1
|
Hubáček M, Wey LT, Kourist R, Malihan-Yap L, Nikkanen L, Allahverdiyeva Y. Strong heterologous electron sink outcompetes alternative electron transport pathways in photosynthesis. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 119:2500-2513. [PMID: 39008444 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.16935] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Improvement of photosynthesis requires a thorough understanding of electron partitioning under both natural and strong electron sink conditions. We applied a wide array of state-of-the-art biophysical and biochemical techniques to thoroughly investigate the fate of photosynthetic electrons in the engineered cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, a blueprint for photosynthetic biotechnology, expressing the heterologous gene for ene-reductase, YqjM. This recombinant enzyme catalyses the reduction of an exogenously added substrate into the desired product by utilising photosynthetically produced NAD(P)H, enabling whole-cell biotransformation. Through coupling the biotransformation reaction with biophysical measurements, we demonstrated that the strong artificial electron sink, outcompetes the natural electron valves, the flavodiiron protein-driven Mehler-like reaction and cyclic electron transport. These results show that ferredoxin-NAD(P)H-oxidoreductase is the preferred route for delivering photosynthetic electrons from reduced ferredoxin and the cellular NADPH/NADP+ ratio as a key factor in orchestrating photosynthetic electron flux. These insights are crucial for understanding molecular mechanisms of photosynthetic electron transport and harnessing photosynthesis for sustainable bioproduction by engineering the cellular source/sink balance. Furthermore, we conclude that identifying the bioenergetic bottleneck of a heterologous electron sink is a crucial prerequisite for targeted engineering of photosynthetic biotransformation platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Hubáček
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland
| | - Laura T Wey
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland
| | - Robert Kourist
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, NAWI Graz, BioTechMed, Graz University of Technology, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Lenny Malihan-Yap
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, NAWI Graz, BioTechMed, Graz University of Technology, Graz, 8010, Austria
| | - Lauri Nikkanen
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Beraldo C, Traverso E, Boschin M, Cendron L, Morosinotto T, Alboresi A. Physcomitrium patens flavodiiron proteins form heterotetrametric complexes. J Biol Chem 2024:107643. [PMID: 39122005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107643] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Flavodiiron proteins (FLVs) catalyze the reduction of oxygen to water by using electrons from Photosystem I (PSI). In several photosynthetic organisms such as cyanobacteria, green algae, mosses and gymnosperms, FLV-dependent electron flow protects PSI from over-reduction and consequent damage especially under fluctuating light conditions. In this work we investigated biochemical and structural properties of FLVA and FLVB from the model moss Physcomitrium patens. The two proteins, expressed and purified from Escherichia coli, bind both iron and flavin cofactors and show NAD(P)H oxidase activity as well as oxygen reductase capacities. Moreover, the co-expression of both FLVA and FLVB, coupled to a tandem affinity purification procedure with two different affinity tags, enabled the isolation of the stable and catalytically active FLVA/B hetero tetrameric protein complex with cooperative nature. The multimeric organization was shown to be stabilized by inter-subunit disulfide bonds. This investigation provides valuable new information on the biochemical properties of FLVs, with new insights into their in vivo activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Beraldo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Eleonora Traverso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Marco Boschin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Laura Cendron
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Tomas Morosinotto
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alboresi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, Padova 35121, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Milrad Y, Mosebach L, Buchert F. Regulation of Microalgal Photosynthetic Electron Transfer. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:2103. [PMID: 39124221 PMCID: PMC11314055 DOI: 10.3390/plants13152103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The global ecosystem relies on the metabolism of photosynthetic organisms, featuring the ability to harness light as an energy source. The most successful type of photosynthesis utilizes a virtually inexhaustible electron pool from water, but the driver of this oxidation, sunlight, varies on time and intensity scales of several orders of magnitude. Such rapid and steep changes in energy availability are potentially devastating for biological systems. To enable a safe and efficient light-harnessing process, photosynthetic organisms tune their light capturing, the redox connections between core complexes and auxiliary electron mediators, ion passages across the membrane, and functional coupling of energy transducing organelles. Here, microalgal species are the most diverse group, featuring both unique environmental adjustment strategies and ubiquitous protective mechanisms. In this review, we explore a selection of regulatory processes of the microalgal photosynthetic apparatus supporting smooth electron flow in variable environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Milrad
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Laura Mosebach
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Felix Buchert
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Münster, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Muth-Pawlak D, Kakko L, Kallio P, Aro EM. Interplay between photosynthetic electron flux and organic carbon sinks in sucrose-excreting Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 revealed by omics approaches. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:188. [PMID: 38951789 PMCID: PMC11218172 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02462-6] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advancing the engineering of photosynthesis-based prokaryotic cell factories is important for sustainable chemical production and requires a deep understanding of the interplay between bioenergetic and metabolic pathways. Rearrangements in photosynthetic electron flow to increase the efficient use of the light energy for carbon fixation must be balanced with a strong carbon sink to avoid photoinhibition. In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, the flavodiiron protein Flv3 functions as an alternative electron acceptor of photosystem I and represents an interesting engineering target for reorganizing electron flow in attempts to enhance photosynthetic CO2 fixation and increase production yield. RESULTS We have shown that inactivation of Flv3 in engineered sucrose-excreting Synechocystis (S02:Δflv3) induces a transition from photoautotrophic sucrose production to mixotrophic growth sustained by sucrose re-uptake and the formation of intracellular carbon sinks such as glycogen and polyhydroxybutyrate. The growth of S02:Δflv3 exceeds that of the sucrose-producing strain (S02) and demonstrates unforeseen proteomic and metabolomic changes over the course of the nine-day cultivation. In the absence of Flv3, a down-regulation of proteins related to photosynthetic light reactions and CO2 assimilation occurred concomitantly with up-regulation of those related to glycolytic pathways, before any differences in sucrose production between S02 and S02:Δflv3 strains were observed. Over time, increased sucrose degradation in S02:Δflv3 led to the upregulation of respiratory pathway components, such as the plastoquinone reductase complexes NDH-11 and NDH-2 and the terminal respiratory oxidases Cyd and Cox, which transfer electrons to O2. While glycolytic metabolism is significantly up-regulated in S02:Δflv3 to provide energy for the cell, the accumulation of intracellular storage compounds and the increase in respiration serve as indirect sinks for photosynthetic electrons. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the presence of strong carbon sink in the engineered sucrose-producing Synechocystis S02 strain, operating under high light, high CO2 and salt stress, cannot compensate for the lack of Flv3 by directly balancing the light transducing source and carbon fixing sink reactions. Instead, the cells immediately sense the imbalance, leading to extensive reprogramming of cellular bioenergetic, metabolic and ion transport pathways that favor mixotrophic growth rather than enhancing photoautotrophic sucrose production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Muth-Pawlak
- Department of Life Technologies, Molecular Plant Biology, University of Turku, Turku, FIN-20014, Finland.
