Structures of Get3D Reveal a Distinct Architecture Associated with the Emergence of Photosynthesis

The study investigates the structure and function of Get3d proteins, which are conserved in land plants and photosynthetic bacteria, and their role in photosynthesis. Researchers solved the crystal structure of Arabidopsis thaliana Get3d, revealing its localization to the chloroplast and potential involvement in tail-anchored (TA) protein targeting. Get3d shares structural similarities with cyanobacterial homologs and exhibits ATPase activity, indicating its evolutionary link to photosynthesis over 1.2 billion years. The study highlights unique structural features of Get3d, such as the absence of the CXXC motif and the presence of a hydrophobic chamber, suggesting a role in lipid binding and TA protein protection. Further research is needed to confirm the exact functions and interaction partners of Get3d in photosynthesis.