Further evidence for a phycobilisome model from selective dissociation,fluorescence emission,immunoprecipitation, and electron microscopy

Phycobilisomes, isolated in 500 mM Sorensen's phosphate buffer pH 6.8 from the red alga, Porphyridium cruentum, were analyzed by selective dissociation at various phosphate concentrations. The results are consistent with a structural model consisting of an allophycocyanin core, surrounded by a hemispherical layer of R-phycocyanin, with phycoerythrin being on the periphery. Such a structure also allows maximum energy transfer.Intact phycobilisomes transfer excitation energy ultimately to a pigment with a fluorescence emission maximum at 675 nm. This pigment is presumed to be allophycocyanin in an aggregated state. Uncoupling of energy transfer among the pigments, and physical release of the phycobiliproteins from the phycobilisome follow a parallel time-course; phycoerythrin is released first, followed by R-phycocyanin, and then allophycocyanin. In 55 mM phosphate buffer, the times at which 50% of each phycobiliprotein has dissociated are: phycoerythrin 40 min, R-phycocyanin 75 min, and allophycocyanin 140 min.The proposed arrangement of phycobiliproteins within phycobilisomes is also consistent with the results from precipitation reactions with monospecific antisera on intact and dissociated phycobilisomes. Anti-phycoerythrin reacts almost immediately with intact phycobilisomes, but reactivity with anti-R-phycocyanin and anti-allophycocyanin is considerably delayed, suggesting that the antigens are not accessible until a loosening of the phycobilisome structure occurs. Reaction with anti-allophycocyanin is very slow in P. cruentum phycobilisomes, but is much more rapid in phycobilisomes of Nostoc sp. which contains 6–8 times more allophycocyanin. It is proposed that allophycocyanin is partially exposed on the base of isolated intact phycobilisomes of both algae, but that in P. cruentum there are too few accessible sites to permit a rapid formation of a precipitate with anti-allophyocyanin.Phycobilisome dissociation is inversely proportional to phosphate concentration (500 mM to 2 mM), and is essentially unaffected by protein concentration in the range used (30–200 μg/ml). Phycobiliprotein release occurs in the same order (phycoerythrin > R-phycocyanin > allophycocyanin) in the pH range 5.4–8.0.     

STRUCTURE AND PHYCOBILIPROTEIN COMPOSITION OF PHYCOBILISOMES FROM GRIFFITHSIA PACIFICA (RHODOPHYCEAE)1

Phycobilisomes in Griffithsia pacifica are closely spaced on the thylakoid membrane. By negative staining, attached and isolated phycobilisomes have been shown to have a block shaped appearance. They are 63 nm long, 38 nm high, and 38 nm wide, making them the largest thus far reported. Isolated phycobilisomes, shown to be functionally intact by their 675 nm fluorescence emission (excitation 545 nm) were stable for more than a day. Phycobiliproteins from dissociated phycobilisomes, separated on sucrose gradients and by polyacrylamide electrophoresis, yielded large (R-) and small (r-) molecular weight species of phycoerythrin (ca. 4:1 respectively) constituting 89% of the phycobiliprotein content, with R-phycocyanin 8%, and allophycocyanin 3% accounting for the rest. Phycobilisomes of Griffithsia pacifica and Porphyridium purpureum (Bory) Drew and Ross (P. cruentum) are structurally very similar with phycoerythrin being on the outside and surrounding a core of R-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin.     

