RUI: Molecular Genetic and Biochemical Analysis of Lipoxygenase in Arabidopsis

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Lipoxygenases dioxygenases which catalyze the hydroperoxidation of unsaturated fatty acids containing a cis,cis-1,4-pentadiene bond system, are found in all eukaryotic organisms. In mammals lipoxygenases play a key role in the production of potent biological regulatory molecules with far-ranging physiological effects. These include the prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes and lipoxins. The role of lipoxygenases in higher plants, however, is not clear although there is evidence that lipoxygenases are involved in plant growth and development, senescence, wounding and pathogen and pest defense. To begin to define the physiological role of lipoxygenase in higher plants this research supports a detailed molecular genetic and biochemical analysis of the lipoxygenase genes and enzymes of Arabidopsis thaliana. Lipoxygenase cDNA and genomic clones are being isolated and characterized. The resulting clones will be used to analyze lipoxygenase under a variety of conditions. Lipoxygenase steady-state mRNAs and enzymatic activity will be analyzed in different plant organs, during various stages of development and in response to light, wounding and "elicitors" of pathogen defense mechanisms. These studies will help to define the physiological role of lipoxygenase in higher plants. These enzymes are important in the physiological functioning of plants as they respond to environmental stresses.