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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

A New Approach for the Comparative Analysis of Multiprotein Complexes Based on 15N Metabolic Labeling and Quantitative Mass Spectrometry
Published on: March 13, 2014
Chloroplast proteostasis: Coupling chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolism and chlorophyll-binding protein homeostasis
Dali Fu1, Changqi Zhao1, Xiulian Huang1
1School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 999077 Hong Kong SAR, China.
Abstract:
Photosynthetic efficiency depends on the homeostatic accumulation of chlorophyll-binding proteins in photosystems and their light-harvesting antenna complexes within the thylakoid membrane. The assembly of these proteins requires stoichiometric amounts of chlorophylls and carotenoids, which not only drive light harvesting and photochemistry but also promote the folding, membrane insertion, and stability of chlorophyll-binding proteins. Because free pigments and unassembled apoproteins are potentially deleterious, optimal photosynthetic performance requires tight coordination between pigment metabolism and the biogenesis, repair, and turnover of chlorophyll-binding proteins. Emerging evidence indicates that chloroplast proteostasis, mediated by molecular chaperones, assembly factors, and proteolytic machinery, is the key post-translational mechanism linking these processes. This review summarizes how proteostasis networks coordinate chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolism with the biogenesis, assembly, and maintenance of chlorophyll-binding proteins, and highlights the auxiliary factors that couple pigment supply, protein quality control, and photosystem function. Collectively, these insights provide a foundation for future studies of photosynthetic acclimation and plastid development and may formulate effective strategies to improve photosynthesis and chloroplast performance in crops.
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