| | - Lauri Kakko
- Department of Life Technologies, Molecular Plant Biology, University of Turku, Turku, FIN-20014, Finland
| | - Pauli Kallio
- Department of Life Technologies, Molecular Plant Biology, University of Turku, Turku, FIN-20014, Finland
| | - Eva-Mari Aro
- Department of Life Technologies, Molecular Plant Biology, University of Turku, Turku, FIN-20014, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Miao R, Jahn M, Shabestary K, Peltier G, Hudson EP. CRISPR interference screens reveal growth-robustness tradeoffs in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 across growth conditions. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:3937-3956. [PMID: 37494719 PMCID: PMC10615215 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Barcoded mutant libraries are a powerful tool for elucidating gene function in microbes, particularly when screened in multiple growth conditions. Here, we screened a pooled CRISPR interference library of the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 in 11 bioreactor-controlled conditions, spanning multiple light regimes and carbon sources. This gene repression library contained 21,705 individual mutants with high redundancy over all open reading frames and noncoding RNAs. Comparison of the derived gene fitness scores revealed multiple instances of gene repression being beneficial in 1 condition while generally detrimental in others, particularly for genes within light harvesting and conversion, such as antennae components at high light and PSII subunits during photoheterotrophy. Suboptimal regulation of such genes likely represents a tradeoff of reduced growth speed for enhanced robustness to perturbation. The extensive data set assigns condition-specific importance to many previously unannotated genes and suggests additional functions for central metabolic enzymes. Phosphoribulokinase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and the small protein CP12 were critical for mixotrophy and photoheterotrophy, which implicates the ternary complex as important for redirecting metabolic flux in these conditions in addition to inactivation of the Calvin cycle in the dark. To predict the potency of sgRNA sequences, we applied machine learning on sgRNA sequences and gene repression data, which showed the importance of C enrichment and T depletion proximal to the PAM site. Fitness data for all genes in all conditions are compiled in an interactive web application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Miao
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH—Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-17165,Sweden
| | - Michael Jahn
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH—Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-17165,Sweden
- Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens, 10117 Berlin,Germany
| | - Kiyan Shabestary
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH—Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-17165,Sweden
- Department of Bioengineering and Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ,UK
| | - Gilles Peltier
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, CEA Cadarache, 13108 Saint Paul-Lez-Durance,France
| | - Elton P Hudson
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH—Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, SE-17165,Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Levä T, Rissanen V, Nikkanen L, Siitonen V, Heilala M, Phiri J, Maloney TC, Kosourov S, Allahverdiyeva Y, Mäkelä M, Tammelin T. Mapping Nanocellulose- and Alginate-Based Photosynthetic Cell Factory Scaffolds: Interlinking Porosity, Wet Strength, and Gas Exchange. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:3484-3497. [PMID: 37384553 PMCID: PMC10428157 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00261] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
To develop efficient solid-state photosynthetic cell factories for sustainable chemical production, we present an interdisciplinary experimental toolbox to investigate and interlink the structure, operative stability, and gas transfer properties of alginate- and nanocellulose-based hydrogel matrices with entrapped wild-type Synechocystis PCC 6803 cyanobacteria. We created a rheological map based on the mechanical performance of the hydrogel matrices. The results highlighted the importance of Ca2+-cross-linking and showed that nanocellulose matrices possess higher yield properties, and alginate matrices possess higher rest properties. We observed higher porosity for nanocellulose-based matrices in a water-swollen state via calorimetric thermoporosimetry and scanning electron microscopy imaging. Finally, by pioneering a gas flux analysis via membrane-inlet mass spectrometry for entrapped cells, we observed that the porosity and rigidity of the matrices are connected to their gas exchange rates over time. Overall, these findings link the dynamic properties of the life-sustaining matrix to the performance of the immobilized cells in tailored solid-state photosynthetic cell factories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuukka Levä
- VTT
Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., VTT, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Ville Rissanen
- VTT
Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., VTT, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Lauri Nikkanen
- Molecular
Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Vilja Siitonen
- Molecular
Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Maria Heilala
- Department
of Applied Physics, Aalto University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Josphat Phiri
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Thaddeus C. Maloney
- Department
of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Sergey Kosourov
- Molecular
Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular
Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Mikko Mäkelä
- VTT
Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., VTT, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| | - Tekla Tammelin
- VTT
Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., VTT, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 Espoo, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Schumann C, Fernández Méndez J, Berggren G, Lindblad P. Novel concepts and engineering strategies for heterologous expression of efficient hydrogenases in photosynthetic microorganisms. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1179607. [PMID: 37502399 PMCID: PMC10369191 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1179607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen is considered one of the key enablers of the transition towards a sustainable and net-zero carbon economy. When produced from renewable sources, hydrogen can be used as a clean and carbon-free energy carrier, as well as improve the sustainability of a wide range of industrial processes. Photobiological hydrogen production is considered one of the most promising technologies, avoiding the need for renewable electricity and rare earth metal elements, the demands for which are greatly increasing due to the current simultaneous electrification and decarbonization goals. Photobiological hydrogen production employs photosynthetic microorganisms to harvest solar energy and split water into molecular oxygen and hydrogen gas, unlocking the long-pursued target of solar energy storage. However, photobiological hydrogen production has to-date been constrained by several limitations. This review aims to discuss the current state-of-the art regarding hydrogenase-driven photobiological hydrogen production. Emphasis is placed on engineering strategies for the expression of improved, non-native, hydrogenases or photosynthesis re-engineering, as well as their combination as one of the most promising pathways to develop viable large-scale hydrogen green cell factories. Herein we provide an overview of the current knowledge and technological gaps curbing the development of photobiological hydrogenase-driven hydrogen production, as well as summarizing the recent advances and future prospects regarding the expression of non-native hydrogenases in cyanobacteria and green algae with an emphasis on [FeFe] hydrogenases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Schumann
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jorge Fernández Méndez
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gustav Berggren
- Molecular Biomimetics, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bag P, Shutova T, Shevela D, Lihavainen J, Nanda S, Ivanov AG, Messinger J, Jansson S. Flavodiiron-mediated O 2 photoreduction at photosystem I acceptor-side provides photoprotection to conifer thylakoids in early spring. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3210. [PMID: 37270605 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38938-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Green organisms evolve oxygen (O2) via photosynthesis and consume it by respiration. Generally, net O2 consumption only becomes dominant when photosynthesis is suppressed at night. Here, we show that green thylakoid membranes of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) needles display strong O2 consumption even in the presence of light when extremely low temperatures coincide with high solar irradiation during early spring (ES). By employing different electron transport chain inhibitors, we show that this unusual light-induced O2 consumption occurs around photosystem (PS) I and correlates with higher abundance of flavodiiron (Flv) A protein in ES thylakoids. With P700 absorption changes, we demonstrate that electron scavenging from the acceptor-side of PSI via O2 photoreduction is a major alternative pathway in ES. This photoprotection mechanism in vascular plants indicates that conifers have developed an adaptative evolution trajectory for growing in harsh environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pushan Bag
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Section of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tatyana Shutova
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Dmitry Shevela
- Department of Chemistry, Chemical Biological Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jenna Lihavainen
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sanchali Nanda
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Alexander G Ivanov
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Johannes Messinger
- Department of Chemistry, Chemical Biological Centre, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefan Jansson
- Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Imada T, Yamamoto C, Toyoshima M, Toya Y, Shimizu H. Effect of light fluctuations on photosynthesis and metabolic flux in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Biotechnol Prog 2023; 39:e3326. [PMID: 36700527 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3326] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In nature, photosynthetic organisms are exposed to fluctuating light, and their physiological systems must adapt to this fluctuation. To maintain homeostasis, these organisms have a light fluctuation photoprotective mechanism, which functions in both photosystems and metabolism. Although the photoprotective mechanisms functioning in the photosystem have been studied, it is unclear how metabolism responds to light fluctuations within a few seconds. In the present study, we investigated the metabolic response of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to light fluctuations using 13 C-metabolic flux analysis. The light intensity and duty ratio were adjusted such that the total number of photons or the light intensity during the low-light phase was equal. Light fluctuations affected cell growth and photosynthetic activity under the experimental conditions. However, metabolic flux distributions and cofactor production rates were not affected by the light fluctuations. Furthermore, the estimated ATP and NADPH production rates in the photosystems suggest that NADPH-consuming electron dissipation occurs under fluctuating light conditions. Although we focused on the water-water cycle as the electron dissipation path, no growth effect was observed in an flv3-disrupted strain under fluctuating light, suggesting that another path contributes to electron dissipation under these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsumi Imada
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chiaki Yamamoto
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masakazu Toyoshima
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Toya
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Shimizu
