in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, respectively. Recent data indicate that these condensates form by the mechanism of liquid-liquid phase separation. This mechanism requires networks of weak multivalent interactions typically mediated by intrinsically disordered scaffold proteins. Here we comparatively review recent rapid developments that detail the determinants and precise interactions that underlie diverse Rubisco condensates. The burgeoning field of biomolecular condensates has few examples where liquid-liquid phase separation can be linked to clear phenotypic outcomes. When present, Rubisco condensates are essential for photosynthesis and growth, and they are thus emerging as powerful and tractable models to investigate the structure-function relationship of phase separation in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Shou Leong Ang
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Jian Ann How
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Jian Boon How
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Oliver Mueller-Cajar
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
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32
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Badger MR, Sharwood RE. Rubisco, the imperfect winner: it's all about the base. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:562-580. [PMID: 36412307 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rubisco catalysis is complex and includes an activation step through the formation of a carbamate at the conserved active site lysine residue and the formation of a highly reactive enediol that is the key to its catalytic reaction. The formation of this enediol is both the basis of its success and its Achilles' heel, creating imperfections to its catalytic efficiency. While Rubisco originally evolved in an atmosphere of high CO2, the earth's multiple oxidation events provided challenges to Rubisco through the fixation of O2 that competes with CO2 at the active site. Numerous catalytic screens across the Rubisco superfamily have identified significant variation in catalytic properties that have been linked to large and small subunit sequences. Despite this, we still have a rudimentary understanding of Rubisco's catalytic mechanism and how the evolution of kinetic properties has occurred. This review identifies the lysine base that functions both as an activator and a proton abstractor to create the enediol as a key to understanding how Rubisco may optimize its kinetic properties. The ways in which Rubisco and its partners have overcome catalytic and activation imperfections and thrived in a world of high O2, low CO2, and variable climatic regimes is remarkable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray R Badger
- Research School of Biology, Building 134 Linnaeus Way, Canberra ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Robert E Sharwood
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Bourke St, Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia
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33
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Minagawa J, Dann M. Extracellular CahB1 from Sodalinema gerasimenkoae IPPAS B-353 Acts as a Functional Carboxysomal β-Carbonic Anhydrase in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:265. [PMID: 36678979 PMCID: PMC9865033 DOI: 10.3390/plants12020265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria mostly rely on the active uptake of hydrated CO2 (i.e., bicarbonate ions) from the surrounding media to fuel their inorganic carbon assimilation. The dehydration of bicarbonate in close vicinity of RuBisCO is achieved through the activity of carboxysomal carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzymes. Simultaneously, many cyanobacterial genomes encode extracellular α- and β-class CAs (EcaA, EcaB) whose exact physiological role remains largely unknown. To date, the CahB1 enzyme of Sodalinema gerasimenkoae (formerly Microcoleus/Coleofasciculus chthonoplastes) remains the sole described active extracellular β-CA in cyanobacteria, but its molecular features strongly suggest it to be a carboxysomal rather than a secreted protein. Upon expression of CahB1 in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, we found that its expression complemented the loss of endogenous CcaA. Moreover, CahB1 was found to localize to a carboxysome-harboring and CA-active cell fraction. Our data suggest that CahB1 retains all crucial properties of a cellular carboxysomal CA and that the secretion mechanism and/or the machinations of the Sodalinema gerasimenkoae carboxysome are different from those of Synechocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Minagawa
- Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), Aichi, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Marcel Dann
- Division of Environmental Photobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), Aichi, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- Plant Molecular Biology, Ludwig-Maximilian University (LMU) Munich, 82152 Planegg, Germany
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34
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Rosado-Souza L, Yokoyama R, Sonnewald U, Fernie AR. Understanding source-sink interactions: Progress in model plants and translational research to crops. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:96-121. [PMID: 36447435 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture is facing a massive increase in demand per hectare as a result of an ever-expanding population and environmental deterioration. While we have learned much about how environmental conditions and diseases impact crop yield, until recently considerably less was known concerning endogenous factors, including within-plant nutrient allocation. In this review, we discuss studies of source-sink interactions covering both fundamental research in model systems under controlled growth conditions and how the findings are being translated to crop plants in the field. In this respect we detail efforts aimed at improving and/or combining C3, C4, and CAM modes of photosynthesis, altering the chloroplastic electron transport chain, modulating photorespiration, adopting bacterial/algal carbon-concentrating mechanisms, and enhancing nitrogen- and water-use efficiencies. Moreover, we discuss how modulating TCA cycle activities and primary metabolism can result in increased rates of photosynthesis and outline the opportunities that evaluating natural variation in photosynthesis may afford. Although source, transport, and sink functions are all covered in this review, we focus on discussing source functions because the majority of research has been conducted in this field. Nevertheless, considerable recent evidence, alongside the evidence from classical studies, demonstrates that both transport and sink functions are also incredibly important determinants of yield. We thus describe recent evidence supporting this notion and suggest that future strategies for yield improvement should focus on combining improvements in each of these steps to approach yield optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laise Rosado-Souza
