Overexpression of PSR1 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii induces luxury phosphorus uptake

Authors: Stephen P. Slocombe, Tatiana Zúñiga-Burgos, Lili Chu, Payam Mehrshahi, Matthew P. Davey, Alison G. Smith, Miller Alonso Camargo-Valero, Alison Baker

Remediation using micro-algae offers an attractive solution to environmental phosphate (PO₄^3-) pollution. However, for maximum efficiency, pre-conditioning of algae to induce ‘luxury phosphorus (P) uptake’ is needed. To replicate this process, we targeted the global regulator PSR1 (Myb transcription factor: Phosphate Starvation Response 1) for over-expression in algae. Manipulating a single gene (PSR1) drove uptake of both PO₄^3- and a Mg²⁺ counter-ion leading to increased PolyP granule size, raising P levels 4-fold to 8% dry cell weight, and accelerated removal of PO₄^3- from the medium. Examination of the gene expression profile showed that the P-starvation response was mimicked under P-replete conditions, switching on luxury uptake. Hyper-accumulation of P depended on a feed-forward mechanism, where a small set of ‘Class I’ P-transporter genes were activated despite abundant external PO₄^3- levels. The transporters drove a reduction in external PO₄^3- levels, permitting more genes to be expressed (Class II), leading to more P-uptake. Our data pointed toward a PSR1-independent mechanism for detection of external PO₄^3- which suppressed Class II genes. This model provided a plausible mechanism for P-overplus where prior P-starvation elevates PSR1 and on P-resupply causes luxury P-uptake. This is because the Class I genes, which include P-transporter genes, are not suppressed by the excess PO₄^3-. Taken together, these discoveries facilitate a bio-circular approach of recycling nutrients from wastewater back to agriculture.