- Department of Bioinformatic Engineering, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shimakawa G. Electron transport in cyanobacterial thylakoid membranes: Are cyanobacteria simple models for photosynthetic organisms? JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023:erad118. [PMID: 37025010 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are structurally the simplest oxygenic phototrophs, which makes it difficult to understand the regulation of photosynthesis because the photosynthetic and respiratory processes share the same thylakoid membranes and cytosolic space. This review aimed to summarise the molecular mechanisms and in vivo activities of electron transport in cyanobacterial thylakoid membranes based on the latest progress in photosynthesis research in cyanobacteria. Photosynthetic linear electron transport for CO2 assimilation has the dominant electron flux in the thylakoid membranes. The capacity of O2 photoreduction in cyanobacteria is comparable to the photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, which is mediated by flavodiiron proteins. Additionally, cyanobacterial thylakoid membranes harbour the significant electron flux of respiratory electron transport through a homologue of respiratory complex I, which is also recognized as the part of cyclic electron transport chain if it is coupled with photosystem I in the light. Further, O2-independent alternative electron transports through hydrogenase and nitrate reductase function with reduced ferredoxin as the electron donor. Whereas all these electron transports are recently being understood one by one, the complexity as the whole regulatory system remains to be uncovered in near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ginga Shimakawa
- Department of Bioscience, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuen Uegahara, Sanda, Hyogo 669-1330, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Santana‐Sánchez A, Nikkanen L, Werner E, Tóth G, Ermakova M, Kosourov S, Walter J, He M, Aro E, Allahverdiyeva Y. Flv3A facilitates O 2 photoreduction and affects H 2 photoproduction independently of Flv1A in diazotrophic Anabaena filaments. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2023; 237:126-139. [PMID: 36128660 PMCID: PMC10092803 DOI: 10.1111/nph.18506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The model heterocyst-forming filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 (Anabaena) is a typical example of a multicellular organism capable of simultaneously performing oxygenic photosynthesis in vegetative cells and O2 -sensitive N2 -fixation inside heterocysts. The flavodiiron proteins have been shown to participate in photoprotection of photosynthesis by driving excess electrons to O2 (a Mehler-like reaction). Here, we performed a phenotypic and biophysical characterization of Anabaena mutants impaired in vegetative-specific Flv1A and Flv3A in order to address their physiological relevance in the bioenergetic processes occurring in diazotrophic Anabaena under variable CO2 conditions. We demonstrate that both Flv1A and Flv3A are required for proper induction of the Mehler-like reaction upon a sudden increase in light intensity, which is likely important for the activation of carbon-concentrating mechanisms and CO2 fixation. Under ambient CO2 diazotrophic conditions, Flv3A is responsible for moderate O2 photoreduction, independently of Flv1A, but only in the presence of Flv2 and Flv4. Strikingly, the lack of Flv3A resulted in strong downregulation of the heterocyst-specific uptake hydrogenase, which led to enhanced H2 photoproduction under both oxic and micro-oxic conditions. These results reveal a novel regulatory network between the Mehler-like reaction and the diazotrophic metabolism, which is of great interest for future biotechnological applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Santana‐Sánchez
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20014Finland
| | - Lauri Nikkanen
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20014Finland
| | - Elisa Werner
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20014Finland
| | - Gábor Tóth
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20014Finland
| | - Maria Ermakova
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20014Finland
| | - Sergey Kosourov
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20014Finland
| | - Julia Walter
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20014Finland
| | - Meilin He
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20014Finland
| | - Eva‐Mari Aro
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20014Finland
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life TechnologiesUniversity of TurkuTurkuFI‐20014Finland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Torrado A, Connabeer HM, Röttig A, Pratt N, Baylay AJ, Terry MJ, Moore CM, Bibby TS. Directing cyanobacterial photosynthesis in a cytochrome c oxidase mutant using a heterologous electron sink. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 189:2554-2566. [PMID: 35522034 PMCID: PMC9342982 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis holds the promise of sustainable generation of useful products using light energy. Key to realizing this potential is the ability to rationally design photosynthesis to redirect energy and reductant derived from photons to desired products. Cytochrome P450s (P450s), which catalyze a broad array of reactions, have been engineered into a variety of photosynthetic organisms, where their activity has been shown to be photosynthesis-dependent, thus acting as heterologous sinks of electrons derived from photosynthesis. Furthermore, the addition of P450s can increase the photosynthetic capacity of the host organism. In this study, we developed this technology further using a P450 (CYP1A1) expressed in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. We show that rationally engineering photosynthesis by the removal of a competing electron sink, the respiratory terminal oxidase cytochrome c oxidase, increased the activity of CYP1A1. We provide evidence that this enhanced CYP1A1 activity was facilitated via an increase in the flux of electrons through Photosystem I. We also conducted a transcriptomic analysis on the designed strains to gain a more holistic understanding of how the cell responds to rational engineering. We describe a complex response including changes in expression of genes involved in photosynthesis and electron transfer linked to respiration. Specifically, the expression of CYP1A1 resulted in the reduction in expression of other natural electron dissipation pathways. This study emphasizes the potential for engineering photosynthetic organisms in biotechnology but also highlights the need to consider the broader impacts on cellular metabolism of any rationally induced changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Annika Röttig
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Nicola Pratt
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Alison J Baylay
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Matthew J Terry
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - C Mark Moore
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Regulation of the generation of reactive oxygen species during photosynthetic electron transport. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1025-1034. [PMID: 35437580 DOI: 10.1042/bst20211246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Light capture by chlorophylls and photosynthetic electron transport bury the risk of the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including singlet oxygen, superoxide anion radicals and hydrogen peroxide. Rapid changes in light intensity, electron fluxes and accumulation of strong oxidants and reductants increase ROS production. Superoxide is mainly generated at the level of photosystem I while photosystem II is the main source of singlet oxygen. ROS can induce oxidative damage of the photosynthetic apparatus, however, ROS are also important to tune processes inside the chloroplast and participate in retrograde signalling regulating the expression of genes involved in acclimation responses. Under most physiological conditions light harvesting and photosynthetic electron transport are regulated to keep the level of ROS at a non-destructive level. Photosystem II is most prone to photoinhibition but can be quickly repaired while photosystem I is protected in most cases. The size of the transmembrane proton gradient is central for the onset of mechanisms that protect against photoinhibition. The proton gradient allows dissipation of excess energy as heat in the antenna systems and it regulates electron transport. pH-dependent slowing down of electron donation to photosystem I protects it against ROS generation and damage. Cyclic electron transfer and photoreduction of oxygen contribute to the size of the proton gradient. The yield of singlet oxygen production in photosystem II is regulated by changes in the midpoint potential of its primary quinone acceptor. In addition, numerous antioxidants inside the photosystems, the antenna and the thylakoid membrane quench or scavenge ROS.
Collapse
|
15
|
Walter J, Kromdijk J. Here comes the sun: How optimization of photosynthetic light reactions can boost crop yields. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2022; 64:564-591. [PMID: 34962073 PMCID: PMC9302994 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.13206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis started to evolve some 3.5 billion years ago CO2 is the substrate for photosynthesis and in the past 200-250 years, atmospheric levels have approximately doubled due to human industrial activities. However, this time span is not sufficient for adaptation mechanisms of photosynthesis to be evolutionarily manifested. Steep increases in human population, shortage of arable land and food, and climate change call for actions, now. Thanks to substantial research efforts and advances in the last century, basic knowledge of photosynthetic and primary metabolic processes can now be translated into strategies to optimize photosynthesis to its full potential in order to improve crop yields and food supply for the future. Many different approaches have been proposed in recent years, some of which have already proven successful in different crop species. Here, we summarize recent advances on modifications of the complex network of photosynthetic light reactions. These are the starting point of all biomass production and supply the energy equivalents necessary for downstream processes as well as the oxygen we breathe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Walter
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EAUK
| | - Johannes Kromdijk
- Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 3EAUK
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic BiologyUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinois61801USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Shimakawa G, Shoguchi E, Burlacot A, Ifuku K, Che Y, Kumazawa M, Tanaka K, Nakanishi S. Coral symbionts evolved a functional polycistronic flavodiiron gene. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2022; 151:113-124. [PMID: 34309771 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-021-00867-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthesis in cyanobacteria, green algae, and basal land plants is protected against excess reducing pressure on the photosynthetic chain by flavodiiron proteins (FLV) that dissipate photosynthetic electrons by reducing O2. In these organisms, the genes encoding FLV are always conserved in the form of a pair of two-type isozymes (FLVA and FLVB) that are believed to function in O2 photo-reduction as a heterodimer. While coral symbionts (dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae) are the only algae to harbor FLV in photosynthetic red plastid lineage, only one gene is found in transcriptomes and its role and activity remain unknown. Here, we characterized the FLV genes in Symbiodiniaceae and found that its coding region is composed of tandemly repeated FLV sequences. By measuring the O2-dependent electron flow and P700 oxidation, we suggest that this atypical FLV is active in vivo. Based on the amino-acid sequence alignment and the phylogenetic analysis, we conclude that in coral symbionts, the gene pair for FLVA and FLVB have been fused to construct one coding region for a hybrid enzyme, which presumably occurred when or after both genes were inherited from basal green algae to the dinoflagellate. Immunodetection suggested the FLV polypeptide to be cleaved by a post-translational mechanism, adding it to the rare cases of polycistronic genes in eukaryotes. Our results demonstrate that FLV are active in coral symbionts with genomic arrangement that is unique to these species. The implication of these unique features on their symbiotic living environment is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ginga Shimakawa
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan.
