Article
Plant Sciences
Inmaculada Couso, Amanda L. Smythers, Megan M. Ford, James G. Umen, Jose L. Crespo, Leslie M. Hicks
Summary: This study reveals the synergistic role of inositol pyrophosphates and TOR signaling in coordinating cell growth and lipid metabolism in green algae. The inhibitory effect of rapamycin on TOR signaling is more significant in the vip1-1 mutant compared to wild-type, highlighting the independent yet coordinated interaction between InsPs and TOR. Additionally, phosphorylation patterns of photosystem proteins are affected by light stress and other stresses, indicating a novel role for inositol pyrophosphates and TOR signaling in response to environmental cues.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yaqi An, Dong Wang, Jingxia Du, Xinwei Wang, Jianwei Xiao
Summary: The carbon dioxide emitted by human accounts for only a small fraction of global photosynthesis consumption, half of which is due to microalgae. The high efficiency of algae photosynthesis is attributed to the pyrenoid-based CO2-concentrating mechanism (CCM). The formation of pyrenoid which has a variety of Rubisco-binding proteins mainly depends on liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of Rubisco, a CO2 fixing enzyme. The current research on the structure, assembly and application of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii pyrenoids is summarized in this article, providing new ideas for improving crop photosynthetic performance and yield.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhongquan Jiang, Yutong Sun, Huize Guan, Danqing Sun, Shu Fang, Xuening Ma, Zhongyang Wang, Zhen Li, Chunhua Zhang, Ying Ge
Summary: The study found that when exposed to low concentrations of As(V), Chlamydomonas reinhardtii accumulated starch and produced more extracellular polysaccharides, while under high concentrations of As(V), the cells redirected carbon flux and transformed lipids into polysaccharides, indicating the critical involvement of polysaccharides in As(V) resistance in C. reinhardtii.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kun Lu, Qingyuan Hu, Li Zhai, Zhiyu Zhu, Yunsong Xu, Zhaohui Ding, Hang Zeng, Shipeng Dong, Shixiang Gao, Liang Mao
Summary: This study reveals the biological fate of graphene in algae and its potential biological effects, which is important for assessing the environmental risks of graphene.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Linxuan Li, Tingting Zhu, Lele Huang, Maozhi Ren
Summary: This study identified and analyzed a Chlorella sorokiniana DP-1 strain and found a conserved CsTOR protein in its genome. The study also showed that CsTOR plays an important role in photosynthesis and cellular metabolism. Pharmacological assays revealed that Chlorella sorokiniana DP-1 is insensitive to rapamycin, Torin1, and KU0063794, but can be significantly inhibited by AZD8055. RNA-seq analysis further demonstrated that CsTOR regulates various metabolic processes and signal transduction pathways in Chlorella sorokiniana DP-1 treated with AZD8055.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huidan Xue, Yibei Dong, Zhihuan Li, Jing Wang, Xiaolong Yuan, Fei He, Zhengke Li, Xiang Gao, Jianxi Liu
Summary: Carbon dots have the ability to enhance photosynthesis in microalgae, promoting cell division and biomass. The red-emitting carbon dots improved the energy transfer and efficiency of photosynthesis, resulting in increased protein and lipid contents. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the carbon dots up-regulated genes associated with cell growth and energy conversion.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carolina Ehrenfeld, Valentina Veloso-Gimenez, Rocio Corrales-Orovio, Rolando Rebolledo, Mauricio P. Boric, Jose Tomas Egana
Summary: As animal cells cannot produce oxygen, erythrocytes are responsible for gas interchange, being able to capture and deliver oxygen upon tissue request. Several other cells in nature produce oxygen by photosynthesis, raising the question of whether they could circulate within the vascular networks, acting as an alternative source for oxygen delivery. This study examines the physical and mechanical features of the photosynthetic microalga Chlamydomona reinhardtii and compares them with erythrocytes, finding similarities in size and rheological properties. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of the microalgae is evaluated, showing that they can co-culture with endothelial cells without affecting each other's morphology and viability. Additionally, the systemic injection of high numbers of microalgae in mice does not trigger harmful responses, suggesting their potential as a source of oxygen delivery.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monika Majewska, Darya Harshkova, Wojciech Pokora, Agnieszka Bascik-Remisiewicz, Szymon Tulodziecki, Anna Aksmann
Summary: Research found that DCF and atrazine had different effects on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Both substances decreased photosynthetic vitality of the cells, but for different reasons. Atrazine disrupted photosynthetic electron transport, leading to excessive ROS production and limited cell growth, while DCF silenced PSII reaction centers, preventing significant ROS overproduction.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jean-David Rochaix
Summary: This article presents a personal reminiscence of Paul Levine, a highly innovative scientist who made seminal contributions to photosynthesis. He established the green unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a model system for studying photosynthetic apparatus and its regulation through genetic approaches. His groundbreaking work on identifying the components and their genetic origins in the photosynthetic electron transport chain had a significant impact. He also trained many students and post-doctoral fellows who became prominent figures in this field and other areas of plant science.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Valeria Nagy, Anna Podmaniczki, Andre Vidal-Meireles, Soujanya Kuntam, Eva Herman, Laszlo Kovacs, David Toth, Alberto Scoma, Szilvia Z. Toth
Summary: A study has established a photoautotrophic hydrogen production system based on thin layer cultures, resulting in a three-fold increase in hydrogen production compared to bulk cultures. Mutants such as L159I-N230Y and pgrl1 showed increased hydrogen production, with pgr5 mutant generating 250% more hydrogen. The mutants showed remarkable stability in photosynthetic apparatus and in vitro HydA activity.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
E. Hounslow, C. A. Evans, J. Pandhal, T. Sydney, N. Couto, T. K. Pham, D. James Gilmour, P. C. Wright
Summary: Physiological and proteomic changes between two green alga strains, C. reinhardtii and C. nivalis, under salinity stress were characterized. Results showed that C. nivalis accumulated more carbohydrates and fatty acids under salt stress compared to C. reinhardtii. The differences in protein abundance provided insights into the mechanism by which salt stress promotes fatty acid accumulation in C. nivalis.
