Chloroplast-Associated Degradation (CHLORAD): Molecular definition of a ubiquitin-dependent system for plastid protein removal in plants
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Biology
Abstract
The human population is growing rapidly and set to reach 9bn by 2050, and there is ever increasing pressure on natural resources. Thus, the drivers for increased crop yields and 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, we recently made a significant breakthrough: We discovered a gene called SP1 that controls important aspects of plant growth, including plant responses to adverse environmental conditions such as water stress and high salinity (collectively, abiotic stresses). Thale cress plants can be made more tolerant of such stresses by modifying SP1 expression. Recently, we identified two new genes that function in the same regulatory pathway as SP1 - a pathway which we now term CHLORAD (for "Chloroplast-Associated Degradation"). In this project, we will study these new genes in detail, to elucidate their functions and understand how they work together with SP1, and in doing so we hope to identify new strategies for crop improvement.
Like SP1, the two new CHLORAD genes regulate 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, capturing sunlight energy and using it to power the activities of the cell. 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. Chloroplasts also have critical roles in plant responses to abiotic stress, and so are ideal targets for engineering stress tolerance in crops.
Chloroplasts are composed of thousands of different proteins, and most of these are encoded by genes in the cell nucleus and so are synthesized outside of the organelle in the cellular matrix known as the cytosol. As chloroplasts are each surrounded by a double-membrane envelope, sophisticated machinery is needed to bring about the import of these proteins into the organelle. This comprises two molecular machines, one in each membrane, called TOC (for "Translocon at the Outer membrane of Chloroplasts") and TIC. Each machine is composed of several different proteins that work cooperatively.
The SP1 gene encodes a regulatory factor called a "ubiquitin E3 ligase". Such regulators work by labelling-up unwanted proteins to target them for removal. The SP1 E3 ligase mediates the removal of TOC components, and thereby controls TOC functions so that only the desired proteins are imported by chloroplasts. Such control enables major functional changes of chloroplasts during development and in adaptation to stress. But TOC proteins are deeply embedded in the chloroplast outer membrane, presenting a physical obstacle to their removal following labelling by SP1. Our discovery of the new CHLORAD genes provides a clue as to how this obstacle is overcome: our unpublished data strongly suggest these genes encode key components of a molecular motor that drives the extraction of unwanted TOC proteins. We will study this CHLORAD machinery to understand more clearly how unwanted chloroplast proteins are removed.
Moreover, the role of CHLORAD in environmental stress tolerance will be studied. We will explore how manipulating the activity of the pathway may be used to improve stress tolerance in plants. The pathway appears to operate in many different plant species, including major crops, and so our results have the potential to see broad application. Drought and salinity are among the most significant factors affecting crop yields, with annual global losses due to drought alone estimated at $10bn. We believe that our work on CHLORAD may help to alleviate such losses.
Like SP1, the two new CHLORAD genes regulate 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, capturing sunlight energy and using it to power the activities of the cell. 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. Chloroplasts also have critical roles in plant responses to abiotic stress, and so are ideal targets for engineering stress tolerance in crops.
Chloroplasts are composed of thousands of different proteins, and most of these are encoded by genes in the cell nucleus and so are synthesized outside of the organelle in the cellular matrix known as the cytosol. As chloroplasts are each surrounded by a double-membrane envelope, sophisticated machinery is needed to bring about the import of these proteins into the organelle. This comprises two molecular machines, one in each membrane, called TOC (for "Translocon at the Outer membrane of Chloroplasts") and TIC. Each machine is composed of several different proteins that work cooperatively.
The SP1 gene encodes a regulatory factor called a "ubiquitin E3 ligase". Such regulators work by labelling-up unwanted proteins to target them for removal. The SP1 E3 ligase mediates the removal of TOC components, and thereby controls TOC functions so that only the desired proteins are imported by chloroplasts. Such control enables major functional changes of chloroplasts during development and in adaptation to stress. But TOC proteins are deeply embedded in the chloroplast outer membrane, presenting a physical obstacle to their removal following labelling by SP1. Our discovery of the new CHLORAD genes provides a clue as to how this obstacle is overcome: our unpublished data strongly suggest these genes encode key components of a molecular motor that drives the extraction of unwanted TOC proteins. We will study this CHLORAD machinery to understand more clearly how unwanted chloroplast proteins are removed.
