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A stress-induced paralog of Lhcb4 controls the photosystem II functional architecture in Arabidopsis thaliana

Author

Listed:
  • Roberto Caferri

    (University of Verona)

  • Qian Zhou

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Luca Dall’Osto

    (University of Verona)

  • Antonello Amelii

    (University of Verona)

  • Jianyu Shan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhenfeng Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Roberto Bassi

    (University of Verona
    Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei
    Villa Comunale)

Abstract

Photosystem II (PSII) is the pigment-protein complex catalysing light-induced water oxidation. In Arabidopsis thaliana, it includes three Lhcb4–6 proteins linking the core complex to peripheral trimeric antennae. While Lhcb5 and Lhcb6 are encoded by single genes, Lhcb4 is encoded by three isoforms: Lhcb4.1 and Lhcb4.2, constitutively expressed, and Lhcb4.3 (Lhcb8), which accumulates under prolonged abiotic stress. Lhcb8 substitutes for Lhcb4, preventing Lhcb6 accumulation and resulting in a smaller PSII with high quantum yield. Cryo-electron microscopy reveals that Lhcb8 has a shorter carboxy-terminal domain, lacks two chlorophylls, and interacts more tightly with the PSII core, inducing structural changes in the PSII antenna system, ultimately inhibiting the formation of PSII arrays and favouring plastoquinone diffusion. We suggest that dynamic Lhcb4 vs Lhcb8 expression allows for PSII acclimation to contrasting light conditions, offering the potential for engineering crops with improved light use efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Caferri & Qian Zhou & Luca Dall’Osto & Antonello Amelii & Jianyu Shan & Zhenfeng Liu & Roberto Bassi, 2025. "A stress-induced paralog of Lhcb4 controls the photosystem II functional architecture in Arabidopsis thaliana," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62085-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62085-2
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