FUNCTIONAL PHYCOBILISOMES FROM TOLYPOTHRIX TENUIS (CYANOPHYTA) GROWN HETEROTROPHICALLY IN THE DARK1

Phycobiliproteins produced in dark-grown cells of Tolypothrix tenuis Kützing formed Phycobilisomes functionally capable of energy transfer. The phycobilisomes could be recovered in high yield (80% of extracted phycobiliproteins). Phycobilisomes from cells grown without light and in red light had the same size, morphology, and spectral characteristics. They had a phycocyanin to allophycocyanin malar ratio of 3:1. Phycocyanin and allophycocyanin in phycobilisomes were energetically coupled as indicated by their fluorescence emission (maximum of ca. 690 nm at –196° C) and excitation spectra. Phycobilisomes were attached to the outer surface of thylakoids and were hemidiscoidal in shape. In thin sections they had a diameter of 42 ± 3nm, a height of 24 ± 4 nm and a thickness of 10 ± 2 nm. Isolated and negatively stained Phycobilisomes were larger with a diameter of 51 ± 2 nm and height of 33 ± 2 nm, Isolated phycobilisomes in face view had a central core of three units and six peripheral rods. Each rod appeared to be composed of three hexamers (three double discs), consistent with the observed dimensions and substructure. After Phycoerythria synthesis was induced by a 15 min green light exposure, phycobilisomes of dark-grown cells exhibited energy transfer from phycoerythrin to a long wavelength allophycocyanin, indicating that phycoerythrin synthesized in darkness was incorporated into functional phycobilisomes.     

Picosecond time-resolved energy transfer in Porphyridium cruentum. Part II. In the isolated light harvesting complex (phycobilisomes)

The transfer of excitation energy between phycobiliproteins in isolated phycobilisomes has been observed on a picosecond time scale. The photon density of the excitation pulse has been carefully varied so as to control the level of exciton interactions induced in the pigment bed. The 530 nm light pulse is absorbed predominantly by B-phycoerythrin, and the fluorescence of this component rises within the pulse duration and shows a mean 1/e decay time of 70 ps. The main emission band, centred at 672 nm, is due to allophycocyanin and is prominent because of the absence of energy transfer to chlorophyll. Energy transfer to this pigment from B-phycoerythrin via R-phycocyanin produces a risetime of 120 ps to the fluorescence maximum. The lifetime of the allophycocyanin fluorescence is found to be about 4 ns using excitation pulses of low photon densities (10(13) photons.cm-2), but decreases to about 2 ns at higher photon densities. The relative quantum yield of the allophycocyanin fluorescence decreases almost 10 fold over the range of laser pulse intensities, 10(13)--10(16) photons-cm-2. Fluorescence quenching by exciton-exciton annihilation is only observed in allophycocyanin and could be a consequence of the long lifetime of the single exciton in this pigment.     

螺旋藻（Spirulina platensis）藻胆体在解离过程中荧光发射光谱和光能传递的研究

对螺旋藻（Ｓｐｉｒｕｌｉｎａｐｌａｔｅｎｓｉｓ）藻胆体在室温和７７Ｋ处于不同浓度磷缓冲溶液和不同解离时间的荧光发射光谱进行了研究。藻胆体在０．９ｍｏｌ／Ｌ磷酸缓冲溶液中,由于没有发生解离,光能传递效率高,在７７Ｋ荧光发射光谱中只有一个峰,位于６８７ｎｍ,属于别藻蓝蛋白－Ｂ。当藻胆体悬浮在０．３ｍｏｌ／Ｌ磷酸缓冲溶液中１分钟,７７Ｋ荧光光谱的主峰出现在６８４ｎｍ．又出现６５５ｎｍ和６６６ｎｍ荧光峰,它们依次属子Ｃ－藻蓝蛋白和别藻蓝蛋白。在２小时;６５５ｎｍ荧先峰成为主峰,６８４ｎｍ荧光峰为次峰,６６６ｎｍ荧光肩消失。这表明Ｃ－藻蓝蛋白所捕获的先能已不能传递给别藻蓝蛋白,但能传给别藻蓝蛋白－Ｂ。我们提出在螺旋藻藻胆体中存在两类Ｃ－藻蓝蛋白,一是与别藻蓝蛋白相连接,另一是与别藻蓝蛋白－Ｂ相连接。     

