Tomato glycosyltransferase Twi1 plays a role in flavonoid glycosylation and defence against virus

• DOI: 10.21203/rs.2.10162/v4
• Publication Date: 2019-10-15T22:18:44Z
• Authors: Laura Campos; María Pilar López...; Diana Fuertes; José María Bellés; Ismael Rodrigo; Purificación LIsón
• Keywords: Biotic stress; Genetically modified tomato; Glycoconjugate; scopoletin

Abstract Background: Secondary metabolites play an important role in the plant defensive response. They are produced as a defence mechanism against biotic stress by providing plants with antimicrobial and antioxidant weapons. In higher plants, majority of secondary accumulate glycoconjugates. Glycosylation is one commonest modifications metabolites, carried out enzymes called glycosyltransferases. Results: Here we provide evidence that previously described tomato wound pathogen-induced glycosyltransferase Twi1 displays vitro activity toward coumarins scopoletin, umbelliferone esculetin, flavonoids quercetin kaempferol, uncovering new this gene glycosylation. To test its vivo, Twi1-silenced transgenic were generated infected Tomato spotted wilt virus. The showed differential accumulation substrates enhanced susceptibility to Conclusions: Biochemical assays generation proved be useful strategies assign regulate kaempferol levels affecting resistance viral infection.