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
| | - Ryo Yokoyama
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstrasse 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alisdair R Fernie
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
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35
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Tang J, Zhou H, Jiang Y, Yao D, Waleron KF, Du LM, Daroch M. Characterization of a novel thermophilic cyanobacterium within Trichocoleusaceae, Trichothermofontia sichuanensis gen. et sp. nov., and its CO 2-concentrating mechanism. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1111809. [PMID: 37180226 PMCID: PMC10172474 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1111809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermophiles from extreme thermal environments have shown tremendous potential regarding ecological and biotechnological applications. Nevertheless, thermophilic cyanobacteria remain largely untapped and are rarely characterized. Herein, a polyphasic approach was used to characterize a thermophilic strain, PKUAC-SCTB231 (hereafter B231), isolated from a hot spring (pH 6.62, 55.5°C) in Zhonggu village, China. The analyses of 16S rRNA phylogeny, secondary structures of 16S-23S ITS and morphology strongly supported strain B231 as a novel genus within Trichocoleusaceae. Phylogenomic inference and three genome-based indices further verified the genus delineation. Based on the botanical code, the isolate is herein delineated as Trichothermofontia sichuanensis gen. et sp. nov., a genus closely related to a validly described genus Trichocoleus. In addition, our results suggest that Pinocchia currently classified to belong to the family Leptolyngbyaceae may require revision and assignment to the family Trichocoleusaceae. Furthermore, the complete genome of Trichothermofontia B231 facilitated the elucidation of the genetic basis regarding genes related to its carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM). The strain belongs to β-cyanobacteria according to its β-carboxysome shell protein and 1B form of Ribulose bisphosphate Carboxylase-Oxygenase (RubisCO). Compared to other thermophilic strains, strain B231contains a relatively low diversity of bicarbonate transporters (only BicA for HCO3- transport) but a higher abundance of different types of carbonic anhydrase (CA), β-CA (ccaA) and γ-CA (ccmM). The BCT1 transporter consistently possessed by freshwater cyanobacteria was absent in strain B231. Similar situation was occasionally observed in freshwater thermal Thermoleptolyngbya and Thermosynechococcus strains. Moreover, strain B231 shows a similar composition of carboxysome shell proteins (ccmK1-4, ccmL, -M, -N, -O, and -P) to mesophilic cyanobacteria, the diversity of which was higher than many thermophilic strains lacking at least one of the four ccmK genes. The genomic distribution of CCM-related genes suggests that the expression of some components is regulated as an operon and others in an independently controlled satellite locus. The current study also offers fundamental information for future taxogenomics, ecogenomics and geogenomic studies on distribution and significance of thermophilic cyanobacteria in the global ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tang
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huizhen Zhou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dan Yao
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Krzysztof F. Waleron
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Lian-Ming Du
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Maurycy Daroch
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Maurycy Daroch,
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36
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Wang H, Hayer-Hartl M. Phase Separation of Rubisco by the Folded SSUL Domains of CcmM in Beta-Carboxysome Biogenesis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2563:269-296. [PMID: 36227479 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2663-4_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Carboxysomes are large, cytosolic bodies present in all cyanobacteria and many proteobacteria that function as the sites of photosynthetic CO2 fixation by the enzyme ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). The carboxysome lumen is enriched with Rubisco and carbonic anhydrase (CA). The polyhedral proteinaceous shell allows the passage of HCO3- ions into the carboxysome, where they are converted to CO2 by CA. Thus, the carboxysome functions as a CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM), enhancing the efficiency of Rubisco in CO2 fixation. In β-cyanobacteria, carboxysome biogenesis first involves the aggregation of Rubisco by CcmM, a scaffolding protein that exists in two isoforms. Both isoforms contain a minimum of three Rubisco small subunit-like (SSUL) domains, connected by flexible linkers. Multivalent interaction between these linked SSUL domains with Rubisco results in phase separation and condensate formation. Here, we use Rubisco and the short isoform of CcmM (M35) of the β-cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 to describe the methods used for in vitro analysis of the mechanism of condensate formation driven by the SSUL domains. The methods include turbidity assays, bright-field and fluorescence microscopy, as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in both negative staining and cryo-conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huping Wang
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
- Membrane Protein Biosynthesis and Quality Control, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Manajit Hayer-Hartl
- Department of Cellular Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany.
