Role of the chloroplast ubiquitin E3 ligase SP1 in abiotic stress tolerance in plants
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Plant Sciences
Abstract
With the human population growing rapidly and set to reach 9 billion by 2050, and because of ever increasing pressure on natural resources, the drivers for increased crop yields and for resilience to climate change and sub-optimal growing conditions are stronger than ever. To meet these demands it will be essential to develop improved crop varieties. Through research on the model plant thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), we recently made a significant breakthrough that may have important implications for food security: We discovered a gene called SP1 that controls important aspects of plant growth, and found it to be important in plant responses to adverse environmental conditions such as water stress and high salinity (collectively, abiotic stresses). By modifying SP1 expression, thale cress plants can be made more tolerant of such stresses. In this project, we will study the SP1 gene to elucidate how it is involved in stress responses, and investigate its potential use for crop improvement by conducting studies in wheat.
The SP1 gene regulates the development of structures inside plant cells called chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are normal cellular constituents (i.e., they are organelles), and in many ways they define plants. They contain the green pigment chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis - the vital process that captures sunlight energy and uses it to power the activities of the cell, for example by converting carbon dioxide from the air into sugars. As photosynthesis is the only significant mechanism of energy-input into the living world, chloroplasts are of huge importance, not just to plants but to all life on Earth. But photosynthesis also has the potential to generate toxic "reactive oxygen species" (ROS), particularly when conditions are challenging, and so chloroplasts have a critical role in stress responses too.
Although chloroplasts do contain DNA (a relic of their evolutionary origins as free-living photosynthetic bacteria) and so can make some of their own proteins, most of the thousands of different proteins needed to form a chloroplast are encoded by genes in the cell nucleus. These nucleus-encoded proteins are made outside of the chloroplast in the cellular matrix known as the cytosol. As chloroplasts are each surrounded by a double membrane envelope, they have evolved sophisticated protein import machinery that drives the uptake of proteins from the cytosol. This machinery comprises two molecular machines: one in the outer envelope membrane called TOC (an abbreviation of "Translocon at the outer membrane of chloroplasts") and another in the inner membrane called TIC. Each machine is composed of several different proteins that cooperate during import.
The SP1 gene encodes a type of regulatory factor called a "ubiquitin E3 ligase". Such regulators work by labelling-up unwanted proteins to target them for removal. The SP1 E3 ligase specifically acts on components of the TOC machinery, thereby controlling TOC composition and function so that only the desired proteins are imported. Such control is important when chloroplasts must undergo major functional changes, for example during adaptation to stress. We believe that SP1 acts during stress to limit the import of new components of the photosynthetic apparatus, in order to attenuate photosynthetic activity and so mitigate the negative effects of stress. By limiting photosynthesis during stress, SP1 reduces the potential for ROS overproduction such that plants are less likely to suffer serious or fatal stress-related damage.
Knowledge gained during this project will improve our understanding of plant responses to adverse environments, and may enable improved resilience of crops to such conditions. Drought and salinity are among the most significant factors affecting crop yields, with annual global crop losses due to drought alone estimated at $10bn. We believe that our work with SP1 may help to alleviate such losses.
The SP1 gene regulates the development of structures inside plant cells called chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are normal cellular constituents (i.e., they are organelles), and in many ways they define plants. They contain the green pigment chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis - the vital process that captures sunlight energy and uses it to power the activities of the cell, for example by converting carbon dioxide from the air into sugars. As photosynthesis is the only significant mechanism of energy-input into the living world, chloroplasts are of huge importance, not just to plants but to all life on Earth. But photosynthesis also has the potential to generate toxic "reactive oxygen species" (ROS), particularly when conditions are challenging, and so chloroplasts have a critical role in stress responses too.
Although chloroplasts do contain DNA (a relic of their evolutionary origins as free-living photosynthetic bacteria) and so can make some of their own proteins, most of the thousands of different proteins needed to form a chloroplast are encoded by genes in the cell nucleus. These nucleus-encoded proteins are made outside of the chloroplast in the cellular matrix known as the cytosol. As chloroplasts are each surrounded by a double membrane envelope, they have evolved sophisticated protein import machinery that drives the uptake of proteins from the cytosol. This machinery comprises two molecular machines: one in the outer envelope membrane called TOC (an abbreviation of "Translocon at the outer membrane of chloroplasts") and another in the inner membrane called TIC. Each machine is composed of several different proteins that cooperate during import.
