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Improving crop productivity by relieving the inhibitory effect imposed on photosynthesis by the redox regulatory network

Project description

New potato lines with increased productivity

The demand for crop production is on the rise, yet yields of major crops remain stagnant. Addressing this challenge requires new strategies, including enhancing photosynthesis efficiency. While scientists are still exploring the role of oxidative signals in photosynthesis, recent research has identified that these signals restrict photosynthesis performance. These findings serve as the basis for developing innovative approaches to increase photosynthesis efficiency through redox modulations. The ERC-funded AgriRedox project aims to improve crop photosynthesis by alleviating the inhibitory effects of oxidative signals under fluctuating light conditions. The project seeks to uncover the molecular components that regulate the oxidative pathway and develop technologies to enhance photosynthesis in potato plants.

Objective

While the global demand for crop production is constantly increasing and a significant increase in agricultural yields is required, we have witnessed stagnation in yield improvement of major crops. Hence, there is an urgent need for new strategies to ensure food security in a sustainable manner. It is becoming appreciated that improving photosynthetic efficiency is one of the most important ways to increase yield. While the dependence of photosynthesis on the reductive activation of the Calvin–Benson cycle enzymes is well established, the role of oxidative signals in counterbalancing the reductive activity is just beginning to be explored. By developing genetically encoded 2-Cys peroxiredoxin-based biosensors, we identified the simultaneous activation of reductive and oxidative signals during the photosynthesis induction phase and showed that 2-Cys peroxiredoxin activity attenuates carbon assimilation rates. These results demonstrated the restrictions imposed on photosynthesis performance by oxidative signals, thus laying the foundation for developing new approaches for increasing photosynthesis efficiency through redox modulations. The central goal of this proposal is to extend our mechanistic understanding of oxidative signal generation and perception and to develop new strategies to improve photosynthesis in crop plants by relieving the inhibitory effect of oxidative signals under fluctuating light conditions. We suggest applying advanced redox biology methodologies to discover the molecular components involved in regulating the oxidative pathway and to decipher the oxidation-sensitive proteome. Moreover, we suggest translating the gained knowledge into technologies that improve photosynthesis in potato plants, one of the world's most important crops. This project aims to provide the necessary knowledge to enhance photosynthesis through redox modification in crops and to produce new potato lines with higher productivity and adaptability to modern agriculture.

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HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2022-COG

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Host institution

THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 2 811 238,00
Address
EDMOND J SAFRA CAMPUS GIVAT RAM
91904 JERUSALEM
Israel

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 2 811 238,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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