Taximin, a conserved plant‐specific peptide is involved in the modulation of plant‐specialized metabolism

• DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12205
• Publication Date: 2014-05-23T10:36:18Z
• Authors: Miriam Onrubia; Jacob Pollier; Robin Vanden Bossche; Marc Goethals; Kris Gevaert; Elisabet Moyano; Heriberto Vidal‐L...; Rosa M. Cusidó; Javier Palazón; Alain Goossens
• Keywords: Methyl jasmonate; Coronatine; Jasmonate; Plant cell; Plant hormone; Secondary metabolism

Summary Small peptides play important roles in the signalling cascades that steer plant growth, development and defence, often crosstalk with hormonal signalling. Thereby, they also modulate metabolism, including production of bioactive molecules are high interest for human applications. Yew species ( T axus spp.) produce diterpenes such as powerful anticancer agent paclitaxel, biosynthesis which can be stimulated by hormone jasmonate, both whole plants cell suspension cultures. Here, we identified Taximin , a gene encoding hitherto unreported, plant‐specific, small, cysteine‐rich peptide, through transcriptome survey jasmonate‐elicited . baccata cells grown two‐media expression increased coordinated manner paclitaxel genes. Tagged were shown to enter secretory system localize plasma membrane. In agreement this, exogenous application synthetic peptide variants could transiently taxanes Importantly, is widely conserved higher kingdom degree sequence conservation. Accordingly, overexpression stimulate nicotinic alkaloids N icotiana tabacum hairy root cultures synergistic jasmonates. contrast, no pronounced effects on specialized metabolism M edicago truncatula roots observed. This study increases our understanding regulation Taxus diterpene particular general. Ultimately, might increase practical potential metabolic engineering medicinal plants.