Leveraging Natural Variance towards Enhanced Understanding of Phytochemical Sunscreens.
The dependency of plants on sunlight renders exposure to UV a constant hazard. Light of this wavelength is damaging to proteins, RNA, and DNA, with damage to the latter resulting in a high mutagenic potential. To acclimate to environmental changes in light wavelengths and intensity, plants accumulate the production of UV-B-protectant phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and vitamins. Here, we review current and emerging knowledge concerning the biochemical response of plants to UV-B exposure. We additionally outline our opinion that the adoption of broad natural variance represents a powerful strategy by which to identify both novel UV-B-relevant metabolites and the genes regulating their abundance. Finally, we discuss how such information may guide future metabolic engineering strategies aimed at producing stress-tolerant plants.
Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany. Electronic address: tohge@mpimp-golm.mpg.de.
Takayuki
T
Tohge
Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany. Electronic address: fernie@mpimp-golm.mpg.de.
Alisdair R
AR
Fernie
D005419:Flavonoids / Q000378:metabolism; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000378:metabolism*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D005419:Flavonoids; D064209:Phytochemicals; D013473:Sunscreening Agents
UV-B; arabidopsis; ascorbate; flavonoids; hydroxycinnamates; light protectant; metabolic response