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Manipulating PEPC levels in plants
M Jeanneau1, J Vidal, A Gousset-Dupont
1Institut de Biotechnologie des Plantes, UMR CNRS 8618, Université de Paris Sud, F-91405 Orsay cedex, France.
Journal of Experimental Botany
|August 15, 2002
Summary
This review explores phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) in C4 and C3 plants, focusing on its regulation and genetic engineering. Enhancing PEPC in C3 plants shows promise for improved photosynthesis and water use efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Plant Physiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) plays a crucial role in C4 photosynthesis and anaplerotic pathways.
- Understanding PEPC's structural, functional, and regulatory properties is key to improving plant productivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge of C4 and C3 PEPC forms.
- To highlight metabolic and post-translational controls on PEPC.
- To discuss PEPC-based genetic engineering for enhanced photosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on PEPC structure, function, and regulation.
- Analysis of metabolic and post-translational controls in C4 photosynthesis.
- Overview of genetic engineering strategies using PEPC cDNA.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in PEPC levels have been achieved in C3 plants, but optimal dosage and localization require further research.
- Genetic modification of maize with sorghum C4 PEPC cDNA increased photosynthetic PEPC levels.
- Altered PEPC content in maize led to pleiotropic physiological effects, including improved water use efficiency under water limitation.
Conclusions:
- PEPC-based genetic engineering holds potential for improving plant photosynthetic performance and stress tolerance.
- Further optimization of PEPC expression is needed for successful application in crop improvement.
- Modulating PEPC levels can significantly impact plant physiology, offering a route to enhanced water use efficiency.
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