An orphan gene BOOSTER enhances photosynthetic efficiency and plant productivity
Biruk A. Feyissa, Elsa M. de Becker, Coralie E. Salesse‐Smith, Mengjun Shu, Jin Zhang, Timothy B. Yates, Meng Xie, Kuntal De, Dhananjay Gotarkar, Margot S. S. Chen, Sara Jawdy, Dana L. Carper, Kerrie Barry, Jeremy Schmutz, David J. Weston, Paul E. Abraham, Chung‐Jui Tsai, Jennifer L. Morrell‐Falvey, Gail Taylor, Jin‐Gui Chen, Gerald A. Tuskan, Stephen P. Long, Steven Burgess, Wellington Muchero
Abstract
Organelle-to-nucleus DNA transfer is an ongoing process playing an important role in the evolution of eukaryotic life. Here, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of non-photochemical quenching parameters in 743 Populus trichocarpa accessions identified a nuclear-encoded genomic region associated with variation in photosynthesis under fluctuating light. The identified gene, BOOSTER ( BSTR ), comprises three exons, two with apparent endophytic origin and the third containing a large fragment of plastid-encoded Rubisco large subunit. Higher expression of BSTR facilitated anterograde signaling between nucleus and plastid, which corresponded to enhanced expression of Rubisco, increased photosynthesis, and up to 35% greater plant height and 88% biomass in poplar accessions under field conditions. Overexpression of BSTR in Populus tremula × P. alba achieved up to a 200% in plant height. Similarly, Arabidopsis plants heterologously expressing BSTR gained up to 200% in biomass and up to 50% increase in seed. • GWAS on NPQ components from the poplar tree identified an orphan gene BOOSTER ( BSTR ) • BSTR enhances photosynthesis efficiency under steady and fluctuating light • Increased expression levels of BSTR improved biomass gains in poplar and Arabidopsis • BSTR complements sigma factor-6 defects and facilitates anterograde signaling Feyissa et al. identified a naturally existing orphan gene, BOOSTER , derived from poplar trees, allowing dynamic adaptation to light flakes and/or steady state, enhancing photosynthesis efficiency that translates into increased plant productivity in poplar and Arabidopsis . The findings from Feyissa et al. provide a strategy for enhancing plant productivity with a potential broad application across plant species.