PS Seminar Series: RWP-RK Transcription Factor NLP2 is Required for Leghemoglobin Expression
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Description
Abstract - The physiology of legume nodules evolved as a compromise between maintaining sufficiently high rates of respiration in bacteroids to provide reductant for nitrogen fixation and the low oxygen levels required for nitrogenase function. A key component of this unique physiology is the leghemoglobins, haem-containing proteins involved in binding and/or transporting oxygen. Leghemoglobins are believed to serve as an oxygen buffer, effectively lowering the pO2 of N-fixing cells to nanomolar levels to protect the O2-sensitive nitrogenase while facilitating the diffusion of O2 to bacteroids for respiration. We have identified a gene encoding a NIN-like protein transcription factor, NLP2, that is highly expressed in the N-fixation zone of nodules and which is required for expression of leghemoglobin genes. Available evidence suggests that NLP2 regulation of leghemoglobins may reflect an ancestral role for NLPs in adaption to hypoxia.
Biography - https://www.jic.ac.uk/people/dr-jeremy-murray/
Location
Eucalyptus Room (S2.05), Level 2, RN Robertson Building (46), ANU
Upcoming events in this series
Dr Allen (Zhengyu) Wen - Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) threatens food security for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our research identified two genetic solutions: a mutated peroxisomal peptidase that blocks viral invagination and a eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E mutant that stops viral protein translation while preserving plant growth. Using gene editing, we introduced these traits into elite maize varieties. In Kenyan trials, edited lines showed complete MLN resistance with no yield loss, offering a major advance for protecting millions of farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr Thomas Vanhercke - Plant synthetic biology and metabolic engineering enable precise redesign of plant genomes for improved traits and new functions. For over 20 years, the CSIRO Synthetic Traits group has led in applying advanced genetics to oil crops. This presentation highlights omega-3 transgenic canola as a real-world example delivering health benefits and addressing global supply challenges. I’ll also outline emerging developments such as high-throughput in-planta library screening, advanced RNAi, and novel complex traits pushing plant synthetic biology’s limits.