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37
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Abstract
Cyanobacteria rely on CO2-concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to grow in today's atmosphere (0.04% CO2). These complex physiological adaptations require ≈15 genes to produce two types of protein complexes: inorganic carbon (Ci) transporters and 100+ nm carboxysome compartments that encapsulate rubisco with a carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme. Mutations disrupting any of these genes prohibit growth in ambient air. If any plausible ancestral form-i.e., lacking a single gene-cannot grow, how did the CCM evolve? Here, we test the hypothesis that evolution of the bacterial CCM was "catalyzed" by historically high CO2 levels that decreased over geologic time. Using an E. coli reconstitution of a bacterial CCM, we constructed strains lacking one or more CCM components and evaluated their growth across CO2 concentrations. We expected these experiments to demonstrate the importance of the carboxysome. Instead, we found that partial CCMs expressing CA or Ci uptake genes grew better than controls in intermediate CO2 levels (≈1%) and observed similar phenotypes in two autotrophic bacteria, Halothiobacillus neapolitanus and Cupriavidus necator. To understand how CA and Ci uptake improve growth, we model autotrophy as colimited by CO2 and HCO3-, as both are required to produce biomass. Our experiments and model delineated a viable trajectory for CCM evolution where decreasing atmospheric CO2 induces an HCO3- deficiency that is alleviated by acquisition of CA or Ci uptake, thereby enabling the emergence of a modern CCM. This work underscores the importance of considering physiology and environmental context when studying the evolution of biological complexity.
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38
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Kumar N, Kar S, Shukla P. Role of regulatory pathways and multi-omics approaches for carbon capture and mitigation in cyanobacteria. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 366:128104. [PMID: 36257524 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are known for their metabolic potential and carbon capture and sequestration capabilities. These cyanobacteria are not only an effective source for carbon minimization and resource mobilization into value-added products for biotechnological gains. The present review focuses on the detailed description of carbon capture mechanisms exerted by the various cyanobacterial strains, the role of important regulatory pathways, and their subsequent genes responsible for such mechanisms. Moreover, this review will also describe effectual mechanisms of central carbon metabolism like isoprene synthesis, ethylene production, MEP pathway, and the role of Glyoxylate shunt in the carbon sequestration mechanisms. This review also describes some interesting facets of using carbon assimilation mechanisms for valuable bio-products. The role of regulatory pathways and multi-omics approaches in cyanobacteria will not only be crucial towards improving carbon utilization but also will give new insights into utilizing cyanobacterial bioresource for carbon neutrality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niwas Kumar
- Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions, Navrangapura, Ahmedabad 380009, India
| | - Srabani Kar
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Pratyoosh Shukla
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
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39
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Zafar AM, Javed MA, Aly Hassan A, Sahle-Demessie E, Harmon S. Biodesalination using halophytic cyanobacterium Phormidium keutzingianum from brackish to the hypersaline water. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:136082. [PMID: 36028126 PMCID: PMC10875329 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The biodesalination potential at different levels of salinity of Phormidium keutzingianum (P. keutzingianum) was investigated. A wide range of salinity from brackish to hypersaline water was explored in this study to ensure the adaptability of P. keutzingianum in extreme stress conditions. Brackish to hypersaline salt solutions were tested at selected NaCl concentrations 10, 30, 50, and 70 g.L-1. Chloride, pH, nitrate, and phosphate were the main parameters measured throughout the duration of the experiment. Biomass growth estimation revealed that the studied strain is adaptable to all the