The SP1 gene encodes a type of regulatory factor called a "ubiquitin E3 ligase". Such regulators work by labelling-up unwanted proteins to target them for removal. The SP1 E3 ligase specifically acts on components of the TOC machinery, thereby controlling TOC composition and function so that only the desired proteins are imported. Such control is important when chloroplasts must undergo major functional changes, for example during adaptation to stress. We believe that SP1 acts during stress to limit the import of new components of the photosynthetic apparatus, in order to attenuate photosynthetic activity and so mitigate the negative effects of stress. By limiting photosynthesis during stress, SP1 reduces the potential for ROS overproduction such that plants are less likely to suffer serious or fatal stress-related damage.
Knowledge gained during this project will improve our understanding of plant responses to adverse environments, and may enable improved resilience of crops to such conditions. Drought and salinity are among the most significant factors affecting crop yields, with annual global crop losses due to drought alone estimated at $10bn. We believe that our work with SP1 may help to alleviate such losses.
Technical Summary
SP1 is a ubiquitin E3 ligase in the plastid outer envelope. It regulates plastid protein import via ubiquitination and degradation of import machinery (TOC) components, and thus controls the proteome, biogenesis and functions of plastids. Unpublished data reveal a role for SP1 in abiotic stress tolerance, via a novel protein import control pathway that attenuates photosynthesis to avoid overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We will elucidate the mechanisms underlying SP1-mediated stress tolerance, using Arabidopsis (Objectives 1-4) and wheat (Objective 5) as models:
1. We will explore the regulatory mechanisms governing SP1 activation in stress, focusing on phosphorylation of its target TOC proteins. We will use phosphoproteomics to assess for changes in TOC modification under stress, and functionally assess the phosphorylation sites. In parallel LC-MS/MS work we will study TOC ubiquitination patterns and seek stress-dependent functional partners of SP1.
2. We will systematically study SP1's effect on the chloroplast proteome under stress using quantitative proteomics. We will assess whether SP1's role in stress is mediated by photosynthetic attenuation only, or additionally involves ROS detoxification.
3. We will explore the possibility that SP1, in addition to import regulation, has a complementary role in chloroplast protein autophagy in stress. We will use in vivo markers for autophagosomes and plastid-linked autophagic bodies to assess SP1's role in initiating chloroplast autophagy in stress.
4. We will assess for a role of SP1 homologue, SPL2, in stress. We will analyse plants with altered SPL2 expression in physiological and molecular studies, focusing on plant growth, ROS levels, TOC protein levels and protein import.
5. We will assess the role of SP1 in stress tolerance in wheat. We will analyse plants with altered SP1 expression for their stress responses during vegetative and reproductive growth, with a particular focus on yield.
1. We will explore the regulatory mechanisms governing SP1 activation in stress, focusing on phosphorylation of its target TOC proteins. We will use phosphoproteomics to assess for changes in TOC modification under stress, and functionally assess the phosphorylation sites. In parallel LC-MS/MS work we will study TOC ubiquitination patterns and seek stress-dependent functional partners of SP1.
2. We will systematically study SP1's effect on the chloroplast proteome under stress using quantitative proteomics. We will assess whether SP1's role in stress is mediated by photosynthetic attenuation only, or additionally involves ROS detoxification.
3. We will explore the possibility that SP1, in addition to import regulation, has a complementary role in chloroplast protein autophagy in stress. We will use in vivo markers for autophagosomes and plastid-linked autophagic bodies to assess SP1's role in initiating chloroplast autophagy in stress.
4. We will assess for a role of SP1 homologue, SPL2, in stress. We will analyse plants with altered SPL2 expression in physiological and molecular studies, focusing on plant growth, ROS levels, TOC protein levels and protein import.
5. We will assess the role of SP1 in stress tolerance in wheat. We will analyse plants with altered SP1 expression for their stress responses during vegetative and reproductive growth, with a particular focus on yield.
Planned Impact
Beneficiaries will include: (1) commercial stakeholders in agriculture; (2) the wider public and government; and (3) the academic community and research staff employed by the project. How these individuals will engage with and benefit from the research is summarized below.
