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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2020.07.08.125609

Rubisco proton production drives the elevation of CO2 within condensates and carboxysomes

Benedict M. Long·Britta Förster·Sacha B. Pulsford·G. Dean Price·Murray R. Badger
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Abstract

Membraneless organelles containing the enzyme Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) are a common feature of organisms utilizing CO2 concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to enhance photosynthetic carbon acquisition. In cyanobacteria and proteobacteria, the Rubisco condensate is encapsulated in a proteinaceous shell, collectively termed a carboxysome, while some algae and hornworts have evolved Rubisco condensates known as pyrenoids. In both cases, CO2 fixation is enhanced compared with the free enzyme. Previous mathematical models have attributed the improved function of carboxysomes to the generation of elevated CO2 within the organelle via a co-localized carbonic anhydrase (CA), and inwardly diffusing HCO3-which has accumulated in the cytoplasm via dedicated transporters. Here we present a novel concept in which we consider the net of two protons produced in every Rubisco carboxylase reaction. We evaluate this in a reaction-diffusion, compartment model to investigate functional advantages these protons may provide Rubisco condensates and carboxysomes, prior to the evolution of HCO3-accumulation. Our model highlights that diffusional resistance to reaction species within a condensate allows Rubisco-derived protons to drive the conversion of HCO3-to CO2 via co-localized CA, enhancing both condensate [CO2] and Rubisco rate. Protonation of Rubisco substrate (RuBP) and product (PGA) plays an important role in modulating internal pH and CO2 generation. Application of the model to putative evolutionary ancestors, prior to contemporary cellular HCO3-accumulation, revealed photosynthetic enhancements along a logical sequence of advancements, via Rubisco condensation, to fully-formed carboxysomes. Our model suggests that evolution of Rubisco condensation could be favored under low CO2 and low light environments.

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Benedict M. Long, Britta Förster, Sacha B. Pulsford, G. Dean Price, Murray R. Badger. 2020-07-10. Rubisco proton production drives the elevation of CO2 within condensates and carboxysomes. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.07.08.125609

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