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Gabr A, Stephens TG, Reinfelder JR, Liau P, Calatrava V, Grossman AR, Bhattacharya D. Evidence of a putative CO 2 delivery system to the chromatophore in the photosynthetic amoeba Paulinella. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13304. [PMID: 38923306 PMCID: PMC11194058 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The photosynthetic amoeba, Paulinella provides a recent (ca. 120 Mya) example of primary plastid endosymbiosis. Given the extensive data demonstrating host lineage-driven endosymbiont integration, we analysed nuclear genome and transcriptome data to investigate mechanisms that may have evolved in Paulinella micropora KR01 (hereinafter, KR01) to maintain photosynthetic function in the novel organelle, the chromatophore. The chromatophore is of α-cyanobacterial provenance and has undergone massive gene loss due to Muller's ratchet, but still retains genes that encode the ancestral α-carboxysome and the shell carbonic anhydrase, two critical components of the biophysical CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) in cyanobacteria. We identified KR01 nuclear genes potentially involved in the CCM that arose via duplication and divergence and are upregulated in response to high light and downregulated under elevated CO2. We speculate that these genes may comprise a novel CO2 delivery system (i.e., a biochemical CCM) to promote the turnover of the RuBisCO carboxylation reaction and counteract photorespiration. We posit that KR01 has an inefficient photorespiratory system that cannot fully recycle the C2 product of RuBisCO oxygenation back to the Calvin-Benson cycle. Nonetheless, both these systems appear to be sufficient to allow Paulinella to persist in environments dominated by faster-growing phototrophs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Gabr
- Graduate Program in Molecular Bioscience and Program in Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Timothy G. Stephens
- Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - John R. Reinfelder
- Department of Environmental SciencesRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Pinky Liau
- Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
| | - Victoria Calatrava
- Department of Plant BiologyThe Carnegie Institution for ScienceStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Arthur R. Grossman
- Department of Plant BiologyThe Carnegie Institution for ScienceStanfordCaliforniaUSA
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2
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Huang Y, Feng ZF, Li F, Hou YM. Host-Encoded Aminotransferase Import into the Endosymbiotic Bacteria Nardonella of Red Palm Weevil. INSECTS 2024; 15:35. [PMID: 38249041 PMCID: PMC10816905 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Symbiotic systems are intimately integrated at multiple levels. Host-endosymbiont metabolic complementarity in amino acid biosynthesis is especially important for sap-feeding insects and their symbionts. In weevil-Nardonella endosymbiosis, the final step reaction of the endosymbiont tyrosine synthesis pathway is complemented by host-encoded aminotransferases. Based on previous results from other insects, we suspected that these aminotransferases were likely transported into the Nardonella cytoplasm to produce tyrosine. Here, we identified five aminotransferase genes in the genome of the red palm weevil. Using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, we confirmed that RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A were specifically expressed in the bacteriome. RNA interference targeting these two aminotransferase genes reduced the tyrosine level in the bacteriome. The immunofluorescence-FISH double labeling localization analysis revealed that RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A were present within the bacteriocyte, where they colocalized with Nardonella cells. Immunogold transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the localization of RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A in the cytosol of Nardonella and the bacteriocyte. Our data revealed that RfGOT1 and RfGOT2A are transported into the Nardonella cytoplasm to collaborate with genes retained in the Nardonella genome in order to synthesize tyrosine. The results of our study will enhance the understanding of the integration of host and endosymbiont metabolism in amino acid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.H.); (Z.-F.F.); (F.L.)
- Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhen-Feng Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.H.); (Z.-F.F.); (F.L.)
- Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Fan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.H.); (Z.-F.F.); (F.L.)
- Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - You-Ming Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.H.); (Z.-F.F.); (F.L.)