salinities inoculated. During the first growth phase (till day 20), chloride ion was removed up to 43.52% and 45.69% in 10 and 30 g.L-1 of salinity, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry analysis performed on P. keutzingianum showed the presence of active functional groups at all salinity levels, which resulted in biosorption leading to the bioaccumulation process. Samples for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis supported with electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDS) showed NaCl on samples already on day 0. This ensures the occurrence of the biosorption process. SEM-EDS results on 10th d showed evidence of additional ions deposited on the outer surface of P. keutzingianum. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, phosphorus, and iron were indicated in SEM-EDS analysis proving the occurrence of the biomineralization process. These findings confirmed that P. keutzingianum showed biomass production, biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biomineralization in all salinities; hence, the strain affirms the biodesalination process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Mannan Zafar
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and National Water & Energy Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, 15551, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Muhammad Asad Javed
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and National Water & Energy Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, 15551, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Ashraf Aly Hassan
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and National Water & Energy Center, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, 15551, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Endalkachew Sahle-Demessie
- Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Responses, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA.
| | - Stephen Harmon
- Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Responses, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA.
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40
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Cabello-Yeves PJ, Scanlan DJ, Callieri C, Picazo A, Schallenberg L, Huber P, Roda-Garcia JJ, Bartosiewicz M, Belykh OI, Tikhonova IV, Torcello-Requena A, De Prado PM, Millard AD, Camacho A, Rodriguez-Valera F, Puxty RJ. α-cyanobacteria possessing form IA RuBisCO globally dominate aquatic habitats. THE ISME JOURNAL 2022; 16:2421-2432. [PMID: 35851323 PMCID: PMC9477826 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-022-01282-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RuBisCO (ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) is one the most abundant enzymes on Earth. Virtually all food webs depend on its activity to supply fixed carbon. In aerobic environments, RuBisCO struggles to distinguish efficiently between CO2 and O2. To compensate, organisms have evolved convergent solutions to concentrate CO2 around the active site. The genetic engineering of such inorganic carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) into plants could help facilitate future global food security for humankind. In bacteria, the carboxysome represents one such CCM component, of which two independent forms exist: α and β. Cyanobacteria are important players in the planet's carbon cycle and the vast majority of the phylum possess a β-carboxysome, including most cyanobacteria used as laboratory models. The exceptions are the exclusively marine Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus that numerically dominate open ocean systems. However, the reason why marine systems favor an α-form is currently unknown. Here, we report the genomes of 58 cyanobacteria, closely related to marine Synechococcus that were isolated from freshwater lakes across the globe. We find all these isolates possess α-carboxysomes accompanied by a form 1A RuBisCO. Moreover, we demonstrate α-cyanobacteria dominate freshwater lakes worldwide. Hence, the paradigm of a separation in carboxysome type across the salinity divide does not hold true, and instead the α-form dominates all aquatic systems. We thus question the relevance of β-cyanobacteria as models for aquatic systems at large and pose a hypothesis for the reason for the success of the α-form in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J Cabello-Yeves
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Departamento de Producción Vegetal y Microbiología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.
