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A transcription factor module mediating C2 photosynthesis in the Brassicaceae
Patrick J Dickinson1, Sebastian Triesch2, Urte Schlüter2
1Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA, UK. patrick.dickinson@bristol.ac.uk.
EMBO Reports
|May 1, 2025
Summary
The evolution of C4 photosynthesis involved C2 photosynthesis, driven by a MYC-MYB transcription factor module. This module pre-patterns glycine decarboxylase gene expression in bundle sheath cells, a key step in C4 plant evolution.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Evolutionary biology
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- C4 photosynthesis evolved from C3 photosynthesis in numerous angiosperm lineages.
- A crucial early step is C2 photosynthesis, characterized by altered glycine decarboxylase (GLDP) activity in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism enabling GLDP expression in bundle sheath cells during C2 photosynthesis evolution.
- To identify the genetic basis for the foundational event in C2 photosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Investigated cis-regulatory changes in GLDP expression.
- Identified a MYC-MYB transcription factor module involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis.
- Analyzed GLDP expression patterns in C3 and C2 states.
Main Results:
- A MYC-MYB transcription factor module was identified as the basis for C2 photosynthesis.
- In C3 plants, this module already directs GLDP expression to bundle sheath cells.
- Loss of mesophyll GLDP expression in C2 photosynthesis reveals pre-existing MYC-MYB dependent bundle sheath expression.
Conclusions:
- The evolution of C2 photosynthesis relies on a pre-existing MYC-MYB transcriptional network in the C3 state.
- This study identifies a molecular genetic mechanism for bundle sheath GLDP accumulation, a fundamental step in C4 photosynthesis evolution.
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