1. Functional mechanism study of the allelochemical myrigalone A identifies a group of ultrapotent inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis in plants
- Author
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Heslop-Harrison, George, Nakabayashi, Kazumi, Espinosa-Ruiz, Ana, Robertson, Francesca, Baines, Robert, Thompson, Christopher R.L., Hermann, Katrin, Alabadí, David, Leubner-Metzger, Gerhard, and Williams, Robin S.B.
- Abstract
Allelochemicals represent a class of natural products released by plants as root, leaf, and fruit exudates that interfere with the growth and survival of neighboring plants. Understanding how allelochemicals function to regulate plant responses may provide valuable new approaches to better control plant function. One such allelochemical, Myrigalone A (MyA) produced by Myrica gale, inhibits seed germination and seedling growth through an unknown mechanism. Here, we investigate MyA using the tractable model Dictyostelium discoideumand reveal that its activity depends on the conserved homolog of the plant ethylene synthesis protein 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO). Furthermore, in silicomodeling predicts the direct binding of MyA to ACO within the catalytic pocket. In D. discoideum, ablation of ACOmimics the MyA-dependent developmental delay, which is partially restored by exogenous ethylene, and MyA reduces ethylene production. In Arabidopsis thaliana, MyA treatment delays seed germination, and this effect is rescued by exogenous ethylene. It also mimics the effect of established ACO inhibitors on root and hypocotyl extension, blocks ethylene-dependent root hair production, and reduces ethylene production. Finally, in silicobinding analyses identify a range of highly potent ethylene inhibitors that block ethylene-dependent response and reduce ethylene production in Arabidopsis. Thus, we demonstrate a molecular mechanism by which the allelochemical MyA reduces ethylene biosynthesis and identify a range of ultrapotent inhibitors of ethylene-regulated responses.
- Published
- 2024
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