Myoinositol oxygenase controls the level of myoinositol in Arabidopsis, but does not increase ascorbic acid

Plant Physiol. 2009 Feb;149(2):1042-9. doi: 10.1104/pp.108.130948. Epub 2008 Dec 17.

Abstract

Ascorbic acid (AsA) is a major plant antioxidant. Mutants like vtc1 show a reduced AsA concentration, which confirmed by genetic evidence the previously proposed AsA pathway via GDP-Man. Here we investigate the role of an animal-like alternative biosynthesis route to AsA, starting from the metabolite D-GlcUA, which is produced in plants by myoinositol oxygenase (Miox). Miox-overexpressing lines have a more than 30-fold up-regulated transcript level and higher enzymatic activity as shown by increased incorporation of Miox-derived sugars into cell wall polymers. In addition, Miox overexpressors exhibit a lower steady-state level of myoinositol and accumulate less myoinositol in feeding experiments due to an enhanced turnover rate. The AsA concentration remains the same in wild-type and Miox overexpressor lines. Even challenging plants with stress, which increases AsA concentration 4-fold, reveals no difference in AsA biosynthesis between wild-type and Miox-overexpressing lines. We conclude that D-GlcUA derived from the Miox reaction plays a negligible role for AsA biosynthesis. However, Miox controls the metabolite level of myoinositol in plants.

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / enzymology*
  • Arabidopsis / genetics
  • Arabidopsis / growth & development
  • Arabidopsis / radiation effects
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Ascorbic Acid / biosynthesis
  • Ascorbic Acid / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • DNA Primers
  • Darkness
  • Inositol / metabolism*
  • Inositol Oxygenase / genetics*
  • Inositol Oxygenase / metabolism*
  • Light
  • Plant Leaves / enzymology
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • DNA Primers
  • Inositol
  • Inositol Oxygenase
  • Ascorbic Acid

Associated data

  • RefSeq/NM_118759
  • RefSeq/NM_125047
  • RefSeq/NM_127538
  • RefSeq/NP_172904