title: Biosynthesis and metabolism of salicylic acid.
abstract: Pathways of salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis and metabolism in tobacco have been recently identified. SA, an endogenous regulator of disease resistance, is a product of phenylpropanoid metabolism formed via decarboxylation of trans-cinnamic acid to benzoic acid and its subsequent 2-hydroxylation to SA. In tobacco mosaic virus-inoculated tobacco leaves, newly synthesized SA is rapidly metabolized to SA O-beta-D-glucoside and methyl salicylate. Two key enzymes involved in SA biosynthesis and metabolism: benzoic acid 2-hydroxylase, which converts benzoic acid to SA, and UDPglucose:SA glucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.35), which catalyzes conversion of SA to SA glucoside have been partially purified and characterized. Progress in enzymology and molecular biology of SA biosynthesis and metabolism will provide a better understanding of signal transduction pathway involved in plant disease resistance.
authors.affiliation: AgBiotech Center, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-0231, USA.
authors.forename: H I
authors.initials: HI
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: León
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Raskin