螺旋藻（Spirulina platensis）藻胆体在解离过程中荧光发射光谱和光能传递的研究

对螺旋藻（Ｓｐｉｒｕｌｉｎａｐｌａｔｅｎｓｉｓ）藻胆体在室温和７７Ｋ处于不同浓度磷缓冲溶液和不同解离时间的荧光发射光谱进行了研究。藻胆体在０．９ｍｏｌ／Ｌ磷酸缓冲溶液中,由于没有发生解离,光能传递效率高,在７７Ｋ荧光发射光谱中只有一个峰,位于６８７ｎｍ,属于别藻蓝蛋白－Ｂ。当藻胆体悬浮在０．３ｍｏｌ／Ｌ磷酸缓冲溶液中１分钟,７７Ｋ荧光光谱的主峰出现在６８４ｎｍ．又出现６５５ｎｍ和６６６ｎｍ荧光峰,它们依次属子Ｃ－藻蓝蛋白和别藻蓝蛋白。在２小时;６５５ｎｍ荧先峰成为主峰,６８４ｎｍ荧光峰为次峰,６６６ｎｍ荧光肩消失。这表明Ｃ－藻蓝蛋白所捕获的先能已不能传递给别藻蓝蛋白,但能传给别藻蓝蛋白－Ｂ。我们提出在螺旋藻藻胆体中存在两类Ｃ－藻蓝蛋白,一是与别藻蓝蛋白相连接,另一是与别藻蓝蛋白－Ｂ相连接。     

Role of the colorless polypeptides in phycobilisome reconstitution from separated phycobiliproteins

A phycoerythrin (PE) and phycocyanin (PC) mixture was separated from allophycocyanin on calcium phosphate chromatography from completely dissociated phycobilisomes of the blue-green alga, Nostoc sp. After dialysis of the PE-PC mixture in 0.75 m potassium phosphate, pH 7, which allows reassociation of the dissociated pigment-proteins, complexes of PE and PC in a 2:1 m ratio (PE/PC complex) as well as complexes predominantly of PC (PC/PE complex) were then separated by sedimentation on linear sucrose gradients. These complexes resemble the rods of intact phycobilisomes and transfer energy efficiently from PE to PC. They contain the Group II colorless polypeptides described by Tandeau de Marsac and Cohen-Bazire (1977 Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 74: 1635 61639). Phycobilisomes can be reconstituted by combining the allophycocyanin pool with (a) the PE-PC mixture, (b) the PE/PC complex, or (c) the PC/PE complex. Successful reconstitution is measured by absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism, and electron microscopy. The major requirement for reconstitution is the 29-kilodalton colorless polypeptide. In its absence, no phycobilisomes are formed. It is the only colorless polypeptide common to both the PE/PC complex and the PC/PE complex, and appears to be the polypeptide responsible for rod attachment to the allophycocyanin. In addition, high phosphate concentrations and 20 degrees C temperatures are needed for reconstitution.     

Picosecond time-resolved energy transfer in Porphyridium cruentum. Part II. In the isolated light harvesting complex (phycobilisomes)

The transfer of excitation energy between phycobiliproteins in isolated phycobilisomes has been observed on a picosecond time scale. The photon density of the excitation pulse has been carefully varied so as to control the level of exciton interactions induced in the pigment bed. The 530 nm light pulse is absorbed predominantly by B-phycoerythrin, and the fluorescence of this component rises within the pulse duration and shows a mean 1/e decay time of 70 ps. The main emission band, centred at 672 nm, is due to allophycocyanin and is prominent because of the absence of energy transfer to chlorophyll. Energy transfer to this pigment from B-phycoerythrin via R-phycocyanin produces a risetime of 120 ps to the fluorescence maximum. The lifetime of the allophycocyanin fluorescence is found to be about 4 ns using excitation pulses of low photon densities (10¹³ photons · cm^?2), but decreases to about 2 ns at higher photon densities. The relative quantum yield of the allophycocyanin fluorescence decreases almost 10 fold over the range of laser pulse intensities, 10¹³–10¹⁶ photons · cm^?2. Fluorescence quenching by exciton-exciton annihilation is only observed in allophycocyanin and could be a consequence of the long lifetime of the single exciton in this pigment.     

