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Chao M, Huang L, Dong J, Chen Y, Hu G, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Wang Q. Molecular characterization and expression pattern of Rubisco activase gene GhRCAβ2 in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Genes Genomics 2024; 46:423-436. [PMID: 38324226 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-024-01494-x] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rubisco activase (RCA) is a pivotal enzyme that can catalyse the activation of Rubisco in carbon assimilation pathway. Many studies have shown that RCA may be a potential target for genetic manipulation aimed at enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and crop yield. OBJECTIVE To understand the biological function of the GhRCAβ2 gene in upland cotton, we cloned the coding sequence (CDS) of the GhRCAβ2 gene and investigated its sequence features, evolutionary relationship, subcellular localization, promoter sequence and expression pattern. METHODS The bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the sequence features of GhRCAβ2 protein. Transient transformation of Arabidopsis mesophyll protoplasts was performed to determine the subcellular localization of the GhRCAβ2 protein. The expression pattern of the GhRCAβ2 gene was examined by analyzing transcriptome data and using the quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS The full-length CDS of GhRCAβ2 was 1317 bp, and it encoded a protein with a chloroplast transit peptide. The GhRCAβ2 had two conserved ATP-binding domains, and did not have the C-terminal extension (CTE) domain that was unique to the RCA α-isoform in plants. Evolutionarily, GhRCAβ2 was clustered in Group A, and had a close evolutionary relationship with the soybean RCA. Western blot analysis demonstrated that GhRCAβ2 was immunoreactive to the RCA antibody displaying a molecular weight similar to that of the RCA β-isoform. The GhRCAβ2 protein was found in chloroplast, aligning with its role as a vital enzyme in the process of photosynthesis. The GhRCAβ2 gene had a leaf tissue-specific expression pattern, and the yellow-green leaf mutant exhibited a decreased expression of GhRCAβ2 in comparison to the wild-type cotton plants. The GhRCAβ2 promoter contained several cis-acting elements that respond to light, phytohormones and stress, suggesting that the expression of GhRCAβ2 may be regulated by these factors. An additional examination of stress response indicated that GhRCAβ2 expression was influenced by cold, heat, salt, and drought stress. Notably, diverse expression pattern was observed across different stress conditions. Additionally, low phosphorus and low potassium stress may result in a notable reduction in the expression of GhRCAβ2 gene. CONCLUSION Our findings will establish a basis for further understanding the function of the GhRCAβ2 gene, as well as providing valuable genetic knowledge to improve cotton photosynthetic efficiency and yield under challenging environmental circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoni Chao
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Agronomy, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, 271018, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Institute of Industrial Crops, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Genhai Hu
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Qiufang Zhang
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Jinbao Zhang
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Qinglian Wang
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Biological Breeding, Henan Key Laboratory Molecular Ecology and Germplasm Innovation of Cotton and Wheat, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
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Chen H, Wang Q, Fan M, Zhang X, Feng P, Zhu L, Wu J, Cheng X, Wang J. A Single Nucleotide Variation of CRS2 Affected the Establishment of Photosynthetic System in Rice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065796. [PMID: 36982870 PMCID: PMC10054620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chloroplasts are essential sites for plant photosynthesis, and the biogenesis of the photosynthetic complexes involves the interaction of nuclear genes and chloroplast genes. In this study, we identified a rice pale green leaf mutant, crs2. The crs2 mutant showed different degrees of low chlorophyll phenotypes at different growth stages, especially at the seedling stage. Fine mapping and DNA sequencing of crs2 revealed a single nucleotide substitution (G4120A) in the eighth exons of CRS2, causing a G-to-R mutation of the 229th amino acid of CRS2 (G229R). The results of complementation experiments confirmed that this single-base mutation in crs2 is responsible for the phenotype of the crs2 mutant. CRS2 encodes a chloroplast RNA splicing 2 protein localized in the chloroplast. Western blot results revealed an abnormality in the abundance of the photosynthesis-related protein in crs2. However, the mutation of CRS2 leads to the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity, which could reduce ROS levels. Meanwhile, with the release of Rubisco activity, the photosynthetic performance of crs2 was improved. In summary, the G229R mutation in CRS2 causes chloroplast protein abnormalities and affects photosystem performance in rice; the above findings facilitate the elucidation of the physiological mechanism of chloroplast proteins affecting photosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Genetic Breeding in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Genetic Breeding in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Mingqian Fan
- Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Genetic Breeding in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xijuan Zhang
- Cultivation and Tillage Institute, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Heilongjiang Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Crop Cold Damage, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Pulin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Genetic Breeding in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Genetic Breeding in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Jiayi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Genetic Breeding in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xiaoyi Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Genetic Breeding in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
- Correspondence: (X.C.); or (J.W.)