| | - Eiichi Shoguchi
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan
| | - Adrien Burlacot
- Aix Marseille University, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences Et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, CEA Cadarache, 13108, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, 111 Koshland Hall, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3102, USA
| | - Kentaro Ifuku
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yufen Che
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Minoru Kumazawa
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kenya Tanaka
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8631, Japan
| | - Shuji Nakanishi
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8631, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nikkanen L, Solymosi D, Jokel M, Allahverdiyeva Y. Regulatory electron transport pathways of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria and microalgae: Recent advances and biotechnological prospects. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 173:514-525. [PMID: 33764547 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria and microalgae perform oxygenic photosynthesis where light energy is harnessed to split water into oxygen and protons. This process releases electrons that are used by the photosynthetic electron transport chain to form reducing equivalents that provide energy for the cell metabolism. Constant changes in environmental conditions, such as light availability, temperature, and access to nutrients, create the need to balance the photochemical reactions and the metabolic demands of the cell. Thus, cyanobacteria and microalgae evolved several auxiliary electron transport (AET) pathways to disperse the potentially harmful over-supply of absorbed energy. AET pathways are comprised of electron sinks, e.g. flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) or other terminal oxidases, and pathways that recycle electrons around photosystem I, like NADPH-dehydrogenase-like complexes (NDH) or the ferredoxin-plastoquinone reductase (FQR). Under controlled conditions the need for these AET pathways is decreased and AET can even be energetically wasteful. Therefore, redirecting photosynthetic reducing equivalents to biotechnologically useful reactions, catalyzed by i.e. innate hydrogenases or heterologous enzymes, offers novel possibilities to apply photosynthesis research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Nikkanen
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Daniel Solymosi
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Martina Jokel
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Allahverdiyeva Y, Aro EM, van Bavel B, Escudero C, Funk C, Heinonen J, Herfindal L, Lindblad P, Mäkinen S, Penttilä M, Sivonen K, Skogen Chauton M, Skomedal H, Skjermo J. NordAqua, a Nordic Center of Excellence to develop an algae-based photosynthetic production platform. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2021; 173:507-513. [PMID: 33709388 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
NordAqua is a multidisciplinary Nordic Center of Excellence funded by NordForsk Bioeconomy program (2017-2022). The research center promotes Blue Bioeconomy and endeavours to reform the use of natural resources in a environmentally sustainable way. In this short communication, we summarize particular outcomes of the consortium. The key research progress of NordAqua includes (1) improving of photosynthetisis, (2) developing novel photosynthetic cell factories that function in a "solar-driven direct CO2 capture to target bioproducts" mode, (3) promoting the diversity of Nordic cyanobacteria and algae as an abundant and resilient alternative for less sustainable forest biomass and for innovative production of biochemicals, and (4) improving the bio-based wastewater purification and nutrient recycling technologies to provide new tools for integrative circular economy platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eva-Mari Aro
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Life Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bert van Bavel
- Section of Environmental Pollutants, Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Carlos Escudero
- Section of Environmental Pollutants, Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jarna Heinonen
- Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, School of Economics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Lars Herfindal
- Centre for Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Peter Lindblad
- Microbial Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sari Mäkinen
- Department of Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Merja Penttilä
- Devision of Industrial Biotechnology and Food Solutions, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Espoo, Finland
| | - Kaarina Sivonen
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Hanne Skomedal
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, NIBIO, Ås, Norway
| | - Jorunn Skjermo
- Department of Fisheries and New Biomarine Industry, SINTEF Ocean, Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Improved photosynthetic capacity and photosystem I oxidation via heterologous metabolism engineering in cyanobacteria. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2021523118. [PMID: 33836593 PMCID: PMC7980454 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2021523118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria have been increasingly explored as a biotechnological platform, although their economic feasibility relies in part on the capacity to maximize their photosynthetic, solar-to-biomass energy conversion efficiency. Here we show that cyanobacterial photosynthetic capacity can be increased by diverting cellular resources toward heterologous, energy-storing metabolic pathways and by reducing electron flow to photoprotective, but energy-dissipating, oxygen reduction reactions. We further show that these heterologous sinks can partially contribute to photosystem I (PSI) oxidation, suggesting an engineering strategy to improve both energy storage capacity and robustness by selective diversion of excess photosynthetic capacity to productive processes. Cyanobacteria must prevent imbalances between absorbed light energy (source) and the metabolic capacity (sink) to utilize it to protect their photosynthetic apparatus against damage. A number of photoprotective mechanisms assist in dissipating excess absorbed energy, including respiratory terminal oxidases and flavodiiron proteins, but inherently reduce photosynthetic efficiency. Recently, it has been hypothesized that some engineered metabolic pathways may improve photosynthetic performance by correcting source/sink imbalances. In the context of this subject, we explored the interconnectivity between endogenous electron valves, and the activation of one or more heterologous metabolic sinks. We coexpressed two heterologous metabolic pathways that have been previously shown to positively impact photosynthetic activity in cyanobacteria, a sucrose production pathway (consuming ATP and reductant) and a reductant-only consuming cytochrome P450. Sucrose export was associated with improved quantum yield of phtotosystem II (PSII) and enhanced electron transport chain flux, especially at lower illumination levels, while cytochrome P450 activity led to photosynthetic enhancements primarily observed under high light. Moreover, coexpression of these two heterologous sinks showed additive impacts on photosynthesis, indicating that neither sink alone was capable of utilizing the full “overcapacity” of the electron transport chain. We find that heterologous sinks may partially compensate for the loss of photosystem I (PSI) oxidizing mechanisms even under rapid illumination changes, although this compensation is incomplete. Our results provide support for the theory that heterologous metabolism can act as a photosynthetic sink and exhibit some overlapping functionality with photoprotective mechanisms, while potentially conserving energy within useful metabolic products that might otherwise be “lost.”
Collapse
|
20
|
Lodeyro AF, Krapp AR, Carrillo N. Photosynthesis and chloroplast redox signaling in the age of global warming: stress tolerance, acclimation, and developmental plasticity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:5919-5937. [PMID: 34111246 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Contemporary climate change is characterized by the increased intensity and frequency of environmental stress events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which have a debilitating impact on photosynthesis and growth, compromising the production of food, feed, and biofuels for an expanding population. The need to increase crop productivity in the context of global warming has fueled attempts to improve several key plant features such as photosynthetic performance, assimilate partitioning, and tolerance to environmental stresses. Chloroplast redox metabolism, including photosynthetic electron transport and CO2 reductive assimilation, are primary targets of most stress conditions, leading to excessive excitation pressure, photodamage, and propagation of reactive oxygen species. Alterations in chloroplast redox poise, in turn, provide signals that exit the plastid and modulate plant responses to the environmental conditions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes could provide novel tools to increase crop yield in suboptimal environments. We describe herein various interventions into chloroplast redox networks that resulted in increased tolerance to multiple sources of environmental stress. They included manipulation of endogenous components and introduction of electron carriers from other organisms, which affected not only stress endurance but also leaf size and longevity. The resulting scenario indicates that chloroplast redox pathways have an important impact on plant growth, development, and defense that goes beyond their roles in primary metabolism. Manipulation of these processes provides additional strategies for the design of crops with improved performance under destabilized climate conditions as foreseen for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anabella F Lodeyro
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Adriana R Krapp
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Néstor Carrillo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Spät P, Barske T, Maček B, Hagemann M. Alterations in the CO 2 availability induce alterations in the phosphoproteome of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 231:1123-1137. [PMID: 34058021 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are the only prokaryotes that perform plant-like oxygenic photosynthesis. They evolved an inorganic carbon-concentrating mechanism to adapt to low CO2 conditions. Quantitative phosphoproteomics was applied to analyze regulatory features during the acclimation to low CO2 conditions in the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Overall, more than 2500 proteins were quantified, equivalent to c. 70% of the Synechocystis theoretical proteome. Proteins with changing abundances correlated largely with mRNA expression levels. Functional annotation of the noncorrelating proteins revealed an enrichment of key metabolic processes fundamental for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Furthermore, 105 phosphoproteins harboring over 200 site-specific phosphorylation events were identified. Subunits of the bicarbonate transporter BCT1 and the redox switch protein CP12 were among phosphoproteins with reduced phosphorylation levels at lower CO2 , whereas the serine/threonine protein kinase SpkC revealed increased phosphorylation levels. The corresponding ΔspkC mutant was characterized and showed decreased ability to acclimate to low CO2 conditions. Possible phosphorylation targets of SpkC including a BCT1 subunit were identified by phosphoproteomics. Collectively, our study highlights the importance of posttranscriptional regulation of protein abundances as well as posttranslational regulation by protein phosphorylation for the successful acclimation towards low CO2 conditions in Synechocystis and possibly among cyanobacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Spät
- Department of Organismic Interactions, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, D-72076, Germany
- Department of Quantitative Proteomics, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, D-72076, Germany
| | - Thomas Barske
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, D-18059, Germany
| | - Boris Maček
- Department of Quantitative Proteomics, Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, D-72076, Germany
| | - Martin Hagemann
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, D-18059, Germany
- Department Life, Light and Matter, Interdisciplinary Faculty, University of Rostock, Rostock, D-18059, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Engineering Climate-Change-Resilient Crops: New Tools and Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157877. [PMID: 34360645 PMCID: PMC8346029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental adversities, particularly drought and nutrient limitation, are among the major causes of crop losses worldwide. Due to the rapid increase of the world's population, there is an urgent need to combine knowledge of plant science with innovative applications in agriculture to protect plant growth and thus enhance crop yield. In recent decades, engineering strategies have been successfully developed with the aim to improve growth and stress tolerance in plants. Most strategies applied so far have relied on transgenic approaches and/or chemical treatments. However, to cope with rapid climate change and the need to secure sustainable agriculture and biomass production, innovative approaches need to be developed to effectively meet these challenges and demands. In this review, we summarize recent and advanced strategies that involve the use of plant-related cyanobacterial proteins, macro- and micronutrient management, nutrient-coated nanoparticles, and phytopathogenic organisms, all of which offer promise as protective resources to shield plants from climate challenges and to boost stress tolerance in crops.
