C4 Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase: Evolution and transcriptional regulation

Photosynthetic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) catalyses the irreversible carboxylation of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), producing oxaloacetate (OAA). This enzyme catalyses the first step of carbon fixation in C4 photosynthesis, contributing to the high photosynthetic efficiency of C4 plants. PEPC is also involved in replenishing tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, such as OAA, being involved in the C/N balance. In plants, PEPCs are classified in two types: bacterial type (BTPC) and plant-type (PTPC), which includes photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic PEPCs. During C4 evolution, photosynthetic PEPCs evolved independently. C4 PEPCs evolved to be highly expressed and active in a spatial-specific manner. Their gene expression pattern is also regulated by developmental cues, light, circadian clock as well as adverse environmental conditions. However, the gene regulatory networks controlling C4 PEPC gene expression, namely its cell-specificity, are largely unknown. Therefore, after an introduction to the evolution of PEPCs, this review aims to discuss the current knowledge regarding the transcriptional regulation of C4 PEPCs, focusing on cell-specific and developmental expression dynamics, light and circadian regulation, as well as response to abiotic stress. In conclusion, this review aims to highlight the evolution, transcriptional regulation by different signals and importance of PEPC in C4 photosynthesis and its potential as tool for crop improvement.