[Advances in plant lipoxygenases research]

Area of Science:

• Plant biochemistry
• Enzymology

Context:

• Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are a multi-gene family of plant enzymes.
• LOXs catalyze oxygen incorporation into polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• Isoforms vary in pH optimum, pI, specificity, expression, and localization.

Purpose:

• To review the suggested functions of various plant lipoxygenases.
• To highlight the physiological processes involving LOXs.
• To underscore the importance of LOX research.

Summary:

• Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are plant dioxygenases involved in essential physiological processes.
• These include plant development, defense responses (wounding, pathogen attack), and hormone synthesis (Abscisic acid, Jasmonic acid).
• LOXs also play roles in seed germination, fruit ripening, senescence, and nutrient stress responses.

Impact:

• Understanding LOX families can benefit crop breeding programs.
• Research on LOXs can lead to new phytoalexins.
• Advancements in LOX knowledge can impact the food industry.