Initial steps of thylakoid membrane formation and the role of endomembrane system-mediated protein targeting into plastids (B10)

• Subject Area: Plant Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Term: from 2016 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 267205415

Project B10 aims to identify components and fundamental steps required for the formation of the highly organized thylakoid network in higher plant chloroplasts. One central aspect is to investigate the contribution of the endomembrane system to thylakoid formation by exploiting the previously identified thylakoid biogenesis factor HCF222. Our data show that this protein is targeted to chloroplasts via the endomembrane system-mediated pathway. Using a genetic approach, we intend to identify specific components and requirements involved in this non-canonical import pathway and its impact on thylakoid development. Moreover, we will use reverse genetic approaches to isolate novel proteins involved in early steps of thylakoid membrane formation, focusing on processes at the inner envelope.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1208: Identity and Dynamics of Membrane Systems - from Molecules to Cellular Functions
• Applicant Institution: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
• Project Heads: Dr. Karin Meierhoff; Professor Dr. Peter Westhoff