Structural and functional insights into the tetrameric photosystem I from heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria

Nat Plants. 2019 Oct;5(10):1087-1097. doi: 10.1038/s41477-019-0525-6. Epub 2019 Oct 8.

Abstract

Two large protein-cofactor complexes, photosystem I and photosystem II, are the central components of photosynthesis in the thylakoid membranes. Here, we report the 2.37-Å structure of a tetrameric photosystem I complex from a heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Four photosystem I monomers, organized in a dimer of dimer, form two distinct interfaces that are largely mediated by specifically orientated polar lipids, such as sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol. The structure depicts a more closely connected network of chlorophylls across monomer interfaces than those seen in trimeric PSI from thermophilic cyanobacteria, possibly allowing a more efficient energy transfer between monomers. Our physiological data also revealed a functional link of photosystem I oligomerization to cyclic electron flow and thylakoid membrane organization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anabaena / metabolism*
  • Chlorophyll / metabolism
  • Electrons
  • Energy Transfer
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Lipids / chemistry
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Photosystem I Protein Complex / chemistry
  • Photosystem I Protein Complex / metabolism*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Thylakoids / metabolism

Substances

  • Lipids
  • Photosystem I Protein Complex
  • Chlorophyll