A collaboration between the Laboratory of Biomolecular Dynamics and Engineering (Asst. Prof. Vangelis Daskalakis) of the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Laboratory of Computational Physics and Biophysics at Constructor University, Bremen (Prof. Ulrich Kleinekathöfer) has led to a publication featured on the cover of the January issue of ACS J. Phys. Chem Au (IF 3.7).
Article title: «An Unexpected Water Channel in the Light-Harvesting Complex of a Diatom: Implications for the Switch between Light Harvesting and Photoprotection»
Abstract: In this study, we performed biomolecular simulations using classical mechanics and quantum chemistry methods at the atomic scale (55 μs). We studied the FCP light-harvesting complex of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Diatoms are unique models to study natural photosynthesis because they possess an efficient light-harvesting machinery with a robust photoprotective mechanism. Surprisingly, we identified a water channel activated at low pH in the FCP. The channel selectively hydrates and protonates a chlorophyll molecule buried in the photosynthetic thylakoid membrane, thereby affecting its absorption spectrum. The dynamics of this channel are similar to the water conductance of aquaporins (natural filters for protons and ions). Many important processes in cells depend on the transfer of protons through water wires embedded in transmembrane proteins. As a result, this work provides: (a) fundamental insights into the regulation of the photosynthetic process in diatoms or higher plants, (b) new targets for biomolecular engineering aimed at increasing diatom biomass for applications in biofuel and nutraceutical production, and (c) means for the optimization of artificial photosynthetic systems.
Follow these links for more information:
https://pubs.acs.org/toc/apcach/5/1
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsphyschemau.4c00069