1. Commercial stakeholders in agriculture. Abiotic stresses have major adverse effects on crop yields: annual global crop losses due to drought alone are estimated at $10bn. Manipulating SP1 expression improves stress tolerance and so could mitigate such losses, and may do so without compromising growth under normal conditions. Thus, SP1 has considerable potential as a technology and it is our goal to ensure that this is fully realized. The drivers for increased crop yields and resilience to climate change and sub-optimal growing conditions are stronger than ever, due to human population growth and pressure on natural resources. As well as offering more efficient food production in the UK and other developed agricultural economies, translation of our work into crops may also bring public good benefits to food production in developing countries by enhancing subsistence agriculture.
Current IP associated with SP1 is protected by a patent application and is licensed to PBL who are promoting the technology globally. New IP generated during the project will be similarly protected and, with the assistance of PBL and Isis Innovation (the University's technology transfer company), we will work to promote uptake of the SP1 technology by the agbiotech industry (several major companies have already expressed an interest). We will seek Follow-on Funding to facilitate development and commercialization of the technology at the end of year 2.
2. Wider public and government. Scientific information has enriching and educational quality of life benefits for society. Thus, we will work in partnership with the Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum, Oxford Natural History Museum, and the Oxford Sparks online resource, which are all excellent avenues for science-related outreach, to develop and deliver a range of innovative, high-quality engagement activities and educational resources centred on the themes of the project. These activities will not only inform and educate the public, as mentioned, but will also benefit the aforementioned partner organizations by promoting their bilateral engagement with the academic community and public.
Through publications and associated press releases and media coverage, and via our attendance at the SET for Britain event attended by Members of both Houses of Parliament at Westminster, we will engage government. Opportunities for political dialogue that arise through the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Food will also be exploited. Our aim will be to highlight the importance of scientific research and plant biotechnology in relation to major societal challenges such as food security and climate change, and to influence policy in a positive way.
3. Academic community and research staff. Academic impact will be large due to the work's interdisciplinarity and fundamental significance, as detailed in the Academic Beneficiaries section. This will manifest itself in several ways: a) The work will provide new knowledge with relevance in several overlapping fields and disciplines. b) The project will contribute to the health of UK plant science by generating publicity, fostering interactions and enabling engagement activities designed to stimulate enthusiasm for plant biology among school students and teachers. c) The research staff will receive advanced training in bioscience research, further contributing to the health of UK plant science, reinforcing the UK's position as a leading country for academic research, and aiding transition to a Knowledge Based Bio-Economy. Training will also result from our supervision of graduate students with related projects, who will have daily interaction with the PI and research staff.
1. Commercial stakeholders in agriculture. Abiotic stresses have major adverse effects on crop yields: annual global crop losses due to drought alone are estimated at $10bn. Manipulating SP1 expression improves stress tolerance and so could mitigate such losses, and may do so without compromising growth under normal conditions. Thus, SP1 has considerable potential as a technology and it is our goal to ensure that this is fully realized. The drivers for increased crop yields and resilience to climate change and sub-optimal growing conditions are stronger than ever, due to human population growth and pressure on natural resources. As well as offering more efficient food production in the UK and other developed agricultural economies, translation of our work into crops may also bring public good benefits to food production in developing countries by enhancing subsistence agriculture.
Current IP associated with SP1 is protected by a patent application and is licensed to PBL who are promoting the technology globally. New IP generated during the project will be similarly protected and, with the assistance of PBL and Isis Innovation (the University's technology transfer company), we will work to promote uptake of the SP1 technology by the agbiotech industry (several major companies have already expressed an interest). We will seek Follow-on Funding to facilitate development and commercialization of the technology at the end of year 2.
2. Wider public and government. Scientific information has enriching and educational quality of life benefits for society. Thus, we will work in partnership with the Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum, Oxford Natural History Museum, and the Oxford Sparks online resource, which are all excellent avenues for science-related outreach, to develop and deliver a range of innovative, high-quality engagement activities and educational resources centred on the themes of the project. These activities will not only inform and educate the public, as mentioned, but will also benefit the aforementioned partner organizations by promoting their bilateral engagement with the academic community and public.