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Genetic Breeding in Northeast China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Areas, Rice Research Institute, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
- Correspondence: (X.C.); or (J.W.)
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Recent developments in the engineering of Rubisco activase for enhanced crop yield. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:627-637. [PMID: 36929563 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Rubisco activase (RCA) catalyzes the release of inhibitory sugar phosphates from ribulose-1,6-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and can play an important role in biochemical limitations of photosynthesis under dynamic light and elevated temperatures. There is interest in increasing RCA activity to improve crop productivity, but a lack of understanding about the regulation of photosynthesis complicates engineering strategies. In this review, we discuss work relevant to improving RCA with a focus on advances in understanding the structural cause of RCA instability under heat stress and the regulatory interactions between RCA and components of photosynthesis. This reveals substantial variation in RCA thermostability that can be influenced by single amino acid substitutions, and that engineered variants can perform better in vitro and in vivo under heat stress. In addition, there are indications RCA activity is controlled by transcriptional, post-transcriptional, post-translational, and spatial regulation, which may be important for balancing between carbon fixation and light capture. Finally, we provide an overview of findings from recent field experiments and consider the requirements for commercial validation as part of efforts to increase crop yields in the face of global climate change.
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Gao Y, He X, Lv H, Liu H, Li Y, Hu Y, Liu Y, Huang Y, Zhang J. Epi-Brassinolide Regulates ZmC4 NADP-ME Expression through the Transcription Factors ZmbHLH157 and ZmNF-YC2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054614. [PMID: 36902048 PMCID: PMC10002761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Maize is a main food and feed crop with great production potential and high economic benefits. Improving its photosynthesis efficiency is crucial for increasing yield. Maize photosynthesis occurs mainly through the C4 pathway, and NADP-ME (NADP-malic enzyme) is a key enzyme in the photosynthetic carbon assimilation pathway of C4 plants. ZmC4-NADP-ME catalyzes the release of CO2 from oxaloacetate into the Calvin cycle in the maize bundle sheath. Brassinosteroid (BL) can improve photosynthesis; however, its molecular mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, transcriptome sequencing of maize seedlings treated with epi-brassinolide (EBL) showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in photosynthetic antenna proteins, porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism, and photosynthesis pathways. The DEGs of C4-NADP-ME and pyruvate phosphate dikinase in the C4 pathway were significantly enriched in EBL treatment. Co-expression analysis showed that the transcription level of ZmNF-YC2 and ZmbHLH157 transcription factors was increased under EBL treatment and moderately positively correlated with ZmC4-NADP-ME. Transient overexpression of protoplasts revealed that ZmNF-YC2 and ZmbHLH157 activate C4-NADP-ME promoters. Further experiments showed ZmNF-YC2 and ZmbHLH157 transcription factor binding sites on the -1616 bp and -1118 bp ZmC4 NADP-ME promoter. ZmNF-YC2 and ZmbHLH157 were screened as candidate transcription factors mediating brassinosteroid hormone regulation of the ZmC4 NADP-ME gene. The results provide a theoretical basis for improving maize yield using BR hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanfen Gao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625000, China
| | - Xuewu He
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625000, China
| | - Huayang Lv
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625000, China
| | - Hanmei Liu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625000, China
| | - Yangping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yufeng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yinghong Liu
- Maize Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yubi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Correspondence: (Y.H.); (J.Z.)
| | - Junjie Zhang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.H.); (J.Z.)