Collapse
|
23
|
CP12 Is Involved in Protection against High Light Intensity by Suppressing the ROS Generation in Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10071275. [PMID: 34201575 PMCID: PMC8309167 DOI: 10.3390/plants10071275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that CP12 formed a complex with GAPDH and PRK and regulated the activities of these enzymes and the Calvin-Benson cycle under dark conditions as the principal regulatory system in cyanobacteria. More interestingly, we found that the cyanobacterial CP12 gene-disrupted strain was more sensitive to photo-oxidative stresses such as under high light conditions and paraquat treatment. When a mutant strain that grew normally under low light was subjected to high light conditions, decreases in chlorophyll and photosynthetic activity were observed. Furthermore, a large amount of ROS was accumulated in the cells of the CP12 gene-disrupted strain. These data suggest that CP12 also functions under light conditions and may be involved in protection against oxidative stress by controlling the flow of electrons from Photosystem I to NADPH.
Collapse
|
24
|
Reed CJ, Lam QN, Mirts EN, Lu Y. Molecular understanding of heteronuclear active sites in heme-copper oxidases, nitric oxide reductases, and sulfite reductases through biomimetic modelling. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:2486-2539. [PMID: 33475096 PMCID: PMC7920998 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01297a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Heme-copper oxidases (HCO), nitric oxide reductases (NOR), and sulfite reductases (SiR) catalyze the multi-electron and multi-proton reductions of O2, NO, and SO32-, respectively. Each of these reactions is important to drive cellular energy production through respiratory metabolism and HCO, NOR, and SiR evolved to contain heteronuclear active sites containing heme/copper, heme/nonheme iron, and heme-[4Fe-4S] centers, respectively. The complexity of the structures and reactions of these native enzymes, along with their large sizes and/or membrane associations, make it challenging to fully understand the crucial structural features responsible for the catalytic properties of these active sites. In this review, we summarize progress that has been made to better understand these heteronuclear metalloenzymes at the molecular level though study of the native enzymes along with insights gained from biomimetic models comprising either small molecules or proteins. Further understanding the reaction selectivity of these enzymes is discussed through comparisons of their similar heteronuclear active sites, and we offer outlook for further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Reed
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urban, IL 61801, USA.
| | - Quan N Lam
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urban, IL 61801, USA
| | - Evan N Mirts
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urban, IL 61801, USA. and Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urban, IL 61801, USA and Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA and Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Vicino P, Carrillo J, Gómez R, Shahinnia F, Tula S, Melzer M, Rutten T, Carrillo N, Hajirezaei MR, Lodeyro AF. Expression of Flavodiiron Proteins Flv2-Flv4 in Chloroplasts of Arabidopsis and Tobacco Plants Provides Multiple Stress Tolerance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1178. [PMID: 33503994 PMCID: PMC7865949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With the notable exception of angiosperms, all phototrophs contain different sets of flavodiiron proteins that help to relieve the excess of excitation energy on the photosynthetic electron transport chain during adverse environmental conditions, presumably by reducing oxygen directly to water. Among them, the Flv2-Flv4 dimer is only found in β-cyanobacteria and induced by high light, supporting a role in stress protection. The possibility of a similar protective function in plants was assayed by expressing Synechocystis Flv2-Flv4 in chloroplasts of tobacco and Arabidopsis. Flv-expressing plants exhibited increased tolerance toward high irradiation, salinity, oxidants, and drought. Stress tolerance was reflected by better growth, preservation of photosynthetic activity, and membrane integrity. Metabolic profiling under drought showed enhanced accumulation of soluble sugars and amino acids in transgenic Arabidopsis and a remarkable shift of sucrose into starch, in line with metabolic responses of drought-tolerant genotypes. Our results indicate that the Flv2-Flv4 complex retains its stress protection activities when expressed in chloroplasts of angiosperm species by acting as an additional electron sink. The flv2-flv4 genes constitute a novel biotechnological tool to generate plants with increased tolerance to agronomically relevant stress conditions that represent a significant productivity constraint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Vicino
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina; (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.G.); (N.C.)
| | - Julieta Carrillo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina; (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.G.); (N.C.)
| | - Rodrigo Gómez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina; (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.G.); (N.C.)
| | - Fahimeh Shahinnia
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, OT Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse, D-06466 Stadt Seeland, Germany; (F.S.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Suresh Tula
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, OT Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse, D-06466 Stadt Seeland, Germany; (F.S.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Michael Melzer
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, OT Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse, D-06466 Stadt Seeland, Germany; (F.S.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Twan Rutten
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, OT Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse, D-06466 Stadt Seeland, Germany; (F.S.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Néstor Carrillo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina; (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.G.); (N.C.)
| | - Mohammad-Reza Hajirezaei
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, OT Gatersleben, Corrensstrasse, D-06466 Stadt Seeland, Germany; (F.S.); (S.T.); (M.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Anabella F. Lodeyro
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina; (P.V.); (J.C.); (R.G.); (N.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Scheurer NM, Rajarathinam Y, Timm S, Köbler C, Kopka J, Hagemann M, Wilde A. Homologs of Circadian Clock Proteins Impact the Metabolic Switch Between Light and Dark Growth in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:675227. [PMID: 34239525 PMCID: PMC8258377 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.675227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The putative circadian clock system of the facultative heterotrophic cyanobacterial strain Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 comprises the following three Kai-based systems: a KaiABC-based potential oscillator that is linked to the SasA-RpaA two-component output pathway and two additional KaiBC systems without a cognate KaiA component. Mutants lacking the genes encoding the KaiAB1C1 components or the response regulator RpaA show reduced growth in light/dark cycles and do not show heterotrophic growth in the dark. In the present study, the effect of these mutations on central metabolism was analyzed by targeted and non-targeted metabolite profiling. The strongest metabolic changes were observed in the dark in ΔrpaA and, to a lesser extent, in the ΔkaiAB1C1 mutant. These observations included the overaccumulation of 2-phosphoglycolate, which correlated with the overaccumulation of the RbcL subunit in the mutants, and taken together, these data suggest enhanced RubisCO activity in the dark. The imbalanced carbon metabolism in the ΔrpaA mutant extended to the pyruvate family of amino acids, which showed increased accumulation in the dark. Hence, the deletion of the response regulator rpaA had a more pronounced effect on metabolism than the deletion of the kai genes. The larger impact of the rpaA mutation is in agreement with previous transcriptomic analyses and likely relates to a KaiAB1C1-independent function as a transcription factor. Collectively, our data demonstrate an important role of homologs of clock proteins in Synechocystis for balanced carbon and nitrogen metabolism during light-to-dark transitions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina M. Scheurer
- Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yogeswari Rajarathinam
- Applied Metabolome Analysis, Department of Molecular Physiology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stefan Timm
- Department of Plant Physiology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christin Köbler
- Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Kopka
- Applied Metabolome Analysis, Department of Molecular Physiology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Martin Hagemann
- Department of Plant Physiology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Annegret Wilde
- Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Annegret Wilde