Moreover, the role of CHLORAD in environmental stress tolerance will be studied. We will explore how manipulating the activity of the pathway may be used to improve stress tolerance in plants. The pathway appears to operate in many different plant species, including major crops, and so our results have the potential to see broad application. Drought and salinity are among the most significant factors affecting crop yields, with annual global losses due to drought alone estimated at $10bn. We believe that our work on CHLORAD may help to alleviate such losses.
Technical Summary
We previously identified the chloroplast-localized E3 ligase SP1 as a regulator of the chloroplast protein import ('TOC') machinery that is vital during plant development (Science, 2012) and abiotic stress adaptation (Curr. Biol., 2015). Now, we have identified two new components that work together with SP1 in TOC protein degradation. We believe that SP1 and these new factors form the core of a novel ubiquitin-proteasome system pathway, termed Chloroplast-Associated Protein Degradation (CHLORAD). We propose that the new components mediate substrate protein 'retrotranslocation' to the cytosol, enabling delivery to the proteasome. We will study this system in detail in Arabidopsis, and explore possibilities for its application in crops. Specifically, we will:
1. Define the functions of the two new CHLORAD components. Different experiments will be applied in each case, depending on the proteins' predicted functions. These will include assessments of: functional relationships with SP1 and the proteasome; involvement in the retrotranslocation step; localization and topology; involvement in factor-recruitment to the chloroplast envelope; physical interactions with each other, SP1 and substrate proteins; and, physiological significance (e.g., in abiotic stress tolerance).
2. Identify targets of the CHLORAD system, by using quantitative proteomics to analyse chloroplasts isolated from CHLORAD-defective mutants. Selected putative substrates identified in this way will be verified in immunoblot and turnover assays. This will yield a comprehensive picture of CHLORAD's role in chloroplast regulation.
3. Identify new components of the CHLORAD system. Two complementary approaches will be used: (i) targeted analysis of candidates identified bioinformatically; (ii) co-immunoprecipitation with the known CHLORAD components followed by proteomics. Selected new factors will be studied in respect of localization, interactions with known components, and biochemical function.
1. Define the functions of the two new CHLORAD components. Different experiments will be applied in each case, depending on the proteins' predicted functions. These will include assessments of: functional relationships with SP1 and the proteasome; involvement in the retrotranslocation step; localization and topology; involvement in factor-recruitment to the chloroplast envelope; physical interactions with each other, SP1 and substrate proteins; and, physiological significance (e.g., in abiotic stress tolerance).
2. Identify targets of the CHLORAD system, by using quantitative proteomics to analyse chloroplasts isolated from CHLORAD-defective mutants. Selected putative substrates identified in this way will be verified in immunoblot and turnover assays. This will yield a comprehensive picture of CHLORAD's role in chloroplast regulation.
3. Identify new components of the CHLORAD system. Two complementary approaches will be used: (i) targeted analysis of candidates identified bioinformatically; (ii) co-immunoprecipitation with the known CHLORAD components followed by proteomics. Selected new factors will be studied in respect of localization, interactions with known components, and biochemical function.
Planned Impact
Beneficiaries will include: 1) the academic community and research staff employed by the project; 2) commercial stakeholders in agriculture; and 3) the wider public and government. How these groups will engage with and benefit from the research is summarized below.
1. Academic community and research staff. Academic impact will be large due to the work's interdisciplinarity and fundamental significance, as detailed under Academic Beneficiaries. This will manifest itself in several ways: a) The work will provide new knowledge with relevance in numerous fields, inspiring new lines of investigation. 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 (under)graduate students with related projects, who will have daily interaction with the PI and research staff.
2. Commercial stakeholders in agriculture. Manipulating SP1 expression improves abiotic stress tolerance, and has the potential to do so without compromising growth under normal conditions. Abiotic stresses have major adverse effects on crop yields: annual global crop losses due to drought alone are estimated at US$10bn. Owing to human population growth and increasing pressure on natural resources, the drivers for increased crop yields and resilience to climate change and sub-optimal growing conditions are stronger than ever. The CHLORAD system has considerable potential as a technology for the mitigation of stress-related crop losses. As well as potentially offering more efficient food production in the UK and other developed economies, translation of our work into crops may 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 licensed to Plant Bioscience Ltd. (PBL) who are promoting the technology globally. We expect new IP pertaining to the broader CHLORAD system to be generated here, and we will work with PBL and Oxford University Innovation (the University's technology transfer company) to ensure that this is similarly protected, and to promote uptake by the agbiotech industry. At an appropriate time, we may seek BBSRC Follow-on Funding to facilitate development and commercialization of CHLORAD as a technology.
