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Sensing trehalose biosynthesis in plants
1Zeneca-Mogen, Leiden, The Netherlands. ogoddijn@mogen.nl
The Plant Journal : for Cell and Molecular Biology
|June 17, 1998
Summary
Angiosperms possess genes for trehalose metabolism, a sugar previously unobserved in most higher plants. This discovery suggests a potential role in plant sugar sensing and glucose repression.
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Carbohydrate Metabolism
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Trehalose metabolism genes were unexpectedly discovered in angiosperms.
- This challenges previous assumptions about trehalose presence in higher plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and functionality of trehalose metabolism genes in angiosperms.
- To explore the potential role of trehalose in plant physiology.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and expression of Arabidopsis trehalose phosphate synthase and trehalose phosphate phosphatase genes in yeast mutants.
- Sequence analysis of homologous genes from various plant species.
Main Results:
- Functional expression of plant genes in yeast confirmed their enzymatic activity.
- Homologue sequences found across diverse angiosperms indicate ubiquitous trehalose synthesis capacity.
- High trehalase activity likely masks trehalose biosynthesis in most plant tissues.
Conclusions:
- Angiosperms possess a complete set of genes for trehalose synthesis.
- Trehalose metabolism may play a role in plant sugar sensing and glucose repression, similar to its function in yeast.