Through publications and associated press releases and media coverage, and via our attendance at the SET for Britain event attended by Members of both Houses of Parliament at Westminster, we will engage government. Opportunities for political dialogue that arise through the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Food will also be exploited. Our aim will be to highlight the importance of scientific research and plant biotechnology in relation to major societal challenges such as food security and climate change, and to influence policy in a positive way.
3. Academic community and research staff. Academic impact will be large due to the work's interdisciplinarity and fundamental significance, as detailed in the Academic Beneficiaries section. This will manifest itself in several ways: a) The work will provide new knowledge with relevance in several overlapping fields and disciplines. b) The project will contribute to the health of UK plant science by generating publicity, fostering interactions and enabling engagement activities designed to stimulate enthusiasm for plant biology among school students and teachers. c) The research staff will receive advanced training in bioscience research, further contributing to the health of UK plant science, reinforcing the UK's position as a leading country for academic research, and aiding transition to a Knowledge Based Bio-Economy. Training will also result from our supervision of graduate students with related projects, who will have daily interaction with the PI and research staff.
Organisations
- University of Oxford (Lead Research Organisation, Project Partner)
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Collaboration)
- Max Planck Society (Collaboration)
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (Collaboration)
- University of Neuchâtel (Collaboration)
- University of Gothenburg (Collaboration)
- Royal Holloway, University of London (Collaboration)
- Tohoku University (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON (Collaboration)
Publications
Broad W
(2016)
New Insights Into Roles of Ubiquitin Modification in Regulating Plastids and Other Endosymbiotic Organelles.
in International review of cell and molecular biology
Bédard J
(2017)
Suppressors of the Chloroplast Protein Import Mutant tic40 Reveal a Genetic Link between Protein Import and Thylakoid Biogenesis.
in The Plant cell
Jarvis RP
(2024)
Reply: Does the polyubiquitination pathway operate inside intact chloroplasts to remove proteins?
in The Plant cell
Kikuchi Y
(2020)
Chloroplast Autophagy and Ubiquitination Combine to Manage Oxidative Damage and Starvation Responses.
in Plant physiology
Ling Q
(2016)
Analysis of Protein Import into Chloroplasts Isolated from Stressed Plants.
in Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE
Ling Q
(2019)
Ubiquitin-dependent chloroplast-associated protein degradation in plants.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)
Ling Q
(2021)
The chloroplast-associated protein degradation pathway controls chromoplast development and fruit ripening in tomato
in Nature Plants
Ling Q
(2016)
Plant Signaling: Ubiquitin Pulls the Trigger on Chloroplast Degradation.
in Current biology : CB
Ling Q
(2017)
Chloroplast Ubiquitin E3 Ligase SP1: Does It Really Function in Peroxisomes?
in Plant physiology
Description | We identified an important role for the chloroplast ubiquitin E3 ligase in abiotic stress tolerance in plants, and began to elucidate to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this function, and to assess the potential utility of SP1 for crop improvement in relation to stress tolerance. |
Exploitation Route | The findings may be used to develop new, improved crop varieties with enhanced tolerance of abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Energy Environment |
URL | https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/content/hardy-crops-tackle-food-insecurity |
Description | The results linked to this project underpin our efforts to develop SP1 as a technology for crop improvement, which are covered by patent applications. The technology is currently being developed with a view to commercialization. |
First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Energy,Environment |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | BBSRC Follow-On Funding Pathfinder: "Manipulation of the chloroplast-associated protein degradation pathway (CHLORAD) - applications in plant breeding and biotechnology" (Jan - Jul 2019) |
Amount | £10,897 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/S013873/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2019 |
End | 07/2019 |
Description | BBSRC/BBR-Funded BRACT Crop Transformation Facility: CRISPR/Cas9 targeted knockouts of SP1 and SP2 in wheat (2018) |
Amount | £1 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2018 |
End | 12/2019 |
Description | BBSRC/BBR-Funded BRACT Crop Transformation Facility: CRISPR/Cas9 targeted knockouts of SP1 in Brassica oleracea (2016-2018) |
Amount | £1 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 12/2016 |
End | 05/2018 |
Description | Chloroplast-Associated Degradation (CHLORAD): Molecular definition of a ubiquitin-dependent system for plastid protein removal in plants |
Amount | £537,125 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/R009333/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2018 |
End | 04/2022 |
Description | Defining the scope and components of ubiquitin-dependent chloroplast-associated protein degradation |
Amount | £802,918 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/V007300/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2021 |
