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Autofluorescence Imaging to Evaluate Red Algae Physiology
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Grafting Rhodobacter sphaeroides with red algae Rubisco to accelerate catalysis and plant growth
Yu Zhou1, Laura H Gunn2, Rosemary Birch1
1Plant Science Division, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Nature Plants
|June 8, 2023
Summary
Researchers enhanced plant growth by improving Rubisco enzyme function. Structural insights into algal Rubisco enabled targeted modifications, boosting photosynthesis and growth in tobacco plants.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Plant Science
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Improving Rubisco carboxylation is key for plant growth but has been unpredictable.
- Algal Rubisco offers superior carboxylation properties not easily replicated in plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the crystal structure of Griffithsia monilis GmRubisco.
- Identify structural differences and key regions for rational design.
- Test functional enhancement of plant-relevant bacterial Rubisco (RsRubisco) via algal grafts.
Main Methods:
- X-ray crystallography of GmRubisco.
- Construction and kinetic analysis of RsRubisco chimeras.
- Plastome transformation of engineered RsRubisco into tobacco.
Main Results:
- GmRubisco structure revealed domains divergent from bacterial RsRubisco.
- Specific Loop 6 substitutions (C329A, A332V) in RsRubisco enhanced carboxylation rate (60%), efficiency (22%), and CO2/O2 specificity (7%).
- Tobacco plants with modified RsRubisco showed up to twofold increase in photosynthesis and growth.
Conclusions:
- RsRubisco serves as a valuable platform for engineering improved Rubisco function.
- Algal Rubisco Loop 6 grafts can significantly enhance carboxylase potential in plant-compatible enzymes.
- This strategy offers a rational approach to boosting crop productivity.
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