- Department of Plant Protection, Fujian Province Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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Macorano L, Binny TM, Spiegl T, Klimenko V, Singer A, Oberleitner L, Applegate V, Seyffert S, Stefanski A, Gremer L, Gertzen CGW, Höppner A, Smits SHJ, Nowack ECM. DNA-binding and protein structure of nuclear factors likely acting in genetic information processing in the Paulinella chromatophore. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2221595120. [PMID: 37364116 PMCID: PMC10319021 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2221595120] [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: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The chromatophores in Paulinella are evolutionary-early-stage photosynthetic organelles. Biological processes in chromatophores depend on a combination of chromatophore and nucleus-encoded proteins. Interestingly, besides proteins carrying chromatophore-targeting signals, a large arsenal of short chromatophore-targeted proteins (sCTPs; <90 amino acids) without recognizable targeting signals were found in chromatophores. This situation resembles endosymbionts in plants and insects that are manipulated by host-derived antimicrobial peptides. Previously, we identified an expanded family of sCTPs of unknown function, named here "DNA-binding (DB)-sCTPs". DB-sCTPs contain a ~45 amino acid motif that is conserved in some bacterial proteins with predicted functions in DNA processing. Here, we explored antimicrobial activity, DNA-binding capacity, and structures of three purified recombinant DB-sCTPs. All three proteins exhibited antimicrobial activity against bacteria involving membrane permeabilization, and bound to bacterial lipids in vitro. A combination of in vitro assays demonstrated binding of recombinant DB-sCTPs to chromatophore-derived genomic DNA sequences with an affinity in the low nM range. Additionally, we report the 1.2 Å crystal structure of one DB-sCTP. In silico docking studies suggest that helix α2 inserts into the DNA major grove and the exposed residues, that are highly variable between different DB-sCTPs, confer interaction with the DNA bases. Identification of photosystem II subunit CP43 as a potential interaction partner of one DB-sCTP, suggests DB-sCTPs to be involved in more complex regulatory mechanisms. We hypothesize that membrane binding of DB-sCTPs is related to their import into chromatophores. Once inside, they interact with the chromatophore genome potentially providing nuclear control over genetic information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Macorano
- Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Taniya M. Binny
- Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tobias Spiegl
- Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Victoria Klimenko
- Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Singer
- Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Linda Oberleitner
- Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Violetta Applegate
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sarah Seyffert
- Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anja Stefanski
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lothar Gremer
- Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-7 Structural Biochemistry) and JuStruct Jülich Center of Structural Biology, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52428Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Physical Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph G. W. Gertzen
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Astrid Höppner
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sander H. J. Smits
- Center for Structural Studies, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eva C. M. Nowack
- Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225Düsseldorf, Germany
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Small I, Melonek J, Bohne AV, Nickelsen J, Schmitz-Linneweber C. Plant organellar RNA maturation. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:1727-1751. [PMID: 36807982 PMCID: PMC10226603 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Plant organellar RNA metabolism is run by a multitude of nucleus-encoded RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that control RNA stability, processing, and degradation. In chloroplasts and mitochondria, these post-transcriptional processes are vital for the production of a small number of essential components of the photosynthetic and respiratory machinery-and consequently for organellar biogenesis and plant survival. Many organellar RBPs have been functionally assigned to individual steps in RNA maturation, often specific to selected transcripts. While the catalog of factors identified is ever-growing, our knowledge of how they achieve their functions mechanistically is far from complete. This review summarizes the current knowledge of plant organellar RNA metabolism taking an RBP-centric approach and focusing on mechanistic aspects of RBP functions and the kinetics of the processes they are involved in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Small
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Joanna Melonek
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | | | - Jörg Nickelsen
- Department of Molecular Plant Sciences, LMU Munich, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
