Pyrenoids: CO2-fixing phase separated liquid organelles

Pyrenoids are non-membrane bound organelles found in chloroplasts of algae and hornwort plants that can be seen by light-microscopy. Pyrenoids are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of Rubisco, the primary CO2 fixing enzyme, with an intrinsically disordered multivalent Rubisco-binding protein. Pyrenoids are the heart of algal and hornwort biophysical CO2 concentrating mechanisms, which accelerate photosynthesis and mediate about 30% of global carbon fixation. Even though LLPS may underlie the apparent convergent evolution of pyrenoids, our current molecular understanding of pyrenoid formation comes from a single example, the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In this review, we summarise current knowledge about pyrenoid assembly, regulation and structural organization in Chlamydomonas and highlight evidence that LLPS is the general principle underlying pyrenoid formation across algal lineages and hornworts. Detailed understanding of the principles behind pyrenoid assembly, regulation and structural organization within diverse lineages will provide a fundamental understanding of this biogeochemically important organelle and help guide ongoing efforts to engineer pyrenoids into crops to increase photosynthetic performance and yields.(2)

Automated summary

Pyrenoids are non-membrane bound organelles found in chloroplasts of algae and hornwort plants that play a crucial role in CO2 concentration and photosynthesis. Liquid-liquid phase separation is the general principle underlying pyrenoid formation, accelerating global carbon fixation. Conducting further research on pyrenoid assembly and regulation could provide valuable insights for enhancing photosynthetic performance in crops.