Mobility of photosynthetic proteins

(Radek Kaňa)

We study mobility of photosynthetic proteins in thylakoid membrane of cyanobacteria and algae. Diffusion of proteins in thylakoid membrane is a key factor in several processes including state transitions and in de-novo protein synthesis. The protein movement is studied in situ on single cell level by confocal microscopy by means of FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching). Out main aim is a characterization of interconnection between thylakoid membrane structure, protein dynamic and their function in photosynthesis. We focus mostly on a mobility of light harvesting antenna in algae and phycobilisomes in cyanobacteria or red algae.

The project is supported by GAČR P501-12-0304 (2012-2015)

RESULTS:

Kaňa R., Prášil O, Mullineaux CW  (2009) Immobility of phycobilins in the thylakoid lumen of a cryptophyte suggests that protein diffusion in the lumen is very restricted. FEBS Lett. 583 (4), 670-674

Kaňa R., Prášil O., Komárek O., Papageorgiou G.C., Govindjee (2009) Spectral characteristic of fluorescence induction in a model cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. (PCC 7942). BBA – Bioenergetics, 1787 (10), 1170-1178.