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shimakawa G, Hanawa H, Wada S, Hanke GT, Matsuda Y, Miyake C. Physiological Roles of Flavodiiron Proteins and Photorespiration in the Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:668805. [PMID: 34489990 PMCID: PMC8418088 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.668805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Against the potential risk in oxygenic photosynthesis, that is, the generation of reactive oxygen species, photosynthetic electron transport needs to be regulated in response to environmental fluctuations. One of the most important regulations is keeping the reaction center chlorophyll (P700) of photosystem I in its oxidized form in excess light conditions. The oxidation of P700 is supported by dissipating excess electrons safely to O2, and we previously found that the molecular mechanism of the alternative electron sink is changed from flavodiiron proteins (FLV) to photorespiration in the evolutionary history from cyanobacteria to plants. However, the overall picture of the regulation of photosynthetic electron transport is still not clear in bryophytes, the evolutionary intermediates. Here, we investigated the physiological roles of FLV and photorespiration for P700 oxidation in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha by using the mutants deficient in FLV (flv1) at different O2 partial pressures. The effective quantum yield of photosystem II significantly decreased at 2kPa O2 in flv1, indicating that photorespiration functions as the electron sink. Nevertheless, it was clear from the phenotype of flv1 that FLV was dominant for P700 oxidation in M. polymorpha. These data suggested that photorespiration has yet not replaced FLV in functioning for P700 oxidation in the basal land plant probably because of the lower contribution to lumen acidification, compared with FLV, as reflected in the results of electrochromic shift analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ginga Shimakawa
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Biosciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei-Gakuin University, Nishinomiya, Japan
- Core Research for Environmental Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Chiyoda, Japan
| | - Hitomi Hanawa
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shinya Wada
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Core Research for Environmental Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Chiyoda, Japan
| | - Guy T. Hanke
- School of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yusuke Matsuda
- Department of Biosciences, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Kwansei-Gakuin University, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Chikahiro Miyake
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Core Research for Environmental Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Chiyoda, Japan
- *Correspondence: Chikahiro Miyake,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Meyer AJ, Dreyer A, Ugalde JM, Feitosa-Araujo E, Dietz KJ, Schwarzländer M. Shifting paradigms and novel players in Cys-based redox regulation and ROS signaling in plants - and where to go next. Biol Chem 2020; 402:399-423. [PMID: 33544501 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2020-0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cys-based redox regulation was long regarded a major adjustment mechanism of photosynthesis and metabolism in plants, but in the recent years, its scope has broadened to most fundamental processes of plant life. Drivers of the recent surge in new insights into plant redox regulation have been the availability of the genome-scale information combined with technological advances such as quantitative redox proteomics and in vivo biosensing. Several unexpected findings have started to shift paradigms of redox regulation. Here, we elaborate on a selection of recent advancements, and pinpoint emerging areas and questions of redox biology in plants. We highlight the significance of (1) proactive H2O2 generation, (2) the chloroplast as a unique redox site, (3) specificity in thioredoxin complexity, (4) how to oxidize redox switches, (5) governance principles of the redox network, (6) glutathione peroxidase-like proteins, (7) ferroptosis, (8) oxidative protein folding in the ER for phytohormonal regulation, (9) the apoplast as an unchartered redox frontier, (10) redox regulation of respiration, (11) redox transitions in seed germination and (12) the mitochondria as potential new players in reductive stress safeguarding. Our emerging understanding in plants may serve as a blueprint to scrutinize principles of reactive oxygen and Cys-based redox regulation across organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J Meyer
- Chemical Signalling, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), University of Bonn, Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 144, D-53113Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Dreyer
- Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants, Faculty of Biology, W5-134, Bielefeld University, University Street 25, D-33501Bielefeld, Germany
| | - José M Ugalde
- Chemical Signalling, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES), University of Bonn, Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 144, D-53113Bonn, Germany
| | - Elias Feitosa-Araujo
- Plant Energy Biology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (IBBP), University of Münster, Schlossplatz 8, D-48143Münster, Germany
| | - Karl-Josef Dietz
- Biochemistry and Physiology of Plants, Faculty of Biology, W5-134, Bielefeld University, University Street 25, D-33501Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Markus Schwarzländer
- Plant Energy Biology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (IBBP), University of Münster, Schlossplatz 8, D-48143Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Havurinne V, Tyystjärvi E. Photosynthetic sea slugs induce protective changes to the light reactions of the chloroplasts they steal from algae. eLife 2020; 9:57389. [PMID: 33077025 PMCID: PMC7679141 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sacoglossan sea slugs are able to maintain functional chloroplasts inside their own cells, and mechanisms that allow preservation of the chloroplasts are unknown. We found that the slug Elysia timida induces changes to the photosynthetic light reactions of the chloroplasts it steals from the alga Acetabularia acetabulum. Working with a large continuous laboratory culture of both the slugs (>500 individuals) and their prey algae, we show that the plastoquinone pool of slug chloroplasts remains oxidized, which can suppress reactive oxygen species formation. Slug chloroplasts also rapidly build up a strong proton-motive force upon a dark-to-light transition, which helps them to rapidly switch on photoprotective non-photochemical quenching of excitation energy. Finally, our results suggest that chloroplasts inside E. timida rely on oxygen-dependent electron sinks during rapid changes in light intensity. These photoprotective mechanisms are expected to contribute to the long-term functionality of the chloroplasts inside the slugs. Plants, algae and a few other organisms rely on a process known as photosynthesis to fuel themselves, as they can harness cellular structures called chloroplasts to convert light into usable energy. Animals typically lack chloroplasts, making them unable to use photosynthesis to power themselves. The sea slug Elysia timida, however, can steal whole chloroplasts from the cells of the algae it consumes: the stolen structures then become part of the cells in the gut of the slug, allowing the animal to gain energy from sunlight. Once they are in the digestive system of the slug, the chloroplasts survive and keep working for longer than expected. Indeed, these structures are often harmed as a side effect of photosynthesis, but the sea slug does not have the right genes to help repair this damage. In addition, conditions inside animal cells are widely different to the ones found inside algae and plants. It is not clear then how the sea slug extends the lifespan of its chloroplasts by preventing damage caused by sunlight. To investigate this question, Havurinne and Tyystjärvi compared photosynthesis in sea slugs and the algae they eat. A range of methods, including measuring fluorescence from the chloroplasts, was used: this revealed that the slug changes the inside of the stolen chloroplasts, making them more resistant to damage. First, when exposed to light the stolen chloroplasts can quickly switch on a mechanism that dissipates light energy to heat, which is less damaging. Second, a molecule that serves as an intermediate during photosynthesis is kept in a ‘safe’ state which prevents it from creating harmful compounds. And finally, additional safeguard molecules ‘deactivate’ compounds that could otherwise mediate damaging reactions. Overall, these measures may reduce the efficiency of the chloroplasts but allow them to keep working for much longer. Early chloroplasts were probably independent bacteria that were captured and ‘domesticated’ by other cells for their ability to extract energy from the sun. Photosynthesizing sea slugs therefore provide an interesting way to understand some of the challenges of early life. The work by Havurinne and Tyystjärvi may also reveal new ways to harness biological processes such as photosynthesis for energy production in other contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vesa Havurinne
- University of Turku, Department of Biochemistry / Molecular Plant Biology, Turku, Finland
| | - Esa Tyystjärvi
- University of Turku, Department of Biochemistry / Molecular Plant Biology, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Assil-Companioni L, Büchsenschütz HC, Solymosi D, Dyczmons-Nowaczyk NG, Bauer KKF, Wallner S, Macheroux P, Allahverdiyeva Y, Nowaczyk MM, Kourist R. Engineering of NADPH Supply Boosts Photosynthesis-Driven Biotransformations. ACS Catal 2020; 10:11864-11877. [PMID: 33101760 PMCID: PMC7574619 DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c02601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Light-driven biocatalysis
in recombinant cyanobacteria provides
highly atom-efficient cofactor regeneration via photosynthesis,
thereby remediating constraints associated with sacrificial cosubstrates.
However, despite the remarkable specific activities of photobiocatalysts,
self-shading at moderate-high cell densities limits efficient space-time-yields
of heterologous enzymatic reactions. Moreover, efficient integration
of an artificial electron sink into the tightly regulated network
of cyanobacterial electron pathways can be highly challenging. Here,
we used C=C bond reduction of 2-methylmaleimide by the NADPH-dependent
ene-reductase YqjM as a model reaction for light-dependent biotransformations.
Time-resolved NADPH fluorescence spectroscopy allowed direct monitoring
of in-cell YqjM activity and revealed differences in NADPH steady-state
levels and oxidation kinetics between different genetic constructs.
