Prof. Rajagopal Subramanyam
Prof. Rajagopal’s research focus is on the dynamic adaptation of photosynthetic apparatus in algae and higher plants during abiotic stress. He discovered that under fluctuating light, the light-harvesting complex (LHC)B2 undergoes phosphorylation, triggering the dissociation of trimeric LHCII from photosystem (PS) II and migration to PSI. Additionally, his group identified novel stress-induced proteins, LHCSR, PSBS, TIDI, flavadoxin IsiB, and CBR, which are involved in the photoprotection and remodeling of photosystem I. Further, highlight and iron deficiency induced changes in the lipid composition of chloroplasts, leading to the accumulation of triacylglycerol used as an energy source during acclimation. Furthermore, Rajagopal’s work has clarified the mechanisms behind state transitions induced by fluctuating light, temperature, and salinity, paving the way for the development of plants with improved photosynthetic efficiency and greater resilience to environmental challenges.
Prof. Rajagopal has now achieved all three major Science academies, i.e., The Indian National Science Academy, The Indian Academy of Sciences, and The National Academy of Sciences.