Photosynthetica 2015, 53(4):625-629 | DOI: 10.1007/s11099-015-0128-z

Proteomic study reveals photosynthesis as downstream of both MAP kinase and cAMP signaling pathways in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

C. Lee¹, J. K. Rhee², D. G. Kim¹, Y. E. Choi^3,*

¹ Department of Bioprocess Engineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea

² Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea

³ Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Korea

Previously, our data indicated that both cAMP and MAP kinase signaling play important roles in microalgal physiology as well as in lipid or carotenoid biosynthesis. In order to understand downstream genes of these signaling pathways, we employed proteomics approach. Both signal pathways were first altered with specific signaling inhibitors or modulators. Treatment of specific inhibitors changed microalgal size and increased lipid contents. With the microalgal cells after treatments of specific signaling inhibitor or modulators, we performed the proteomics analysis to identify downstream genes responsible for these phenotypes. Interestingly, multiple photosynthesis genes were identified, particularly proteins associated with PSII. Our data suggested that MAP kinase and cAMP signaling affect the photosynthesis, thereby leading to microalgal lipid or carotenoid biosynthesis.

Keywords: gene regulation; mass spectrometry; two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Received: July 31, 2014; Accepted: January 6, 2015; Published: December 1, 2015Show citation