Molecular regulation of light harvesting: Cytosolic translation control mediated by the nuclear encoded protein NAB1 in C. reinhardtii

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Translation control in cells is known as an important mechanism that regulates the expression of genes on a post-transcriptional level. In phototrophic organisms some photosynthesis genes are also controlled at the translational level. This can be of particular importance for light-regulated chloroplast proteins that are encoded in the nucleus. In this case a steady state pool of mRNA in the cytosol would enable the cell to respond faster to events in the chloroplast. However, the existence of “ready to use” mRNA requires a stress-dependent regulation system. Until recently there was only indirect evidence which indicated the existence of such post-transcriptional control. The major objective of this project is to characterise NAB1, a key protein involved in translational control of light harvesting chlorophyll binding proteins which has been identified previously by systematic screens of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii random insertion mutants. The project focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of its regulatory function and defining its role in signalling during light acclimation. Results obtained in the plant model organism Chlamydomonas will then be transferred to other organisms to evaluate if translation control is a common mechanism within the plant kingdom.