Deciphering phenylalanine-derived salicylic acid biosynthesis in plants
Yukang Wang1,2, Shuyan Song1,2, Wenxuan Zhang3
1State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Germplasm Innovation and Utilization, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Nature
|July 23, 2025
Summary
Researchers identified a new phenylalanine-derived pathway for salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis in rice, involving three key enzymes. This discovery enhances understanding of plant immunity and disease resistance in crops.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Salicylic acid (SA) is a vital plant hormone regulating defense against pathogens.
- While isochorismate-derived SA biosynthesis is known in Arabidopsis, phenylalanine-derived SA is increasingly recognized in other species.
- Understanding SA biosynthesis is crucial for plant immunity and crop improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the phenylalanine-derived salicylic acid (SA) biosynthetic pathway in rice.
- To identify the specific enzymes involved in this pathway.
- To investigate the conservation and function of this pathway in plant defense.
Main Methods:
- Identification of three key enzymes: benzoyl-CoA:benzyl alcohol benzoyltransferase (BEBT), benzylbenzoate hydroxylase (BBH), and benzylsalicylate esterase (BSE).
- Biochemical assays to determine the sequential conversion of benzoyl-CoA to SA.
- Analysis of gene expression patterns in response to pathogen induction.
Main Results:
- Discovered a novel three-enzyme pathway (BEBT, BBH, BSE) for phenylalanine-derived SA biosynthesis in rice.
- Demonstrated the sequential conversion of benzoyl-CoA to benzylbenzoate, benzylsalicylate, and finally SA.
- Confirmed pathogen-induced expression and conserved function of this pathway in diverse plant species.
Conclusions:
- This study reveals the complete phenylalanine-derived SA biosynthetic pathway in rice.
- The identified enzymes and pathway provide a foundation for understanding plant defense.
- This knowledge can be leveraged for developing disease-resistant crops.
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