Understanding the synthesis and role of the Rubisco inhibitor CA1P

Supervisors: 

Dr Douglas Orr, Lancaster Environment Centre (Lancaster University)

Prof Ciaren Graham, School of Biological Sciences, (Queens University Belfast)

Dr Robert Graham, School of Biological Sciences, (Queens University Belfast)

Dr Nick Birse, School of Biological Sciences, (Queens University Belfast)

Summary: 

Photosynthesis is fundamental to plant growth and a key process in the quest to achieve increases in agricultural productivity and sustainability. The assimilation of carbon from atmosphere to biosphere is highly regulated in response to environmental changes. A prime example of this regulation is the central carbon fixing enzyme Rubisco, and incudes interaction with proteins such as Rubisco activase that remove inhibitory sugar-phosphates from Rubisco’s catalytic sites. These inhibitors can lock Rubisco into an unproductive state, limiting activity and thus carbon assimilation. While considerable progress has been achieved, many questions remain concerning Rubisco regulation in response to environmental changes. 

One example is the nocturnal Rubisco inhibitor 2-carboxyarabinitol-1-phosphate (CA1P) in response to changes in light conditions. CA1P is a sugar phosphate derivative produced in many plants under heavily shaded or dark conditions. This inhibitor is the only known actively synthesized Rubisco inhibitor, and much remains unclear about its role and synthesis, including why different plant species produce significantly different levels of this molecule. 

This project presents an opportunity to use a number of approaches to investigate the role of CA1P in Rubisco regulation, and the pathway which synthesises this unique Rubisco inhibitor. Combining plant biochemistry with proteomics and metabolomics will build a more complete picture of CA1P. It would suit a candidate with interests in biochemistry, plant biology, and proteomics/metabolomics. The student will receive training in these areas by working with a supervisory team with complementary expertise, equipping them with an interdisciplinary skill set fitting many future career opportunities.