A role for chloroplast RNA binding protein CP29A in rbcL expression during cold acclimation

Abstract

The chloroplast genome encodes key components of the photosynthetic light reaction machinery as well as the large subunit of the enzyme central for carbon fixation, RuBisCo. Its expression is predominantly regulated post-transcriptionally, with nuclear-encoded RNA binding proteins (RBPs) playing a key role. Mutants of chloroplast gene expression factors often exhibit impaired chloroplast biogenesis, especially in cold conditions. Low temperatures pose a challenge for plants as this leads to electron imbalances and oxidative damage. A well-known response of plants to this problem is to increase the production of RuBisCo and other Calvin Cycle enzymes in the cold, but how this is achieved is unclear. The chloroplast RBP CP29A has been shown to be essential for cold resistance in growing leaf tissue of Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we examined CP29A-RNA interaction sites at nucleotide resolution. We discovered that CP29A preferentially binds to the 5-UTR of rbcL, downstream of the binding site of the pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein MRL1. MRL1 is an RBP known to be necessary for the accumulation of rbcL. In Arabidopsis mutants lacking CP29A, we were unable to observe significant effects on rbcL, possibly due to CP29As restricted role in a limited number of cells at the base of leaves. In contrast, CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutants of tobacco NtCP29A exhibit cold-dependent photosynthetic deficiencies throughout the entire leaf blade. This is associated with a parallel reduction in rbcL mRNA and RbcL protein accumulation. Our work unravels the molecular player behind cold acclimation of the photosynthetic dark reaction. Significance StatementThis study unveils the critical role of CP29A, a chloroplast-localized RNA binding protein, in facilitating plants acclimation to cold environments. Through advanced molecular techniques, we discovered that CP29A specifically targets the rbcL mRNA, vital for the production of RuBisCo--a key enzyme in photosynthesis and the most abundant protein on Earth. Our findings elucidate a previously unknown mechanism of how plants adjust to cold stress by regulating RuBisCo levels, highlighting the intricate interplay between nuclear and chloroplast genomes. This research not only advances our understanding of plant cold acclimation but also provides insights that could help enhance plant resilience and productivity when facing temperature challenges.