| | - David J Scanlan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Cristiana Callieri
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Water Research (IRSA), Verbania, Italy
| | - Antonio Picazo
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, E-46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Paula Huber
- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), UNSAM-CONICET., Av. Intendente Marino Km 8,200, 7130, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto Nacional de Limnología (INALI), CONICET-UNL., Ciudad Universitaria-Paraje el Pozo s/n, 3000, Santa Fé, Argentina
| | - Juan J Roda-Garcia
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Departamento de Producción Vegetal y Microbiología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Maciej Bartosiewicz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olga I Belykh
- Limnological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 278, 664033, Irkutsk, Russia
| | - Irina V Tikhonova
- Limnological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 278, 664033, Irkutsk, Russia
| | | | | | - Andrew D Millard
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Antonio Camacho
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, E-46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodriguez-Valera
- Evolutionary Genomics Group, Departamento de Producción Vegetal y Microbiología, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Richard J Puxty
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
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41
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Using synthetic biology to improve photosynthesis for sustainable food production. J Biotechnol 2022; 359:1-14. [PMID: 36126804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Photosynthesis is responsible for the primary productivity and maintenance of life on Earth, boosting biological activity and contributing to the maintenance of the environment. In the past, traditional crop improvement was considered sufficient to meet food demands, but the growing demand for food coupled with climate change has modified this scenario over the past decades. However, advances in this area have not focused on photosynthesis per se but rather on fixed carbon partitioning. In short, other approaches must be used to meet an increasing agricultural demand. Thus, several paths may be followed, from modifications in leaf shape and canopy architecture, improving metabolic pathways related to CO2 fixation, the inclusion of metabolic mechanisms from other species, and improvements in energy uptake by plants. Given the recognized importance of photosynthesis, as the basis of the primary productivity on Earth, we here present an overview of the latest advances in attempts to improve plant photosynthetic performance. We focused on points considered key to the enhancement of photosynthesis, including leaf shape development, RuBisCO reengineering, Calvin-Benson cycle optimization, light use efficiency, the introduction of the C4 cycle in C3 plants and the inclusion of other CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs). We further provide compelling evidence that there is still room for further improvements. Finally, we conclude this review by presenting future perspectives and possible new directions on this subject.
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Giordano M, Goodman CA, Huang F, Raven JA, Ruan Z. A mechanistic study of the influence of nitrogen and energy availability on the NH4+ sensitivity of nitrogen assimilation in Synechococcus. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:5596-5611. [PMID: 35595516 PMCID: PMC9467657 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In most algae, NO3- assimilation is tightly controlled and is often inhibited by the presence of NH4+. In the marine, non-colonial, non-diazotrophic cyanobacterium Synechococcus UTEX 2380, NO3- assimilation is sensitive to NH4+ only when N does not limit growth. We sequenced the genome of Synechococcus UTEX 2380, studied the genetic organization of the nitrate assimilation related (NAR) genes, and investigated expression and kinetics of the main NAR enzymes, under N or light limitation. We found that Synechococcus UTEX 2380 is a β-cyanobacterium with a full complement of N uptake and assimilation genes and NAR regulatory elements. The nitrate reductase of our strain showed biphasic kinetics, previously observed only in freshwater or soil diazotrophic Synechococcus strains. Nitrite reductase and glutamine synthetase showed little response to our growth treatments, and their activity was usually much higher than that of nitrate reductase. NH4+ insensitivity of NAR genes may be associated with the stimulation of the binding of the regulator NtcA to NAR gene promoters by the high 2-oxoglutarate concentrations produced under N limitation. NH4+ sensitivity in energy-limited cells fits with the fact that, under these conditions, the use of NH4+ rather than NO3- decreases N-assimilation cost, whereas it would exacerbate N shortage under N limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Giordano
- STU-UNIVPM Joint Algal Research Center, Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell’Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona 60131, Italy
- CMNS-Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, 2107 Bioscience Research Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-4407, USA
- Institute of Microbiology ASCR, Algatech, Trebon, Czech Republic
- National Research Council, Institute of Marine Science, Venezia, Italy
| | - Charles A Goodman
- CMNS-Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, 2107 Bioscience Research Building, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-4407, USA
| | - Fengying Huang
- STU-UNIVPM Joint Algal Research Center, Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China
| | - John A Raven
- Division of Plant Sciences, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5 DA, UK
- Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
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43
