Harnessing the impact of Rubisco engineering on plant metabolism for improved crop performance
Supervisors:
Prof Elizabete Carmo-Silva, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University
Prof Bobby Graham, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast
Dr Doug Orr, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University
Project Summary:
Rubisco catalyses the first step during conversion of carbon from CO2 into biomass. Because of inefficiencies associated with the regulation of Rubisco activity (e.g. Amaral et al. 2024), Rubisco frequently limits carbon assimilation and has become a target for crop improvement. This project will use soybean and cowpea plants engineered to overexpress Rubisco and Rubisco activase—produced during the RIPE project—to investigate the effectiveness of the engineering strategies, their impact on plant metabolic pathways and overall plant performance.
Training in crop physiology and biochemistry for phenotyping of genetically engineered plants and proteomic analysis for studying metabolic pathways and their impact on crop growth and performance will provide the student with well-rounded training and expertise that goes beyond photosynthesis.
This project is ideal for students who are curious about Rubisco and plant protein biochemistry. Distinct advantages are a growth mindset, desire to learn and advance our understanding of crop photosynthesis and metabolic regulation. We operate as a team and embrace a set of shared values: Ethical high-impact research; Teamwork; Respect for everyone and the environment; Safe, clean, tidy and functional workspaces. Please consult the Lancaster Rubisco and Bioengineering group webpage for more information and reach out for enquiries (e.carmosilva@lancaster.ac.uk).