Thylakoid Membrane Remodeling and Optimization of Photosynthetic Activity

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H02508
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 44030:Plant molecular biology and physiology-related
• Research Institution: Okayama University
• Principal Investigator: Sakamoto Wataru 岡山大学, 資源植物科学研究所, 教授 (20222002)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: チラコイド膜 / 光合成 / 膜リモデリング / 葉緑体 / NTPase

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we focused on VIPP1, a membrane remodeling molecule whose function has recently been elucidated, in order to understand thylakoid membrane homeostasis and photosynthetic adaptation to the environment. We performed a detailed analysis of VIPP1 complex formation and membrane remodeling activity. Furthermore, we found that chloroplast HSP70 interacts with VIPP1. Altogether, VIPP1's thylakoid membrane remodeling function appears to differ between cyanobacteria and Arabidopsis, including nucleotide hydrolysis activity, indicating that VIPP1 is adapted to the dynamic thylakoid homeostasis in vascular plants.

Free Research Field

植物生理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

植物の環境適応には光合成機能の調節が重要であり、本研究が対象とするチラコイド膜ホメオスタシスは、光合成反応の足場を支える重要な生存戦略機構でもある。植物の光合成反応が変動する環境に適応して生存する生理作用の理解は、気候変動による温暖化と地球環境の保全、あるいは作物生産による食糧供給にも新たな技術開発につながる基盤研究である。