Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research

In photosynthetic organisms, such as land plants and green algae, an excess if light induces the production of reactive oxygen species. These molecules are strongly toxic due to their reactivity with DNA, lipids, proteins, etc.1 Plants have therefore evolved efficient protective mechanisms such as β-carotene, superoxide dismutase, and the thiol glutathione. However, there are other low molecular weight thiols, such as ergothioneine, whose role has been overlooked in algae, plants, and protists 2. The goal of this project is to characterize the function and evolution of ergothioneine in eukaryotes. First, we will try to detect ergothioneine in the model microalgae Auxenochlorella protothecoides which seems to possess the necessary biosynthesis genes. Second, the distribution and evolution of these genes will be investigated across eukaryotes. To do this, we will use phylogeny reconstruction and bioinformatics tools. Finally, genomic predictions will be tested by cultivating a set of diverse eukaryotes and quantifying ergothioneine. Achieving these goals will lead to a better understanding of photoprotection mechanisms and, more generally, resistance to reactive oxygen species in eukaryotes. References 1. Wakao, S., and Niyogi, K.K. (2021). Chlamydomonas as a model for reactive oxygen species signaling and thiol redox regulation in the green lineage. Plant Physiol. 187, 687–698. 10.1093/plphys/kiab355. 2. Cumming, B.M., Chinta, K.C., Reddy, V.P., and Steyn, A.J.C. (2018). Role of Ergothioneine in Microbial Physiology and Pathogenesis. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 431–444. 10.1089/ars.2017.7300.