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Overexpression of PSR1 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii induces luxury phosphorus uptake
Frontiers in Plant Science, Volume: 14
Swansea University Author: Steve Slocombe
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© 2023 Slocombe, Zu´ ñiga-Burgos, Chu, Mehrshahi, Davey, Smith, Camargo-Valero and Baker. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).
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DOI (Published version): 10.3389/fpls.2023.1208168
Abstract
Remediation using micro-algae offers an attractive solution to environmental phosphate (PO43-) pollution. However, for maximum efficiency, pre-conditioning of algae to induce ‘luxury phosphorus (P) uptake’ is needed. To replicate this process, we targeted the global regulator PSR1 (Myb transcription...
| Published in: | Frontiers in Plant Science |
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| ISSN: | 1664-462X |
| Published: |
Frontiers Media SA
2023
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| Online Access: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65453 |
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| Abstract: |
Remediation using micro-algae offers an attractive solution to environmental phosphate (PO43-) pollution. However, for maximum efficiency, pre-conditioning of algae to induce ‘luxury phosphorus (P) uptake’ is needed. To replicate this process, we targeted the global regulator PSR1 (Myb transcription factor: Phosphate Starvation Response 1) for over-expression in algae. Manipulating a single gene (PSR1) drove uptake of both PO43- and a Mg2+ counter-ion leading to increased PolyP granule size, raising P levels 4-fold to 8% dry cell weight, and accelerated removal of PO43- from the medium. Examination of the gene expression profile showed that the P-starvation response was mimicked under P-replete conditions, switching on luxury uptake. Hyper-accumulation of P depended on a feed-forward mechanism, where a small set of ‘Class I’ P-transporter genes were activated despite abundant external PO43- levels. The transporters drove a reduction in external PO43- levels, permitting more genes to be expressed (Class II), leading to more P-uptake. Our data pointed toward a PSR1-independent mechanism for detection of external PO43- which suppressed Class II genes. This model provided a plausible mechanism for P-overplus where prior P-starvation elevates PSR1 and on P-resupply causes luxury P-uptake. This is because the Class I genes, which include P-transporter genes, are not suppressed by the excess PO43-. Taken together, these discoveries facilitate a bio-circular approach of recycling nutrients from wastewater back to agriculture. |
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| Item Description: |
Data availability statement:The datasets presented in this study can be found in online repositories. The names of the repository/repositories and accession number(s) can be found here: https://doi.org/10.5518/1217. |
| Keywords: |
biomass, micro-algae, polyphosphate, transcription factor, wastewater remediation |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
This work was supported by: UK Research and Innovation
(UKRI)’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
(BBSRC) (grant number BB/N016033/1) and Global Challenges
Research Fund (GCRF) as part of the Water Security and
Sustainable Development Hub (grant number ES/S008179/1). The
confocal microscopes in the Bioimaging Facility at the University of
Leeds were funded by Welcome Trust grant WT104918MA. |