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
M. Plouviez, M. Abyadeh, M. Mirzaei, M. Hasan, J. A. Paulo, B. Guieysse
Summary: Algae can efficiently harvest and store phosphorus as intracellular polyphosphates. Understanding the proteomic response of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under different phosphorus availability conditions is essential for engineering phosphorus removal and recovery. The study found that Chlamydomonas reinhardtii increases proteins involved in phosphorus assimilation and storage under phosphorus depletion, while increases proteins involved in ribosome structure and synthesis under phosphorus repletion.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kentaro Akiyama, Shin-Ichiro Ozawa, Yuichiro Takahashi, Keisuke Yoshida, Toshiharu Suzuki, Kumiko Kondo, Ken-ichi Wakabayashi, Toru Hisabori
Summary: Through the analysis of CFoCF1 in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, it was found that the & gamma; subunit is involved in the redox regulation of CFoCF1 during the light/dark transitions; a half day purification method for the entire CFoCF1 complex from C. reinhardtii was established, and ATP synthesis activity was examined using the acid-base transition method; based on mutation analysis, a model of redox regulation of the ATP synthesis reaction by the cooperative function of the & beta;-hairpin and the redox loop domains specific to CFoCF1 was proposed.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Michela Cecchin, Jooyeon Jeong, Woojae Son, Minjae Kim, Seunghye Park, Luca Zuliani, Stefano Cazzaniga, Andrea Pompa, Chan Young Kang, Sangsu Bae, Matteo Ballottari, EonSeon Jin
Summary: This study generated lpa2 knockout mutants in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using the CRISPR-Cas9 system and found that the absence of LPA2 protein resulted in impaired PSII assembly and function, leading to compromised photoautotrophic growth.
Article
Biology
Peter Neofotis, Joshua Temple, Oliver L. Tessmer, Jacob Bibik, Nicole Norris, Eric Pollner, Ben Lucker, Sarathi M. Weraduwage, Alecia Withrow, Barbara Sears, Greg Mogos, Melinda Frame, David Hall, Joseph Weissman, David M. Kramer
Summary: The study shows that in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the pyrenoid can be strongly induced by hyperoxia, even in the presence of high levels of CO2 or bicarbonate. This suggests that the pyrenoid may be induced by a common product of photosynthesis specific to low CO2 or hyperoxia conditions. Additionally, evidence is presented for linkages between genetic variations in hyperoxia tolerance, H2O2 signaling, and pyrenoid morphologies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anthony A. Iannetta, Holden T. Rogers, Thualfeqar Al-Mohanna, Juliana N. O'Brien, Andrew J. Wommack, Sorina C. Popescu, Leslie M. Hicks
Summary: Protein homeostasis plays a critical role in maintaining cellular functions and plant interactions with the environment, particularly in response to stress signals and pathogens. Study of thimet oligopeptidases TOP1 and TOP2 in Arabidopsis revealed their involvement in processes beyond defense signaling.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amanda L. Smythers, Megan M. Ford, Dakota G. Hawkins, Megan C. Connor, Kylie C. Lawrence, Caroline R. Stanton, Alton C. Gayton, Leslie M. Hicks
Summary: Course-based undergraduate research experiences integrate authentic research into chemistry laboratories, helping students learn bioanalytical techniques and reinforce fundamental concepts, while project-based courses inspire student interest.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tessa B. Moyer, Jessie L. Allen, Lindsey N. Shaw, Leslie M. Hicks
Summary: Traditional medicinal plants are a rich source of antimicrobial agents, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Advances in genomic sequencing, in silico AMP predictions, and mass spectrometry-based peptidomics have enabled high-throughput discovery of bioactive peptides. This study profiled Amaranthus tricolor aerial tissue using MS-based proteomics/peptidomics, identifying AMPs predicted in silico and uncovering novel peptides within three AMP classes. Bioactivity screening of isolated Atr-LTP1 showed efficacy against ESKAPE bacterial pathogens.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xiaoping Sun, Derrick R. J. Kolling, Amanda L. Smythers, Roger A. Deal
Summary: The study indicates that the mixtures of UO22+(VI) with HQ and C2O42- exhibit broad absorptions characterized by charge-transfer bands. EPR results show the reduction of UO22+(VI) to UO2+(V) by HQ and C2O42- as well as identification of hydroquinone radicals. Both HQ and C2O42- act as quenchers for UO22+ luminescence through a CT quenching mechanism, converting light energy to chemical energy.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thualfeqar Al-Mohanna, Najmeh Nejat, Anthony A. Iannetta, Leslie M. Hicks, George Popescu, Sorina C. Popescu