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Ge Z, Ma Y, Xing W, Wu Y, Peng S, Mao L, Miao Z. Inorganic Nitrogen-Containing Aerosol Deposition Caused "Excessive Photosynthesis" of Herbs, Resulting in Increased Nitrogen Demand. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:2225. [PMID: 36079607 PMCID: PMC9460276 DOI: 10.3390/plants11172225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The amount of atmospheric nitrogen-containing aerosols has increased dramatically due to the globally rising levels of nitrogen from fertilization and atmospheric deposition. Although the balance of carbon and nitrogen in plants is a crucial component of physiological and biochemical indexes and plays a key role in adaptive regulation, our understanding of how nitrogen-containing aerosols affect this remains limited; in particular, regarding the associated mechanisms. Using a fumigation particle generator, we generated ammonium nitrate solution (in four concentrations of 0, 15, 30, 60 kg N hm-2 year-1) into droplets, in 90% of which the diameters were less than 2.5 μm, in the range of 0.35-4 μm, and fumigated Iris germanica L. and Portulaca grandiflora Hook. for 30 days in April and August. We found that the weight percentage of nitrogen in the upper epidermis, mesophyll tissue, and bulk of leaves decreased significantly with the N addition rate, which caused a decrease of carbon:nitrogen ratio, due to the enhanced net photosynthetic rate. Compared with Portulaca grandiflora Hook., Iris germanica L. responded more significantly to the disturbance of N addition, resulting in a decrease in the weight percentage of nitrogen in the roots, due to a lower nitrogen use efficiency. In addition, the superoxide dismutase activity of the two plants was inhibited with a higher concentration of nitrogen sol; a reduction of superoxide dismutase activity in plants means that the resistance of plants to various environmental stresses is reduced, and this decrease in superoxide dismutase activity may be related to ROS signaling. The results suggest that inorganic nitrogen-containing aerosols caused excessive stress to plants, especially for Iris germanica L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Ge
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- NFU Academy of Chinese Ecological Progress and Forestry Development Studies, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yunran Ma
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wei Xing
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- Jiangsu Academy of Forestry, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Yongbo Wu
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Sili Peng
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Lingfeng Mao
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- NFU Academy of Chinese Ecological Progress and Forestry Development Studies, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zimei Miao
- College of Biology and the Environment, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
- NFU Academy of Chinese Ecological Progress and Forestry Development Studies, Nanjing 210037, China
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Correia PMP, da Silva AB, Vaz M, Carmo-Silva E, Marques da Silva J. Efficient Regulation of CO 2 Assimilation Enables Greater Resilience to High Temperature and Drought in Maize. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:675546. [PMID: 34381474 PMCID: PMC8350398 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.675546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Increasing temperatures and extended drought episodes are among the major constraints affecting food production. Maize has a relatively high temperature optimum for photosynthesis compared to C3 crops, however, the response of this important C4 crop to the combination of heat and drought stress is poorly understood. Here, we hypothesized that resilience to high temperature combined with water deficit (WD) would require efficient regulation of the photosynthetic traits of maize, including the C4-CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM). Two genotypes of maize with contrasting levels of drought and heat tolerance, B73 and P0023, were acclimatized at high temperature (38°C versus 25°C) under well-watered (WW) or WD conditions. The photosynthetic performance was evaluated by gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence, and in vitro activities of key enzymes for carboxylation (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase), decarboxylation (NADP-malic enzyme), and carbon fixation (Rubisco). Both genotypes successfully acclimatized to the high temperature, although with different mechanisms: while B73 maintained the photosynthetic rates by increasing stomatal conductance (gs), P0023 maintained gs and showed limited transpiration. When WD was experienced in combination with high temperatures, limited transpiration allowed water-savings and acted as a drought stress avoidance mechanism. The photosynthetic efficiency in P0023 was sustained by higher phosphorylated PEPC and electron transport rate (ETR) near vascular tissues, supplying chemical energy for an effective CCM. These results suggest that the key traits for drought and heat tolerance in maize are limited transpiration rate, allied with a synchronized regulation of the carbon assimilation metabolism. These findings can be exploited in future breeding efforts aimed at improving maize resilience to climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M. P. Correia
