Strategies for manipulating Rubisco and creating photorespiratory bypass to boost C3 photosynthesis: Prospects on modern crop improvement

Photosynthesis is a process that uses solar energy to fix CO2 in the air and converts it into sugar, and ultimately powers almost all life activities on the earth. C-3 photosynthesis is the most common form of photosynthesis in crops. Current efforts of increasing crop yields in response to growing global food requirement are mostly focused on improving C-3 photosynthesis. In this review, we summarized the strategies of C-3 photosynthesis improvement in terms of Rubisco properties and photorespiratory limitation. Potential engineered targets include Rubisco subunits and their catalytic sites, Rubisco assembly chaperones, and Rubisco activase. In addition, we reviewed multiple photorespiratory bypasses built by strategies of synthetic biology to reduce the release of CO2 and ammonia and minimize energy consumption by photorespiration. The potential strategies are suggested to enhance C-3 photosynthesis and boost crop production.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the strategies for improving C-3 photosynthesis, including enhancing Rubisco properties and reducing photorespiratory limitations. It also discusses the potential of synthetic biology approaches in constructing photorespiratory bypasses. These strategies have the potential to enhance C-3 photosynthesis and boost crop production.