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Huang J, Jiang Q, Yang M, Dykes GF, Weetman SL, Xin W, He HL, Liu LN. Probing the Internal pH and Permeability of a Carboxysome Shell. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:4339-4348. [PMID: 36054822 PMCID: PMC9554877 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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The carboxysome is a protein-based nanoscale organelle
in cyanobacteria
and many proteobacteria, which encapsulates the key CO2-fixing enzymes ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco)
and carbonic anhydrase (CA) within a polyhedral protein shell. The
intrinsic self-assembly and architectural features of carboxysomes
and the semipermeability of the protein shell provide the foundation
for the accumulation of CO2 within carboxysomes and enhanced
carboxylation. Here, we develop an approach to determine the interior
pH conditions and inorganic carbon accumulation within an α-carboxysome
shell derived from a chemoautotrophic proteobacterium Halothiobacillus neapolitanus and evaluate the shell
permeability. By incorporating a pH reporter, pHluorin2, within empty
α-carboxysome shells produced in Escherichia
coli, we probe the interior pH of the protein shells
with and without CA. Our in vivo and in vitro results demonstrate a lower interior pH of α-carboxysome shells
than the cytoplasmic pH and buffer pH, as well as the modulation of
the interior pH in response to changes in external environments, indicating
the shell permeability to bicarbonate ions and protons. We further
determine the saturated HCO3– concentration
of 15 mM within α-carboxysome shells and show the CA-mediated
increase in the interior CO2 level. Uncovering the interior
physiochemical microenvironment of carboxysomes is crucial for understanding
the mechanisms underlying carboxysomal shell permeability and enhancement
of Rubisco carboxylation within carboxysomes. Such fundamental knowledge
may inform reprogramming carboxysomes to improve metabolism and recruit
foreign enzymes for enhanced catalytical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Huang
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom.,School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China
| | - Qiuyao Jiang
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom.,Department of Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Mengru Yang
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Gregory F Dykes
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha L Weetman
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Xin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China.,Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 271000, China
| | - Hai-Lun He
- School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China
| | - Lu-Ning Liu
- Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, United Kingdom.,College of Marine Life Sciences, and Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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44
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Loss of key endosymbiont genes may facilitate early host control of the chromatophore in Paulinella. iScience 2022; 25:104974. [PMID: 36093053 PMCID: PMC9450145 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary plastid endosymbiosis (∼124 Mya) that occurred in the heterotrophic amoeba lineage, Paulinella, is at an earlier stage of evolution than in Archaeplastida, and provides an excellent model for studying organelle integration. Using genomic data from photosynthetic Paulinella, we identified a plausible mechanism for the evolution of host control of endosymbiont (termed the chromatophore) biosynthetic pathways and functions. Specifically, random gene loss from the chromatophore and compensation by nuclear-encoded gene copies enables host control of key pathways through a minimal number of evolutionary innovations. These gene losses impact critical enzymatic steps in nucleotide biosynthesis and the more peripheral components of multi-protein DNA replication complexes. Gene retention in the chromatophore likely reflects the need to maintain a specific stoichiometric balance of the encoded products (e.g., involved in DNA replication) rather than redox state, as in the highly reduced plastid genomes of algae and plants. Endosymbiont DNA replication cannot be completed without several key host proteins Endosymbiont nucleotide biosynthesis is completed by import of host proteins Limited gene loss allowed the host to gain control of endosymbiont division Paulinella regulates chromatophore function using the stringent response pathway
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45
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Velmurugan R, Incharoensakdi A. Metabolic transformation of cyanobacteria for biofuel production. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134342. [PMID: 35307390 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
World-wide, an emerging demand is moving towards the biofuels to replace the fossil fuels. In alternative biofuel production strategies, cyanobacteria have unique characteristic of accumulating glycogen, lipid, and fuel molecules through natural mechanisms. Moreover, the cyanobacteria can be easily engineered to synthesis a plenty of fuel molecules from CO2. To obtain the fuel molecule from cyanobacteria, various techniques were invented in which the metabolic engineering is found to be a prerequisite to develop an economically feasible process. The expression of indigenous or heterologous pathways plays an important role in developing successful production process. In addition, the engineering of photosynthetic apparatus, destruction of competitive pathways and improvement of tolerance were also proven to improve the product specific synthesis. Although various metabolic engineering approaches have been developed, there are certain obstacles when it comes to implementation for the production. In this review, the important biosynthetic pathways for biofuels, alteration of other genes to improve the actual pathway and possibilities of developing cyanobacterial fuel production have been elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendran Velmurugan
- Cyanobacterial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Aran Incharoensakdi
- Cyanobacterial Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Academy of Science, Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, 10300, Thailand.