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Pedro M. P. Correia,
| | - Anabela Bernardes da Silva
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Vaz
- Departamento de Biologia, Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture (MED), Environment and Development, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | | | - Jorge Marques da Silva
- Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute (BioISI), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Li Z, Zhu A, Song Q, Chen HY, Harmon FG, Chen ZJ. Temporal Regulation of the Metabolome and Proteome in Photosynthetic and Photorespiratory Pathways Contributes to Maize Heterosis. THE PLANT CELL 2020; 32:3706-3722. [PMID: 33004616 PMCID: PMC7721322 DOI: 10.1105/tpc.20.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Heterosis or hybrid vigor is widespread in plants and animals. Although the molecular basis for heterosis has been extensively studied, metabolic and proteomic contributions to heterosis remain elusive. Here we report an integrative analysis of time-series metabolome and proteome data in maize (Zea mays) hybrids and their inbred parents. Many maize metabolites and proteins are diurnally regulated, and many of these show nonadditive abundance in the hybrids, including key enzymes and metabolites involved in carbon assimilation. Compared with robust trait heterosis, metabolic heterosis is relatively mild. Interestingly, most amino acids display negative mid-parent heterosis (MPH), i.e., having lower values than the average of the parents, while sugars, alcohols, and nucleoside metabolites show positive MPH. From the network perspective, metabolites in the photosynthetic pathway show positive MPH, whereas metabolites in the photorespiratory pathway show negative MPH, which corresponds to nonadditive protein abundance and enzyme activities of key enzymes in the respective pathways in the hybrids. Moreover, diurnally expressed proteins that are upregulated in the hybrids are enriched in photosynthesis-related gene-ontology terms. Hybrids may more effectively remove toxic metabolites generated during photorespiration, and thus maintain higher photosynthetic efficiency. These metabolic and proteomic resources provide unique insight into heterosis and its utilization for high yielding maize and other crop plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Li
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Andan Zhu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Qingxin Song
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Helen Y Chen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Frank G Harmon
- Plant Gene Expression Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Albany, California 94710
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Z Jeffrey Chen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
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Hendron RW, Kelly S. Subdivision of Light Signaling Networks Contributes to Partitioning of C 4 Photosynthesis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 182:1297-1309. [PMID: 31862840 PMCID: PMC7054874 DOI: 10.1104/pp.19.01053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Plants coordinate the expression of photosynthesis-related genes in response to growth and environmental changes. In species that conduct two-cell C4 photosynthesis, expression of photosynthesis genes is partitioned such that leaf mesophyll and bundle sheath cells accumulate different components of the photosynthetic pathway. The identities of the regulatory networks that facilitate this partitioning are unknown. Here, we show that differences in light perception between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells facilitate differential regulation and accumulation of photosynthesis gene transcripts in the C4 crop maize (Zea mays). Key components of the photosynthesis gene regulatory network differentially accumulated between mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, indicative of differential network activity across cell types. We further show that blue (but not red) light is necessary and sufficient to activate photosystem II assembly in mesophyll cells in etiolated maize. Finally, we demonstrate that 61% of all light-induced mesophyll and bundle sheath genes were induced only by blue light or only by red light, but not both. These findings provide evidence that subdivision of light signaling networks is a component of cellular partitioning of C4 photosynthesis in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross-W Hendron
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Kelly
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, United Kingdom
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