Summary: Upon pathogen infection, receptors in plants trigger localized and systemic immune responses, with oscillations in the redox environment altering protein function. Arabidopsis thaliana thimet oligopeptidases TOP1 and TOP2 play crucial roles in plant defense against pathogens and oxidative stress, with increased activity under oxidative regulation contributing to immune signaling. TOP1 and TOP2 are involved in ROS-induced gene expression and can cleave immune component peptides, suggesting a role in redox-mediated signaling of local and systemic immunity.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patric W. Sadecki, Samantha J. Balboa, Lacey R. Lopez, Katarzyna M. Kedziora, Janelle C. Arthur, Leslie M. Hicks
Summary: This study demonstrates the impact of polymyxin B on the production of the genotoxic metabolite colibactin by Escherichia coli, shedding light on the complex relationship between antibiotic use and gut microbiota composition.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kevin D. Culver, Jessie L. Allen, Lindsey N. Shaw, Leslie M. Hicks
Summary: The study identified 115 putative AMPs within the Capsicum chinense genome, of which 14 were found in the aerial tissue peptidome. Two novel AMPs, CC-AMP1 and CC-AMP2, were fully characterized using peptidomics and bioactivity-guided discovery, showing low mu M antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli. These findings highlight the potential of peptidomics and bioinformatics-based investigations in characterizing plant AMP profiles.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Inmaculada Couso, Amanda L. Smythers, Megan M. Ford, James G. Umen, Jose L. Crespo, Leslie M. Hicks
Summary: This study reveals the synergistic role of inositol pyrophosphates and TOR signaling in coordinating cell growth and lipid metabolism in green algae. The inhibitory effect of rapamycin on TOR signaling is more significant in the vip1-1 mutant compared to wild-type, highlighting the independent yet coordinated interaction between InsPs and TOR. Additionally, phosphorylation patterns of photosystem proteins are affected by light stress and other stresses, indicating a novel role for inositol pyrophosphates and TOR signaling in response to environmental cues.
Article
Plant Sciences
Amanda L. Smythers, Nikita Bhatnagar, Chien Ha, Parinita Majumdar, Evan W. McConnell, Boominathan Mohanasundaram, Leslie M. Hicks, Sona Pandey
Summary: This study investigates the role of reversible protein oxidation in plant stress response and identifies a complex network of reversible oxidations associated with ABA and G-protein signaling. The findings indicate that functional G-proteins are required to maintain intracellular redox homeostasis and fully execute plant stress responses.
Editorial Material
Biology
Amanda Smythers
Summary: The article reflects on a graduate student's decision to terminate her pregnancy and explores the implications of overturning Roe v. Wade for trainees in the United States.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nita A. Eskew, Amanda L. Smythers, Bryant L. Hutson
Summary: Course based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) and service-learning courses combine theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing students to learn scientific research and engage in community service in chemistry lab courses, increasing accessibility to research and awareness of its potential impact on humanity.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Rosalynn Quinonres, Sara Moreno, Amanda L. Smythers, Carrie Sullins, Haley Pijor, Glenna Brown, Ashley Trouten, Lauren L. Richards-Waugh, Aladin Siddig
Summary: Cannabis consumer products in the U.S. are a growing market, but the lack of regulation leads to discrepancies between labeled and actual contents, highlighting the need for further standardization.
ACS PHARMACOLOGY & TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda L. Smythers, Anthony A. Iannetta, Leslie M. Hicks
Summary: Interactomics is an emerging field focused on identifying essential protein interactions for metabolic functions. Crosslinking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) has enabled global analysis of protein networks, with the commercial availability of specific crosslinkers driving research forward. Analysis of the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii revealed novel protein associations and structural insights that enhance understanding of protein interactions in this organism.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda L. Smythers, Leslie M. Hicks
Summary: Plants respond rapidly to environmental fluctuations through protein post-translational signalling and protein-protein interactions, enabling precise temporal and spatial control of cellular responses. The technological advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics have enabled unprecedented investigations into plant systems, with a focus on analyzing post-translational modifications and protein interactions. It is essential to understand these proteomic networks for addressing global crises and advancing research in plant biology.
EMERGING TOPICS IN LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
