Abstract
With finest biochemical and molecular approaches, convincing explorative strategies and long-term vision, Stefan Hörtensteiner succeeded in elucidating the biochemical pathway responsible for chlorophyll degradation. After having contributed to the identification of key chlorophyll degradation products in the course of the last twenty-five years, he gradually identified and characterized most of the crucial players in the PAO/phyllobilin degradation pathway of chlorophyll. One of the brightest plant biochemists of his generation, his work opened doors to a better understanding of plant senescence, tetrapyrrole homeostasis and their complex regulation. He sadly passed away on 5 December 2020, aged 57.
Highlights
Throughout much of the 20th century, senescence was the concern primarily of crop scientists because of its significance as a yield-limiting factor
The pathway of chlorophyll breakdown, referred to as the PHEOPHORBIDE A OXYGENASE (PAO)/phyllobilin pathway, splits into two: a first chloroplastic section, which leads to the opening of the porphyrin ring of chlorophyll (Fig.1),and a second section that involves cytosolic and vacuolar processes
With the objective of recognizing Stefan’s major contributions to the understanding of the biochemical processes of chlorophyll breakdown, here we review the process of discovery of the pathway and give a glimpse into future research directions these advances have triggered
Summary
Throughout much of the 20th century, senescence was the concern primarily of crop scientists because of its significance as a yield-limiting factor. The pathway of chlorophyll breakdown, referred to as the PHEOPHORBIDE A OXYGENASE (PAO)/phyllobilin pathway, splits into two: a first chloroplastic section, which leads to the opening of the porphyrin ring of chlorophyll (Fig.1),and a second section that involves cytosolic and vacuolar processes
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