End | 04/2024 |
Description | Developing CHLORAD as a technology for crop improvement using wheat as a model |
Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/S50676X/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2020 |
End | 05/2021 |
Description | Elucidating the role of SP2 and the SP1-SP2 machinery in chloroplast protein degradation |
Amount | £498,394 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/R016984/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2018 |
End | 09/2022 |
Description | Manipulating CHLORAD in wheat: Altering expression of the plastid retrotranslocon SP2 in order to develop novel crop improvement strategies [OEX/RNAi] |
Amount | £1 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2019 |
End | 11/2020 |
Description | Dr Enrique Lopez-Juez, Royal Holloway, University of London |
Organisation | Royal Holloway, University of London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Collaboration on the import characteristics of newly identified mutant affecting the TIC machinery of chloroplasts |
Collaborator Contribution | Identification of the gene affected by the mutation |
Impact | Identification and characterization of a significant new mutant affecting the TIC machinery of chloroplasts; manuscript in preparation |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Dr Gail Preston, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Department of Experimental Psychology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are collaborating on the role of SP1 in biotic stress responses in Arabidopsis and brassica, via a PhD studentship |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in plant pathology |
Impact | The project is on-going. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Dr Masanori Izumi |
Organisation | Tohoku University |
Department | Graduate School of Life Sciences |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are collaborating on the role of ubiquitination in chloroplast degradation by autophagy. Dr Izumi visited the group in Oxford for four months in 2015 on a Japanese government fellowship. |
Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in autophagy. |
Impact | The work is on-going. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Dr Mats Töpel, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sweden |
Organisation | University of Gothenburg |
Department | Department of Marine Sciences |
Country | Sweden |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have collaborated on the phylogenetic analysis of STIC2-related proteins, and other chloroplast proteins, as well as on the analysis of whole genome sequence data. |
Collaborator Contribution | Advanced expertise in bioinformatics and phylogenetic analysis. |
Impact | Ling, Q., Broad, W., Trösch, R., Töpel, M., Demiral Sert, T., Lymperopoulos, P., Baldwin, A. and Jarvis, R.P. (2019) Ubiquitin-dependent chloroplast-associated protein degradation in plants. Science 363: eaav4467. Bédard, J., Trösch, R., Wu, F., Ling, Q., Flores-Pérez, Ú., Töpel, M., Nawaz, F. and Jarvis P. (2017) Suppressors of the chloroplast protein import mutant tic40 reveal a genetic link between protein import and thylakoid biogenesis. Plant Cell 29: 1726-1747. Trösch, R., Töpel, M., Flores-Pérez, Ú. and Jarvis, P. (2015) Genetic and physical interaction studies reveal functional similarities between ALBINO3 and ALBINO4 in Arabidopsis. Plant Physiol. 169: 1292-1306. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Dr Qihua Ling, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology (SIPPE), China |
Organisation | Chinese Academy of Sciences |
Department | Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology |
Country | China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are continuing our work together on the further characterization of the CHLORAD pathway, following the establishment of Dr Ling's own group in China. |
Collaborator Contribution | We are collaborating on the further characterization of the CHLORAD pathway. |
Impact | We are collaborating on the further characterization of the CHLORAD pathway. Outputs are expected to appear soon. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Dr Shabaz Mohammed, Dept. of Biochemistry and Advanced Proteomics Facility, University of Oxford |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Department | Advanced Proteomics Facility |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are collaborating on the identification of new components and substrates of the CHLORAD system of chloroplast protein degradation. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provision of advanced proteomics expertise. |
Impact | The work is on-going. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Prof. Matthew Terry, University of Southampton |
Organisation | University of Southampton |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are providing expertise in the area of chloroplast protein import, as well as seeds of relevant mutant genotypes. We will be conducting analyses of the levels of components of the protein import machinery in a new mutant identified by our collaborators that displays defective plastid signalling. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborators are supplying the new plastid signalling mutant to us, and are conducting detailed analyses on the mutant seed lines that we are providing. |
Impact | This collaboration is on-going and so has not yet generated any outputs. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Prof. Ralf Bock, Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam, Germany |