In vitro reassociation of phycobiliproteins and membranes to form functional membrane-bound phycobilisomes

A membrane-bound phycobilisome complex has been isolated from the cyanobacterium Fremyella diplosiphon grown in green light, thus containing phycoerythrin in addition to phycocyanin and allophycocyanin. The complex was dissociated by lowering the salt concentration. In the mixture obtained, no energy transfer from phycoerythrin to chlorophyll (Chl) a was observed. Reassociation of the phycobiliproteins and membrane mixture was carried out by a gradual increase of the salt concentration. The complex obtained after reassociation was characterized by polypeptide composition, absorbance and fluorescence emission spectra and electron microscopy. These analyses revealed similar composition and structure for the original and reconstituted membrane-bound phycobilisomes. Fluorescence emission spectra and measurements of Photosystem II activity demonstrated energy transfer from phycoerythrin to Chl a (Photosystem II) in the reconstituted complex. Reassociation of mixtures with varying phycoerythrin / Chl ratio showed that the phycobiliprotein concentration was critical in the reassociation process. Measurements of the amount of phycobilisomes reassociated with the photosynthetic membrane did not show saturation of binding when increasing the phycobiliprotein concentration. The ratio phycoerythrin / Chl a in the native complex was 7:1 (mg / mg). When the phycobiliprotein concentration was increased during the reassociation process, a ratio of 13–15 mg phycoerythrin / mg Chl a could be obtained. Under these conditions, only part of the phycobilisomes attached to the thylakoids was able to transfer energy to Photosystem II.     

Phycobilisomes of Porphyridium cruentum. I. Isolation

A procedure was developed for the isolation of phycobilisomes from Porphyridium cruentum. The cell homogenate, suspended in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8), was treated with 1% Triton X-100, and its supernatant fraction was centrifuged on a sucrose step gradient. Phycobilisomes were recovered in the 1 M sucrose band. The phycobilisome fraction was identified by the characteristic appearance of the phycobilisomes, and the absorbance of the component pigments: phycoerythrin, R-phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin Isolated phycobilisomes had a prolate shape, with one particle axis longer than the other. Their size varied somewhat with their integrity, but was about 400–500 A (long axis) by 300–320 A (short axis). Phycobilisome recovery was determined at six phosphate buffer concentrations from 0.067 M to 1.0 M. In 0.5 M phosphate, phycobilisome yield (60%) and preservation were optimal. Such a preparation had a phycoerythrin 545 nm/phycocyanin 620 nm ratio of 8.4. Of the detergents tested (Triton X-100, Tween 80, and sodium deoxycholate), Triton X-100 gave the best results Freezing of the cells caused destruction of phycobilisomes.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF PHYCOCYANIN-DEFICIENT PHYCOBILISOMES FROM A PIGMENT MUTANT OF PORPHYRIDIUM SP. (RHODOPHYTA)