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Oberleitner L, Perrar A, Macorano L, Huesgen PF, Nowack ECM. A bipartite chromatophore transit peptide and N-terminal protein processing in the Paulinella chromatophore. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 189:152-164. [PMID: 35043947 PMCID: PMC9070848 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The amoeba Paulinella chromatophora contains photosynthetic organelles, termed chromatophores, which evolved independently from plastids in plants and algae. At least one-third of the chromatophore proteome consists of nucleus-encoded (NE) proteins that are imported across the chromatophore double envelope membranes. Chromatophore-targeted proteins exceeding 250 amino acids (aa) carry a conserved N-terminal extension presumably involved in protein targeting, termed the chromatophore transit peptide (crTP). Short imported proteins do not carry discernable targeting signals. To explore whether the import of proteins is accompanied by their N-terminal processing, here we identified N-termini of 208 chromatophore-localized proteins by a mass spectrometry-based approach. Our study revealed extensive N-terminal acetylation and proteolytic processing in both NE and chromatophore-encoded (CE) fractions of the chromatophore proteome. Mature N-termini of 37 crTP-carrying proteins were identified, of which 30 were cleaved in a common processing region. Surprisingly, only the N-terminal ∼50 aa (part 1) become cleaved upon import. This part contains a conserved adaptor protein-1 complex-binding motif known to mediate protein sorting at the trans-Golgi network followed by a predicted transmembrane helix, implying that part 1 anchors the protein co-translationally in the endoplasmic reticulum and mediates trafficking to the chromatophore via the Golgi. The C-terminal part 2 contains conserved secondary structural elements, remains attached to the mature proteins, and might mediate translocation across the chromatophore inner membrane. Short imported proteins remain largely unprocessed. Finally, this work illuminates N-terminal processing of proteins encoded in an evolutionary-early-stage organelle and suggests host-derived posttranslationally acting factors involved in regulation of the CE chromatophore proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Oberleitner
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Perrar
- Central Institute for Engineering, Electronics and Analytics, ZEA-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, CECAD, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Luis Macorano
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbial Cell Biology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Pitter F Huesgen
- Central Institute for Engineering, Electronics and Analytics, ZEA-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, CECAD, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
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6
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Abstract
Macorano and Nowack provide an overview of Paulinella chromatophora, a filose amoeba that harbors an organelle called a chromatophore and only the second known case of a eukaryote forming a primary endosymbiosis with a photosynthetic bacterium. Studying this relatively young relationship offers the chance to study the early stages of endosymbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Macorano
- Institute for Microbial Cell Biology, Biology Department, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eva C M Nowack
- Institute for Microbial Cell Biology, Biology Department, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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7
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Stephens TG, Gabr A, Calatrava V, Grossman AR, Bhattacharya D. Why is primary endosymbiosis so rare? THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 231:1693-1699. [PMID: 34018613 PMCID: PMC8711089 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Endosymbiosis is a relationship between two organisms wherein one cell resides inside the other. This affiliation, when stable and beneficial for the 'host' cell, can result in massive genetic innovation with the foremost examples being the evolution of eukaryotic organelles, the mitochondria and plastids. Despite its critical evolutionary role, there is limited knowledge about how endosymbiosis is initially established and how host-endosymbiont biology is integrated. Here, we explore this issue, using as our model the rhizarian amoeba Paulinella, which represents an independent case of primary plastid origin that occurred c. 120 million yr ago. We propose the 'chassis and engine' model that provides a theoretical framework for understanding primary plastid endosymbiosis, potentially explaining why it is so rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G. Stephens
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Arwa Gabr
- Graduate Program in Molecular Bioscience and Program in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Victoria Calatrava
- Department of Plant Biology, The Carnegie Institution, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Arthur R. Grossman
- Department of Plant Biology, The Carnegie Institution, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Debashish Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Aronica PGA, Reid LM, Desai N, Li J, Fox SJ, Yadahalli S, Essex JW, Verma CS. Computational Methods and Tools in Antimicrobial Peptide Research. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:3172-3196. [PMID: 34165973 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an ongoing and troubling development that has increased the number of diseases and infections that risk going untreated. There is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies and treatments to address this issue. One class of molecules that is attracting significant interest is that of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Their design and development has been aided considerably by the applications of molecular models, and we review these here. These methods include the use of tools to explore the relationships between their structures, dynamics, and functions and the increasing application of machine learning and molecular dynamics simulations. This review compiles resources such as AMP databases, AMP-related web servers, and commonly used techniques, together aimed at aiding researchers in the area toward complementing experimental studies with computational approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro G A Aronica
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Lauren M Reid
