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Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Luciferase Complementation Imaging Assay in Nicotiana benthamiana Leaves for Transiently Determining Protein-protein Interaction Dynamics
Published on: November 20, 2017
Lipoxygenase 2 (LOX2) coordinates carotenoid and methyl jasmonate metabolism in Nicotiana tabacum
Chen Dong1, Linjie Song1, Feng Li2
1College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
Abstract:
Lipoxygenase (LOX) catalyzes the oxidation of linoleic acids and linolenic acids, yet their specific functions in carotenoid metabolism and regulation of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) biosynthesis in Nicotiana tabacum remain poorly understood. Expression characterization revealed LOX2 grouped in 13-LOX subfamily as the dominant isoform in N. tabacum, exhibiting strong induction upon MeJA treatment. Virus-induced gene silencing of LOX2 in N. benthamiana increased carotenoid contents, including β-carotene, lutein, violaxanthin, and neoxanthin, along with elevated levels of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. Conversely, LOX2-overexpression transgenic lines (OE#LOX2-1 and OE#LOX2-2) exhibited reduced carotenoid content, and enhanced emission of volatiles compounds. Furthermore, these transgenic lines showed elevated 2-Hexenal and MeJA levels compared to wild-type plants, accompanied by upregulated expression of key biosynthetic genes. Our results indicates that LOX2 not only co-oxidizes carotenoids but also critically modulates MeJA biosynthesis, establishing a functional connection between carotenoid degradation and MeJA signaling. Targeted manipulation of LOX2 could serve as a promising strategy for enhancing stress resilience and flavor quality in tobacco.
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