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46
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Tsidilkovski L, Mohajerani F, Hagan MF. Microcompartment assembly around multicomponent fluid cargoes. J Chem Phys 2022; 156:245104. [PMID: 35778087 PMCID: PMC9249432 DOI: 10.1063/5.0089556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes dynamical simulations of the assembly of an icosahedral protein shell around a bicomponent fluid cargo. Our simulations are motivated by bacterial microcompartments, which are protein shells found in bacteria that assemble around a complex of enzymes and other components involved in certain metabolic processes. The simulations demonstrate that the relative interaction strengths among the different cargo species play a key role in determining the amount of each species that is encapsulated, their spatial organization, and the nature of the shell assembly pathways. However, the shell protein–shell protein and shell protein–cargo component interactions that help drive assembly and encapsulation also influence cargo composition within certain parameter regimes. These behaviors are governed by a combination of thermodynamic and kinetic effects. In addition to elucidating how natural microcompartments encapsulate multiple components involved within reaction cascades, these results have implications for efforts in synthetic biology to colocalize alternative sets of molecules within microcompartments to accelerate specific reactions. More broadly, the results suggest that coupling between self-assembly and multicomponent liquid–liquid phase separation may play a role in the organization of the cellular cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev Tsidilkovski
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, USA
| | - Farzaneh Mohajerani
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, USA
| | - Michael F Hagan
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, USA
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47
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Tyukodi B, Mohajerani F, Hall DM, Grason GM, Hagan MF. Thermodynamic Size Control in Curvature-Frustrated Tubules: Self-Limitation with Open Boundaries. ACS NANO 2022; 16:9077-9085. [PMID: 35638478 PMCID: PMC10362403 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c00865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We use computational modeling to investigate the assembly thermodynamics of a particle-based model for geometrically frustrated assembly, in which the local packing geometry of subunits is incompatible with uniform, strain-free large-scale assembly. The model considers discrete triangular subunits that drive assembly toward a closed, hexagonal-ordered tubule, but have geometries that locally favor negative Gaussian curvature. We use dynamical Monte Carlo simulations and enhanced sampling methods to compute the free energy landscape and corresponding self-assembly behavior as a function of experimentally accessible parameters that control assembly driving forces and the magnitude of frustration. The results determine the parameter range where finite-temperature self-limiting assembly occurs, in which the equilibrium assembly size distribution is sharply peaked around a well-defined finite size. The simulations also identify two mechanisms by which the system can escape frustration and assemble to unlimited size, and determine the particle-scale properties of subunits that suppress unbounded growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botond Tyukodi
- Martin Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Farzaneh Mohajerani
- Martin Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Douglas M Hall
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Gregory M Grason
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Michael F Hagan
- Martin Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
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48
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Tasneem N, Szyszka TN, Jenner EN, Lau YH. How Pore Architecture Regulates the Function of Nanoscale Protein Compartments. ACS NANO 2022; 16:8540-8556. [PMID: 35583458 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembling proteins can form porous compartments that adopt well-defined architectures at the nanoscale. In nature, protein compartments act as semipermeable barriers to enable spatial separation and organization of complex biochemical processes. The compartment pores play a key role in their overall function by selectively controlling the influx and efflux of important biomolecular species. By engineering the pores, the functionality of compartments can be tuned to facilitate non-native applications, such as artificial nanoreactors for catalysis. In this review, we analyze how protein structure determines the porosity and impacts the function of both native and engineered compartments, highlighting the wealth of structural data recently obtained by cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography. Through this analysis, we offer perspectives on how current structural insights can inform future studies into the design of artificial protein compartments as nanoreactors with tunable porosity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuren Tasneem
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Eastern Avenue, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Taylor N Szyszka
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Eastern Avenue, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- University of Sydney Nano Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Eric N Jenner
