Will an algal CO2-concentrating mechanism work in higher plants?. (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meyer, Moritz T; McCormick, Alistair J; Griffiths, Howard
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in plant biology. Volume 31(2016)
• Page Start: 181
• Page End: 188
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Plant molecular biology -- Periodicals; 571.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2016.04.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-5266

Abstract

Highlights: Improving RuBisCO operating efficiency would require an algal CCM in all higher plant plastids. A protein packaging RuBisCO into a pyrenoid-like system has been defined for Chlamydomonas. Genes coding algal inorganic carbon transporters can target proteins correctly in higher plants. Chloroplast thylakoid organisation, energetics and ion balance with a CCM would need characterisation. Abstract : Many algae use a biophysical carbon concentrating mechanism for active accumulation and retention of inorganic carbon within chloroplasts, with CO2 fixation by RuBisCO within a micro-compartment, the pyrenoid. Engineering such mechanisms into higher plant chloroplasts is a possible route to augment RuBisCO operating efficiency and photosynthetic rates. Significant progress has been made recently in characterising key algal transporters and identifying factors responsible for the aggregation of RuBisCO into the pyrenoid. Several transporters have now also been successfully incorporated into higher plant chloroplasts. Consistent with the predictions from modelling, regulation of higher plant plastidic carbonic anhydrases and some form of RuBisCO aggregation will be needed before the mechanism delivers potential benefits. Key research priorities include a better understanding of the regulation of the algal carbon concentrating mechanism, advancing the fundamental characterisation of known components, evaluating whether higher plant chloroplasts can accommodate a pyrenoid, and, ultimately, testing transgenic lines under realistic growth conditions.