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Identifier

000433984

Title

Αλληλεπίδραση των πρωτεϊνών LHCX1 και FCP του διατόμου Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Alternative Title

Interaction of LHCX1 and FCP proteins of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Author

Χρυσαφούδη, Ανθή Α.

Thesis advisor

Δασκαλάκης, Βαγγέλης

Reviewer

Κοτζαμπάσης, Κυριάκος
Κοκκινίδης, Μιχαήλ

Abstract

The photosynthetic process relies on light-harvesting antenna complexes (LHCs) that absorb sunlight and convert it into chemical energy within reaction centers. The LHCs of the diatoms (algae) are Fucoxanthin and Chlorophyll-a/c binding Proteins (FCP). FCPs have exceptional light-harvesting capabilities at the blue-green region, and they have also developed a robust photoprotective mechanism that enables diatoms to adapt under fluctuating (or high) light at the ocean surface. A special family of photoprotective proteins (LHCX) is essential for the latter mechanism and the adaptation of the diatoms in the changing environment. LHCX1 binds to FCP proteins under photoprotective conditions. Structural and dynamic data for the LHCX family of proteins are lacking in the literature. Employing comparative and structural modeling, we have determined the structure of LHCX1. Using methods such as Molecular Dynamics Simulations, we have monitored (a) the response of LHCX1 to pH, which is a key factor related to photoprotection, and (b) the dynamics of the FCP-LHCX1 complex. Diatoms are able to fix large amounts of carbon dioxide, and contribute to 20% of the global primary production. By adjusting their photoprotection mechanism, this percentage could be increased. Results can thus be directly associated with applications for the changing climate and can help in elucidating also, in a timely manner, the photoprotective mechanism in vascular plants.

Language

Greek

Subject

Innate immunity

Molecular Dynamics

Photoprotection mechanism

Μοριακή Δυναμική

Φωτοπροστατευτικός μηχανισμός

Issue date

2020-11-27

Collection

School/Department--School of Sciences and Engineering--Department of Biology--Post-graduate theses