The structure and function of phycobilisomes in the rhodophyte Porphyridium sp. were investigated by comparing the properties of the wild type with a pigment mutant called C12. When grown under low light, cells of C12 were bright orange, while wild-type cells were deep red. The results obtained from a characterization of purified phycobilisomes of the mutant C12 led us to propose the existence in Porphyridium sp. phycobilisomes of two types of rods, some containing only phycoerythrin and others containing phycoerythrin bound to phycocyanin, which is in turn linked to the core by the linker L_RC. By studying the partitioning of phycobiliproteins between phycobilisomes and pools of free phycobiliproteins, we found that phycocyanin in the C12 mutant was only present in the pool of free proteins and that its specific linker, L_RC, was totally absent. Phycoerythrin was present in the free pool and in the purified phycobilisomes as well. One of the three specific phycoerythrin linkers γ was missing. In light of the fact that in the C12 mutant, the linker L_RC is absent and that there is no phycocyanin bound to the phycobilisomes, we propose that the rods in the mutant contain only phycoerythrin. These phycobilisomes are nevertheless functional and exhibit an efficient excitation transfer from phycoerythrin directly to allophycocyanin. Electron microscopy showed the purified phycobilisomes of C12 to be less dense than those of the wild type. This change was attributed to the disappearance of the rods containing the combination phycocyanin/phycoerythrin. Light still regulates phycobiliprotein synthesis in the mutant, as shown by the change in the color of the culture, which turned green-yellow when cells were shifted from low light to high light growth conditions. Light also regulates the structure of the phycobilisomes, which have fewer rods under high light growth conditions.     

Phycobilisome Structure of Porphyridium cruentum: POLYPEPTIDE COMPOSITION

Purified phycobilisomes of Porphyridium cruentum were solubilized in sodium dodecyl sulfate and resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis into nine colored and nine colorless polypeptides. The colored polypeptides accounted for about 84% of the total stainable protein, and the colorless polypeptides accounted for the remaining 16%. Five of the colored polypeptides ranging in molecular weight from 13,300 to 19,500 were identified as the α and β subunits of allophycocyanin, R-phycocyanin, and phycoerythrin. Three others (29,000-30,500) were orange and are probably related to the γ subunit of phycoerythrin. Another colored polypeptide had a molecular weight of 95,000 and the characteristics of long wavelength-emitting allophycocyanin. Sequential dissociation of phycobilisomes, and analysis of the polypeptides in each fraction, revealed the association of a 32,500 molecular weight colorless polypeptide with a phycoerythrin fraction. The remaining eight colorless polypeptides were in the core fraction of the phycobilisome, which also was enriched in allophycocyanin. In addition, the core fraction was enriched in a colored 95,000 dalton polypeptide. Inasmuch as a polypeptide with the same molecular weight is found in thylakoid membranes (free of phycobilisomes), it is suggested that this polypeptide is involved in anchoring phycobilisomes to thylakoid membranes.     

Native and in vitro-associated phycobilisomes of Nostoc sp. Composition,energy transfer,and effect of antibodies

The relationship of the structure and function of the light-harvesting antennae in the blue-green alga Nostoc sp. was further elucidated by reconstitution experiments. Separated phycoerythrin-phycocyanin complexes and allophycocyanin fractions were reassociated as described earlier (Canaani, O., Lipschultz, C.A. and Gantt, E. (1980) FEBS Lett. 115, 225–229) into functional phycobilisomes with a 70% yield. Native and reassociated physobilisomes had molar ratios of about 1.4:1.1:1.0 of phycoerythrin:phycocyanin:allophycocyanim. Energy transfer was demonstrated by their fluorescence emission maximum at approx. 675 nm (20°C), and their excitation spectra (emission wavelength 680 nm) which reflected the contribution of the three constitutive phycobiliproteins. Scans of Coomassie blue-stained SDS-polyacrylamide gels showed that the polypeptide composition of native and reassociated phycobilisomes was virtually indistinguishable. Reassociation of phycobilisomes was dependent on the interaction of allophycocyanin and phycocyanin, because it could be blocked with antisera to phycocyanin and allophycocyanin, but not to phycoerythrin. In addition, reassociation did not occur when a 31 000 Da polypeptide, which is part of the phycoerythrin-phycocyanin complex, was reduced in size (by 4000 Da). These results suggest that at least two domains are required for functional reassociation of phycobilisomes involving phycocyanin and allophycocyanin.     

