A novel gene, christened BOOSTER, has been identified by biological scientists within California poplar trees (Populus trichocarpa), demonstrating a capacity to augment photosynthesis and promote increased arboreal stature.
Transgenic hybrid poplar exhibiting amplified expression of BSTR showed improved photosynthetic efficiency and biomass accumulation in controlled greenhouse settings. Photo attribution: Feyissa et al., doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.11.002.
“Traditional research paradigms have largely concentrated on photosynthesis under static conditions, where all environmental parameters remain constant,” stated co-senior author Dr. Steven Burgess, a researcher affiliated with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
“Yet, this approach does not accurately reflect the dynamic nature of natural environments, where ambient light conditions fluctuate continuously.”
“In recent years, a growing recognition has emerged regarding the significance of these fluctuating physiological processes, though they remain inadequately comprehended.”
In their recent investigation, Dr. Burgess and his research collaborators specifically examined poplar trees due to their rapid growth characteristics, positioning them as a primary candidate species for the production of biofuels and other bio-based products.
The team collected samples from approximately 1,000 trees cultivated in outdoor research plots. Comprehensive analysis of their physical attributes and genetic composition was then undertaken to execute a genome-wide association study (GWAS).
This GWAS population was utilized to pinpoint candidate genes that had been implicated in photosynthetic quenching. This regulatory mechanism governs the speed at which plants adapt to shifting light environments, from full sun to shade, and facilitates the dissipation of surplus solar energy to prevent cellular damage.
One identified gene, designated BOOSTER (BSTR), presented a unique characteristic: its exclusive presence in poplar. Furthermore, while residing within the nuclear genome, it incorporates a genetic sequence originating from the chloroplast.
“Our findings revealed that this gene’s expression leads to an elevation in Rubisco content and a subsequent surge in photosynthetic activity, culminating in enhanced growth and height in poplar specimens cultivated under greenhouse conditions,” the researchers reported.
“When assessed in natural field settings, genotypes exhibiting elevated BOOSTER expression demonstrated a remarkable increase in height, by up to 37%, thereby augmenting the biomass yield per individual plant.”
The scientific team also successfully introduced the BOOSTER gene into the model organism Arabidopsis, a process that resulted in significant increases in both biomass production and seed yield.
This groundbreaking observation suggests the widespread potential of BOOSTER to stimulate enhanced yields across a diverse array of plant species.
“While these initial findings, derived from small-scale experimentation, represent an encouraging first step, substantial further research is warranted. Should these results be replicable on a larger scale, this gene holds considerable promise for substantially increasing biomass production in agricultural crops,” remarked Dr. Burgess.
“Subsequent research phases could involve conducting trials with other bioenergy crops and food plants. This would include meticulously documenting plant productivity under varied environmental conditions to ascertain long-term efficacy and success.”
“Moreover, our ongoing efforts will extend to investigating other genes that were identified through the GWAS, which may also contribute to advancements in crop improvement.”
The published research detailing these discoveries is available this week in the esteemed journal Developmental Cell.
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Biruk A. Feyissa et al. An orphan gene BOOSTER enhances photosynthetic efficiency and plant productivity. Developmental Cell, published online December 3, 2024; doi: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.11.002
