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National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 42(107), p. 18214-18219, 2010

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1007703107

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An atypical member of the light-harvesting complex stress-related protein family modulates diatom responses to light

Journal article published in 2010 by Benjamin Bailleul, Alessandra Rogato, Alessandra de Martino, Sacha Coesel, Pierre Cardol ORCID, Chris Bowler, Angela Falciatore, Giovanni Finazzi
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Diatoms are prominent phytoplanktonic organisms that contribute around 40% of carbon assimilation in the oceans. They grow and perform optimally in variable environments, being able to cope with unpredictable changes in the amount and quality of light. The molecular mechanisms regulating diatom light responses are, however, still obscure. Using knockdown Phaeodactylum tricornutum transgenic lines, we reveal the key function of a member of the light-harvesting complex stress-related (LHCSR) protein family, denoted LHCX1, in modulation of excess light energy dissipation. In contrast to green algae, this gene is already maximally expressed in nonstressful light conditions and encodes a protein required for efficient light responses and growth. LHCX1 also influences natural variability in photoresponse, as evidenced in ecotypes isolated from different latitudes that display different LHCX1 protein levels. We conclude, therefore, that this gene plays a pivotal role in managing light responses in diatoms.