Molecular aspects of methionine biosynthesis.
Methionine, lysine and threonine are essential amino acids required in the diets of non-ruminant animals. Major crops, such as corn, soybean and rice, are low in one or more of these amino acids. Currently, these amino acids are supplemented to animal feed to allow optimal growth--a costly process for farmers and consumer, therefore there is a great deal of interest in increasing essential amino acids in crops. The metabolism of methionine in plants is linked to the regulation of the aspartate pathway and is important for plant growth. In recent years, several key steps of this pathway have been identified at the molecular level, enabling us to initiate transgenic approaches to engineer the methionine content of plants.
Hesse
Holger
H
Max-Planck-Institute fuer Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie, Department of Molecular Physiology, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14476 Golm, Germany. hesse@mpimp-golm.mpg.de
Hoefgen
Rainer
R
D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000378:metabolism; D008715:Methionine / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism*; D030821:Plants, Genetically Modified; D013455:Sulfur / Q000378:metabolism
D006710:Homocysteine; D013455:Sulfur; D008715:Methionine