Characterization of three members of the Arabidopsis carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase family demonstrates the divergent roles of this multifunctional enzyme family.
Arabidopsis thaliana has nine genes that constitute a family of putative carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs). While five members of the family are believed to be involved in synthesis of the phytohormone abscisic acid, the functions of the other four enzymes are less clear. Recently two of the enzymes, CCD7/MAX3 and CCD8/MAX4, have been implicated in synthesis of a novel apocarotenoid hormone that controls lateral shoot growth. Here, we report on the molecular and genetic interactions between CCD1, CCD7/MAX3 and CCD8/MAX4. CCD1 distinguishes itself from other reported CCDs as being the only member not targeted to the plastid. Unlike ccd7/max3 and ccd8/max4, both characterized as having highly branched phenotypes, ccd1 loss-of-function mutants are indistinguishable from wild-type plants. Thus, even though CCD1 has similar enzymatic activity to CCD7/MAX3, it does not have a role in synthesis of the lateral shoot growth inhibitor. Rather, it may have a role in synthesis of apocarotenoid flavor and aroma volatiles, especially in maturing seeds where loss of function leads to significantly higher carotenoid levels.
Auldridge
Michele E
ME
Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, PO Box 110690, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Block
Anna
A
Vogel
Jonathan T
JT
Dabney-Smith
Carole
C
Mila
Isabelle
I
Bouzayen
Mondher
M
Magallanes-Lundback
Maria
M
DellaPenna
Dean
D
McCarty
Donald R
DR
Klee
Harry J
HJ
D017360:Arabidopsis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000378:metabolism; D049308:Dioxygenases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000235:genetics; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D005810:Multigene Family; D009154:Mutation; D010105:Oxygenases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D010641:Phenotype; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D018520:Plant Shoots / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D012639:Seeds / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D029681:Arabidopsis Proteins; D007210:Indoleacetic Acids; D002338:Carotenoids; C030737:indoleacetic acid; C475746:MAX4 protein, Arabidopsis; D010105:Oxygenases; D049308:Dioxygenases; C431939:carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1