ORCAnization of jasmonate-responsive gene expression in alkaloid metabolism

• Published in: Trends in Plant Science Vol. 6; no. 5; pp. 212 - 219
• Main Authors: Memelink, Johan, Verpoorte, Rob, Kijne, Jan W
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2001
• Subjects: Acetates - metabolism; alkaloid; AP2/ERF; Cyclopentanes - metabolism; elicitor; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; jasmonic acid; ORCA; Oxylipins; Plant Proteins - chemistry; Plant Proteins - genetics; Plant Proteins - physiology; Signal Transduction; transcription; Transcription Factors - metabolism; Vinca Alkaloids - biosynthesis; Vinca Alkaloids - metabolism; Plant Science; AP2/ERF; ORCA; transcription; elicitor; Genetics; Biochemistry; alkaloid; jasmonic acid
• ISSN: 1360-1385; 1878-4372
• DOI: 10.1016/S1360-1385(01)01924-0

Jasmonic acid is an important plant stress signalling molecule. It induces the biosynthesis of defence proteins and protective secondary metabolites. In alkaloid metabolism, jasmonate acts by coordinate activation of the expression of multiple biosynthesis genes. In terpenoid indole alkaloid metabolism and primary precursor pathways, jasmonate induces gene expression and metabolism via ORCAs, which are members of the AP2/ERF-domain family of plant transcription factors. Other jasmonate-regulated (secondary) metabolic pathways might also be controlled by ORCA-like AP2/ERF-domain transcription factors. If so, such regulators could be used to improve plant fitness or metabolite productivity of plants or cell cultures.