Organisation | Max Planck Society |
Department | Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We are providing expertise in the area of chloroplast protein import in order to understand the role of a plastid signalling mutant. We hosted a visiting postdoctoral researcher from Germany in order that skills in this area may be transferred to our collaborators. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborators provided the initial observations and the mutant genotypes of interest, and are completing the analyses in readiness for publication. |
Impact | The collaboration is on-going and so has not yet generated any outputs. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Professor Felix Kessler, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland |
Organisation | University of Neuchatel |
Country | Switzerland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | A collaboration was established to share knowledge and optimize methods for the native purification of chloroplast translocon complexes using the tandem affinity purification (TAP) technique. As part of this collaboration, a researcher visited the Kessler laboratory for 10 days in 2010 (18th-29th January, 2010). Since then, the collaboration has continued to evolve and take new directions, for example related to the involvement of post-translation modification in the regulation of chloroplast protein import. As a result of the collaboration, Professor was invited visit our department in Oxford on 22 November 2018, and to give a seminar here. |
Collaborator Contribution | A collaboration was established to share knowledge and optimize methods for the native purification of chloroplast translocon complexes using the tandem affinity purification (TAP) technique. As part of this collaboration, a researcher visited the Kessler laboratory for 10 days in 2010 (18th-29th January, 2010). Since then, the collaboration has continued to evolve and take new directions, for example related to the involvement of post-translation modification in the regulation of chloroplast protein import. As a result of the collaboration, Professor was invited visit our department in Oxford on 22 November 2018, and to give a seminar here. |
Impact | Jarvis, P. and Kessler, F. (2014) Mechanisms of chloroplast protein import in plants. In: Advances in Plant Biology: Plastid Biology (S.M. Theg and F.-A. Wollman, eds.) Springer, New York, pp. 241-270. Aronsson, H., Combe, J., Patel, R., Agne, B., Martin, M., Kessler, F. and Jarvis, P. (2010) Nucleotide binding and dimerization at the chloroplast pre-protein import receptor, atToc33, are not essential in vivo but do increase import efficiency. Plant J. 63: 297-311. |
Start Year | 2010 |
Title | CONTROL OF PLASTID ASSOCIATED PROTEIN DEGRADATION |
Description | The patent application covers the possibility of manipulating CHLORAD to modify diverse aspects of chloroplast function, enabling novel crop improvement strategies; for example, improving the tolerance of crop plants to abiotic stress. |
IP Reference | GB1815206.6 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2018 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Too early for impact to be assessed. |
Title | CONTROL OF PLASTID ASSOCIATED PROTEIN DEGRADATION I |
Description | The patent application covers the possibility of manipulating SP2 and CHLORAD to modify diverse aspects of chloroplast function, enabling novel crop improvement strategies; for example, improving the tolerance of crop plants to abiotic stress. |
IP Reference | GB1803833.1 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2018 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Too early for impact to be assessed. |
Title | CONTROL OF PLASTID ASSOCIATED PROTEIN DEGRADATION II |
Description | The patent application covers the possibility of manipulating PUX10 (CDC48) and CHLORAD to modify diverse aspects of chloroplast function, enabling novel crop improvement strategies; for example, improving the tolerance of crop plants to abiotic stress. |
IP Reference | GB1803834.9 |
Protection | Patent application published |
Year Protection Granted | 2018 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Too early for impact to be assessed. |
Title | Deconvolution software for interpretation of gene sequence data from new CRISPR/Cas9 mutants |
Description | We required the deconvolution of Sanger sequencing data to determine if the CRISPR-Cas9 induced mutations of genes of interest were true knockouts (as opposed to non-frameshifting point mutations). To achieve this we wrote a deconvolution program in Python programming language. This software enabled characterization of the heteroallelic CRISPR mutations without the necessity of cloning PCR products of the gene into bacteria (the time-consuming conventional method). It is in the process of being |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Impact | Too early to assess. |
Description | Animation illustrating our new discovery of the CHLORAD pathway, and how it may be manipulated to improve crop performance |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | In conjunction with Oxford Sparks (https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/), we prepared an animation illustrating our new discovery of the CHLORAD pathway, and illustrating in simple terms how it may be manipulated to improve crop performance. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/content/changing-plant-chloroplasts-improve-crop-performance |
