Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 910-925.e5 |
| Journal | Molecular cell |
| Volume | 84 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Early online date | 29 Feb 2024 |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Mar 2024 |
Abstract
Chloroplasts contain a dedicated genome that encodes subunits of the photosynthesis machinery. Transcription of photosynthesis genes is predominantly carried out by a plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP), a nearly 1 MDa complex composed of core subunits with homology to eubacterial RNA polymerases (RNAPs) and at least 12 additional chloroplast-specific PEP-associated proteins (PAPs). However, the architecture of this complex and the functions of the PAPs remain unknown. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of a 19-subunit PEP complex from Sinapis alba (white mustard). The structure reveals that the PEP core resembles prokaryotic and nuclear RNAPs but contains chloroplast-specific features that mediate interactions with the PAPs. The PAPs are unrelated to known transcription factors and arrange around the core in a unique fashion. Their structures suggest potential functions during transcription in the chemical environment of chloroplasts. These results reveal structural insights into chloroplast transcription and provide a framework for understanding photosynthesis gene expression.
Keywords
- chloroplast, cryo-EM, gene expression, organelle, photosynthesis, plastid, RNA, RNA polymerase, structural biology, transcription
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
- Cell Biology
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In: Molecular cell, Vol. 84, No. 5, 07.03.2024, p. 910-925.e5.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Structure of the multi-subunit chloroplast RNA polymerase
AU - do Prado, Paula F V
AU - Ahrens, Frederik M
AU - Liebers, Monique
AU - Ditz, Noah
AU - Braun, Hans-Peter
AU - Pfannschmidt, Thomas
AU - Hillen, Hauke
N1 - We thank Christian Dienemann and Ulrich Steuerwald (MPI-NAT cryo-EM facility) for technical assistance. This work was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft under Germany's Excellence Strategy EXC 2067/1-390729940 (H.S.H.), Hertha Sponer College (P.F.V.d.P.), FOR2848 (P10, H.S.H.), SFB1565 (project number 469281184, P13, H.S.H.), PF323-7 (T.P.), the framework of the Priority Programme "MAdLand - Molecular Adaption to Land: Plant Evolution to Change (SPP2237, T.P.), PF323-9 (T.P.), and by the European Union (ERC Starting Grant MitoRNA, grant agreement no. 101116869, to H.S.H.). Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
PY - 2024/3/7
Y1 - 2024/3/7
N2 - Chloroplasts contain a dedicated genome that encodes subunits of the photosynthesis machinery. Transcription of photosynthesis genes is predominantly carried out by a plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP), a nearly 1 MDa complex composed of core subunits with homology to eubacterial RNA polymerases (RNAPs) and at least 12 additional chloroplast-specific PEP-associated proteins (PAPs). However, the architecture of this complex and the functions of the PAPs remain unknown. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of a 19-subunit PEP complex from Sinapis alba (white mustard). The structure reveals that the PEP core resembles prokaryotic and nuclear RNAPs but contains chloroplast-specific features that mediate interactions with the PAPs. The PAPs are unrelated to known transcription factors and arrange around the core in a unique fashion. Their structures suggest potential functions during transcription in the chemical environment of chloroplasts. These results reveal structural insights into chloroplast transcription and provide a framework for understanding photosynthesis gene expression.
AB - Chloroplasts contain a dedicated genome that encodes subunits of the photosynthesis machinery. Transcription of photosynthesis genes is predominantly carried out by a plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP), a nearly 1 MDa complex composed of core subunits with homology to eubacterial RNA polymerases (RNAPs) and at least 12 additional chloroplast-specific PEP-associated proteins (PAPs). However, the architecture of this complex and the functions of the PAPs remain unknown. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of a 19-subunit PEP complex from Sinapis alba (white mustard). The structure reveals that the PEP core resembles prokaryotic and nuclear RNAPs but contains chloroplast-specific features that mediate interactions with the PAPs. The PAPs are unrelated to known transcription factors and arrange around the core in a unique fashion. Their structures suggest potential functions during transcription in the chemical environment of chloroplasts. These results reveal structural insights into chloroplast transcription and provide a framework for understanding photosynthesis gene expression.
KW - chloroplast
KW - cryo-EM
KW - gene expression
KW - organelle
KW - photosynthesis
KW - plastid
KW - RNA
KW - RNA polymerase
KW - structural biology
KW - transcription
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85186639525&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.003
DO - 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.02.003
M3 - Article
C2 - 38428434
VL - 84
SP - 910-925.e5
JO - Molecular cell
JF - Molecular cell
SN - 1097-2765
IS - 5
ER -