3. 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, 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 presence at the STEM 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.
1. Academic community and research staff. Academic impact will be large due to the work's interdisciplinarity and fundamental significance, as detailed under Academic Beneficiaries. This will manifest itself in several ways: a) The work will provide new knowledge with relevance in numerous fields, inspiring new lines of investigation. 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 (under)graduate students with related projects, who will have daily interaction with the PI and research staff.
2. Commercial stakeholders in agriculture. Manipulating SP1 expression improves abiotic stress tolerance, and has the potential to do so without compromising growth under normal conditions. Abiotic stresses have major adverse effects on crop yields: annual global crop losses due to drought alone are estimated at US$10bn. Owing to human population growth and increasing pressure on natural resources, the drivers for increased crop yields and resilience to climate change and sub-optimal growing conditions are stronger than ever. The CHLORAD system has considerable potential as a technology for the mitigation of stress-related crop losses. As well as potentially offering more efficient food production in the UK and other developed economies, translation of our work into crops may 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 licensed to Plant Bioscience Ltd. (PBL) who are promoting the technology globally. We expect new IP pertaining to the broader CHLORAD system to be generated here, and we will work with PBL and Oxford University Innovation (the University's technology transfer company) to ensure that this is similarly protected, and to promote uptake by the agbiotech industry. At an appropriate time, we may seek BBSRC Follow-on Funding to facilitate development and commercialization of CHLORAD as a technology.
3. 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, 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 presence at the STEM 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.
Organisations
- University of Oxford (Lead Research Organisation)
- 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
Jarvis P
(2019)
Chloroplast Research Methods: Probing The Targeting, Localization And Interactions Of Chloroplast Proteins.
in Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE
Wu GZ
(2019)
Control of retrograde signalling by protein import and cytosolic folding stress.
in Nature plants
Ling Q
(2019)
Ubiquitin-dependent chloroplast-associated protein degradation in plants.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)
Sadali NM
(2019)
Differentiation of chromoplasts and other plastids in plants.
in Plant cell reports
Thomson SM
(2020)
Protein import into chloroplasts and its regulation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system.
in Biochemical Society transactions
Kikuchi Y
(2020)
Chloroplast Autophagy and Ubiquitination Combine to Manage Oxidative Damage and Starvation Responses.
in Plant physiology
Ling Q
(2021)
The chloroplast-associated protein degradation pathway controls chromoplast development and fruit ripening in tomato
in Nature Plants
Description | The project focused on the role of the chloroplast outer envelope membrane protein PUX10, and the cytosolic chaperone it regulates CDC48, which we showed to function in the regulated degradation of other chloroplast envelope proteins, most notably the chloroplast protein import machinery. The proteolytic pathway in which PUX10 and CDC48 act we have called CHLORAD, for chloroplast-associated protein degradation. |
Exploitation Route | By manipulating CHLORAD, we believe it will be possible to modify diverse aspects of chloroplast function, enabling novel crop improvement strategies; for example, improving the tolerance of crop plants to abiotic stress. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Environment |
URL | http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2019-02-26-discovery-new-pathway-may-help-develop-more-resilient-crop-varieties |
Description | The findings formed the basis of a patent application covering the use of PUX10 (CHLORAD) to modify chloroplast functions in crop plants. |
First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
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 | 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 | Improving yields and stress tolerance in wheat by using CHLORAD as a technology |
Amount | £561,563 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/W017741/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2023 |
End | 12/2024 |
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 |
Title | Newly established methods for studying chloroplast protein retrotranslocation in vitro and in vivo |
Description | Newly established methods for studying chloroplast protein retrotranslocation in vitro and in vivo. These methodologies were developed from similar techniques used to study ERAD in non-plant systems, and enabled us to elucidate the novel proteolytic system in chloroplast termed CHLORAD. The use of these techniques was reported in Science in 2019: 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. |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
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. See also press release: http://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2019-02-26-discovery-new-pathway-may-help-develop-more-resilient-crop-varieties |
URL | http://science.sciencemag.org/content/363/6429/eaav4467 |
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 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 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 | Participation in Fascination of Plant Day (May 2019) |
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 | Our group will participate in the Fascination of Plants Day on 11 May 2019. In particular, together with the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, we are preparing an outreach activity explaining the problem of salinity and land degradation. We will have a stand at the "Westgate Oxford" shopping centre on the day. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://epsoweb.org/all-events/fascination-of-plants-day-2019/ |
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... |