Lil3 dimerization and chlorophyll binding in Arabidopsis thaliana

The two-helix light harvesting like (Lil) protein Lil3 belongs to the family of chlorophyll binding light harvesting proteins of photosynthetic membranes. A function in tetrapyrrol synthesis and stabilization of geranylgeraniol reductase has been shown. Lil proteins contain the chlorophyll a/b-binding motif; however, binding of chlorophyll has not been demonstrated. We find that Lil3.2 from Arabidopsis thaliana forms heterodimers with Lil3.1 and binds chlorophyll. Lil3.2 heterodimerization (25 ± 7.8 nM) is favored relative to homodimerization (431 ± 59 nM). Interaction of Lil3.2 with chlorophyll a (231 ± 49 nM) suggests that heterodimerization precedes binding of chlorophyll in Arabidopsis thaliana.