Dr. Thilo Rühle, Assemblierung von Photosynthesekomplexen, Regulation der Photosynthese, LMU München

Photosynthesis is the main driver of carbon fixation in the global carbon cycle. Although the molecular structure of the photosynthetic machinery is well characterised, the assembly mechanisms of the protein complexes involved in the light reactions remain an active area of research. In addition, the physiological role of certain inhibitory sugars produced during carbon fixation by the enzyme Rubisco is not fully understood. The first part of this talk will address the identification of auxiliary factors and intermediates involved in the assembly of chloroplast ATP synthase in Arabidopsis thaliana. The second part will focus on a conserved system that recycles Rubisco inhibitors, which is essential for maintaining photosynthetic efficiency. Finally, both areas of research will be discussed in the context of potential strategies for engineering photosynthesis.