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Chloroplasts are extraordinary organelles, not just because of their ability to carry out photosynthesis, but also because they rely on the massive import of proteins encoded in the nucleus, contain their own genome, and have a bacterial-like protein synthesis machinery that reflects their evolutionary relationship to cyanobacteria. Consequently, chloroplast biogenesis is complex and depends on several interconnected cellular processes. Moreover, chloroplasts perform unique functions that are essential for plant cells and attractive for biotechnological applications. However, metabolic processes in chloroplasts are error-prone and produce toxic metabolites during photosynthesis, which hinder plant biomass accumulation. My research agenda focuses on discovering and characterizing novel factors involved in biogenesis of thylakoid membrane complexes, regulation and acclimation of photosynthesis. My methodological portfolio includes bioinformatics, genetics, CRISPR/Cas-based technologies, proteomics, transcriptomics, protein biochemistry, and spectroscopic measurements, such as pulse-amplitude modulated fluorometry and electrochromic shift measurements. The scientific knowledge gained from this research will be crucial for optimizing crop photosynthesis to address the challenges of climate and demographic change.
https://www.botanik.bio.lmu.de/personen/wiss_mitarbeiter/thilo_ruehle/index.html