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671.,School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield Southampton, Hampshire, U.K. SO17 1BJ.,MedChemica Ltd, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, U.K. SK10 4TG
| | - Nirali Desai
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671.,Division of Biological and Life Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Central Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India 380009
| | - Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, 20 College Road Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856
| | - Stephen J Fox
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Shilpa Yadahalli
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671
| | - Jonathan W Essex
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield Southampton, Hampshire, U.K. SO17 1BJ
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore 138671.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543 Singapore.,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Drive, 637551 Singapore
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Almeida C. A potential third-order role of the host endoplasmic reticulum as a contact site in interkingdom microbial endosymbiosis and viral infection. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 13:255-271. [PMID: 33559322 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The normal functioning of eukaryotic cells depends on the compartmentalization of metabolic processes within specific organelles. Interactions among organelles, such as those between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) - considered the largest single structure in eukaryotic cells - and other organelles at membrane contact sites (MCSs) have also been suggested to trigger synergisms, including intracellular immune responses against pathogens. In addition to the ER-endogenous functions and ER-organelle MCSs, we present the perspective of a third-order role of the ER as a host contact site for endosymbiotic microbial non-pathogens and pathogens, from endosymbiont bacteria to parasitic protists and viruses. Although understudied, ER-endosymbiont interactions have been observed in a range of eukaryotic hosts, including protists, plants, algae, and metazoans. Host ER interactions with endosymbionts could be an ER function built from ancient, conserved mechanisms selected for communicating with mutualistic endosymbionts in specific life cycle stages, and they may be exploited by pathogens and parasites. The host ER-'guest' interactome and traits in endosymbiotic biology are briefly discussed. The acknowledgment and understanding of these possible mechanisms might reveal novel evolutionary perspectives, uncover the causes of unexplained cellular disorders and suggest new pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celso Almeida
- ENDOBIOS Biotech®, Praceta Progresso Clube n° 6, 2725-110 Mem-Martins, Portugal
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Macedo-Osorio KS, Martínez-Antonio A, Badillo-Corona JA. Pas de Trois: An Overview of Penta-, Tetra-, and Octo-Tricopeptide Repeat Proteins From Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Their Role in Chloroplast Gene Expression. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:775366. [PMID: 34868174 PMCID: PMC8635915 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.775366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Penta-, Tetra-, and Octo-tricopeptide repeat (PPR, TPR, and OPR) proteins are nucleus-encoded proteins composed of tandem repeats of 35, 34, and 38-40 amino acids, respectively. They form helix-turn-helix structures that interact with mRNA or other proteins and participate in RNA stabilization, processing, maturation, and act as translation enhancers of chloroplast and mitochondrial mRNAs. These helical repeat proteins are unevenly present in plants and algae. While PPR proteins are more abundant in plants than in algae, OPR proteins are more abundant in algae. In Arabidopsis, maize, and rice there have been 450, 661, and 477 PPR proteins identified, respectively, which contrasts with only 14 PPR proteins identified in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Likewise, more than 120 OPR proteins members have been predicted from the nuclear genome of C. reinhardtii and only one has been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana. Due to their abundance in land plants, PPR proteins have been largely characterized making it possible to elucidate their RNA-binding code. This has even allowed researchers to generate engineered PPR proteins with defined affinity to a particular target, which has served as the basis to develop tools for gene expression in biotechnological applications. However, fine elucidation of the helical repeat proteins code in Chlamydomonas is a pending task. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role PPR, TPR, and OPR proteins play in chloroplast gene expression in the green algae C. reinhardtii, pointing to relevant similarities and differences with their counterparts in plants. We also recapitulate on how these proteins have been engineered and shown to serve as mRNA regulatory factors for biotechnological applications in plants and how this could be used as a starting point for applications in algae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla S. Macedo-Osorio
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria de Biotecnología, México City, México
- Biological Engineering Laboratory, Genetic Engineering Department, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Unidad Irapuato, Irapuato, México
- División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, México City, México
- *Correspondence: Karla S. Macedo-Osorio,
| | - Agustino Martínez-Antonio
- Biological Engineering Laboratory, Genetic Engineering Department, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional-Unidad Irapuato, Irapuato, México
| | - Jesús A. Badillo-Corona
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria de Biotecnología, México City, México
- Jesús A. Badillo-Corona,
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