Natural variation in NifU and NifS enhances chloroplasts compatibility for nitrogenase engineering

Abstract

Reconstitution of functional nitrogenase in plants requires the coordinated expression of the [Fe-S] cluster assembly proteins NifU and NifS. However, the extent to which these proteins interact with endogenous Fe-S metabolism and affect plant physiology remains unclear. Here, we compared NifU and NifS homologs from diverse diazotrophs to identify variants compatible with the plant chloroplast environment. Selected variants of Azotobacter vinelandii, Fischerella thermalis, and Marinobacter lutimaris were characterized by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana and stable transformation in rice. Plant-produced NifU was largely devoid of [Fe-S] clusters when isolated but retained strong capacity for in vitro [Fe-S] cluster reconstitution and apo-NifH activation in a Ft > Av >Ml gradient, indicating correct folding and function but limited cluster loading or stability in vivo. NifU and NifS expression in transgenic rice resulted in variant-dependent proteome and phenotype effects, with A. vinelandii-expressing lines exhibiting severe defects, F. thermalis lines showing intermediate phenotype, and M. lutimaris lines being indistinguishable from wild type. These results reveal a trade-off between the biochemical activity of NifU and NifS and their compatibility with host metabolism, which must be considered for successful nitrogenase engineering in plants. HighlightNifU/NifS homolog selection determines trade-offs between [Fe-S] cluster assembly activity and plant compatibility, identifying variants that minimize physiological disruption while supporting nitrogenase cofactor assembly in chloroplasts.