This effect correlates with specific activities of whole-cells, which
demonstrated conversions of >99%. Further channelling of electrons
toward heterologous YqjM by inactivation of the flavodiiron proteins
(Flv1/Flv3) led to a 2-fold improvement in specific activity at moderate
cell densities, thereby elucidating the possibility of accelerating
light-driven biotransformations by the removal of natural competing
electron sinks. In the best case, an initial product formation rate
of 18.3 mmol h–1 L–1 was reached,
allowing the complete conversion of a 60 mM substrate solution within
4 h.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leen Assil-Companioni
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
- ACIB GmbH, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Hanna C. Büchsenschütz
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Dániel Solymosi
- Molecular Plant Biology unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Nina G. Dyczmons-Nowaczyk
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Kristin K. F. Bauer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Silvia Wallner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 10, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Macheroux
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 10, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Turku, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Marc M. Nowaczyk
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Robert Kourist
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Inago H, Sato R, Masuda S. Regulation of light-induced H + extrusion and uptake by cyanobacterial homologs of the plastidial FLAP1, DLDG1, and Ycf10 in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2020; 1861:148258. [PMID: 32619428 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2020.148258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Upon a dark-to-light transition, multiple species of cyanobacteria release a certain amount of H+ from the inside to the outside of their cells. Previous studies revealed the plasma membrane-localizing Proton exchange A (PxcA) is involved in the light-induced H+ extrusion in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. Among oxygenic phototrophs, two PxcA homologs are conserved; they are the nuclear-encoded Day-length-dependent delayed-greening1 (DLDG1) and the plastid-encoded Ycf10 in Arabidopsis thaliana. We previously identified the putative DLDG1/Ycf10-interacting protein, Fluctuating-light acclimation protein1 (FLAP1), required for pH regulation in Arabidopsis chloroplasts. Synechocystis has PxcA and FLAP1 homologs designated here as PxcA like (PxcL) and FLAP1 homolog A (FlpA). Synechocystis mutants lacking pxcA, pxcL, and flpA were constructed and characterized to gain more insight into regulatory mechanisms of light-induced H+ extrusion in cyanobacteria. pH change kinetics of the extracellular solvent after shifting Synechocystis cells from dark to light indicated that PxcA is essential for the light-induced H+ extrusion, and both PxcA and PxcL were involved in H+ uptake. Mutational loss of flpA resulted in altered PxcA- and PxcL-dependent H+ efflux/influx activities, and the flpA-null mutant showed inhibited growth under dark-light cycles, indicating the importance of FlpA function for photosynthetic growth under fluctuating light. Collectively, these data suggest that PxcA is involved in H+ efflux immediately after light irradiation for the rapid formation of the H+ concentration gradient across the thylakoid membranes, PxcL is involved in H+ influx for activation of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle, and FlpA controls the H+ transport under fluctuating light.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruya Inago
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Sato
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Shinji Masuda
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Nikkanen L, Santana Sánchez A, Ermakova M, Rögner M, Cournac L, Allahverdiyeva Y. Functional redundancy between flavodiiron proteins and NDH-1 in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 103:1460-1476. [PMID: 32394539 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, excluding angiosperms, flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) catalyze light-dependent reduction of O2 to H2 O. This alleviates electron pressure on the photosynthetic apparatus and protects it from photodamage. In Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, four FDP isoforms function as hetero-oligomers of Flv1 and Flv3 and/or Flv2 and Flv4. An alternative electron transport pathway mediated by the NAD(P)H dehydrogenase-like complex (NDH-1) also contributes to redox hemostasis and the photoprotection of photosynthesis. Four NDH-1 types have been characterized in cyanobacteria: NDH-11 and NDH-12 , which function in respiration; and NDH-13 and NDH-14 , which function in CO2 uptake. All four types are involved in cyclic electron transport. Along with single FDP mutants (∆flv1 and Δflv3) and the double NDH-1 mutants (∆d1d2, which is deficient in NDH-11,2 and ∆d3d4, which is deficient in NDH-13,4 ), we studied triple mutants lacking one of Flv1 or Flv3, and NDH-11,2 or NDH-13,4 . We show that the presence of either Flv1/3 or NDH-11,2 , but not NDH-13,4 , is indispensable for survival during changes in growth conditions from high CO2 /moderate light to low CO2 /high light. Our results show functional redundancy between FDPs and NDH-11,2 under the studied conditions. We suggest that ferredoxin probably functions as a primary electron donor to both Flv1/3 and NDH-11,2 , allowing their functions to be dynamically coordinated for efficient oxidation of photosystem I and for photoprotection under variable CO2 and light availability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Nikkanen
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anita Santana Sánchez
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maria Ermakova
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthias Rögner
- Plant Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Laurent Cournac
- Eco&Sols, University of Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, Montpellier, France
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Identification of the electron donor to flavodiiron proteins in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by in vivo spectroscopy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2020; 1861:148256. [PMID: 32622739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2020.148256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) of photosynthetic organisms play a photoprotective role by reducing oxygen to water and thus avoiding the accumulation of excess electrons on the photosystem I (PSI) acceptor side under stress conditions. In Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 grown under high CO2, both FDPs Flv1 and Flv3 are indispensable for oxygen reduction. We performed a detailed in vivo kinetic study of wild-type (WT) and Δflv1/3 strains of Synechocystis using light-induced NADPH fluorescence and near-infrared absorption of iron-sulfur clusters from ferredoxin and the PSI acceptors (FAFB), collectively named FeS. These measurements were performed under conditions where the Calvin-Benson cycle is inactive or poorly activated. Under such conditions, the NADPH decay following a short illumination decays in parallel in both strains and exhibits a time lag which is correlated to the presence of reduced FeS. On the contrary, reduced FeS decays much faster in WT than in Δflv1/3 (13 vs 2 s-1). These data unambiguously show that reduced ferredoxin, or possibly reduced FAFB, is the direct electron donor to the Flv1/Flv3 heterodimer. Evidences for large reduction of (FAFB) and recombination reactions within PSI were also provided by near-infrared absorption. Mutants lacking either the NDH1-L complex, the homolog of complex I of respiration, or the Pgr5 protein show no difference with WT in the oxidation of reduced FeS following a short illumination. These observations question the participation of a significant cyclic electron flow in cyanobacteria during the first seconds of the induction phase of photosynthesis.
Collapse
|
34
|
Tula S, Shahinnia F, Melzer M, Rutten T, Gómez R, Lodeyro AF, von Wirén N, Carrillo N, Hajirezaei MR. Providing an Additional Electron Sink by the Introduction of Cyanobacterial Flavodiirons Enhances Growth of A. thaliana Under Various Light Intensities. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:902. [PMID: 32670327 PMCID: PMC7330091 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The ability of plants to maintain photosynthesis in a dynamically changing environment is of central importance for their growth. As the photosynthetic machinery is a sensitive and early target of adverse environmental conditions as those typically found in the field, photosynthetic efficiency is not always optimal. Cyanobacteria, algae, mosses, liverworts and gymnosperms produce flavodiiron proteins (Flvs), a class of electron sinks not represented in angiosperms; these proteins act to mitigate the photoinhibition of photosystem I under high or fluctuating light. Here, genes specifying two cyanobacterial Flvs have been expressed in the chloroplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana in an attempt to improve plant growth. Co-expression of Flv1 and Flv3 enhanced the efficiency of light utilization, boosting the plant's capacity to accumulate biomass as the growth light intensity was raised. The Flv1/Flv3 transgenics displayed an increased production of ATP, an acceleration of carbohydrate metabolism and a more pronounced partitioning of sucrose into starch. The results suggest that Flvs are able to establish an efficient electron sink downstream of PSI, thereby ensuring efficient photosynthetic electron transport at moderate to high light intensities. The expression of Flvs thus acts to both protect photosynthesis and to control the ATP/NADPH ratio; together, their presence is beneficial for the plant's growth potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Tula
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Seeland, Germany
| | - Fahimeh Shahinnia
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Seeland, Germany
| | - Michael Melzer
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Seeland, Germany
| | - Twan Rutten
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Seeland, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Gómez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Anabella F. Lodeyro
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Nicolaus von Wirén
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Seeland, Germany
| | - Néstor Carrillo
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-UNR/CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mohammad R. Hajirezaei
- Molecular Plant Nutrition, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Seeland, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Burlacot A, Li-Beisson Y, Peltier G. Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry at the Crossroads of Photosynthesis, Biofuel, and Climate Research. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 183:451-454. [PMID: 32317361 PMCID: PMC7271806 DOI: 10.1104/pp.20.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Advances in algal biology have built on gas exchange measurements by MIMS in the fields of photosynthesis, biofuel production, and climate research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Burlacot
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France F-13108
| | - Yonghua Li-Beisson
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France F-13108
| | - Gilles Peltier
- Aix Marseille Univ, CEA, CNRS, Institut de Biosciences et Biotechnologies Aix-Marseille, Saint Paul-Lez-Durance, France F-13108
