Protein condensate as a plant sunscreen.

Wu, Xiandeng; Zhang, Mingjie · Cell · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Plant photosynthesis generates singlet oxygen (<sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub>), a powerful oxidant that can inhibit photosynthesis in return. In this issue of Cell, Shao et al. demonstrate that a small zinc-finger protein, MBS1, via <sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub>-induced oxidation and consequent condensate formation on the chloroplast surface, can screen light penetration into chloroplast and confer photoprotection of plants under high light stresses.

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