Abstract
Global demand for plant biomass for food, feed, and energy is rising, requiring increased yields and sustainability. Yet, yields of major crops are stagnating under climate change. Enhancing photosynthetic efficiency is a key strategy to boost yields and ensure sustainable food security. Photosynthesis involves light reactions and the Calvin cycle (CBC), both limited by environmental and intrinsic factors, including redox regulation. While thiol-based mechanisms regulating carbon assimilation during dark-to-light transitions are known, the impact of light dynamics on redox control and carbon fixation under natural conditions remains unclear. This project aims to clarify how photosynthetically derived redox signals affect carbon fixation and productivity under varying light conditions. The project will analyze electron transport and carbon fixation in the model bryophyte Physcomitrium patens, focusing on: (i) linking altered electron flow to redox signaling and CBC efficiency; (ii) investigating redox control of FBPase and SBPase; (iii) expressing modified enzyme isoforms to enhance productivity. Any significant results can be translated to crops and microalgae with industrial applications with higher productivity and adaptability to modern agriculture.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Mirko Zaffagnini
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie
Coordinator:
ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna(Italy)
Total Eu Contribution: Euro (EUR) 247.760,00
Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 127.522,00
Project Duration in months: 24
Start Date:
30/11/2023
End Date:
28/02/2026
