Recent developments in the engineering of Rubisco activase for enhanced crop yield.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Plant Physiology
• Photosynthesis Research
• Crop Science

Background:

• Rubisco activase (RCA) is crucial for photosynthesis, regulating ribulose-1,6-biphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) activity.
• Understanding RCA regulation is key to improving crop yields, especially under environmental stress.
• Current knowledge gaps hinder effective engineering strategies for enhanced photosynthesis.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes research on RCA structure, stability, and regulatory interactions.
• Focuses on structural basis of RCA instability under heat stress.
• Examines transcriptional, post-transcriptional, post-translational, and spatial regulation of RCA.

Key Points:

• Significant variation exists in RCA thermostability, influenced by single amino acid changes.
• Engineered RCA variants show improved performance in vitro and in vivo under heat stress.
• RCA regulation is complex, involving multiple layers that balance carbon fixation and light capture.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing RCA thermostability and activity offers a promising avenue for increasing crop productivity.
• Further research and field validation are necessary for commercial application in climate change adaptation.
• Optimizing RCA is vital for sustainable agriculture and global food security.