PROBING PHYCOBILISOME STRUCTURE BY IMMUNO-ELECTRON MICROSCOPY1

By immuno-electron microscopy it was shown that phycoerythrin is located on the outer surface of the phycobilisome and allophycocyanin is on the inside near the photosynthetic membrane in the red alga Porphyridium purpureum (Bory) Drew & Ross (P. cruentum). These findings are consistent with the idea that the phycobilisome junctions as a light harvesting antenna and energy sink, which directs the energy to chlorophyll in the photosynthetic membrane. A technique was devised in which unfixed phycobilisomes, attached to thylakoid vesicles, were separately reacted with three monospecific antisera (to B-phycoerythrin, R-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin) and the reaction products were secondarily marked by reaction with ferritin-conjugated goat-antirabbit gamma globulin fraction. This was subsequently followed by glutaraldehyde fixation and staining with phosphotungstic acid. The entire procedure was carried out on an electron microscope grid. The results confirm the previously proposed phycobilisome structural model.     

Phycobilisomes from a blue-green alga Nostoc species

Phycobilisomes were isolated from a Nostoc sp. strain Mac in phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) by treatment with 1% Brij 56 and centrifugation on discontinuous sucrose gradients (2.0, 1.0, 0.5, and 0.25 M in the proportions 6:4:4:10 ml, respectively). Absorption spectra of isolated phycobilisomes showed the presence of phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin. The phycobilisome pigments were partially resolved by electrophoresis on acrylamide gels. Stained gels demonstrated that each main protein band corresponded to a pigmented region. The phycobilisomes appeared compact with a rounded surface and flattened base (about 40-nm diameter) at the attachment site to the photosynthetic lamellae. Fixation in glutaraldehyde caused a significant reduction in total pigment absorption, as well as shifts in the absorption maxima, particularly that of phycoerythrin.     

Allophycocyanin I and the 95 Kilodalton Polypeptide : The Bridge between Phycobilisomes and Membranes

Allophycocyanin was isolated from dissociated phycobilisomes from Nostoc sp. and was separated into allophycocyanin I, II, III, and B as described elsewhere. If the separation of the proteins following phycobilisome isolation is done in the presence of the protease inhibitor, phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride, associated with allophycocyanin I are two colored polypeptides of 95 kilodalton (kD) and 80 kD, belonging to the class of Group I polypeptides as defined by Tandeau de Marsac and Cohen-Bazire (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1977 74: 1635-1639). Allophycocyanin I has a fluorescence maximum of 680 nanometers as do intact phycobilisomes and has thus been suggested to be the final emitter of excitation energy in phycobilisomes. Thylakoid membranes washed in low ionic strength buffer containing phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride lose all biliproteins, but retain the 95 kD and 80 kD polypeptides. As suggested by Tandeau de Marsac and Cohen-Bazire, these are likely to be the polypeptides involved in binding the phycobilisome to the membrane. As these polypeptides are isolated with allophycocyanin I, structural evidence is provided for placing allophycocyanin I as the bridge between the phycobilisome and the membrane. These Group I polypeptides and the 29 kD polypeptide (involved in rod attachment to the APC core) are particularly susceptible to proteolytic breakdown. It is thought that in vivo the active protease may be selectively attacking these polypeptides to detach the phycobilisome from the membrane and release the phycoerythrin and phycocyanin containing rods from the allophycocyanin core for greater susceptibility of the biliproteins to protease attack.     

