Work

Transcription of photosynthetic genes in the plant chloroplast: lessons from bacteria

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The RNA polymerase that transcribes photosynthetic genes in the plant chloroplast is the largest known transcription enzyme across all domains of life, comprising 21 subunits of bacterial and eukaryotic origin. Recent structural analyses revealed that the core polymerase, inherited from the cyanobacterial ancestor of the chloroplast, is encased by subunits unlike known bacterial transcription proteins. This insight into the composite nature of the complex provides clues about how the polymerase interacts with transcription regulatory elements of both bacterial and eukaryotic origin. Here, we summarize insight from recent structural and biochemical data on chloroplast and cyanobacterial transcription complexes. We analyze the available evidence on the mechanisms of chloroplast Sigma factors, NusG, mTERF proteins, kinases and alarmones, considering prevailing models of transcription control in bacteria and mitochondria to produce new hypotheses on the molecular basis of chloroplast transcription control to be characterized in the future.

Source: The Plant Journal

DOI: 10.1111/tpj.70959

Authors: Jessica Moon, Ashley Dudey, Ángel Vergara‐Cruces, William Tasker‐Brown, David Pearce, Michael W. Webster

Institutions: John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park

Language: English

Topic: Photosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,450

Funders: UK Research and Innovation, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council