Wolfgang R Hess, Annegret Wilde, Conrad W Mullineaux
{"title":"Does mRNA targeting explain gene retention in chloroplasts?","authors":"Wolfgang R Hess, Annegret Wilde, Conrad W Mullineaux","doi":"10.1016/j.tplants.2024.09.017","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>During their evolution from cyanobacteria, plastids have relinquished most of their genes to the host cell nucleus, but have retained a core set of genes that are transcribed and translated within the organelle. Previous explanations have included incompatible codon or base composition, problems importing certain proteins across the double membrane, or the need for tight regulation in concert with the redox status of the electron transport chain. In this opinion article we propose the 'mRNA targeting hypothesis'. Studies in cyanobacteria suggest that mRNAs encoding core photosynthetic proteins have features that are crucial for membrane targeting and coordination of early steps in complex assembly. We propose that the requirement for intimate involvement of mRNA molecules at the thylakoid surface explains the retention of core photosynthetic genes in chloroplasts.</p>","PeriodicalId":23264,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Plant Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":17.3000,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Trends in Plant Science","FirstCategoryId":"99","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2024.09.017","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PLANT SCIENCES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
During their evolution from cyanobacteria, plastids have relinquished most of their genes to the host cell nucleus, but have retained a core set of genes that are transcribed and translated within the organelle. Previous explanations have included incompatible codon or base composition, problems importing certain proteins across the double membrane, or the need for tight regulation in concert with the redox status of the electron transport chain. In this opinion article we propose the 'mRNA targeting hypothesis'. Studies in cyanobacteria suggest that mRNAs encoding core photosynthetic proteins have features that are crucial for membrane targeting and coordination of early steps in complex assembly. We propose that the requirement for intimate involvement of mRNA molecules at the thylakoid surface explains the retention of core photosynthetic genes in chloroplasts.
期刊介绍:
Trends in Plant Science is the primary monthly review journal in plant science, encompassing a wide range from molecular biology to ecology. It offers concise and accessible reviews and opinions on fundamental plant science topics, providing quick insights into current thinking and developments in plant biology. Geared towards researchers, students, and teachers, the articles are authoritative, authored by both established leaders in the field and emerging talents.