Phycobilisome structure and function

Phycobilisomes are aggregates of light-harvesting proteins attached to the stroma side of the thylakoid membranes of the cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and red algae. The water-soluble phycobiliproteins, of which there are three major groups, tetrapyrrole chromophores covalently bound to apoprotein. Several additional protiens are found within the phycobilisome and serve to link the phycobiliproteins to each other in an ordered fashion and also to attach the phycobilisome to the thylakoid membrane. Excitation energy absorbed by phycoerythrin is transferred through phycocyanin to allophycocyanin with an efficiency approximating 100%. This pathway of excitation energy transfer, directly confirmed by time-resolved spectroscopic measurements, has been incorporated into models describing the ultrastructure of the phycobilisome. The model for the most typical type of phycobilisome describes an allophycocyanin-containing core composed of three cylinders arranged so that their longitudinal axes are parallel and their ends form a triangle. Attached to this core are six rod structures which contain phycocyanin proximal to the core and phycoerythrin distal to the core. The axes of these rods are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. This arrangement ensures a very efficient transfer of energy. The association of phycoerythrin and phycocyanin within the rods and the attachment of the rods to the core and the core to the thylakoid require the presence of several linker polypeptides. It is recently possible to assemble functionally and structurally intact phycobilisomes in vitro from separated components as well as to reassociate phycobilisomes with stripped thylakoids. Understanding of the biosynthesis and in vivo assembly of phycobilisomes will be greatly aided by the current advances in molecular genetics, as exemplified by recent identification of several genes encoding phycobilisome components.Combined ultrastructural, biochemical and biophysical approaches to the study of cyanobacterial and red algal cells and isolated phycobilisome-thylakoid fractions are leading to a clearer understanding of the phycobilisome-thylakoid structural interactions, energy transfer to the reaction centers and regulation of excitation energy distribution. However, compared to our current knowledge concerning the structural and functional organization of the isolated phycobilisome, this research area is relatively unexplored.     

Diversity and evolution of phycobilisomes in marine <Emphasis Type="Italic">Synechococcus</Emphasis>spp.: a comparative genomics study

Background  

Marine Synechococcus owe their specific vivid color (ranging from blue-green to orange) to their large extrinsic antenna complexes called phycobilisomes, comprising a central allophycocyanin core and rods of variable phycobiliprotein composition. Three major pigment types can be defined depending on the major phycobiliprotein found in the rods (phycocyanin, phycoerythrin I or phycoerythrin II). Among strains containing both phycoerythrins I and II, four subtypes can be distinguished based on the ratio of the two chromophores bound to these phycobiliproteins. Genomes of eleven marine Synechococcus strains recently became available with one to four strains per pigment type or subtype, allowing an unprecedented comparative genomics study of genes involved in phycobilisome metabolism.     

Phycobiliprotein methylation. Effect of the gamma-N-methylasparagine residue on energy transfer in phycocyanin and the phycobilisome

The phycobiliproteins contain a conserved unique modified residue, gamma-N-methylasparagine at beta-72. This study examines the consequences of this methylation for the structure and function of phycocyanin and of phycobilisomes. An assay for the protein asparagine methylase activity was developed using [methyl-3H]S-adenosylmethionine and apophycocyanin purified from Escherichia coli containing the genes for the alpha and beta subunits of phycocyanin from Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 as substrates. This assay permitted the partial purification, from Synechococcus sp. PCC 6301, of the activity that methylates phycocyanin and allophycocyanin completely at residue beta-72. Using the methylase assay, two independent nitrosoguanidine-induced mutants of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 were isolated that do not exhibit detectable phycobiliprotein methylase activity. These mutants, designated pcm 1 and pcm 2, produce phycocyanin and allophycocyanin unmethylated at beta-72. The phycobiliproteins in these mutants are assembled into phycobilisomes and can be methylated in vitro by the partially purified methylase from Synechococcus sp. PCC 6301. The mutants produce phycobiliproteins in amounts comparable to those of wild-type and the mutant and wild-type phycocyanins are equivalent with respect to thermal stability profiles. Monomeric phycocyanins purified from these strains show small spectral shifts that correlate with the level of methylation. Phycobilisomes from the mutant strains exhibit defects in energy transfer, both in vivo and in vitro, that are also correlated with deficiencies in methylation. Unmethylated or undermethylated phycobilisomes show greater emission from phycocyanin and allophycocyanin and lower fluorescence emission quantum yields than do fully methylated particles. The results support the conclusion that the site-specific methylation of phycobiliproteins contributes significantly to the efficiency of directional energy transfer in the phycobilisome.