Elucidation of structure and function of novel cytokinins produced by phytopathogen

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H00931
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 38:Agricultural chemistry and related fields
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Sakakibara Hitoshi 名古屋大学, 生命農学研究科, 教授 (20242852)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 小嶋 美紀子 (小嶋美紀子) 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 環境資源科学研究センター, 専門技術員 (10634678) ; 西川 俊夫 名古屋大学, 生命農学研究科, 教授 (90208158)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: サイトカイニン / 植物病原菌 / leafy gall / Rhodococcus fascians

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have studied the structure and mode of action of novel cytokinin (CK)-like molecules produced by the FAS gene cluster, which is the cause of a leafy gall formation caused by infection with Rhodococcus fascians, a phytopathogen. We found that CK-like molecules are synthesized by modification of the prenyl side chains by some FAS enzymes, followed by the FAS1 reaction. Furthermore, analysis of two novel CK-like molecules (NCs) revealed that NCs are less effective than plant-derived CKs in induction of CK-responsive genes and have lower affinity for their receptors, but have higher green callus-inducing activity, and that at least part of their action is mediated by AHK.

Free Research Field

植物生化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の成果は、植物成長調節において重要な役割を果たすサイトカイニンの、側鎖構造の多様性による「質的」な作用調節の一端を解明するものである。また、この物質の作用機構の解明はFASオペロンを持つ病原菌の感染被害の抑制法開発につながることから、農学へのインパクトも高い。