NC1168: Regulation of Photosynthetic Processes (Rev. NC-1142)
Statement of Issues and Justification
Photosynthesis is the primary determinant of crop productivity. It is the single process on earth that converts sunlight into biomass, sequesters atmospheric CO2 into carbohydrates, and liberates O2. Photosynthesis and the formation of food, fiber, and biomass are dramatically limited by environmental, biochemical, and genetic constraints. Alleviation of some or all of these constraints could lead to substantial increases in plant productivity.New approaches will be required to enhance crop productivity and improve agricultural sustainability. To achieve these goals, it will be essential to gain fundamental knowledge of all aspects of photosynthesis from underlying metabolic components that control assimilate production and utilization, to basic enzymology and cellular infrastructure. This knowledge will include an in-depth understanding of the regulation of important photosynthetic enzymes and how environmental and developmental signals affecting photosynthetic processes are perceived at the molecular and gene levels. Collectively such knowledge will provide novel opportunities for crop improvement.
The proposed multistate research project brings together outstanding, highly productive photosynthesis investigators from across the country in an integrated effort to broaden our understanding of critically important areas of photosynthesis research. We propose a synergistic, cooperative research program that concentrates on four areas of photosynthetic regulation:
1. Plastid function and intracellular communication. The purpose of this research is to identify regulatory pathways by which plastid biogenesis and photosynthetic functions are modulated. Direct signaling pathways and photosynthetic protein transfer between chloroplasts and the nucleus will be studied, as will homeostatic processes that utilize sugar sensing to co-ordinate photosynthetic supply with cellular and developmental programs. The collaborating units include IA-AES, OH-AES, ME-AES, and SC-AES (4 institutions, 4 research labs).
2. Photosynthetic capture and photorespiratory release of CO2. The goal of this research is to determine and modify the biochemical and regulatory factors that impact photosynthetic capture and photorespiratory release of CO2. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications of key photosynthetic enzymes involved in primary and secondary CO2 assimilation, as well as the mechanisms that control carbon flux through primary and secondary metabolic pathways. The collaborating units include IL-ARS, KY-AES, MO-AES, NE-AES, and NV-AES (5 institutions, 6 research labs).
3. Mechanisms regulating photosynthate partitioning. The objective of this research is to gain insight into the mechanisms that regulate photosynthate partitioning into pathways of biosynthesis and use of sucrose, starch, and sugar alcohols as well as lipids. These studies will examine interactions between compartments of the cell, between plant parts, and the partitioning of carbohydrates and lipids between transport, storage, and stress-protective functions. The collaborating units include FL-AES, IA-AES, IL-AES, MI-AES, NE-AES, PA-AES, VA-AES, WA-AES (8 institutions, 11 research labs).
4. Developmental and environmental limitations to photosynthesis. The aim of this research is to analyze the limitations and environmental factors that influence photosynthetic productivity at the whole plant and canopy levels. Particular emphasis will be placed on abiotic stresses (temperature, water, and salinity), nitrogen use, and global atmospheric change. This work will integrate understanding developed here and under objectives 1 through 3 to optimize photosynthetic production and yield under current and future environmental conditions. The collaborating units include IA-AES, IL-AES, KS-AES, MI-AES, MS-ARS, NE-AES, NV-AES, WA-AES, VA-AES (9 institutions, 12 research labs).
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