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Solymosi D, Nikkanen L, Muth-Pawlak D, Fitzpatrick D, Vasudevan R, Howe CJ, Lea-Smith DJ, Allahverdiyeva Y. Cytochrome c M Decreases Photosynthesis under Photomixotrophy in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 183:700-716. [PMID: 32317358 PMCID: PMC7271781 DOI: 10.1104/pp.20.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Photomixotrophy is a metabolic state that enables photosynthetic microorganisms to simultaneously perform photosynthesis and metabolism of imported organic carbon substrates. This process is complicated in cyanobacteria, since many, including Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, conduct photosynthesis and respiration in an interlinked thylakoid membrane electron transport chain. Under photomixotrophy, the cell must therefore tightly regulate electron fluxes from photosynthetic and respiratory complexes. In this study, we demonstrate, via characterization of photosynthetic apparatus and the proteome, that photomixotrophic growth results in a gradual inhibition of QA - reoxidation in wild-type Synechocystis, which largely decreases photosynthesis over 3 d of growth. This process is circumvented by deleting the gene encoding cytochrome c M (CytM), a cryptic c-type heme protein widespread in cyanobacteria. The ΔCytM strain maintained active photosynthesis over the 3-d period, demonstrated by high photosynthetic O2 and CO2 fluxes and effective yields of PSI and PSII. Overall, this resulted in a higher growth rate compared to that of the wild type, which was maintained by accumulation of proteins involved in phosphate and metal uptake, and cofactor biosynthetic enzymes. While the exact role of CytM has not been determined, a mutant deficient in the thylakoid-localized respiratory terminal oxidases and CytM (ΔCox/Cyd/CytM) displayed a phenotype similar to that of ΔCytM under photomixotrophy. This, in combination with other physiological data, and in contrast to a previous hypothesis, suggests that CytM does not transfer electrons to these complexes. In summary, our data suggest that CytM may have a regulatory role in photomixotrophy by modulating the photosynthetic capacity of cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Solymosi
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku FI-20014, Finland
| | - Lauri Nikkanen
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku FI-20014, Finland
| | - Dorota Muth-Pawlak
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku FI-20014, Finland
| | - Duncan Fitzpatrick
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku FI-20014, Finland
| | - Ravendran Vasudevan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Howe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
| | - David J Lea-Smith
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku FI-20014, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Khorobrykh S, Havurinne V, Mattila H, Tyystjärvi E. Oxygen and ROS in Photosynthesis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E91. [PMID: 31936893 PMCID: PMC7020446 DOI: 10.3390/plants9010091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen is a natural acceptor of electrons in the respiratory pathway of aerobic organisms and in many other biochemical reactions. Aerobic metabolism is always associated with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS may damage biomolecules but are also involved in regulatory functions of photosynthetic organisms. This review presents the main properties of ROS, the formation of ROS in the photosynthetic electron transport chain and in the stroma of chloroplasts, and ROS scavenging systems of thylakoid membrane and stroma. Effects of ROS on the photosynthetic apparatus and their roles in redox signaling are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Esa Tyystjärvi
- Department of Biochemistry/Molecular Plant Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland or (S.K.); (V.H.); (H.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Thiel K, Patrikainen P, Nagy C, Fitzpatrick D, Pope N, Aro EM, Kallio P. Redirecting photosynthetic electron flux in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by the deletion of flavodiiron protein Flv3. Microb Cell Fact 2019; 18:189. [PMID: 31690310 PMCID: PMC6833302 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-019-1238-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oxygen-evolving photoautotrophic organisms, like cyanobacteria, protect their photosynthetic machinery by a number of regulatory mechanisms, including alternative electron transfer pathways. Despite the importance in modulating the electron flux distribution between the photosystems, alternative electron transfer routes may compete with the solar-driven production of CO2-derived target chemicals in biotechnological systems under development. This work focused on engineered cyanobacterial Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 strains, to explore possibilities to rescue excited electrons that would normally be lost to molecular oxygen by an alternative acceptor flavodiiron protein Flv1/3—an enzyme that is natively associated with transfer of electrons from PSI to O2, as part of an acclimation strategy towards varying environmental conditions. Results The effects of Flv1/3 inactivation by flv3 deletion were studied in respect to three alternative end-products, sucrose, polyhydroxybutyrate and glycogen, while the photosynthetic gas fluxes were monitored by Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry (MIMS) to acquire information on cellular carbon uptake, and the production and consumption of O2. The results demonstrated that a significant proportion of the excited electrons derived from photosynthetic water cleavage was lost to molecular oxygen via Flv1/3 in cells grown under high CO2, especially under high light intensities. In flv3 deletion strains these electrons could be re-routed to increase the relative metabolic flux towards the monitored target products, but the carbon distribution and the overall efficiency were determined by the light conditions and the genetic composition of the respective pathways. At the same time, the total photosynthetic capacity of the Δflv3 strains was systematically reduced, and accompanied by upregulation of oxidative glycolytic metabolism in respect to controls with the native Flv1/3 background. Conclusions The observed metabolic changes and respective production profiles were proposedly linked with the lack of Flv1/3-mediated electron transfer, and the associated decrease in the intracellular ATP/NADPH ratio, which is bound to affect the metabolic carbon partitioning in the flv3-deficient cells. While the deletion of flv3 could offer a strategy for enhancing the photosynthetic production of desired chemicals in cyanobacteria under specified conditions, the engineered target pathways have to be carefully selected to align with the intracellular redox balance of the cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kati Thiel
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turun Yliopisto, Finland
| | - Pekka Patrikainen
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turun Yliopisto, Finland
| | - Csaba Nagy
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turun Yliopisto, Finland
| | - Duncan Fitzpatrick
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turun Yliopisto, Finland
| | - Nicolas Pope
- Department of Future Technologies, University of Turku, 20014, Turun Yliopisto, Finland
| | - Eva-Mari Aro
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turun Yliopisto, Finland
| | - Pauli Kallio
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014, Turun Yliopisto, Finland. .,, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4 C, 20520, Turku, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Role and regulation of class-C flavodiiron proteins in photosynthetic organisms. Biochem J 2019; 476:2487-2498. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The regulation of photosynthesis is crucial to efficiently support the assimilation of carbon dioxide and to prevent photodamage. One key regulatory mechanism is the pseudo-cyclic electron flow (PCEF) mediated by class-C flavodiiron proteins (FLVs). These enzymes use electrons coming from Photosystem I (PSI) to reduce oxygen to water, preventing over-reduction in the acceptor side of PSI. FLVs are widely distributed among organisms performing oxygenic photosynthesis and they have been shown to be fundamental in many different conditions such as fluctuating light, sulfur deprivation and plant submersion. Moreover, since FLVs reduce oxygen they can help controlling the redox status of the cell and maintaining the microoxic environment essential for processes such as nitrogen fixation in cyanobacteria. Despite these important roles identified in various species, the genes encoding for FLV proteins have been lost in angiosperms where their activity could have been at least partially compensated by a more efficient cyclic electron flow (CEF). The present work reviews the information emerged on FLV function, analyzing recent structural data that suggest FLV could be regulated through a conformational change.
Collapse
|
40
|
Selão TT, Jebarani J, Ismail NA, Norling B, Nixon PJ. Enhanced Production of D-Lactate in Cyanobacteria by Re-Routing Photosynthetic Cyclic and Pseudo-Cyclic Electron Flow. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:1700. [PMID: 32117327 PMCID: PMC7025493 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are promising chassis strains for the photosynthetic production of platform and specialty chemicals from carbon dioxide. Their efficient light harvesting and metabolic flexibility abilities have allowed a wide range of biomolecules, such as the bioplastic polylactate precursor D-lactate, to be produced, though usually at relatively low yields. In order to increase photosynthetic electron flow towards the production of D-lactate, we have generated several strains of the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 (Syn7002) with deletions in genes involved in cyclic or pseudo-cyclic electron flow around photosystem I. Using a variant of the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii D-lactate dehydrogenase (LDHSRT, engineered to efficiently utilize NADPH in vivo), we have shown that deletion of either of the two flavodiiron flv homologs (involved in pseudo-cyclic electron transport) or the Syn7002 pgr5 homolog (proposed to be a vital part of the cyclic electron transport pathway) is able to increase D-lactate production in Syn7002 strains expressing LDHSRT and the Escherichia coli LldP (lactate permease), especially at low temperature (25°C) and 0.04% (v/v) CO2, though at elevated temperatures (38°C) and/or high (1%) CO2 concentrations, the effect was less obvious. The Δpgr5 background seemed to be particularly beneficial at 25°C and 0.04% (v/v) CO2, with a nearly 7-fold increase in D-lactate accumulation in comparison to the wild-type background (≈1000 vs ≈150 mg/L) and decreased side effects in comparison to the flv deletion strains. Overall, our results show that manipulation of photosynthetic electron flow is a viable strategy to increase production of platform chemicals in cyanobacteria under ambient conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Toscano Selão
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jasmin Jebarani
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nurul Aina Ismail
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Birgitta Norling
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter Julian Nixon
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Peter Julian Nixon,
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Jokel M, Nagy V, Tóth SZ, Kosourov S, Allahverdiyeva Y. Elimination of the flavodiiron electron sink facilitates long-term H 2 photoproduction in green algae. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2019; 12:280. [PMID: 31827608 PMCID: PMC6894204 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-019-1618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of renewable and sustainable biofuels to cover the future energy demand is one of the most challenging issues of our time. Biohydrogen, produced by photosynthetic microorganisms, has the potential to become a green biofuel and energy carrier for the future sustainable world, since it provides energy without CO2 emission. The recent development of two alternative protocols to induce hydrogen photoproduction in green algae enables the function of the O2-sensitive [FeFe]-hydrogenases, located at the acceptor side of photosystem I, to produce H2 for several days. These protocols prevent carbon fixation and redirect electrons toward H2 production. In the present work, we employed these protocols to a knockout Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant lacking flavodiiron proteins (FDPs), thus removing another possible electron competitor with H2 production. RESULTS The deletion of the FDP electron sink resulted in the enhancement of H2 photoproduction relative to wild-type C. reinhardtii. Additionally, the lack of FDPs leads to a more effective obstruction of carbon fixation even under elongated light pulses. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that the rather simple adjustment of cultivation conditions together with genetic manipulation of alternative electron pathways of photosynthesis results in efficient re-routing of electrons toward H2 photoproduction. Furthermore, the introduction of a short recovery phase by regular switching from H2 photoproduction to biomass accumulation phase allows to maintain cell fitness and use photosynthetic cells as long-term H2-producing biocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Jokel
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Valéria Nagy
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Szilvia Z. Tóth
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726 Hungary
| | - Sergey Kosourov
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Yagut Allahverdiyeva
- Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|