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Updated: Jun 9, 2025

mRNA Interactome Capture from Plant Protoplasts
Published on: July 28, 2017
Does mRNA targeting explain gene retention in chloroplasts?
Wolfgang R Hess1, Annegret Wilde2, Conrad W Mullineaux3
1Genetics and Experimental Bioinformatics, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract:
During their evolution from cyanobacteria, plastids have relinquished most of their genes to the host cell nucleus, but have retained a core set of genes that are transcribed and translated within the organelle. Previous explanations have included incompatible codon or base composition, problems importing certain proteins across the double membrane, or the need for tight regulation in concert with the redox status of the electron transport chain. In this opinion article we propose the 'mRNA targeting hypothesis'. Studies in cyanobacteria suggest that mRNAs encoding core photosynthetic proteins have features that are crucial for membrane targeting and coordination of early steps in complex assembly. We propose that the requirement for intimate involvement of mRNA molecules at the thylakoid surface explains the retention of core photosynthetic genes in chloroplasts.
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