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Eastern Avenue, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Yu Heng Lau
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Eastern Avenue, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
- University of Sydney Nano Institute, Camperdown, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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49
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Nissley DA, Jiang Y, Trovato F, Sitarik I, Narayan KB, To P, Xia Y, Fried SD, O’Brien EP. Universal protein misfolding intermediates can bypass the proteostasis network and remain soluble and less functional. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3081. [PMID: 35654797 PMCID: PMC9163053 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Some misfolded protein conformations can bypass proteostasis machinery and remain soluble in vivo. This is an unexpected observation, as cellular quality control mechanisms should remove misfolded proteins. Three questions, then, are: how do long-lived, soluble, misfolded proteins bypass proteostasis? How widespread are such misfolded states? And how long do they persist? We address these questions using coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulations of the synthesis, termination, and post-translational dynamics of a representative set of cytosolic E. coli proteins. We predict that half of proteins exhibit misfolded subpopulations that bypass molecular chaperones, avoid aggregation, and will not be rapidly degraded, with some misfolded states persisting for months or longer. The surface properties of these misfolded states are native-like, suggesting they will remain soluble, while self-entanglements make them long-lived kinetic traps. In terms of function, we predict that one-third of proteins can misfold into soluble less-functional states. For the heavily entangled protein glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, limited-proteolysis mass spectrometry experiments interrogating misfolded conformations of the protein are consistent with the structural changes predicted by our simulations. These results therefore provide an explanation for how proteins can misfold into soluble conformations with reduced functionality that can bypass proteostasis, and indicate, unexpectedly, this may be a wide-spread phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Nissley
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Yang Jiang
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Fabio Trovato
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Ian Sitarik
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Karthik B. Narayan
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
| | - Philip To
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Yingzi Xia
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Stephen D. Fried
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA ,grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Thomas C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218 USA
| | - Edward P. O’Brien
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 USA
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50
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Gabr A, Stephens TG, Bhattacharya D. Hypothesis: Trans-splicing Generates Evolutionary Novelty in the Photosynthetic Amoeba Paulinella. JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY 2022; 58:392-405. [PMID: 35255163 PMCID: PMC9311404 DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plastid primary endosymbiosis has occurred twice, once in the Archaeplastida ancestor and once in the Paulinella (Rhizaria) lineage. Both events precipitated massive evolutionary changes, including the recruitment and activation of genes that are horizontally acquired (HGT) and the redeployment of existing genes and pathways in novel contexts. Here we address the latter aspect in Paulinella micropora KR01 (hereafter, KR01) that has independently evolved spliced leader (SL) trans-splicing (SLTS) of nuclear-derived transcripts. We investigated the role of this process in gene regulation, novel gene origination, and endosymbiont integration. Our analysis shows that 20% of KR01 genes give rise to transcripts with at least one (but in some cases, multiple) sites of SL addition. This process, which often occurs at canonical cis-splicing acceptor sites (internal introns), results in shorter transcripts that may produce 5'-truncated proteins with novel functions. SL-truncated transcripts fall into four categories that may show: (i) altered protein localization, (ii) altered protein function, structure, or regulation, (iii) loss of valid alternative start codons, preventing translation, or (iv) multiple SL addition sites at the 5'-terminus. The SL RNA genes required for SLTS are putatively absent in the heterotrophic sister lineage of photosynthetic Paulinella species. Moreover, a high proportion of transcripts derived from genes of endosymbiotic gene transfer (EGT) and HGT origin contain SL sequences. We hypothesize that truncation of transcripts by SL addition may facilitate the generation and expression of novel gene variants and that SLTS may have enhanced the activation and fixation of foreign genes in the host genome of the photosynthetic lineages, playing a key role in primary endosymbiont integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Gabr
- Graduate Program in Molecular Bioscience and Program in Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew Jersey08901USA
| | - Timothy G. Stephens
- Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew Jersey08901USA
| | - Debashish Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew Jersey08901USA
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