Photosynthetic bacteria known as cyanobacteria are increasingly used as sunlight-powered green cell factories for sustainable production of biofuels and value chemicals. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of photosynthesis is essential for channelling photosynthetic energy towards desired reactions. A key aspect of photosynthetic regulation involves fine-tuning of the proton motive force, which powers ATP synthesis and controls photoprotective mechanisms. This done in large part via ion channels and transporters on the thylakoid membrane. In cyanobacteria however, these ion channels remain mostly unknown. To this end, this project will identify new ion channels in cyanobacteria and characterise their roles in regulation of photosynthesis. The research will be performed at the University of Turku in collaboration with laboratories at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, the University of Gothenburg, and the Australian National University in Canberra.

2024

2027