Description | Animation illustrating the problems posed by abiotic stress to crops and food security, and the way our research may help (2019) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | In conjunction with Oxford Sparks (https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/), we are preparing an animation illustrating the problems posed by abiotic stress to crop yields and food security, and explaining in simple terms the way in which our research on chloroplasts may help to address these issues. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.oxfordsparks.ox.ac.uk/ |
Description | Article in the BBSRC Business Magazine, Winter 2018 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | This article highlighted our latest results on the regulated proteolysis of chloroplast proteins in plants, via a new pathway which we have termed CHLORAD, for chloroplast-associated protein degradation. Manipulating the CHLORAD pathway can alter diverse aspects of plant performance, including abiotic stress tolerance. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://bbsrc.ukri.org/documents/bbsrc-business-winter-2018-pdf/ |
Description | Attendance of research associate at Public Engagement Masterclass, Oxford Botanic Garden (2018) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This was an educational session designed to develop public engagement and outreach skills. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Established a group Twitter account |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A Twitter account (Jarvis Lab, @PaulJarvisLab) for reporting the activities of the group was established in January 2019. We use this to disseminate our research to the general public and a range of different audiences, and to connect with other groups with similar interests in plant biology. During the first two months we had 38 tweets and accumulated 184 followers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://twitter.com/PaulJarvisLab |
Description | Invited speaker at EMBO Workshop on "Current advances in protein translocation across membranes" (Spain, 2019) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I was an invited speaker at this prestigious international meeting, which took place during 23-27 March 2019, at Sant Feliu de Guixols, Spain. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://meetings.embo.org/event/19-protein-translocation |
Description | Invited speaker at GRC Chloroplast Biotechnology Meeting entitled "Redesigning Plastids for Novel Functions" (California, USA, 2019) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I was an invited speaker at this prestigious international meeting, which took place during 6-11 January 2019, at Ventura Beach Marriott, Ventura, CA, USA. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.grc.org/chloroplast-biotechnology-conference/2019/ |
Description | Invited speaker at GRC Protein Transport Across Cell Membranes Meeting entitled "Nanoscale Imaging and Molecular Mechanisms of Protein Transport Systems" (Texas, USA, 2018) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I was an invited speaker at this prestigious international meeting, which took place during March 11 - 16, 2018, at Hotel Galvez, Galveston, TX, USA. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.grc.org/protein-transport-across-cell-membranes-conference/2018/ |
Description | Invited speaker at GRC Protein Transport Across Cell Membranes Meeting entitled "Protein Transport Across Cell Membranes: Mechanism, Structure, and Regulation" (Texas, USA, 2016) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I was an invited speaker at this prestigious international meeting, which took place during 6-11 March 2016, at Hotel Galvez, Galveston, TX, USA. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.grc.org/protein-transport-across-cell-membranes-conference/2016/ |
Description | Invited speaker at International Symposium on Photosynthesis & Chloroplast Biogenesis (Kurashiki, Japan, 2018) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I was an invited speaker at this prestigious international meeting, which took place during 7-10 November 2018, at Kurashiki, Japan. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | http://www.rib.okayama-u.ac.jp/ISPCB/ |
Description | Keynote Speaker at Society of Experimental Biology (SEB) Annual Meeting (Gothenburg, Sweden, 2017) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I was a keynote speaker at this prestigious international meeting, which took place during 3-6 July 2017, at Gothenburg, Sweden. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.sebiology.org/events/event/seb-gothenburg |
Description | Plenary Speaker and Session Chair at the 27th International Conference on Arabidopsis Research (ICAR) (Gyeong Ju, Korea, 2016) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | I was a plenary speaker and session at the is prestigious international meeting, which took place during 29 June-3 July 2016, at Gyeong Ju, South Korea. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www.arabidopsisresearch.org/images/ICAR/ICAR2016_programofICAR2016_160418.pdf |
Description | Press release associated with Science paper on the discovery of the CHLORAD pathway |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Press release associated with Science paper on the discovery of the CHLORAD pathway. The press release was coordinated by the University of Oxford, and was additionally disseminated by BBSRC and AAAS. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2019-02-26-discovery-new-pathway-may-help-develop-more-resilient-crop-varie... |