Determining the structure of “death acids” in plants

First, some background

Plants combat the potentially devastating impacts of disease and insects by generating certain kinds of fatty acids called oxylipins. Researchers recently identified a series of these acids that are produced in dying tissue. These aptly-named "death acids" play a role in protecting the surviving tissue in the plant.

What did the scientists discover?

At the MagLab's Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy (AMRIS) facility, scientists analyzed maize affected by southern leaf blight. They determined the molecular structures of some of these death acids and described a novel series of potent signaling compounds. Their work sheds light on previously unknown cell defense and cell death mechanisms.

Why is this important?

Understanding the biochemical basis of signals regulating stress resilience in crops is essential to support sustained population growth.

Who did the research?

Shawn A. Christensen¹, Fatma Kaplan², James Sims³, Alisa Huffaker⁴, Eric A. Schmelz⁴

¹USDA; ²Kaplan Schiller Research; ³ETH Zurich; ⁴University of California at San Diego

Why did they need the MagLab?

This work was achieved using unique ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy capabilities at the MagLab's AMRIS facility at the University of Florida.

Details for scientists

• View or download the expert-level Science Highlight, Death Acid structure determination by ¹H and¹³C NMR spectroscopy
• Read the full-length publication, Maize death acids, 9-lipoxygenase-derived cyclopente(a)nones, display activity as cytotoxic phytoalexins and transcriptional mediators, in Proc Natl Acad Sci.

Funding

This research was funded by the following grants: G.S. Boebinger (NSF DMR-1157490); G. Jander, E. Schmelz, A. Huffsker (NSF IOS-1139329)

For more information, contact Joanna Long.